vs BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH
Mike Porzio (3-1, 3.10 ERA) vs.
Rob Henkel (2-3, 6.46 ERA)
The Barnstormers are looking for their first three-game winning streak. Henkel had his worst outing of the season against the Bluefish on May 15, when he allowed seven earned runs in two innings. Porzio, a lefty, is 3-0 with a 2.84 in the regular season against Lancaster.
Pre-game notes:
– Had an interesting chat with hitting coach Glenn Murray. He has some great stories from his long playing career. Murray was part of a Double-A team in Harrisburg that went 94-44 and won the Eastern League title. Cliff Floyd, Rondell White, Joey Eischen and Kirk Reuter were all part of that club. Jim Tracy was the manager. It was one of the best minor-league teams of all time.
– Pitcher Brett Evert is fine after leaving Wednesday’s game with a muscle spasm in his back. Evert is still expected to miss his start on Monday for personal reasons. Scott Sobkowiak will likely take Evert’s turn.
– As you may have seen below, York second baseman Travis Hake is out a month with a broken hand.
– Bo Hart was a late scratch with a calf injury tonight. That’s why Russ Cleveland is at second base.
– Mike Woods still a “couple days” from returning.
– Junior Spivey is the league’s leading hitter at .404.
Lineups …
Bridgeport (16-9) ……………………Lancaster (9-16)
Quinton McCracken, RF …………….Quincy Foster, LF
Angel Espada, 2B …………………….Danny Gonzalez, SS
Junior Spivey, CF ……………………Jeremy Todd, 1B
Tommy Rojas, 1B ……………………Jutt Hileman, CF
Bobby Darula, DH ……………………Steve Van Note, 3B
Nick Ortiz, SS ………………………….Lance Burkhart, C
Bobby Malek, LF ……………………..Chris Van Rossum, RF
Jay Caligiuri, 3B ………………………Jeremy Deitrick, DH
John Nathans, C ……………………..Russ Cleveland, 2B
FINAL: Barnstormers 7, Bluefish 6
Scoring summary:
Bluefish 1st: Spivey scores on Hileman’s fielding error.
Stormers 1st: Todd’s sacrifice fly scores Foster.
Bluefish 2nd:: Ortiz scores on Burkhart’s throwing error. McCracken’s sacrifice fly scores Malek.
Stormers 2nd: Deitrick’s single scores Van Rossum.
Stormers 3rd: Gonzalez hits solo home run.
Stormers 5th: Gonzalez’s double scores Foster.
Stormers 6th: Cleveland’s home run scores Van Rossum.
Bluefish 8th: Spivey’s sacrifice fly scores McCracken.
Bluefish 9th: Caligiuri’s home run scores Ortiz.
Stormers 9th: Ambrosini’s single scores Van Note.
In-game notes:
– When you play a guy out of position, the ball seems to find him. Cleveland couldn’t turn a difficult double play and misplayed a pop up in the first inning. This is Cleveland’s first pro game at second base.
– Cleveland shuts up the critics with a two-run shot in the sixth. This second baseman has pop.
– Foster with his 11th stolen base in the fifth.
– Ambrosini grounds walk-off single through left side of infield.
RECORD: 10-16
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Danny Gonzalez (3-for-4 with a solo homer and RBI double). Even though my entire game story for the paper is about Dominick Ambrosini, Gonzalez was the best player on the field tonight.
WHAT WENT RIGHT: Ambrosini saved the day. With the bases loaded and no outs, he worked a 3-1 count before hitting a sharp grounder through the left side of the infield — snapping a 6-6 tie in the bottom of the ninth. It was the first walk-off hit of the season for the Barnstormers.
“Coming off the bench like that is fun to do, especially in that situation,” Ambrosini said. “To get the results you want, it’s just that much more satisfying.”
*It was a great patient at-bat by Ambrosini. He took the first four pitches before Bridgeport closer Eddy Ramos was forced to throw a fastball. Ambrosini made Ramos pay.
“It’s a tough situation for a pitcher,” Ambrosini said. (Ramos) has great stuff. He stuff is probably among the best in the league. He just fell behind in the count and that’s when he got hurt.”
*Gonzalez might be the Barnstormers’ most indispensable player. He has played every inning of every game. He’s locked in right now. Over the last eight games, he’s 12-for-30 with two homers and four doubles. Gonzalez is a great No. 2 hitter and is one of the best shortstops in the league.
*Starter Rob Henkel pitched very well. Despite some shaky defense in the first two innings, Henkel allowed just two earned runs in seven innings. He didn’t factor in the decision.
*The rotation is starting to make waves: In Lancaster’s last six games, the starters’ ERA is 2.60. That’ll get you some wins.
*Russ Cleveland belted his first Barnstormers home run, a two-run shot in the sixth inning. I don’t think he’s a temporary player any more. He’s going to be here a while. He’s also an outgoing guy who is a good fit in the clubhouse.
*Chris Van Rossum had two hits off lefty starter Mike Porzio.
*Steve Van Note singled in the ninth to extend his hitting streak to nine games. He also stole second and went to third on John Nathans’ throwing error to set up the winning run. The Barnstormers’ plan all along was for Van Note to steal because Ramos is slow delivering the ball to the plate.
*Quincy Foster had two hits, scored two runs and stole a base.
*The Barnstormers have won three in a row for the first time.
WHAT WENT WRONG: James Lira blew the save. Summoned into the game with a 6-4 lead in the ninth, Lira allowed a two-run homer to Jay Caligiuri as Bridgeport tied it. The closer role is now in doubt. Is it Lira or Derrick DePriest?
“Hitters go into slumps and closers can go into slumps,” manager Frank Klebe said. “(Lira’s) not throwing the ball like I want to see him throw it, honestly. It’s something we’re going to have to address. Right now I don’t know where I’m at on it.”
*Bo Hart missed the game with a sore calf. That meant Cleveland had to make his first career start at second base.
*Surprisingly, the Barnstormers left 13 men on base.
One last quote from Ambrosini. He really enjoys playing in this city.
“It was nice to hear the fans scream and yell,” he said. “It made me feel a little more comfortable here in Lancaster.”
I hate to say this but I feel Dietrick will be 3-4 outs again..
Dave! Are there UFO’s at the stadium? What the heck is going on?
Gee, we’re so short on Qualified players Cleveland is playing 2nd…which he never did before.
Lets GO HENKEL!
I would have played Burkhart at second.
I agree ..Jason
Burkhart would of got the turn for the double!
Henkel seems either hot or cold.
Sometimes I could scream about why we have 4 catchers…you saw what happens there..
This isn’t Henkel’s fault. He should have been out of the inning. No knock on Cleveland, but he’s not a second baseman. It’s not fair to put him there.
at worst Santana should be catching and Burkhart at 2nd
I knowe you’ll say a lefty is pitching but…
Murry should write a book on bunting
Love those first-inning sacrifice bunts!
Side note: You have to feel bad for Travis Hake!
A TRIPLE!
I stand corrected ..way to go Dietrick….
Triple ..yeah..who’d of thunk Van Rossum would get the 1st one…
All right…a zip on the board… go Barnstormers !!
Way to go Danny G and Jeremy…
This is the second time during this homestand that Gonzalez homered and sacrificed in the same game. Makes the sacrifices look even worse, actually.
ahhh..Todd leaving too soon…tied ..but too many mistakes.
DANNY BOY!!
Are we having fun yet?
Gonzalez is having fun: 11 for his last 28 with two homers and four doubles.
Settle down Henkel. You can do this little buddy!
THERE YA GO LITTLE FRIEND!!
Hey, why can’t we be friends. You got to love kareoke.
What, no bunt. He must of missed the sign.
I have yet to ever do Kareoke. I have gone out w/ groups of friends and I was the only person not to go up. Not sure where my fear comes from but….
WHOOOOOOO CLEVELAND!!!
Russ really wants to stay here. Nice stroke.
Since PF is not here. Got to say it for him. CLEVELAND ROCKS.
Here’s to Pitchfork! CHEERS!
Sorry PF, you are here.
Nice Game Henkie!
You said it Stormin, Cleveland Rocks, nice homer.
Are you wearing you White tonight??? Must be.
He is here.. CHEERS!!
Mr. B.
Who’s he?
Jose Canseco!
Think Henkel will go the distance? Place bets on the table. I think the odds are against him, but he has pitched well.
How could we get fooled on a bunt! They beat us at our own game!!
I hate disco.
Henkel was around 115 pitches. He was about done.
FINALS TODAY: Somerset 14, Road Warriors 9; Camden 3, York 1.
Spivey nearly took the story I’ve written and smashed it into a thousand pieces.
Dave, don’t scare us like that.
Nice call Dave… I thought for sure you were saying.. ” the walls won’t contain it”… thank goodness it was NOT a homer.
Looks like Lira in the ninth.
We have a strange vantage point up here, and I thought it was fair until I picked up the ump.
OK, I just got off the floor, where did Spivey’s home run go?
Cool… how do you type and talk on the air all at the same time… I’m sure I would really mess things up by trying both, LOL.
Radical Mom you’d be great at it!!
Ha Ha Ha… maybe.. Mom’s can do everything, right?
Cleveland is such a great ballplayer name.
Russ.. that’s a name, combine it with Cleveland, yeah. great baseball name. Sideburns have to go… way too 70’s.
My mom could do everything but hug me
My kids get a hug, kiss and an I love you every morning when they leave for the bus. They tell me they are to old for the H/K but I do it anyway.
Back to Baseball. Stormin, you must wear the white tomorrow night.
hmmm, some great baseball names:
- Oil Can Boyd
- Coco Crisp
- Pepper Martin
- Daffy Dean
- Dewy Evens
I like… Tug.
BOOOOOOO!!!
It hurts so bad
I can’t believe it’s tied!
Sorry!
This could be a good story Jason!…. Could be…
PS. Radical, I was booing the tie game (just in case you thought I was booing your choice of a good ball player name)
GO STORMERS!!
GOOD GAME GUYS!!
Glad you clarified that.
WOW, another tough night on the nails. These endings are a good way to keep fans in the seats till the end of the game. I’m sure Frank has it all mapped out this way.
what’s this – a bonafide winning streak?!
makes me even more excited to be at the next two games.
with the scouts for the sleepover tomorrow night and i’ll be bringing in a little league team from E-town for the Field of Dreams program on Saturday. Cheer loudly for my 7-9 year olds
So…what “strategy” was Bridgeport trying to play out there in the 9th. That was probably the weirdest thing I’ve see at the Clip so far. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
In the meantime, it was great to see Henkel go the distance. Again, it wasn’t a spectacular night for pitching, but it was good enough. The homer off Lira sucked kind of hard, tho. Gonzalez was all things to all people in the field and at the plate and it was nice to see Deitrick get into the mix. It was also real nice to see Todd get a good, solid hit in there. Not a home run but a lot better than a strike out. And I have to agree that Cleveland plays like he wants to stay. He was probably the most enthusiastic player they had a few days ago. Defense was a little shakier than I would have liked. Granted, Cleveland wasn’t where he should have been but I’m not sure that really explains a couple of Bridgeport hits that seemed to catch the entire infield sleeping.
For the life of me I can’t imagine what Bridgeport was thinking in the 9th. Bases loaded, no outs, and even if Ambrosini hadn’t stepped in, Dietrick was doing alright. And even if he hadn’t…ok, there’s ONE out with bases still loaded. It’s like they had a plan, fell asleep and woke up to find themselves screwed. Bizarre. But I’ll take it.
These long games are cool. After the 3rd hour, the fans still there get kind of punchy and start yelling all kinds of stuff. I know I had a good time unloading on the spectacularly bad calls the umps made tonight. A $20 a game little league ump could give those guys a run for their money.
What a great way to kick off vacation.
Walking the bases loaded is common practice in that situation. Since it only takes one run to win the game, the opposing manager sets up a force play at the plate — hoping the hitter hits a grounder to one of the infielders that is turned into a double play.
What a game.
Ticket – $7.50, (2) Hot Dogs – $3.50, Diet Pepsi – $3.00, a bonafide winning streak – Priceless.
Go to the bathroom in the 9th and come out greeted by a home run of a Lira. Seems like Lira is still over-throwing his fastball and when that happens, usually you over compisate and keep one up. It was nice to see Frank leave him in to at least finish the inning.
It was nice to see the old Barnstormer team back, giving up a game tying home run in the top of the 9th and winning it in the bottom. Even though it is not the way you want to win a game, it has got to be a boost of confidnce to beat a team that is leading the North division this way.
We go for the sweep tonight. Everyone bring your brooms and then we take out that team from my side of the river.
Even though there was about 1,000 to 1,500 fans left at the end, it was definatly a loud one.
Can’t go to the game tonight, I have to watch the greatest knuckleballer to ever play the game pick apart the seemingly hopeless pinstripes.
Stormin.. do your thing! Whatever it is it’s working! Tonights game is in your hands. I believe in you!
For you Mr. B, I will put on my garter belt, paint my toe nails red, and shout at the top of my lungs, “I am women hear me roar”. NOT.
On another note, you got to believe knowing Stevens is on the mound that a win is in the air. I will be bringing a broom for the sweep since there is no more “FUN”.
By the way Jason, I saw FUN in the booth with you the other night. What does he think of the new Fun Patrol? Also, it would be neat to do a Q&A with him on what is going on with him.
The greatest knuckleballer to ever play the game? I’m shocked to hear Hoyt Wilhelm is pitching tonight. I thought he was dead.
Who was the knuckleballer that pitched last year in the AL and is he still in the league this year? It is always fun to watch knowing I “might” be able to hit that pitch.
Joe Gannon Was That Knuckleballer who played for Newark last year
Joe Pinto and Fun were on WGAL news last evening. I didn’t have the sound up and didn’t hear what Joe was saying but I’ve heard they (and some others) started a company and the news bit was something they’re doing for Hempfield school district. It was nice to see they stuck around the area, I always thought Joe was a pretty nice guy.
Speaking of the fun patrol. Bring back the shorts.
Mr B the knuckle ball may have been invented by a Red Sox pitcher, Eddie Cicotte. Eddie and Shoeless Joe later became infamous on the White Sox.
Hoyt Wilhelm is right behind Wakefield, Phil Niekro, Charlie Hough and Tom “Cotton” Candiotti are up there too. Wakefield of course holds a special place in my heart.
I can say one thing about the FUN PATROL. It is nice to see them down there holding signs, waving flags, and clapping to keep us fans in the game, especially toward the end of the game when the score is close.
Wow, not only can I read and write about my favorite minor league team, but also learn all this great baseball trivia. Why would anyone go anywhere else.
Can you tell it’s Friday!
M&B— thanks for the little bit of Red Sox history! I’ll have to look up Eddie Cicotte. Luckily he didn’t put a patten on it.
Yeah I miss I.M Funs Shorts too. Since York has a statue of Brooks Robinson, maybe we can bronze FUN’s shorts, put them on a slab of marble and place the piece dead center of the opening gates platform area?
As Stormin’ previously mentioned w/Josh pitching tonight, a “W” is likely. At present, the Southern Division looks like a couple games over .500 could win it. So, how to you gauge the teams thinking. Are they trying to make a change/changes or will they keep the staus quo.
I think they have to go for it. Like Dave Collins has pointed out before, the second have they are mostly playing away games and are stacked w/ home games the first half.
Man maybe I should go to the game tonight. It is looking like it could be a good one.
We still need a BIG right bat.
Just put a video tape in for the Red Sox game. Why miss a sweep. It will be the first one of the year, a winning sweep that is.
They’re still looking to add another hitter — and they should be. While the three-game winning streak is nice, the team is still six games under .500 with the second-worst record in the league.
It’s a HUGE climb to win the division. Assume it takes 33 wins. That means the Barnstormers have to close the first half with a 23-14 surge.
Jason, what are you your thoughts on the next hitter? Righty or Lefty. Since most of the first half are home games, another big lefter could not hurt even though a righty is needed in the lineup.
I think it comes down to who’s available. I know one guy they’re looking at is a right-handed bat.
York shouldn’t be a problem, which leaves Camden and Somerset. They play Somerset 8 more times and Camden 6 more times. If we get hot, I wouldn’t think it would be that out of the ordinary? Or am I missing a math equation?
If a team that started 7-16 and hasn’t won a road game can finish the first half winning 26 out of 40, that would be quite an accomplishment. I’m not saying it’s impossible or anything, but it’s a steep climb.
Come on Jason, where are those POSITIVE vibes.
Yeah, I know. I’m too negative. It’s just really difficult to play .650 baseball for 40 games — especially in the Atlantic League where teams are so evenly matched.
The good news is Somerset isn’t very good (so I’m told), York’s a mess because of all the players it has lost and BASA probably prefers it if Camden doesn’t win the division.
10 – 16 sounds a lot better than 7- 16. Plus 24 of the next 36 games are at home. I know it’s only the three game win that has me even talking like this, and who knows how much has changed w/ the team that was horrible 4 games ago, but if things keep going in this direction maybe…. just maybe…. Stormers ritual of not showering is working!
Hey we’re almost about to break the 100 comment mark! I wonder if that has ever happened?
See what a short 3 game winning streak does to you. Like I said earlier this week, you pay an exorbitant emotional price to be a fan.
It’s only right that Jason gets the 100th comment, lets see how organized we are. If he doesn’t I fear the Barnstormers might loose tonight!
Anyway, back to the point at hand. Jason, the additional hitter is more than your conjecture.the team has given you the impression this is on their hit list.
Sorry that was cheesy, I know!
Yes, they’re actively searching. The Barnstormers were supposed to add someone on Memorial Day, but he got picked up by an affiliated team before he got to Lancaster. This player’s name actually appeared on the roster of the playbill — as Radical noticed.
Really, that guy wore pinstripes. Could you have handled that Mr B.
Just kidding Mr B. My eyesight is getting worse, but I believe I REALLY wanted it to say Nick Johnson.
One of the reasons the Atlantic League is so secretive about its transactions is this kind of thing happens a lot. A player is supposed to join a team and doesn’t because he gets another offer, gets hurt, decides not to play … whatever. That’s why you usually don’t hear about players until they’re actually in the clubhouse.
I thought Linc Mickleson was the other k-baller and the best in the league last yr. or was his a screwball? whatever it was it mesmorized the entire league including the stormers until that playoff game. I bet he’d of prefered to lose 1 to us in the regular season instead.
basa did another switcharoo..with Ramon Nivar showing up in York from Camden…like the Cleveland switch.
Nivar takes Hake’s spot on the roster, I presume.
This whole BASA switching players one from one of their teams to another of their teams is getting ridiculous…I guess we are just one big happy family within these three teams. I really dont care how “much money it saves” or whateve stupid excise they give…it really makes things look cheap!
Do the AL teams have scouts? Or does the BASA keep the same old blood around, like you said Amy… just trading from one team to another.
So we really can’t boo players on other team because we never know, tomorrow they could be in a Stormer uniform.
Not that I would ever boo a ball player…
haha radical!
I heard BASA might be the Anti-Christ.
Just a heads up.
Reading it closely, it appears the they “laundered” Nivar via the Road Warriors, so it is a little more on the up and up.
Before you discount the effects of “saving a little money” look at Bridgeport, a team that has always had a good record, but was just about bankrupt. They appear to be putting the money they are saving into marketing, more so than they have in recent memory, and have a great record still. BASA might “save” the Fish.