By Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The fireworks were only scheduled for after the game, but the Silver Hawks hitters decided to put on an early show in the ninth inning. South Bend rallied for three runs in the final frame to beat the Dayton Dragons 4-3 Wednesday night at Coveleski Stadium.
Trailing 3-1 going into the bottom of the ninth, Mayobanex Santana led off with a double off Joel Barreto down the left field line. One out later, Sean Luellwitz scored Santana with a single to left, chasing Barreto out of the game.
With Todd Coffey now on the mound, Jarred Ball reached on catcher's interference, putting runners on first and second for Doc Brooks. Brooks responded with a single to center, scoring pinch runner Tila Reynolds. On the play, centerfielder Tiago Campos overthrew third baseman Matt Boone and allowed Ball to score the winning run.
Prior to the ninth, the Silver Hawks had been held in check by the Dayton pitchers. A combination of starter Don Gemmell and relievers Josh Thigpen and Matt McWilliams held South Bend to only one run on four hits in eight innings.
Barreto was charged with a blown save, while Coffey (2-2) suffered the loss.
Sergio Lizarraga (4-1) picked up the win in relief of starter Adriano Rosario. Lizarraga pitched a scoreless ninth, while Rosario went eight innings, allowing three runs on five hits.
Rosario retired the first 11 batters of the game before giving up a solo
home run to Boone in the top of the fourth inning. Rosario also gave up a home run to Ryan Fry in the seventh. Except for those two mistakes Rosario, for the most part, held the Dayton hitters in check. The Dominican right-hander struck out six batters and did not surrender a walk.
The Silver Hawks return to action tonight at 8 p.m. when they host the Dayton Dragons. Tonight is the third night of post-game fireworks sponsored by Martin,s Side Door Deli, Clark Foodservice and WNDU. Tonight is also the Thirsty Thursday Concert Series presented by Budweiser, WB 25 and 103.9 The Bear. Michelob Ultra will be sold for $1 in the Bullpen Bar &Grille, and local band Gretchen's Revenge will play after the game. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.