Aviators Drop Double-Header; Swept for First Time

Published on August 4, 2014 under Frontier League (FL)
Rockford Aviators News Release


NORMAL, IL - The Rockford Aviators, presented by Pearson, dropped both games of a double-header to the Normal Cornbelters and were swept in a series for the first time this season.

Game 1

The offense just never got going tonight for the Aviators as they left the tying run at third base twice and eventually fell 3-0 to the Cornbelters in the first game of the double-header.

Kyle Hassna pitched well in his third start as he allowed three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two. He had allowed just one run and no walks until the bottom of the sixth inning when the Cornbelters put the game out of reach.

In the bottom of the second inning, Tyler Shover had an RBI single that scored Richard Lucas from second base to give the Cornbelters a 1-0 lead.

The lead would stay 1-0 through the majority of the game as the Aviators left Brian Bistagne at third base with just one out in the top of the fourth inning and left the tying and go-ahead run at third and second base respectively in the sixth inning after Dusty Robinson hit a ground-rule double over the left field wall.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Kyle Hassna walked his only two batters of the game and gave up a base hit to load the bases before Pat McKenna sent a two-RBI single to left that gave the Cornbelters a 3-0 lead.

Alan Oaks entered the game in relief in the top of the seventh and retired the Aviators in order to seal the win and pick up his fifth save this season.

Game 2

Matt Packer was dominant on the mound for the Cornbelters as he pitched a complete game shut out, giving the Cornbelters a 2-0 win and handing the Aviators their first series sweep this season.

Packer pitched all seven innings and allowed just three hits while striking out nine batters. He only allowed two base runners until the seventh inning and allowed just four in the entire game.

Tanner Witt went 2-3 on the night with a double and a single and Ryan Breen went 1-3. They were the only two Aviators to record hits in the game. Robinson was the only other Aviator to reach base when he walked in the fourth inning.

Cole Green was credited with the loss in his first start since coming off the disabled list after being injured in a July 10 game against the Gateway Grizzlies. Green pitched 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out four.

The Aviators will return home on Wednesday, August 6 to open up a three-game series with the Lake Erie Crushers. The game on Wednesday will begin at 7:05 p.m. and gates will open at 6:05 p.m.

It will be Guaranteed Win Wednesday and if the Aviators fail to win against the Crushers, all fans in attendance will receive free admission to any other Wednesday home game. It will also be Dog Days of Summer so fans will be able to bring their pet to the park and our friends from All Paws Pet Wash will be there to hand out special giveaways and prizes to fans!

For ticket information, go online to www.rockfordaviators.com or call the Aviators box office at 815-885-2255.

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