Loons Rally Late to Clinch Playoff Spot

Published on June 16, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Midland, MI - The Great Lakes Loons scored three times in the bottom of the seventh inning, rallying to defeat the South Bend Silver Hawks 4-3 on Wednesday night at Dow Diamond. With the win, the Loons have clinched a first half playoff spot in the Eastern Division, moved into a tie for first place, and improved to 11-0 versus South Bend this season.

South Bend starter Eric Smith (ND) had pitched a great game early and started the seventh inning with a 3-1 lead. After allowing back-to-back singles with one out, Smith was lifted in favor of reliever Bradin Hagens (LP, 1-4) who had not allowed any of his seven inherited runners to score this season. However, the move did not work out as Hagens allowed a two out double to Brian Cavazos-Galvez with both runners scoring to tie the game at 3-3.

However, the Loons weren't finished yet as a couple of defensive gaffes helped Great Lakes take the lead. Catcher Errol Hollinger was charged with a passed ball to allow Cavazos-Galvez to get to third and then a Hagens wild pitch brought him home to give the Loons the 4-3 lead.

That was enough for Edwin Contreras (WP, 1-0), who earned the victory by shining in relief with 4.1 scoreless innings after starter Brett Wallach (ND) was pulled after just 3.0 innings and three runs. Luis Vasquez (SV, 13) pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the second night in a row to get his 13th save of the season.

After the Loons took a 1-0 lead in the second, the Silver Hawks broke through for three runs in the third. Andrew Fie started the rally with a double against Wallach, but was still standing at second with two outs. That's when Wallach had trouble throwing strikes, walking the next two batters to load the bases. David Nick then stayed patient at the plate, drawing a seven pitch walk to force in a run and tie the game 1-1.

Alberto Diaz then lined a single into left field, scoring two runs and giving the Silver Hawks a 3-1 lead. South Bend held the lead until the bottom of the seventh.

The two teams wrap up their first half matchups with game three of the series Thursday night at 7:05 PM Eastern Time. Right hander Scottie Allen (2-1, 3.62 ERA) will take the ball for South Bend while Great Lakes sends RHP Allen Webster (6-5, 2.48 ERA) to the mound. Pregame coverage begins at 6:45 PM Eastern Time on 1620 ESPN Radio and online at www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from June 16, 2010


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