Beach Bums Win 3-2 in 12-Innings

Published on July 9, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
Traverse City Beach Bums News Release


WUERFEL PARK In a game that pitching and defense were the keys, it's a home run that will be the most memorable play. Jake Rhodes hit a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the 12th to lift the Traverse City Beach Bums to a 3-2 win over the Southern Illinois Miners Thursday night.

The homer capped a last at bat rally that moves the Beach Bums back into sole possession of first place in the Frontier League's East Division over both Southern Illinois and Evansville.

After going 11 scoreless innings, Southern Illinois broke the seal in the 12th inning. With the "International tie-breaker" rules in effect, the Miners started with Toby DeMello at second. He'd score on Michael Early's one-out double to the left field corner and it was 1-0. Niko Vasquez followed with a double in the same spot as Early's, scoring another run and it was 2-0.

Faced with a two-run deficit, the Beach Bums executed their first last at bat comeback win this season. Jeff DeBlieux started the inning at second per the international tie breaker and scored when Greg Harisis led off with a double over the head of centerfielder Aaron Gates.

With the tying run at second and no outs, the Beach Bums elected to have Rhodes swing away and he responded, hitting a drive to deep right that cleared Early's desperation leap, and the fence, to send the crowd into a frenzy. The walk-off homer is Rhodes' second home run this season and the Beach Bums' second walk-off win of the campaign.

Andrew Brockett earned the win, pitching three innings of relief. It's the first appearance for Brockett longer than an inning and he was as clutch as he could be extended the game through the 10th, 11th and into the 12th.

Both teams had chances to score throughout the game but the pitching, as it did for the entire series, controlled the game. Beach Bums' starter Anthony Montefusco turned in six innings allowing no runs, two hits with four strikeouts. Bret Dahlson and Chuck Ghysels followed with two scoreless innings of relief, seemingly always getting the big pitch when the Miners' were a hit away from getting a run.

Southern Illinois starter Matt Bywater was equaling as good, throwing eight shutout innings before turning it over to the bullpen.

The Beach Bums hit the road for a weekend series at the Windy City Thunderbolts starting Friday at 8:05pm eastern. The Beach Bums are back home Friday July 17th against the Normal Cornbelters at 7:05pm for a another FANtastic Firework Friday Show.

All games are broadcast live on 98.1 The Bear

The Beach Bums business offices are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and game day Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Group packages, patio tables and suites are still available for all remaining 2015 home games. Please call to inquire about all our excellent ticket packages.

In addition to special promotions, ticket specials and live music, everyone is invited to participate in the new Wuerfel Park Farmers & Flea Market open every Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm through October 10th. Spaces remain for interested vendors with open registration held every Saturday morning starting at 7:00 am.

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Frontier League Stories from July 9, 2015


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