Scoreboard for May 25, 2007

KRIS J. MURANTE RDC staff photographer
Rochester's Trent Oeltjen breaks up a double play attempt by Durham's Ben Zobrist, allowing a run to score.

Durham 0 at Rochester 3

Record 23-18

W: K. Slowey (6-2, 1.54); L: J. Niemann (3-3, 4.02); SV: B. Korecky (10)
HR: ROC: G. Jones (7).

From redwingsbaseball.com: With the help of Kevin Slowey's eight shutout innings, Garrett Jones' home run and two RBI, and impressive defensive plays, the Red Wings ended their home game losing streak on Friday night beating the Durham Bulls 3-0.

The game offered a match up of two of the top right-handed pitching prospects in Minor League Baseball: Rochester's Slowey (6-2), and Durham's 6'9" Jeff Niemann (3-3) - who was Tampa Bay's top pick and fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft.

After two innings, and two impressive defensive plays by shortstop Gil Velazquez and right fielder Doug Deeds, Slowey and the team kept the Bulls scoreless.

In the third, Slowey struck out hot hitter Jorge Velandia, who had increased his streak to nine games during the first inning. The Wings broke the scoreless game in the bottom of the third. Jones hit an RBI up the middle, which drove home Deeds to give the Wings their first lead of the series.

The Wings were back on the scoreboard in the fifth. After Neimann started the inning with two strikeouts, Jones hit a home run over the center field wall to increase the Wings lead to 2-0.

In the sixth, Slowey continued to keep the Bulls scoreless. At the bottom of the inning, the Wings increased their lead again to 3-0. Deeds hit an RBI fielder's choice bringing home Morales, who hit a double and then advanced to third on a sacrifice play by Matt Moses.

In the seventh, the Bulls were almost in scoring position as Chris Richard hit a pop-fly straight in the air. With some confusion between catcher Morales and pitcher Slowey, the ball landed directly in between the two. Morales dove, scooped up the ball and, from his knees, threw Richard out as he was trying to convert a single into a double. The Wings continued their hot streak into the bottom of the seventh as Jones hit the ball down the first base line just tipping it off Bankston's glove, making his hit a double and moving Velazquez to third.

The Wings made another great play in the eighth inning. Trent Oeltjen caught a fly ball going far back to center field. As the ball was traveling directly toward the wall, Oeltjen jumped and caught the ball in mid-air and robbed Velandia of a hit.

After pitching three innings in Thursday's game, Bobby Korecky entered the game in the ninth relieving Slowey. Korecky, with his 10th save, ended the game by striking out Dustan Mohr. Slowey, given the win, improved his record by pitching eight innings, allowing only seven hits and only two runners in scoring position. With 107 pitches, Slowey pitched 86 strikes, striking out seven and allowing no walks.

Neimann took the loss pitching six innings and allowing all three earned runs.

NOTES: LHP Jason Miller became the ninth Red Wings player to be promoted to the Minnesota Twins this season. Of the nine players promoted to the Twins, seven are still on the Minnesota roster...A total of 17 players on the Minnesota Twins' current roster (as of May 25) have worn a Red Wings uniform. Only eight current Twins (LHP Johan Santana, RHP Carlos Silva, RHP Ramon Ortiz, RHP Joe Nathan, catcher Mike Redmond, infielder Luis Castillo, infielder Jeff Cirillo, and outfielder Torii Hunter) have not played for the Wings at some point since the Minnesota-Rochester affiliation began in 2003.... The Wings will wear 1971 replica uniforms Saturday night, to honor the manager of that '71 Jr. World Series-winning Wings club - Joe Altobelli. Alto will celebrate his 75th birthday at the ballpark Saturday night...Wings coach Rich Miller is feeling better after an apparent appendicitis attack on Thursday, and should rejoin the team later this weekend...

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New Britain 8 at Harrisburg 4

Record: 23-18

W: J. Sawatski (2-2, 4.56); L: B. Campbell (1-2, 5.16)
HR: NBR: F. Molina (3), R. Eldridge (2), K. Geiger (2).

E: Roberts, B (3, throw), Plouffe (8, fielding).

From senatorsbaseball.com: On Friday night at Commerce Bank Park in front of 5,322, the Senators got off to a great start, but New Britain had the right finish in defeating the Senators 8-4.

The Sens took an early 4-0 lead, scoring a run in the first and then three more in the third and looked to be sailing towards their fifth win in a row.

But the Rock Cats exploded in the fifth inning, hitting three solo home runs in four batters to cut the lead to 4-3. Kyle Geiger, Rashad Eldridge, and Felix Molina all homered off of Beltran Perez in the fifth inning.

New Britain tied the game in the sixth, then survived a Senators rally in the bottom of the eighth before staging a big rally of their own in the ninth.

The Senators loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth but couldn't get the hit they've received over the past couple of days.

New Britain then scored four times in the ninth inning to break the game open. The Senators received a one-out hit in the ninth off the bat of Melvin Dorta, but Frank Diaz's bid for extra bases was taken away by New Britain center fielder Brandon Roberts.

Brett Logan and Dorta both had three hits for the Sens and Diaz chipped in two. Felix Molina and Garrett Guzman both had three hits for New Britain.

Game two of the series is Saturday night at 6:05pm with LH John Lannan making his second start for the Senators against RH Tristan Crawford for the Rock Cats.

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The New Britain Rock Cats today announced Ricco’s 13, the team’s mission to win every game during their upcoming thirteen game homestand running from Tuesday, May 29 through Sunday, June 10. Coinciding with the June 8 release of Ocean’s Thirteen, the final movie in the Ocean’s trilogy, the Rock Cats plan to award $13,000 to four lucky winners if the team is able to complete the thirteen game sweep.

“Winning these next thirteen games at home will put us in an excellent position to bring home a championship this season,” said Rock Cats President and CEO William Dowling. “It won’t be an easy task, but with Manager Riccardo Ingram, the namesake to Ricco’s 13, the team the Twins have assembled for us and the best fans in the Eastern League, we have what it takes to beat the odds.” Rock Cats


Reptar

Daytona 3 at Fort Myers 0

Record 19 - 29

W: M. Atkins (3-3, 2.10); L: O. Sosa (1-3, 2.65); SV: M. Avery (7)
HR: None.

The Miracle offense sunk to new depths in front of a canine crowd keen for some baseball Friday night, as Daytona handed Fort Myers their 11th shut out of the season, 3-0.

Whit Robbins and Jeff Christy were the only two Miracle players to get hits, and Toby Gardenhire got on base with the lone Miracle walk.

Oswaldo Soso allowed 2 runs, both earned on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 in six innings worth of work. Alex Smit pitched in relief, coming off the DL for the first time, allowing an additional run on 2 hits, and 2 walks while striking out 3 in 2 innings worth of work.

Erik Lis was removed from the game at the top of the 6th inning after struggling with some fly balls early on. Dwayne White moved over to left field and Eli Tintor came into the game, playing in right field. (Lis was NOT attended to in the dugout by trainer Larry Bennesse, so it would appear he wasn't sick or injured.)

The substitution did result in a nice defensive play in the 8th inning after Brian Dopirak doubled a flyball to Tintor. Tyler Colvin scored on the run, but Tintor fired the ball the Steve Tolleson at second who passed it along to Christy who was able to take Jesus Valdez out at the plate.

However, the game was lost at that point, and the Miracle allowed little hope to the Friday Night crowd. On a side note, Matt Betsill played some very good first base tonight, as Robbins served as DH for the game.

Zach Ward (1-6, 2.94) will take to the hill Saturday for the Miracle against Daytona's Jeff Samardzija (0-3, 5.18). Due to the burn ban in effect for Lee County, the Memorial Day fireworks display has been replaced by a laser light show spectacular following the game.

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Quad Cities 2 at Beloit 5

Record 30-15

W: A. Hawes (3-4, 3.23); L: B. King (2-1, 5.11); SV: R. Delaney (16)
HR: None.

E: Parmelee (2, fielding).

From snappersbaseball.com: The Snappers got back to their winning ways on Friday night with a 5-2 victory over the Swing of the Quad Cities. Adam Hawes pitched an eight inning gem to pick up his third win of the season.

Beloit exploded for four runs in the bottom of the first inning. RBI’s by Danny Valencia, Johnny Woodard, Chris Parmelee, and Yancarlos Ortiz gave Beloit a 4-0 lead after one. The Snappers batted around their order in the first and caused Quad Cities’ starter Blake King to exit after only two thirds of an inning pitched.

Snappers’ starter Adam Hawes only allowed one run off seven hits in eight innings pitched to notch his second consecutive win. Hawes lowered his ERA to 3.23 in the win.

After the Swing scored a run in the top of the ninth inning, Rob Delaney got the last three batters to strike out and notched his sixteenth save of the season.

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Scoreboard for May 24, 2007

JAY CAPERS RDC staff photographer
Durham's Bob Zobrist still turned the double play in the fourth inning despite the slide of Rochester's Josh Rabe.

Durham 10 at Rochester 6 (14 Innings)

Record 22-18

W: S. Andrade (2-0, 3.75); L: B. Bass (1-1, 7.11)
HR: DUR: J. Guzman (6), J. Ruggiano (4).

E: Watkins (6, fielding), Moses 2 (9, throw, fielding).

From redwingsbaseball.com: Wes Bankston's one-out sacrifice fly in the 14th inning brought home the winning run, helping the Durham Bulls to an 10-6 win over the Red Wings Thursday afternoon at Frontier Field. Josh Rabe had two hits and three RBI for the Wings. Rochester trailed 3-0 before rallying to tie the score in the seventh, then tied it again on Rabe's double in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. The two teams continue their Memorial Day Weekend series with 7:05 pm games Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with fireworks following each night's game.

Durham scored four runs in the 14th inning with one out, roughing up Brian Bass after Bass pitched a perfect 13th inning.

The Wings got off to a sluggish start after committing two errors in the first inning. With two outs Justin Ruggiano hit a double and then scored on a single by Wes Bankston that went through the legs of left fielder Tommy Watkins. Chris Richard followed with an infield single that allowed Bankston to score after Matt Moses' throwing error from third base, making it 2-0.

In the second inning the Bulls continued their hitting attack. Dustin Mohr led off the inning with a single to center field. Two batters later Josh Johnson hit an RBI single to give the Bulls a 3-0 advantage.

Bulls reliever Jeff Ridgeway came in for Howell in the sixth inning and allowed the Wings to capitalize on his inefficient pitching. After Watkins' leadoff single, Gil Velazquez followed with a double to right field that was misjudged by Ruggiano. Denard Span's RBI ground out cut the Wings deficit to 3-1, and Alexi Casilla's bunt single down the third base line was followed by an RBI fielder's choice by Rabe to trim the Bulls' lead to 3-2.

After another pitching change by the Bulls, the Wings found more offense in the seventh inning. Scott Dohman replaced Ridgeway and gave up a single to Glenn Williams, who then stole second base with only one out. Moses' RBI double down the right field line tied the game at 3-3. After a walk by Watkins and a Velazquez fly out, Span grounded out on a double-steal move that ended the inning.

The Bulls regained their offense in the eighth inning. After Ricky Barrett -- who had not given up a run in over nine innings pitched since coming off the disabled list -- gave up a single to Richard with two outs, Joel Guzman hit a two-run home run that bounced off the left field scoreboard to help the Bulls regain their lead at 5-3. Mohr followed with a double and Elliot Johnson walked, but Barrett struck out Johnson to end the inning.

The Wings pulled to within one off Seth McClung in the eighth, on an RBI single from Garrett Jones. The Wings had two runners on when third baseman Guzman made a great fielding play, throwing out Moses on a close play at first that was argued by coach Rich Miller.

After getting the first two batters to fly out in the ninth inning, Wings reliever Jason Miller gave up a solo home run to Ruggiano to extend the deficit to 6-4. But the Wings provided plenty of drama in the bottom half after Velazquez sparked the offense with a double to right with only one out. Span followed with a strikeout and Casilla walked to give the Wings runners on first and second base with two outs. Rabe hit a line-drive double over Mohr's head in center field to tie the game 6-6.

Wings closer Bobby Korecky relieved Miller and finished the 10th, then struck out the side in the 11th. Korecky worked a total of three hitless innings, striking out five.

The Wings had a great chance in the 11th, putting two runners on with one out against Steve Andrade but failing to cash in on the potential game-winning situation.

NOTES: Jose Morales, who replaced catcher Matthew LeCroy in the ninth inning, had three hits in three at-bats to raise his average to .341...Rochester had won six in a row and seven of their last eight games vs. the Bulls at Frontier Field before Thursday. The Red Wings' four-game sweep of the Bulls at Frontier Field last season was the first time either team swept the other in a series since Durham joined the International League in 1998...Span is the only Red Wing who has played in every game this season. Since 1988 only two players have played 135 or more games in a season (Danny Clyburn, 137 games in 1997 and Garrett Jones, 140 games in 2006).... Double-A New Britain pounded out 16 hits in a 12-2 win over Bowie Thursday afternoon. Brian Buscher had four hits, including his third homer of the season. Rock Cats Starter Jesse Floyd allowed four hits and fanned five in seven innings...... Thursday's attendance of 10,164 was the largest of the season so far.

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New Britain 12 at Bowie 2

Record: 22-18

W: J. Floyd (3-3, 4.24); L: B. Hale (5-3, 4.53)
HR: NBR: B. Buscher (3), D. Winfree (3), K. Geiger (1). BOW: O. Salazar (7).

From baysox.com: The Baysox entertained the Rock Cats today in the final game of their four game series, in front of a crowd of 5,112 mostly school kids, for Baseball in Education Day. The Baysox suffered their worst loss of the season, 12-2, splitting the four game series 2-2.

Baysox starter Beau Hale got hit around early and suffered the loss going four innings, giving up eight hits, four runs and one walk, while striking out three. The only real bright spot for the Baysox was Oscar Salazar, who extended his hitting streak to eight games. Salazar was the only Baysox player with multiple hits on the day, with two. Salazar connected for his seventh home run of the season in the fourth inning, off of New Britain starter, Jesse Floyd, it was Salazar’s fourth home run in six games.

The Baysox bullpen yielded eight runs in relief of hale, with Fredy Deza giving up two runs in 1.2 innings, David Haehnel giving up two runs in 2.1 innings and Felix Romero giving up four runs in one inning pitched.

The Baysox pitching staff as a whole yielded a season high three homeruns in the game in the 12-2 loss.

The Rock Cats remain on the road, starting a four games series tomorrow night at 6:05 PM against the Senators in Harrisburg. New Britain returns home on Tuesday to face the B-Mets at New Britain Stadium.

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With the snow shovels now safely put away, the New Britain Rock Cats have finalized some additional make-up dates for the eight early season postponements they experienced due to the cold and wet New England Spring.

Here are details related to 3 HOME and 2 AWAY Doubleheaders that are upcoming:

On Sunday, June 3rd, the Rock Cats will play an afternoon Doubleheader at New Britain Stadium against New Hampshire. The first pitch of Game 1 will be tossed at 1:35 PM with Game 2 starting some twenty-five minutes after the conclusion of the opener. Both games of the single-admission affair will be 7 innings in duration. This game will make up for the April 15th rainout in New Britain.

On Wednesday, June 20th, the Rock Cats will play a twilight Doubleheader at New Britain Stadium against New Hampshire. The first pitch of the two 7-inning contests will be thrown at 5:05 PM. This twin-bill will make up for the April 12th rainout in New Britain.

On Thursday, June 28th at Manchester, New Hampshire, the Rock Cats will visit the Fisher Cats for a twi-light Doubleheader starting at 6:05 PM. Both games will be 7 innings in duration. This will make up for the April 6th postponement at that site.

On Wednesday, July 4th, the Rock Cats will host an old-fashioned, Red, White & Blue Afternoon Doubleheader against the Portland Sea Dogs at 4:05 PM at New Britain Stadium. What a great way to celebrate the American holiday. This enhanced date will make up for the April 25th rainout with Portland scheduled for the Hardware City.

On Saturday, July 28th, the Rock Cats will visit Manchester, New Hampshire and again do double duty with the Fisher Cats. These will be two 7-inning contests with Game 1 starting at 2:05 PM and Game 2 commencing at 7:05 PM. Game 1 is the make-up date for the snowed out April 5th contest. Rock Cats

*InfinityProSports.com hosted site not updated or not responding.


Luis Ugeto

Daytona 0 at Fort Myers 5

Record 19 - 28

W: R. Mullins (3-3, 1.98); L: S. Koerber (2-2, 3.44)
HR: FTM: L. Ugueto (1).

E: Ugueto (3, throw).

We had gotten to the bottom of the sixth when suddenly Gene said "What seems to be the problem? Everything was moving along at a good clip..."

"They're hitting the ball," I point out. We probably didn't want to disturb that.

Toby Gardenhire - yes, that's right Toby Gardenhire - was 3-for-3 with 2 runs, and Luis Ugueto was 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs including a home run in the second as the Fort Myers Miracle shut out the Daytona Cubs, 5-0.

I actually pulled out the stat pack at that point to see what the problem was. While Daytona is at least respectable in the FSL Eastern Division, we discovered their pitching is third from the bottom of the league. Finally...a team the Miracle can hit!

Gene had another opinion which was that it had to do with Terry Ryan being in the stands. Still, I would think if that was the case, they'd have done better earlier in the week.

Ryan Mullins took a shut out into the 8th inning, the only inning in which he really struggled, limiting the Cubbies to only 3 hits, while walking only 1. Angel Garcia came in and allowed 2 hits...

For a moment we thought it might be a replay of yesterday with the only hit coming off a relief pitcher, but he got out of the inning as well, ending the game while leaving the goose eggs in tact.

While Mullins does not throw overwhelming stuff, he's been a nice surprise for the team. I'll be interested to see if Brian has the pitch count for his appearance yesterday.

While Gene was promoting the posibility of chanting "MVP" the next time Gardenhire came up to bat, he did make a play in the eighth that probably should have been a error. Yet on the whole he played fairly decently at 2nd base for the night, while Tolleson had DHing duties.

The Miracle send RHP Oswaldo Sosa (1-2, 2.60) up to the mound against the Cubs RHP Mitch Atkins (2-3, 2.49) for Dog Daze I. Reptar is ready...or at least has been warned of his annual upcoming appearance at the park.

We actually managed to have a game without Fort Myers Mascott Miss-A-Miracle present. She was attending the D.A.R.E. graduation.

On the injury front: Paul Kelly and Drew Thompson are headed to Minnesota to be checked out be team doctors. If they are given their clearance, they should begin playing in Extended Spring Training sometime within the next week and will be on track to be activated off the DL around the start of the GCL Season. Alex Smit has been added to the Miracle bullpen, but has yet to pitch a game from the pen this season.

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West Michigan 3 at Beloit 2

Record 29-15

W: C. Cody (4-3, 1.56); L: C. Devries (4-2, 1.53); SV: B. Jensen (9)
HR: WMI: D. Scram (1). BEL: B. Dinkelman (4).

E: Valencia (5, fielding).

From snappersbaseball.com: The Snappers eight game winning streak came to an end Thursday night at the hands of the West Michigan Whitecaps, 3-2. Beloit had the tying run ninety feet away in the bottom of the ninth inning, but was unable to get it home.

The Snappers got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning off the bat of Brian Dinkelman. Dinkelman led the inning off with his fourth home run of the season. Brian’s homer gave Beloit a 1-0 lead after one.

West Michigan scored two of their own in the top of the second to take the lead. Beloit battled back and scored again in the bottom of the second on a Greg Yersich sacrifice fly to left. Yersich’s sixth RBI of the season tied the game at 2-2.

The Whitecaps took the lead in the top of the seventh on a Deik Scram homer to center. Scram’s home run gave West Michigan a 3-2 lead.

The Snappers battled back in the bottom of the ninth inning. Joe Benson tripled to left center to give Beloit a chance to tie the game at 3. One batter later, Beloit’s Danny Valencia struck out to end the game.

The loss dropped the Snappers record to 29-15.

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Scoreboard for May 23, 2007

Rochester Red Wings

Record 22-17

No Games Scheduled

New Britain 3 at Bowie 4

Record: 21-18 (Corrected)

W: O. Alvarez (6-1, 3.31); L: K. Waldrop (0-2, 3.46); SV: J. Miller (2)
HR: BOW: O. Salazar (6), L. Jimenez (3).

From baysox.com: Luis Jimenez has compiled at least one hit in all but one of his eight games as a Baysox, and following his 0-for-4 performance last night, Jimenez picked it up in a big way tonight. Jimenez hit his went 2-for-4 on the night and blasted his third home run in eight games, a two-run shot to center, leading the Baysox to a 4-3 win.

The Baysox struck first in the bottom of the first inning, when Paco Figueroa and Jimenez, hit back-to-back singles in the inning. Figueroa then came across to score on a Oscar Salazar sacrifice fly, putting the Baysox ahead, 1-0.

The Rock Cats would pull ahead though in the fourth inning, putting two runs on the board, one the result of a fielding error and the second on a Matt Allegra single, scoring Kyle Geiger, putting the Rock Cats ahead, 2-1.

Luis Jimenez put the Baysox ahead for good in the bottom of the sixth, with a two-run blast to center, his third of the year for a 4-2 Baysox lead.

Luke Hughes would cut the Baysox lead to one, scoring on a throwing error to first base, by Baysox short stop Luis Hernandez, making it 4-3 Baysox.

Jim Miller would come on in the ninth inning attempting to convert the save opportunity. Miller retired the side in order, getting Rashad Eldridge to ground out, Felix Molina to strike out swinging, and Trevor Plouffe to ground out ending the ballgame, picking up his second save of the season, preserving the 4-3 win.

Baysox starter Oscar Alvarez picked up his sixth win of the season, improving his record to (6-1) going six innings, giving up five hits and two runs. The Baysox as a team ended their double digit hit streak at four games, only collecting nine as a unit tonight.

The Baysox take on the Rock Cats in the final game of their four game series Thursday at 11:05 am. Thursday also marks the Baysox second Baseball In Education school kids day of the season. RHP Beau Hale gets the start for the Baysox opposing RHP Jesse Floyd for the Rock Cats.

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The New Britain Rock Cats announced today that left-handed relief specialist, Jose Mijares, has been promoted to Triple-A Rochester in the International League. The move occurred early this morning and the 22-year-old southpaw is expected to join the Red Wings in time for their game tonight.

The 6'0"/ 231-pound Mijares made 15 total appearances for the 2007 Rock Cats, compiling a 1-0 record out of the bullpen, with a team-leading 6 Saves. The Caracas, Venezuela resident has been very effective in his first year with the Rock Cats in the Double-A Eastern League.

Signed by Minnesota as a free agent in 2002, Mijares is currently a member of the Twins' 40-Man Major League Roster. There was no immediate replacement player named to fill the New Britain roster spot made available by his departure. Rock Cats

*InfinityProSports.com hosted site not updated or not responding.


Pirate Night

West Palm Beach 1 at Fort Myers 3

Record 18 - 28

W: Y. Pino (1-2, 1.57); L: A. Daniels (2-5, 3.02); SV: E. Morlan (6)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (1).

E: Ugueto (2, missed catch), White (6, fielding), Robbins (4, fielding).

Avast there ye land lubbers! The good ship Miracle made off the swag last night after broadsiding the Palm Beach Cardinals, 3-1 at Hammond Stadium. The crews split the series, two games each.

Captain Yohan Pino went seven innings allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out 5 to grab the win.

First mate Caleb Moore singled on a line drive to right field to get the attack rolling in the sixth inning. Luis Uguato hit a double out to the same place, and a fielding error by the Cards Nathan Southard allowed Moore to cross the plate unmolested.

Eri Lis one out ground out to second allowed Ugueto to score to the game winning run.

Juan Portes made waves by knocking his first home run of the year over the wall in the bottom of the 7th for the insurance tally.

Eddie Morlan came in for the eighth. A fielding error by bilge rat Dwayne White allowed Southard to score the lone scurvey dogs marker.

Ugeto was 2-for-4 with the run but struck out for his other two at bats. His fielding is excellent, he's got to do more with the sword if he hopes to get promoted. Lis was 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, and Portes and Moore were both 1-for-3 with 1 run each.

The Daytona Cubs now sail into town for Grog Night as Miracle southpaw Ryan Mullins (2-3, 2.31) faces off against lefty Scott Koerber (2-1, 2.79) for the Cubs.

Aaarrrr!

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BDN Staff photo by Rob Lucas
Beloit’s Danny Valencia, right, tells Wiliam Luque (32) to move to his left to avoid the tag of West Michigan’s James Skelton Wednesday.

West Michigan 1 at Beloit 5

Record 29-14

W: B. Kirwan (1-0, 0.00); L: D. Below (4-2, 2.57); SV: A. Craig (3)
HR: BEL: C. Parmelee (4).

E: Ortiz 2 (9, throw, throw).

From snappersbaseball.com: A combined three-hitter helped lead the Snappers to their eighth straight victory on Wednesday night. Pitchers Brian Kirwan, Danny Vais, and Aaron Craig helped lead the Beloit to a 5-1 victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Beloit scored first in the bottom of the first inning on a William Luque sacrifice fly to center. Brian Dinkelman, who led the game off with a triple, scored on Luque’s sac fly.

Danny Berg added another run on for the Snappers in the bottom of the third. Berg hit his second double of the season to left-center, scoring Luque from first and giving Beloit a 2-0 lead after three.

After scoring another run in the bottom of the fifth the Snappers added two more in the eighth. Beloit’s Chris Parmelee hit a two run homer to left, his fourth of the season, to give the Snappers a 5-0 lead. Parmelee hit his home run off the scoreboard resulting in Snappers’ fan, Danny Ewoldt, winning $500 dollars courtesy of West Bend Mutual.

Starter Brian Kirwan pitched five innings of one hit, no run baseball to earn his first win of the season. Reliever Aaron Craig pitched an inning and a third of two hit, one run relief to notch his third save of the season.

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Scoreboard for May 22, 2007

Rochester 0 at Norfolk 2

Record 22-17

W: K. Birkins (2-1, 2.08); L: M. Garza (2-4, 3.86); SV: C. Doyne (12)
HR: None.

E: Casilla (3, interference).

From redwingsbaseball.com: The Rochester Red Wings held the Norfolk Tides to three hits but managed just four themselves in a 2-0 loss Tuesday afternoon in Norfolk. Red Wings starter Matt Garza pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two unearned runs in the first.

Trent Oeltjen had two hits for Rochester while Josh Rabe and Matthew LeCroy added one each. The Wings had a runner at third in the fourth and fifth innings, their best shot at scoring in the game. Ricky Barrett pitched a scoreless relief inning for Rochester.

The Red Wings finished their Virginia road trip 4-6 and slipped into third place with the loss, a half-game behind Scranton/Wilkes-Barre heading into a league off day on Wednesday. The Wings open an eight-game homestand with an 11:05 am weekday matinee Thursday.

NOTES: LHP Carmen Cali was promoted to the Minnesota Twins today. Cali was 2-0 with one save and a 2.70 ERA in 12 games for the Red Wings. Cali takes the roster spot of LHP Glen Perkins, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mild muscle strain in the back of his left shoulder. Perkins suffered the injury in the eighth inning of last night’s game in Texas. Cali will join Minnesota in time for Tuesday's game in Texas.

The Wings will receive a pitcher from Double-A New Britain before Thursday's game, most likely left-handed reliever Jose Mijares.

Infielder Matt Tolbert leads the International League with a .356 batting average while RHP Kevin Slowey leads the IL with a 1.76 ERA. If Tolbert and Slowey should finish the season leading both categories it would be the first time since 1976 that Rochester has had a batting champion and ERA champion in the same year. In 1976 RHP Dennis Martinez led the IL with a 2.50 ERA while infielder Rich Dauer won the batting title with a .336 batting average.

Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet for this week includes RHP Oswaldo Sosa at number six, and Slowey at number 14 in the rankings of the 20 hottest prospects in Minor League Baseball.

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New Britain 3 at Bowie 4

Record: 23-15

W: R. Liz (3-2, 3.56); L: B. Baker (2-1, 2.79); SV: J. Hoey (11)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (4), F. Molina (2).

E: Peterson (3, fielding), Baker (1, fielding).

From the Hartford Courant: Radhames Liz held the Rock Cats to one run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings to lead the Bowie Baysox to a 4-3 Eastern League victory Tuesday night in Bowie, Md.

Brock Peterson went 3-for-4 and hit a two-run home run in the eighth. Felix Molina led off the game with his second homer for the Rock Cats (21-17).

Liz (3-2) walked two and struck out five. The righthander, 23, has allowed more than four earned runs only once in last eight starts.

Jim Hoey worked around a hit in the ninth to earn his 11th save.

Bowie's Luis Hernandez drew a bases-loaded walk for what turned out to be the winning run in the seventh.

New Britain starter Brad Baker (2-1, 2.79 ERA) allowed three runs - one earned - on six hits in five innings.

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Jay Rainville

West Palm Beach 3 at Fort Myers 2

Record 17 - 28

W: T. Norrick (5-3, 2.88); L: J. Rainville (2-5, 3.35); SV: L. Gregerson (9)
HR: None.

The Miracle got on board early when Cardinals starter Tyler Norrick walked in Whit Robbins. It was a gift from the Cards, who evidently felt confident enough in Norrick to allow him to continue.

That confidence was well placed, as the Cards went on to top the Miracle 3-2 on a cool, breezy night in Southwest Florida. Dan Nelson singled on a line drive in the sixth and moved to second on a ground ball off the bat of Allen Craig to left fielder Erik Lis. Brandon Yarbrough would triple with one out to center field to bring them both in. Ian Church's single completed the scoring for Palm Beach when Yarbrough crossed the plate.

Still it would be enough. Eddie Ovalle would get one back for the Miracle off a Norrick wild pitch.

The Miracle would threathen again in the seventh inning with Steve Tolleson getting as far as third base, but it would be the last of the Miracle offense despite Robbins and Juan Portes getting on base in the eighth.

Eli Tintor struck out twice and needs to be talked to about never swinging at a third pitch when the first two are called strikes as they never ever call a third pitch strike-put in this league. I still can't believe he swung at that.

Robbins and Portes were both 2-for-4 and Tolleson was 2-for-5.

Jay Rainville went six innings allowing 3 runs, all earned on seven hits and two walks while striking out 5.

The two teams play the fourth and final game of the series to night, Pirate of the Carribean III night, with Yohan Pino (0-2, 2.08) getting the nod for the Miracle.

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Lots of pictures of Jay Rainville

West Michigan 4 at Beloit 5

Record 28-14

W: A. Burnett (3-2, 3.25); L: A. Castro (3-3, 2.42); SV: R. Delaney (15)
HR: WMI: J. Laster (4). BEL: B. Dinkelman (3).

E: Singleton (7, throw), Olson (9, fielding).

From snappersbaseball.com: The Snappers continued their hot play with a 5-4 victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Tuesday night at Pohlman Field.

Beloit jumped out on top of the Whitecaps early on in the first inning on a Danny Valencia single, scoring leadoff man Brian Dinkelman. The next batter Johnny Woodard reached on an error by Scott Sizemore scoring Steve Singleton. Valencia came around to score later in the inning on a Danny Berg sacrifice fly.

The Whitecaps grabbed their first lead of the series with a one out home run by left fielder Jeramy Laster in the top half of the fourth inning. The Snappers escaped further damage after a single by Audy Ciriaco, who advanced to third on a two base fielding error by left fielder Garrett Olson.

The Whitecaps’ lead was short-lived as the Snappers took the lead right back in the bottom half of the fourth inning on a two-run Brian Dinkelman home run to right field. Garrett Olson, who walked earlier, scored on the homer.

Snappers’ starting pitcher Alex Burnett pitched seven innings of seven hit ball allowing four earned runs. Reliever Dan Leatherman pitched a scoreless eighth inning to record his third hold of the season. Closer Rob Delaney came in to slam the door on the Whitecaps after a night off last night to record his league leading fifteenth save of the season. The Snappers have won seven games in a row and continue to lead the Midwest League’s Western Division.

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Rainy Season

I love Jay Rainville. I'd already made up my mind that the Miracle were going to lose last night. Kevin Boles is not Jose Marzan. Marzan would not give up on a one run game. He'd have the guys bunt their way onto base, he'd manufacture the runs, he'd get the win.

Kevin Boles pulls his line ups from a fish bowl and lets them sink or swim on their own. We're not trying to win games here. So must easier to just assume we're going to lose and get on with it.

So I might as well go and enjoy the pitching. It was kind of a comfort thing. Especially with the team on the road most of the start of the season, every time they were home we saw Kyle Waldrop, Ryan Mullins and Ozzie Sosa. Nothing wrong with those three, and I love them all. But not with the kind of passion I adore Mr. Rainville with.

It's been that way since I first saw him pitch. Love at first strike out or something like that. So I finally get Jay at home and went and just settled down with my little camera. The baseball Gods were kind and sent dramatic lighting, which I'd sort of given up on with this new roof they put on the stadium. And Jay pitched.

So there are lots and lots of pictures.



Brian wanted to know if the digital had changed the way I shoot and I said not really. The digital is more of a knock about camera so I get some fun shots off of it, but for the serious work, I still reach for a roll of film and the old Nikon.

In this case, I figured if I walked out with like 50 shots of Jay Rainville, I'd be happy. Everyone else will think I'm crazy, but I'd be happy. So...



The ones of Whit Robbins were only because the light was starting to go and I needed to finish off the roll. Nothing against poor Whit, but he's the last guy on the team that's going to evoke any sort of sense of passion in me.

I suppose on the whole if we wanted to get into it, most of the organization is kind of light weight in that department. I mean, Jay and Anthony Swarzak are probably my two favorite pitchers in the whole organization.

There's really no one in Beloit right now that fits into the mold - not even Jeff Manship, although he does throw quite well. Maybe I will feel this way about Tyler or Bromberg in a couple of years, but right now...



Both Swarz and Rainy came into the organization around the same time and both made the Miracle at the age of 19. They liked loud music and nice cars. They play good old fashion hardball. They're aggressive and they go after hitters. They make the other team take swings.

Swarz played last season had a tremendous year, went up to New Britain and needless to say sort of screwed himself for this season. Jay meanwhile had medical problems that required surgey at the start of last season and which left him sitting out the year. So he's back in Fort Myers this year and maybe doesn't have the fast ball he had.

He's still good though, and the used the time off to good advantage. He's still looking for the 90+ MPH fastballs. He's getting there.



Rainville can pitch, that's for sure. He's got a nice spin on his curveball. He can change speeds, go his change up, come back to the heater. With the time off, he says he learned how to pitch better.

Right now he's just hoping to get back to where he was. Last night wasn't a bad outing. A "quality start" in baseball is defined as completing six innings and giving up no more than three earned runs. Jay went six and gave up three earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. A quality start.

His first of the season, as he'd not gone more than five innings in his past starts. So he's coming around. The rehab is progressing.

Someone, I think it was the one grapher I was talking to Monday night, wanted to know when he was going to New Britain. Not yet, I think, although I'm sure he'd like the chance to pitch at a higher level, I'm not sure he's ready.



And as I told him before the season starts, he's perfectly welcome to spend the whole season here. We're not sending him off anywhere until he's ready. Although he'd probably feel better about the whole situation if the team could find the win column a bit more frequently. After all, more like than not, he's the one that gets saddled with the loss.



In any case, lots of pictures of Jay Rainville, including quite a few really excellent pitching faces too.

Tonight I will see Yohan Pino pitch. He throws quite well too. Looked very good in spring training. But he still doesn't evoke the kind of passion in me that watching Jay Rainville does.

Which also puts me in a bad position come Sunday, as it's Jay's next start, yet the GCL Twins are playing at home against Pittsburgh. Decisions, decisions. Because I really need to watch the Twins.

But man, do I love Jay Rainville.

Scoreboard for May 21, 2007

Rochester 5 at Norfolk 4

Record 22-16

W: C. Cali (2-0, 2.70); L: R. Bell (1-2, 3.00); SV: B. Korecky (9)
HR: ROC: G. Jones (6).

E: Watkins (5, fielding), Moses (7, fielding).

From redwingsbaseball.com: Rochester plated four first inning runs, then held off a Tides rally to pick up a 5-4 win on Monday night. The Red Wings jumped out to a big first inning lead off of Norfolk starter Rob Bell (1-2), scoring four runs with two outs. Garrett Jones put the Red Wings up 2-0 with a two-run home run, and Jose Morales and Trent Oeltjen each added RBI singles as Rochester batted around in the inning.

The Tides began to chip away at the lead in the second inning, as Mike Cervenak led off the inning with an infield single and scored on a single by Virginia Beach native Jason Dubois.

Norfolk continued their rally in the 4th inning, plating three runs to tie the score at 4-4 off of Red Wings’ starter Brian Bass. Cervenak led off the inning with a walk, and advanced to second on a single by Terry Tiffee. One out later, Cesar Crespo drew a walk to load the bases, and Luis Montanez followed with a ground ball that eluded Rochester shortstop Tommy Watkins and bounded into center field, pulling the Tides within 4-3. Alberto Castillo followed with a line drive single into center field, chasing Bass and tying the score at 4-4.

Rochester plated the decisive run of the contest in the 6th inning, courtesy of an error by Tides’ centerfielder Tike Redman. With one out and nobody on, Morales lifted a fly ball to medium-deep center field, but Redman had the ball glance off his glove for a two-base error. Matt Moses followed with a single into center field, plating Morales and giving the Red Wings the lead.

The Tides were held scoreless after the 4th inning, courtesy of strong relief pitching by Carmen Cali and Bobby Korecky. Cali (2-0) picked up the win, facing the minimum number of batters over 3.2 innings of relief, while Korecky escaped a bases loaded jam in the 8th inning before retiring the Tides in order in the 9th to pick up his 9th save of the season.

Bell suffered through the first inning, but turned in another strong outing for the Tides despite taking the loss. Starting with the third out of the first inning, the 30-year-old right-hander retired 11 straight batters through the 5th inning, and finished his outing with three earned runs allowed in 7.0 innings of work. Bell allowed eight hits and one walk while striking out six.

The Tides and Red Wings conclude their season series on Tuesday afternoon, with southpaw Kurt Birkins (1-1, 2.70) taking the hill for Norfolk against Rochester right-hander Matt Garza (2-3, 4.07).

NOTES: Matt Tolbert (strained oblique muscle) will be out for a few days..Outfielder Josh Rabe joined the Red Wings on a 20-day Major League Rehab assignment and went 1-for-5 as the DH. Rabe has been on the Twins' disabled list since May 11 with right shoulder inflammation....With Sunday’s doubleheader split the Red Wings now have a 0-1-4 record (4-6 record) in their five doubleheaders this season. Rochester has an impressive 14-4-20 record in doubleheaders since the Red Wings changed affiliations to the Minnesota Twins in 2003......Left-handed relief pitcher Ricky Barrett, who started the season on the disabled list, is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in six appearances. In 9.1 innings of work, Barrett has allowed just three hits while walking one and striking out eight. Opponents are batting just .097 against him and right-handed batters are hitting just .048 (1-for-21) against him....In game one of Sunday's doubleheader RHP Kevin Slowey pitched his third complete game of the season. Slowey becomes the first Red Wings pitcher to have at least three complete games in a season since RHP Josh Towers (five complete games in 2000). The last Red Wings pitcher to lead the International League in complete games was LHP Rick Krivda (six) in 1997....

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New Britain 2 at Bowie 0

Record: 23-14

W: T. Lahey (2-0, 4.70); L: F. Romero (2-2, 1.80); SV: F. Mata (2)
HR: None.

From baysox.com: The Baysox tallied double digits in the hit column for the third straight night, but the effort went for not as they were topped in the series opener by New Britain, 2-0. Former Bowie Baysox pitcher Brian Forystek got the start against his former team, but didn’t factor in the decision going four innings, giving up four hits, with only one walk and four strikeouts.

The Rock Cats got on the board in the top of the ninth, when Brock Peterson led off the inning with a single to center off of Baysox reliever Felix Romero and was moved over to second on a David Winfree single. Rashad Eldridge then moved both runners over on a sacrifice bunt. Romero then intentionally walked Luke Hughes to load the bases with one out. Rosman Garcia then spelled Romero from the game and the first batter he faced Garrett Guzman, hit a bouncer over the Garcia’s head which was fielded by Paco Figueroa at second, but was unable to turn the double play at first, pulling Brandon Sing off the bag. Brock Peterson scored putting the Rock Cats ahead, 1-0.

The Rock Cats put another run on the board in the inning, when Garcia threw a wild pitch past catcher Eli Whiteside, with Brandon Roberts batting, allowing Winfree to come around to score from third, putting New Britain ahead, 2-0.

The Baysox got one hit in the bottom of the ninth, when Brandon Sing singled to left, with one out. But he would be left stranded at second when Eli Whiteside grounded out and Paco Figueroa ended the game, grounding out to the pitcher.

Paco Figueroa, Oscar Salazar, Luis Jimenez and Brandon Sing paced the Baysox 10-hit attack, all with two hits apiece. Baysox starter Chris Waters, who is winless this season, ran into another hard luck outing, getting a no decision, turning in a five hit effort, giving up no runs, with two walks, while racking up 8 K’s. Felix Romero took the loss for the Baysox dropping to (2-2) on the year. Tim Lahey picked up the win for New Britain, moving to 2-0 on the year and Frank Mata picked up his second save in relief.

The Baysox take on the New Britain in game two of their four game series Tuesday at 7:05 pm at Prince George’s Stadium. RHP Radhames Liz gets the start for the Baysox opposing RHP Brad Baker for the Rock Cats.

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Eddie Ovalle

West Palm Beach 3 at Fort Myers 2

Record 17 - 27

W: G. Daley (3-2, 3.60); L: Z. Ward (1-6, 2.94); SV: L. Gregerson (8)
HR: FTM: E. Ovalle (4).

E: Portes 2 (6, throw, fielding).

"I have the best double play tandum in the Florida State League," I tell Milt Cuyler as I join him and his son in the stands.

"Unfortunately, they're sitting two rows in front of me."

Drew Thompson signed for the me the other night, I got Paul Kelly last night to finish off that set.

Edward Ovalle hit his fourth home run of the season in the bottom of the eight to save the Miracle from their 11th shut out of the year.

I decided that Kevin Boles must hate Zack Ward, giving him Steve Tolleson at short and Juan Portes at second. Ward needs fielding to get his outs. He wasn't getting much with this crew.

Three-straight hits, along with two Miracle errors, led to the three Cardinal runs in the second. After back-to-back singles from Mark Hamilton and Brandon Yarbrough, Ian Church followed with a double to the gap in left-center scoring both Hamilton and Yarbrough giving the Cards a 2-0 lead. Two hitters later, Isaias Garcia would plate Church on a fielder’s choice to second.

Ward went seven innings giving up all three runs on 8 hits. The five strike outs were sweet. Josh Hill turned in a nice 8th inning and the Miracle crowd got their first look at Armando Gabino to finish off the game.

The arguement is that, as a coach, you want them to be flexible. I understand that. But as a player, they want to get comfortable at their positions so they can focus on their batting. It's hard to worry about your batting when you don't know what position you're going to playing from game to game and are concerned about your fielding performance.

Yes, we had a underachieving team in 2004. That was Jose Marzan's last year as a coach. Yes, we probably don't have any top prospects on this team in terms of first round draft picks, but the guys that we do have are certainly better thought of then their performance has shown. There was been some turn around of late, but...it's hard to not to expect the roof to cave in at any moment.

Pitching co-ordinator Rick Knapp joined the list of Twins Brass in town for the week, turning up yesterday. Despite that it was a pretty good night for autographs. However, I had to explain, one again, that we're not getting anyone to replace Kyle Waldrop and why.

Ah well...Jay Rainville takes the mound tonight and since most of the games have been road games so far this season, it will be nice to see him pitch again. Game shots from last night will be posted this afternoon, so check back then.

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BDN Staff photo by Rob Lucas
Beloit’s Yancarlos Ortiz, left, snags a throw during a steal attempt by West Michigan’s James Skelton on Monday. Skelton was tagged out on the play.

West Michigan 2 at Beloit 8

Record 27-14

W: J. Manship (5-1, 1.56); L: L. Gagnier (2-5, 5.63)
HR: WMI: J. Laster (3). BEL: D. Santiesteban (6).

E: Singleton (6, throw).

From snappersbaseball.com: Two big innings by the Snappers proved to be more than enough for Jeff Manship, as the Snappers won 8-2 Monday night over the West Michigan Whitecaps. The right hander improved to 5-1 on the year.

Beloit got off to an early lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Danny Berg’s two run RBI single helped give the Snappers the early advantage. One batter later, Danny Santiesteban hit a two run homer to left, giving Beloit a 4-0 lead after four.

After the Whitecaps drew to within two runs in the top of the seventh, the Snappers exploded for another four runs in the bottom half. RBI singles by Steve Singleton and Danny Valencia plated the first two of the inning. Johnny Woodard followed with an RBI double to right, and Danny Valencia scored on a wild pitch to give the Snappers an 8-2 lead.

Relievers Jesus Carnevales and Matthew Fox pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth inning for the Snappers to shut the door on the Whitecaps. Starter Jeff Manship pitched seven innings of two run (one unearned), three hit baseball to pick up his fifth win of the season. Manship also had six strikeouts on the night.

Class A Beloit right handed pitcher Rob Delaney is the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for May 13-May 19...Delaney, 22, pitched in four games (4.1 ip) and recorded four saves while allowing just one earned run...he struck out three and did not walk a batter...Delaney was signed by the Twins as a non-drafted free agent, June 19, 2006...he was a 2006 graduate of St. Johns University.

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Scoreboard for May 20, 2007

Norfolk 3 at Rochester 6 (7 innings)

Record 21-15

W: K. Slowey (5-2, 1.76); L: J. Johnson (1-4, 3.15)
HR: NOR: E. Torres (3). ROC: M. LeCroy (2).

From redwingsbaseball.com: Kevin Slowey tossed a complete game and Matthew LeCroy belted a three-run homer to lead Rochester past Norfolk 6-3 in Sunday's doubleheader opener. The Tides topped the Wings 3-1 in the second game.

Slowey (5-2) allowed three runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out six en route to an International League-best third complete game. In winning his second straight, the 23-year-old right-hander's ERA rose to 1.76. On the season he has fanned 50, while walking just five in 56 1/3 frames.

LeCroy, who had two hits, capped a five-run fifth inning with his second home run. Glenn Williams went 2-for-2 with an RBI and Garrett Jones chipped in a base hit and an RBI for the Red Wings (21-17), who snapped a four-game skid.

Eider Torres went 2-for-3 with his third home run, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. Tike Redman went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and Mike Cervenak added an RBI single for the Tides (17-26), who saw their three-game winning streak stopped. Norfolk starter Jim Johnson (1-4) was charged with six runs -- two earned -- on five hits over 4 2/3 innings en route to his third straight loss. He fanned two and walked two.

Rochester served as the home team in the game, which was postponed due to rain at Frontier Field on April 12.

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Rochester 1 at Norfolk 3 (7 innings)

Record 21-16

W: A. Mitchell (4-2, 2.70); L: J. Miller (1-1, 2.63); SV: C. Doyne (11)
HR: NOR: J. Dubois (2).

From redwingsbaseball.com: In the second game, the Tides chipped away with single runs in three different innings to win. Spot starter Jason Miller (1-1) allowed six hits and two runs in four innings, with Bobby Korecky pitching two relief innings. Matt Moses hit a RBI single to score Denard Span with Rochester's only run. Andy Mitchell (4-2) allowed three hits and Cory Doyne picked up his 11th save.

NOTES: Matt Tolbert (strained oblique muscle) will be out for a few days.....Trent Oletjen (bruised knee) sat out the first game but played in game two.

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Connecticut 1 at New Britain 2

Record: 22-14

W: B. Duensing (4-1, 2.47); L: G. Broshuis (1-5, 3.27); SV: J. Mijares (6)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (3).

E: Allegra (1, fielding).

From milb.com: Brian Duensing allowed three hits over 7 1/3 shutout innings as host New Britain edged Connecticut, 2-1, on Sunday.

Duensing (4-1), a 24-year-old lefty, struck out three and walked two to pick up the win for the Rock Cats (20-16). He lowered his ERA to 2.47.

Jose Mijares closed out the game, giving up one run on three hits while fanning three and walking one over 1 2/3 innings for his sixth save.

Brock Peterson accounted for all of the Rock Cats runs, belting his third homer of the year with the bases empty in the seventh to snap a scoreless tie and ripping an RBI double in the eighth.

John Bowker plated the Defenders' only run by hitting an RBI double with two outs in the ninth.

Eugenio Velez, MiLB.com's Class A Offensive Player of the Year last season made his 2007 debut for Connecticut (15-23). Velez, who had an extended spring training because of a wrist injury, was 1-for-4.

Garrett Broshuis (1-5) pitched seven innings, surrendering one run on five hits while fanning five and walking one for the loss.

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Terry Ryan

West Palm Beach 1 at Fort Myers 2

Record 17 - 26

W: O. Sosa (1-2, 2.60); L: T. Hearne (3-3, 4.77); SV: A. Garcia (2)
HR: None.

E: Betsill (7, fielding).

I found Jim Rantz sitting up in the bleacher seats. He says he was staying out of the sun. Hah!

"Is Mauer here?"

"Nnooooo."

"I didn't think so, but there where some rumors so I figured I'd ask."

"Rondell White's here," Jim offers in return.

"Yeah, and that's his son Dwayne batting right now."

"WRONG!!!" he laughed.

"Well, you know Jim, it just bothers me when you've got guys on the roster that are nearly old enough for me to date."

Oswaldo Sosa pitched a near-perfect game through four innings but messed it up in the fifth while I was out getting my Lemonaid refilled. However, 9 strike outs and 3 walks, with only one hit in six innings was impressive for Sosa, who'd struggled earlier in the year.

Matt Betsill had a great game and really lousy game. He made one spectular play at first that made up for the error that he committed earlier. I don't think first base is his strength. It would have been better to have Bets on third and Whit on first, but then, it would be better if Boles would stop pulling the position assignments out of a fishbowl as well.

Whit Robbins singled in the bottom of the fourth, stole second and came home on Dwayne White's single to right field. Betsill doubled on a ground ball to right field, and came in on a Erik Lis single. The score would stay 2-0 until the top of the 9th, when Angel Garcia walked Mark Hamilton, who came home on a Brandon Yarbrough double to center. Happily, Ian Church ground out to end the inning, and the game.

The game was preceeded by a "Battle of the Badges" softball game which the Lee County Sherrif's Department won from the Lee County Fire Department, 8-7. It was not quite as fun as the Phins/Bucs game, but amusing none the less.

Short stop Luis Ugueto was 3-for-4 on the evening, and Robbins and D-White were both 2-for-4.

Rantz said it was 43 and rainy in New Britain, and he was happy for the pleasant Florida weather. "It's usually hotter than this." I agreed, the weather as been unusually mild for Florida.

Rantz, Terry Ryan and Rob Antony are all here until Friday in case anyone needs anything.

"What?" I gasp. "You're not staying for the Memorial Day game?"

"I'll be back for the draft and to set up mini-camp."

"I know you will Jim, but I'll miss you until then."

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Photo


Staff photos by Rob Lucas
Snappers third baseman Garrett Olson, middle, lobbies for an out call after Peoria’s Dylan Johnston overran the bag on Sunday. Johnston was called out by umpire Adam Hamari. Inset photo, Peoria manager Ryne Sandberg (23) walks back to the dugout after an altercation with the umpires in the eighth inning.

Peoria 2 at Beloit 4

Record 26-14

W: A. Hawes (2-4, 3.60); L: A. Maestri (3-1, 2.28); SV: R. Delaney (14)
HR: BEL: C. Parmelee (3).

E: Olson (8, throw), Singleton 2 (5, fielding, throw).

From snappersbaseball.com: Beloit continued their recent hot streak and defeated the Peoria Chiefs, 4-2 on Sunday. Starter, Adam Hawes, had one of his best outings of the season, picking up his second win of the year.

Beloit scored first in the bottom of the first inning off the bat of Johnny Woodard. Woodard singled home Brian Dinkelman and gave the Snappers a 1-0 lead.

Beloit scored again in the bottom half of the second inning on a Chris Parmelee homer to right. Parmelee’s home run was his third of the season.

After the Chiefs drew to within one in the top of the fourth, the Snappers scored two of their own in the bottom half to take a 4-1 lead. That would be all that they would need as they would go on to win by that same score.

Starter, Adam Hawes, pitched seven and one thirds innings of two run (one unearned), four hit baseball. Hawes improved his record to 2-4.

Rob Delaney came in and shut the door on the Chiefs again for his fourteenth save of the season.

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Scoreboard for May 19, 2007

Norfolk 2 at Rochester 3 (14 innings)

Record 20-14

W: R. Barrett (1-0, 0.00); L: F. Beltran (0-4, 6.97)
HR: NOR: M. Cervenak (6), J. Knott (4). ROC: T. Watkins (2).

E: Tolbert (2, fielding), Barrett (1, fielding).

From milb.com: Glenn Williams ripped a game-winning double in the bottom of the 14th inning to give Rochester a 3-2 victory over visiting Norfolk, 3-2, in the completion of a suspended game on Saturday.

Doug Deeds started the decisive frame with an infield hit, but was erased when Garrett Jones bounced into a forceout. Matt LeCroy smacked a base hit up the middle before Williams sent a drive to center field for his first RBI since April 23.

Tommy Watkins slugged his first homer, a solo shot in the first, and Jones lifted a sacrifice fly in the sixth for the Red Wings (20-16), who snapped a three-game losing streak. Williams had three of Rochester's eight hits.

Ricky Barrett (1-0) gave up a hit and struck out two over three scoreless innings for the win. Red Wings starter Dave Gassner surrendered a run on three hits while fanning one and walking two over five innings on April 11 before the contest was suspended by rain after 11 frames.

Francis Beltran (0-1) gave up one run on four hits while striking out two in 3 1/3 innings. Tides starter Jon Leicester yielded one run on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks in five frames.

Mike Cervenak went 3-for-5 with a homer for Norfolk (16-25), which got a solo shot from Jon Knott.

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Rochester 4 at Norfolk 10

Record 20-15

W: G. Olson (2-4, 3.83); L: D. Gassner (0-3, 7.39)
HR: NOR: C. Crespo (2), T. Tiffee (2).

From MiLB.com: Cesar Crespo homered and drove in a season-high three runs as Norfolk beat visiting Rochester, 10-4, to sweep Saturday's doubleheader.

Crespo's two-run shot gave the Tides a 5-1 lead in the fourth inning. The 27-year old left fielder capped Norfolk's scoring with an RBI single in the seventh.

Terry Tiffee launched a solo homer and added an RBI single in the fifth for Norfolk (17-25). Jason Dubois chipped in a two-run double in the fourth and Mike Cervenak went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI.

Tides starter Garrett Olson (2-4) tossed seven strong innings, giving up two runs -- one earned -- on eight hits while fanning three without a walk. Over his last five starts, spanning 35 innings, the 23-year-old lefty has allowed nine earned runs, striking out 27 and walking two.

Red Wings starter Dave Gassner (0-3) surrendered five runs on five hits while walking one in four innings. Reliever J.P. Martinez allowed four runs on five hits while striking out two and walking two in two frames.

Gil Velazquez went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Garrett Jones lifted a sacrifice fly for Rochester (20-17).

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Connecticut 1 at New Britain 2

Record: 21-14

W: T. Crawford (4-2, 5.70); L: B. McNiven (1-2, 4.13); SV: F. Mata (1)
HR: None.

From milb.com: Tristan Crawford tossed 5 2/3 strong innings as New Britain edged visiting Connecticut, 2-1, on Saturday.

Crawford (4-2) surrendered one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four. The 24-year-old right-hander began the season as a reliever for Triple-A Rochester but has won three of his five starts for the Rock Cats (19-16).

Jay Sawatski replaced Crawford and yielded a hit and a walk in 1 2/3 innings, striking out two. Frank Mata earned the save in his Double-A debut, fanning two in 1 2/3 frames. He posted a 1.33 ERA in 20 1/3 frames at Class A Advanced Fort Myers.

New Britain took an early lead when Luke Hughes led off the game with a walk, stole second, advanced to third on Trevor Plouffe's flyout and scored on Garrett Guzman's groundout.

After Connecticut's Brian Horwitz singled home Mark Minicozzi to tie the game in the fourth, the Rock Cats plated the go-ahead run in the bottom of the frame when Kyle Geiger doubled home Brock Peterson.

Horwitz went 3-for-4 for the Defenders (15-22).

Connecticut reliever Brooks McNiven (1-2) took the loss after giving up one run on four hits with two strikeouts in three innings. Starter Alexander Hinshaw allowed a run on one hit while striking out six and walking two in three frames.

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From rockcats.com: Brock Peterson led New Britain with two hits and scored the eventual game winning run as the Rock Cats downed the Defenders 2-1 on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, the Rock Cats received a quality start from Tristan Crawford and shutout relief from its bullpen. Crawford (4-2) tossed 5 2/3 solid innings, limiting the Defenders to five hits and one run. He (4-2) struck out four. Frank Mata, in his AA debut, fired 1 2/3 scoreless innings to pick up the save. Jay Sawatski added 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief.

The Rock Cats took a 1-0 lead in the first inning without even putting a hit on the board. Luke Hughes opened the inning by walking and stealing second. Trevor Plouffe advanced Hughes to third on a fly ball to center field before Garrett Guzman’s grounder to shortstop allowed Hughes to score. Plouffe broke through with the Rock Cats’ first hit of the game with a single in the third inning.

The Defenders tied the game in the fourth on Brian Horwitz’ single that scored Mark Minicozzi, who reached base on a double. Horwitz finished the game with three hits.

The ‘Cats quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the inning. Peterson (2-for-4) doubled and scored on a double to center by Kyle Geiger for a 2-1 advantage.

Defenders starter Alexander Hinshaw exited the game after giving up just one hit and one run and striking out six in three innings of work. Brooks McNiven (1-2) came on in relief and allowed the winning run to take the loss.


Javi Sanchez

Fort Myers 8 at Tampa 3

Record 16 - 26

W: R. Mullins (2-3, 2.31); L: K. Igawa (0-1, 0.00)
HR: None.

From miraclebaseball.com: The Fort Myers Miracle pounded out a season-high 14 hits on Saturday night cruising to an 8-3 win over the Tampa Yankees. For the second-straight night, the Miracle faced a Tampa Yankee on the mound with big-league experience. Left-hander Kei Igawa got the start on Saturday tossing four innings, allowing two unearned runs on three hits in front of 6,491 fans at Legends Field.

Both teams traded a run in the first inning as Edward Ovalle scored on Erik Lis reaching on an error while the Yankees tallied on Kevin Russo being plunked with the bases-loaded. The Miracle would grab a 2-1 lead an inning later and never look back.

Toby Gardenhire's ground out to third brought in Javi Sanchez with the second Miracle run on the night. The first multi-run lead of the evening would come in the Miracle fifth as Ovalle tripled in Gardenhire, who led off with a double, while Lis followed with a ground out to second plating Ovalle.

After the Yankees cut the 4-1 lead in half in the seventh, the Miracle would break away with a pair of runs in the eighth and ninth to wrap it up. A four-hit eighth inning by the Miracle led to a Matt Betsill RBI-single to left, followed by a Luis Ugueto sacrifice fly to right sending the lead to 6-2.

The Yankees would score in their eight slicing the deficit to 6-3, but a wild pitch and sac-fly from Whit Robbins would bring home Lis and Juan Portes for the final two Miracle runs on the night.

With the win, the Miracle pick up their second-straight series and take two of three from the Yankees in Tampa for the second time this season. The Miracle return home Sunday night to face the Palm Beach Cardinals at 5 p.m. The season-long eight game homestand will begin with RHP Oswaldo Sosa (0-2, 3.00) toeing the rubber for the Miracle.

Softball will take place between at Hammond Stadium beginning at 2:30 p.m. as the Lee County Sheriff's Department will battle against the area's firefighters. One ticket will get you into both contests on Sunday with gates opening at 2 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the Miracle office at (239) 768-4210 or by visiting http://www.miraclebaseball.com.

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Peoria 1 at Beloit 4

Record 25-14

W: C. Devries (4-1, 1.35); L: R. Hernandez (0-1, 3.60); SV: R. Delaney (13)
HR: None.

E: Ortiz (7, throw).

From peoriachiefs.com: Despite a great effort from the young Robert Hernandez, the Chiefs bats stayed quite in a 4-1 loss to Beloit at Pohlman Field Saturday night. The loss, their fourth straight, drops the Chiefs to 20-20 on the half and they currently sit 5.5 games behind first place Beloit .

For the fourth day in a row, Beloit jumped out on top of the Chiefs. Robert Hernandez, making his 2007 debut, hit the leadoff man Steven Singleton and gave up a jam shot single to Danny Santiesteban. Both runners moved up on an error by rightfielder Yusuf Carter and Singleton scored on a basehit by Danny Valencia. A sacrifice fly by Johnny Woodard gave the Snappers a 2-0 lead although the run was ruled an unearned run when Hernandez got the next batter Joe Benson to ground into a double play and end the inning.

Peoria put runners on first and second with nobody out in the second but again failed to get a hit with runners in scoring position. After Russ Canzler singled to start the inning, Wellington Castillo was hit in the left wrist by a high fastball. Castillo rolled on the ground in pain before sitting up and then leaving the contest. He was replaced by pinch runner Matt Canepa. With two on, Cole Devries struck out Yusuf Carter swinging on a curveball, got DJ Lewis to popout and struck out Jonathon Mota looking to end the inning.

Peoria gave up another unearned run in the fourth inning. led off with a bloop single to right that just got down in front of Carter. Woodard then lined to Carter and it appeared Yusuf made the catch and dropped the ball taking it out of his glove. However, the umpires ruled Carter never caught the ball putting runners on first and second with nobody out. After a foul out, Chris Parmelee gave the Snappers a 4-0 lead with a double down the right field line.

The Chiefs got runners to first and second in both the fifth and sixth innings but failed to score. Back to back hits with two outs in the fifth gave the Chiefs chance against Devries, but Ryne Malone flew out to end the inning. Alfred Joseph and Josh Lansford picked up back to back singles in the sixth with nobody out. Canzler smoked a ball down the line that was caught by the third baseman and Joseph was doubled off second. Canepa then grounded out to end the inning with the Chiefs down 4-0.

Peoria finally got on the board in the eighth inning against reliever Dan Leatherman. Malone led off with a walk and Lansford doubled down the left-field line with one out. Canzler got the Chiefs on the board with a sac fly to deep left as Malone scored for a 4-1 deficit.

Hernandez (0-1) took the loss giving up two earned and two unearned runs over five innings. The 18 year old gave up just four hits without walking a batter and he struck out three. Jayson Ruhlman threw two hitless innings with a walk and a strikeout while Rocky Roquet threw a scoreless eighth with one strikeout and one hit.

Notes… The two teams will play their sixth straight game Sunday at 2:00 PM…In a rematch of Tuesday’s starters, Peoria will throw RH Alex Maestri (3-0, 1.88) against Beloit’s RH Adam Hawes (1-4, 4.06)…Peoria won Tuesday’s game 3-1 with two unearned runs off Hawes…The game can be heard live beginning with the pre-game show at 1:45 PM online at http://www.peoriachiefs.com or on WOAM 1350.

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Pohlman Field in Beloit, WI

Final Score: Beloit 4, Peoria 1

Inning 1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9   R  H  E
PEO 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 1 0   1  7 2
BEL 2 0 0  2 0 0  0 0 X   4  5  0

Winning Pitcher:  C. Devries (W, 4-1)
Losing Pitcher:  R. Hernandez (L, 0-1)
Save:  R. Delaney (13)

Home Runs for Beloit:  None
Home Runs for Peoria:  None
Triples for Beloit:  None
Triples for Peoria:  None
Doubles for Beloit:  Lansford (7)
Doubles for Peoria:  Parmelee (7)

Notes: The Snappers won on the first fireworks night of the year, defeating the Peoria Chiefs, 4-1. With the largest crowd of the season in attendance, the Snappers did not disappoint.

Beloit got going in the bottom half of the first inning with an RBI single by Danny Valencia and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Johnny Woodard. Valencia and Woodard's RBI's gave the Snappers a 2-0 lead after the first inning.

The Snappers struck again in the bottom of the fourth inning. Beloit's Chris Parmelee, doubled home Danny Valencia and Johnny Woodard to give the Snappers a 4-0 lead.

Beloit only allowed one run in the top of the eighth inning, and was able to hold on for the 4-1 victory. Starter, Cole Devries, pitched seven innings of no run, six hit baseball to pick up his fourth win. Midwest League Leading, Rob Delaney, picked up his thirteenth save of the season in the win.

Peoria Manager, Ryne Sandberg, was ejected from the game in the top of the seventh inning for arguing with base umpire, Adam Hamari.

Upcoming schedule: The Snappers play the final game of a six game series with the Chiefs at Pohlman Field on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Beloit's Adam Hawes goes against Peoria's Alex Maestri. Tickets are still available!