I want this topic to be about the Suns. Specifically, the team itself, not the stadium or management (off field; on-field management is fair game).
I want to start off by saying that I attend almost every home game. I'm proud of the effort that the players put out for the fans.
For those of you that follow the Suns closely, here is my ideal lineup:
1) Coutlingus / Abreau
2) Ishikawa
3) Schmidt / Wagner
4) Columbus
5) Wagner / Schmidt
6) Munhall / Swanson
7) Barrows
8) Dobson
9) Hutting
Full Version: Day to Day Suns Commentary
i havent been to a game in 10 years...
You should take the opportunity to go to one. It's a nice relaxing time and the players are close and accessible after the game.
The game last night was exciting. The team almost pulled out a big victory, coming from behind by 6 runs, but falling to the Legends by one, 11 - 10.
The offense has been hitting well lately with Ishikawa and Armitage coming through with big hits in big situations.
The game pretty much illustrated the Suns biggest problem this season: the starting pitching needs to start going longer into games. The average START this season is around 3 and 2/3 innings, while the middle relief goes just as long. Any baseball observer would be able to tell you that this isn't good. Eventually you're going to wear down your pitching staff and the scoreboard is starting to show that.
Tonight's game should be another slugfest. A couple of more pitchers that have big ERAs.
The offense has been hitting well lately with Ishikawa and Armitage coming through with big hits in big situations.
The game pretty much illustrated the Suns biggest problem this season: the starting pitching needs to start going longer into games. The average START this season is around 3 and 2/3 innings, while the middle relief goes just as long. Any baseball observer would be able to tell you that this isn't good. Eventually you're going to wear down your pitching staff and the scoreboard is starting to show that.
Tonight's game should be another slugfest. A couple of more pitchers that have big ERAs.
Finally. The Suns put a W in the Win column and avoided the sweep by the Lexington Legends while giving the bullpen some much needed rest.
The pitching came through along with the hitting. Mike Musgrave and Jesse Floyd (it was Floyd that pitched, not English for those of you that read the article in the Herald Mail) pitched great. They shut down the Legends offense and really didn't make any huge mistakes.
Musgrave gave up a first inning 2 run shot, but after that he settled down and cruised until tiring into the 5th. Floyd came on a shut the door and did not allow Lexington to mount any significant threat.
Hats off to the offense as well. They came through in the clutch by delivering two two-out two RBI hits. Dobson with a two run shot and Ishikawa with a base hit with men on 2nd and 3rd base. Brian Munhall went 3-for-3 and Jonathan Armitage also added 2 hits.
On a side note, it appears that Jonathan Armitage is coming out of his slump. It seems that he's changed his batting stance to be more open which allows him to see the ball better. If his hitting trend continues, he will be a welcome force to the team.
The team starts a two game set against Lakewood tonight at home. Hope to see you there. Go Suns!
The pitching came through along with the hitting. Mike Musgrave and Jesse Floyd (it was Floyd that pitched, not English for those of you that read the article in the Herald Mail) pitched great. They shut down the Legends offense and really didn't make any huge mistakes.
Musgrave gave up a first inning 2 run shot, but after that he settled down and cruised until tiring into the 5th. Floyd came on a shut the door and did not allow Lexington to mount any significant threat.
Hats off to the offense as well. They came through in the clutch by delivering two two-out two RBI hits. Dobson with a two run shot and Ishikawa with a base hit with men on 2nd and 3rd base. Brian Munhall went 3-for-3 and Jonathan Armitage also added 2 hits.
On a side note, it appears that Jonathan Armitage is coming out of his slump. It seems that he's changed his batting stance to be more open which allows him to see the ball better. If his hitting trend continues, he will be a welcome force to the team.
The team starts a two game set against Lakewood tonight at home. Hope to see you there. Go Suns!
mbarone - did you get a Lou Scally bobblehead during the recent giveaway? I think it was over July 4th weekend.
no, but i got his bobblebelly doll
j/k
j/k
QUOTE (SMan @ Jul 18 2004, 01:33 AM)
mbarone - did you get a Lou Scally bobblehead during the recent giveaway? I think it was over July 4th weekend.
Yes, I did get a Big Lou bobblehead. One of the season ticket holders that we know had gotten one when he got in the door, but doesn't care for promotional stuff, so he gave it to my daughter.
The bobblehead is bigger than I thought it would be (no jokes at the behest of Lou please). The material is more like ceramic than the standard plastic that you see on today's bobbleheads.
Well all, the Suns ended up dropping the game last night 4 - 3. The pitching was on for the second night in a row, but hitting in the clutch could've been a lot better. The downfall of the game, IMHO, was not from the players, but the management.
The starter, Omar Anez, went 6 1/3 innings and gave up 3 runs. He never should have started the 7th. He looked to be tiring going into the 6th. Anyone in the crowd could tell this. His fastballs were up and a lot slower; his curve was not dropping as much as the beginning of the game. After giving up a two run shot in the first, he had settled down and cruised by going 1-2-3 in the next two, but began to tire going into the 4th. He worked himself out of a jam twice in the 4th and 6th, but then was sent out in the 7th. He promptly gave up a double, and then got the next batter out (who was bunting), but not after going full on the count with most of the pitches not close to the zone. When Omar started to struggle in the 6th, Mike Ramsey had Joe Bateman get ready, so he was ready to roll at the start of the 7th. Instead Omar was sent out, and then Bateman brought in with a runner on 3rd and the infield in. The next batter promptly gets a base hit grounder past a diving Hutting. Instead of Omar leaving the game on a high note, he leaves as a potential loser. Bateman got everything under control after that, but it was to little to late. One wonders why Ramsey would have Bateman finish the game, why he just didn't start Bateman at the start of the 7th?
The second management mistake came in the bottom of the 9th. The Suns got the first two on, then sacrificed them over to 2nd and 3rd with one out. Tim Hutting hits a SAC Fly to center to plate one run. Next up would have been Abreau, but Ramsey decided to go with Coutlingus. I agree with the sub batter, I just didn't agree with the choice of batter. I had been thinking that Brian Munhall would come to bat instead of John Coutlingus. Coutlingus has been coming back from a leg injury and is still getting his swing back, while Munhall had gone 3-for-3 the previous night and had been hitting the tar off the ball. The only thing I can think of was the lefty-righty match-up. Needless to say Coutlingus struck-out, but not after working the closer hard.
Enough of the critiquing for a day. Pat Dobson and Travis Ishikawa both had solo homers on the game, while Mike Wagner had two hits. Omar and Joe pitched the game well enough to allow the beleaguered bullpen to get more rest.
Good job guys, lets try to split the series today.
The starter, Omar Anez, went 6 1/3 innings and gave up 3 runs. He never should have started the 7th. He looked to be tiring going into the 6th. Anyone in the crowd could tell this. His fastballs were up and a lot slower; his curve was not dropping as much as the beginning of the game. After giving up a two run shot in the first, he had settled down and cruised by going 1-2-3 in the next two, but began to tire going into the 4th. He worked himself out of a jam twice in the 4th and 6th, but then was sent out in the 7th. He promptly gave up a double, and then got the next batter out (who was bunting), but not after going full on the count with most of the pitches not close to the zone. When Omar started to struggle in the 6th, Mike Ramsey had Joe Bateman get ready, so he was ready to roll at the start of the 7th. Instead Omar was sent out, and then Bateman brought in with a runner on 3rd and the infield in. The next batter promptly gets a base hit grounder past a diving Hutting. Instead of Omar leaving the game on a high note, he leaves as a potential loser. Bateman got everything under control after that, but it was to little to late. One wonders why Ramsey would have Bateman finish the game, why he just didn't start Bateman at the start of the 7th?
The second management mistake came in the bottom of the 9th. The Suns got the first two on, then sacrificed them over to 2nd and 3rd with one out. Tim Hutting hits a SAC Fly to center to plate one run. Next up would have been Abreau, but Ramsey decided to go with Coutlingus. I agree with the sub batter, I just didn't agree with the choice of batter. I had been thinking that Brian Munhall would come to bat instead of John Coutlingus. Coutlingus has been coming back from a leg injury and is still getting his swing back, while Munhall had gone 3-for-3 the previous night and had been hitting the tar off the ball. The only thing I can think of was the lefty-righty match-up. Needless to say Coutlingus struck-out, but not after working the closer hard.
Enough of the critiquing for a day. Pat Dobson and Travis Ishikawa both had solo homers on the game, while Mike Wagner had two hits. Omar and Joe pitched the game well enough to allow the beleaguered bullpen to get more rest.
Good job guys, lets try to split the series today.
When are the next few Thursday home games? I'd like to see a game or two and what better night to do it than cheap beer night.
I was at Saturday night's game....it was one of the better
games I've seen in Hagerstown....the disputed call when
whoever it was bunted and the ball came up and hit him
after he left the batter's box was correct...I saw it perfectly
from the third base side....I think that was the first time
I've seen Hagerstown hit two home runs in one game.
The new scoreboard is terrific, and the beers I had were
nice and cold. The throw-back uniforms were distracting.
games I've seen in Hagerstown....the disputed call when
whoever it was bunted and the ball came up and hit him
after he left the batter's box was correct...I saw it perfectly
from the third base side....I think that was the first time
I've seen Hagerstown hit two home runs in one game.
The new scoreboard is terrific, and the beers I had were
nice and cold. The throw-back uniforms were distracting.
QUOTE (SMan @ Jul 18 2004, 08:51 PM)
When are the next few Thursday home games? I'd like to see a game or two and what better night to do it than cheap beer night.
SMan, the next couple of Thursday night games are not until 8/5 and 8/26. Hope to see you out there!
QUOTE (the5car @ Jul 19 2004, 12:15 PM)
I was at Saturday night's game....it was one of the better
games I've seen in Hagerstown....the disputed call when
whoever it was bunted and the ball came up and hit him
after he left the batter's box was correct...I saw it perfectly
from the third base side....I think that was the first time
I've seen Hagerstown hit two home runs in one game.
The new scoreboard is terrific, and the beers I had were
nice and cold. The throw-back uniforms were distracting.
games I've seen in Hagerstown....the disputed call when
whoever it was bunted and the ball came up and hit him
after he left the batter's box was correct...I saw it perfectly
from the third base side....I think that was the first time
I've seen Hagerstown hit two home runs in one game.
The new scoreboard is terrific, and the beers I had were
nice and cold. The throw-back uniforms were distracting.
I agree that the umpire made the right call on that bunt. I didn't like that the home plate umpire did not make that call, then took forever to discuss it with the field umpire. I don't think either one saw what really happened, but in the end they guessed right.
The throwbacks were a bit over the edge. I actually liked the away ones better than what the Suns wore.
In an FYI --- the scoreboard was partly paid for by tobacco settlement money. I'm glad we have the new scoreboard. It's nice and simple and we don't have to worry about the electricity shorting out.
Glad to see you came out to the game!
7/18 vs Kannapolis.
A little luck went the Suns way. Thanks to a missed pick off to first allowing Jon Coutlangus to get all the way to third, then Tim Hutting hitting deep SAC fly to score Jon, the Suns won 5 -4.
Travis Nesmith did a great job in a spot start. He pitched 5 innings while giving up 2 runs. Brian Wilson came in and finished off the final 4 innings and received the victory.
It looked grim right off the bat. Literally, the first pitch was knocked for a homer. The Suns then came back with two in the bottom half of the first, followed by one in the second. The Lakewood pitcher finally settled down and pitched through 7 innings (which surprised yours truely considering the amount of pitches he piled up in the beginning).
After Lakewood evened up the score at 4 in the 7th, everything seemed to line up for a long extra inning affair. Then the errant throw and the next thing you know, the game is done. Suns win!
Next, the Suns travel to play the hated in-state rival, Delmarva Shorebirds for two. Good luck Suns!
In a hey, I'm a tough guy award category, hats off to Jesse Schmidt who managed to knock down the Hagerstown Community College ad in right field while attempting to catch a fly ball. Ouch!
A little luck went the Suns way. Thanks to a missed pick off to first allowing Jon Coutlangus to get all the way to third, then Tim Hutting hitting deep SAC fly to score Jon, the Suns won 5 -4.
Travis Nesmith did a great job in a spot start. He pitched 5 innings while giving up 2 runs. Brian Wilson came in and finished off the final 4 innings and received the victory.
It looked grim right off the bat. Literally, the first pitch was knocked for a homer. The Suns then came back with two in the bottom half of the first, followed by one in the second. The Lakewood pitcher finally settled down and pitched through 7 innings (which surprised yours truely considering the amount of pitches he piled up in the beginning).
After Lakewood evened up the score at 4 in the 7th, everything seemed to line up for a long extra inning affair. Then the errant throw and the next thing you know, the game is done. Suns win!
Next, the Suns travel to play the hated in-state rival, Delmarva Shorebirds for two. Good luck Suns!
In a hey, I'm a tough guy award category, hats off to Jesse Schmidt who managed to knock down the Hagerstown Community College ad in right field while attempting to catch a fly ball. Ouch!
7/19 @ Delmarva
The bats came out to play last night, and lucky that they did. Right away, the Suns staked starter Juan Serrato to a 1 - 0 lead in the first, then tacked on 3 more in the 3rd and 4 more in the 4th to build a commanding 8 - 2 lead. Jason Columbus had hits in clutch situations to net 3 RBI's on the night while Jesse Schmidt and Mike Wagner each added home runs.
The lead was so big that it seemed like Serrato lost a little focus. He struggled through the 4th and 5th innings and let Delmarva back into the game. He hit two batters while walking another in the course of a couple of innings allowing the Shorebirds to plate six runs. Once Juan was lifted at the start of the 6th for Jesse Floyd, the game seemed to move along.
Both Floyd and Delmarva relief men held the teams in check the rest of the way with Hagerstown saves man Tim Alvarez shutting the door in the 9th for the Suns victory.
The Suns will go for the sweep tonight and try to gain some momentum heading into the Lakewood series.
Props: Jesse Floyd once again sparkled in relief. He netted 6 K's in 3 innings. I was very surpised that they used Floyd on short rest. He had pitched 4 innings during Friday nights win, but coach Ramsey obviously had a gut feeling that Floyd was on a roll.
The bats came out to play last night, and lucky that they did. Right away, the Suns staked starter Juan Serrato to a 1 - 0 lead in the first, then tacked on 3 more in the 3rd and 4 more in the 4th to build a commanding 8 - 2 lead. Jason Columbus had hits in clutch situations to net 3 RBI's on the night while Jesse Schmidt and Mike Wagner each added home runs.
The lead was so big that it seemed like Serrato lost a little focus. He struggled through the 4th and 5th innings and let Delmarva back into the game. He hit two batters while walking another in the course of a couple of innings allowing the Shorebirds to plate six runs. Once Juan was lifted at the start of the 6th for Jesse Floyd, the game seemed to move along.
Both Floyd and Delmarva relief men held the teams in check the rest of the way with Hagerstown saves man Tim Alvarez shutting the door in the 9th for the Suns victory.
The Suns will go for the sweep tonight and try to gain some momentum heading into the Lakewood series.
Props: Jesse Floyd once again sparkled in relief. He netted 6 K's in 3 innings. I was very surpised that they used Floyd on short rest. He had pitched 4 innings during Friday nights win, but coach Ramsey obviously had a gut feeling that Floyd was on a roll.
You drove all the way to Salisbury last night ???
I think mbarone12 should be hired as a Suns correspondent/staff writer.
AM 1410 if you are within range. Otherwise, pull out the wifi laptop and listen at www.hagerstownsuns.com. click on the MD.Net logo on the right side of the page. Nothing better than grilling on the patio, having a beer, and listening to the game!!! We went to Delmarva for 2 games the last time the Suns went there. What a nice stadium!! But we have a reason to roadtrip, since we host a player and try to see him pitch as much as we can.
Sman, EVERY Thursday is Thirsty Thursday. During roadtrips, you can get in with a $5 cover, I think, and the $1 beers flow freely once you are in the gates. However, I encourage you to come for the ball games as well!
Sman, EVERY Thursday is Thirsty Thursday. During roadtrips, you can get in with a $5 cover, I think, and the $1 beers flow freely once you are in the gates. However, I encourage you to come for the ball games as well!
QUOTE (CommuterMike @ Jul 20 2004, 02:26 PM)
I think mbarone12 should be hired as a Suns correspondent/staff writer.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I think I need a little more practice.
Sorry everyone. I did not report on last night's game. The game went 13 innings and started off great with Columbus knocking a 3 run shot early. Delmarva came back and took the lead with a Grand Slam that took a little of the wind out of the Suns sails. The Suns tied the game with a single run followed by a Wagner homer to take the lead. The Shorebirds tied the game @ 5 in the bottom of 8th and that was it from the scoring point until the 13th when the Shorebirds won the game, 6 - 5.
Hats off to Pat Dobson and Mike Wagner who each had 3 hits a piece in the game. Also, if it wasn't for some spectacular fielding by both Dobson and Schmidt in the extra frames, the Suns would have lost the game a lot earlier.
The Suns travel to Lakewood for 3 games Wed - Friday, then home for a short series starting Saturday against these same pesky Shorebirds.
Again, sorry for the late post. Most of you have probably already read the sports article, but I feel I provide a little more detail and insight from a fan's point of view
5car - I did not drive to Salisbury last night. I listened to the game on the radio then put it all together. I believe I've watched this team enough this year that I can make a somewhat accurate report without looking to bad.
Although I have been to the stadium in Salisbury this season; it's nice and big but not as homely (sp??).
Hats off to Pat Dobson and Mike Wagner who each had 3 hits a piece in the game. Also, if it wasn't for some spectacular fielding by both Dobson and Schmidt in the extra frames, the Suns would have lost the game a lot earlier.
The Suns travel to Lakewood for 3 games Wed - Friday, then home for a short series starting Saturday against these same pesky Shorebirds.
Again, sorry for the late post. Most of you have probably already read the sports article, but I feel I provide a little more detail and insight from a fan's point of view
5car - I did not drive to Salisbury last night. I listened to the game on the radio then put it all together. I believe I've watched this team enough this year that I can make a somewhat accurate report without looking to bad.
Although I have been to the stadium in Salisbury this season; it's nice and big but not as homely (sp??).
7/21 - Lakewood
One word best describes tonight's game. OUCH!
The Suns took a 2 - 1 lead in the 8th then lost the game with by a walk-off 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to drop the game 3 - 2. The game developed into a classic pitching duel with Mike Musgrave only giving up one run in his 5 innings of work and Lakewood's pitcher, Nate Cabrera, holding Hagerstown to just 2 hits in his 6 innings of work.
Lakewood attempted to give the Suns the game in the 8th on an errant throw from the catcher allowing Hutting to score from second base. Patrick Dobson then came through with an RBI double to give the Suns the lead. The lead looked tough to overtake with the Suns new pitcher Aaron Sorbieraj held Lakewood scoreless for 3 innings. Mike Ramsey then brought Brian Wilson in to attempt to close the game. Wilson walked the first batter, then Randy Ruiz hit a two run shot to end the game.
I can't fault Ramsey for bringing Wilson in to try and save even though Sorbieraj was rolling along. But since Sobieraj is new, he doesn't know him very well. Plus you have to wonder how 3 innings of pitching was doing on the reliever.
What this fan has to wonder, is that in the 7th, the Suns had runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out in a pitching duel. Instead of bunting, Ramsey had Jonathan Armitage swing away. He promptly hit a grounder to third for a 6 - 3 double play. Which effectively ended the Suns rally. I have to trust Ramsey knew what he was doing.
It's too bad for the Suns, who worked hard to come back. Hopefully, this defeat will not play to hard on their moral.
One word best describes tonight's game. OUCH!
The Suns took a 2 - 1 lead in the 8th then lost the game with by a walk-off 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to drop the game 3 - 2. The game developed into a classic pitching duel with Mike Musgrave only giving up one run in his 5 innings of work and Lakewood's pitcher, Nate Cabrera, holding Hagerstown to just 2 hits in his 6 innings of work.
Lakewood attempted to give the Suns the game in the 8th on an errant throw from the catcher allowing Hutting to score from second base. Patrick Dobson then came through with an RBI double to give the Suns the lead. The lead looked tough to overtake with the Suns new pitcher Aaron Sorbieraj held Lakewood scoreless for 3 innings. Mike Ramsey then brought Brian Wilson in to attempt to close the game. Wilson walked the first batter, then Randy Ruiz hit a two run shot to end the game.
I can't fault Ramsey for bringing Wilson in to try and save even though Sorbieraj was rolling along. But since Sobieraj is new, he doesn't know him very well. Plus you have to wonder how 3 innings of pitching was doing on the reliever.
What this fan has to wonder, is that in the 7th, the Suns had runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out in a pitching duel. Instead of bunting, Ramsey had Jonathan Armitage swing away. He promptly hit a grounder to third for a 6 - 3 double play. Which effectively ended the Suns rally. I have to trust Ramsey knew what he was doing.
It's too bad for the Suns, who worked hard to come back. Hopefully, this defeat will not play to hard on their moral.
7/22 - Lakewood 15 - 6 L
For all you folks that were hoping for the post for last night's game, sorry, I had to work. I caught some stuff here and there, but nothing I can put together in a nice post.
My worst fear seemed to happen last night. It seems the moral defeats that the Suns suffered the previous two nights finally took hold on the boys. After losing to a walk off homer, the Suns let it all go. Omar Anez finally had a bad outing, and the bats just seemed to lose life as the game went along. 'Nuff said.
Let's try and salvage the series by taking the last one tonight and going 2 - 3 on the trip before coming home. (It's amazing, a hit one way or another; or a strikeout here or there and the Suns may be coming home 4 - 1 instead; don't you just love this game )
For all you folks that were hoping for the post for last night's game, sorry, I had to work. I caught some stuff here and there, but nothing I can put together in a nice post.
My worst fear seemed to happen last night. It seems the moral defeats that the Suns suffered the previous two nights finally took hold on the boys. After losing to a walk off homer, the Suns let it all go. Omar Anez finally had a bad outing, and the bats just seemed to lose life as the game went along. 'Nuff said.
Let's try and salvage the series by taking the last one tonight and going 2 - 3 on the trip before coming home. (It's amazing, a hit one way or another; or a strikeout here or there and the Suns may be coming home 4 - 1 instead; don't you just love this game
)
7/23 - Lakewood 4 - 3 L
Another close game for the Suns, another loss. After enduring a 1 1/2 hr delay, the game got underway. Ben Thurmond and the Lakewood pitcher went toe-toe for 5 innings. Randy Ruiz, the one player that seems to have Hagerstown's number, played an important part in beating Hagerstown by launching a two-run shot that proved to be the game winner. This gave Lakewood a 4 - 1 lead. Mike Wagner managed to provide a two-run homer in the top of the 9th to make it 4 -3, but Hagerstown couldn't muster anything else after that.
The Suns limp home after a 1 - 4 roadtrip that found 3 out of the 4 losses were by one run.
The story of the road trip seemed to be the Suns lack of hitting in the clutch. The pitching kept the team in the game, but the bats just couldn't come through. They had been hitting so well too. I will grant that it is difficult to hit that little white ball with that thin stick, I just wish that the stick would be bigger for the guys sake.
Another close game for the Suns, another loss. After enduring a 1 1/2 hr delay, the game got underway. Ben Thurmond and the Lakewood pitcher went toe-toe for 5 innings. Randy Ruiz, the one player that seems to have Hagerstown's number, played an important part in beating Hagerstown by launching a two-run shot that proved to be the game winner. This gave Lakewood a 4 - 1 lead. Mike Wagner managed to provide a two-run homer in the top of the 9th to make it 4 -3, but Hagerstown couldn't muster anything else after that.
The Suns limp home after a 1 - 4 roadtrip that found 3 out of the 4 losses were by one run.
The story of the road trip seemed to be the Suns lack of hitting in the clutch. The pitching kept the team in the game, but the bats just couldn't come through. They had been hitting so well too. I will grant that it is difficult to hit that little white ball with that thin stick, I just wish that the stick would be bigger for the guys sake.
7/24 - Delmarva 4 - 0 L
Three Shorebirds pitchers stymied the Suns bats tonight by holding them to 4 hits, two of them coming in the first.
Starter Juan Serrato gave up three runs (1 unearned) in 6 innings. Jesse Floyd worked two innings and gave up a run, while Tim Alvarez got a little work in the 9th to finish the game.
Fielding didn't help the Suns much. In the 2nd, Johanny Abreau made a spectacular play on ground ball in the hole, but then proceeded to throw it by first baseman Travis Ishikawa allowing the runner to go to second. This obviously rattled Serrato. He then proceeded to throw two balls then on gopher ball to the next batter who promptly hit a double to score the run.
A second run was scored in the 5th on a double, bunt sac, and a sac fly to left field. The throw from Armitage was right on the button to Munhall and looked to be there in plenty of time, but the runner somehow eluded the tag and scored. (Ramsey was all fired up on that call and I would have to agree with that one. I thought he was out as well, but hey I'm just a spectator).
The third run was scored in the 6th on back-to-back hits. This ended Serrato's night and brought Floyd in at the top of the 7th. After working a scoreless 7th, Floyd gave up a single and a double to have the 4th run score.
The good guys will try to right the ship tomorrow afternoon against the Shorebirds. With it being bring your dog to the park day. hopefully the Shorebirds will throw the Suns a bone. GO SUNS!
Three Shorebirds pitchers stymied the Suns bats tonight by holding them to 4 hits, two of them coming in the first.
Starter Juan Serrato gave up three runs (1 unearned) in 6 innings. Jesse Floyd worked two innings and gave up a run, while Tim Alvarez got a little work in the 9th to finish the game.
Fielding didn't help the Suns much. In the 2nd, Johanny Abreau made a spectacular play on ground ball in the hole, but then proceeded to throw it by first baseman Travis Ishikawa allowing the runner to go to second. This obviously rattled Serrato. He then proceeded to throw two balls then on gopher ball to the next batter who promptly hit a double to score the run.
A second run was scored in the 5th on a double, bunt sac, and a sac fly to left field. The throw from Armitage was right on the button to Munhall and looked to be there in plenty of time, but the runner somehow eluded the tag and scored. (Ramsey was all fired up on that call and I would have to agree with that one. I thought he was out as well, but hey I'm just a spectator).
The third run was scored in the 6th on back-to-back hits. This ended Serrato's night and brought Floyd in at the top of the 7th. After working a scoreless 7th, Floyd gave up a single and a double to have the 4th run score.
The good guys will try to right the ship tomorrow afternoon against the Shorebirds. With it being bring your dog to the park day. hopefully the Shorebirds will throw the Suns a bone. GO SUNS!
7/25 Delmarva - 10 - 3 L
Well the Suns got dogged yesterday. Delmarva managed to keep their shutout streak going up until the 8th inning where Mike Wagner hit a solo-shot into the Hagerstown bullpen for his 12th (and team leading). Two hits later another run was plated by Tim Hutting to make it 10 - 2. One more run was brought in during the bottom of the 9th after Jesse Schmidt walked and Mike Wagner hit what should have been a game ending groun out to short. The shortstop threw the ball wide of first and allowed a hustling Jesse Schmidt to score from first.
That was the only excitment the Suns offense could supply. While the Suns continue to hit the ball on the screws, it just seems it is always at someone from the other team. The opposite seems to happen to the Suns pitching staff. The staff seems to make the right pitches, but dumb luck seems to happen when the opposing team gets the bat on the ball.
The staff didn't help the situation any. Walks. The bane of the Suns all season, reared its ugly head again. Ryan Sadowski walked 5 batters in 4 2/3 innings. Three walks came in the 5 run 5th, while Delmarva also sandwiched a couple of singles in there. Sean Martin came in to try and stop the bleeding, which he did pretty well. Unfortunately, the defense thought otherwise. The defense supplied Martin with 4 unearned runs. Three of the runs came with two outs in the 7th after a dropped fly ball by the right fielder. Aaron Sobieraj came in and held the Shorebirds scoreless for 2 1/3, but the damage was already done.
Overall, the starting pitching seems to have improved significantly over the last few weeks, but the Suns can't seem to win games. This has got to be weighing on Ramsey's mind, which could be why the Suns ended up practicing after yesterday's loss.
The Suns play a matinee game today @ 11:35am to finish off the home stand. I'm hoping for a victory to send the Suns on the road with some momentum. Also working in favor is the fact that the Suns have not lost an 11:35 am yet this year.
GO SUNS!
Well the Suns got dogged yesterday. Delmarva managed to keep their shutout streak going up until the 8th inning where Mike Wagner hit a solo-shot into the Hagerstown bullpen for his 12th (and team leading). Two hits later another run was plated by Tim Hutting to make it 10 - 2. One more run was brought in during the bottom of the 9th after Jesse Schmidt walked and Mike Wagner hit what should have been a game ending groun out to short. The shortstop threw the ball wide of first and allowed a hustling Jesse Schmidt to score from first.
That was the only excitment the Suns offense could supply. While the Suns continue to hit the ball on the screws, it just seems it is always at someone from the other team. The opposite seems to happen to the Suns pitching staff. The staff seems to make the right pitches, but dumb luck seems to happen when the opposing team gets the bat on the ball.
The staff didn't help the situation any. Walks. The bane of the Suns all season, reared its ugly head again. Ryan Sadowski walked 5 batters in 4 2/3 innings. Three walks came in the 5 run 5th, while Delmarva also sandwiched a couple of singles in there. Sean Martin came in to try and stop the bleeding, which he did pretty well. Unfortunately, the defense thought otherwise. The defense supplied Martin with 4 unearned runs. Three of the runs came with two outs in the 7th after a dropped fly ball by the right fielder. Aaron Sobieraj came in and held the Shorebirds scoreless for 2 1/3, but the damage was already done.
Overall, the starting pitching seems to have improved significantly over the last few weeks, but the Suns can't seem to win games. This has got to be weighing on Ramsey's mind, which could be why the Suns ended up practicing after yesterday's loss.
The Suns play a matinee game today @ 11:35am to finish off the home stand. I'm hoping for a victory to send the Suns on the road with some momentum. Also working in favor is the fact that the Suns have not lost an 11:35 am yet this year.
GO SUNS!
I went today, even though it looked like rain and the thought of all those camp kids around wasn't too appealing.
Mike Musgrave got off to a rocky start, giving up 3 runs in the first. He settled down and the Suns tied it up with a run in the first and 2 more in the second. Unfortunately, Delmarva responded with runs, including a 2 run homer from Yount, to retake the lead in the 4th. It was pretty quiet until the top of the 6th when the Delmarva Duo of Yount and Fiorentino combined to bring in another run with 2 outs. Musgrave was pulled after 5 and 2/3 innings and replaced with Brian Wilson. Wilson closed out the frame with out giving up any more runs. He did give up one run in the top of the 7th to make the game 8-3 Delmarva.
The Suns had their opportunity in the bottom of the 7th. Jesse Schmidt came to the plate with the bases loaded and 2 out. He popped up to shallow center to end the innings, and he had a few choice words with himself afterward.
However, the eighth inning proved to be the rally inning for the Suns. Jason Columbus had a lead off double and was brought home by a Mike Wagner (who has been hitting extremely well lately) single. Jon Armitage singled (also great at the plate recently), followed by a single from Tim Hutting, scoring Wagner. Catcher Brent Swanson singled and brought in Armi, making the score 8-6 before Delmarva made the move to pull their pitcher. With one out (Travis Ishikawa) and Johany Abreu (who came in to pinch run for Swanson) at first, the replacement pitcher walked Jay Knowlton to load the bases. Pat Dobson lined to right field for the second out, and once again it looked like the Suns were going to come up short. Jesse Schmidt then came to the plate with 2 out and the bases loaded. After staying alive by fouling off a number of pitches, he nailed one into the Suns bullpen, netting his second grand slam of the season and giving the Suns a 10-8 lead. Jason Columbus struck out looking to finish the frame and bringing an end to the Suns onslaught.
Brian Munhall came in to catch for the ninth, and Wilson was replaced on the mound with Tim Alvarez. The Shorebirds managed to squeak out one run on Alvy, but the Suns held on to win 10-9.
My personal kudos to Mike Wagner, Tim Hutting, and Jonathan Armitage who have really stepped it up at the plate, giving a hand to the usually strong Ishikawa and Columbus who have been a bit off lately. Hutting and Pat Dobson had some really nice defense plays at short and second respectively today. The guys go on a road trip to Kannapolis, NC then Charleston, WV, with a rare off Sunday. They will return next Monday.
Mike Musgrave got off to a rocky start, giving up 3 runs in the first. He settled down and the Suns tied it up with a run in the first and 2 more in the second. Unfortunately, Delmarva responded with runs, including a 2 run homer from Yount, to retake the lead in the 4th. It was pretty quiet until the top of the 6th when the Delmarva Duo of Yount and Fiorentino combined to bring in another run with 2 outs. Musgrave was pulled after 5 and 2/3 innings and replaced with Brian Wilson. Wilson closed out the frame with out giving up any more runs. He did give up one run in the top of the 7th to make the game 8-3 Delmarva.
The Suns had their opportunity in the bottom of the 7th. Jesse Schmidt came to the plate with the bases loaded and 2 out. He popped up to shallow center to end the innings, and he had a few choice words with himself afterward.
However, the eighth inning proved to be the rally inning for the Suns. Jason Columbus had a lead off double and was brought home by a Mike Wagner (who has been hitting extremely well lately) single. Jon Armitage singled (also great at the plate recently), followed by a single from Tim Hutting, scoring Wagner. Catcher Brent Swanson singled and brought in Armi, making the score 8-6 before Delmarva made the move to pull their pitcher. With one out (Travis Ishikawa) and Johany Abreu (who came in to pinch run for Swanson) at first, the replacement pitcher walked Jay Knowlton to load the bases. Pat Dobson lined to right field for the second out, and once again it looked like the Suns were going to come up short. Jesse Schmidt then came to the plate with 2 out and the bases loaded. After staying alive by fouling off a number of pitches, he nailed one into the Suns bullpen, netting his second grand slam of the season and giving the Suns a 10-8 lead. Jason Columbus struck out looking to finish the frame and bringing an end to the Suns onslaught.
Brian Munhall came in to catch for the ninth, and Wilson was replaced on the mound with Tim Alvarez. The Shorebirds managed to squeak out one run on Alvy, but the Suns held on to win 10-9.
My personal kudos to Mike Wagner, Tim Hutting, and Jonathan Armitage who have really stepped it up at the plate, giving a hand to the usually strong Ishikawa and Columbus who have been a bit off lately. Hutting and Pat Dobson had some really nice defense plays at short and second respectively today. The guys go on a road trip to Kannapolis, NC then Charleston, WV, with a rare off Sunday. They will return next Monday.
Kannapolis - Game 1 5 - 4 L
Well all, the Suns got bit by the come from behind bug again. In a shortened double header game of only 7 innings, the Suns took what looked to be an insurmountable lead of 4 - 1 in the top of the 6th, only to give up 4 runs in the bottom half to lose.
Everything started off great for Omar Anez. He was in cruise control for 5 1/3 innings, only giving up a homer. Then after a disputed walk (where Anez thought he had a third strike instead of ball four) Anez gave up a single followed by another walk. Joe Bateman came in to attempt to stop the bleeding. Bateman gave up a two run double, followed by a pop-out, then a single which plated the last two runs.
The Suns threatened in the top half of the 7th by Schmidt walking and Columbus singling. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, then with one out and a 2 - 0 count, the Intimidators decided to go to their saves man. He proceeded to strikeout Wagner (on some close pitches), then Armitage grounded out to first to end the game.
Another tough loss. The Suns will try to get the split in the night cap before leaving for Charleston, WV.
In a side note, Mike Wagner and Jonathan Armitage continued their hot hitting streaks. Wagner belted another home run in today's game. That was his 13th on the season (and team lead). Armitage came up with a clutch hit in the 6th for 2 RBIs.
Well all, the Suns got bit by the come from behind bug again. In a shortened double header game of only 7 innings, the Suns took what looked to be an insurmountable lead of 4 - 1 in the top of the 6th, only to give up 4 runs in the bottom half to lose.
Everything started off great for Omar Anez. He was in cruise control for 5 1/3 innings, only giving up a homer. Then after a disputed walk (where Anez thought he had a third strike instead of ball four) Anez gave up a single followed by another walk. Joe Bateman came in to attempt to stop the bleeding. Bateman gave up a two run double, followed by a pop-out, then a single which plated the last two runs.
The Suns threatened in the top half of the 7th by Schmidt walking and Columbus singling. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, then with one out and a 2 - 0 count, the Intimidators decided to go to their saves man. He proceeded to strikeout Wagner (on some close pitches), then Armitage grounded out to first to end the game.
Another tough loss. The Suns will try to get the split in the night cap before leaving for Charleston, WV.
In a side note, Mike Wagner and Jonathan Armitage continued their hot hitting streaks. Wagner belted another home run in today's game. That was his 13th on the season (and team lead). Armitage came up with a clutch hit in the 6th for 2 RBIs.
Kannapolis - 1 -0 L Game 2
Well, not much to say about this game. I mean, what can you say about a 2-hitter? Other than the situational hitting could have been better. The only opportunity the Suns had was when Johanny Abreau doubled to open, but Jon Coutlingus could not bunt him over to third.
Ben Thurmond pitched an excellent game, only giving up the one controversial run. With a man on 1st and 2nd and one out, a ground ball to third had tailor made double play on it. Derrick Barrows fielded the ball, then made a quality throw to 2nd for a fielders choice 2nd out. Or so we thought. The umpire called the runner safe because Dobson pulled his foot off the bag to early. Now the bases are loaded with one out, instead of 1st and 3rd with two down. Of course, the way the Suns season has gone, the next batter promptly hits a deep sac fly to score the one and only run.
For those of us that watch baseball, we all know that 50% of the time the bag is never tagged when turning a double play (it's what I call a vicinty out). I guess an umpire finally decided enough was enough.
The Suns will try and get it together in Charleston tonight. Hopefully the ship can get righted. GO SUNS!
Well, not much to say about this game. I mean, what can you say about a 2-hitter? Other than the situational hitting could have been better. The only opportunity the Suns had was when Johanny Abreau doubled to open, but Jon Coutlingus could not bunt him over to third.
Ben Thurmond pitched an excellent game, only giving up the one controversial run. With a man on 1st and 2nd and one out, a ground ball to third had tailor made double play on it. Derrick Barrows fielded the ball, then made a quality throw to 2nd for a fielders choice 2nd out. Or so we thought. The umpire called the runner safe because Dobson pulled his foot off the bag to early. Now the bases are loaded with one out, instead of 1st and 3rd with two down. Of course, the way the Suns season has gone, the next batter promptly hits a deep sac fly to score the one and only run.
For those of us that watch baseball, we all know that 50% of the time the bag is never tagged when turning a double play (it's what I call a vicinty out). I guess an umpire finally decided enough was enough.
The Suns will try and get it together in Charleston tonight. Hopefully the ship can get righted. GO SUNS!
8/2 - Greensboro - 14 - 1 W
Yes, that's right. A 14 - 1 W for the Suns. With all do respect to the Bats, it was nice for the Suns to have one of these games. It just seemed like it was going to happen at one point since the Suns have been so close over the last couple of weeks.
Omar Anez pitched stellar. With the exception of a couple of first inning hits after two outs to plate a run, he was solid. Between you and me, the two hits to score runs were not hit all that hard, they just found the right places to fall. Omar finished with 10K's and 0 walks in seven innings. Travis Nesmith mopped up the last two innings. He walked 3 and struckout 3 in the two innings, which wasn't great, but he managed to work out of it without too much risk.
The bats. Ho, the bats. What seemed to be a tight game after the first four innings, opened up in to a laugher. After Mike Wagner was hit by a pitch in the second, Jonathan Armitage smack a double to plate him and knotting the score at 1 - 1. In the fourth, Travis Ishikawa reached on what was ruled an error (IMO it should have been ruled a hit because the ball was tailing away from short and was difficult to corral). Jason Columbus then reached on a fielder's choice and moved up to second on an Armitage walk. Patrick Dobson then struck for a long double that the center fielder had for a split second until he ran into the wall. This sent the score to 3 - 1.
The bottom of the 5th saw 5 runs get plated. The rally started with a beautiful bunt single by Johany Abreu. Five throws to first later saw Abreu steal second and on the subsequent overthrow to second move to third. Jay Knowlton came up with a hit to plate Abreu. Tim Hutting singled then moved to second on an RBI hit by Ishikawa. Columbus then came up and knocked a 360ft 3-run homer.
The sixth saw Abreu work some more magic. He doubled down the the left field line then score on a wild pitch after advancing to third on a Knowlton infield single. Ishikawa then came to bat and slammed his first of two tape measure shots over the center field wall.
The scoring was completed in the 8th on Ishikawa's second homer, which plated Knowlton and Hutting as well.
My props to the whole team for playing a great overall game. Is nice to see that this Suns team can still come together and perform at a high level.
Specific kudos to Travis Ishikawa and Omar Anez. These two provided the confidence the team needed to keep pouring it on.
The 4 game set continues tonight against Greensboro at 7:05 pm.
Also, less than a week until Willie Mays time, I'm sure tickets are going fast!
Yes, that's right. A 14 - 1 W for the Suns. With all do respect to the Bats, it was nice for the Suns to have one of these games. It just seemed like it was going to happen at one point since the Suns have been so close over the last couple of weeks.
Omar Anez pitched stellar. With the exception of a couple of first inning hits after two outs to plate a run, he was solid. Between you and me, the two hits to score runs were not hit all that hard, they just found the right places to fall. Omar finished with 10K's and 0 walks in seven innings. Travis Nesmith mopped up the last two innings. He walked 3 and struckout 3 in the two innings, which wasn't great, but he managed to work out of it without too much risk.
The bats. Ho, the bats. What seemed to be a tight game after the first four innings, opened up in to a laugher. After Mike Wagner was hit by a pitch in the second, Jonathan Armitage smack a double to plate him and knotting the score at 1 - 1. In the fourth, Travis Ishikawa reached on what was ruled an error (IMO it should have been ruled a hit because the ball was tailing away from short and was difficult to corral). Jason Columbus then reached on a fielder's choice and moved up to second on an Armitage walk. Patrick Dobson then struck for a long double that the center fielder had for a split second until he ran into the wall. This sent the score to 3 - 1.
The bottom of the 5th saw 5 runs get plated. The rally started with a beautiful bunt single by Johany Abreu. Five throws to first later saw Abreu steal second and on the subsequent overthrow to second move to third. Jay Knowlton came up with a hit to plate Abreu. Tim Hutting singled then moved to second on an RBI hit by Ishikawa. Columbus then came up and knocked a 360ft 3-run homer.
The sixth saw Abreu work some more magic. He doubled down the the left field line then score on a wild pitch after advancing to third on a Knowlton infield single. Ishikawa then came to bat and slammed his first of two tape measure shots over the center field wall.
The scoring was completed in the 8th on Ishikawa's second homer, which plated Knowlton and Hutting as well.
My props to the whole team for playing a great overall game. Is nice to see that this Suns team can still come together and perform at a high level.
Specific kudos to Travis Ishikawa and Omar Anez. These two provided the confidence the team needed to keep pouring it on.
The 4 game set continues tonight against Greensboro at 7:05 pm.
Also, less than a week until Willie Mays time, I'm sure tickets are going fast!
8/3 - Greensboro - 7 - 5 L
8/4 - Greensboro - 12 - 6 L
Been a little lax in my reporting here. Tuesday night's loss was a tough one to bear. The Suns had their lead on a great comeback going into the 9th and our Saves man went south. He showed a lack of confidence that I had not seen when he'd been pitching before. The article in the paper from the game I thought was well detailed for once, so I'll spare everyone the play-by-play for the game.
As far as last night's game. Boy, when Juan Serrato goes south with his pitching, it goes south. He has had the walks trouble all season long, and last night was not an exception. Juan was only able to complete 2/3 of an inning before being lifted, but the damage had already been done to the tune of 6-runs.
The Suns then had to play come from behind the whole game. They attempted to make a game of it with Jason Columbus coming up with 3 hits and four RBIs on the night and Jon Armitage supplying 2 hits of his own. The rally was squashed in the 7th when Brian Wilson was lifted for the normally reliable Aaron Sobieraj. Aaron gave up 4 runs before settling down to no hit ball for the rest of the game.
The Suns then scored 3 more in the bottom half of the 7th to make the game respectable, but that was enough.
The Suns will try to go for a series split against the worst team in the South Atlantic League tonight at 7:05. Hope to see everyone out there for the Thirsty Thursday beer fest!
8/4 - Greensboro - 12 - 6 L
Been a little lax in my reporting here. Tuesday night's loss was a tough one to bear. The Suns had their lead on a great comeback going into the 9th and our Saves man went south. He showed a lack of confidence that I had not seen when he'd been pitching before. The article in the paper from the game I thought was well detailed for once, so I'll spare everyone the play-by-play for the game.
As far as last night's game. Boy, when Juan Serrato goes south with his pitching, it goes south. He has had the walks trouble all season long, and last night was not an exception. Juan was only able to complete 2/3 of an inning before being lifted, but the damage had already been done to the tune of 6-runs.
The Suns then had to play come from behind the whole game. They attempted to make a game of it with Jason Columbus coming up with 3 hits and four RBIs on the night and Jon Armitage supplying 2 hits of his own. The rally was squashed in the 7th when Brian Wilson was lifted for the normally reliable Aaron Sobieraj. Aaron gave up 4 runs before settling down to no hit ball for the rest of the game.
The Suns then scored 3 more in the bottom half of the 7th to make the game respectable, but that was enough.
The Suns will try to go for a series split against the worst team in the South Atlantic League tonight at 7:05. Hope to see everyone out there for the Thirsty Thursday beer fest!
8/9 - Ashville - 4 - 2 L
I haven't been doing my job lately . Suns dropped 3 of 4 against the Tourists this weekend. The Tourist picthing seem to baffle the Suns throughout the series with the exception of a thrilling win by the Suns on Friday night.
The Willie Mays show was nice to watch last night. The stadium crowd seemed genuinely thrilled to see Willie Mays. What really stood out as a pleasure to see was the off the cuff interaction between Willie and the youngster from the Boys and Girls club. Willie took his time in explaining how to hold and throw the baseball properly. He even helped to correct the grip when the child went to throw it. It's stuff like that that make you know the person really loves and cares about the game.
With that being said, you could tell that the pitchers were a little nervous. Both gave up 2 first inning runs. Jesse Floyd walked two batters in the first to setup the two Tourist runs, while the Suns scored their two runs on solid hits. From there, the pitchers settled down and performed admirably. Aaron Soberiej gave up the other two runs in the three innings he pitched.
Unfortunately, the first inning spurt by the Suns was it for the game. The Suns were only able to muster 4 more hits for the rest of the game. They looked baffled by the soft throwing left hander. The Suns kept chasing pitches in the dirt, and when they did connect with the ball, it was a grounder to third or short.
This fan wonders what the Suns hitting coach was telling the kids on the bench. It seemed obvious that the Suns batters needed to move up a little in the box to eliminate the ball dropping out of the zone; but it seemed no adjustments were made.
Kudos on the night go to Mike Wagner. He had to give up his number so the Suns could retire it for Willie Mays. Mike switched from 24 (his favorite player is Ken Griffey Jr.) to 25 for the rest of the season.
The Suns head out on a long road trip starting tomorrow with 4 in Augusta and 4 in Capital City. Good luck guys! We'll be listening to you on the radio!
I haven't been doing my job lately
. Suns dropped 3 of 4 against the Tourists this weekend. The Tourist picthing seem to baffle the Suns throughout the series with the exception of a thrilling win by the Suns on Friday night. The Willie Mays show was nice to watch last night. The stadium crowd seemed genuinely thrilled to see Willie Mays. What really stood out as a pleasure to see was the off the cuff interaction between Willie and the youngster from the Boys and Girls club. Willie took his time in explaining how to hold and throw the baseball properly. He even helped to correct the grip when the child went to throw it. It's stuff like that that make you know the person really loves and cares about the game.
With that being said, you could tell that the pitchers were a little nervous. Both gave up 2 first inning runs. Jesse Floyd walked two batters in the first to setup the two Tourist runs, while the Suns scored their two runs on solid hits. From there, the pitchers settled down and performed admirably. Aaron Soberiej gave up the other two runs in the three innings he pitched.
Unfortunately, the first inning spurt by the Suns was it for the game. The Suns were only able to muster 4 more hits for the rest of the game. They looked baffled by the soft throwing left hander. The Suns kept chasing pitches in the dirt, and when they did connect with the ball, it was a grounder to third or short.
This fan wonders what the Suns hitting coach was telling the kids on the bench. It seemed obvious that the Suns batters needed to move up a little in the box to eliminate the ball dropping out of the zone; but it seemed no adjustments were made.
Kudos on the night go to Mike Wagner. He had to give up his number so the Suns could retire it for Willie Mays. Mike switched from 24 (his favorite player is Ken Griffey Jr.) to 25 for the rest of the season.
The Suns head out on a long road trip starting tomorrow with 4 in Augusta and 4 in Capital City. Good luck guys! We'll be listening to you on the radio!
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