Stephen Strasburg tossed his second career no-hitter -- the first pitcher in DMBL history to accomplish the feat -- as he faced just one batter above the minimum in a sterling effort on Sunday.
Showing posts with label carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carolina. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Monday, January 22, 2018
RIP Roy Halladay
Catching up on some offseason news, DMBL great Roy Halladay died in November in a plane crash.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
End Of The Line: A.J. Burnett
End Of The Line is an occasional offseason series that will take a
closer look at the career of DMBL players leaving the league after the
2016 season. Today, we look at Allan James "A..J." Burnett, who leaves his mark on the league in a number of ways.
Monday, February 6, 2017
End Of The Line: Tim Hudson
End Of The Line is an occasional offseason series that will take a
closer look at the career of DMBL players leaving the league after the
2016 season. Today, we look back at longtime Carolina Mudcat, Tim Hudson.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Round 1 Recap
Sardine City owned Vancouver in the regular season, winning 9 of their 12 meetings throughout the season. Things looked to continue the same way after game one. Sardine City pounded Vancouver 9-4 behind Daric Barton's 4-5, 3-RBI night. Iron Fist starter Roy Oswalt was shelled for 6 runs in 5.2 innings. But Vancouver came right back in the next game, 6-4, salvaging a 1-1 split in the series. Vancouver scored 5 runs in the first inning and the Straphangers never recovered. Zack Greinke held them to just 4 hits in 7.2 innings. The series shifted to Sardine City, but Mat Latos quieted the Straphanger crowd with a dominant effort (8 IP, 6 H, ER, 5K) to win the game 6-1. With the series on the line, the Straphangers were determined not to go down quietly. The Sardines jumped out to an early 4-2 lead, but Vancouver tied it up in the 5th. Josh Willingham hit a solo homer in the 9th to give the Fist the 5-4 lead and Joaquin Benoit retired the side in the bottom of the 9th to win the series for Vancouver.
Hoboken came up just shy of winning the Hanover Division title, so they were expected to breeze through round one. The franchise has only won one playoff game in their previous two appearances, so the Cutters were hoping to improve on their previous record against Carolina. Game one was a battle as the two teams traded leads and eventually ended up in extra innings. Rookie Mike Stanton proved to be the hero with a walk-off solo homer in the 10th inning to give the Cutters a 1-0 series lead. Winning game one appeared to give Hoboken some confidence as they easily dispatched the Mudcats in game two 8-3. Stanton had a huge game (4-5, home run, 3 RBIs) and Jhoulys Chacin gave a solid effort (7.2 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 5 K). The Mudcats were on the brink when they returned to Carolina for game three, but they pulled off a 7-5 win anyway. The Cats actually held a 7-2 lead, but Hoboken had a brief comeback attempt in the 9th. Rookie Stephen Strasburg turned in an impressive performance, holding the Cutters to one run on three hits in seven innings, while striking out seven. Game four was another battle, this time between starters Clay Buchholz and C.J. Wilson. Both starters gave up only one run and struck out 7 each, but neither was awarded a decision. It was fitting that the series both began and ended in extra innings. This time it was Ian Kinsler who drove in the winning run in the 10th with a double that scored Hanley Ramirez. The Cutters had won their first post-season series in franchise history.
Vancouver advances to face the number one seed, Philadelphia, starting tomorrow. Vancouver won 7 of their 13 regular-season games. Hoboken, meanwhile, faces Las Vegas, whom they have also beaten 7 out of 13 games.
Hoboken came up just shy of winning the Hanover Division title, so they were expected to breeze through round one. The franchise has only won one playoff game in their previous two appearances, so the Cutters were hoping to improve on their previous record against Carolina. Game one was a battle as the two teams traded leads and eventually ended up in extra innings. Rookie Mike Stanton proved to be the hero with a walk-off solo homer in the 10th inning to give the Cutters a 1-0 series lead. Winning game one appeared to give Hoboken some confidence as they easily dispatched the Mudcats in game two 8-3. Stanton had a huge game (4-5, home run, 3 RBIs) and Jhoulys Chacin gave a solid effort (7.2 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 5 K). The Mudcats were on the brink when they returned to Carolina for game three, but they pulled off a 7-5 win anyway. The Cats actually held a 7-2 lead, but Hoboken had a brief comeback attempt in the 9th. Rookie Stephen Strasburg turned in an impressive performance, holding the Cutters to one run on three hits in seven innings, while striking out seven. Game four was another battle, this time between starters Clay Buchholz and C.J. Wilson. Both starters gave up only one run and struck out 7 each, but neither was awarded a decision. It was fitting that the series both began and ended in extra innings. This time it was Ian Kinsler who drove in the winning run in the 10th with a double that scored Hanley Ramirez. The Cutters had won their first post-season series in franchise history.
Vancouver advances to face the number one seed, Philadelphia, starting tomorrow. Vancouver won 7 of their 13 regular-season games. Hoboken, meanwhile, faces Las Vegas, whom they have also beaten 7 out of 13 games.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Prince stops Halladay streaks
If not for Prince Fielder, Roy Halladay might still have his streaks intact.
After four innings of one-hit ball Saturday night, the Philadelphia ace yielded a double to Carolina's Hideki Matsui to lead off the 5th, before giving up a home run to Prince Fielder, snapping a scoreless stretch of 28 consecutive innings. Fielder later walked in the 7th inning, the first base on balls by Halladay in 27 1/3 innings.
Halladay gave up just one other hit after the Fielder bomb, cruising to his eight complete game of the season, the 60th of his career, a mark matched by only five other pitchers in league history. Phillly handled Carolina 6-2 as Halladay improved to 12-6.
After four innings of one-hit ball Saturday night, the Philadelphia ace yielded a double to Carolina's Hideki Matsui to lead off the 5th, before giving up a home run to Prince Fielder, snapping a scoreless stretch of 28 consecutive innings. Fielder later walked in the 7th inning, the first base on balls by Halladay in 27 1/3 innings.
Halladay gave up just one other hit after the Fielder bomb, cruising to his eight complete game of the season, the 60th of his career, a mark matched by only five other pitchers in league history. Phillly handled Carolina 6-2 as Halladay improved to 12-6.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Brother Against Brother
The Carolina Mudcats and Philadelphia Endzone Animals played an epic 16-inning game on Sunday that will go down as one of the most memorable contests in their long rivalry.
With young guns Travis Wood and Yovani Gallardo for Philly and Carolina, respectively, it looked like it would be a pitcher's battle. And for awhile, it certainly was. Wood retired the first six batters he faced -- four by strikeout.
But the hometown Mudcats finally broke through in the bottom of the 3rd when Michael Young doubled home Alex Gonzalez for the first run of the game. Carolina's lead was short lived, however, as Nelson Cruz led off the top of the 4th with a home run to tie the score. In the bottom of the 5th, Philly reliever Kyle McClellan -- who entered the game the previous inning after Wood was injured -- gave up a solo shot to Troy Tulowitzki to put the Mudcats ahead again. But once more, the lead wouldn't last long as David Murphy knocked in Albert Pujols with a single in the top of the 6th.
The bullpens would trade zeroes for the next five innings, until the top of the 12th, when the newly acquired David Wright led off the inning with a home run to put the Endzone Animals on top. But Carolina answered in the bottom of the inning with a one-out home run from Young.
After an uneventful 13th, the Endzone Animals looked to put it away in the top of the 14th when Ryan Raburn -- another new addition -- slammed a two-run home run off Evan Meek to make it 5-3. But the Mudcats once again refused to go gentle into that good night. With two outs in the bottom of the 14th, Tulowitzki crushed a Ramon Ramirez slider deep into the night, a two-run blast that again tied the score, now at 5 apiece. Carolina's Dan Wheeler then held the Animals scoreless for the next two innings.
In the bottom of the 16th, the Mudcats finally started a rally. Lance Berkman, who entered the game way back in the 12th as a pinch hitter, drew a five-pitch walk. Young then followed it up with a single -- his third hit of the game -- to put runners on first and second.
Philly pitcher Sean Marshall -- the sixth reliever of the game (remember, Wood left in the 4th with an injury) and the last man in the Animals' bullpen -- was clearly gassed, but manager Steve "Bye Bye" Balboni had no one else to turn to. Marshall walked Tulowitzki on four pitches to load the bases.
Balboni told Jered Weaver -- the following day's scheduled starter -- to start warming up. But Marshall bore down and struck out Hideki Matsui and Chris B. Young. Now it all came down to Yorvit Torrealba.
Marshall got ahead 1-2, and Torrealba appeared to swing and miss at strike three in the dirt -- but the home plate umpire ruled the pitch had been foul tipped. Marshall and the infielders were already walking off the field and were incredulous at the call. Animals catcher Ramon Hernandez had be restrained as he argued with the ump, to no avail. Replays were inconclusive. After a delay of several minutes -- which included the ejection of Balboni -- the game resumed. A visibly upset Marshall then threw the next three pitches well outside the strike zone, walking in the winning run.
Carolina's controversial win left the two teams tied in the standings at 10 games over .500 as they battle a wildcard spot.
With young guns Travis Wood and Yovani Gallardo for Philly and Carolina, respectively, it looked like it would be a pitcher's battle. And for awhile, it certainly was. Wood retired the first six batters he faced -- four by strikeout.
But the hometown Mudcats finally broke through in the bottom of the 3rd when Michael Young doubled home Alex Gonzalez for the first run of the game. Carolina's lead was short lived, however, as Nelson Cruz led off the top of the 4th with a home run to tie the score. In the bottom of the 5th, Philly reliever Kyle McClellan -- who entered the game the previous inning after Wood was injured -- gave up a solo shot to Troy Tulowitzki to put the Mudcats ahead again. But once more, the lead wouldn't last long as David Murphy knocked in Albert Pujols with a single in the top of the 6th.The bullpens would trade zeroes for the next five innings, until the top of the 12th, when the newly acquired David Wright led off the inning with a home run to put the Endzone Animals on top. But Carolina answered in the bottom of the inning with a one-out home run from Young.
After an uneventful 13th, the Endzone Animals looked to put it away in the top of the 14th when Ryan Raburn -- another new addition -- slammed a two-run home run off Evan Meek to make it 5-3. But the Mudcats once again refused to go gentle into that good night. With two outs in the bottom of the 14th, Tulowitzki crushed a Ramon Ramirez slider deep into the night, a two-run blast that again tied the score, now at 5 apiece. Carolina's Dan Wheeler then held the Animals scoreless for the next two innings.In the bottom of the 16th, the Mudcats finally started a rally. Lance Berkman, who entered the game way back in the 12th as a pinch hitter, drew a five-pitch walk. Young then followed it up with a single -- his third hit of the game -- to put runners on first and second.
Philly pitcher Sean Marshall -- the sixth reliever of the game (remember, Wood left in the 4th with an injury) and the last man in the Animals' bullpen -- was clearly gassed, but manager Steve "Bye Bye" Balboni had no one else to turn to. Marshall walked Tulowitzki on four pitches to load the bases.Balboni told Jered Weaver -- the following day's scheduled starter -- to start warming up. But Marshall bore down and struck out Hideki Matsui and Chris B. Young. Now it all came down to Yorvit Torrealba.
Marshall got ahead 1-2, and Torrealba appeared to swing and miss at strike three in the dirt -- but the home plate umpire ruled the pitch had been foul tipped. Marshall and the infielders were already walking off the field and were incredulous at the call. Animals catcher Ramon Hernandez had be restrained as he argued with the ump, to no avail. Replays were inconclusive. After a delay of several minutes -- which included the ejection of Balboni -- the game resumed. A visibly upset Marshall then threw the next three pitches well outside the strike zone, walking in the winning run.Carolina's controversial win left the two teams tied in the standings at 10 games over .500 as they battle a wildcard spot.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Strasburg returns from DL to toss no-hitter
Carolina rookie Stephen Strasburg, in his first start since a 40-day stint on the disabled list, tossed the eighth no-hitter in DMBL history, beating the Philadelphia End Zone Animals, 5-0, Saturday night at home in Bullhead Memorial Park.
It was the fifth individual no-hitter in league history (three were combined, by more than one pitcher) and first in franchise history. The last DMBL no-hitter came in April 2008 when A.J. Burnett, then with Las Vegas, no-hit the powerful Newark Sugar Bears. The last rookie to toss a no-hitter was Phoenix's John Lackey in 2003, and Joel Pineiro combined on a no-hitter with Mike Mathews for Hoboken in his rookie season in 2002.
Strasburg walked three and struck out a season-high 11 but never struck out the side. His most frequent victims were David Murphy and Ryan Howard, who both struck out three times. He outdueled Roy Halladay, who went the distance for Philly.
Murphy, recently acquired from Amityville, walked to lead off the game and J.J. Hardy walked to start the sixth inning. Hardy would reach second base when Howie Kendrick grounded to second but Strasburg struck out Murphy and got Ramon Hernandez to ground out to third to end the inning. After getting the 26th out, Strasburg walked Hernandez before retiring Nelson Cruz to complete the no-no.
Strasburg walked three and struck out a season-high 11 but never struck out the side. His most frequent victims were David Murphy and Ryan Howard, who both struck out three times. He outdueled Roy Halladay, who went the distance for Philly.
Murphy, recently acquired from Amityville, walked to lead off the game and J.J. Hardy walked to start the sixth inning. Hardy would reach second base when Howie Kendrick grounded to second but Strasburg struck out Murphy and got Ramon Hernandez to ground out to third to end the inning. After getting the 26th out, Strasburg walked Hernandez before retiring Nelson Cruz to complete the no-no.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Delgado calls it quits, but will he get the call?
Carlos Delgado announced his retirement from baseball last week after trying to come back from a hip injury that kept him out of the DMBL last season.
A native of Puerto Rico, Delgado last appeared in the DMBL in 2009 with the Carolina Mudcats, which means he'd be eligible for the DMBL Hall of Fame beginning in 2014. The 38-year-old could make a compelling case for enshrinement, ranking among the all-time leaders in home runs and runs scored. Only 11 players have appeared in more DMBL games.
Delgado played 14 consecutive seasons, breaking in with the Norfolk Ewes in 1997. The converted catcher played in no fewer than 128 games from 1997 until 2007. He played for five different franchises in the DMBL, mostly with the Hillsborough (two different franchises, the Destroyers and Hit Men), though he won his only Kevin Mitchell Award in 2001 with the Vatican City Cardinals when he put career highs with a monster season: .345/.455/.653, 208 hits, 41 home runs, 138 RBIs, 59 doubles, 153 runs, 122 walks. He matched his career high in home runs the previous year when he was with Hillsborough, and hit 39 homers when Vatican City relocated to Wanaque in 2002.
Taken in the second supplemental round in 2008 by Sardine City but released before the start of the season, Delgado signed later that year with Carolina. He contributed somewhat to the Mudcats that year, appearing in 25 games, but had one more season in him. In 2009, he had 34 home runs and 98 RBIs (to put him over 1,000 for his career, only the 22nd player to do so) while batting .280 and slugging .502.
A look at Delgado's career stats, with all-time ranking in parentheses -- do they read "Hall of Fame"?
A native of Puerto Rico, Delgado last appeared in the DMBL in 2009 with the Carolina Mudcats, which means he'd be eligible for the DMBL Hall of Fame beginning in 2014. The 38-year-old could make a compelling case for enshrinement, ranking among the all-time leaders in home runs and runs scored. Only 11 players have appeared in more DMBL games.
Delgado played 14 consecutive seasons, breaking in with the Norfolk Ewes in 1997. The converted catcher played in no fewer than 128 games from 1997 until 2007. He played for five different franchises in the DMBL, mostly with the Hillsborough (two different franchises, the Destroyers and Hit Men), though he won his only Kevin Mitchell Award in 2001 with the Vatican City Cardinals when he put career highs with a monster season: .345/.455/.653, 208 hits, 41 home runs, 138 RBIs, 59 doubles, 153 runs, 122 walks. He matched his career high in home runs the previous year when he was with Hillsborough, and hit 39 homers when Vatican City relocated to Wanaque in 2002.Taken in the second supplemental round in 2008 by Sardine City but released before the start of the season, Delgado signed later that year with Carolina. He contributed somewhat to the Mudcats that year, appearing in 25 games, but had one more season in him. In 2009, he had 34 home runs and 98 RBIs (to put him over 1,000 for his career, only the 22nd player to do so) while batting .280 and slugging .502.
A look at Delgado's career stats, with all-time ranking in parentheses -- do they read "Hall of Fame"?
Games: 1,701 (12th)
Batting: .265
OBP: .355
SLG: .516 (17th)
OPS: .871
AB: 6,035 (28th)
H: 1,597 (35th)
2B: 361 (20th, tied with Ray Durham)
HR: 370 (16th, recently passed by Albert Pujols)
RBI: 1.075 (21st)
Runs: 1,027 (11th, soon to be passed by Pujols)
Strikeouts: 1,571 (10th)
Walks: 844 (18th)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Blue Ridge gets ready to take on Morris Division
Blue Ridge made a big trade with Carolina, acquiring two bats that they hope will propel them to the top of the playoff contenders. Blue Ridge acquired third baseman Aramis Ramirez and outfielder Grady Sizemore from the Mudcats for Carl Crawford and a 2nd round pick. Ramirez is batting .302/.387/.527 with 16 homers and 51 RBIs for Carolina. Sizemore has 15 homers and 38 RBIs though he has struggled with a .228 batting average. Blue Ridge is only 1 game behind Vancouver in the Morris Division standings and they are currently the #1 wild card seed.
Vancouver took back the Morris Division lead with a 3-0 blanking of Amityville. Jake Peavy pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout, walking 4 and striking out 10. Vancouver, in response to Blue Ridge's deal perhaps, picked up their former first baseman Lyle Overbay off the scrap heap. Overbay is expected to take over first base duties against righties, while Michael Cuddyer will slide back into the outfield.
It was a busy transactions day as Newark became frustrated with trying to spell Marc Rzepczynski's name correctly and cut him in favor of recent Amityville castoff Scott Feldman. Feldman will make a spot start for injured Javy Vazquez and the club will reassess their needs over the All-Star Break.
Bridgewater made the other move - a minor one. The Mallers cut utility player Jose Lopez and picked up journeyman Brett Myers. Myers was assigned to the team's minor league club.
Vancouver took back the Morris Division lead with a 3-0 blanking of Amityville. Jake Peavy pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout, walking 4 and striking out 10. Vancouver, in response to Blue Ridge's deal perhaps, picked up their former first baseman Lyle Overbay off the scrap heap. Overbay is expected to take over first base duties against righties, while Michael Cuddyer will slide back into the outfield.
It was a busy transactions day as Newark became frustrated with trying to spell Marc Rzepczynski's name correctly and cut him in favor of recent Amityville castoff Scott Feldman. Feldman will make a spot start for injured Javy Vazquez and the club will reassess their needs over the All-Star Break.
Bridgewater made the other move - a minor one. The Mallers cut utility player Jose Lopez and picked up journeyman Brett Myers. Myers was assigned to the team's minor league club.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Gutierrez, Bay bash their way to victory
Carolina, who's been in a bit of a freefall since being in first earlier this season, scored an important win over first place Vancouver. Barry Zito held the Iron Fist to 6 hits and no runs in 7 innings and struck out 9 en route to a 2-0 victory. Mat Latos pitched an impressive game for the losing end, giving up only 1 earned run on 3 hits in 7 innings, but it wasn't enough. The win was just the 3rd in the last 10 for Carolina.
Jason Bay's 2 home runs propelled the Mighty Men to a 7-5 win over Hoboken. Alberto Callaspo was also 3-4 in the game for the Mighty Men, who preserved their 5 game lead in the Hanover Division. The Mighty Men have dealt with injuries to their outfield, but have continued to play top shelf ball, currently riding a 3 game winning streak.
The Mallers slump continued as they were mercilessly shelled by the Sugar Bears 13-3. Jorge Posada was 4-5 with 3 RBIs and Mike Cameron had 5 RBIs for Newark. Brad Bergesen held the Mallers to just 5 hits. The Mallers have now fallen into 4th place in the Morris Division. Last week the Mallers lost 7 in a row to fall out of first place and hope that these last two games aren't an indication of a new streak.
Franklin Gutierrez hit 3 home runs - but drove in only 4 - to lead Team Buddah to a 7-5 win over Amityville. The Buddahs' offense has apparently awoken in the last few games, as the 7 runs was the lowest total in their last 5 games. The Buddahs have won the last 4 games, scoring 8 runs twice and 16 once. Buddah also score 8 runs in their last loss to Hoboken. They've got a long way to go, however, sitting 16 1/2 games out of first and 11 1/2 out of a playoff spot.
Remember when Alex Rodriguez was struggling for the Rat Pack shortly after being acquired from Amityville? Well that seems like a long time ago now with A-Rod tearing the cover off the ball. A-Rod is now hitting .284/.357/.670 since joining the Rat Pack with 11 homers and 22 RBIs. Yesterday, A-Rod again led the offense with 2 homers and 5 RBIs, but the Rats dropped a 9-7 decision to Sardine City.
Jason Bay's 2 home runs propelled the Mighty Men to a 7-5 win over Hoboken. Alberto Callaspo was also 3-4 in the game for the Mighty Men, who preserved their 5 game lead in the Hanover Division. The Mighty Men have dealt with injuries to their outfield, but have continued to play top shelf ball, currently riding a 3 game winning streak.
The Mallers slump continued as they were mercilessly shelled by the Sugar Bears 13-3. Jorge Posada was 4-5 with 3 RBIs and Mike Cameron had 5 RBIs for Newark. Brad Bergesen held the Mallers to just 5 hits. The Mallers have now fallen into 4th place in the Morris Division. Last week the Mallers lost 7 in a row to fall out of first place and hope that these last two games aren't an indication of a new streak.
Franklin Gutierrez hit 3 home runs - but drove in only 4 - to lead Team Buddah to a 7-5 win over Amityville. The Buddahs' offense has apparently awoken in the last few games, as the 7 runs was the lowest total in their last 5 games. The Buddahs have won the last 4 games, scoring 8 runs twice and 16 once. Buddah also score 8 runs in their last loss to Hoboken. They've got a long way to go, however, sitting 16 1/2 games out of first and 11 1/2 out of a playoff spot.
Remember when Alex Rodriguez was struggling for the Rat Pack shortly after being acquired from Amityville? Well that seems like a long time ago now with A-Rod tearing the cover off the ball. A-Rod is now hitting .284/.357/.670 since joining the Rat Pack with 11 homers and 22 RBIs. Yesterday, A-Rod again led the offense with 2 homers and 5 RBIs, but the Rats dropped a 9-7 decision to Sardine City.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mudcats rally, steal win from Hitmen
Carolina rallied in the 9th to steal a victory from Hillsborough. Down 5-3, Jeff Francoeur led off the inning with a double, then scored on a Troy Tulowitzki single. Prince Fielder then gave the Cats the lead with a 2-run home run, his 13th of the season. C. J. Wilson struck out the side in the bottom of the 9th to nail down his 6th save.
Ricky Nolasco and the Falcons shut out Vancouver yesterday 3-0, holding the Fist to just 4 hits and striking out 12 batters. After losing 5 straight, the Falcons now won two in a row but have a long way to go to get back into the competition. The Falcons sit 10 1/2 games out of 1st, but with Johan Santana and Cliff Lee starting to pitch better, it's too early to count them out.
Newark evened their record at 22-22 with a 10-7 win over Amityville. Mark Rzepczynski held the Ant Slayers to one run on 5 hits in 6 innings despite walking 6. The Ant Slayers made it closer than it appeared by scoring 6 runs in the 8th, but fell short. Will Venable and Manny Ramirez were each 3-4 with 4 RBIs, with Venable hitting two homers.
Nice pitchers duel in Philadelphia where the two teams were held to a combined 7 hits. Philly's Matt Cain held the Buddahs to 3 hits, but gave up 2 runs and took the loss. Andy Pettite earned the win with 6.2 shutout innings, giving up just 3 hits and walking 7. Unfortunately for Philly, they lost more than the game, as Adam Lind was lost to injury for at least a week.
Blue Ridge, a surprise contender so far, took down the first-place Bridgewater Mallers 8-2 behind a stellar performance from rookie J.A. Happ. Happ pitched 8 innings and held the Mallers to 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 8. Aaron Hill hit a grand slam in the 2nd inning - it was his 7th of the year.
Ricky Nolasco and the Falcons shut out Vancouver yesterday 3-0, holding the Fist to just 4 hits and striking out 12 batters. After losing 5 straight, the Falcons now won two in a row but have a long way to go to get back into the competition. The Falcons sit 10 1/2 games out of 1st, but with Johan Santana and Cliff Lee starting to pitch better, it's too early to count them out.
Newark evened their record at 22-22 with a 10-7 win over Amityville. Mark Rzepczynski held the Ant Slayers to one run on 5 hits in 6 innings despite walking 6. The Ant Slayers made it closer than it appeared by scoring 6 runs in the 8th, but fell short. Will Venable and Manny Ramirez were each 3-4 with 4 RBIs, with Venable hitting two homers.
Nice pitchers duel in Philadelphia where the two teams were held to a combined 7 hits. Philly's Matt Cain held the Buddahs to 3 hits, but gave up 2 runs and took the loss. Andy Pettite earned the win with 6.2 shutout innings, giving up just 3 hits and walking 7. Unfortunately for Philly, they lost more than the game, as Adam Lind was lost to injury for at least a week.
Blue Ridge, a surprise contender so far, took down the first-place Bridgewater Mallers 8-2 behind a stellar performance from rookie J.A. Happ. Happ pitched 8 innings and held the Mallers to 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 8. Aaron Hill hit a grand slam in the 2nd inning - it was his 7th of the year.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Logjam in the Morris
After yesterday's games, there are five teams within one game of first place. The first place Mallers opened the door by dropping a 2-0 decision to Marietta. Jason Marquis outdueled Josh Beckett with 7 shutout innings and earning his first win of the season.
The Endzone Animals stayed 1/2 a game out of first - and alone in second place - but lost a 12-inning nailbiter to the Straphangers. Philly held a 5-2 lead in the game after a 5-run 4th inning, but the Sardines came back and scored 3 in the 6th to tie the game up. The game remained scoreless until Ryan Braun singled in the winning run in the 12th.
The Mudcats picked up a game on the Mallers by winning 7-5 against the Cutters. Jeff Francouer's two-run homer in the 7th was the difference in the game. Aramis Ramirez was 3-5 with an RBI as 5 other Mudcats had 2 hits in the game.
Hillsborough also gained a game with their 4-2 defeat of the Ant Slayers. Casey McGehee was 3-3 with 3 RBIs and a home run to lead the Hitmen offense, while Justin Verlander held the Amityville offense in check. Verlander pitched 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 7 to earn his 3rd win of the year.
Finally, Vancouver rounds out our list of Morris Division contenders. The Fist pounded New Jersey 8-2 yesterday as Kevin Millwood won his first game for Vancouver by pitching 8 innings of 6-hit ball and striking out 7. Michael Bourn and Marlon Byrd each had 3 hits for the Fist.
The Endzone Animals stayed 1/2 a game out of first - and alone in second place - but lost a 12-inning nailbiter to the Straphangers. Philly held a 5-2 lead in the game after a 5-run 4th inning, but the Sardines came back and scored 3 in the 6th to tie the game up. The game remained scoreless until Ryan Braun singled in the winning run in the 12th.
The Mudcats picked up a game on the Mallers by winning 7-5 against the Cutters. Jeff Francouer's two-run homer in the 7th was the difference in the game. Aramis Ramirez was 3-5 with an RBI as 5 other Mudcats had 2 hits in the game.
Hillsborough also gained a game with their 4-2 defeat of the Ant Slayers. Casey McGehee was 3-3 with 3 RBIs and a home run to lead the Hitmen offense, while Justin Verlander held the Amityville offense in check. Verlander pitched 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 7 to earn his 3rd win of the year.
Finally, Vancouver rounds out our list of Morris Division contenders. The Fist pounded New Jersey 8-2 yesterday as Kevin Millwood won his first game for Vancouver by pitching 8 innings of 6-hit ball and striking out 7. Michael Bourn and Marlon Byrd each had 3 hits for the Fist.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Three-way in the Morris Division
There's a three-way tie atop the Morris Division as the two leaders fell and the Mallers took advantage. Bridgewater came from behind to defeat Sardine City 4-2 with a 3-run 8th inning. With the score 2-1 in the Sardines' favor, Brian McCann hit a 3-run homer to give the Mallers the lead. Andrew Bailey pitched a scoreless 9th for his league-leading 8th save.
Meanwhile, Carolina was pummeled by Vegas 10-2. Matt Kemp was 2-5 with 3 RBIs and Dan Uggla was 3-4 to lead the Vegas offensive attack, while Tim Lincecum improved to 4-1 with a solid 7 inning performance.
The other division leader, Philadelphia, dropped a 7-3 decision to Amityville as the Ant Slayers scored 4 unanswered runs in the 8th, including three consecutive home runs from Alex Rodriguez, Jason Kubel and Geoff Blum.
John Danks pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout of Vancouver as the Mighty Men blanked the Iron Fist 8-0. Danks struck out 7 and walked 3. The Iron Fist went through 9 pitchers in the game, including today's probably starter, Kevin Millwood. In case you were wondering, Marlon Byrd got the lone hit for Vancouver in the 2nd inning.
Meanwhile, Carolina was pummeled by Vegas 10-2. Matt Kemp was 2-5 with 3 RBIs and Dan Uggla was 3-4 to lead the Vegas offensive attack, while Tim Lincecum improved to 4-1 with a solid 7 inning performance.
The other division leader, Philadelphia, dropped a 7-3 decision to Amityville as the Ant Slayers scored 4 unanswered runs in the 8th, including three consecutive home runs from Alex Rodriguez, Jason Kubel and Geoff Blum.
John Danks pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout of Vancouver as the Mighty Men blanked the Iron Fist 8-0. Danks struck out 7 and walked 3. The Iron Fist went through 9 pitchers in the game, including today's probably starter, Kevin Millwood. In case you were wondering, Marlon Byrd got the lone hit for Vancouver in the 2nd inning.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rivera notches another win
Mariano Rivera picked up another victory in Marietta's 11-8 win over Carolina yesterday - his 5th of the year. Down 7-5 in the 8th, Rivera came in to shut down the Mudcats, but promptly gave up a game-tying 2-run home run to A. J. Pierzynski, then gave up the go-ahead run later in the inning, but the Mighty Men stuck with him. The Cats sent in Brian Fuentes to nail down the win, but Fuentes got into trouble soon. Kevin Youkilis tied the game up on a single and then Fuentes fell apart, walking Jason Bay and surrendering a three-run homer to Derek Jeter. Chris Perez came in and struck out the final two batters, but the damage was done. Rivera retired the side in order to preserve his own victory. Things didn't work out too well for Fuente, who not only took the loss and saw his ERA balloon to 12.91, but was issued his walking papers after the game. Carolina picked up C.J. Wilson off the scrap heap to replace Fuentes. The loss was Carolina's 5th straight.
The hot team du jour seems to be Team Buddah, who has now won 7 of their last 10 and beat Hillsborough 9-7 yesterday despite allowing a 6-run rally in the 8th. Highly-touted rookie Rick Porcello allowed only one unearned run in 7 innings while striking out 8 and allowing only 4 hits. All the runs Buddah gave up were unearned, owing to two critical Rafael Furcal errors.
Meanwhile, a team going the other direction is Sardine City, who dropped their 5th straight. Blue Ridge scored 7 runs in the 6th and 7th innings to take an 8-4 win over the Straphangers. The Sardines outhit and outwalked the Bombers, but were unable to capitalize and left 11 men on base in the match.
Mat Latos made an impressive debut for Vancouver yesteday, allowing only 1 earned run in 7 innings and striking out 8, but the Iron Fist bullpen couldn't seal the deal. The score was tied 2-2 entering the 8th when Hoboken began the inning with their first 6 batters reaching base safely. The Cutters were up 6-2 before the first out was recorded. The Cutters would go on to score 4 more runs, capped by a 2-run Hanley Ramirez homer. Ramirez ended the game going 4-5 and Batter of the Week Russ Branyan was 3-5 with 2 RBIs.
After today's games, DMBL will take a hiatus until Monday the 19th.
The hot team du jour seems to be Team Buddah, who has now won 7 of their last 10 and beat Hillsborough 9-7 yesterday despite allowing a 6-run rally in the 8th. Highly-touted rookie Rick Porcello allowed only one unearned run in 7 innings while striking out 8 and allowing only 4 hits. All the runs Buddah gave up were unearned, owing to two critical Rafael Furcal errors.
Meanwhile, a team going the other direction is Sardine City, who dropped their 5th straight. Blue Ridge scored 7 runs in the 6th and 7th innings to take an 8-4 win over the Straphangers. The Sardines outhit and outwalked the Bombers, but were unable to capitalize and left 11 men on base in the match.
Mat Latos made an impressive debut for Vancouver yesteday, allowing only 1 earned run in 7 innings and striking out 8, but the Iron Fist bullpen couldn't seal the deal. The score was tied 2-2 entering the 8th when Hoboken began the inning with their first 6 batters reaching base safely. The Cutters were up 6-2 before the first out was recorded. The Cutters would go on to score 4 more runs, capped by a 2-run Hanley Ramirez homer. Ramirez ended the game going 4-5 and Batter of the Week Russ Branyan was 3-5 with 2 RBIs.
After today's games, DMBL will take a hiatus until Monday the 19th.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Buddahs turn losing streak into a winning streak
The Buddahs have bounced back in a big way after ending their 9-game losing streak by rolling off 4 straight against Arkansas. Yesterday Andy Pettitte and the pen held the Falcons to only 1 hit in a 2-0 win. Justin Morneau was the lone Falcon to get a hit, although 2 others reached on walks and one was hit by a pitch. The Buddahs struck out 9 Falcons in the game.
Carolina won their series against the Rat Pack with a 5-3, 11-inning win yesterday. The Cats tied the score at three in the 9th on a Delmon Young double. Then in the 11th, Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer to win the game. Evan Meek earned his first DMBL victory with a solid 4-inning performance, where he gave up only 2 hits and one run and struck out 6.
Sardine City has risen up in the ranks - remember they were the last team this year to earn a victory - and is now sitting pretty in 2nd in the Hanover Division with an 11-7 record. Yesterday the Sardines took a 3-1 decision against Bridgewater. John Lackey pitched 6 innings and allowed only 1 run, while striking out 7 to earn the win.
Carolina won their series against the Rat Pack with a 5-3, 11-inning win yesterday. The Cats tied the score at three in the 9th on a Delmon Young double. Then in the 11th, Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer to win the game. Evan Meek earned his first DMBL victory with a solid 4-inning performance, where he gave up only 2 hits and one run and struck out 6.
Sardine City has risen up in the ranks - remember they were the last team this year to earn a victory - and is now sitting pretty in 2nd in the Hanover Division with an 11-7 record. Yesterday the Sardines took a 3-1 decision against Bridgewater. John Lackey pitched 6 innings and allowed only 1 run, while striking out 7 to earn the win.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Rivera continues odd season
The Iron Fist came back from a 4-1 deficit to tie their game up against Marietta yesterday, but Mike DeRosa's solo walkoff home run in the 9th ended their hopes. The winning pitcher of record was Marietta closer Mariano Rivera who is having a bit of an odd season. The future Hall of Famer has struggled to convert saves - Rivera only has one save on the season versus 2 blown saves, but...Rivera is now tied for the league lead with 4 wins. The record for wins by a reliever is 16 by Vancouver's Jeff Zimmerman, set in 2000.
Watch out for the Endzone Animals - Philly's now won 5 straight after defeating Amityville 8-5 yesterday. The Animals are now in 2nd place in the Morris Division at 11-8. The Animals jumped all over starter Randy Wolf yesterady, bouncing the him in the 4th inning after giving up 6 runs. Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter each had a homer and 3 RBIs in the game.
The Mudcats and Rat Pack slugged it out, with the Cats coming out 9-7 victors. Dustin Pedroia was 4-5 with 2 RBIs and Grady Sizemore and A.J. Pierzynski each had 3 hits to lead the Carolina offense. Meanwhile, Yunel Escobar was 4-5 for the Rats. Vegas starter Rich Harden was roughed up for 6 runs in just 1 inning of work.
Gavin Floyd outdueled Javier Vazquez to give the Bombers a 3-2 win over Newark yesterday. Floyd pitched 8 innings and gave up only 1 run on 9 hits and 4 walks. Vazquez only gave up one earned run in his 7.1 innings of work, but it was the unearned run that did him in - even though he wasn't in the game when it scored. Brian Wilson relieved Vazquez in the 8th with Blue Ridge leading 1-0 and a runner on 1st. Facing his first batter, Pablo Sandoval, Wilson took an easy ground ball and threw the ball over the head of first baseman Nick Johnson. Both runners would score later in the inning, securing the win for the Bombers.
Watch out for the Endzone Animals - Philly's now won 5 straight after defeating Amityville 8-5 yesterday. The Animals are now in 2nd place in the Morris Division at 11-8. The Animals jumped all over starter Randy Wolf yesterady, bouncing the him in the 4th inning after giving up 6 runs. Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter each had a homer and 3 RBIs in the game.
The Mudcats and Rat Pack slugged it out, with the Cats coming out 9-7 victors. Dustin Pedroia was 4-5 with 2 RBIs and Grady Sizemore and A.J. Pierzynski each had 3 hits to lead the Carolina offense. Meanwhile, Yunel Escobar was 4-5 for the Rats. Vegas starter Rich Harden was roughed up for 6 runs in just 1 inning of work.
Gavin Floyd outdueled Javier Vazquez to give the Bombers a 3-2 win over Newark yesterday. Floyd pitched 8 innings and gave up only 1 run on 9 hits and 4 walks. Vazquez only gave up one earned run in his 7.1 innings of work, but it was the unearned run that did him in - even though he wasn't in the game when it scored. Brian Wilson relieved Vazquez in the 8th with Blue Ridge leading 1-0 and a runner on 1st. Facing his first batter, Pablo Sandoval, Wilson took an easy ground ball and threw the ball over the head of first baseman Nick Johnson. Both runners would score later in the inning, securing the win for the Bombers.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Mudcat streak snapped by Rats
Las Vegas snapped Carolina's 7-game winning streak on a walk off single by Dan Uggla that gave the Rats a 2-1 victory. Tim Lincecum pitched 8 innings, giving up only 1 run on 5 hits and striking out 8, but didn't get a decision. On the other side, Yovani Gallardo struck out 10 rats in 7 innings, while giving up one run on 4 hits.
Meanwhile, the other first place team, Marietta, won for the second straight day by the same score over Vancouver: 3-2. The Mighty Men took the lead in the 8th when Alberto Callaspo tripled in Kurt Suzuki. Callaspo finished the game 2-3 with 3 RBIs. John Danks and Mike Adams (who took the win) limited the Iron Fist to only 4 hits. The Iron Fist were able to stay in the game by turning 4 double plays in the game, extending their league lead in the category. The Fist now have 31 DPs on the season, 10 more than second place Arkansas.
Russell Branyan hit two solo home runs and Adam Kennedy was 4-5 as the Cutters edged the Hired Hitmen 7-6 in 10 innings. The Hitmen got in trouble right off the bat in the 10th, giving up a leadoff single to Adam Dunn. Though the next batter hit into a fielder's choice, Branyan singled, and Mike Napoli walked to load the bases. With one out, Kennedy came through with a base hit to the left side.
Newark's offense finally woke up, unleashing an 11-4 barrage against Carlos Zambrano and the Blue Ridge Bombers. Nick Johnson was 3-5 with a homer and 3 RBIs, Asdrubal Cabrera was 3-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 doubles and J.D. Drew hit a triple and a double in the game. It was the first time Newark scored in double digits this season.
Meanwhile, the other first place team, Marietta, won for the second straight day by the same score over Vancouver: 3-2. The Mighty Men took the lead in the 8th when Alberto Callaspo tripled in Kurt Suzuki. Callaspo finished the game 2-3 with 3 RBIs. John Danks and Mike Adams (who took the win) limited the Iron Fist to only 4 hits. The Iron Fist were able to stay in the game by turning 4 double plays in the game, extending their league lead in the category. The Fist now have 31 DPs on the season, 10 more than second place Arkansas.
Russell Branyan hit two solo home runs and Adam Kennedy was 4-5 as the Cutters edged the Hired Hitmen 7-6 in 10 innings. The Hitmen got in trouble right off the bat in the 10th, giving up a leadoff single to Adam Dunn. Though the next batter hit into a fielder's choice, Branyan singled, and Mike Napoli walked to load the bases. With one out, Kennedy came through with a base hit to the left side.
Newark's offense finally woke up, unleashing an 11-4 barrage against Carlos Zambrano and the Blue Ridge Bombers. Nick Johnson was 3-5 with a homer and 3 RBIs, Asdrubal Cabrera was 3-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 doubles and J.D. Drew hit a triple and a double in the game. It was the first time Newark scored in double digits this season.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
One from the top, one from the bottom
The Mudcats have been on a roll of late, notching 7 straight wins as of Monday. Sitting atop the Morris Division, Carolina has the best record in the DMBL at 12-3. And the unlikely leader for the Mudcats this week was catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who batted .550 with 2 homers and 11 RBIs and a smokin' 1.515 OPS, earning him this week's JR Cigar's Smokin' Batter of the Week Award.
Meanwhile, in the Hanover Division, the defending champion Mighty Men are sitting pretty at 12-4, but no fancy-shmancy winning streak, so their top player will have to settle for a book of matches. Ichiro Suzuki led the Mighty Men with his .424 average, scoring 10 runs and stealing 2 bases. Other players of note: Philly's Albert Pujols (.933 OPS, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R), Blue Ridge's Andrew McCutchen (.440/.462/.720, 5 R), and Vancouver's Marlon Byrd (.524/.524/.667, 3 doubles) and Michael Cuddyer (1.231 OPS, 4 HR, 12 RBI).
And on the other end of the spectrum, our Trololo Pitcher of the Week hails from the worst team in the league - Team Buddah. The Buddahs finally snapped their 9 game losing streak with an 8-7 edging of the Golden Falcons yesterday. But maybe there is some hope for the struggling franchise as their prized pitcher Rick Porcello gets this week's top pitcher nod. Sure, Porcello didn't get a win, but he still managed to work 16.1 innings, giving up only 3 runs for a 1.65 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.
Other top contenders: Sardine City's Jordan Zimmeran (1-0, 0.73 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 17 K), Las Vegas' A.J. Burnett (1-0, 1.25, 1.05, 14 K), Amityville's Tommy Hunter (1-0, 1.42, 0.95) and Hoboken's Mark Buehrle (2.08, 1.00).
Meanwhile, in the Hanover Division, the defending champion Mighty Men are sitting pretty at 12-4, but no fancy-shmancy winning streak, so their top player will have to settle for a book of matches. Ichiro Suzuki led the Mighty Men with his .424 average, scoring 10 runs and stealing 2 bases. Other players of note: Philly's Albert Pujols (.933 OPS, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R), Blue Ridge's Andrew McCutchen (.440/.462/.720, 5 R), and Vancouver's Marlon Byrd (.524/.524/.667, 3 doubles) and Michael Cuddyer (1.231 OPS, 4 HR, 12 RBI).
And on the other end of the spectrum, our Trololo Pitcher of the Week hails from the worst team in the league - Team Buddah. The Buddahs finally snapped their 9 game losing streak with an 8-7 edging of the Golden Falcons yesterday. But maybe there is some hope for the struggling franchise as their prized pitcher Rick Porcello gets this week's top pitcher nod. Sure, Porcello didn't get a win, but he still managed to work 16.1 innings, giving up only 3 runs for a 1.65 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.
Other top contenders: Sardine City's Jordan Zimmeran (1-0, 0.73 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 17 K), Las Vegas' A.J. Burnett (1-0, 1.25, 1.05, 14 K), Amityville's Tommy Hunter (1-0, 1.42, 0.95) and Hoboken's Mark Buehrle (2.08, 1.00).
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Carolina falls, but Sardines still rule the cellar
Carolina finally fell, 6-4 to the Endzone Animals. The Mudcats could only muster 4 hits total, though one of them was a 3-run homer by Aramis Ramirez. Other than the one gopher ball, Philly starter Jered Weaver pitched brilliantly, lasting 8 innings and walking only 2.
While the Mudcats ended their streak, the Straphangers had no such luck, descending to 0-4 on the season after a 3-0 loss to Team Buddah. Andy Pettitte pitched 6 innings of 5-hit ball to earn the win. The Buddahs only managed 5 hits as well, though 3 of them were doubles. Cole Hamels took the loss despite allowing only 2 hits in 5 innings (the 6 walks probably didn't help though).
Hoboken shut down the once-mighty Sugar Bears 3-1. Starter Mark Buehrle tossed 8 innings, allowing only one run on 8 hits. Denard Span was 3-4, leading the Hoboken offense. "It's almost as if our team thinks they're still on vacation" said Sugar Bear manager Don Mattingly.
All eyes were on 2010 first round pick Brett Anderson, but it was Randy Wolf who won the duel. Anderson was tagged for 4 runs on 10 hits in 7 innings - not a horrible debut - but Wolf allowed only 2 runs and 4 hits in 6 innings and earned the win in the 4-3 contest. Alex Rodriguez was 2-4 in the contest and drove in all the runs on two home runs.
Vancouver and Blue Ridge battled it out in a tight one yesterday. With the score tied at 5 in the 8th, Blue Ridge took a tenuous 6-5 lead. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was unable to hold it though, despite getting the first two outs in the inning. Rodriguez walked Michael Cuddyer and then promptly served up a 2-run dinger to Garrett Jones. Joe Thatcher retired the final three batters in the ninth to earn his second save of the season.
While the Mudcats ended their streak, the Straphangers had no such luck, descending to 0-4 on the season after a 3-0 loss to Team Buddah. Andy Pettitte pitched 6 innings of 5-hit ball to earn the win. The Buddahs only managed 5 hits as well, though 3 of them were doubles. Cole Hamels took the loss despite allowing only 2 hits in 5 innings (the 6 walks probably didn't help though).
Hoboken shut down the once-mighty Sugar Bears 3-1. Starter Mark Buehrle tossed 8 innings, allowing only one run on 8 hits. Denard Span was 3-4, leading the Hoboken offense. "It's almost as if our team thinks they're still on vacation" said Sugar Bear manager Don Mattingly.
All eyes were on 2010 first round pick Brett Anderson, but it was Randy Wolf who won the duel. Anderson was tagged for 4 runs on 10 hits in 7 innings - not a horrible debut - but Wolf allowed only 2 runs and 4 hits in 6 innings and earned the win in the 4-3 contest. Alex Rodriguez was 2-4 in the contest and drove in all the runs on two home runs.
Vancouver and Blue Ridge battled it out in a tight one yesterday. With the score tied at 5 in the 8th, Blue Ridge took a tenuous 6-5 lead. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was unable to hold it though, despite getting the first two outs in the inning. Rodriguez walked Michael Cuddyer and then promptly served up a 2-run dinger to Garrett Jones. Joe Thatcher retired the final three batters in the ninth to earn his second save of the season.
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