Rockford RiverHawks Professional Baseball

Derek Barrone to coach 16U Jr. RiverHawks

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:52:00 +0000

September 13, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Jr. RiverHawks 16U team has named Boylan Catholic High School assistant varsity coach Derek Barrone its head coach for the 2012 season.

Barrone helped the RiverHawks coaching staff during spring training in May. He and Jr. RiverHawks 15U head coach Justin Small pitched batting practice, and worked one-on-one with players before the 2011 Frontier League season began.

The Jr. RiverHawks play throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, and compete in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the Midwest. They also host tournaments at Road Ranger Stadium during the summer and into the fall.

“With the addition of Barrone, we have doubled our youth program,” director of operations Chris Daleo said.

“I am very excited to begin coaching for the Jr. RiverHawks,” Barrone said. “The RiverHawks are an important part of the Rockford area community, and it’s great to be a part of their youth program. I will be looking for a roster of 15 year olds who will be ready to play as 16 year olds next summer.”

Dates and times for the 16U tryouts will be announced soon.

This season the RiverHawks have re-committed themselves to the local youth baseball community by hosting tournaments, high school games and clinics. Barrone’s involvement with the Jr. RiverHawks 16U team builds upon that foundation.

For more information on the Jr. RiverHawks program, contact Daleo at (815) 885-BALL.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league playing its 19th season. For tickets call (815) 885-2255 or visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Austin joins Rock Valley College coaching staff

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:50:00 +0000

September 8, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford RiverHawks manager Rich Austin is taking on an assistant coaching job at Rock Valley College (RVC).

Rockford’s professional baseball team announced Thursday that Austin has joined the RVC coaching staff. He will assist head coach Kevin Vest through the fall season and into next spring until spring training for the 2012 Frontier League season begins. Austin will coach in addition to his hitting lessons at Wallbangers Academy in Loves Park.

Vest helped the RiverHawks coaching staff during spring training, and RVC pitching coach Brett Scarpettapitched for Rockford this season. Austin’s addition to Vest’s coaching staff further strengthens the relationship between the RiverHawks and RVC.

“It was great to have Kevin (Vest) help us out with the RiverHawks this year, and I am pleased to return the favor this fall,” Austin said. “Not only will I get the chance to work with some young talent, but I will also be able to stay involved in the Stateline region baseball community throughout the year. The RiverHawks are committed to community involvement, and coaching is my way of contributing to that effort.”

Austin will also be attending college showcases.

“I am excited to go to the college showcases and scout players who could potentially be future RiverHawks,”Austin said. “I am looking forward to coaching at RVC, and then getting back to Road Ranger Stadium for the 2012 season next May.”

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Eigsti traded to Camden of the Atlantic League

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:51:00 +0000

September 7, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Frontier League batting champion will have a chance to win a pennant in the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

The Rockford RiverHawks announced Wednesday they traded Jake Eigsti to the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League for a player to be named later. Eigsti won the Frontier League batting title with a .340 average, and finished second in the league in walks (61) and on-base percentage (.443).

Eigsti hit a career-high 12 home runs and had 74 RBI. He was three RBI shy of tying Rich Austin’s single-season RiverHawk record of 77, which Austin set when he won Frontier League Player of the Year honors in 2004.

Eigsti had a team- and career-best 114 hits. It was the first time in Eigsti’s six-year career he has recorded at least 100 hits.

Eigsti played for the East Division All-Stars in the 2011 Frontier League All-Star Game on July 13 at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, Ohio. He joined Luis Parache and Brett Durand as Rockford’s three all-stars this season.

In two seasons with the RiverHawks, Eigsti amassed 200 hits and batted .296 with 23 home runs and 126 RBI. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2006, Eigsti spent four years in their farm system before coming to Rockford in 2010.

Eigsti joins the Riversharks for their final two weeks of the regular season. Camden is 50-61 overall, and 27-21 in the second half. The Atlantic League plays a split-season, and the division winner in each half of the season clinches a playoff spot. Camden is 3 1/2 games back of the Bridgeport Bluefish for first place in the Liberty Division.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Austin, O’Sullivan to run hitting lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:45:00 +0000

September 6, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford RiverHawks manager Rich Austin and hitting coach Pat O’Sullivan will host hitting and general baseball lessons at Wallbangers Academy in Loves Park throughout the off-season.

The lessons will begin in mid-September and run all the way into next May before the start of the 2012 Frontier League season. Lessons are on a first-come first-serve basis, so those interested in participating are asked to sign up as soon as possible to ensure a spot.

Austin played professional baseball for 10 seasons, including four with the RiverHawks. He was the Frontier League Player of the Year in 2004, when the RiverHawks won Rockford’s only pro baseball championship of the last half-century. Austin hit .359 to win the league batting title that year, and set single-season team records in home runs (15) and RBI (77) that still stand.

Austin also has experience playing internationally in Colombia, Mexico and Italy.

“This is my second year running hitting lessons at Wallbangers,” Austin said. “I love to see the progress in each student I work with, and am glad to have the opportunity to work with area kids once again.”

O’Sullivan played 12 seasons of professional baseball, and was teammates with Austin in Rockford last year.O’Sullivan amassed more than 1,200 career hits and finished last season 13th on the active minor-league home-run list, with 200. He was drafted by the New York Mets in 1999, and played in both the Mets and Baltimore Orioles organizations.

Like Austin, O’Sullivan also spent time playing in Mexico.

“I am looking forward to getting more involved in the community through my hitting lessons,” O’Sullivan said. “I hope to impart some knowledge from my many years of experience to local kids who will be the next generation of Stateline region baseball players.”

For more information and to set up a lesson, contact Austin at (314) 625-4905 or O’Sullivan at (815) 988-5487.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Button homers twice; RiverHawks split final two

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:44:00 +0000

September 4, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford’s Evan Button homered in each end of a season-ending doubleheader on Sunday at Road Ranger Stadium. Button hit a home run in the RiverHawks’ 12-10 loss to Joliet in the opener and hit another in Rockford’s 10-3 win in the nightcap.

In the second game, Button and Jeremy Richter hit back-to-back home runs in the second inning as the RiverHawks rallied from an early 1-0 deficit. The RiverHawks added three unearned runs – two on a Luis Parache home run – off Joliet starter Andrew Moss in the third inning.

Rockford starter Kevin Patterson (2-3) scattered a run on three hits over five innings for the win. The former Rockford College pitcher struck out four and walked five in his first professional start. Moss (5-6) gave up seven runs, four earned, on six hits over four innings and took the loss.

In the opener, Joliet’s Josh Flores led off the game with a home run to right field and the Slammers led, 9-1, after 3½ innings. The RiverHawks rallied for a run on Matt Greener’s RBI double in the fourth inning, Greg Van Horn homered in the fifth and the RiverHawks scored seven times in a 12-batter sixth inning. Freddy Parejoand Dave Cooper hit back-to-back RBI doubles to give Rockford a 10-9 lead.

Joliet rallied for three runs off reliever Joe Scumaci (4-4) in the top of the seventh inning. Scumaci gave up three straight hits and left with the game tied. Hector Pellot hit into a fielder’s choice, but although the RiverHawks picked up an out when two Slammers ended up on second base, Flores scored the go-ahead run.

Joliet reliever Brian Smith (1-1), who struck out the two he faced in the sixth inning, got the win.

Rockford’s Jake Eigsti, who was 1-for-3 with an intentional walk in the first game and did not play in the second, finished the year with a league-leading .340 batting average. Eigsti is the fourth RiverHawk to lead the Frontier League in batting and the third in the last four years.

Rockford finished in last place in the Frontier League East Division with a 37-59, the worst in team history.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Eigsti wins fans free Great Clips

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:48:00 +0000

September 2, 2011 - Jake Eigsti won free haircuts for RiverHawks fans.

Eigsti launched a home run on Friday with a home run over the Great Clips sign in the left-center field gap.

Each time a RiverHawk hits a home run over the Great Clips sign, fans can redeem their ticket stub at any Stateline Great Clips for a free haircut.

Joliet slams four homers as 'Hawks lose, 14-1

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:47:00 +0000

September 2, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Two Joliet batters each had multi-homer games as the Slammers beat the Rockford RiverHawks, 14-1, on Friday at Road Ranger Stadium.

Josh Flores hit two home runs during a nine-run Joliet first inning. David Fox homered in the first and again in the fourth. Rockford’s Jake Eigsti hit his career-best 12th home run of the year in the seventh inning.

Rockford starter Chris Nyman did not reach the end of Joliet’s 13-batter first inning. Nyman (2-5) faced 10 and allowed nine hits. Flores led off the game with a home run and knocked out Nyman with a two-run homer with one out.

Joliet pitchers Jake Renshaw and Brian Fowler combined on a four-hitter. Renshaw shut out the RiverHawks on a hit over five innings to improve to a Frontier League-best 13-4. Fowler, in his first relief appearance of the year, went the last four innings and picked up his first save.

Rockford allowed a season-high 20 hits.

The series continues at 6:05 p.m. Saturday. Gilley’s Heating & Air sponsors Fan Appreciation Night, including postgame fireworks.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Beach Bums blast five bombs as ‘Hawks lose

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:47:00 +0000

September 1, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Chase Burch hit three home runs as the Traverse City Beach Bums beat the Rockford RiverHawks, 11-9, on Thursday at Road Ranger Stadium.

The Beach Bums hit five home runs, four off Rockford starter Nick Gaudi, in front of a near-sellout crowd of 2,937. J.T. Hall hit his 22nd home run of the year and Jose Vargas hit his 13th. Burch has 15 home runs, five off of Rockford pitching.

Traverse City led from the first inning on. Burch and Hall hit back-to-back home runs in the first. Vargas hit a three-run shot to left field in the third to give the Beach Bums a 5-0 lead. Burch hit two-run homers in the fourth and sixth innings. The former knocked out Gaudi.

Rockford climbed back into the game with a five-run rally in the sixth inning. Evan Button singled in two runs.Freddy Parejo drove in a run on a groundout. Dave Cooper drove in a run with a bunt single and Jake Eigstihit a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to three runs, at 9-6. The RiverHawks got the possible tying run to the plate four times from the sixth inning on, but Matt Miller got the last seven outs and picked up his first save of the year.

Traverse City starter Scott Dunn (9-3) gave up a run on five hits over five innings for the win. He struck out five and walked two. Gaudi (1-2) gave up seven runs on eight hits.

The RiverHawks clinched a last-place finish for the first time in their 10 years in the Stateline.

Joliet comes in for the last series of the season, starting at 7:05 p.m. Friday. All tickets are just $2. Busch Jewelers sponsors the Diamond Dig. Ladies can come down to the field following the game to dig for a ½-carat diamond worth $1,500.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Wild Things blast six homers in 11-6 win

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:09:00 +0000

August 21, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rockford pitching surrendered a season-high six home runs as the RiverHawks fell, 11-6, to the Washington Wild Things in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Road Ranger Stadium.

Luis Rivera, Estee Harris, Scott Lawson, Ryan Ditthardt, Chris Sidick and Doug Thennis all homered for the Wild Things. They took the lead for good on Ditthardt’s solo homer in the seventh.

Washington took an early 3-0 lead on a pair of home runs. Rivera had a two-run shot that scored Sidick in the first, and then Harris lifted a homer over the right-field wall the next inning.

Rockford tied the game in the fifth. Greg Van Horn stole third and scored on an errant throw by Washington catcher Blake Ochoa. Jake Eigsti singled in the tying run.

In the seventh, Ditthardt broke a 4-4 tie with a towering shot to left. Two batters later, Sidick hit a two-run homer to knock out Rockford starter Chris Nyman. Nyman (2-3) allowed seven runs on nine hits and took the loss. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Washington starter Gary Lee (3-5) allowed four runs, three earned, on ten hits over six innings to earn the win.

The RiverHawks are off Monday, and begin a three-game series against the Traverse City Beach Bums at Wuerfel Park 6:05 p.m. CDT Tuesday. The game can be heard live on ESPN 1380.

The next RiverHawks home game is 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, August 30 when they begin a three-game series against Traverse City. Thompsons’ Transmission sponsors Kids Eat Free Night and Petco sponsors Dog Days of Summer. Fans are invited to bring their dogs to the park for a canine-friendly environment that includes water bowls, wading pools and treats.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Cooper homers as ‘Hawks win slugfest, 13-10

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:05:00 +0000

August 20, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks hit four home runs on Saturday as they outslugged the Washington Wild Things, 13-10, at Road Ranger Stadium.

Michael Hur, Evan Button and Jeremy Richter each homered during a five-run Rockford first inning. David Cooper put the RiverHawks in front for good with a two-run shot to the right-field beer garden in the fourth, in front of a near-sellout crowd of 2,976.

Washington’s Chris Sidick led off the game with a home run to right and Doug Thennis added a second-inning homer to left.

Rockford rallied from a 2-0, first-inning deficit and lost leads of 5-2 and 6-5.

In the fourth inning, Freddy Parejo legged out a one-out infield hit and stole second base. Cooper homered off reliever Jake Ramsey, his third home run of the year and second in three nights, to break a 6-6 tie. Ramsey (0-1) also gave up Parejo’s two-out, two-run double in the fifth inning and two more runs in the sixth.

Rockford reliever Nick Gaudi (1-0) struck out six and scattered two hits over 3 2/3 innings to earn the win.

The RiverHawks snapped Washington’s four-game winning streak and won for the third time in their last 11 games.

The rubber match of the three-game series is at 4:05 p.m. Sunday. Kids get in for just $2 on Sundays. The Illinois Railway Museum, Midwest Rail Junction and Bounce O’Rama sponsor free rides on the RiverHawks Express. Following the game, players will sign autographs and kids can run the bases.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

‘Bolts blast four bombs in 15-5 blowout

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:47:00 +0000

August 18, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The least-powerful team in the Frontier League impersonated the 1927 Yankees on Thursday.

The Windy City ThunderBolts hit four home runs in a 15-5 blowout of the Rockford RiverHawks. Chad Cregar,Zack Aakhus, Brandon Anderson and former RiverHawk Jason James each homered for the ThunderBolts, who have a league-low 25 home runs.

Michael Hur and Dave Cooper homered in a losing effort for the RiverHawks, in front of a near-sellout crowd of 2,562 at Road Ranger Stadium.

The ThunderBolts scored 10 unanswered runs to break a 5-5 tie and salvage the finale of a three-game series. Aakhus hit his go-ahead home run, his third of the year, off reliever Kevin Patterson (0-2) in the fifth inning. Anderson led off a three-run seventh inning with his first homer of the year and Windy City scored five times in the eighth inning. In the ninth, James cleared the right-field beer garden with his first home run since he was traded from Rockford to Windy City on Monday.

James, who is the RiverHawks’ all-time leader in nine categories, including hits and home runs, ages out of the Frontier League at the end of the season and played his final game at Road Ranger Stadium on Thursday.

Shane Zegarac (1-0), the first of four Windy City relievers, retired one batter to end the fourth inning and picked up the win.

The RiverHawks host the Washington Wild Things at 7:05 p.m. Friday. The RiverHawks will play in 1980s-inspired alternate jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game. It’s also Ladies Night, when $8 outfield-box seats are available for just $5.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Smith hits walkoff single as RiverHawks win, 6-5

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:44:00 +0000

August 17, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Kevin Smith hit a walkoff single in the ninth inning on Wednesday as the Rockford RiverHawks rallied to beat the Windy City ThunderBolts, 6-5, at Road Ranger Stadium.

Smith hit a one-out single to left field off Windy City closer Wes Alsup to drive in Jake Eigsti with the winning run. Alsup (1-2) gave up back-to-back hits. Michael Hur preceded Smith’s winning hit with a game-tying single to right-center.

The ThunderBolts blew leads of 3-0 and 5-4. Windy City scored twice off Corey Frerichs in the top of the ninth, on a RBI infield hit by Zack Aakhus and a run-scoring forceout off the bat of ex-RiverHawk Jason James, but Frerichs (1-1) got the win.

Hur was 4-for-5 with two RBI.

The series finale is at 7:05 p.m. Thirsty Thursday. Miller Lite and RBI’s sponsor Dollar Beer Night.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

RiverHawks snap skid, shut out ‘Bolts, 2-0

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:43:00 +0000

August 16, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks closed the door on the past figuratively on Monday. Kyle Kriech did it literally on Tuesday.

The Rockford reliever struck out former RiverHawk Jason James to finish a combined seven-hit effort as the RiverHawks shut out the Windy City ThunderBolts, 2-0, at Road Ranger Stadium.

Chris Nyman (2-2) scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings and combined with three relievers for the shutout to snap Rockford’s six-game losing streak. Kriech gave up a two-out infield hit in the ninth, but picked up his first save.

James, who is the RiverHawks’ all-time leader in home runs, hits and seven other categories, was traded with closer Brett Durand to Windy City Monday night in a deadline deal for reliever Nick Gaudi and future considerations. In his debut with Windy City, James was 0-for-2, walked twice and was hit by Nyman in the first inning. Durand and Gaudi did not pitch.

The RiverHawks offense featured new and old faces. Rookie designated hitter Michael Hur, who signed Monday, led off the second inning with a home run to left-center field in his first professional at-bat. Evan Button and veteran Jake Eigsti, one of just two players left from last year’s roster, began the sixth inning with back-to-back doubles to right field.

The RiverHawks beat Windy City starter Matt Jernstad for the first time in 10 all-time meetings. Jernstad (5-9) gave up five hits, struck out five and walked two in a complete-game loss.

The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday. Metro Medical sponsors Rocko Bobblehead Doll Night.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Rookie wins fans free Great Clips in first at-bat

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:40:00 +0000

August 16, 2011 - When fans visit Great Clips, they can request a Michael Hur-cut.

The rookie, who made his pro debut on Tuesday, homered over the Great Clips sign in the left-center field gap and won free haircuts for RiverHawks fans.

Each time a RiverHawk hits a home run over the Great Clips sign, fans can redeem their ticket stub at any Stateline Great Clips for a free haircut.

Dominguez double caps RiverHawks rally in 9-7 win

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

August 7, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks have dusted off the “Comeback Kids” cliché.

For the second night in a row, the RiverHawks stormed back from a seven-run deficit to beat the Normal CornBelters. On Sunday, the RiverHawks scored nine unanswered runs to beat the CornBelters, 9-7, at Road Ranger Stadium and take the rubber match of the three-game series.

The RiverHawks batted around and scored five times in the seventh inning to take the lead. Jason James hit a three-run homer to the right-field beer garden to cut the deficit to a run and Carlos Dominguez doubled home the tying and go-ahead runs with two outs.

The Rockford bullpen held the CornBelters to a run on three hits over the final eight innings. Normal scored six times, on home runs by Brandon Newton, Steve Alexander and Daniel Cox in the first inning and Rockford starter Matt Gibbs did not come back for the second. Joey Gradney relieved Gibbs and limited Normal to a third-inning RBI double by Cox over his six innings of work. Gradney (1-1) gave up just two hits, struck out three and walked two for his first professional win. Setup man Corey Frerichs pitched a scoreless eighth inning and closer Brett Durand pitched a perfect ninth for his 16th save.

The RiverHawks broke the shutout in the sixth inning, when they scored three times on only one hit. In the seventh inning, Dave Cooper doubled to right with one out and stole third base. Liedka (2-2) walked Eigsti and James homered to cut the deficit to a run.

With two outs, Luis Parache and Kevin Smith reached on infield hits and Normal closer Marshall Schuler came on to face Dominguez. Dominguez doubled to left-center to drive in Parache and Smith.

Matt Greener gave Rockford an insurance run with a two-out infield hit in the eighth inning.

Dominguez was 4-for-7 in his two games in the series. He had a pair of two-out RBI singles on Saturday, when the RiverHawks trailed, 9-2, after 6½ innings, but rallied for a 10-9 win.

The RiverHawks are off on Monday. They open a three-game series at Southern Illinois at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday. The RiverHawks’ next home game is 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, against Windy City. Petco sponsors Dog Days of Summer, when fans are invited to bring their canine companion to the park. Thompsons’ Transmissions sponsors Kids Eat Free Tuesdays.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Smith hits walkoff homer as ‘Hawks rally, 10-9

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:55:00 +0000

August 6, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Rookie Kevin Smith capped an eight-run Rockford comeback with a walkoff home run as the RiverHawks beat Normal, 10-9, on Saturday at Road Ranger Stadium.

Smith hit two home runs to the right-field beer garden, and Jake Eigsti and Luis Parache also homered, in front of a near-sellout crowd of 2,397. Eigsti and Parache preceded Smith’s game-winning blast with homers in a six-run bottom of the ninth inning.

Daniel Cox hit a three-run, go-ahead homer for the CornBelters in the sixth inning. Normal sent 11 to the plate in the seventh inning and scored six times to stretch its lead to 9-2.

Smith began the comeback in the bottom of the seventh with a leadoff homer. In the eighth, Carlos Dominguez singled in a two-out run.

The bottom of the ninth inning began with three straight hits to left, singles by Freddy Parejo and Dave Cooper and Eigsti’s 11th home run of the year. Andy Mee (1-2) relieved for Normal, and with one out, gave up a single to Matt Greener. Parache and Smith followed with back-to-back homers to the beer garden.

Parache hit his seventh home run of the year and third of the week. Smith hit his third of the season. He’s the first RiverHawk with a multi-homer game this year and just the third player to hit a walkoff home run in the six-year history of Road Ranger Stadium.

Rockford closer Brett Durand (4-4) struck out two in a scoreless inning of work and got the win in relief.

The series finale is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $2 for kids 12 and under. All ages can ride the RiverHawks Express, sponsored by Midwest Rail Junction, Bounce O’Rama and the Illinois Railway Museum, for free. Following the game, kids can run the bases and players sign autographs.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Full house sees James, Parache homer in win

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:48:00 +0000

August 3, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Jason James and Luis Parache each hit home runs on Wednesday as the Rockford RiverHawks beat the Southern Illinois Miners, 9-3, at Road Ranger Stadium.

James hit a two-run homer to the beer garden in right field in the first inning and Rockford led the rest of the night. Parache led off the second with a homer to right, in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 4,219, the largest of the year.

Rockford starter Alex Szymanski held the Miners to two runs – on homers by Nate Hall and Will Block – and five hits over eight innings for the win. Szymanski (5-3) snapped a three-start winless streak with a 131-pitch outing. He struck out six and walked four.

Southern Illinois starter David Harden gave up eight runs, six earned, on nine hits over six innings and took the loss. Harden (5-4) has lost three straight starts.

The rubber match of the three-game series is at 7:05 p.m. Thirsty Thursday. Miller Lite and RBI’s Bar & Grill sponsors Dollar Beer Night.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Washington finishes sweep with 7-3 win

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:25:00 +0000

July 23, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Ryan Ditthardt and Luis Rivera each homered on Saturday as the Washington Wild Things completed a three-game series sweep of the Rockford RiverHawks with a 7-3 win at Road Ranger Stadium.

The Wild Things hit 10 home runs and outscored the RiverHawks 28-12 in the series. Rockford has lost seven in a row.

Ditthardt gave the Wild Things a 3-1 lead with a three-run homer in the fourth inning. The Wild Things added three runs in the fifth inning and Rivera led off the ninth with his second home run of the series.

Washington starter Jhonny Montoya (2-3) snapped a seven-start winless streak with the victory. He gave up three runs, two earned, on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out a season-high seven and walked two.

Rockford starter Guido Fonseca (2-7) gave up six runs, five earned, on seven hits and four walks over five innings. He took the loss and is winless in his last seven starts.

A near-sellout crowd of 2,498 sat through a two-hour wet grounds delay before the start of the game.

The RiverHawks host the Windy City ThunderBolts at 4:05 p.m. Sunday. Kids tickets are $2. Illinois Railway Museum, Midwest Rail Junction and Bounce O’ Rama sponsor free rides on the RiverHawks Express. Following the game, kids can run the bases and players sign autographs.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Saturday's start delayed

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:28:00 +0000

July 23, 2011 - The start of Saturday's Wild Things-RiverHawks game at Road Ranger Stadium has been delayed to 8:05 p.m. because of wet grounds.

Washington hammers ‘Hawks pitching, 7-5

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:26:00 +0000

July 22, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The lightest-hitting team in the Frontier League put on another power display on Friday.

The Washington Wild Things hit three home runs in a 7-5 win at Road Ranger Stadium.

Chris Sidick, Scott Lawson and Ernie Banks each hit their second home run of the series. Washington, which came into Friday with a league-worst .238 average, hit five home runs in a 14-4 win in the series opener on Thursday.

Sidick led off the game with a double, stole third base and scored on Doug Thennis’ infield hit. Sidick, Lawson and Banks each homered during a five-run third inning. Rockford starter Matt Zoltak (3-2) was lifted after the third and took the loss.

Jake Eigsti homered for the RiverHawks in the fourth inning and became the fifth player with 20 home runs in a Rockford uniform. Eigsti hit a two-run homer to pass Gooby Gerlits and Brandon Cohen for sole possession of fifth place on the team’s all-time home run list.

The RiverHawks rallied for three runs in the eighth inning, one on Freddy Parejo’s double to left-center field and two on Eigsti’s two-out single to right, but stranded the possible tying runs. Steven Grife retired all four batters he faced to earn his first save.

Washington starter Justin Hall (5-4) held the RiverHawks to four hits over seven innings for the win. Hall snapped a four-start winless streak with his first victory since he shut out the RiverHawks, 2-0, on June 22 at Washington.

Rockford has dropped six in a row.

The series finale is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Saturday. Sysco sponsors Scout Night. Area scout troops can camp on the field after the game.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Washington whacks five homers, whips 'Hawks

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:24:00 +0000

July 21, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – Chris Sidick set the tone of the evening early.

Sidick led off the game with a home run to right field, the first of five Washington homers in a 14-4 blowout of the Rockford RiverHawks at Road Ranger Stadium.

Scott Lawson homered two batters later. Estee Harris, Luis Rivera and Ernie Banks also homered, in front of 2,078. Jeremy Hamilton homered for the RiverHawks, who have dropped five in a row.

Rockford starter Brett Scarpetta gave up a season-worst 10 runs on eight hits and seven walks and was out early. Washington added a run in the second inning, four in the third and four in the fourth for an early 11-2 lead. Scarpetta (4-3) walked four of the five batters he faced in the fourth inning and was lifted after he walked Harris with the bases full.

Harris and Rivera hit back-to-back homers in the sixth and Banks, who pinch-hit for Harris, led off the eighth with a moon shot just inside the foul pole in left field.

Washington starter Casey Barnes (5-3) gave up four runs on nine hits over six innings for the win. Barnes, the league’s ERA leader, allowed season highs in earned runs and hits.

The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday. Gerber Collision and Glass sponsors RiverHawks Cap Night. The first 1,000 through the gate receive a special RiverHawks lid.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

RiverHawks add Button

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:19:00 +0000

July 21, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks have added a former Arizona Diamondbacks farmhand.

Rockford’s only professional baseball team announced on Thursday that it has signed second baseman-outfielder Evan Button. Button, 24, was the Diamondbacks’ 22-round pick two years ago and spent two seasons with Yakima of the short-season Class A Northwest League.

Button’s been in independent baseball this year with Gateway of the Frontier League and Wichita of the American Association. He hit .304 with two home runs and six RBI in six games with the Grizzlies. He hit .333 with a homer and eight RBI in 16 games with the Wranglers. Button has four steals in five tries this year.

The RiverHawks made room on the roster with the release of outfielder Jamal Carrington. The rookie hit .059 with no home runs and four RBI in 10 games.

The RiverHawks also activated catcher Elvin Millan, Jr. from the seven-day disabled list and sent pitcher Chris Nyman to the DL, retroactive to July 18.

Nyman has gone to the DL because of bursitis. Millan was on the DL because of a separated non-throwing shoulder and bruised acromioclavicular joint.

Millan is hitting .174 with two home runs and four RBI.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Crushers complete sweep, 10-3

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:16:00 +0000

July 20, 2011 - AVON, Ohio – The Lake Erie Crushers completed a three-game series sweep with a 10-3 defeat of the Rockford RiverHawks Wednesday afternoon at All Pro Freight Stadium.

Lake Erie’s Jodam Rivera was 1-for-1 with a double, two sacrifice flies, a walk and three RBI. He was 5-for-10 and drove in seven runs in the series.

Lake Erie made it an early blowout in the third inning, marred by five unearned runs and by a bench-clearing brawl.

Rockford starter Joey Scumaci struggled with his control. He walked the leadoff hitter in each of the first two innings and it cost him a run each time. Andrew Davis drove in a run on a double-play groundout in the first inning and Rivera hit a sacrifice fly to right field in the second. In the third inning, Jereme Milons reached second base on an error, and went to third on a groundout. Kellen Kulbacki got the green light on a 3-and-0 count and reached base on an infield hit. Jason Taylor took two balls and singled in Milons. Evan Sharpley was hit by a 3-0 pitch to load the bases.

Sharpley and Rockford catcher Carlos Dominguez traded words, then punches, as the benches emptied. Sharpley, Dominguez and Scumaci were ejected. So were Rockford pitcher Joey Gradney and Lake Erie closer Ruben Flores, who came onto the field during the brawl. An inning earlier, Sharpley had been retired on a fielders’ choice in a collision with Dominguez at home.

After the brawl, Rivera hit a sacrifice fly, Robby Kuzdale singled in a run and Brian Erie doubled in two to stretch the Crushers’ lead to 7-0.

Lake Erie starter Paul Fagan (4-7) held the RiverHawks to three unearned runs on four hits over six innings for the win. He struck out five and walked two. Fagan ended a three-start losing streak.

Scumaci (3-1) gave up six runs, just two earned, on five hits and took the loss.

Chris Allen finished the game with three scoreless innings and earned his first save.

Rockford has lost four in a row and took its fourth series sweep of the year.

The RiverHawks’ next home game is at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, when they host Washington on a Miller Lite/RBI’s Thirsty Thursday. The game will be aired live on ESPN 1380.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

RiverHawks score five in first, win third straight

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:04:00 +0000

July 16, 2011 - JOLIET, Ill. – Jason James was 2-for-4 and drove in two runs Saturday as the Rockford RiverHawks beat the Joliet Slammers, 7-5, at Silver Cross Field.

The RiverHawks led from the first inning on and stretched their winning streak to three games. They’ve taken the first two games of a three-game series against the Frontier League East-leading Slammers.

Rockford scored five runs, four of them unearned, off Joliet starter Andrew Moss in the first inning. Freddy Parejo led off with a single. Dave Cooper attempted a sacrifice bunt, but third baseman Sean Estend threw the ball away for a two-base error. James singled in Parejo to put Rockford in front. Matt Greener hit a grounder to the pitcher and Moss attempted to get Cooper in a rundown between third base and home plate, but was called for obstruction and Cooper was awarded the plate. Luis Parache doubled in James and Greener.Reno Malay singled in Parache.

Joliet designated hitter Erik Lis led off a three-run second inning with his 10th home run of the season, but the Slammers didn’t get closer than two runs all night.

Rockford starter Brett Scarpetta (4-2) gave up four runs on eight hits and four walks over 5 1/3 innings for the win. Moss (2-3), who gave up six runs on five hits, walked two and hit three, took the loss. Rockford closerBrett Durand gave up a run in the ninth inning on a Lis sacrifice fly, but earned his 11th save.

The RiverHawks have a chance for a series sweep at 6:05 p.m. Sunday.

The RiverHawks’ next home game is at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, when they host Washington on a Miller Lite/RBI’s Thirsty Thursday.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Hit king James returns to RiverHawks

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:29:00 +0000

July 9, 2011 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – One of the greatest hitters in Frontier League history has returned to the Rockford RiverHawks.

Rockford’s only professional baseball team announced on Saturday that it has signed outfielder Jason James. James, a four-time all-star and former Frontier League batting champion who holds most of the RiverHawks’ career hitting records, was traded to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the independent American Association shortly after Rockford announced its return to the Frontier League. James was released by Fargo on Friday.

James hit .263 with four home runs and 27 RBI in 51 games with the RedHawks this season.

RiverHawks manager Rich Austin said he plans to bat James in the cleanup spot as protection for all-star Jake Eigsti, who has a league-leading .404 average but has also been walked a league-high 39 times. Eigsti has been intentionally walked eight times, more than 10 of the league’s other 11 teams.

James, who played college ball at Kishwaukee College and at Lindenwood University, spent his first four professional seasons with Rockford. Last season, James hit .283 with 10 home runs and 57 RBI and was a Northern League All-Star. He was a Frontier League All-Star in 2007-09. In ’09, James had a 40-game hitting streak, a Frontier League record and tied for 15th-longest in the history of the minor leagues. James hit a team-record .374 that year to win the league batting title. Following the season, James signed with the Chicago Cubs and Baseball America magazine recognized him as a member of its All-Independent Leagues Team. James spent 2010 spring training in Mesa and appeared in a major-league exhibition against Cincinnati.

The RiverHawks traded James’ rights to the RedHawks in the April 13 deal that brought Matt Zoltak to Rockford.

James is the RiverHawks’ all-time leader in batting average (.337), home runs (44), RBI (256), games (404), at-bats (1,555), runs (227), hits (524), doubles (110) and outfield assists (33). When the RiverHawks left the Frontier League at the end of the 2009 season, James was second on the circuit’s active hit list, at 415. His .355 career FL batting average is tied for fourth-highest in league history.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 19th season. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.