FOR RELEASE: JUNE 18, 2009

BRACKMAN PITCHES GRIZZLIES PAST ‘HAWKS

SAUGET, IL-Mark Brackman tossed his first career complete game Thursday night to lead the Gateway Grizzlies to a 6-1 win over the Rockford RiverHawks in front of 3,583 at GCS Ballpark. Brackman struck out three, walked only one and improved to 2-3 with the win.

The win is only the second series-opening win this season for the Grizzlies in eight series.

The Grizzlies (9-16) scored five runs on three hits in the first inning off Rockford starter Mike Rogers. Charlie Lisk hit a two-run single and Chad Rothford added a three-run double in the inning. Rogers left without retiring a batter. He walked three. The Grizzlies managed only a single run in nine complete innings by the Rockford bullpen. Brad Thoma led off the eighth inning with a hit off RiverHawks’ close John Muller. He went to second on a sacrifice bunt then scored on a single by Brandon Johnson.

Rothford finished 2-2 with the double. No one else had more than a single hit for the Grizzlies.

Rockford (11-15) got their only run in the eighth, when catcher Robert Sabates led off the inning with his second home run of the year.

The Grizzlies and RiverHawks will play game two of the three-game series Friday night at GCS Ballpark. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm.

Joe Pott

Broadcaster

Gateway Grizzlies Frontier League Baseball