MWL1 Bowling Green Hot Rods

Suarez Dazzling In 7-1 Win At Dayton

Published on September 3, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release


Dayton, OH - Dave Wendt and Kyle Spraker both had clutch hits for the Hot Rods on Friday night, propelling Bowling Green to a 7-1 win over the Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Field. The run support made a winner out of Albert Suarez, who worked five brilliant innings for his second victory of the season. The win gives the Hot Rods a sweep of the Dragons as they head into their final series of the season beginning Saturday night against the Great Lakes Loons.

Wendt struck in the first inning to give the Hot Rods an early lead against starter Clayton Shunick. With one out, Ty Morrison double before Brett Nommensen drew a walk. After Julio Cedeno struck out, Mark Thomas walked to load the bases for Wendt. The designated hitter went after the first pitch he saw, lining a two-run single into right field to put the Hot Rods on top early at 2-0.

From there, Suarez took over protecting that lead. The right-hander allowed just one base runner through the first three innings, coming on a lead-off walk in the second. He issued another walk in the fourth before giving up his first hit in the fifth. Suarez left the game after five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and two walks with four strikeouts.

Suarez' brilliant outing was typical of his final six starts with the Hot Rods. He went 27 innings during that run, allowing just six earned runs for a 2.00 ERA. He struck out 22 during that time while walking only seven.

After Suarez left, the Hot Rods added an insurance run in the seventh inning. Burt Reynolds led off the frame with a single and a stolen base to move into scoring position against relief pitcher Jamie Walczak. After Spraker struck out, Robi Estrada laced a run-scoring single into left field to push the Hot Rods in front, 3-0.

After the Dragons got a run back in the bottom of the inning, Spraker put the game out of reach in the eighth inning. Cedeno led off with a single, advancing to second on a wild pitch. With one out, Wendt walked to put runners at first and second. That's when Tomas Francisco lined a single to center field to plate Cedeno for a 4-1 lead. After Reynolds struck out for the second out of the frame, Spraker followed with a towering fly ball that just cleared the left field fence for a three-run homer to break the game open for Bowling Green at 7-1.

Spraker's fourth homer of the season made it easy the rest of the way for Tyree Hayes, who worked four innings to earn his second save in his last two outings. The righty allowed just one run on a pair of hits, two walks, two wild pitches, and three strikeouts.

The Hot Rods now head to Midland, MI, for their final series of 2010. RHP Merrill Kelly (0-0, 4.97) takes the ball in game one against the Great Lakes Loons. He'll face RHP Josh Wall (8-7, 4.15). First pitch is at 6:05 PM CDT. You can follow the game with Tom Gauthier at 5:50 PM CDT on the internet only at www.bghotrods.com.

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Midwest League Stories from September 3, 2010


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