Miracle pick up savory win

Clearwater 4 at Fort Myers 15

W: C. Gutierrez (1-0, 2.70); L: J. Savery (5-9, 4.46)
HR: None.

The boys were wondering how I was going to handle this write up and to be honest, I myself am wondering the same thing. All pitchers are entitled to bad games, but for Joe Savery, this may well rank as one of the worst game of his career.

The Clearwater lefty allowed 8 runs - all earned - on 8 hits and 4 walks while striking out one. He'd work one inning and pitch to 5 batters without recording an out before being pulled in favor of Dan Brauer.

For the Fort Myers Miracle faithful, it was a very long, but very fun night at the ballpark as the Miracle romped over the Clearwater Threshers 15-4. And that was without Danny Berg's phantom home run.

Steve Singleton and Edward Ovalle both took walks to lead off the offense for the Miracle. Wilson Ramos' line drive knocked in Singleton, but Ovalle would be taken out at 3rd on the throw in from left field. Whit Robbins then doubled to drive in Ramos and Whit might have made it to third, but he hesitated between second and third on the basepaths trying to locate the ball and that cost him any chance of beating the throw in. (Note to Whit: Watch Jeff. If he's telling you to run, RUN!) Juan Portes singled, then stole 2nd base. Johnny Woodard singled out to right to plate Portes and Berg doubled to move Woodard to 3rd. Danny Santiesteban was called out on strikes though, much to the disappointment of the Thirsty Thursday Night crowd.

Yancarlos Ortiz and Singleton both batted their way onto the basepaths before Ovalle walked to load the bags. A wild pitch by Savery brought in Ortiz and a catching error by Alan Robbins allowed Singleton to score. Ramos doubled to drive in Ovalle who'd move to 3rd on the previous play and Whit drew a walk before Razor Shine finally caught a clue and got Savery off the mound. Brauer would allow a line drive to Portes that plated Ramos but finally found an out when Woodard poped a ball foul and Al caught it behind the plate. (Here in after, their Robbins is "Al", and our Robbins is "Whit". This game report is going to be convoluted enough as it is.) After Berg's phantom home run was waved off, he'd hit a sac fly to center to score Whit. Santiesteban's line drive brought in Portes before Ortiz, batting around the line up, ground out to end the inning.

In the top of the third, Ozzie Sosa walked Quintin Berry and Rob Watson was hit by a pitch. Mike Taylor singled out to right to drive in Berry giving the Thresher a run before Gus Milner went down on strikes and Kevin Mahar flew out.

Sing would get hit by a pitch to start off the bottom of the 3rd, and Ovalle took a walk. Al passed a ball which advanced the two runners and Ramos would then single to drive the pair in. Whit and Portes would both get fly outs and Woody a strike out to give Clearwater a chance again.

John Urick and Fidel Hernandez drew walks from Sosa, who is down in the High A trying to learn to keep those walks to a minimum. Al would go down on strikes before Gary Cates singled to bring in Urick, helped in part by Berg's fielding error. Berry hit into a force out to score Hernandez. Barry was actually out, but was awarded first on a throwing error by Ortiz. Watson would strike out bringing the Elizabethton Twins Miracle back up to bat.

The bottom of the fourth saw Berg walk and Santiesteban single. ("And I have to wonder," I said to Ed, "When the holiday season comes around, if anyone ever calls him Danny Santiesteclaus.") Ortiz's line drive plated Berg and Sing's fly ball to right advanced the runners. A sac-fly by Ovalle brought in Santiesteban before Ramos and Whit went down on strikes.

Carlos Gutierrez replaced Sosa in the top of the fifth and allowed a walk to Taylor. A wild pitch moved the runner to 2nd and Milner's fly out advanced him ot 3rd. Mahar would then be called out on strikes - evidently much to his surprise - and Urick doubled to bring in Taylor.

Razor sent Ben Pfinsgraff out to the mound for the bottom of the 5th, and got three quick outs.

Our Thresher's buddy Al singled in the top of the sixth and Cates flew out to right. Cates is, by the way, the big brother of Twins prospect Chris Cates who is currently playing in Beloit and who will likely make the Miracle squad next season. Berry singled and a wild pitch by Gutierrez moved Al to 3rd. Berry got caught stealing 2nd however and Watson popped out to sent the Miracle back up to bat.

Having had some success in the fifth, Pfinsgraff was invited back out to the mound for the sixth. After getting Santiesteban to ground out, he'd give up back-to-back singles to Ortiz and Sing, and allowed a double to Ovalle that plated Ortiz. Ramos' ground ball to right drove in Sing adding two more the Miracle total.

That would actually do it for either side. Jose Lugo, Matt Williams and Blair Erickson all pitched an inning a piece for the Miracle, while Pfinsgraff worked the seventh and Ben Schlitter worked the eighth for Clearwater.

Sing was 3-for-4 with 4 runs and a walk, Ramos was 4-for-5 with a double, 2 runs and five RBIs. Ortiz was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs and an RBI while Santiesteban was 2-for-5 with a run and a run batted in.

Late minute defensive switches Danny Lehmann and Eli Tintor were the only players to go hitless, while Garrett Olson was the only one hit wonder in the game.

The fun continue tomorrow as the Miracle, a.k.a. the Newark Eagles, take on the Clearwater, a.k.a. the Homestead Grays on Negro Appreciation League Night. Matt Fox (5-6, 4.25) will be on the mound for the Miracle and throwing out the first pitch at 7:05 PM. Come early and enjoy free hotdogs from 6:00 to 7:00 as well as $1 beer and sodas on Happy Hour Friday.

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Joe Benson was at the game last night. He'd said he'd likely to be ready to play for instructs (which assumes, of course, that he'll be invited to instructs.) Brent was complaining because he'd only sign five things, but I never have any problems with Joe. In fact, he seemed quite happy to see me. I had actually pulled all the stuff I have for the players on the disabled list, since you never know who'll show up in the stands this time of year, but Brett inadvertently reminded me to check my Miracle card album and low and behold, I have things there that need autographs.

Rene Tosoni is still taking batting practice, but has not been cleared for running yet, pushing his return back again. At the rate he's going, he might end up being done for the season.

The Miracle and Threshers will be wearing Authentic Negro League uniforms for Friday night's game as it is Negro League Appreciation Night. (Miracle)

Former Miracle Luke Hughes was called up to AAA Rochester Thursday. He was 1-for-5 (w/ a single) in his first AAA game as Rochester lost to Pawtucket, 7-6. Another former Miracle, Anthony Swarzak, made his AAA debut on Wednesday night, picking up an 8-3 win over the Pawsox. LEN3 is reporting that Livan Hernandez will likely be cut loose by the Twins in order to make room for former Miracle Francisco Liriano to join the major league rotation. Liriano was part of the 2004 Miracle squad.

Speaking of Red Sox, the latest word is that they are now checking out Disney's Wide World of Sports, another slap in the face to the taxpayers of Lee county. We really need to have a dump the Red Sox night at Hammond Stadium.

Injuries Keep Piling Up for Snappers

A Beloit Snappers Press Release

The roster for the Beloit Snappers keeps turning over as the Western Division leaders lost three players to injury and add two more from the Elizabethton Twins.

Outfielder Chris Parmelee (left hand), outfielder Joe Benson (lower back) and catcher Jair Fernandez (right wrist) have all been placed on the disabled list. To help fill the void left by those three, the Minnesota Twins have promoted outfielder Andrew Schmiesing and infielder Rene Leveret from Elizabethton to the Snappers.

Parmelee is batting .239 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs so far this year. Chris is just one home run shy his season total from a year ago and has played in roughly half as many games (69 to 128). The outfielder from California was the Twins’ first round pick (20th overall) in 2006.

Benson is currently hitting .248 with 16 doubles, 39 runs and 17 stolen bases in 69 games. Last season, Joe had 18 doubles and 18 stolen bases in 122 games played. Benson was the Twins’ second round pick in the 2006 draft.

Fernandez is batting .283 with eight doubles and 20 RBIs in 36 games. Jair was also named to the Midwest League All-Star Team that took place earlier this month in Midland, Michigan. Fernandez was acquired by the Twins from the Seattle Mariners this past offseason.

Andrew Schmiesing comes to Beloit after spending just seven games in E-town. The 6-4 outfielder was hitting .379 with 11 hits and five RBIs while slugging .517 for the Elizabethton Twins.

Schmiesing was the Twins’ 11th round pick in the 2007 draft out of St. Olaf College. Last season he was with the GCL Twins where he led the team in on-base percentage (.421) and tied for the team lead in walks (18).

Rene Leveret joins the Snappers after playing in nine games for the Elizabethton Twins. While he was there, Leveret hit .306 with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs.

Rene was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Twins on August 28, 2003. Last year at E-town, Leveret led the league in RBIs (65), tied for third in walks, tied for fourth in hits and tied for sixth in home runs.

Both Parmelee and Fernandez’s injuries are retroactive to June 26th with Benson’s retroactive to June 27th.

The moves leave Beloit’s active roster at 23, two below the Midwest League maximum.

In a related move, the Elizabethton Twins added David Martin to the roster. Martin, a left handed pitcher as the Twins 17th round draft pick, 516th overall from Louisiana State University. Martin did not pitch in LSU's 2007 season following hip surgery. He pitched in the summer of 2007 in the Northwoods League, recording a 2.72 ERA in 39.2 innings while posting 38 strikeouts. The 6'2" 193 pound native of Boaz, Alabama, was named the No. 9 prospect in the Northwoods League by Baseball America magazine – the magazine cited his plus-90s fastball and his loose arm action.

Martin was 5-3 with a 5.08 ERA in 88.2 innings pitched for LSU last season. He walked 37 and struck out 81.

Arias works 9, fans 4, shuts out Clinton

Beloit 2 at Clinton 0

W: S. Arias (4-3, 2.39); L: K. Gomez (8-3, 2.81)
HR: None.

Santos Arias threw a complete 9-inning game, allowing only 3 hits to the Clinton Lumber Kings who were shut out by the Beloit Snappers, 2-0.

Ozzie Lewis doubled in the top of the 2nd, moved to third on Joe Benson's bunt single and came home when Eric Santiago ground into a double play for the first and only run the Snappers would need.

Clinton's best scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the 4th, when Mitchell Moreland singled and moved to 2nd on a balk. A passed ball by Allan de San Miguel got him to 3rd before Arias would strike out Cristian Santana to end the inning.

De San Miguel would double in the top of the 6th for the Snappers but find himself stranded at 3rd on a Chris Cates ground out.

Ben Revere tripled in the top of the 7th, then came home on a Benson single for the insurance run.

Benson was 2-for-3 with a RBI, and Revere was 2-for-4 with a run. Lewis was 1-for- with a run.

The Snappers now return home for a 4-game series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Game time is 7:00 PM at Pohlman Field. It is Redneck Night as well as Fireworks night #5.

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Cards in the Attic has a really nice review of the Beloit Snappers 2008 Card set. well worth checking out, you can find it at Aardvark Trading Co..

Johnson City 6 at Elizabethton 7

W: C. Leavitt (1-1, 7.36); L: R. Santos (0-1, 5.87); SV: M. Hamburger (2)
HR: JCY: J. Martinez (2), N. Vasquez (1). ELI: A. Morales (3), R. Leveret (2).

Must have been an off day for the Elizabethton Twins who only managed 7 runs on 9 hit - instead of their usual 2 billion - as they defeated the Johnson City Cardinals, 7-6.

Rene Leveret took a walk to lead off the bottom of the 2nd inning, and wild pitch by the Cardinals Randy Santos moved him to 2nd. Following a pop out to Michael Harrington, Evan Bigley would be hit by a pitch. Jeff Lanning's line drive sent Leveret home before Angel Morales hit his 3rd home run of the season to clear off the bases, giving the E-Twins a 4-0 lead.

Leveret would hit a solo shot home run in the bottom of the 3rd.

Dominic De La Osa reached on a throwing error in the bottom of the fourth, moved to second on Jeanfred Brito's ground single and to 3rd on a wild pitch by Johnson City's Samuel Freeman. Juan Richardson would sacrifice in De La Osa. Jon Waltenbury's ground out moved Brioto to 3rd, a throwing error by Alex Castellanos at 3rd allowed Leverett to reach and Brito to score, for 7 runs.

Curtis Leavitt would work five innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits while fanning five. He'd allow a home run to Nico Vasquez in the top of the 6th before Thom Wright came in to relieve him. Wright would allow 1 run on 2 hits and a walk while fanning 2 in one innings worth of work. Mark Hamburger worked the final 3, allowing 2 runs, earned, on 3 hits while striking out 6.

Lanning was 2-for-3 in the contest with a run and walk and a RBI, Morales was 2-for-4 with a run and 3 RBIs, and Brito was 2-for-5 with a run.

The two teams rematch tonight for a 7:00 PM game.

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Rain washes out Fort Myers; Parmelee storms Clinton

Fort Myers at Palm Beach - Postponed

Rain has been the story around Southwest Florida of late, and going over to the East coast didn't seem to help.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms soaked Roger Dean Stadium and the Fort Myers Miracle and Palm Beach Cardinals will make up the lost contest with a doubleheader on Tuesday evening.

The Monday night match up of Fort Myers' Deolis Guerra (7-3, 483) and Palm Beach lefty Brad Furnish (6-3, 4.23) will start the first game which is slated to begin at 5:05 p.m.

The second game will follow 30 minutes after game one, with Miracle right hander Alex Burnett (6-2, 3.40) facing off against Cardinal southpaw Tyler Norrick (0-0, 0.00), who is making his first start of the 2008 season.

Both games will be 7-innings in length.

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Beloit 8 at Clinton 5

W: L. Van Mil (2-0, 2.31); L: J. Quintero (4-4, 6.39); SV: C. Anderson (1)
HR: BEL: C. Parmelee (14). CLI: M. Lawson (2).

The Beloit Snappers used a 5-run eighth inning to rally past the Clinton Lumber Kings on the road. Snappers start Mike Tarsi got jumped by the L-Kings early.

Matthew Lawson, Engel Beltre and Renny Osuna all singled for Clinton to load the bags. Timothy Smith ground into a double play that saw Lawson taken out at home, leaving runners on second and third. Mitchell Moreland walked to load the bags before Ian Gac singled to score two. Jonathan Green doubled in Moreland but would be left stranded when Jose Felix flew out to end the inning.

Lawson hit a single run homer in the bottom of the 2nd over the left field wall. In the bottom of the 3rd, Smith would single and come home on Moreland's double to make the score 5-0 Lumber Kings.

The Snappers decided they should do something about it at that point. Deibinson Romero and Chris Parmalee both singled. Joe Benson's 15th double of the season knocked in Romero, while Ozzie Lewis' sac fly brought in Parms. Mark Dolenc followed suit, sacrificing in Benson to make the score 5-3 Lumber Kings.

Tarsi would go on to work six innings allowing all 5 runs, earned, on 10 hits a and walk while fanning 4. He'd be replaced by Loek Van Mil for the next 2.2. The tall Dutchman allowed only 1 hit and a pair of walks while fanning 1. He'd be on the mound in the eighth when Beloit staged their rally to pick up the win, his second of the season.

Jose Quintero would step up to the mound for Clinton and would be greeted by an Eric Santiago single out to left. Chris Cates hit a sac bunt, but reached on a throwing error by Greene. Following a pop out to Romero, Parmelee's big bat when BOOM, putting his 14th yarder of the season over the right field wall to make it 6-5 Beloit. Benson would follow that up with a single before Adalberto Flores took over for Quintero. Lewis would reach on a fielding error before Dolenc was called out on strikes. Former Miracle catcher Allan de San Miguel would get plunked with a pitch to load the bags. Estarlin De Los Santos then smoked a line drive out to center to drive in Benson and Lewis for the insurance runs.

Parmelee and Benson both finished up 3-for-5 with a pair of runs each, Parms with 3 RBIs and Benson with 1.

Game two of the 4-game set is Tuesday at Alliant Energy Field with the first pitch slated for 7:00 PM.

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Beloit tops Peoria in 10, heads to Clinton

Beloit 4 at Peoria 1

W: S. Steedley (3-3, 2.13) L: J. Mueller (0-1, 8.10)
HR: BEL: J. Benson (4).

A Sac-fly by Estarlin De Los Santos drove in MarK Dolenc for the game winning run in the 10th inning Sunday as the Beloit Snappers overcame the Peoria Chiefs, 4-1. It would what happened next that would be most memorable.

Dolenc and Allan de San Miguel had hit back-to-back singles that put runners at the corners. With the Aussie catcher still on the bags, Joe Benson then hit his fourth home run of the season to add a pair of insurance runs to the total.

It would be a tight game through out. Jonathan Wyatt singled for the Chiefs off Snappers starter Steve Hirschfeld. He'd then steal 2nd and advance to 3rd on a throwing error by catcher Greg Yersich. Nate Samson then singled to bring him home to put the Chiefs ahead.

The Snappers answered back immediately, with Ozzie Lewis singling, then moving to 2nd on a throwing error by Peoria starter Robert Hernandez on the pick off attempt. Newcomer Eric Santiago then singled to drive Lewis in, tying up the score.

It would stay that way for the rest of regulation. Hirschfeld would give up 7 hits and 1 walks while fanning one. The one walk was earned despite the error by Yersich. Chris Anderson replaced him in the sixth, with the lefty allowing 1 hit and striking out 2. Charles Nolte worked the next 1.2 innings, walking the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th before Spencer Steedley came in to get Luis Baulista out at home on a fielder's choice.

He would still be on the mound when Benson went BOOM, earning the win while striking out 3.

Working as a designed hitter, de San Miguel would go 2-for-3 in the game with a double and a run. Benson, Chris Cates and Lewis were all 1-for-5, while Santiago and Yersich went 1-for-4. Dolenc was 1-for-3 with a walk.

The Snappers stay on the road, heading over to Clinton for a four-game series against the first half champion Lumber Kings. The first game is slated for a 7:00 PM start.

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The Snappers announced Sunday that shortstop Eric Santiago has joined the team on the road. He had been playing with the Elizabethton Twins. The 6'0" tall, 185 lb, native of Puerto Rico went 1-for-8 at the plate for a .111 batting average in 3 games so far this season with the Appy League E-Twins.

Meanwhile, oft-injured shortstop Paul Kelly heads to the 7-day disabled list effective Saturday, June 21st, with a strained right hamstring. In two games with the Snappers this season Kelly has four hits in six at-bat. (Snappers)

Olson's grand slam helps Beloit power past River Bandits

Quad Cities 5 at Beloit 10

W: D. Berlind (4-4, 4.11); L: J. Wilson (1-1, 4.98); SV: M. Williams (5)
HR: BEL: G. Olson (3).

In case your missed it, Quad Cities is once again the River Bandits, having reverted back to their old name. Evidently, the Swing of Quad Cities was just not hip enough. It also appears that Rookie Racoon is back at work again and that Clyde has been giving his walking papers.

In any case, Beloit used a 7-run third inning ot take a huge lead from the River Bandits and hung onto it, going on to win, 10-5.

Danny Berlind picked up the win, despite giving up 4 runs on 8 hits and 4 walks while striking out 1 over five innings. Just last week I was thinking he might be ready for a promotion. Now I need to re-evaluate that thinking.

The River Bandits took an early lead in the first inning when Adron Chambers doubled. Mike Foli would hit a single to center to plate him, and then advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Ben Revere. One out later, Francisco Rivera singled to bring in Foli. I believe that should be an unearned run, then, and someone needs to fix the line score.

Ramon Santana doubled to start out the bottom of the 3rd, and Revere walked. Chris Cates singled to load the bags before Garrett Olson hit one over the left field fence for a Grand Slam Home run. Ozzie Lewis took a walk and Steve Singleton's line drive moved him to 2nd. Joe Benson's line drive to center brought Lewis in and also lead to a pitching change for the Snappers, with Dylan Gonzalez replacing the hard hit Joshua Wailson. Gonzalez would get Parmelee to line out before Greg Yersich singled to load the bags again. Back at the top of the order, Santana would knock a line drive to left that plated Singleton and Benson. Yersich would be taken out at 2nd when he was caught off the base. Santana then stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Luis De La Cruz. Revere would ground out to end the inning.

Quad Cities would answer back - sort of - in the top of the 4th when Jose Garcia singled and was plated by a Chambers triple. Foli would then sacrifice in Chambers, but despite a double to Rivera, it was all the Bandits could take in that inning.

Beloit regained the two in the bottom of the fifth when Benson walked, then scored on a Parmelee triple. Yersich would reach on a fielding error before Santana would sacrifice in Parmelee. Cates would ground into a force out that took Yersich out at 3rd and Olson would fly out to end the stanza.

Danny Hernandez took over from Berlind in the top of the 5th, and allowed walks to Chambers and Foli as he once again struggled to find the strike zone. Charles Kingrey and Rivera both popped out before Nicholas People and Domnit Boliviar drew walks to force in a run. Neslon Prada had seen enough at that point and brought Aussie reliever Matt Williams in to get the final out.

In the bottom of the 8th, Garrett Olson would reach on a fielding error and progress to 2nd on the same play. Ozzie Lewis then hit a line drive to center to bring in Olson for the final run of the game.

Lewis was 3-for-4 in the contest with a walk, a run and a run scored. Benson was 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and a pair of runs, plus a run scored. Santana was 3-for-3 with a run and 3 RBIs. Singleton and Parmelee were both 2-for-5 with a run each. Parmelee also had an RBI.

Game two of the four-game series is on for Monday night at Pohlman field. Brian Broderick (2-3, 3.88) is probable for the River Bandits, while the Snappers will counter with Brian Kirwan (3-3, 5.13).

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From the Midwest League Notebook by Stephanie Storm:

Beloit Snappers (Minnesota Twins)

THE SEASON SO FAR: The Snappers are 29-26 and are tied with Quad Cities for third place in the Western Division.

WHO'S HOT: IF Ramon Santana is batting .444 (12-for-27) over his last nine games with a home run and six RBIs. In 45 games this season he's hitting .270 (37-for-137) with seven doubles, two triples, four home runs and 12 RBIs. ... OF Ben Revere continues to swing a scorching bat, hitting .463 (19-for-41) with a home run and nine RBIs over his last 10 games. In 31 games this season, he's batting a team-high .427 (56-for-131) with 11 doubles, five triples and 20 RBIs.

WHO'S NOT: OF Mark Dolenc is batting just .222 (2-for-9) over his last six games to drop his season average to .214 (25-for-117) with 29 strikeouts in 42 games.

DID YOU KNOW: IF Garrett Olson is batting just .200 (7-for-35) over his last 10 games but has 11 RBIs over that span.

Bees blasts snap Snappers streak

Burlington 12 at Beloit 8

W: M. Mitchell (2-4, 4.17); L: B. Kirwan (3-3, 5.13); SV: J. Augustine (3)
HR: BUR: M. Moustakas (6), A. Ortiz (2), K. Martin (1).

One of the discussions we had over at Extended Spring Training Monday had to do with the Beloit Snappers. While some of the pitchers - most notably Danny Berlind - have turned a corner after their slow start earlier this season, others - most notably Brian Kirwan - have not.

Kirwan would give up 7 runs, 6 earned, on 8 hits and 3 walks over 4 innings against the Burlington Bees, picking up his 3rd loss of the season.

Beloit opened up the scoring in the bottom of the 1st with Joe Benson and Garrett Olson hitting back-to-back doubles to put Benson across the plate.

The Bees were quick to answer back. Kyle Martin took a walk with 2-outs in the top of the 2nd, then stole 2nd base. Alwin Perez's fly ball single plated him to tie up the game. Kirwan would allow runners at the corners before he got Todd Balduf to ground out to retire the side.

Burlington was far from finished however, with Adrian Ortiz doubling in the 3rd. David Lough's ground out moved him to third base, and a passed ball by Jair Fernandez brought in Ortiz. A fielding error by Ramon Santana allowed Moustakas to reach, and Jason Taylor singled to follow him onto the bags. Jamar Walton singled to drive in Moustakas, making it 3-1 Bees.

Antonio Jimenez opened up the 4th inning by doubling off Kirwan. Balduf and Ortiz hit back to back singles to load the bags. Moustakas would then go yard for his sixth home run of the season, a grand slam to give the Bees a commanding six run lead.

That would finish off Kirwan, but not the Bees. Matt Williams took over at the Top of the 5th and allowed a single to Martin before putting a pair of outs on the board, Then he walked Balduf before giving up a yarder to Ortiz, his second of the season, that went over the right field fence. Williams was another pitcher that was a recent topic of conversation around the Lee County Sportsplex.

Fernandez and Santana singled in the bottom of the inning 5th, and came home on a Ben Revere double to start the Snappers rally. Benson would sacrifice in Santana to make the score 10-3 Bees.

Chris Parmelee would greet incoming pitcher Joe Augustine with a double. One out later, Steve Singleton's ground ball single drove in Parms. Fernandez would also put a ball on the ground, moving Sing to 2nd. Santana would fly out and Chris Cates would walk to load the bags. Revere would reach on a force attempt that brought in 2 more runs for the Snappers, making it 10-6 Bees.

Parmelee would walk in the 7th and Marc Dolenec, pinch hitting for Lewis, would double to plate Parms.

Balduf took a walk off Loek Van Mil in the top of the 8th, and Ortiz followed him onto the bags with a single. Lough's sac-bunt moved the pair and a wild pitch by Van Mil allowed Balduf to score. The Dutchman would then hit Jason Taylor with a pitch before being pulled in favor of Australian Brad Tippett, who would get Walton to fly out to end the inning.

Santana singled for Beloit in the bottom of the 8th. Following a line out to Chris Cates and a fly out to Revere, Santana would steal 2nd base. Joe Benson then doubled to bring in Santana, but the score was now 11-8 Bees.

Martin iced the cake for Burlington with his first home run of the season over the left field wall.

Fernandez and Santana both finished up 3-for-5 with 2 runs each., Revere and Singleton were 2-for-5, Sing with a run and an RBI; Revere with just an RBI. Benson was 2-for-4 with a run and 2 runs scored.

Having had their fill of stinging insects, the Snappers will take Tuesday off and head over to Alliant Energy Field in Clinton to visit the Lumber Kings for a 7:00 PM contest on Wednesday.

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Beloit Snappers sweep double header

Burlington 0 at Beloit 8

W: M. Tarsi (2-6, 6.09); L: D. Duffy (0-2, 9.39)
HR: None.

While the New Britain Rock Cats struggled to get two hits together for Anthony Swarzak, Mike Tarsi got more than enough run support from the Beloit Snappers. Not that he really needed it.

The lefty only allowed 2 hits over six innings, during which time he fanned 8, for a blanking of the Burlington Bees.

Joe Benson took a walk in the 1st and Chris Parmelee got plunked by a pitch to follow him onto the bases. Jair Fernandez's fly ball single would score Benson to put to the Snappers on the board early.

A Ben Revere double and a Benson Sac-bunt turning into another run in the bottom of the 3rd when second baseman Kyle Martin opted to go home with Garrett Olson's grounder, but he was not fast enough to prevent Revere from scoring.

Ozzie Lewis and Ramon Santana both singled in the bottom of the 4th, and Chris Cates sac-bunt moved the pair. Revere singled to bring in the pair. Benson would then single, moving Revere to 3rd. Garrett Olson's pop out would plate Revere, giving Beloit a five run lead.

Chris Chavez would finally replace Bees starter Danny Duffy, who'd given up 5 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk while fanning 7 over 4 innings. With one out on the board in the bottom of the 5th, Steve Singleton would be hit by a pitch. Lewis would triple him in, then crossed the plate on Santana's double. Following a Chris Cates fly out, Revere singled to drive in Santana.

Revere finished up 3-for-4 with a pair of runs and 3 RBIs, Benson was 1-for-2 with a walk and a run; Lewis and Santana were both 2-for-3 with a pair of runs and a RBI each.

Brad Tippett closed out the contest, allowing a single to Wilson Tucker in the top of the 7th.

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Burlington 1 at Beloit 3

W: S. Hirschfeld (4-0, 0.90); L: J. Abreu (1-3, 5.06)
HR: None.

The Burlington Bees were a bit more offensively minded against Mike McCardell in the night cap, but the Beloit Snappers still batted their way to a win.

Ben Revere opened up the second game with a fly ball single, then stole 2nd. Garrett Olson then singled to plate the speedster, putting the Snappers on the board in the bottom of the first.

Walks to Olson, Chris Parmelee and Mark Dolenc loaded the bases in the 2nd. Steve Singleton would hit a sac fly to drive in Olson, and Dan Lehmann's fly ball to right scored Parmelee, adding two more to the total.

McCardell would issue a walk to Adrian Ortiz in the top of the 4th. Wilson Tucker singled to move him to second, while David Lough's fly out to center pushed him to 3rd. Mike Moustakas ground out, but Ortiz would cross the plate.

Steve Hirschfield entered the game at that point, getting the final out. McCardell would part with a hit and a walk for the one earned run, while fanning 5 over 3.2. Hirshfield gave up 3 hits and fanned 2 over the final 3.2 innings.

Revere was 2-for-4 with 1 run, while Olson was 1-for-1 with three walks, a run and a run scored.

More Bees in Beloit on Sunday starting at 2:00 PM central. The series concludes on Monday with another 2 PM game.

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Hawk Eye

A win, a loss, a rain out

Columbus 5 at Rochester 4

W: C. Schroder (3-1, 1.72); L: R. Barrett (2-3, 2.96); SV: C. Manning (6)
HR: COL: A. Escobar (2). ROC: B. Buscher (6).

The Rochester Red Wings have been less than the stellar this season. I tend to feel more sympathy for the Red Wings however, because I never have read Jim Madnelaro's blog to hear about how they can't wait for reinforcements from down below. At least they need hitting, and the Rock Cats will certainly be able to provide that once Jim Rantz decides to make some organizational changes.

Phil Humber took the start for the Wings, allowing a solo-shot home run to Alex Escobar in the top of the 2nd inning. The Wings would answer, but it wouldn't be until the bottom of the 4th.

Howie Clark singled his way onto base, and Brian Buscher put one over the right-center field fence, his sixth of the season, to give the Wings 2 and a 1 run lead.

It was a short lived lead however, as Nationals farm hand Tommy Murphy took a walk. Pete Orr then doubled him in, while a throwing error by shortstop Sergio Santos, who skipped the ball into the stands, let Orr get all the way home.

With two outs on the board, Brian Buscher doubled out to Ryan Langerhans to get on base. A Rany Ruiz single served to score him, and again, the game was tied up.

Humber would exit the game in the sixth with 2 outs on the board, having reached his pitch count. Ricky Barrett would come in to get Orr to fly out to retire the side.

He was not so effective in the top of the 8th, allowing a walk to Langerhans who then stole 2nd. Escobar's fly out put Langerhans at 3rd. Larry Broadway would reach on a fielder's choice as Barrett thew to the plate to take out Langerhans at home. The bullet was dodged, but just for a moment.

Casey Daigle replace Barrett at that point and unleashed a wild one that send Broadway to 2nd. Yurendell de Caster then took a walk. With former Miracle Garrett Guzman at the plate, another wild pitch moved the pair of runners. Guzman would single to score the pair, to give the Nationals the lead again.

The Wings took one back in the bottom of the inning, when Denard Span singled out to right then stole 2nd. Following a ground out to Pridie that put the speedy Span on 3rd, Charlie Manning would replace Chris Schroder on the mound for the Nationals. Howie Clark would ground out, but it allowed Span to score. That would be, however, all the Wings would get in the contest.

Clark, Buscher and Morales were all 2-for-4 at the plate, Buscher with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, Clark with one run and 1 RBI. Ruiz was 3-for-4 with 1 RBI.

The Red Wings are now 4-12 in the month of May. Rochester is on pace to finish the month of May with an 8-22 record, which would be the worst record in a month since 1980 when month to month records begin. Rochester hasn’t had a 20-loss month since August of 2002 (11-20 record).

Clark was called up to the Twins after the game ended because Miracle alumni Matt Tolbert was placed on the DL due to an injury to his left thumb.

Denard Span landed at No. 11 on the Baseball America Propect Hot Sheet posted on Friday. Former Sarasota Reds slugger Jay Bruce, now with Triple-A Louisville, was in the top spot.

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R-News

Portland at New Britain

Postponed - Rain

Friday's game against the Portland Sea Dogs was postponed due to inclement weather. A make-up date for the canceled game will be announced at a later time.

The Rock Cats and Sea Dogs will try to square off Saturday, May 17, in a previously scheduled day-night doubleheader. The first game will begin at 1:05 P.M. The two teams will battle again in a 6:35 P.M. contest. There is a separate admission for the two games.

Lots of Rain through-out the Eastern League Friday with three other games - Erie at Binghamton, Akron at Reading, and Altoona at Harrisburg - also having to be re-scheduled.



Peoria 3 at Beloit 6

W: C. Nolte (1-1, 2.76); L: A. Santana (0-3, 5.71); SV: B. Tippett (1)
HR: PEO: D. Johnston (5). BEL: J. Fernandez (1).

Brian Kirwan would give up 2 runs, earned, on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out two, but would pick up a no decision in Friday's game as he got zero support from the team.

It wasn't until the bottom of the 7th that the Snappers decided to break out their bats.

Jair Fernandez hit his first home run of the season over the center field wall. Steve Singleton would get plunked by a pitch and Joe Benson then tripled him in. Ozzie Lewis would strike out swining, the first out of the inning before Ramon Stantana singled to bring in Benson. Ben Revere singled out to left to move Sanatana over to third, but Peoria decided the Snappers were having too much fun, bringing Craig Muschio in to rplace Audy Santana on the mound. Beloit's Sanatana would score on Chris Cates' ground out, and Garrett Olson doubled to drive in Revere to give the home team five runs.

They'd pick up an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th when Ozzie Lewis scored Singleton, but wouldn't really need it.

A walk to Jovan Rosa would hurt Kirwan in the top of the 2nd when Luis Bautista singled out to center to move the runner to second. Dylan Johnson then brought him home with a line drive out to right.

Peoria's second run would come in the 5th with Johnston singling his way onto base, and moving to second on Elvis Lara's ground ball to left. Jeff Rea would move the pair with a sac-bunt, which set Nate Samson in line to sacrifice in Johnston. Brandon Guyer would ground out to end the inning.

The Chief's would attempt a brief rally with closer Brad Tippett on the mound for the Snappers, but a Johnston home run, his 5th of the season, was ill placed at the start of the inning and Tippy sent the other three batters down in order to preserve lead.

Charles Nolte would get his firs win of the season, allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk while stiking out 1 over 1 inning. The game would also be Tippett's first save of the 2008 season.

Revere was 2-for-5 with a run, while Benson was 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Game 2 of the 3 game series begins at 6:30 PM central time, and the series concluding on Sunday.

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PJStar