Alton (IL)  Erik Broekemeier had two hits, including a two-run home run and Colin Hawkins pitched three scoreless inning on Friday. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the Alton River Dragons dropped an 8-4 game to the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp at Lloyd Hopkins Field.

With the score tied 4-4 in the ninth, Illinois Valley hit a grand slam that was the difference.

Alton fell behind after a four-run top of the fourth inning.  The River Dragons got a run back in the fifth but still trailed 4-1 entering the bottom of the eighth.

That’s when Broekemeier blasted a two-run homer to right to pull the River Dragons to within 4-3.  An RBI ground out by Victor Heredia tied the score 4-4.

The River Dragons were in a position to rally because of reliever Colin Hawkins.  He came on to start the fifth and pitched three scoreless and hitless innings.  He struck out one and walked one.

Defensively the River Dragons turned two double plays.