Estrada's Career Day Leads Hot Rods to Victory

Bowling Green, KY - Robi Estrada drove home a career-high four runs and Enny Romero tossed five solid innings as the Hot Rods secured a series victory against Western Division foe Wisconsin. Estrada notched his second homer of the year in the second inning, while Romero allowed just one earned run, picking up three strikeouts en route to his second win of the year.

Estrada's big day began with two outs in the bottom of the second inning. Steve Tinoco singled before Alejandro Torres walked to bring the Hot Rods shortstop to the plate. Estrada stepped up and drilled a fastball into the visiting bullpen for a three-run homer to put the Hot Rods on top 3-0.

An inning later, Estrada tacked on to a four-run inning. Cody Rogers led off with his team-best ninth home run making it 4-0. With one out, the Hot Rods loaded the bases for Tinoco, who laced a double down the right field line to plate two more runs. That's when Estrada dribbled an infield single to third base to plate the final run of the frame for a 7-0 lead.

The early run support made a winner out of Enny Romero for the first time since his Opening Day start on April 7. The lefty battled through five innings, allowing just one earned run (three total) in five innings. He gave up five hits, walking three and striking out three along the way. Before giving up three runs in the fifth, Romero had stranded six runners through the first three innings, limiting the damage inflicted by two hits, three walks, and an error.

Leading 7-3, the Hot Rods added a run in the seventh inning. Julio Cedeno doubled, moving to third on a ground out and before scoring on a wild pitch by Damon Krestalude to make it 8-3 Hot Rods.

The Hot Rods were able to hold off a late rally by Wisconsin as Austin Hubbard allowed a pair of eighth-inning runs in his third inning of work. A lead-off homer in the ninth cut the lead to 8-6 before Nate Garcia finished it off for his second save in as many chances.

Eight of nine members in the batting order reached base, including Derek Dietrich, who has hit safely in six in a row. Cedeno has reached base in all eight games he's played in 2011 while Tinico has hit safely in five straight.

The Rattlers and Hot Rods wrap up a three game series Thursday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. As part of Educators Appreciation Night at Bowling Green Ballpark, the Hot Rods welcome special guest Dennis Haskins, who portrayed popular television character Mr. Belding from the 1990's sitcom Saved by the Bell. Tomorrow is also a Thrifty Thursday featuring $2 food and drink specials including draft beer. Gates open at 5:30 PM for Season Ticket holders; 6 PM for the general public. After the game, Mr. Belding will host karaoke in the "Garage" bar located on the third base side of the concourse.

The pitching match-up features two righties, as Victor Mateo (5-3, 4.86) takes on Wisconsin's Jameson Dunn (0-0, 1.54). You can listen to the game with Tom Gauthier and Josh Weinstock beginning at 11:40 AM on 1340 AM WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.