Groff's Tenth-Inning Knock Lifts Hawks

Published on August 16, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Eric Groff hit a walk-off RBI single in the tenth inning Thursday and the Silver Hawks (61-60, 26-25) edged the West Michigan Whitecaps 5-4 in front of 1,901 fans at Coveleski Stadium. With Lake County's loss against Dayton, the Silver Hawks are just one game back in the eastern division wild card chase.

Kaleb Fleck (4-2) took the win out of the Silver Hawks bullpen, hurling 1.2 scoreless innings. Will Clinard (0-1) surrendered Groff's game winning hit and took the loss.

Kerry Jenkins started the tenth-inning rally with a one-out single. With Groff at the plate, Jenkins stole second base to put himself in scoring position. Moments later, Groff lined one through the middle, sending South Bend to its ninth walk-off win this season.

The Silver Hawks built a 4-0 lead but the Whitecaps rallied to tie the game and send it to extra innings. With the Silver Hawks leading 4-3 in the ninth inning, Jake Barrett issued a game-tying bases loaded walk to Lance Durham. For Barrett it was his fourth blown save of the season.

Kerry Jenkins paced the Silver Hawks offensively, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Roidany Aguila was 2-for-3 and knocked in a pair of runs.

Right-hander Tyler Green started for South Bend and did not factor in the decision. Green worked 6.1 innings and allowed one earned run on eight hits. The righty walked three and struck out four en route to his eighth quality start in his last nine tries. Kyle Ryan started for West Michigan and allowed four earned runs on four hits over five innings.

West Michigan was 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base in the game.

The Silver Hawks and Whitecaps play the rubber match Friday at Coveleski Stadium. Left-hander Keith Hessler (2-1, 2.60) starts for South Bend and he will be opposed by Marcelo Carreno (6-8, 3.59). First pitch is on tap for 7:35 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 235-9988 or online at www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 16, 2012


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