Hawks drop slugfest with Hot Rods

Brian Billigen recorded three hits and drove in a pair Saturday but the South Bend Silver Hawks (65-66, 30-31) came up short, falling 10-6 to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in front of 4,289 fans at Coveleski Stadium. The Silver Hawks enter play Sunday four games behind Lake County and Fort Wayne with nine to play in the eastern division wild card chase.

Sean Bierman (1-0) took the win in his debut for Bowling Green, allowing one earned run on six hits over five innings. Archie Bradley (11-6) was stung with his first loss since July 1, surrendering six earned runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings. The right-hander struck out eight. Austin Hubbard notched his 21st save of the season.

Billigen hit a solo home run to left field in the fifth inning, his first Silver Hawks home run. Tom Belza hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, his eighth of the season. As a team, the Silver Hawks recorded six doubles.

Matt Helm, Kerry Jenkins and Groff all recorded a pair of hits for the Silver Hawks, who outhit the Hot Rods 13-12.

The Silver Hawks fell behind 5-0 after four innings. Eric Groff's RBI triple in the sixth inning pulled the Silver Hawks to within 6-4. Bowling Green pulled away with a three-run eighth inning.

Right-hander Kable Hogben worked 2.1 innings out of the Silver Hawks bullpen and allowed three earned runs on two hits. Jake Barrett surrendered an earned run on three hits over an inning.

Kes Carter and Taylor Motter each hit home runs for the Hot Rods. Jeff Malm, Cameron Seitzer, Ben Kline and Carter each tallied two hits for Bowling Green.

The Silver Hawks and Hot Rods play the second game of a four-game series tomorrow at Coveleski Stadium. Right-hander Tyler Green (4-7, 3.52) starts for South Bend and he will be opposed by righty Parker Markel (10-5, 3.70). First pitch is slated for 2:05 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 235-9988 or online at www.silverhawks.com.