Big inning propels Hawks past TinCaps

SOUTH BEND - The South Bend Silver Hawks (2-2) scored four runs in the fourth inning and defeated the Fort Wayne TinCaps 5-1 in front of 4,033 fans at the 2012 home opener at Coveleski Stadium. Jesse Darrah (1-0) turned in six solid innings and got the win, allowing one unearned run on five hits.

The Hawks knocked TinCaps starter Matt Wisler out of the game after four innings. Wisler (0-1) allowed four earned runs on five hits and struck out four.

Ender Inciarte started the fourth inning with a single, extending his hitting streak to four games. After Chris Ellison walked, Matt Helm reached on a fielder's choice, which induced a throwing error that scored Inciarte from second base. The Hawks would reel off three straight run-producing hits: Bobby Stone doubled in Helm, Aguila doubled in Stone and Montilla singled in Aguila to cap off a four-run, four-hit inning in which eight men came to the plate.

The Hawks added an insurance run in the eighth inning. Ellison notched a one-out double and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Helm hit a sacrifice fly to score Ellison.

The TinCaps struck first in the first inning off Darrah. Donovan Tate reached on an error and advanced to third on a double from Casey McElroy. Zach Kometani hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Tate.

The Hawks received three scoreless innings from its bullpen. Kable Hogben tossed a scoreless seventh inning and struck out one. Willy Paredes fanned one in a scoreless eighth inning. Keith Hessler struck out the side in a perfect ninth. Silver Hawks pitching did not allow a hit in the final 3.1.

During one stretch Darrah retired eight consecutive TinCaps.

Inciarte finished 2-for-3 with a walk. Gerson Montilla collected two hits and knocked in a run.

The Silver Hawks have won two games in a row.

The Silver Hawks host the TinCaps again tomorrow night at Coveleski Stadium. First pitch is tabbed for 7:05 p.m. EST. J.R. Bradley gets the start for the Hawks and he will be opposed by right-hander Cody Hebner.