Silver Hawks Finish Half with Tough Loss

Published on June 19, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


South Bend, IN - The South Bend Silver Hawks scored three times in the bottom of the eighth, and then gave up four runs in the top of the ninth to drop the first half finale to the Bowling Green Hot Rods by a 6-4 final. The win clinched the Eastern Division first half championship for the Hot Rods, while the Hawks finish at 34-35 in the first half.

Down 2-1, South Bend rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to build a two run cushion. Raul Navarro walked, Zach Walters doubled, and Yazy Arbelo walked to load the bases against Bowling Green reliever Chris Rearick (WP, 4-1). A passed ball tied the game, then Matt Helm hit a sacrifice fly to give the Silver Hawks a 3-2 lead. Raywilly Gomez added a RBI single for the 4-2 advantage heading to the ninth.

However, Bowling Green would not be outdone as they scored four times in their final at-bat. With Blake Cooper (LP, 0-2) pitching, Derek Dietrich reached on an error by Navarro and Julio Cedeno singled to put two on with nobody out. A sacrifice bunt advanced the runners to second and third, and a sacrifice fly brought the Hot Rods within one.

After Cooper walked Luke Bailey, South Bend went back to the bullpen to bring on Chris Odegaard (BS, 1). He walked Kevin Kiermaier to load the bases and then Cody Rogers cleared the bases with a three run double to right-center, giving the Hot Rods the victory.

The loss spoiled good pitching performances by J.R. Bradley (ND) and Dan Taylor (ND). Bradley went 6.0 innings in the starting role, allowing just two runs on six hits. Taylor pitched two perfect innings of relief and was in line for a victory until the ninth inning rally.

Bowling Green starter Victor Mateo (ND) allowed just one run in five innings, striking out five.

Ender Inciarte had three hits to lead the South Bend offense, while Walters and Roberto Ortiz had two apiece.

The Silver Hawks had three ejections in the game, with manager Mark Haley, hitting coach Bobby Smith, and shortstop Mike Freeman all being tossed arguing an obstruction call on Freeman in the bottom of the fifth.

The Silver Hawks now enjoy four days off for the Midwest League All-Star Break, returning to action at Coveleski Stadium on Friday, June 24th at 7:30 PM Eastern Time against the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers0. Pregame coverage begins at 7:10 PM Eastern Time on www.sportsjuice.com and www.silverhawks.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from June 19, 2011


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