DuelFest

Published on July 9, 2005 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


South Bend, IN - The first eight innings of Saturday's contest between the South Bend Silver Hawks and Fort Wayne Wizards was an old fashioned pitchers duel with fantastic defense behind the respective starters, Kellen Raab for South Bend and Clayton Hamilton for Fort Wayne. Each pitcher held the other team scoreless. In the ninth inning, seven runs were scored by the teams and for the fifth time in nine games between the clubs, it was the Fort Wayne Wizards who prevailed, defeating the Hawks 4-3.

Brian Fryer started the visitors ninth inning with a single to shortstop. After Sean Kazmar's sacrifice bunt moved Fryer to second base, Hawks starter Kellen Raab intentionally walked Matt Thayer to keep the double play in order. Matt Lauderdale then stroked a double off the center field wall to plate Fryer and give Fort Wayne a 1-0 lead.

With first base open and Matt Thayer at third Raab, (3-3) intentionally walked Trey Johnston. Lachlan Dale then doubled to left field off reliever Esmerling Vasquez, chasing Thayer and Lauderdale across the plate to give the Wizards a 3-0 edge. After retiring Matt Bush on a groundout, Yordany Ramirez reached when Emilio Bonifacio misplayed his grounder allowing Johnston to score and make it 4-0 Fort Wayne.

The Hawks attempted to respond in the ninth with two out. Carlos Gonzales hit a solo home run to (12) right field against reliever Ryan Klatt. After Cesar Nicolas doubled to left field to force Klatt from the game, closer Matt Varner was summoned from the Wizards bullpen and promptly gave up a two run blast to Javier Brito (5) to close the gap to 4-3. However, Mark Reynolds struck out looking halting the Silver Hawks rally.

The Silver Hawks (51-36) continue their four game series with the Fort Wayne Wizards (42-45) Sunday afternoon. The Silver Hawks will start Chris Kinsey (0-1) against the Wizards Vern Sterry (4-3) or Chris Steinborn (0-0). Sunday's are Faiths Day presented by WFRN radio. Fans can bring their church, mosque or synagogue bulletin and receive $2.00 off any ticket. First pitch is slated for 1:30 PM.

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Midwest League Stories from July 9, 2005


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