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Yes! Yes! Yes!, Hawks Retake Division Lead with 4-1 Win

June 14, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Shortstop Andrew Velazquez scored two runs and first baseman Daniel Palka drove in two as the South Bend Silver Hawks defeated the West Michigan Whitecaps 4-1 to retake a half game lead in the Eastern Division with just one game left in the first half. South Bend (40-28) got a strong start from lefty Hector Hernandez and took advantage of two West Michigan (40-29) throwing errors to win the second game of the three-game series.

The South Bend Silver Hawks, Class-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks took an early lead with a run in the bottom of the second off Whitecaps starter Jon Maciel (L, 3-3). Left fielder Zach Esquerra was able to reach first base after strike three got away to the backstop for a wild pitch. Esquerra stayed on the move, advancing to second on a 6-3 ground out by second baseman Jamie Westbrook and then to third thanks to a single to right by catcher Michael Perez. Third baseman George Roberts lofted a sacrifice fly to right to plate Esquerra for the first run of the game.

The Hawks added to their lead in the third. Velazquez led off the frame with a single to right. With the hit and run on, Velazquez took off for second base pulling Whitecaps second baseman Javier Betancourt over towards the bag. Center fielder Breland Almadova hit a ground ball through the now open hole at second allowing Velazquez to continue on to third and himself to reach first safely. Palka was next to step to the plate. During Palka's at bat, Almadova stole second. The throw by West Michigan catcher Bennett Pickar sailed into center allowing Velazaquez to score and Almadova to move up to third. South Bend then took a 3-0 advantage as Palka's sacrifice fly to left was deep enough for Almadova to tag and score.

After five masterful innings, the West Michigan Whitecaps, Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, were able to get to Hernandez (W, 4-2) in the sixth. Pickar led off with a single to center and then moved up to second on a single to right by third baseman Jose Zambrano. Betancourt followed with a line drive single to left to score Pickar and push Zambrano to second. Before any further damage was done, Hernandez induced an inning ending double play as designated hitter Raph Rhymes grounded to short allowing Velazquez to step on second for the force out on Betancourt and make the throw across to first. Hernandez totaled 6 1/3 innings allowing one run on five hits, while striking out three.

South Bend added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. Velazquez led off the inning with a walk. As Velazquez slid into second for a stolen base, Pickar's throw hit him in the leg and rolled into center. The throwing error allowed Velazquez to scamper to third. Palka followed with a ground ball to short. Shortstop Willy Adames tried to gun Velazquez down at the plate, but his throw was tardy as Velazquez slid in safely and Palka reached first on the fielder's choice.

The Hawks bullpen tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings to keep the win intact for Hernandez. John Shuttlesworth, Daniel Gibson and Will Locante (S, 2) combined for three strikeouts while only giving up two hits. Locante allowed the tying run to reach the plate in the ninth but proceeded to get right fielder Wynton Bernard to fly out to center and then sat left fielder Ben Verlander and Adames down on strikes to close out the Hawks 4-1 victory.

The Silver Hawks and Whitecaps will meet up in a winner-take-all game on Sunday afternoon at 2:05pm as the winner takes home the Eastern Division crown for the first half. Lefty Kevin Ziomek (4-5, 2.37 ERA) will get the ball for the Whitecaps while righty Blayne Weller (3-3, 4.33 ERA) will start for the Hawks in the last game before the All-Star break. There is a Father's Day giveaway so the first 750 dads through the gate will receive a BBQ Grill Utensil Set. It is also Family and Swoop Troop Day at Four Winds Field with a pre-game catch on the field at 1:15pm and a post-game autograph session with the Hawks. Jake the Diamond Dog will be in attendance for the second straight day and the Hawks invite you to bring your own furry friend to the park as it is Man's Best Friend Day and a special Bark in the Park Day at Four Winds Field.

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