In game one of the doubleheader between Rockford and Lakeshore, the Chinooks (3-3) defeated the Rivets (5-2) 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Moonlight Graham Field.
“Rockford’s a team that you have to do everything the right way,” Lakeshore field manager Trevor Cho said. “Not how we drew it up, but we got a win. That’s what we need to take in game two now.”
The Chinooks ran into some trouble early in the game. In the top of the second inning, Lakeshore starter Ryan Mullen gave up back-to-back singles which put runners on first and third with no outs. A groundout plated a run for the Rivets and gave them the lead heading into the bottom of the inning.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Lakeshore tied it up and took a commanding lead. Brady Counsell walked, stole second base and advanced to third base on a balk to start the frame. Two more walks loaded the bases and Counsell crossed home on a pass ball to make it a tie game at 1-1.
Gabe Roessler then gave the Chinooks the 2-1 lead with a double to right field. Grant Ross grounded out, scoring the runner on third and putting Lakeshore up by two runs. Roessler then stole third and advanced home on a throwing error.
Avery Owusu-Asiedu capped off a five-run inning with a solo home run to left field, marking his second of the season. This put the Chinooks in front 5-1 heading into the fifth inning.
“(He’s) probably the most physically talented and gifted player that I’ve ever coached,” Cho said. “You’re not going to find anybody who is more physical, but at the same time, you’re not going to find a better person.”
The Rivets tacked on one run in the following frame. After getting a quick two outs, Mullen gave up a double and a single that cut Rockford’s deficit to three runs.
In the top of the seventh, the Rivets hit four consecutive singles to start the inning, cutting the deficit to one run. After getting one out, Lakeshore reliever Colin Dailey walked the next batter to load the bases.
In the next at-bat, Adam Cootway made a diving catch in right field and threw out the runner heading back to first to end the game and secure the Chinooks’ third win of the second half.
Owusu-Asiedu led Lakeshore’s offense as he went for 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
“It’s just awesome having him around,” Cho said. “It stinks that this is probably his last game coming up with us before the draft. (He) does everything the right way, so it’s awesome having him here.”
Mullan (1-1) got the win but Dailey (1) got the save, giving up zero hits and zero earned runs in the final inning of the game.
