Rockford, IL – July 29, 2024 – The Rockford Rivets faced a challenging game on the road against the Waterloo Bucks, ultimately falling 6-8 in a tightly contested matchup. Despite a valiant effort, the Rivets couldn’t overcome the Bucks’ strong offensive display.
The game kicked off with the Rivets getting an early hit from #20 Mike Koszewski, who doubled to right field. However, the team couldn’t capitalize, leaving two runners stranded. In the bottom of the inning, the Bucks took the lead with two runs, highlighted by #11 Lucas Moore’s single and a sacrifice fly from #17 Christian Smith.
The Bucks extended their lead in the third inning with another run, as #45 Ricky Requejo scored on a groundout. The Rivets responded in the fourth, scoring a run thanks to a sacrifice fly by #15 Tommy Townsend, which brought Koszewski home.
Despite the Rivets’ efforts, the Bucks continued to apply pressure, scoring four runs in the fifth inning. The Rivets’ defense faltered with a series of errors, allowing the Bucks to widen their lead. The Rivets managed to rally back in the sixth inning, with #32 Maddox Mihalakis hitting a triple and eventually scoring, followed by another run from #13 Bobby Atkinson’s groundout.
In the eighth inning, the Rivets closed the gap further as Mihalakis doubled to left field, driving in two runs. However, the Bucks answered back with a final run in the bottom of the inning, securing their lead. Despite a final push in the ninth, where the Rivets added one more run, they couldn’t overcome the deficit.
Notable Performances:
- #20 Mike Koszewski: 2 hits, 2 runs
- #32 Maddox Mihalakis: 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 RBIs
- #13 Bobby Atkinson: 2 hits, 1 RBI
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The Rockford Rivets are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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, over 350 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner, and two-time All-MLB first-team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.rockfordrivets.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rivets as your favorite team.