The Baltimore Stouts made a roster move over the weekend, adding relief pitcher Daniel Garibay from the waiver wire. The 27-year-old is expected to be a left-handed specialist out of the Baltimore bullpen. This has been an area of concern for the Stouts coaching staff and one that needed to be addressed. To make room on the active roster, third-baseman Tom Evans has been released, while catcher Robert Fick was added to the 15-day disabled list. Evans had hit .294 with a .442 OBP in ten games with the team.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
TRANSACTION - Garibay In To Bolster Bullpen
The Baltimore Stouts made a roster move over the weekend, adding relief pitcher Daniel Garibay from the waiver wire. The 27-year-old is expected to be a left-handed specialist out of the Baltimore bullpen. This has been an area of concern for the Stouts coaching staff and one that needed to be addressed. To make room on the active roster, third-baseman Tom Evans has been released, while catcher Robert Fick was added to the 15-day disabled list. Evans had hit .294 with a .442 OBP in ten games with the team.
SERIES #21 vs PITTSBURGH - Injuries, Ejection Rule the Day
Baltimore welcomes Pittsburgh to town for a three game set. The Crawfords are one of the hottest teams in all of MBL, winners of 15 of their last 21 contests. Their surge has put them atop the standings in the Classic League's competitive Rust Belt Division. They come to town fresh off a road sweep of Toronto.
The Stouts are playing as poorly as the Crawfords are good, losers of five of their last six and 19 of their last 28. Outfielder Jermaine Dye is set to see his first action as a member of the Stouts following his trade to the team following Baltimore's series against Cleveland. Also set to resume action is outfielder Larry Walker, who returns to the lineup after missing the last month due to injury. Let's see how it all played out.
Game 1
Memorial Stadium
HR: B. Larkin (5, 3rd inning off K. Rueter 0 on, 1 out), D. Segui (6, 9th inning off K. Rueter 0 on, 0 out)
HR: T. Helton (17, 1st inning off T. Ohka 2 on, 0 out)
Baltimore had their bats working early in this one, scoring six runs in the first three innnings, sending Pittsburgh starter Tomo Ohka to the showers. The Crawfords were unable to get anything going against Kirk Rueter, who had his best start in nearly a month. He went eight strong inning to pickup his fourth win on the year. Closer Armando Benitez relieved Rueter in the ninth and retired the Crawfords in order to notch his 12th save. Todd Helton continued his hot hitting, going 2-4 and launching a three-run homer in the first to get the scoring started.
The big news from the game came as Baltimore catcher Robert Fick was injured in the 7th inning and had to leave the game. He's expected to miss 3-4 weeks of action.
Game 2
Memorial Stadium
HR: B. Williams (9, 1st inning off E. Dessens 1 on, 2 out), D. Fletcher (6, 4th inning off E. Dessens 0 on, 1 out), D. Bell (5, 6th inning off A. Alfonseca 0 on, 0 out)
HR: E. Taubensee (3, 6th inning off S. Williamson 2 on, 2 out)
The Crawfords respond in a big way in game two, scoring in five of the first six innings, cruising to an easy 7-3 win. Pittsburgh starter Scott Williamson and two reliever held the Baltimore bats to just three hits in the contest. Elmer Dessens is now winless in eight starts for the Stouts, taking his sixth loss on the season.
Game 3
Memorial Stadium
HR: D. Bell (6, 8th inning off F. Rodriguez 0 on, 1 out)
HR: T. Helton 2 (19, 4th inning off B. Tollberg 0 on, 1 out; 8th inning off J. Manzanillo 1 on, 2 out), G. Williams (4, 8th inning off J. Manzanillo 0 on, 2 out)
Pittsburgh jumped out on top in this one, manufacturing a run in the 2nd inning to go up 1-0. The score remained the same into the top of the 4th. Bernie Williams drew a leadoff walk. Baltimore starter Jon Lieber took exception to home plate umpire Greg Gibson's strike zone and was ejected from the game. Antonio Osuna relieved Leiber and got out of the inning to keep the score at 1-0.
Todd Helton tied the game up in the bottom of the 4th with a solo homer, his 18th on the season, but the Crawfords jumped right back on top in the next inning, pushing two more runs across to lead it 3-1. Pittsburgh picked up a couple insurance runs in the 8th. Josias Manzanillo came on to pitch for the Crawfords in the bottom of the innings. He got the first two batters he faced to ground out. But after Tom Evans kept the inning alive with a single, the Stouts got back-to-back homers by Helton, his 19th, and Gerald Williams to cut the lead to 5-4 heading into the 9th.
Antonio Alfonseca retired the side in order in the top of the 9th. Mike Myers came on to pitch for Pittsburgh in the bottom of the inning. He struck out two of the three batters he faced to close the door and collect his second save of the year. Brian Tollberg picked up his ninth win compared to only two losses by pitching 6.2 strong innings. Osuna was saddled with his first loss of the season for the Stouts.
Another series loss for Baltimore, their eighth in the last ten played, as their season record drops to an abysmal 26-37. Up next is a trip to Detroit to take on the Buckeyes. They are only a game better on the year with a 27-36 record. Who will turn their fortunes around? Stay tuned.
The Stouts are playing as poorly as the Crawfords are good, losers of five of their last six and 19 of their last 28. Outfielder Jermaine Dye is set to see his first action as a member of the Stouts following his trade to the team following Baltimore's series against Cleveland. Also set to resume action is outfielder Larry Walker, who returns to the lineup after missing the last month due to injury. Let's see how it all played out.
 |
| ARTIST RENDITION OF BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL STADIUM - HOME OF THE STOUTS |
Memorial Stadium
June 7, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Pittsburgh Crawfords (36-25) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 0 | |
| Baltimore Stouts (26-35) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 6 | 11 | 0 | |
| W: K. Rueter (4-4) L: T. Ohka (0-2) SV: A. Benitez (12) | |||||||||||||
HR: T. Helton (17, 1st inning off T. Ohka 2 on, 0 out)
Baltimore had their bats working early in this one, scoring six runs in the first three innnings, sending Pittsburgh starter Tomo Ohka to the showers. The Crawfords were unable to get anything going against Kirk Rueter, who had his best start in nearly a month. He went eight strong inning to pickup his fourth win on the year. Closer Armando Benitez relieved Rueter in the ninth and retired the Crawfords in order to notch his 12th save. Todd Helton continued his hot hitting, going 2-4 and launching a three-run homer in the first to get the scoring started.The big news from the game came as Baltimore catcher Robert Fick was injured in the 7th inning and had to leave the game. He's expected to miss 3-4 weeks of action.
Game 2
Memorial Stadium
June 7, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Pittsburgh Crawfords (37-25) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 11 | 0 | |
| Baltimore Stouts (26-36) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| W: S. Williamson (5-3) L: E. Dessens (0-6) | |||||||||||||
HR: E. Taubensee (3, 6th inning off S. Williamson 2 on, 2 out)
The Crawfords respond in a big way in game two, scoring in five of the first six innings, cruising to an easy 7-3 win. Pittsburgh starter Scott Williamson and two reliever held the Baltimore bats to just three hits in the contest. Elmer Dessens is now winless in eight starts for the Stouts, taking his sixth loss on the season.Game 3
Memorial Stadium
June 8, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Pittsburgh Crawfords (38-25) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 0 | |
| Baltimore Stouts (26-37) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 0 | |
| W: B. Tollberg (9-2) L: A. Osuna (6-1) SV: M. Myers (2) | |||||||||||||
HR: T. Helton 2 (19, 4th inning off B. Tollberg 0 on, 1 out; 8th inning off J. Manzanillo 1 on, 2 out), G. Williams (4, 8th inning off J. Manzanillo 0 on, 2 out)
Pittsburgh jumped out on top in this one, manufacturing a run in the 2nd inning to go up 1-0. The score remained the same into the top of the 4th. Bernie Williams drew a leadoff walk. Baltimore starter Jon Lieber took exception to home plate umpire Greg Gibson's strike zone and was ejected from the game. Antonio Osuna relieved Leiber and got out of the inning to keep the score at 1-0.
Todd Helton tied the game up in the bottom of the 4th with a solo homer, his 18th on the season, but the Crawfords jumped right back on top in the next inning, pushing two more runs across to lead it 3-1. Pittsburgh picked up a couple insurance runs in the 8th. Josias Manzanillo came on to pitch for the Crawfords in the bottom of the innings. He got the first two batters he faced to ground out. But after Tom Evans kept the inning alive with a single, the Stouts got back-to-back homers by Helton, his 19th, and Gerald Williams to cut the lead to 5-4 heading into the 9th.Antonio Alfonseca retired the side in order in the top of the 9th. Mike Myers came on to pitch for Pittsburgh in the bottom of the inning. He struck out two of the three batters he faced to close the door and collect his second save of the year. Brian Tollberg picked up his ninth win compared to only two losses by pitching 6.2 strong innings. Osuna was saddled with his first loss of the season for the Stouts.Another series loss for Baltimore, their eighth in the last ten played, as their season record drops to an abysmal 26-37. Up next is a trip to Detroit to take on the Buckeyes. They are only a game better on the year with a 27-36 record. Who will turn their fortunes around? Stay tuned.
TRADE - Outfielder Swap. Dye In - Anderson Out
The Baltimore Stouts and the New York Rippers got together for the second time this season, this time exchanging outfielders. Departing is CF Garret Anderson, who was having an excellent season in a Stouts uniform, hitting .347 with 11 homers and 53 RBI. In Dye, Baltimore receives a 26-year-old outfielder who is just coming into his own. In the year 2000, Dye had a monster season, hitting .321 with 41 doubles and 33 homers. He scored 107 times, knocked in 117 and had an OPS of .951, the second best of his 14 year MLB career. He also won the Gold Glove award.The Stouts will be Dye's third Millennium League team in two months. He was originally drafted the Arizona Apaches in the 5th round of the MBL's Dispersal Draft, nine selection after Anderson was picked. To make up for the difference, Baltimore also receives CF Gerald Williams, who was an 11th round selection by the Rippers. For the season, Dye is batting .331 with 12 home runs and a .973 OPS. Williams was hitting just .239 for the Rippers at the time of the trade.
SERIES #20 v CLEVELAND - Stouts Rock 'N Rolled. Outscored 31-12 In Sweep
Baltimore heads home to take on the surging Cleveland Rock 'N Rollers, winners of 11 of their last 16. They currently are stalking the Pittsburgh Crawfords in the Classic League's ultra-competitive Rust Belt Division. Heading into action, they are four games out of the division lead. The Stouts have been struggling of late, although they did just take two of three against the Cincinnati Red Stockings on the road. Overall they sit at 25-32, four games back of division leading Milwaukee.Game 1
Memorial Stadium
June 3, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Cleveland Rock 'N Rollers (30-28) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 18 | 1 | ||
| Baltimore Stouts (25-33) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | X | 9 | 14 | 0 | ||
| W: B. Tomko (3-1) L: J. Lieber (3-8) | |||||||||||||
HR: T. Helton (16, 1st inning off B. Colon 1 on, 0 out)
Jon Lieber came to the Stouts with a reputation of giving up the long ball, having allowed 16 homers for the Atlanta Stonecutters in his 11 starts for the team. Well, he surely didn't disappoint in that regard in this one, allowing FIVE dingers in what would be his worst outing by far in a Stouts uniform.
 |
| MATT WILLIAMS LAUNCHED A PAIR OF HOMERS IN GAME 1 |
Lieber just couldn't get out of his own way in this game. Cleveland scored six runs in the 5th, all with two outs in the inning. Out of the nine runs Leiber allowed, all but two were a direct result of the long ball. Baltimore could never recover and the Rock 'N Rollers take the opener 13-9. The teams combined for 32 hits.
Matt Willimas belted two homers in the game. He came into the game with only a single HR through his team's first 57 games. Edgardo Alfonzo went 4-5 with a homer an three RBI.
Game 2
Memorial Stadium
June 4, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Cleveland Rock 'N Rollers (31-28) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 13 | 0 | |
| Baltimore Stouts (25-34) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | |
| W: M. Hampton (6-5) L: K. Rueter (3-4) | |||||||||||||
Stouts slugger Todd Helton was ejected in the 1st inning in this contest for arguing balls and strikes. That incident set the tone for the entire game. Baltimore could never get anything going against Cleveland starter Mike Hampton. The lefty was brilliant, keeping the Baltimore batters off-balance throughout. He allowed only three hits and one run while going the distance for his sixth win on the year. The Rock 'N Rollers got all the runs they needed and then some in a seven run 4th inning. Matt Williams once again went deep, launching his third homer in the series in a five at-bat span. He's now gone 5-9 with six RBI in the two games combined.Game 3
Memorial Stadium
June 5, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Cleveland Rock 'N Rollers (32-28) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 14 | 0 | |
| Baltimore Stouts (25-35) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | |
| W: K. Brown (6-4) L: B. Rekar (2-4) | |||||||||||||
HR: E. Alfonzo (13, 7th inning off A. Osuna 1 on, 0 out)HR: G. Anderson (11, 6th inning off K. Brown 1 on, 2 out)
Another game, another blowout loss at the hands of the Rock 'N Rollers, who are most certainly on a roll. The Cleveland bullpen may as well have stayed home the last two games. Kevin Brown this time goes the distance, limiting the Baltimore bats to only seven hits and a pair of runs. Edgardo Alfonzo goes 3-4 with three runs scored, two doubles, a homer and two RBI. For the series, Alfonzo was 8-12 with five runs scored, seven RBI, three doubles, two homers and three walks.
Cleveland exits the series with a sweep in hand. They are now winners of 14 of their last 19 games, including series sweeps against not only Baltimore, but also Atlanta and Washington in the past two weeks of action. The Stouts have now lost five of their last six after their series sweep of Oakland a week ago. Next up for Baltimore is a home date against the Rust Belt Division leaders, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, who are fresh off a series sweep of their own against Toronto.
MAY MONTH IN REVIEW - Stouts Mired In Mediocrity. Await Return of Injured Players
May is in the books, and the Stouts find themselves mired in a season long slump. Following up on a disappointing April which saw them go 12-15, May saw no improvement whatsoever. The team lost seven of the ten series in the month, including getting swept by two of the worst teams in the entire MBL. It all added up to a 13-16 month where no improvement in the standings was made. Thankfully, the other teams in the Continental Division are also struggling. So despite what can only be describes as a less than stellar start, Baltimore finds themselves in the thick of the playoff race with a 25-31 overall record, only three games back of division leading Milwaukee.
Series By Series
After opening the month winning two of three at home against Seattle, the team began inter-league play against the Classic League's Metro Division. The Stouts followed that up by taking two of three against the New York Rippers as inter-league action began against the CL's Metro Division. A 4-2 start to the month seemed promising. The record after the Rippers series was one game below .500 at 16-17. And that's when the wheels fell off.
The team then traveled to New York to take on the Bombers, who were five games under .500 at the time. After being swept in Old Yankee Stadium, the Stouts managed to take two of three in Ebbets Field against Brooklyn. The next three series though were brutal to Baltimore as they dropped nine of their next 12 games before getting a series sweep on the road in Oakland. Cincinnati took two of three to close out the month. A month that started with promise ended in disaster.
Pitching
The pitching for the Stouts continues to be a problem. The only starter with a respectable ERA is Kirk Rueter, and his number rose from 2.96 to 3.87 in the month of May. A trade was made towards the end of the month to strengthen the rotation. Out were Kevin Appier, who failed to win a single game in a Stouts uniform, and Shawn Estes. Into the fold come Chan Ho Park and Jon Lieber. Initial returns are promising. Lieber has split a pair of decisions but pitched well in both contests. Park tossed a complete game in his only appearance. The key to the 2000 season may very well be how those two perform at the top of the Stouts rotation.
The much maligned bullpen has actually rounded into form somewhat. Of course, it would have been hard to be as bad as they were during the season's first month. Closer Armando Benitez collected eight saves, although in his last appearance against the Red Stockings he had his first hiccup as a Stout, giving up a game-winning three run homer in the bottom of the 9th. Antonio Osuna won four games out of the pen to push his season record to 6-0. Felix Rodriguez was brought in to help in the setup role, but his performance has been mixed. He's blown two saves and has a 4.34 ERA with the team. The group as a whole blew six more saves to push the league leading total to 14. The team has also lost 16 one-run games.
Hitting
Offensively, the Stouts have come back down to earth, although they still are among the league leaders in most hitting categories. The team went from averaging 6.8 runs per game in April down to 5.9 through the month of May. So they basically scored almost two runs less per game in the month.
Todd Helton continues to pace the team, as well as the league, in hitting. He ended the month with a .416 batting average with 15 homers. Garret Anderson also excelled, pushing his season average to .350 while knocking in 49 runs. Prior to his injury, SS Ricky Gutierrez was a pleasant surprise. He's hitting .288 with a .402 OBP to go with his stellar defense. OF Eric Owens was forced into action because of injuries, and he responded by pushing his stolen base number into double-digits with 11.
Four hitters ended the month on the disabled list. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez is still out. He expects to be back the second week of June. Joining him were second baseman Fernando Vina and RF Larry Walker. They too are expected back in early June. SS Gutierrez closed the month by injuring himself. He will likely return toward the end of June. Albert Belle never actually made it to the disabled list, but a pair of injuries limited him to just 42 at-bats.
Comings and Goings
A quick review of the players who either joined or left the Stouts during the month, as well as who was injured and missed time during the month.
Coming: Brian Schneider, Chris Clapinsky, Tom Evans, Chan Ho Park, Jon Lieber, Dave Magadan
Going: Gary Bennett, Donnie Sadler, Brian Schneider, Kevin Appier, Shawn Estes, Eduardo Perez
Injured: Ivan Rodriguez (DL), Albert Belle, Larry Walker (DL), Bryan Rekar, Fernando Vina (DL), Ricky Gutierrez (DL)
W
|
L
|
PCT
|
GB | |
28
|
28
|
.500
|
-
|
|
27
|
29
|
.482
|
1
|
|
25
|
31
|
.446
|
3
|
|
20
|
36
|
.357
|
8
|
Series By Series
After opening the month winning two of three at home against Seattle, the team began inter-league play against the Classic League's Metro Division. The Stouts followed that up by taking two of three against the New York Rippers as inter-league action began against the CL's Metro Division. A 4-2 start to the month seemed promising. The record after the Rippers series was one game below .500 at 16-17. And that's when the wheels fell off.
The team then traveled to New York to take on the Bombers, who were five games under .500 at the time. After being swept in Old Yankee Stadium, the Stouts managed to take two of three in Ebbets Field against Brooklyn. The next three series though were brutal to Baltimore as they dropped nine of their next 12 games before getting a series sweep on the road in Oakland. Cincinnati took two of three to close out the month. A month that started with promise ended in disaster.
Pitching
The pitching for the Stouts continues to be a problem. The only starter with a respectable ERA is Kirk Rueter, and his number rose from 2.96 to 3.87 in the month of May. A trade was made towards the end of the month to strengthen the rotation. Out were Kevin Appier, who failed to win a single game in a Stouts uniform, and Shawn Estes. Into the fold come Chan Ho Park and Jon Lieber. Initial returns are promising. Lieber has split a pair of decisions but pitched well in both contests. Park tossed a complete game in his only appearance. The key to the 2000 season may very well be how those two perform at the top of the Stouts rotation.
The much maligned bullpen has actually rounded into form somewhat. Of course, it would have been hard to be as bad as they were during the season's first month. Closer Armando Benitez collected eight saves, although in his last appearance against the Red Stockings he had his first hiccup as a Stout, giving up a game-winning three run homer in the bottom of the 9th. Antonio Osuna won four games out of the pen to push his season record to 6-0. Felix Rodriguez was brought in to help in the setup role, but his performance has been mixed. He's blown two saves and has a 4.34 ERA with the team. The group as a whole blew six more saves to push the league leading total to 14. The team has also lost 16 one-run games.
Hitting
Offensively, the Stouts have come back down to earth, although they still are among the league leaders in most hitting categories. The team went from averaging 6.8 runs per game in April down to 5.9 through the month of May. So they basically scored almost two runs less per game in the month.
Todd Helton continues to pace the team, as well as the league, in hitting. He ended the month with a .416 batting average with 15 homers. Garret Anderson also excelled, pushing his season average to .350 while knocking in 49 runs. Prior to his injury, SS Ricky Gutierrez was a pleasant surprise. He's hitting .288 with a .402 OBP to go with his stellar defense. OF Eric Owens was forced into action because of injuries, and he responded by pushing his stolen base number into double-digits with 11.
Four hitters ended the month on the disabled list. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez is still out. He expects to be back the second week of June. Joining him were second baseman Fernando Vina and RF Larry Walker. They too are expected back in early June. SS Gutierrez closed the month by injuring himself. He will likely return toward the end of June. Albert Belle never actually made it to the disabled list, but a pair of injuries limited him to just 42 at-bats.
Comings and Goings
A quick review of the players who either joined or left the Stouts during the month, as well as who was injured and missed time during the month.
Coming: Brian Schneider, Chris Clapinsky, Tom Evans, Chan Ho Park, Jon Lieber, Dave Magadan
Going: Gary Bennett, Donnie Sadler, Brian Schneider, Kevin Appier, Shawn Estes, Eduardo Perez
Injured: Ivan Rodriguez (DL), Albert Belle, Larry Walker (DL), Bryan Rekar, Fernando Vina (DL), Ricky Gutierrez (DL)
TRANSACTION - Jimmy Rollins Activated. Tom Evans Replaces Eduardo Perez
With the injury to starting shortstop Ricky Gutierrez, Baltimore fans are set to see the future of the position as Jimmy Rollins was called into duty from AAA Indianapolis. The youngster is expected to take over full-time at the position in 2001. Gutierrez was injured in the Stouts last series against Cincinnati and is expected to miss three weeks of action.
In another move, 3B Tom Evans was acquired from the waiver wire. To make room on the roster, Eduardo Perez was given his release. Evans is expected to man the hot corner against RHP.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
SERIES #19 @ CINCINNATI - Baltimore Bullpen Blows Two More
Fresh off their sweep of the Oakland Osprey, Baltimore heads to Cincinnati's Crosley Field to take on the Red Stockings. The Stouts bring a 24-30 record into action, while Cincinnati comes into play with a 31-23 record. Both teams are among the top-five hitting teams in the entire MBL, so the offenses will likely be on display. Let's get to the action.
Game 1
Crosley Field
HR: R. Fick (1, 6th inning off P. Astacio 0 on, 1 out)
HR: M. Piazza (10, 9th inning off A. Benitez 2 on, 0 out)
Baltimore strikes first in this one, scoring single runs in both the 2nd and 3rd innings to take an early 2-0 lead. The Red Stocking get one back in the 5th, but Robert Fick comes right back in the top of the 6th, belting his first homer of the year to give the Stouts a 3-1 advantage.
The game headed into the bottom of the inning with Stouts starter Kirk Rueter still on the hill. He allowed the first two batters to reach base before coaxing Joe Randa into a double-play. Denny Hocking then drew a two-out walk to put runners on the corners. Wilton Guerrero pinch-hit for Cincinnati starter Pedro Astacio, and he knocked a single to left, driving home Jay Buhner from third to cut the lead to one at 3-2. The Stouts went to the bullpen, summoning LaTroy Hawkins into the game. Needing just the one out to get out of the jam and preserve the win for Rueter, he couldn't get the job done, allowing a game-tying single to Luis Alicea. Mark Grace flew out to center to end the inning but the damage had been done. Another blown save in the books for the Baltimore bullpen. This game is knotted 3-3.
This game was now in the hands of both teams bullpens. The Stouts mounted a rally in the top of the 7th when Tom Evans drew a one-out walk. He was moved to third on a double by Todd Helton. Evans was held at third base with the heart of the Stouts lineup coming to the plate, but neither Lance Berkman nor Garret Anderson could drive in the run and the game remained tied.
Cincinnati reliever Matt Mantei loaded up the bases in the top of the 9th innings, only to coax a pop out by Robert Fick to end the inning. Antonio Alfonseca had worked an uneventful 8th inning for the Stouts. He opened on the hill in the bottom of the 9th. Leadoff hitter Mark Grace doubled to open the inning. After Nomar Garciaparra was intentionally walked, the Stouts relieved Alfonseca and turned to closer Armando Benitez to work out of the jam. Unfortunately, the first batter he faced, Mike Piazza, launched a walk-off homer to left to give the Red Stockings the dramatic 6-3 victory. Mantei picked up the win despite allowing a hit and two walks in his only inning of work.
A couple of side notes in this game. Tom Evans, in his first game action of the season, went 2-3 with a pair of doubles and two walks for the losers. In more depressing news, starting shortstop Rickey Gutierrez was injured in the bottom of the 2nd inning making a defensive play. He's expected to miss 20 days of action. The injury bug continues to sting the Stouts. Gutierrez joins C Ivan Rodriguez, 2B Fernando Vina and RF Larry Walker on the team's DL. That's half of the starting lineup if you're keeping track at home.
Game 2
Crosley Field
HR: C. Clapinski (1, 9th inning off J. Shaw 0 on, 2 out)
HR: J. Buhner (18, 1st inning off E. Dessens 2 on, 2 out), S. Finley (9, 3rd inning off E. Dessens 0 on, 0 out), M. Piazza (11, 3rd inning off E. Dessens 0 on, 2 out)
The teams were active right out of the gate in game two. Baltimore manufactured a run in the 1st when leadoff hitter Eric Owens singled, stole second, was moved to third on a ground out, then scored when Todd Helton singled to left. The lead was short-lived though as the Red Stockings struck for three in the bottom of the inning when Jay Buhner belted his 18th homer of the season.
Cincinnati starter Carl Pavano retired the first two batters he faced in the 3rd inning, but then the floodgates opened. Eight straight Baltimore batters reached base, including a bases clearing three-run double by pitcher Elmer Dessens. All told, the Stouts pushed across seven runs in the frame to take a commanding 8-3 lead.
Dessens allowed a pair of solo homers, one to Steve Finley and the other by Mike Piazza, in the bottom of the 3rd, before being replaced by Antonio Osuna. Cincinnati was unable to mount any sort of rally against the Baltimore bullpen, who actually performed quite well, allowing only one run in a combined 6.1 innings of work. Osuna picks up his sixth win in relief. Francisco Rodriguez works the final three innings to pickup the save. Tom Evans the hitting star again, going 3-5 with another pair of doubles.
Game 3
Crosley Field
A classic pitchers duel in game three featured Chan Ho Park for the Stouts, making only his second start in a Baltimore uniform. He was opposed by Curt Schilling for the Red Stockings. Neither offense could muster a hit off the pitchers through the first three inning of play. Baltimore finally broke the ice in the 4th. Tom Evans walked to become the first Stouts base-runner of the game. He scored when Lance Berkman knocked the first hit of the game, a double to left-center. Schilling's shutout and no-hitter were gone with one swing of the bat.
Park continued his dominance, taking his no-hit bid into the 7th inning. His effort was broken up when leadoff hitter Denny Hocking smacked a double of his own. He scored later in the inning when Joe Randa grounded into a bases-loaded fielder's choice, knotting the game at 1-1.
The Stouts threatened in the top of the 8th. Park doubled to leadoff the inning. Eric Owens then walked to put runners on first and second. Series hitting star Tom Evan stepped to the plate, but Schilling coaxed him to hit into a double play, moving Park to third. Todd Helton was intentionally walked, placing runners on the corners. Lance Berkman, who doubled earlier in the game, struck out to end the threat.
Game remained tied heading into the bottom of the 9th. Park, having only allowed two hits up to this point, remained on the hill for the Stouts to open the inning. Mike Piazza led off with a single to right and was moved to second on a Jay Buhner ground out. Park then walked Joe Randa to put the force in play. With the game on the line, the Stouts once again turn to closed Armando Benitez. For the second time in the series, he is unable to get the job done as he allows the first batter he faces, Mark Grace, to lace a single to right to plate pinch-runner Ruben Mateo. Game over. Cincinnati wins for the second time in the series in their final at-bat.
Park is the hard-luck loser. He went 8.1 innings, allowing only three hits. Unfortunately for him, two of them scored. As good as Park was, Cincinnati starter Schilling may have been better, going eight inning while allowing only four hits and one run. Matt Mantei worked the 9th to pickup his second win in the series.
Cincinnati exits the series on the rise, having tied the Pittsburgh Crawfords atop the CL's Rust Belt Division with a 33-24 record. Baltimore is hanging tough in the EL's Continental Division, four games behind the Milwaukee Phantoms with a 25-32 record. Up next is a home date with Brian Feig's Cleveland Rock 'N Rollers, who have been very active recently on the trade front. The will bring a 29-28 record into town.
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| A SHOT FROM THE RIGHT FIELD CORNER AT CROSLEY FIELD - HOME OF THE RED STOCKINGS |
Crosley Field
May 30, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Baltimore Stouts (24-31) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | |
| Cincinnati Red Stockings (32-23) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 0 | |
| W: M. Mantei (1-0) L: A. Alfonseca (0-1) | |||||||||||||
HR: M. Piazza (10, 9th inning off A. Benitez 2 on, 0 out)
Baltimore strikes first in this one, scoring single runs in both the 2nd and 3rd innings to take an early 2-0 lead. The Red Stocking get one back in the 5th, but Robert Fick comes right back in the top of the 6th, belting his first homer of the year to give the Stouts a 3-1 advantage.
The game headed into the bottom of the inning with Stouts starter Kirk Rueter still on the hill. He allowed the first two batters to reach base before coaxing Joe Randa into a double-play. Denny Hocking then drew a two-out walk to put runners on the corners. Wilton Guerrero pinch-hit for Cincinnati starter Pedro Astacio, and he knocked a single to left, driving home Jay Buhner from third to cut the lead to one at 3-2. The Stouts went to the bullpen, summoning LaTroy Hawkins into the game. Needing just the one out to get out of the jam and preserve the win for Rueter, he couldn't get the job done, allowing a game-tying single to Luis Alicea. Mark Grace flew out to center to end the inning but the damage had been done. Another blown save in the books for the Baltimore bullpen. This game is knotted 3-3.
This game was now in the hands of both teams bullpens. The Stouts mounted a rally in the top of the 7th when Tom Evans drew a one-out walk. He was moved to third on a double by Todd Helton. Evans was held at third base with the heart of the Stouts lineup coming to the plate, but neither Lance Berkman nor Garret Anderson could drive in the run and the game remained tied.Cincinnati reliever Matt Mantei loaded up the bases in the top of the 9th innings, only to coax a pop out by Robert Fick to end the inning. Antonio Alfonseca had worked an uneventful 8th inning for the Stouts. He opened on the hill in the bottom of the 9th. Leadoff hitter Mark Grace doubled to open the inning. After Nomar Garciaparra was intentionally walked, the Stouts relieved Alfonseca and turned to closer Armando Benitez to work out of the jam. Unfortunately, the first batter he faced, Mike Piazza, launched a walk-off homer to left to give the Red Stockings the dramatic 6-3 victory. Mantei picked up the win despite allowing a hit and two walks in his only inning of work.
A couple of side notes in this game. Tom Evans, in his first game action of the season, went 2-3 with a pair of doubles and two walks for the losers. In more depressing news, starting shortstop Rickey Gutierrez was injured in the bottom of the 2nd inning making a defensive play. He's expected to miss 20 days of action. The injury bug continues to sting the Stouts. Gutierrez joins C Ivan Rodriguez, 2B Fernando Vina and RF Larry Walker on the team's DL. That's half of the starting lineup if you're keeping track at home.
Game 2
Crosley Field
May 31, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Baltimore Stouts (25-31) | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 15 | 0 | |
| Cincinnati Red Stockings (32-24) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 0 | |
| W: A. Osuna (6-0) L: C. Pavano (5-5) SV: F. Rodriguez (2) | |||||||||||||
HR: J. Buhner (18, 1st inning off E. Dessens 2 on, 2 out), S. Finley (9, 3rd inning off E. Dessens 0 on, 0 out), M. Piazza (11, 3rd inning off E. Dessens 0 on, 2 out)
The teams were active right out of the gate in game two. Baltimore manufactured a run in the 1st when leadoff hitter Eric Owens singled, stole second, was moved to third on a ground out, then scored when Todd Helton singled to left. The lead was short-lived though as the Red Stockings struck for three in the bottom of the inning when Jay Buhner belted his 18th homer of the season.
Cincinnati starter Carl Pavano retired the first two batters he faced in the 3rd inning, but then the floodgates opened. Eight straight Baltimore batters reached base, including a bases clearing three-run double by pitcher Elmer Dessens. All told, the Stouts pushed across seven runs in the frame to take a commanding 8-3 lead.Dessens allowed a pair of solo homers, one to Steve Finley and the other by Mike Piazza, in the bottom of the 3rd, before being replaced by Antonio Osuna. Cincinnati was unable to mount any sort of rally against the Baltimore bullpen, who actually performed quite well, allowing only one run in a combined 6.1 innings of work. Osuna picks up his sixth win in relief. Francisco Rodriguez works the final three innings to pickup the save. Tom Evans the hitting star again, going 3-5 with another pair of doubles.
Game 3
Crosley Field
June 1, 2014 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
| Baltimore Stouts (25-32) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | |
| Cincinnati Red Stockings (33-24) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| W: M. Mantei (2-0) L: C. Park (4-8) | |||||||||||||
A classic pitchers duel in game three featured Chan Ho Park for the Stouts, making only his second start in a Baltimore uniform. He was opposed by Curt Schilling for the Red Stockings. Neither offense could muster a hit off the pitchers through the first three inning of play. Baltimore finally broke the ice in the 4th. Tom Evans walked to become the first Stouts base-runner of the game. He scored when Lance Berkman knocked the first hit of the game, a double to left-center. Schilling's shutout and no-hitter were gone with one swing of the bat.Park continued his dominance, taking his no-hit bid into the 7th inning. His effort was broken up when leadoff hitter Denny Hocking smacked a double of his own. He scored later in the inning when Joe Randa grounded into a bases-loaded fielder's choice, knotting the game at 1-1.
The Stouts threatened in the top of the 8th. Park doubled to leadoff the inning. Eric Owens then walked to put runners on first and second. Series hitting star Tom Evan stepped to the plate, but Schilling coaxed him to hit into a double play, moving Park to third. Todd Helton was intentionally walked, placing runners on the corners. Lance Berkman, who doubled earlier in the game, struck out to end the threat.
Game remained tied heading into the bottom of the 9th. Park, having only allowed two hits up to this point, remained on the hill for the Stouts to open the inning. Mike Piazza led off with a single to right and was moved to second on a Jay Buhner ground out. Park then walked Joe Randa to put the force in play. With the game on the line, the Stouts once again turn to closed Armando Benitez. For the second time in the series, he is unable to get the job done as he allows the first batter he faces, Mark Grace, to lace a single to right to plate pinch-runner Ruben Mateo. Game over. Cincinnati wins for the second time in the series in their final at-bat.Park is the hard-luck loser. He went 8.1 innings, allowing only three hits. Unfortunately for him, two of them scored. As good as Park was, Cincinnati starter Schilling may have been better, going eight inning while allowing only four hits and one run. Matt Mantei worked the 9th to pickup his second win in the series.
Cincinnati exits the series on the rise, having tied the Pittsburgh Crawfords atop the CL's Rust Belt Division with a 33-24 record. Baltimore is hanging tough in the EL's Continental Division, four games behind the Milwaukee Phantoms with a 25-32 record. Up next is a home date with Brian Feig's Cleveland Rock 'N Rollers, who have been very active recently on the trade front. The will bring a 29-28 record into town.
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