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.