By Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- After a blown save and an extra-inning loss last night, the South Bend Silver Hawks were in need of a win Wednesday to continue their push towards the Midwest League playoffs.
What they received was a two-run home run from Mayobanex Santana and a solid outing from staff ace Sam Smith, as the Hawks pulled out a 3-2 home victory over the Kane County Cougars.
With the game scoreless going into the bottom of the second, Jarred Ball smacked a two-out single down the right field line. Santana then followed with his fourth home run of the year, a shot that cleared the fence in left center.
The Silver Hawks added a third run in the sixth when Jeff Cook slid under the throw home on Jeff Stanek's fielder's choice.
Smith was solid in his six innings of work. Smith (14-6) surrendered one run on five hits, striking out two batters and walking three.
Kane County starter Derell McCall (1-1) suffered the loss, as he allowed three runs on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Closer Matt Wilkinson recorded his Midwest League leading 27th save but not before the Cougars threatened to tie the game in the ninth for the second straight night. Kane County put runners on second and third, but Wilkinson got Francis Gomez to strike out looking to end the game.
The Silver Hawks return to action tomorrow night at 7 p.m. when they host the Kane County Cougars for the final time this season. Thursday is once again the Thirsty Thursday Concert Series presented by Budweiser, WB 25 and 103.9 The Bear. Mack Pherson &the Struts will be performing in the Bullpen Bar &Grille after the game, and $1 Michelob Ultras will be available
throughout the game.