Belza, Inciarte Club Homers in 8-4 Win

Published on June 15, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


The South Bend Silver Hawks (35-33) scored four runs in the second inning Friday and defeated the West Michigan Whitecaps 8-4 in front of a sold out crowd of 5,428 fans at Coveleski Stadium. With Bowling Green's win against Fort Wayne, the Silver Hawks remain one game back of the Hot Rods with two to play in the first half. Bowling Green's magic number is now at one.

Archie Bradley (7-4) snapped a personal three-game losing streak and earned the win, allowing two earned runs on two hits over five innings. The right-hander walked four and struck out three. Bradley had not earned a win since beating the Whitecaps on May 19. Brennan Smith (1-4) took the loss for West Michigan, surrendering three earned runs on three hits over 1.1 innings.

The Silver Hawks jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning. After an RBI single from Chris Ellison, Tom Belza clubbed a three-run, inside-the-park home run, his second inside-the-park long ball this month. On the play, West Michigan's left fielder Jason Krizan collided with centerfielder Chad Wright and both would end up leaving the game.

The Silver Hawks never trailed in the game and have now won three games in a row. Belza finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs, Ryan Court was 2-for-4 with two runs scored while Ender Inciarte went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run home run in the eighth inning. After the Whitecaps had cut the margin to two, Inciarte's first homer of the season put the Silver Hawks up 8-4.

Kable Hogben tossed two innings out of the Hawks bullpen and allowed two earned runs on two hits over two innings. Jason King hit an opposite field home run off Hogben in the seventh inning. Lance Durham added an RBI double in the seventh inning and paced the Whitecaps with a 2-for-2 performance.

Left-hander Keith Hessler worked a scoreless eighth inning and righty Jake Barrett recorded the final three outs to preserve the win.

West Michigan had opportunities, but finished just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Belza also hit an inside-the-park home run on June 6 against Great Lakes at Coveleski Stadium.

The Silver Hawks enter play Saturday in a must-win situation. Left-hander John Pedrotty (3-4, 5.80) starts for South Bend and he will be opposed by left-hander Kyle Ryan (3-2, 4.12). First pitch from Coveleski Stadium is on tap for 7:05 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 June 15, 2012


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