Eigsti's walkoff double ends RiverHawks' skid, 7-6
June 11, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - Jake Eigsti capped a comeback-heavy night for Rockford with a two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning on Friday as the RiverHawks beat Joliet, 7-6, at Road Ranger Stadium.
The RiverHawks rallied four times to snap a four-game losing streak. Eigsti's double to center field gave the RiverHawks just their third win in their last 13 games. All seven Rockford runs scored on two-out hits.
Eigsti was 4-for-5 to lead a season-high 18-hit Rockford night. Former Chicago Cub Randall Simon was 4-for-5 with a RBI, his first four-hit game for the RiverHawks. Veteran right fielder Rich Austin, who was 0-for-14 with 10 strikeouts during the losing streak, was 3-for-4 on Friday. He reached base in all five plate appearances and set the table or Eigsti with a critical two-out walk in the ninth.
Freddie Thon and Roberto Mena homered for Joliet, which had leads of 1-0, 3-2, 5-3 and 6-5. Mena snapped a 5-5 tie with his first home run of the year, a fly beyond the left-field wall off Rockford closer Scott Roehl in the top of the ninth.
In the bottom of the ninth, Joliet closer Drew Shetrone (0-1) surrendered back-to-back, one-out singles to Jason James and Simon. Alex Thieroff, a relief pitcher, pinch-ran for Simon. With two outs, Austin took a high 3-2 pitch to load the bases. Eigsti drove a 3-1 pitch from Shetrone to the top of the fence in center. Joliet center fielder Jon Wyatt made a leaping effort, but could not make the catch.
Roehl (1-1) won in relief.
The series continues at 6:05 p.m. Saturday. The Illinois Railway Museum and WIFR-23 sponsor RiverHawks Logo Baseball Night. The first 1,000 receive the premium giveaway item. Fans will be allowed on the field to play catch prior to the game.
The RiverHawks are members of the Northern League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 18th season this summer. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Games are broadcast live on ESPN 1380 (WTJK-AM) and on ESPN1380.com. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Northern League Stories from June 11, 2010
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- Kansas City Back in First with Win Over RedHawks - Kansas City Monarchs
- Fielders Defeat Gary 5-3 in Home Opener - Lake County Fielders
- Eigsti's walkoff double ends RiverHawks' skid, 7-6 - Rockford RiverHawks
- RedHawks Sign Spurgeon - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- X-Pac to Wrestle at Silver Cross Field - Joliet JackHammers
- Schaumburg Drops Another Close One - Schaumburg Flyers
- Shortell, Justice Lead JackHammers Past Fielders - Joliet JackHammers
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