Rockford, Ill. – Only by one run, and with a controversial drop third strike three call to end the game, the Bombers (5-1) sweep their second series of the season with a 4-3 win over the Rockford Rivets.

With a one run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, Tom Stoffel (Virginia Tech) and catcher Aaron Antonini (Middle Tennessee State University) thought they had the last out on strike three.  The home plate umpire initially called it a drop third, which caused an errant throw from Antonini to first base, allowing the tying run to cross the plate.  The umpires would concurr, and ruled Antonini caught the ball cleanly for strike three and the final out. 

Battle Creek would jump out to an early lead scoring three runs in the top of the third.  An error by Rockford shortstop Cal Aldridge would bring in Logan Kaletha (John A. Logan), then Cody Hawken (University of Portland) would drive in his sixth run of the season.  JD Mundy (Virginia Tech) would close the inning out with an RBI double, as he would go 3-5 in the game with two RBIs. 

Left-handed pitcher Tucker Mai (Clarke) got his first start of the season, lasting 5.0 innings and allowing two runs on just four hits in a no-decision effort.  Jake Hawken (University of Portland) and Stoffel would each pitch two innings of relief, with Hawken getting the win and Stoffel the save. 

Both Antonini and Gavin Homer (McHenry County College) would go 2-4 at the plate to help the Bombers offense.

The Bombers will return home to C.O. Brown Stadium for a two game stand with the Green Bay Bullfrogs.  Tune in to the pregame show on the Bombers Radio network with Jake Hromada and Neil Doyle at 6:55 p.m. ET. 

Fans can guarantee tickets to the team’s top weekend dates of the season by locking in the Bombers 5-game pack. Five-game packs are $59 and include the best seats at the team’s five best games with all-you-can-eat food and beverages and guaranteed giveaways. Fans can buy online by going to http://northwoodsleague.com/battle-creek-bombers/tickets/5-game-packs/. Fans can also call the team’s front office at (269) 962-0735 or by email tickets@battlecreekbombers.com. 

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The Battle Creek Bombers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 23-year-old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 160 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM).  All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.battlecreekbombers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Bombers as your favorite team.