RiverHawks' road woes continue

06/25/2012 9:13 AM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks took two of three games from the Gateway Grizzles at home but lost two of three on the road at Normal and fell in the first two games at Schaumburg.  The losses dropped the RiverHawks to 12-22 overall, 9-8 at home and 3-14 on the road. Rockford now stands in last place in the Frontier League’s West Division, 9 ½ games behind the Schaumburg Boomers. Rockford beat Gateway 5-1 at RiverHawks Stadium on Monday, June 18 as they did their damage in the middle innings. Michael Hur hit an RBI single to put Rockford up 1-0 in the fourth inning, and Jet Butler hit his fourth homer of the season, a three-run blast, to extend the lead to 4-0 in the fifth inning. Ziggie VanderWall picked up his third win of the season, pitching six innings of scoreless ball. The RiverHawks were unable to complete the series sweep the following night, falling 9-3. Gateway catcher Landon Hernandez hit a first-inning grand slam and finished the game 2-for-4 with six RBI to lead the Grizzlies to victory. Rockford’s Jordan Liette picked up the loss in his second professional start, giving up five runs in only three innings of work. Greg Van Horn went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the RiverHawks. Rockford hit the road to open a three-game series with the Normal CornBelters beginning Wednesday, June 20. In the first game, the two teams combined for only eight hits, but it was the Cornbelters who would prevail 1-0, scoring the game’s only run on an RBI groundout by Steven Felix in the seventh inning. Rockford would threaten with back-to-back two-out singles in the ninth inning by Greg Van Horn and Daniel Gonzalez, but Evan Button would ground out to second base to end the game. Cody Hallahan pitched a complete game for the RiverHawks and Ted Obregon was 2-for-2 with two stolen bases.  Rockford fell 3-2 the following night as they were unable to capitalize with the bases loaded and none out in the eighth inning. The CornBelters tied the game in the sixth inning on a Felix homer and took the lead in the seventh on a run-scoring double by Tyler Wiesemeyer, but the RiverHawks loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth on a pair of walks and an error.   However, they failed to plate a run and went in order in the ninth inning to lose their third consecutive game. In the series finale, the RiverHawks won 7-6 in 12 innings despite blowing a five-run lead late in the game. The CornBelters trailed 6-1 going into the bottom of the eighth inning, but they scored three times in that inning and twice in the ninth to send the game to extra innings. Rockford finally broke through for a run in the 12th inning, and Theron Minium pitched two scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win.  Javier Herrera went 4-for-6 with three RBI. The RiverHawks traveled to Schaumburg for a second consecutive weekend to face the Boomers after being swept last weekend.  In the opener, the Boomers prevailed 8-5, scoring three times in the eighth inning off reliever Garrett Granitz to break a 5-5 tie. Rockford’s Carlos Luciano went 3-for-3 with two RBI, and Mike Thomas was 2-for-3 with two RBI. On Sunday, June 24, the RiverHawks fell 15-10 to the Boomers as an early 15-0 deficit ultimately sealed their fate. Starter Jordan Liette only retired one batter and gave seven earned runs. Michael Hur went 3-for-5 and hit his team-leading eighth homer of the season, and Mike Thomas stayed hot by going 3-for-5 with five RBI.  Mike Lee’s 2.20 ERA is good for third-best in the Frontier League, while Javier Herrera’s .362 average is second-best in the league. Hur’s eight home runs are tied for fifth-best in the league. Rockford wraps up their road trip and has an off day before returning home for a six-game homestand, hosting the Evansville Otters from June 27-29 and the Joliet Slammers from June 30-July 2.  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.

2013 MLB Scouts Foundation Tournament

06/22/2012 10:26 AM - LOVES PARK, Ill. –  The Rockford RiverHawks will be one of the hosts for the Team Exposure 2013 MLB Scouts Foundation Tournament running from June 29-July 6, 2013.  Every Major League Baseball team will be represented by a scout, and college recruiters will be attending the games as well, providing ballplayers a great opportunity to showcase their skills. The RiverHawks are committed to youth sports and providing the opportunity for youth athletes to succeed. We are also committed to bring clubs to the area to help the local economy of Rockford. This tournament has a six-game guarantee, with games being played at universities and stadiums from Chicago to Rockford, will have 104 total teams, with a total of 26 teams per age group (15, 16, 17, 18). Teams will play one or two games in an area at a time, so they will not be asked to travel a long distance in the same day.  The entry cost of the tournament is $800, but each team will have to pay an umpire $50 before each game it plays. Additionally, all teams must pay a once a year $30 sanction fee before entering any tournament. Once staff and rental of fields are paid, all the proceeds from t-shirts, raffles, and admission fees will be donated to the Scouts Foundation. The tournament will fill fast, so contact Herb at 815-690-2032 or by email atherb@teamexposure.com to receive a team registration form. In being one of the hosts for the 2013 MLB Scouts Foundation Tournament, the Rockford RiverHawks’ organization will be providing its sponsors more exposure. Additionally, the Rockford Jr. RiverHawks’ teams will be playing in the tournament.  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.

Field Training Day August 16

06/20/2012 3:38 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – Conserv FS will be holding a Field Training Day at RiverHawks Stadium on August 16, teaching proper field maintenance techniques. 

The schedule of events for the day is as follows:

                                1:30-2:00 p.m.                   Registration

                                2:00-5:00 p.m.                   Field Demonstrations

                                5:00-5:30 p.m.                   Field Preparations for the Game

                                6:00-7:00 p.m.                   Dinner and Networking with Colleagues and other Area experts

Conserv FS would also like to invite those attending to join them for the game that night as the RiverHawks take on Florence Freedom beginning at 7:05 p.m. The cost of the event is $45 per person or $39 each if two or more people register. 

Registration forms are available at RiverHawks Stadium, or you can register online at www.conservfs.com, and choose: “RiverHawks Training Day!” at the bottom of the “Turf” box. 

Please R.S.V.P. by August 3^rd to Kimberley at fax number 815-334-5930.

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.

Military Appreciation Night at the ballpark

06/20/2012 3:06 PM -
LOVES PARK, Ill. – To honor those men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States, the Rockford RiverHawks will be donating tickets to all military veterans for the July 2nd game as part of Military Appreciation Night.

The RiverHawks host the Joliet Slammers at 7:05 p.m. that night.  Players will be wearing camouflage jerseys, with a jersey auction being held.  Additionally, a drum corps will be in attendance and a colorguard will be presenting the American Flag during the Star-Spangled Banner.   If you are interested in tickets, please call 815-885-2255 and ask for Josh. 

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.
 

Grizzlies' slugger powers Gateway past Rockford 9-3

06/19/2012 9:18 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – Gateway catcher Landon Hernandez hit a first-inning grand slam and drove in six runs Tuesday night to propel the Grizzlies to a 9-3 victory over the Rockford RiverHawks.

Hernandez’s blast, his fourth homer of the season, off the scoreboard in left-center field with two outs in the top of the first inning off Rockford’s Jordan Liette gave the visitors an early 4-0 lead.

“He got his pitch and did what he was supposed to do with it,” manager Rich Austin said.

Hernandez picked up an RBI on an error in the third inning, and he would pick up another in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly to make the Gateway lead 6-2. Hernandez came into the game struggling in the early part of the season, hitting just .206 with three homers and 14 RBI.

Pat Arnold (2-0) gave up three runs over six innings to earn the win. Liette (0-1) was credited with the loss as he gave up five runs in three innings of work.

The RiverHawks squandered opportunities to do more damage off Grizzlies’ pitching. In the second inning, the first three Rockford batters reached base, including Greg Van Horn’s RBI double to cut the lead to 4-1, but Mike Thomas lined into a double play to shortstop that doubled Van Horn off second base.  

In the third inning, Rockford’s Ted Obregon was called out for not touching home plate after tagging up on a fly ball off the bat of Steve Anderson. The RiverHawks would score once in the fourth inning, but Daniel Gonzalez flew out to center field to leave the bases loaded. Rockford also left the bases loaded in the seventh inning. 

Michael Hur launched his team-leading seventh homer of the season for Rockford in the loss. 

Antone DeJesus went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI for Gateway while Chris McClendon went 2-for-3 with four runs scored. 

Rockford begins a six-game road trip by traveling to Normal Wednesday to open a three-game series with the CornBelters. The RiverHawks send Cody Hallahan (1-2, 5.33 ERA) to the mound, and the CornBelters will counter with Tyler Stovall (1-4, 6.65 ERA). Each night of the series is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start. 

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 down Grizzlies 5-1

06/18/2012 9:09 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Jet Butler hit a three-run homer and Ziggie VanderWall pitched six scoreless innings Monday night to lead the Rockford RiverHawks to a 5-1 victory over the Gateway Grizzlies.  The RiverHawks would grab an early 1-0 lead on an RBI single by Michael Hur in the fourth inning. For a second consecutive night, the Rockford bats came to life in the fifth inning as they scored four times in the frame, capped off by Butler’s blast, his fourth of the season, scoring Carlos Luciano and Ted Obregon.  Hur would add an RBI double to stretch the lead to 5-0.  VanderWall (3-1) picked up the win on the mound, pitching six shutout innings while giving up four hits and four walks and striking out three to lower his season ERA to 3.74. “He was in the zone tonight,” manager Rich Austin told NTA FM. “He pitched to contact and gave us a chance to win.”  Gateway starter Alex Kaminsky (5-1) lost his first game of the season, giving up five runs, two earned, on nine hits while striking out five. The Grizzlies left 12 runners on base for the game. Leadoff hitter Jonathan Johnson was 3-for-5 with a double.  The RiverHawks look for the series sweep tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. They will send righty Jordan Liette (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound, and the Grizzlies will pitch righty Pat Arnold (1-0, 1.93 ERA). Tomorrow night is Kids Eat Free Night at RiverHawks Stadium. Kids will receive a voucher for a hot dog, chips, and a pop.  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.

Big fifth inning lifts RiverHawks to 6-4 victory

06/17/2012 8:10 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – Trailing 3-0 in the fifth inning, the Rockford RiverHawks scored five runs, all after two outs, to surge ahead of the Gateway Grizzlies and pick up a 6-4 victory in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium.

Gateway jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on Landon Hernandez’s RBI single in the first inning and Richie Jimenez’s two-run single in the second inning.  Grizzlies’ starter Ja’Vaun West only allowed two hits through his first four innings, but the RiverHawks would load the bases on three one-out singles by Mike Thomas, Carlos Luciano, and Steve Anderson. 

Ted Obregon would hit into a fielder’s choice that would not score a run, but Jet Butler would hit a two-out, two-run single to cut the Grizzlies’ lead to 3-2.  Javier Herrera would follow by blasting a 2-2 pitch over the left field fence for a go-ahead three-run homer, his fourth of the season, to put Rockford on top 5-3. 

West (0-1) took the loss on the mound in his first professional start, giving up five runs on eight hits and striking out six in five innings of work. 

Jonathan Johnson hit his first homer of the season in the sixth inning off Rockford starter Mike Lee to cut the Rockford lead to one, but Carlos Luciano would hit his first homer of the season off Gil Rehwinkel with two outs in the bottom half of the inning to put the RiverHawks ahead 6-4.

Lee (2-0) earned the win on the mound, giving up four runs on six hits while striking out nine in six innings. Relievers Andrew Armstrong, Nelson Curry, and newly-signed  Brett Scarpetta would combine to strike out six in three innings of scoreless relief.   Scarpetta pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first save of the season.

The series resumes tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. as Rockford sends southpaw Ziggie VanderWall (2-1, 5.17 ERA) to the mound, and Gateway will counter with righty Alex Kaminsky (5-0, 3.60 ERA).

Tomorrow night is Faith Night #2 at RiverHawks Stadium.

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 unable to complete sweep, fall 12-5

06/13/2012 9:39 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks fell 12-5 to the Windy City ThunderBolts on Wednesday but still managed to take two of three in the series.

Rockford jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Javier Herrera that scored Brandon Anderson. 

Windy City would grab a 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning on a two-run double by Mike Torres that scored Travis Weaver and Chris Wade.

The ThunderBolts would score five runs in the fourth inning off Rockford starter Cory Trudell (0-2). Wade hit a two-run single to extend the lead to 4-1, and Torres would follow him with a single to left that was misplayed by Michael Hur for a two-base error that gave the visitors a 6-1 lead.   Brandon Decker’s RBI groundout to shortstop would make it 7-1. 

Wade would finish the night 4-for-6 with four RBI.

Trudell lasted just four innings, giving up five earned runs on six hits while walking five.

Windy City’s Dustin Williams (3-2) picked up the win on the mound, pitching seven strong innings while giving up two earned runs and striking out four.

The RiverHawks would get runs in the fourth and seventh innings to close the gap to 7-3, but the ThunderBolts would get one in the top of the eighth off and three more in the ninth, highlighted by a three-run blast to right field by Chad Cregar, his sixth of the season.

Greg Van Horn launched his first homer of the season, a two-run shot to left center off Matt Costello, in the ninth inning.

Javier Herrera went 2-for-4 to improve his average to a Frontier League-best .411, and Evan Button was 2-for-3 with two runs scored to improve his average to .354. 

The RiverHawks finish their homestand with a 3-3 record, and they will now travel to Schaumburg to begin a three-game series beginning Thursday at 6:30 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.

Lee pitches RiverHawks past ThunderBolts

06/12/2012 9:11 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Mike Lee pitched six innings of one-run ball and Michael Hur had a go-ahead RBI double as the Rockford RiverHawks defeated the Windy City ThunderBolts 3-1 on Tuesday night.  Lee (1-0) threw 55 of his 86 pitches for strikes, giving up just one run on four hits and one walk while striking out seven batters to earn the win. Brandon Decker’s solo homer off Lee to lead off the top of the fourth inning put the ThunderBolts ahead 1-0. Rockford scored two runs in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Javier Herrera and an RBI double by Michael Hur to put the RiverHawks up 2-1.  Windy City starter Stephen Sauer (2-1) lost his first game of the season, giving up three runs on eight hits while striking out seven in 7 2/3 innings pitched.  The RiverHawks would add an insurance run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Matt Greener that scored Jet Butler.  Newly-signed Andrew Armstrong pitched 2/3 of an inning in his professional debut. Cliff Archibald pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save of the season.   Evan Button was 3-for-4 with a run scored for Rockford. The series finale is set for 7:05 p.m. Wednesday. Rockford sends right-hander Cory Trudell (0-1, 5.40 ERA) to the mound to make his first start, while Windy City will send right-hander Dustin Williams (2-2, 6.00 ERA) to make his sixth start of the season. Tomorrow is Perry Rock $1 Beer Night at RiverHawks Stadium.  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.

Hur's big night lifts RiverHawks

06/11/2012 10:17 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Michael Hur’s two-homer night and Ziggie VanderWall’s strong outing on the mound Monday helped the Rockford RiverHawks prevail 12-8 over the Windy City ThunderBolts in the series opener.  Hur’s first homer, a solo shot to left field off starter Mike Recchia in the fourth inning , gave Rockford a 3-2 lead. The RiverHawks would score four runs in the fifth inning, all after two outs, capped off by an opposite-field, three-run homer by Hur, his team-leading sixth of the year, to put Rockford ahead 7-2. Hur added an RBI infield single in the eighth inning to finish 3-for-5 with five RBI, the second straight day a Rockford player tallied that mark as Javier Herrera was 4-for-5 with five RBI in a 16-5 win over the Miners Sunday.  “We have a quality middle of the lineup guy (Hur) batting in the seventh hole. He’s an excellent hitter,” manager Rich Austin said. Ziggie VanderWall (2-1) earned the win on the mound for Rockford,  pitching 5 2/3 innings while giving up six hits and four runs, three earned, walking three, and striking out eight batters, including the first four batters of the game. Recchia (3-1) was saddled with the loss as he gave up 10 hits and nine runs, eight earned, while striking out 10 in 6 1/3 innings pitched to raise his season ERA from 1.37 to 3.31.  The ThunderBolts would two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to close the gap to 7-6, but the RiverHawks would score two in the seventh and three in the eighth to increase the lead to 12-6. Mickey Cassidy entered the game in the eighth inning and earned his first save of the season, giving up two runs in 1 1/3 innings pitched.  Javier Herrera went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, raising his season average to .410. Matt Greener went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI doubles, and Daniel Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. Chris Wade went 3-for-6 for the ThunderBolts, while Jereck West was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Rockford sends righty Mike Lee (0-0, 0.84 ERA) to the mound to make his second start of the season on Tuesday, and Windy City will counter with righty Stephen Sauer (2-0, 2.31), with first pitch set for 7:05 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.

RiverHawks roll 16-5 to avoid sweep

06/10/2012 5:37 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks’ bats came alive Sunday to beat the Southern Illinois Miners 16-5 and avoid a sweep.  Rockford set season highs in hits and runs with 16 runs and 17 hits off Southern Illinois pitching. Miners' starter Ian Campbell (3-1) lasted just three innings, giving up 11 hits and 13 runs, seven earned, and walking two. The Miners took an early 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly by Jake Kaase, but Javier Herrera would put the RiverHawks ahead with a two-run homer, his third of the season and second in as many nights. Herrera would also have three RBI singles and finish the day 4-for-5 with five RBI to raise his average to .392, and he became the first RiverHawks player to record five RBI in a game this season.  The RiverHawks sent 11 batters to the plate in a seven-run second inning that saw Matt Greener belt a three-run blast to left field, his third of the season. Rockford would add four more in the third inning to take a 13-1 advantage, including a two-run single by Devin Shepherd.  Drew Rucinski (2-1) pitched five strong innings for the win in his first start of the season on the mound, giving up two hits and an unearned run while striking out six batters. Rucinski previously appeared in six games out of the bullpen for the RiverHawks. “He’s a competitor out there,” manager Rich Austin told NTA FM. “He throws strikes and kept the hitters off balance. He gave us a great performance. Schepel did a great job of the bullpen.”  Kyle Schepel allowed an unearned run in three innings of relief in his professional debut out of the RiverHawks’ bullpen. Steve Anderson had his first professional hit and finished 1-for-5 with an RBI. Evan Button went 4-for-5 with four runs scored and two RBI out of the leadoff spot for the RiverHawks.  Second baseman Will Block was 3-for-3 for the Miners. The RiverHawks return to action tomorrow night and play host to the Windy City Thunderbolts on WIFR Night. They have not announced a starting pitcher for the game, but the Thunderbolts will send right-hander Mike Recchia (3-0, 1.37 ERA) to the mound, with a first pitch set for 7:05 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.

Miners thump RiverHawks 12-3

06/09/2012 9:05 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners used two big innings to pick up a 12-3 win Saturday over the Rockford RiverHawks at RiverHawks Stadium.  Javier Herrera’s two-out solo homer to left put the RiverHawks up 2-1 in the third inning, but the Miners answered with five runs in the fourth inning to go ahead 6-2, including a three-run homer by Jake Kaase, who went 3-for-6 on the night. Southern Illinois would score four more in the fifth, including a home run by Matt Fields, to go up 10-2.  Brian Fowler (3-0) earned the win on the mound, giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out six in five innings. Rockford starter Eric Rohe (0-1) would take the loss in his professional debut, giving up nine runs on ten hits while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings pitched.  Michael Hur would add a leadoff solo homer, his fourth of the season, in the sixth inning off reliever Ben Shivers to cut the deficit to 10-3, but the Miners would add a run in the seventh inning and one in a ninth inning that saw the RiverHawks commit four errors. Rockford committed six errors in the game. Steven Anderson made his professional debut as a replacement in left field, going 0-for-2 at the plate. The RiverHawks will send righty Drew Rucinski to the mound tomorrow to make his first start of the season in the final game of the series against the Miners. Rucinski has appeared in six contests out of the bullpen this season, going 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA. The Miners will counter with righty Dave Harden (3-1, 2.63 ERA), with a first pitch set for 3:05 p.m.  Tomorrow is YMCA Family Day. Kids (ages 3-12) get in for $2 and have the opportunity to run the bases after the game as well as get autographs from RiverHawks’ players.  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

Six-run ninth beats RiverHawks

06/08/2012 10:19 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners erased three three-run deficits and rallied for six runs in the ninth inning to beat the Rockford RiverHawks 14-11 on Friday night. The RiverHawks would hold an 11-8 lead into the ninth inning, but Ken Gregory would hit a two-run homer off Theron Minium to close the gap to 11-10. Cannon Lester would tie the game with a two-out RBI single and Miners’ center fielder Chad Maddox’s go-ahead three-run homer off Cliff Archibald (1-1), who blew the save, broke an 11-11 tie and lifted the Miners to victory. “They put together good at-bats and got clutch hits,” manager Rich Austin told NTA FM.  Rockford jumped on starter Southern Illinois starter Thomas Campbell in the first inning as an RBI double by Javier Herrera and two-run homer by Devin Shepherd, his first of the season, put the RiverHawks up 3-0. The Miners would answer with three runs in the second, but the RiverHawks would get three in the bottom half of the inning to go up 6-3, including a solo homer by Michael Hur, his third of the season.   However, the Miners would overcome a 7-4 deficit with three unearned runs in the fifth on an error with the bases loaded by starter Nick Sarianides.  With the game tied at 7-7, Rockford’s Evan Button would deliver in the fifth inning with a two-out, three-run homer, his first of the season, to put the RiverHawks up 10-7.  The Miners would score one on a solo homer by Jake Kaase, but the RiverHawks would score one in the sixth to go up 11-8. Starter Nick Sarianides lasted six innings, giving up eight hits and eight runs, five earned, while striking out a season-high eight batters.  Anthony Collazo (1-0) earned the win with two innings of scoreless relief, and Max Peterson pitched a perfect ninth inning for his seventh save of the season.  The RiverHawks tied a season-high with 15 hits. Button went 1-for-3 with four RBI on the night, while Shepherd was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. The RiverHawks return to action on Saturday night against the Miners, with a first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. The first 1000 fans receive a RiverHawks logo baseball, sponsored by the Illinois Railway Museum.  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 shut down in series finale

06/03/2012 5:27 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – London starter Johan Gonzalez (2-0) allowed an unearned run on five hits over seven strong innings, and the London Rippers beat the Rockford RiverHawks 12-1 on Sunday to take two of three in the series.

The Rippers were able to get on the board early with two runs in the first inning as Rockford starter Kevin Patterson (0-2) allowed four straight two-out walks and a wild pitch to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. The Rippers were able to score five more in the second inning, highlighted by a three-run homer by Tony Delmonico.

Patterson would not make it out of the second inning, allowing six runs, four earned, on two hits and five walks in 1 1/3 innings. 

The Rippers would get another in the third off reliever Jordan Stern on an RBI single by Joash Brodin, who finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBI to raise his batting average to .379. They would add another in the fourth off Stern on a homer by Zach Larson and would put two more on the board in the fifth.

The RiverHawks would get on the board in the seventh inning, scoring an unearned run off Gonzalez on a fielder’s choice and throwing error by Delmonico.   London’s David Christensen would add a solo homer to extend the lead to 12-1. 

Javier Herrera would go 2-for-4 to extend his hit streak to 10 games and raise his average to .375 on the season. Evan Button went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .326. 

The RiverHawks are off tomorrow, but they hit the road to face the Traverse City Beach Bums starting Tuesday. The RiverHawks will send lefty Kasey Kiker (0-0, 9.00 ERA) to make his second start in a RiverHawks uniform.  Traverse City has not announced a starter.   First pitch is slated for 6:05 CDT. 

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 5-3 to Rippers

06/02/2012 8:35 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks were beaten 5-3 by the London Rippers on Saturday night to halt their winning streak at three games.

Justino Cuevas’ two-run double in the fourth inning gave the Rippers a 2-1 lead they never relinquished. The RiverHawks got on the board early with a sacrifice fly from Jet Butler, but Cuevas’ double in the fourth would put the visitors ahead for good. In the top of the fifth inning, a wild pitch by Rockford starter Nick Sarianides (1-2), and an RBI single by Clifton Thomas would put the visitors up 4-1.

Sarianides went five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits while walking five and hitting two while striking out four. 

The RiverHawks would cut the lead to 4-3 on a two-run double by Jet Butler, who finished 1-for-3 with three RBI on the night. However, Butler was thrown out trying to stretch the double to a triple, ending the Rockford fifth inning. 

London’s Matt Schimpf (1-0) would earn the win on the mound, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings pitched.

The RiverHawks’ bullpen would come in to keep the deficit at 4-3 into the eighth inning, when Javier Herrera was thrown out at the plate by Thomas from left field on a single off the bat of Evan Button, ending the inning. 

The Rippers would tack on an unearned run in the ninth off Rockford’s Mike Lee as Thomas legged out an infield single that scored Stephen Cardullo following Cardullo’s steal and throwing error by catcher Elliot Hagburg. 

“They got key hits, and we hurt ourselves early,” manager Rich Austin told NTA FM. “We had a couple of opportunities, but we weren’t able to capitalize on those.”

London’s Andrew Chilcoat pitched three innings of scoreless relief to earn his first save of the season. 

Rockford’s Brandon Anderson went 3-for-3 with three infield singles, a run scored, and a stolen base. 

The RiverHawks send southpaw Kevin Patterson (0-1, 7.71 ERA) to the mound, and the Rippers will counter with righty Yohan Gonzalez (1-0, 2.25 ERA).  

First pitch is slated for 3:05 p.m., and tomorrow is YMCA Family Day. Kids (ages 3-12) get in for $2 and have the opportunity to run the bases 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 edge CornBelters 7-5

05/30/2012 9:43 PM - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The RockFord RiverHawks beat the Normal CornBelters 7-5 on Wednesday night, winning back-to-back games for the first time in the young 2012 season.  The CornBelters held a 4-3 lead into the fifth inning, but the RiverHawks scored four in the fifth to take a commanding 7-4 lead, highlghted by a go-ahead single by Elliot Hagburg and RBI walk by Carlos Luciano.  Rockford starter Ziggie VanderWall (1-0) earned the win on the mound in his professional debut, giving up eight hits and four runs, two earned, and striking out four in five innings of work. “He gave us five strong innings,” manager Rich Austin said. “He did really well for us.” Rockford’s Mike Lee earned his first save of the season, pitching a scoreless ninth.  Normal starter Tyler Stovall did not record an out in the game, as he failed to retire a batter in the first inning. Reliever Jacob Liedka (0-1) took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, in 1 1/3 innings of work.  The RiverHawks jumped to an early 3-0 lead on Stovall, but Rich Mascheri would come in and get out of a jam to prevent a bigger inning. The CornBelters would score a run in the second, two in the third , and one in the fifth inning to take a 4-3 lead as Hagburg’s throwing error came around to score.    The RiverHawks would respond with four runs in the fifth off of Liedka to take a 7-4 lead. The CornBelters would get one run in the eighth inning off Cliff Archibald, but Lee preserved the win for the RiverHawks . Matt Greener and Javier Herrera would go 3-for-5 for the RiverHawks, and Herrera would  extend his hit streak to seven games and raise his average to .372 on the season. Jet Butler would go 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI for the RiverHawks. The RiverHawks go for the sweep against the CornBelters on Thursday.  First pitch is set for 7:05 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.