The Wilmington Blue Rocks ended their eight-game losing streak and also kept the Winston-Salem Dash from celebrating at Frawley Stadium. The Blue Rocks came back to win 4-3 and kept the Dash two games ahead of Salem for the first half Southern Division title. Brett Eibnerdrove in the tying run with a triple in the 6th inning. Geulin Beltre drove in Eibner with the go ahead run with a single through the drawn in infield. Eibner talks after the game about the triple and not wanting to watch a team celebrate on his turf:

Jason Adam finally pitched well, though he was again beat by the long ball. Cyle Hankerd hit two solo homeruns off him. However, the Blue Rocks comeback came after Adam left the game, with reliever Sam Runion picking up the victory. Check out his postgame interview below, as he talks about hitting Hankerd to load the bases with a changeup:

The Wilmington Blue Rocks try for the three-game sweep over Northern Division rival Frederick this afternoon. It looks to be a beautiful day for baseball.

Last night, the Blue Rocks took both games of the doubleheader, 1-0 and 2-1. Obviously, they were both pitcher’s duels. All anyone talked about was the first game and the matchup between two young, fire-throwing arms: Yordano Ventura and Dylan Bundy of Frederick. Both pitchers lived up to the hype and pitched well.

Last season, the Keys were the undoing of the Blue Rocks (they had a big lead in the division late in the first half, only to lose most of their games against Frederick to end the half). This year, the Blue Rocks are just 2.5 games back of Lynchburg in the Northern Division. The last game of the first half is on Sunday, June 17th (exactly two weeks away). The Blue Rocks do NOT play a Northern Division opponent after today prior to the first half ending, so they will need some help (and luck).

The Blue Rocks are the worst hitting team in the league at .236, while Frederick is in the middle of the pack at .253. In terms of pitching, the Keys have the second-worst staff in the league with a 4.34 ERA. Wilmington has the second-best ERA at 3.46.

Today’s series finale pitching matchup is Leondy Perez against the Keys’ Scott Copeland. Copeland struggled in May (1-3, 7.40 ERA), so the Keys are hoping that the month change leads to success. The original starter listed was Tyler Wilson, who was drafted last year out of Virginia (who I was excited to see pitch in person).

This is just Perez‘ fourth start of the season (second in a row), as he had been part of a piggy-back combination all season. Overall, he is 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA. He has struck out 22 compared to just five walks over 32.2 innings.

Lineups:

Keys: Johnny Ruettiger (CF), Jeremy Nowak (RF), Ty Kelly (2B), Aaron Baker (1B), Kipp Schutz (DH), Bobby Stevens (LF), Michael Mosby (3B), Scott Thomas (C), and Garabez Rosa (SS). Ruettiger is the nephew of Rudy.

Blue Rocks: Whit Merrifield (CF), Geulin Beltre (RF), Brian Fletcher (1B), Brett Eibner (DH), Cheslor Cuthbert (3B), Roman Hernandez (LF), Jose Bonilla (C), Alex McClure (SS), and Michael Liberto. This will be the first time I’ll be seeing Liberto in action.

» Continue reading “Blue Rocks Go for Sweep over Keys”

It has been dark and dreary all day and thunderstorms are in the forecast for tonight’s Wilmington Blue Rocks game. After an eventful weekend against Myrtle Beach, where the Blue Rocks won two games in walk-off fashion and were no-hit on Saturday, the Blue Rocks welcome Northern Division foe Potomac to Frawley Stadium for the first time.

The Nationals and Blue Rocks are tied for second-place in the Carolina League’s Northern Division. The CL crowns a first-half champ, so this is a big series for both teams.

With the Nationals in town, I was hoping to see two of Washington’s top prospects: third baseman Anthony Rendon and starter Matt Purke. Rendon started the season with Potomac but injured his ankle again and could miss most of the season. Purke is also on the DL, as he is currently in Florida trying to get innings under his belt before making his official debut.

Even without those two, Potomac still has a few prospects on their roster (according to Baseball America). Outfielder Michael Taylor is #14 and is considered to be a Mike Cameron type-outfielder. He is very athletic and has great upside, but still is just 21 years old. He is currently hitting .252 with 19 RBIs. Lefty Robbie Ray (#17) has made three starts (11.25 ERA), but was much better in his last start (6IP, 7H, 4R, 0BB, 0K).

Almost the Nationals entire infield is on BA’s top 30 prospect list. Shortstop Rick Hague (#15) returned to Potomac after having June shoulder surgery. He is currently hitting .254. Third baseman Zach Wolters (who came over from Arizona in the Jason Marquis deal last year) is ranked #19. He is only hitting .213. Second baseman Adrian Sanchez (#28) is hitting .241.

Catcher David Freitas (#27) is seventh in the CL in hitting at .311. He has 18 RBIs and has walked 16 times to just 19 strikeouts. Outfielder Kevin Keyes (#30) out of Texas rounds out their prospects. He is only hitting .187.

The Potomac manager is former Blue Rocks manager Brian Rupp. His hitting coach is former big leaguer (and Phillies outfielder) Marlon Anderson.

Tonight’s pitching matchup pits two right-handers against each other vying for their fourth wins of the season. Both were also 28th round picks in the MLB Draft.

Matt Swynenberg takes the mound for Potomac, sporting a 3-1 record and a 3.95 ERA over eight appearances (seven starts). Over his last two starts, he has only pitched five innings in both starts. Though he has been good, the team as a whole has not. They have the worst ERA (5.72) in all of High-A.

Greg Billo gets the ball for Wilmington with a new jersey number (he’s now wearing #15). He also does not have his name on the back, making some think he is a new player. Billo has struggled a bit (especially with the longball on the road), but has pitched at least six innings in his last two starts.

Lineups:

Nationals: Blake Kelso (3B), Justin Bloxom (1B), Hague (SS), Freitas (C), Walters (DH), Taylor (CF), JP Ramirez (LF), Sanchez (2B), and Randolph Oduber (RF).

Blue Rocks: Whit Merrifield (2B), Angel Franco (DH), Brian Fletcher (LF), Brett Eibner (CF), Cheslor Cuthbert (3B), Kevin David (C), Geulin Beltre (RF), Juan Graterol (1B), and Alex McClure (SS).

» Continue reading “Rain Stay Away from Wilmington”

Rain has been around for the last two days, but today has been a gloomy day. The radar doesn’t look great, but maybe Wilmington can get the game in.

The Blue Rocks welcomed the Lynchburg Hillcats to town Tuesday night for the first time in 2012 (the Hillcats won 10-4). It is also the first time the two teams have played. The Blue Rocks won’t get the chance to see Carolina League leading hitter Evan Gattis because he was promoted to Double-A about a week ago.

The Hillcats lead the Northern Division by 4.5 games with a 17-12 record. The Blue Rocks are in third place with a 12-18 record.

Starting for the Blue Rocks tonight is Jason Adam. He has had just one bad start in 2012 out of six, despite carrying a record of just 1-3. Starting for the Hillcats is Cody Martin, who is ranked by Baseball America as the Atlanta Braves’ 19th best prospect. He was drafted last year in the 7th round out of Gonzaga. Over his last two starts, he has allowed just two runs on five hits over 13 innings. In that span, he has struck out 15.

The Hillcats have a few players ranked by BA as Braves prospects. They include pitcher Dimasther Delgado (#18), shortstop Nick Ahmed (#15), second baseman Tommy La Stella (#28), third baseman Edward Salcedo (#6), and outfielder Matt Lipka (#14). Former KC Royals minor leaguer Tim Smith is also a member of the Hillcats’ outfield.

Lynchburg leads the CL in batting at .289. Smith is hitting .355 (though in just nine games) and La Stella is hitting .315. Lipka is hitting .291 while Ahmed is hitting .288 (he was drafted last year in the 2nd round out of UConn).

Lineups:

Blue Rocks:  Whit Merrifield (LF), Angel Franco (2B), Cheslor Cuthbert (3B), Brian Fletcher (1B), Brett Eibner (CF), Roman Hernandez (DH), Geulin Beltre (RF), Kevin David (C), and Alex McClure (SS).

Hillcats:  Lipka (CF), Ahmed (SS), La Stella (2B), Smith (DH), Salcedo (3B), Chris Garcia (1B), Matt Weaver (LF), Braeden Schlehuber (C), and Kyle Rose (RF).

» Continue reading “Rain, Rain Stay Away from Wilmington”

The Wilmington Blue Rocks return home after a fairly successful road trip (4-3). Tonight’s game starts a seven-game homestand beginning with Winston-Salem (11-8 and tied for first place in the Southern Division). The two teams just met last weekend when the Blue Rocks began their eight-game road trip (one game was suspended due to the rain in Salem).

It is Friday night, so that means another Fireworks Night. I’m expecting a big crowd, though the cold temps and windy conditions could scare people away (it seems like it’s always cold when I go to a game). On the team’s website, it says that it is also “Halfway to Halloween Night” and fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume. Should I be afraid?

The Amazing Christopher is also supposed to perform (one guy and four life-size puppets):

The big news surrounding the Dash is the 50-game suspension that was just handed down to starter Andre Rienzo for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The Brazilian native was scheduled to start Saturday night’s game. He is the Chicago White Sox #17 prospect according to Baseball America.

The Dash will be throwing Jake Petricka on the mound, who is their 4th best prospect according to BA. He has struggled in his second year in the Carolina League. He will be opposed by Tyler Sample.

Other White Sox prospects to watch for are: centerfielder Trayce Thompson (#3), catcher Michael Blanke (#20), and third baseman Carlos Sanchez (#21). Thompson’s older brother Klay was a star basketball player for Washington State (he now plays for Golden State in the NBA). Thanks to the Dash game notes for that tidbit. Left fielder Brady Shoemaker has been the Dash’s hottest hitter, hitting .353 with three homeruns and 11 RBIs. Shoemaker was college teammates with current Dash teammate Nick Ciolli at Indiana State.

» Continue reading “A Cold Night in Wilmington”

Happy Opening Day!

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are celebrating their 20th home opener tonight as they host the Frederick Keys. The KC Royals are currently playing their home opener (and I’ll have a recap of that later tonight).

Like most teams, there are quite a few events planned for the home opener. The norm of handing out magnetic schedules as fans enter the ballpark. Dignitaries and politicians throwing out the first pitch (US Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons).

The Blue Rocks will be honoring the University of Delaware women’s basketball team that lost just two games all season and finished ranked 7th in the nation. They also boast the nation’s leading scorer in Elena Delle Donne, who threw out the first pitch at the Philadelphia Phillies home opener Monday.

There will be an appearance by REGGY! (who reminds me of Barney on way too much caffeine) and a fireworks show following the game.

The best part? The actual game. The Blue Rocks are just 2-4 so far this season in the Carolina League. They will be sending one of the Royals top prospects (#8 according to Baseball America) to the mound, Jason Adam. 19 year old prospect (#5) Cheslor Cuthbert will be playing third base. Outfield prospect (#12) Brett Eibner will be making his debut.

I’ve been coming to games on and off since 1995, so celebrating the 20th anniversary is a big deal to me and brings back tons of memories.

Lineups:

Frederick=Trent Mummey (CF), Bobby Stevens (2B), Ronnie Welty (RF), Aaron Baker (1B), Kipp Schutz (DH), Jeremy Nowak (LF), Matt Sweeney (3B), Joe Oliveira (C), and Chris Tremblay (SS).

Pitching for the Keys is Scott Copeland, who won his first start of the season (5IP, 2H, 2R (0ER), 3BB, 2K).

Blue Rocks=Whit Merrifield (2B), Alex McClure (SS), Cheslor Cuthbert (3B), Brian Fletcher (1B), Brett Eibner (CF), Roman Hernandez (LF), Geulin Beltre (RF), Kevin David (C), and Jake Kuebler (DH).

Pitching for the Blue Rocks is Jason Adam (5IP, 4H, 1R, 2BB, 4K in his first start).

» Continue reading “Blue Rocks Open 20th Season in Wilmington”

After leading 3-1 early, the Omaha Storm Chasers allowed the visiting OKC RedHawks to take the 4-3 lead in the top of the 7th. Omaha tied the game up in the bottom of the inning on David Lough’s RBI single. The Storm Chasers took the 5-4 lead in the bottom of the 8th on Mike Aviles’ sac fly. The RedHawks went down in order in the 9th against Omaha’s Jesse Chavez. Clint Robinson went 3-for-4 with three RBIs (he hit his 17th homerun, which was his 5th in five straight games) in the win.

Losing 5-0 heading into the bottom of the 8th, the NW Arkansas Naturals scored five runs to tie the game. They strung together five hits and two walks in the inning. Jamie Romak doubled in two runs. In the top of the 9th, the Tulsa Driller retook the lead at 6-5 on Thomas Field’s RBI double. However the Naturals would come right back to tie the game at 6-6 on an Anthony Seratelli RBI single.

The game would stay tied until the bottom of the 12th. The Naturals strung together three straight singles to load the bases with nobody out. Kurt Mertins won the game on a sac fly, scoring Seratelli with the winning run. The Naturals pounded out 15 hits (just one for extra bases), with Seratelli and Derrick Robinson contributing three hits each. Manauris Baez earned the victory by pitching 3.2 scoreless innings of relief.

It was an ugly game for the Wilmington Blue Rocks and an ugly start for ace Jake Odorizzi. After striking out the first two batters in the bottom of the 2nd, Odorizzi allowed five runs. The inning was capped by Tyler Saladino’s three-run homerun. Odorizzi allowed another two-out homerun in the 3rd inning, this one to Jason Bour (a two-run shot). Ian Gac of Winston-Salem hit a solo homerun, his Carolina League-leading 16th of the season, in the 5th. The Blue Rocks scored their lone run in top of the 7th on a Carlo Testa ground out. They lost 10-1.

In other Carolina League news, the Kinston Indians (who the Blue Rocks just played) and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans played the longest game in league history (the league has been around since 1945). It lasted 23 innings before the Indians Casey Frawley hit a two-out RBI single to give Kinston the walk-off 3-2 win. Indians catcher Roberto Perez caught ALL 23 innings. The Indians All-Star closer, Preston Guilmet, blew his first save of the season, as he entered with a 2-1 lead and blew it in the 9th. That blown save led to the LONG game. Oh and Kinston plays a doubleheader tomorrow!

It got interesting for the Kane County Cougars, but they held on for the 5-4 win. The Cougars held a 5-1 lead into the top of the 8th when the visiting Dayton Dragons scored three runs. Greg Billo, who allowed those three runs in the 8th, pitched a perfect 9th inning to earn the win. He pitched 4.1 innings while striking out six. Ryan Stovall went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the win.

Minor League President Pat O’Conner will be attending the Wilmington Blue Rocks game on Monday May 2nd as the Blue Rocks take on the Lynchburg Hillcats. O’Conner has been the president since December of 2007 (and has been involved with minor league baseball since 1993).

Three years later, O’Conner was the recipient of the Alan H. Selig Mentoring Award by the by the Division I-A athletics directors McLendon scholarship steering committee. This award is named after current MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and it honors a person annually in athletics administration who has been at the forefront in creating equal opportunities for minorities in the field of athletics.

He will be joined by Carolina League President John Hopkins. Hopkins has been at the helm of the Carolina League for 25 years.

*Maybe an all-star game is in Wilmington’s future?

Hopefully the rain will stay away so Mr. O’Conner can receive the full effect of Blue Rocks baseball.

It’s been a tough start to the baseball season for many after coming north out of spring training. Baseball cities have had temperatures settling in the 40s and 50s at game time, with cold winds, making it tough on players and fans alike. Rain has been rampant throughout the country and high winds have brought tornadoes (St. Louis was hit hard last night with the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds game delayed for over two hours).

A familiar site of baseball stadiums across the country

The saying “April showers” has been true in 2011 as rain has wreaked havoc on the early baseball season. Most teams have been postponed at least once and the last week has seen many teams playing doubleheaders. You know how there is a rain dance? Is there a sun and warm weather dance that we can all participate in?

Last Saturday (4/16) was a big day for postponements. The entire Eastern League was rained out with doubleheaders scheduled for Sunday. Two games in the Carolina League were rained out with then doubleheaders on Sunday. The Scranton Yankees were rained out on Saturday, but couldn’t play a doubleheader on Sunday due to a doubleheader scheduled for Monday. They also will play a doubleheader today (4/23) after being rained out last night.

On Friday 4/15, all but two games in the Midwest League were rained out, so most teams played doubleheaders on Saturday (two of those were rained out too). The Midwest League ended up with five doubleheaders on Sunday.

The KC Royals minor league affiliates have all played doubleheaders this week. The Wilmington Blue Rocks played a doubleheader on Sunday and play another tonight. The Kane County Cougars have had three doubleheaders since last Saturday. Both the Omaha Storm Chasers and NW Arkansas Naturals have had a doubleheader over the last week or so.

The Buffalo Bisons may be the minor league kings of doubleheaders this week. Their game up in Pawtucket was suspended on Saturday 4/16, so they finished that game up on Sunday (along with their regularly scheduled game). Their opening series at home against the Rochester Red Wings was postponed on Monday, so they played a doubleheader on Tuesday. The two teams again were postponed on Wednesday and played a doubleheader on Thursday.

The Bisons Major League affiliate NY Mets have complained about the amount of doubleheaders they have had to play in a short amount of time. They played doubleheaders on both 4/14 (against the Colorado Rockies) and 4/16 (down in Atlanta), thus putting a strain on their already paltry pitching staff.

MLB has seen many teams play through the rain, but the heavy downpours have forced postponements in the nicest of parks. The NY Yankees and Baltimore Orioles have seen their series openers against each other rained out twice (with no date yet for makeups). The Yankees have already had three rain outs.

The Washington Nationals have also had three rain outs already. The Nats were rained out on 4/16 and played a doubleheader on 4/17 against the Milwaukee Brewers. On 4/19, they were rained out in St. Louis and played a doubleheader on 4/20 against the Cardinals. The Nats were rained out again last night and will make up the game at Pittsburgh on the two teams’ mutual day off on Monday (4/25).

I know I am tired of wearing tons of layers, my winter coat, gloves, scarf, and hat at games, while still freezing by the middle of the game. What makes me colder is those around me that wore shorts, tee shirts, and flip-flops to a game with a starting temperature of around 50 degrees and winds gusting over 20 mph. I know that the players are just as cold as I am and are tired of playing doubleheaders regularly. The saying “April showers bring May flowers” better come true this year.

I WANT spring already with the sun shining and temps in the 70s or 80s!