Early Offense, Stingy Bullpen Fuel 4-2 Win

Published on June 23, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


The South Bend Silver Hawks (36-36, 1-1) earned their first win of the second half Saturday, defeating the West Michigan Whitecaps 4-2 in front of 7,755 fans at Fifth-Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, Mich. The Silver Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak dating back to the first half.

J.R. Bradley (4-4) earned his fourth win of the season, allowing just two earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings. The right-hander walked three and struck out three. Southpaw Kyle Ryan (4-3) took the loss for West Michigan, surrendering four earned runs on six hits over six innings. Jake Barrett worked a scoreless ninth inning to tally the first save of his professional career.

The Silver Hawks took the early lead Saturday, striking for two runs in the first inning on a pair of two-out hits. Matt Helm stroked an RBI double and Ryan Court followed with an RBI single. Helm finished 2-for-4 for the Silver Hawks while Court went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

The Whitecaps recorded at least one base runner in all nine offensive innings and left 10 men on base in the game.

Luis Castillo hit a solo home run in the first inning to cut the Silver Hawks lead in half. Castillo then hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning to tie the game 2-2.

The Silver Hawks loaded the bases in the sixth inning and cashed in on a pair of sacrifice flies - the first from Court and the second from Marc Bourgeois.

Bradley recorded the first out of the sixth inning but departed with runners on second and third and just one out. Right-hander Kaleb Fleck struck out Zach Maggard and got Chad Wright to ground out to end the inning and preserve a 4-2 South Bend lead.

Fleck returned to toss a scoreless seventh inning. Seth Simmons struck out a pair and did not allow a run in the eighth inning. Barrett retired the side in the ninth inning.

Eugenio Suarez, Aaron Westlake and Jason King each notched two hits for West Michigan.

The Silver Hawks and Whitecaps play the rubber match Sunday afternoon at Fifth-Third Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST. John Pedrotty (3-5, 6.13) starts for South Bend while the Whitecaps counter with right-hander Tommy Collier (5-5, 2.55). The Silver Hawks begin a nine-game home stand Monday when the Great Lakes Loons pay a visit to Coveleski Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 235-9988 or online at www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from June 23, 2012


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