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.