RiverHawks Win Extra-Inning Thriller
June 1, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - The RiverHawks battled back from an early seven-run deficit to send the game to extra innings, and Jet Butler hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 11th inning off London's David Francis to complete the comeback and give the RiverHawks an 8-7 victory.
The RiverHawks fell into an early 7-0 hole as the London Rippers hit three home runs off of starter Cody Hallahan, who gave up six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. The RiverHawks loaded the bases in the second inning, but they were unable to score any runs against London starter Eric Katzman.
"I told the guys it's just seven runs and to believe in yourself, " manager Rich Austin told NTA FM.
The RiverHawks still trailed 7-0 into the seventh inning, but they were able to score three runs to make it 7-3, including a two-run single by Javier Herrera, who finished 2-for-5 with 2 RBI on the game to run his hit streak to eight games.
In the Rockford ninth, the RiverHawks scored four unearned runs on three errors and two hits off Matt Brennan and Francis (0-2), capped off by Matt Greener's RBI sac fly to tie the game at 7-7.
The RiverHawks' bullpen would pitch 6 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, and Cliff Archibald (1-0) would earn the win in relief.
"I just told the guys to keep fighting," Austin said. "The bullpen did a great job. I have a lot of confidence in these guys, they just have to believe they can go out there and do it."
Archibald would work out of a two-out jam in the eleventh inning, and Butler would deliver on a 3-1 pitch with a blast to right to give the RiverHawks their third straight win to improve to 5-7 on the season.
"He got in a really good hitter's count. He put a good charge into it," Austin said.
The walk-off homer was the fourth ever at RiverHawks Stadium since it opened in 2006. The last walk-off homer was by Kevin Smith in a 10-9 win over Normal on August 6, 2011. Butler finished the night 2-for-4 with two RBI.
The RiverHawks will look to extend their winning streak to four tomorrow night as they send right-hander Nick Sarianides (1-1, 2.79 ERA) to face London's southpaw Matt Schimpf (0-0, 4.91), with a first pitch set for 6:05 p.m.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league in its 20th season. Games are broadcast on NTA-FM (100.5). Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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