Friday's Game
Lancaster over Modesto 11-2 (Lancaster leads best-of-five series 2-0)
Uno Mas! That's how many games Lancaster needs to win out of the next three to be crowned California League Champions. That's the good news. The bad news is that Modesto came back from an 0-2 deficit in the previous round to get to the finals so they can't be counted out. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Blair Walters got the start and, despite some early traffic, managed to get some key outs and ultimately allowed only one run (on a passed ball) on six hits and no walks with six strikeouts in five innings of work to earn the win. He was followed by Chia-Jen Lo who showed a return to his earlier form as he provided scoreless relief in his two innings of work, striking out four. Carlos Quevedo came in for the final two and allowed one run in the bottom of the ninth. A combined two runs on nine hits and one walk with 11 strikeouts from the JetHawks pitching staff kept Lancaster in control of the game as they scored all the runs that they would need in the third inning. But they piled on scoring another four in the fifth inning due in large part to a three-run Telvin Nash home run, one in the sixth driven in by one of three Andrew Aplin doubles, and three more in the top of the ninth. After going 0-for-four on Thursday, Aplin was on fire with a four-for-five night on Friday and Nash was two-for-four with four RBI. Delino DeShields was two-for-five with a walk, RBI, stolen base and scored a run and Jonathan Meyer was one-for-three with a double, two walks and scored two runs. Jio Mier, Erik Castro, Domingo Santana and Carlos Perez each drove in a run as well. Seven of Lancaster's 12 hits were for extra bases. Great all-around team effort from a really exciting team.
Saturday's Pitching Matchup
9:00 CST - Game 3: Modesto at Lancaster
LHP Colton Cain takes the mound for Lancaster. He has one loss in the post-season and did not face Modesto during the regular season. In his seven regular season starts for Lancaster after he was obtained in a trade with the Pirates, he was 2-2 with a 5.55 ERA and a 1.430 WHIP. LHP Jorge de la Rosa will appear for Modesto in a rehab start for the Rockies. De la Rosa has made seven rehab starts in four different leagues this season with a 6.64 ERA and a 1.771 WHIP. He made one post-season start against Bakersfield and only allowed one run on three hits in three and two-thirds innings.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Pitching Matchups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pitching Matchups. Show all posts
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Playoff Recaps and Pitching Matchup
Thursday's Games
Hudson Valley over Tri-City 8-3 (Hudson Valley wins the series 2-1)
Tri-City starter Joe Bircher had a rough start and got the early hook as he allowed three runs across while only recording one out in the first. With runners at the corners, Skipper Stubby Clapp replaced Bircher with Brady Rodgers who allowed one of his inherited runners to score before getting two strikeouts to quell the threat. The ValleyCats got one run back in the top of the second as Tyler Heineman scored from third on a wild pitch and scraped another one across in the third as Jesse Wierzbicki drove in Austin "Catfish" Elkins on a ground-rule double. In the meantime, Rodgers pitched brilliantly allowing only one hit and no walks with six strikeouts in three and two thirds innings. Lance Day was sharp in the fifth but got into trouble in the sixth, trouble that Jeremiah Meiners couldn't keep under control thanks in part to a fielding error by Neiko Johnson. Before all was said and done, Hudson Valley plated two runs to give them a 6-2 lead in the inning. The 'Cats answered with one in the 7th on a Joe Sclafani RBI single scoring Jarrod McKinney. Blake Ford came in with one out in the bottom of the seventh and was removed with one out in the bottom of the eighth after walking a batter, in favor of Travis Ballew. Ballew and Scott Zuloaga allowed another two runs across before the eighth was over, giving Hudson Valley an 8-3 lead. And that was where it ended although Tri-City did threaten in the ninth. Tri-City was held to five hits with Wierzbicki's ground rule double being the only extra base hit. Joe Sclafani was one-for-three with an RBI, two walks and a run scored. Jarrod McKinney was hitless but walked three times and scored a run. And so ends an otherwise fantastic season.
Lancaster over Modesto 7-4 (Lancaster leads the best-of-five series 1-0)
David Martinez got the start and pitched a mostly effective six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk with six strikeouts and was rewarded with his second win of the post-season. The bullpens could very well be the key to this series and Lancaster has a leg up in that regard having had a day off between series to rest and getting six innings from Martinez while Modesto had no time off and had to go to the 'pen in the third last night. The Nuts struck first with a run scored on a sac fly in the bottom of the second, but the lead was short-lived as Lancaster came back with a vengeance in the top of the third, scoring four on a two-run Jio Mier double and RBI singles from Domingo Santana and Jonathan Meyer. But the Heart Attack Hawks were back as the Nuts got two back in the bottom of the frame on a two-run triple before a fly out double play with a missile to home from Santana in right field ended the threat. Lancaster added on a pair in the fifth with a double off the very hot bat of Jonathan Meyer and the Nuts answered with one in the sixth to keep it close. Jose Trinidad entered in the seventh and got three quick outs and one more in the eighth before giving way to Kenny Long who gave up a single before retiring the next two. After Delino DeShields scored on an error in the top of the ninth for an insurance run, Andrew Robinson made quick work in getting the final three outs. There were several nice offensive performances:
Delino DeShields - 2x4 BB 2R
Jio Mier - 3x5 2B 2RBI R
Domingo Santana - 3x4 RBI 2R
Jonathan Meyer - 2x3 2B 3RBI BB
Rafy Valenzuela - 1x2 2B 2BB R
Friday's Pitching Matchup
9:05 CST - Game 2 of the LCS: Lancaster at Modesto
LHP Blair Walters goes to the mound for Lancaster. Walters was 3-3 with a 7.62 ERA and a 1.641 WHIP in 8 starts after coming into the Astros organization and did not face Modesto during the regular season. The JetHawks won Walters' one post-season appearance but he didn't get a decision in that game. RHP Juan Gonzalez gets the start for Modesto. In 27 games (26 starts) during the regular season, he was 6-13 with a 6.03 ERA and a 1.727 WHIP. He was 1-1 in starts against Lancaster during the season. His only post-season appearance thus far resulted in a loss.
Hudson Valley over Tri-City 8-3 (Hudson Valley wins the series 2-1)
Tri-City starter Joe Bircher had a rough start and got the early hook as he allowed three runs across while only recording one out in the first. With runners at the corners, Skipper Stubby Clapp replaced Bircher with Brady Rodgers who allowed one of his inherited runners to score before getting two strikeouts to quell the threat. The ValleyCats got one run back in the top of the second as Tyler Heineman scored from third on a wild pitch and scraped another one across in the third as Jesse Wierzbicki drove in Austin "Catfish" Elkins on a ground-rule double. In the meantime, Rodgers pitched brilliantly allowing only one hit and no walks with six strikeouts in three and two thirds innings. Lance Day was sharp in the fifth but got into trouble in the sixth, trouble that Jeremiah Meiners couldn't keep under control thanks in part to a fielding error by Neiko Johnson. Before all was said and done, Hudson Valley plated two runs to give them a 6-2 lead in the inning. The 'Cats answered with one in the 7th on a Joe Sclafani RBI single scoring Jarrod McKinney. Blake Ford came in with one out in the bottom of the seventh and was removed with one out in the bottom of the eighth after walking a batter, in favor of Travis Ballew. Ballew and Scott Zuloaga allowed another two runs across before the eighth was over, giving Hudson Valley an 8-3 lead. And that was where it ended although Tri-City did threaten in the ninth. Tri-City was held to five hits with Wierzbicki's ground rule double being the only extra base hit. Joe Sclafani was one-for-three with an RBI, two walks and a run scored. Jarrod McKinney was hitless but walked three times and scored a run. And so ends an otherwise fantastic season.
Lancaster over Modesto 7-4 (Lancaster leads the best-of-five series 1-0)
David Martinez got the start and pitched a mostly effective six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk with six strikeouts and was rewarded with his second win of the post-season. The bullpens could very well be the key to this series and Lancaster has a leg up in that regard having had a day off between series to rest and getting six innings from Martinez while Modesto had no time off and had to go to the 'pen in the third last night. The Nuts struck first with a run scored on a sac fly in the bottom of the second, but the lead was short-lived as Lancaster came back with a vengeance in the top of the third, scoring four on a two-run Jio Mier double and RBI singles from Domingo Santana and Jonathan Meyer. But the Heart Attack Hawks were back as the Nuts got two back in the bottom of the frame on a two-run triple before a fly out double play with a missile to home from Santana in right field ended the threat. Lancaster added on a pair in the fifth with a double off the very hot bat of Jonathan Meyer and the Nuts answered with one in the sixth to keep it close. Jose Trinidad entered in the seventh and got three quick outs and one more in the eighth before giving way to Kenny Long who gave up a single before retiring the next two. After Delino DeShields scored on an error in the top of the ninth for an insurance run, Andrew Robinson made quick work in getting the final three outs. There were several nice offensive performances:
Delino DeShields - 2x4 BB 2R
Jio Mier - 3x5 2B 2RBI R
Domingo Santana - 3x4 RBI 2R
Jonathan Meyer - 2x3 2B 3RBI BB
Rafy Valenzuela - 1x2 2B 2BB R
Friday's Pitching Matchup
9:05 CST - Game 2 of the LCS: Lancaster at Modesto
LHP Blair Walters goes to the mound for Lancaster. Walters was 3-3 with a 7.62 ERA and a 1.641 WHIP in 8 starts after coming into the Astros organization and did not face Modesto during the regular season. The JetHawks won Walters' one post-season appearance but he didn't get a decision in that game. RHP Juan Gonzalez gets the start for Modesto. In 27 games (26 starts) during the regular season, he was 6-13 with a 6.03 ERA and a 1.727 WHIP. He was 1-1 in starts against Lancaster during the season. His only post-season appearance thus far resulted in a loss.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Playoff Recap and Pitching Matchups
Wednesday's Game
Hudson Valley over Tri-City 5-2 (Series tied 1-1 in best-of-three)
Despite a brilliant start by Aaron West, Hudson Valley came back and forced a rubber game for the New York-Penn League Championship. West was perfect through his first five innings, allowed his first baserunner in the sixth on a Joe Sclafani error, and allowed his first hit (a single) one out later. West ultimately gave up two runs (both unearned) in the frame to tie the game 2-2. He was followed by Jamaine Cotton who pitched his way out of trouble in the seventh, but ran into it again in the eighth as Hudson Valley connected for a three-run home run that put them up by three. On the offensive side, Tri-City scored one in the first as Preston Tucker doubled in Austin "Catfish" Elkins and one in the fifth on a Joe Sclafani sac fly driving in Ryan Dineen who had doubled earlier in the inning. Other than that, the bats were mostly quiet as the ValleyCats only collected five hits in the game.
Lancaster - Off Day as North Division winner was determined
Thursday's Pitching Matchups
5:05 CST - Game 3: Tri-City at Hudson Valley
This is it as the teams meet for one final game to decide who will be crowned the New York-Penn League Champions. LHP Joe Bircher is scheduled to start for the 'Cats. This will be Bircher's first appearance in the post-season. He was 3-4 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.477 WHIP during the regular season. His only start against Hudson Valley was a loss on the last day of the season. LHP Matthew Spann will come to the mound for Hudson Valley. Spann was 5-5 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.362 WHIP during the season. He was the winning pitcher in that final game of the season between the two teams. It is also Spann's first appearance in the post-season.
9:05 CST - Game 1 of LCS: Lancaster at Modesto
RHP David Martinez is slated to start for Lancaster. He was 9-5 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.335 WHIP during the regular season. In one start against Modesto in the regular season, Martinez was the winner. He is 1-0 in one start in the post-season thus far. RHP Kennil Gomez takes the hill for Modesto. In 14 regular season starts for Modesto, he was 4-5 with a 5.97 ERA and a 1.704 WHIP. In two appearances against Lancaster during the regular season, Gomez was 1-0 with a no-decision. He did not get a decision in his one start in the post-season. Lancaster won the season series against Modesto 5-4.
Hudson Valley over Tri-City 5-2 (Series tied 1-1 in best-of-three)
Despite a brilliant start by Aaron West, Hudson Valley came back and forced a rubber game for the New York-Penn League Championship. West was perfect through his first five innings, allowed his first baserunner in the sixth on a Joe Sclafani error, and allowed his first hit (a single) one out later. West ultimately gave up two runs (both unearned) in the frame to tie the game 2-2. He was followed by Jamaine Cotton who pitched his way out of trouble in the seventh, but ran into it again in the eighth as Hudson Valley connected for a three-run home run that put them up by three. On the offensive side, Tri-City scored one in the first as Preston Tucker doubled in Austin "Catfish" Elkins and one in the fifth on a Joe Sclafani sac fly driving in Ryan Dineen who had doubled earlier in the inning. Other than that, the bats were mostly quiet as the ValleyCats only collected five hits in the game.
Lancaster - Off Day as North Division winner was determined
Thursday's Pitching Matchups
5:05 CST - Game 3: Tri-City at Hudson Valley
This is it as the teams meet for one final game to decide who will be crowned the New York-Penn League Champions. LHP Joe Bircher is scheduled to start for the 'Cats. This will be Bircher's first appearance in the post-season. He was 3-4 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.477 WHIP during the regular season. His only start against Hudson Valley was a loss on the last day of the season. LHP Matthew Spann will come to the mound for Hudson Valley. Spann was 5-5 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.362 WHIP during the season. He was the winning pitcher in that final game of the season between the two teams. It is also Spann's first appearance in the post-season.
9:05 CST - Game 1 of LCS: Lancaster at Modesto
RHP David Martinez is slated to start for Lancaster. He was 9-5 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.335 WHIP during the regular season. In one start against Modesto in the regular season, Martinez was the winner. He is 1-0 in one start in the post-season thus far. RHP Kennil Gomez takes the hill for Modesto. In 14 regular season starts for Modesto, he was 4-5 with a 5.97 ERA and a 1.704 WHIP. In two appearances against Lancaster during the regular season, Gomez was 1-0 with a no-decision. He did not get a decision in his one start in the post-season. Lancaster won the season series against Modesto 5-4.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Playoff Recaps and Pitching Matchups
Tuesday's Games
Tri-City over Hudson Valley 5-4 in 10 innings (Tri-City leads best of three series 1-0)
Hudson Valley scored three runs (two earned) off starter Juri Perez in the first, but the Tri-City pitching staff then held them scoreless until the top of the ninth. With a two-run home run from Dan Gulbransen in the second and a two-run home run from Austin "Catfish" Elkins in the third, the ValleyCats took the slimmest of leads and held on by a fingernail until the ninth. With one out in the ninth inning, Vincent Velasquez in a relief role, gave up a solo home run to tie things up. Velasquez had pitched three very effective innings in relief of Perez at that point. He was then replaced by John Neely who ended the threat, got the 'Cats into extras and ultimately got the win. Fast forward to the bottom of the tenth. The 'Cats put up three singles on one out before Preston Tucker drove in the game winning run with a sac fly. Elkins ended the night two-for-five; Ryan Dineen was two-for-four with a double and a run scored; and Joe Sclafani was one-for-three with two walks and a stolen base.
Lancaster over High Desert 9-6 (Lancaster wins series 3-1 and advances to the League Finals)
The Heart Attack 'Hawks just keep on getting it done. Starter Nick Tropeano (6IP 9H 4R/3ER 1BB 6SO) got behind the eight-ball early as High Desert put up a three spot in the first inning, but the JetHawks chipped away at the High Desert lead and took a 5-4 lead in the sixth to give Tropeano a chance for the win. But the bullpen, in the form of Carlos Quevedo and Pat Urckfitz, couldn't hold the slim lead and Lancaster fell behind 6-5 in the top of the seventh. Then the wheels came off the bus for High Desert in the bottom of the eighth as the 'Hawks scored four runs with two outs to take a 9-6 lead and earned the chance to play in the California League Finals. Erik Castro, Rafy Valenzuela and Delino DeShields were in the middle of all the action. Castro started the big four-run rally and ended the night going two-for-three with a double, a walk, a stolen base and he scored three times. Valenzuela was three-for-four with a double, two RBI and scored a run. And Delino DeShields was two-for-four with a walk and scored three times, including scoring from first base on a two-run single by Jio Mier in the eighth.
Wednesday's Pitching Matchups
5:05 CST - Game 2: Tri-City at Hudson Valley
Tri-City's starter hasn't been announced yet. Hudson Valley's probable starter is RHP Jesse Hahn. Hahn was 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.019 WHIP during the regular season. He has had one start in the post-season against Brooklyn and took the loss. Tri-City and Hudson Valley split the regular season 3-3.
Lancaster - Off Day
Tri-City over Hudson Valley 5-4 in 10 innings (Tri-City leads best of three series 1-0)
Hudson Valley scored three runs (two earned) off starter Juri Perez in the first, but the Tri-City pitching staff then held them scoreless until the top of the ninth. With a two-run home run from Dan Gulbransen in the second and a two-run home run from Austin "Catfish" Elkins in the third, the ValleyCats took the slimmest of leads and held on by a fingernail until the ninth. With one out in the ninth inning, Vincent Velasquez in a relief role, gave up a solo home run to tie things up. Velasquez had pitched three very effective innings in relief of Perez at that point. He was then replaced by John Neely who ended the threat, got the 'Cats into extras and ultimately got the win. Fast forward to the bottom of the tenth. The 'Cats put up three singles on one out before Preston Tucker drove in the game winning run with a sac fly. Elkins ended the night two-for-five; Ryan Dineen was two-for-four with a double and a run scored; and Joe Sclafani was one-for-three with two walks and a stolen base.
Lancaster over High Desert 9-6 (Lancaster wins series 3-1 and advances to the League Finals)
The Heart Attack 'Hawks just keep on getting it done. Starter Nick Tropeano (6IP 9H 4R/3ER 1BB 6SO) got behind the eight-ball early as High Desert put up a three spot in the first inning, but the JetHawks chipped away at the High Desert lead and took a 5-4 lead in the sixth to give Tropeano a chance for the win. But the bullpen, in the form of Carlos Quevedo and Pat Urckfitz, couldn't hold the slim lead and Lancaster fell behind 6-5 in the top of the seventh. Then the wheels came off the bus for High Desert in the bottom of the eighth as the 'Hawks scored four runs with two outs to take a 9-6 lead and earned the chance to play in the California League Finals. Erik Castro, Rafy Valenzuela and Delino DeShields were in the middle of all the action. Castro started the big four-run rally and ended the night going two-for-three with a double, a walk, a stolen base and he scored three times. Valenzuela was three-for-four with a double, two RBI and scored a run. And Delino DeShields was two-for-four with a walk and scored three times, including scoring from first base on a two-run single by Jio Mier in the eighth.
Wednesday's Pitching Matchups
5:05 CST - Game 2: Tri-City at Hudson Valley
Tri-City's starter hasn't been announced yet. Hudson Valley's probable starter is RHP Jesse Hahn. Hahn was 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.019 WHIP during the regular season. He has had one start in the post-season against Brooklyn and took the loss. Tri-City and Hudson Valley split the regular season 3-3.
Lancaster - Off Day
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Playoff Recaps and Pitching Matchups
Monday's Games
Tri-City over Auburn 16-7 (Tri-City wins series 2-1 and advances to LCS)
16-7 may sound like a blowout, and it is, but it didn't start out that way. This game was close with numerous lead changes until Tri-City scored 11 runs in the seventh and eighth innings to put an exclamation point on the evening. Starter Brian Holmes allowed three runs on six hits over four innings and was followed by Travis Ballew (two runs on three hits) and Jeremiah Meiners (two runs/one earned on five hits) before John Neely shut the door in the final one and a third, allowing only one hit and getting a key bases loaded strikeout against Auburn's hottest hitter. The ValleyCats hitters collected 15 hits, seven of them in the final two innings, and a ridiculous 14 walks. Auburn gave the 'Cats a huge present as Tri-City scored four of their runs on bases loaded walks. There were many great offensive performances, but probably none so big as Jesse Wierzbicki's two-out three-run double in the seventh inning as the 'Cats had left the bases loaded in three prior innings. That clutch hit helped Tri-City to break things open. Here's a look at how some of the players fared:
Joe Sclafani - 2x5 2RBI R
Catfish Elkins - 2x4 RBI 3BB 4R
Jesse Wierzbicki - 1x5 2B 3RBI BB 2R
M.P. Cokinos - 1x5 2B 2RBI BB
Tyler Heineman - 3x5 3RBI BB R
Preston Tucker - 2x3 RBI 3BB 2R
Neiko Johnson - 2x3 3RBI BB R
Lancaster over High Desert 10-5 (Lancaster leads South Division Series 2-1 in a best of five)
Starter Tyson Perez was sharp as he allowed two runs on eight hits and only one walk while striking out four in six innings of work and was rewarded with the win. He was followed by a very rough outing from Chia-Jen Lo in which he allowed two runs on three hits while recording only one out. Enter Kenny Long to the rescue, allowing one run on two hits over two and two-thirds innings and getting the save. High Desert led this one until the bottom of the fifth when Lancaster put up a four-spot as a two-run triple from Chris Epps was immediately followed by RBI doubles from Carlos Perez and Delino DeShields. High Desert came back in the seventh to make it a one-run game and Lancaster yet again put up four runs in the bottom of the frame thanks in large part to a three-run double from Erik Castro. Epps added the cherry on top of the sundae in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run as he ended the night three-for-four with a double, triple, home run, three RBI and three runs scored. DeShields was two-for-four with two doubles and an RBI; Erik Castro was two-for-four with a double, three RBI and scored a run; and Carlos Perez was two-for-four with a double, and two runs scored.
Tuesday's Pitching Matchups
5:30 CST - Game 1 of the League Championship Series: Hudson Valley at Tri-City
Pitching Matchups not available at this time. I'll update later if possible.
9:00 CST - Game 4 of the South Division Championship Series: High Desert at Lancaster
RHP Nick Tropeano goes to the mound for Lancaster with a 1-0 record and two no-decisions in three starts against High Desert (2.41 ERA and 1.125 ERA). He is 6-3 in 12 starts with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.316 WHIP since his promotion to Lancaster. RHP Brett Shankin gets the start for High Desert. In two starts against Lancaster, he is 0-1 with a no-decision, an 8.10 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP. Since his promotion to High Desert, he is 7-3 with a 6.28 ERA and a 1.655 WHIP in 14 games (13 starts).
Tri-City over Auburn 16-7 (Tri-City wins series 2-1 and advances to LCS)
16-7 may sound like a blowout, and it is, but it didn't start out that way. This game was close with numerous lead changes until Tri-City scored 11 runs in the seventh and eighth innings to put an exclamation point on the evening. Starter Brian Holmes allowed three runs on six hits over four innings and was followed by Travis Ballew (two runs on three hits) and Jeremiah Meiners (two runs/one earned on five hits) before John Neely shut the door in the final one and a third, allowing only one hit and getting a key bases loaded strikeout against Auburn's hottest hitter. The ValleyCats hitters collected 15 hits, seven of them in the final two innings, and a ridiculous 14 walks. Auburn gave the 'Cats a huge present as Tri-City scored four of their runs on bases loaded walks. There were many great offensive performances, but probably none so big as Jesse Wierzbicki's two-out three-run double in the seventh inning as the 'Cats had left the bases loaded in three prior innings. That clutch hit helped Tri-City to break things open. Here's a look at how some of the players fared:
Joe Sclafani - 2x5 2RBI R
Catfish Elkins - 2x4 RBI 3BB 4R
Jesse Wierzbicki - 1x5 2B 3RBI BB 2R
M.P. Cokinos - 1x5 2B 2RBI BB
Tyler Heineman - 3x5 3RBI BB R
Preston Tucker - 2x3 RBI 3BB 2R
Neiko Johnson - 2x3 3RBI BB R
Lancaster over High Desert 10-5 (Lancaster leads South Division Series 2-1 in a best of five)
Starter Tyson Perez was sharp as he allowed two runs on eight hits and only one walk while striking out four in six innings of work and was rewarded with the win. He was followed by a very rough outing from Chia-Jen Lo in which he allowed two runs on three hits while recording only one out. Enter Kenny Long to the rescue, allowing one run on two hits over two and two-thirds innings and getting the save. High Desert led this one until the bottom of the fifth when Lancaster put up a four-spot as a two-run triple from Chris Epps was immediately followed by RBI doubles from Carlos Perez and Delino DeShields. High Desert came back in the seventh to make it a one-run game and Lancaster yet again put up four runs in the bottom of the frame thanks in large part to a three-run double from Erik Castro. Epps added the cherry on top of the sundae in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run as he ended the night three-for-four with a double, triple, home run, three RBI and three runs scored. DeShields was two-for-four with two doubles and an RBI; Erik Castro was two-for-four with a double, three RBI and scored a run; and Carlos Perez was two-for-four with a double, and two runs scored.
Tuesday's Pitching Matchups
5:30 CST - Game 1 of the League Championship Series: Hudson Valley at Tri-City
Pitching Matchups not available at this time. I'll update later if possible.
9:00 CST - Game 4 of the South Division Championship Series: High Desert at Lancaster
RHP Nick Tropeano goes to the mound for Lancaster with a 1-0 record and two no-decisions in three starts against High Desert (2.41 ERA and 1.125 ERA). He is 6-3 in 12 starts with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.316 WHIP since his promotion to Lancaster. RHP Brett Shankin gets the start for High Desert. In two starts against Lancaster, he is 0-1 with a no-decision, an 8.10 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP. Since his promotion to High Desert, he is 7-3 with a 6.28 ERA and a 1.655 WHIP in 14 games (13 starts).
Monday, September 10, 2012
Playoff Recaps and Pitching Matchups
Sunday's Games
Auburn over Tri-City 5-2 (Game 2; Series tied 1-1 in best of three)
Brady Rodgers got the start and only lasted three innings as he allowed three runs on six hits and was charged with the loss as Tri-City couldn't keep up in the run column. Rodgers was followed by a five and two-thirds relief appearance from Lance Day who held Auburn scoreless through his first three innings of work but then allowed one run in the seventh and one in the eighth. Scott Zuloaga walked the one batter he faced and Jamaine Cotton struck out his one batter for the final out of the ninth. Joe Sclafani singled in a run in the fifth and Dan Gulbransen did the same in the sixth, but those were the only runs that Tri-City scraped across as the 'Cats were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. All but one starter had a hit with Austin "Catfish" Elkins getting two. Emilio King was one-for-four with a double and a run scored and Jesse Wierzbicki was one-for-three with two walks and a run scored. Tri-City must win Monday's game to advance to the League Championship Series.
High Desert over Lancaster 1000-1 (Game 2: Series tied 1-1 in best of five)
Okay, not really but it might as well be 1000-1 as Lancaster got off to a terrible start in this one and then rapidly went downhill from there culminating in a 16-3 loss. It all started with Colton Cain's three innings in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) on 11 hits and a walk and then continued on with another seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and two walks in two and two-thirds innings from Brad Dydalewicz. Carlos Quevedo then came in to stop the bleeding and went on to pitch two and a third perfect innings. And did I mention the five errors? Or the 13 strikeouts? Oh, and when Lancaster finally did score the first run in the top of the sixth, it was on a ground ball double play so even that was painful. The 'Hawks added on two additional runs in the top of the eighth on a Jonathan Meyer RBI double and a Chris Epps RBI single. Andrew Aplin was three-for-five and scored a run; Jonathan Meyer was three-for-four with a double and an RBI, and Chris Epps was two-for-three with an RBI and a walk. Also of note were Domingo Santana's Golden Sombrero and Jed Lowrie as he is still 0-for-the post season. The good news is that an ugly loss still only counts as one loss and Lancaster is headed home for the next game in the series.
Monday's Pitching Matchups
5:00 CST - Auburn at Tri-City (Game 3; win or go home)
LHP Brian Holmes is scheduled to start for Tri-City. Holmes was 7-2 in 13 games (12 starts) with a 2.57 ERA and a 0.960 WHIP this year. He did not face Auburn during the regular season. LHP Nicholas Lee is slated to take the mound for Auburn. During the regular season, Lee was 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.355 WHIP in 13 games (11 starts), but did not face Tri-City.
9:00 CST - High Desert at Lancaster (Game 3)
RHP Tyson Perez is expected to start for Lancaster. Perez made four starts against High Desert during the regular season and was 1-2 with a no-decision, a 6.94 ERA and a 1.714 WHIP in those games. He has made one very good post-season appearance in which he allowed only one run over seven innings but was charged with loss. RHP Taylor Stanton is the scheduled starter for High Desert. In four starts against Lancaster this season, he was 1-1 with two no-decisions, a 5.54 ERA and a 1.231 WHIP.
Auburn over Tri-City 5-2 (Game 2; Series tied 1-1 in best of three)
Brady Rodgers got the start and only lasted three innings as he allowed three runs on six hits and was charged with the loss as Tri-City couldn't keep up in the run column. Rodgers was followed by a five and two-thirds relief appearance from Lance Day who held Auburn scoreless through his first three innings of work but then allowed one run in the seventh and one in the eighth. Scott Zuloaga walked the one batter he faced and Jamaine Cotton struck out his one batter for the final out of the ninth. Joe Sclafani singled in a run in the fifth and Dan Gulbransen did the same in the sixth, but those were the only runs that Tri-City scraped across as the 'Cats were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. All but one starter had a hit with Austin "Catfish" Elkins getting two. Emilio King was one-for-four with a double and a run scored and Jesse Wierzbicki was one-for-three with two walks and a run scored. Tri-City must win Monday's game to advance to the League Championship Series.
High Desert over Lancaster 1000-1 (Game 2: Series tied 1-1 in best of five)
Okay, not really but it might as well be 1000-1 as Lancaster got off to a terrible start in this one and then rapidly went downhill from there culminating in a 16-3 loss. It all started with Colton Cain's three innings in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) on 11 hits and a walk and then continued on with another seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and two walks in two and two-thirds innings from Brad Dydalewicz. Carlos Quevedo then came in to stop the bleeding and went on to pitch two and a third perfect innings. And did I mention the five errors? Or the 13 strikeouts? Oh, and when Lancaster finally did score the first run in the top of the sixth, it was on a ground ball double play so even that was painful. The 'Hawks added on two additional runs in the top of the eighth on a Jonathan Meyer RBI double and a Chris Epps RBI single. Andrew Aplin was three-for-five and scored a run; Jonathan Meyer was three-for-four with a double and an RBI, and Chris Epps was two-for-three with an RBI and a walk. Also of note were Domingo Santana's Golden Sombrero and Jed Lowrie as he is still 0-for-the post season. The good news is that an ugly loss still only counts as one loss and Lancaster is headed home for the next game in the series.
Monday's Pitching Matchups
5:00 CST - Auburn at Tri-City (Game 3; win or go home)
LHP Brian Holmes is scheduled to start for Tri-City. Holmes was 7-2 in 13 games (12 starts) with a 2.57 ERA and a 0.960 WHIP this year. He did not face Auburn during the regular season. LHP Nicholas Lee is slated to take the mound for Auburn. During the regular season, Lee was 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.355 WHIP in 13 games (11 starts), but did not face Tri-City.
9:00 CST - High Desert at Lancaster (Game 3)
RHP Tyson Perez is expected to start for Lancaster. Perez made four starts against High Desert during the regular season and was 1-2 with a no-decision, a 6.94 ERA and a 1.714 WHIP in those games. He has made one very good post-season appearance in which he allowed only one run over seven innings but was charged with loss. RHP Taylor Stanton is the scheduled starter for High Desert. In four starts against Lancaster this season, he was 1-1 with two no-decisions, a 5.54 ERA and a 1.231 WHIP.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Playoff Recap and Pitching Matchups
Saturday's Games
Tri-City's Game was postponed until Sunday due to rain
Lancaster over High Desert 8-7 in 12 innings
Yes, the recap is later than usual, but that's because I hung in with Jason Schwartz on the broadcast until 1:30 a.m. CST listening to it. What an unbelievable game! Schwartz was actually speechless during the recap trying to sum up what he'd just witnessed.
Lancaster led 6-2 going into the seventh inning thanks in large part to a strong five innings of work from starter Blair Walters and a JetHawks offense that made the most of a wild pitch, a couple of passed balls and a few walks, with an exclamation point in the form of a Jonathan Meyer three-run home run in the fifth.
But with both teams stranding the bases loaded in the early innings in a hitter's park, you just knew that four run lead probably wouldn't be enough with three innings left to play. And it wasn't. In the seventh, relievers Jose Trinidad and Pat Urckfitz combined to allow two runs across to bring the score to 6-4. Then in the eighth inning, things got really dicey as Chia-Jen Lo allowed a one-out home run to bring the Lancaster lead down to one run, immediately followed by a double, a single and another run scored on a Jio Mier fielding error to tie the game before Lo was replaced by Jorge de Leon. De Leon loaded the bases with a single before inducing a double play and a heart attack by yours truly.
De Leon stayed in for the ninth and tenth innings and kept the game tied to give Lancaster the opportunity to get the go ahead run in the 11th inning by way of a walk, fielding error and Jed Lowrie ground out scoring Domingo Santana (yes, that Jed Lowrie who was getting a rehab start). But the 7-6 lead was short-lived as Andrew Robinson came in to pitch and allowed two one-out singles, followed by what should have been a game-ending double play but a Delino DeShields throwing error allowed High Desert to tie things back up instead before Robinson got the final out via a line drive with the next batter. Add some more gray hair to go with the earlier heart attack.
So we go to the 12th inning and Jason Schwartz' call is the only thing keeping me alive. Delino DeShields, wanting to make up for the error in the 11th, singled to left and then stole the most crucial base of his short career. With two outs, Domingo Santana singled and DeShields scored from second to give Lancaster a one-run lead yet again. From listening to the call, a slower runner would not have made it. So the question was, can the bullpen hold the lead? Andrew Robinson was lights out during much of the season, but could he get it done in this situation? Yes, he could. Strikeout, fly out, strikeout. Game. Set. Match. JetHawks win Game 1 of the Southern Division Championship Series. Phew!
Domingo Santana has continued to ride his hot streak and went three-for-five with two walks, a double, an RBI and scored three times. Jonathan Meyer was two-for-five with a walk and the three-run home run. Chris Epps was two-for-five with a double and a walk. Andrew Aplin did not have a good night, going 0-for-seven with three strikeouts. Jed Lowrie got two RBI via a sac fly and a ground out in his rehab appearance, but did not get a hit.
Sunday's Pitching Matchups
4:00 CST - Auburn at Tri-City (Game 2; Tri-City leads the series 1-0)
RHP Brady Rodgers is scheduled to pitch for Tri-City. Rodgers was 7-2 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.139 ERA during the regular season. One of his two losses was at the hands of the Auburn team. RHP David Fischer will be the starter for Auburn. He was 3-3 with a 4.96 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP during the regular season. He did not have a start against Tri-City this season.
9:05 CST - Lancaster at High Desert (Game 2)
LHP Colton Cain takes the bump for Lancaster. In seven starts for the JetHawks, Cain has faced High Desert twice and was 1-0 with a no-decision, a 4.09 ERA and a 1.545 WHIP in those two games. RHP Trevor Miller, scheduled to start for High Desert, has faced Lancaster twice in his five starts for the Mavericks. In those two starts, he is 0-1 with a no-decision, a 2.70 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP.
Tri-City's Game was postponed until Sunday due to rain
Lancaster over High Desert 8-7 in 12 innings
Yes, the recap is later than usual, but that's because I hung in with Jason Schwartz on the broadcast until 1:30 a.m. CST listening to it. What an unbelievable game! Schwartz was actually speechless during the recap trying to sum up what he'd just witnessed.
Lancaster led 6-2 going into the seventh inning thanks in large part to a strong five innings of work from starter Blair Walters and a JetHawks offense that made the most of a wild pitch, a couple of passed balls and a few walks, with an exclamation point in the form of a Jonathan Meyer three-run home run in the fifth.
But with both teams stranding the bases loaded in the early innings in a hitter's park, you just knew that four run lead probably wouldn't be enough with three innings left to play. And it wasn't. In the seventh, relievers Jose Trinidad and Pat Urckfitz combined to allow two runs across to bring the score to 6-4. Then in the eighth inning, things got really dicey as Chia-Jen Lo allowed a one-out home run to bring the Lancaster lead down to one run, immediately followed by a double, a single and another run scored on a Jio Mier fielding error to tie the game before Lo was replaced by Jorge de Leon. De Leon loaded the bases with a single before inducing a double play and a heart attack by yours truly.
De Leon stayed in for the ninth and tenth innings and kept the game tied to give Lancaster the opportunity to get the go ahead run in the 11th inning by way of a walk, fielding error and Jed Lowrie ground out scoring Domingo Santana (yes, that Jed Lowrie who was getting a rehab start). But the 7-6 lead was short-lived as Andrew Robinson came in to pitch and allowed two one-out singles, followed by what should have been a game-ending double play but a Delino DeShields throwing error allowed High Desert to tie things back up instead before Robinson got the final out via a line drive with the next batter. Add some more gray hair to go with the earlier heart attack.
So we go to the 12th inning and Jason Schwartz' call is the only thing keeping me alive. Delino DeShields, wanting to make up for the error in the 11th, singled to left and then stole the most crucial base of his short career. With two outs, Domingo Santana singled and DeShields scored from second to give Lancaster a one-run lead yet again. From listening to the call, a slower runner would not have made it. So the question was, can the bullpen hold the lead? Andrew Robinson was lights out during much of the season, but could he get it done in this situation? Yes, he could. Strikeout, fly out, strikeout. Game. Set. Match. JetHawks win Game 1 of the Southern Division Championship Series. Phew!
Domingo Santana has continued to ride his hot streak and went three-for-five with two walks, a double, an RBI and scored three times. Jonathan Meyer was two-for-five with a walk and the three-run home run. Chris Epps was two-for-five with a double and a walk. Andrew Aplin did not have a good night, going 0-for-seven with three strikeouts. Jed Lowrie got two RBI via a sac fly and a ground out in his rehab appearance, but did not get a hit.
Sunday's Pitching Matchups
4:00 CST - Auburn at Tri-City (Game 2; Tri-City leads the series 1-0)
RHP Brady Rodgers is scheduled to pitch for Tri-City. Rodgers was 7-2 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.139 ERA during the regular season. One of his two losses was at the hands of the Auburn team. RHP David Fischer will be the starter for Auburn. He was 3-3 with a 4.96 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP during the regular season. He did not have a start against Tri-City this season.
9:05 CST - Lancaster at High Desert (Game 2)
LHP Colton Cain takes the bump for Lancaster. In seven starts for the JetHawks, Cain has faced High Desert twice and was 1-0 with a no-decision, a 4.09 ERA and a 1.545 WHIP in those two games. RHP Trevor Miller, scheduled to start for High Desert, has faced Lancaster twice in his five starts for the Mavericks. In those two starts, he is 0-1 with a no-decision, a 2.70 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Playoff Recaps & Pitching Matchups
Friday's Games
Tri-City over Auburn 5-4 (Game 1)
Aaron West got the start and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits over five innings and was followed by a magnificent three and a third inning outing from Juri Perez in which he allowed only one hit and struck out four. Perez got the win, but not until four more pitchers took the mound to get the final two outs. John Neely recorded one of the outs and Travis Ballew recorded the final out for the save. The offense was a small ball offense all the way, with RBI singles from Joe Sclafani, M.P. Cokinos, Jarrod McKinney and Austin "Catfish" Elkins accounting for the scoring.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 5-0 (Game 3; Hooks lose Series 0-3)
This was a tough loss as the Hooks didn't manage a hit until the sixth inning so I don't really feel like doing a full recap. If you want to see the boxscore, click here. Since I was there, I'll just leave you with some random observations about the game.
The crowd was fantastic (and large). They were in it until the final out. Only a handful left early. The thing that most impressed me were the sincere standing O's for Ross Seaton, Josh Zeid and Alex Sogard as they left the game. The crowd was thanking them for a good season and a job well done.
Ross Seaton was much better than his line shows. He held Frisco scoreless through the first five and then ultimately gave up two runs only when Frisco managed to find holes with a batch of singles. He looked sharp, was alert and adept in his fielding and showed a great amount of poise and control on the mound. He has matured as a player even since I saw him in early June.
We need to be able to clone Kike Hernandez. The Hooks were held to two hits. Both of them belonged to Kike. After having seen and talked to Kike in Lancaster last month and now again in Corpus last night, one thing is immediately evident. Kike is an exciting player who plays with all his heart and makes things happen. He is already a crowd favorite in Corpus after playing there only a month.
Jay Fernandez has one heck of an arm which he displayed several times on Friday night. When I was in Corpus in June, Jay had been pressed into service as an emergency third baseman so I didn't have much of an opportunity to see him behind the dish. His throws to first are harder than many a pitcher I've seen this season. You can hear the sharp report as the ball hits the first baseman's glove with deadly accuracy. It was something to see (and hear).
All in all, it was a great experience to end a great season and I'm glad I came. And I'm glad I got to spend time with my kindred spirit down there behind the home dugout. You know who you are. Thanks for everything.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 3-2 (Game 3; Lancaster wins series 2-1 and advances)
Does anyone know CPR? You might need it as you follow the JetHawks as they advance through the playoffs. David Martinez had a very strong season for the 'Hawks and he's not slowing down for the playoff run as he pitched six innings of one run ball to earn the win. That one run was in the first inning after which he shut the door and allowed the JetHawks room to maneuver. A Rafy Valenzuela home run tied it in the third inning and a bases loaded Domingo Santana hit by pitch in the fifth gave Lancaster the slimmest of leads. A two-out triple from Andrew Aplin in the seventh, subsequently driven in by Domingo Santana, proved to be a crucial run as Lake Elsinore made things interesting in the top of the eighth scoring a run off Pat Urckfitz to bring the margin back to one run. But it was the top of the ninth that was cardiac event inducing as it took three pitchers to get through the inning. Jorge de Leon ultimately got the final out with the bases loaded, a foul pop up to Rafy Valenzuela. The JetHawks advance to the Southern Division Championship Series with the win.
Pitching Matchups
[UPDATE: POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY DUE TO RAIN] 6:00 CST - Auburn at Tri-City (Game 2)
RHP Brady Rodgers is scheduled to pitch for Tri-City. Rodgers was 7-2 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.139 ERA during the regular season. One of his two losses was at the hands of the Auburn team. RHP David Fischer will be the starter for Auburn. He was 3-3 with a 4.96 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP during the regular season. He did not have a start against Tri-City this season.
9:05 CST - Lancaster at High Desert (Game 1 of the Southern Division Championship Series)
LHP Blair Walters gets the start for Lancaster and he has seen High Desert three times out of his eight starts for Lancaster with a 1-0 record and two no-decisions against them. In his eight starts with Lancaster, he is 3-3 with a 7.62 ERA and a 1.769 WHIP. LHP Roenis Elias is the scheduled starter for High Desert. He has faced Lancaster three times in the last month alone, going 0-1 with two no-decisions. He has a 7-6 record with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.193 WHIP for the season.
Tri-City over Auburn 5-4 (Game 1)
Aaron West got the start and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits over five innings and was followed by a magnificent three and a third inning outing from Juri Perez in which he allowed only one hit and struck out four. Perez got the win, but not until four more pitchers took the mound to get the final two outs. John Neely recorded one of the outs and Travis Ballew recorded the final out for the save. The offense was a small ball offense all the way, with RBI singles from Joe Sclafani, M.P. Cokinos, Jarrod McKinney and Austin "Catfish" Elkins accounting for the scoring.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 5-0 (Game 3; Hooks lose Series 0-3)
This was a tough loss as the Hooks didn't manage a hit until the sixth inning so I don't really feel like doing a full recap. If you want to see the boxscore, click here. Since I was there, I'll just leave you with some random observations about the game.
The crowd was fantastic (and large). They were in it until the final out. Only a handful left early. The thing that most impressed me were the sincere standing O's for Ross Seaton, Josh Zeid and Alex Sogard as they left the game. The crowd was thanking them for a good season and a job well done.
Ross Seaton was much better than his line shows. He held Frisco scoreless through the first five and then ultimately gave up two runs only when Frisco managed to find holes with a batch of singles. He looked sharp, was alert and adept in his fielding and showed a great amount of poise and control on the mound. He has matured as a player even since I saw him in early June.
We need to be able to clone Kike Hernandez. The Hooks were held to two hits. Both of them belonged to Kike. After having seen and talked to Kike in Lancaster last month and now again in Corpus last night, one thing is immediately evident. Kike is an exciting player who plays with all his heart and makes things happen. He is already a crowd favorite in Corpus after playing there only a month.
Jay Fernandez has one heck of an arm which he displayed several times on Friday night. When I was in Corpus in June, Jay had been pressed into service as an emergency third baseman so I didn't have much of an opportunity to see him behind the dish. His throws to first are harder than many a pitcher I've seen this season. You can hear the sharp report as the ball hits the first baseman's glove with deadly accuracy. It was something to see (and hear).
All in all, it was a great experience to end a great season and I'm glad I came. And I'm glad I got to spend time with my kindred spirit down there behind the home dugout. You know who you are. Thanks for everything.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 3-2 (Game 3; Lancaster wins series 2-1 and advances)
Does anyone know CPR? You might need it as you follow the JetHawks as they advance through the playoffs. David Martinez had a very strong season for the 'Hawks and he's not slowing down for the playoff run as he pitched six innings of one run ball to earn the win. That one run was in the first inning after which he shut the door and allowed the JetHawks room to maneuver. A Rafy Valenzuela home run tied it in the third inning and a bases loaded Domingo Santana hit by pitch in the fifth gave Lancaster the slimmest of leads. A two-out triple from Andrew Aplin in the seventh, subsequently driven in by Domingo Santana, proved to be a crucial run as Lake Elsinore made things interesting in the top of the eighth scoring a run off Pat Urckfitz to bring the margin back to one run. But it was the top of the ninth that was cardiac event inducing as it took three pitchers to get through the inning. Jorge de Leon ultimately got the final out with the bases loaded, a foul pop up to Rafy Valenzuela. The JetHawks advance to the Southern Division Championship Series with the win.
Pitching Matchups
[UPDATE: POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY DUE TO RAIN] 6:00 CST - Auburn at Tri-City (Game 2)
RHP Brady Rodgers is scheduled to pitch for Tri-City. Rodgers was 7-2 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.139 ERA during the regular season. One of his two losses was at the hands of the Auburn team. RHP David Fischer will be the starter for Auburn. He was 3-3 with a 4.96 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP during the regular season. He did not have a start against Tri-City this season.
9:05 CST - Lancaster at High Desert (Game 1 of the Southern Division Championship Series)
LHP Blair Walters gets the start for Lancaster and he has seen High Desert three times out of his eight starts for Lancaster with a 1-0 record and two no-decisions against them. In his eight starts with Lancaster, he is 3-3 with a 7.62 ERA and a 1.769 WHIP. LHP Roenis Elias is the scheduled starter for High Desert. He has faced Lancaster three times in the last month alone, going 0-1 with two no-decisions. He has a 7-6 record with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.193 WHIP for the season.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Playoff Recaps & Pitching Matchup Previews
Thursday's Games
Frisco over Corpus Christi 3-2 (Game 2, Frisco leads best of five series 2-0)
You can't blame Keith Bodie for going with what has worked for him all season. The 1-2 punch of Kevin Chapman and Jason Stoffel in the eighth and ninth innings has worked well for Bodie all year. It just didn't work last night. Rob Rasmussen got the start and pitched seven innings allowing seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts. He made quick work of Frisco in the seventh leading some to speculate that he should have been left in as his pitch count was still below the century mark, but Rasmussen had pitched out of trouble several times already last night so Bodie's move to his best closing team from the bullpen is not something I would question. Unfortunately, it just didn't work this time. Chapman and Stoffel combined to allow three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks. A two-out home run off Stoffel in the ninth sealed the Hooks fate. The Hooks put up their two runs in the third inning by way of an Austin Wates RBI single and an Andy Simunic RBI triple. The only men reaching scoring position from that point forward were Chris Wallace and Jake Goebbert who both reached on two-out doubles and were stranded.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 2-1 (Game 2, Best of three series tied 1-1)
Nick Tropeano flat dealt as he allowed one run on three hits with six strikeouts over six innings with the first hit not coming until the fourth inning. He was followed by excellent bullpen relief in the form of Pat Urckfitz, Chia-Jen Lo and Kenny Long. Scoreless through four, Lake Elsinore put up a run in the top of the fifth which was answered by Lancaster in the bottom of the frame as Robert Pena drove in Jonathan Meyer. The game stayed tied at 1-1 until the JetHawks broke it wide open in the bottom of the eighth as a 10-pitch at-bat from Erik Castro resulted in a two-run double (one of two doubles from Castro) before Jonathan Meyer put an exclamation point on the inning with a two-run home run. Jio Mier and Chris Epps also had good nights, each going two-for-four with a double.
Friday's Pitching Matchups
(Note: I'm pretty sure that I found all of the relevant starts for pitchers versus tonight's opponents, but going through individual boxscores is quite tedious so I might have missed something.)
6:05 CST - Game 1: Tri-City at Auburn
Auburn and Tri-City have only faced off three times this season with Tri-City leading the season series 2-1 so there's not much history from which to draw. RHP Aaron West will start for Tri-City and has not faced Auburn this season. He is 6-2 for the season in 12 starts with a 2.04 ERA and a 0.957 WHIP. LHP Brett Mooneyham has faced Tri-City once and that one game was Tri-City's one loss to Auburn. He is 2-2 in ten games (nine starts) for the season with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.228 WHIP.
7:05 CST - Game 3: Frisco at Corpus Christi
This is a must-win game for Corpus tonight. RHP Ross Seaton takes the mound for Corpus Christi. He has faced Frisco several times this season and is 1-2 with two no-decisions against them. For the season he is 8-9 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.281 WHIP. RHP Nicholas Tepesch is scheduled to start for Frisco. He is 0-1 with two no-decisions in three starts against Corpus Christi this season. For the season he is 6-3 in 16 appearances (14 starts) with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.361 WHIP.
9:00 CST - Game 3: Lake Elsinore at Lancaster
This is the rubber game in a best of three series. RHP David Martinez takes to the bump for Lancaster. In two starts against Lake Elsinore this season, he has one loss and one no-decision. He is 9-5 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.335 WHIP, but finished the season very strongly going 2-1 with a 1.35 ERA and a 1.050 WHIP in his final three starts. RHP Burch Smith, scheduled pitcher for Lake Elsinore, has two no-decisions against Lancaster this season. In 26 starts this year, he is 9-6 with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.197 WHIP.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 3-2 (Game 2, Frisco leads best of five series 2-0)
You can't blame Keith Bodie for going with what has worked for him all season. The 1-2 punch of Kevin Chapman and Jason Stoffel in the eighth and ninth innings has worked well for Bodie all year. It just didn't work last night. Rob Rasmussen got the start and pitched seven innings allowing seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts. He made quick work of Frisco in the seventh leading some to speculate that he should have been left in as his pitch count was still below the century mark, but Rasmussen had pitched out of trouble several times already last night so Bodie's move to his best closing team from the bullpen is not something I would question. Unfortunately, it just didn't work this time. Chapman and Stoffel combined to allow three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks. A two-out home run off Stoffel in the ninth sealed the Hooks fate. The Hooks put up their two runs in the third inning by way of an Austin Wates RBI single and an Andy Simunic RBI triple. The only men reaching scoring position from that point forward were Chris Wallace and Jake Goebbert who both reached on two-out doubles and were stranded.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 2-1 (Game 2, Best of three series tied 1-1)
Nick Tropeano flat dealt as he allowed one run on three hits with six strikeouts over six innings with the first hit not coming until the fourth inning. He was followed by excellent bullpen relief in the form of Pat Urckfitz, Chia-Jen Lo and Kenny Long. Scoreless through four, Lake Elsinore put up a run in the top of the fifth which was answered by Lancaster in the bottom of the frame as Robert Pena drove in Jonathan Meyer. The game stayed tied at 1-1 until the JetHawks broke it wide open in the bottom of the eighth as a 10-pitch at-bat from Erik Castro resulted in a two-run double (one of two doubles from Castro) before Jonathan Meyer put an exclamation point on the inning with a two-run home run. Jio Mier and Chris Epps also had good nights, each going two-for-four with a double.
Friday's Pitching Matchups
(Note: I'm pretty sure that I found all of the relevant starts for pitchers versus tonight's opponents, but going through individual boxscores is quite tedious so I might have missed something.)
6:05 CST - Game 1: Tri-City at Auburn
Auburn and Tri-City have only faced off three times this season with Tri-City leading the season series 2-1 so there's not much history from which to draw. RHP Aaron West will start for Tri-City and has not faced Auburn this season. He is 6-2 for the season in 12 starts with a 2.04 ERA and a 0.957 WHIP. LHP Brett Mooneyham has faced Tri-City once and that one game was Tri-City's one loss to Auburn. He is 2-2 in ten games (nine starts) for the season with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.228 WHIP.
7:05 CST - Game 3: Frisco at Corpus Christi
This is a must-win game for Corpus tonight. RHP Ross Seaton takes the mound for Corpus Christi. He has faced Frisco several times this season and is 1-2 with two no-decisions against them. For the season he is 8-9 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.281 WHIP. RHP Nicholas Tepesch is scheduled to start for Frisco. He is 0-1 with two no-decisions in three starts against Corpus Christi this season. For the season he is 6-3 in 16 appearances (14 starts) with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.361 WHIP.
9:00 CST - Game 3: Lake Elsinore at Lancaster
This is the rubber game in a best of three series. RHP David Martinez takes to the bump for Lancaster. In two starts against Lake Elsinore this season, he has one loss and one no-decision. He is 9-5 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.335 WHIP, but finished the season very strongly going 2-1 with a 1.35 ERA and a 1.050 WHIP in his final three starts. RHP Burch Smith, scheduled pitcher for Lake Elsinore, has two no-decisions against Lancaster this season. In 26 starts this year, he is 9-6 with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.197 WHIP.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Wednesday's Games
Hudson Valley over Tri-City 3-2
In the last game of the regular season, Joe Bircher got the start and the loss as he allowed three runs on six hits in six innings of work. He was followed by scoreless outings from Jeremiah Meiners and John Neely. After a three run third by Hudson Valley, Tri-City countered with a run in the bottom of the frame and followed with a Joe Sclafani home run in the fifth, but that was all the offense the Valley Cats could muster. Ryan Dineen stole a bag and Austin Elkins did him one better stealing two. Tyler Heineman was two-for-four which was enough to assure him of the New York-Penn League batting title as he finished the season with a .358/.452/.430 batting line. Tri-City will start their playoff run on Friday.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 6-5 (Game 1 of playoffs)
The Hooks fought hard in this one, but ultimately came out on the wrong side of the win column. Paul Clemens got the start and only lasted two and two-thirds as he allowed five runs on seven hits, but three of those runs were unearned as two quick outs in the third blossomed into three runs after an Andy Simunic error. Erick Abreu came in for four innings of one-hit scoreless relief and was followed by one and a third effective innings from Kevin Chapman. Alex Sogard gave up the winning run in the ninth and was charged with the loss. Despite being down 5-2 after the third innings, the Hooks battled back a run at a time to bring the game even in the ninth. Jon Singleton continued on the hot streak he rode in to the playoffs, going two-for-five with a double, solo home run and two RBI. Ben Orloff was three-for-four with two RBI; Austin Wates was two-for-five and scored a run; and Drew Locke was two-for-four with a double and an RBI. George Springer stole a base and scored twice. Despite the loss, I was very encouraged as the Hooks held tough against a pitcher with a 14-1 record who had killed them earlier in the season. They not only held tough, they also scored three runs off of Barrett Loux.
Lake Elsinore over Lancaster 1-0 (Game 1 of playoffs)
This one was a pitcher's duel from the start as each team only managed three singles each in the hit column. The one walk starter Tyson Perez issued in an otherwise magnificent start came back to haunt him as the runner advanced on a ground out and scored on one of those three singles. Perez pitched seven innings, struck out eight and was awarded a hard luck loss. Kenny Long pitched the eighth with no hits, no walks and one strikeout. Carlos Perez had two of the three JetHawks hits with Delino DeShields getting the other one. Erik Castro drew the lone Lancaster walk. This series is a best of three so tonight's game is a must win for the JetHawks.
Thursday's Playoff Pitching Matchups
7:00 CST - Game 2: Corpus Christi at Frisco (Available on MiLB.tv)
The scheduled starters are LHP Rob Rasmussen for Corpus Christi and RHP Wilfredo Boscan for Frisco. Rasmussen has faced Frisco three times since coming in to the Astros system and is 1-2 with a 7.54 ERA and a 1.535 WHIP in those three outings. Boscan only recently converted to a starter and had one start against the Hooks on August 31st which resulted in a no-decision. In 9 starts this season, Boscan is 3-2 with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.204 WHIP.
9:00 CST - Game 2: Lake Elsinore at Lancaster (Audio available)
The scheduled starters are RHP Nick Tropeano for Lancaster and RHP Chris Fetter for Lake Elsinore. Tropeano is 1-1 in two appearances against Lake Elsinore this season with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.800 WHIP in those two appearances. Since his promotion to Lancaster, he is 6-3 with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.316 WHIP. Fetter has only had three starts with Lake Elsinore, one of which was a loss to Lancaster. He has a 4.35 ERA and a 1.839 WHIP since his promotion to Hi-A.
Hudson Valley over Tri-City 3-2
In the last game of the regular season, Joe Bircher got the start and the loss as he allowed three runs on six hits in six innings of work. He was followed by scoreless outings from Jeremiah Meiners and John Neely. After a three run third by Hudson Valley, Tri-City countered with a run in the bottom of the frame and followed with a Joe Sclafani home run in the fifth, but that was all the offense the Valley Cats could muster. Ryan Dineen stole a bag and Austin Elkins did him one better stealing two. Tyler Heineman was two-for-four which was enough to assure him of the New York-Penn League batting title as he finished the season with a .358/.452/.430 batting line. Tri-City will start their playoff run on Friday.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 6-5 (Game 1 of playoffs)
The Hooks fought hard in this one, but ultimately came out on the wrong side of the win column. Paul Clemens got the start and only lasted two and two-thirds as he allowed five runs on seven hits, but three of those runs were unearned as two quick outs in the third blossomed into three runs after an Andy Simunic error. Erick Abreu came in for four innings of one-hit scoreless relief and was followed by one and a third effective innings from Kevin Chapman. Alex Sogard gave up the winning run in the ninth and was charged with the loss. Despite being down 5-2 after the third innings, the Hooks battled back a run at a time to bring the game even in the ninth. Jon Singleton continued on the hot streak he rode in to the playoffs, going two-for-five with a double, solo home run and two RBI. Ben Orloff was three-for-four with two RBI; Austin Wates was two-for-five and scored a run; and Drew Locke was two-for-four with a double and an RBI. George Springer stole a base and scored twice. Despite the loss, I was very encouraged as the Hooks held tough against a pitcher with a 14-1 record who had killed them earlier in the season. They not only held tough, they also scored three runs off of Barrett Loux.
Lake Elsinore over Lancaster 1-0 (Game 1 of playoffs)
This one was a pitcher's duel from the start as each team only managed three singles each in the hit column. The one walk starter Tyson Perez issued in an otherwise magnificent start came back to haunt him as the runner advanced on a ground out and scored on one of those three singles. Perez pitched seven innings, struck out eight and was awarded a hard luck loss. Kenny Long pitched the eighth with no hits, no walks and one strikeout. Carlos Perez had two of the three JetHawks hits with Delino DeShields getting the other one. Erik Castro drew the lone Lancaster walk. This series is a best of three so tonight's game is a must win for the JetHawks.
Thursday's Playoff Pitching Matchups
7:00 CST - Game 2: Corpus Christi at Frisco (Available on MiLB.tv)
The scheduled starters are LHP Rob Rasmussen for Corpus Christi and RHP Wilfredo Boscan for Frisco. Rasmussen has faced Frisco three times since coming in to the Astros system and is 1-2 with a 7.54 ERA and a 1.535 WHIP in those three outings. Boscan only recently converted to a starter and had one start against the Hooks on August 31st which resulted in a no-decision. In 9 starts this season, Boscan is 3-2 with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.204 WHIP.
9:00 CST - Game 2: Lake Elsinore at Lancaster (Audio available)
The scheduled starters are RHP Nick Tropeano for Lancaster and RHP Chris Fetter for Lake Elsinore. Tropeano is 1-1 in two appearances against Lake Elsinore this season with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.800 WHIP in those two appearances. Since his promotion to Lancaster, he is 6-3 with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.316 WHIP. Fetter has only had three starts with Lake Elsinore, one of which was a loss to Lancaster. He has a 4.35 ERA and a 1.839 WHIP since his promotion to Hi-A.
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