Thursday, October 11, 2012

Bleacher Report


I have taken my writing to Bleacher Report as I am in the Sports Writing Internship Program over at B/R.  It has been quite the experience so far.  I write two articles on-call every Monday and then three other articles throughout the week.  Before the internship started, I told them what teams/sports I want to write about, and they've given me a lot of assignments related to those sports/teams, which has been nice.  However, I have been put in some peculiar assignments such as writing about soccer.  I took it in stride, did research, and turned out the best product I could given the circumstances.

I may return to this blog from time-to-time to return about things that interest me, but for now you can find me here: http://bleacherreport.com/users/1377737-william-smith.  Thank you for reading my writing, I hope you enjoy it.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Replacement ref debacle reaches breaking point after MNF disaster

Once NFL fans thought there was already enough wrong with these unqualified replacement officials, the problem reached its peak in primetime on Monday Night Football, as a hail mary pass hauled in by Golden Tate gave the Seattle Seahawks a controversial 14-12 win at home over the Green Bay Packers.

On the final play of the game, Seahawks' quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back, faced some pressure, rolled to his left, and heaved a rainbow up into the Seattle sky.  On the play, receiver Golden Tate shoved Sam Shields to the ground, and as the ball came down, M.D. Jennings jumped up and appeared to intercept the pass.  As he came down with the ball and landed, Tate stuck an arm into the fracas, two officials made opposite calls, the play was ruled a touchdown, and finally was upheld upon further review.  Ten minutes later, both teams had to come back for an extra point, and the Packers lost a game almost everyone felt they won.  Approximately $350 million changed hands on bets as well, according to Las Vegas oddsmakers.

The fact that the officials did not overturn this after watching the replay and the NFL standing by the refs and saying it was the right call today added more fuel to the fire that these replacement refs must go and the regulars must return to work.  The call of a simultaneous catch was ridiculous because Tate barely had his hands on the ball even after Jennings came down with the ball.  Even watching this as a Bears fan, you couldn't help but feeling a little bad for the Packer brethren who got jobbed in a big way by these refs.

I know this hasn't been talked about much, but Jennings has to knock that ball down.  Even though the call on the field was totally wrong, defenders are taught to knock the ball down in that situation.  He still intercepted the pass, but if he had done what he was taught, this whole debacle would never have happened.  A lot of people are also freaking out about the pass interference the league admitted should have been called, but I don't have a huge problem that this wasn't called.  Pushing and shoving like that happens all the time on these last-second plays.  It was an obvious shove by Tate, but I don't think the pass interference issue is the biggest by any means.

I was thinking about what I wanted to say here and decided to break it up into a few different sections.

Business/officiating side
It was brought to my attention today just how much this refs are asking for in their contracts.  They essentially are asking for pension and benefits that not even full-tume NFL employees have.  These refs only work six months of the year, yet they are expecting a lot in return for their work.  It is clear that they are a huge piece to the success of the NFL and keeping things running smoothly, but is it possible that these refs plotted this so they could prove a point of how important they are?  I'm not sure if they are expecting all those benefits, but they sure are making a case for them after what we've seen these last three weeks.

I know the best refs make mistakes too, but they have a much better grasp of the game and they have control over it.  These games have been a joke because the replacements are in awe of the players and don't have a grasp of the rule book.  They are simply unqualified.  One ref reportedly may have been pulling for LeSean McCoy as he was reffing the game.  Another was removed from doing a game just hours before because his Facebook page had him wearing Saints' gear.

 The pace of the game at the highest level is too great for them no matter what kind of "training" they received from the NFL leading up to the season.  The regular refs have been doing this for years and know what it's like to be under the pressure of officiating an NFL guys.  These guys doing the games now are making a lot of calls just for the sake of making calls.

Integrity of the game
We all know the Packers should have won the game, and this is the thing that bugs me the most.  All the analysts and experts agree that the integrity of the great game of football is at stake here.  Games are being decided by poor calls, coaches and players are complaining at unprecedented levels, and the league seems to be indifferent because their product is still making money.  Roger Goodell has not issued an apology, either.  I don't think people are going to stop watching football because of this, but a lot of people may put the games on hold until the legitimate zebras are back patrolling the field.

Even that Sunday Night Football matchup between the Patriots and Ravens had its controversy.  Baltimore's last touchdown was greatly aided by poor calls, but that's not to say that New England didn't benefit from some bad calls in their favor.  It just seems like a total crapshoot when it comes to what the officials are going to call a penalty.  Every game seems to have had issues.  Bad calls happen all the time with regular refs, but they aren't as magnified as with these replacement refs, who are under constant scrutiny.  I actually feel bad for them because they've been told to do a job that they aren't truly capable of doing right.

Closing remarks
While some say this debacle doesn't make a deal any closer to getting done, I'm optimistic that the regular officials will be in uniform come Week 4.  Like many other lockouts, the two sides have to come to an agreement somewhere in the middle and end this nightmare.  Football fans don't deserve the product they are getting right now that is being tainted by wild unpredictability.  The parity in these first three weeks has been great, but that doesn't make it all right that these current referees are in a situation they shouldn't be in.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Kansas City vs. Buffalo: Bold Predictions for Week 2 Matchup


Both teams struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball in their openers.  Kansas City was missing four of their defensive starters in a 40-24 loss to Atlanta, and the Bills were steamrolled 48-28 by the New York Jets.  Look for the Chiefs to run the ball successfully in this contest with Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis.  C.J. Spiller dazzled in Week 1 for Buffalo, but look for him to struggle a bit in this matchup.

1.       Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis will each scoring a rushing TD

Charles returned from his 2011 injury with 16 carries for 87 yards in Week 1.  This debut looked a little better on paper thanks to a 46-yard run.  I see Charles breaking a big one for a touchdown Sunday.   Charles will also eclipse 100 yards rushing in the contest.

Hillis only accumulated 16 yards on seven carries against Atlanta, but he will punch one in from short for his first of the season.  He will get more than those seven carries as the Chiefs’ coaching staff will go more to their plan to run the ball and use a timeshare.

2.       C.J. Spiller will rush for less than 90 yards

Many experts and fantasy football fans are high on Spiller after his 169 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Jets, but the game was essentially out of hand and the Jets’ defense may have been playing softer.  With Fred Jackson sidelined with a knee injury, it appears to be Spiller’s time to shine just like at the end of 2011.

This will not happen, however, on Sunday.  David Nelson’s season-ending injury weakens a pedestrian receiving corps, so the Chiefs’ defense will be able to pack the box and try to limit Spiller while letting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick try to beat them. 

In his career, Spiller has shown limited ability to run between the tackles.  If the Bills fail to get him the ball in space, the third-year back may struggle.

3.       Despite being underdogs, the Chiefs will win by double digits

I’m not sure who made the line in Las Vegas on this one, but I am not buying the Bills being three-point favorites over the Chiefs.  The Chiefs have more talent on both sides of the ball and are desperate for this game if they are to contend in a tight AFC West.  Kansas City will be able to run the ball well, and Matt Cassel will not turn the ball over in this contest.  The Bills’ defense is supposed to improve with the addition of Mario Williams, but there wasn’t much in the game against the Jets to suggest this will happen. 

Cornerback Brandon Flowers returns to the field Sunday, and he will most likely blanket Stevie Johnson.  The Bills will struggle to pass effectively as Fitzpatrick will have to throw more to Donald Jones and tight end Scott Chandler.  Dwayne Bowe is a matchup nightmare for opposing corners, and he will find success against the Buffalo secondary.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Bears rout Colts 41-21

After a rough start on the offensive side of the ball, the Bears dominated the rest of the game on their way to a 41-21 win over the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener at Soldier Field.

I was still on my camping trip and did not see this game other than the highlights, but I was impressed by what I saw and what the box score showed.  It is amazing the difference it makes in having skilled, big receivers who can fight shorter cornerbacks for balls.  Guys like Earl Bennett and Devin Hester in the past occupied these outside starting receiver roles and couldn't excel.  Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery give the Bears two huge threats who have sneaky speed.  Each caught a TD pass from Cutler, and Forte and Bush combined for three rushing TD's in the throttling.

The defense also played pretty well.  Andrew Luck looked good at times, but the Bear defense stepped up and made some nice plays, including two picks by cornerback Tim Jennings.  The defense is certainly aging, but this explosive offense (rarely do we say Bears explosive offense in Chicago) has the potential to be great this year with the balance it has.

Tomorrow is a true test on the road at Lambeau Field as the Bears took on the Packers.  The Packers will most likely be without the services of Greg Jennings, but that doesn't mean they should be take lightly.  They will be angry about the loss at home to the 49ers, which snapped their 13-game home winning streak.  Randall Cobb seems to be emerging for them, and the Bears will have to keep an eye on him or he may make a big play or two.

I think what it comes down to is how well Jay Cutler plays.  Aaron Rodgers hasn't demolished the Bears in recent years because they've actually ran eventually against Chicago, so I think the game will be put in Cutler's hands.  He hasn't won at Lambeau, and I think he and his guys are primed to prove that they are for real and ready to make a statement.  The outlook for the Bears' season will only get brighter with a road win at Green Bay.

Smitty's Forecast: Bears march into Lambeau Field and beat the Packers 24-20.

Clemson pounds Ball State 52-27

The Tigers thumped Ball State 52-27 in a game that wasn't even as close as the score may indicate.  I was in Amish country up in Wilton, Wisconsin this weekend, so I did not have a chance to see this game.  The game was basically over after the first half as Dabo Swinney only played the starters for one half of football.

The offense once again performed very well as Tajh Boyd connected with DeAndre Hopkins for three first-half touchdown passes.  Hopkins is no slouch.  A lot of the buzz is directed towards Sammy Watkins (who was serving the final game of his two-game suspension), but DeAndre Hopkins had legit ability before Watkins after graced the campus of Clemson University.  In past years, Kyle Parker threw to him and it was more difficult for him to shine, but Tajh Boyd has really brought out the best in him.  I think he has a legit shot to be a real player in the NFL, too.  Andre Ellington played sparingly in this one after gashing Auburn for over 200 yards rushing in the 26-19 season-opening win.

The next game at three p.m. on Saturday at home against Furman brings the return of Sammy Watkins and a final tune-up for a huge showdown with powerhouse Florida State.  I think Watkins will get his legs under him and be ready for a big game against the Seminoles.  I still am not worried about this team moving the ball, but the defense is still a bit concerning.  You can have a great defensive coordinator like Brett Venables to call the shots on that side of the ball, but he still needs the players to do what he wants the defense to do.  The problem is that these aren't Venables' guys that he helped recruit.  He has to make the most of what he's got.  There is no doubt that the defense has talent, it's just a matter of fusing that defense into a unit that plays together.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Usain Bolt thoughts

I was hoping to have more time to write a wrap-up on London 2012 Olympics, but I didn't get that chance because I was busy finishing up my internship with the Rockford RiverHawks Professional Baseball Team.  I know some time has past, but I just wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the athletic prowess of the great Usain Bolt.

Usain Bolt was simply a freak at the London Games, winning the 100 and 200 again, and once again anchoring the Jamaican team to another 4x100 relay victory.  In the 100, he fended off training partner Yohan Blake, as well as Americans Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin, in the fastest ever 100m finale.  While he did not shatter any world records, he broke his own Olympic record in the process.  Bolt is even thinking about possibly doing the 400 and long jump in Rio, but I don't know if I'd even want to see him run the 400. I understand he wants a new challenge, but winning the 400 wouldn't really do much for him.  If he was able to three-peat in 100, 200, and 4x100, that would be a remarkable accomplishment.  If he took one of these out for the 400m, it would be pointless in my opinion.

Before these games, Bolt had always been one of my favorite Olympians just based on his sheer dominance. I'm the type of person who usually likes athletes who don't put on a show and just go out and do their business.  Usain Bolt is not that man.  When that man competes, he treats the track as an arena to show off his freakish abilities, and he makes sure everyone is watching him for his celebrations and antics.  In 2008, I didn't really have a problem with him doing this because he was young, fast, and exciting, but something about the way he went about things this time around rubbed me the wrong way.  Declaring himself the greatest athlete of the all-time was probably what rubbed me the wrong way.  In his interviews, he seemed so self-absorbed and not caring about anything but himself.  To call yourself the greatest athlete of all-time is a little ridiculous.  Yes, you may be the fastest man to ever run, but to call yourself the world's greatest athlete is a bit of a stretch.

Guys like Michael Jordan never had to tell people how great they were.  People watched Jordan play and made that proclamation. He didn't have to brag or say how great he was.  It irks me a bit that Bolt seems so selfish.  Running that fast is not an easy thing to do, but I still believe making a fadeaway jumper in with two defenders on you in the NBA Finals takes a tremendous amount of skill.  Hitting a 100 mph fastball is also very difficult.  I just question Bolt's logic in saying he is the best of all-time.  The greats in their respective sports did outstanding things in their arenas that may be more difficult than what Bolt did.  It is like comparing apples to oranges when skill is better than another.

While Bolt is electrifying to watch and it is great to see that he is having fun, I think he needs to handle himself a little more professionally to be respected by the greatest athletes of all-time.  There is no doubt he belongs in the conversation, but he doesn't need to try to convince people.  His accomplishments should be speaking rather than his big ego.  I do not hate Bolt by any means and will still cheer for him in these big races, but it just frustrated me to see his self-serving attitude.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Clemson beats Auburn 26-19 in season opener

The Clemson Tigers shook off any hangover from last year's Orange Bowl beatdown at the hands of West Virginia in January and beat the Auburn Tigers 26-19 at the Georgia Dome in the season opener.

Andre Ellington ran wild for 231 yards, including a big run that set up Clemson's go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.  As impressive as Ellington was, quarterback Tajh Boyd showed incredible poise in the final quarter, avoiding potential sacks and picking up key first downs to keep the drive alive.  He lofted a beautiful four-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins, who had a school-record 13 receptions, for the go-ahead touchdown.

This was a big win over an SEC opponent, especially considering Clemson was without star wideout Sammy Watkins, who was suspended for two games after being arrested in the offseason.  When Watkins returns, this offense will be even better than it already is.

The defense also looked good.  In past years, Auburn may have taken the lead or at least tied the game and sent it to overtime, but new defensive coordinator Brent Venables' philosophies already paid dividends in week one.  After giving up an astounding 70 points to West Virginia in their bowl game in January, the hiring of Venables was in hopes to shore up a defense that, while talented, did not always play like a unit.  They looked great in some games last season as the Tigers won the ACC crown, but in other contests, the dynamic offense had to bail the defense out.

With the defense looking improved and the offense sure to be putting up big numbers, I like Clemson's chances to make noise again.  They have Ball State and Furman at home before the huge test Sept. 22 at Florida State that will go a long way in determining the ACC Crown.  I truly believe the Tigers' offense can do the job against a good FSU defense.  If the Seminoles step up to the challenge, though, it will be really interesting to see if the Tigers' defense can actually stand firm and get enough stops to win a close football game.

It's good to have college football back even though most people are assuming it will be Alabama and USC that meet for the national title.  I believe this is a possibility, but far from a certainty.  There are many other capable teams that will make a run at it should one of those two teams stumble.

Let me know what you think.  Who will meet in the BCS National Championship Game and why?

Friday, August 31, 2012

RiverHawks outslug Road Warriors 17-9, earn sweep


08/30/2012 9:41 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks set season highs in runs and hits Thursday and beat the Road Warriors 17-9 to earn the series sweep in their home finale at RiverHawks Stadium. 
Rockford tallied a season-high 21 hits, with seven batters recording mult-hit games.  
“They’ve been hitting the ball hard and having good at-bats all season,” manager Rich Austin said. 
The RiverHawks led 8-4 after two innings behind Evan Button and Trevor Whyte home runs, but the Road Warriors scored once in the third and three times in the fourth to chase starter Ziggie VanderWall and tie the game at 8-8. 
The offense answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring the go-ahead run as Evan Button stole third base and scored on an errant throw by catcher David Roney. 
Tyree Hayes (1-0) allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings and got the win. Mickey Cassidy pitched three innings of scoreless relief for Rockford.
Scott Foster (0-1) was the loser as he allowed two earned runs in 2 2/3 innings.
The RiverHawks scored six more runs in the eighth inning off Chris Kaminski to put the game out of reach.
Michael Hur and Matt Greener each had four hits in the Rockford win. Trevor Whyte went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and extended his hitting streak to 15 games. Jet Butler was 3-for-5 with three RBIs.
Aaron Glaum hit his first homer of the year to lead off the game for the Road Warriors. Ben Magsig also slugged his first homer of the year in the first inning.
With the win, the RiverHawks improved to 40-53 and have won four straight. The Road Warriors fell to 8-25.
The RiverHawks close the season with a three-game series at the Gateway Grizzlies starting Friday. The pitching matchup for the opener is Rockford’s Nick Anderson (1-3, 6.51 ERA) against Gateway’s Brett Zawacki (1-2, 5.40 ERA). 
“We are playing good ball right now.   I’m just telling the guys to relax and play. The pressure’s on Gateway,”  Austin said.
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

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Rucinski goes distance in 9-2 win


LOVES PARK, Ill. – Drew Rucinski pitched a complete game for the Rockford RiverHawks Wednesday, and they used a six-run seventh inning to beat the visiting Road Warriors 9-2.
Rucinski (7-4) threw 91 of his 135 pitches for strikes and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out eight batters. Rucinski’s effort was the first Rockford complete-game win of the year and first since Brett Scarpetta went the distance against the Lake Erie Crushers on August 28, 2011.
“Drew did a great job for us tonight,” manager Rich Austin. “He battled out there, and I’m happy for him. It was well-deserved.”
Matt Greener’s RBI groundout in the fifth inning gave Rockford a 3-2 lead. In the seventh inning, the RiverHawks sent 10 men to the plate and put up six runs off of relievers Kevin McGovern and Jon Jones. Greener’s two-run single made it 5-2, and after Justino Cuevas was intentionally walked to loaded the bases, Mike Thomas broke the game open with a bases-clearing double that pushed the Rockford lead to 8-2. Thomas later scored on a Jon Jones wild pitch.
Road Warriors’ starter Tyler Vaske (1-2) took the loss, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings. 
RiverHawks’ shortstop Ted Obregon led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run, the second time he has hit a leadoff homer this season. The last time came on July 21 at home against the Traverse City Beach Bums.
Greener went 2-for-4 with three RBIs for Rockford, his third straight three-RBI game. Thomas also had a sacrifice fly and finished the night 2-for-3 with four RBIs. Trevor Whyte went 2-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to 14 games, raising his batting average to .372. 
The RiverHawks improved to 39-53, while the Road Warriors fell to 8-24.
The RiverHawks play their last home game of the year Thursday with the series finale against the Road Warriors. The probables on the mound are Warriors’ Matt Schimpf (4-8, 5.59 ERA) and RiverHawks’ Ziggie VanderWall (7-6, 5.40 ERA). 
Thursday night is the final RiverHawks’ home game of the year, Perry Rock $1 beer night,  and American’s Bring it Home Thursday. One lucky fan will walk away with a 40” 1080p LCD TV, courtesy of American. 
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

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

RiverHawks top Road Warriors 7-5

08/28/2012 9:25 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Matt Greener’s three-run homer in the third inning Tuesday propelled the Rockford RiverHawks to a 7-5 victory over the Road Warriors in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium.
Greener’s blast, his fifth of the season, came with two outs off starter Sheng-An Kuo and gave Rockford a 3-1 lead. It was Greener’s second straight three-RBI game.
Kyle Schepel (4-6) picked up the win as he allowed two earned runs on three hits and six walks in 6 1/3 innings. 
Kuo (0-10) yielded three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a losing effort.
The Road Warriors closed the gap to 4-3 with a run in the sixth inning and loaded the bases in the seventh, but Mickey Cassidy came in to get Doug Thennis to bounce into an inning-ending fielder’s choice on a play where shortstop Ted Obregon ranged to his left, fielded the ball, and made a flip to Justino Cuevas to get the out.
The visitors loaded the bases with one out in the eighth inning, but Jacob Daniel popped to second base and Ted Obregon made another ranging play on a Matt Wright grounder up the middle, again flipping to Cuevas to end the inning.
The RiverHawks added three insurance runs in the eighth inning to go ahead 7-3. The Road Warriors scored twice in the ninth inning on a two-run single by David Roney, but Garrett Granitz shut the door by striking out Wesley Jones to end the game and pick up his 12th save. 
Trevor Whyte went 2-for-3 for Rockford and extended his hitting streak to 13 games. 
The series resumes tomorrow as righty Tyler Vaske (1-1, 5.14 ERA) toes the rubber for the Road Warriors, and the RiverHawks counter with righty Drew Rucinski (6-4, 3.27 ERA).
Thanks to WIFR Channel 23, all tickets will be just 23 cents for the remaining two home games. 
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

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

RiverHawks avoid sweep, edge Boomers 5-4

08/27/2012 8:19 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Michael Hur’s record-tying home run Monday helped the Rockford RiverHawks avoid a series sweep in a 5-4 win over the Schaumburg Boomers.
Hur’s blast, a 3-1 pitch he took off the scoreboard in left-center field off Cameron Roth with the game tied at 3-3 in the fifth inning, gave the RiverHawks a 4-3 lead. Hur’s home run was his 15th of the season and tied manager Rich Austin’s single season RiverHawks’ record set in 2004.
Rockford led 5-4 entering the ninth inning and brought closer Garrett Granitz in seeking his 11th save.   Chase Fontaine led off the frame with a double to the left-center gap, and Jereme Milons sacrificed Fontaine over to third base.
With one out, pinch hitter Sean Mahley hit a tapper back to Granitz, whose throw pulled Trevor Whyte off the bag at first base. With runners on the corners, Brandon Gregorich hit a slow roller to Jet Butler at second base, who tagged pinch runner Drew Heithoff and threw to first base to complete the double play and help Rockford snap a five-game losing streak and give Granitz his 11th save of the season.
“We were able to work out of it,” Rockford manager Rich Austin said. “I’m really happy for Garrett.”
Cody Hallahan (6-8) yielded four runs in 5 2/3 innings of work to snap a three-start losing streak. Cameron Roth (8-9) allowed five runs over 4 1/3 innings and lost his fifth straight start. 
Matt Greener gave Rockford an early 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the first inning, and with the game tied at 1-1 in the third inning, Greener hit a two-run double down the left field line to give the RiverHawks a 3-1 lead. He finished the night 2-for-3 with three RBIs.
Schaumburg’s Karexon Sanchez launched a 3-0 pitch in the fifth inning for a two-run homer to tie the game. Chase Fontaine homered for a second straight game for the Boomers. 
Rockford’s Trevor Whyte went 2-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to 12 games. For Schaumburg, Steve McQuail singled in the fourth inning to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.
The game Monday was played as a makeup game from Sunday night’s rainout.
The RiverHawks open their final home series of the season Tuesday against the Road Warriors. The pitching probables for the game are Sheng-An Kuo (0-9, 4.50 ERA) and Kyle Schepel (3-6, 3.03 ERA).
Thanks to WIFR Channel 23, all tickets will be just 23 cents for the remaining three home games.
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

Monday, August 27, 2012

RiverHawks drop five straight on final homestand

08/27/2012 10:31 AM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks dropped their first five games of their final homestand of the season, a stretch of nine games in 10 days.
In the series opener Tuesday, August 21 at RiverHawks Stadium against the Washington Wild Things, Rockford committed three errors and fell 3-1.
Casey Barnes (5-7) pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up one run to earn the win. Cody Hallahan (5-8) took the loss despite giving up just one earned run on five hits in six innings of work. In eight of Hallahan’s 17 starts this season, the RiverHawks’ offense has scored two or fewer runs.
The RiverHawks loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Brandon Anderson popped up to shallow center for the first out and Jimmy Parque bounced into an inning-ending double play. 
Orlando Santos pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his ninth save of the season. 
In the middle game of the series, Washington took the lead in the third inning Wednesday and went on to blow out Rockford by the score of 9-1.
Washington starter Gary Lee (6-4) pitched eight innings of one-run ball to get the win. In two starts against Rockford this year, Lee went 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA and nine strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings.
Rockford starter Kyle Schepel (3-6) lost his fifth straight decision, giving up three earned runs and striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings.
Shain Stoner hit a solo home run, his fifth of the season, in the eighth inning for Washington. 
Rockford committed five errors, four by shortstop Carlos Luciano, leading to five of Washington’s nine runs being unearned.
In the series finale Thursday, August 23, Stoner’s first-inning grand slam Thursday lifted the Wild Things to an 11-5 victory and series sweep of the RiverHawks.
Stoner’s slam off Rockford’s Drew Rucinski was his second home run in as many nights, and he finished the game 2-for-4 with five RBIs.
Rucinski (6-4) pitched into the eighth inning but lost his third straight decision as he gave up seven runs on 11 hits.
Washington’s Shawn Smith (2-4) yielded three runs over five frames and got the win.
 Washington’s A.J. Nunziato homered in the fifth inning and finished the night 3-for-5 with three RBIs. Rockford’s Evan Button homered, becoming the first RiverHawk batter to do so at home since he accomplished the feat against the Normal CornBelters on July 25.
Wild Things’ Darian Sandford stole five bases in the series to give him 64 on the season, one short of the Frontier League record. However, he was also caught trying to steal five times by catchers Mike Thomas and Greg Van Horn.
On Friday, August 24, the RiverHawks opened a series with the Schaumburg Boomers and fell 9-6 after nearly erasing an early 9-0 deficit.
Rockford sent the tying run to the plate with two outs in the eighth inning, but Evan Button grounded out to end the threat. 
Cody Griebling (5-2) surrendered two runs over 6 2/3 innings and got the win. Ziggie VanderWall (7-6) did not make it out of the fifth inning and allowed eight runs on eight hits and a season-high seven walks. 
The following night, the Boomers launched five home runs Saturday in a 15-1 win over the RiverHawks in front of a sellout crowd of 4,167 at RiverHawks Stadium.
Nate Baumann hit a two-run shot in the first inning and Jereme Milons hit the first grand slam in Boomers’ franchise history.
Matt Kuna (3-4) pitched five effective innings to earn the win. 
Nick Anderson (1-3) was chased by the Boomers in the third inning and allowed nine earned runs in the loss.
Brandon Gregorich and Chase Fontaine each hit three-run home runs, both their first of the season.   Steve McQuail hit his 20th home run of the season in the eighth inning.
The final game of the series on Sunday, August 26, was postponed due to rain. The make-up game will be played tonight, Monday, August 27.
The RiverHawks currently stand at 36-53, fifth place in the Frontier League West.
They finish up the season with a three-game series Aug. 28-30 against the Road Warriors, the team that replaced the London Rippers.
Thanks to WIFR, all tickets will be just 23 cents. The game on Thursday, August 30 will also feature another Perry Rock $1 Beer Night and American's Bring it Home Thursday, where a fan will win a 40" 1080p LCD HDTV from American. 
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

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Boomers hit five homers to rout RiverHawks

08/25/2012 8:26 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Schaumburg Boomers launched five home runs Saturday in a 15-1 win over the Rockford RiverHawks in front of a sellout crowd of 4,167 at RiverHawks Stadium.
The Schaumburg offense tagged Rockford starter Nick Anderson for six runs in the first inning. Nate Baumann launched his ninth homer of the season, a two-run shot, to give the Boomers an early lead.
Later in the inning, Jereme Milons launched a grand slam home run to dead center to give Schaumburg an early 6-0 lead. The grand slam was the first in Schaumburg Boomers’ franchise history. 
The Boomers scored five more runs in the third inning to go up 11-0. In that frame, Brandon Gregorich hit his first blast of the season, a three-run homer.
Rockford starter Nick Anderson (1-3) did not make it out of the third inning and allowed nine earned runs on six hits and five walks in a losing effort.
Matt Kuna (3-4) allowed one run on six hits and struck out four in five innings to get the win. 
Evan Button’s RBI hit in the fifth inning was the only run scored by Rockford in the game. 
The Boomers continued the onslaught in the sixth inning as Chase Fontaine hit his first home run of the season, a three-run shot to right field. Steve McQuail hit a solo blast, his 20th of the year, in the eighth inning. 
The five homers allowed by Rockford pitching was a season-high. Trevor Whyte went 2-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to a RiverHawks’ season-high 11 games. 
With the win, the Boomers improved to 51-38, and the RiverHawks fell to 36-53 and losers of five straight. Sunday is YMCA Family Day at RiverHawks Stadium. Kids ages 3-12 get in for $2 and have access to the YMCA’s extra inflatables and activities. Additionally, kids can run the bases after the game and get player autographs.
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

Boomers hang on to beat RiverHawks 9-6 in opener

08/24/2012 9:40 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. –  The Rockford RiverHawks fought back from a 9-0 deficit, but the Schaumburg Boomers held on to win 9-6 in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium.
The RiverHawks brought the tying run to the plate in the eighth inning, but Kirk Clark got Evan Button to ground out to second to end the threat.
Schaumburg hitters feasted on Rockford pitching Friday with 16 hits. They scored twice in the first inning on a pair of two-out hits by Chad Mozingo and Steve McQuail. Mozingo went 4-for-6 with three doubles. 
The Boomers added two runs in the third inning. In the fifth inning, five Schaumburg batters reached base to start the frame, chasing Rockford starter Ziggie VanderWall from the game, and the Boomers tallied four runs in the inning to seize an 8-0 advantage.    
VanderWall (7-6) gave up eight runs on eight hits and a season-high seven walks in four-plus innings.
 Cody Griebling (5-2) picked up the win, taking a shutout into the seventh inning before Greg Van Horn’s bases-loaded double play ball forced a run home. Brandon Anderson’s RBI single made it 9-2. 
Rockford rallied to score four runs in the eighth inning, including a two-run single by Greg Van Horn, but could not get any closer.
Patrick Mincey pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his 14th save of the season. 
Jet Butler went 3-for-5 with two runs scored for Rockford. The RiverHawks fell to 36-52 and have lost 22 of their last 32 games.
The series resumes tomorrow at RiverHawks Stadium as Schaumburg’s Matt Kuna (2-4, 4.21 ERA) opposes Rockford’s Nick Anderson (1-2, 3.91 ERA) on the mound.
Saturday night is the final fireworks show of the season and takes place as the finale to Fan Appreciation Night, where numerous prizes will be given away throughout the game.
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

Friday, August 24, 2012

Grand slam lifts Wild Things to sweep of RiverHawks

08/23/2012 9:12 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Shain Stoner’s first-inning grand slam Thursday lifted the Washington Wild Things to an 11-5 victory and series sweep of the Rockford RiverHawks at RiverHawks Stadium.
A.J. Nunziato put Washington ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the top of the first inning. Later on in the inning, Stoner connected on the grand slam to left field off Rockford starter Drew Rucinski to give the visitors a 5-0 lead.
Stoner’s slam was his second home run in as many nights, and he also added an RBI double in the ninth inning and finished the night 2-for-4 with five RBIs.
Rucinski (6-4) pitched into the eighth inning but lost his third consecutive decision as he gave up seven runs on 11 hits.
Greg Van Horn and Evan Button’s RBI singles in the second and third innings cut the Washington lead to 5-2, but the Wild Things scored twice in the fifth inning to make it a 7-2 game. A.J. Nunziato led off the inning with a solo homer and finished the game 3-for-5 with three RBIs and was a triple short of hitting for the cycle. 
Rockford chipped away at the Washington lead as Evan Button homered to right in the fifth inning off Washington starter Shawn Smith. The RiverHawks scored two more times in the sixth inning off Eric Blackwell to cut the lead to 7-5, but they could not break through. 
Smith (2-4) picked up the win, giving up three runs in five innings.
Washington’s Darian Sandford stole another base in the first inning to give him 64 on the season, just one shy of the Frontier League single-season record of 65 set by Don DeDonatis of the Kalamazoo Kodiaks in 1997. Sandford attempted to tie the record in the eighth inning, but he was thrown out by Mike Thomas.
 The Wild Things scored four more runs in the ninth inning off Garrett Granitz. 
The RiverHawks open a three-game series Friday at RiverHawks Stadium against the Schaumburg Boomers. Friday’s probables on the mound are Schaumburg’s Cody Griebling (4-2, 2.77 ERA) and Rockford’s Ziggie VanderWall (7-5, 4.77 ERA).
Friday is Baseball Card Set Giveaway Night at RiverHawks Stadium. The first 500 fans through the gates receive a set of RiverHawks cards, sponsored by LDR Construction Services Inc. Cleaning and Restoration. Also, EuroTech will be giving away a new security door tomorrow night.
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

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Wild Things blow out RiverHawks 9-1

08/22/2012 9:23 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Washington Wild Things took the lead in the third inning Wednesday and went on to blow out the Rockford RiverHawks 9-1 at RiverHawks Stadium. 
Greg Van Horn’s two-out RBI single gave Rockford an early lead in the second inning, but Washington responded with two runs to go ahead 2-1. AJ Munziato hit an RBI single and Gus Benusa followed with a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Michael Bando.
The Wild Things tallied an unearned run in the fifth on a ball off the bat of Munziato that snuck under the glove of RiverHawks’ first baseman Trevor Whyte, scoring Bando to make it 3-1. Munziato hit his second RBI base hit of the game in the seventh inning to push the lead to 4-1. 
Washington starter Gary Lee (6-4) pitched eight innings of one-run ball to get the win. In two starts against Rockford this year, Lee went 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA and nine strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings.
Rockford starter Kyle Schepel (3-6) lost his fifth straight decision, giving up three earned runs and striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings.
Darian Sandford swiped two more bases to give him four in the series and 63 on the year.   He was also caught stealing twice for a second straight night, this time by Rockford catcher Greg Van Horn.   Shain Stoner hit a solo home run, his fifth of the season, in the eighth inning. 
The Wild Things recorded three unearned runs in the ninth inning off Mickey Cassidy. The RiverHawks committed five errors in the game, four by shortstop Carlos Luciano.
“It’s hard to have that many errors and win a ballgame,” manager Rich Austin said. “Lee pitched well and he was able to execute his pitches.”
The series concludes tomorrow as Washington sends southpaw Shawn Smith (1-4, 3.06 ERA) to the mound, and Rockford counters with righty Drew Rucinski (6-3, 2.80 ERA). 
Thursday night is Perry Rock $1 beer night and American’s Bring it Home Thursday. One lucky fan will walk away with a 40” 1080p LCD TV, courtesy  of American. 
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

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

RiverHawks drop opener to Wild Things, 3-1

08/21/2012 2:37 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks committed three errors Tuesday and fell 3-1 to the Washington Wild Things in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium.
Washington broke a scoreless tie with two runs in the fifth inning. AJ Nunziato led off the inning with a double and advanced to third as Rich Devereaux reached on an error by first baseman Trevor Whyte. Jim Vahalik followed with a sacrifice fly to right to give the Wild Things a lead they never relinquished.   Darian Sandford singled home Devereaux with two outs to extend the lead to 2-0. 
Sandford stole two bases to extend his Frontier League-leading total to 61, but he was also caught stealing twice by Mike Thomas.
Casey Barnes (5-7) pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up one run to earn the win. 
Rockford cut the lead in half on an RBI double by Brandon Anderson in the bottom of the fifth, but Washington tacked on another unearned run in the sixth to go up 3-1 as Jet Butler made two errors at second base in the frame.
Cody Hallahan (5-8) took the loss despite giving up just one earned run on five hits in six innings of work. In eight of Hallahan’s 17 starts this season, the RiverHawks’ offense has scored two or fewer runs.
The RiverHawks loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Brandon Anderson popped up to shallow center and Jimmy Parque bounced into an inning-ending double play. 
Orlando Santos pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his ninth save of the season. 
The series continues tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. as the probables on the mound are Washington’s Gary Lee (5-4, 2.56 ERA) and Rockford’s Kyle Schepel (3-5, 2.90 ERA). 
Tomorrow is Unused Ticket Night at RiverHawks Stadium. Fans with unused tickets from earlier in the season can exchange them for tickets for the game.
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

Monday, August 20, 2012

RiverHawks record 3-3 mark over past week

08/20/2012 9:42 AM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – While the Rockford RiverHawks have faded from playoff contention over the past month, they continued to play close games as they dropped two of three games in their return home against the Florence Freedom and took two of three games while visiting the Normal CornBelters.
In the series opener against Florence Tuesday, Aug. 14, the RiverHawks rallied from an eight-run deficit for an improbable walkoff 11-10 win. Trailing 10-2 in the sixth inning, Rockford scored four runs in the sixth and four more in the eighth to tie the game at 10-10.
Rockford loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, and Greg Van Horn lined a single to left field to give the RiverHawks the come-from-behind win. The win marked the third time this season Rockford overcame a deficit of seven or more runs to win. 
Mickey Cassidy (3-2) pitched a scoreless inning in relief and got the win, while Brennan Flick (6-2) did not record an out and got the loss.
The following night, the RiverHawks stranded 11 runners on base and went just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position in a 5-2 loss. Pierre LaPage’s two-out RBI single in the first inning put the visitors ahead for good. All five of their runs came after two outs.
Freedom starter Brandon Mathes (3-0) allowed just one earned run on eight hits and struck out eight in eight strong innings to earn the win. Cody Hallahan (5-7) surrendered two runs in six innings in a losing effort.
In the series finale on Thursday, Aug. 16, a key defensive blunder allowed Florence to score the go-ahead run and top Rockford 6-5.
Florence faced a 5-4 sixth inning deficit, but loaded the bases with no outs in the frame. David Harris tied the game at 5-5 with a sacrifice fly, and Junior Arrojo followed by bouncing a ball to Justino Cuevas, who flipped to Ted Obregon for a force at second base. Obregon attempted to hold up from throwing to first base in a double play attempt, but he released the ball and it snuck back Evan Button, allowing John Malloy to score the go-ahead run.
The RiverHawks threatened in the late innings but were unable to break through to tie the game.
Kyle Schepel (3-5) lost his fourth straight decision as he gave up five earned runs over six innings. Brad Allen (1-1) struck out four in 2 2/3 innings in relief to earn the win, and Jorge Marban shut the door to earn his eighth save of the year.
Rockford faced the Normal CornBelters beginning Friday, Aug. 17, and in the opener, Drew Provence (5-2) tossed six innings of one-run ball to lead the CornBelters to a 6-1 win. 
Normal had a big four-run fifth inning, capped off by a Patrick McKenna two-run home run. 
Drew Rucinski (6-3) lost his second straight decision, giving up three runs in 4 1/3 innings. 
The following night, the RiverHawks rallied for five runs in the ninth inning and went on to win 5-1. 
Normal starter Tyler Lavigne was working on a shutout into the ninth inning, but Mike Thomas singled in Justino Cuevas to tie the game and later scored on a Michael Hur two-out, go-ahead single by Michael Hur. Matt Greener added an RBI single and Jet Butler’s two-run double made it 5-1.
Ziggie VanderWall (7-5) scattered a run on four hits in eight innings of work, the longest start of his professional career. Lavigne (5-8) struck out nine batters in the loss.
Rockford took the series with a 4-3 win in the finale on Sunday, Aug. 19. Trevor Whyte’s sixth inning sacrifice fly put the RiverHawks ahead for good.
Nick Anderson (1-3) earned his first professional win as he allowed three runs over seven frames. Jacob Liedka (2-11) got the loss, giving up four runs in six innings.
Garrett Granitz picked up his 10th save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning. 
The RiverHawks have a 36-48 record, fifth place in the Frontier League West. Rockford returns home to open a three-game series with the Washington Wild Things, beginning Aug. 21. The RiverHawks continue the homestand Aug. 24-26 with a series with the Schaumburg Boomers. 

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

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Key error sinks RiverHawks in series finale

08/16/2012 9:20 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – A key Rockford blunder in the sixth inning Thursday allowed the Florence Freedom to score the go-ahead run and top the RiverHawks 6-5 in the series finale. 
The Freedom trailed 5-4 in the sixth inning until they loaded the bases with no outs. Leadoff man David Harris hit a sac fly to left field to tie the game at 5-5. Junior Arrojo followed by bouncing a ball to shortstop Justino Cuevas, who flipped to Ted Obregon for the second out. Obregon tried to hold up from throwing to first base in an attempt to turn the double play, but he released the ball and it got past Evan Button, allowing John Malloy to score the go-ahead run.
Rockford’s Kyle Schepel (3-5) lost his fourth straight decision, giving up five earned runs on six hits and seven walks in six innings.
Brad Allen (1-1) struck out four in 2 2/3 innings and got the win in relief.
The RiverHawks’ offense stranded 12 runners on base, with nine left in scoring position. 
In the seventh inning, Rockford had two men on with two outs, but Jimmy Parque struck out to end the inning. In the eighth inning, the RiverHawks put runners on the corners with one out, but Evan Button struck out and Michael Hur grounded to first to end the inning and keep the game at 6-5.
Jorge Marban pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his eighth save of the season.
Rockford’s Greg Van Horn was hit by a pitch four times in the game.
The Freedom improved to 43-37, while the RiuverHawks fell to 34-47.
Rockford opens a three-game series at the Normal CornBelters Friday, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. The probables for the game are Rockford’s Drew Rucinski (6-2, 2.62 ERA) and Normal’s Drew Provence (4-2, 3.93 ERA). 
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

Thursday, August 16, 2012

RiverHawks video

A RiverHawks video, made by our star video board guy Kris Alicea.

RiverHawks strand 11 in 5-2 loss

08/15/2012 9:27 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks lost 5-2 to the Florence Freedom Wednesday in a game of missed opportunities.
The RiverHawks stranded 11 runners in the game, seven of those in scoring position. Rockford went just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
Brandon Mathes (3-0) picked up the win as gave up one earned run and struck out a season-high eight batters in eight strong innings. 
“He (Mathes) did a good job. He was in the zone and you have to tip your cap to him,” manager Rich Austin said. 
Cody Hallahan (5-7) allowed two runs in six innings to get the loss.
Florence scored first in the second inning on a two-out RBI single by Pierre LePage. The Freedom tacked on another run in the fifth inning two-out RBI double by Drew Rundle.  Rundle’s RBI walk in the seventh inning off Nelson Curry gave Florence a 3-0 lead. 
The Freedom scored twice more in the eighth inning, extending the advantage to 5-0 on a pair of two-out RBI hits by David Harris and Junior Arrojo. All five Florence runs were scored after two outs. 
Greg Van Horn broke up the shutout in the bottom half of the eighth inning with an RBI groundout. The RiverHawks scored another on a passed ball, but Mathes struck out Justino Cuevas looking to end the threat.  
Rockford had two runners on base with one out in the ninth and slugger Michael Hur at the plate, but he hit into a game-ending double play.  Jorge Marban picked up his seventh save of the season.
Jet Butler reached base in all four of his plate appearances, going 1-for-1 with three walks and a run scored.
The series wraps up tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Tomorrow’s probables on the mound are Florence’s Andres Caceres (7-3, 4.26 ERA) and Rockford’s Kyle Schepel (3-4, 2.41 ERA). 
Thursday night is Perry Rock $1 beer night and American’s Bring it Home Thursday. One lucky fan will walk away with a 40” 1080p LCD TV, compliments of American. 
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

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Van Horn’s single gives RiverHawks comeback win

08/14/2012 9:59 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks furiously rallied back from an eight-run deficit, and Greg Van Horn hit a walkoff RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to give the RiverHawks an 11-10 win over the Florence Freedom Tuesday night.
Rockford loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning off Florence reliever Brennan Flick (6-2), and Greg Van Horn laced a line drive to left to score Matt Greener and give the RiverHawks a dramatic win in their first game back home from a season-long 12-game road trip.
Flick picked up the loss, and Mickey Cassidy (3-2) got the win with an inning of scoreless relief.
“We feel confident no lead is safe here for opposing teams,” manager Rich Austin said. 
Trailing 10-2 in the sixth inning, the RiverHawks scored four runs to chase starter Alec Lewis, including a two-run double by Brandon Anderson.
Rockford rallied for four runs in the eighth inning to tie the game at 10-10. Evan Button doubled down the left field line, and Jim Parque scored from first as the relay throw bounced off catcher Jim Jacquot’s glove. 
Rockford’s Justino Cuevas went 4-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. 
The RiverHawks set a season-high with 18 hits. The win marked the biggest deficit overcome for a victory for Rockford this season. The RiverHawks rallied from seven runs down and beat the London Rippers 8-7 in 10 innings on June 1, and they also rallied from seven runs down to beat the Normal CornBelters 10-9 on July 27.
Six Florence hitters recorded multi-hit efforts in the loss.
Peter Fatse hit a pair of RBI doubles and added a two-run homer, his seventh of the season. 
Junior Arrojo went 2-for-4 with four runs scored and an RBI for the Freedom. 
The series resumes Wednesday night as the pitching matchup for the game is Florence’s Brandon Mathes (2-0, 3.49 ERA) against Rockford’s Cody Hallahan (5-6, 4.72 ERA). 
Wednesday night is Back to School Night at the ballpark. All kids (ages 3-12) get into the game for free, and they also can participate in an on-field clinic prior to the game, sponsored by Lou Bachrodt. 
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

Monday, August 13, 2012

RiverHawks drop final two series on road trip

08/13/2012 1:14 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks dropped four of six games Aug. 7-12 to finish a lengthy 12-game road trip with a 3-9 record.
In the series opener at Southern Illinois on Aug. 7, four Rockford pitchers combined on a 1-0 shutout against the Miners.

Ziggie VanderWall (6-4) scattered seven hits and five walks over six scoreless innings to pick up the win, and the bullpen combined for three innings of hitless relief to shut down an offense that scored 31 runs against the RiverHawks in a series June 8-10. The game’s lone run game in the first inning as Ted Obregon stole third base and scored on an error by catcher Chris Anderson.
Garrett Granitz picked up his ninth save of the year, and Miners’ starter Daniel Calhoun (5-3) was the tough-luck loser after giving up an unearned run over eight frames.
The following night, the Miners pounded out 15 hits and prevailed 8-2 over the RiverHawks. The RiverHawks loaded the bases on three separate occasions but only managed to score one run. Evan Button homered in the loss for Rockford.
Kyle Lindquist (0-1) did not make it out of the third inning in his second start and took the loss. Southern Illinois starter Shawn Gilblair (9-4) allowed two runs over six innings while striking out six for the win. Gerardo Avila went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs for the Miners.
In the series finale, the Miners hit Rockford starter Cody Hallahan (5-6) hard for eight runs in two-plus innings en route to a 9-4 victory.
They scored four times in the first inning, including a leadoff solo shot by Cory Harrilchak, solo shot by Avila, and two-run double by Jake Kaase. In the third inning, the Miners hit five consecutive base hits to chase Hallahan. Cody Hall (7-0) remained unbeaten as he allowed two earned runs in six innings.
Button hit his eighth home run of the season and second in as many nights in the loss.
Prior to the game, the RiverHawks traded All-Star outfielder Javier Herrera to the Miners for three players to be named later. Herrera led Rockford with a .338 batting average to go with eight homers and 64 RBIS.
Rockford also placed Carlos Luciano back on the DL due to a shoulder ailment. With two roster spots open, the RiverHawks picked up infielder Trevor Whyte and outfielder Jimmy Parque from Las Cruces of the semi-pro Pecos League in a trade for future considerations prior to opening a series at the Joliet Slammers.
On Friday, Aug. 10, the RiverHawks beat the Slammers 4-3 in 13 innings. Trailing 2-0 in the ninth inning, Rockford scored twice to tie the game. In the 13th inning, Greg Van Horn was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force home a run, and the RiverHawks got another on a wild pitch to make it 4-2.
The Slammers scored once in the bottom half of the inning to make it 4-3, but closer Garrett Granitz (2-2), who pitched 3 2/3 innings in relief for the win, got Kyle Maunus to pop out to second base to end the game. 
Chase Doremus (2-2) was saddled with the loss.
In game two of the series, Rockford’s Drew Rucinski (6-2) struck out a season-high 10 batters over 7 2/3 innings, but took his first loss as a starter in a 2-1 defeat to Joliet. 
Rockford took a 1-0 lead on a fourth inning RBI double by Jet Butler, but Joliet answered with a run in the bottom half and David Fox delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the sixth inning.
Tommy Mendoza (4-5) surrendered one run in 7 2/3 innings for the win, and Amalio Diaz picked up his 19th save of the year.
In the series finale on Sunday, Aug. 12, the Slammers used a big four-run fourth inning to help propel them to an 8-4 win and series victory.
Matt Sommo (2-1) allowed three runs over six innings to pick up the win while Ziggie VanderWall (6-5) allowed six runs and did not make it out of the fourth inning in a losing effort.
David Christensen and Erik Lis each homered in the win for Joliet.
For Rockford, Justino Cuevas went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, and Parque went 4-for-5 in the loss.
The RiverHawks have a 33-45 record and are in sixth place in the Frontier League West Division.
The RiverHawks return home to host the Florence Freedom Aug. 14-16.  Following that series, they play at the Normal CornBelters Aug. 17-19 before returning home to host the Washington Wild Things Aug. 21-23.

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