Rios, JackHammers Walk off Again Over T-Bones

June 26, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release


JOLIET, IL - Kevin Rios smacked four hits, including the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the tenth, as the Joliet JackHammers (16-17) squeaked past the Kansas City T-Bones (20-15) 6-5 Friday night at Silver Cross Field. The victory was the second straight walk off victory in extra innings for Joliet.

The JackHammers once again loaded the bases for the second straight night in extra frames. Rafael Mendez popped a single to left field and Roberto Mena lined a single to right field. Nathan Ginsberg entered as a pinch hitter for Mendez and Clint Toomey slapped a groundball off Ginsberg on his way to third for the second out. Jonathan Wyatt followed with an infield single off the glove of Kyle Heim (1-1). Rios sent the crowd home happy again with a single past Rico Washington at third for the 6-5 victory.

William Jackel (3-0) earned the victory, retiring all seven hitters he faced in relief of Rory Shortell. The JackHammer starter went 7.2 innings allowing five runs (two earned) on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks, throwing 118 pitches.

Joliet battled back late, erasing 4-3 and 5-4 Kansas City leads. Rios smacked a one out double in the seventh and advanced to third later on a Cody McAllister wild pitch. Freddie Thon collected his 31st run batted in on a single back up the middle to tie the game at four.

The JackHammers fell behind 5-4 after another T-Bone run in the top of the eighth. Chris Colton walked and Mendez singled to bounce Kevin Light. Erik Hamren entered and walked Clint Toomey to load the bases for Wyatt with one out. The centerfield lifted a sacrifice fly to left to knot the game at five.

Kansas City erased an early 1-0 Joliet lead, tying the game in the second on Ray Sadler's fifth home run of the season. The T-Bones added second inning run on a Ryan Fox single, scoring Brian Joynt all the way from first after the ball rolled under Wyatt's glove in left field.

McAllister went the first 6.2 frames for Kansas City, surrendering four runs (two earned) on nine hits with four strikeouts. Heim suffered his first defeat, allowing five consecutive singles in the tenth.

Rios was one of five JackHammers to collect a multi-hit game, leading the pack with four hits and two runs batted in. Wyatt, Correll, Mendez and Mena each had two hits.

The JackHammers and T-Bones continue their four game set tomorrow night. Ross Stout (2-3) will look to extend his streak of complete games to three opposite Brett Davis (2-2). Game time at Silver Cross Field is set for 7:10 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. pre-game show on 1340 WJOL.

Loose Gravel - Kevin Rios joined Brad Correll and Jonathan Wyatt as the only JackHammers to collect four hits in a single game - Jon Nelson went 0-5 and saw his hitting streak end at six games - The JackHammers improved to 3-2 against the T-Bones and 3-1 in extra inning games this season - Will County Bowling "Strike Out Batter" participants can enjoy bowling at any one of the Will County Bowling Proprietors. Tonight Town & Country Lanes at 2231 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet is our featured proprietor.



Northern League Stories from June 26, 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