MWL1 Bowling Green Hot Rods

Leonard Blasts Hot Rods to Sixth Shutout Win

Published on May 17, 2013 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release


Comstock Park, MI - Patrick Leonard struck his first home run of the season to lead the Bowling Green Hot Rods (26-13) to a 4-0 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps (17-21) on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Brandon Henderson hurled four shutout innings of relief to help the Hot Rods claim their sixth shutout of the season. Winners of five of six, the Hot Rods now stand a season-high 13 games over .500.

Friday night's scoring started in the top of the fifth inning when Leonard connected on a Charlie Gillies 0-2 pitch, sending the pitch off the manual scoreboard in left field. The homer, Leonard's first with the Hot Rods and first as a Rays farmhand, gave the Hot Rods a 1-0 advantage.

Joey Rickard led the very next inning off with a triple off the wall in deep left field. Rickard came in to score with one out when Luke Maile reached on a fielder's choice. Three batters later, Leonard again came through for the Hot Rods when he rocketed a two-out single to centerfield to score Maile and give the Hot Rods a 3-0 lead.

Protecting the 3-0 lead, Nick Sawyer was able to escape a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the eighth inning when he struck out Jake Stewart. The Hot Rods added an unearned insurance run in the top of the ninth inning, and Sawyer shut the door in the bottom half to secure the win. The Hot Rods have now won five of seven contests against the Whitecaps to begin the 2013 season.

The seven-game road trip continues Saturday at Fifth Third Ballpark as the Hot Rods continue their four-game series with the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers) at 6:00 PM CDT. Getting the start for the Hot Rods is RHP Eduar Quinonez (2-2, 6.28), while the Whitecaps will counter with LHP Jordan John (1-3, 4.42). The Forever Communications Pregame Show with Hank Fuerst will begin at 5:30 PM CDT. Tune in to the game on 1340 WBGN-AM and 1340wbgn.com.

Check out the Bowling Green Hot Rods Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from May 17, 2013


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