O-fer.
As in O-fer-Burlington.
0-3 against the Bees here at Community Field and 1-6 on the road trip so far.
Get 'em tomorrow.
Complete Boxscore HERE.
5/31/2006
Odds & Ends
The strike is over. The umpires are coming back. There will never be another blown call or argument between a player and one of the men in blue.
Unfortunately, there will also no more of the balloon chest protectors.
Unfortunately, there will also no more of the balloon chest protectors.
I might have more on this later. But, when the umpires are doing their job correctly, you really shouldn't mention them.
A quick mention of former Rattler trainer Chris Gorosics in the Missions Notebook today. Well, not really a mention, but it says that Chris says that Ryan Feierabend will make his next scheduled start.
Who benefits the most with the signing of Roger Clemens? Why the Lexington Legends of course. Why Lexington?
HOUSTON – The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed pitcher Roger Clemens to a minor league contract. Clemens is scheduled to make three minor league starts prior to making his Astros debut. It is the club’s intent to make his first start for the Lexington Legends against the Lake County Captains on June 6.
“We are thrilled that our fans are going to get a chance to see one of
the greatest players in baseball history pitching right here in our ballpark,” said Alan Stein, President and CEO of the Lexington Legends. “With his son Koby in Lexington, we knew this was a possibility if Roger signed with Houston. We are thrilled to get to see ‘the Rocket’ in a Legends jersey.”Koby Clemens, Roger's oldest son, began the season playing third base for the Legends until dislocating his left pinky in late April. He is
expected to be activated from the disabled list in time for Tuesday’s game.
The South Atlantic League affiliate of the Houston Astros are going to put children in harm's way to raise a little money, too.
The Lexington Legends are holding a silent auction to take batting practice with Roger Clemens. The silent auction will be held during Legends games on June 5 and June 6 with the practice to be held on June 8th beginning at 10am (time subject to change). The batting practice is for kids ages 9 to 18 years only.
A $1,000 minimum bid is required and the top 15 bids of $1,000 or more will be selected to participate in the Roger Clemens Batting Practice. The proceeds will benefit the Booster Club and the Lexington Legends Clubhouse Renovation Project.
Game Notes for 5/31
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Burlington beat the Timber Rattlers 5-1. Jose Duarte broke a scoreless tie with a three run double in the bottom of the second inning. Mario Lisson lead off the third inning with a homer and Burlington had the early 5-0 lead. Matt Kniginyzky allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven for his fourth straight win.
WILDNESS HURTS: Rattler starting pitcher Harold Williams walked six batters in 4-1/3 innings. He got into trouble by walking the first two batters of the bottom of the second. After getting the first out, Williams walked another batter to load the bases. Duarte followed with a bases-clearing double down the left field line for the 3-0 lead.
VARIATION ON THE THEME: The Rattler pitching staff leads the Midwest League in walks issued. Wisconsin had handed out 233 free passes this season. The only other staff in the league with over 200 walks is Southwest Michigan. The Devil Rays have walked 205 this season.
14th OUT OF 14: The Rattlers are last in the league in ERA. Wisconsin has seen their team earned run average balloon to 4.58. Clinton is the closest team to the Rattlers with a 4.38.
LISSON LAUNCHES: Lisson hit his second homer of the season against the Rattlers. He is 10-for-24 (.417) and has driven in ten runs against the Rattlers.
TRIPLE-DECKERS: Curtis Ledbetter tripled with two out in the top of the fourth inning for the first hit of the game against Kniginyzky. Wisconsin has had one triple in each of the first two games of this series.
FRIGID: The 6-9 hitters in the Timber Rattler lineup were a combined 0-for-15 last night.
ICE COLD: Rattler shortstop Jeffery Dominguez was 0-for-3 last night and is now hitless in his last twenty-one at bats.
SCORING CHANGE: In the ninth inning on Monday night, Casey Craig reached base on what was originally ruled a single. That play was changed to an E-3. That means that the run Wisconsin scored against Gilbert de la Vara is now unearned.
ON THE ROAD: The Rattlers are 1-5 on the first six games of this eight-game road trip.
SEASON LOW: Wisconsin is now a season low thirteen games under .500 (19-32).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Carlos Rosa was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Royals in 2001. He made eight starts for the Bees in 2004 and was 0-5 with a 4.67ERA. He missed all of 2005 with an injury. Rosa beat the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field in his last start. He allowed just one run on four hits over six innings for the victory. Rosa lost twice in two starts to the Rattlers in 2004. He got a no decision against the Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium on May 21. He gave up seven hits, but two runs (one earned) over four innings in a game the Rattlers eventually won.
WILDNESS HURTS: Rattler starting pitcher Harold Williams walked six batters in 4-1/3 innings. He got into trouble by walking the first two batters of the bottom of the second. After getting the first out, Williams walked another batter to load the bases. Duarte followed with a bases-clearing double down the left field line for the 3-0 lead.
VARIATION ON THE THEME: The Rattler pitching staff leads the Midwest League in walks issued. Wisconsin had handed out 233 free passes this season. The only other staff in the league with over 200 walks is Southwest Michigan. The Devil Rays have walked 205 this season.
14th OUT OF 14: The Rattlers are last in the league in ERA. Wisconsin has seen their team earned run average balloon to 4.58. Clinton is the closest team to the Rattlers with a 4.38.
LISSON LAUNCHES: Lisson hit his second homer of the season against the Rattlers. He is 10-for-24 (.417) and has driven in ten runs against the Rattlers.
TRIPLE-DECKERS: Curtis Ledbetter tripled with two out in the top of the fourth inning for the first hit of the game against Kniginyzky. Wisconsin has had one triple in each of the first two games of this series.
FRIGID: The 6-9 hitters in the Timber Rattler lineup were a combined 0-for-15 last night.
ICE COLD: Rattler shortstop Jeffery Dominguez was 0-for-3 last night and is now hitless in his last twenty-one at bats.
SCORING CHANGE: In the ninth inning on Monday night, Casey Craig reached base on what was originally ruled a single. That play was changed to an E-3. That means that the run Wisconsin scored against Gilbert de la Vara is now unearned.
ON THE ROAD: The Rattlers are 1-5 on the first six games of this eight-game road trip.
SEASON LOW: Wisconsin is now a season low thirteen games under .500 (19-32).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Carlos Rosa was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Royals in 2001. He made eight starts for the Bees in 2004 and was 0-5 with a 4.67ERA. He missed all of 2005 with an injury. Rosa beat the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field in his last start. He allowed just one run on four hits over six innings for the victory. Rosa lost twice in two starts to the Rattlers in 2004. He got a no decision against the Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium on May 21. He gave up seven hits, but two runs (one earned) over four innings in a game the Rattlers eventually won.
Tuesday Night in the MWL
Scott Morgan/The Hawk Eye
Cedar Rapids 5, @ Clinton 4 (13 innings) -- The Kernels scored three times in the top of the thirteenth. Clinton got two in the bottom of the thirteenth on a homer by John Mayberry, but they couldn't send the game to the fourteenth.
@Peoria 4, Kane County 2 -- Hey, Cougar pitcher Jared Lansford gave up more than one run. Hey, Chief closer Ed Campusano has sixteen saves.
South Bend @ Fort Wayne -- PPD. The Wizards called up a rain spell to give them a bit of a break.
Lansing @ Southwest Michigan -- PPD. Water cools off the Lugnuts.
Quad Cities @ Beloit -- PPD. The rain turtle was out at Pohlman Field.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Bryan LaHair, San Antonio.
LaHair with two more RBI -- he has 28 now this season -- to help the Missions to a win over Tulsa.
Nice bounce back game for Stephen Kahn. After a rough Double-A debut with the Missions, he goes two scoreless last night.
LaHair with two more RBI -- he has 28 now this season -- to help the Missions to a win over Tulsa.
Nice bounce back game for Stephen Kahn. After a rough Double-A debut with the Missions, he goes two scoreless last night.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/30)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-32; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 6-4 at Texas. Gil Meche (WI ’98) was staked to a 3-0 lead, but gave up six runs in the bottom of the third. Brad Wilkerson hit a grand slam for the Rangers in that big inning. Carl Everett had three hits and drove in a run for Seattle.
Tacoma (AAA – 25-25; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 15-14 at Salt Lake. Renee Cortez (WI ’03) walked in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up eleven runs on ten hits over 2-1/3 innings, to put the Rainiers into an 11-3 hole. But, the Rainiers charged back to tie the game 14-14. Asdrubal Cabrera (WI ’05) went 3-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and a home run for Tacoma. Adam Jones (WI ’04) hit his eighth homer of the season for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 19-30; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Tulsa 4-1. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) drove in a pair of runs for the Missions. Stephen Kahn (WI ’05) pitched two scoreless innings in relief of winning pitcher Adam Pettyjohn. Pettyjohn struck out six over six scoreless innings for the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 31-20; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire had their nine game winning streak end with a 2-1 loss to Visalia. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05) gave up a pair of unearned runs over seven innings and got the loss. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) had a pair of hits and scored the only run for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/30
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 3-6) at Texas (John Koronka 4-2) 1:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 1-4) at Salt Lake (Stephen Shell 1-2) 8:00pm CDT
Tulsa (Steven Register 1-2) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 4-3) 7:05pm CDT
Visalia at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 25-25; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 15-14 at Salt Lake. Renee Cortez (WI ’03) walked in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up eleven runs on ten hits over 2-1/3 innings, to put the Rainiers into an 11-3 hole. But, the Rainiers charged back to tie the game 14-14. Asdrubal Cabrera (WI ’05) went 3-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and a home run for Tacoma. Adam Jones (WI ’04) hit his eighth homer of the season for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 19-30; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Tulsa 4-1. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) drove in a pair of runs for the Missions. Stephen Kahn (WI ’05) pitched two scoreless innings in relief of winning pitcher Adam Pettyjohn. Pettyjohn struck out six over six scoreless innings for the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 31-20; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire had their nine game winning streak end with a 2-1 loss to Visalia. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05) gave up a pair of unearned runs over seven innings and got the loss. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) had a pair of hits and scored the only run for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/30
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 3-6) at Texas (John Koronka 4-2) 1:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 1-4) at Salt Lake (Stephen Shell 1-2) 8:00pm CDT
Tulsa (Steven Register 1-2) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 4-3) 7:05pm CDT
Visalia at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
5/30/2006
Tuesday's Game in a Word
Kniginyzky
They tell me that Burlington's starting pitcher tonight pronounces his name: nuh-GIN-skee
I think it is actually pronounced: 7 Innings, 3 Hits, 1 Run, 7 strikeouts, 1 walk, and 4 wins in a row.
Tonight's boxscore is HERE.
They tell me that Burlington's starting pitcher tonight pronounces his name: nuh-GIN-skee
I think it is actually pronounced: 7 Innings, 3 Hits, 1 Run, 7 strikeouts, 1 walk, and 4 wins in a row.
Tonight's boxscore is HERE.
Game Notes for 5/30
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Bees beat the Timber Rattlers 3-2 in ten innings. Two of the three runs scored by the Bees were unearned, including the game winning run in the tenth.
THANKS, WE NEEDED THAT: On Sunday night in Kane County, the Rattlers needed to use two position players as pitchers to finish the game. Last night, Paul Fagan had the longest outing of the season for a Timber Rattler starter. Fagan pitched 7-1/3 innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits with two walks.
THEY DID IT AGAIN: For the second time in just over a week, the Rattlers rallied to tie the game against Gilbert de la Vara. Last Sunday, Wisconsin scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the Bees and give de la Vara his first blown save of the season. Last night, Wisconsin trailed 2-1 going into the top of the ninth. Casey Craig singled to start the inning. Craig stole second with one out and took third after a wild pitch. An infield grounder by Luis Valbuena got Craig home with the tying run.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Mike Saunders started the Rattler tenth inning with a triple off de la Vara. Pinch hitter Curtis Ledbetter struck out. Next, Eddy Hernandez grounded out to second. Saunders broke for the plated and crashed into catcher JP Lowen just after the ball arrived. Lowen held on for the second out and de la Vara got the final out on a pop out.
WINNING ON THE THROW: Chris McConnell singled to start the bottom of the tenth against Ruben Flores. A sacrifice bunt moved McConnell to second. Miguel Vega stepped to the plate and sent a chopper down the third base line. Flores fielded the ball cleanly, but hurried his throw and sailed it well down the right field line. McConnell scored easily with the winning run.
EXTRA INNING BLUES: Flores has pitched twice in extra innings this season. He allowed two hits and two runs without retiring a batter at Beloit on April 11th. He faced three batters last night and allowed the unearned run on one hit.
UNEARNED: The Timber Rattlers have committed eight errors in this series with the Bees. Those eight errors have led to seven unearned runs. Burlington has seven errors in the series, but their pitchers have allowed just four unearned runs.
MY SACRIFICE: The Bees dropped two sacrifice bunts last night. In five games against the Rattlers, Burlington has six sacrifice bunts.
ENDING: Valbuena’s ten-game hitting streak ended last night. He was 0-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Valbuena was 13-for-39 (.333) during the streak.
ICE COLD: Rattler shortstop Jeffery Dominguez is hitless in his last eighteen at bats.
LOOK OUT! Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato hit two batters in 1-2/3 innings last night. In 4-1/3 innings, he has plunked five Bee batters.
NO K’s: The three Rattler pitchers did not record a strikeout last night.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Matt Kniginyzky was the 23rd round pick of the Royals out of High Point University. Kniginyzky was the closer for the Panthers and had seven saves in his final season. In his first pro season, Kniginyzky was 2-5 with five saves and a 4.66 ERA in 21 relief appearances for the Idaho Falls Chukars. Kniginyzky has won three straight games, including a win over Beloit in his last outing. He struck out nine over seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
THANKS, WE NEEDED THAT: On Sunday night in Kane County, the Rattlers needed to use two position players as pitchers to finish the game. Last night, Paul Fagan had the longest outing of the season for a Timber Rattler starter. Fagan pitched 7-1/3 innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits with two walks.
THEY DID IT AGAIN: For the second time in just over a week, the Rattlers rallied to tie the game against Gilbert de la Vara. Last Sunday, Wisconsin scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the Bees and give de la Vara his first blown save of the season. Last night, Wisconsin trailed 2-1 going into the top of the ninth. Casey Craig singled to start the inning. Craig stole second with one out and took third after a wild pitch. An infield grounder by Luis Valbuena got Craig home with the tying run.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Mike Saunders started the Rattler tenth inning with a triple off de la Vara. Pinch hitter Curtis Ledbetter struck out. Next, Eddy Hernandez grounded out to second. Saunders broke for the plated and crashed into catcher JP Lowen just after the ball arrived. Lowen held on for the second out and de la Vara got the final out on a pop out.
WINNING ON THE THROW: Chris McConnell singled to start the bottom of the tenth against Ruben Flores. A sacrifice bunt moved McConnell to second. Miguel Vega stepped to the plate and sent a chopper down the third base line. Flores fielded the ball cleanly, but hurried his throw and sailed it well down the right field line. McConnell scored easily with the winning run.
EXTRA INNING BLUES: Flores has pitched twice in extra innings this season. He allowed two hits and two runs without retiring a batter at Beloit on April 11th. He faced three batters last night and allowed the unearned run on one hit.
UNEARNED: The Timber Rattlers have committed eight errors in this series with the Bees. Those eight errors have led to seven unearned runs. Burlington has seven errors in the series, but their pitchers have allowed just four unearned runs.
MY SACRIFICE: The Bees dropped two sacrifice bunts last night. In five games against the Rattlers, Burlington has six sacrifice bunts.
ENDING: Valbuena’s ten-game hitting streak ended last night. He was 0-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Valbuena was 13-for-39 (.333) during the streak.
ICE COLD: Rattler shortstop Jeffery Dominguez is hitless in his last eighteen at bats.
LOOK OUT! Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato hit two batters in 1-2/3 innings last night. In 4-1/3 innings, he has plunked five Bee batters.
NO K’s: The three Rattler pitchers did not record a strikeout last night.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Matt Kniginyzky was the 23rd round pick of the Royals out of High Point University. Kniginyzky was the closer for the Panthers and had seven saves in his final season. In his first pro season, Kniginyzky was 2-5 with five saves and a 4.66 ERA in 21 relief appearances for the Idaho Falls Chukars. Kniginyzky has won three straight games, including a win over Beloit in his last outing. He struck out nine over seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
Monday in the MWL
@Burlington 3, Wisconsin 2 (10 innings) -- Much better game than Sunday, but a tough loss for the Rattlers.
Cedar Rapids 2, @Clinton 1 -- Larry Infante had one of three hits for the Kernels. But, that hit was a two run homer. Enough for Cedar Rapids to beat the L-Kings.
@Beloit 8, Quad Cities 6 -- Beloit rallies late again. They scored four in the eighth -- two off former Rattler Brian Stitt -- for the win.
South Bend 5, @Fort Wayne 4 (11 innings) -- The Wizards lose their sixth straight. When you are in a rut, the calls don't go your way.
Kane County 8, @Peoria 2 -- Not even MARK PRIOR can cool off the Cougars. Jose Pineda homered off Prior and the Cougars have opened up a 2-1/2 game lead on the Chiefs. PRIOR may return to pitch for the Chiefs again on Saturday. Hopefully, he wont do this:
@West Michigan 6, Dayton 5 -- Justice is visited upon the Dragons! Justin Justice triples in the tying run and scores the go ahead run in the bottom of the 7th.
Lansing 2, @Southwest Michigan 0 -- The D-Rays offense can't get going against the Lugnuts.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Cedar Rapids 2, @Clinton 1 -- Larry Infante had one of three hits for the Kernels. But, that hit was a two run homer. Enough for Cedar Rapids to beat the L-Kings.
@Beloit 8, Quad Cities 6 -- Beloit rallies late again. They scored four in the eighth -- two off former Rattler Brian Stitt -- for the win.
South Bend 5, @Fort Wayne 4 (11 innings) -- The Wizards lose their sixth straight. When you are in a rut, the calls don't go your way.
Kane County 8, @Peoria 2 -- Not even MARK PRIOR can cool off the Cougars. Jose Pineda homered off Prior and the Cougars have opened up a 2-1/2 game lead on the Chiefs. PRIOR may return to pitch for the Chiefs again on Saturday. Hopefully, he wont do this:
Chiefs third baseman Brandon Taylor and closer Ed Campusano felt sick after accidentally drinking ammonia water in the dugout before the game. Players often put ammonia water on their heads to keep cool on hot days. Taylor and Campusano believed they were drinking out of a regular water cooler.
@West Michigan 6, Dayton 5 -- Justice is visited upon the Dragons! Justin Justice triples in the tying run and scores the go ahead run in the bottom of the 7th.
Lansing 2, @Southwest Michigan 0 -- The D-Rays offense can't get going against the Lugnuts.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Greg Dobbs drove in the only run of the game in the Rainiers 1-0 win over Colorado Springs.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/29)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-31; T-3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 2-0 at Texas. Seattle managed just four hits. Jarrod Washburn gave up two runs on six hits over seven innings and took the loss.
Tacoma (AAA – 25-24; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Colorado Springs 1-0. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) drove in Chris Snelling (WI ’00) with a double in the bottom of the fourth inning for the only run of the game. Francisco Cruceta pitched eight shutout innings allowing just two hits and struck out eleven for the win. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save.
San Antonio (AA – 18-30; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost 1-0 to Tulsa. The Mission offense had three hits. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’02) pitched two scoreless innings as the starting pitcher, but left after taking a grounder off his forearm. Reliever Chad Fillinger (WI ’05) gave up a run in the sixth inning to take the loss.
Inland Empire (High-A – 31-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire was off on Monday.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/30
Seattle (Gil Meche 4-3) at Texas (Kevin Millwood 5-3) 7:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Bobby Livingston 1-3) at Colorado Springs (Kasey Olenberger 3-1) 7:30pm CDT
Tulsa (Emmanuel Ulloa 3-1) at San Antonio (Adam Pettyjohn 0-2) 7:05pm CDT
Visalia at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
EDIT: Fixed font.
Tacoma (AAA – 25-24; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Colorado Springs 1-0. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) drove in Chris Snelling (WI ’00) with a double in the bottom of the fourth inning for the only run of the game. Francisco Cruceta pitched eight shutout innings allowing just two hits and struck out eleven for the win. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save.
San Antonio (AA – 18-30; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost 1-0 to Tulsa. The Mission offense had three hits. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’02) pitched two scoreless innings as the starting pitcher, but left after taking a grounder off his forearm. Reliever Chad Fillinger (WI ’05) gave up a run in the sixth inning to take the loss.
Inland Empire (High-A – 31-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire was off on Monday.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/30
Seattle (Gil Meche 4-3) at Texas (Kevin Millwood 5-3) 7:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Bobby Livingston 1-3) at Colorado Springs (Kasey Olenberger 3-1) 7:30pm CDT
Tulsa (Emmanuel Ulloa 3-1) at San Antonio (Adam Pettyjohn 0-2) 7:05pm CDT
Visalia at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
EDIT: Fixed font.
5/29/2006
Game Notes for 5/29
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Kane County Cougars crushed the Timber Rattlers 19-5. Jeff Baisley had two hits, but drove in six runs. Jose Pineda had three hits, including a homer and drove in four. Cougar starter Jason Ray struggled to get through five innings, but left with a 14-5 lead.
EARLY LEAD: The Rattlers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. JB Tucker reached on an error with two outs and went to second on a wild pitch. Luis Valbuena knocked in Tucker with a single to left.
A DECADE: Valbuena extended his current hitting streak to ten games with that first inning single. He has matched Ron Garth for the longest hitting streak on the team. Valbuena is 13-for-39 (.333)
SHORT NIGHT (KIND OF): Rattler starter Justin Thomas went just 1-2/3 innings last night and gave up ten runs (six earned) on nine hits with two walks and no strikeouts. Thomas threw over sixty pitches in last night’s start.
LOST WEEKEND: In the four game series at Elfstrom Stadium, the Rattlers hit just .183 (23-for-125). In those same four games, Kane County hit .350 (50-for-143).
DELVING INTO HISTORY: The nineteen runs given up by the Rattlers last night were the most against them since September 2, 2004. The Rattlers got beat 20-7 at O’Brien Field by the Peoria Chiefs. In that game, Rattler starter Casey Abrams gave up eight runs on ten hits in 1-2/3 innings.
A LOT OF RUNS: In the last six games, Wisconsin is 1-5. They have been outscored 63-26 in those five games. The Rattlers have not held an opponent under five runs in any of their last six games.
NOW PITCHING: Chao Kuan Wu and Robby Hudson finished up last night’s game on the mound for Wisconsin. Wu, a catcher, gave up a run on two hits with a walk in the seventh. Hudson, an infielder, got the only 1-2-3 inning of the night by a Rattler pitcher in the eighth. Wu and Hudson became the first Wisconsin position players to appear on the mound in a game since Corey Freeman pitched 1-2/3 innings against the Peoria Chiefs on July 7, 2002. In that game, Freeman struck out a pair and retired all five batters he faced.
FOUR STRAIGHT: Wisconsin has homered in four consecutive games. Michael Saunders homered on Thursday; Curt Ledbetter hit one on Friday; and Prosise went deep on Saturday; Casey Craig launched one last night.
THE CRUELEST MONTH: The Rattlers are 8-18 in May.
ON THE ROAD: The Rattlers have dropped below the .500 mark in road games this season. They are now 11-12.
MISSING ON TWO: The Rattlers haven’t won two straight games since beating Cedar Rapids at Veterans Memorial Stadium on May 5 & 6.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Burlington Bees are the Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are 23-24 and in 4th place in the Midwest League Western Division. In their most recent series, the Bees split a four game series with the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field.
VS. BURLINGTON IN ’06: The Rattlers went 1-3 against the Bees at Fox Cities Stadium last week. The Rattlers were 5-3 at Community Field in 2005.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Michael Penn was an 11th round pick of the Royals out of the University of Michigan in the 2005 draft. He was 7-2 with a 2.79ERA in fourteen starts for the Wolverines. Penn went 0-1 with a 5.09ERA in five starts for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League last season. He beat the Rattlers on May 22nd at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers got to him for five runs (four earned) on eleven hits over six innings. But, Penn struck out five without issuing a walk for his third win of the year.
EARLY LEAD: The Rattlers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. JB Tucker reached on an error with two outs and went to second on a wild pitch. Luis Valbuena knocked in Tucker with a single to left.
A DECADE: Valbuena extended his current hitting streak to ten games with that first inning single. He has matched Ron Garth for the longest hitting streak on the team. Valbuena is 13-for-39 (.333)
SHORT NIGHT (KIND OF): Rattler starter Justin Thomas went just 1-2/3 innings last night and gave up ten runs (six earned) on nine hits with two walks and no strikeouts. Thomas threw over sixty pitches in last night’s start.
LOST WEEKEND: In the four game series at Elfstrom Stadium, the Rattlers hit just .183 (23-for-125). In those same four games, Kane County hit .350 (50-for-143).
DELVING INTO HISTORY: The nineteen runs given up by the Rattlers last night were the most against them since September 2, 2004. The Rattlers got beat 20-7 at O’Brien Field by the Peoria Chiefs. In that game, Rattler starter Casey Abrams gave up eight runs on ten hits in 1-2/3 innings.
A LOT OF RUNS: In the last six games, Wisconsin is 1-5. They have been outscored 63-26 in those five games. The Rattlers have not held an opponent under five runs in any of their last six games.
NOW PITCHING: Chao Kuan Wu and Robby Hudson finished up last night’s game on the mound for Wisconsin. Wu, a catcher, gave up a run on two hits with a walk in the seventh. Hudson, an infielder, got the only 1-2-3 inning of the night by a Rattler pitcher in the eighth. Wu and Hudson became the first Wisconsin position players to appear on the mound in a game since Corey Freeman pitched 1-2/3 innings against the Peoria Chiefs on July 7, 2002. In that game, Freeman struck out a pair and retired all five batters he faced.
FOUR STRAIGHT: Wisconsin has homered in four consecutive games. Michael Saunders homered on Thursday; Curt Ledbetter hit one on Friday; and Prosise went deep on Saturday; Casey Craig launched one last night.
THE CRUELEST MONTH: The Rattlers are 8-18 in May.
ON THE ROAD: The Rattlers have dropped below the .500 mark in road games this season. They are now 11-12.
MISSING ON TWO: The Rattlers haven’t won two straight games since beating Cedar Rapids at Veterans Memorial Stadium on May 5 & 6.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Burlington Bees are the Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are 23-24 and in 4th place in the Midwest League Western Division. In their most recent series, the Bees split a four game series with the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field.
VS. BURLINGTON IN ’06: The Rattlers went 1-3 against the Bees at Fox Cities Stadium last week. The Rattlers were 5-3 at Community Field in 2005.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Michael Penn was an 11th round pick of the Royals out of the University of Michigan in the 2005 draft. He was 7-2 with a 2.79ERA in fourteen starts for the Wolverines. Penn went 0-1 with a 5.09ERA in five starts for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League last season. He beat the Rattlers on May 22nd at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers got to him for five runs (four earned) on eleven hits over six innings. But, Penn struck out five without issuing a walk for his third win of the year.
Sunday in the MWL
@Kane County 19, Wisconsin 5 -- Yuck. Double Yuck. I haven't run a picture in this regular feature, but what the heck. This is from the Kane County Chronicle.
This is Jose Pineda after his homer put the Cougars up 18-5.
@South Bend 4, Dayton 3 -- Pedro Ciriaco was the hero for the Hawks. Drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth. Made a defensive play to save the game in the ninth.
Lansing 2, @Fort Wayne 0 -- The Wizards are going to be casting a "Do not return" spell on the Lugnuts. They got swept at home and have lost five straight games -- all to Lansing.
@Beloit 7, Burlington 2 -- This was a close game. Until the Snappers scored five runs in the eighth.
West Michigan 12, @Southwest Michigan 6 -- The folks in Battle Creek think that this game was a rout. Hah!
Cedar Rapids 4, @Quad Cities 3 -- The SWING missed on a chance for two straight wins. Kernel starter Tommy Mendoza had a lot to do with it.
Peoria 7, @Clinton 1 -- Todd Blackford pitches a great game for the Chiefs yesterday. The lede to the game story at the Peoria Journal-Star is Mark Prior starting for the Chiefs today.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Another day, another player off the 66ers roster. Chris Colton was 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and three runs scored.
Good job by Eric O'Flaherty in his appearance with San Antonio yesterday with a 1-1/3 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.
Good job by Eric O'Flaherty in his appearance with San Antonio yesterday with a 1-1/3 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/28)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-30; T-3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 4-3 in ten innings at Minnesota. Lew Ford homered off Eddie Guardado to lead off the bottom of the tenth for the win. Joel Pineiro (WI ’98) gave up three runs on nine hits over 6-2/3 innings for a no decision. Rafael Soriano (WI ’00) pitched 1-2/3 innings allowing no runs and striking out three.
Tacoma (AAA – 24-24; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 6-4 to Colorado Springs. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up six hits, struck out six, and gave up four runs for the loss. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) drove in a pair of runs for the Rainiers. The Rainiers trailed 6-0 in the fifth inning.
San Antonio (AA – 18-29; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 5-3 to Wichita. It was the second day in a row San Antonio lost by a 5-3 score to the Wranglers. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) got a no decision for the Missions. He allowed three runs on five hits over 6-2/3 innings. San Antonio tied the game 3-3 with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Stephen Kahn (WI ’05) made his Double-A debut and gave up a two-run triple in the top of the ninth inning to take the loss.
Inland Empire (High-A – 31-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire won their ninth straight game with a 12-2 victory at High Desert. The 66ers hit four home runs and Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) gave up one run over seven innings with no walks and five strikeouts. Mike Wilson (WI ’05), Omar Falcon (WI ’05), Chris Colton (WI ’05), and Reed Eastley hit the homers. Colton was 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBI for Inland Empire.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/29
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 3-5) at Texas (John Rheinecker 0-0) 7:05pm CDT
Colorado Springs (Mike Esposito 2-4) at Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 2-3) 3:35pm CDT
Tulsa (Ubaldo Jimenez 4-2) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 1-4) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire – OFF DAY
Tacoma (AAA – 24-24; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 6-4 to Colorado Springs. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up six hits, struck out six, and gave up four runs for the loss. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) drove in a pair of runs for the Rainiers. The Rainiers trailed 6-0 in the fifth inning.
San Antonio (AA – 18-29; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 5-3 to Wichita. It was the second day in a row San Antonio lost by a 5-3 score to the Wranglers. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) got a no decision for the Missions. He allowed three runs on five hits over 6-2/3 innings. San Antonio tied the game 3-3 with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Stephen Kahn (WI ’05) made his Double-A debut and gave up a two-run triple in the top of the ninth inning to take the loss.
Inland Empire (High-A – 31-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire won their ninth straight game with a 12-2 victory at High Desert. The 66ers hit four home runs and Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) gave up one run over seven innings with no walks and five strikeouts. Mike Wilson (WI ’05), Omar Falcon (WI ’05), Chris Colton (WI ’05), and Reed Eastley hit the homers. Colton was 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBI for Inland Empire.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/29
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 3-5) at Texas (John Rheinecker 0-0) 7:05pm CDT
Colorado Springs (Mike Esposito 2-4) at Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 2-3) 3:35pm CDT
Tulsa (Ubaldo Jimenez 4-2) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 1-4) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire – OFF DAY
Take a few moments
Before starting with regular programming, take a break in your day and remember what Memorial Day is about.
Thank you for all your sacrifice.
5/28/2006
Sunday's Game in a word
Whuppin'
As in Good Ole Fashioned Whuppin'.
I can't think of anything else to call a 19-5 loss to the Evil Empire.
Box score HERE.
There is a bus I have to catch. Talk to you from Burlington, Iowa.
As in Good Ole Fashioned Whuppin'.
I can't think of anything else to call a 19-5 loss to the Evil Empire.
Box score HERE.
There is a bus I have to catch. Talk to you from Burlington, Iowa.
Game Notes for 5/28
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers scored three times in the top of the ninth inning and held on for an 8-6 win over the Cougars. Nick Prosise homered and drove in four runs for the Rattlers. Nick Allen pitched 2-1/3 innings of scoreless relief for his second win. Joe Woerman worked a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
SNAPPING STREAKS: Wisconsin’s victory ended a pair of streaks. The Rattlers snapped a four game losing streak. The Cougars had a nine game winning streak ended.
JUST LIKE YOU DRAW IT UP: The Rattlers trailed 6-5 heading into the top of the ninth inning. Eddy Hernandez started the inning with a single. Ron Garth tried to bunt him over, but popped the ball up. The ball dropped in a caromed back toward the plate after a collision between first baseman Steve Kleen and pitcher Steven Sharpe. Casey Craig drew a 4-pitch walk to load the bases. Curt Ledbetter drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. Luis Valbuena drew another walk to reload the bases.
WINNING PLAY: Prosise sent a slow grounder to third. Jeff Baisley threw to second for a force out of Valbuena, but a hard slide by Valbuena took out second baseman Frank Martinez and force a wild throw to first. Prosise reached safely; Garth scored; and Craig beat the throw to the plate for an 8-6 lead.
MAKING IT INTERESTING: Woerman retired the first two Cougars he faced in the bottom of the ninth, but gave up a bloop single and two walks to load the bases. Woerman got the final out when Mike Massaro grounded into a force play.
IT DIDN’T GO TO ELEVEN: Sharpe blew a save for the first time this season by giving up three in the ninth inning last night. He had been ten for ten in save opportunities before last night.
FIRST AS A PRO: Prosise hit his first professional home run last night. His two-run shot in the top of the sixth inning tied the game 5-5.
HOW LONG? Last night’s game of 3 hours and 49 minutes was the longest nine inning game of the season for the Rattlers. A 1 hour and 20 minute rain delay before the first pitch meant that the game didn’t get started until 7:20pm.
RARITIES: Last night was just the second time the Rattlers have won a game they trailed heading into the ninth inning. The only other time that has occurred this season for Wisconsin was April 19 against Southwest Michigan, when the Rattlers scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 4-3 win. Last night was also just the fourth time the Rattlers have won a game when they have allowed five or more runs.
THREE STRAIGHT: Wisconsin has homered in three consecutive games. Michael Saunders homered on Thursday; Curt Ledbetter hit one on Friday; and Prosise went deep last night.
GOING FOR TWO: The Rattlers haven’t won two straight games since beating Cedar Rapids at Veterans Memorial Stadium on May 5 & 6.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jason Ray was an 8th round pick out of Asuza Pacific University in the 2005 draft. Ray was 5-2 with an ERA of 3.58 in his final season with the APU Cougars. Last season as a member of the Vancouver Canadians, Ray went 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA in twenty relief appearances. In his last start, Ray won his fourth straight decision with a victory over the Cedar Rapids Kernels. On May 22, he gave up one run on two hits over five innings at Memorial Stadium. Ray beat the Rattlers on May 17 at Elfstrom Stadium in a rain-shortened game. He pitched six shutout innings and gave up three hits and struck out three for a complete game shutout.
SNAPPING STREAKS: Wisconsin’s victory ended a pair of streaks. The Rattlers snapped a four game losing streak. The Cougars had a nine game winning streak ended.
JUST LIKE YOU DRAW IT UP: The Rattlers trailed 6-5 heading into the top of the ninth inning. Eddy Hernandez started the inning with a single. Ron Garth tried to bunt him over, but popped the ball up. The ball dropped in a caromed back toward the plate after a collision between first baseman Steve Kleen and pitcher Steven Sharpe. Casey Craig drew a 4-pitch walk to load the bases. Curt Ledbetter drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. Luis Valbuena drew another walk to reload the bases.
WINNING PLAY: Prosise sent a slow grounder to third. Jeff Baisley threw to second for a force out of Valbuena, but a hard slide by Valbuena took out second baseman Frank Martinez and force a wild throw to first. Prosise reached safely; Garth scored; and Craig beat the throw to the plate for an 8-6 lead.
MAKING IT INTERESTING: Woerman retired the first two Cougars he faced in the bottom of the ninth, but gave up a bloop single and two walks to load the bases. Woerman got the final out when Mike Massaro grounded into a force play.
IT DIDN’T GO TO ELEVEN: Sharpe blew a save for the first time this season by giving up three in the ninth inning last night. He had been ten for ten in save opportunities before last night.
FIRST AS A PRO: Prosise hit his first professional home run last night. His two-run shot in the top of the sixth inning tied the game 5-5.
HOW LONG? Last night’s game of 3 hours and 49 minutes was the longest nine inning game of the season for the Rattlers. A 1 hour and 20 minute rain delay before the first pitch meant that the game didn’t get started until 7:20pm.
RARITIES: Last night was just the second time the Rattlers have won a game they trailed heading into the ninth inning. The only other time that has occurred this season for Wisconsin was April 19 against Southwest Michigan, when the Rattlers scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 4-3 win. Last night was also just the fourth time the Rattlers have won a game when they have allowed five or more runs.
THREE STRAIGHT: Wisconsin has homered in three consecutive games. Michael Saunders homered on Thursday; Curt Ledbetter hit one on Friday; and Prosise went deep last night.
GOING FOR TWO: The Rattlers haven’t won two straight games since beating Cedar Rapids at Veterans Memorial Stadium on May 5 & 6.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jason Ray was an 8th round pick out of Asuza Pacific University in the 2005 draft. Ray was 5-2 with an ERA of 3.58 in his final season with the APU Cougars. Last season as a member of the Vancouver Canadians, Ray went 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA in twenty relief appearances. In his last start, Ray won his fourth straight decision with a victory over the Cedar Rapids Kernels. On May 22, he gave up one run on two hits over five innings at Memorial Stadium. Ray beat the Rattlers on May 17 at Elfstrom Stadium in a rain-shortened game. He pitched six shutout innings and gave up three hits and struck out three for a complete game shutout.
Sunday Reading
Since there is a night game on a Sunday, I figured it would be okay to have a lot of articles to check out in this week's Sunday Reading post.
So, you want to be an official scorer. You want the glamorous life of watching a lot of baseball. How hard can it be? Brett at RattlersReport.com has a chat with Jay Grusznski, the Rattlers official scorer today. Good to see Brett spelled Jay's name right.
Striking umpire Cory Hinga misses baseball. Jeff Karzen of the Battle Creek Enquirer has a story on the Kalamazoo native that also covers player expectations of umpires (with a surprising dissent), the financial issues at stake for the strikers, and manages to get one of the replacement umps and Midwest League President George Spelius on the record. Good stuff.
John O'Donnell Stadium turns 75 years old this weekend. Steve Batterson at the Quad-City Times dives into the newspaper morgue and microfilm projectors and comes up with gold like this:
You know the rest, but the whole thing is very cathartic.
Is this good news or bad news for Cub fans? Mark Prior will pitch for Peoria against Kane County on Monday. Bad news, I think, because it actually gives us hope. But, he'll go about 45 pitches against the Cougars to get ready to head back to Wrigley.
The Milwaukee Admirals spent years in the International Hockey League and never won the Turner Cup. The have a chance to win the Calder Cup in the American Hockey League for the second time in three years, because they swept the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Western Conference Finals. Awaiting them are either the Portland Pirates or the Hershey Bears.
Let's see, former Gambler Tim Stapleton is on the Pirates roster along with a smattering of former USHLers when I did the play-by-play for the Gamblers.
Former Badger goalie Kirk Daubensbach and former US Junior National Team member Dave Steckel are with the Bears, but none of the other names stand out.
I think that I would like to see Portland win to face the Admirals if only because of this from their front page. I realize that it has already happened, but it still is neat-o.
So, you want to be an official scorer. You want the glamorous life of watching a lot of baseball. How hard can it be? Brett at RattlersReport.com has a chat with Jay Grusznski, the Rattlers official scorer today. Good to see Brett spelled Jay's name right.
Striking umpire Cory Hinga misses baseball. Jeff Karzen of the Battle Creek Enquirer has a story on the Kalamazoo native that also covers player expectations of umpires (with a surprising dissent), the financial issues at stake for the strikers, and manages to get one of the replacement umps and Midwest League President George Spelius on the record. Good stuff.
John O'Donnell Stadium turns 75 years old this weekend. Steve Batterson at the Quad-City Times dives into the newspaper morgue and microfilm projectors and comes up with gold like this:
Four future members of the Baseball Hall of Fame — Satchel
Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Rogers Hornsby and Johnny Mize — participated in an exhibition between major-league players and the Negro National League All Stars at Municipal Stadium on Oct. 1, 1936.
If you are a baseball history buff, there is more from Batterson and the QC Times to read. This is an article on the pro teams that played there before 1931. Teams like the 1879 Davenport Brown Stockings of the Northwestern League.
Like Milwaukee County Stadium, John O'Donnell Stadium hosted other events to help pay the bills. Like The Rumble on the River.
Tom Hardricourt's Sunday column at jsonline.com covers a bunch of stuff. The upcoming draft and whom to take if you are the Brewers; Junior dropping expletive deleteds; and former UW-Whitewater Warhawk Bob Wickman getting his first win since August 10, 2002 among other things.
Larry Stone at The Seattle Times is looking at the draft, too. Pitchers. College pitchers. Lots of 'em. Some of the names in that story may be headed to Fox Cities Stadium at some point in their career.
Note that both Stone and Hardricourt make it a point to get the fact that Long Beach State third baseman Evan Longoria is not related to Eva Longoria into their columns.
Not much to this story in the San Antonio News-Express, but there is a lot to interest Rattler fans. Former Rattler Brandon Moorhead (WI '04) was released by the Mariners. Justin Jordan (WI '05) got sent back down to Inland Empire. Getting promoted to the Missions were Eric O'Flaherty (WI '05) and Stephen Kahn (WI '05).
Basically the same story at sbsun.com, but from a 66er perspective. Also a note about the 20 run, 27-hit performance the other night.
Are you a Cub fan? Do you think you need therapy? Why not try and do what Transmission over a The Cub Reporter did in his post The Makings of a Disaster: A Chronology? It is a minute-by-minute recap of the loss to the Braves on Friday. A taste:
Ninth Inning
4:04 – Aunt hangs up, I turn to TV and see that Dempster’s given up consecutive singles to start the ninth, putting the tying runs on first and second. What’s happening to Dempster???4:05 – One of those wild pitches where the pitch was wild, but Barrett doesn’t shift over to try to block it, just goes for the backhand. Misses, and the tying runs advance to second and third. A walk to Giles loads the bases, no outs.
4:10 – I really have to pee, but can’t stand the thought of missing the latest Cubs implosion. 3-2 count on Renteria, bases loaded no outs.
4:11 – Renteria walks, to score another run. 5-4. Hear the sound of a slow, steady drip of water? That’s not Water Torture, it’s the drizzle before the flood. Chipper’s up.
4:13 – Dempster K’s Chipper on a 3-2 slider, with a weak swing by Chipper. Dodged Bullet No. 1, with Bullet No. 2, Andruw, coming to bat.
4:14 – Andruw Jones has very stylish sunglasses.
You know the rest, but the whole thing is very cathartic.
Is this good news or bad news for Cub fans? Mark Prior will pitch for Peoria against Kane County on Monday. Bad news, I think, because it actually gives us hope. But, he'll go about 45 pitches against the Cougars to get ready to head back to Wrigley.
The Milwaukee Admirals spent years in the International Hockey League and never won the Turner Cup. The have a chance to win the Calder Cup in the American Hockey League for the second time in three years, because they swept the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Western Conference Finals. Awaiting them are either the Portland Pirates or the Hershey Bears.
Let's see, former Gambler Tim Stapleton is on the Pirates roster along with a smattering of former USHLers when I did the play-by-play for the Gamblers.
Former Badger goalie Kirk Daubensbach and former US Junior National Team member Dave Steckel are with the Bears, but none of the other names stand out.
I think that I would like to see Portland win to face the Admirals if only because of this from their front page. I realize that it has already happened, but it still is neat-o.
All Pirates fans have been invited to pass along their good luck wishes and support for the team on Sunday before the team leaves for Game 7 in Hershey. The Pirates bus will depart from the Cumberland County Civic Center on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. The bus will leave on the Spring Street side of the Cumberland County Civic Center.
Saturday in the MWL
Wisconsin 8, @Kane County 6 -- I think this story gets better when you read it he next day, even if it is kind of short.
@South Bend 4, Dayton 2 -- Hawks score three in the eighth and 7'-1" Ryan Doherty is 4-0 for South Bend. Oddly, a guy named Trey delivers a three-run double for the three run eighth.
Lansing 10, @Fort Wayne 4 -- The Lugnuts continue to beat up on the Wizards. Who knew that small pieces of metal could not be affected by powerful mages? Steve Warden, the Wizard beat writer, is having some weird thoughts about what should be done to the Lansing bats.
West Michigan 7, @Southwest Michigan 1 -- Whitecaps roll over the Devil Rays.
Peoria 6, @Clinton 4 -- Chiefs actually hold a lead against the L-Kings. Ed Campusano gets save number fifteen on the season.
@Beloit 4, Burlington 3 -- Edward Ovalle is the hero. Game-winning, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth. Snappers scored three in the ninth. Second time the Bees have lost like this in a week.
@Quad Cities 4, Cedar Rapids 0 -- The SWING got some pitching. Kyle Sadlowski gave up two hits over eight innings to beat the Kernels.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@South Bend 4, Dayton 2 -- Hawks score three in the eighth and 7'-1" Ryan Doherty is 4-0 for South Bend. Oddly, a guy named Trey delivers a three-run double for the three run eighth.
Lansing 10, @Fort Wayne 4 -- The Lugnuts continue to beat up on the Wizards. Who knew that small pieces of metal could not be affected by powerful mages? Steve Warden, the Wizard beat writer, is having some weird thoughts about what should be done to the Lansing bats.
West Michigan 7, @Southwest Michigan 1 -- Whitecaps roll over the Devil Rays.
Peoria 6, @Clinton 4 -- Chiefs actually hold a lead against the L-Kings. Ed Campusano gets save number fifteen on the season.
@Beloit 4, Burlington 3 -- Edward Ovalle is the hero. Game-winning, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth. Snappers scored three in the ninth. Second time the Bees have lost like this in a week.
@Quad Cities 4, Cedar Rapids 0 -- The SWING got some pitching. Kyle Sadlowski gave up two hits over eight innings to beat the Kernels.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Mariner Alum of the Day
Brian Schweiger has reason to smile. He homered knocked in four runs and helped the 66ers to their eighth win in a row.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/27)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-29; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 9-5 at Minnesota. Seattle scored four times in the top of the second inning for a 4-1 lead. But Jamie Moyer gave up eight runs on eleven hits over six innings for a loss. Former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez homered and knocked in three runs for the Mariners. The Twins turned a triple play in the eighth inning to stop a Mariner rally cold.
Tacoma (AAA – 24-23; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Colorado Springs 10-6. Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI. Todd Sears had a pair of hits and three RBI. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) gave up five runs over 5-2/3 innings, but got the win. Renee Cortez (WI ’03) pitched the final 1-2/3 innings for his second save.
San Antonio (AA – 18-28; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 5-3 to Wichita. The score was tied 3-3, but the Wranglers scored a run in the eight and a run in the ninth for the win. Sebastien Boucher (WI ’05) and Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) each had a hit and scored a run for the Missions.
Inland Empire (High-A – 30-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat High Desert 6-4 for their eighth straight win. Brian Schweiger (WI ’06) homered and drove in four runs for the 66ers. Mumba Rivera (WI ’05) pitched four scoreless innings in relief for his fourth win of the season. Mark Lowe (WI ’05) got the save by pitching the final two innings.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/28
Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-5) at Minnesota (Johan Santana 4-4) 1:10pm CDT
Colorado Springs (Justin Hampson 2-1) at Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 5-2) 3:35pm CDT
Wichita (Kyle Middleton 3-3) at San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 3-0) 4:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Robert Rohrbaugh 3-0) at High Desert (Billy Buckner 6-0) 5:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 24-23; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Colorado Springs 10-6. Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI. Todd Sears had a pair of hits and three RBI. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) gave up five runs over 5-2/3 innings, but got the win. Renee Cortez (WI ’03) pitched the final 1-2/3 innings for his second save.
San Antonio (AA – 18-28; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 5-3 to Wichita. The score was tied 3-3, but the Wranglers scored a run in the eight and a run in the ninth for the win. Sebastien Boucher (WI ’05) and Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) each had a hit and scored a run for the Missions.
Inland Empire (High-A – 30-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat High Desert 6-4 for their eighth straight win. Brian Schweiger (WI ’06) homered and drove in four runs for the 66ers. Mumba Rivera (WI ’05) pitched four scoreless innings in relief for his fourth win of the season. Mark Lowe (WI ’05) got the save by pitching the final two innings.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/28
Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-5) at Minnesota (Johan Santana 4-4) 1:10pm CDT
Colorado Springs (Justin Hampson 2-1) at Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 5-2) 3:35pm CDT
Wichita (Kyle Middleton 3-3) at San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 3-0) 4:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Robert Rohrbaugh 3-0) at High Desert (Billy Buckner 6-0) 5:05pm CDT
5/27/2006
Saturday's Game in a Word
WOO-HOO!!!!!
Complete boxscore of the comeback win over the Cougars is HERE.
Edit: Added link to boxscore.
Rain Delay Theater
Tonight's game isn't going to start on time. The optimistic look is a start time between 7:00pm and 7:30pm CDT. I'm not that optimistic about the start time, but i am positive there will be a game tonight.
At least they are going to run Baseball Bugs on the video board here.
If you are interested, someone at U.S.S. Mariner did a deconstruction of Baseball Bugs that has to be read to be believed. (Hat tip: Deadspin.com)
A taste:
Man, I love that cartoon.
Remember when the Cubs games on WGN-TV were in a rain delay and they ran old World Series or All-Star Game Highlight Films?
This one still makes me cringe. The 1970 All-Star Game that ended when Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse. The highlight is at the link. The AP picture -- from mlb.com -- is below.
In a game with players like Henry Aaron, Frank Howard, Boog Powell, Frank Robinson, Tony Perez, and Carl Yastrezmski, who hit the only homer of that game?
Dick Dietz
At least they are going to run Baseball Bugs on the video board here.
If you are interested, someone at U.S.S. Mariner did a deconstruction of Baseball Bugs that has to be read to be believed. (Hat tip: Deadspin.com)
A taste:
In a tense confrontation at home, we see the Gorillas replace the umpire by force with one of their own so that they can call Bunny out at home in the next play. Bunny, to his credit, then manages to argue the fake umpire into reversing his own call. It is a rare application of mental acuity and misdirection in debate that persuaded the umpire to change the call – against the interests of his own team – and allow Bunny to score again.
For those that say that arguing with umpires is guaranteed not to help and is frequently harmful, this will stand as a powerful counter-example. If a player impersonating an ump can be turned to reverse a call in those circumstances, what chance does a neutral
arbitrator have against a similarly golden-tongued player?We can only hope that a real umpire, faced with the same kind of oratory jujitsu, would have the presence of mind to focus on the events and continue to make the right call.
Man, I love that cartoon.
Remember when the Cubs games on WGN-TV were in a rain delay and they ran old World Series or All-Star Game Highlight Films?
This one still makes me cringe. The 1970 All-Star Game that ended when Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse. The highlight is at the link. The AP picture -- from mlb.com -- is below.
In a game with players like Henry Aaron, Frank Howard, Boog Powell, Frank Robinson, Tony Perez, and Carl Yastrezmski, who hit the only homer of that game?
Dick Dietz
This Sounds Painful
Have to credit TK in the Rattler front office for pointing this Brad Zimanek column in the Post-Crescent out to me.
Anything that is headlined, Foster steps up to the plate, then swings and misses should probably be read.
In truth, I saw the selection of former Reds slugger George Foster as the guest speaker at the NCAA Division III World Series Welcome Banquet and was a bit puzzled by the choice. I remeber Foster as a player who hit 52 homers in a season and was a big part of The Big Red Machine. I don't remeber him as being very friendly with the media or a go to guy for publice speaking.
Full disclosure: I bought a book called The George Foster Story from Dick's Market across the street from my house when I was a kid. It was an interesting story of growing up poor, struggling to become an everyday player in the majors, and becoming one of the most feared hitters of the 1970's. That book may still be in my parent's basement (They don't throw anything away.)
If Foster had read the entire book to those in attendance it might have gone better. But, he didn't. So, Brad got to write stuff like this:
and this:
Anything that is headlined, Foster steps up to the plate, then swings and misses should probably be read.
In truth, I saw the selection of former Reds slugger George Foster as the guest speaker at the NCAA Division III World Series Welcome Banquet and was a bit puzzled by the choice. I remeber Foster as a player who hit 52 homers in a season and was a big part of The Big Red Machine. I don't remeber him as being very friendly with the media or a go to guy for publice speaking.
Full disclosure: I bought a book called The George Foster Story from Dick's Market across the street from my house when I was a kid. It was an interesting story of growing up poor, struggling to become an everyday player in the majors, and becoming one of the most feared hitters of the 1970's. That book may still be in my parent's basement (They don't throw anything away.)
If Foster had read the entire book to those in attendance it might have gone better. But, he didn't. So, Brad got to write stuff like this:
An omen occurred prior to the dinner. Foster, never known
for his congeniality with reporters during his big league career, appeared in a hospitality room where The Post-Crescent approached him for an interview. He was, at best, disagreeable...
It didn't get any better at the podium, as Foster came unprepared.
Baseball is supposed to be a national language, but Foster didn't even understand the audience to which he was speaking.
Foster made comments that some of the players in Division III were playing there because they didn't qualify academically to play Division I. Actually, in many instances, Division III players have to meet much more rigorous standards just to get into the eight schools that were represented in this year's championship, much less graduate.
and this:
He also spoke of playing in the major leagues as being a realistic goal for the Division III players. In reality, playing in the major leagues is possible for only a small minority of Division III players, while being here this weekend — and possibly winning a national championship on Tuesday — could very well be the highlight of their athletic careers.and this:
He gave away autographed photos of himself to all eight coaches of teams in the tournament. When he got up to speak, Foster said he was charging the coaches for them, and you couldn't tell if he was joking or not.Read the whole thing as the man says.
Pitching Matchups for Burlington Series
These are the probable pitching matchups for the series between the Rattlers and the Bees at Community Field from May 29-June 1:
Mon, 5/29 -- LHP Paul Fagan (1-5, 5.48) vs. RHP Michael Penn (3-1, 4.15)
Tue, 5/30 -- LHP Harold Williams (0-1, 2.45) vs. RHP Matt Kniginyzky (5-2, 2.98)
Wed, 5/31 -- LHP Jose Escalona (4-4, 3.65) vs. RHP Carlos Rosa (4-3, 2.28)
Thu, 6/1 -- RHP Jason Snyder vs. RHP Michael Henninger (both pitch tonight)
All four games begin at 7:00pm CDT.
The Rattlers return to Fox Cities Stadium to face the Clinton LumberKings on June 2nd.
Mon, 5/29 -- LHP Paul Fagan (1-5, 5.48) vs. RHP Michael Penn (3-1, 4.15)
Tue, 5/30 -- LHP Harold Williams (0-1, 2.45) vs. RHP Matt Kniginyzky (5-2, 2.98)
Wed, 5/31 -- LHP Jose Escalona (4-4, 3.65) vs. RHP Carlos Rosa (4-3, 2.28)
Thu, 6/1 -- RHP Jason Snyder vs. RHP Michael Henninger (both pitch tonight)
All four games begin at 7:00pm CDT.
The Rattlers return to Fox Cities Stadium to face the Clinton LumberKings on June 2nd.
Game Notes for 5/27
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Kane County won their ninth game in a row by beating the Rattlers 5-2. A two-out, three-run rally in the bottom of the fifth broke a 2-2 tie. The Rattlers have lost four straight games overall and five straight to the Cougars at Elfstrom Stadium.
ONE SHY (x2): The Rattlers are one loss short of tying their longest losing streak of the season. The Rattlers lost five straight games from April 13-18. The Cougars are one win short of tying their franchise record winning streak. The Cougars won ten straight games in 1991, their first season in the Midwest League. This winning streak for the Cougars is the longest current win streak in minor league baseball.
FIRST TIME: Curtis Ledbetter blasted a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to give the Rattlers a 2-1 lead. It was Ledbetter’s first home run as a Timber Rattler.
VANISHING LEAD: The Cougars tied the game on a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the fourth by Jose Pineda.
BREAKING THE TIE: Rattler starting pitcher Jose Escalona retired the first two batters he faced in the bottom of the fifth. But, Nick Blasi singled to reach; took second on a wild pitch; and scored on a single by Frank Martinez. Jeff Baisley and Steve Kleen followed with consecutive RBI singles to put the Cougars up 5-2.
QUIET TIME: The Rattlers didn’t have another hit after the homer by Ledbetter. Wisconsin only had one base runner after the top of the fourth. Eddy Hernandez drew a lead off walk in the fifth. Three Cougar pitchers retired the final fifteen Rattler hitters in the game.
THE KANE COUNTY TRIO: Last night was the second game in row that saw the Rattlers get just three hits. In their last five losses at Kane County, Wisconsin has picked up 23 hits and nine of those hits came in the 8-7 loss on May 19.
BACK IN THE GROOVE? Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato pitched 2-1/3 scoreless innings last night. That snapped a string of five straight appearances in which the Rattler right hander had allowed at least one run.
STILL SWINGING: Luis Valbuena extended his hitting streak to a season high eight games last night with a fourth inning single. Valbuena is 10-for-31 during the streak.
A PERFECT TEN: Cougar closer Steven Sharpe retired the side in order in the ninth inning. He is ten for ten in save opportunities this season.
RATTLERS ELEVEN: The Rattlers have fallen to a season low eleven games under .500 (18-29).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jeff Gray was a 32nd round pick of the Athletics in 2004 out of Southwest Missouri State University. Last season Gray was 4-2 with a 2.51ERA for the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League. Gray faced Everett, the Mariners Northwest League affiliate, twice in ’05 and was 0-1 with an ERA of 7.59. In those two appearances, both starts, Gray pitched a total of 5-2/3 innings allowing five runs on seven hits. This is his second start against the Rattlers. Wisconsin beat him on May 16 at Elfstrom Stadium by getting four runs on six hits over six innings off the righty. In his last start, Gray got a no decision at Cedar Rapids. On May 21, he struck out six Kernels over six innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits in a game the Kernels eventually won.
ONE SHY (x2): The Rattlers are one loss short of tying their longest losing streak of the season. The Rattlers lost five straight games from April 13-18. The Cougars are one win short of tying their franchise record winning streak. The Cougars won ten straight games in 1991, their first season in the Midwest League. This winning streak for the Cougars is the longest current win streak in minor league baseball.
FIRST TIME: Curtis Ledbetter blasted a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to give the Rattlers a 2-1 lead. It was Ledbetter’s first home run as a Timber Rattler.
VANISHING LEAD: The Cougars tied the game on a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the fourth by Jose Pineda.
BREAKING THE TIE: Rattler starting pitcher Jose Escalona retired the first two batters he faced in the bottom of the fifth. But, Nick Blasi singled to reach; took second on a wild pitch; and scored on a single by Frank Martinez. Jeff Baisley and Steve Kleen followed with consecutive RBI singles to put the Cougars up 5-2.
QUIET TIME: The Rattlers didn’t have another hit after the homer by Ledbetter. Wisconsin only had one base runner after the top of the fourth. Eddy Hernandez drew a lead off walk in the fifth. Three Cougar pitchers retired the final fifteen Rattler hitters in the game.
THE KANE COUNTY TRIO: Last night was the second game in row that saw the Rattlers get just three hits. In their last five losses at Kane County, Wisconsin has picked up 23 hits and nine of those hits came in the 8-7 loss on May 19.
BACK IN THE GROOVE? Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato pitched 2-1/3 scoreless innings last night. That snapped a string of five straight appearances in which the Rattler right hander had allowed at least one run.
STILL SWINGING: Luis Valbuena extended his hitting streak to a season high eight games last night with a fourth inning single. Valbuena is 10-for-31 during the streak.
A PERFECT TEN: Cougar closer Steven Sharpe retired the side in order in the ninth inning. He is ten for ten in save opportunities this season.
RATTLERS ELEVEN: The Rattlers have fallen to a season low eleven games under .500 (18-29).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jeff Gray was a 32nd round pick of the Athletics in 2004 out of Southwest Missouri State University. Last season Gray was 4-2 with a 2.51ERA for the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League. Gray faced Everett, the Mariners Northwest League affiliate, twice in ’05 and was 0-1 with an ERA of 7.59. In those two appearances, both starts, Gray pitched a total of 5-2/3 innings allowing five runs on seven hits. This is his second start against the Rattlers. Wisconsin beat him on May 16 at Elfstrom Stadium by getting four runs on six hits over six innings off the righty. In his last start, Gray got a no decision at Cedar Rapids. On May 21, he struck out six Kernels over six innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits in a game the Kernels eventually won.
Sorry for the double post
The Mariner System Report for Friday published twice. I know that I couldn't have possibly done anything wrong, so I am blaming Blogger.
The second post has been deleted. Sorry about that, Chief.
The second post has been deleted. Sorry about that, Chief.
Friday night in the MWL
@Kane County 5, Wisconsin 2 -- Depends on how you look at it. Nine straight wins for the Cougars. Four straight losses for the Rattlers.
Burlington 6, @Beloit 1 -- The Snappers feel the Sting of the Bees. Again.
Lansing 5, @Fort Wayne 3 -- Four run top of the first was enough for the Lugnuts. Especially the way things are going for the Wizards offense.
@South Bend 2, Dayton 1 -- South Bend breaks a 1-1 and wins on a one-out RBI single...in the bottom of the second?
@Clinton 5, Peoria 4 (10 innings) -- The L-Kings rally to beat the Chiefs for the second night in a row. Donny Veal had a no-hitter into the sixth and a 3-0 lead, but Clinton won against the Chief bullpen.
West Michigan 4, @Southwest Michigan 3 -- The Devil Rays are served Justice! Justice crashes into a wall! Justice drives in winning run! Justice! Coming this fall to ABC!
Cedar Rapids 3, @Quad Cities 2 -- Kernels edge Swing to snap a five game losing streak.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Burlington 6, @Beloit 1 -- The Snappers feel the Sting of the Bees. Again.
Lansing 5, @Fort Wayne 3 -- Four run top of the first was enough for the Lugnuts. Especially the way things are going for the Wizards offense.
@South Bend 2, Dayton 1 -- South Bend breaks a 1-1 and wins on a one-out RBI single...in the bottom of the second?
@Clinton 5, Peoria 4 (10 innings) -- The L-Kings rally to beat the Chiefs for the second night in a row. Donny Veal had a no-hitter into the sixth and a 3-0 lead, but Clinton won against the Chief bullpen.
West Michigan 4, @Southwest Michigan 3 -- The Devil Rays are served Justice! Justice crashes into a wall! Justice drives in winning run! Justice! Coming this fall to ABC!
Cedar Rapids 3, @Quad Cities 2 -- Kernels edge Swing to snap a five game losing streak.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Hard to argue with 5-for-6 with a homer and 5RBI. Hubbard had two games almost exactly like this last season for the Rattlers.
Special Notice for Cesar Jimenez, who got his first Triple-A win with a nice outing for Tacoma last night. Jimenez gave up two runs in the first inning, but bounced back to keep Colorado Springs off the scoreboard for the rest of his outing.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/26)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-28; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 3-1 at Minnesota. Felix Hernandez (WI ’03) gave up three runs on five hits over seven innings and struck out eight, but got the loss. The offense scored one run in the seventh inning, but it wasn’t enough.
Tacoma (AAA – 23-23; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Colorado Springs 5-2. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) got his first win in Triple-A by going six innings and allowing two runs. Adam Jones (WI ’04) had a bases loaded triple in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Rainiers in front to stay. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) pitched the final three innings without allowing a run for the save.
San Antonio (AA – 18-27; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost to Wichita 7-6. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) went 4-for-5 with two RBI for the Missions. The Wranglers scored five times in the sixth inning to go in front 6-2.
Inland Empire (High-A – 29-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat up High Desert 20-7. Mike Wilson, Omar Falcon, Marshall Hubbard, and Josh Womack all homered for the 66ers. Hubbard (WI ’05) was 5-for-6 with five RBI; Wilson (WI ’06) was 4-for-6 with three RBI and four runs scored. Jon Lockwood (WI ’05) got the win in relief by pitching 3-1/3 innings of scoreless ball. The 66ers won their seventh straight game by breaking a 7-7 tie with two runs in the top of the fifth and never looking back.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/27
Seattle (Jamie Moyer 2-4) at Minnesota (Boof Bonser 0-0) 7:10pm CDT
Colorado Springs (Jose Acevedo 0-2) at Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 3-3) 8:05pm CDT
Wichita (Junior Herndon 3-2) at San Antonio (Nate Mateo 2-4) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Aaron Jensen 0-0) at High Desert (John Gragg 0-1) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 23-23; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Colorado Springs 5-2. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) got his first win in Triple-A by going six innings and allowing two runs. Adam Jones (WI ’04) had a bases loaded triple in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Rainiers in front to stay. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) pitched the final three innings without allowing a run for the save.
San Antonio (AA – 18-27; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost to Wichita 7-6. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) went 4-for-5 with two RBI for the Missions. The Wranglers scored five times in the sixth inning to go in front 6-2.
Inland Empire (High-A – 29-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat up High Desert 20-7. Mike Wilson, Omar Falcon, Marshall Hubbard, and Josh Womack all homered for the 66ers. Hubbard (WI ’05) was 5-for-6 with five RBI; Wilson (WI ’06) was 4-for-6 with three RBI and four runs scored. Jon Lockwood (WI ’05) got the win in relief by pitching 3-1/3 innings of scoreless ball. The 66ers won their seventh straight game by breaking a 7-7 tie with two runs in the top of the fifth and never looking back.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/27
Seattle (Jamie Moyer 2-4) at Minnesota (Boof Bonser 0-0) 7:10pm CDT
Colorado Springs (Jose Acevedo 0-2) at Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 3-3) 8:05pm CDT
Wichita (Junior Herndon 3-2) at San Antonio (Nate Mateo 2-4) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Aaron Jensen 0-0) at High Desert (John Gragg 0-1) 9:05pm CDT
5/26/2006
Friday's Game in a Word
Actually its with seven r's as in ARRRRRRRGH!!!!!
Fourth loss in a row. Second game in a row with just three hits. No hits after Ledbetter's homer.
Complete Boxscore HERE.
Fourth loss in a row. Second game in a row with just three hits. No hits after Ledbetter's homer.
Complete Boxscore HERE.
Game Notes for 5/26
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Jeff Baisley hit three home runs and drove in five as the Cougars mauled the Timber Rattlers 11-3 at Elfstrom Stadium. Jared Lansford gave up two hits over seven shutout innings for his fourth win of the season.
LANSFORD DEALS: Lansford won his second straight start against the Rattlers. He has gone thirteen innings without allowing a run to Wisconsin’s offense. Lansford has given up just three hits over those thirteen innings. He has struck out five and walked eight in those two games.
THERE WERE BASERUNNERS: Last night, the Rattler hitters drew eight walks and got hit three times in addition to the five total hits.
THERE WERE TWIN KILLINGS: Kane County turned four double plays last night, including three behind Lansford.
BREAKING UP THE SHUTOUT: Michael Saunders three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning gave the Rattlers their runs and helped the team to avoid being shutout for the sixth time this season. Last night was the third time this month that the Rattlers have avoided a shutout by scoring at least one run in the eighth or ninth inning.
BAISLEY BLASTS: Baisley hit his three homers off three different Rattler pitchers. His first was a solo homer off Rattler starter Harold Williams in the second. His second was a two-run shot off Ruben Flores in the sixth. The final blast was a two-run homer off Rollie Gibson in the eighth. For his performance last night, Baisley was named Star of the Day on milb.com.
BAD TRIFECTA: Not only did last night mark the third straight loss for the Rattlers; it also was the third straight game the opponents have scored ten or more runs in a game. The Rattlers have been outscored 33-11 and outhit 43-18.
SLOW STARTS: In the month of May, the opponents have scored first in seventeen out of twenty-three games. In those seventeen games in which the opponents have scored first this month, Wisconsin is 4-13.
BIG SCORES: Opponents have scored five or more runs 23 times this season. The Rattlers are 3-20 when opponents score more than five runs in a game.
TOUGH STREAK: Rattler reliever Rollie Gibson walked the first batter he faced last night. The first batter to face Gibson in a game has reached base in ten consecutive games. Gibson has issued eight walks and given up a pair of singles to the first batter he has faced during the streak.
SEASON RECORD: The Rattlers have slipped to a season low ten games under .500 (18-28).
ON THE ROAD: The Timber Rattlers are 10-10 away from home this season, but have lost four straight road games -- all to Kane County.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Victor Mazzaro was a third round pick of the Athletics out of Rutherford (NJ) High School in the 2005 draft. He did not sign with Oakland until September and did not play professionally last season. In his last start, Mazzaro pitched seven shutout innings at Cedar Rapids against the Kernels. He gave up six hits, walked one and struck out four. This is Mazzaro’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
LANSFORD DEALS: Lansford won his second straight start against the Rattlers. He has gone thirteen innings without allowing a run to Wisconsin’s offense. Lansford has given up just three hits over those thirteen innings. He has struck out five and walked eight in those two games.
THERE WERE BASERUNNERS: Last night, the Rattler hitters drew eight walks and got hit three times in addition to the five total hits.
THERE WERE TWIN KILLINGS: Kane County turned four double plays last night, including three behind Lansford.
BREAKING UP THE SHUTOUT: Michael Saunders three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning gave the Rattlers their runs and helped the team to avoid being shutout for the sixth time this season. Last night was the third time this month that the Rattlers have avoided a shutout by scoring at least one run in the eighth or ninth inning.
BAISLEY BLASTS: Baisley hit his three homers off three different Rattler pitchers. His first was a solo homer off Rattler starter Harold Williams in the second. His second was a two-run shot off Ruben Flores in the sixth. The final blast was a two-run homer off Rollie Gibson in the eighth. For his performance last night, Baisley was named Star of the Day on milb.com.
BAD TRIFECTA: Not only did last night mark the third straight loss for the Rattlers; it also was the third straight game the opponents have scored ten or more runs in a game. The Rattlers have been outscored 33-11 and outhit 43-18.
SLOW STARTS: In the month of May, the opponents have scored first in seventeen out of twenty-three games. In those seventeen games in which the opponents have scored first this month, Wisconsin is 4-13.
BIG SCORES: Opponents have scored five or more runs 23 times this season. The Rattlers are 3-20 when opponents score more than five runs in a game.
TOUGH STREAK: Rattler reliever Rollie Gibson walked the first batter he faced last night. The first batter to face Gibson in a game has reached base in ten consecutive games. Gibson has issued eight walks and given up a pair of singles to the first batter he has faced during the streak.
SEASON RECORD: The Rattlers have slipped to a season low ten games under .500 (18-28).
ON THE ROAD: The Timber Rattlers are 10-10 away from home this season, but have lost four straight road games -- all to Kane County.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Victor Mazzaro was a third round pick of the Athletics out of Rutherford (NJ) High School in the 2005 draft. He did not sign with Oakland until September and did not play professionally last season. In his last start, Mazzaro pitched seven shutout innings at Cedar Rapids against the Kernels. He gave up six hits, walked one and struck out four. This is Mazzaro’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
Thursday Night in the MWL
@Kane County 11, Wisconsin 3 -- No matter which paper you read, it wasn't pretty for the Rattlers last night.
Dayton 3, @South Bend 2 -- Johnny Cueto stays on a roll for Dayton by allowing two hits over seven scoreless innings. South Bend made it close with a late homer, but not close enough.
@Southwest Michigan 5, West Michigan 4 -- Devil Ray pitcher Mike Wlodarczyk's scoreless streak ended at 49 innings. The Devil Rays squeaked out a run in the eighth for the win.
@Clinton 4, Peoria 3 -- Clinton scored four in the eighth and the Chiefs are 1-1/2 games behind the Cougars.
Lansing 5, @Fort Wayne 3 -- Fort Wayne scored three in the ninth. It was not enough.
Burlington 4, @Beloit 2 -- Can anyone stop the Bees? Not the Snappers.
@Quad Cities 1, Cedar Rapids 0 -- The SWING get one run and make it stand up. Kernel pitcher Nick Adenhart (7-1) tastes bitter defeat for the first time this season.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Dayton 3, @South Bend 2 -- Johnny Cueto stays on a roll for Dayton by allowing two hits over seven scoreless innings. South Bend made it close with a late homer, but not close enough.
@Southwest Michigan 5, West Michigan 4 -- Devil Ray pitcher Mike Wlodarczyk's scoreless streak ended at 49 innings. The Devil Rays squeaked out a run in the eighth for the win.
@Clinton 4, Peoria 3 -- Clinton scored four in the eighth and the Chiefs are 1-1/2 games behind the Cougars.
Lansing 5, @Fort Wayne 3 -- Fort Wayne scored three in the ninth. It was not enough.
Burlington 4, @Beloit 2 -- Can anyone stop the Bees? Not the Snappers.
@Quad Cities 1, Cedar Rapids 0 -- The SWING get one run and make it stand up. Kernel pitcher Nick Adenhart (7-1) tastes bitter defeat for the first time this season.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Brandon Moorhead, San Antonio.
Six shutout innings, five hits allowed, and he made the one Mission run (and hit) stand up for the victory.
Six shutout innings, five hits allowed, and he made the one Mission run (and hit) stand up for the victory.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/25)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-27; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 2-0 to Baltimore. Gil Meche (WI ’98) gave up two runs on four hits and struck out ten, but took the loss. The Mariner offense managed just two hits in the game.
Tacoma (AAA – 22-23; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 4-1 at Memphis. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up three solo home runs and got the loss. Hunter Brown (WI ’02) drove in the only run for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 18-26; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions beat Wichita 1-0. Luis Oliveros (WI ’02) had an RBI double in the second inning for the Missions. That double was the only hit of the game for San Antonio. Brandon Moorhead (WI ’04) pitched six shutout innings for the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 28-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Lake Elsinore 5-3. Shawn Nottingham (WI ’05) got the win. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) pitched the final two innings for his first save of the season. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) had a pair of hits and scored a run. Matt Tuiasosopo (WI ’05) drove in a run for the 66ers in their sixth straight win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/26
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 3-5) at Minnesota (Francisco Liriano 2-0) 7:10pm CDT
Colorado Springs (John Asahina 1-2) at Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-4) 8:05pm CDT
Wichita (Juan Cedeno 0-5) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 4-2) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at High Desert 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 22-23; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 4-1 at Memphis. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up three solo home runs and got the loss. Hunter Brown (WI ’02) drove in the only run for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 18-26; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions beat Wichita 1-0. Luis Oliveros (WI ’02) had an RBI double in the second inning for the Missions. That double was the only hit of the game for San Antonio. Brandon Moorhead (WI ’04) pitched six shutout innings for the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 28-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Lake Elsinore 5-3. Shawn Nottingham (WI ’05) got the win. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) pitched the final two innings for his first save of the season. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) had a pair of hits and scored a run. Matt Tuiasosopo (WI ’05) drove in a run for the 66ers in their sixth straight win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/26
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 3-5) at Minnesota (Francisco Liriano 2-0) 7:10pm CDT
Colorado Springs (John Asahina 1-2) at Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-4) 8:05pm CDT
Wichita (Juan Cedeno 0-5) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 4-2) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at High Desert 9:05pm CDT
5/25/2006
Thursday's Game in a Word
9
That was the number of the truck that hit the Rattlers Tonight.
Jeff Baisley (#9) had three homers. Jared Lansford kept the Rattlers off the scoreboard, if not the basepaths, and Kane County beat Wisconsin 11-3.
Lansford hit two, walked five, and allowed two hits, but the Rattlers couldn't get anything going.
Try again tomorrow.
That was the number of the truck that hit the Rattlers Tonight.
Jeff Baisley (#9) had three homers. Jared Lansford kept the Rattlers off the scoreboard, if not the basepaths, and Kane County beat Wisconsin 11-3.
Lansford hit two, walked five, and allowed two hits, but the Rattlers couldn't get anything going.
Try again tomorrow.
Game Notes for 5/25
ABOUT TUESDAY: The Burlington Bees defeated the Rattlers 10-3 at Fox Cities Stadium. Burlington banged out thirteen hits and scored in double digits for the second game in a row.
DEEP SIX: The Bees led 2-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning. Rattler starting pitcher Paul Fagan gave up a double, a walk, and a single to the first three hitters of the inning to load the bases. Fagan walked the next batter, gave up an RBI single and a sacrifice fly to be forced from the game with the Rattlers down 5-1. Two runs scored on errors after reliever Nick Allen entered the game and two more scored on a long homer by Mario Lisson for a 7-run sixth to put the game out of reach.
STREAKS CONTINUE: Rattler third baseman Ron Garth singled in the fourth inning and drove in a run in the eighth. Garth is on an 8-game hitting streak and has driven in a run in five of his last six games.
ANOTHER STREAK: Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato got into the game on Tuesday and gave up one run in two innings. Guaramato has allowed at least one run in each of his last five outings.
SLOW STARTS: In the month of May, the opponents have scored first in seventeen out of twenty-two games. The Rattlers record for May is 7-15.
BIG SCORES: Opponents have scored five or more runs 22 times this season. The Rattlers are 3-19 when opponents score more than five runs in a game.
SEASON RECORD: The Rattlers have slipped to a season low nine game under .500 (18-27).
HOME AIN’T SWEET: The Rattlers are 8-18 at Fox Cities Stadium this season. The Rattlers have not won a home series this season. They split 4-game series with Peoria and Southwest Michigan; were swept in a three game series with Cedar Rapids; dropped two of three games with Quad Cities; and dropped three of four to West Michigan, Dayton, and Burlington,
ON THE ROAD: The Timber Rattlers are 10-9 away from home this season, but have lost three straight road games.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Kane County Cougars are the Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They are 29-18 and in first place in the Western Division. In their most recent series, the Cougars swept a four game series with the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Cougars are on a seven game winning streak.
VS. KANE COUNTY IN ’06: The Timber Rattlers went 1-3 against the Cougars at Elfstrom Stadium last week. Wisconsin won the first game of the series, but the Cougars took the final three of the series.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 List of Oakland prospects includes five members of the current Cougar roster. Pitchers Vince Mazzaro (#10), Jared Lansford (#12), and Jason Ray (#22) are joined on the list by infielders Justin Sellers (#17) and Jeff Baisley (#30). Craig Italiano, number eight on Oakland’s Top 30 list, is currently on the disabled list. The Cougars have fourteen members of the Oakland 2005 draft class on their current roster, not including Italiano. Lansford (2nd) and Mazzaro (3rd) are the highest of the ’05 draftees. Also from last year’s class are: Sellers (6th), Ray (8th), Trey Shields (9th), John Herrera (10th), Steve Kleen (11th), Baisley (12th), Mike Massaro (13th), Jeff Bieker (15th), Isaac Omura (17th), Anthony Recker (18th), Ron Madej (26th), and TJ Franco (30th).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jared Lansford was a second round pick of the Athletics in 2005 draft out of Santa Clara High School. He was 0-1 with a 1.27ERA for the AZL Athletics in 2005. In 21-1/3 innings he struck out 20 and walked just five. In his last start, Lansford beat the Rattlers on May 19. In that game – his first against an affiliate of the Mariners – he gave up just one hit and no runs over six innings with three walks and four strikeouts. Earlier this season, he tossed a seven inning no-hitter against the Beloit Snappers on May 14 in the first game of a doubleheader at Pohlman Field. Lansford is the son of former major leaguer Carney Lansford.
DEEP SIX: The Bees led 2-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning. Rattler starting pitcher Paul Fagan gave up a double, a walk, and a single to the first three hitters of the inning to load the bases. Fagan walked the next batter, gave up an RBI single and a sacrifice fly to be forced from the game with the Rattlers down 5-1. Two runs scored on errors after reliever Nick Allen entered the game and two more scored on a long homer by Mario Lisson for a 7-run sixth to put the game out of reach.
STREAKS CONTINUE: Rattler third baseman Ron Garth singled in the fourth inning and drove in a run in the eighth. Garth is on an 8-game hitting streak and has driven in a run in five of his last six games.
ANOTHER STREAK: Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato got into the game on Tuesday and gave up one run in two innings. Guaramato has allowed at least one run in each of his last five outings.
SLOW STARTS: In the month of May, the opponents have scored first in seventeen out of twenty-two games. The Rattlers record for May is 7-15.
BIG SCORES: Opponents have scored five or more runs 22 times this season. The Rattlers are 3-19 when opponents score more than five runs in a game.
SEASON RECORD: The Rattlers have slipped to a season low nine game under .500 (18-27).
HOME AIN’T SWEET: The Rattlers are 8-18 at Fox Cities Stadium this season. The Rattlers have not won a home series this season. They split 4-game series with Peoria and Southwest Michigan; were swept in a three game series with Cedar Rapids; dropped two of three games with Quad Cities; and dropped three of four to West Michigan, Dayton, and Burlington,
ON THE ROAD: The Timber Rattlers are 10-9 away from home this season, but have lost three straight road games.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Kane County Cougars are the Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They are 29-18 and in first place in the Western Division. In their most recent series, the Cougars swept a four game series with the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Cougars are on a seven game winning streak.
VS. KANE COUNTY IN ’06: The Timber Rattlers went 1-3 against the Cougars at Elfstrom Stadium last week. Wisconsin won the first game of the series, but the Cougars took the final three of the series.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 List of Oakland prospects includes five members of the current Cougar roster. Pitchers Vince Mazzaro (#10), Jared Lansford (#12), and Jason Ray (#22) are joined on the list by infielders Justin Sellers (#17) and Jeff Baisley (#30). Craig Italiano, number eight on Oakland’s Top 30 list, is currently on the disabled list. The Cougars have fourteen members of the Oakland 2005 draft class on their current roster, not including Italiano. Lansford (2nd) and Mazzaro (3rd) are the highest of the ’05 draftees. Also from last year’s class are: Sellers (6th), Ray (8th), Trey Shields (9th), John Herrera (10th), Steve Kleen (11th), Baisley (12th), Mike Massaro (13th), Jeff Bieker (15th), Isaac Omura (17th), Anthony Recker (18th), Ron Madej (26th), and TJ Franco (30th).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jared Lansford was a second round pick of the Athletics in 2005 draft out of Santa Clara High School. He was 0-1 with a 1.27ERA for the AZL Athletics in 2005. In 21-1/3 innings he struck out 20 and walked just five. In his last start, Lansford beat the Rattlers on May 19. In that game – his first against an affiliate of the Mariners – he gave up just one hit and no runs over six innings with three walks and four strikeouts. Earlier this season, he tossed a seven inning no-hitter against the Beloit Snappers on May 14 in the first game of a doubleheader at Pohlman Field. Lansford is the son of former major leaguer Carney Lansford.
Rattler Alum of the Day
1-for-4 at the plate, but a big defensive play to end the game to help the Rainiers beat Memphis.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/24)
Seattle (MAJ: 22-26; 3rd AL West): The Mariners beat Baltimore 7-4. Seattle scored six times in the second inning to go up 7-0. Richie Sexson drove in three runs. Jarrod Washburn went 5-2/3 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits for the win.
Tacoma (AAA – 22-22; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma held off Memphis 6-5. The Redbirds scored three times in the bottom of the ninth inning. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) threw out the potential tying run at the plate for the final out of the game. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) hit his seventh home run of the season for Tacoma.
San Antonio (AA – 17-26; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost 17-2 at Tulsa. The Drillers hammered six home runs in the game. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up nine runs on nine hits (four home runs) over 2-2/3 innings for the loss. Justin Jordan (WI ’05) gave up five runs on ten hits (two homers) over 4-1/3 innings in his Double-A debut. Justin Ruchti (WI ’04) drove in one of the two runs for the Missions.
Inland Empire (High-A – 27-19; 1st California League South Division): The 66ers beat Lake Elsinore 12-6. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) was 3-for-3 with four runs scored. Josh Womack (WI ’05) homered for Inland Empire. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05) allowed four runs over five innings for the win. The game recap at sbsun.com is at the bottom of this story about Brian Schweiger (WI '05) going home, Jack Arroyo getting promoted, and the 66ers getting healthy.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/25
Baltimore (Rodrigo Lopez 1-7) at Seattle (Gil Meche 4-2) 3:35pm CDT
Tacoma (Bobby Livingston 1-2) at Memphis (Anthony Reyes 1-1) 7:10pm CDT
Wichita (Brian Bass 1-0) at San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-3) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore (Evan Meek 1-2) at Inland Empire (Shawn Nottingham 1-3) 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 22-22; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma held off Memphis 6-5. The Redbirds scored three times in the bottom of the ninth inning. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) threw out the potential tying run at the plate for the final out of the game. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) hit his seventh home run of the season for Tacoma.
San Antonio (AA – 17-26; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost 17-2 at Tulsa. The Drillers hammered six home runs in the game. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up nine runs on nine hits (four home runs) over 2-2/3 innings for the loss. Justin Jordan (WI ’05) gave up five runs on ten hits (two homers) over 4-1/3 innings in his Double-A debut. Justin Ruchti (WI ’04) drove in one of the two runs for the Missions.
Inland Empire (High-A – 27-19; 1st California League South Division): The 66ers beat Lake Elsinore 12-6. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) was 3-for-3 with four runs scored. Josh Womack (WI ’05) homered for Inland Empire. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05) allowed four runs over five innings for the win. The game recap at sbsun.com is at the bottom of this story about Brian Schweiger (WI '05) going home, Jack Arroyo getting promoted, and the 66ers getting healthy.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/25
Baltimore (Rodrigo Lopez 1-7) at Seattle (Gil Meche 4-2) 3:35pm CDT
Tacoma (Bobby Livingston 1-2) at Memphis (Anthony Reyes 1-1) 7:10pm CDT
Wichita (Brian Bass 1-0) at San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-3) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore (Evan Meek 1-2) at Inland Empire (Shawn Nottingham 1-3) 9:11pm CDT
5/24/2006
A Few Days Late.
But, please go check it out anyway.
Here is a story from Monday's Post-Crescent about the Pink Jerseys worn by the Rattlers and what wearing them meant to several members of the team.
Here is a story from Monday's Post-Crescent about the Pink Jerseys worn by the Rattlers and what wearing them meant to several members of the team.
Pitching Matchups for Kane County Series
Here are the starting pitchers for the series at Elfstrom Stadium. A place so great, the team gets to go back for the second time in a week.
THU Harold Williams (0-0, 2.12) @ Jared Lansford (3-1, 1.17)
FRI Jose Escalona (4-3, 2.95) @ Victor Mazzaro (4-4, 5.62)
SAT Jason Snyder (2-4, 4.79) @ Jeff Gray (2-4, 6.50)
SUN Justin Thomas (4-4, 2.53) @ Jason Ray (3-1, 3.46)
THU Harold Williams (0-0, 2.12) @ Jared Lansford (3-1, 1.17)
FRI Jose Escalona (4-3, 2.95) @ Victor Mazzaro (4-4, 5.62)
SAT Jason Snyder (2-4, 4.79) @ Jeff Gray (2-4, 6.50)
SUN Justin Thomas (4-4, 2.53) @ Jason Ray (3-1, 3.46)
Tuesday in the MWL
Burlington 10, @Wisconsin 3 -- Bees smacked the Rattlers around and take 3-out-of-4 at Fox Cities Stadium.
@West Michigan 3, South Bend 0 -- Ramon Garcia tosses just 78 pitches, gives up one hit, and retires the final 23 batters he faced as the Whitecaps win.
@Lansing 4, Fort Wayne 3 -- Lugnuts get past the Wizards.
Kane County 6, @Cedar Rapids 5 -- In case you are kepping track, that is seven straight wins for the Cougars.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Dayton 4 -- I don't think that I have ever read the phrase "five unlikely runs" in a recap of a game in the hometown newspaper of the winning team. Plus, read about the gamesmanship by Devil Rays manager Skeeter Barnes.
@Peoria 1, Beloit 0 -- The Chiefs won 2-1 with two eighth inning runs on Monday. They win with one eighth inning run last night.
Clinton 4, @Quad Cities 2 -- Clinton gets outhit 7-4, but draws six walks for a win over the SWING.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@West Michigan 3, South Bend 0 -- Ramon Garcia tosses just 78 pitches, gives up one hit, and retires the final 23 batters he faced as the Whitecaps win.
@Lansing 4, Fort Wayne 3 -- Lugnuts get past the Wizards.
Kane County 6, @Cedar Rapids 5 -- In case you are kepping track, that is seven straight wins for the Cougars.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Dayton 4 -- I don't think that I have ever read the phrase "five unlikely runs" in a recap of a game in the hometown newspaper of the winning team. Plus, read about the gamesmanship by Devil Rays manager Skeeter Barnes.
@Peoria 1, Beloit 0 -- The Chiefs won 2-1 with two eighth inning runs on Monday. They win with one eighth inning run last night.
Clinton 4, @Quad Cities 2 -- Clinton gets outhit 7-4, but draws six walks for a win over the SWING.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Jason Mackintosh, San Antonio.
Mack is 3-0 after scattering eight hits over 7-1/3 innings to help the Missions get the win.
Mack is 3-0 after scattering eight hits over 7-1/3 innings to help the Missions get the win.
Edit: Added picture.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/23)
Seattle (MAJ: 21-26; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 14-4 to the Orioles. Joel Pineiro (WI ’98) gave up five runs on ten hits over five innings for the loss. The Orioles scored nine times in the top of the ninth – four off JJ Putz (WI ’00).
Tacoma (AAA – 21-22; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Memphis 5-2. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) had a two-run single in the top of the ninth inning to help the Rainiers rally. Tacoma scored three runs in the top of the ninth to snap a 2-2 tie. Renee Cortez (WI ’03) pitched two scoreless innings of relief for the win. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) gave pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
San Antonio (AA – 17-25; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions won 7-3 at Tulsa. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) pitched 7-1/3 innings and allowed two runs on eight hits for the win. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) had four hits and three RBi for San Antonio.
Inland Empire (High-A – 26-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Lake Elsinore 2-1. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ‘05) pitched five scoreless innings for the win. The offense was led by Reed Eastly’s home run and Brian Schweiger’s RBI single.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/24
Baltimore (Kris Benson 6-3) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-5) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-3) at Memphis (Randy Leek 2-2) 12:10pm CDT
San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 1-3) at Tulsa (Ubaldo Jimenez 3-2) 12:35pm CDT
Lake Elsinore (Michael Eckstrom 4-2) at Inland Empire (Ivan Blanco 4-2) 9:11pm CDT
EDIT: Corrected Tacoma's record to 21-22.
Tacoma (AAA – 21-22; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Memphis 5-2. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) had a two-run single in the top of the ninth inning to help the Rainiers rally. Tacoma scored three runs in the top of the ninth to snap a 2-2 tie. Renee Cortez (WI ’03) pitched two scoreless innings of relief for the win. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) gave pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
San Antonio (AA – 17-25; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions won 7-3 at Tulsa. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) pitched 7-1/3 innings and allowed two runs on eight hits for the win. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) had four hits and three RBi for San Antonio.
Inland Empire (High-A – 26-19; 1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Lake Elsinore 2-1. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ‘05) pitched five scoreless innings for the win. The offense was led by Reed Eastly’s home run and Brian Schweiger’s RBI single.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/24
Baltimore (Kris Benson 6-3) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-5) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-3) at Memphis (Randy Leek 2-2) 12:10pm CDT
San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 1-3) at Tulsa (Ubaldo Jimenez 3-2) 12:35pm CDT
Lake Elsinore (Michael Eckstrom 4-2) at Inland Empire (Ivan Blanco 4-2) 9:11pm CDT
EDIT: Corrected Tacoma's record to 21-22.
5/23/2006
Tuesday's Game in a Word
Seven. And, just like in the movie, the bad guy won.
The Bees scored seven runs in the sixth inning to pull away for a 10-3 win.
The Rattlers are a season low nine games under .500. They are an amazing 8-18 at Fox Cities Stadium.
Tuesday's Box Score is HERE.
The Bees scored seven runs in the sixth inning to pull away for a 10-3 win.
The Rattlers are a season low nine games under .500. They are an amazing 8-18 at Fox Cities Stadium.
Tuesday's Box Score is HERE.
Game Notes for 5/23
ABOUT MONDAY: Burlington beat the Rattlers 12-5. The score was 6-5 Burlington heading into the seventh inning. The Bees put the game away with three runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth.
DOUBLE DIGITS: Burlington got to ten runs or more for the first time this month yesterday. It was only the third time they have reached double digits in the run column this season. Burlington also had eighteen hits yesterday, which is a new season high. That hit total raised their team batting average from .216 to .223. Burlington passed the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays in the team batting average rankings and is now in 13th place in the league.
FAMILIAR PROBLEM: The Rattlers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the second inning after tying the game 4-4. However, the Rattlers could not push any more runs across the plate in the inning. The Rattlers are hitting just .167 (7-for-42) with the sacks full in 2006.
RATTLER BATTERS: Ron Garth had a base hit and an RBI yesterday. He is on a 7-game hitting streak and has knocked in at least one run in four of his last five games. Jeffery Dominguez was 1-for-5 yesterday and is 9-for-17 in his last four games.
TEN OFF THOMAS: Rattler starting pitcher Justin Thomas gave up ten hits over five innings yesterday. It was the first time as a pro he has given up ten hits in a game. Thomas took the loss yesterday because he gave up a solo homer to Miguel Vega in the top of the fifth inning that put the Bees in front 5-4.
BULLPEN STRUGGLES: Rattler reliever Jeff Gilmore gave up a homer to Antonio Sabatini in the sixth inning and four runs total over two innings. Gilmore has allowed three homers in his last 3-1/3 innings. Rollie Gibson gave up three runs in the eighth after walking the lead off batter. In fifteen relief appearances this season, Gibson has retired the first batter he faced just five times. The last times Gibson has entered a game the first batter he faced reached base. He has walked that first batter seven times and given up a pair of singles during the current streak.
WELCOME BACK: Catcher Nick Prosise was activated from the disabled list after yesterday’s game. The Rattlers are back to a full complement of players with the activation. Prosise was hitting .235 in six games before getting hurt with a high ankle sprain at Fort Wayne on April 26.
ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-8 in their last ten games. That is the lowest winning percentage for the team over any ten game period this season.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Chris Nicoll was the 3rd round pick of the Royals out of California-Irvine in the 2005 draft. He was 0-3 with a 3.62ERA in seven starts for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League in 2005. In his last start, Nicoll got a no decision against the Lansing Lugnuts at Community Field on May 18. He allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven as the Bees picked up the win. In his six starts this season, Nicoll has only allowed more than one run once. That was when he gave up a pair of runs in a loss to Dayton on May 1. This is Nicoll’s first appearance against the Rattlers and also his first against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
DOUBLE DIGITS: Burlington got to ten runs or more for the first time this month yesterday. It was only the third time they have reached double digits in the run column this season. Burlington also had eighteen hits yesterday, which is a new season high. That hit total raised their team batting average from .216 to .223. Burlington passed the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays in the team batting average rankings and is now in 13th place in the league.
FAMILIAR PROBLEM: The Rattlers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the second inning after tying the game 4-4. However, the Rattlers could not push any more runs across the plate in the inning. The Rattlers are hitting just .167 (7-for-42) with the sacks full in 2006.
RATTLER BATTERS: Ron Garth had a base hit and an RBI yesterday. He is on a 7-game hitting streak and has knocked in at least one run in four of his last five games. Jeffery Dominguez was 1-for-5 yesterday and is 9-for-17 in his last four games.
TEN OFF THOMAS: Rattler starting pitcher Justin Thomas gave up ten hits over five innings yesterday. It was the first time as a pro he has given up ten hits in a game. Thomas took the loss yesterday because he gave up a solo homer to Miguel Vega in the top of the fifth inning that put the Bees in front 5-4.
BULLPEN STRUGGLES: Rattler reliever Jeff Gilmore gave up a homer to Antonio Sabatini in the sixth inning and four runs total over two innings. Gilmore has allowed three homers in his last 3-1/3 innings. Rollie Gibson gave up three runs in the eighth after walking the lead off batter. In fifteen relief appearances this season, Gibson has retired the first batter he faced just five times. The last times Gibson has entered a game the first batter he faced reached base. He has walked that first batter seven times and given up a pair of singles during the current streak.
WELCOME BACK: Catcher Nick Prosise was activated from the disabled list after yesterday’s game. The Rattlers are back to a full complement of players with the activation. Prosise was hitting .235 in six games before getting hurt with a high ankle sprain at Fort Wayne on April 26.
ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-8 in their last ten games. That is the lowest winning percentage for the team over any ten game period this season.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Chris Nicoll was the 3rd round pick of the Royals out of California-Irvine in the 2005 draft. He was 0-3 with a 3.62ERA in seven starts for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League in 2005. In his last start, Nicoll got a no decision against the Lansing Lugnuts at Community Field on May 18. He allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven as the Bees picked up the win. In his six starts this season, Nicoll has only allowed more than one run once. That was when he gave up a pair of runs in a loss to Dayton on May 1. This is Nicoll’s first appearance against the Rattlers and also his first against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
Monday in the MWL
Burlington 12, @Wisconsin 5 -- The Bees bats woke up to bang out 18 hits.
Dayton 3, @Southwest Michigan 1 (11 innings) -- The Devil Rays bats stayed in bed, but the loss was all the ump's fault. Marinette, Wisconsin native Greg Reinhard pitched very well, but got a no decision.
South Bend 4, @West Michigan 0 -- The Whitecap bats slept through the snooze alarm, too. Justin Upton didn't.
Fort Wayne 5, @Lansing 0 -- Did all the home teams in the league have a tough time scoring runs yesterday? The Lugnuts only got four hits off a pitcher named Stevie.
@Quad Cities 10, Clinton 5 -- Nevermind. SWING win big over the L-Kings.
@Peoria 2, Beloit 1 -- The Chiefs scored two runs in the eighth inning, but it was enough. Ed Campusano got save number thirteen.
Kane County 6, @Cedar Rapids 4 -- Won their sixth straight has the evil empire. Scored four in the first, last night they did.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Dayton 3, @Southwest Michigan 1 (11 innings) -- The Devil Rays bats stayed in bed, but the loss was all the ump's fault. Marinette, Wisconsin native Greg Reinhard pitched very well, but got a no decision.
South Bend 4, @West Michigan 0 -- The Whitecap bats slept through the snooze alarm, too. Justin Upton didn't.
Fort Wayne 5, @Lansing 0 -- Did all the home teams in the league have a tough time scoring runs yesterday? The Lugnuts only got four hits off a pitcher named Stevie.
@Quad Cities 10, Clinton 5 -- Nevermind. SWING win big over the L-Kings.
@Peoria 2, Beloit 1 -- The Chiefs scored two runs in the eighth inning, but it was enough. Ed Campusano got save number thirteen.
Kane County 6, @Cedar Rapids 4 -- Won their sixth straight has the evil empire. Scored four in the first, last night they did.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Jon Lockwood may have gotten the win, but O'Flaherty was solid in relief and struck out five for a hold.
Have to give a special mention to Jack Arroyo and his three hits for the 66ers yesterday.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/22)
Seattle (MAJ: 21-25; 3rd AL West): The Mariners beat the Orioles 8-6. Richie Sexson hit a grand slam and Jose Lopez drove in three runs to power the offense. Jamie Moyer got the win and Eddie Guardado picked up the save.
Tacoma (AAA – 20-22; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 3-1 at Memphis. Cha Seung Baek (’00) pitched seven innings and gave up just two runs, but took the loss. Former Mariner farmhand Brian Falkenborg gave up a run in the ninth, but got the save for Memphis.
San Antonio (AA – 16-25; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 6-5 in 12 innings at Tulsa. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had three hits and drove in a run for San Antonio.
Inland Empire (High-A – 25-19; 2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Lake Elsinore 5-3. Jack Arroyo (WI ’05) went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Jon Lockwood (WI ’05) pitched 2-1/3 innings of scoreless relief for his fourth win. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) struck out five over 3-2/3 innings in relief of Lockwood.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/23
Baltimore (Adam Loewen 0-0) at Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-4) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 5-2) at Memphis (John Webb 2-4) 7:10pm CDT
San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 2-0) at Tulsa (Marc Kaiser 2-3) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 1:00pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 20-22; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 3-1 at Memphis. Cha Seung Baek (’00) pitched seven innings and gave up just two runs, but took the loss. Former Mariner farmhand Brian Falkenborg gave up a run in the ninth, but got the save for Memphis.
San Antonio (AA – 16-25; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 6-5 in 12 innings at Tulsa. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had three hits and drove in a run for San Antonio.
Inland Empire (High-A – 25-19; 2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Lake Elsinore 5-3. Jack Arroyo (WI ’05) went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Jon Lockwood (WI ’05) pitched 2-1/3 innings of scoreless relief for his fourth win. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) struck out five over 3-2/3 innings in relief of Lockwood.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/23
Baltimore (Adam Loewen 0-0) at Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-4) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 5-2) at Memphis (John Webb 2-4) 7:10pm CDT
San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 2-0) at Tulsa (Marc Kaiser 2-3) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 1:00pm CDT
5/22/2006
Monday's game in a word
Ouch.
That one stung today.
It was 6-5 going to the top of the seventh and the Bees scored three in that inning and three more in the eighth for a 12-5 win.
Monday's Box score is HERE.
Get 'em tomorrow.
That one stung today.
It was 6-5 going to the top of the seventh and the Bees scored three in that inning and three more in the eighth for a 12-5 win.
Monday's Box score is HERE.
Get 'em tomorrow.
Game Notes for 5/21
ABOUT SUNDAY: Ron Garth hit a pinch hit, game winning home run in the bottom of the eleventh inning to give the Timber Rattlers a 4-3 win over the Bees. Joe Woerman pitched a scoreless eleventh inning for the win.
FIRST TIME SINCE: Garth’s pinch hit homer was the first since Jeremy Dutton’s pinch hit homer at Cedar Rapids on July 10, 2004. It was also the first “walk off” homer for the Rattlers since Mike Wilson’s series ending home run against the Beloit Snappers on September 9, 2005.
HABIT FORMING: The last four game winning homers for the Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium have all been in extra innings. TJ Bohn homered in the tenth inning against the South Bend Silver Hawks on April 27, 2003; Matt Tuiasosopo on April 13, 2005 in the eleventh innings against the Swing of the Quad Cities; Wilson hit his in the tenth inning against the Snappers in game three of the first round of the playoffs.
ONE LAST NOTE: Garth had the first pinch hit by a Rattler this season. Timber Rattler pinch hitters are 1-for-5 in 2006.
RED HOT: Jeff Dominguez went 4-for-6 with an RBI on Sunday. He is 8-for-14 in his last three games.
WHAT? Dominguez is the only player on either the Timber Rattler or the Bee roster with an average over .300.
BREAKING OUT: Bryan Sabatella had his first three-hit game of the season yesterday.
THEY WERE ON HOW MANY TIMES? In an eleven inning game, the Burlington Bees got their lead off man aboard ten times. Burlington lead off batter Josh Johnson started five innings and reached base on four walks and a single. The other time he was at the plate, he reached base on another walk.
A SMALL VILLAGE: The Rattlers left fifteen runners on base. Burlington left thirteen runners stranded.
FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING: Gilbert de la Vara gave up a two-out RBI double to Robby Hudson in the bottom of the seventh inning to allow the Rattlers to tie the game 3-3. It was the first blown save of the season in six opportunities for de la Vara.
SPELLING RELIEF: David Asher entered the game with one out and runners at first and third in the top of the ninth. He got pinch hitter Miguel Vega to ground into a 6-4-3 double play.
STREAK CONTINUES: Woerman extended his scoreless streak to 9-1/3 innings by working a scoreless eleventh. He has not allowed a hit in his last six innings.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Michael Penn was an 11th round pick of the Royals out of the University of Michigan in the 2005 draft. He was 7-2 with a 2.79ERA in fourteen starts for the Wolverines. Penn went 0-1 with a 5.09ERA in five starts for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League last season. He won his last start for Burlington. On May 17, he allowed two runs on five hits over six innings against Lansing at Community Field. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
FIRST TIME SINCE: Garth’s pinch hit homer was the first since Jeremy Dutton’s pinch hit homer at Cedar Rapids on July 10, 2004. It was also the first “walk off” homer for the Rattlers since Mike Wilson’s series ending home run against the Beloit Snappers on September 9, 2005.
HABIT FORMING: The last four game winning homers for the Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium have all been in extra innings. TJ Bohn homered in the tenth inning against the South Bend Silver Hawks on April 27, 2003; Matt Tuiasosopo on April 13, 2005 in the eleventh innings against the Swing of the Quad Cities; Wilson hit his in the tenth inning against the Snappers in game three of the first round of the playoffs.
ONE LAST NOTE: Garth had the first pinch hit by a Rattler this season. Timber Rattler pinch hitters are 1-for-5 in 2006.
RED HOT: Jeff Dominguez went 4-for-6 with an RBI on Sunday. He is 8-for-14 in his last three games.
WHAT? Dominguez is the only player on either the Timber Rattler or the Bee roster with an average over .300.
BREAKING OUT: Bryan Sabatella had his first three-hit game of the season yesterday.
THEY WERE ON HOW MANY TIMES? In an eleven inning game, the Burlington Bees got their lead off man aboard ten times. Burlington lead off batter Josh Johnson started five innings and reached base on four walks and a single. The other time he was at the plate, he reached base on another walk.
A SMALL VILLAGE: The Rattlers left fifteen runners on base. Burlington left thirteen runners stranded.
FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING: Gilbert de la Vara gave up a two-out RBI double to Robby Hudson in the bottom of the seventh inning to allow the Rattlers to tie the game 3-3. It was the first blown save of the season in six opportunities for de la Vara.
SPELLING RELIEF: David Asher entered the game with one out and runners at first and third in the top of the ninth. He got pinch hitter Miguel Vega to ground into a 6-4-3 double play.
STREAK CONTINUES: Woerman extended his scoreless streak to 9-1/3 innings by working a scoreless eleventh. He has not allowed a hit in his last six innings.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Michael Penn was an 11th round pick of the Royals out of the University of Michigan in the 2005 draft. He was 7-2 with a 2.79ERA in fourteen starts for the Wolverines. Penn went 0-1 with a 5.09ERA in five starts for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League last season. He won his last start for Burlington. On May 17, he allowed two runs on five hits over six innings against Lansing at Community Field. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
Sunday in the MWL
Here's the scoreboard for yesterday.
I'll update after the game with my usual comments and links to the papers.
I'll update after the game with my usual comments and links to the papers.
Rattler Alum of the Day
From ie66ers.comCibney Bello, Inland Empire. Six innings, One hit, & Ten K's.
Special recognition goes to Brian Schweiger, had three hits for the 66ers yesterday.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/21)
Seattle (MAJ: 20-25; 3rd AL West): The Mariners beat San Diego 10-8 for a sweep at Safeco Field. Felix Hernandez (WI ’03) gave up seven runs on seven hits over six innings for his third win. Former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez hit a three run home run as part of an eight run second inning. JJ Putz (WI ’00) pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.
Tacoma (AAA – 20-21; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 10-1 at Nashville. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) gave up five runs on five hits and five walks over 2-1/3 innings for the loss. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) drove in the only run for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 16-24; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 11-3. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) had three hits, including a homer, and three RBI to help the Missions to the win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) chipped in with his second homer in two days. Plus, there was a bit of a brawl.
Inland Empire (High-A – 24-19; 2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire edged Rancho Cucamonga 5-4. Brian Schweiger (WI ’06) had three hits, and an RBI. Mark Lowe (WI ’05) made his first start off the DL and all three batters he faced scored. Cibney Bello got the win in relief by going six scoreless innings, allowing one hit, and striking out ten.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/22
Baltimore (Erik Bedard 5-2) at Seattle (Jamie Moyer 1-4) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 3-2) at Memphis (Alan Benes 1-1) 7:10pm CDT
San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-2) at Tulsa (Juan Morillo 4-2) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 20-21; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 10-1 at Nashville. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) gave up five runs on five hits and five walks over 2-1/3 innings for the loss. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) drove in the only run for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 16-24; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 11-3. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) had three hits, including a homer, and three RBI to help the Missions to the win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) chipped in with his second homer in two days. Plus, there was a bit of a brawl.
Inland Empire (High-A – 24-19; 2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire edged Rancho Cucamonga 5-4. Brian Schweiger (WI ’06) had three hits, and an RBI. Mark Lowe (WI ’05) made his first start off the DL and all three batters he faced scored. Cibney Bello got the win in relief by going six scoreless innings, allowing one hit, and striking out ten.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/22
Baltimore (Erik Bedard 5-2) at Seattle (Jamie Moyer 1-4) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 3-2) at Memphis (Alan Benes 1-1) 7:10pm CDT
San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-2) at Tulsa (Juan Morillo 4-2) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
5/21/2006
Sunday's game in a word
Picture. As in worth a thousand words.
Great win for the Rattlers. Ron Garth is the hero today. I hope this starts something good for this team.
Sunday's Box score is HERE.
Game Notes for 5/21
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers took a 1-0 lead into the top of the ninth, but could not hold it and wound up losing 4-1. Former Timber Rattler Carlos Arroyo hit a pinch hit, infield single to drive in the tie-breaking run in the ninth.
WHAT A START: Rattler starting pitcher Jose Escalona pitched six shutout innings and gave up one hit with five walks. He also matched a career high for strikeouts with eight.
EARLY LEAD: Wisconsin scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first. Jeff Dominguez stole third and scored on a wild throw by Burlington catcher JP Lowen.
HOLDING HIS OWN: Joe Woerman pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Escalona to protect the 1-0 lead. Woerman has not allowed a run in his last 7-1/3 innings.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: The Rattlers had a runner at third and one out in the seventh, but failed to score. In the eighth the Rattlers loaded the bases with no outs, but could not pad their lead.
ROUGH NIGHT: Rattler outfielder Eddy Hernandez was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Hernandez has the most strikeouts for a Timber Rattler hitter with 44 K’s this season.
ANATOMY OF A RALLY: Guaramato got the first out of the ninth inning, but things fell apart from there. An infield single, a walk, and a hit batsman loaded the bases. Jose Duarte knocked in the tying run with a fielder’s choice. Carlos Arroyo’s pinch hit infield single knocked in the go ahead run. Guaramato got the second out of the inning on a force play at the plate, but hit both Chris McConnell and Mario Lisson to force in two more runs. No ball in the inning left the infield.
CLOSING TIME: Guaramato has blown three saves in nine opportunities this season. In his last four outings, Guaramato has allowed 11 runs on nine hits with four walks and two strikeouts over 4-1/3 innings.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-25, eight games below .500.
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: The Timber Rattlers are 7-16 at Fox Cities Stadium in 2006. They have lost four straight at home. In those four losses, the Rattlers have been outscored 23-3.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Carlos Rosa was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Royals in 2001. He made eight starts for the Bees in 2004 and was 0-5 with a 4.67ERA. He missed all of 2005 with an injury. In his last start, Rosa beat the Lansing Lugnuts on May 16 at Community Field. He pitched 6-2/3 innings and gave up one run on two hits with six strikeouts. Rosa lost twice in two starts to the Rattlers in 2004. The Rattlers beat him at Community Field on April 15, 2004 and at Fox Cities Stadium on April 21, 2004. In those two outings, Rosa went 8-2/3 innings and gave up seven runs on eleven hits.
WHAT A START: Rattler starting pitcher Jose Escalona pitched six shutout innings and gave up one hit with five walks. He also matched a career high for strikeouts with eight.
EARLY LEAD: Wisconsin scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first. Jeff Dominguez stole third and scored on a wild throw by Burlington catcher JP Lowen.
HOLDING HIS OWN: Joe Woerman pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Escalona to protect the 1-0 lead. Woerman has not allowed a run in his last 7-1/3 innings.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: The Rattlers had a runner at third and one out in the seventh, but failed to score. In the eighth the Rattlers loaded the bases with no outs, but could not pad their lead.
ROUGH NIGHT: Rattler outfielder Eddy Hernandez was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Hernandez has the most strikeouts for a Timber Rattler hitter with 44 K’s this season.
ANATOMY OF A RALLY: Guaramato got the first out of the ninth inning, but things fell apart from there. An infield single, a walk, and a hit batsman loaded the bases. Jose Duarte knocked in the tying run with a fielder’s choice. Carlos Arroyo’s pinch hit infield single knocked in the go ahead run. Guaramato got the second out of the inning on a force play at the plate, but hit both Chris McConnell and Mario Lisson to force in two more runs. No ball in the inning left the infield.
CLOSING TIME: Guaramato has blown three saves in nine opportunities this season. In his last four outings, Guaramato has allowed 11 runs on nine hits with four walks and two strikeouts over 4-1/3 innings.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-25, eight games below .500.
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: The Timber Rattlers are 7-16 at Fox Cities Stadium in 2006. They have lost four straight at home. In those four losses, the Rattlers have been outscored 23-3.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Carlos Rosa was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Royals in 2001. He made eight starts for the Bees in 2004 and was 0-5 with a 4.67ERA. He missed all of 2005 with an injury. In his last start, Rosa beat the Lansing Lugnuts on May 16 at Community Field. He pitched 6-2/3 innings and gave up one run on two hits with six strikeouts. Rosa lost twice in two starts to the Rattlers in 2004. The Rattlers beat him at Community Field on April 15, 2004 and at Fox Cities Stadium on April 21, 2004. In those two outings, Rosa went 8-2/3 innings and gave up seven runs on eleven hits.
Sunday Reading
Over at RattlersReport.com, Brett talks with Rattler pitching coach Lance Painter about Barry Bonds hitting a home run off him and about his recent health scare. Plus, Rattler reaction to Johnny Cueto's no-no last week.
At jsonline.com Tom Hardricourt has pieces on 12 of 16 NL teams above .500, the Cubs without Derek Lee, the continuing struggles of Brad Lidge, the success of interleague play, and much, much more.
In the Seattle Times, Larry Stone has some thoughts on Free Agency and potential free agents after this season. A little early to be writing this column isn't it, Larry?
Mariners Weblog has an entry about the hour long team meeting held by the Mariners after the loss to the Athletics. It's worth the read for the comments.
Jeff Karzen of the Battle Creek Enquirer has a neat story about Southwest Michigan relief pitcher Kevin Lynn. Lynn is 27 and made his way into organized ball through the twisting roads of the independent leagues. Fun fact: he is the only player in the MWL this year who was born in the 1970's.
At jsonline.com Tom Hardricourt has pieces on 12 of 16 NL teams above .500, the Cubs without Derek Lee, the continuing struggles of Brad Lidge, the success of interleague play, and much, much more.
In the Seattle Times, Larry Stone has some thoughts on Free Agency and potential free agents after this season. A little early to be writing this column isn't it, Larry?
Mariners Weblog has an entry about the hour long team meeting held by the Mariners after the loss to the Athletics. It's worth the read for the comments.
Jeff Karzen of the Battle Creek Enquirer has a neat story about Southwest Michigan relief pitcher Kevin Lynn. Lynn is 27 and made his way into organized ball through the twisting roads of the independent leagues. Fun fact: he is the only player in the MWL this year who was born in the 1970's.
Saturday Night in the MWL
Burlington 4, @Wisconsin 1 -- Four runs in the top of the ninth and the Bees have seven straight wins.
@Peoria 2, Beloit 1 -- Donny Veal was very good last night.
Clinton 6, @ Quad Cities 5 -- It wasn't pretty, but the L-Kings will take the win.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Dayton 3 -- Jake McGee didn't have his best stuff? Ten K's and six walks over 5+ innings for the D-Rays sounds okay to me.
@Lansing 11, Fort Wayne 1 -- The Lugnuts 4-game losing streak got them a little angry.
Kane County 4, @Cedar Rapids 0 -- Cougars win again. Darn it.
@West Michigan 4, South Bend 3 -- Even the rain couldn't stop the Whitecaps.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@Peoria 2, Beloit 1 -- Donny Veal was very good last night.
Clinton 6, @ Quad Cities 5 -- It wasn't pretty, but the L-Kings will take the win.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Dayton 3 -- Jake McGee didn't have his best stuff? Ten K's and six walks over 5+ innings for the D-Rays sounds okay to me.
@Lansing 11, Fort Wayne 1 -- The Lugnuts 4-game losing streak got them a little angry.
Kane County 4, @Cedar Rapids 0 -- Cougars win again. Darn it.
@West Michigan 4, South Bend 3 -- Even the rain couldn't stop the Whitecaps.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Wladimir Balentien, San Antonio Missions.
Two homers, 5RBI. The second homer was a game winner in the bottom of the fourteenth touching off the celebration home plate.
Mariners System Report (Games of 5/20)
Seattle (MAJ: 19-25; 4th AL West): The Mariners beat San Diego 6-3. Gil Meche (WI ’98) pitched 7-2/3 innings allowing just three runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out seven. JJ Putz (WI ’00) came on in the ninth for his fifth save of the season.
Tacoma (AAA – 20-20; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 7-4 at Nashville. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up four runs on eight hits and took the loss. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored for Tacoma.
San Antonio (AA – 15-24; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 6-5 in fourteen innings. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had a pair of home runs and drove in five runs for the Missions. Balentien’s second home run was a game-winning, two-run blast in the bottom of the fourteenth. Brandon Moorhead (WI ’04) gave up two runs on four hits for a no decision. Craig James (WI ’05) pitched three scoreless innings to keep the game going.
Inland Empire (High-A – 23-19; T-2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Rancho Cucamonga 4-2. Shawn Nottingham (WI ’05) got the win by striking out six and giving up two runs on five hits. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) was 2-for-4 with two RBI for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/21
San Diego (Chan Ho Park 2-1) at Seattle (Felix Hernandez 2-5) 3:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-3) at Nashville (Dennis Sarfate 1-1) 2:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Mitch Talbot 1-2) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 3-2) 4:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Anthony Ortega 0-0) at Inland Empire (Cibney Bello 1-3) 4:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 20-20; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 7-4 at Nashville. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up four runs on eight hits and took the loss. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored for Tacoma.
San Antonio (AA – 15-24; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 6-5 in fourteen innings. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had a pair of home runs and drove in five runs for the Missions. Balentien’s second home run was a game-winning, two-run blast in the bottom of the fourteenth. Brandon Moorhead (WI ’04) gave up two runs on four hits for a no decision. Craig James (WI ’05) pitched three scoreless innings to keep the game going.
Inland Empire (High-A – 23-19; T-2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Rancho Cucamonga 4-2. Shawn Nottingham (WI ’05) got the win by striking out six and giving up two runs on five hits. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) was 2-for-4 with two RBI for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/21
San Diego (Chan Ho Park 2-1) at Seattle (Felix Hernandez 2-5) 3:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-3) at Nashville (Dennis Sarfate 1-1) 2:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Mitch Talbot 1-2) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 3-2) 4:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Anthony Ortega 0-0) at Inland Empire (Cibney Bello 1-3) 4:11pm CDT
5/20/2006
Game Notes for 5/20
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers lost 5-1 at Kane County. Jared Lansford allowed one hit over six shutout innings for the win. The Cougar offense scored five times in the bottom of the second inning off losing pitcher Ruben Flores. Kane County took three out of four games in the series from Wisconsin.
BIG INNING: Flores walked three, gave up four hits, and threw a wild pitch in the Cougars’ five-run second inning.
SETTLED DOWN: After allowing a two-run single to Mike Massaro to give the Cougars a 5-0 lead, Flores retired the next eight batters in a row.
LOCKED IN: Lansford, who pitched a 7-inning no-hitter against Beloit in the start prior to last night, extended his hitless streak to 12-2/3 innings before the Rattlers got their first hit. Eddy Hernandez doubled with two outs in the top of the fifth. Lansford retired the final four batters he faced.
AVOIDING THE SHUTOUT: Ron Garth drove in his team leading 21st RBI with a two-out single in the top of the eighth inning to avoid their sixth shutout of the season.
GENEVA BLUES: In the four game series at Elfstrom Stadium, the Rattlers were only outscored 15-12. Wisconsin hit just .208 (12-for-120) as a team and did not homer in the series.
POWER OUTAGE: The Rattlers have gone five games since their last home run. Jairo Hernandez went deep in the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader with Dayton on May 15. The Rattlers have three homers in their last ten games.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-24, seven games below .500.
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: The Timber Rattlers are 7-15 at Fox Cities Stadium in 2006. They have lost three straight home games. Wisconsin is hitting just .204 at home, while opponents are hitting .275. The Rattlers have been outscored 104-69 at home this season.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Burlington Bees are the Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are 18-21 and in 5th place in the Midwest League Western Division. They have won six straight games. In their most recent series, the Bees swept the Lansing Lugnuts at Community Field in Burlington. Burlington is hitting a league low .214 as a team, but they are third in the league in team ERA at 3.08.
VS. BURLINGTON IN ’05: The Rattlers were 8-4 against the Bees last season. Wisconsin went 3-1 at Fox Cities Stadium versus Burlington last season.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S places five members of the current Burlington roster on their list of Top 30 Prospects in the Royals organization. Shortstop Chris McConnell (#7) is the highest rated prospect by BA. Outfielder Jose Duarte (#18), pitcher Chris Nicoll (#19), infielder Mario Lisson (#24), and pitcher Matt Kniginyzky (#30) are on the list. The Bees have nine members of Kansas City’s 2005 draft class on their current roster. Nicoll (3rd round), Kiel Thibault (9th), Jeff Howell (10th), Michael Penn (11th), Cody Harkon (12th), Antonio Sabatini (14th), David Henninger (21st), Chris Kniginyzky (23rd), and Jeremy Jirschele (30th) were all drafted by the Royals last June.
FAMILIAR FACE: Bee outfielder Carlos Arroyo played for the Timber Rattlers in 2003. Arroyo hit .273 with three homers and 40 RBI for Wisconsin. He spent two seasons in the California League playing for Inland Empire. In 2004, he hit .323 with six homers. In 2005, Arroyo hit .313 with no homers and 62 RBI. The Mariners released Arroyo, and the Royals signed him this spring.
NATIVE SON: Burlington infielder Jeremy Jirschele is a native of Clintonville, Wisconsin and played his collegiate ball at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He was co-player of the year in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 2005.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: David Henninger was selected in 21st round of the 2005 draft by the Royals out of Messiah College (PA). He was 8-0 as a junior and 18-4 in his career with the Falcons. Last season, Henninger went 5-1 with a save and an ERA of 3.60 in 21 relief appearances for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. In his last start, he allowed five runs on eight hits in three innings for a no decision against the South Bend Silver Hawks on May 10. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers.
BIG INNING: Flores walked three, gave up four hits, and threw a wild pitch in the Cougars’ five-run second inning.
SETTLED DOWN: After allowing a two-run single to Mike Massaro to give the Cougars a 5-0 lead, Flores retired the next eight batters in a row.
LOCKED IN: Lansford, who pitched a 7-inning no-hitter against Beloit in the start prior to last night, extended his hitless streak to 12-2/3 innings before the Rattlers got their first hit. Eddy Hernandez doubled with two outs in the top of the fifth. Lansford retired the final four batters he faced.
AVOIDING THE SHUTOUT: Ron Garth drove in his team leading 21st RBI with a two-out single in the top of the eighth inning to avoid their sixth shutout of the season.
GENEVA BLUES: In the four game series at Elfstrom Stadium, the Rattlers were only outscored 15-12. Wisconsin hit just .208 (12-for-120) as a team and did not homer in the series.
POWER OUTAGE: The Rattlers have gone five games since their last home run. Jairo Hernandez went deep in the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader with Dayton on May 15. The Rattlers have three homers in their last ten games.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-24, seven games below .500.
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: The Timber Rattlers are 7-15 at Fox Cities Stadium in 2006. They have lost three straight home games. Wisconsin is hitting just .204 at home, while opponents are hitting .275. The Rattlers have been outscored 104-69 at home this season.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Burlington Bees are the Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are 18-21 and in 5th place in the Midwest League Western Division. They have won six straight games. In their most recent series, the Bees swept the Lansing Lugnuts at Community Field in Burlington. Burlington is hitting a league low .214 as a team, but they are third in the league in team ERA at 3.08.
VS. BURLINGTON IN ’05: The Rattlers were 8-4 against the Bees last season. Wisconsin went 3-1 at Fox Cities Stadium versus Burlington last season.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S places five members of the current Burlington roster on their list of Top 30 Prospects in the Royals organization. Shortstop Chris McConnell (#7) is the highest rated prospect by BA. Outfielder Jose Duarte (#18), pitcher Chris Nicoll (#19), infielder Mario Lisson (#24), and pitcher Matt Kniginyzky (#30) are on the list. The Bees have nine members of Kansas City’s 2005 draft class on their current roster. Nicoll (3rd round), Kiel Thibault (9th), Jeff Howell (10th), Michael Penn (11th), Cody Harkon (12th), Antonio Sabatini (14th), David Henninger (21st), Chris Kniginyzky (23rd), and Jeremy Jirschele (30th) were all drafted by the Royals last June.
FAMILIAR FACE: Bee outfielder Carlos Arroyo played for the Timber Rattlers in 2003. Arroyo hit .273 with three homers and 40 RBI for Wisconsin. He spent two seasons in the California League playing for Inland Empire. In 2004, he hit .323 with six homers. In 2005, Arroyo hit .313 with no homers and 62 RBI. The Mariners released Arroyo, and the Royals signed him this spring.
NATIVE SON: Burlington infielder Jeremy Jirschele is a native of Clintonville, Wisconsin and played his collegiate ball at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He was co-player of the year in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 2005.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: David Henninger was selected in 21st round of the 2005 draft by the Royals out of Messiah College (PA). He was 8-0 as a junior and 18-4 in his career with the Falcons. Last season, Henninger went 5-1 with a save and an ERA of 3.60 in 21 relief appearances for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. In his last start, he allowed five runs on eight hits in three innings for a no decision against the South Bend Silver Hawks on May 10. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers.
Friday in the MWL
Sorry.
Ran out of time. The tarp had to go on the field. It is now off the field and the sun is out for the series opener between the Rattlers and the Bees.
For last night's scoreboard, please go here.
Game notes for tonight will be up in a moment.
Ran out of time. The tarp had to go on the field. It is now off the field and the sun is out for the series opener between the Rattlers and the Bees.
For last night's scoreboard, please go here.
Game notes for tonight will be up in a moment.
Rattler Alum of the Day
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox.
Hit his 14th homer of the year and drove in two runs for the Sox in their win over the Phillies.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/19)
Seattle (MAJ: 18-25; 4th AL West): The Mariners beat San Diego 7-4 at Safeco. Richie Sexson homered for the Mariners. Rafael Soriano (WI ’00) blew a save, but picked up the win as Seattle rallied for the win.
Tacoma (AAA – 20-19; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 6-3 at Nashville. Francisco Cruceta struck out eleven over 6-2/3 innings, but got a no decision. Nashville scored twice in the seventh and four times in the eighth for the win. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) was 1-for-2 with a run scored to run his average with the Rainiers to .333.
San Antonio (AA – 14-24; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 5-3. The Missions scored three times in the bottom of the eighth. Ismael Castro tripled in a pair of runs to erase a 3-2 lead for the Hooks. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) singled in another run in the inning. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up one run on four hits over six innings for a no decision. Chad Fillinger (WI ’05) blew a save, but got the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 22-19; T-2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 4-3 to Rancho Cucamonga. Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) had three hits. Matt Tuiasosopo (WI ’05) drove in two of the three runs for the 66ers. Ivan Blanco (WI '05) walked six in 5-1/3 innings for the loss.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/20
San Diego (Clay Hensley 2-2) at Seattle (Gil Meche 3-2) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Bobby Livingston ) at Nashville (Corey Thurman ) 6:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Matt Albers 5-1) at San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-3) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Francisco Rodriguez 1-3) at Inland Empire (Shawn Nottingham 0-3) 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 20-19; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 6-3 at Nashville. Francisco Cruceta struck out eleven over 6-2/3 innings, but got a no decision. Nashville scored twice in the seventh and four times in the eighth for the win. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) was 1-for-2 with a run scored to run his average with the Rainiers to .333.
San Antonio (AA – 14-24; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 5-3. The Missions scored three times in the bottom of the eighth. Ismael Castro tripled in a pair of runs to erase a 3-2 lead for the Hooks. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) singled in another run in the inning. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up one run on four hits over six innings for a no decision. Chad Fillinger (WI ’05) blew a save, but got the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 22-19; T-2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 4-3 to Rancho Cucamonga. Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) had three hits. Matt Tuiasosopo (WI ’05) drove in two of the three runs for the 66ers. Ivan Blanco (WI '05) walked six in 5-1/3 innings for the loss.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/20
San Diego (Clay Hensley 2-2) at Seattle (Gil Meche 3-2) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Bobby Livingston ) at Nashville (Corey Thurman ) 6:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Matt Albers 5-1) at San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-3) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Francisco Rodriguez 1-3) at Inland Empire (Shawn Nottingham 0-3) 9:11pm CDT
5/19/2006
Tonight's Game in a word
Shhhh.
5-0 after two. Rattlers didn't get their second hit of the night until the seventh inning.
Complete box score here.
Burlington is at Fox Cities Stadium for a four game series starting Saturday night and they are coming in on a six game winning streak after a sweep of Lansing.
5-0 after two. Rattlers didn't get their second hit of the night until the seventh inning.
Complete box score here.
Burlington is at Fox Cities Stadium for a four game series starting Saturday night and they are coming in on a six game winning streak after a sweep of Lansing.
Roster Moves
No, not Rattler roster moves.
I'm talking about roster moves that really took me by surprise on two of my favorite shows that happened in their season finales this week. (Note: These may have been written about on-line before the episodes, but I stay away from spoilers. Besides, like I have time to follow that stuff)
SPOILERS IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR DVR
Jamey Sheridan as Captain Jimmy DeakinsLaw & Order: Criminal Intent: Jamey Sheridan is out as Captain Jimmy Deakins. He was a perfect superior for Goren & Eames. Giving the brilliant but unorthodox Goren enough space to let him do what Goren does. Deakins would also run inteference for or crackdown on his duo when he had to do it.
Last season, he brought Mike Logan (Chris Noth) into the major case squad. Logan, one of the original detectives on Law & Order, had been exiled away from Manhattan after punching a city councilman in the season five episode Pride. The shows with Logan and Barek (Annabella Sciorra) have been interesting and have punched up the formula of CI.
The seeds of this departure were sown back in the season four episode My Good Name. Deakins helped to take down a former Chief of Detectives for murder and Deakins was set up for revenge.
I have always liked Sheridan. He was great as a Philadelphia lawyer in the very short-lived series Shannon's Deal. I am a bit wary to see who will be taking over his spot as the captain in MCS, but it will be worth watching in the fall.
ADA Alexandra Borgia (Annie Parisse)Law & Order: Annie Parisse is out as ADA Alexandra Borgia. Out. Permanently. They haven't killed off a major character in the line of duty since the start of season two when Max Greevey (George Dzunda) was killed off in the episode Confession.
ADA Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessey) was killed by a drunk driver in an accident at the end of the Aftershock.
I knew something was up when we saw Borgia heading in her apartment. The rule on Law & Order is that if you see the apartment of one of the main characters it is a pretty bad thing is either going on or about to happen. They could have found a better way to write her out of the show than to have her found in the trunk of a car gagged by duct tape.
Here are the other ways they wrote Jack McCoy's ADAs out of the show:
Claire Kincaid -- See above
Jamie Ross -- Left to get married
Abby Carmichael -- Left for a job with the Justice Department
Serena Southerlyn -- Fired. Got off the most unintentionally funny lines in the history of L&O.
Alexandra Borgia -- See above
Those are the roster moves. I'll check on the draft and see who the players to be named later will be.
Time to get the book filled out for tonight's game.
ADA Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessey) was killed by a drunk driver in an accident at the end of the Aftershock.
I knew something was up when we saw Borgia heading in her apartment. The rule on Law & Order is that if you see the apartment of one of the main characters it is a pretty bad thing is either going on or about to happen. They could have found a better way to write her out of the show than to have her found in the trunk of a car gagged by duct tape.
Here are the other ways they wrote Jack McCoy's ADAs out of the show:
Claire Kincaid -- See above
Jamie Ross -- Left to get married
Abby Carmichael -- Left for a job with the Justice Department
Serena Southerlyn -- Fired. Got off the most unintentionally funny lines in the history of L&O.
Alexandra Borgia -- See above
Those are the roster moves. I'll check on the draft and see who the players to be named later will be.
Time to get the book filled out for tonight's game.
Probable Pitching Matchups for Burlington Series
This is what you will see if you make it out to Fox Cities Stadium for a busy weekend against the Bees. Busy....Bees...Get it? Of course, you do.
Sat, 5/20 LHP Jose Escalona (4-3, 3.48) vs. RHP David Henninger (1-2, 5.59) 6:35pm
Sun, 5/21 RHP Jason Snyder (2-4, 5.05) vs. RHP Carlos Rosa (3-3, 2.41) 1:05pm
Mon, 5/22 LHP Justin Thomas (4-3, 1.86) vs. RHP Michael Penn (2-1, 4.02)11:35am
Tue, 5/23 LHP Paul Fagan (1-4, 5.31) vs. RHP Chris Nicoll (2-2, 1.93) 6:35pm
Sat, 5/20 LHP Jose Escalona (4-3, 3.48) vs. RHP David Henninger (1-2, 5.59) 6:35pm
Sun, 5/21 RHP Jason Snyder (2-4, 5.05) vs. RHP Carlos Rosa (3-3, 2.41) 1:05pm
Mon, 5/22 LHP Justin Thomas (4-3, 1.86) vs. RHP Michael Penn (2-1, 4.02)11:35am
Tue, 5/23 LHP Paul Fagan (1-4, 5.31) vs. RHP Chris Nicoll (2-2, 1.93) 6:35pm
Latest Postcard Available
The Postcard from Elfstrom Stadium is up over at RattlersReports.com
A little about the "rainout". A little about the routine and how the weather has thrown it off in the last week.
Try to find the baseball in the picture.
A little about the "rainout". A little about the routine and how the weather has thrown it off in the last week.
Try to find the baseball in the picture.
Game Notes for 5/19
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers could no hold a 4-0 lead and wound up on the short end of an 8-7 decision at the hands of the Cougars. Aaron Recker’s lead-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning snapped a 7-7 tie.
EARLY LEAD: Wisconsin scored three runs in the first inning and tacked on another run in the fourth for their 4-0 lead.
CHARGING IN THE MIDDLE: The Cougars scored a three times in the bottom of the fifth inning off Rattler starting pitcher Harold Williams. The lefty gave up three straight singles to load the bases and then uncorked a wild pitch to allow one run to score – another run scored on the same play because of an error by Williams. A sac fly made it a 4-3 score.
PARTY ON, GARTH! Rattler infielder Ron Garth singled in a run in the top of the sixth to pad the Rattler lead to 5-3. Garth had three hits, drove in two runs, and scored a run for Wisconsin last night.
BACK-TO-BACK JACKS: Rattler reliever Jeff Gilmore gave up a lead-off home run to Jose Pineda in the bottom of the sixth. Steve Kleen, the next batter for the Cougars, launched another home run to tie the game. Later in the inning, Frank Martinez singled in two runs with a two-out hit off Rollie Gibson for a 7-5 lead.
HOW DID THEY RALLY? The Rattlers tied the game in the top of the seventh with a run scoring passed ball and a run scoring wild pitch. But, in the bottom of the seventh, Recker hammered a 2-0 pitch from Guaramato to right for the game-winner.
EASY NIGHT WORK: TJ Franco retired the only batter he faced to get out of the seventh and he got the win.
MR. AUTOMATIC: Steve Sharpe pitched a scoreless eighth and a scoreless ninth for his eighth save in eight save opportunities this season for Kane County.
BAD POWER SURGE: Timber Rattler relievers gave up three home runs in three innings last night. In their prior 128-1/3 innings, the Rattler bullpen gave up just five homers.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-23, six games below .500. This is the first time in 2006 that Wisconsin has been six games under the .500 mark.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jared Lansford was a second round pick of the Athletics in 2005 draft out of Santa Clara High School. He was 0-1 with a 1.27ERA for the AZL Athletics in 2005. In 21-1/3 innings he struck out 20 and walked just five. In his last start, Lansford pitched a seven inning no-hitter against the Beloit Snappers on May 14 in the first game of a doubleheader at Pohlman Field. This is his first appearance against the Rattlers. He did not face the AZL M’s in the Arizona League last season. Lansford is the son of former major leaguer Carney Lansford.
EARLY LEAD: Wisconsin scored three runs in the first inning and tacked on another run in the fourth for their 4-0 lead.
CHARGING IN THE MIDDLE: The Cougars scored a three times in the bottom of the fifth inning off Rattler starting pitcher Harold Williams. The lefty gave up three straight singles to load the bases and then uncorked a wild pitch to allow one run to score – another run scored on the same play because of an error by Williams. A sac fly made it a 4-3 score.
PARTY ON, GARTH! Rattler infielder Ron Garth singled in a run in the top of the sixth to pad the Rattler lead to 5-3. Garth had three hits, drove in two runs, and scored a run for Wisconsin last night.
BACK-TO-BACK JACKS: Rattler reliever Jeff Gilmore gave up a lead-off home run to Jose Pineda in the bottom of the sixth. Steve Kleen, the next batter for the Cougars, launched another home run to tie the game. Later in the inning, Frank Martinez singled in two runs with a two-out hit off Rollie Gibson for a 7-5 lead.
HOW DID THEY RALLY? The Rattlers tied the game in the top of the seventh with a run scoring passed ball and a run scoring wild pitch. But, in the bottom of the seventh, Recker hammered a 2-0 pitch from Guaramato to right for the game-winner.
EASY NIGHT WORK: TJ Franco retired the only batter he faced to get out of the seventh and he got the win.
MR. AUTOMATIC: Steve Sharpe pitched a scoreless eighth and a scoreless ninth for his eighth save in eight save opportunities this season for Kane County.
BAD POWER SURGE: Timber Rattler relievers gave up three home runs in three innings last night. In their prior 128-1/3 innings, the Rattler bullpen gave up just five homers.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-23, six games below .500. This is the first time in 2006 that Wisconsin has been six games under the .500 mark.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jared Lansford was a second round pick of the Athletics in 2005 draft out of Santa Clara High School. He was 0-1 with a 1.27ERA for the AZL Athletics in 2005. In 21-1/3 innings he struck out 20 and walked just five. In his last start, Lansford pitched a seven inning no-hitter against the Beloit Snappers on May 14 in the first game of a doubleheader at Pohlman Field. This is his first appearance against the Rattlers. He did not face the AZL M’s in the Arizona League last season. Lansford is the son of former major leaguer Carney Lansford.
Thursday in the MWL
@Kane County 8, Wisconsin 7 -- Walks and a late power surge carry Cougars.
@Dayton 5, Fort Wayne 0; @Dayton 4, Fort Wayne 3 -- Johnny Cueto backs up his 5-inning no-hitter against the Rattlers with a 7-innning one-hitter against the Wizards. Dragons sweep Fort Wayne with a win in game two.
South Bend 12, @Southwest Michigan 4 -- South Bend scores six early with help from Justin Upton and cruises to the win.
Beloit 9, @Clinton 4 (12 innings) -- The Snappers score five in the 12th to beat the L-Kings. That's five straight wins for Beloit.
Quad Cities 10, @Cedar Rapids 5 -- The Swing were up 7-1 early and krush the Kernels. First two game win streak in awhile for the QC.
@Peoria 2, West Michigan 1 (11 innings) -- Ramon Garcia was going for a complete game 1-0 shutout, but gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth. Chiefs win in the 11th. Added bonus: Find out what Chief pitcher Mitch Atkins nickname is. Hint: The defect is bleach.
@Burlington 2, Lansing 1 (12 innings) -- Lansing gets one run on three hits over twelve innings. Bees win again. They are headed for Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday.
Complete Scoreboard for 5/18 HERE.
@Dayton 5, Fort Wayne 0; @Dayton 4, Fort Wayne 3 -- Johnny Cueto backs up his 5-inning no-hitter against the Rattlers with a 7-innning one-hitter against the Wizards. Dragons sweep Fort Wayne with a win in game two.
South Bend 12, @Southwest Michigan 4 -- South Bend scores six early with help from Justin Upton and cruises to the win.
Beloit 9, @Clinton 4 (12 innings) -- The Snappers score five in the 12th to beat the L-Kings. That's five straight wins for Beloit.
Quad Cities 10, @Cedar Rapids 5 -- The Swing were up 7-1 early and krush the Kernels. First two game win streak in awhile for the QC.
@Peoria 2, West Michigan 1 (11 innings) -- Ramon Garcia was going for a complete game 1-0 shutout, but gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth. Chiefs win in the 11th. Added bonus: Find out what Chief pitcher Mitch Atkins nickname is. Hint: The defect is bleach.
@Burlington 2, Lansing 1 (12 innings) -- Lansing gets one run on three hits over twelve innings. Bees win again. They are headed for Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday.
Complete Scoreboard for 5/18 HERE.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/18)
Seattle (MAJ: 17-25; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 6-3 at Oakland. Joel Pineiro (WI ’98) gave up six runs on seven hits over six innings to take the loss. Ichiro was 4-for-5 with a run scored, but the Athletics swept the Mariners.
Tacoma (AAA – 20-18; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma won 4-1 at Nashville. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up one hit over five shutout innings with four walks and four strikeouts for the win. Asdrubal Cabrera (WI ’05) and Gregg Dobbs (WI ’02) each homered and Renee Cortez (WI ’03) picked up a save.
San Antonio (AA – 13-24; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 4-3 to Corpus Christi. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) allowed three runs over six innings for a no decision. Craig James (WI ’05) gave up an RBI double in the top of the eighth inning to let in the winning run.
Inland Empire (High-A – 22-18; 2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Rancho Cucamonga 5-3. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) pitched four innings of scoreless relief for the win. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) homered and drove in two runs for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/19
San Diego (Chris Young 3-2) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-5) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-3) at Nashville (Zach Jackson 1-2) 7:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Juan Gutierrez 3-2) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 1-3) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Nick Green 4-2) at Inland Empire (Ivan Blanco 4-1) 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 20-18; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma won 4-1 at Nashville. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up one hit over five shutout innings with four walks and four strikeouts for the win. Asdrubal Cabrera (WI ’05) and Gregg Dobbs (WI ’02) each homered and Renee Cortez (WI ’03) picked up a save.
San Antonio (AA – 13-24; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 4-3 to Corpus Christi. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) allowed three runs over six innings for a no decision. Craig James (WI ’05) gave up an RBI double in the top of the eighth inning to let in the winning run.
Inland Empire (High-A – 22-18; 2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Rancho Cucamonga 5-3. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) pitched four innings of scoreless relief for the win. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) homered and drove in two runs for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/19
San Diego (Chris Young 3-2) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-5) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-3) at Nashville (Zach Jackson 1-2) 7:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Juan Gutierrez 3-2) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 1-3) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Nick Green 4-2) at Inland Empire (Ivan Blanco 4-1) 9:11pm CDT
5/18/2006
Thursday's game in a word
Evaporate.
That is what happened to the Rattlers 4-0 lead tonight in an 8-7 loss to the Cougars.
Three solo homers off the Rattler bulpen late means two straight losses and a season low six games under .500.
Box Score HERE.
That is what happened to the Rattlers 4-0 lead tonight in an 8-7 loss to the Cougars.
Three solo homers off the Rattler bulpen late means two straight losses and a season low six games under .500.
Box Score HERE.
Game Notes for 5/18
ABOUT WEDNESDAY: The Timber Rattlers lost 2-0 to the Cougars in a rain-shortened game. Jason Ray got credit for a six inning complete game, gave up just three hits, and struck out three. Paul Fagan allowed two runs over 5-2/3 innings for the loss. Anthony Recker scored the first run and drove in the second for the Cougars.
TOUGH LUCK: Yesterday was the second time this season Fagan has been on the losing end of a rain-shortened game this season. The Rattlers lost 2-0 to West Michigan on April 29 at Fox Cities Stadium in a 5-inning game. Fagan allowed two runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.
TOUGH LUCK (PT II): In his last three decisions, Fagan is 0-3 with an ERA of 4.60. In those three losses, the Rattler offense has scored two runs.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY: The Rattlers had runners at second and third with one out in the top of the third innings. But, Ray got Casey Craig and Luis Valbuena to pop out to end the threat.
SACRIFICING: Robby Hudson dropped a sacrifice bunt in the third inning to give the Rattlers that scoring opportunity. It was his second of the season and he leads Wisconsin in that category. Wisconsin has seven sacrifice bunts as a team this season.
FIRST RUN WINS? The last three Timber Rattler games have been shutouts. The Rattlers are 1-2 in those games. Also, four of the last five Wisconsin games have been shutouts and the Rattlers are 1-3 in those shutouts.
FIRST RUN WINS? (PT II): The Rattlers are 11-6 when they score first and 6-16 when the opponents cross home plate first.
CAN WE GET TO NINE, PLEASE? Only one of the last six games for the Rattlers has been a regulation nine inning game. Since May 13, Wisconsin has played three seven inning games, a six inning game, a five inning game, and a nine inning game.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-22, five games below .500. This is the second time in 2006 that Wisconsin has been five games under the .500 mark.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Trey Shields was a ninth round pick of the Athletics out of the University of Alabama, where he was 1-1 with a 5.50 ERA in seven appearances as a junior for the Crimson Tide. Shields would go 3-3 with a 3.34ERA with 81 strikeouts in 59-1/3 innings for Vancouver in the Northwest League. Shields is making his first appearance against the Rattlers. He pitched three times against Everett, the Northwest League affiliate of the Mariners, in 2005. In two starts and a relief appearance, Shields had no record with an ERA of 4.85. He gave up seven runs on twelve hits with eleven strikeouts and six walks over thirteen innings. In his last start for the Cougars, Shields pitched a 6-inning complete game but took the loss against the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field on May 14. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out four in the loss.
Edits: Below .500. Not below .550. second time in 2006. Not second time tin 2006.
TOUGH LUCK: Yesterday was the second time this season Fagan has been on the losing end of a rain-shortened game this season. The Rattlers lost 2-0 to West Michigan on April 29 at Fox Cities Stadium in a 5-inning game. Fagan allowed two runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.
TOUGH LUCK (PT II): In his last three decisions, Fagan is 0-3 with an ERA of 4.60. In those three losses, the Rattler offense has scored two runs.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY: The Rattlers had runners at second and third with one out in the top of the third innings. But, Ray got Casey Craig and Luis Valbuena to pop out to end the threat.
SACRIFICING: Robby Hudson dropped a sacrifice bunt in the third inning to give the Rattlers that scoring opportunity. It was his second of the season and he leads Wisconsin in that category. Wisconsin has seven sacrifice bunts as a team this season.
FIRST RUN WINS? The last three Timber Rattler games have been shutouts. The Rattlers are 1-2 in those games. Also, four of the last five Wisconsin games have been shutouts and the Rattlers are 1-3 in those shutouts.
FIRST RUN WINS? (PT II): The Rattlers are 11-6 when they score first and 6-16 when the opponents cross home plate first.
CAN WE GET TO NINE, PLEASE? Only one of the last six games for the Rattlers has been a regulation nine inning game. Since May 13, Wisconsin has played three seven inning games, a six inning game, a five inning game, and a nine inning game.
SEASON LOW: The Rattlers are at 17-22, five games below .500. This is the second time in 2006 that Wisconsin has been five games under the .500 mark.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Trey Shields was a ninth round pick of the Athletics out of the University of Alabama, where he was 1-1 with a 5.50 ERA in seven appearances as a junior for the Crimson Tide. Shields would go 3-3 with a 3.34ERA with 81 strikeouts in 59-1/3 innings for Vancouver in the Northwest League. Shields is making his first appearance against the Rattlers. He pitched three times against Everett, the Northwest League affiliate of the Mariners, in 2005. In two starts and a relief appearance, Shields had no record with an ERA of 4.85. He gave up seven runs on twelve hits with eleven strikeouts and six walks over thirteen innings. In his last start for the Cougars, Shields pitched a 6-inning complete game but took the loss against the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field on May 14. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out four in the loss.
Edits: Below .500. Not below .550. second time in 2006. Not second time tin 2006.
Wednesday in the MWL
@Kane County 2, Wisconsin 0 (6 inn.) -- "Rain" shortened game goes to Cougars.
Fort Wayne @ Dayton (PPD) -- It must have really been bad in Dayton for them to call that game. Enjoy a Dragons notebook.
South Bend 6, @ Southwest Michigan 2 -- Five Devil Ray errors didn't make it easy for Wisconsin native Greg Reinhard.
@Peoria 6, West Michigan 2 -- Mark Reed homered again for the Chiefs. Peoria didn't need Ed Campusano, who is 11-for-11 in save opportunities this season.
@Burlington 7, Lansing 2 -- The Bees have won four straight! They got some hitting in a win over the Lugnuts to get #4.
Beloit 7, @ Clinton 6 (10 innings) -- Beloit has won four straight, too. The Snappers led 6-2 going into the bottom of the ninth. Clinton scored four runs to tie the game. But, Tarrance Patterson's RBI single in the tenth was the game winner.
Quad Cities 5, @ Cedar Rapids 1 -- Cory Meacham is the hero. Moose takes the loss.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Fort Wayne @ Dayton (PPD) -- It must have really been bad in Dayton for them to call that game. Enjoy a Dragons notebook.
South Bend 6, @ Southwest Michigan 2 -- Five Devil Ray errors didn't make it easy for Wisconsin native Greg Reinhard.
@Peoria 6, West Michigan 2 -- Mark Reed homered again for the Chiefs. Peoria didn't need Ed Campusano, who is 11-for-11 in save opportunities this season.
@Burlington 7, Lansing 2 -- The Bees have won four straight! They got some hitting in a win over the Lugnuts to get #4.
Beloit 7, @ Clinton 6 (10 innings) -- Beloit has won four straight, too. The Snappers led 6-2 going into the bottom of the ninth. Clinton scored four runs to tie the game. But, Tarrance Patterson's RBI single in the tenth was the game winner.
Quad Cities 5, @ Cedar Rapids 1 -- Cory Meacham is the hero. Moose takes the loss.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
His 13th home run of the season and he drove in all three Red Sox runs in a 4-3 loss at Baltimore.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/17)
Seattle (MAJ: 17-24; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 7-2 at Oakland. Richie Sexson had three of Seattle’s twelve hits. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’00) pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Jamie Moyer.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-18; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma was off yesterday.
San Antonio (AA – 13-23; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost to Corpus Christi 7-4. Justin Ruchti (WI ’04) drove in one of the four runs for the Missions. San Antonio had runners at second and third with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, but could not score.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-18; T-1st California League South Division): The 66ers lost 4-2 at Lake Elsinore. Inland Empire took an early 2-0 lead on RBI hits by Luis Oliveros (WI ’02) and Brent Johnson (WI ’05). Justin Jordan (WI ’05) gave up one unearned run over 5-2/3 innings but got a no decision. The Storm scored a run off Jordan in the sixth, another run in the seventh and two more in the eighth.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/18
Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-3) at Oakland (Kirk Saarloos 1-1) 2:35pm CDT
Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 4-2) at Nashville (Justin Thompson 2-2) 7:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Josh Miller 5-3) at San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 2-0) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Micah Posey 1-2) at Inland Empire (Aaron Jensen 0-0) 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 19-18; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma was off yesterday.
San Antonio (AA – 13-23; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost to Corpus Christi 7-4. Justin Ruchti (WI ’04) drove in one of the four runs for the Missions. San Antonio had runners at second and third with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, but could not score.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-18; T-1st California League South Division): The 66ers lost 4-2 at Lake Elsinore. Inland Empire took an early 2-0 lead on RBI hits by Luis Oliveros (WI ’02) and Brent Johnson (WI ’05). Justin Jordan (WI ’05) gave up one unearned run over 5-2/3 innings but got a no decision. The Storm scored a run off Jordan in the sixth, another run in the seventh and two more in the eighth.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/18
Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-3) at Oakland (Kirk Saarloos 1-1) 2:35pm CDT
Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 4-2) at Nashville (Justin Thompson 2-2) 7:00pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Josh Miller 5-3) at San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 2-0) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Micah Posey 1-2) at Inland Empire (Aaron Jensen 0-0) 9:11pm CDT
5/17/2006
New Series of posts
This is post number one in a series I would like to call, "Random Pictures from Outside My Hotel Window".
I took this one at 4:00pm today shortly after the team arrived back at the hotel after today's game with the Cougars was called after six innings with the Rattlers trailing 2-0.
I believe that shot is to the West.
I took this one at 4:00pm today shortly after the team arrived back at the hotel after today's game with the Cougars was called after six innings with the Rattlers trailing 2-0.
I believe that shot is to the West.
Today's game in a word
Six.As in six innings for a rain shortened game in a 2-0 Rattler loss to the Kane County Cougars at Elfstrom Stadium.
Paul Fagan pitched well, but Jason Ray pitched a little better.
Fagan may be looking for the nearest weatherman in the next few days to ask what he is doing wrong. Today was the second time Fagan has lost a rain shortened game by a 2-0 score.
Fun Fruto Facts
From the M's Notebook in today's SEATTLE TIMES
He is the eighth Colombian to make the Major Leagues.
If he had pitched four innings for a save, he would have tied a 29-year old record set by Bob Stanley for the longest save in a major league debut.
Rafael Soriano (WI '00) also had a save in his major league debut. A 3-inning save on May 10, 2002
He was timed at 6.75 seconds in the 60-yard dash in a race against Asdrubal Cabrera (WI '05) two years ago.
He once ran the 60-yard dash in 6.50 seconds. But, as Fruto himself says, "I was a lot skinnier then."
He is the eighth Colombian to make the Major Leagues.
If he had pitched four innings for a save, he would have tied a 29-year old record set by Bob Stanley for the longest save in a major league debut.
Rafael Soriano (WI '00) also had a save in his major league debut. A 3-inning save on May 10, 2002
He was timed at 6.75 seconds in the 60-yard dash in a race against Asdrubal Cabrera (WI '05) two years ago.
He once ran the 60-yard dash in 6.50 seconds. But, as Fruto himself says, "I was a lot skinnier then."
Game Notes for 5/17
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Three Rattler pitchers combined on a five-hit 4-0 shutout of the Cougars. Justin Thomas pitched six innings and gave up three hits with five strikeouts for the win. Nick Allen worked two innings and Joe Woerman struck out the side in the ninth. Jairo Hernandez had a pair of doubles and a pair of RBI to help pace the offense.
FIRST ONE THIS SEASON: Last night was the first regular season shutout for the Rattler pitching staff since a 1-0 win at Beloit on September 3, 2005. The last shutout by the Rattlers was a shutout of South Bend 1-0 on September 15, 2005 in Game Three of the Midwest League Championship Series at Fox Cities Stadium.
THE JUSTIN THOMAS SHOW: Thomas gave up a leadoff double in the first inning. Then, he retired the next twelve batters in a row. Thomas has not allowed an earned run in his last 14-2/3 innings.
K-MAN: By striking out the side last night, Woerman now has 34 strikeouts in 19-1/3 innings. Thomas leads the Rattlers with 41 strikeouts over 48-1/3 innings.
DOUBLING UP: Hernandez had two hits and drove in two runs for the Rattlers. He is 7-for-14 in his last five games.
NOT HOT: Rattler first baseman Bryan Sabatella is hitless in his last eighteen at bats. In his last ten games, he is 1-for-29. Sabatella did reach base twice and scored two runs last night.
MEET THE NEW GUY: Curtis Ledbetter went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in his Timber Rattler debut last night. Ledbetter, the 18th round pick of the Mariners from the 2005 draft, arrived at the ballpark about three hours before game time last night and got the start as the DH. He hit .319 with 13 homers and 55 RBI in his senior season for the University of Nebraska. In his professional debut, Ledbetter hit .311 with four home runs and 21 RBI for the AZL Mariners. He also appeared in four games for the Inland Empire 66ers and went 1-for-16.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Rattlers are 10-6 away from Fox Cities Stadium this season.
BAGELS: Kane County has not scored a run in 22-1/3 innings.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jason Ray was an 8th round pick of the Athletics out of Azusa Pacific in the 2005 draft. Last season, he was 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA and struck out 56 batters over 30 innings pitched over 29-2/3 innings in 20 games for Vancouver in the Northwest League. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers, but he faced Everett, the Mariners Northwest League affiliate, three times as a reliever. In those three games, Ray pitched five scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out ten. In his last start this season, Ray struck out eleven Beloit Snappers and gave up just one run at Pohlman Field on May 11th. But, he walked five and pitched just 4-2/3 innings for a no decision.
FIRST ONE THIS SEASON: Last night was the first regular season shutout for the Rattler pitching staff since a 1-0 win at Beloit on September 3, 2005. The last shutout by the Rattlers was a shutout of South Bend 1-0 on September 15, 2005 in Game Three of the Midwest League Championship Series at Fox Cities Stadium.
THE JUSTIN THOMAS SHOW: Thomas gave up a leadoff double in the first inning. Then, he retired the next twelve batters in a row. Thomas has not allowed an earned run in his last 14-2/3 innings.
K-MAN: By striking out the side last night, Woerman now has 34 strikeouts in 19-1/3 innings. Thomas leads the Rattlers with 41 strikeouts over 48-1/3 innings.
DOUBLING UP: Hernandez had two hits and drove in two runs for the Rattlers. He is 7-for-14 in his last five games.
NOT HOT: Rattler first baseman Bryan Sabatella is hitless in his last eighteen at bats. In his last ten games, he is 1-for-29. Sabatella did reach base twice and scored two runs last night.
MEET THE NEW GUY: Curtis Ledbetter went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in his Timber Rattler debut last night. Ledbetter, the 18th round pick of the Mariners from the 2005 draft, arrived at the ballpark about three hours before game time last night and got the start as the DH. He hit .319 with 13 homers and 55 RBI in his senior season for the University of Nebraska. In his professional debut, Ledbetter hit .311 with four home runs and 21 RBI for the AZL Mariners. He also appeared in four games for the Inland Empire 66ers and went 1-for-16.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Rattlers are 10-6 away from Fox Cities Stadium this season.
BAGELS: Kane County has not scored a run in 22-1/3 innings.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jason Ray was an 8th round pick of the Athletics out of Azusa Pacific in the 2005 draft. Last season, he was 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA and struck out 56 batters over 30 innings pitched over 29-2/3 innings in 20 games for Vancouver in the Northwest League. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers, but he faced Everett, the Mariners Northwest League affiliate, three times as a reliever. In those three games, Ray pitched five scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out ten. In his last start this season, Ray struck out eleven Beloit Snappers and gave up just one run at Pohlman Field on May 11th. But, he walked five and pitched just 4-2/3 innings for a no decision.
Tuesday in the MWL
Wisconsin 4, @Kane County 0 -- First shutout of the season for the Rattler pitchers AND four runs. It is amazing what being able to take batting practice can do for a team.
@Southwest Michigan 1, South Bend 0 -- A typical Devil Ray win this season. Great pitching and squeaking out just enough offense in the bottom of the eighth.
Beloit 11, @Clinton 4 -- A five run sixth inning was the key for the Snappers, apparently.
Fort Wayne 5, @Dayton 3-- Paul Janish and his .398 average get promoted and the Dragons lose. One thing had nothing to do with the other, though.
@Cedar Rapids 7, Quad Cities 2 -- Jordan Renz followed up his ten RBI performance on Monday with an 0-for-3. Good thing the Kernels got some pitching from Stephen Marek.
West Michigan 6, @Peoria 1 -- Burke Badenhop was well rested and tossed a complete game win for the Whitecaps.
@Burlington 4, Lansing 1 -- When the weather doesn't stop them, the Bees are dangerous.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@Southwest Michigan 1, South Bend 0 -- A typical Devil Ray win this season. Great pitching and squeaking out just enough offense in the bottom of the eighth.
Beloit 11, @Clinton 4 -- A five run sixth inning was the key for the Snappers, apparently.
Fort Wayne 5, @Dayton 3-- Paul Janish and his .398 average get promoted and the Dragons lose. One thing had nothing to do with the other, though.
@Cedar Rapids 7, Quad Cities 2 -- Jordan Renz followed up his ten RBI performance on Monday with an 0-for-3. Good thing the Kernels got some pitching from Stephen Marek.
West Michigan 6, @Peoria 1 -- Burke Badenhop was well rested and tossed a complete game win for the Whitecaps.
@Burlington 4, Lansing 1 -- When the weather doesn't stop them, the Bees are dangerous.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
John Castellano, Reading Phillies.
Castellano homered and drove in three runs for the Phillies for an Eastern League win over the Altoona Curve.
Mariner System Report For Games 5/16
Seattle (MAJ: 17-23; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 12-6 at Oakland. The Athletics scored five runs in the bottom of the third inning. Felix Hernandez (WI ’03) gave up ten runs (five earned) over four innings and took the loss. Former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez homered and drove in two runs for the Mariners.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-18; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 7-5 to Albuquerque. Adam Jones (WI ’04) and Hunter Brown (WI ’02) each had a pair of RBI during a five run bottom of the fourth inning. But, the Rainiers could not hold the 5-3 lead. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) allowed seven runs (four earned) and took the loss.
San Antonio (AA – 13-22; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 3-2 to Frisco. The Missions took a 2-0 lead into the top of the ninth inning, but Jon Huber gave up three runs for a blown save. San Antonio managed just four hits on the game.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-17; T-1st California League South Division): The 66ers lost 2-0 at Lake Elsinore. Inland Empire managed five hits in the loss. Cibney Bello (WI ’05) struck out six, but gave up one run on three hits and six walks over four innings to take the loss.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/17
Seattle (Jamie Moyer 1-3) at Oakland (Barry Zito 2-3) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma – Off Day
Corpus Christi (Chance Douglas 2-1) at San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-1) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at Lake Elsinore 8:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 19-18; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 7-5 to Albuquerque. Adam Jones (WI ’04) and Hunter Brown (WI ’02) each had a pair of RBI during a five run bottom of the fourth inning. But, the Rainiers could not hold the 5-3 lead. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) allowed seven runs (four earned) and took the loss.
San Antonio (AA – 13-22; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 3-2 to Frisco. The Missions took a 2-0 lead into the top of the ninth inning, but Jon Huber gave up three runs for a blown save. San Antonio managed just four hits on the game.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-17; T-1st California League South Division): The 66ers lost 2-0 at Lake Elsinore. Inland Empire managed five hits in the loss. Cibney Bello (WI ’05) struck out six, but gave up one run on three hits and six walks over four innings to take the loss.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/17
Seattle (Jamie Moyer 1-3) at Oakland (Barry Zito 2-3) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma – Off Day
Corpus Christi (Chance Douglas 2-1) at San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-1) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at Lake Elsinore 8:05pm CDT
5/16/2006
Tuesday's Game in a Word
Zero, My Hero.
Justin Thomas, Nick Allen, and Joe Woerman combine on the first shutout by the Rattler pitching staff this season in a 4-0 win over the Cougars.
Jairo Hernandez drives in two, Eddy Hernandez and Jeff Dominguez drive in the other two runs and Wisconsin is 10-6 on the road.
Box Score HERE
Game Notes for May 16
ABOUT MONDAY: The Rattlers were swept by the Dayton Dragons in a doubleheader at Fox Cities Stadium. Dayton won game one 7-2 and game two 6-0.
SWEPT AWAY: The last time the Rattlers were swept in a doubleheader was when the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays won both ends of a day-night doubleheader on June 6, 2005. The Devil Rays won game one 12-2 and game two 17-4. The last time the Rattlers lost a pair of seven inning games on the same day was May 2, 2004 at Fort Wayne. The Wizards beat the Rattlers 6-4 and 7-1.
ABOUT THAT SERIES: The Rattlers dropped three of the four games in the series with the Dragons. Dayton scored first in all four games.
ABOUT THAT HOMESTAND: The Rattlers dropped five of the seven games in their just concluded homestand. Wisconsin went 1-2 against the Swing of the Quad Cities before the Dragons came into town. The Rattlers have fallen to 7-15 at Fox Cities Stadium this season.
NOT HOT: Rattler first baseman Bryan Sabatella is hitless in his last fifteen at bats. In his last nine games, he is 1-for-26. Rattler third baseman Ron Garth was 2-for-19 during the recent home stand.
ROSTER MOVE: Catcher Julian Henson has been sent to extended spring training by the Seattle Mariners. Henson was 0-for-5 in three games with the Timber Rattlers. Replacing him on the roster is catcher Curtis Ledbetter.
MEET THE NEW GUY: Ledbetter joins the Timber Rattlers today. The 18th round pick of the Mariners from the 2005 draft was selected out of the University of Nebraska. He hit .319 with 13 homers and 55 RBI for the Cornhuskers and made it to the College World Series last season. In his professional debut, Ledbetter hit .311 with four home runs and 21 RBI for the AZL Mariners. He also appeared in four games for the Inland Empire 66ers and went 1-for-16.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Rattlers are 9-6 away from Fox Cities Stadium this season.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Kane County Cougars are the Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They are 20-17 and in second place in the Western Division. In their most recent series, the Cougars split a four game series with the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field. Last season, the Cougars finished the season 67-75 and missed the MWL playoffs.
VS. KANE COUNTY IN ’05: The Timber Rattlers were 9-3 in twelve games against the Cougars. Wisconsin was 6-2 at Elfstrom Stadium, including a four game sweep of Kane County May 23-26.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 List of Oakland prospects includes five members of the current Cougar roster. Pitchers Vince Mazzaro (#10), Jared Lansford (#12), and Jason Ray (#22) are joined on the list by infielders Justin Sellers (#17) and Jeff Baisley (#30). Craig Italiano, number eight on Oakland’s Top 30 list, is currently on the disabled list. The Cougars have fourteen members of the Oakland 2005 draft class on their current roster, not including Italiano. Lansford (2nd) and Mazzaro (3rd) are the highest of the ’05 draftees. Also from last year’s class are: Sellers (6th), Ray (8th), Trey Shields (9th), John Herrera (10th), Steve Kleen (11th), Baisley (12th), Mike Massaro (13th), Jeff Bieker (15th), Isaac Omura (17th), Anthony Recker (18th), Ron Madej (26th), and TJ Franco (30th).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jeff Gray was a 32nd round pick of the Athletics in 2004 out of Southwest Missouri State University. Last season Gray was 4-2 with a 2.51ERA for the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers, but he has faced the Mariners Northwest League affiliate twice and was 0-1 with an ERA of 7.59. In those two appearances, both starts, Gray pitched a total of 5-2/3 innings allowing five runs on seven hits. In his last start for the Cougars, Gray gave up six runs on six hits in 2-2/3 innings at Lansing on May 10. He walked three, struck out three, and got stuck with the loss.
SWEPT AWAY: The last time the Rattlers were swept in a doubleheader was when the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays won both ends of a day-night doubleheader on June 6, 2005. The Devil Rays won game one 12-2 and game two 17-4. The last time the Rattlers lost a pair of seven inning games on the same day was May 2, 2004 at Fort Wayne. The Wizards beat the Rattlers 6-4 and 7-1.
ABOUT THAT SERIES: The Rattlers dropped three of the four games in the series with the Dragons. Dayton scored first in all four games.
ABOUT THAT HOMESTAND: The Rattlers dropped five of the seven games in their just concluded homestand. Wisconsin went 1-2 against the Swing of the Quad Cities before the Dragons came into town. The Rattlers have fallen to 7-15 at Fox Cities Stadium this season.
NOT HOT: Rattler first baseman Bryan Sabatella is hitless in his last fifteen at bats. In his last nine games, he is 1-for-26. Rattler third baseman Ron Garth was 2-for-19 during the recent home stand.
ROSTER MOVE: Catcher Julian Henson has been sent to extended spring training by the Seattle Mariners. Henson was 0-for-5 in three games with the Timber Rattlers. Replacing him on the roster is catcher Curtis Ledbetter.
MEET THE NEW GUY: Ledbetter joins the Timber Rattlers today. The 18th round pick of the Mariners from the 2005 draft was selected out of the University of Nebraska. He hit .319 with 13 homers and 55 RBI for the Cornhuskers and made it to the College World Series last season. In his professional debut, Ledbetter hit .311 with four home runs and 21 RBI for the AZL Mariners. He also appeared in four games for the Inland Empire 66ers and went 1-for-16.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Rattlers are 9-6 away from Fox Cities Stadium this season.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Kane County Cougars are the Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They are 20-17 and in second place in the Western Division. In their most recent series, the Cougars split a four game series with the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field. Last season, the Cougars finished the season 67-75 and missed the MWL playoffs.
VS. KANE COUNTY IN ’05: The Timber Rattlers were 9-3 in twelve games against the Cougars. Wisconsin was 6-2 at Elfstrom Stadium, including a four game sweep of Kane County May 23-26.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 List of Oakland prospects includes five members of the current Cougar roster. Pitchers Vince Mazzaro (#10), Jared Lansford (#12), and Jason Ray (#22) are joined on the list by infielders Justin Sellers (#17) and Jeff Baisley (#30). Craig Italiano, number eight on Oakland’s Top 30 list, is currently on the disabled list. The Cougars have fourteen members of the Oakland 2005 draft class on their current roster, not including Italiano. Lansford (2nd) and Mazzaro (3rd) are the highest of the ’05 draftees. Also from last year’s class are: Sellers (6th), Ray (8th), Trey Shields (9th), John Herrera (10th), Steve Kleen (11th), Baisley (12th), Mike Massaro (13th), Jeff Bieker (15th), Isaac Omura (17th), Anthony Recker (18th), Ron Madej (26th), and TJ Franco (30th).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jeff Gray was a 32nd round pick of the Athletics in 2004 out of Southwest Missouri State University. Last season Gray was 4-2 with a 2.51ERA for the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers, but he has faced the Mariners Northwest League affiliate twice and was 0-1 with an ERA of 7.59. In those two appearances, both starts, Gray pitched a total of 5-2/3 innings allowing five runs on seven hits. In his last start for the Cougars, Gray gave up six runs on six hits in 2-2/3 innings at Lansing on May 10. He walked three, struck out three, and got stuck with the loss.
Pitching Matchups for Kane County Series
These are the probables for this week at Elfstrom Stadium:
5/16 LHP Justin Thomas (3-3, 2.13) vs. RHP Jeff Gray (2-3, 7.88)
5/17 LHP Paul Fagan (1-3, 5.66) vs. RHP Jason Ray (1-1, 4.40)
5/18 LHP Harold Williams (0-0, 1.82) vs. RHP Trey Shields (2-5, 5.93)
5/19 RHP Ruben Flores (0-2, 5.31) vs. RHP Jared Lansford (2-1, 1.59)
5/16 LHP Justin Thomas (3-3, 2.13) vs. RHP Jeff Gray (2-3, 7.88)
5/17 LHP Paul Fagan (1-3, 5.66) vs. RHP Jason Ray (1-1, 4.40)
5/18 LHP Harold Williams (0-0, 1.82) vs. RHP Trey Shields (2-5, 5.93)
5/19 RHP Ruben Flores (0-2, 5.31) vs. RHP Jared Lansford (2-1, 1.59)
Monday in the MWL
Dragons 7, @Wisconsin 2; Dayton 6, @Wisconsin 0 -- Yech. Meanwhile, Dayton is two games over .500 for the first time since 1849.
Peoria @ South Bend -- Cancelled. Won't be made up. Darn rain.
Quad Cities @ Burlington -- Doubleheader washed out by the weather. Won't be made up.
West Michigan @ Lansing -- Cancelled. Lugnuts take two out of three in the series.
@Beloit 6, Kane County 0 -- Kyle Waldrop with a 9-inning, 4-hit shutout over the Cougars.
@Fort Wayne 5, Southwest Michigan 1 -- Joel Santo outpitched Jake McGee.
@Clinton 18, Cedar Rapids 14 -- Game of the Night! Jordan Renz hits three homers and drove in TEN runs in a losing effort.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Peoria @ South Bend -- Cancelled. Won't be made up. Darn rain.
Quad Cities @ Burlington -- Doubleheader washed out by the weather. Won't be made up.
West Michigan @ Lansing -- Cancelled. Lugnuts take two out of three in the series.
@Beloit 6, Kane County 0 -- Kyle Waldrop with a 9-inning, 4-hit shutout over the Cougars.
@Fort Wayne 5, Southwest Michigan 1 -- Joel Santo outpitched Jake McGee.
@Clinton 18, Cedar Rapids 14 -- Game of the Night! Jordan Renz hits three homers and drove in TEN runs in a losing effort.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Justin Leone, Portland Beavers.The former Rattlers hit a pair of solo home runs to give him ten on the season as Portland beat Round Rock 6-4.
Mariner System Report Games of 5/15
Seattle (MAJ: 17-22; 3rd AL West): Seattle was off Monday.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-17; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 1-0 to Albuquerque. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) gave up one run on seven hits over six innings, but got the loss. The offense managed just four hits off Isotope starter Nic Ungs, who went all nine innings.
San Antonio (AA – 13-21; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 5-3 to Frisco. Brandon Moorhead (WI ’04) took the loss by allowing four runs over 4-1/3 innings for San Antonio. Jon Nelson (WI ’03) homered and drove in a pair of runs for the Missions. John Danks struck out twelve Missions in the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-16; T-1st California League South Division): The 66ers lost 8-7 at Lake Elsinore. Josh Womack (WI ’05), Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05), and Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) all had three hits for Inland Empire. Womack homered for the 66ers. BUt, Lake Elsinore
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE GAMES OF 5/16
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 2-4) at Oakland (Joe Blanton 3-4) 9:05pm CDT
Albuquerque (Jeff Fulchino 2-2) at Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 3-1) 1:35pm CDT
Frisco (Nick Masset 2-2) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 3-2) 11:05am CDT
Inland Empire at Lake Elsinore 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 19-17; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 1-0 to Albuquerque. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) gave up one run on seven hits over six innings, but got the loss. The offense managed just four hits off Isotope starter Nic Ungs, who went all nine innings.
San Antonio (AA – 13-21; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 5-3 to Frisco. Brandon Moorhead (WI ’04) took the loss by allowing four runs over 4-1/3 innings for San Antonio. Jon Nelson (WI ’03) homered and drove in a pair of runs for the Missions. John Danks struck out twelve Missions in the win.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-16; T-1st California League South Division): The 66ers lost 8-7 at Lake Elsinore. Josh Womack (WI ’05), Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05), and Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) all had three hits for Inland Empire. Womack homered for the 66ers. BUt, Lake Elsinore
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE GAMES OF 5/16
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 2-4) at Oakland (Joe Blanton 3-4) 9:05pm CDT
Albuquerque (Jeff Fulchino 2-2) at Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 3-1) 1:35pm CDT
Frisco (Nick Masset 2-2) at San Antonio (Travis Blackley 3-2) 11:05am CDT
Inland Empire at Lake Elsinore 9:05pm CDT
5/15/2006
Today's games in a word
DRAGONS!
That's all I have after a sweep by Dayton today. New series starts tomorrow in the bestest place in the whole, wide world...Kane County.
Game Notes for 5/15
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: The Rattlers split a doubleheader with the Dragons on Saturday night. The Rattlers won game one 9-6 by rallying for six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Dayton won game two 6-0 in five innings on Johnny Cueto’s no-hitter.
A LITTLE HISTORY: Cueto struck out eight and walked two for the first no-no in the Midwest League this season. He retired the first nine batters he faced before issuing a walk. The no-hitter was the first pitched by a Dragon and it was also the first time the Timber Rattlers have been no-hit at Fox Cities Stadium.
LAST TIME IT HAPPENED: The Rattlers got no hit by the Burlington Bees at Community Field by Dustin Hughes and Jake Mullis on April 12, 2004.
GAME ONE RALLY: The Rattlers fell behind 4-0 after the top of the first inning, and then scored three times in the bottom of the first. Dayton scored twice in the top of the fifth for a 6-3 lead. JB Tucker doubled in two run to cut the lead to one. He scored the tying run on a fielding error.
BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK: Wisconsin capped their game one rally with three straight RBI singles by Jairo Hernandez, Robby Hudson, and Jeff Dominguez.
BREAKING THE 0-FER: Hernandez had a pair of hits in his final two at bats of the first game of the doubleheader. The first hit broke a streak of 0-for-16.
THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS: The Rattlers have been rained out three times on this homestand and four times total this season. The Rattlers were rained out just once at Fox Cities Stadium in 2005. The record for the most home rainouts in a season for the Timber Rattlers is nine in 2003.
HEADING OUT WEST: This series marks the final home games against the Eastern Division for the Rattlers in the first half. After today, the Rattlers will have 28 straight games against teams in the Western Division. That streak is broken with a four game series at Lansing on the final road trip of the first half.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER GAME ONE: Travis Wood was the second round pick of the Reds in the 2005 draft out of Alexander (AR) High School. Last season, he made eight appearances (seven starts) for the Gulf Coast League Reds with a 0-0 record, an ERA of 0.75, and 45 strikeouts in 24 innings. Then, he was promoted to Billings of the Pioneer League where he was 2-0 in six appearances (four starts) with a 1.82 ERA. In his last start, Wood gave up three runs on four hits in five innings with five strikeouts against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 10. On April 11, Wood struck out ten Lansing Lugnuts over five shutout innings. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER GAME TWO: Jeff Stevens was a 6th round pick of the Reds in the 2005 draft out of Loyola Marymount University. Stevens was 7-7 with a 4.01ERA for the Lions before being drafted. He would go 4-4 and an ERA of 2.98 in thirteen games (eight starts) for Billings in the Pioneer League. In his last start for the Dragons, Stevens took the loss against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 11. He allowed three runs on six hits over 5-1/3 innings with one walk and seven strikeouts. This is his first appearance against the Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
A LITTLE HISTORY: Cueto struck out eight and walked two for the first no-no in the Midwest League this season. He retired the first nine batters he faced before issuing a walk. The no-hitter was the first pitched by a Dragon and it was also the first time the Timber Rattlers have been no-hit at Fox Cities Stadium.
LAST TIME IT HAPPENED: The Rattlers got no hit by the Burlington Bees at Community Field by Dustin Hughes and Jake Mullis on April 12, 2004.
GAME ONE RALLY: The Rattlers fell behind 4-0 after the top of the first inning, and then scored three times in the bottom of the first. Dayton scored twice in the top of the fifth for a 6-3 lead. JB Tucker doubled in two run to cut the lead to one. He scored the tying run on a fielding error.
BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK: Wisconsin capped their game one rally with three straight RBI singles by Jairo Hernandez, Robby Hudson, and Jeff Dominguez.
BREAKING THE 0-FER: Hernandez had a pair of hits in his final two at bats of the first game of the doubleheader. The first hit broke a streak of 0-for-16.
THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS: The Rattlers have been rained out three times on this homestand and four times total this season. The Rattlers were rained out just once at Fox Cities Stadium in 2005. The record for the most home rainouts in a season for the Timber Rattlers is nine in 2003.
HEADING OUT WEST: This series marks the final home games against the Eastern Division for the Rattlers in the first half. After today, the Rattlers will have 28 straight games against teams in the Western Division. That streak is broken with a four game series at Lansing on the final road trip of the first half.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER GAME ONE: Travis Wood was the second round pick of the Reds in the 2005 draft out of Alexander (AR) High School. Last season, he made eight appearances (seven starts) for the Gulf Coast League Reds with a 0-0 record, an ERA of 0.75, and 45 strikeouts in 24 innings. Then, he was promoted to Billings of the Pioneer League where he was 2-0 in six appearances (four starts) with a 1.82 ERA. In his last start, Wood gave up three runs on four hits in five innings with five strikeouts against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 10. On April 11, Wood struck out ten Lansing Lugnuts over five shutout innings. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER GAME TWO: Jeff Stevens was a 6th round pick of the Reds in the 2005 draft out of Loyola Marymount University. Stevens was 7-7 with a 4.01ERA for the Lions before being drafted. He would go 4-4 and an ERA of 2.98 in thirteen games (eight starts) for Billings in the Pioneer League. In his last start for the Dragons, Stevens took the loss against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 11. He allowed three runs on six hits over 5-1/3 innings with one walk and seven strikeouts. This is his first appearance against the Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
Sunday in the MWL
Dayton @ Wisconsin (PPD) -- If anybody has an image of "Double Header" from Warner Bros. The Great Piggy Bank Robbery starring Daffy Duck, please send it to me.
Cedar Rapids 2, @ Clinton 1 -- Nick Adenhart is 6-0 for the Kernels.
Kane County 4, @Beloit 0; @Beloit 3, Kane County 2 -- Johnny Cueto is joined in the no-hit club by Jared Lansford of the Cougars in game one. Snappers get a split with a win in game two.
Peoria 5, @South Bend 1; -- Routine win for the Chiefs.
Southwest Michigan 3, @Fort Wayne 0 -- Mike Wlodarczyk has more letters in his name than earned runs allowed this season. He also struck out ten yesterday to match his letter total.
@Lansing 3, West Michigan 1 -- Lugnuts win despite being outhit and they are back in first place. Could they get a magic number, please?
Quad Cities @ Burlington (PPD) -- It seems like everytime the Rattlers get rained out so do the Bees.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Cedar Rapids 2, @ Clinton 1 -- Nick Adenhart is 6-0 for the Kernels.
Kane County 4, @Beloit 0; @Beloit 3, Kane County 2 -- Johnny Cueto is joined in the no-hit club by Jared Lansford of the Cougars in game one. Snappers get a split with a win in game two.
Peoria 5, @South Bend 1; -- Routine win for the Chiefs.
Southwest Michigan 3, @Fort Wayne 0 -- Mike Wlodarczyk has more letters in his name than earned runs allowed this season. He also struck out ten yesterday to match his letter total.
@Lansing 3, West Michigan 1 -- Lugnuts win despite being outhit and they are back in first place. Could they get a magic number, please?
Quad Cities @ Burlington (PPD) -- It seems like everytime the Rattlers get rained out so do the Bees.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Emiliano Fruto, Seattle Mariners.
He made it easy with a 3-2/3 inning save in his major league debut. Fruto is the third player off a pretty bad Rattler squad in 2002 to reach Seattle. The others were Greg Dobbs and Shin-soo Choo.
No matter what Fruto does in the majors, I will always remember him for one of the most amazing pitching performances I have ever seen.
The day was August 3rd, 2002. The opponents that day at Fox Cities Stadium were the Fort Wayne Wizards. Fruto pitched 8-1/3 innings gave up eleven hits, struck out eleven, and allowed just one run in a Rattler victory.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/14)
Seattle (MAJ: 17-22; 3rd AL West): The Mariners beat the Angels 9-4. Gil Meche (WI ’98) gave up four runs and struck out five in 5-1/3 innings for the win. Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) got the save with 3-2/3 innings of one-hit shutout relief in his major league debut. The offense had four home runs, including one by former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-16; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers lost 3-0 at home to Albuquerque. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) had a hit in two trips to the plate in his Triple-A debut.
San Antonio (AA – 13-20; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions won their second straight with a 5-4 victory over Frisco. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up four runs (three earned) on ten hits over 5-1/3 innings for his first Texas League win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) hit a home run and drove in two runs.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-15; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire held off Stockton 10-9. The 66ers held a 9-3 lead. before the Ports made their late charge. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) had a pair of RBI. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) and Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) each had a pair of hits. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05) got the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/15
Seattle – Off Day
Albuquerque (Nick Ungs 4-2) at Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-2) 8:05pm CDT
Frisco (John Danks 2-4) at San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-2) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at Lake Elsinore 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 19-16; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers lost 3-0 at home to Albuquerque. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03) had a hit in two trips to the plate in his Triple-A debut.
San Antonio (AA – 13-20; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions won their second straight with a 5-4 victory over Frisco. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up four runs (three earned) on ten hits over 5-1/3 innings for his first Texas League win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) hit a home run and drove in two runs.
Inland Empire (High-A – 21-15; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire held off Stockton 10-9. The 66ers held a 9-3 lead. before the Ports made their late charge. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) had a pair of RBI. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) and Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) each had a pair of hits. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05) got the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/15
Seattle – Off Day
Albuquerque (Nick Ungs 4-2) at Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-2) 8:05pm CDT
Frisco (John Danks 2-4) at San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-2) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at Lake Elsinore 9:05pm CDT
Roster Move
The following player has been added to the Timber Rattler roster:
But seriously, it has stopped raining. In fact, a there was this big ball of light in the sky this morning. I wasn't sure what it was until I went to wikipedia. Apparently, it is called the Sun.
Regular morning programming will continue after another tarp pull.
But seriously, it has stopped raining. In fact, a there was this big ball of light in the sky this morning. I wasn't sure what it was until I went to wikipedia. Apparently, it is called the Sun.
Regular morning programming will continue after another tarp pull.
5/14/2006
Sunday Reading
If you have gone down the sidebar and seen "Other Places I've Worked" you would notcie the Duluth-Superior Dukes. Yes, I spent time in the independent leagues. Great times. The St. Paul Saints were the kings of the Northern League and they had different ideas and wacky promotions to get publicity and draw fans to the ballpark.
If I am remembering correctly, one of those promotions was somehting like "Two Fat, Dead Guy" Night. The Saints happened to be home on the anniversary of the death of Elvis and Babe Ruth.
During my time in Duluth, one of the radio announcers for the Saints was Jim Lucas. His on-air partner, Don Wardlow, was blind. Both moved on in the ranks. Don has retired from broadcasting, I think, and Jim has taken over as president of the Brockton Rox of the Can-Am League.
Why do I bring this up today in the Sunday Reading post? Jim has learned well from his days in St. Paul. In 2004, Brockton had the idea after the Red Sox lost Game Seven of the 2003 ALCS to the Yankees for a Grady Little bobble-arm promotion. Remember, Little stuck with Pedro Martinez a bit too long in that game.
Well, in 2006 they Rox are off to a flying start trying to build some publicity. They have offered a contract to Roger Clemens. They have challenged the Kansas City Royals, betting that they will win more games than the Royals will this season. The Rox play just a 92 game schedule. The Rox will put up $500 to go to the KC YMCA, but they are asking the Royals to put up $5,000 for the Brockton YMCA Challenger Division of Little League. Read the story for the response from the Royals. Putting it here out of context does it no justice.
Over at RattlersReport.com, Brett gets clubhouse response to Matt Rico's 100 game suspension for testing positive for a "drug of abuse".
If your are Tom Hardricourt, it is not too early to be looking at the Brewers draft possibilities at #16 this year. Also, this Pujols guy in St. Louis, he is off to a prettygood start.
The Admirals swept Houston in the AHL second round series. Now they wait for the winner of Manitoba and Grand Rapids.
So, you own an NBA team. You move it from a basketball crazy area to a place that lost an NBA franchise a long time ago. The new market suffers a natural disaster that forces you to play games in a place that hasn't had a Major League team ever -- unless you count the Oklahoma Outlaws of the USFL. Thing are going well in the new place so what do you do? Why threaten the city that suffered through Katrina that you are going to move if you don't get a new arena. The MightyMJD reacts to a post on The Sports Frog about Hornet owner George Shinn. Careful. Language warning.
If I am remembering correctly, one of those promotions was somehting like "Two Fat, Dead Guy" Night. The Saints happened to be home on the anniversary of the death of Elvis and Babe Ruth.
During my time in Duluth, one of the radio announcers for the Saints was Jim Lucas. His on-air partner, Don Wardlow, was blind. Both moved on in the ranks. Don has retired from broadcasting, I think, and Jim has taken over as president of the Brockton Rox of the Can-Am League.
Why do I bring this up today in the Sunday Reading post? Jim has learned well from his days in St. Paul. In 2004, Brockton had the idea after the Red Sox lost Game Seven of the 2003 ALCS to the Yankees for a Grady Little bobble-arm promotion. Remember, Little stuck with Pedro Martinez a bit too long in that game.
Well, in 2006 they Rox are off to a flying start trying to build some publicity. They have offered a contract to Roger Clemens. They have challenged the Kansas City Royals, betting that they will win more games than the Royals will this season. The Rox play just a 92 game schedule. The Rox will put up $500 to go to the KC YMCA, but they are asking the Royals to put up $5,000 for the Brockton YMCA Challenger Division of Little League. Read the story for the response from the Royals. Putting it here out of context does it no justice.
Over at RattlersReport.com, Brett gets clubhouse response to Matt Rico's 100 game suspension for testing positive for a "drug of abuse".
If your are Tom Hardricourt, it is not too early to be looking at the Brewers draft possibilities at #16 this year. Also, this Pujols guy in St. Louis, he is off to a prettygood start.
The Admirals swept Houston in the AHL second round series. Now they wait for the winner of Manitoba and Grand Rapids.
So, you own an NBA team. You move it from a basketball crazy area to a place that lost an NBA franchise a long time ago. The new market suffers a natural disaster that forces you to play games in a place that hasn't had a Major League team ever -- unless you count the Oklahoma Outlaws of the USFL. Thing are going well in the new place so what do you do? Why threaten the city that suffered through Katrina that you are going to move if you don't get a new arena. The MightyMJD reacts to a post on The Sports Frog about Hornet owner George Shinn. Careful. Language warning.
Saturday in the MWL
@Wisconsin 9, Dayton 6; Dayton 6, @Wisconsin 0 (5 innings)-- Which game got more play? The Rattlers rally for six runs in the bottom of the fifth in game one? Or, maybe the five inning no-hitter with eight strikeouts by Johnny Cueto? You would be right.
Peoria 4, @South Bend 2; @south Bend 7, Peoria 3 -- Splitsville in South Bend.
@Burlington 2, Quad Cities 1 (10 innings); @Burlington 2, Quad Cities 0 -- Bees score four runs in a doubleheader and sweep the Swing. Local boy Jeremy Jirschele drove in the winning run in the first game. Randy Roth's hitting streak ended at 19 games with an 0-fer in the first game.
@Lansing 5, West Michigan 3; West Michigan 8, @Lansing 4 -- Nothing solved in the doubleheader between the top two teams in the East.
@Clinton 5, Cedar Rapids 2 -- Four hits for the Kernels -- two of them home runs. Not nearly enough against the L-Kings. If the Kernels keep losing to Clinton, the LumberKings won't be so "lowly".
@Fort Wayne 4, Southwest Michigan 0 -- The Wizards apparently are +2 on all rolls against bats of power and their cloak of transformation gives their pitchers an extra spell two levels above their own.
Kane County @ Beloit (PPD) -- No game in Pohlman Field. A chance for tempers to cool a bit.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Peoria 4, @South Bend 2; @south Bend 7, Peoria 3 -- Splitsville in South Bend.
@Burlington 2, Quad Cities 1 (10 innings); @Burlington 2, Quad Cities 0 -- Bees score four runs in a doubleheader and sweep the Swing. Local boy Jeremy Jirschele drove in the winning run in the first game. Randy Roth's hitting streak ended at 19 games with an 0-fer in the first game.
@Lansing 5, West Michigan 3; West Michigan 8, @Lansing 4 -- Nothing solved in the doubleheader between the top two teams in the East.
@Clinton 5, Cedar Rapids 2 -- Four hits for the Kernels -- two of them home runs. Not nearly enough against the L-Kings. If the Kernels keep losing to Clinton, the LumberKings won't be so "lowly".
@Fort Wayne 4, Southwest Michigan 0 -- The Wizards apparently are +2 on all rolls against bats of power and their cloak of transformation gives their pitchers an extra spell two levels above their own.
Kane County @ Beloit (PPD) -- No game in Pohlman Field. A chance for tempers to cool a bit.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Jason Mackintosh, San Antonio.
Nice outing to help snap San Antonio's five game losing streak.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/13)
Seattle (MAJ: 16-22; 4th AL West): The Mariners beat the Angels 5-4 in thirteen innings. Richie Sexson homered in the top of the thirteenth for the winning run. JJ Putz (WI ’00) and Rafael Soriano (WI ’00) each did scoreless work out of the bullpen for Seattle.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-15; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers lost 5-4 at home to Albuquerque. The Rainiers trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning and scored three times to get close, but could not push the tying or winning run home. Rob Johnson (WI ’05), Adam Jones (WI ’04), TJ Bohn (WI ’03), and Chris Snelling (WI ’00) each had two hits for Tacoma.
San Antonio (AA – 12-20; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions snapped a five game losing streak with a 6-3 win over Frisco. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) allowed one run on five hits over six innings for his second win. Brian Schweiger (WI ’06) had a pair of hits and drove in two runs for the Missions.
Inland Empire (High-A – 20-15; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire dropped Stockton 9-8. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) had three RBI and Omar Falcon (WI ’05) chipped in with two more for the 66ers. Justin Jordan (WI ’05) gave up five runs (four earned) over five innings for the win. Stockton staged a late rally, but fell short.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/14
Seattle (Gil Meche 2-2) at Los Angeles Angels (Jeff Weaver 1-5) 2:35pm CDT
Albuquerque (Buddy Carlyle 2-1) at Tacoma (Kevin Appier 1-1) 3:35pm CDT
Frisco (Andrew Walker 2-1) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 0-3) 4:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Ivan Blanco 3-1) at Stockton (Michael Madsen 1-1) 3:05pm CDT
Edit to get the correct dates on the post.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-15; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers lost 5-4 at home to Albuquerque. The Rainiers trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning and scored three times to get close, but could not push the tying or winning run home. Rob Johnson (WI ’05), Adam Jones (WI ’04), TJ Bohn (WI ’03), and Chris Snelling (WI ’00) each had two hits for Tacoma.
San Antonio (AA – 12-20; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions snapped a five game losing streak with a 6-3 win over Frisco. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) allowed one run on five hits over six innings for his second win. Brian Schweiger (WI ’06) had a pair of hits and drove in two runs for the Missions.
Inland Empire (High-A – 20-15; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire dropped Stockton 9-8. Mike Wilson (WI ’05) had three RBI and Omar Falcon (WI ’05) chipped in with two more for the 66ers. Justin Jordan (WI ’05) gave up five runs (four earned) over five innings for the win. Stockton staged a late rally, but fell short.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/14
Seattle (Gil Meche 2-2) at Los Angeles Angels (Jeff Weaver 1-5) 2:35pm CDT
Albuquerque (Buddy Carlyle 2-1) at Tacoma (Kevin Appier 1-1) 3:35pm CDT
Frisco (Andrew Walker 2-1) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 0-3) 4:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Ivan Blanco 3-1) at Stockton (Michael Madsen 1-1) 3:05pm CDT
Edit to get the correct dates on the post.
No, Seriously! Knock it off!
Today's game between the Rattlers and the Dragons has been postponed. The teams will play a pair of 7-inning games on Monday. Game one begins at 11:35am. Game two will follow the completion of game one by thirty minutes.The Rattlers have been home for eight days on this homestand and they have got to work on the field just one day.
I am cold, wet, tired, and smell like a mixture of tarp, mud, and grass clippings. Multiply that feeling by fourteen other people in the front office and you have what it is like around Fox Cities Stadium this week.
So, you want to get into minor league baseball, huh?
5/13/2006
Tonight's Games in a Word
Game One: RALLY!
Down 4-0 and 6-3, the Rattlers score six times in the fifth for a 9-6 win. Box Score HERE.
Game Two: No!
Johnny Cueto tosses a 5-inning no-hitter with eight strikeouts. I don't know if the Rattlers would have gotten a hit with four more at bats, but they sure didn't come close to a hit in game two. Box Score HERE.
Down 4-0 and 6-3, the Rattlers score six times in the fifth for a 9-6 win. Box Score HERE.
Game Two: No!
Johnny Cueto tosses a 5-inning no-hitter with eight strikeouts. I don't know if the Rattlers would have gotten a hit with four more at bats, but they sure didn't come close to a hit in game two. Box Score HERE.
Late Addition
The Rattlers have made a roster move today.
Added to the pitching staff is lefty David Asher, a 2005 8th round pick out of Florida International.
Asher started the season at extended spring training. Then, he joined Tacoma for three games. He was 0-0 with a 5.79 ERA for the Rainiers and last appeared in a game on May 9. He may get into one of the games today.
Last season with Everett, he was 1-5 with three saves and an ERA of 4.79 in eighteen relief appearances.
Asher becomes the twelfth pitcher on the staff and takes the spot of Marwin Vega on the roster.
Added to the pitching staff is lefty David Asher, a 2005 8th round pick out of Florida International.
Asher started the season at extended spring training. Then, he joined Tacoma for three games. He was 0-0 with a 5.79 ERA for the Rainiers and last appeared in a game on May 9. He may get into one of the games today.
Last season with Everett, he was 1-5 with three saves and an ERA of 4.79 in eighteen relief appearances.
Asher becomes the twelfth pitcher on the staff and takes the spot of Marwin Vega on the roster.
Game Notes for 5/14
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: The Rattlers lost to the Swing of the Quad Cities 6-2 on Wednesday at Fox Cities Stadium. Wisconsin starting pitcher Paul Fagan gave up three runs on six hits, but the Rattler offense scraped out two runs on five hits. Then, the Swing scored three runs in the ninth to put the game away.
RAINED OUT: Thursday’s rainout will be made up as part of a doubleheader at John O’Donnell Stadium in Quad Cities during the series between the Rattlers and the Swing June 15-18. The exact date has not been determined.
RAINY DAYS: The Rattlers have not been rained out two straight days since the first five games of the 2003 season were lost to weather. An entire four game series with the Beloit Snappers was lost to ice and snow April 3-6. The first game of a series with the Clinton LumberKings was rained out on April 9.
GOOD RIDDANCE: Randy Roth left Fox Cities Stadium with a nineteen game hitting streak. He hit a pair of home runs, knocked in three runs, and scored three.
NICE TO SEE YOU, BUT GET OUT: Former Timber Rattler closer Brian Stitt picked up the save in both Quad Cities wins in the series. He pitched 2-2/3 innings and gave up a run on a hit with a strikeout.
SEASON HIGH: Fagan struck out a season high six batters in the game against the Swing.
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: Wisconsin went 1-2 in their series against Quad Cities. The Rattlers are 6-12 at home in 2006. The Rattlers have been outscored 79-58 and outhit 155-108 in their eighteen home games. In comparison, the Rattlers have outscored opponents 95-80 and outhit them 153-129 in fifteen road games this season.
HEADING OUT WEST: This series marks the final home games against the Eastern Division for the Rattlers in the first half. After Sunday, the Rattlers will have 28 straight games against teams in the Western Division. That streak is broken with a four game series at Lansing on the final road trip of the first half.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They are 17-17 and in fifth place in the Eastern Division. In their most recent series, the Dragons spilt four games at home with the Cedar Rapids Kernels. On May 4th of this season, the Dragons had a record of 14-13 to put them over the .500 mark for the first time since mid-may of the 2003 season. The Dragons, who finished 2005 with a record of 60-79, are managed by Billy Gardner, Jr. in 2006.
VS. DAYTON IN ’05: Wisconsin was 2-5 against the Dragons last season. The Rattlers were 1-3 at Fox Cities Stadium and 1-2 at Fifth Third Field. One game in Dayton was lost to weather and not made up on the schedule.
BAD HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers lead the all-time series with the Dragons 24-22. But, at Fox Cities Stadium, the Dragons are 15-8 since they entered the league in 2000.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 List of Red Prospects includes six current Dragons. Dayton has prospects 2, 3, & 4 in outfielder Jay Bruce, pitcher Travis Wood, and outfielder BJ Szymanski. Bruce was the first round pick of the Reds (12th overall) last year. Wood was their 2nd round pick, and Szymanski was a 2nd rounder in 2004. Also on the list are pitcher Zach Ward (#13), shortstop Paul Janish (#14), and pitcher Philippe Valiquette (#20).
LEAGUE LEADER: Janish is currently leading the MWL in hitting with a .396 batting average. He is 38-for-96 in 25 games this season.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER (GM 1): Philippe Valiquette will start game one. He was a 7th round pick in 2004 out of a Montreal, Quebec, Canada High School. He went 2-5 with an ERA over six in nineteen games (sixteen starts) for the Dragons and 2-1 in seven games (three starts) for Billings in the Pioneer League last season. Valiquette had a no decision against the Rattlers in a May 6 start against the Rattlers in 2005. He went four innings and gave up four runs on five hits. In his last start, Valiquette lost at Clinton. He lasted just two innings and gave up six runs on six hits.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER (GM 2): Johnny Cueto is the scheduled starter for game two. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. Last season, he spent most of his time with the Gulf Coast League Reds, although he did make two appearances for the Sarasota Reds of the Florida State League. In the GCL Cueto, was 2-2 in thirteen games (six starts) with a 5.02 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 43 innings. I his last start for the Dragons, Cueto went three innings and allowed four runs on six hits with four strikeouts for a no decision against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 8. This is Cueto’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
RE/MAX HOME RUNS: RE/MAX Valley Realtors will donate $25 to the Children’s Miracle Network for every Rattler home run in the regular season. The total for 2006 is $325.
RAINED OUT: Thursday’s rainout will be made up as part of a doubleheader at John O’Donnell Stadium in Quad Cities during the series between the Rattlers and the Swing June 15-18. The exact date has not been determined.
RAINY DAYS: The Rattlers have not been rained out two straight days since the first five games of the 2003 season were lost to weather. An entire four game series with the Beloit Snappers was lost to ice and snow April 3-6. The first game of a series with the Clinton LumberKings was rained out on April 9.
GOOD RIDDANCE: Randy Roth left Fox Cities Stadium with a nineteen game hitting streak. He hit a pair of home runs, knocked in three runs, and scored three.
NICE TO SEE YOU, BUT GET OUT: Former Timber Rattler closer Brian Stitt picked up the save in both Quad Cities wins in the series. He pitched 2-2/3 innings and gave up a run on a hit with a strikeout.
SEASON HIGH: Fagan struck out a season high six batters in the game against the Swing.
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: Wisconsin went 1-2 in their series against Quad Cities. The Rattlers are 6-12 at home in 2006. The Rattlers have been outscored 79-58 and outhit 155-108 in their eighteen home games. In comparison, the Rattlers have outscored opponents 95-80 and outhit them 153-129 in fifteen road games this season.
HEADING OUT WEST: This series marks the final home games against the Eastern Division for the Rattlers in the first half. After Sunday, the Rattlers will have 28 straight games against teams in the Western Division. That streak is broken with a four game series at Lansing on the final road trip of the first half.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They are 17-17 and in fifth place in the Eastern Division. In their most recent series, the Dragons spilt four games at home with the Cedar Rapids Kernels. On May 4th of this season, the Dragons had a record of 14-13 to put them over the .500 mark for the first time since mid-may of the 2003 season. The Dragons, who finished 2005 with a record of 60-79, are managed by Billy Gardner, Jr. in 2006.
VS. DAYTON IN ’05: Wisconsin was 2-5 against the Dragons last season. The Rattlers were 1-3 at Fox Cities Stadium and 1-2 at Fifth Third Field. One game in Dayton was lost to weather and not made up on the schedule.
BAD HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers lead the all-time series with the Dragons 24-22. But, at Fox Cities Stadium, the Dragons are 15-8 since they entered the league in 2000.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 List of Red Prospects includes six current Dragons. Dayton has prospects 2, 3, & 4 in outfielder Jay Bruce, pitcher Travis Wood, and outfielder BJ Szymanski. Bruce was the first round pick of the Reds (12th overall) last year. Wood was their 2nd round pick, and Szymanski was a 2nd rounder in 2004. Also on the list are pitcher Zach Ward (#13), shortstop Paul Janish (#14), and pitcher Philippe Valiquette (#20).
LEAGUE LEADER: Janish is currently leading the MWL in hitting with a .396 batting average. He is 38-for-96 in 25 games this season.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER (GM 1): Philippe Valiquette will start game one. He was a 7th round pick in 2004 out of a Montreal, Quebec, Canada High School. He went 2-5 with an ERA over six in nineteen games (sixteen starts) for the Dragons and 2-1 in seven games (three starts) for Billings in the Pioneer League last season. Valiquette had a no decision against the Rattlers in a May 6 start against the Rattlers in 2005. He went four innings and gave up four runs on five hits. In his last start, Valiquette lost at Clinton. He lasted just two innings and gave up six runs on six hits.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER (GM 2): Johnny Cueto is the scheduled starter for game two. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. Last season, he spent most of his time with the Gulf Coast League Reds, although he did make two appearances for the Sarasota Reds of the Florida State League. In the GCL Cueto, was 2-2 in thirteen games (six starts) with a 5.02 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 43 innings. I his last start for the Dragons, Cueto went three innings and allowed four runs on six hits with four strikeouts for a no decision against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 8. This is Cueto’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
RE/MAX HOME RUNS: RE/MAX Valley Realtors will donate $25 to the Children’s Miracle Network for every Rattler home run in the regular season. The total for 2006 is $325.
Friday Night in the MWL
Dayton @ Wisconsin (PPD) -- Let's Play Two Tonight!
@Fort Wayne 3, Southwest Michigan 2 -- Numerology and a game-winning home run. Great fun in FW!
@Clinton 8, Cedar Rapids 7 -- Sometimes that six-run fifth inning isn't enough, CR. Especially when you are going against a relative of Dickie Thon.
Kane County 8, @Beloit 1 -- Ever hear of a bench clearing brawl starting with a right fielder and a reliever in the bullpen after a hitbatsman? Well, you have now!
Peoria @ South Bend (PPD) -- See Rattler entry above.
West Michigan @ Lansing (PPD) -- See above entry.
Quad Cities @ Burlington (PPD) -- Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@Fort Wayne 3, Southwest Michigan 2 -- Numerology and a game-winning home run. Great fun in FW!
@Clinton 8, Cedar Rapids 7 -- Sometimes that six-run fifth inning isn't enough, CR. Especially when you are going against a relative of Dickie Thon.
Kane County 8, @Beloit 1 -- Ever hear of a bench clearing brawl starting with a right fielder and a reliever in the bullpen after a hitbatsman? Well, you have now!
Peoria @ South Bend (PPD) -- See Rattler entry above.
West Michigan @ Lansing (PPD) -- See above entry.
Quad Cities @ Burlington (PPD) -- Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Friday Night in the MWL
Dayton @ Wisconsin (PPD) -- Let's Play Two Tonight!
@Fort Wayne 3, Southwest Michigan 2 -- Numerology and a game-winning home run. Great fun in FW!
@Clinton 8, Cedar Rapids 7 -- Sometimes that six-run fifth inning isn't enough, CR. Especially when you are going against a relative of Dickie Thon.
Kane County 8, @Beloit 1 -- Ever hear of a bench clearing brawl starting with a right fielder and a reliever in the bullpen after a hitbatsman? Well, you have now!
Peoria @ South Bend (PPD) -- See Rattler entry above.
West Michigan @ Lansing (PPD) -- See above entry.
Quad Cities @ Burlington (PPD) -- Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@Fort Wayne 3, Southwest Michigan 2 -- Numerology and a game-winning home run. Great fun in FW!
@Clinton 8, Cedar Rapids 7 -- Sometimes that six-run fifth inning isn't enough, CR. Especially when you are going against a relative of Dickie Thon.
Kane County 8, @Beloit 1 -- Ever hear of a bench clearing brawl starting with a right fielder and a reliever in the bullpen after a hitbatsman? Well, you have now!
Peoria @ South Bend (PPD) -- See Rattler entry above.
West Michigan @ Lansing (PPD) -- See above entry.
Quad Cities @ Burlington (PPD) -- Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Mumba Rivera, Inland Empire. He has put together a nice season. Last night with his scoreless work out of the bullpen, he won his third game in a row & the 66ers are in a three-way tie for first place.
Clint Nageotte had a good night for the Rainiers, but I have to go with Rivera from last night.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Mumba Rivera, Inland Empire. He has put together a nice season. Last night with his scoreless work out of the bullpen, he won his third game in a row & the 66ers are in a three-way tie for first place.
Clint Nageotte had a good night for the Rainiers, but I have to go with Rivera from last night.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/12)
Seattle (MAJ: 15-22; 4th AL West): The Mariners were beaten 12-7 by the Angels last night. Joel Pineiro (WI ’98) gave up six runs on six hits in three innings. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) gave up six runs on three hits and three walks in just 1/3 of an inning. Adrian Beltre and Jeremy Reed both homered for the Mariners.
Tacoma (AAA – 19-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Round Rock 8-2. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up two runs on three hits over seven innings and struck out six to help the Rainiers to their third straight win. Rich Dorman (WI ’03) pitched in with four strikeouts over two scoreless, hitless innings. The Rainier offense banged out a five run fifth inning to put the game away.
San Antonio (AA – 11-20; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 6-3 to Frisco at home. San Antonio tied the game 3-3 with a three run bottom of the seventh. Jon Nelson (WI ’03) had a two-run single during the rally. But, Frisco scored three times in the top of the eighth for the win. Brian Schweiger (WI '06) made his first start at AA this season and there is Jeff Clement (WI '05) injury news at this roundup.
Inland Empire (High-A – 19-15; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Stockton 6-1. Reed Eastley drove in three runs for the offense. Mumba Rivera (WI ’05) worked 3-2/3 innings out of the bullpen without allowing a run and striking out three for his third win of the season. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) and Mike Hrynio (WI ’04) each pitched scoreless stints out of the bullpen for Inland Empire.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/13
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-5) at Los Angeles Angels (John Lackey 3-3) 9:05pm CDT
Albuquerque (Yusmeiro Petit 2-3) at Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-3) 6:05pm CDT
Frisco (Armando Galarraga 0-5) at San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 1-0) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Justin Jordan 1-2) at Stockton (Scot Drucker 3-2) 8:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 19-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Round Rock 8-2. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up two runs on three hits over seven innings and struck out six to help the Rainiers to their third straight win. Rich Dorman (WI ’03) pitched in with four strikeouts over two scoreless, hitless innings. The Rainier offense banged out a five run fifth inning to put the game away.
San Antonio (AA – 11-20; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 6-3 to Frisco at home. San Antonio tied the game 3-3 with a three run bottom of the seventh. Jon Nelson (WI ’03) had a two-run single during the rally. But, Frisco scored three times in the top of the eighth for the win. Brian Schweiger (WI '06) made his first start at AA this season and there is Jeff Clement (WI '05) injury news at this roundup.
Inland Empire (High-A – 19-15; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat Stockton 6-1. Reed Eastley drove in three runs for the offense. Mumba Rivera (WI ’05) worked 3-2/3 innings out of the bullpen without allowing a run and striking out three for his third win of the season. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) and Mike Hrynio (WI ’04) each pitched scoreless stints out of the bullpen for Inland Empire.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 5/13
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-5) at Los Angeles Angels (John Lackey 3-3) 9:05pm CDT
Albuquerque (Yusmeiro Petit 2-3) at Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-3) 6:05pm CDT
Frisco (Armando Galarraga 0-5) at San Antonio (Jason Mackintosh 1-0) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire (Justin Jordan 1-2) at Stockton (Scot Drucker 3-2) 8:05pm CDT
5/12/2006
Okay, this is getting ridiculous
Wasn't there a series of strips where Charlie Brown floated away on the mound during a heavy downpour?No game against the Dragons tonight. It has been called because this STUPID rain won't stop!
The plan is for two 7-inning games tomorrow. Game one starts at 5:05pmCDT. Game two will follow...We hope.
Updated pitching matchups when I have them.
Stay dry everybody and enjoy the 1970 World Series (The Brooks Robinson Show) between:
Every time I think I'm out...
I get pulled back in.
The 1984 NLCS was a very painful time in my life. Being the only Cub fan in my high school was difficult for me.
Growing up, everyone loved pointing out how big a bunch of losers the Cubs were and that they would never, ever make the World Series.
1984 was different though. From Sandburg magical game against the Cardinals during the summer to Suttcliffe's run to a near perfect record in the National League, everything was going their way and by extension mine.
They clinched against the Pirates and I remember watching the game on the TV in my parents room because that was the only TV in the house that could pick up WGN's signal clearly. (Hey, it was before we had cable).
The next day I walked into school with my Cubs Win! T-shirt on and some people congratulated me. Most said that the Cubs were only setting me up. "HA! They'll show you. They'll show you all!" I thought.
Since the Cubs played a pair of afternoon games at Wrigley Field against the Padres I missed both wins because of JV football practice.
Then, I missed Game Three because of a JV football game. After the game some of my teammates went to eat at a restaurant and the bar across the street had a big picture window. We could see the game on the big screen TV, but couldn't tell the score. I walked across the street tapped on the glass and yelled, "What's the score?" The patrons pointed at the Cub hat on my head and gave me a thumbs down.
No big deal. They would clinch on Friday night and I would get to watch the whole game.
I did watch. The whole game. Ever damnable replay of Steve Garvey holding up his right arm on his way to first base after launching the game winning home run. Every. Single. Damn. One. (pardon my language)
Oh, I heard about it at junior bowling on Saturday morning and during CCD class on Sunday. They're not going to win. But, I refused to believe.
Game Five from Jack Murphy Stadium. It was a blur of early euphoria, then it was dashed suddenly on a error. A late rally denied. They had done it. They blew it. I sat on the basement stairs with a thousand mile stare. The phone rang almost immediately. "So, pretty upset right now?" asked the voice.
Walking into school on Monday was brutal. You would think that a bunch of teenagers sensing weakness would back off. Oh, wait, it is exactly the opposite. Add in a few teachers with some smart remarks and it was a very long day.
The 1984 World Series was the first World Series that I can remember not watching. I made a point to be doing something else when the Tigers were playing that other team...The one that shouldn't have been there.
Why do I bring this up today? While looking around for somethings to write about with the rain-soaked Midwest League leaving litte about which to post, I happened upon Mariner Housewife.
Yesterday's post was still at the top and in it she felt the need to bring up Game Five in her off day post at the Post-Intelligencer.
Every time I think I'm out...
The 1984 NLCS was a very painful time in my life. Being the only Cub fan in my high school was difficult for me.
Growing up, everyone loved pointing out how big a bunch of losers the Cubs were and that they would never, ever make the World Series.
1984 was different though. From Sandburg magical game against the Cardinals during the summer to Suttcliffe's run to a near perfect record in the National League, everything was going their way and by extension mine.
They clinched against the Pirates and I remember watching the game on the TV in my parents room because that was the only TV in the house that could pick up WGN's signal clearly. (Hey, it was before we had cable).
The next day I walked into school with my Cubs Win! T-shirt on and some people congratulated me. Most said that the Cubs were only setting me up. "HA! They'll show you. They'll show you all!" I thought.
Since the Cubs played a pair of afternoon games at Wrigley Field against the Padres I missed both wins because of JV football practice.
Then, I missed Game Three because of a JV football game. After the game some of my teammates went to eat at a restaurant and the bar across the street had a big picture window. We could see the game on the big screen TV, but couldn't tell the score. I walked across the street tapped on the glass and yelled, "What's the score?" The patrons pointed at the Cub hat on my head and gave me a thumbs down.
No big deal. They would clinch on Friday night and I would get to watch the whole game.
I did watch. The whole game. Ever damnable replay of Steve Garvey holding up his right arm on his way to first base after launching the game winning home run. Every. Single. Damn. One. (pardon my language)
Oh, I heard about it at junior bowling on Saturday morning and during CCD class on Sunday. They're not going to win. But, I refused to believe.
Game Five from Jack Murphy Stadium. It was a blur of early euphoria, then it was dashed suddenly on a error. A late rally denied. They had done it. They blew it. I sat on the basement stairs with a thousand mile stare. The phone rang almost immediately. "So, pretty upset right now?" asked the voice.
Walking into school on Monday was brutal. You would think that a bunch of teenagers sensing weakness would back off. Oh, wait, it is exactly the opposite. Add in a few teachers with some smart remarks and it was a very long day.
The 1984 World Series was the first World Series that I can remember not watching. I made a point to be doing something else when the Tigers were playing that other team...The one that shouldn't have been there.
Why do I bring this up today? While looking around for somethings to write about with the rain-soaked Midwest League leaving litte about which to post, I happened upon Mariner Housewife.
Yesterday's post was still at the top and in it she felt the need to bring up Game Five in her off day post at the Post-Intelligencer.
Every time I think I'm out...
Side-By-Side Comparison #2
I have a little time right now. Here is number two in the series.
My thesis is that the Swing of the Quad Cities uniforms are the ugliest in the history of baseball. To do this, I offer visual proof via a fun tool with all of the uniforms in the Major Leagues that you could ask for at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Website and pictures from ejsmith.com
Today the three uniforms of the 1978 San Diego Padres against the road jersey of the Swing of the Quad Cities.
Mustard is for hot dogs, not for baseball uniforms. But, numbers are supposed to be the same size. Mike Ferris is #25, not #2/5. At least the five isn't the smaller number. Then, he would be number 2 to the 5th power.
The Swing jerseys are still uglier.
My thesis is that the Swing of the Quad Cities uniforms are the ugliest in the history of baseball. To do this, I offer visual proof via a fun tool with all of the uniforms in the Major Leagues that you could ask for at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Website and pictures from ejsmith.com
Today the three uniforms of the 1978 San Diego Padres against the road jersey of the Swing of the Quad Cities.
Mustard is for hot dogs, not for baseball uniforms. But, numbers are supposed to be the same size. Mike Ferris is #25, not #2/5. At least the five isn't the smaller number. Then, he would be number 2 to the 5th power.
The Swing jerseys are still uglier.
Thursday in the MWL
Quad Cities @ Wisconsin (PPD) -- No game. It will be made up during a visit to Davenport, Iowa before the All-star break. Here's a chance to catch up on some feature stories at RattlersRepot.com. Manager Jim Horner and family. The Fans Choice Bobblehead has been selected.
Cedar Rapids 6, @Dayton 4 -- Stephen Marek goes five shutout innings for the win and the Dragons commit three errors. Added bonus: A list of other minor league teams in Dayton less successful than the Dragons. Hint: all of them.
Peoria @ Fort Wayne (PPD) -- They had a crowd of over 6,000 expected. Mother Nature had other plans.
Burlington @ South Bend (Cancelled) -- Rained out. No make up date.
Beloit @ West Michigan (Cancelled) -- After a sixteen inning game the night before, a rainout was probably the best thing. Now, the Whitecaps can focus on Lansing. Apparently this series will be for the Midwest League Championship.
Kane County @ Lansing (Cancelled) -- But, what if the Lugnuts are focused on them and Top Tiger Prospect Cameron Maybin.
Clinton @ Southwest Michigan (Cancelled) -- Rained out. No make up date.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Cedar Rapids 6, @Dayton 4 -- Stephen Marek goes five shutout innings for the win and the Dragons commit three errors. Added bonus: A list of other minor league teams in Dayton less successful than the Dragons. Hint: all of them.
Peoria @ Fort Wayne (PPD) -- They had a crowd of over 6,000 expected. Mother Nature had other plans.
Burlington @ South Bend (Cancelled) -- Rained out. No make up date.
Beloit @ West Michigan (Cancelled) -- After a sixteen inning game the night before, a rainout was probably the best thing. Now, the Whitecaps can focus on Lansing. Apparently this series will be for the Midwest League Championship.
Kane County @ Lansing (Cancelled) -- But, what if the Lugnuts are focused on them and Top Tiger Prospect Cameron Maybin.
Clinton @ Southwest Michigan (Cancelled) -- Rained out. No make up date.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Another former Rattler who has fought through injuries. According to Mike Curto's article in the The News-Tribune, Baek pitched his fourth straight quality start in a win over Round Rock last night.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/11)
Seattle (MAJ: 15-21; 4th AL West): The Mariners were off yesterday. The Seattle Times has a story about what it is like for Kevin Appier in Tacoma after spending 16 seasons in the Majors.
Tacoma (AAA – 18-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Round Rock 7-3. Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) and Rob Johnson (WI ’05) each had a pair of hits and drove in a run for the Rainiers. Johnson and Adam Jones (WI ’04) each had a home run. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) allowed one run on four hits over six innings for the win.
San Antonio (AA – 11-19; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions were off yesterday.
Inland Empire (High-A – 18-15; T-2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 7-4 at Modesto. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) had a pair of hits for the 66ers. Inland Empire trailed 4-1 after Modesto scored four runs off Cibney Bello (WI ’05) in the bottom of the first, but rallied to tie the game with a run in the top of the seventh. Modesto scored three times in the bottom of the eighth for the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE
Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-2) at Los Angeles Angels (Kelvim Escobar 4-2) 9:05pm CDT
Round Rock (Phillip Barzilla 0-2) at Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 3-2) 8:05pm CDT
Frisco (Nick Massett 2-2) at San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-1) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at Stockton 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 18-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma beat Round Rock 7-3. Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) and Rob Johnson (WI ’05) each had a pair of hits and drove in a run for the Rainiers. Johnson and Adam Jones (WI ’04) each had a home run. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) allowed one run on four hits over six innings for the win.
San Antonio (AA – 11-19; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions were off yesterday.
Inland Empire (High-A – 18-15; T-2nd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 7-4 at Modesto. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) had a pair of hits for the 66ers. Inland Empire trailed 4-1 after Modesto scored four runs off Cibney Bello (WI ’05) in the bottom of the first, but rallied to tie the game with a run in the top of the seventh. Modesto scored three times in the bottom of the eighth for the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE
Seattle (Joel Pineiro 4-2) at Los Angeles Angels (Kelvim Escobar 4-2) 9:05pm CDT
Round Rock (Phillip Barzilla 0-2) at Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 3-2) 8:05pm CDT
Frisco (Nick Massett 2-2) at San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-1) 7:05pm CDT
Inland Empire at Stockton 9:05pm CDT
5/11/2006
Wisconsin vs. Dayton Pitching Matchups
FRI, 5/12 LHP Harold Williams (0-0, 0.89) vs. LHP Philippe Valiquette (1-1, 5.25)
SAT, 5/13 LHP Jose Escalona (4-2, 2.16) vs. RHP Johnny Cueto (2-1, 4.18)
SUN, 5/14 RHP Jason Snyder (2-3, 5.00) vs. RHP Jeff Stevens (1-2, 5.40)
MON, 5/15 LHP Justin Thomas (3-3, 2.13) vs. LHP Travis Wood (2-0, 4.03)
SAT, 5/13 LHP Jose Escalona (4-2, 2.16) vs. RHP Johnny Cueto (2-1, 4.18)
SUN, 5/14 RHP Jason Snyder (2-3, 5.00) vs. RHP Jeff Stevens (1-2, 5.40)
MON, 5/15 LHP Justin Thomas (3-3, 2.13) vs. LHP Travis Wood (2-0, 4.03)
Last night in the MWL
Quad Cities 6, @Wisconsin 2 -- Roth keeps rolling. Swing can pitch, too.
@South Bend 9, Burlington 5 -- How do you erase a 5-0 deficit? Well, seven staight singles super for S-Hawks.
@Lansing 10, Kane County 4 -- This game might have checked in under three hours. Except for a nearly fifteen minute argument by Cougar manager Aaron Nieckula.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Clinton 4 -- They aren't sure how they did it, they just know that the D-Rays have won 11 of their last 13. Three runs without a hit in one inning for SWM means things are going well.
@Fort Wayne 8, Peoria 1 (7 innings) -- In a steady drizzle, the Wizards win & Seth Johnston gets an inside-the-park home run.
Beloit 2, @ West Michigan 0 (16 innings) -- The Whitecaps didn't get a runner to third for the entire game. How about Brian Duensing. The Snapper starter tosses nine innings of shutout ball and no win for him.
@Dayton 6, Cedar Rapids 4 -- Dragons SMASH!
Complete scoreboard HERE.
@South Bend 9, Burlington 5 -- How do you erase a 5-0 deficit? Well, seven staight singles super for S-Hawks.
@Lansing 10, Kane County 4 -- This game might have checked in under three hours. Except for a nearly fifteen minute argument by Cougar manager Aaron Nieckula.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Clinton 4 -- They aren't sure how they did it, they just know that the D-Rays have won 11 of their last 13. Three runs without a hit in one inning for SWM means things are going well.
@Fort Wayne 8, Peoria 1 (7 innings) -- In a steady drizzle, the Wizards win & Seth Johnston gets an inside-the-park home run.
Beloit 2, @ West Michigan 0 (16 innings) -- The Whitecaps didn't get a runner to third for the entire game. How about Brian Duensing. The Snapper starter tosses nine innings of shutout ball and no win for him.
@Dayton 6, Cedar Rapids 4 -- Dragons SMASH!
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Not even a contest. A game winning hit for the Rainiers in his first game of the season. Welcome Back, Snelling.
You were great as a radio analyst when you were here in 2000. But, please stay healthy and stay on the field.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/10)
Seattle (MAJ: 15-21; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 1-0 to Tampa Bay. The winning run scored on a balk in the top of the fifth inning. Seattle hitters managed four hits off three Devil Ray pitchers. Jamie Moyer gave up three hits over eight innings, but got the loss.
Tacoma (AAA – 17-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Missions beat Round Rock 2-1 in ten innings. Chris Snelling (WI '00) returned from the DL and smacked a game winning RBI single in the bottom of the tenth. Cesar Jimenez (WI '03) gave up one run on four hits over seven innings. Renee Cortez (WI '03) got the win with three scoreless innings of relief.
San Antonio (AA – 11-19; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio's game at Springfield was rained out. The game will not be made up this season.
Inland Empire (High-A – 18-14; 2nd; California League South Division): The 66ers lost 6-4 in twelve innings at Modesto. Shawn Nottingham (WI '05) pitched five shutout innings as the starter for Inland Empire, but the Nuts scored an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth off Stephen Kahn (WI '05) and won the game with a home run in the bottom of the twelfth.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for 5/11
Seattle -- Off Day
Round Rock (Roberto Giron 2-2) at Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 2-1) 8:05pm CDT
San Antonio -- Off Day
Inland Empire (Cibney Bello 1-2) at Modesto (Ching-Lung Lo 3-0) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 17-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Missions beat Round Rock 2-1 in ten innings. Chris Snelling (WI '00) returned from the DL and smacked a game winning RBI single in the bottom of the tenth. Cesar Jimenez (WI '03) gave up one run on four hits over seven innings. Renee Cortez (WI '03) got the win with three scoreless innings of relief.
San Antonio (AA – 11-19; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio's game at Springfield was rained out. The game will not be made up this season.
Inland Empire (High-A – 18-14; 2nd; California League South Division): The 66ers lost 6-4 in twelve innings at Modesto. Shawn Nottingham (WI '05) pitched five shutout innings as the starter for Inland Empire, but the Nuts scored an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth off Stephen Kahn (WI '05) and won the game with a home run in the bottom of the twelfth.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for 5/11
Seattle -- Off Day
Round Rock (Roberto Giron 2-2) at Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 2-1) 8:05pm CDT
San Antonio -- Off Day
Inland Empire (Cibney Bello 1-2) at Modesto (Ching-Lung Lo 3-0) 9:05pm CDT
Rattlers and Swing Postponed
The call has been made already. It's raining hard now. No real improvement either. If anything, it is going to get worse since the forecast is calling for 50mph winds later today.Today's game with the Swing will be made up as part of a doubleheader when the Rattlers are in Quad Cities June 15-18.
Regular programming here on Rattler Radio will continue momentarily. But, on this rainy day, here is a little reminder of when the Cubs used to get rained out and they weren't ready to go to reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Over at Baseball's Best on mlb.com, the 1960 World Series between:
5/10/2006
Wednesday's Game in a Word
Silence.
The Rattler bats were quiet today. Five hits, all singles.
They could not cash in on an early opportunity (first and second no outs in the first). Kyle Sadlowski gave up one run on four hits and Brian Stitt picked up another save against his former team.
Wednesday's Box Score HERE
EDIT: Added link to box score after original post.
The Rattler bats were quiet today. Five hits, all singles.
They could not cash in on an early opportunity (first and second no outs in the first). Kyle Sadlowski gave up one run on four hits and Brian Stitt picked up another save against his former team.
Wednesday's Box Score HERE
EDIT: Added link to box score after original post.
Game Notes 5/10
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Michael Saunders and Bryan Sabatella hit home runs and Justin Thomas pitched six innings without allowing an earned run to lead the Rattlers to a 4-2 win over the Swing. Joe Woerman worked two scoreless innings out of the Rattler bullpen. Edgar Guaramato pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his sixth save.
FIRST TIMERS: Saunders and Sabatella each hit their first home runs of the season last night. Also, last night was the first time the Rattlers have hit two home runs in the same inning this season.
CHICKS DIG THE LONG BALL: The two homers by the Rattlers last night give them five at Fox Cities Stadium this season. The Rattlers have hit eight homers on the road in 2006.
STOPPING A SLIDE: Sabatella’s home run ended his hitless streak at 0-for-16.
SAUNDERS STAYS HOT: The home run by Saunders extended his hitting streak to eight games. That hit streak is a season and professional high for Saunders.
THE JUSTIN THOMAS SHOW: Thomas allowed a run in the first and a run in the second, but that was all the Swing managed. He walked four, but struck out six and allowed just three hits for his first win at Fox Cities Stadium. It wasn’t easy though. He had only one 1-2-3 inning on the evening and had to get out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth.
HABIT FORMING: Guaramato is 4-for-4 in his last four save opportunities.
RED HOT ROTH: Quad Cities’ Randy Roth went 1-for-5 last night to extend his current Midwest League best hitting streak to eighteen games. Roth’s hit was a bad hop single in the top of the fifth inning.
RUBY TUESDAY: Last night was the first Tuesday night win for the Rattlers this season. They are 1-4 on Tuesdays.
WE LIKE WEDNESDAY: The Rattlers go into today’s game with a 3-0 record on hump day.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Kevin Sadlowski of Kutztown University was the 34th round pick of the Cardinals in the 2005 draft. He was 9-4 with three complete games and a 3.78ERA for Kutztown before signing with the Cardinals. He split time between Johnson City (Appalachian League) and New Jersey (New York-Penn League) in his first year as a pro and went 1-5 with a save and an ERA of 6.86. In his last start for the Swing, Sadlowski beat South Bend at John O’Donnell Stadium. He gave up just two hits in five shutout innings; walked two; and struck out three. He has made three starts and five relief appearances this season. Sadlowski is making his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
FIRST TIMERS: Saunders and Sabatella each hit their first home runs of the season last night. Also, last night was the first time the Rattlers have hit two home runs in the same inning this season.
CHICKS DIG THE LONG BALL: The two homers by the Rattlers last night give them five at Fox Cities Stadium this season. The Rattlers have hit eight homers on the road in 2006.
STOPPING A SLIDE: Sabatella’s home run ended his hitless streak at 0-for-16.
SAUNDERS STAYS HOT: The home run by Saunders extended his hitting streak to eight games. That hit streak is a season and professional high for Saunders.
THE JUSTIN THOMAS SHOW: Thomas allowed a run in the first and a run in the second, but that was all the Swing managed. He walked four, but struck out six and allowed just three hits for his first win at Fox Cities Stadium. It wasn’t easy though. He had only one 1-2-3 inning on the evening and had to get out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth.
HABIT FORMING: Guaramato is 4-for-4 in his last four save opportunities.
RED HOT ROTH: Quad Cities’ Randy Roth went 1-for-5 last night to extend his current Midwest League best hitting streak to eighteen games. Roth’s hit was a bad hop single in the top of the fifth inning.
RUBY TUESDAY: Last night was the first Tuesday night win for the Rattlers this season. They are 1-4 on Tuesdays.
WE LIKE WEDNESDAY: The Rattlers go into today’s game with a 3-0 record on hump day.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Kevin Sadlowski of Kutztown University was the 34th round pick of the Cardinals in the 2005 draft. He was 9-4 with three complete games and a 3.78ERA for Kutztown before signing with the Cardinals. He split time between Johnson City (Appalachian League) and New Jersey (New York-Penn League) in his first year as a pro and went 1-5 with a save and an ERA of 6.86. In his last start for the Swing, Sadlowski beat South Bend at John O’Donnell Stadium. He gave up just two hits in five shutout innings; walked two; and struck out three. He has made three starts and five relief appearances this season. Sadlowski is making his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.
Whatever Happened to?
He is the reigning Eastern League Offensive Player of the Week after hitting .500 last week.
In 2001, Castellano joined the Rattlers after opening day and wound up hitting .334 and 14 home runs. After the 2003 season, the Phillies picked him up and he has reached as high as the Phillies Triple-A affiliate, Scranton-WB.
A couple of quick Castellano highlights from the 2001 season. He had a two-homer 7 RBI night in Fort Wayne. He also hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the seventeenth inning to beat the Wizards. It ended a very long night at the stadium.
Tuesday in the MWL
@Wisconsin 4, Quad Cities 2 -- Rattlers back in the swing. Don't blame me. That's the headline.
Burlington 2, @South Bend 0 -- How 'bout them Bees?
@West Michigan 8, Beloit 5 -- Justin Justice just lends himself to good headlines.
Cedar Rapids 9, @Dayton 0 -- Nick Adenhart is 5-0. If this were a total runs series the Kernels would be leading 13-10.
@Southwest Michigan 11, Clinton 3 -- The D-Rays gave up three runs? Good thing the offense showed up last night.
Kane County 8, @Lansing 3 -- Seven was unlucky for the Lugnuts.
@Fort Wayne 6, Peoria 0 -- A six-run sixth inning was more than enough for the Wizards.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Burlington 2, @South Bend 0 -- How 'bout them Bees?
@West Michigan 8, Beloit 5 -- Justin Justice just lends himself to good headlines.
Cedar Rapids 9, @Dayton 0 -- Nick Adenhart is 5-0. If this were a total runs series the Kernels would be leading 13-10.
@Southwest Michigan 11, Clinton 3 -- The D-Rays gave up three runs? Good thing the offense showed up last night.
Kane County 8, @Lansing 3 -- Seven was unlucky for the Lugnuts.
@Fort Wayne 6, Peoria 0 -- A six-run sixth inning was more than enough for the Wizards.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Felix Hernandez struck out eight over 7-2/3 and got the win. Plus, the Mariners are out of the AL West basement.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/9)
Seattle (MAJ: 15-20; 3rd AL West): Seattle beat the Devil Rays 8-1. Felix Hernandez (WI ’03) struck out eight and gave up one run on five hits over 7-2/3 innings for his second win of the season. Rafael Soriano (WI ’00) pitched the final 1-1/3 innings without allowing a run for a save. Ichiro was 3-for-5 with two RBI for the Mariners. The win got the Mariners out of the AL West cellar.
Tacoma (AAA – 16-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Round Rock won their eleventh game in a row by beating the Rainiers 11-3. Adam Jones (WI ’04) and Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) each had two hits for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 11-19; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 2-1 in ten innings at Springfield. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03), Gary Harris (WI ’03), and Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) each had two hits for San Antonio. Travis Blackley took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, but gave up one run on two hits in his final inning of work a no decision.
Inland Empire (High-A – 18-13; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire won 2-0 at Modesto. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05), Mumba Rivera (WI ’05), and Stephen Kahn (WI ’05) combined on a three-hit shutout of the Nuts.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for 5/10
Tampa Bay (Scott Kazmir 4-2) at Seattle (Jamie Moyer 1-2) 3:35pm CDT
Round Rock (Jared Gothreaux 1-1) at Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-2) 1:35pm CDT
San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-1) at Springfield (Stuart Pomeranz 3-0) 12:10pm CDT
Inland Empire at Modesto 1:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 16-14; 3rd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Round Rock won their eleventh game in a row by beating the Rainiers 11-3. Adam Jones (WI ’04) and Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) each had two hits for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 11-19; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 2-1 in ten innings at Springfield. Michael Garciaparra (WI ’03), Gary Harris (WI ’03), and Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) each had two hits for San Antonio. Travis Blackley took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, but gave up one run on two hits in his final inning of work a no decision.
Inland Empire (High-A – 18-13; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire won 2-0 at Modesto. Ivan Blanco (WI ’05), Mumba Rivera (WI ’05), and Stephen Kahn (WI ’05) combined on a three-hit shutout of the Nuts.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for 5/10
Tampa Bay (Scott Kazmir 4-2) at Seattle (Jamie Moyer 1-2) 3:35pm CDT
Round Rock (Jared Gothreaux 1-1) at Tacoma (Cesar Jimenez 0-2) 1:35pm CDT
San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 2-1) at Springfield (Stuart Pomeranz 3-0) 12:10pm CDT
Inland Empire at Modesto 1:05pm CDT
5/09/2006
Tuesday's Game in a Word
Homers.
Two of them.
In one inning.
For the Rattlers.
Saunders and Sabatella.
Thomas pitches through the rain
and the Rattlers win.
Box score HERE.
There will be baseball tonight
Rattlers and Swing will start at 7:20pm CDT.
Believe it or not, the sun actually came out a few seconds ago.
Come on out if you are in the area. It's a "Bang for your Buck Night!"
Believe it or not, the sun actually came out a few seconds ago.
Come on out if you are in the area. It's a "Bang for your Buck Night!"
Side-By-Side Comparison #1
Since I promise, I will deliver. But, only a taste for today. I hope for a more extensive post tomorrow or Thursday.
My thesis is that the Swing of the Quad Cities uniforms are the ugliest in the history of baseball. To do this, I offer visual proof via a fun tool with all of the uniforms in the Major Leagues that you could ask for at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Website and pictures from ejsmith.com
Okay, a side-by-side comparison of the Swing of the Quad Cities road uniform and the 1974 Atlanta Braves road uniform.
Swing jersey: Uptown Orange. Or is it Big Band Tan? I'm not real sure. The differently sized numbers don't show up real well in this picture, but it give you an idea of the horrors to come. Yes, that is a saxophone on the helmet.
Hank Aaron hit home run number #714 in this uniform and it is the only reason this blue & cursive script jersey top should be remembered.
My thesis is that the Swing of the Quad Cities uniforms are the ugliest in the history of baseball. To do this, I offer visual proof via a fun tool with all of the uniforms in the Major Leagues that you could ask for at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Website and pictures from ejsmith.com
Okay, a side-by-side comparison of the Swing of the Quad Cities road uniform and the 1974 Atlanta Braves road uniform.
Swing jersey: Uptown Orange. Or is it Big Band Tan? I'm not real sure. The differently sized numbers don't show up real well in this picture, but it give you an idea of the horrors to come. Yes, that is a saxophone on the helmet.
Hank Aaron hit home run number #714 in this uniform and it is the only reason this blue & cursive script jersey top should be remembered.
Game Notes for 5/9
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Swing got out to a 3-0 lead after the top of the third inning and cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Rattlers. Randy Roth homered and drove in a pair of runs for the Swing. Cory Meacham made the start for the Swing and pitched four scoreless innings.
RED HOT ROTH: Roth went 2-for-4 last night to extend his current Midwest League best hitting streak to seventeen games. Roth also leads the MWL in homers (10) and RBI (31).
WHY TAKE HIM OUT? Meacham left after reaching his pitch limit in the fourth inning. Last night was his first start since coming off the disabled list.
FREE RUNS: The Swing scored two of their four runs against Rattler starting pitcher Jason Snyder on wild pitches. Snyder has thrown seven wild pitches in 36 innings this season.
DE-FENSE! The Timber Rattlers turned four double plays in the game last night. They just missed on a fifth.
GOPHER BALLS: Wisconsin pitching gave up just five home runs in the first 25 games of the season. The staff has allowed seven homers, including two last night, in the last six games.
REVENGE OF THE STITT: In his first appearance as a member of the Swing, Brian Stitt earned the save. Stitt, a Midwest League All-star as a Timber Rattler in 2004, entered the game with Quad Cities leading 5-2, two outs, and a runner at second base. He got the final out of the eighth and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth. Stitt had sixteen saves, three shy of the Timber Rattler single season record, in 2004 for Wisconsin.
OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT: Rattler catcher JB Tucker had three of Wisconsin’s seven hits last night. Tucker is 9-for-16 during his current four game hitting streak.
ON THE OTHER HAND: Wisconsin outfielder Jairo Hernandez is hitless in his last eleven at bats. In nine games with Wisconsin, Hernandez is 3-for-32 (.094).
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: The Rattlers dropped to just 5-11 at Fox Cities Stadium with the loss to the Swing last night.
PRO DEBUT: Timber Rattler catcher Julian Henson made his professional debut last night. As a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning, Henson struck out.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Josh Wilson was the second round pick of the Cardinals in the 2005 draft out of Tyler (TX) High School. Wilson was 2-2 with a 4.22 ERA in twelve starts for the Johnson City Cardinals in 2005. He walked 23 and struck out 32 in 53 innings pitched for the Appalachian League of the Cardinals. In his last start, Wilson received a no decision against the South Bend Silver Hawks. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits over 4-2/3 innings on May 5.
RED HOT ROTH: Roth went 2-for-4 last night to extend his current Midwest League best hitting streak to seventeen games. Roth also leads the MWL in homers (10) and RBI (31).
WHY TAKE HIM OUT? Meacham left after reaching his pitch limit in the fourth inning. Last night was his first start since coming off the disabled list.
FREE RUNS: The Swing scored two of their four runs against Rattler starting pitcher Jason Snyder on wild pitches. Snyder has thrown seven wild pitches in 36 innings this season.
DE-FENSE! The Timber Rattlers turned four double plays in the game last night. They just missed on a fifth.
GOPHER BALLS: Wisconsin pitching gave up just five home runs in the first 25 games of the season. The staff has allowed seven homers, including two last night, in the last six games.
REVENGE OF THE STITT: In his first appearance as a member of the Swing, Brian Stitt earned the save. Stitt, a Midwest League All-star as a Timber Rattler in 2004, entered the game with Quad Cities leading 5-2, two outs, and a runner at second base. He got the final out of the eighth and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth. Stitt had sixteen saves, three shy of the Timber Rattler single season record, in 2004 for Wisconsin.
OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT: Rattler catcher JB Tucker had three of Wisconsin’s seven hits last night. Tucker is 9-for-16 during his current four game hitting streak.
ON THE OTHER HAND: Wisconsin outfielder Jairo Hernandez is hitless in his last eleven at bats. In nine games with Wisconsin, Hernandez is 3-for-32 (.094).
UNFRIENDLY CONFINES: The Rattlers dropped to just 5-11 at Fox Cities Stadium with the loss to the Swing last night.
PRO DEBUT: Timber Rattler catcher Julian Henson made his professional debut last night. As a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning, Henson struck out.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Josh Wilson was the second round pick of the Cardinals in the 2005 draft out of Tyler (TX) High School. Wilson was 2-2 with a 4.22 ERA in twelve starts for the Johnson City Cardinals in 2005. He walked 23 and struck out 32 in 53 innings pitched for the Appalachian League of the Cardinals. In his last start, Wilson received a no decision against the South Bend Silver Hawks. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits over 4-2/3 innings on May 5.
Veterans Memorial Stadium Postcard is up
Did you ever send yourself a postcard when you were on vacation and you got home before it got to your house?
That's kind of what happened with the Postcard at RattlersReport.com.
Read it here and learn all about a new game with which to annoy your friends.
That's kind of what happened with the Postcard at RattlersReport.com.
Read it here and learn all about a new game with which to annoy your friends.
Monday in the MWL
Quad Cities 7, @ Wisconsin 2 -- Rattlers are 5-11 at home this season.
@West Michigan 2, Beloit 1 -- Snappers lose another close one, late
@South Bend 5, Burlington 3 -- The Bees were on the verge of win #3 in a row. Then, Ricardo Sosa ruined everything.
@Dayton 10, Cedar Rapids 4 -- Dayton returns from Iowa with a vengance. Jay Bruce is compared to Austin Kearns and Adam Dunn. Plus, beat writer Marc Katz plays the game "Who will get promoted first?"
@Lansing 9, Kane County 4 -- No Kerry Wood. No problem for the Lugnuts.
Peoria 9, @Fort Wayne 8 -- In case you are counting, that's FIVE straight wins for the Chiefs.
@Southwest Michigan 6, Clinton 1 -- Devil Rays get a well pitched game? Shocked, shocked I say. Mike Wlodarczyk is now at 25-2/3 consecutive innings without giving up a run.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
@West Michigan 2, Beloit 1 -- Snappers lose another close one, late
@South Bend 5, Burlington 3 -- The Bees were on the verge of win #3 in a row. Then, Ricardo Sosa ruined everything.
@Dayton 10, Cedar Rapids 4 -- Dayton returns from Iowa with a vengance. Jay Bruce is compared to Austin Kearns and Adam Dunn. Plus, beat writer Marc Katz plays the game "Who will get promoted first?"
@Lansing 9, Kane County 4 -- No Kerry Wood. No problem for the Lugnuts.
Peoria 9, @Fort Wayne 8 -- In case you are counting, that's FIVE straight wins for the Chiefs.
@Southwest Michigan 6, Clinton 1 -- Devil Rays get a well pitched game? Shocked, shocked I say. Mike Wlodarczyk is now at 25-2/3 consecutive innings without giving up a run.
Complete Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Blogger isn't allowing me to post a picture of him right now, but that won't keep me from naming JJ Putz (WI '00) as the Alum of the Day.
1-2-3 top of the ninth with a pair of strikeouts for his fourth save of the season.
JJ Trivia: He was the first Timber Rattler to throw a no-hitter. He allowed a run in a 7-inning no-hitter of Kane County in the first game of a double header in 2000.
1-2-3 top of the ninth with a pair of strikeouts for his fourth save of the season.
JJ Trivia: He was the first Timber Rattler to throw a no-hitter. He allowed a run in a 7-inning no-hitter of Kane County in the first game of a double header in 2000.
Mariner System Report (Game of 5/8)
Seattle (MAJ: 14-20; 4th AL West): The Mariners rallied for a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Seattle trailed 3-1 heading into the seventh inning, but scored three times in the seventh and twice in the eighth for the victory. Gil Meche (WI ’98) gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings for his second win. JJ Putz (WI ’00) struck out a pair in a scoreless ninth for his fourth save. Jose Lopez drove in three runs, including a two run double in the eighth, for the Mariners.
Tacoma (AAA – 16-13; T-2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 9-7 at Salt Lake. The Bees scored seven runs in the first and two more in the second and the Rainiers could not rebound. Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) had three RBI for the Rainiers. Rich Dorman (WI ’03) pitched four innings of shutout relief to allow Tacoma to get back into the game.
San Antonio (AA – 11-18; 4th Texas League South Division): Springfield beat the Missions with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning for a 4-2 win. San Antonio tied the game with a two-out, solo home run by Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) in the top of the seventh.
Inland Empire (High-A – 17-13; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire was off yesterday.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for games of 5/9
Tampa Bay (Doug Waechter 0-1) at Seattle (Felix Hernandez 1-4) 9:05pm CDT
Round Rock (Chris Sampson 4-1) at Tacoma (Kevin Appier 1-0) 8:05pm CDT
San Antonio (Travis Blackley 3-2) at Springfield (Chris Lambert 2-3) 7:10pm CDT
Inland Empire @ Modesto 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 16-13; T-2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 9-7 at Salt Lake. The Bees scored seven runs in the first and two more in the second and the Rainiers could not rebound. Shin-soo Choo (WI ’02) had three RBI for the Rainiers. Rich Dorman (WI ’03) pitched four innings of shutout relief to allow Tacoma to get back into the game.
San Antonio (AA – 11-18; 4th Texas League South Division): Springfield beat the Missions with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning for a 4-2 win. San Antonio tied the game with a two-out, solo home run by Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) in the top of the seventh.
Inland Empire (High-A – 17-13; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire was off yesterday.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for games of 5/9
Tampa Bay (Doug Waechter 0-1) at Seattle (Felix Hernandez 1-4) 9:05pm CDT
Round Rock (Chris Sampson 4-1) at Tacoma (Kevin Appier 1-0) 8:05pm CDT
San Antonio (Travis Blackley 3-2) at Springfield (Chris Lambert 2-3) 7:10pm CDT
Inland Empire @ Modesto 9:05pm CDT
5/08/2006
Compare & Contrast
Apparently, I got under the skin of a Cardinal fan by calling the uniforms of the Swing of the Quad Cities ugly. No, not just ugly. I believe my words were "The ugliest uniforms in the history of Baseball."
This internet listener may have misunderstood and it is easy to see why.
Four of the six minor league affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals takes the name Cardinals -- or in the case of the Memphis Redbirds a derivative, but also has the same basic uniform scheme. The State College Spikes replaced the New Jersey Cardinals in the New York-Penn League.
St. Louis Cardinals, Memphis (PCL), Springfield (Texas), Palm Beach (Florida State), State College Spikes (New York-Penn), Johnson City (Appalachian)
Though I wouldn't cheer for the Cardinals on a bet, I do not think of their uniforms as ugly. The listener may have thought the Swing have jerseys just like the other teams in the Cardinal system.
Tell me does this:
This internet listener may have misunderstood and it is easy to see why.
Four of the six minor league affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals takes the name Cardinals -- or in the case of the Memphis Redbirds a derivative, but also has the same basic uniform scheme. The State College Spikes replaced the New Jersey Cardinals in the New York-Penn League.
St. Louis Cardinals, Memphis (PCL), Springfield (Texas), Palm Beach (Florida State), State College Spikes (New York-Penn), Johnson City (Appalachian)
Though I wouldn't cheer for the Cardinals on a bet, I do not think of their uniforms as ugly. The listener may have thought the Swing have jerseys just like the other teams in the Cardinal system.
Tell me does this:
Look anything like this:
From jsonline.com
Maybe I was too harsh on the Swing jerseys. You can be the judge tomorrow. I will give you the opportunity to look at some of the ugliest baseball jerseys in the history of baseball and decide.
That is for tomorrow.
EDIT: Changed the formatting from right alignment to left alignment. Whoops.
Monday's Game in a Word
Roth.
There are a lot of Roths that jump to mind when you hear the name.
Senator Roth of 401k fame is a personal favorite of mine
Hyman Roth is bigger than US Steel
This was the least bloody picture of Tim Roth I could find from Reservoir Dogs.
Tonight is was Randy Roth of the Swing of the Quad Cities. He hit is MWL leading 10th home run, drove in two runs to give hime 31 RBI on the year (also leading the league), and he extended his hitting streak to a MWL best 17 straight games.
Full Box Score HERE.
There are a lot of Roths that jump to mind when you hear the name.
Senator Roth of 401k fame is a personal favorite of mine
Hyman Roth is bigger than US Steel
This was the least bloody picture of Tim Roth I could find from Reservoir Dogs.
Tonight is was Randy Roth of the Swing of the Quad Cities. He hit is MWL leading 10th home run, drove in two runs to give hime 31 RBI on the year (also leading the league), and he extended his hitting streak to a MWL best 17 straight games.
Full Box Score HERE.
Game Notes for 5/8
ABOUT SUNDAY: The Timber Rattlers trailed 5-0 after the bottom of the third inning to the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Rattlers chipped away, but fell 6-5.
¾ OF THE WAY TO A CYCLE: Two players in yesterday’s game had opportunities for a cycle. Timber Rattler third baseman Ron Garth had a single in the first, a double in the fourth, and a home run in the seventh. In the ninth, Garth struck out. Kernel third baseman Dallas Morris homered in the first, tripled in the third, and singled in the fourth. He grounded out in the sixth and did not get another opportunity.
STREAK SNAPPED: Rattler pitcher Jose Escalona had his three game winning streak snapped yesterday. He allowed five runs (four earned) over five innings with a pair of walks and a pair of strikeouts.
ADVENTURES IN BASERUNNING: Luis Valbuena was on first and Jeff Dominguez was on second with no outs in the top of the first inning. Garth lined a single into left and Dominguez slipped coming around third. He was tagged out and Valbuena, who had been more than halfway to third, was out trying to get back to second. Later in the game, JB Tucker rounded second too far after an RBI single by Eddy Hernandez and was out trying to get back.
GIVING A HAND: Rattler centerfielder Mike Saunders recorded his team leading fourth outfield assist of the season when he threw out a runner trying to stretch a single into a double. Casey Craig also picked up an outfield assist by throwing out a runner at the plate in the sixth inning.
OUT OF THE PEN: Rollie Gibson pitched three innings in relief of Escalona yesterday. It was the second time this season the lefty has tossed three innings out of the bullpen.
SUNDAY, NO FUN DAY: The Rattlers are 0-3 on Sundays in 2006.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Swing of the Quad Cities are the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They are 13-17 and in fifth place in the Midwest League’s Western Division. In their most recent series, the Swing dropped three out of four games at home to the South Bend Silver Hawks. Two of their losses in that series were in extra innings. The manager of Quad Cities is Keith Mitchell.
FAMILIAR FACE: The Swing have just added former Timber Rattler closer Brian Stitt to their roster. Stitt was 2-10 with 16 saves in 2004. He began the season as the closer, but moved into the starting rotation after the All-Star break. Stitt was a Midwest League All-Star in 2004.
VS. QC IN ’05: Wisconsin and Quad Cities met seventeen times in 2005. Wisconsin finished 8-9 against the Swing. Wisconsin was 4-6 against the Swing at Fox Cities Stadium.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 Cardinal Prospect list includes four members of the current Swing roster. Outfielder Colby Rasmus, the first round pick of the Cardinals in 2005, is ranked as #2 on the list. Pitcher Mark McCormick (#5), Pitcher Josh Wilson (#23), and infielder Jose Martinez (#28) also make the list. The Swing have seventeen members of the Cardinals 2005 draft class on their roster. Rasmus, McCormick (1st-suplemental), and Wilson (2nd) are joined by pitchers Jason Cairns (8th), Adam Daniels (15th), Jaime Garcia (28th), Matt Trent (30th), Scott Vander Weg (34th), Kyle Sadlowski (34th), and Cory Meacham (35th). Other players from last year’s Cardinal draft: Bryan Anderson (5th), Randy Roth (10th), AJ Van Slyke (23rd), Adam Rodgers (25th), Charles Carter (27th), and Casey Rowlett (32nd).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Cory Meacham was selected in the 35th round of the 2005 draft out of Alabama Southern CC. Last season, he split time between Johnson City, New Jersey, and Quad Cities in the Cardinal system. He was 2-4 with a 4.46 ERA combined as a pro in 2005. In his last start, Meacham got a no decision against Fort Wayne on April 23. He went four innings and gave up three runs on three hits and three walks. He went on the DL after that start.
¾ OF THE WAY TO A CYCLE: Two players in yesterday’s game had opportunities for a cycle. Timber Rattler third baseman Ron Garth had a single in the first, a double in the fourth, and a home run in the seventh. In the ninth, Garth struck out. Kernel third baseman Dallas Morris homered in the first, tripled in the third, and singled in the fourth. He grounded out in the sixth and did not get another opportunity.
STREAK SNAPPED: Rattler pitcher Jose Escalona had his three game winning streak snapped yesterday. He allowed five runs (four earned) over five innings with a pair of walks and a pair of strikeouts.
ADVENTURES IN BASERUNNING: Luis Valbuena was on first and Jeff Dominguez was on second with no outs in the top of the first inning. Garth lined a single into left and Dominguez slipped coming around third. He was tagged out and Valbuena, who had been more than halfway to third, was out trying to get back to second. Later in the game, JB Tucker rounded second too far after an RBI single by Eddy Hernandez and was out trying to get back.
GIVING A HAND: Rattler centerfielder Mike Saunders recorded his team leading fourth outfield assist of the season when he threw out a runner trying to stretch a single into a double. Casey Craig also picked up an outfield assist by throwing out a runner at the plate in the sixth inning.
OUT OF THE PEN: Rollie Gibson pitched three innings in relief of Escalona yesterday. It was the second time this season the lefty has tossed three innings out of the bullpen.
SUNDAY, NO FUN DAY: The Rattlers are 0-3 on Sundays in 2006.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Swing of the Quad Cities are the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They are 13-17 and in fifth place in the Midwest League’s Western Division. In their most recent series, the Swing dropped three out of four games at home to the South Bend Silver Hawks. Two of their losses in that series were in extra innings. The manager of Quad Cities is Keith Mitchell.
FAMILIAR FACE: The Swing have just added former Timber Rattler closer Brian Stitt to their roster. Stitt was 2-10 with 16 saves in 2004. He began the season as the closer, but moved into the starting rotation after the All-Star break. Stitt was a Midwest League All-Star in 2004.
VS. QC IN ’05: Wisconsin and Quad Cities met seventeen times in 2005. Wisconsin finished 8-9 against the Swing. Wisconsin was 4-6 against the Swing at Fox Cities Stadium.
PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA’S Top 30 Cardinal Prospect list includes four members of the current Swing roster. Outfielder Colby Rasmus, the first round pick of the Cardinals in 2005, is ranked as #2 on the list. Pitcher Mark McCormick (#5), Pitcher Josh Wilson (#23), and infielder Jose Martinez (#28) also make the list. The Swing have seventeen members of the Cardinals 2005 draft class on their roster. Rasmus, McCormick (1st-suplemental), and Wilson (2nd) are joined by pitchers Jason Cairns (8th), Adam Daniels (15th), Jaime Garcia (28th), Matt Trent (30th), Scott Vander Weg (34th), Kyle Sadlowski (34th), and Cory Meacham (35th). Other players from last year’s Cardinal draft: Bryan Anderson (5th), Randy Roth (10th), AJ Van Slyke (23rd), Adam Rodgers (25th), Charles Carter (27th), and Casey Rowlett (32nd).
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Cory Meacham was selected in the 35th round of the 2005 draft out of Alabama Southern CC. Last season, he split time between Johnson City, New Jersey, and Quad Cities in the Cardinal system. He was 2-4 with a 4.46 ERA combined as a pro in 2005. In his last start, Meacham got a no decision against Fort Wayne on April 23. He went four innings and gave up three runs on three hits and three walks. He went on the DL after that start.
Sunday in the MWL
@Cedar Rapids 6, Wisconsin 5 -- The 5-0 hole was too deep to dig out of for the Rattlers.
Burlington 4, @ West Michigan 2 -- Go Bees! Two straight wins!
@Clinton 9, Dayton 1 -- Not a great way to end a road trip for the Dragons.
Fort Wayne 8, @ Kane County 6 -- Kane County didn't lose. They just ran out of outs.
@Peoria 5, Lansing 3 (10 innings) -- Kerry Wood gets front page treatment. Why not? He struck out twelve in five innings. Ryan Norwood won it for the Chiefs with a home in the bottom of the 12th. But, Wood was the focus of 8,426 at O'Brien Field.
South Bend 6, @ Quad Cities 4 (11 innings) -- When the words "Blunders aplenty" appear in the headline of the hometown paper, it was probably not a good day for the home team.
Southwest Michigan 3, @ Beloit 1 -- Yeah, these Devil Ray pitchers are pretty good. But, they needed a three run rally in the top of the ninth to win.
Complete Sunday Scoreboard HERE
Burlington 4, @ West Michigan 2 -- Go Bees! Two straight wins!
@Clinton 9, Dayton 1 -- Not a great way to end a road trip for the Dragons.
Fort Wayne 8, @ Kane County 6 -- Kane County didn't lose. They just ran out of outs.
@Peoria 5, Lansing 3 (10 innings) -- Kerry Wood gets front page treatment. Why not? He struck out twelve in five innings. Ryan Norwood won it for the Chiefs with a home in the bottom of the 12th. But, Wood was the focus of 8,426 at O'Brien Field.
South Bend 6, @ Quad Cities 4 (11 innings) -- When the words "Blunders aplenty" appear in the headline of the hometown paper, it was probably not a good day for the home team.
Southwest Michigan 3, @ Beloit 1 -- Yeah, these Devil Ray pitchers are pretty good. But, they needed a three run rally in the top of the ninth to win.
Complete Sunday Scoreboard HERE
Rattler Alum of the Day
Brian Fuentes. Closer for the first place Colorado Rockies. He earned his seventh save of the season in Colorado's win over the Astros.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/7
Seattle (MAJ: 13-20; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 2-0 to the Indians. Jarrod Washburn gave up two runs on four hits, but took the loss. The Mariner offense had nine hits, but could not cross the plate.
Tacoma (AAA – 16-12; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Salt Lake beat Tacoma 8-2. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up seven runs on nine hits over six innings for the loss. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) had a pair of hits and scored a run for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 11-17; 4th Texas League South Division): Springfield beat San Antonio 3-1. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) homered in the top of the seventh inning to give the Missions a 1-0 lead. But, Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up three runs in the bottom of the inning and took the loss. Feierabend struck out seven over 6-1/3 innings.
Inland Empire (High-A – 17-13; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 10-4 to San Jose. 66er starting pitcher Julio Santiago (WI ’05) pitched 1/3 of an inning and allowed one hit before leaving the game. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) allowed five runs in 2-2/3 innings in relief for the loss. Josh Womack (WI ’05) was 3-for-3 with a run scored for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE (for 5/8)
Tampa Bay (Casey Fossum 1-1) at Seattle (Gil Meche 1-2) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-2) at Salt Lake (Joe Saunders 3-1) 7:30pm CDT
San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-2) at Springfield (Jordan Pals 2-1) 7:10pm CDT
Inland Empire – OFF DAY
Tacoma (AAA – 16-12; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Salt Lake beat Tacoma 8-2. Clint Nageotte (WI ’01) gave up seven runs on nine hits over six innings for the loss. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) had a pair of hits and scored a run for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 11-17; 4th Texas League South Division): Springfield beat San Antonio 3-1. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) homered in the top of the seventh inning to give the Missions a 1-0 lead. But, Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) gave up three runs in the bottom of the inning and took the loss. Feierabend struck out seven over 6-1/3 innings.
Inland Empire (High-A – 17-13; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 10-4 to San Jose. 66er starting pitcher Julio Santiago (WI ’05) pitched 1/3 of an inning and allowed one hit before leaving the game. Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) allowed five runs in 2-2/3 innings in relief for the loss. Josh Womack (WI ’05) was 3-for-3 with a run scored for the 66ers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE (for 5/8)
Tampa Bay (Casey Fossum 1-1) at Seattle (Gil Meche 1-2) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 1-2) at Salt Lake (Joe Saunders 3-1) 7:30pm CDT
San Antonio (Brandon Moorhead 1-2) at Springfield (Jordan Pals 2-1) 7:10pm CDT
Inland Empire – OFF DAY
5/07/2006
Sunday's game in a word
Nuts!
That is all I really have time for right now.
See you all at Fox Cities Stadium this week.
That is all I really have time for right now.
See you all at Fox Cities Stadium this week.
Probable Pitching Matchups vs. Quad Cities
The Rattlers return home to take on the SWING!
Here are the probable pitching-matchups:
Mon -- RHP Jason Snyder vs. RHP Cory Meacham 6:35pm
Tue -- LHP Justin Thomas vs. RHP Josh Wilson 6:35pm
Wed -- LHP Paul Fagan vs. RHP Kyle Sadlowski 11:35am
Thu -- LHP Harold Williams vs. LHP Jaime Garcia 6:35pm
Here are the probable pitching-matchups:
Mon -- RHP Jason Snyder vs. RHP Cory Meacham 6:35pm
Tue -- LHP Justin Thomas vs. RHP Josh Wilson 6:35pm
Wed -- LHP Paul Fagan vs. RHP Kyle Sadlowski 11:35am
Thu -- LHP Harold Williams vs. LHP Jaime Garcia 6:35pm
Today's Pre-game Guest
Chao Kuan Wu had a game winning triple last night. He gets to be on the pre-game show today.
Pre-game will kick off at around 1:40. Game time is 2:00pm CDT.
Click on the link at the left for the broadcast.
Pre-game will kick off at around 1:40. Game time is 2:00pm CDT.
Click on the link at the left for the broadcast.
Game Notes for 5/7
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Chao Kuan Wu tripled in Mike Saunders with a two-out triple down the first base line in the top of the eleventh inning to give Wisconsin a 3-2 lead. Edgar Guaramato pitched a scoreless bottom of the eleventh inning for his fifth save.
FIRST START JITTERS: Rattler lefty Harold Williams made his first start as a Timber Rattler last night. In the first inning, he walked two batters, throwing fifteen pitches – only four strikes, but got out of the inning with no runs scoring. After he settled down, Williams made it 4-2/3 innings allowing one run on three hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
HOW DO YOU SPELL RELIEF? Ruben Flores gave up one run on two hits over 3-1/3 innings. Had he not given up the tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a two-out single by Flint Wipke, Flores was in line for the win. Jeff Gilmore worked two perfect innings out of the bullpen and got his first victory of the season.
CLUTCH HITTING: Cedar Rapids starting pitcher Stephen Marek gave up a lead off double to J.B. Tucker in the top of the second inning. Then, he retired the next thirteen batters he faced. The Rattlers didn’t get another hit until Tucker lined a home run over the left field wall with one out in the seventh inning.
SITUATIONAL HITTING: Ron Garth drove in his team leading 17th run of the season with an infield ground out in the top of the eighth to give the Rattlers a brief lead.
WINNING HITTING: Wu chopped a triple down the first base line and into the right field corner with the go ahead run in the top of the eleventh. The triple was very similar to the triple by Mike Saunders in the game on Friday afternoon.
WORKING OT: The Rattlers won their first extra-inning game of the season with the victory yesterday. The Rattlers are now 1-2 in extra frames this season.
TEMP WORK: Rattler pitching coach Lance Painter did not make the trip to Cedar Rapids due to illness. Oliver Arias will be the acting pitching coach for Wisconsin in this series.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Robert Mosebach was the 9th round pick of the Angels in the 2005 draft out of Hillsbourogh Community College in Florida. Last season, Mosebach went 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA for Orem in the Pioneer League. Mosebach made fifteen appearances (thirteen starts) and struck out 52 hitters in 65 innings pitched. Mosebach got a no decision against the Rattlers on April 15 at Fox Cities Stadium. He was hit on the left ankle with a line drive in the bottom of the fourth inning and left a few batters later. He gave up two hits and two unearned runs in the game. His last time out, Mosebach beat South Bend at Veterans Memorial Stadium. He pitched eight shutout innings and scattered seven hits while striking out six.
FIRST START JITTERS: Rattler lefty Harold Williams made his first start as a Timber Rattler last night. In the first inning, he walked two batters, throwing fifteen pitches – only four strikes, but got out of the inning with no runs scoring. After he settled down, Williams made it 4-2/3 innings allowing one run on three hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
HOW DO YOU SPELL RELIEF? Ruben Flores gave up one run on two hits over 3-1/3 innings. Had he not given up the tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a two-out single by Flint Wipke, Flores was in line for the win. Jeff Gilmore worked two perfect innings out of the bullpen and got his first victory of the season.
CLUTCH HITTING: Cedar Rapids starting pitcher Stephen Marek gave up a lead off double to J.B. Tucker in the top of the second inning. Then, he retired the next thirteen batters he faced. The Rattlers didn’t get another hit until Tucker lined a home run over the left field wall with one out in the seventh inning.
SITUATIONAL HITTING: Ron Garth drove in his team leading 17th run of the season with an infield ground out in the top of the eighth to give the Rattlers a brief lead.
WINNING HITTING: Wu chopped a triple down the first base line and into the right field corner with the go ahead run in the top of the eleventh. The triple was very similar to the triple by Mike Saunders in the game on Friday afternoon.
WORKING OT: The Rattlers won their first extra-inning game of the season with the victory yesterday. The Rattlers are now 1-2 in extra frames this season.
TEMP WORK: Rattler pitching coach Lance Painter did not make the trip to Cedar Rapids due to illness. Oliver Arias will be the acting pitching coach for Wisconsin in this series.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Robert Mosebach was the 9th round pick of the Angels in the 2005 draft out of Hillsbourogh Community College in Florida. Last season, Mosebach went 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA for Orem in the Pioneer League. Mosebach made fifteen appearances (thirteen starts) and struck out 52 hitters in 65 innings pitched. Mosebach got a no decision against the Rattlers on April 15 at Fox Cities Stadium. He was hit on the left ankle with a line drive in the bottom of the fourth inning and left a few batters later. He gave up two hits and two unearned runs in the game. His last time out, Mosebach beat South Bend at Veterans Memorial Stadium. He pitched eight shutout innings and scattered seven hits while striking out six.
Sunday reading
Brett looks at Rattler players looking at other players in the Mariner system, a possible move by the Florida Marlins to San Antonio, and some of the new guys on the roster at RattlersReport.com.
Larry Stone says that Hank Aaron is still the man. Um, duh.
Tom Hardricourt is interesting today. Topics include Cory Lidle sounding off on Barry Bonds, Chris Bootcheck's odd injury, and the surprising Reds and Rockies.
A look back and a look ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks by Tom Enlund and Michael Hunt.
Hey! The Admirals are still playing!
AroundTheMinors at MiLB.com dips into the viewer mailbag. A certain Duraham Bull is a topic of conversation.
The wrap up on the 24 inning game in Nashville from the Nashville Tennessean.
Larry Stone says that Hank Aaron is still the man. Um, duh.
Tom Hardricourt is interesting today. Topics include Cory Lidle sounding off on Barry Bonds, Chris Bootcheck's odd injury, and the surprising Reds and Rockies.
A look back and a look ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks by Tom Enlund and Michael Hunt.
Hey! The Admirals are still playing!
AroundTheMinors at MiLB.com dips into the viewer mailbag. A certain Duraham Bull is a topic of conversation.
The wrap up on the 24 inning game in Nashville from the Nashville Tennessean.
Saturday in the MWL
Wisconsin 3, @Cedar Rapids 2 (11 inn) -- First Extra Inning Win!
Burlington 8, @ West Michigan 1 -- Bees Win! Bees Win!
Dayton 5, @ Clinton 3 -- Dragons build a 5-0 lead and hold it for a win.
@Kane County 12, Fort Wayne 8 -- Wizards build a 7-0 lead and lose it to the Cougars.
South Bend 7, @ Quad Cities 3 -- 5,000+ Swing fans go home unhappy.
@Peoria 6, Lansing 4 -- The Chiefs are going for the sweep today with Kerry Wood on the hill against the Lugnuts.
Southwest Michigan 6, @ Beloit 5 -- Late rally wins it for the D-Rays.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Burlington 8, @ West Michigan 1 -- Bees Win! Bees Win!
Dayton 5, @ Clinton 3 -- Dragons build a 5-0 lead and hold it for a win.
@Kane County 12, Fort Wayne 8 -- Wizards build a 7-0 lead and lose it to the Cougars.
South Bend 7, @ Quad Cities 3 -- 5,000+ Swing fans go home unhappy.
@Peoria 6, Lansing 4 -- The Chiefs are going for the sweep today with Kerry Wood on the hill against the Lugnuts.
Southwest Michigan 6, @ Beloit 5 -- Late rally wins it for the D-Rays.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Joel Pineiro helps the Mariners snap a losing streak with an eight inning performance against the Indians.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/6)
Seattle (MAJ: 13-19; 4th AL West): Seattle beat Cleveland 4-1. Joel Pineiro (WI ’98) pitched eight innings allowing one run and striking out six without a walk. JJ Putz (WI ’00) worked a scoreless ninth for his third save. Adrian Beltre drove in two runs and former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez drove in another.
Tacoma (AAA – 16-11; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Asdrubal Cabrera (WI ’05) homered as part of a three run seventh inning to lead the Rainiers to a 5-4 win at Salt Lake. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) got the win and Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) gave up a run in the ninth, but picked up the save.
San Antonio (AA – 11-16; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio’s game in Arkansas was rained out. It will not be made up this season.
Inland Empire (High-A – 17-12; 1st California League South Division): The 66ers scored two runs in the sixth to tie and two runs in the seventh to beat the San Jose Giants 4-2. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) drove in a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to put Inland Empire ahead for good. Mumba Rivera (WI ’05) pitched 2-2/3 innings of scoreless relief for the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for 5/7
Cleveland (CC Sabathia 1-0) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-4) 3:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 3-1) at Salt Lake (Dustin Moseley 4-1) 3:00pm CDT
San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 0-2) at Springfield (Rich Rundles 2-1) 7:10pm CDT
San Jose at Inland Empire 4:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 16-11; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Asdrubal Cabrera (WI ’05) homered as part of a three run seventh inning to lead the Rainiers to a 5-4 win at Salt Lake. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) got the win and Emiliano Fruto (WI ’02) gave up a run in the ninth, but picked up the save.
San Antonio (AA – 11-16; 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio’s game in Arkansas was rained out. It will not be made up this season.
Inland Empire (High-A – 17-12; 1st California League South Division): The 66ers scored two runs in the sixth to tie and two runs in the seventh to beat the San Jose Giants 4-2. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) drove in a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to put Inland Empire ahead for good. Mumba Rivera (WI ’05) pitched 2-2/3 innings of scoreless relief for the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE for 5/7
Cleveland (CC Sabathia 1-0) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 2-4) 3:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Clint Nageotte 3-1) at Salt Lake (Dustin Moseley 4-1) 3:00pm CDT
San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 0-2) at Springfield (Rich Rundles 2-1) 7:10pm CDT
San Jose at Inland Empire 4:11pm CDT
5/06/2006
It's over! It's all over!
The New Orleans @ Nashville game that was suspended after 18 innings early this morning went another six innings before New Orleans finally scored. They retired the side in order in the bottom of the 24th for a 5-4 win. Game time 8 hours 7 minutes.
The box score is here and it ain't pretty if you are a Brad Nelson fan. The former Beloit Snapper went 1-for-10 with seven strikeouts. He should bounce back and he may be up with the Brewers before too long.
I can't figure out how to put the audio on this site yet, but if you go to the Sounds website they have a link to the call of the final out of the marathon.
A couple of former Timber Rattlers were part of this game. Kevin Gryboski (WI '96) worked 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief last night for New Orleans. Jermaine Clark (WI '98) was 1-for-10 with a run scored and four K's for Nashville.
I'll link to some stories on this game as they appear on-line.
The box score is here and it ain't pretty if you are a Brad Nelson fan. The former Beloit Snapper went 1-for-10 with seven strikeouts. He should bounce back and he may be up with the Brewers before too long.
I can't figure out how to put the audio on this site yet, but if you go to the Sounds website they have a link to the call of the final out of the marathon.
A couple of former Timber Rattlers were part of this game. Kevin Gryboski (WI '96) worked 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief last night for New Orleans. Jermaine Clark (WI '98) was 1-for-10 with a run scored and four K's for Nashville.
I'll link to some stories on this game as they appear on-line.
Saturday's Game in a word
Team.
The Rattlers got terriffic pitching from Harold Williams, Ruben Flores, Jeff Gilmore, and Edgar Guaramato.
The Rattlers got timely hitting from JB Tucker, Ron Garth, Mike Saunders, and Chao Kuan Wu.
The Rattlers got some nice defensive plays Robby Hudson, Eddy Hernandez, and Jeff Dominguez.
The Rattlers got their first extra inning win of the season. Box score here.
This is almost what I went with for toinght's game in a word:
The Rattlers got terriffic pitching from Harold Williams, Ruben Flores, Jeff Gilmore, and Edgar Guaramato.
The Rattlers got timely hitting from JB Tucker, Ron Garth, Mike Saunders, and Chao Kuan Wu.
The Rattlers got some nice defensive plays Robby Hudson, Eddy Hernandez, and Jeff Dominguez.
The Rattlers got their first extra inning win of the season. Box score here.
This is almost what I went with for toinght's game in a word:
WHOOOOOOOO!!!! (but I didn't)
Game Notes 5/6
ABOUT FRIDAY: Wisconsin beat the Kernels 8-6. The Timber Rattlers built a 6-1 lead on the strength of a five run fifth inning. But, the Kernels came back to tie the game. Wisconsin got an RBI double from Jairo Hernandez and an RBI grounder from Robby Hudson in the top of the ninth and Edgar Guaramato pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his fourth save.
BIG HIT: Hernandez chopped a base hit through the drawn-in infield of the Kernels into shallow center for the game winning hit. He hustled into second with a double and scored an insurance run.
TRIPLE PLUS ONE: Mike Saunders two-out bases loaded triple in the top of the fifth inning put the Rattlers in front 5-1. A throwing error on a play at third allowed Saunders to score on the same play for a 6-1 advantage.
TRIPLE THREAT: Casey Craig tripled to start the top of the ninth and scored on the hit by Hernandez. Yesterday was the third time this season the Rattlers have had three triples in a game.
1-2-3: Yesterday was the first time that Guaramato worked a 1-2-3 inning while going for a save in the ninth inning this season.
STARTING PITCHER: In his start yesterday, Paul Fagan got into the seventh inning for the first time this season. He gave up two runs on four hits in the first six innings, but he gave up a single and a home run to the first two batters of the bottom of the seventh and left with a 6-4 lead.
BLOWN SAVE: Joe Woerman relieved Fagan in the seventh and kept the Kernels off the board in that inning. However, he gave up a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and Cedar Rapids tied the game. The Rattler relief corps is 6-for-10 in save opportunities this season.
TEMP WORK: Rattler pitching coach Lance Painter did not make the trip to Cedar Rapids due to illness. Oliver Arias will be the acting pitching coach for Wisconsin in this series.
MEET THE NEW GUY: The newest Timber Rattler is catcher Julian Henson. When Henson appears in a game, it will be his professional debut. The Mariners selected Henson with their 33rd round pick in the 2005 draft out of Cordova High School in Tennessee. Henson hit .408 for the Wolves before being drafted.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Stephen Marek was a 40th round pick of the Angels in the 2004 draft out of San Jacinto Junior College in Texas. Marek signed just before the 2005 draft. He was 1-3 in fifteen games (fourteen starts) for Orem in the Pioneer League last season. He was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher in the 2004 Junior College World Series and was primarily a reliever for San Jacinto. Marek won his last start with a victory over the South Bend Silver Hawks on May 1. Marek scattered ten hits over five innings and gave up just three runs at Veterans Memorial Stadium for his second win of the season. Marek gave up one run on four hits over five innings to get the win against the Timber Rattlers on April 14 at Fox Cities Stadium. He walked three and struck out three in a 4-2 Kernel win.
BIG HIT: Hernandez chopped a base hit through the drawn-in infield of the Kernels into shallow center for the game winning hit. He hustled into second with a double and scored an insurance run.
TRIPLE PLUS ONE: Mike Saunders two-out bases loaded triple in the top of the fifth inning put the Rattlers in front 5-1. A throwing error on a play at third allowed Saunders to score on the same play for a 6-1 advantage.
TRIPLE THREAT: Casey Craig tripled to start the top of the ninth and scored on the hit by Hernandez. Yesterday was the third time this season the Rattlers have had three triples in a game.
1-2-3: Yesterday was the first time that Guaramato worked a 1-2-3 inning while going for a save in the ninth inning this season.
STARTING PITCHER: In his start yesterday, Paul Fagan got into the seventh inning for the first time this season. He gave up two runs on four hits in the first six innings, but he gave up a single and a home run to the first two batters of the bottom of the seventh and left with a 6-4 lead.
BLOWN SAVE: Joe Woerman relieved Fagan in the seventh and kept the Kernels off the board in that inning. However, he gave up a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and Cedar Rapids tied the game. The Rattler relief corps is 6-for-10 in save opportunities this season.
TEMP WORK: Rattler pitching coach Lance Painter did not make the trip to Cedar Rapids due to illness. Oliver Arias will be the acting pitching coach for Wisconsin in this series.
MEET THE NEW GUY: The newest Timber Rattler is catcher Julian Henson. When Henson appears in a game, it will be his professional debut. The Mariners selected Henson with their 33rd round pick in the 2005 draft out of Cordova High School in Tennessee. Henson hit .408 for the Wolves before being drafted.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Stephen Marek was a 40th round pick of the Angels in the 2004 draft out of San Jacinto Junior College in Texas. Marek signed just before the 2005 draft. He was 1-3 in fifteen games (fourteen starts) for Orem in the Pioneer League last season. He was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher in the 2004 Junior College World Series and was primarily a reliever for San Jacinto. Marek won his last start with a victory over the South Bend Silver Hawks on May 1. Marek scattered ten hits over five innings and gave up just three runs at Veterans Memorial Stadium for his second win of the season. Marek gave up one run on four hits over five innings to get the win against the Timber Rattlers on April 14 at Fox Cities Stadium. He walked three and struck out three in a 4-2 Kernel win.
This one jumps out at you
From time to time the linescore of a game grabs you by the collar, shakes you, and says, "Look at ME, darn it!"
This morning was one of those times.
@Nashville 6, New Orleans 6 (Suspended after 18 innings) -- Box score Here. Game wrap Here.
Nashville, the PCL affiliate of the Brewers, had a 6-4 lead. But, New Orleans scored one in the eighth and one in the ninth. The run in the eighth scored on a bases loaded hit batsman. The run in the ninth came in on a two-out single. Nobody has scored since.
Abbreviated game story from the Nashville Tennessean is Here. Former Beloit Snapper Brad Nelson is 1-for-9 with six strikeouts in the game for Nashville.
This morning was one of those times.
@Nashville 6, New Orleans 6 (Suspended after 18 innings) -- Box score Here. Game wrap Here.
Nashville, the PCL affiliate of the Brewers, had a 6-4 lead. But, New Orleans scored one in the eighth and one in the ninth. The run in the eighth scored on a bases loaded hit batsman. The run in the ninth came in on a two-out single. Nobody has scored since.
Abbreviated game story from the Nashville Tennessean is Here. Former Beloit Snapper Brad Nelson is 1-for-9 with six strikeouts in the game for Nashville.
Friday in the MWL
Wisconsin 8, @Cedar Rapids 6 -- How does the Post-Crescent match up with what actually happened? Pretty close considering the person they get their info from for road games.
@Peoria 12, Lansing 1 -- No game story in the Peoria Journal Star but there is an interesting article about Donny Veal, who has a ready made nickname of 'Doc'. The Lansing State Journal notes that the Lugnuts are out of first place after the loss. Yes, a 1/2 game deficit is so hard to make up over the remaining 42 games of the first half.
@West Michigan 3, Burlington 2 -- If Lansing is out of first in the East, who is in first? Why the Whitecaps, of course. How do you figure out magic numbers again? The Bees on the other hand have dropped eight straight.
@Kane County 6, Fort Wayne 4 -- Speaking of first place, the Cougars are back, baby. Wizards made a valiant effort, though.
@Clinton 11, Dayton 7 -- The Dragons were above .500 for one day. I don't think that it will be another three years before they get back there. Although leading 7-0 and losing can't be a good sign.
Southwest Michigan 3, @ Beloit 1 -- One second inning run for the Snappers wasn't enough. According to this Battle Creek Enquirer article, there good pitchers aren't going anywhere, anytime soon. But, they sure do miss last year's hitters.
@Quad Cities 12, South Bend 0 -- The SWING live up to their name. Their pitchers don't do so bad either.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
@Peoria 12, Lansing 1 -- No game story in the Peoria Journal Star but there is an interesting article about Donny Veal, who has a ready made nickname of 'Doc'. The Lansing State Journal notes that the Lugnuts are out of first place after the loss. Yes, a 1/2 game deficit is so hard to make up over the remaining 42 games of the first half.
@West Michigan 3, Burlington 2 -- If Lansing is out of first in the East, who is in first? Why the Whitecaps, of course. How do you figure out magic numbers again? The Bees on the other hand have dropped eight straight.
@Kane County 6, Fort Wayne 4 -- Speaking of first place, the Cougars are back, baby. Wizards made a valiant effort, though.
@Clinton 11, Dayton 7 -- The Dragons were above .500 for one day. I don't think that it will be another three years before they get back there. Although leading 7-0 and losing can't be a good sign.
Southwest Michigan 3, @ Beloit 1 -- One second inning run for the Snappers wasn't enough. According to this Battle Creek Enquirer article, there good pitchers aren't going anywhere, anytime soon. But, they sure do miss last year's hitters.
@Quad Cities 12, South Bend 0 -- The SWING live up to their name. Their pitchers don't do so bad either.
Complete scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Yung Chi Chen, Inland Empire.
Three hits, two RBI, and scoring the winning run in extra innings is more than enough.
Three hits, two RBI, and scoring the winning run in extra innings is more than enough.
Mariner System Report (Games of 5/6)
Seattle (MAJ: 12-19; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 9-4 to Cleveland in Seattle. Former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez had three hits and scored a run for the M’s. Rafael Soriano (WI ’00) gave up a pair of runs in one inning of work and got the loss.
Tacoma (AAA – 15-11; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 17-7 at Salt Lake. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) gave up seven runs in four innings and took the loss. Hunter Brown (WI ’02), Adam Jones (WI ’04), and Rob Johnson (WI ’05) all homered for the Rainiers. Jones drove in three runs.
San Antonio (AA – 11-16; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 7-6 at Arkansas. San Antonio trailed 6-1 heading into the top of the seventh and scored five runs to tie the game. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) homered. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) had three hits and drove in a pair of runs. Craig James (WI ’05) gave up a two-out homer to Aaron Peel in the bottom of the eighth to get the loss.
Inland Empire (High-A – 16-12; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat the San Jose Giants 6-5 in the bottom of the eleventh inning. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) and Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) each had three hits. Chen drove in two runs and scored the winning run on a squeeze bunt by Ron Prettyman in the bottom of the eleventh.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE
Cleveland (Cliff Lee 2-2) at Seattle (Joel Pineiro 3-2) 8:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 1-1) at Salt Lake (Jered Weaver 2-1) 7:30pm CDT
San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 0-2) at Arkansas (Jesse Smith 2-1) 7:10pm CDT
San Jose at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Tacoma (AAA – 15-11; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 17-7 at Salt Lake. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) gave up seven runs in four innings and took the loss. Hunter Brown (WI ’02), Adam Jones (WI ’04), and Rob Johnson (WI ’05) all homered for the Rainiers. Jones drove in three runs.
San Antonio (AA – 11-16; 4th Texas League South Division): The Missions lost 7-6 at Arkansas. San Antonio trailed 6-1 heading into the top of the seventh and scored five runs to tie the game. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) homered. Bryan LaHair (WI ’04) had three hits and drove in a pair of runs. Craig James (WI ’05) gave up a two-out homer to Aaron Peel in the bottom of the eighth to get the loss.
Inland Empire (High-A – 16-12; T-1st California League South Division): Inland Empire beat the San Jose Giants 6-5 in the bottom of the eleventh inning. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) and Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) each had three hits. Chen drove in two runs and scored the winning run on a squeeze bunt by Ron Prettyman in the bottom of the eleventh.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE
Cleveland (Cliff Lee 2-2) at Seattle (Joel Pineiro 3-2) 8:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Cha Seung Baek 1-1) at Salt Lake (Jered Weaver 2-1) 7:30pm CDT
San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 0-2) at Arkansas (Jesse Smith 2-1) 7:10pm CDT
San Jose at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT