Hawks end up on short end of pitcher's duel

Published on July 20, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


South Bend, IN - A great pitcher's duel saw the Silver Hawks fall one run short on Monday night, losing a 2-1 decision to the Burlington Bees in front of an excited crowd of 5,866 on a Dollar Monday at Coveleski Stadium.

Starter Taylor Sinclair (ND) pitched another great ballgame for South Bend coming off of a win on July 15 against Kane County. Sinclair went 6 1/3 innings for the Silver Hawks giving up just one run. Unfortunately for Sinclair, the offense only produced one run while he was in the ballgame, leaving him with a no decision.

South Bend did not record their first hit in the ballgame until Jake Elmore delivered a single to right field off of Burlington starter Mike Montgomery (ND). South Bend shortstop Reynaldo Navarro followed Elmore's single with a single of his own giving the Hawks runners at first and second with no outs. Alfredo Marte returned from the disabled list to provide a boost, doubling to the left field wall to score Elmore from second, increasing his team leading RBI total to 45. The Silver Hawks would load the bases after an intentional walk to Alberto Diaz, but would not score any more runs as Montgomery pitched out of the jam.

The 1-0 advantage would not last long as the Bees came back to even the score at 1-1 behind a hit batter by Sinclair and a pair of hits by Nick Francis and David Wood for Burlington. They also loaded the bases but reliever Victor Capellan (L, 0-1) was able to come in from the bullpen to get the final two outs, stranding all three runners.

After a quiet eighth inning by both teams, the Bees were able to break the tie with a run in the ninth, which would prove to be the game-winner. After a single by Nick Francis and a wild pitch by Capellan, the Bees found themselves with a runner at second with no outs. A base hit by Burlington catcher Jose Bonilla past a diving Victor Estevez at third drove in the second Bees' run, giving them a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the ninth.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, first baseman Ramon Ramirez would try to start a rally for South Bend with a double to left center field, giving the Hawks a running in scoring position and a glimmer of hope. Isaias Asencio stepped up and put a charge into a 2-0 pitch from Burlington closer Barry Bowden (S, 7). With the ball heading for the gap in right-center field, Francis raced over to catch the ball on a dead sprint to record the final out.

The win gave Burlington a 2-1 series win at Coveleski Stadium and a 4-2 season series win over South Bend

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Midwest League Stories from July 20, 2009


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