Marvelous Mateo Leads Hot Rods to 2-1 Win

Bowling Green, KY - Right-hander Victor Mateo turned in his best start of the season, recording seven strikeouts to power the Hot Rods past the South Bend Silver Hawks, 2-1, at Bowling Green Ballpark. Mateo pitched six full innings as the Hot Rods began their nine-game home stand with a victory on Monday night.

Mateo was in cruise control from the get-go, suffering the only blemish on his line in the second inning. With one out, a bunt single was followed by a controversial triple call to push South Bend on top, 1-0. The triple by Chris Jarrett appeared to roll foul before skirting into right field; the play allowed Keon Broxton to score from first base for South Bend's only run.

Mateo worked his way out of that inning without any more damage, giving the Hot Rods a chance to tie it in the bottom of the frame. With one out, Nick Schwaner was hit by a pitch. After Todd Glaesmann struck out, Schwaner stole second and then took an extra base when the throw from the catcher sailed into center field. The error allowed Kevin Kiermaier to drive Schwaner home with an infield single to tie the game at 1-1.

From that point on, it was all about Mateo. He worked a perfect third and then stranded a two-out runner in the fourth. In the fifth, he worked around a lead-off single before stranding a lead-off walk in the sixth. Mateo's final line read one run on four hits, two walks, and his career-high seven K's over six solid innings.

Mateo left in line for the win after the Hot Rods plated their second run in the bottom of the fifth using a rally similar to the one they had in the second. With two outs, Kiermaier stole second and advanced to third on another throwing error by South Bend catcher Ramon Castillo. The extra base proved costly as Hector Guevara singled to left field to plate Kiermaier for a 2-1 lead.

South Bend's David Holmberg took the loss, despite not allowing an earned run. He worked seven innings, surrendered four hits, and struck out a career-high 12 Hot Rods to fall to 0-3.

The Hot Rods bullpen carried the torch admirably once Mateo left. Omar Bencomo worked perfect seventh and eighth innings before Chris Rearick stranded a runner in the ninth for his team-best third save. The two relievers combined to retire nine of ten men they faced.

Kiermaier led the Hot Rods offense going 2-3 to extend his hitting streak to four games. He drove in the first Hot Rods run and then scored the game-winner in the fifth. Kiermaier has six hits during his streak, batting .462 (6-13) during the stretch.

The Hot Rods and Silver Hawks play game two of the series on Tuesday night at 6:35 PM. LHP Braulio Lara (1-1, 4.76) takes the ball against South Bend RHP Tyler Green (1-0, 3.86). You can follow the game with Tom Gauthier and Josh Weinstock beginning at 6:10 PM on 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.

Tuesday night is the first ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Tuesday presented by IGA. All fans can upgrade any ticket to an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT buffet for just $8. For a full list of promotions and to order tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com.