Rough Night for Hawks in 11-4 Loss

Published on July 1, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


South Bend, IN - A night after the best game in over a month, the wheels fell off for South Bend as the team was held to five hits, committed six errors, and gave up 21 hits in an 11-4 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday night.

The 21 hits allowed and the six errors committed established new season highs for the Silver Hawks, who fall to 1-5 in the second half and 2-7 against West Michigan.

The Silver Hawks committed two errors in the first inning, but escaped without any runners scoring. However, that would be a sign of things to come as the defense struggled all night long.

After the first two batters were retired at ease in the second, the Whitecaps proceeded to score six runs on six hits with a walk and a hit batter before the final out was made. Brandon Douglas had a two run single and Billy Nowlin followed with a two run triple to chase South Bend starter Randy Rodriguez (LP, 1-6) after two innings with the Hawks trailing 6-0.

West Michigan scored another run in the third against Daniel Vasquez (ND), with the Silver Hawks committing three errors in the inning. The Whitecaps would add another run in the fourth, jumping out to an 8-0 lead.

South Bend got two back in the fifth, with Rossmel Perez picking up an RBI single against West Michigan starter Brayan Villarreal (WP, 2-0). That would be the only runs Villarreal would allow in his 6.0 innings on the mound, as both of his wins this season are against the Silver Hawks.

Jordan Lennerton homered against Vasquez in the sixth to push the lead back to 9-2. The Silver Hawks committed their sixth error of the night in the seventh, leading to two more Whitecaps runs and an 11-2 deficit.

South Bend rounded out the scoring with two runs in the bottom of the eighth, as Alfredo Marte and A.J. Pollack each had RBI singles for the Hawks. Pollack collected his first professional hit in the first inning, his first RBI in the eighth, and his first multi-hit game.

West Michigan didn't exactly dazzle in all facets of the game either, as their pitching staff combined to walk six batters, with four of them coming in to score. Even still, with 21 hits and 11 runs, the Whitecaps were able to overcome the pitchers' struggle with the strike zone.

The four game series continues with game three Thursday at 7:30 PM Eastern Time on another fireworks night at Coveleski Stadium. LHP Wade Miley (3-6, 4.33 ERA) gets the starting nod for South Bend, with West Michigan sending RHP Mark Sorensen (3-2, 3.23 ERA) to the bump. Pregame coverage begins at 7:10 PM on 1620 ESPN Radio and online at www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 1, 2009


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