July 22, 2008 - SAUGET, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks' winning ways continued Tuesday night, as they emerged victorious against the Gateway Grizzlies by a score of 2-1. Pitching was solid once again, as Rockford only gave up one run and seven hits in the win at GCS Ballpark.
Gateway struck first in the ballgame, when catcher Breck Draper hit a home run off Rockford starting pitcher Tim Flattery in the third inning. The RiverHawks quickly returned the favor the next inning, as Robert Sabates hit a lead-off home run in the top of the fourth inning. In the eighth, Jason James reached on a fielder's choice, and advanced to third base on a wild pitch; Tony Gonzalez brought him home on a fielder's choice.
The RiverHawks survived a scare in the bottom of the eighth inning, but managed to prevent the Grizzlies from scoring the tying run. Stephen Holdren hit a one-out single and after Mike Breyman flew out to center field, Charlie Lisk stepped to the plate. Lisk struck out swinging, but the wild pitch from Chris Schutt got past catcher Mike Scripture. Scripture attempted to throw the first to get the out, but the throw sailed into right field. Tony Gonzalez threw home, and the ball got past Scripture, but Schutt covered behind the plate, and threw to Scripture, who tagged out Holdren for the out to end the threat in the inning.
Kyffin Marcum (3-1) earned the victory in relief for the RiverHawks, while Joel Boeschen (2-1) picked up the loss after giving up the go-ahead run in the eighth.
The Rockford RiverHawks will try for the sweep Wednesday night against the Grizzlies in Sauget. Rockford right-hander Jim Paduch (3-5, 4.85) will take the mound against Gateway right-hander Derek Blacksher (7-3, 4.94), with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 16th 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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