Miscues lead to Rockford loss at Windy City, 5-2
Published on May 24, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
CRESTWOOD, Ill. - Baserunning gaffes and throwing errors allowed the Windy City ThunderBolts to take the final game of the RiverHawks' season-opening series, 5-2. The teams split the series two games apiece.
The ThunderBolts scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning on an RBI-groundout by Tony Gonzalez, scoring J.T. Restko. Mike Goetz answered for the RiverHawks in the top of the seventh, knocking in Doug Sanders on a two-out double.
The game remained tight into the eighth inning. With the RiverHawks trailing 3-2, Mike Kalina was at first base and Jason James was at third base. Kalina attempted a steal, but he broke too early, creating a rundown. ThunderBolts' second baseman Gilberto Mejia wisely looked at James, who was breaking for home, and James was thrown out at the plate. The RiverHawks could do nothing else defensively in the eighth.
In the bottom of the eighth, Windy City capitalized on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Farrar and throwing error by Robbie Knapp on a hit-and-run play that plated pinch-runner Nate Hall all the way from second base.
The ThunderBolts' starter Shane Zegarac pitched effectively in his professional debut, allowing only one run in five and one-third innings of work and earning his first win. Rob Neigebauer takes the loss in his RiverHawks' debut, giving up three runs - two earned. Brandon Garner earned his first save of the season for Windy City.
After an off day on Memorial Day, Rockford will play their home opener at 7:05 p.m. May 26 against the Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti. Fans will be treated to a slew of exciting events, including a military flyover, a Dixieland jazz band, and postgame fireworks. The greater Rockford community continues to lend its support for the RiverHawks' eighth season. Opening Night is sponsored by Chicago-Rockford International Airport, Cumulus Broadcasting, and WTVO-Channel 17.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 17th season this summer. The RiverHawks host the 2009 Frontier League All-Star Game at 7:05 p.m. on July 15. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Frontier League Stories from May 24, 2009
- Rascals Rout Grizzlies 13-4 To Complete Four Game Sweep - River City Rascals
- Miscues lead to Rockford loss at Windy City, 5-2 - Rockford RiverHawks
- Rascals Complete Series Sweep Of Grizzlies - Gateway Grizzlies
- Wild Things blow late lead to lose 7-5 to Lake Erie - Washington Wild Things
- Crushers Win In Comeback Fashion 7-5 - Lake Erie Crushers
- Windy City splits series with Rockford - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Kalamazoo Edges Beach Bums - Traverse City Beach Bums
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