Wunderlich Homers In Loss At South Bend
Published on August 6, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release
DelSp="Yes"; format="flowed" Content-Disposition: inline South Bend, IN - Phil Wunderlich had two hits, including his 14th home run of the season, but the Hot Rods (21-20, 62-49) saw a late lead evaporate in a 3-2 series-opening loss to the South Bend Silver Hawks (19-22, 53-57) on Saturday night. The loss is the Hot Rods fourth straight on the road as they begin seven-game trek through the state of Indiana.
The Hot Rods broke a lackluster scoreless game in the top of the fourth inning. Derek Dietrich doubled off the left field wall, taking third on a groundout by Wunderlich. Julio Cedeno followed with a single to center field to plate Dietrich and give the Hot Rods the 1-0 lead.
Two innings later, Wunderlich tacked onto the lead. With two outs in the sixth, still facing starter Jeff Shields, Wunderlich lined a home run just over the right field wall to give the Hot Rods a 2-0 lead. The blast was Wunderlich's 14th of the season, leaving him one behind Dietrich for the team lead.
South Bend answered with a run in the bottom of the inning against Jimmy Patterson. With runners at the corners, Matt Helm doubled to cut the lead in half at 2-1. Patterson eventually loaded the bases but got out of the inning with a pair of strikeouts.
It stayed 2-1 until the bottom of the eighth when South Bend attempted a rally. Facing Nate Garcia, the Silver Hawks put together a pair of one-out singles. Chris Rearick replaced Garcia, striking out Yazy Arbelo for the second out of the inning. But before he could end the frame, Gerson Montilla doubled to the gap in left-center, putting South Bend on top 3-2.
Garcia took the loss for the Hot Rods, allowing two earned runs over 1.1 innings. Rearick was tagged with his fifth blown save after allowing a pair of inherited runners to score the tying and go-ahead runs in the eighth.
Wilking Rodriguez took a no-decision for the Hot Rods, lasting four innings in his fourth start of the year. The righty did not allow a hit becoming the second starter this week to pull off the feat. He struck out two, walked one, and hit one to extend his scoreless streak to 10.2 innings.
The series continues with game two on Sunday afternoon at 1 PM CDT. Hot Rods RHP George Jensen (10-4, 4.86) takes the ball against South Bend RHP Bradin Hagens (6-4, 3.87). You can follow the broadcast with Tom Gauthier beginning at 12:35 PM CDT on 1340 AM WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.
The Hot Rods return home on Saturday, August 13 to begin a six-game home stand against South Bend and the Lansing Lugnuts (Toronto Blue Jays). The home stand begins with postgame fireworks following the 7:05 PM game on August 13. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com.
Midwest League Stories from August 6, 2011
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- Kane County beats Wisconsin to open 7-game home stand - Kane County Cougars
- Dayton Pounds on Lake County 12-0 - Lake County Captains
- Cougars defeat Wisconsin 5-2 - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Monty Strikes Again, Hawks Win Late - South Bend Silver Hawks
- Wunderlich Homers In Loss At South Bend - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Brian Hernandez Joins Kernels from Inland Empire; Brandon Decker to DL - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Giavotella Debuts in Kansas City - Burlington Bees
- Parking Information For Sunday, August 7th Game - Beloit Sky Carp
- River Bandits edge Kernels, 3-2 - Cedar Rapids Kernels
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