MWL1 Bowling Green Hot Rods

Hot Rods Use Early Rally To Beat Loons 4-3

Published on June 29, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release


Midland, MI - Derek Dietrich laced an RBI double to spark a three-run first-inning rally, leading the Hot Rods to a 4-3 win over the Great Lakes Loons on Wednesday night. George Jensen was the benefactor with the early run support, setting the franchise record with his eighth straight in (8-2). The early rally also improved the Hot Rods (3-3, 44-32) to 3-3 in the second half and clinched their first series victory over the Loons at Dow Diamond.

The Hot Rods wasted little time taking the early lead against RHP Zach Lee. Cody Rogers singled to begin the game, then came around to score on a rocket-shot double to left field by Derek Dietrich. After a walk to Phil Wunderlich, Steve Tinoco singled to right field, plating Dietrich and advancing Wunderlich to third. Two batters later, Wunderlich scored to make it 3-0 on a sacrifice fly from Kevin Kiermaier.

The Loons answered back in the bottom of the first against Jensen. With two outs, Blake Dean and Chris Jacobs hit back-to-back home runs to cut the lead to 3-2.

It stayed that way until the fourth when each team tacked on another run. Luke Bailey made it 4-2 Hot Rods with a two-out RBI single to left field, plating Robby Price. In the bottom of the frame Jensen surrendered another solo home run to Chris Henderson to leave it a one-run game at 4-3.

Both starters left the game after a scoreless fifth inning. Jensen allowed three runs, all coming on solo home runs. He gave up five hits in all, walking three and striking out one. Lee allowed four runs (two earned) in his five innings, giving up five hits and a walk with five strikeouts.

From there the game was left in the hands of the bullpens. Great Lakes kept the Hot Rods scoreless over the final four frames, escaping jams in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, stranding six Hot Rods during that time.

For Bowling Green, Jimmy Patterson threw three scoreless frames, allowing three hits. Austin Hubbard then closed down the ninth giving up a walk before ending the game with a double play for his sixth save of the season.

Jensen earned the win, his team-record eighth in a row. He bested the mark of seven straight victories by Chris Andujar to begin the 2009 campaign.

Derek Dietrich led the offense with two hits and an RBI. He finished the three-game set with five hits, two doubles, three RBI, and three runs scored. Bailey was 1-4 on the night, ending the series with four hits and two RBI. Kiermaier picked up two more hits as well, giving him five hits in three games.

The Hot Rods now head south to Dayton, Ohio, to begin a three-game series with the Dragons on Thursday night at 6 PM CDT. LHP Braulio Lara (3-6, 5.04) starts the series against Dayton RHP Kyle Lotzkar (0-1, 7.24). You can follow the game with Tom Gauthier at 5:35 PM CDT on 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.

Hot Rods 2011 Playoff Tickets are on sale now. Season Ticket holders have until Friday to reserve the same great seats as the Hot Rods drive for their first Midwest League Championship. Bowling Green will host Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) of the first round playoff series on September 8 and 9 at Bowling Green Ballpark. 2011 Playoff Ticket Strips include a box seat to all six potential home playoff games and a limited edition Hot Rods Playoff T-Shirt for just $60. For more information, visit www.bghotrods.com.

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Midwest League Stories from June 29, 2011


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