Silver Hawks Shut Out Loons 5-0

Published on July 27, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Midland, MI - South Bend starter Jeff Shields (WP, 7-9) allowed just five hits over seven scoreless innings, leading the Silver Hawks to a 5-0 shutout win over the Great Lakes Loons on Wednesday night at Dow Diamond.

Shields was in control from the beginning, striking out three and walking three in his latest effort. The righty has won three straight starts and is now just one win behind David Holmberg (now in Visalia) for the team lead for 2011.

The game started in bizarre fashion when leadoff hitter Ender Inciarte rolled a ball down the third base line. Despite being touched in foul territory along the line, Inciarte was awarded third base because catcher Steve Domecus touched the ball with his mask - a rules violation. Inciarte, who was standing at home plate when awarded third, jogged up the third base line to take his bag. On appeal, he was out at first because the rules state that you still must circle the bases even when being awarded the base because of the other team's violation.

After Zach Lee (ND) pitched a scoreless first inning just to get some work in, the Loons turned to Garrett Gould (LP, 10-5), who would have otherwise started the game. Making his first relief appearance, Gould struggled in allowing three runs on eight hits over 3.1 innings.

Matt Helm did the damage in the second inning, blasting a two run homer to left field for the early lead. It was Helm's third straight game with a home run, his sixth since July 15th, and his seventh overall. The blast also marked the first home run for Helm with a runner on base as Raywilly Gomez had singled prior to the long ball.

Gerson Montilla led off the fifth against Gould with a double and Zach Walters followed with a RBI double to extend the lead to 3-0.

Helm scored again in the eighth inning, drawing a walk against Andrew Pevsner (ND) to lead off the inning. He then stole second with two outs, went to third on an error, and scored on a wild pitch. Both Montilla and Walters finished the night with three hits and a RBI, with Montilla adding a late homer as the game's final run in the top of the ninth.

Blake Cooper (ND) and Keith Cantwell (ND) completed the shutout with a scoreless inning each.

The two teams continue the three game series on Thursday evening at 7:05 PM Eastern Time on Thursday night. RHP Bradin Hagens (5-4, 4.18 ERA) will start for the Silver Hawks against Great Lakes RHP Angel Sanchez (5-2, 2.70 ERA). Pre-game coverage begins at 6:45 PM Eastern Time on www.sportsjuice.com and www.silverhawks.com.

July 27, 2011 R - H - E - LOB - WP: Jeff Shields (7-9)

South Bend Silver Hawks (13-18, 47-53) 5 - 11 - 1 - 8 - LP: Garrett Gould (10-5)

Great Lakes Loons (18-13, 57-43) 0 - 7 - 1 -- 10 - SV: None

Time of Game: 2:45

Attendance: 4,814

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Midwest League Stories from July 27, 2011


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