July 28, 2008 - July 28, 2008 - MARION, Ill. - Mike McTamney's Frontier League debut was going smoothly.
Until he left the game.
McTamney threw six innings of one-run baseball, but the 'Hawks still lost 4-2. The Southern Illinois offense exploded in the seventh for three runs off the combination of Shawn Balteff and Matt Enderle. Balteff (2-2) got credit for loss after giving up two runs in one-third of an inning.
Joe Anthonsen scored the only two runs for the RiverHawks after reaching base to lead off the first and third innings. He extends his hitting streak to nine games. And for the second game in a row, Jason James drove in all of Rockford's runs. Robbie Knapp also extended his hitting streak to a team-long 11 in a row with a single in the second. In that inning, Rockford had a bases-loaded opportunity with no outs but couldn't score.
Miners starter Brett Scarpetta retired 16 straight 'Hawks starting in the third inning. He got credit for the win after throwing seven and a third innings, striking out five.
With the loss, Rockford falls to five games back of first place in the Frontier League West division.
Game three of the series is at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday. Garrett Bauer (6-4, 3.54) gets the nod for Rockford while Ryan Bird (9-3, 2.70) starts for Southern Illinois. The game will be broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM) and at the team website.
The RiverHawks come home on Wednesday to play Washington in the opener of a six-game homestand. Forest City Dog Training and Petco sponsor the annual Bark in the Park. Fans are invited to bring their dog to the park. Water bowls, treats, dog toys and other canine necessities will make Road Ranger Stadium a Fido-friendly environment.
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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