By: Christopher Rodriguez
LAKESHORE, WI – The Rockford Rivets (18-16) began their final series of the season on Friday night against the Lakeshore Chinooks (24-12). The matchup marked the Rivets’ final away game of the year, as they looked to end their time on the road with a victory.
The Chinooks had other plans, defeating the Screws 3-2 after a late come-from-behind win. Rockford was outhit 9-7 in a close game that came down to the final batter.
Left-handed pitcher Brady Louck (Arizona State University) made his 10th start of the season, earning a 3-0 record. Louck shut down the Chinooks through six innings, allowing no runs on five hits, with seven strikeouts.
Joey Appino (Carroll University) kicked the game off with a leadoff double to center field, putting the Rivets into scoring position. Connor Kave (Iona University) advanced the runner to third with a deep fly out, allowing Alex Tabbert (Harper College) to score Appino with a sacrifice fly to make it an early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the sixth, Keith Eusebio (Paradise Valley CC) delivered a solo shot to right field, extending the lead to 2-0. The home run was Eusebio’s fifth of the year, and 25th total RBI.
Louck kept the Chinooks quiet on offense with no runs through six straight innings, exiting the game before the bottom of the seventh began. Right-handed pitcher Derek Huber (Illinois-Springfield) took over on the mound, marking his 12th appearance of the summer.
In the bottom of the eighth, Lakeshore put a runner into scoring position with two outs. An RBI single put the Chinooks on the board, cutting the lead to just one heading into the ninth inning.
Right-hander Jimmy Amptmann (Davenport University) came into the game looking to close things out, with his 15th appearance of the year.
Lakeshore loaded the bases with no outs, putting the Rivets’ backs against the wall. A walk-off double to left field was enough for the Chinooks to complete the comeback and take game one.
The Rivets will be back in action one final time tomorrow night at 6:35 p.m., looking to end the year with a victory.