Cats fall to Bowie, Wings slip by Indians

New Britain 1 at Bowie 10

W: D. Hernandez (7-4, 2.55); L: R. Mullins (7-9, 4.63)
HR: BOW: M. Wieters 2 (9).

Brock Peterson would take a walk in the top of the six off Bowie's David Hernandez. David Winfree tripled him in. That was pretty much it for the Rock Cats' offense.

Ryan Mullins would take the start and work six inning for the New Brtian Rock Cats. He'd give up four runs, all in the fifth inning.

Blake Davis took a walk and Jonathan Tucker singled. Carlos Rojas single out to left scored the pair. Following a Nolan Reimold fly out, Matt Wieters launched his 8th home run of the season over the center field wall to two more.

The six runs, four earned, that Frank Mata allowed were largely inconsequential as New Britain seemed disinterested in hitting the ball, managing only five against 3 Bowie pitchers.

Aside from Winfree, who finished up 1-for-4 with a triple, Steve Tolleson and Dustin Martin were also 1-for-4, both end up as the one hit wonders of the contest. Drew Butera and Brian Dinkelman were 1-for-3 each with a double down at the bottom of the order.

Game three of the four game series is Saturday night at 7:05 PM. RHP Chris Tillman (7-3, 3.63 ERA) Will throw out the first pitch for Bowie, while the Rock Cats send RHP Yohan Pino (4-5, 5.04 ERA) to the mound.

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Indianapolis 2 at Rochester 3

W: K. Mulvey (5-8, 3.78); L: R. Ohlendorf (2-3, 4.29); SV: B. Korecky (20)
HR: IND: M. Kata (8), N. Morgan (1).

The Rochester Red Wings managed to slip by the Indianapolis Indians, 3-2 at Frontier Field Friday night.

The Indians would claim first blood when Nyjer Morgan homered, his AAA first of the year over the right field wall.

The Wings answered back in the bottom of the second with Trevor Plouffe doubling then coming home on a Jeff Christy single.

In the bottom of the fourth, Luke Hughes singled before Matt Macri went down on strikes. Plouffe then doubled Hughes in.

Matt Kata claimed his 8th home run off Kevin Mulvey in the top of the fifth, knocking the solo-shot over the right field wall. Jason Pridie and Alejandro Machado hit back to back singles in the bottom of the inning. Sergio Santos bunt pop would double Machado off first, but Garrett Jones singled to drive in Pridie. Jones would try to go to second, and was taken out on the throw, but the run stood for the game winner.

Mulvey allowed 2 runs on six hits and 3 walks while striking out 7 over 6.2 innings. Ricky Barrett and Bobby Korecky worked the mop up chores, with Korecky earning his 20th save in the process.

Plouffe would finish up 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, a run and a run batted in. Jones went 3-for-4 at the plate with a RBI, while Pridie and Machado were each 2-for-4, Pridie with a run. Hughes (1-for-4) added a run, and Macri and Christy went 1-for-3 each, Christy with a RBI, leaving Macri to be the one hit wonder of the game.

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Fisher's romp over Rock Cats

New Hampshire 12 at New Britain 4

W: R. Ray (6-4, 3.19); L: Y. Pino (4-5, 5.04)
HR: NHM: D. Smith (10), A. Pinckney (7). NBR: D. Winfree (14).

It's official. The New Britain Rock are now cellar dwellers with a 46-68 record, 23.5 games behind the division leading Trenton Thunder. Not even two of three against the B-Mets could save them.

Before you ask, they have 26 games left to play in the season. They're not mathematically eliminated, but not even a Miracle or two could save them now.

Monday night's game didn't turn ugly until late, but Yohan Pino's outing on the mound - 5 runs on three hits and 6 walks while fanning 4 in 3.1 innings - is certainly not something you'd like to write home about.

New Hampshire started out with Ryan Klosterman singling, then stealing 2nd. A throwing error by catcher Drew Butera, who tried to stop him, allowed Klosterman to advance to 3rd. Chris Gutierrez drew a walk before Klosterman scored on a wild pitch by Pino. Travis Snider also drew a walk, although Pino did get J.P. Arencibia to fly out. Andrew Pinckney then put this 7th home run of the season over the right field wall to added 3 more to the total. David Smith and former Miracle Kyle Phillips both walked before Jack Bulter went down on strikes and Jonathan Diaz ground out to bring the Rock Cats up to bat.

New Britain didn't actually make use of their bats until the bottom of the 3rd however, when Brock Peterson doubled, then moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by the Fisher's Rob Ray. Erik Lis drew a walk, and David Winfree blasted his 14th home run of the season over the right field wall, to make the score a repsectable 4-3 in favor of the Fishers.

Phillips would walk in the top of the 4th and Buttler doubled out to left to move him to 3rd. Diaz would walk as well before Klosterman's sac fly to right scored Phillips, to make it 5-3 New Hampshire. Armando Gabino replaced Pino at that point and things quieted down until the top of the 7th.

With one out on the board, Snider walked and Arencibia singled to put a pair of runners on base. Pinckney would fly out before Smith put his 10th Fisher Cat home run over the left field wall, driving in 3 to add to the total.

Steve Tolleson singled in the bottom half of the inning and one out later, moved to 3rd when Brock Peterson reached on a throwing error by Snider. Lis would single in Tolleson, but Peterson would be taking out at the plate for the 3rd out.

Frank Mata took over in the top of the 8th and issued walks to Butler and Diaz. A sac-bunt by Klosterman moved the pair, and Gutierrez then doubled them in as the Fisher Cats pulled out to a 10-4 lead.

Pinckney walked in the top of the ninth and Smith doubled him to 3rd. Phillips' single plated Pinckney and Butler walked to load the bags. Diaz would go down on strikes before Klosterman would be hit by a pitch, forcing in Smith for the final run.

Lis finished up 3-for-3 for the Rock Cats with a run and a run scored. Peterson, 1-for-4, chipped in with a double and a run. Tolleson, Valencia, Mostes and Butera were all 1-for-4 as well, all with singles. Tolleson had a walk and a run to go with his hit single, while the other three would go down as one hit wonders.

Winfree was the best 1-for-4 player at the plate by far, with a run and 3 RBIs, courtesy of the home run.

Game two is Tuesday night at New Britain Stadium. Jeff Manship (1-5, 4.32) will take the start for the Rock Cats against the Fisher's Marty McLeary (0-0,0.00) who is making his AA debut.

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For Cats, 2-out-of-3 ain't bad

The New Britain Rock Cats took 2-of-3 games this weekend against the Binghamton Mets posting a loss on Friday and Wins on Saturday and Sunday.



Friday: Binghamton 4 at New Britain 3

W: R. Parnell (10-6, 4.33); L: K. Aselton (4-5, 4.42); SV: E. Kunz (27)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (14), E. Lis (11).

Kyle Aselton took the start, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks while fanning 4 over five innings worth of work.

New Britain drew first blood in the bottom of the 2nd, with Brock Peterson putting his 14th home run of the year over the left field wall. The run came off B-Met's starter Bob Parnell, who would allow all three New Britain runs on 7 hits while fanning 2 over six innings.

The lead would not last long though as Jose Coronado singled off Aselton in the top of the 3rd and Jonathan Malo took a walk. Mike Carp tripled the pair in and a throwing error by Toby Gardenhire allowed Carp to cross the plate as well, giving the Mets 3. Aselton would allow a singled to Ambriorix Concepcion one out later, but picked Conception off trying to steal 2nd before taking Shawn Bowman out on strikes to end sent the Cats up to bat.

Jose Coronado doubled in the top of the 5th, and would move to 3rd on a Jonathan Malo sac-bunt. Mike Carp then sacrificed in Coronado to make it 4-1 Mets.

Erik Lis went yard in the bottom half of the inning, the solo shot home run over the left field wall was his 11th of the season. Peterson would follow that up with a single, then steal 2nd. Gardenhire singled Peterson to 3rd, but would be caught stealing 2nd. Drew Butera's ground out plated Peterson to give the Cat's three, cutting the Mets lead to one.

But one would be all they'd need as New Britain managed only 2 hits and a pair of walks in the final three innings of the game.

Dustin Martin and Peterson both went 2-for-4, Martin with a double, Peterson with a pair of runs and a run scored courtesy of the home run. Lis was 2-for-3 with a walk, a run and a RBI. Steve Tolleson was 1-for-3 as was Gardenhire, although Tolleson added a walk as well. David Winfree, pinch hitting for Gardenhire in the ninth was 1-for-1 with a double.

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Saturday: Binghamton 5 at New Britain 8

W: J. Rainville (8-8, 6.19); L: J. Sanchez (10-6, 4.24); SV: Z. Ward (1)
HR: BIN: M. Carp (13).

Jay Rainville would allow only one run, earned, on 4 hits and a pair of walks while striking out six over six innings to pick up his 8th win of the season. Zach Ward would be credited with the save, despite allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in 3 innings. He'd fan four during his time on the mound.

The Cats were more offensively minded on Saturday, taking advantage of B-Met's starter Jose Sanchez early.

Dustin Martin doubled with one out on the board in the bottom of the first and moved to 3rd on Brock Peterson's fly out. David Winfree singled in Martin and Erik Lis advanced Winfree with a single of his own. Danny Valencia then tripled in the pair and would, in turn, be plated by Matt Moses' double.

Mike Carp would take his 13th home run of the season off Rainville in the top of the 3rd, putting a line drive over the right field wall.

New Britain took the point back in the bottom of the stanza when Winfree reached on a fielding error. One out later, Valencia would reach on an error as well that allowed Valencia to score.

Following a double to Felix Molina in the bottom of the six, Casey Hoorelbeke would come in to replace Sanchez. Martin would reach on a fielding error by Carp in the bottom of the 7th and Peterson followed that up with a double. A Winfree ground out brought Martin home, to make it 6-1 Cats.

With Elvys Quezada on the mound in the bottom of the 8th, Valencia doubled. Moses' ground out moved him ot 3rd and Drew Butera sacrificed him in. Felix Molina would single and Steve Tolleson would be hit by a pitch putting two runners on. Martin's line drive got Molina to the plate, but Tolleson would be thrown out at 3rd. to end the inning.

There would be one out on the board in the top of the 9th when Caleb Stewart drew a walk off Ward to begin a B-Met's rally. Ambiorix Concepcion struck out, but Shawn Bowman and Saloman Manriquez both singled, plating Stewart. Josh Peterson then doubled to bring in Bowman and Jonathan Malo would single to drive in Manriguez before Ward could get Jose Coronado to strike out, ending the game.

Valencia and Molina were both 2-for-4 for the Cats, Valencia with a pair of runs and a pair of RBIs, while Molina had a double and a run. Martin finished up 3-for-5 with a double, a pair of runs and a RBI. Tolleson, Peterson, Winfree and Moses were all 1-for-4 at the plate, Winfree with a pair of runs and a pair of RBIs, Moses with a run scored. Peterson had a double, leaving Tolleson to be the one hit wonder, with 3 strike outs on the side.

Lis finished up 1-for-3 with a walk and a run.

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Sunday: Binghamton 5 at New Britain 6

W: B. Julianel (2-2, 2.37); L: T. Lavigne (2-3, 4.86)
HR: None.

The Cats would rally back late to tie up the game in the eighth, and pick up the game winner in the ninth to finish off the first half of their six-game homestand.

Shawn Bowman doubled off Ryan Mullins in the top of the 2nd. Following a fly out to Josh Petersen, Salvador Paniagua singled to drive in Bowman.

Ambriorix Concepcion singled in the top of the fourth, and Bowman took a walk. After a fly out to Petersen and line out to Paniagua, Anderson Machado doubled to plate Concepcion, giving the B-Mets an early 2 run lead.

Bowman would double again, in the top fo the sixth, and Petersen followed it up with a triple. Following a Paniagua ground out, Machado singled to score Petersen. Machado would be taken out at 2nd though, when Jose Coronado ground into a double play.

That was about the time the Rock Cats started feeling feisty. Brian Dinkelman, recently returned from the D.L. (Press Release), doubled a line drive out to left. Steve Tolleson's fly out moved him to 3rd. Dustin Martin would go down on strikes before Brock Peterson doubled in Dinkelman. David Winfree would reach on a fielding error by Coronado that scored Peterson. Erik Lis and Danny Valencia hit back-to-back singles that plated Winfree and also saw the B-Mets replace pitcher Eric Brown with reliever Edgar Alfonzo. Matt Moses would ground into a force out to finish off the inning with the Cats still down by one.

Jason Miller replaced Mullins in the top of the 7th, and walked Jonathan Malo. Mike Carp would ground out, moving Malo to 2nd, and a Caleb Stewart single scored the B-Mets 3rd baseman. Stewart would steal 2nd, but Conception lined into a double play to give New Britain a turn at the plate.

Dinkelman would be hit by a pitch and Tolleson and Martin would draw walks, loading the bags, the but Cats wasted the chance as Rocky Palacios, Peterson and Winfree all struck out.

So it would be Lis' double in the bottom of the 8th that started things rolling again. Valencia reached on a fielding error, but Moses went down on strikes. Felix Molina, pinch hitting for Palacios who has dropped to .200 at the AA level, singled in Lis. Dinkelman's double drove in Valencia for the tying run. Tolleson would pop out and Joe Hietpas would intentionally walk Martin, getting Peterson to pop out to end the inning with the game even.

Ben Julianel worked an uncharacteristically quick top of the 9th, letting Tim Lavigne come up to pitch for the B-Mets in the bottom half of the stanza. Winfree would double and Lavigne would intentionally walk Lis to get at Valencia, who singled to load the bags. Moses ground into a force out that saw Winfree taken out at the plate. Butera would ground into a force out as well, but this time Moses was taken out at 2nd and Lis scored, ending the contest.

Dinkelman finished up 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, a run and a run scored at the bottom of the order. Tolleson and Lis would both go 2-for-4, Tolleson with a walk, Lis with a walk, a double and a pair of runs. Valencia was 2-for-5 at the plate with a run and a RBI, while Peterson and Winfree were both 1-for-5 with a double and a run, Peterson with a run scored as well. Molina was 1-for-1 with a RBI.

The Cats now host the Dunedin Blue Jays New Hampshire Fisher Cats for three games, the first being played Monday night with a 7:05 start time.

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Former Rock Cats manager Stan Cliburn has been named by Major League Baseball to manage the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League when his season (when) the Rochester Red Wings conclude.

Cliburn will manage a team of prospects stocked by the Twins, A's, Diamondbacks, Rockies and Blue Jays.

"It's me representing the Minnesota Twins which means the most to me because Major League Baseball selects this," Cliburn said. "You only have six teams and to be one of six managers named out of all the managers in Minor League Baseball is quite an honor." (NB Herald)

Peterson takes win over Bowie

New Britain 3 at Bowie 2

W: A. Gabino (6-5, 3.11); L: G. Casadiego (5-5, 3.34); SV: B. Julianel (23)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson 2 (13).

A pair of home runs by Brock Peterson helped the New Britain Rock Cats to a 3-2 win over the Bowie Baysox, concluding the road series which Bowie took, 3 games to 1. New Britain returns home to fireworks Friday night at New Britain Stadium.

Jeff Manship worked six innings allowing only 2 runs, 1 earned on 3 hits and a walk while fanning 4 but would get the no decision. Manship would put two outs on the board in the first inning before allowing a single to Luis Montanez. A passed ball by Drew Butera moved Montanez to 2nd, and Nolan Reimold's line drive to left, combined with a Danny Valencia throwing error, plated him.

Valencia would single in the top of the 4th as would Erik Lis, who sent the speedy Valencia to 3rd. Brock Peterson then drove Valencia in with a grounder to third to tie up the game.

Sebastien Boucher would get plunked by a pitch in the bottom of the sixth, then moved to 3rd on a Carlos Rojas single. A wild pitch by Manship allowed Boucher across the plate for the Baysox second run.

Peterson answered back by hitting is 12th home run of the year over the left field fence in the top of the 7th.

Armando Gabino replaced Manship for the bottom of the seventh inning, and Gerardo Casadiego replaced Zach Clark in the top of the 8th. Singles to Rojas and Montanez and a walk to Reimold loaded the bases for Bowie in the bottom of the eight, but after Steve Torrealba popped out, Mike Rodriguez would ground into a force out and Toby Gardenhire would relay the ball to Butera, who took Rojas out at home. Jeff Nettles would fly out to get the Cats out of the inning unscathed.

Peterson would launch his 13th home run over the center field wall in the top of the ninth.

Ben Julianel came in to close the game and gave up singles to Blake Davis and Matt Wieters. But he'd take Rojas and Montanez out on strikes to end the game.

Peterson was 3-for-4 at the plates with a pair of runs and all three Rock Cats RBIs. Valencia and Gardenhire were 1-for-4 each, Valencia with a run, and Lis was 1-for-3 with a walk.

The Rock Cats will now face off against the B-Mets for three, with the first pitch due out at 7:05 PM. Aside from Fireworks, ESPN will be at the park filming a commercial for their upcoming SportCenter AM show. (Rock Cats)

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Pawsox slip past Wings late

Rochester 6 at Pawtucket 7

W: J. Switzer (5-1, 5.37); L: B. Korecky (5-4, 3.36)
HR: ROC: R. Ruiz (17), R. Jorgensen (8). PAW: C. Carter (23).

The Pawtucket Red Sox rallied past the Rochester Red Wings in the ninth inning to win 7-6 at McCoy Stadium Thursday night.

Carmen Cali, making a spot start, was jumped on early by Jeff Bailey who took a double off of him to lead off the bottom of the first. Jeff Natale ground out, but Bailey moved to 3rd on the play and scored on Keith Ginter's single. Chris Carter then went yard over the right field fence for his 23 home run of the season to give the Pawsox two more. A pair of fly outs would Cali out of the first inning.

Randy Ruiz blasted his 17th home run of the season over the right field wall to put Rochester on the board in the top of the 2nd.

Bailey doubled in the bottom of the second and came home on a Natale line drive single to make it 4-1 Pawsox.

In the top of the 4th, Howie Clark hit a ground rule double. Following a fly out by Garrett Jones, Ruiz singled out to center to drive in Clark, cutting the Pawsox lead to two.

Danny Graves would take over for Cali in the bottom of the 4th and would work the next three, allowing the Pawsox only 1 hit.

Ryan Jorgensen's 8th home run for the Wings in the top of the 5th cut the Pawsox lead to one. Jones would doubled in the top of the sixth and come home on Ruiz ground ball to center to tie up the contest. After Macri went down on strikes, Luke Hughes would single, moving Ruiz to 2nd. Trevor Plouffe and sent a ground ball to right field to plate Ruiz, putting the Wings on top.

Keith Ginter took a walk off Mariano Gomez in the bottom of the seventh inning and moved to second on Chris Carter's ground out. George Kottaras singled to center to drive in Ginter and the game was even again.

With Jon Switzer on the mound in the top of the ninth, Ajejandro Machado singled. Clark doubled to move him to 3rd and after a coaching visit to the mound, Garrett Jones singled to plate Machado. Randy Ruiz would get hit by a pitch, but the Wings would leave two runners stranded as Macri popped out and Hughes flew out to bring the Pawsox up to the plate.

Bobby Korecky would be called in to close the game, but issued a walk to Bailey. Natale would bunt into a force out, but Korecky then hit Ginter with a pitch. A throwing error by Macri allowed Carter to reach and Natale to scored to even up the contest again. But the Pawsox were not done. George Kottaras took a single off Korecky to score Ginter, putting the Pawsox on top and ending the game.

Ruiz finished up 3-for-4 with a pair of runs and 3 RBIs. Jones was 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a run and a run scored. Clark was 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a run. Machado and Plouffe were both 1-for-4, Machado with a run, Plouffe with an RBI; Jorgenson was 1-for-3 with a walk, a run and a run scored.

Pridie, Macri and Hughes were all 1-for-5, Pridie with a double.

The Wings will look for a split in the series Friday night at 7:05 PM. Francisco Liriano (10-2, 3.82) is scheduled to take the start for Rochester, but word has it that won't happen, that Frankie is going to Minnesota. Stay tuned for further updates...

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TwinsBaseball.com reported that second baseman Alexi Casilla will not immediately undergo surgery to repair the torn ligament in his right thumb, but the option for surgery has not been completely ruled out.

Photos of Randy Ruiz and Garrett Jones by Nancy Zinni.

Cats drop 3rd straight to Bowie

New Britain 6 at Bowie 8

W: R. Keefer (2-4, 4.56); L: J. Miller (1-2, 5.15); SV: J. Manon (25)
HR: NBR: D. Valencia (2). BOW: L. Montanez (24), J. Nettles (20), C. Rojas (1).

The New Britain Rock Cats finally mounted an offense Wednesday evening at Prince Georges Stadium, but pitching proved to be the problem as they fell again, this time 8-6 to the Bowie Baysox.

Carlos Rojas knocked his first home run of the season over the left field wall and Luis Montenez put this 24th over the same left field wall off starter Yohan Pino in the bottom of the first with one out on the board. Nolan Reimold then took a free pass and Matt Wieters doubled out to right to plate Reimold. Wieters would make it to 3rd with men on the corners when Pino finally got Ryan Finan to ground out to end the inning.

Danny Valencia went yard in the top of the second, launching his 2nd of the year over the center field fence.

Rocky Palacios singled and Luke Hughes doubled in the top of the 3rd. Dustin Martin went down on strikes before Brock Peterson singled to plate the two runners, tying up the game. Erik Lis reached on a force attempt and Valencia drew a walk to load the bags. Matt Moses would ground into a force out which took Peterson out at home, but Steve Tolleson then drew a walk, forcing in Lis. Felix Molina would fly out to end the scoring threat.

Reimold doubled in the bottom of the 3rd but would try to make it a triple and was taken out at 3rd. Matt Wieters then doubled and came home on a Mike Rodriguez single. Rodriguez then stole 2nd and Jeff Nettles sent him over the plate with a ground ball to left.

Luke Hughes singled in the bottom of the fourth and went to 2nd on a wild pitch. Martin's ground out got him to 3rd and he'd come home on a Brock Peterson single to again tie up the game.

Jason Miller replaced Pino on the mound in the bottom of the fourth and set down 3 straight batters.

The top of the 5th saw Valencia single, then steal 2nd. Moses drew a walk. After Toleosn went down on strikes, Molina would be hit by a pitch to load the bags. Palacious sacrificed in Valencia, but Hughes struck out, ending the cat's threat.

Wieters would walk in the bottom of the 5th and Mike Gonzalez singled. Nettles then put his 20th home run of the year over the left center field wall to bring in 3, putting the Baysox on top for good.

The Cats had a good chance to tie up the game in the 7th with Moses on 3rd and Tolleson on 2nd but Molina popped out and Palacios ground out, leaving them stranded.

Pino end the game after giving up 5 runs, all earned, on 7 hits and a pair of walks while striking out 1 over 3 innings. Miller took his 2nd loss of the year, giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and a walk while fanning 3 over 3 innings. Rob Delaney worked the last two innings, giving up 3 hits, but no runs. He's strike out only one.

Hughes was 3-for-5 with a double and a pair of runs while Valencia and Tolleson were 2-for-4 each, Valencia with a walk, a pair of runs, and a run score, while Tolleson had a walk, a double and a RBI.

Peterson was 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs. Lis was 0-for-5 at the plate but contributed a run. Moses was 1-for-4 with a walk, while Palacios was 1-for-3 with a run and a run scored.

Bowie will look for brooms in an attempt to sweep the Cats out of town on Thursday night. New Britain returns home on Friday to fireworks and the Binghamton Mets for a three game set.

However they must get by Bowie's Zach Clark (1-0, 2.81) first and will look to Jeff Manship (1-5, 4.70) to give them a solid performance on the mound. Thursday's contest begins at 7:05 P.M.

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Mother Nature claims two

Fort Myers at Daytona - canceled

Saturdays doubleheader between the Fort Myers Miracle and the Daytona Cubs as been canceled due to wet grounds and unplayable field conditions.

Because the two teams do not meet again this season, they will not be made up.

The Miracle return home to face the St. Lucie Mets, and will (hopefully) leave the rain in Daytona.

Invest 94 remains just to the south of Cuba, packing 40 MPH winds and drawing most of the rain to it. It is moving west, toward Panama, at 17 miles per hour.

Sunday is 70's night at the Bill as well as Cape Coral Breeze night. Tampa Bay running back Earnest Graham, a Cape Coral-Mariner High School graduate, will take batting practice and sign autographs before the Fort Myers Miracle's game at Hammond Stadium on Sunday.

The Fort Myers native is making an appearance at Hammond Stadium, on behalf of his non-profit organization Earnest Giving. Earnest Giving, which in part supports Big Brothers, Big Sisters, was founded in 2007 with a commitment to assisting young people achieve their goals and grow into productive adults.

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The Fort Myers Miracle will hold a baseball camp for ages 9-12 from July 21-23. Kids will learn fundamentals from Miracle players and coaches. Information: Justin Stecz 768-4210 or jstecz@miraclebaseball.com



New Britain 3 at New Hampshire 6

W: B. Magee (3-11, 5.11); L: K. Aselton (4-4, 4.31); SV: Z. Dials (14)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (11), F. Molina (1). NHM: S. Campbell (6), D. Smith (5).

A 3-run eighth inning put the game between the New Britain Rock Cats and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats out of reach for the Rock Cats. Kyle Aselton took his 4th loss of the season.

Aselton walked Scott Campbell in the bottom of the 1st, then gave up a home run to David Smith, his fifth of the season, that went over the right field wall.

New Britain answered back with Felix Molina doubling, then coming home on a Drew Butera single. It would be all the Rock Cats could get off New Hampshire's Brandon Magee, who went on to work 7 innings, scattering 4 hits and a pair of walks while fanning 7.

Aselton's outing wasn't bad, but it could have been better. The lefty allowed a pair of doubles, one to Ryan Klosterman, the other to J.P. Arecibia in the bottom of the 5th to make it 3-1 Fisher Cats.

He would be replaced by Ryan Mullins, who worked the final three innings.

Erik Niesen singled in the bottom of the 8th, After Ryan Patterson lined out, Mullins would hit Brian Jeroloman with a pitch. Mullins then unleashed a wild pitch that moved the pair. Jonathan Diaz would go down on strikes before Scott Campbell put his sixth home run of the season over the right field wall to make it 6-1 in favor of New Hampshire.

Brock Peterson and Felix Molina hit back-to-back home runs off Orlando Roman in the bottom of the 9th, but it wouldn't be enough for New Britain to catch the Fishers.

Dustin Martin was 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk and a double, but did not factor in to the scoring. Toby Gardenhire was the 1 hit wonder, going 1-for-4 at the plate.

The two teams finish up the 4-games series Sunday at 1:05 P.M. The Rock Cats return to New Britain Stadium on Monday to host the Reading Phillies for a four game set.

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Cats and Dogs; Gardy's performance highlights doubleheader

The New Britain Rock Cats lost both sides of a double header Saturday night to the Portland Sea Dogs, but redeemed themselves on Sunday by topping the Dogs, 5-4, to even up the series. They will play the rubber match on Monday, July 14th at 12:05 PM before heading into the All-star break.

Saturday: Portland 8 at New Britain 6

W: C. Rhoades (3-3, 4.91); L: Z. Ward (2-6, 3.76); SV: B. Vaughan (13)
HR: NBR: D. Martin (6), D. Butera (4).

Zach Ward pitched four good innings but didn't make it through the 5th, allowing 5 runs, 4 earned on 9 hits and a walk while striking out 4.

New Britain had taken the early lead on Dustin Martin's homer in the bottom of the first, his sixth of the season over the right field wall.

They'd add to it in the bottom of the 3rd with Drew Butera hitting his fourth home run of the year over the left field wall. Following a ground out to Brock Peterson, Erik Lis singled. Danny Valencia would go down on strikes before Matt Moses and David Winfree both drew walks off Portland's Kyle Jackson. With the bases loaded, Jackson would hit Toby Gardenhire with a pitch to force in a run and would walk Rocky Palacios for yet another one before getting Martin out on strikes.

Needless to say, he was not invited to take the mound the following inning, and was replaced by Chad Rhodes.

Mickey Hall singled in the top of the fourth and Bubba Bell, who will be in the Eastern League All-star Derby, doubled him in. Tony Granadillo walked and Jeff Corsaletti doubled to bring in Bell and put runners on second and third. Aaron Bates reached on a throwing error by Gardenhire at short which served to score Granadillo, and Zach Daeges sacrificed in Corsaletti. Rock Cats field manager Bobby Cuellar then walked out to the mound to take the ball away from Ward. Jason Miller came in and Jorge Jimenez would hit a sac-fly off of him to plate Bates before he could get Iggy Suarez to pop out.

Much like an oldie's station, the hits kept coming for Portland. Hall and Bell both took walks of J-Mill and Granadillo doubled to bring in Hall. Corsaletti sacrificed in Bell. Bates double would plate Granadillo. A wild pitch saw Bates move to 3rd, but Miller would finally get Daeges out on strikes and induce Mark Wagner to hit into a ground out to retire the side.

Suddenly, it was the bottom of the 7th and the Cats needed to double up their run total. Lis and Valencia both singled of reliever T.J. Large before Moses flew out. Winfree then took a walk to load up the bags. Portland then got Beau Vaughan out of the bull pen to close out the game. Gardenhire would single to drive in Lis and Valencia but Palacios would ground into a double play, destroying the Rock Cat's chances.

Lis and Valencia were both 2-for-4 a the plate, Lis with a pair of run and Valencia with one run. Moses was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run. Gardenhire finished up 1-for-3 but with 3 RBIs.

On to the nightcap...

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Saturday: Portland 2 at New Britain 1

W: D. Richardson (6-5, 5.62); L: K. Aselton (4-3, 4.23); SV: R. Lentz (1)
HR: POR: Z. Daeges (2). NBR: T. Gardenhire (1).

I'm not sure how to say this, but Toby Gardenhire hit a home run over the left field wall. It was the first of his professional career, the last one coming when he was with the University of Illinois in 2005, the year he was drafted. How amazing is that?

It was probably the high light of the night, but it didn't last long. Aaron Bates took a walk off Rock Cat's starter Kyle Aselton, and Zach Daeges went yard over the right field wall to to give the Dogs a pair of runs.

Portland's Dustin Richardson allowed the Cats only 2 hits and walk while striking out 4 to pick up the win. Richard Lentz earned the save, allowing only a double to Valencia in the bottom of the 7th.

Matt Moses took a pitch to his hand in the bottom of the fifth and would be replaced in the line up by Felix Molina. There is no indication as to how badly or how long he will be out with the injury.

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Sunday: Portland 4 at New Britain 5

W: Y. Pino (3-3, 4.00); L: A. Mills (0-2, 6.75); SV: B. Julianel (20)
HR: POR: J. Corsaletti (12), M. Wagner (9), Z. Daeges (3). NBR: E. Lis (10).

Portland opened up the scoring on this one, with Jeff Corsaletti homering in the top of the 4th. Aaron Bates would single and Zach Daeges would go down on strikes before Mark Wagener took another yard ball off New Britain starter Yohan Pino, going over the left field fence to give the Portland a 3 run lead.

The Cats answered back in the bottom of the inning however, with Erik Lis, Danny Valencia and David Winfree all singling to load the bags. Following a strike out to Brock Peterson, Felix Molina singled to plate Lis and Valencia, making it 3-2 dogs.

Drew Butera walked and Brian Dinkelman singled before Lis' bat went BOOM and sent a ball over the right field fence to make it 5-3 Cats.

Armando Gabino replaced Pino in the top of the six and would allow a homer to Daeges, this third of the year, which sent over the right field fence. The Cats then hung on for the remainder of the game, protecting their slim lead.

Bubba Bell would single in the ninth of Ben Julianel, move to 2nd on Kristopher Negron's sac bunt and to 3rd on a Jeff Corsaletti single before Julianel got down to business and struck out Bates and Daeges to end the contest.

Pino worked five innings, allowing 3 runs on six hits and walk while striking out six. Gabino gave up 5 hits, but only one run over the next 3 while striking out 4.

Dinkelman, Lis and Valencia were all 2-for-4 at the plate, Lis with a pair of runs and 3 RBIs, the other two with a run each. Molina was 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs while Winfree (1-for-4) and Gardenhire (1-for-3) shared the one hit wonder award. Martin was also 1-for-3, but added a walk to his performance.

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Cats slip by struggling Sea Dogs

Portland 3 at New Britain 4

W: A. Gabino (4-4, 3.16); L: M. James (2-3, 4.33); SV: B. Julianel (19)
HR: None.

The New Britain Rock Cats squeaked by the Portland Seadogs 4-3 with a late inning rally at New Britain Stadium.

Danny Valencia and Erik Lis took back-to-back singles in the bottom of the 4th which turned into a pair of runs when David Winfree tripled them.

Anthony Swarzak worked five good innings but found some trouble in the sixth. He'd get the first two outs but allowed a single to Sandy Madera and a double to John Otness that put one on the board for the Dogs. Jorge Jimenez then tripled to bring in Otness. Iggy Suarez singled to plate Jimenez before Ryan Mullins was brought in to get the last out. Swarzak's final line was 3 runs, earned, on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3 in 5.2 innings.

Lis doubled in the bottom of the 7th to start out the rally. Following a strike outs to Winfree and Felix Molina, Toby Gardenhire singled out to left to drive in Lis. He'd advance on a fielding error, but a pitching change, with Michael James replacing Kris Johnson on the mound, left him stranded as James got Drew Butera to strike out to end the inning.

Dustin Martin singled off James in the bottom of the 8th and moved to second on Matt Moses' sac-bunt. Brock Peterson then doubled him in for the game winning run.

Ben Julianel worked the 9th inning, striking out one for this 19th save of the season.

Valencia and Lis were both 2-for-4 in the contest, Valencia with a run and Lis with a double and a pair of runs.

Martin and Peterson were both 1-for-4, Martin with a run, Peterson with a double and a run scored. Winfree, Molina and Gardenhire all finished up 1-for-3, Winfree with a triple and a pair of RBIs, Molina with a double, and Gardenhire with a run scored.

The two teams rematch Saturday night for a pair, playing a previously rained out game. First pitch is set for 5:35 PM. Zach Ward (2-5, 3.45) will take the start in the first game against Portland's Kyle Jackson (5-1, 4.84). Game two starts approximately 1/2 hour after the conclusion of game 1.

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Rochester 1 at Durham 2

W: M. Talbot (8-7, 4.64); L: J. DePaula (1-4, 5.80); SV: S. Dohmann (10)
HR: ROC: R. Ruiz (13).

Julio Depaula gave up 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks in 3.2 innings while striking out three, taking the loss for the largely offense less Rochester Red Wings.

Mitch Talbot scattered 5 hits over 6.2 innings, allowing only one Red Wing home run, to Randy Ruiz who tied the Red Wings franchise record with a 20 game hitting streak.

It was the only run for the Ruiz, but it was the only one that counted, coming in the 7th inning with one out and no one on.

Jon Weber doubled for Durham in the bottom of the 1st, then came home on Dan Johnson's ground out. Depaula walked Nathan Haynes and Andy Cannizaro in the 4th, and got Mike DiFelice out on strikes before Mariano Gomez came into replace DePaula. Gomez gave up a single to Fernando Perez that scored Nathan Haynes for the game winning run.

Omir Santos of Norfolk had a 21 game streak going earlier this season, so Ruiz will try to match that as the Wings take on the Bulls again Saturday night for a 7:05 PM game. Jeff Niemann (6-3, 3.82) will take the start for Durham against Rochester's Danny Graves (3-3, 5.06).

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Cats scratch out win on road

New Britain 4 at Harrisburg 2

W: R. Delaney (1-0, 1.64); L: B. Perez (3-4, 6.62); SV: B. Julianel (17)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (10). HAR: E. Baez (1).

The New Britain Rock Cats rallied late to break at 2-2 tie and went on to win 4-2 against the Harrisburg Sentators at Commerce Bank Park.

New Britain got on the board first when Brock Peterson homered in the top of the 4th with one out up an no one on base. The single shot homer, his 10th of year, went over the left field wall. Following a Dustin Martin ground out, Danny Vanecia doubled, then came home on a Eric Lis fly-ball single to center.

Harrisburg took one back in the bottom of the inning, with Edgardo Baez hitting hit first home run of the season over the center field wall.

New Britain starter Yohan Pino worked 5.1 innings, being charged for both runs on six hits and a pair of walks while fanning six.

Pinto would get Bill Rhinehart to strike out before giving up a single Baez. New Britain field manager Bobby Cuellar then called for Rob Delaney out of the bullpen. Luis Antonio Jimenez hurt his former team by doubling off Delaney to score Baez. Delany was charge with the blown save, and would finish off the six and work the seventh.

Bobby Brownlie worked seven innings for Harrisburg, giving up both runs on six hits and three walks while striking out 4. Beltran Perez replaced him for the top of the eighth, getting Peterson to strike out swinging before giving up a single to Dustin Martin. Martin would be picked up and caught stealing second however, with Valencia the plate. The Boca Raton, Fl, native then took a walk. Lis doubled to drive him in to put the Cats on top again.

The Sens' Leonard Davis doubled in the bottom of the 8th, but that was all they would see out of All-star Ben Julianel, as he used a pair of pop outs and a ground out to end the inning.

With two outs in the 9th, Luke Hughes doubled and Brian Dinkelman took a walk. Petereron then singled Hughes in for the insurance run.

Julianel allowed a single to William Bergolia in the bottom of the 9th with one out on the board, but then used a pair of fly outs to end the contest.

Hughes, Lis and and Moses were all 2-for-4, Hughes with a run and a pair of doubles, Lis with a double and a RBI. Peterson was 2-for-5 with a run and a pair of RBIs. Valencia was 1-for-3 with a walk a double and 2 runs, while Martin was 1-for-4 with a walk.

The two teams rematch on Wednesday at 6:35 pm on Batman Movie Night. Jordon Zimmermann (3-2, 4.12 ERA) will be the Senators' Joker to Jeff Manship's (1-2, 3.91 ERA) Batman for New Britain.

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Tuesday's game in Charlotte between the Charlotte Knights and the Rochester Red Wings was postponed by rain, and will be made up as part of a doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 5:15 PM.

Peterson puts 2 over the wall as Cats down Defenders, 5-3

Connecticut 3 at New Britain 5

W: R. Mullins (7-6, 3.90); L: J. Waddell (0-2, 3.67); SV: B. Julianel (16)
HR: CT: E. Martinez-Esteve (4), P. Sandoval (1). NBR: L. Hughes (15), B. Peterson 2 (9).

New Britain's AA All-star game representatives came up big for the Rock Cats, but it was Brock Peterson who lead the home town team to 5-3 Independence Day victory over the Connecticut Defenders at New Britain Stadium.

David Winfree's 17th double of the season lead off the bottom of the 3rd inning for the Cats. Felix Molina pushed Winfree to third with a fly-ball single and Butera's ground ball would plate him for the Rock Cats' run.

The Defenders answered back though when Pablo Sandoval went yard on Jeff Manship, his first home run of the year clearing the right field wall. Eddy Martinez-Esteve followed that up with a single before Manship took Adam Witter out on strikes. Simon Klink then doubled out to right to score Martinez-Esteve putting the Defenders up by one.

It would not stay that way for long as Peterson clocked his 8th yard ball of the season over the left field fence in the bottom of the stanza, tying up the score.

With one out on the board in the bottom of the sixth, Brian Dinkelman took a walk. Peterson smacked his 24th double of 2008 out to left and Dustin Martin followed that up with 18th double for the Rock Cats, driving in Peterson to put the Cats on top.

The Defenders did not like that however, so Martinez-Esteve bashed a ball over the left field fence off Ryan Mullins in the top of the 8th to tie the contest up again.

Luke Hughes responded in the bottom of the inning with his 15th home run of the year to give New Britain the lead again. Following a line out to Dinkelman, Peterson sent number 9 over the center field wall for the insurance run.

Manship finish up allowing 2 earned run on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 in seven innings. Mullins picked up the win, allowing 1 run on 1 hit while fanning 2 in one inning. Ben Julienel picked up his 16 save of the season to finish off the game.

Peterson finished up 3-for-4 with 3 runs including the pair of homers, and 2 RBIs. Martin (1-for-4) and Winfree (1-for-3) both had doubles, Winfree picked up a run as well while Martin had a run scored. Drew Butera was 1-for-3 with a run score, while Matt Moses and Felix Molina shared the one hit wonder of the game title.

The two teams play the second of the four game series Saturday at 7:05 PM.

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The Rock Cats made three roster moves, place two players on the disabled list and recalling pitcher Jay Rainville from Fort Myers of the Florida State League.

Infielder Steve Tolleson has been placed on the Cat's disabled list, retroactive to June 30. The 24-year-old University of South Carolina product broke a bone in his right index finger last month and has been unable to play at full capacity since. The Knoxville, TN, resident has been among the league leaders in batting this year and, with a .335 BA, is currently tied with teammate Luke Hughes for third best in the circuit. His strong play earned Tolleson a spot on the 2008 Eastern League All-Star team, but the injury will prevent him from participating.

Pitcher Frank Mata joins Tolleson on the Rock Cats' disabled list with a pulled right hamstring. The 24-year-old Mata, a native of Barcelona, VZ, appeared in 6 games out of the New Britain bullpen this season, compiling a 1-0 record and 6.75 ERA;

Pitcher Jay Rainville, a 22-year-old native of Providence, RI, will rejoin the New Britain roster today from the Ft. Myers Miracle of Florida State League. The Naples, Fl, resident began the season with the Rock Cats, compiling a 5-6 W-L record and 7.00 ERA before his June 16th assignment to Ft. Myers. In three Florida State League appearances, the big righty was 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA. He is expected to start Saturday for the Rock Cats against the Connecticut Defenders. (Press Release)

Buffalo 1 at Rochester 8

W: B. Duensing (5-8, 4.02); L: J. Halama (4-2, 5.66); SV: C. Cali (2)
HR: ROC: G. Jones (8), T. Plouffe (3).

The Rochester Red Wings swung a hot bat Friday Night, thrilling the Independence Day crowd at Frontier Field with a 8-1 win over the Buffalo Bisons.

Brian Duensing picked up his fifth win of the season, allowing only 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 over six innings.

Garrett Jones homered to lead off the bottom of the second inning for the Wings. Following a fly out to Randy Ruiz, Howie Clark singled. Matt Macri doubled to put runners on second and third before Bisons' starter John Halama unleashed a wild pitch. Clark would scamper home, but Macri would be taken out at 3rd on the play. Sergio Santos ground out ended the inning, with the Wings up by two.

With one out on the board in the 4th, Jones, Ruiz, Clark and Macri all singled, plating two. Santos sacrificed in Clark to make it 5-0 Wings. Ryan Jorgensen would single, but Tommy Watkins lined out to end the inning.

Trevor Plouffe added to the total with his 3rd AAA home run, going over the left field wall.

In the 7th, Tommy Watkins reached on a throwing error and Plouffe doubled a line drive out to right. Darnell McDonald would ground out and former Twin Juan Rincon would walk Garrett Jones. Rincon then got Ruiz out on strikes, but Clark singled to plate Watkins and Plouffe, making it 8-0 Twins. Randy Newsom would replace Rincon, who would be charged with two runs, neither earned, on 3 hits and 2 walks over 1.2 innings.

Todd Linden would draw a walk off Carmen Cali in the top of the 9th. Morgen Ensberg then doubled. Jason Cooper's ground out scored Linden, but Brad Snyder's soft ground out kept Ensberg pinned at 3rd, and Yamid Haad ground out to end the game.

Clark was 4-for-4 for the Wings with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, Jones was 2-for-3 with a walk, 2 runs and a run scored. Plouffe was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs and a run scored. Macri finished up 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, a double and a RBI. Jorgenson was the one hit wonder of the game.

The final game of the set is Saturday at 7:05 PM with lefty Francisco Liriano (5-2, 4.07 ERA) taking on Bisons right hander Jeff Harris (3-5, 5.09).

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With his single in the fourth inning, Randy Ruiz extended his hitting streak to 13 games and is hitting .392 over that stretch. He has hit safely in 16 of his last 17 games.

Garrett Jones' home run in the 2nd inning was his eighth of the season and the 66th of his Red Wing career, tying him with Luke Easter and John Valle for 10th all-time on the Red Wing home run list.

Friday's crowd of 11,416 was the largest Fourth of July crowd since 1980, when the Wings daily records began.

Former Twins prospect Terry Tiffee was named to the Pacific Coast League All-star sqad, representing the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s. Tiffee leads the PCL in hitting (.383) and was promoted to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this season.

Wanted. One Bullpen. Must be able to throw for strikes.

Fort Myers 6 at Palm Beach 10

W: E. Hernandez (3-1, 5.70); L: J. Lugo (1-4, 5.82)
HR: FTM: E. Ovalle (6).

Tyler Robertson had a tough night for his second outing back from tendinitis and the bullpen continued to emit great sucking sounds as the Fort Myers Miracle saw a 4-run sixth inning wasted by their pitching staff.

Palm Beach would get on the board first, when Tony Cruz drew a walk off Robertson. Brandon Buckman's line drive move Cruz to 3rd and a Luke Goresett line drive single saw him across the plate.

The Miracle took it back in to the top of the 2nd when Garrett Olson hit a ground rule double with 2 outs. Eli Tintor followed that with a walk and Yancarlos Ortiz hit a line drive out to left to score Olson.

Edward Ovalle homered in the top of the 4th to give the Miracle a slim lead.

It would be squandered though as Cruz doubled off Robertson to start the bottom of the fifth. A wild pitch moved Cruz to 3rd. He'd get Brandon Buckman out on strikes before hitting Gorsett with a pitch. Daryl Jones line drive single scored Cruz to tie up the game. Jeff Smith had seen enough at that point and fetch Oswaldo Sosa from the bullpen. Brian Carte would hit a sac-fly off Sosa to drive in Gorsett, and a throwing error by Olson, who suddenly found himself a center fielder(?!), moved Jones to 3rd. Daniel Decalso's grounder to second plated Jones to make it 4-2 Cards.

Blake King would take over the Cardinals mound from Shaun Garceau in the top of the sixth. Juan Portes took a walk and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. Yangervis Solarte then singled, putting Portes on 3rd and Olson walked to load the bags. After a strike out by Tintor, Ortis singled to drive in a pair. Steve Singleton then doubled to finish cleaning off the bases, and it was 6-4 Miracle.

The bottom the 7th saw Gorsett single and Jones Walk. Cartie would go down on a sac-bunt that moved the pair. Smith then summoned Jose Lugo from the bullpen and all I could do was scream "No! No! No!" Descalso took a walk and Nick Derba struck out swinging. James Rapoport then singled to bring in the tying runs.

Then, to compound matters, they let Lugo back out for the 8th. Cruz walked and Buckman doubled. Goresett's grounder scored Cruz and a wild pitch brought in Buckman. Daryl Jones then walked. Blair Erickson would come in, although a tad bit late. Cartie would hit a sac-bunt to move the runners and Erickson then intentionally walked Descalso. He'd then, quite unintentionally, walk Derba to force in a run. A wild pitch would see Jones home to finish off the Cards scoring.

Ortiz was 3-for-4 for the Miracle with a run and 3 RBIs. Six other Miracle had single with only Berg and Portes going without, although both took walks in the game.

They now return home to "Flight to nowhere", one of the lamest promotions I'd ever read about and if any of the Fun Is Good staff thinks they're going to charge me for bringing my bag into the stadium, well...they better remember that FIGs are the main part of FIGgy pudding and I may just have to whip me up a batch on the concourse. I can't image why Steve Gliner thinks people will pay to go to a Miracle game to experience all the unpleasant aspects of air travel, when they can just hop on over to Southwest Florida International Airport, but...there it is. One hopes he comes with a warning label that says "Caution, may contain nut".

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New Hampshire 3 at New Britain 1

W: B. Cecil (3-1, 3.21); L: R. Mullins (6-6, 3.40); SV: Z. Dials (11)
HR: NHM: J. Arencibia (2).

The Rock Cats narrowly missed a second straight shut out on Wednesday when Danny Valencia single, moved to 2nd on a Brock Peterson walk and came in on an Erik Lis double in the eighth inning.

The Rock Cats out hit the Fisher Cats 9 to 8, but they couldn't get anything in clumps. (Perhaps a new brand of kitty litter?)

Valencia and Lis were both 2-for-4 on the nights. Dustin Martin, David Winfree, Peterson, Rocky Palacios and Brian Dinkelman all had singles.

Mullins suffered his sixth loss of the season, despite a quality start that saw him give up only 3 run, 2 earned, on seven hits and a pair of walks while fanning 5 over seven innings.

A throwing error by Peterson in the top of the 2nd lead to the unearned run.

Former Dunedin Blue Jay Brett Cecil pitched five shutout innings for the 3rd consecutive game, scattering 5 hits and striking out 4.

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Cats have no defense against Defenders Long Ball

New Britain 2 at Connecticut 5

W: G. Broshuis (6-5, 3.76); L: A. Swarzak (3-4, 4.85); SV: O. Matos (7)
HR: CT: C. Sosa (7), O. Rosario (4).

After due consideration, I've decided the problem with the New Britain Rock Cats is defense, or lack there of. When Matt Moses was with the Miracle, they moved him as soon as he could hit consistently at the High A level. I said that he needed to stay here and work on his defense. "Oh, he can work on his defense in New Britain."

The same with Trevor Plouffe, and David Winfree, and...the kids get up there and are forced to focus on their batting again.

So it isn't Anthony Swarzak's fault he gave up 4 runs, earned on five hits and 3 walks while fanning 4 over six innings. It's all in the lack of defense. Yes, I realize he gave up 2 home runs, but when you can't count on your defense, well...that weighs on your mind, when you're a pitcher.

Anytime the Twins tell you that they value defense as an organization, believe me...they don't. They don't spend the time to develop it.

Olmo Rosario hit a single shot home run in the 4th inning to put the Conneticut Defenders on the board. They'd go on to defeat the New Britain Rock Cats 5-2 at Dodd Stadium.

The Cats answered back in the top of the 5th, with Brock Peterson doubling, then moving to 3rd on Dustin Martin's ground out. Winfree would ground out as well, but it served to plate Peterson.

It as a short lived lead however, Eliezer Alfonzo would single and Adam Witter take a walk before Carlos Soso hammered one over the right field wall, making it 4-1 Defenders.

Peterson would triple in the 7th, then score on another Martin ground out.

Jay Sawatski would give up the final Defender's run in the 7th, with Ben Copeland tripling and Alfonzo doubling him in.

Peterson finished up 2-for-4 with a pair of runs. Felix Molina was 2-for-3 with a double while Martin was 1-for-4 with a RBI. Brian Dinkelman had the only other Rock cat's hit, going 1-for-3 with a walk.

The final contest in the 3-game set is Sunday at 1:05 PM. Zach Ward (2-2, 2.76) will start for the Rock Cats against Giant's prospect Dave McKae (5-3, 5.05).

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Rochester 3 at Indiandapolis 5

W: J. Barthmaier (2-1, 2.84); L: P. Humber (3-6, 5.60); SV: M. Miller (4)
HR: IND: B. Bixler (5), M. Kata 2 (4).

The Indianapolis Indians scored consistently on Phil Humber taking one run over the first five innings to defeat the Rochester Red Wings, 5-3.

Denard Span singled to lead off for the Wings then stole 2nd. Jason Pridie would single out to left to score the speedster for the first Wings run.

Then the Indianapolis offense started. Humber lasted four innings, giving up 4 runs, 3 earned on six hits while fanning 3. Ricky Barrett took over the fifth, and allowed 1 run on 2 hits and a walk. He'd fan 1 over 2 innings.

Trailing 5-1 in the 8th Ryan Jorgensen singled with one out on the board and Denard Span walked. Jason Pridie singled to fill up the bags. Jesse Chavez would replace Chris Hernandez on the mound and get Darnell McDonald to ground into a force out which took Jorgenson out at home. Garrett Jones would single however to score Span before Randy Ruiz was taken out on strikes to end the inning.

Matt Miller would take over the Indians' mound for the ninth and get Sergio Santos out on strikes before Trevor Plouffe singled. He then stole 2nd, and came home on Alejandro Machado's single for the 3rd and final Wings run.

The two teams rematch on Sunday for a 2:00 matinee.

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The Minnesota Twins inducted former Twins pitcher Rick Aguilera as the 19th member of the Twins Hall of Fame during a special on-field ceremony Saturday night.

Cats double up Dogs in early game

Portland 4 at New Britain 8

W: R. Mullins (4-2, 3.04); L: C. Vasquez (0-1, 27.00)
HR: POR: Z. Daeges (1). NBR: D. Winfree (10).

Ryan Mullins picked up his 4th win of the 2008 season in part one of a split-game double header on Saturday afternoon at New Britain Stadium. Mullins allowed 4 runs - only one earned - on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5 over six innings.

Brock Peterson's fielding error in the first allowed Jeff Corsaletti to reach from the lead off position in the first inning. A Iggy Suarez ground ball moved Corsaletti to 2nd. Zach Daeges then doubled in Corsaletti with Suarez ending up on 3rd. Mark Wagner would get taken out on strikes and Aaron Bates would pop out before a John Ottness ground ball to left allowd the pair of runners to come in, giving Portland an early three run lead.

David Winfree would homer in the bottom of the 2nd - this 10th of the season - to take back one run. After Matt Moses was taken out on strikes, Trevor Plouffe tripled, then came home on a Dustin Martin ground ball to cut the Dogs' lead to only one.

In the bottom of the 4th, Plouffe would take a walk, and Martin would be hit by a pitch to put two runners on base. Then pair then worked a double steal. Jeff Christy's sac-fly brought in Plouffe. Martin would then steal 3rd, just in time for Steve Tolleson's line drive to bring him in to put the Cats up by one.

Daeges homered in the top of the 6th to make tie the game up again, but New Britain would take advantage of Carlos Vasquez in the bottom of the stanza.

With one out on the board, Plouffe and Martin hit back-to-back singles. Christy would reach on a fieldign error by Andrew Pinckney which also allowed Plouffe to score. Tolleson's grounder to center field allowed Martin and Christy to score. Tolleson would advance to 2nd on the throw, which worked out well as Erik Lis doubled to bring him in. Giving the Rock Cats a four run lead.

Zack Ward finished up the game, allowing on 1 hit in the final inning. Luke Hughes saw his 17-game hitting streak snapped, as he went 0-for-4 at the plate, with one strike out.

Tolleson was 4-for-4 with 1 run and 3 RBIs in the lead off slot. Plouffe and Martin were both 2-for-2, Plouffe with a walk and 3 runs and Martin with 2 runs and 1 RBI for the Rock Cats.

The two teams play an evening game, starting at 6:35 PM Eastern Time.

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Portland 6 at New Britain 2

W: T. Hottovy (1-0, 3.60); L: J. Miller (1-1, 3.94)
HR: POR: A. Bates (2). NBR: B. Peterson (4).

The Portland Sea Dogs rocked the New Britain Rock Cats 6-2, in Saturday's night cap. Portland would get to New Britain starter Jason Miller in the top of the second when Zach Daeges walked. He would be caught stealing however, so when Andrew Pinckney doubled, there was no one on base for him to drive in. No problems there, Ryan Khoury singled Pinckney in for the first run of the contest.

In the top of the 4th with two outs on the board, John Otness would be hit by a pitch. He then advanced to second on a called balk. Pindkney would take a walk, and Khoury would double hin the pair. That finished it for J-Mill, who turned the mound over to Jay Sawatski. Mickey Hall's grounder to right brought in Khoury giving the Dogs 3 more.

An Erik Lis single followed by a Brock Peterson home run provided the offense for the Cats in the bottom of the stanza.

The Boston farm club however wasted no time taking it back as Jeff Corsaletti singled out to center, then stole 2nd base. Aaron Bates would then put one over the fence to give the Dogs their bone.

Lis and Peterson both finish up 2-for-3 with a run, Peterson with 2 RBIs. Dustin Martin was 2-for-3 as well, but did not factor into the scoring.

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New Britain scratches Bowie late

Bowie 6 at New Britain 7

Record 19 - 12 (2nd Place, Northern Division)

W: A. Gabino (3-1, 0.93); L: G. Casadiego (0-3, 4.95)
HR: BOW: F. Bynum (1). NBR: S. Tolleson (3).

There was very little action around the Twins Minor League system Wednesday, as Beloit and Fort Myers had off days, and Rochester's game was postponed by rain.

The Wings will play two games on Thursday, starting at 11:00 AM

Former Miracle Steve Tolleson hit a home run in the 8th inning that tied up the game between New Britain and Bowie, sending it into extra innings.

Tolleson would then single his way onto base in the 10th inning, move to 2nd on Dustin Martin's sac bunt, then steal 3rd. Brock Peterson's fly ball to right then drive in Tolleson for the game winner.

Bowie would get on the board first, with Breddie Bynum going yard off Anthony Swarzak in the first inning. New Britain took it back however as Luke Hughes extended his hitting streak to 16-games with a line drive single. Martin then singled as well. Hughes would move to 3rd on a wild pitch by Bowie starter David Hernandez. Peterson then doubled the pair in, to make it 2-1 Rock Cats.

Ryan Finan would single for Bowie in the top of the 4th, then come home on a Brian Peterson double, to tie up the game.

Carlos Rojas doubled to start the 5th, then moved to 3rd on a Mike Rodriguez sac-bunt. Luis Montanez singled him home. Following a pop out to Jeff Nettles, Nolan Reimold singled and Finan doubled to drive in 2, giving the Baysox a 3-run lead.

New Britain's Peterson would single in the bottom of the fifth, then move to 3rd on an Erik Lis double. Trevor Plouffe's ground out drove in Peterson, a fly-ball single to right off the bat of Felix Molina brought Lis across the plate.

With Danny Graves on the mound in the top of the 7th, Montanez singled with one out on the board, then stole 2nd. Reimold's double to left brought him in to give the Baltimore farm team a 2-run lead.

New Britain began their rally in the bottom of the 7th, when Lis singled, moved to 2nd on Trevor Plouffe's sac-bunt, 3rd on a Molina ground out, and passed the plate on Toby Gardenhires' fly ball single to right.

Hughes was 1-for-2 in the game, with 1 run before being replaced by Tolleson, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and 2 runs (including the home run) and 1 RBI. The reigning Eastern League Player of the Month fouled a ball off his foot in the 3rd inning, and left the game thereafter.

Lis was 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk and 2 runs, Martin was 2-for-4 with a run.

Peterson, a former Miracle 1stbaseman, provided much of the offense, going 4-for-6 with 1 run and 3 RBIs.

Swarzak was less than sharp on the mound, allowing 5 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3 over 4.2 innings. Armando Gabino picked up the win in relief, allowing only 2 hits over 2 innings.

Having won their last 9, the Rock Cats play early tomorrow to finish off the series against Bowie with a 10:35 AM educational day game before heading out on the road.

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Minnesota 13 at Chicago White Sox 1

WP: L. Hernandez (5-1) LP: M. Buehrle (1-4)
HR: MIN C. Gomez (2), CWS J. Dye (5)

One day after Gavin Floyd nearly no-hit the Twins, Livan Hernandez would nearly shut out the Chi Sox, allowing a home run in the 9th to Jermaine Dye to spoil his bid.

Carlos Gomez looked good at the plate for the Twins, going 4-for-6 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs and hitting for the cycle. The Twins pounded out 16 hits, with Craig Monroe, Justin Morneau and Mike Cuddyer all 2-for-5 through the heart of the order as was Nick Punto hitting last. Monroe had 2 runs, Morneau, Cuddyer and Punto a run each while Cuddyer drove in 1 and Punto drove in 5 (yes! five!)

Mike Redmond was 2-for-4 with a run and 3 RBIs.

Gomez, who appeared in 58 games for the Mets last season, homered in the first, tripled in the fifth, doubled in the sixth and singled in the 9th to complete the cyle - backwards it would seem.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with former Miracle Kevin Slowey (0-1, 8.10) making the start for Minnesota.

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