Flyers Open Exhibition Season With A 1-1 Tie At Joliet
Published on May 15, 2003 under Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
JOLIET, IL- The Schaumburg Flyers opened their 2003 exhibition schedule by playing to a 1-1 tie on Thursday at Joliet. The game was stopped after nine innings. It was the pre-season opener for both Northern League clubs.
The game was a scoreless pitching duel for 7.5 innings as the teams combined for just three hits to that point in the game. The Joliet JackHammers then took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 8th on an RBI double by pinch hitter Pichi Balet but the Flyers answered in the top of the 9th. Schaumburg newcomer Mario Delgado laced a two-out, two-strike triple into the right centerfield gap, sending SS Geoff McCallum home from second base with the tying run. Delgado appeared at first base and the designated hitter spot on Thursday. Joliet reliever Oscar Montero was the victim of the rally, which began with a leadoff single by McCallum.
Joliet threatened again in the bottom of the 9th against returning ace closer Evan Fahrner. Ex-Flyer Derek Kopacz led off the 9th with a walk and stole second with nobody out. However, Fahrner bore down, catching Eddie Fink looking at a third strike for the first out and fanning Peter DeYoung to end the game with Kopacz at third base.
The starting matchup was a battle of returning aces and right-handers Hank Woodman (Flyers) & Rich Hyde (JackHammers) measured up, combining to pitch seven scoreless innings. LHP Lyle Prempas, RHP Brett Weber, RHP Rick Cercy & RHP Mark Percosky (1 ER) came out of the Flyers bullpen in front of Fahrner.
Former Cub Brant Brown started at first base and went 1-for-3 at the plate before leaving in favor of Delgado. Brown singled sharply to right field in the 7th inning. John Henry Williams, the son of late Hall of Fame legend Ted Williams, did not play on Thursday. J.H. Williams, a first baseman-designated hitter, is competing for a spot on the Flyers roster.
The Flyers will play one home exhibition game on Sunday when Gary comes to Alexian Field for a 1:20 PM game. Tickets are just $5 and are available at the Flyers Office. For more information, please call (847) 891-2255.
Northern League Stories from May 15, 2003
- Flyers Open Exhibition Season With A 1-1 Tie At Joliet - Schaumburg Flyers
- Exhibiting a Tie - Joliet JackHammers
- JackHammers to Serve United States Military - Joliet JackHammers
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