Comstock Park, MI - For the third time during the current eight game losing streak, South Bend took a lead in the top of an inning only to give it back in the very next opponent's at-bat. The latest case happened in a 5-4 loss to West Michigan on Wednesday night, officially eliminating the Silver Hawks from a first half postseason spot.
The Hawks took a one run lead in the top of the seventh, but gave it right back in the bottom of the seventh. Four straight hits against Bayron Zepeda (LP, 1-2) led to three runs for West Michigan as they rallied for the lead, and eventually the win. Brent Wyatt and Ronnie Bourquin had RBI singles for the Whitecaps in the inning, with Jordan Lennerton adding a sacrifice fly.
Since last Wednesday's game against Dayton, each time the Silver Hawks have taken a lead in the top of an inning, they have given it right back in the bottom of the frame. On Wednesday, it was a one-run lead in the top of the tenth that turned into a one run loss to Dayton in the bottom of the tenth. On Sunday at Fort Wayne, it was a two run lead in the top of the fourth that turned into a one run deficit six batters into the bottom of the fourth against the TinCaps.
South Bend tried to rally with two outs in the ninth, with Rossmel Perez reaching on a two-out error, advancing to third on a pinch hit double by Nelson Gomez, and scoring on a wild pitch. But Brayan Villarreal (SV, 2) got Reynaldo Navarro to fly out to center to end the game.
West Michigan scored two runs against South Bend starter Taylor Sinclair (ND) in the bottom of the third inning. Luis Palacios, Wyatt, and Brandon Douglas hit three doubles in a row, with Wyatt and Douglas each picking up an RBI. Sinclair settled down after that, but the Whitecaps had a 2-0 lead after three innings of play.
South Bend got one back in the top of the sixth against West Michigan starter Mark Sorensen (WP, 1-2). Brendan Duffy singled to start the inning, and went from first to third on a single by Jake Elmore. Alfredo Marte grounded to third, and when the throw went to second, Duffy broke for home. Elmore was out at second, and the throw then came to the plate with Duffy sliding in just ahead of the tag for the first run for South Bend.
The Silver Hawks took the lead in the top of the seventh, playing small ball to score twice against Sorensen. Ramon Ramirez and Asencio each singled to start the inning, and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Perez. Victor Estevez brought in a run with a single to center, and Reynaldo Navarro brought home Asencio with a sacrifice fly for a 3-2 lead.
The series continues with game two Thursday night beginning at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. LHP Wade Miley (2-5, 4.10 ERA) will start for South Bend, while the Whitecaps are scheduled to throw RHP Luke Putkonen (3-2, 3.65 ERA). Pregame coverage begins at 6:40 PM Eastern Time on 1620 ESPN Radio and online at www.silverhawks.com.
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