May 22, 2009 - CRESTWOOD, Ill. – J.T. Restko’s walkoff double in the 10th inning spoiled a six-hit effort from the Rockford pitching staff and gave Windy City a 1-0 win on Friday.
The ThunderBolts drove in the winning run on back-to-back doubles off former Rockford College star Fabian Gomez (0-1) to start the 10th. Mike Sullivan doubled to right-center field and Restko lined the winning hit down the line in right.
A pitching duel between the starting pitchers turned into a no-decision for both. Rockford’s Kyle Wright scattered three hits, struck out six and walked five over six innings. Windy City’s Stephen Flake held the RiverHawks to six hits over seven innings and struck out six without a walk.
The RiverHawks threatened to score in the top of the 10th after back-to-back, one-out singles from Ben Blumenthal and Doug Sanders. Dustin Pease (1-0) came out of the bullpen and struck out Scott Simon to get the ‘Bolts out of what became a second-and-third, two-out jam.
The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. The game will not be broadcast locally, but the Windy City webcast can be heard by visiting FrontierLeague.com.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 17th season this summer. The RiverHawks play their home opener at 7:05 p.m. May 26 against the Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti. The RiverHawks host the 2009 Frontier League All-Star Game at 7:05 p.m. on July 15. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com. Most games are broadcast live on ESPN 1380, and on the team website.
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