MWL1 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

South Bend edges Rattlers 4-3

Published on April 11, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release


SOUTH BEND, IN - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are still trying to solve the South Bend Silver Hawks. Wisconsin jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a pair of early home runs Friday night at Four Winds Field. But, the Hawks rallied to defeat the Rattlers 4-3. South Bend has beaten Wisconsin seven straight times dating back to the 2012 season.

David Denson put the Timber Rattlers (4-4) up in the top of the second inning. Jose Pena reached on an error to start the inning. Denson stepped in with one out and hammered a 2-2 pitch from Adam Miller to center for his first home run of the season. The blast made it 2-0 Wisconsin.

Wisconsin used the long ball to go up 3-0 in the top of the third. Michael Ratterree launched an 0-2 pitch from Miller way over the wall in left for his first home run of the season.

The Rattlers had an opportunity to tack on runs after the homer by Ratterree. Pena singled and Clint Coulter drew a walk. Miller would retire the next three batters and the Rattlers lead remained 3-0.

That three run lead did not last long for Wisconsin. South Bend (4-4) got to Rattlers starting pitcher Anthony Banda for a pair of runs in the bottom of the third, but slick defense kept the Hawks from tying the game. Stryker Trahan tripled into the right field corner with one out and runners on second and third to drive in a pair of runs.

Banda struck out Daniel Palka on a pitch in the dirt and Coulter, the catcher, had to throw down to first to retire Palka. Trahan took off for the plate to try to score as soon as Coulter threw to first. But, Denson caught the ball for the out and fired back to Coulter, who dropped the tag on Trahan to complete the double play to end the third inning.

The Silver Hawks took the lead in the bottom of the fourth with two runs. Michael Perez started the rally with a one out double and moved to second on a wild pitch. George Roberts knocked in Perez with a single to tie the game. Later in the inning, Roberts scored from third when the Timber Rattlers couldn't turn a 6-4-3 double play on a slow chopper to short.

South Bend reliever Johnny Omahen came out of the bullpen and struck out seven Rattlers over three scoreless, hitless innings to protect the one run lead.

Wisconsin threatened with two outs in the top of the eighth. JR Bradley hit Steve Halcomb with two outs and nobody on base. Angel Ortega chopped a double down the line in left to put runners at second and third. Bradley got the final out of the inning to keep the Silver Hawks in front.

Chris McFarland singled with one out in the ninth against South Bend closer Daniel Gibson. Ratterree worked the count to 3-2, but struck out for the second out as McFarland stole second base. Gibson got the final out by getting Pena to ground out to third.

Victor Diaz, who relieved Banda to start the sixth inning, tossed three scoreless innings, allowed one hit, walked one, and struck out three.

Game two of the series is scheduled for Saturday night. Preston Gainey (0-0, 0.00) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. South Bend sends Blake Perry (0-0, 7.20) to the mound. Game time is 6:05pm CDT. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio for the pregame at 5:45pm CDT.

Check out the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from April 11, 2014


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