Bullpen Struggles in Eighth Straight Loss

Published on July 10, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Dayton, OH - While the offensive struggles continued for South Bend on Sunday afternoon, it was the bullpen and the defense that shoulders much of the blame for a 6-2 loss to the Dayton Dragons. The Silver Hawks' eighth straight loss came after the bullpen served up five runs over the final three innings, with two errors proving costly.

Down 1-0, the Silver Hawks rallied to take their first lead since Wednesday by scoring two runs in the top of the fifth against Kyle Lotzkar (WP, 1-1). Roberto Ortiz was hit by a pitch with one out, then Jhoan Pimentel singled and a wild pitch put runners at second and third. With two outs, Ender Inciarte drove a double to deep left, putting South Bend ahead 2-1.

Bradin Hagens (ND) turned the game over to the bullpen after 5.0 innings of one-run ball, but the relievers could not protect the lead. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Donald Lutz reached on an error and David Vidal took a 3-2 pitch from Keith Cantwell (LP 1-1) over the left field fence to put the Dragons back in front 3-2.

The Silver Hawks were still within striking distance however until the bottom the eighth when the Dragons rallied for three runs against Chris Odegaard (ND). With two outs and the bases loaded, Jefry Sierra drove a two run single to right field to extend the lead to 5-2. Sierra then stole second and the errant throw by catcher Pimentel went into center field, allowing another run to score for the 6-2 lead.

All facets of the game failed for South Bend, with only three hits, three errors, and six runs allowed on 12 hits.

The Silver Hawks and Dragons wrap up the three game series on Monday evening with a 7:00 PM Eastern Time first pitch. South Bend gives the ball to RHP J.R. Bradley (2-12, 5.29 ERA) while Dayton counters with RHP Josh Smith (8-3, 2.21 ERA). Pre-game coverage begins at 6:40 PM Eastern Time on www.sportsjuice.com and www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 10, 2011


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