James Singles Home Winning Run In 7-6 Walkoff
July 30, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - It wasn't a bobble, but rather a bounce, that turned out to be Friday's highlight at Road Ranger Stadium.
Jason James hit a walkoff single to right field as the Rockford RiverHawks rallied to beat Northern League-leading Kansas City, 7-6. James' ninth-inning grounder took a bad bounce and hopped to the left of KC second baseman Jake Blackwood to bring home Rich Austin with the winning run.
James, who was honored Friday with a bobblehead doll giveaway in acknowledgement of last season's 40-game hitting streak, also threw out a runner at the plate.
Rockford blew an early 5-0 lead. In the first inning, Pat O'Sullivan and Kevin House each singled in a run and Evan McArthur doubled home three.
The T-Bones rallied for three runs, one on Jim Fasano's 13th home run, in the fourth. Ray Sadler hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning and Brian Joynt tied the game with a leadoff homer, his 12th, in the sixth inning. Sadler hit another sacrifice fly in the seventh inning to give the T-Bones a 6-5 lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, Steven Stewart (4-3) walked John Wagle on a 3-2 pitch with one out. Austin doubled to left-center to tie the game. James worked the count full and singled past Blackwood to drive in Austin.
James also became the team's all-time outfield assist leader on Friday. James threw out Blackwood at home, his 29th career assist, to end the fifth inning.
Rockford closer Scott Roehl (3-1) won in relief.
The series continues at 6:05 p.m. Saturday. The 501st Imperial Legion, a group of "Star Wars" characters, will perform on Star Wars Night. Pepsi sponsors postgame fireworks. It's also Roxy Carmichael Ladies Night and Scout Night. The annual scout campout follows the game.
The RiverHawks are members of the Northern League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league in its 18th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Games are broadcast live on ESPN 1380 (WTJK-AM) and on ESPN1380.com. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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Northern League Stories from July 30, 2010
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- Gomes launches fifth homer against Redhawks - Schaumburg Flyers
- James Singles Home Winning Run In 7-6 Walkoff - Rockford RiverHawks
- Rockford Scores Two in Ninth, T-Bones Drop Third Straight - Kansas City Monarchs
- Goldeyes win over Lake County Fielders - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- T-Bones Beef up Promo Schedule for Stretch Run - Kansas City Monarchs
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