Cook Leads Hawks to 4-1 Victory

Published on August 21, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


South Bend, IN - Ryan Cook pitched eight innings of one-run ball, earning his fifth straight win as the Silver Hawks defeated the Great Lakes Loons 4-1 on Friday night in front of 2,328 fans at Coveleski Stadium.

Over his last six starts dating back to July 25th, Cook (WP, 11-9) has not allowed more than two runs in any game, winning five of the six games. Over those six starts, Cook has a 1.36 ERA (six earned runs in 39.2 innings).

After falling behind 13-0 in last night's rout, the Silver Hawks made sure they struck first tonight by scoring a run in the bottom of the second inning. Justin Parker led off with a double against Great Lakes starter Bobby Blevins (LP, 9-9) and moved to third on a ground out by Clayton Conner. Alfredo Marte pulled a ball into left against a drawn-in infield, picking up his team-leading 62nd RBI as Parker scored for the 1-0 lead.

Great Lakes evened the game with a run against Cook in the top of the fifth. Two walks put runners at the corners with two outs, and Matt Wallach had a clutch RBI single to even the game. That would be the only run allowed by Cook, as he struck out six and walked just two in his eight innings on the mound.

The Silver Hawks missed an opportunity to score in the bottom of the fifth, as they could not score after having the bases loaded with one out.

The Loons next opportunity was missed as well, with Dee Gordon leading off the sixth with a triple. After a ground out left Gordon at third with one out, he decided to try to score on the next ground ball. Parker fielded it cleanly at third, firing to catcher Rossmel Perez at the plate, who absorbed a huge collision and held on to the ball for the out.

South Bend took the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Victor Estevez picked up his second double of the game to start the rally, and two walks by Blevins loaded the bases. With two outs, Perez drew a bases loaded walk, forcing in Estevez for the 3-1 lead.

Reliever Luis Garcia (ND) replaced Blevins, but walked Parker to force in another run. Clayton Conner followed with a slow roller up the third base line that he beat out for an infield single, extending the lead to 4-1.

Justin Mace (SV, 9) pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn the save, helping the Silver Hawks to even the series at a game apiece.

The series continues with game three at 6:30 PM Eastern Time Saturday night at Coveleski Stadium. A couple of southpaws will be on the mound as LHP Keny Sosa (0-2, 2.45 ERA) battles LHP Aaron Miller (1-1, 2.81 ERA). Pregame coverage begins at 6:10 PM Eastern Time on 1620 ESPN Radio and online at www.silverhawks.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from August 21, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central