Belza Homers in 9-8 Loss to Lugs

Published on July 30, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


The South Bend Silver Hawks (53-53, 18-18) erased a 7-0 deficit before falling to the Lansing Lugnuts 9-8 in front of 4,172 fans at Cooley Law School Stadium. The Silver Hawks were swept for the first time this season and finished the six-game road trip 2-4.

Phil Brua (2-0) took the win for the Lugnuts, tossing two scoreless innings of three-hit baseball. Kaleb Fleck (2-1) was saddled with the loss for South Bend, allowing one unearned run on two hits over two innings.

The Lugnuts claimed a 7-0 lead after four innings, before the Silver Hawks rallied for five runs in the fifth inning to get back in the game. Trailing 8-5 in the seventh inning, the Silver Hawks scored three runs to tie the game. Raul Navarro hit and an RBI double and Tom Belza hit a game-tying, two-run home run, his fifth of the season.

In the home half of the inning, the Lugnuts took the lead back when Michael Crouse scored on a throwing error by second baseman Eric Groff.

Chris Ellison recorded three hits for the Silver Hawks, while Marc Bourgeois and Belza each recorded two hits. Belza notched a two-run single in the fifth inning and finished with four RBIs.

J.R. Bradley started for South Bend and did not factor in the decision, allowing seven runs, six earned, on 12 hits over three innings. Bradley started the fourth but did not record an out. Aaron Sanchez got the nod for Lansing and allowed five runs, two earned, on seven hits over five innings.

The Silver Hawks struggled to contain the Lugnuts offense in the series, allowing at least nine runs in all three games.

The Silver Hawks return home to begin a four-game series with the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Coveleski Stadium. Tyler Green (3-5, 4.20) takes the ball for South Bend and he will be opposed by lefthander Frank Garces (7-4, 2.46). First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 235-9988 or online at www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 30, 2012


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