 |
|
|
 |
|
|
| « Back |
| |
July 10, 2010 - ZION, Ill. – Late power hitting decided a pitching duel on Saturday.
Jason James and Patrick O’Sullivan hit ninth-inning home runs as the Rockford RiverHawks rallied to beat the Lake County Fielders, 2-1.
Kyle Ruwe and closer Scott Roehl held the Fielders to seven hits to snap a four-game losing streak and edge former RiverHawk John Brownell and the Lake County bullpen. Ruwe (3-5) went eight innings for the second straight start and scattered a run on six hits for the win. Roehl escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the ninth inning for his 11th save.
Ruwe, who threw 91 pitches, retired the first nine batters in order and retired the side in order in four innings. Ruwe has lost once in his last five starts and has gone at least six innings in each appearance.
Brownell scattered five hits over seven-plus shutout innings in a no-decision. He matched a season high with eight strikeouts and did not walk a batter. The RiverHawks did not advance a runner beyond second base while he was on the mound.
Lake County scored after Ruwe walked leadoff hitter Brandon Anderson in the fourth inning. Anderson went to third base on Amos Ramon’s single to center field and scored when Josh Short hit into a double play.
Brownell left the game after Evan McArthur led off the eighth inning with a single. Garrett Sherrill entered, and after a sacrifice and a strikeout, walked Kevin House and threw a wild pitch. He escaped the jam when Jake Eigsti grounded out to second base.
Lake County turned to veteran left-hander Matt Schweitzer in the ninth. Jason James drilled Schweitzer’s first-pitch fastball to right field for a game-tying home run, his sixth homer of the year. James, a fifth-year RiverHawks, has a team-record 40 career home runs. With two outs, O’Sullivan homered to center – his 10th of the season – to put Rockford in front. The veteran designated hitter is the first RiverHawk in team history to hit 10 home runs before the all-star break. Schweitzer (0-2) took the loss.
Rockford had been held scoreless since the seventh inning of its 4-3, 11-inning loss Wednesday at Schaumburg – a span of 21 innings. Saturday’s victory was the first time this year they scored fewer than three runs and won – they are 1-14 in those games. It was also their first ninth-inning comeback of the season – they are 1-18 when behind after eight innings.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Roehl walked Ramon to lead off the inning, Short hit into a forceout and Brian McFall singled Short to second base. Jeff Dunbar grounded to the second baseman, Eigsti, who started a game-ending double play.
Most of the game was played under overcast skies and low visibility – Lake County’s field lacks lights – and a light shower began in the ninth inning.
The series finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday. It is not scheduled to be broadcast.
The RiverHawks’ next home game won’t be until after the all-star break. They host the Lake County Fielders at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. The annual Muscular Dystrophy Association jersey auction, featuring Jacksonville Jaguars safety and Byron native Sean Considine, will immediately follow the game. It’s also Miller Lite/2nd Cousin’s Dollar Beer Night. The 2nd annual Guns vs. Hoses charity softball game is scheduled for 2-5 p.m. It’s also Rockford Chamber Night, Byron Community Night and Jimmy Buffet Night.
The RiverHawks are members of the Northern League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league in its 18th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Games are broadcast live on ESPN 1380 (WTJK-AM) and on ESPN1380.com. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
|
|
| |
| Search Archives |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ©2006, Rockford RiverHawks. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
>
