08/08/2012 9:50 PM -
MARION, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks took minimal advantage of three bases-loaded opportunities and took an 8-2 loss to the Southern Illinois Miners on Wednesday at Rent One Park.
The RiverHawks had the bases loaded with two outs in the second inning, with nobody out in the third and with two outs in the fifth and managed only a Michael Hur sacrifice fly in the third. Rockford went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Evan Button hit a first-pitch home run in the fourth inning for Rockford’s other run.
Southern Illinois led from the first inning on. The Miners started the inning with infield hits by Alvaro Ramirez and Jake Kaase. Rockford starter Kyle Lindquist tossed a wild pitch, Chad Maddox drove in Ramirez with a sacrifice fly and Gerardo Avila singled in Kaase. In the third inning, Maddox and Avila began the inning with back-to-back doubles. Lindquist (0-1) balked Avila home and did not make it out of the inning. Avila was 3-for-3.
Southern Illinois starter Shawn Gilblair struck out six over six innings for the win. Gilblair (9-4) gave up two runs on eight hits and four walks. The RiverHawks did not get a runner in scoring position after the fifth inning.
Rockford, which won Tuesday’s series opener, 1-0, has dropped 12 of its last 18 games.
The series finale is set for 7:05 p.m. Thursday.
The RiverHawks’ next home game is at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, when they host Florence. Kids eat free on Tuesday nights with paid admission.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league in its 20th season. Games are broadcast on NTA-FM (100.5) Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
