Boomers hang on to beat RiverHawks 9-6 in opener

08/24/2012 9:40 PM -

LOVES PARK, Ill. –  The Rockford RiverHawks fought back from a 9-0 deficit, but the Schaumburg Boomers held on to win 9-6 in the series opener at RiverHawks Stadium.

The RiverHawks brought the tying run to the plate in the eighth inning, but Kirk Clark got Evan Button to ground out to second to end the threat.

Schaumburg hitters feasted on Rockford pitching Friday with 16 hits. They scored twice in the first inning on a pair of two-out hits by Chad Mozingo and Steve McQuail. Mozingo went 4-for-6 with three doubles. 

The Boomers added two runs in the third inning. In the fifth inning, five Schaumburg batters reached base to start the frame, chasing Rockford starter Ziggie VanderWall from the game, and the Boomers tallied four runs in the inning to seize an 8-0 advantage.    

VanderWall (7-6) gave up eight runs on eight hits and a season-high seven walks in four-plus innings.

 Cody Griebling (5-2) picked up the win, taking a shutout into the seventh inning before Greg Van Horn’s bases-loaded double play ball forced a run home. Brandon Anderson’s RBI single made it 9-2. 

Rockford rallied to score four runs in the eighth inning, including a two-run single by Greg Van Horn, but could not get any closer.

Patrick Mincey pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his 14^th save of the season. 

Jet Butler went 3-for-5 with two runs scored for Rockford. The RiverHawks fell to 36-52 and have lost 22 of their last 32 games.

The series resumes tomorrow at RiverHawks Stadium as Schaumburg’s Matt Kuna (2-4, 4.21 ERA) opposes Rockford’s Nick Anderson (1-2, 3.91 ERA) on the mound.

Saturday night is the final fireworks show of the season and takes place as the finale to Fan Appreciation Night, where numerous prizes will be given away throughout the game.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league in its 20th season. Games are broadcast on NTA-FM (100.5) Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.