Bierman's Strong Debut Starts Trip with Win
Austin Hubbard also picked up the final seven outs to earn his 21st save of the season, which sets the single-season franchise record for the Hot Rods. Bowling Green has now won 8 of 11 on the road in the month of August.
Making his third start against the Hot Rods in the month of August, Silver Hawks starter Archie Bradley was roughed up early on Saturday night. After allowing just two combined runs to the Hot Rods in the two August outings, Bradley allowed four straight two-out singles in the top of the first inning that led to three runs. Alejandro Segovia, Cameron Seitzer, and Kline all drove in runs in the opening frame. The loss for Bradley is his first since July 1.
Jake Hager added an RBI-single in the second inning and both Kes Carter and Taylor Motter hit solo home runs to build the Hot Rods lead to 6-1 at the end of the top of the sixth. The big lead seemed unnecessary at the time because Hot Rods starter Sean Bierman was very effective in his five frames. The lefty and 2012 10th round pick allowed one run on six hits in his Hot Rods debut and eventually earned the win.
South Bend made it interesting a couple of times in the latter stages of the game. The Silver Hawks swatted eight extra-base hits over the final five innings.
With Bowling Green, leading 6-4, Hubbard entered the game with the go-ahead run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning. With two outs, the Hot Rods closer picked Matt Helm off at second base on a designed play for a full count with two away. Bowling Green used the momentum from escaping that jam to score three times in the top of the eighth and coasted to the four-run win.
The four-game series in South Bend continues on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 PM CDT for the second game of the series. The Hot Rods will give the start to RHP Parker Markel (10-5, 3.70), while the Silver Hawks will counter with RHP Tyler Green (4-7, 3.52).
Tune in to the game on the flagship station for the Hot Rods Radio Network, 1340 WBGN-AM The Ticket and online at BGHotRods.com. The Forever Communications Pregame Show with Hank Fuerst begins at 12:45 PM CDT.
The Hot Rods return home on Saturday, September 1 to begin the final series of the 2012 regular season, a three-game series with the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Future Padres). September 1 features the return of Facebook Fans Night at Bowling Green Ballpark. Visit Facebook.com/BGHotRods.com for more information on Facebook Fans Night. To purchase tickets, log on to BGHotRods.com or call (270)-901-2121.