By Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – With South Bend starting pitcher Adriano Rosario out of the game early due to an hour-long rain delay, it was up to the Silver Hawks relievers to get the job done against the Kane County Cougars. For seven innings they did; two innings they did not.
Closer Matt Wilkinson surrendered two runs in the ninth, and Heath Heiberger gave up the winning run in the 11th as Kane County came back to win 4-3 over
the Silver Hawks Tuesday night at Coveleski Stadium.
After the Hawks broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the bottom of the eighth, Wilkinson came on to attempt to record his 27th save of the season. However, Wilkinson was quickly greeted with a leadoff double by John McCurdy. Beau Craig then hit a grounder to second baseman Neb Brown, but Brown mishandled the ball allowing Craig to reach base. Brown then threw wide of the first base bag, allowing McCurdy to score the go-ahead run. One batter later, John Suomi singled in pinch runner Nick Rogers, tying the game at 3-3.
After a scoreless tenth from Wilkinson, Heiberger came on in relief in the top of the 11th. A one-out single and stolen base by Jason Basil put a runner in scoring position for Andre Ethier. Ethier responded with a single to left center, scoring the game-winning run.
Heiberger (4-4) suffered the loss for the Silver Hawks. The lefty allowed one run on two hits in one inning of work.
Reliever Manny Rodriguez (3-3) recorded the win, as he pitched a perfect 10th. Edwardo Sierra picked up his 14th save of the year with a scoreless 11th.
The Silver Hawks return to action tomorrow night at 7 p.m. when they host the Kane County Cougars. Wednesday is Pepsi Wednesday with the WSBT Radio Group.
Fans may buy one ticket and get one free with a Pepsi proof of purchase. Wednesday is also Turn Back the Clock Night with South Bend players wearing retro jerseys.