Tuesday, July 31, 2012

RiverHawks finish up seven-game homestand

07/31/2012 9:54 AM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks improved to four games below .500 and seemed poised to make a strong second-half push following a series sweep of Traverse City from July 19-21, but they have a 4-6 record since that sweep and overall record of 30-36.
Rockford dropped the opener 8-5 to Gateway on Sunday, July 22 and fell 12-6 the following night after the bullpen surrendered 11 runs in the seventh inning to the Grizzlies.
However, the RiverHawks bounced back to salvage a 7-5 victory in the series finale behind the bat of Michael Hur, who hit a pair of two-run home runs in the first and third innings. Starter Cody Hallahan yielded three runs in seven innings to improve to 4-5 on the season.
The RiverHawks returned home to face the Normal CornBelters for a three-day, four-game series due to a rainout on May 31. 
The series started with the two teams playing a pair of seven –inning games in a doubleheader on Wednesday, July 25. In the opener, the RiverHawks trailed 5-3 into the bottom of the fifth inning, but they scored four runs in the frame off Daniel Britt, including Matt Greener’s go-ahead RBI double, and held on to win 7-6.
Michael Hur hit his 14th homer of the season in the first inning, and Drew Rucinski (5-1) got the win despite allowed five runs on twelve hits in five innings.
In the nightcap, Normal’s Brendon Smith pitches five scoreless innings and Ernie Banks Jr. hit a two-run double to lift the CornBelters to a 3-1 victory. 
Smith (1-3) scattered two hits and struck out two to pick up his first win of the season in the spot start. Rockford’s Kyle Schepel (3-2) took the loss. He gave up three runs on ten hits and struck out seven. 
Evan Button hit a solo home run in the sixth inning off Kyle DiMartino, his sixth of the season.
Rich Mascheri pitched a scoreless final inning to save his seventh game of the year.
The following night, Normal got another strong pitching performance, this time by Drew Provence (2-1) as he yielded just one run and struck out seven in seven innings to lift the CornBelters to a 4-1 victory over the RiverHawks.
Ziggie VanderWall (5-4) was saddled with the loss, giving up three runs in six innings while striking out six. 
Mascheri ran into trouble early in the ninth as Brandon Anderson doubled and Greg Van Horn was hit by a pitch, but Justino Cuevas hit into a 5-4-3 double play. Mascheri got Ted Obregon to ground out to end the game and pick up his eighth save. 
Javier Herrera went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Rockford, and Brandon Anderson went 3-for-3. Newly-acquired infielder Justino Cuevas, a former London Rippers’ player, went 2-for-4 with a run scored in his RiverHawks debut. 
On Friday, July 27, the CornBelters appeared to be on their way to taking three of four games in the series after jumping out to an early 7-0 lead, but Rockford scored plated five runs in the third inning and completed the comeback with five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to pull off a 10-9 victory.
In the eighth inning, Mike Thomas broke out of a 0-for-16 slump by connecting on a three-run double down the left field line to tie the game at 8-8. Two batters later, Ted Obregon followed with a two-out RBI single to give Rockford their first lead of the game.
Andrew Armstrong (2-2) earned the win in relief, and Josh Joseph (1-4) was saddled with the loss. Garrett Granitz got Steven Felix to fly out with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth to preserve the victory and his seventh save. 

On Saturday, July 28, the RiverHawks fell 3-1 in the series opener to the West division-leading Schaumburg Boomers. 
Rockford led 1-0 for most of the game but committed two errors in the seventh that kept the inning alive and allowed Karexon Sanchez to connect on a three-run home run to give the Boomers the advantage and eventual victory. 
The next night, the RiverHawks scored twice in the fourth inning and stretched their lead to 6-2 with three runs in the seventh before holding on for a 6-5 victory.
Hallahan (5-5) gave up two runs in five innings to win his fourth straight decision. Herrera went 2-for-3 with two RBIs to give him 60 on the season. 
In the series finale, Rockford was shut out 11-0 by the Boomers.
Following the completion of the series, the RiverHawks play twelve games in 13 days on the road from July 31-August 12, starting with a three-game series against the Lake Erie Crushers. Rockford also faces the Windy City ThunderBolts, Southern Illinois Miners, and Joliet Slammers before returning home for a series with the Florence Freedom starting August 14.
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 shut out RiverHawks 11-0

07/30/2012 9:07 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Cameron Roth pitched eight innings of four-hit ball Monday night, and the Schaumburg Boomers hit two homers to power past the Rockford RiverHawks 11-0 and take two of three in the series. 
Roth (8-4) did not allow an extra-base hit and struck out four, throwing 68 of his 105 pitches for strikes.
The Boomers got on the board in the first inning as the RiverHawks committed three consecutive one-out errors. RiverHawks’ starter Kyle Schepel got Drew Heithoff to hit into a double play and minimize the damage to just one run.
Schaumburg hit Schepel hard for three runs in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead. Jereme Milons hit his fourth homer of the season, a two-run shot that was nearly robbed by Michael Hur, and Frank Pfister hit an RBI single. 
Schepel (3-3) took the loss, surrendering three earned runs on five hits while striking out six in five innings. 
Pfister hit a two-run double to right in the sixth inning and finished the game 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Steve McQuail followed Pfister with his 11th home of the season to extend the lead to 8-0.
The Boomers outhit the RiverHawks 13-4 and have taken eight of nine games in the season series. 
Rockford hits the road to begin a 12-game road trip starting Tuesday night as they open a three-game set with the Lake Erie Crushers. In the opener, the RiverHawks send Drew Rucinski (5-1, 2.97 ERA) to the mound, and he will face the Crushers’ Eric Gonzalez-Diaz (5-6, 4.96 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

Sunday, July 29, 2012

RiverHawks hold on for 6-5 win over Boomers


07/29/2012 8:33 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks scored twice in the fourth inning Sunday night to take the lead and held on for a 6-5 win over the Schaumburg Boomers.
In that inning, Justino Cuevas doubled in Evan Button from first base to tie the game at 2-2. Mike Thomas singled home Cuevas to give the RiverHawks a 3-2 lead. 
Rockford added three insurance runs off the Boomers’ bullpen in the seventh inning to stretch the lead to 6-2. Brandon Anderson hit an RBI double, and Javier Herrera and Michael Hur each had RBI singles.
The Boomers scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning off Andrew Armstrong and closer Garrett Granitz, but Granitz struck out Mike Valadez to end the game and pick up his eighth save.
RiverHawks’ starter Cody Hallahan (5-5) won his fourth straight decision, allowing two runs on seven hits and four walks in five innings. Kyle Lindquist pitched 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief, striking out four batters.
The Boomers loaded the bases in the first inning, but Hallahan escaped unscathed. They also loaded the bases with two outs in the third inning, but he retired Jereme Milons on a fly out to center to escape the threat. 
The Boomers stranded 12 runners on base, seven in scoring position, in the game.
Schaumburg’s Matt Kuna (2-2) yielded three runs on seven hits in six innings in a losing effort. The loss snapped the Boomers’ five-game winning streak.
Javier Herrera went 2-for-3 with two RBIs to give him 60 RBIs for the year. Justino Cuevas had two hits and an RBI.
The series concludes Monday night as the Boomers send southpaw Cameron Roth (7-4, 3.26 ERA) to the mound, and the RiverHawks counter with righty Kyle Schepel (3-2, 1.13 ERA). 
Monday is Power Connection Pack the Park Night. Power Connection has bought out the stadium and is offering free tickets to members of the community at no charge. To receive tickets at no charge, fans are asked to go to www.rockfordriverhawks.com, print out the "Power Connection Pack the Park Night" voucher and bring it to the stadium box office. Vouchers are good for up to four tickets.
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

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Blunders cost RiverHawks in 3-1 defeat

07/28/2012 8:09 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks committed two costly errors in the seventh inning Saturday night, and the Schaumburg Boomers capitalized to beat Rockford 3-1 in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium. 
The RiverHawks led 1-0 in the top of the seventh inning with one out, but Jet Butler dropped a foul pop up off the bat of Nick Kuroczko. Kuroczko went on to double, and he moved up to third base on a throwing error by Rockford starter Nick Anderson on a ground ball off the bat of Mike Valadez.
With runners on the corners, Anderson was pulled fot reliever Jordan Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt struck out Jereme Milons for the second out of the inning, but Karexon Sanchez blasted Goldschmidt’s first pitch for a three-run homer, his second of the season, to give the Boomers a 3-1 lead.
“You can’t give a good ball club like that second and third chances,” manager Rich Austin said. “If you do, they’ll hurt you.
Anderson (0-2) gave up two unearned runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings and was handed the defeat. 
Schaumburg starter Robby Donovan (7-3) pitched seven strong innings, limiting Rockford to just four hits and one run. 
Patrick Mincey pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 12th save of the season. 
Rockford’s only run came in the first inning on an RBI single by Michael Hur.
The Boomers have won five straight and improved to 39-25 on the season. The RiverHawks have dropped all seven games to the Boomers in the season series, and they fell to 29-35.

The series resumes Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. as Schaumburg sends Matt Kuna (2-1, 3.20 ERA) to the mound, and he will face off against Rockford’s Cody Hallahan (4-5, 4.30 ERA).
Tomorrow is YMCA Family Day at RiverHawks Stadium. Kids get into the park for $2 and can use the YMCA’s extra inflatables and participate in other activities put on by the YMCA. Additionally, kids can run the bases and get player autographs after 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

RiverHawks storm back, win 10-9

07/27/2012 9:56 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks overcame an early 7-0 deficit and hung on to beat the Normal CornBelters 10-9 Friday night in the series finale at RiverHawks Stadium. 
The RiverHawks scored five times in the third inning to cut the CornBelters’ lead to 7-5. Trailing 8-5 in the bottom inning, they put up their second five-run inning of the contest as Mike Thomas broke out of a 0-for-16 slump by delivering a game-tying, three-run double off Josh Joseph (1-4), who picked up the loss . Ted Obregon delivered with a two-out, go-ahead base hit to give Rockford its first lead of the game. Obregon later scored on a Joseph balk to give the RiverHawks a 10-8 lead.   
Andrew Armstrong (2-2) picked up the win in relief for Rockford.

Normal scored in the ninth inning off closer Garrett Granitz on an RBI single by Ty Wiesemeyer to close to 10-9, and the CornBelters loaded the bases with two outs. Granitz picked up his seventh save, retiring Steven Felix on a line out to left field to end the game and give the RiverHawks a split in the four-game set.
Normal got on the board in the first inning as Ernie Banks Jr. hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Bobby Rinard. In the second inning, the CornBelters began the inning with four consecutive hits to go ahead 3-0. Rockford starter Brad Schnitzer left the game with no outs and runners on first and second base due to an apparent injury.  He last just one-plus inning,giving up six hits and five runs.
The CornBelters scored three more times in the frame to go ahead 6-0, and they added a run on a J.B Brown sacrifice fly in the third inning to stretch the lead to 7-0.
Rockford sent 10 batters to the plate in the bottom half and scored five runs off starter Tyler Lavigne to cut the lead to 7-5. Javier Herrera hit a two-run single in the inning.
Lavigne settled in and pitched seven-plus innings. He gave up four earned runs on five hits and struck out six, throwing 127 pitches in a no-decision.
Five CornBelters’ batters registered multi-hit games, and Normal’s 16 hits were a season-high. Ty Wiesemeyer went 3-for-5 with three RBIs. 
On June 1 against the London Rippers at RiverHawks Stadium, the RiverHawks erased an early seven-run deficit and won 8-7 in 10 innings on a Jet Butler walk-off home run.
The RiverHawks host the Schaumburg Boomers for a three-game set, beginning at 6:05 p.m. Saturday. In the series opener, Robby Donovan (6-3, 3.68 ERA) takes the mound for Schaumburg, and Rockford counters with Nick Anderson (0-1, 6.00 ERA).
Saturday night is Boy Scout Campout Night and Fireworks Night, sponsored by Edgebrook Primary Eye Care. 
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, July 27, 2012

Olympics open with ceremony Friday

The Olympics kick off today with the ceremony in London, England, I couldn't be more excited for this to begin.  While I am very busy with my work for the Rockford RiverHawks, we have a break coming so, so I will have time to catch a lot of the action.

I do not watch rowing regularly in my spare time, but something about the Olympics makes all of these events must-see television for me.  I love tuning in just because it is 17 days of pure competition between the best athletes across the globe.  These events really unite a world split so much by poverty, war, religion, and other factors.  While many people still are suffering, the Olympics can really bring the human race together for 2 1/2 weeks.  I am privileged and so grateful to live in the country I do, and I thank God for being in such a wonderful country.

It may sound cliche, but I am most interested in seeing Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt compete.  These two athletes are just freaks of nature, but the competition has improved in these four years and the two only aged.  One would think it would be impossible for Bolt to break the records again, but maybe he is saving his best for the Olympics after being disqualified in the Worlds last year.  He has quite the competition this year, and one false start will knock him out of the race.  I cannot wait to see that man reach top speed and take off.

Regarding Phelps, I was one who went bananas or was on the edge of my seat for every single one of his final races, especially the relay with Jason Lezak's heroics or when he edged out Milorod Cavic by a hundredth of a second (and it was probably even closer to that).  I admire what he's done in the pool with 14 career gold medals, and I don't think he is just going to let Ryan Lochte and others take what has always been his.

I am also looking forward to basketball and many other sports.  I enjoy watching sports like badminton because I've had experience playing it and know the skill it takes to be really good at it.  As a sports junkie, this is going to be quite a roller coaster ride these next few weeks.

Let's just sit back and enjoy the action.  Go USA!

Provence shuts down RiverHawks in 4-1 win

07/26/2012 9:07 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Normal’s Drew Provence pitched seven innings of one-run ball Thursday night, and the CornBelters capitalized on a key Rockford blunder to pick up a 4-1 win over the RiverHawks at RiverHawks Stadium. 
Provence (2-1) allowed eight hits and struck out seven Rockford batters in the game. The RiverHawks loaded the bases with one out in the fifth inning, but Provence got Michael Hur to bounce into an inning-ending double play to keep the visitors up 3-1. Rockford stranded nine runners, six in scoring position, in the game.
Normal scored three times in the second inning off Rockford’s Ziggie VanderWall. VanderWall walked Sam Judah and J.B. Brown singled to start the inning, and Bubby Williams followed by laying down a bunt, and VanderWall’s throw to first baseman Evan Button tipped off his glove for a single and an error on Button, allowing Judah to score to give Normal a 1-0 lead. Bobby Rinard hit a two-out, two-run single to extend the lead to 3-0. 
VanderWall (5-4) was saddled with the loss, giving up three runs in six innings while striking out six. 
CornBelters’ closer Rich Mascheri ran into trouble early in the ninth as Brandon Anderson doubled and Greg Van Horn was hit by a pitch, but Justino Cuevas hit into a 5-4-3 double play. Mascheri got Ted Obregon to ground out to end the game and pick up his eighth save. 
Javier Herrera went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Rockford, and Brandon Anderson went 3-for-3. Newly-acquired infielder Cuevas went 2-for-4 with a run scored in his RiverHawks debut. 
The series concludes Friday as Normal sends Tyler Lavigne (4-5, 4.76 ERA) to the mound, and Rockford will counter with Brad Schnitzer (0-1, 12.46 ERA). 
Friday is Drawstring Backpack Giveaway, sponsored by Metro Medical. The first 1000 fans through the gate get a complimentary backpack. 
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, July 26, 2012

Rockford splits doubleheader with Normal

07/25/2012 10:27 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks and Normal CornBelters split a pair of seven-inning games on Wednesday night at RiverHawks Stadium.
In game one, the make-up game for a May 31 rainout, the RiverHawks trailed 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning but rallied for four runs and held on to beat the CornBelters 7-6. 
In that inning, Javier Herrera hit an RBI double, Michael Hur tied the game on a groundout, and Matt Greener doubled home Herrera to give Rockford the lead. Brandon Anderson followed with an RBI triple to score Greener. 
The CornBelters hit three home runs in the game. Ty Wiesemeyer led off the game with a blast to right field off Drew Rucinski. Jason Thompson hit a two-run homer in the second inning, and Ernie Banks Jr. homered in the third inning. 
Rucinski (5-1) pitched five innings, giving up 12 hits and five runs and striking out six to get the win. Daniel Britt (3-7) lost his fifth straight start, giving up seven runs on 11 hits in six innings.
Rockford’s Mickey Cassidy struck out the first two Normal batters in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Andrew Cohn doubled and scored on a Thompson single to close the gap to 7-6. Garrett Granitz relieved Cassidy and got Wisesmeyer to hit into a force play to end the game.
Michael Hur hit a two-run shot for the RiverHawks, his 14th of the season.
“He’s going up there with a plan, and when he gets a good pitch to hit, he’s putting good wood on it,” manager Rich Austin said. 
Banks Jr. and Judah had three hits apiece for the CornBelters.
In game two, Normal’s Brendon Smith pitches five scoreless innings and Banks Jr. hit a two-run double to lift the CornBelters to a 3-1 victory over the RiverHawks. 
Smith (1-3) scattered two hits and struck out two to pick up his first win of the season in the spot start. Rockford’s Kyle Schepel (3-2) took the loss. He gave up three runs on ten hits and struck out seven. 
Sam Judah gave the CornBelters a 1-0 lead with a run-scoring single in the fourth inning. In the fifth inning, Schepel walked Thompson and hit Steven Felix with a pitch. Banks Jr. followed with the double to the left-center gap to plate Thompson and Felix. 
Evan Button hit a solo home run in the sixth inning off Kyle DiMartino, his sixth of the season.
Rich Mascheri pitched a scoreless final inning to save his seventh game of the year.
The series resumes Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. as Normal sends Drew Provence (1-1, 8.49 ERA) to the mound, and Rockford counters with Ziggie VanderWall (5-3, 5.54 ERA). 
Tomorrow 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. 
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, July 24, 2012

Grizzlies cool off RiverHawks with 8-5 win


07/22/2012 8:31 PM -
Sauget, Ill. – The Gateway Grizzlies knocked around newly-acquired Brad Schnitzer for six runs and went on to win 8-5 over the Rockford RiverHawks in the series opener at GCS Ballpark.
The RiverHawks were coming in with a 7-2 record since the All-Star Break, but the Grizzlies also came in hot, having won their last five games to inch closer to the top of the Frontier League West.
Rockford took an early advantage in the first inning as Ted Obregon led off the game with a single, stole second and third base, and came around to score on a Javier Herrera groundout to first base. 
Schnitzer retired the side in order in each of the first two innings, but Gateway scored three times in the third inning. Leadoff man Jonathan Johnson doubled home Jon Myers and Landon Hernandez, and he later scored on an RBI base hit by Rogelio Noris to make the score 3-1. 
Alex Guthrie hit an RBI single in the fourth inning to extend the lead to 4-1. Rockford scored once in the fifth inning, but Chris McClendon chased Schnitzer from the game with a one-out, two-run double to make it 6-1. 
After scoring once in the fifth inning, Rockford’s Michael Hur hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning, his 11th of the year, to close the gap to 6-5. 
Gateway added key insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings on another Noris run-scoring single and a solo shot by Guthrie, his first of the season. 
Jordan Cudney pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his second save of the season.
Schnitzer (0-1) was the loser, giving up six runs on six hits, walking four and striking out two in 4 1/3 innings. Brett Zawacki (1-0) earned the win in his Frontier League debut, allowing just one earned run on two hits in five innings. 
The series resumes tomorrow as the RiverHawks send righty Nick Anderson (0-1, 11.25 ERA) to the mound, and the Grizzlies counter with Max Whieldon (1-0, 4.50 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.

RiverHawks rolling after All-Star break


07/24/2012 5:08 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – After taking two of three from the Evansville Otters following a four-day hiatus from baseball due to the All-Star break, the RiverHawks went 5-1 in a six-game homestand against the River City Rascals and the Traverse City Beach Bums before dropping the opener at the Gateway Grizzlies.
In the opener against the Rascals on Monday, July 16, Rockford rallied from down 6-1 to tie the game with a big five-run fifth inning, capped off by Michael Hur’s three-run homer. River City regained the lead with a run in the seventh, but Matt Greener hit an RBI single in the bottom half to tie the game, and Evan Button’s RBI single in the eighth inning proved to be the game-winner.
Mickey Cassidy (2-1) earned his second win in relief in as many nights, while Alex Sunderland (0-1) was saddled with the loss. 
The following night, the Rascals roughed up newly-acquired Nick Anderson (0-1) for five earned runs in just four innings and went on to win 10-4. Doug Sanders went a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs to lead River City, and Jason Patton hit a three-run homer, his sixth of the season. 
Tony Marsala (3-4) pitched out of trouble and picked up the winning, giving up two runs on nine hits and striking out six in 6 1/3 innings.
In the series finale, Rockford’s Cody Hallahan took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and allowed just one hit over six innings, and Michael Hur hit a three-run homer as the Rockford RiverHawks routed the River City Rascals 14-5 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.
Hallahan’s no-hit bid was broken up with one out in the sixth inning as Jason Patton singled to center field. Hallahan (3-5) walked four and struck out four, throwing 58 of his 105 pitches for strikes.
The RiverHawks scored four times in the bottom of the third inning to go up 5-0. In that inning, Hur blasted his 10thhomer of the season. 
Rockford capitalized on two River City errors to score four unearned runs in the fifth inning and go ahead 9-0. The RiverHawks tacked on two more runs in the seventh to go up 11-0.
Tempers flared in the top of the eighth inning as catcher Greg Van Horn was ejected from the game and benches yelled at each other. 
The RiverHawks outhit the Rascals 16-7 in the game. Ted Obregon had four hits for Rockford. The Rascals committed five errors.
River City’s Nick Kennedy (4-3) gave up five earned runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings to get the loss.
The RiverHawks opened another home series on Thursday, June 19, with the Traverse City Beach Bums, owners of the best record in the Frontier League.
In the first game, Rockford ‘s Kyle Schepel (3-1) threw 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball to lead the RiverHawks to their first shutout victory of the season with a 1-0 victory over the Beach Bums.
Jet Butler knocked in the only run of the game as he singled home Evan Button in the fourth inning. Garrett Granitz got Jose Vargas to line out to shortstop with the two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth to end the game, giving him his fourth save of the season.
Scott Dunn (1-2) was the tough-luck loser as he gave up just one run in six innings, striking out six. 
The following night, Rockford’s Devin Shepherd ended his career in dramatic fashion, hitting a game-winning RBI double in the 10th inning Friday night to give Rockford the 2-1 victory.
With Shepherd announcing that he will retire to take care of his new baby daughter, he delivered in in his final at-bat, driving a Matt Miller pitch into the left-center field gap, and Mike Thomas slide in safely at home plate to give the RiverHawks the victory in front of a crowd of 2,717. 
Granitz (1-1) earned the win, while Miller (3-3) picked up the loss.
In the series finale, Ted Obregon, Jet Butler, and Evan Button each homered Saturday night, July 21, and the Rockford RiverHawks rolled 11-4 to complete the series sweep over the Beach Bums. 
Rockford’s Ziggie VanderWall (5-3) allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings and struck out five to win pick up the win. Traverse City’s Reid Kelly (7-3) gave up four earned runs and struck out eight in five innings in a losing effort.
Obregon’s homer led off the bottom of the first inning and was his first of the season. He finished the game 3-for-5 with three RBIs.
The RiverHawks fell 8-5 to the Gateway Grizzlies on the road in the series opener Sunday, July 22. Newly-signed Brad Schnitzer (0-1) gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings for the loss. Michael Hur hit his team-leading 11th home run for Rockford.
Rockford (26-31) plays two more on the road at Gateway before returning to play seven games in six days at home from July 25-30, starting with a doubleheader with the Normal CornBelters on Wednesday, July 25.   The two teams play four games in three days before the RiverHawks host the Schaumburg Boomers for three games from July 28-30. 
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, July 22, 2012

RiverHawks win 11-4 to sweep Beach Bums

07/21/2012 8:42 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Ted Obregon, Jet Butler, and Evan Button each homered Saturday night, and the Rockford RiverHawks routed the Traverse City Beach Bums 11-4 to complete the series sweep. 
The sweep was the RiverHawks’ first three-game series sweep of the season. The RiverHawks have won six of their past seven series and are 7-2 since the All-Star Break. 
Rockford’s Ziggie VanderWall (5-3) allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings and struck out five to win pick up the win. Traverse City’s Reid Kelly (7-3) gave up five earned runs and struck out eight in five innings in a losing effort.
Obregon’s solo shot to right field to lead off the bottom of the first inning, his first of the season, put Rockford ahead 1-0. He also had a pair of RBI singles in the fifth and sixth innings, finishing 3-for-5 with three RBIs and his 16thstolen base of the season. Obregon is hitting .370 (10-for-27) over his past six games.
“He (Obregon) got a good pitch pitch to hit, and it jump-started us tonight,” manager Rich Austin said.
Traverse City tied the game at 1-1 on a Chris Kay sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, but Butler connected on a two-out solo home run, his eighth of the season, to right field to put the RiverHawks up 2-1. 
Rockford scored three runs in the fifth on an Obregon’s single, a balk by Kelly, and an error by Jose Vargas on a hard grounder by Javier Herrera. The RiverHawks scored three more times in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 8-2. 
Button homered to right in the eighth inning, his fourth of the season.
“We’re playing hard and coming to the field ready to play,” Austin said. 
Beach Bums’ first baseman Chase Burch hit his 10th home run, a two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning.
The RiverHawks hit the road to take on the Gateway Grizzlies starting tomorrow night. The RiverHawks send southpaw Brad Schnitzer (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound to make his professional debut, and Gateway counters with righty Brett Zawacki (0-0, 0.00 ERA), making his Frontier League debut. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. 
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.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Scott leads, Tiger five back after three days at British Open

Through three rounds of play, Adam Scott is the leader at 11-under par.  Graeme McDowell will be paired with him tomorrow as he is 7-under, and the second-to-last group will be Tiger Woods and Brandt Snedeker, with Woods at 6-under and Sneds at 7-under.

This British Open has been noted for low winds and pretty good conditions for scoring.  Overall, this course doesn't blow me away with its difficulty, but the weather could change that in a heartbeat.  If you get out of position off the tee here, you could be in big trouble.  I still think Tiger has a good chance to win, but he will have to make some early birdies so the leaders see his name moving up the leaderboard.  Adam Scott has played particularly well, but he could falter tomorrow if the pressure gets to him.

While the British Open is usually known for it's wild winds and raining falling sideways, this year has been last wild.  I still personally like St. Andrews and Carnoustie's layouts and storied tradition a lot more than Royal Lytham.  I love the British Open just because it is so different than normal golf.  Players have to hit such different shots than they are used to, and it's a totally different brand of golf.  However, it still proves who is playing the best at the time.

I love the novelty of waking up to watch the British Open during the wee hours of the morning.  These last two rounds have been since because the leaders don't tee off until about nine a.m., but I did wake up quite early to catch the first two rounds.  I will be tuned in and I obviously will be pulling for Tiger, but he will have to play very well to have a chance.  I'm thinking 66 is the worst he can shoot and win.

Shepherd plays hero in 2-1, 10-inning win

07/20/2012 9:38 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford’s Devin Shepherd hit a game-winning RBI double in the 10th inning Friday night to give the RiverHawks a 2-1 victory over the Traverse City Beach Bums. 
With Shepherd announcing that he will retire following this series to take care of his new baby daughter, he delivered in dramatic fashion, driving a Matt Miller pitch into the left-center field gap, and Mike Thomas slide in safely at home plate to give the RiverHawks the victory over the Frontier League East-leading Beach Bums.
Rockford took an early 1-0 lead in the third inning on a fielding error by Jose Vargas on a ground ball off the bat of Javier Herrera, scoring Brandon Anderson. 
The Beach Bums scored their lone run of the game on a sixth inning leadoff solo home run by Chase Burch, his ninth of the season, off Drew Rucinski to tie the game at 1-1. 
Both starters pitched effectively as Traverse City’s Jacob Clem allowed just two hits and an unearned run over seven innings pitched.   Rockford’s Drew Rucinski give up just one run on seven hits while striking out a season-high nine batters in six innings pitched.  
The Beach Bums stranded nine runners in the game, six in scoring position. Rockford’s Garrett Granitz (1-1) earned the win as he came in with one out and a runner on second base in the tenth inning to retire Jose Vargas on a strikeout and Chase Burch on a fly out to right field on which Javier Herrera made a diving grab to keep the tied at 1-1. 
Miller (3-3) picked up the loss in relief for the Beach Bums.
The RiverHawks are now 4-0 in extra-inning ballgames.
The series finale is set for a 6:06 p.m. start Saturday as the RiverHawks look to pick up the sweep. The Beach Bums will start Reid Kelly (7-2, 3.86 ERA), and the RiverHawks will counter with Ziggie VanderWall (4-3, 5.80 ERA)
Tomorrow is Window Cling Giveaway by Applebee’s and Busch Jewelers Diamond Dash. Be one of the first 1000 fans to receive a RiverHawks window cling courtesy of Applebee’s . Also, we will be giving away two diamonds, thanks to Busch Jewelers. 
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, July 20, 2012

Schepel’s gem leads RiverHawks over Beach Bums

07/19/2012 9:17 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford’s Kyle Schepel scattered four hits and struck out five over 7 1/3 scoreless innings as he outdueled Traverse City’s Scott Dunn to give the Rockford RiverHawks a 1-0 victory over the Traverse City Beach Bums Thursday night.
The Beach Bums came into the game leading the league in runs scored, but Schepel (3-1) shut down the potent offense and gave the Rockford pitching staff its first shutout of the season. He worked out of a two-on, one-out jam in the third inning by retiring Jose Vargas and Chase Burch, the dangerous middle of the order for Traverse City. 
“He (Schepel) did a great job for us tonight, “manager Rich Austin said.
Garrett Granitz picked up his fourth season as he escaped a bases-loaded, two-out jam in the top of the ninth by retiring Vargas on a lineout to shortstop Ted Obregon to end the game.
Dunn (1-2) was the tough-luck loser, giving up just one run on four hits and striking out six in six innings.
The RiverHawks scored their lone run of the game in the fourth inning. Evan Button singled to lead off the inning, and with one out, he advanced to third on a two-base throwing error by catcher Marcus Nidiffer as he tried to pick Button off at first base. Jet Butler singled in Button to give Rockford the 1-0 lead. 
Schepel exited with one out and a runner on third base in the eighth inning. Mickey Cassidy worked out the jam by getting Burch to pop out to third base. Cassidy walked Jeff Flagg, but he got Kyle Colligan to ground to third to end the threat.   The Beach Bums stranded 12 runners on base in the game.
Rockford improved to 24-30, and Traverse City fell to 37-18.
“This is a big confidence booster for our ballclub,” Austin said. 
In the second game of the series Friday, the Beach Bums will send righty Jacob Clem (3-4, 3.12 ERA) to the mound, and the RiverHawks will counter with righty Drew Rucinski (4-1, 2.54 ERA). 
Tomorrow is Umbrella Giveaway by West Bend Mutual Insurance and Williams Manny.
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, July 18, 2012

RiverHawks rout Rascals 14-5 in series finale


07/18/2012 2:13 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford’s Cody Hallahan took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and allowed just one hit over six innings, and Michael Hur hit a three-run homer as the Rockford RiverHawks routed the River City Rascals 14-5 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.
The win gave the RiverHawks their fifth series win in their last six series. Hallahan’s no-hit bid was broken up with one out in the sixth inning as Jason Patton singled to center field. Hallahan (3-5) walked four and struck out four, throwing 58 of his 105 pitches for strikes.
“He kept his composure, and his defense played well behind him,” manager Rich Austin said.
Nick Kennedy (4-3) picked up the loss, giving up five earned runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched.
Rockford took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI fielder’s choice by Michael Hur that pulled first baseman Chris Andreas off the bag. Andreas then fired home, but it was not in time to get a sliding Matt Greener at the plate. River City’s Matt Serna was ejected from the game for arguing the call at first base
The RiverHawks scored four times in the bottom of the third inning to go up 5-0. In that inning, Hur blasted his 10thhomer of the season. In his last five games, Hur is batting .500 (13-for-26) with two home runs and 10 RBIs. Hur now trails the single-season team record of 15 by five, set by manager Rich Austin in 2004.
Rockford capitalized on two River City errors to score four unearned runs in the fifth inning and go ahead 9-0. The RiverHawks tacked on two more runs in the seventh to go up 11-0.
Tempers flared in the top of the eighth inning as catcher Greg Van Horn was ejected from the game and benches yelled at each other.

The Rascals broke up the shutout in the eighth inning on a Chris Andreas bases-loaded walk, and they scored four times in the frame of reliever Blake Drake. 
The RiverHawks outhit the Rascals 16-5 in the game.  Ted Obregon had four hits for Rockford.  The Rascals committed five errors.
The RiverHawks open a three-game series tomorrow with the East Division-leading Traverse City Beach Bums Thursday. The probables for the first game are Traverse City’s Scott Dunn (1-1, 4.02 ERA) against Rockford’s Kyle Schepel (2-1, 0.68 ERA). 
“Traverse City has a good ball club,” Austin said. “But with Schepel, Rucinski, and VanderWall coming in to pitch, we are ready to go.”
Tomorrow is American’s Bring it Home Thursday and also Perry Rock $1 beer night at RiverHawks Stadium. One lucky fan will walk away with a 40” 1080p LCD TV.
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.

Sanders’ five-hit night lifts Rascals over RiverHawks


07/17/2012 10:08 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – River City second baseman Doug Sanders hit a three-run double and went 5-for-5 Tuesday night to lift the Rascals to a 10-4 victory over the Rockford RiverHawks.
Jet Butler gave Rockford an early 1-0 lead with a first inning RBI single. Rockford starter Nick Anderson, making his professional debut, retired the first two Rascal hitters in order in the second inning, but he then issued three consecutive walks. Sanders followed by lining a double down the left field line to clear the bases and give the Rascals a 3-1 lead. Jason Patton singled in Sanders to make it 4-1.
Sanders’ 5-for-5 night included three singles and two doubles, and he also scored two runs. 
Anderson (0-1) picked up the loss, giving up five hits and five earned runs in four innings pitched. River City’s Tony Marsala (3-4) allowed two runs on nine hits and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings to pick up the win.
Leading 6-3, the Rascals sent ten batters to the plate and scored four runs in the eighth inning to go up 10-3. Jason Patton launched his sixth homer of the season, a three-run shot to right field off reliever Andrew Armstrong. 
Michael Hur went 3-for-5 with an RBI for Rockford. The RiverHawks left a season-high 15 runners on base for the game. The loss snapped the RiverHawks’ three-game winning streak and dropped them to 22-30. River City improved to 28-25 with the win.
The Rascals send Nick Kennedy (4-2, 3.26 ERA) to the mound Wednesday, and the RiverHawks look to win the series by sending Cody Hallahan (2-5, 4.82 ERA). First pitch is set for an early 12:05 p.m. start.
Tomorrow is Splash Day, sponsored by the YMCA of Rock River Valley. Kids will be able to participate in many water-related activities the whole afternoon. 
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, July 17, 2012

RiverHawks come from behind for 8-7 win


07/16/2012 9:56 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Evan Button’s eighth inning go-ahead RBI single lifted the Rockford RiverHawks to an 8-7 victory over the River City Rascals Monday night in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium. 
The RiverHawks erased a 6-1 deficit and also came back from being down 7-6 into the bottom of the seventh inning.
With the game tied at 7-7 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Ted Obregon walked with two outs and stolen his 15thbase of the season. He scored on Button’s single up the middle off Alex Sunderland, and Garrett Granitz pitched a perfect ninth to earn his third save of the season.
“I know we have a good ballclub, “manager Rich Austin said. “They keep believing and fighting. It’s good to see right now. “
Mickey Cassidy (2-1) earned the win in relief for a second consecutive night for Rockford. Alex Sunderland (0-1) picked up the loss, giving up a run in one inning of relief for the River City.
The Rascals scored three times in the second inning to take an early lead. The first two runs came as Matt Serna’s sacrifice bunt with two runners on base saw Rockford commit two errors to score Bobby Burk and Ben Hewett. Eric Williams singled in Serna with a bloop single to left.
The Rascals pushed the lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning on an RBI base hit by Curran Redal. Rockford’s Devin Shepherd got the home team on the board in the bottom half with an RBI fielder’s choice to make it 4-1.
With one out in the top of the fifth, River City’s Jason Patton and Charlie Lisk hit back-to-back home runs on consecutive pitches by starter Ziggie VanderWall to push the lead to 6-1. 
The RiverHawks responded with a big five-run fifth inning, capped off by Michael Hur’s three-run homer to left field, his ninth of the year, to tie the game at 6-6. 
“These guys are good hitters and they have a really good approach at the plate,” Austin said.
The Rascals loaded the bases with no outs off newly-signed Dylan Brammer in the seventh inning, and Jordan Goldschmidt came in to relief and threw a wild pitch to give the Rascals a 7-6 lead. However, Goldschmidt limited the damage to that one run.
Matt Greener singled home Javier Herrera in the bottom half to tie the game back up at 7-7 before Button delivered the go-ahead hit in the eighth inning. 
Button and Greener each had three hits in the win. River City’s Jason Patton and Curran Redal had three hits apiece for the visitors.
RiverHawks’ catcher Mike Thomas threw out three Rascal runners trying to steal. 
The Rascals will send righty Tony Marsala (2-4, 3.20 ERA) to the mound tomorrow, and the RiverHawks will counter with Nick Anderson (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who is making his professional debut.
Tomorrow is Kids Eat Free night at the ballpark. Kids will receive a voucher for a hot dog, chips, and soda with a paid ticket. 
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.

RiverHawks take series at Evansville

07/15/2012 5:49 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks returned from the All-Star break by taking two of three games on the road from the Evansville Otters from July 13-15. 
The two teams had met previously at RiverHawks Stadium from June 27-29, with the teams combining to score 70 runs, but this was not the case this time around. The Otters won the opener on Friday, July 13, by the score of 3-1.
Rockford’s Cody Hallahan and Evansville’s Adam Champion each allowed only one run across six innings, but the Otters broke through for a run in the seventh inning off Andrew Armstrong on an RBI double by Taylor Black. 
Rockford threatened with two on and two outs in the top of the eighth inning, but Eric Massingham came in to strike out Michael Hur and end the inning. Evansville added an insurance run in the bottom half on an RBI double by Schwaner to extend the lead to 3-1. Massingham pitched a perfect ninth inning to preserve the victory and pick up his Frontier League-leading 13th save of the year.
Tyree Hayes (2-2) earned the win, pitching 1 2/3 innings in relief. Armstrong (1-1) was saddled with the loss.
In the second game of the series on Saturday, July 14, Kyle Schepel (2-1) scattered three hits and two walks over five scoreless innings, and the RiverHawks held on for a 4-2 victory over the Otters.
In Schepel’s two starts since joining the rotation on July 5, he has yielded just one run and struck out 12 batters in 11 innings pitched. In seven overall appearances since joining the team, he has allowed just two earned runs and struck out 26 batters over 26 1/3 innings pitched, good for a microscopic 0.68 ERA. 
The RiverHawks scored twice in the third inning off starter Wynn Pelzer (0-1) and never trailed in the game. With two outs, Javier Herrera walked, and Jet Butler followed by singling to center field, and Evansville center fielder Matt Sheely misplayed the hit and allowed Herrera to scored all the way from first base to give Rockford a 1-0 lead. Butler advanced all the way to third on the two-base error, and Michael Hur followed with a run-scoring base hit to make the lead 2-0. 
Rockford extended the lead to 4-0 on an RBI single by Evan Button and RBI double by Butler.
After pitching two scoreless innings in relief, Nelson Curry loaded the bases full of Otters in the ninth inning with no one out, but Garrett Granitz limited the damage to just two runs to preserve the 4-2 win and earn his second save of the year.
In the series finale, Devin Shepherd’s go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 10th inning lifted the RiverHawks to an 8-7 10-inning win and series victory over the host Evansville Otters.
Trailing 5-3 into the seventh inning, the RiverHawks surged ahead with four runs in the inning to go ahead 7-5. Ted Obregon’s game-tying two-run single nodded the score at 5-5, and he would later score on a throwing error by Black at second base attempting to keep a Button single in the infield. Butler’s RBI double scored Button and extended the lead to 7-5.
The Otters answered with one in the bottom half and tied the game on a passed ball by Greg Van Horn in the eighth inning. Rockford’s Mickey Cassidy worked out of a two-out jam in the ninth inning to send the game to extra innings. 
In the 10th inning, Michael Hur led off with a double off Tyree Hayes and advanced to third base on a Mike Thomas sacrifice bunt. Shepherd followed with the sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Hur. 
Hayes (2-3) earned the loss, and Cassidy (1-1) tossed 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to get the win.
The RiverHawks now own a 21-29 record. Beginning July 16, Rockford will play 13 of their next 16 games at home. From July 16-18, the RiverHawks host the River City Rascals. They then play host to the Traverse City Beach Bums, leaders of the Frontier League East, from July 19-21. 
After a brief three-game road trip at the Gateway Grizzlies from July 22-24, the RiverHawks host the Normal CornBelters from July 25-27, with a doubleheader on July 25 due to a rainout earlier in the season. The RiverHawks wrap up the homestand by hosting the Schaumburg Boomers from July 28-30.

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, July 12, 2012

Pat Summitt and Eric LeGrand captivate at the ESPY's


Yesterday was the only day of the entire calendar year where one of the four major sports did not have games scheduled.  This particular day is known for the ESPY's, the sports awards for the past year.  Each year, the best athletes in the country assemble and receive awards for their outstanding play on the field.  Jokes are cracked, accomplishments are celebrated, and athletes get the chance to step back from their playing or training and act like normal human beings with their fellow athletes.

The awards and all are great and it was cool to see all the awards handed out such as Best Team, Best Male College Athlete, etc, but the real stories of the night were the winners of the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.  Those recipients, former Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt, and former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, embodied what sports are all about.

Pat Summitt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease after she began to struggle with juggling the rigors of being a college basketball coach.  She already had six miscarriages and a divorce in the past, and now she was about to start tackling a huge obstacle in Alzheimer's.  The life she leads has influenced so many people, from her girls to the Tennessee community to the nation that has seen her eight national championships and numerous other accolades.  To be frankly honest, I wouldn't have ever had a hint of interest in women's college basketball if it weren't for Summitt.  I also had some interest because I have family in Tennessee.  Growing up, I saw her accomplish so many things and was always drawn to her intense but nurturing coaching style.  One thing I regret is that I had an opportunity to see her coach in the NCAA Tournament as Tennessee took on DePaul at the AllState Arena, and I passed up that opportunity.  I didn't really know about it until it was too late, but I would have loved to see her coach.  I do not consider myself a women's college hoops junkie, but I greatly respect and admire what this women has done as a pioneer for the sport.

Eric LeGrand was a Rutgers football player who was paralyzed after making a tackle in a game against Army at home in 2010.  He suffered some severe damage to his spinal cord, but he has refused to let his situation make him depressed or upset.  Last night, LeGrand came out with a huge smile on his face while sitting in his wheelchair.  When it comes to sports, I usually put on a tough guy mantra and rarely cry, but just seeing his beaming face in the midst of these circumstances had me bawling my eyes out (and I'm not one to usually admit that, either).  It made me really appreciate all that I have in my life and that I shouldn't take anything for granted and life every day of my life with a true gratitude that I am able to even walk.  LeGrand ends his speech by quoting the late Jim Valvano in saying, "Don't give up, don't ever give up".  This gripping speech brought out the humanity in the entire audience as well as me.  A guy who had his football dream and career taken away from him has been fighting to walk again, which is something he says he will do.  They showed some of his rehab process, and it was simply amazing to see just how hard he is fighting to get back on his feet.  Even as I am writing this, I get the chills thinking about him.  He will be coming out with a biography in a few months, and I will be the first one at the book store to pick that up.

Seeing these two people failing to let their circumstances define really provides inspiration to all, whether or not you are a sports fan.  I love stories like this that really put things into perspective and make me appreciate what I have in my life.  These two have very tough circumstances indeed, but the lives they are impacted in this world make that tough experience so valuable.  These two are what is right in the world of sports amidst all the problems.  It is refreshing to see inspiring stuff like this that transcends games, statistics, records, etc.

These stories are what the ESPY's are all about.

Monday, July 9, 2012

RiverHawks finish up first half of season

07/09/2012 1:42 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks picked up three consecutive series wins over the Evansville Otters, Joliet Slammers, and Washington Wild Things, but they dropped two of three games against the Gateway Grizzlies to wrap up the first half of the season. 
At the midpoint of the season, Rockford stands at 19-28, sixth place in the Frontier League West.   Rockford sported a 14-12 record at RiverHawks Stadium but struggled to a 5-16 record on the road. The RiverHawks lead the Frontier League with a .285 team batting average, but they are dead last in team ERA at 5.59, over a full point worse than the next closest team.
 The RiverHawks played 47 of their 96 games in the first half of the season due to an early-season rainout at home that will be made up with a doubleheader on July 25 against the Normal CornBelters.  
After taking two of three games from the Evansville Otters at home from June 27-29, the RiverHawks took two of three from the defending Frontier League champion Joliet Slammers from June 30-July 2. 
In the first game, Rockford trailed 5-2 into the seventh inning, but the bats came alive for nine runs in that frame off the Joliet bullpen, including a go-ahead bloop single by Carlos Luciano. Jet Butler capped off the inning with a grand slam home run, his seventh homer of the season and RiverHawks’ first grand slam of the year, to give Rockford an 11-5 lead and win.
The following day, Joliet’s Jim Schult (3-2) tossed 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball to pick up the victory. Kyle Maunus’ two-run homer off Cody Hallahan in the second inning proved to be the difference.
In the series finale, Rockford’s Drew Rucinski pitched six innings of shutout ball to improve to 4-1 on the season as the RiverHawks picked up a 5-2 victory. 
The team hit the road, traveling to Washington, Pa. to take on the Washington Wild Things in a three-game series. Coming in, Rockford had lost six straight series to the Wild Things, but after dropping the opener on July 3 by the score of 3-0, the team rebounded for consecutive victories to win the series.
In the first game, Wild Things’ starter Gary Lee (3-2) took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, and Washington only surrendered two Rockford hits. The RiverHawks rebounded the following night on the Fourth of July with a 7-3 win. Evan Button broke a 2-2 fifth inning tie with his second home run of the year to put Rockford ahead, and Ziggie VanderWall allowed just two runs in five innings to earn his fourth victory of the year. 
In the series finale, Kyle Schepel  (1-1) took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning in his first start, and the RiverHawks beat the Wild Things 5-2.   Schepel allowed just one run on two hits while striking out seven in six innings pitched.  
Rockford played host to the Gateway Grizzlies in the final series before the All-Star Break. In the first contest, the RiverHawks prevailed 11-7 behind homers from Matt Greener, Javier Herrera, and Devin Shepherd. 
The following night, Gateway picked up a 5-2 win as they rallied for four runs in the seventh inning after trailing 2-0 heading into that frame. Jonathan Johnson’s two-run double off Mickey Cassidy (0-1) broke a 2-2 tie, and All-Star catcher Landon Hernandez homered in the eighth inning to extend the lead to 5-2. Tim Brown went the distance, giving up one earned run, to earn his fifth victory of the year.
In the final game before the All-Star Break, the Grizzlies defeated the RiverHawks 10-5. Paul Tremlin pitched seven strong innings to improve to 4-0 on the season, and Jon Myers hit his team-leading ninth homer. Rockford’s Jet Butler went 2-for-4 with two runs scored in the loss, and VanderWall got the loss to fall to 4-3.
The RiverHawks had three players chosen as All-Stars- outfielder Javier Herrera, third baseman Matt Greener, and pitcher Mike Lee, and third baseman. The All-Star Game festivities kick off on July 10 with the State Farm Home Run Derby. Herrera will be participating in this event.
The game will be played the following day, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Corn Crib in Normal, Ill. 
Herrera is hitting a league-leading .379 with seven homers and 51 RBIs in 47 games played, while Greener is hitting .302 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 47 games. Lee made 13 appearances, six as a starter, and went 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA, striking out 59 in 41 innings. 
The Atlanta Braves signed Lee to a minor-league contract following his final start, so he will not be participating in the event. 
The RiverHawks return to action Friday, July 13 when they open a three-game series at the Evansville Otters.
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.

RiverHawks fall 10-5 to Grizzlies

07/08/2012 8:08 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – Gateway starter Paul Tremlin yielded three runs over seven strong innings Sunday night, and Jon Myers homered to lead the Grizzlies to a 10-5 victory and series win over the Rockford RiverHawks. 
The Grizzlies scored three runs in the third inning off Rockford starter Ziggie VanderWall to take a 4-1 advantage, including a sacrifice fly by Jerod Yakubik and two-run single by Antone DeJesus. VanderWall (4-3) lasted just four innings, giving up four runs on six hits.
Gateway scored three more times off Nelson Curry in the fifth inning to extend the lead to 7-1, including the two-run shot by Jon Myers, his team-leading ninth of the season. 
“They hit the ball well and got on the board early,” Rockford manager Rich Austin said. “Their pitching did well, and you’ve got to tip your cap sometimes.”
Making his second professional start, Tremlin (4-0) threw 60 of his 87 pitches and retired the RiverHawks’ lineup in order five times in his seven innings pitched.
The RiverHawks trailed 8-1 into the seventh inning, but Michael Hur hit a two-run single to close the gap to 8-3. However, Greg Van Horn followed by bouncing into a double play and Brandon Anderson grounded out to first base to end the threat. 
Jet Butler went 2-for-4 with two runs scored for Rockford. Gateway’s Rogelio Noris went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. 
The RiverHawks finish the first half of the season with a 19-28 record and stand in sixth place in the Frontier League West. The RiverHawks have three All-Stars in Javier Herrera, Matt Greener, and Mike Lee, who signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves this week and will not participate. 
The All-Star Break runs from July 9-12, with the Home Run Derby and Frontier League All-Star Game taking place on July 10 and July 11 at the Corn Crib in Normal. 
Rockford returns to action on July 13, hitting the road to play the Evansville Otters for a three-game series.
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.