MWL1 Bowling Green Hot Rods

Hot Rods Big Rally Comes Up Short

April 11, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release


Bowling Green, KY - In a spirited display, the Hot Rods (1-3) overcame an early 6-0 deficit to the Dayton Dragons on Sunday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. But, after tying the game at 6-6, Dayton (4-0) scored two runs in the ninth inning to take the first game of the series, 8-6.

The trouble started for Bowling Green and starter Wilking Rodriguez (ND) in the first inning. The first three Dragons all reached and scored as part of a five-run inning. The highlight of the inning was the home run by Frank Pfister, a solo shot that capped the scoring with two outs.

An inning later, Rodriguez ran into more trouble, allowing a one out single followed by a two-out run-scoring hit from Andrew Means to make it 6-0.

That was all that Rodriguez would allow, as the young righty settled in and dominated the Dragons for three more innings. He allowed just one more base runner, coming on a single in the fifth. He finished five strong, allowing six runs, four earned, on seven total hits. He struck out six and didn't issue a walk in his first Hot Rods outing.

The Hot Rods began their rally with a run in the second inning coming on a groundout from Eligio Sonoqui. Two innings later, Kyle Spraker picked up his first RBI of the season on a flare to right-center field that scored Mark Thomas.

In the fifth, Diogenese Luis led off with a double to left field, his first extra-base hit of the season. He took third on a wild pitch and then scored on a groundout by Brett Nommensen.

The sixth inning was the big inning for Bowling Green, as they scored three times against relief pitcher Junior Martinez. The first batter, Mark Thomas, smashed a solo home run over everything in left field to make it 6-4. The next two batters walked before Ty Morrison grounded into a fielder's choice to put runners at the corners. That's when Luis delivered an infield single to make it 6-5.

That was it for Martinez, who was lifted for Vanderbilt University alum Nick Christiani. Christiani retired both batters he faced, but Chris Murrill tied the game when he grounded out to second base to make it 6-6.

The bullpens dominated the next two innings before the Dragons broke through in the ninth against Kirby Yates (0-1). DiDi Gregorious (3-5, 3 RS) led off with a single. Two batters later he took third on a single by Andrew Means. After a walk loaded the bases, Chris Richburg drove in the go-ahead run when his bat hit Thomas' glove for catcher's interference to make it 7-6. The Dragons got an insurance run when Kevin Coddington hustled down the line on a ground ball to break up a would-be inning-ending double play.

The Hot Rods look to even the series on Monday night as Kyle Lobstein makes his 2010 debut against Jacob Johnson (1st start). The first 1,000 fans receive a Hot Rods Fueled by Art Calendar presented by Flora Templeton Stuart. The calendar features artwork created by local students in the Fueled by Art program. First pitch is 6:35 PM. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com or call 270.901.2121.

You can follow the game with Tom Gauthier and Hank Fuerst beginning at 6:20 PM CDT on 1340 AM WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.

Check out the Bowling Green Hot Rods Statistics



Midwest League Stories from April 11, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central