Silver Hawks Complete Sweep in Extras

Published on July 29, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Midland, MI - It took 10 innings on Friday night at Dow Diamond, but the South Bend Silver Hawks completed a three game series sweep of the Great Lakes Loons with a 5-4 victory. The sweep is the first of a three game series for South Bend since May 7-9 versus Fort Wayne and it brings the Hawks within three of the wild card with 37 to play.

Matt Helm provided the dramatics for South Bend in the top of the tenth inning, ripping a pitch from Ryan Acosta (LP, 2-2) down the left field line for a double that scored Gerson Montilla as the deciding run. Montilla had led off with a single and was standing at third prior to Helm's hit due to a sacrifice bunt from Zach Walters and a passed ball.

It probably should have never made it to 10 innings as some bad defense allowed the Loons to score the tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jesse Bosnik, who homered twice earlier in the game, hit a slow roller to third and beat it out for an infield single, advancing to second when Niko Gallego's throw was errant. After pinch hitter Chris Henderson walked, Michael Pericht reached on another error by Gallego that loaded the bases.

The next batter was leadoff hitter Leon Landry, who bounced the ball right back to pitcher Blake Cooper (WP, 2-3) on the mound. Rather than go home for the force out, Cooper spun around to try to start a 1-6-3 double play. While the out at second was made easily, Landry beat out the relay throw to first and the tying run scored.

Despite the two errors, it wasn't all bad for Gallego on the night as he helped the Hawks build an early lead with a big two-out, two-RBI single in the top of the second. Roberto Ortiz had a two run homer in the top of seventh to help the Hawks to a 4-2 lead.

Bosnik had the two homers for Great Lakes and Nick Akins also hit a solo homer for the Loons.

The late rally by the Loons spoiled another strong pitching performance by J.R. Bradley (ND). The righty tossed six innings and allowed just two runs but walked away with another no decision.

The Silver Hawks return home to open a three game series with the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers) on Saturday evening at 5:30 PM Eastern Time. The ZOOperstars! will be on hand to entertain the fans while the pitching matchup will feature RHP Tyler Green (3-6, 5.47 ERA) against LHP Brian Flynn (2-1, 3.62 ERA). Pre-game coverage begins at 5:10 PM Eastern Time on www.sportsjuice.com and www.silverhawks.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 29, 2011


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