Haske's Big Hit Wins It Late For Flyers
Published on May 26, 2008 under Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
Kansas City, KS - Schaumburg Flyers shortstop Mark Haske came up to the plate in the top of the ninth inning with an 0-for-2 night, a runner on first and a potential four-game hitting streak on the line. He left the plate a hero for the Flyers, lining a ball into the right field corner to break a 2-2 deadlock with the Kansas City T-Bones. Haske's RBI double scored RF Lance Koenig all the way from first base, and after Haske took third on the throw to the plate, a groundout by CF Rontrez Johnson scored him to create a 4-2 final over the T-Bones.
The story coming into the game was the stellar pitching matchup. Schaumburg (5-6) starter Brian Finch had earned two no decisions in two very strong starts earlier in the season, and had only a 1.80 ERA to his name. His Kansas City (8-3) counterpart, lefthander Anthony Boughner, looked even better in his first two outings, posting a 2-0 record with a miniscule 0.75 ERA.
The Flyers struck the first blows in the game, as Bo Hart (1-for-4) and Vince Harrison (1-for-3) each hit RBI singles to make the lead 2-0 for Schaumburg. Just when it seemed Brian Finch might be able to carry that lead through the game, he let up an RBI single to the T-Bones� Jim Fasano (1-for-4) in the fifth inning, and walked two men in the sixth inning to set up another T-Bones threat. Finch was taken down in favor of RHP Chris Saenz, who allowed a sacrifice fly to left field to ensure Finch would end yet another outing with a no decision.
Schaumburg couldn't get much going in the seventh and eight innings to strike back, and the T-Bones had a couple of good chances in the bottom halves of those frames to seemingly put the visitors on the ropes. Chris Saenz (1-0) was up to the task, however, even after a one-out double to speedy Neb Brown in the bottom of the eighth put Kansas City one single away from pulling ahead.
When the top of the ninth came around, a bit of luck helped the Flyers get on base. Lance Koenig (1-for-3) swung on a 2-1 offering from T-Bones reliever Rick Hummel (1-1), but the glove of catcher Ryan Smith contacted Koenig�s bat as he swung. Home plate umpire Kurt Branin awarded first base to Koenig on the catcher�s interference, which set the table for Haske (1-for-3) to get the hit that put the Flyers ahead for good. Flyers closer Jim Popp (1-0, 2 SV) got his second save of the year even after allowing a walk with one out to bring two consecutive tying runs to the plate.
Now with a series split with the T-Bones and a dramatic win in the ninth to build on, the Flyers head back north to Silver Cross Field for the first game of a three-game set with the Joliet Jackhammers. Schaumburg LHP Brad Mumma (1-1, 6.55) will try to bounce back from a loss his last time out against Joliet RHP Aaron Trolia (1-0, 2.77). As always, tune in to flyersbaseball.com for the first pitch at 6:05 p.m.
Northern League Stories from May 26, 2008
- Haske's Big Hit Wins It Late For Flyers - Schaumburg Flyers
- Interference Call Helps Down T-Bones - Kansas City Monarchs
- Fasano and Boughner Named Northern League Player and Pitcher of the Week - NL
- Goldeyes win 9-4 on Memorial Day; Jackhammers split the four-game series - Joliet JackHammers
- T-Bones Sweep Player of the Week Awards - Kansas City Monarchs
- Redhawks Rally for 9th Inning Victory - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Three Ninth Inning Errors Send RailCats to 4-3 Loss - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Fasano and Boughner Named Players of the Week - NL
- Thirteen Lucky for Kansas City - Kansas City Monarchs
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