Hawks Win in Extras
June 22, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
NORMAL, Ill. - The Rockford RiverHawks recovered from a five-run Normal rally and edged the CornBelters, 7-6, in 12 innings on Friday at The Corn Crib.
Rockford salvaged the finale of a three-game series in which each game was decided by a run. The RiverHawks scored the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice by Rudy Wilson, a second-generation ballplayer in his professional debut.
The CornBelters rallied for three runs in the eighth inning and two in the ninth as the Rockford bullpen blew a 6-1 lead. In the bottom of the ninth, Rockford closer Brett Scarpetta walked Robert Brooks to start the inning. Chico Gomez doubled Brooks home, advanced to third on a Daniel Clayton sacrifice and scored the tying run on an Alvaro Ramirez single to center.
In the top of the 12th, Normal reliever Marshall Schuler (1-2) departed after the inning began with a single by Mike Thomas and a double by Daniel Gonzalez. Kyle DiMartino came on to face Wilson with nobody out and the infield in. Wilson hit a high bouncer to Gomez at third. Gomez threw wide of the plate as pinch-runner Carlos Luciano scored the go-ahead run.
Wilson, who had been recruited by Mississippi to play football and has one season of junior-college baseball under his belt, is the son of former major-league outfielder and ex-Frontier League manager Glenn Wilson. The younger Wilson was 0-for-4, but walked twice in his debut as the No. 9 hitter. The RiverHawks signed him on Thursday to fill in for center fielder Brandon Anderson, who went on the seven-day disabled list because of lower back and groin injuries.
Rockford lefty Theron Minium (1-0) pitched two scoreless, hitless innings to win in relief. Minium walked Pat Trettel with two away in the bottom of the 12th, but struck out Pat Dockendorf looking to end the game.
Rockford snapped a three-game losing streak. The RiverHawks won for the first time in six games all time at Normal.
The RiverHawks head to Schaumburg for a three-game series that starts at 6 p.m. Saturday.
The RiverHawks are home to play Evansville at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday. GFS Marketplace and Village Hearth sponsor 50 Cent Hot Dog Night.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league in its 20th season. Games are broadcast on WNTA-FM (100.5) Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Frontier League Stories from June 22, 2012
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