Game Notes -- 8/23

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Chiefs sprinted out to a big lead in the first four innings and Jeremy Papelbon allowed four hits over seven innings to lead Peoria to an 8-0 shutout of the Timber Rattlers. Papelbon walked three and struck out six for the win. Russ Canzler and Marquez Smith each drove in a pair of runs for the Peoria offense. The Chiefs had fourteen hits and all but one of their starters had at least one hit.

IT STARTED WITH TWO OUT: Rattler starter Anthony Varvaro retired the first two Chief batters he faced in the first inning last night. But, Jim Adduci and Blake Lalli combined for consecutive singles to put runners at first and third. Varvaro threw a wild pitch that didn’t trickle too far away from catcher Jair Fernandez. Fernandez threw to second and Adduci broke for the plate. The throw home was high and Adduci scored while Lalli went to third. A double by Canzler put Peoria up 2-0.

ROUGH NIGHT: Varvaro lasted just 3-1/3 innings and allowed six runs on eight hits with three walks, a pair of wild pitches and one strikeout. In his last three starts, Varvaro has gone four innings, four innings, and 3-1/3 innings. Over those 11-1/3 innings, he has allowed 13 runs (10 earned) on 18 hits. Varvaro has lost four consecutive decisions.

FOUR! The Chiefs put the game away with a five run fourth inning. They loaded the bases with one out against Varvaro. Reliever Rollie Gibson came into the game and got a grounder, but it was booted for an error and two runs scored. Lalli, Canzler and Smith followed with RBI hits and the Chiefs were up 8-0.

WALK TOTALS: Wisconsin hitters drew three walks last night. In 125 games this season, Rattler batters have drawn 338 walks. Rattler pitchers have issued 454 walks. That is a differential of -116.

RUN TOTALS: The Rattlers have been outscored 632-493 a differential of -139.

WELCOME BACK: Rattler closer Andrew Barb returned to the team yesterday. Barb had been on the disabled list since shortly after appearing in a game against Quad Cities on June 21, the first game of the second half. Barb, who is 9-for-9 in save opportunities, pitched a scoreless eighth inning last night.

BACK TO THE HILL: Leury Bonilla was called on to pitch the top of the ninth inning last night. The Rattler designated hitter, who picked up a save by getting the final out of the game at Fort Wayne on August 4, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth with a strikeout.

PEORIA STARTER: Arik Hempy was the 17th round pick of the Cubs in the 2007 draft. The former University of South Carolina Gamecock is making his Midwest League debut against the Timber Rattlers tonight. Hempy went 7-3 with a 3.58ERA in 13 starts in his final season for South Carolina. He struck out 64 in 65-1/3 innings. Hempy started his pro career with one start for the Mesa Cubs of the Arizona League on July 3rd. He was promoted to Boise of the Northwest League and made nine appearances – seven starts – for the Hawks. Hempy went 1-3 with a 4.70 ERA with 11 walks and 33 strikeouts over 30-2/3 innings in the Northwest League. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers. He did face Everett, Seattle’s Northwest League affiliate, on July 21. Hempy allowed three runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts over 2-1/3 innings for a no decision in that game.