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Northwoods Rockford Rivets

Rivets Let Lead Slip Away Versus Kingfish

July 16, 2022 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Rockford Rivets News Release


Rockford, Ill. - The Rivets let their lead slip away on a rainy evening in Rivets Stadium. The Kingfish defeated the Rivets 5-4 after an eighth inning comeback.

After an hour and forty-five-minute rain delay, the Rivets struck early. Rockford scored one run in each of the first three innings, including a thunderous homerun from Matthew Mebane in the third inning. The all-star's homer cleared the left field foul pole to put the Rivets ahead three.

Rivets starter Ross Thompson pitched a strong 6 innings, allowing just one run on five hits and striking out five. The Rivets put up an insurance run on an errant throw from Kenosha reliever Nick Ferazzi on a Brandon Bannon bunt with runners on first and second. Rockford still had runners on second and third in the inning but could not muster any more runs across.

Noah Ruen pitched a scoreless seventh inning but struggled in the eighth. The Rivets star reliever hit Parker Stinson to lead off the inning and Jay Beshears lined a single to right field to start the inning. Bobby Atkinson then grounded out but drove in Stinson and Taylor Darden reached on a hard hit single. Ruen was charged with three earned runs.

Tresdon Rybarczyck came in to relieve Ruen but allowed Brady Counsell to reach with a single. Counsell eventually came around to score the game winning run.

The Rivets had an opportunity in the bottom of the eighth inning after a leadoff single from Ben Brantley. Jeff Ince pinch ran from Brantley and moved up to third with two away in the inning. The Kingfish elected to intentionally walk the potential go-ahead run, Dylan Robertson, and allowed him to reach second via defensive indifference. Tony Lindwedell then struck out with two in scoring position.

In the ninth, the Rivets once more had an opportunity against Kenosha closer Grayson Thurman who was second in the Northwoods League in saves with 11. Ty Crittenberger reached with a leadoff single but was thrown out stealing at second. Dustin Allen then singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch.

With two outs and the game tying run at second, Matthew Mebane worked himself into a 3-1 count but waved at two consecutive Thurman fastballs to end the game.

Ferazzi was awarded the win and Ruen was given the loss. Thurman earned a save. The Rivets play at home Saturday at 6:05 p.m. against the Pit Spitters.

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