South Bend SilverHawks at Cedar Rapids Kernels
May 30th, 2002
| South Bend |
|
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
3 |
7 |
1 |
| Cedar Rapids |
|
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
6 |
X |
|
|
8 |
13 |
2 |
E-Loeb, McPherson, Murphy, LOB SB-10, CR-5, 2B-Hairston, Mathis 2, Kotchman, 3B-Gorneault, SB-Brand, CS-McPherson, Kimpton, HBP-Ball, SACF-Haydel
HB-Mozingo, SO-Brand, DiRosa, Barrett, Napoli, Kotchman, Kimpton, BB-Ball, Hairston, Barrett, McPherson, Porter, Kimpton
T-2:42, A-1,754
U-Josh Miller, Todd Walters
South Bend Tribune
More late inning trouble resulted in the sixth straight loss for the South Bend SilverHawks Thursday night.
Cedar Rapids erased a one run deficit with six runs int he eighth inning to take a 8-3 decision in Midwest League Class A baseball action.
Soctt Hairston's double off the centerfield wall in the first inning gave South Bend an early 2-0 lead. The Kernels tied the game at two with runs in the third and seventh inning, but Rich Haydel countered in the top of the eighth with a sacrifice fly RBI to put the Hawks up by one.
Cliff McMachen relieved South Bend starter Ryan Holsten in the bottom of the eighth and lasted just 2/3 of an inning, giving up five runs on four hits and a walk. Three of those runs were unearned following first baseman Bryan Loeb's error.
Holsten surrendered two runs on seven hits through seven innings. Haydel went 3 for 3 with an RBI. The Kernels' Nick Gorneault was 3 for 4 with a pair of RBIs.
Cedar Rapids Gazette
by Jim Ecker
Cedar Rapids Kernels fans have wanted a new ballpark and a winning club for years.
Now they have both.
The Kernels erupted for six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday night and spanked South bend, 8-3, for their third straight victory before 1,199 fans at Memorial Stadium.
Cedar Rapids (28-24) climmbed within 3 1/2 games of Peoria for first place in the Western Division of the Midwest League standings.
Of equal importance, the Kernels led the race for the playoff spot that goes to the first half runner up.
The Kernels have not made the Midwest League playofs since 1997, but this team could make it.
"It always runs through your head," said Dustin Griffith, who got the victory in relief, "We're just going to go out and do our job and hopefully it will work out."
The Kernels have a two game lead for second place in the Western Division with 17 games left. The Midwest League splits it's 140 game season into two halves and this half ends on June 16.
Cedar Rapids Manager Todd Claus us sticking to his, "one game at a time", philosophy, so there are no magic numbers posted in the Kernels' clubhouse.
"Absolutely no magic number," he insisted, "We control our destiny, but you play one game at a time. That's all you can do in this game.
"Everybody says it. It sounds ver cliche-ish, but it's very true."
The Kernels trailed, 3-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth before making it a happy night.
Justin Turner was perched on first base when Jeff Mathis roped a double to the left field corner. When the left fielder bobbled the ball, Clause aggresively sent Turner home with the tying run. That opened the floodgates.
Mike Napoli and Casey Kotchman followed with RBI singles, making it 5-3 and Nick Gorneault broke it open with a two run triple to center for a 7-3 lead. Tommy Murphy stroked and RBI single, making it 8-3.
"That was a good one. A real good one," Claus said.
Steve Shell tossed 6 2/3 strong innings for Cedar Rapids, throwing 89 pitches on a hot night.
Griffith, the second of three relievers, threw only four pitches and got the win.
"I think his teammates are calling him the vulture," Claus joked.
Griffith has pitched 34 1/2 innings in relief and has four victories, tied for second best on the club.
"I was just in a luck spot at the right time." he said.
The Kernels struggled to win close games earlier in the year, but seem to be catching on now.
"We're just getting a lot more confidence," Griffith said, "We're starting to relax a little more and play our game,"
How They Scored
Top 1st
Scott Hairston ripped a two run double off the wall in center field, scoring Kevin Brand and Jarred Ball with one out.
Bottom 3rd
Jeff Mathis doubled to right center with two outs and scored on a line single to center by Dallas McPherson.
Bottom 7th
Casey Kotchman roped a leadoff double to left center and scored on a line single to center by Greg Porter
Top 8th
Rich Haydel hit a sacrifice fly to right with one out, scoring Bryan Loeb with the go ahead run. Loeb reached on an error by short stop Tommy Murphy. The run was unearned.
Bottom 8th
Justin Turner singled with one out and scored on double to left by Mathis, tying the game 3-3. McPherson reached on an error by the first baseman, putting runners at 1st and 3rd with one out. Mike Napoli singled to right, scoring Mathis with the go ahead run. Casey Kotchman singled to left, scoring McPherson. Porter walks. Gorneault belted a two run triple to center, scoring Kotchman and Porter. Murphy stroked an RBI single to right, scoring Gorneault.