From the desk of: GROWLINGS FROM BROOKLYN
NEWAR BEARS: Split Four Game Series With Worcester.
See Game One and Game Two; HERE
GAME THREE FINAL: Worcester 4; Newark 2.
After a rain delay and getting shut-out for eight innings, the Bears finally mustered some offense against Worcester in the ninth inning. But they fell half-way short of a comeback last night losing 4-2 in game three of the four game series against the Tornadoes. The loss dipped the Bears percentage points behind Brockton for second place overall in the League.
Newark starter; Jesse Estrada; took another tough loss. He falls to 1-3 on the season as he lasted 4.2 innings and gave up three of Worcester's runs. TJ Hose and Kyle Morrison pitched 4.2 innings in relief and allowed one more run to the Tornadoes.
TJ Hose actually had himself a rather stellar appearance. He pitched 2.2 innings; gave up no hits and struck out five.
Tim Raines Jr. has seen his batting average rise from .348 to .371 recently. He went 2 for 3 in this game with a run scored. Danny Santiesteban carried a big stick with a 3 for 4 night and 2 RBI.
GAME FOUR; SERIES FINAL: Newark 8; Worcester 7.
The Bears grabbed the last game of this four game series to earn a split with the Worcester Tornadoes.
Each team took turns pelting each other with four runs in the first inning. Worcester picked up three more runs in the second inning to make it a 7-4 game. The Bears clawed their way back with a run in the third and fourth innings. Then in the fifth, they scored two more to take an 8-7 lead.
That's when Coach Tim Raines Sr.'s bullpen, the backbone of this team, stepped up yet again in support of the starting pitching; which frankly, wasn't very good on either team's part late this afternoon.
Newark's starter; Casey Gaynor; picked up his first win, in his first start, in his first game of 2011 in spite of giving up 8 hits and 7 runs (all earned) over his 5 innings pitched.
In relief, the bullpen shined again while protecting the Bears' lead. Matt Fitton was first. He pitched two innings; allowed one walk; a hit; and struck out one. Chris Rollins and his season 0.84 ERA were called upon to pitch the eighth inning. He struck out two batters for his part with no hits or walks allowed. Mikey Mehlich was then summoned to close out the game for Newark. After plunking the lead-off batter, Mikey retired the next three in order to earn his 5th Save of the season. His ERA is a microscopic 0.75 now.
Brandon Watson, now batting .336 this season, had an outstanding day at the plate batting lead-off, -going 5 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
Daryle Ward; 2 for 3; with two RBI, climbed to a .378 batting average.
Todd Gossage hit a solo home run in the third inning. Burt Reynolds homered in the fifth inning.
Billy Alvino; Daryle Ward; and Burt Reynolds all had 2 RBI each.
SEASON RECORD/ OVERALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:
Entering Thursday's Games:
1st - 20-6 - Quebec Capitales
2nd - 15-10 - Brockton Rox
3rd - 16-11 - NEWARK BEARS
4th - 16-11 - New Jersey Jackals
After Thursday Finals:
1st - 21-6 - Quebec Capitales
2nd - 17-11- NEWARK BEARS - 4.5 games back
3rd - 17-11 - New Jersey Jackals
4th - 15-11 - Brockton Rox - After two and one half hour rain delay, Rox lose 1st game of DH. 2nd game to start by 11pm Thursday. League Rules prohibit an inning starting past midnight. Brockton and the Rockland Boulders will have roughly one hour to play game two.
***Game Two; Brockton/Rockland - Cancelled curfew.
Quebec; Newark; and New jersey all won tonight. And you can see, a little pack has formed for second place overall. Brockton and Newark have been battling for position all season. Now New Jersey; winners of their last four in a row; have joined the party after getting off to a slow start this season.
NEWS: In the Rockland Boulder's home park, Brockton Rox manager; Bill Buckner; and a few Brockton players got into a heated exchange with the game's umpiring crew as they were all leaving the field after the game. The incident occurred in full view of a number of remaining fans on Rockland's park concourse (designed to be fan/player interactive). Cooler heads prevailed and the night ended without further incident, although the League announced they will look into the matter.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, June 23, 2011
N.Y. METS ~ Resiliency and Spunk Catch A Break
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: Taking One For The Team.
The Mets are in need of many things right now. One of their most pressing needs was a freakin' break. Wednesday night, they finally got one.
Back in the old Stadium, The Yankees once had Mystic and Aura in their dancing stables. Well, meet the Flushing day dancers; Resilient and Spunky. Hey man, the economy is rough, as any denizen of METropolis can attest to....
(That's the way this started...but I thought better of it and went with this instead.)
If you care to call going into extra innings against the A's hanging on by a threat, then...the Mets' season is dangling by a thread. This would be a really bad time for the Mets to fall apart like a cheap sweater. Because the farther they get from the radio-active .500 mark, the closer some of these players are to kissing their behinds good-bye.
So what's happening in a series against the Oakland Athletics they can ill afford to lose? The A's came into Citi Field and wrecked the joint like a motor cycle gang outta Compton barging into a poem reading party being held in the back of their favorite out of town bar.
Wednesday night was typical of the kind of game R.A. Dickey has suffered through and lost this season. Games like this reflect misleadingly when looking at his now 3-8 record. How many stellar games has he pitched into the late innings with little to no run support, only to have the game fall apart like wet toilet paper at the end? I can name three off the top of my head; tonight withstanding.
Although Jose Reyes tried his best with his 7,672nd triple of the season and would eventually score in the bottom of the eighth inning to put the Mets ahead 2-1, - in the top of the ninth with the A's down to their final strike, Francisco Rodriguez shook off his catcher and insisted on a fastball instead of his slider. Frankie-K then watched that pitch he so surely thought would finish off the A's, get lined passed a diving Justin Turner at third base allowing the game tying run.
Yea, ...so like I said, hanging on by a thread, into extra innings they went. With every inning gone by, the were self-inflicting a very precarious future upon themselves. Wednesday's night problem became Thursday morning's dilemma when the game crept past midnight.
It took getting hit by a pitch (or a flying chair at the bar) with the bases loaded to get out of this one. But get out of it they did. So chalk one up for the home team. They say a win is a win is a win. And right now, I don't think Terry Collins and the Mets really give a rat's posterior how they get wins, as long as they get them. And right now, they really need them.
A .500 record is again two games away. It's up to them to rise to the challenge of their purpose. Tonight, the Mets received, what they refer to in the business as a - Break. Teams need breaks in order to accomplish what the Mets are about to embark on. We know they got spunk and they taught us not to change the channel on them. And now the got a break too. How about that?
So for the sake of METropolitanism everywhere...Let's Go Mets!
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: Taking One For The Team.
The Mets are in need of many things right now. One of their most pressing needs was a freakin' break. Wednesday night, they finally got one.
Back in the old Stadium, The Yankees once had Mystic and Aura in their dancing stables. Well, meet the Flushing day dancers; Resilient and Spunky. Hey man, the economy is rough, as any denizen of METropolis can attest to....
(That's the way this started...but I thought better of it and went with this instead.)
If you care to call going into extra innings against the A's hanging on by a threat, then...the Mets' season is dangling by a thread. This would be a really bad time for the Mets to fall apart like a cheap sweater. Because the farther they get from the radio-active .500 mark, the closer some of these players are to kissing their behinds good-bye.
So what's happening in a series against the Oakland Athletics they can ill afford to lose? The A's came into Citi Field and wrecked the joint like a motor cycle gang outta Compton barging into a poem reading party being held in the back of their favorite out of town bar.
Wednesday night was typical of the kind of game R.A. Dickey has suffered through and lost this season. Games like this reflect misleadingly when looking at his now 3-8 record. How many stellar games has he pitched into the late innings with little to no run support, only to have the game fall apart like wet toilet paper at the end? I can name three off the top of my head; tonight withstanding.
Although Jose Reyes tried his best with his 7,672nd triple of the season and would eventually score in the bottom of the eighth inning to put the Mets ahead 2-1, - in the top of the ninth with the A's down to their final strike, Francisco Rodriguez shook off his catcher and insisted on a fastball instead of his slider. Frankie-K then watched that pitch he so surely thought would finish off the A's, get lined passed a diving Justin Turner at third base allowing the game tying run.
Yea, ...so like I said, hanging on by a thread, into extra innings they went. With every inning gone by, the were self-inflicting a very precarious future upon themselves. Wednesday's night problem became Thursday morning's dilemma when the game crept past midnight.
It took getting hit by a pitch (or a flying chair at the bar) with the bases loaded to get out of this one. But get out of it they did. So chalk one up for the home team. They say a win is a win is a win. And right now, I don't think Terry Collins and the Mets really give a rat's posterior how they get wins, as long as they get them. And right now, they really need them.
A .500 record is again two games away. It's up to them to rise to the challenge of their purpose. Tonight, the Mets received, what they refer to in the business as a - Break. Teams need breaks in order to accomplish what the Mets are about to embark on. We know they got spunk and they taught us not to change the channel on them. And now the got a break too. How about that?
So for the sake of METropolitanism everywhere...Let's Go Mets!
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
BKN Cyclones ~ Sweep Aberdeen Iron Birds Under Boardwalk
From the desk of: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Surf Avenue Sluggers Win 4th In A Row. Starting Pitcher; Eduardo Aldama; Wins His 1st Game In Impressive Fashion.
SWEEP SERIES vs. Aberdeen Iron Birds; 3 games.
What a difference a day makes. Were it not for a ninth inning win in a low scoring game Tuesday night, the glaring stat of that game would have been going 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Tonight was a different story as they went 5 for 12 with runners in scoring position against the Iron Birds in the third game of this series. Clutch two out hits were also the key to this game.
The Cyclones began their second pass through the starting rotation tonight. Opening Day starter; Eduardo Aldama made his second start and kept Aberdeen hitless through the first three innings while his team-mates put four early runs on the board.
The Cyclones scored their first run on an errant throw by Iron Bird shortstop; Mychal Givens. And Nelfi Zapata had an RBI single for a second Cyclones' run in the second inning. In the third, the Cyclones scored another two runs. Daniel Muno led off the inning with a double. Charles Thurber was next and followed with another double, scoring Muno. Thurber stole third, then scored on a yet another Cyclone double by Brian Harrison to make it a 4-0 game.
Eduardo Aldama stayed strong through five innings. And Coach Donnelly sent him out for the sixth. He struck out the last batter he faced before arriving at his allotted pitch count for the game. Through his 5.2 innings of work, he allowed only one Aberdeen hit which came in the fifth inning. Aldama walked three batters and struck out five. He has a 1.86 ERA through his first two games.
Making his third appearance this season, Guillaume Leduc came in from the bullpen to relieve Aldama. He managed the last out of the sixth, but Aberdeen roughed him up in the seventh inning. He faced four batters and all four hit safely. Throw in a wild pitch, and the game was now a 4-2 affair. Hunter Carnevale was called in to protect the Cyclones' diminishing lead, and successfully negotiated the rest of the seventh inning without further damage.
The Cyclones picked up a very important insurance run in the bottom of the inning. Muno, Thurber, and Brian Harrison combined again to string together three consecutive two out hits. Daniel Muno scored Brooklyn's fifth run on Harrison's RBI.
In Carnevale's two innings of work, he gave up two hits; no runs; and struck out two. It earned him his second game Hold. T.J. Chism retired the side in order in the ninth inning to record his second Save.
The Brooklyn Cyclones improved their McNamara Division leading record to 5-1. They are tied with the Pickney Division leading Auburn Doubledays for the League's best record. The second place Staten Island Yankees trail Brooklyn by 1.5 games.
The Cyclones are taking a two game trip up the thruway to play the Hudson Valley Renegades before returning home on Saturday to finish that series.
GAME FREAKS:
* The Trio of Daniel Muno; Charles Thurber; and Brian Harrison
Combined on two rallies. ~ 5 for 12; 3 runs; 2 rbi; 3 doubles.
* Eduardo Aldama- win; 1 hit in 5.2 innings pitched.
Mike.BTB
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Surf Avenue Sluggers Win 4th In A Row. Starting Pitcher; Eduardo Aldama; Wins His 1st Game In Impressive Fashion.
SWEEP SERIES vs. Aberdeen Iron Birds; 3 games.
What a difference a day makes. Were it not for a ninth inning win in a low scoring game Tuesday night, the glaring stat of that game would have been going 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Tonight was a different story as they went 5 for 12 with runners in scoring position against the Iron Birds in the third game of this series. Clutch two out hits were also the key to this game.
The Cyclones began their second pass through the starting rotation tonight. Opening Day starter; Eduardo Aldama made his second start and kept Aberdeen hitless through the first three innings while his team-mates put four early runs on the board.
The Cyclones scored their first run on an errant throw by Iron Bird shortstop; Mychal Givens. And Nelfi Zapata had an RBI single for a second Cyclones' run in the second inning. In the third, the Cyclones scored another two runs. Daniel Muno led off the inning with a double. Charles Thurber was next and followed with another double, scoring Muno. Thurber stole third, then scored on a yet another Cyclone double by Brian Harrison to make it a 4-0 game.
Eduardo Aldama stayed strong through five innings. And Coach Donnelly sent him out for the sixth. He struck out the last batter he faced before arriving at his allotted pitch count for the game. Through his 5.2 innings of work, he allowed only one Aberdeen hit which came in the fifth inning. Aldama walked three batters and struck out five. He has a 1.86 ERA through his first two games.
Making his third appearance this season, Guillaume Leduc came in from the bullpen to relieve Aldama. He managed the last out of the sixth, but Aberdeen roughed him up in the seventh inning. He faced four batters and all four hit safely. Throw in a wild pitch, and the game was now a 4-2 affair. Hunter Carnevale was called in to protect the Cyclones' diminishing lead, and successfully negotiated the rest of the seventh inning without further damage.
The Cyclones picked up a very important insurance run in the bottom of the inning. Muno, Thurber, and Brian Harrison combined again to string together three consecutive two out hits. Daniel Muno scored Brooklyn's fifth run on Harrison's RBI.
In Carnevale's two innings of work, he gave up two hits; no runs; and struck out two. It earned him his second game Hold. T.J. Chism retired the side in order in the ninth inning to record his second Save.
The Brooklyn Cyclones improved their McNamara Division leading record to 5-1. They are tied with the Pickney Division leading Auburn Doubledays for the League's best record. The second place Staten Island Yankees trail Brooklyn by 1.5 games.
The Cyclones are taking a two game trip up the thruway to play the Hudson Valley Renegades before returning home on Saturday to finish that series.
GAME FREAKS:
* The Trio of Daniel Muno; Charles Thurber; and Brian Harrison
Combined on two rallies. ~ 5 for 12; 3 runs; 2 rbi; 3 doubles.
* Eduardo Aldama- win; 1 hit in 5.2 innings pitched.
Mike.BTB
N.Y. METS ~ Rain Delay Pauses A Bad Day.
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: There's More Than Just Rain Falling In Flushing Tonight.
In almost all places on Planet Earth, when it rains, little droplets of water fall happily from moisture saturated clouds upon the land. But over Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, the cumulonimbus formations overhead yield pianos that come crashing down to the ground.
Early season savior; Dillon Gee; couldn't find the strike zone last night just as the clock started ticking on the rest of the Met season in addition to the fates of several players. Jose Reyes told the Mets to hit the mute button on any contract talks till after the season. And today we found out Ike Davis will be out at least another three weeks and could possibly be out the rest of the year.
Dillon Gee? No one expected that streak to last forever. But the loss did come with some bad timing. The Mets were coming into the game following an off-day in which Sandy Alderson was made to respond to questions and a microphone in his face. And basically, the future of the New York Mets will be decided over the next five to six weeks. Dillon Gee's outing just came when they were still trying to get closer to .500 and instead moved farther away by game's end.
To start the day however, Met Fans were treated to news that Jose Reyes communicated to the Mets Front Office his wishes that he and the Mets do not negotiate a new pact during the season. It's an age-old move and should surprise no one. But more often than not, that tact is usually the first nail in the proverbial coffin.
But there is always hope. Last off-season, Derek Jeter and the Yankees struck a deal to retain the shortstop. After acquiring him in the trade with Florida, Mike Piazza was also allowed to head into the off-season without an in-season commitment from the Mets. The Mets however, will have to ante up. In not so many words, Jose Reyes made it known there will be no home-town discount.
The bizarre injury to Ike Davis just took a turn towards freakishly ridiculous. In three weeks, Met Doctors will better know if Ike's ankle is getting better, or worse.
Right!
Somehow, and someway, the Met Doctors are highly respected throughout MLB. Now..., I myself am not a doctor; nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night; and I certainly don't play one on TV; but the list of players mishandled or misdiagnosed by the team is growing like a list being written to Santa Clause. This is a phenomenon that now spans two different General Managers.
What in the name of Doctor Moreau is going on in Flushing?
Ryan Church; John Maine; Carlos Delgado; Jose Reyes; Carlos Beltran; Jason Bay; David Wright; Johan Santana; just to name a few; and now Ike Davis, have at one point or another, been on the wrong side of a diagnosis.
Are these just strange "twilight zone" type coincidences we keep reliving? Or has this Med Staff indeed established a pattern of........you know; I don't wanna say it. But you know what I'm thinking.
Ponderous!
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: There's More Than Just Rain Falling In Flushing Tonight.
In almost all places on Planet Earth, when it rains, little droplets of water fall happily from moisture saturated clouds upon the land. But over Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, the cumulonimbus formations overhead yield pianos that come crashing down to the ground.
Early season savior; Dillon Gee; couldn't find the strike zone last night just as the clock started ticking on the rest of the Met season in addition to the fates of several players. Jose Reyes told the Mets to hit the mute button on any contract talks till after the season. And today we found out Ike Davis will be out at least another three weeks and could possibly be out the rest of the year.
Dillon Gee? No one expected that streak to last forever. But the loss did come with some bad timing. The Mets were coming into the game following an off-day in which Sandy Alderson was made to respond to questions and a microphone in his face. And basically, the future of the New York Mets will be decided over the next five to six weeks. Dillon Gee's outing just came when they were still trying to get closer to .500 and instead moved farther away by game's end.
To start the day however, Met Fans were treated to news that Jose Reyes communicated to the Mets Front Office his wishes that he and the Mets do not negotiate a new pact during the season. It's an age-old move and should surprise no one. But more often than not, that tact is usually the first nail in the proverbial coffin.
But there is always hope. Last off-season, Derek Jeter and the Yankees struck a deal to retain the shortstop. After acquiring him in the trade with Florida, Mike Piazza was also allowed to head into the off-season without an in-season commitment from the Mets. The Mets however, will have to ante up. In not so many words, Jose Reyes made it known there will be no home-town discount.
The bizarre injury to Ike Davis just took a turn towards freakishly ridiculous. In three weeks, Met Doctors will better know if Ike's ankle is getting better, or worse.
Right!
Somehow, and someway, the Met Doctors are highly respected throughout MLB. Now..., I myself am not a doctor; nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night; and I certainly don't play one on TV; but the list of players mishandled or misdiagnosed by the team is growing like a list being written to Santa Clause. This is a phenomenon that now spans two different General Managers.
What in the name of Doctor Moreau is going on in Flushing?
Ryan Church; John Maine; Carlos Delgado; Jose Reyes; Carlos Beltran; Jason Bay; David Wright; Johan Santana; just to name a few; and now Ike Davis, have at one point or another, been on the wrong side of a diagnosis.
Are these just strange "twilight zone" type coincidences we keep reliving? Or has this Med Staff indeed established a pattern of........you know; I don't wanna say it. But you know what I'm thinking.
Ponderous!
Mike.BTB
L.I. DUCKS ~ Jumping the RiverShark
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
Long Island Ducks: 9th Inning Win Gives Ducks Four Game Lead In Liberty Division.
The Ducks got right back on track after losing a 2-1 pitchers duel to the Camden River Sharks Monday. Last night, Ray Navarrete knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth with a pop-up that dropped in between an indecisive Camden infield for a 4-3 Ducks victory.
Bubbie Buzachero picked up his third win in relief of starter, Joselo Diaz, and Ehrin Wassermann.
The Ducks' and the Atlantic League's top RBI man; John Rodriguez missed his fifth straight game.
The win increased Long Island's division lead to four games over second place South Maryland. The Ducks are now 30-17 for the season and winners of eight out of their last ten games.
The two teams have split the first two games of this four game series in Long Island. Tonight is Game Three.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: 9th Inning Win Gives Ducks Four Game Lead In Liberty Division.
The Ducks got right back on track after losing a 2-1 pitchers duel to the Camden River Sharks Monday. Last night, Ray Navarrete knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth with a pop-up that dropped in between an indecisive Camden infield for a 4-3 Ducks victory.
Bubbie Buzachero picked up his third win in relief of starter, Joselo Diaz, and Ehrin Wassermann.
The Ducks' and the Atlantic League's top RBI man; John Rodriguez missed his fifth straight game.
The win increased Long Island's division lead to four games over second place South Maryland. The Ducks are now 30-17 for the season and winners of eight out of their last ten games.
The two teams have split the first two games of this four game series in Long Island. Tonight is Game Three.
TONIGHT
Camden River Sharks
vs.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
From Bethpage Park
Mike.BTB
BKN CYCLONES ~ Ninth Inning Thrill In Coney Island
From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: A Pair Of Runs After Seventh Inning Stretch, Then Luke Stewart Sent 'Em Home Smiling.
Head Coach of the soon to be BROOKLYN Nets; Avery Johnson; threw out the first pitch at MCU Park before tonight's Cyclones game.
In game two of this series against the Orioles affiliate, The Cyclones over-came a woeful 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and committed three errors Tuesday night but still managed to crank out 10 hits and pull out a late inning win against the Aberdeen Iron Birds.
After an inning the Cyclones trailed by one. After three innings, they trailed by two. And that's the way it stayed until the home seventh. The Cyclones tied up the score when they strung together three consecutive two out hits. Ismael Tijerina and J.B. Brown both singled. Javier Rodriguez promptly drove them home with a double to left.
But once again, chalk this win up to the bullpen who were superb over five innings. They kept the Cyclones around long enough for Luke Stewart to double home Javier Rodriguez; who walked to reach base; with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Casey Hauptman; Tyson Seng; and T.J. Chism combined to pitch five innings; allowing only one hit; no runs; one walk; with three strikeouts. In the ninth, T.J. Chism retired the Iron Birds in order and picked up the win after earning his first save Sunday.
GAME FREAKS:
* Javier Rodriguez - now has 5 RBI.
* Lead-off batter - Ismael Tijerina - 2 for 3; run; 2 walks.
* Luke Stewart - game winning RBI double.
SEASON RECORD:
4-1 First Place, McNamara Division
Mike.BTB
TUESDAY FINAL:
Iron Birds.......2
CYCLONES...3
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: A Pair Of Runs After Seventh Inning Stretch, Then Luke Stewart Sent 'Em Home Smiling.
Head Coach of the soon to be BROOKLYN Nets; Avery Johnson; threw out the first pitch at MCU Park before tonight's Cyclones game.
In game two of this series against the Orioles affiliate, The Cyclones over-came a woeful 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and committed three errors Tuesday night but still managed to crank out 10 hits and pull out a late inning win against the Aberdeen Iron Birds.
After an inning the Cyclones trailed by one. After three innings, they trailed by two. And that's the way it stayed until the home seventh. The Cyclones tied up the score when they strung together three consecutive two out hits. Ismael Tijerina and J.B. Brown both singled. Javier Rodriguez promptly drove them home with a double to left.
But once again, chalk this win up to the bullpen who were superb over five innings. They kept the Cyclones around long enough for Luke Stewart to double home Javier Rodriguez; who walked to reach base; with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Casey Hauptman; Tyson Seng; and T.J. Chism combined to pitch five innings; allowing only one hit; no runs; one walk; with three strikeouts. In the ninth, T.J. Chism retired the Iron Birds in order and picked up the win after earning his first save Sunday.
GAME FREAKS:
* Javier Rodriguez - now has 5 RBI.
* Lead-off batter - Ismael Tijerina - 2 for 3; run; 2 walks.
* Luke Stewart - game winning RBI double.
SEASON RECORD:
4-1 First Place, McNamara Division
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Newark Bears ~ Worcester Tornadoes Rip Through The Den
From the desk of: THE BRICK CITY NINE
Game One: Monday Final - Bears 4; Tornadoes 3
Newark's DH; Kyle LaMotta; drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night in the first game of a four game series against the visiting Worcester Tornadoes.
Anthony Pluta got the win in relief as Coach Raines used four Bears' pitchers to eek out a win. Aaron Kalb started for Newark and lasted 5.1 innings. He gave up six hits and all three of Worcester's earned runs. He walked four and struck out four along the way.
The bullpen took over for Newark and turned in a stellar effort. Chris Collins was called on first. He turned in 1.2 innings and gave up one hit. Second out of the pen was Matt Fitton. In 1.1 innings, he gave up a walk; one hit; and pounded the catcher's mitt with three strikeouts. Anthony Pluta closed it out and earned a win as the beneficiary of Kyle LaMotta's game winning hit.
Game Two: Tuesday Final - Tornadoes 10; Bears 4
Starting pitcher Alex Smith and the Bears suffered a calamitous first inning against Worcester. Three errors; two walks; and three hits all led to an quick 5-0 deficit. Only one Tornado run was earned. And after only two innings pitched, it was off to the showers for Smith.
Recently signed shortstop; Juan Martinez (Jeff Toth was released); committed two of the Bears' errors while right fielder Danny Santiesteban committed the third Newark miscue of the inning with an errant throw.
Over the third and fourth innings, things just proceeded to get worse for Newark. Three more runs came across the plate for a 8-0 Worcester lead. Eric Eden was summoned to pitch in the third inning as Coach Raines made an early call to the bullpen. And Eric fared little better. He pitched 4.1 innings and allowed Worcester another five runs on eight hits.
Last night's winning pitcher; Anthony Pluta; was then called upon to take over in the seventh. But the Bears were behind 10-3 by then and had committed six errors in the game. Pluta pitched a scoreless eighth. Mikey Mehlich was tasked with the ninth inning as the third reliever used by Coach Raines. He served up a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.
Worcester starting pitcher; Ryan Bicondoa cruised, but ran out of gas in the fifth inning. After getting the first two outs, he allowed three straight singles before walking Danny Santiesteban with the bases loaded for the Bears' first run of the game. Over his first four innings however, he struck out nine Newark batters, while allowing only three hits and two walks.
The Tornado bullpen picked up where Bicondoa left off. Worcesters' relievers struck out another six batters in wrapping up the second game of this four game series; knotting things up at a game apiece. Danny Santiesteban was ejected after striking out looking for the second out of the ninth inning.
Fifteen hits and six errors; you can't win like that. And that's the kind of game it was for the Bears; frustrating.
The Brockton Rox defeated the Rockland Boulders tonight, and coupled with the Bears loss, means the two teams are tied again for second place overall in the CanAm League with 15-10 records respectively.
Mike.BTB
NEWARK BEARS: Series Against Worcester Tied 1-1.
Game One: Monday Final - Bears 4; Tornadoes 3
Newark's DH; Kyle LaMotta; drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night in the first game of a four game series against the visiting Worcester Tornadoes.
Anthony Pluta got the win in relief as Coach Raines used four Bears' pitchers to eek out a win. Aaron Kalb started for Newark and lasted 5.1 innings. He gave up six hits and all three of Worcester's earned runs. He walked four and struck out four along the way.
The bullpen took over for Newark and turned in a stellar effort. Chris Collins was called on first. He turned in 1.2 innings and gave up one hit. Second out of the pen was Matt Fitton. In 1.1 innings, he gave up a walk; one hit; and pounded the catcher's mitt with three strikeouts. Anthony Pluta closed it out and earned a win as the beneficiary of Kyle LaMotta's game winning hit.
Starting pitcher Alex Smith and the Bears suffered a calamitous first inning against Worcester. Three errors; two walks; and three hits all led to an quick 5-0 deficit. Only one Tornado run was earned. And after only two innings pitched, it was off to the showers for Smith.
Recently signed shortstop; Juan Martinez (Jeff Toth was released); committed two of the Bears' errors while right fielder Danny Santiesteban committed the third Newark miscue of the inning with an errant throw.
Over the third and fourth innings, things just proceeded to get worse for Newark. Three more runs came across the plate for a 8-0 Worcester lead. Eric Eden was summoned to pitch in the third inning as Coach Raines made an early call to the bullpen. And Eric fared little better. He pitched 4.1 innings and allowed Worcester another five runs on eight hits.
Last night's winning pitcher; Anthony Pluta; was then called upon to take over in the seventh. But the Bears were behind 10-3 by then and had committed six errors in the game. Pluta pitched a scoreless eighth. Mikey Mehlich was tasked with the ninth inning as the third reliever used by Coach Raines. He served up a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.
Worcester starting pitcher; Ryan Bicondoa cruised, but ran out of gas in the fifth inning. After getting the first two outs, he allowed three straight singles before walking Danny Santiesteban with the bases loaded for the Bears' first run of the game. Over his first four innings however, he struck out nine Newark batters, while allowing only three hits and two walks.
The Tornado bullpen picked up where Bicondoa left off. Worcesters' relievers struck out another six batters in wrapping up the second game of this four game series; knotting things up at a game apiece. Danny Santiesteban was ejected after striking out looking for the second out of the ninth inning.
Fifteen hits and six errors; you can't win like that. And that's the kind of game it was for the Bears; frustrating.
The Brockton Rox defeated the Rockland Boulders tonight, and coupled with the Bears loss, means the two teams are tied again for second place overall in the CanAm League with 15-10 records respectively.
Mike.BTB
N.Y. COSMOS ~ ...Spotted In Brooklyn
NEW YORK COSMOS
Bedford Avenue and Grand Street: Wall Mural
Mural Credit:
Mike.BTB
L.I. DUCKS ~ Mike Parisi Loses Strong Start To Camden
From the desk of: WEBBED INSANITY
Long Island Ducks: Camden Takes First Game Of Series; Deny Mike Parisi A Win After Fine Effort.
Mike Loree and Mike Parisi continue to provide the Ducks with a formidable combination at the top of the rotation. And although he took a tough loss last night against the Camden Riversharks, Mike Parisi still pitched a gem.
Mike Parisi's Line:
8 ~ innings.
8 ~ hits.
2 ~ runs/ 1 earned.
1 ~ walk.
9 ~ strikeouts.
Long Island scored one run in the second inning. Camden scored an unearned run in the third inning in what turned out to be a costly error by Ray Navarrete at second base. And that's the way the game stayed through the seventh inning. In the eighth inning, Camden rallied against Parisi with a clean double and single to go ahead by one.
The Ducks could muster nothing more than their lone run against Camden starter; Josh Towers. He kept the potent Long Island offense relatively quiet; surrendering eight hits; one run; and one walk through eight innings pitched.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: Camden Takes First Game Of Series; Deny Mike Parisi A Win After Fine Effort.
Mike Loree and Mike Parisi continue to provide the Ducks with a formidable combination at the top of the rotation. And although he took a tough loss last night against the Camden Riversharks, Mike Parisi still pitched a gem.
Mike Parisi's Line:
8 ~ innings.
8 ~ hits.
2 ~ runs/ 1 earned.
1 ~ walk.
9 ~ strikeouts.
Long Island scored one run in the second inning. Camden scored an unearned run in the third inning in what turned out to be a costly error by Ray Navarrete at second base. And that's the way the game stayed through the seventh inning. In the eighth inning, Camden rallied against Parisi with a clean double and single to go ahead by one.
The Ducks could muster nothing more than their lone run against Camden starter; Josh Towers. He kept the potent Long Island offense relatively quiet; surrendering eight hits; one run; and one walk through eight innings pitched.
Mike.BTB
N.Y. METS ~ 2011 Season Ticking Like A Time-Bomb
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: The General Manager Has Punched In. Now Everyone Is On The Clock.
Meanwhile.... Back at Mets R Us; Day Manager; Lil' Jeff (Wilpon) said Sandy Alderson is free to sign players as he sees fit without any restrictions.
Right.
Now, we can take that either one of two ways. The choices are take his words at face value, or, think to yourself - We heard that line before. Jeff Wilpon has been spinning that line on us for three years now. I can knit a sweater from the string of Jeff Wilpon re-assurances that the team was in a position to spend money.
How's this...., because I really don't care to get into The Saul B. Katz Dilemma in depth today. The way I see it, the Mets have $7.5 million spare dollars to spend on an acquisition should they find themselves in realistic contention for the Wild Card in about five weeks from now. In the absence of contention, there is a very distinct possibility the Age of Wilponianism may finally come to an end after nine years. Sandy Alderson came in to replace the 30 year string of in-house Front Office executives. And as a GM, he is now OFFICIALLY on the clock, and I hardly think he agreed to come here only to pick-up where Omar Minaya left off.
How did I arrive at that $7.5 million dollar number? Sandy Alderson scoffed at the notion the Mets would substantially increase payroll this coming deadline. To paraphrase, he flatly said adding $15 million dollars was basically out of the question. I factored in Son of Pon's obligatory pitch to supply Sandy with ample Jeffery Dollars and then decided to cut Sandy's $15 million dollar number in half. I don't think they'd even add ten million. No, not the Wilpons; I mean Sandy.
The GM basically said the next five and six weeks will decide most matters and that signing Jose Reyes was largely unrelated to the Mets being in contention come July. With Jose, it's more a matter of the Mets' ability to ante up than it hinging on the Mets' position in the standings.
And so New York Mets, you're officially on the clock now. Or should I say we're all sitting on a ticking time-bomb. Either way, your General Manager has spoken. And it's all in the uniformed members of this club's hands between now and the dead-line to change minds and keep that bomb from going off.
Dillon Gee will try and get the Mets headed back in the direction of .500 again. His mound-mate Jon Niese, had a rough go of it last time out. But now we ask Dillon to truly be a stopper tonight and straighten the ship after the Angels came to CITI and took two of three games. Dillon Gee is 7-0 this season, and now for really the first time, we desperately need a win from of our new Ace. It's an unfortunate position for Gee to be in; considering the absence of Johan Santana and the underachieving Mike Pelfrey. But as of yesterday, the GM declared from the golf course, the team could either land in the rough in a few weeks, or land on the green. He said it's up to them. That means tonight it's up to Gee and whatever offense we can scrape together for him.
If this team ever needed to pull together; for need of pure self-preservation; they need to have their kumbaya moment really, really soon. A .500 record is two games away; the Wild Card is a little farther than that. But somehow, the trade-deadline is closer than we think. Today is Day One for a great many things regarding METropolis.
So, in a sense, after an off-day, the Mets will re-launch their season today in the hopes of staving off a shut-down next month.
Let's Go Mets!
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: The General Manager Has Punched In. Now Everyone Is On The Clock.
Meanwhile.... Back at Mets R Us; Day Manager; Lil' Jeff (Wilpon) said Sandy Alderson is free to sign players as he sees fit without any restrictions.
Right.
Now, we can take that either one of two ways. The choices are take his words at face value, or, think to yourself - We heard that line before. Jeff Wilpon has been spinning that line on us for three years now. I can knit a sweater from the string of Jeff Wilpon re-assurances that the team was in a position to spend money.
How's this...., because I really don't care to get into The Saul B. Katz Dilemma in depth today. The way I see it, the Mets have $7.5 million spare dollars to spend on an acquisition should they find themselves in realistic contention for the Wild Card in about five weeks from now. In the absence of contention, there is a very distinct possibility the Age of Wilponianism may finally come to an end after nine years. Sandy Alderson came in to replace the 30 year string of in-house Front Office executives. And as a GM, he is now OFFICIALLY on the clock, and I hardly think he agreed to come here only to pick-up where Omar Minaya left off.
How did I arrive at that $7.5 million dollar number? Sandy Alderson scoffed at the notion the Mets would substantially increase payroll this coming deadline. To paraphrase, he flatly said adding $15 million dollars was basically out of the question. I factored in Son of Pon's obligatory pitch to supply Sandy with ample Jeffery Dollars and then decided to cut Sandy's $15 million dollar number in half. I don't think they'd even add ten million. No, not the Wilpons; I mean Sandy.
The GM basically said the next five and six weeks will decide most matters and that signing Jose Reyes was largely unrelated to the Mets being in contention come July. With Jose, it's more a matter of the Mets' ability to ante up than it hinging on the Mets' position in the standings.
And so New York Mets, you're officially on the clock now. Or should I say we're all sitting on a ticking time-bomb. Either way, your General Manager has spoken. And it's all in the uniformed members of this club's hands between now and the dead-line to change minds and keep that bomb from going off.
Dillon Gee will try and get the Mets headed back in the direction of .500 again. His mound-mate Jon Niese, had a rough go of it last time out. But now we ask Dillon to truly be a stopper tonight and straighten the ship after the Angels came to CITI and took two of three games. Dillon Gee is 7-0 this season, and now for really the first time, we desperately need a win from of our new Ace. It's an unfortunate position for Gee to be in; considering the absence of Johan Santana and the underachieving Mike Pelfrey. But as of yesterday, the GM declared from the golf course, the team could either land in the rough in a few weeks, or land on the green. He said it's up to them. That means tonight it's up to Gee and whatever offense we can scrape together for him.
If this team ever needed to pull together; for need of pure self-preservation; they need to have their kumbaya moment really, really soon. A .500 record is two games away; the Wild Card is a little farther than that. But somehow, the trade-deadline is closer than we think. Today is Day One for a great many things regarding METropolis.
So, in a sense, after an off-day, the Mets will re-launch their season today in the hopes of staving off a shut-down next month.
Let's Go Mets!
Mike.BTB
Monday, June 20, 2011
BKN CYCLONES ~ Angel Pagan Receives Ultimate Honor
From the desk of: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE
On an off day for the New York Mets, the Brooklyn Cyclones brought back one of their earliest heroes. Angel Pagan returned home today, in a manner of speaking. He was the center fielder in the Inaugural Season of the Brooklyn Cyclones back in 2001 and was an integral part of that Championship team. As a 19 year old, he batted .314 for those Sensations by the Seashore.
Angel Pagan, and that 2001 team had us at hello. Baseball was Back In Brooklyn and in exchange, we gave them our famous Brooklyn Fan Loyalty and Devotion.
They say you haven't really made it until you have a bobble head made in your honor. So, the Cyclones finally presented Angel Pagan with his.
Kevin Burkhardt and Bobby Ojeda were on hand to call the game for SNY. After leaving field level, the two made their way up to the broadcast booth right next to the Catbird Seat, where Warner Fusselle would be calling the game for Brooklynites over the radio.
The First Pitch would be thrown out by the evening's Guest of Honor; Angel Pagan. He received a hearty and warm ovation from the near capacity crowd which was still filing in.
Brooklyn Cyclones: ANGEL PAGAN Bobble Head Day
#35 is one of three Cyclone players to have their number retired.
On an off day for the New York Mets, the Brooklyn Cyclones brought back one of their earliest heroes. Angel Pagan returned home today, in a manner of speaking. He was the center fielder in the Inaugural Season of the Brooklyn Cyclones back in 2001 and was an integral part of that Championship team. As a 19 year old, he batted .314 for those Sensations by the Seashore.
Angel Pagan, and that 2001 team had us at hello. Baseball was Back In Brooklyn and in exchange, we gave them our famous Brooklyn Fan Loyalty and Devotion.
They say you haven't really made it until you have a bobble head made in your honor. So, the Cyclones finally presented Angel Pagan with his.
Kevin Burkhardt and Bobby Ojeda were on hand to call the game for SNY. After leaving field level, the two made their way up to the broadcast booth right next to the Catbird Seat, where Warner Fusselle would be calling the game for Brooklynites over the radio.
* * * * * * * * *
Another packed house watched the Brooklyn Cyclones defeat the Aberdeen Iron Birds.
FINAL
Iron Birds 4
CYCLONES 5
3-1 First Place; McNamara Division
From over the right field fence, the breeze blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean kept temperatures in the 70's making another night of Baseball By The Beach........Glorious.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, June 19, 2011
BKN CYCLONES ~ Staten Island; Phil Hughes Bow To Brooklyn
From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Bronx Bomber Phil Hughes Not Enough For Staten Island. Coney Island Nine Take Rubber Game In First Meeting In The Battle Of The Boroughs.
The Staten Island Yankees needed Bomber's starter Phil Hughes, who's on rehab from the Bronx, to help get them out to an early two run lead against Brooklyn in the rubber game of their respective 2011 Opening Day Series.
The Lil' Spankees were feeling pretty good about themselves as Phil Hughes manhandled the Cyclones over his first four innings of work. He walked one and gave up two hits to that point, but struck out seven Bums. You might say his rehab was going pretty well today.
The Staten Islanders sent Phil Hughes out for the fifth inning. That's when the catcher for the Surf Avenue Sluggers; Nelfi Zapata, who hails from the Bronx himself; stepped up and deposited the Major Leaguer's one out offering over the wall in left for a solo home run. And with that blast, Phil Hughes' work was done for the day.
And so was the Staten Island Yankees' day for that matter. With their Major League loan out of the game, the Cyclones went to work against the Yankees' bullpen; and more specifically Yankees' reliever; Wilton Rodriguez. Over the next 2.2 innings, the Cyclones touched him for five hits and four runs.
The Cyclones grabbed their first lead of the afternoon in the sixth inning. Ismael Tijerina doubled to to lead-off. He advanced to third base and scored on a Richard Lucas sac-fly to center field. Luke Stewart singled and moved to second when Juan Torres was hit by a pitch. Travis Taijeron then singled home Stewart for a 2-1 Brooklyn lead.
The Yankees picked up a run in the top half of the seventh. In the bottom half, Brooklyn added two more runs when Javier Rodriguez came through with a single off the second baseman scoring runners from second and third, giving the Cyclones a 5-3 lead they'd keep.
Brooklyn starter; Jeffrey Walters; handed in a representative effort. In 4.1 innings, he allowed two hits and two runs (both earned). He walked two and struck out four pitching to a no-decision.
Three Cyclone relievers kept the Yankees quiet the rest of the way. Guillaume Leduc relieved Walters with 1.1 innings; two hits; and two strikeouts. Today's winning pitcher; Hunter Carnevale; pitched two innings, allowing 2 hits and an unearned run while striking out four. T.J. Chism closed things out for the Cyclones pitching the ninth inning. In recording his first save of the season, he gave up a hit and struck out one.
7, 966 fans packed the park tonight.
Angel Pagan Bobble Head Night
Pagan is scheduled to throw out the First Pitch.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Bronx Bomber Phil Hughes Not Enough For Staten Island. Coney Island Nine Take Rubber Game In First Meeting In The Battle Of The Boroughs.
The Staten Island Yankees needed Bomber's starter Phil Hughes, who's on rehab from the Bronx, to help get them out to an early two run lead against Brooklyn in the rubber game of their respective 2011 Opening Day Series.
The Lil' Spankees were feeling pretty good about themselves as Phil Hughes manhandled the Cyclones over his first four innings of work. He walked one and gave up two hits to that point, but struck out seven Bums. You might say his rehab was going pretty well today.
The Staten Islanders sent Phil Hughes out for the fifth inning. That's when the catcher for the Surf Avenue Sluggers; Nelfi Zapata, who hails from the Bronx himself; stepped up and deposited the Major Leaguer's one out offering over the wall in left for a solo home run. And with that blast, Phil Hughes' work was done for the day.
And so was the Staten Island Yankees' day for that matter. With their Major League loan out of the game, the Cyclones went to work against the Yankees' bullpen; and more specifically Yankees' reliever; Wilton Rodriguez. Over the next 2.2 innings, the Cyclones touched him for five hits and four runs.
The Cyclones grabbed their first lead of the afternoon in the sixth inning. Ismael Tijerina doubled to to lead-off. He advanced to third base and scored on a Richard Lucas sac-fly to center field. Luke Stewart singled and moved to second when Juan Torres was hit by a pitch. Travis Taijeron then singled home Stewart for a 2-1 Brooklyn lead.
The Yankees picked up a run in the top half of the seventh. In the bottom half, Brooklyn added two more runs when Javier Rodriguez came through with a single off the second baseman scoring runners from second and third, giving the Cyclones a 5-3 lead they'd keep.
Brooklyn starter; Jeffrey Walters; handed in a representative effort. In 4.1 innings, he allowed two hits and two runs (both earned). He walked two and struck out four pitching to a no-decision.
Three Cyclone relievers kept the Yankees quiet the rest of the way. Guillaume Leduc relieved Walters with 1.1 innings; two hits; and two strikeouts. Today's winning pitcher; Hunter Carnevale; pitched two innings, allowing 2 hits and an unearned run while striking out four. T.J. Chism closed things out for the Cyclones pitching the ninth inning. In recording his first save of the season, he gave up a hit and struck out one.
7, 966 fans packed the park tonight.
MONDAY
June 20, 2011
Angel Pagan Bobble Head Night
Pagan is scheduled to throw out the First Pitch.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES
vs.
Aberdeen Iron Birds
From Surf Avenue, Coney Island
See You There!
Mike.BTB
L.I. DUCKS ~ Mike Loree Blasts By The Road Warriors
From the desk of: WEBBED SPIKES
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Sweep Series; Up Division Lead to 3.5 Games. Now Waiting For Sharks To Enter The Pond.
Starting Pitcher MIKE LOREE Adds To Already Impressive Numbers.
In sun splashed Bethpage Park, the Atlantic League's top hurler breezed by the Road Warriors today with the top down. Ducks' starting pitcher Mike Loree picked up where he left off in his last start which was a three hit, nine strikeout win over Lancaster that upped his record to 6-1.
Today, he followed up that performance with another equally strong outing.
Mike Loree posted seven rather dominant innings in allowing the Road Warriors a scant 3 hits on the day, while striking out another nine batters, against only one walk. He now leads the Atlantic League with seven wins versus only one loss. His League leading ERA dropped from 2.12 to 1.82 after today's game.
He upped his League high 48 strikeouts to 57 with his second straight 9-K performance. In his last two appearances against the Road Warriors, he struck out 19 batters. Ten of those came in his last outing against them four starts ago. Over those last four starts, he has 30 strikeouts in 25 innings pitched.
The Ducks gave Loree a 1-0 lead in the first inning off a Ray Navarrete double and a single by Matt Padgett to drive Ray home. In the second, Long Island picked up two more. Kraig Binick was hit by a pitch. Dan Lyons drove him home with an RBI triple to right. Then Kennard Jones singled to knock in Lyons for a 3-1 Ducks lead.
In the home fourth, Kennard Jones hit his own triple to right. Ray Navarrete; who was 3 for 5 for the game; drove Jones home with a single.
Two more runs in the seventh inning and this game was a wrap. An RBI single by Freddie Thon and a Dan Lyons' RBI single capped off Long Islands' Father's Day win and series sweep over the Road Warriors.
Jeremy Hill and Bob Zimmermann pitched a scoreless inning each in relief of Mike Loree to finish the game.
For the Ducks', this was their division leading twenty-ninth win versus fifteen losses. The South Maryland Blue Crabs lost another game to the Somerset Patriots today by a score of 11-6 which drops them 3.5 games behind the Ducks now. Bridgeport, whom I thought would leapfrog over the Crabs remain six games back of Long Island; hovering around .500 with a 23-21 record.
Now winners of their last three games, the Ducks host a series against the Liberty Division's last place club; Camden River Sharks starting Monday evening.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Sweep Series; Up Division Lead to 3.5 Games. Now Waiting For Sharks To Enter The Pond.
Starting Pitcher MIKE LOREE Adds To Already Impressive Numbers.
In sun splashed Bethpage Park, the Atlantic League's top hurler breezed by the Road Warriors today with the top down. Ducks' starting pitcher Mike Loree picked up where he left off in his last start which was a three hit, nine strikeout win over Lancaster that upped his record to 6-1.
Today, he followed up that performance with another equally strong outing.
Mike Loree posted seven rather dominant innings in allowing the Road Warriors a scant 3 hits on the day, while striking out another nine batters, against only one walk. He now leads the Atlantic League with seven wins versus only one loss. His League leading ERA dropped from 2.12 to 1.82 after today's game.
He upped his League high 48 strikeouts to 57 with his second straight 9-K performance. In his last two appearances against the Road Warriors, he struck out 19 batters. Ten of those came in his last outing against them four starts ago. Over those last four starts, he has 30 strikeouts in 25 innings pitched.
The Ducks gave Loree a 1-0 lead in the first inning off a Ray Navarrete double and a single by Matt Padgett to drive Ray home. In the second, Long Island picked up two more. Kraig Binick was hit by a pitch. Dan Lyons drove him home with an RBI triple to right. Then Kennard Jones singled to knock in Lyons for a 3-1 Ducks lead.
In the home fourth, Kennard Jones hit his own triple to right. Ray Navarrete; who was 3 for 5 for the game; drove Jones home with a single.
Two more runs in the seventh inning and this game was a wrap. An RBI single by Freddie Thon and a Dan Lyons' RBI single capped off Long Islands' Father's Day win and series sweep over the Road Warriors.
Jeremy Hill and Bob Zimmermann pitched a scoreless inning each in relief of Mike Loree to finish the game.
For the Ducks', this was their division leading twenty-ninth win versus fifteen losses. The South Maryland Blue Crabs lost another game to the Somerset Patriots today by a score of 11-6 which drops them 3.5 games behind the Ducks now. Bridgeport, whom I thought would leapfrog over the Crabs remain six games back of Long Island; hovering around .500 with a 23-21 record.
Now winners of their last three games, the Ducks host a series against the Liberty Division's last place club; Camden River Sharks starting Monday evening.
Mike.BTB
Newark Bears ~ Ninth Inning Win On Father's Day
From the desk of: The Brick City Sluggers
NEWARK BEARS: Paddy Matera Delivers A Ninth Inning Single To Salvage Game Three In Series Against Brockton Rox.
On Riverfront Stadium -
He didn't start in on the bullpen pitchers till the eighth when he began questioning how long Tim Raines Sr. was leaving Anthony Pluta in the game during a 6-6 game (at the time).
But he got a few things right today. Tim Raines Sr. allowed Brockton to retake the lead at 7-6; and Newark killed themselves with sloppy fielding.
Newark got on the board right away. Tim Raines Jr. doubled in the first inning with two outs and Daryle Ward drove him home with a single. But Brockton scored a run in the second to tie things at one.
In the third inning, Daryle Ward doubled with the bases loaded, delivering two more Bears across the plate for a 3-1 lead.
Paddy Matera homered in the fourth for his seventh of the season. In the fifth, with Burt Reynolds at-bat and Tim Raines Jr. on third base, Brockton's Freddy Flores unleashed a wild pitch allowing Raines to score and giving the Bears a 5-1 lead.
They were cruising and in seemingly in control through five innings. Then Brockton knotted this game in the top of the sixth with a two run home run followed by Todd Gossage's error which led to two more unearned Brockton runs.
The Bears' implosion continued in the seventh. An overthrown ball by Bears' catcher; Eric McGee; led to another unearned run and a 6-5 Brockton lead. But the Bears showed resiliency when they tied the game again at six apiece. Tim Raines Jr. hit one of his many doubles on the day and was driven home by a Danny Santiesteban single.
The two teams traded runs again in the eighth to make it a 7-7 game. Juan Martinez drove home Paddy Matera with the Bears' eighth inning run.
In the home ninth, Newark got a runner in scoring position after Burt Reynolds was hit by a pitch and advanced to second. Todd Gossage drew an intentional walk with two outs. Paddy Matera worked his way to a 3-1 count then delivered a game winning single for an 8-7 Bears' win.
The two team are now tied again for second place overall in the CanAm League behind Quebec.
Can you see the bullpen now?
Somehow, Coach Raines found his way to gut it out with Anthony Pluta during a rocky 2.1 innings of patience testing and lead blowing while his counter-part; Brockton manager Bill Buckner; went through five pitchers trying to stop Tim Raines Jr. and Daryle Ward from going 6 for 8 this afternoon, with three runs scored and three RBI between them.
But Anthony Pluta's team mates; Kyle Morrison working the ninth inning with 2 strikeouts; and Paddy Matera; 2 for 2, HR, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI; were there to pick up Coach Raines; starter Victor Gonzalez; and all the Bears from what could have been a dreadful loss to their Massachusetts rival.
NEXT UP FOR THE BEARS:
Four Game Series vs. Worcester Tornadoes @ Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.
Mike.BTB
NEWARK BEARS: Paddy Matera Delivers A Ninth Inning Single To Salvage Game Three In Series Against Brockton Rox.
On Riverfront Stadium -
"Just about any ball hit in the air can leave the park at any time!" - in 7th inning.That quip came later in the game. Earlier, my new favorite announcer took exception with the Bears' bullpen. Not their pitchers; he had a problem with not knowing who was warming up for the Bears at any given time because in Riverfront Stadium, the bullpen is "completely obscured" from view.
He didn't start in on the bullpen pitchers till the eighth when he began questioning how long Tim Raines Sr. was leaving Anthony Pluta in the game during a 6-6 game (at the time).
"He's known to do anything at anytime...."
"No sign of Tim Raines from the Newark dugout."
But he got a few things right today. Tim Raines Sr. allowed Brockton to retake the lead at 7-6; and Newark killed themselves with sloppy fielding.
Newark got on the board right away. Tim Raines Jr. doubled in the first inning with two outs and Daryle Ward drove him home with a single. But Brockton scored a run in the second to tie things at one.
In the third inning, Daryle Ward doubled with the bases loaded, delivering two more Bears across the plate for a 3-1 lead.
Paddy Matera homered in the fourth for his seventh of the season. In the fifth, with Burt Reynolds at-bat and Tim Raines Jr. on third base, Brockton's Freddy Flores unleashed a wild pitch allowing Raines to score and giving the Bears a 5-1 lead.
They were cruising and in seemingly in control through five innings. Then Brockton knotted this game in the top of the sixth with a two run home run followed by Todd Gossage's error which led to two more unearned Brockton runs.
The Bears' implosion continued in the seventh. An overthrown ball by Bears' catcher; Eric McGee; led to another unearned run and a 6-5 Brockton lead. But the Bears showed resiliency when they tied the game again at six apiece. Tim Raines Jr. hit one of his many doubles on the day and was driven home by a Danny Santiesteban single.
The two teams traded runs again in the eighth to make it a 7-7 game. Juan Martinez drove home Paddy Matera with the Bears' eighth inning run.
In the home ninth, Newark got a runner in scoring position after Burt Reynolds was hit by a pitch and advanced to second. Todd Gossage drew an intentional walk with two outs. Paddy Matera worked his way to a 3-1 count then delivered a game winning single for an 8-7 Bears' win.
The two team are now tied again for second place overall in the CanAm League behind Quebec.
Can you see the bullpen now?
Somehow, Coach Raines found his way to gut it out with Anthony Pluta during a rocky 2.1 innings of patience testing and lead blowing while his counter-part; Brockton manager Bill Buckner; went through five pitchers trying to stop Tim Raines Jr. and Daryle Ward from going 6 for 8 this afternoon, with three runs scored and three RBI between them.
But Anthony Pluta's team mates; Kyle Morrison working the ninth inning with 2 strikeouts; and Paddy Matera; 2 for 2, HR, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI; were there to pick up Coach Raines; starter Victor Gonzalez; and all the Bears from what could have been a dreadful loss to their Massachusetts rival.
NEXT UP FOR THE BEARS:
Four Game Series vs. Worcester Tornadoes @ Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.
Mike.BTB
N.Y. METS ~ Amazin Yo-Yo's and Super Novas
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: Mike Pelfrey Reels in The Mets' Yo-Yo. We're Back To Within A Game Of .500..., Again.
Carlos Beltran: A Phantom Star Going Super Nova Just Before His Time As A Met Flickers Out.
It was One; Two; and Three runs that scored in the Ol' Ballgame. A run in the third; two in the fourth; and three runs in the fifth inning were more than enough to cover Mike Pelfrey's clipping of Anaheim's wings.
The hand-licking enigma pitched a complete game with only one home run marring his line for the day. Good Pelf allowed the Angels a mere five hits; no walks and stuck out five in a 123 pitch nine inning effort. But because of inconsistency, he only improved his season record to 4-5. These last nine innings dropped his ponderous ERA to 4.70, and well, we're forced to take that at face value.
Mike Pelfrey's fourth win at least sets up the chance the Mets can win the rubber game of this series with the Angels and regain a grip on .500 baseball again today. The Mets' young, emerging, curve ball specialist; Jon Niese; will attend to that matter today.
Carlos Beltran powered the Mets yesterday. If he hasn't done so already, I'm sure he has many a GM's attention now. Carlos Beltran now has 10 home runs on the season to go along with 43 RBI, and it's way before the All-Star break! And not to mention, the oft-cranky kneed and misunderstood former All-Star has been a horse this season playing with nary a day-off to his credit.
There will be none of the "he's playing for a contract" rhetoric here. Carlos Beltran is merely doing what he can do when healthy. With regret, it is our particular situation as fans and an organization, that makes Carlos Beltran a phantom star for the Mets these days. We can not get compensation picks if we let him walk away as a free agent. That clause was given to him by Omar Minaya. And so the better he plays, the sooner Sandy Alderson may strike a deal for the re-emerging and genuine star.
The compartmentalizing of the 2011 season for me continues in what I can only describe as a very odd year. As we speak, the Wilpons are breaking out in a rash over the K-Rod Clause should that kick-in based on appearances. Yet he is having an All-Star Game worthy season while helping keep the Mets in relative contention.
Jose Reyes is making a legitimate early argument for National League MVP. As he enters his prime age, he's also entering into his own as a player (if you'll allow me to butcher that phrase). He's in the midst of a career year. And for someone who's taking life one day at a time and enjoying the moment while leading the; once again crippled; Mets, he went and secured the services of Agent Impossible; Scott Boras; to worry about his future for him.
Forget the K-Rod Rash; this situation has the Wilpons breaking out in hives! Additionally, Met Fans officially find themselves on one of two clearly defined sides of the fence. The foxholes have been dug. On one side of the Jose Reyes Front is the TRADE HIM contingent. On the other side, the KEEP REYES CAMP is at the ready. Unfortunately for both sides of the argument, finances might ultimately make this decision for us.
Compartmentalization? What then?
CORRECTION: Apparently Jose Reyes will not switch agents.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: Mike Pelfrey Reels in The Mets' Yo-Yo. We're Back To Within A Game Of .500..., Again.
Carlos Beltran: A Phantom Star Going Super Nova Just Before His Time As A Met Flickers Out.
It was One; Two; and Three runs that scored in the Ol' Ballgame. A run in the third; two in the fourth; and three runs in the fifth inning were more than enough to cover Mike Pelfrey's clipping of Anaheim's wings.
The hand-licking enigma pitched a complete game with only one home run marring his line for the day. Good Pelf allowed the Angels a mere five hits; no walks and stuck out five in a 123 pitch nine inning effort. But because of inconsistency, he only improved his season record to 4-5. These last nine innings dropped his ponderous ERA to 4.70, and well, we're forced to take that at face value.
Mike Pelfrey's fourth win at least sets up the chance the Mets can win the rubber game of this series with the Angels and regain a grip on .500 baseball again today. The Mets' young, emerging, curve ball specialist; Jon Niese; will attend to that matter today.
Carlos Beltran powered the Mets yesterday. If he hasn't done so already, I'm sure he has many a GM's attention now. Carlos Beltran now has 10 home runs on the season to go along with 43 RBI, and it's way before the All-Star break! And not to mention, the oft-cranky kneed and misunderstood former All-Star has been a horse this season playing with nary a day-off to his credit.
There will be none of the "he's playing for a contract" rhetoric here. Carlos Beltran is merely doing what he can do when healthy. With regret, it is our particular situation as fans and an organization, that makes Carlos Beltran a phantom star for the Mets these days. We can not get compensation picks if we let him walk away as a free agent. That clause was given to him by Omar Minaya. And so the better he plays, the sooner Sandy Alderson may strike a deal for the re-emerging and genuine star.
The compartmentalizing of the 2011 season for me continues in what I can only describe as a very odd year. As we speak, the Wilpons are breaking out in a rash over the K-Rod Clause should that kick-in based on appearances. Yet he is having an All-Star Game worthy season while helping keep the Mets in relative contention.
Jose Reyes is making a legitimate early argument for National League MVP. As he enters his prime age, he's also entering into his own as a player (if you'll allow me to butcher that phrase). He's in the midst of a career year. And for someone who's taking life one day at a time and enjoying the moment while leading the; once again crippled; Mets, he went and secured the services of Agent Impossible; Scott Boras; to worry about his future for him.
Forget the K-Rod Rash; this situation has the Wilpons breaking out in hives! Additionally, Met Fans officially find themselves on one of two clearly defined sides of the fence. The foxholes have been dug. On one side of the Jose Reyes Front is the TRADE HIM contingent. On the other side, the KEEP REYES CAMP is at the ready. Unfortunately for both sides of the argument, finances might ultimately make this decision for us.
Compartmentalization? What then?
CORRECTION: Apparently Jose Reyes will not switch agents.
TODAY
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
vs.
NEW YORK METS
(SP - Jon Niese)
Roosevelt Avenue Grounds, Flushing
QUEENS
Mike.BTB
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