Rockford, IL – On a sunny Monday evening, August 12th, 2024, the Rockford Rivets delivered an electrifying performance at Rivets Stadium, outscoring the Kalamazoo Growlers 18-11 in a high-energy Northwoods League matchup.
The Rivets’ bats were on fire, accumulating 16 hits and driving in 18 runs, led by standout performances from J.R. Nelson and Ivan Dahlberg. Nelson, who went 4-for-5, was instrumental in the Rivets’ offensive onslaught, tallying 6 RBIs and scoring 3 runs. Dahlberg also shone brightly, going 2-for-4 with 5 RBIs and 2 doubles. T.J. Williams contributed significantly as well, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored.
The Rivets got off to a fast start, posting 2 runs in the first inning. The third inning saw a crucial 6-run explosion, and the fifth inning continued the momentum with another 5 runs. Rockford’s lead proved insurmountable, despite the Growlers’ attempts to claw back into the game, including a late 3-run burst in the eighth inning.
On the mound, Tre Benjamin earned his first win of the season, pitching 4 innings and allowing 2 earned runs on 8 hits. The Rivets’ bullpen provided solid support, with Luke Olson delivering 2 scoreless innings and Adam Wibbenmeyer adding another scoreless frame.
The Growlers had their moments, notably in the third inning where they scored 5 runs, with Xavier Delgado and Colin Blanchard contributing with key RBIs. However, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by defensive miscues and the relentless Rivets’ offense.
With this victory, the Rivets force a tie-breaking game to win the Great Lakes East Division. The Rivets look to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff run. Fans are encouraged to join the excitement and support their team tomorrow night, August 13th, at 6:35 PM at Rivets Stadium.
Final Score: Rockford Rivets 18, Kalamazoo Growlers 11
Winning Pitcher: Tre Benjamin (1-0, 4.50 ERA)
Losing Pitcher: Ben Reimers (0-1, 10.80 ERA)
Game Notes:
– J.R. Nelson: 4-for-5, 6 RBIs, 3 R
– Ivan Dahlberg: 2-for-4, 5 RBIs, 2 2B
– T.J. Williams: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 4 R
– Attendance: 771
– Duration: 3:19:54
For more information and upcoming game schedules, visit [Rockford Rivets](https://www.rockfordrivets.com).
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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.