The Braves were able to jump on Brian Bass early to take a 5-0 lead after two innings and never looked back. Stefan Gartrell continued to rake against IronPigs pitching with two hits and three RBI. For the season Gartrell is batting .478 with 2 HR and 9 RBI against us. Their starter, Julio Lugo, pitched four innings allowing just two runs on five hits. The Gwinnett bullpen was able to hold the Pigs scoreless through the final five innings.
Ronnie Belliard and Tagg Bozied drove in both IronPig runs in the 3rd. After 16 hits last night, the IronPigs had only five tonight.
Domonic Brown and John Mayberry each had home runs tonight for the Phillies. Mike Zagurski made an appearance and allowed one run and walked two over an inning.
Not surprisingly Jeff Larish ran away with every vote in last night's Pig of the Game poll.
Game three is tomorrow night at 7:05. Brian Gordon (3-0, 1.01) goes for the IronPigs against former Phillies minor leaguer Yohan Flande (2-1, 4.29).
Pig of the Game Candidates
1. Tagg Bozied - RBI double
2. Ronnie Belliard - RBI base hit
First Pitch: 7:05 Weather: 89°, sunny, 4 MPH wind Season Series: 3-2 IronPigs All-Time Series: 16-9 Braves All-Time at Gwinnett: 5-4 Braves
Storyline
The IronPigs look to finish off their best May ever with a win tonight in Gwinnett. The Pigs enter the game 18-8 this month which is a major improvement over last May's 9-18 record. They haven't lost a series since April 18-21 at Scranton/WB and they have the fewest losses on the road among all the International League teams. Tonight they face LHP Jose Lugo (1-0, 2.25) who is making his first start of the season.
1 Game Ago...
Jeff Larish tied the franchise record with 7 RBI and the Pigs had a season-high 16 hits and 12 runs as they destroyed the Braves in the series opener. Drew Carpenter improved to 4-0 with three innings of relief.
2 Starting Pitchers
RHP Brian Bass (3-2, 4.88)
Bass is 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA since May 13th. He has not done well on the road (0-2, 10.13) and opponents are hitting .292 off him for the season. Bass' lone start against an IL South team was his May 13th complete game vs. Norfolk.
LHP Julio Lugo (1-0, 2.25)
Lugo has appeared in 11 games out of the bullpen for the Braves, two of which came in last week's series at Coca-Cola Park. He threw a perfect inning on May 21st but the following day he allowed three runs in as many innings. Lugo will strike a lot of batters out (19 in 18 IP) but he will also walks a lot of batters (13 in 18 IP). The longest he has gone this season is 4.2 innings.
3 Keys to the Game
1. Be Patient - Lugo struggles with his command and opponents are hitting .318 when he falls behind in the count (.148 when he's ahead).
2. Get an Early Lead - the IronPigs are 21-1 this season when leading after 5 innings
3. Find a Closer - Mike Zagurski, the team's saves leader, was recalled by the Phillies this morning
4 Players to Watch
1. Pete Orr (LHV) - 7 game hitting streak (.346 avg since being optioned to LV)
2. Josh Barfield (LHV) - .280 season avg is highest among active regular players (.382 avg in last 10 games)
3. Stefan Gartrell (GWN) - .474 avg, HR, 6 RBI vs. the IronPigs in 2011
4. Juan Abreu (GWN) - 2-0, 2.19 ERA, 31 K in 24.2 IP
5 Star Player of the Game Prediction
Josh Barfield
Zagurski Recalled
The Phillies recalled LHP Mike Zagurski (1-0, 1.88, 9 SV) this morning after optioning RHP Vance Worley yesterday.
I guess the Braves thought every job got a day off for Memorial Day.
Jeff Larish tied the single game franchise record with 7 RBI as the IronPigs put up their highest run total of the season in a 12-2 win over the Braves. Larish, who had just two hits in his last nine games, had three hits (two of them home runs) in the rout. The IronPigs as a team had a season-high 16 hits. Josh Barfield had a 4 for 5 night.
Eddie Bonine allowed only one run in four innings but it was Drew Carpenter (4-0) who got the win coming out of the bullpen. Carpenter struck out six over three innings and surrendered just a run. Chance Chapman closed out the game with two shutout innings.
Mauro Gomez (solo HR, 3rd against LV this season) and Stefan Gartrell (2 for 4, RBI) continued to hit well against the IronPigs. Julio Teheran gave up five runs in six innings to raise his season ERA to 2.36 and get his first L of the season.
The IronPigs (30-19) open up a four game series with the Gwinnett Braves (25-24) tonight at 7:05 in Georgia. The game marks the start of an eight game roadtrip that will take the Pigs through Gwinnett and Charlotte, two teams that are separated by just 2.5 games in the IL South. Eddie Bonine (3-4, 5.44) gets the ball for the IronPigs while Julio Teheran (4-0, 1.65) makes his second straight start against Lehigh Valley.
You may remember these two teams split a four game series last week at Coca-Cola Park. Outfielders Stefan Gartrell (7 for 15, HR, 5 RBI) and Jose Constanza (5 for 14, 2 RBI) were the offensive stars for the Braves who currently hold a 14-6 lead in the all-time series. Teheran pitched game one of a doubleheader on Tuesday and allowed one unearned run on six hits over six innings. Bonine got shelled in game two of that doubleheader (six runs in three innings) to raise his ERA to 5.44.
Teheran
These are the last four games of the season against the Braves and the only stop in Charlotte. The Knights travel to Allentown at the end of June.
The game will be televised live on the Comcast Network.
Notes: Bonine is 2-0 in away games (1-4 at home)...Pete Orr is batting .318 since being optioned to Lehigh Valley...Teheran has a 1.15 ERA at home...the Pigs are 1-1 on Memorial Day (rained out in 2010)...Vance Worley was optioned to the IronPigs by the Phillies
#1 Twins prospect Kyle Gibson was perfect through six innings
It looked like we were going to see history at Coca-Cola Park today as Kyle Gibson took the mound to start the 7th inning. The Twins top prospect was perfect through six innings and it didn't look like the Pigs were going to get anything going. It wasn't to be however as leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik smoked a 2-0 pitch into the right-center field gap for a triple - his first hit as an IronPig and the team's first hit of the day. Pete Orr drove him in with a single and Josh Barfield would later plate Orr with a sac fly.
Unfortunately the two run inning still didn't make it close because the Red Wings had already scored six off IronPigs starter Nate Bump. Rochester got six hits off Bump over five innings. The two biggest hits came from Brian Dinkelman who hit a three-run HR in the 3rd and Rene Tosoni who hit a two-run HR in the 5th.
Gibson ended up going 7.2 innings, allowing just those two runs, and striking out ten. Juan Perez and Scott Mathieson each threw two shutout innings for the IronPigs.
Josh Barfield's hitting streak came to an end...9,080 attendance...Chris P. Bacon won the Pork Race...Jon Suomi started behind the plate and went 0 for 3...the game lasted just two hours and five minutes
Pig of the Game Candidates
1. Scott Podsednik - leadoff triple in the 7th to break up Gibson's perfect game
2. Pete Orr - 1 for 4, RBI, run
3. Scott Mathieson - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
I didn't get to see tonight's game but from the looks of it Tagg Bozied had another great game. He drove in three of the four IronPig runs including the go-ahead home run in the bottom of the 6th. Brian Bocock, who had 3 RBI on Friday, picked up another one on Saturday. Looks like the rest of the lineup struggled a little bit with the exception of Pete Orr who had two hits and a stolen base. Outfielder Scott Podsednik made his Lehigh Valley debut and went 0 for 4 in the leadoff spot. I really hope he does not take away playing time from Rich Thompson. Cory Sullivan was released to make room for Podsednik.
Ryan Feierabend started and seemed to struggle with his control. He allowed three runs in 5.1 innings and walked five. David Herndon got the win while Mike Zagurski got his 9th save. In between Michael Schwimer pitched a perfect 8th.
Tomorrow is "Turn Back the Clock" day which I hope doesn't apply to the product on the field. I know Les Walrond is back in the area but I like this winning thing. #1 Twins prospect Kyle Gibson (2-3, 3.80) goes against Nate Bump (2-4, 5.67).
P.O.G. Candidates
1. Tagg Bozied - 3 for 4, HR, 3 RBI
2. David Herndon - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K
3. Mike Zagurski - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K, team leading 9th save
Ryne Sandberg shuffled the line-up tonight but it didn't seem to affect the IronPigs winning ways. If anything it helped. With Erik Kratz in the clean up spot, Tagg Bozied hitting 8th, and Brandon Moss batting 9th, the IronPigs scored ten runs with 11 hits while Brian Gordon was his usual self on the mound. The win gives the Pigs at least a split of the series and maintains their three game lead over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It's been since mid-April that the IronPigs have lost a series.
The teams traded solo home runs in the 4th inning. Luke Hughes went deep for Rochester while Kratz hit a two-out home run (8) for the IronPigs. Hughes' home run was the only Red Wing RBI and the only earned run given up by IronPigs pitching. Gordon responded with a 1-2-3 inning and Tagg Bozied crushed a two-run homer to give the IronPigs a 3-1 lead they would never give up.
Brian Bocock had 3 RBI batting in the two hole
The Pigs sent eight men to the plate in the 7th and scored three runs. They batted around in the 8th and put four runs on the board. Gordon went six allowing one run on four hits and struck out five. His ERA for the season is now 1.01. Drew Carpenter and Michael Schwimer each pitched a shutout inning and Chance Chapman allowed an unearned run in the 9th. It looked like Chapman had ended the game but the throw from Brian Bocock literally went through Tagg Bozied's glove which allowed an unearned run to score.
9,599 attendance...Chris P. Bacon won the Pork Race
Pig of the Game Candidates
1. Brian Bocock: 3 for 5, 3 RBI
2. Erik Kratz: 3 for 5, HR, 3 RBI
3. Brian Gordon: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K
4. Tagg Bozied: 1 for 3, 2-run HR
First Pitch: 7:05 Weather: 80°, scattered thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain, 9 MPH wind Season Series: 3-1 IronPigs All-Time Series: 18-18 All-Time at Coca-Cola Park: 14-11 IronPigs
Storyline
Brain Gordon looks to continue his great season tonight against one of the worst offenses in the International League. After winning the series opener, the IronPigs hold a three game lead in the IL North and the second best record in the entire IL. A win tonight would give the Pigs at least a split of this series. Only once all season have the IronPigs lost a series and it came back in mid-April.
1 Game Ago...
The IronPigs survived the weather and a constantly threatened one-run lead to even the all-time series vs. the Red Wings last night. Brian Bass didn't allow an earned run over six innings for his 3rd win of the season. All three IronPigs runs were scored in the first with Pete Orr hitting a 2-run HR and Brandon Moss hitting a solo HR. Mike Zagurski converted his 8th save in as many opportunities.
2 Starting Pitchers
LHP Ryan Mullins (0-1, 0.00)
Mullins is making just his second start of the season for Rochester. He got stuck with the L in his first outing despite not allowing an earned run over 5 innings and striking out 5 against the Chiefs. Prior to joining the Red Wings Mullins was 1-2 in five games between Single-A Fort Myers and AA New Britain.
RHP Brian Gordon (2-0, 0.91)
Opponents are hitting .206 off Gordon this season and he has only allowed three earned runs in 29.2 innings.His last start was his worst as the Braves scored two runs on eight hits over five innings but he still got the win. Lefties are hitting just .143 against him.
3 Keys to the Game
1. Run Support for Gordon - the offense has only given Gordon five runs of support over his last two starts
2. Power from Jeff Larish - the 1B still leads the team in home runs (8) but he has hit just two in the month of May
3. Fielding - starting with two errors by Pete Orr last night, there have been a lot of mistakes in the field that haven't lost a game yet for the Pigs, but they will at some point. Michael LoRe wrote an article today about the Pigs focusing on fielding during the off day Wednesday.
4 Players to Watch
1. 2B Josh Barfield (LHV) - 8 game hitting streak (.316 avg over last 10 games)
2. 2B Brian Dinkelman (ROC) - .382 avg in last ten games
3. OF Delwyn Young (LHV) - .307, 3 HR, 11 RBI in May
4. LHP Chuck James (ROC) - 37 K in 28.2 IP this season (.171 opp. AVG)
5 Star Player of the Game Prediction
Brian Gordon
News
OF Matt Miller retired from baseball today. Miller had played in 15 games for the IronPigs this season before being sent down to Reading.
Somehow the IronPigs were able to hold a one run lead through the final three innings to beat the Red Wings 3-2. It was one of, if not the weirdest, games of the season. There were two 1st inning IronPig home runs, a Willie Mays-like over the shoulder catch by Ben Revere of Rochester, a 400-foot single by Luke Hughes that failed to score either of the two men on base, a big storm that brought winds powerful enough to shake the center field TV camera, and a 27 minute rain delay. Oh and the third umpire was late because he was stuck in traffic.
All three of the IronPigs runs were scored in the bottom of the 1st. Rich Thompson led off with a single to left and was followed by Pete Orr who hit his first home run as an IronPig off the Philly Pretzel Factory tent in right field. After Tagg Bozied got robbed by Revere with that Mays-like catch, Brandon Moss hit a solo shot to right which gave the Pigs a 3-0 lead.
Scott Mathieson
Brian Bass pitched very well tonight for his third win of the season. Through six innings Bass allowed two runs (none earned), seven hits, and struck out four. He is now 3-0 at Coca-Cola Park in 2011. Bass was followed by Juan Perez who really struggled again. He got just one out, walked two, and left with the bases loaded. Scott Mathieson took over and got Aaron Bates to ground into a double play. Mathieson pitched a scoreless 8th before Mike Zagurski got his 8th save in the 9th.
Pete Orr had two errors...Rochester left 9 men on base while the Pigs left 4...8,201 attendance
P.O.G. Candidates
1. Pete Orr - 2-run HR
2. Brian Bass - 6 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
3. Scott Mathieson - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, got a double play with 1 out and bases loaded in 7th with one run lead
What a game last night/this morning in Philadelphia! It took 19 innings, 6+ hours, and exactly 600 pitches for the Phillies to beat the Reds 5-4. Former IronPig Wilson Valdez became the first position player since 2000 to earn a win on the mound. Valdez started at second but pitched a scoreless top of the 19th that saw him retire 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto and All-Star Jay Bruce. It's a game I'll always remember and a perfect example of why so many of us love baseball.
First Pitch: 7:05 PM Weather: 82°, isolated thunderstorms, 30% chance of rain, 10 MPH wind Season Series: 2-1 IronPigs All-Time Series: 18-17 Red Wings All-Time at Coca-Cola Park: 13-11 IronPigs
Storyline
The first place IronPigs (27-18) welcome the last place Red Wings (18-25) into Allentown for a four game weekend series. The Pigs won two of three in Rochester back on April 14th (doubleheader) and 15th as part of a 5-2 roadtrip. Brian Bass will be looking to improve to 3-0 at home against a Red Wings team that has scored the second least amount of runs in the International League.
1 Game Ago...
The IronPigs dropped both games of a doubleheader on Tuesday to the Braves. Rehabbing Jose Contreras pitched two scoreless innings in game one but Nate Bump and Eddie Bonine got lit up as the Braves earned a split of the series. In game two the Pigs managed just two hits.
2 Starting Pitchers RHP Andrew Baldwin (3-3, 5.77) Baldwin is in his first year with the Twins organization and leads Rochester in wins thus far. He's coming off his best start of the season on Friday where he surrendered one run over 6.2 innings at Gwinnett for the win. Opponents have 45 hits in 39 innings against him. RHP Brian Bass (2-2, 5.57) Bass has been horrible on the road and great at home this season. Fortunately the game is in Allentown tonight where Bass is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA and a complete game. He got a no decision in his last start at Scranton/WB after allowing three runs over six innings. Bass pitched for Rochester in 2007 and 2008 and compiled an 8-3 record in 12 starts over those two seasons.
3 Questions 1. How will the Pigs play following a full day of rest that came after a terrible performance on Tuesday? 2. Can Bass continue to dominate at Coca-Cola Park? 3. Will the middle of the IronPigs lineup snap out of their slump?
4 Players To Watch
1. OF Ben Revere (ROC) - recently sent down from MIN, .450 avg over last ten AAA games
2. CF Rich Thompson (LHV) - .306 avg, 7 BB, 6 SB over last ten games
3. 2B Brian Dinkelman (ROC) - .368 hitter in 17 away games
4. RHP Drew Carpenter (LHV) - 2-0, 1.86 ERA, 19 SO in 19.1 IP over last ten games
5 Star Player of the Game Prediction
Erik Kratz
Transactions
Jose Contreras was activated by the Phillies this morning. David Herndon was optioned to the IronPigs.
Forgot to post the two polls for Pig of the Game yesterday. Not many worthy candidates between the two games...
Game 1 Candidates
1. Rich Thompson - 2 for 3, RBI, BB, SB
2. Jon Suomi - RBI pinch-hit during the 7th inning
3. Jose Contreras - 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R in rehab start
Game 2 Candidates
1. Andrew Carpenter - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K
2. Michael Schwimer - 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 K
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Keith Gary of LehighValleyLive.com is reporting that the IronPigs will spend their next off day, June 15th, at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
It appears Pete Orr being on your roster brings some sort of curse to your offense! The Phillies put up double digits in runs and hits after optioning Orr while the IronPigs couldn't get anything going in today's doubleheader with Orr in the lineup. The Braves took it to the Pigs in both games at the Coke today to split the series and end the IronPigs six game winning streak. The loses also allowed Pawtucket and Scranton/WB to move within three games.
After the rain left the area it turned out to be a perfect day for baseball of which I saw plenty. I got to the Park around 10:00 and left around 4:15. Hard to tell if the IronPigs were just shut down by two really good pitchers or if they hurt their own cause. They seemed a little lazy at the plate and especially in the field where they made only one official error but dropped the ball a couple times when transferring it from the glove to their hand, costing them easy outs at first base.
Teheran. I was impressed.
However as I said the Braves had two great pitchers starting today's games. First up was Julio Teheran who, after seeing him pitch first hand, I can see why is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He improved to 4-0 and dropped his ERA to 1.65 with six shutout innings and six strikeouts. Teheran was hitting 94 on the gun deep into the 6th inning and his change up was unhittable. Todd Redmond threw six shutout innings of his own in game two. Gwinnett pulled him after the 6th and I'm not sure why. He was three outs away from his second straight complete game shutout.
Jose Contreras looked good over two innings. There was only one solid hit off him and he obviously didn't allow a run. And besides that...there really isn't much to mention about the IronPigs today. Bump and Bonine got rocked and the bats were quiet.
Finally a day off tomorrow. As Matt Provence pointed out on the radio, it's the team's first real day off all season. They spent their previous "day off" traveling eight hours on a bus to Ohio. Players can get some rest at home tomorrow and then pound a weak Rochester team this weekend.
PS: anyone ever notice the cricket problem at CCP? I stood along the 1B line for a portion of game two and there were two giant crickets who kept jumping onto my legs and into my backpack. Lots of ants on the tables too.
First Pitch: 10:35 Weather: 74°, isolated thunderstorms, 30% chance of rain, 11 MPH wind Season Series: 2-0 IronPigs All-Time Series: 12-6 Braves All-Time at Coca-Cola Park: 7-3 Braves
Storyline
The Braves and IronPigs will play an early morning doubleheader today after being rained out last night. Rehabbing Phillies pitcher Jose Contreras will start game one for the Pigs with Nate Bump taking over after an inning or two. Top prospect Julio Teheran is on the mound for Gwinnett in game one while IL Pitcher of the Week Todd Redmond will start game two against Eddie Bonine. The IronPigs will be looking for their 7th and 8th consecutive wins as well as a sweep of the series. Pete Orr was in the starting line-up last night and will likely play this morning.
1 Game Ago...
Josh Barfield and Jeff Larish each had big 3-RBI hits as the IronPigs beat the Braves 8-6 on Sunday. It was the sixth straight victory for the Pigs who enter today with a 4.5 game lead in the IL North. Ryan Feierabend pitched 6.2 innings for his third consecutive win. Scott Mathieson threw two scoreless innings for his second save.
2 4 Starting Pitchers
(Jason Getz photo)
Game 1
RHP Julio Teheran (3-0, 1.91)
Teheran is not just the top ranked prospect in the Braves system. He's also ranked #10 on MLB.com's list of the top 50 prospects for 2011. He's actually started two games in the majors this season for Atlanta, one of which was against the Phillies. Teheran has started only one AAA game in May and it was a good one. The PawSox managed just two runs on three hits in 7.2 innings against him back on May 12.
RHP Nate Bump (2-3, 5.44)*
2011 Nate Bump has been nothing like 2010 Nate Bump but he's showing signs of getting back on track. Bump is 1-0 with a 1.95 ERA in his last two starts. However, opposing teams have had no problem getting hits off him this season. IL batters are hitting .335 off Bump and he's nearly halfway to the number of hits he allowed throughout the entire 2010 season (123). The key is to get runners on base against Bump who has a 10.13 ERA when there are men on.
Game 2
RHP Todd Redmond (2-4, 2.59)
Redmond was named International League Pitcher of the Week yesterday after throwing a nine inning, three hit, complete game shutout against Rochester last Wednesday. He is just one of two pitchers in the IL to throw a nine inning complete game this season (the other being our very own Brian Bass!). Redmond has gone at least six innings in five of his eight starts and has only allowed more than two runs one time all season. Don't let the 2-4 record fool you. He just hasn't received any run support.
RHP Eddie Bonine (3-3, 4.46)
Bonine was the odd man out when Vance Worley returned to the IronPigs but he's back in the rotation now that Worley is back with the Phillies. He made one appearance out of the bullpen where he allowed two runs in one inning at Scranton/WB last Friday. This will be his sixth start at Coca-Cola Park where he is 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA.
3 Questions 1. How will starting the game in the 2nd or 3rd affect Nate Bump? 2. Can the IronPigs knock around Teheran who has held opponents to a .211 average? 3. Will there be rain and will it hold off long enough for both games to be played? (Hourly forecast)
4 Players To Keep An Eye On 1. RHP Julio Teheran (GWN) - Braves #1 prospect, 2-0 and 2.45 ERA in away games 2. 2B Josh Barfield (LHV) - .308, 2 HR, 8 RBI, SB in last ten games 3. 3B Dan Nelson (GWN) - 4 for 7, HR, 3 RBI in this series 4. 1B Tagg Bozied (LHV) - .303, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 9 BB in eight games for the IronPigs
5 Star Player of the Game Prediction
I went with Brian Bocock for last night's game so I'll stick with him for game one. Brandon Moss is my choice for game number two.
Tonight's game could not be played with heavy rains and even a tornado warning in the area. It will be made up tomorrow as part of a doubleheader. First pitch will still be 10:35 AM. Looking at the Weather Channel it appears the rain will not arrive until 2:00 and even then there's only a 60% chance of it. With each game being shortened to 7 innings, there shouldn't be a problem getting both in.
Jose Contreras will start game one with Nate Bump taking over after an inning or two. Eddie Bonine comes out of the bullpen and into the rotation with the departure of Worley and will start game two.
I'll have a full preview up early tomorrow morning.
First Pitch: 7:05 Weather: 72°, scattered thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain, 9 MPH wind Season Series: 2-0 IronPigs All-Time Series: 12-6 Braves All-Time at Coca-Cola Park: 7-3 Braves
The Storyline
The number one prospect in the Braves organization will take the mound tonight at Coca-Cola Park looking to end Gwinnett's three game losing streak. Julio Teheran is just 20 years old but has been lighting up the International League with a perfect 3-0 record and miniscule 1.91 ERA in six starts. For the IronPigs it's Nate Bump as they try to win this four game series and increase their lead in the IL North. Phillies pitcher Jose Contreras will be making a rehab appearance tonight, most likely starting the game. Recently optioned Pete Orr is also available for tonight's game.
1 Game Ago...
Josh Barfield and Jeff Larish each had big 3-RBI hits as the IronPigs beat the Braves 8-6 on Sunday. It was the sixth straight victory for the Pigs who are now five games up on Scranton/WB & Pawtucket in the IL North. Ryan Feierabend pitched 6.2 innings for his third consecutive win. Scott Mathieson threw two scoreless innings for his second save.
2 Starting Pitchers
(Jason Getz photo)
RHP Julio Teheran (3-0, 1.91)
Teheran is not just the top ranked prospect in the Braves system. He's also ranked #10 on MLB.com's list of the top 50 prospects for 2011. He's actually started two games in the majors this season for Atlanta, one of which was against the Phillies. Teheran has started only one AAA game in May and it was a good one. The PawSox managed just two runs on three hits in 7.2 innings against him back on May 12.
RHP Nate Bump (2-3, 5.44)*
2011 Nate Bump has been nothing like 2010 Nate Bump but he's showing signs of getting back on track. Bump is 1-0 with a 1.95 ERA in his last two starts. However, opposing teams have had no problem getting hits off him this season. IL batters are hitting .335 off Bump and he's nearly halfway to the number of hits he allowed throughout the entire 2010 season (123). The key is to get runners on base against Bump who has a 10.13 ERA when there are men on.
3 Keys To The Game
1. Hitting Teheran - minor league opponents are hitting just .211 against Teheran this season.
2. Good start from Bump - the offense has proven it can score runs against the best pitching in the IL so it may come down to Bump keeping the Braves' bats quiet.
3. Keep shutting down Gomez - the IronPigs have held Mauro Gomez to just one hit in nine at-bats which has dropped him out of the top spot on the IL batting average leaderboard.
4 Guys Likely To Have An Impact -2B Josh Barfield (LHV):.308, 2 HR, 8 RBI in last ten games -3B Dan Nelson (GWN):4 for 7, HR, 3 RBI in the series -DH Tagg Bozied (LHV):.320, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1.194 OPS in last eight games -RHP Julio Teheran (GWN):2-0, 2.45 ERA in away games (3-0, 1.80 in night games)
5 Star Player of the Game Prediction
Brian Bocock
*Bump will come in after Contreras throws an inning or two
It's a little too late to write a full recap so I'll just post my pictures from today's game. The IronPigs won their sixth straight game and moved five games up on Scranton/WB this afternoon. The Pigs topped the Braves 8-6 with Josh Barfield (3-run HR) and Jeff Larish (3-run double) leading the way. I thought Ryan Feierabend pitched very well despite his final line of 6.1 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, and 6 SO. Dan Nelson's 3-run pinch hit homer in the 7th really ruined what was a great outing by Feierabend. He still got the win, his third straight.
Brian Gordon accepts the IL Pitcher of the Week award with his kids
Tagg Bozied, Rich Thompson, and Delwyn Young during the National Anthem
The flag was carried in on horseback Sunday afternoon
Gwinnett's J.J. Hoover stares in for the sign during the bottom of the first
Rich Thompson takes a big lead off third base in the first. He would score on a bases loaded walk.
Ryan Feierabend at the plate
Josh Barfield
Feierabend
IronPigs bullpen
Barfield fires to first
Scott Mathieson
Brian Bocock
Delwyn Young watches a pitch go by
Erik Kratz
And of course, here's tonight's Pig of the Game poll...
The Candidates
1. Josh Barfield: 1 for 3, HR, 4 RBI
2. Jeff Larish: 1 for 4, 2B, 3 RBI
3. Scott Mathieson: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 K
First Pitch: 1:35 Weather: 69°, mostly cloudy, wind 11 MPH Season Series: 1-0 IronPigs All-Time Series: 12-5 Braves All-Time at Coca-Cola Park: 7-2 Braves
Last Time Out
The IronPigs got another strong performance from Brian Gordon (on the mound and at the plate) which helped them win game one of the series 4-3 over the Braves. Four different IronPigs (Brian Bocock, Ronnie Belliard, Jon Suomi, and Gordon) had an RBI. The bullpen held the Braves to just one run over four innings. Mike Zagurski got his team leading 7th save.
Hoover, the 10th best prospect in the Braves organization according to Baseball America, will be making just his second start at the AAA level. The 23 year old appeared in eight games for AA-Mississippi posting a 1-3 record and 2.16 ERA while striking out 41 in 41.2 innings before being called up. Hoover allowed four runs in as many innings against Rochester in his AAA debut which came last Tuesday, but did not factor into the decision. He is from Elizabeth, PA (15 miles south of Pittsburgh).
After allowing 20 runs in his first four starts, Feierabend has figured things out and put together a two game winning streak. In the month of May he is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA in three starts. Feierabend surrendered two runs over five innings in his last start which came Monday against Norfolk in Allentown. Outside of that game, Coca-Cola Park has not been good for him. Opponents are hitting .333 and have scored 19 runs in 18.2 innings against Feierabend at The Coke.
Six Guys Likely To Have An Impact On Today's Game
1B Mauro Gomez (GWN): .405 avg vs. LHP in 2011
DH Tagg Bozied (LHV): .348, 2 HR, 7 RBI in last 7 games
3B Dan Nelson (GWN): .318, 2 HR, 8 RBI in day games (6 games)
OF Stefan Gartrell (GWN): .316, 3 HR, 9 RBI in May
2B Josh Barfield (LHV): .333, HR, 6 RBI in May
OF Rich Thompson (LHV): .303 avg, 5 SB in last 10 games
Standout Star Prediction
Josh Barfield
5/21 Pig of the Game
Still time to vote for who you think deserves to be named Pig of the Game in last night's 4-3 victory. Poll closes at 7:05 PM. Click to vote!
The IronPigs got RBI from four different players and got strong outings from as many pitchers to beat the Braves 4-3 in game one of the four game series. It's the Pigs fourth straight win and they are now up four games in the division after Scranton/WB lost tonight.
If that isn't enough references to the number four, here's another one. Four is the number of runs the Pigs scored off Gwinnett starter Rodrigo Lopez who is one of the best pitchers in the league this season. Two of them came in the 4th inning. But first Brian Bocock lined a ball to center field in the 3rd to plate Jon Suomi who was behind the plate for the first time since being called up. Ronnie Belliard followed that with a ground out which scored Brian Gordon to tie the game at two.
Mauro Gomez had hit a two run home run into the bullpens in left during the top of the 1st to give the Braves an early 2-0 advantage.
Suomi put the Pigs on top with a 4th inning sac fly and then Gordon helped himself with an RBI base hit to make it 4-2. On the mound Gordon went five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits for his second win of the season (first at Coca-Cola Park).
The score remained 4-2 until the top of the 9th when Shawn Bowman led off the inning with a pinch hit home run. It came off Mike Zagurski who recovered and closed out the game for his team-leading 7th save. In between Gordon and Zagurski, Andrew Carpenter threw two shutout innings and Juan Perez looked good with two strikeouts in his own shutout inning.
Tomorrow is the usual 1:35 Sunday start with the Pigs in their vests (my favorite top). Ryan Feierabend (2-2, 5.73) will start for the good guys and will be opposed by RHP J.J. Hoover (0-0, 6.75), the Braves' 10th best prospect according to Baseball America.
Last Time Out
The Pigs completed a sweep of the Yankees in a rain-shortened three game series with a 6-5 win. Erik Kratz hit a two-run HR in the top of the 9th to give the Pigs the lead. Brian Bass started the game and shutout the Yankees on just two hits through six innings before running into trouble in the 7th. The win gave the Pigs a three game lead in the division.
Pitching Match-Up
Rodrigo Lopez (6-0, 2.21)
Lopes returns to Allentown where he started 18 games for the IronPigs in 2009. He is second in the IL in wins and leads the IL in innings pitched. Only Zach McAllister (7-0, 2.42) of Columbus has had a better season so far when it comes to IL starting pitchers. Lopez will give up hits (50 in 53 IP) but those baserunners rarely score. Only two home runs have been hit off him this season.
Brian Gordon (1-0, 0.36)
Gordon pitched well enough in four starts for Ryne Sandberg to keep him in the rotation and send Eddie Bonine to the 'pen when Vance Worley came back. Last week Gordon allowed no earned runs in two starts (13.2 IP) which won him IL Pitcher of the Week honors. Only three runs (one earned) have been scored on Gordon in 24.2 innings. He's still looking for his first win at Coca-Cola Park.
The Numbers
Season Series: 0-0
All-Time Series: 12-4 Braves
All-Time at Coca-Cola Park: 7-1 Braves
Braves
vs.
IronPigs
22-19
REC
25-16
.255
AVG
.245
37
HR
39
176
RBI
177
33
SB
38
.320
OBP
.328
2.99
ERA
3.69
362
SO
324
1.29
WHIP
1.38
12
SV
14
The Leaders
Braves
vs.
IronPigs
Mauro Gomez (.344)
AVG
Ronnie Belliard (.268)
Mauro Gomez (52)
H
Ronnie Belliard (37)
Mauro Gomez (14)
2B
Brandon Moss (9)
Two tied with 2
3B
Four tied with 1
Two tied with 7
HR
Jeff Larish (8)
Mauro Gomez (30)
RBI
Brandon Moss (26)
Jose Constanza (10)
SB
Rich Thompson (17)
Rodrigo Lopez (6)
W
Two tied with 3
Scott Proctor (1.06)
ERA
Brian Gordon (0.36)
Rodrigo Lopez (53.0)
IP
Nate Bump (43.0)
Mike Minor (54)
SO
Eddie Bonine (35)
Jairo Asencio (4)
SV
Mike Zagurski (6)
Hockey Night!
Here are the jerseys that the IronPigs will be wearing tonight (photo from @LindseyKnupp):
One horse for each game the IronPigs won in the series!
It's safe to say at this point that the IronPigs are the class of the IL North division. At least in 2011. It's mid-May, the team has the second best record in the International League, and they just swept the division favorite, their rival, and the team they were tied with for first place on Tuesday. And they did it on the road.
The Pigs were leading 4-0 during the 7th inning stretch in part because of a Rich Thompson triple in the 3rd that scored Tagg Bozied and Erik Kratz. It was only the first triple of the season for Thompson who is arguably the fastest player on the team. The team as a whole has six triples which is tied for 9th in the IL with Toledo, Norfolk, and Rochester.
Bozied singled in the 4th and Brian Bocock hit his first home run of the season in the 5th to put the Pigs up 4-0. Brian Bass was dealing once again. Bass, who threw a complete game last Friday, shutout the Yankees through six innings and gave up just two hits during that span.
Unfortunately the Yankees would put up a five spot in the 7th to take a one run lead. Bass was charged with three of those runs and lost the chance for his second straight win. Eddie Bonine made his first appearance out of the bullpen and was charged with the other two 7th inning runs. Michael Schwimer was amazing tonight with two shutout innings, three strikeouts, and just two hits.
Erik Kratz hit a two-run home run (7) in the top of the 9th to win the game for the IronPigs. Back in Allentown tomorrow night to start an eight game homestand against Gwinnett and Rochester.
Assuming the rain holds off, the IronPigs and Yankees will play the final game of their rain-shortened three game series tonight at 6:35. Last night's scheduled starters, Brian Bass and Carlos Silva, will pitch tonight. Looks like some heavy rain will sweep through Moosic between 3:00 and 6:00 but the forecast looks playable by 7:00. Perhaps there will be a short delay but expect there to be baseball tonight.
Entering tonight, the IronPigs are 24-16 overall and have a two game lead on Scranton/WB. They are tied with Durham for the second best record in the International League. Surprisingly though the offense is hitting just .246 as a team (11th out of 14 in the IL). The best squad in IronPigs history has 313 hits so far, third last in the IL.
Bass is one of just two pitchers in the International League to throw a complete nine inning game this season. It came during his last start which was Friday against Norfolk in Allentown. Bass has been pretty good in games played at Coca-Cola Park but he has struggled on the road (0-2, 13.50).
Carlos Silva will be making his first appearance for Scranton/WB after pitching three games between Single-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton. He did well, allowing just two earned runs in 13.0 innings.
Before the game, news is likely to come out that Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton have been placed on the DL. That means Vance Worley and _______ will be on their way to Philadelphia. I'm hoping Rich Thompson gets the call, but it's unlikely. Ronnie Belliard and Delwyn Young seem to be the two likely candidates. If the Phillies call up somebody not on the 40-man roster, other moves will have to be made. I've seen some speculation that such a move could involve Drew Naylor or Harold Garcia, two players who have been hurt all season.
Stay tuned to @BaconAndBiscuit on Twitter for updates.
Tonight's game in Moosic was postponed due to rain. No makeup date is official but there was an earlier report that it will be made up on July 5th as part of a doubleheader. The latest report is...well no one knows yet. Brian Bass was scheduled to pitch against Carlos Silva (yes, that Carlos Silva) and no word has been put out yet regarding tomorrow night's starters.
It was announced earlier this afternoon that Eddie Bonine is heading to the bullpen and Brian Gordon will stay in the rotation. There was some confusion as early reports stated Gordon was heading back to the bullpen but the IL Pitcher of the Week will in fact stay in the rotation according to tonight's game notes, according to Michael LoRe.
Sports Business Journal Daily recently released a list of the top 25 minor league baseball teams in terms of merchandise sales during 2010. The IronPigs made the list for the third straight season! Specific rankings weren't available so we don't know exactly where in the top 25 the Pigs are. Columbus, Rochester, Toledo, Durham, Indianapolis, and Pawtucket also made the list.
Overall, MiLB merchandise sales totaled $51.1 million last year, up 12% from 2009 ($45.7 million).
Could Josh Barfield's days as an IronPig be numbered?
Four important Phillies are on their way back from injuries and that means roster moves will need to be made. It's great news for the Phillies and us fans, but don't forget it will impact the current IronPigs roster. Chase Utley and Jose Contreras are both playing for Clearwater tonight, Brad Lidge is scheduled to throw a few bullpen sessions in the coming days before starting rehab, and Brian Schneider should come back next weekend.
It's important to remember that before any of the Phillies return, Jason Grilli will come off the DL and Chance Chapman will probably find himself back in Reading. The most obvious roster move to accommodate one of those four players is Dane Sardinha being sent down when Brian Schneider is activated. Joel Naughton would be sent down to Reading or Clearwater. I suspect Chase will be the second guy activated and that's where it gets tricky.
Most likely Pete Orr, who has been a key pinch hitter and spot starter for the Phils, will be sent down to the Pigs. Maybe it will be Wilson Valdez. The more important question (at least for this blog) is who will have to leave the IronPigs roster. We know it won't be Brian Bocock as the Phillies have shown they see him as someone to bring up to the big leagues if needed. He's also the only current Pigs infielder on the 40-man roster. It's hard envisioning Jeff Larish being the odd man out with his AAA experience. That leaves Tagg Bozied, Josh Barfield, and Ronnie Belliard. To me it comes down to Bozied or Barfield with Tagg the most likely to be sent down to Reading. In all honesty I don't know the full details of contracts and all that, but I imagine Barfield cannot be or would refuse to be sent to Reading.
Bozied has been red hot since replacing Kevin Frandsen on the roster. In six games he's batting .300 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. Hate to lose his bat.
When Jose Contreras comes back either Scott Mathieson or Michael Stutes will be sent down. Mathieson will probably be the guy as he only has pitched one inning since being recalled on May 7th. Stutes has proven early on to be a valuable addition to the Phillies bullpen.
The big question is what pitcher is sent down. Perhaps Juan Perez? It gets even more complicated when Lidge is activated and Stutes is sent down. Someone will have to go and looking at the roster, I don't want any pitcher to leave.
Interesting idea: think they could toss Feierabend and put Gordon or Carpenter in the rotation?
To recap (just my predictions):
PHI: Schneider activated - Sardinha sent down - LV: Naughton sent down
PHI: Utley activated - Orr/Valdez sent down - LV: Bozied sent down
PHI: Contreras activated - Mathieson sent down - LV: Perez sent down
PHI: Lidge activated - Stutes sent down - LV: no idea
And then of course there is the scenario of Domonic Brown being called up. Whatever happens I think the IronPigs will continue winning and the pitching staff will be one of the best in the IL.
Domonic Brown extended his hitting streak to 18 games with an 11th inning base hit that scored Erik Kratz and gave the IronPigs a 5-4 win. Brown is now tied with Mike Cervenak (2008) for the longest hitting streak in franchise history. The IronPigs are now two games up on the Yankees.
Chance Chapman came up big with two scoreless innings (9th & 10th) of relief for the W. Nate Bump pitched well through 5.2 innings but gave up a two-out, three-run home run to Brandon Laird that knocked him out of the game in the 6th. Juan Perez took over and allowed one run over 2.2 innings that gave him his first blown save. Mike Zagurski got the save, his 6th.
The first game in Scranton/WB was a success as the IronPigs took sole possession of first place in the IL North with a 7-3 win.
Domonic Brown was the offensive star reaching base three times including a 6th inning bloop single to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. He's one away from tying the franchise record of 18 set by Mike Cervenak back in 2008. Brown also had two RBI.
The Pigs had ten hits tonight but the two biggest in my mind came in the second inning. Delwyn Young (6) and Tagg Bozied (2) each hit solo home runs to tie the game at two an inning after the Yankees scored two off recently sent down Vance Worley. That quick response not only kept the game tied early but had to give Worley a lot of confidence that the offense would back him up.
Worley would only go three innings because he threw 74 pitches, the most he's thrown since May 4th against the Nationals in Philadelphia. He allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out and walking one.
The co-stars of the game had to be Andrew Carpenter and Michael Schwimer who pitched six shutout innings. Carpenter improved to 3-0 with 2.2 of those shutout innings. Schwimer earned his first career AAA save by striking out seven over 3.1 innings. Each pitcher gave up just one hit.
SWB was 0-7 with runners in scoring position. Jorge Vazquez hit two home runs. He leads the IL in homers (16) and RBI (41).
Michael Stutes was injured in tonight's Phillies game which may open the door for Zagurski or Worley to return to Philly.
After every game, readers will have a chance to vote for their Pig of the Game. The poll closes at 7:05 PM the following night, regardless of what time the game is that day. The player with the most Pig of the Game honors at the end of the year will win Pig of the Year! You can keep track of the leaders on the left side of the blog.
