August 23, 2007 - Marion, Ill. - The RiverHawks started their series at Southern Illinois with a doubleheader sweep on Thursday night. Rockford earned a victory in the first game 3-1, and then pounded out 16 hits in an 11-7 victory in the second game.
In the first game, the RiverHawks got a strong performance by winning pitcher James Cramphin (4-3), as he pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing only one run and three hits. Rockford got on the scoreboard for the first time in the second inning, when Andrew Sweet scored on a Brandon Cohen double. Cohen also hit his eighth home run of the season off the video board in right field in the fifth. Jono Brooks completed the scoring as he crossed the plate on a Joe Anthonsen single in the same inning.
The Miners' only run was scored in the third, when Bryant Perdomo came home on a two-out single by Eric Suttle. Jason Baca earned his eighth save of the season, and his second consecutive save, facing one batter in the seventh. Ralph Santana flew out to right fielder Roberto Valiente, sealing the RiverHawks game one victory. Ben Lovell (1-1) pitched a complete game, but picked up the loss, giving up three runs on eight hits.
In the second game, the 'Hawks again got a run in the first inning, this time with a Jason James single that scored Matt Hagen. Southern Illinois answered back with five runs in their half of the first, knocking starter Ben Brockman out of the game after one-third of an inning. Dane Towery came in and struck out the next two batters to end the inning without any further damage.
The RiverHawks didn't take long to come back, as they tied the score with four runs in the top half of the second. Brandon Cohen hit his second home run of the evening, and ninth of the season to lead off the inning. Matt Sauls also contributed a two-run triple that brought in Jono Brooks and Joe Anthonsen. Rockford took the lead the following inning, as Brad Dutton hit a triple sending home Jason James, and then scored on a Joey Huskins single.
In the fourth inning, Matt Hagen led things off with a double. Andrew Sweet followed with a two-run blast, nailing the scoreboard in right field to extend the 'Hawks lead to four. More scoring came in the fifth inning when Sauls scored on a Hagen single, and then Hagen crossed the plate when Sweet singled him home.
Dane Towery (2-0) won in a very strong extended relief appearance, pitching 3 2/3 innings. Towery struck out eight batters, a career high for the right-hander, and allowed an unearned run on three hits. Griffin Bailey (2-4) takes the loss for Rockford, his second in two meetings against the RiverHawks this season.
With the double header sweep, the RiverHawks move to within one game of the wild card leading Kalamazoo Kings. The Kings did not play on Thursday night, as their game with the Florence Freedom at Homer Stryker Field was postponed due to rain.
The RiverHawks and Miners play again Friday night at Rent One Park. Shaun Parker (6-1, 2.42 ERA) pitches for the RiverHawks, facing off against the Miners Brian Blomquist (3-8, 4.16). Game time is at 7:05 p.m., but will be joined in progress on 1330 AM WNTA following the conclusion of high school football coverage.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 15th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Most games are broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM) and the internet. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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