FL River City Rascals

Favor returned in Rascals sweeping of Riverhawks

Published on May 29, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


O'Fallon, MO - Same teams, but this time around it was a different story. The River City Rascals defeated the Rockford Riverhawks Thursday night 2-1, sweeping their second straight series.

The last time these two teams met was at Road Ranger Stadium, it was Rockford doing the house cleaning.

The Rascals took an early lead and held on with another strong effort from the bullpen. Mike Benacka and Scott Fogelson combined to not allow a hit in 3.2 innings with five strikeouts.

"We had three hard fought ball games and we knew we had to win," said Benacka, " We got swept up there and we took it personally so we came out and took care of business."

River City scored first in the second when Jacob DeBoer drove a single up the middle to collect his seventh RBI of the season scoring Andrew Sweet. The Rascals were helped by an error on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Luke Barganier. RiverHawk starter Jason James tossed to third to get the lead runner, but the ball was dropped by Brett Thomas. A second run was added when Phil Laurent hit a shallow fly to center that dropped, allowing Luke Barganier to score giving the Rascals the 2-0 lead, both runs being unearned.

Rockford responded in the third with an RBI single by James who hit for himself, making it 2-1 Rascals.

What followed was six innings of scoreless baseball.

"You can't say enough about what our bullpen has done this season," Rascals bench coach Bill Browett said in a pre-game interview. "They've been lights out and we feel very comfortable turning the ball over to them."

David Arnold (1-0) recorded his first win of the season lasting 5.1 innings and allowing the lone RiverHawks run. Benacka picked up his first save of the season striking out three batters in the ninth. Benacka tossed 2.1 innings for the win the night before. In his last two appearances, the closer has struck out eight batters in 3.1 innings. James (1-1) took the loss for the RiverHawks going seven innings, surrendering the two unearned runs.

The Rascals next series will be on the road visiting the Windy City Thunderbolts this weekend at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, Illinois. The Rascals return home to T.R. Hughes Ballpark for a series against the Midwest Sliders next Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:05 p.m. and tickets are available by calling (636) 240-BATS or going to www.rivercityrascals.com.

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Frontier League Stories from May 29, 2008


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