Camden started strong again, mirroring last night and scoring six runs in the bottom of the first.  Garrett Guzman, Jason Botts, and Brett Bonvechio all doubled to drive in runs.  Shea Harris singled down the first base line to bat in the last run of the first inning for the Sharks.

The Riversharks picked up another run in the third.  Bonvechio singled over the shortstop’s head, advanced on a Chris Malec double, and was brought in by Kyle Haines on a sacrifice hit.

The scoring was capped off in the sixth inning for Camden after Brian Burgamy, who is now the team’ s current leader in home runs, blasted a three run homer to score Guzman and Richie Robnett.

Bridgeport put up a few runs late in the game, but it was not enough to come back against what the Sharks had already done during the innings prior.  Steve Moss reached first with a base on balls in the eighth.   Charlton Jimerson followed with a triple to score Moss for Bridgeport’s first run of the game.  Willy Mo Pena stepped to the plate and cut the Bluefish deficit to seven by hitting a two run homer.  The final inning had Brian Barton leading off with a single.  Todd Jennings followed with a sacrifice hit which allowed Barton to come in to make the ending score of the game 10-4.

The Riversharks start their next series against Long Island on the road on Tuesday.  They will return home on Monday June 14^th to play the York Revolution.  For ticket information please call 1-866-SHARKS-9 or visit us online at www.riversharks.com.

After Bridgeport came out to score six runs in the top of the second inning, the home team rallied and totaled nine runs with nine hits, six of those runs being scored with two outs on the board.  The Sharks extended their lead in the fourth by two runs, again in the fifth with seven run surge.

The fifth inning mirrored the second with the Riversharks batting around and scoring seven runs with two outs on the board.  The Riversharks scoring was capped off by a bases clearing three run double by Shea Harris.

Highlights of the evening included a two run homer by Brett Bonvechio, who finished the night 3 for 4 with 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.  Brian Burgamy went 3 for 5 in the contest, driving in three runs and scoring three.  Richie Robnett tripled and scored in the second inning.  During his next at bat, he singled, and then proceeded to steal second and third before scoring.

The Riversharks will play their final game of the series tomorrow afternoon.  Steve Hammond will take the mound against Bridgeport’s Kevin Mannix.  For ticket information please call 1-866-SHARKS-9.  If you cannot make it to our game, make sure you listen to the live radio broadcast or keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter. Visit the Riversharks homepage and click on the corresponding link on the right hand side of the page.

“We’re glad to bring Luis back to Bridgeport,” says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. “He will add stability to our rotation.”

Aroyo will be making his fourth appearance in Bridgeport, having played with the club in 2004 and 2005 before returning last year. The lefthander began the 2009 season with Independent Laredo of the United League, where he started 12 games and recorded two victories with 53 strikeouts in 74 innings pitched. Following his stint with Laredo, Luis came back to the Bluefish and appeared in two games, compiling a 3.75 ERA with seven strikeouts over 12 innings of work.

In three seasons with the Bluefish, the 36-year-old has appeared in 35 games (20 starts). In 119.1 innings pitched, he recorded six victories and 97 strikeouts. Prior to joining the ‘Fish in 2004, Luis played for the Padres, Mets, Marlins, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Reds organizations, reaching the Triple-A level on four separate occasions. Over the course of 460 minor league appearances, the Puerto Rico native owns a 79-74 record with a 4.07 ERA and 1,108 strikeouts.

Luis was originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the 16^th round of the 1992 amateur draft.

To make room on the roster, the Bluefish have released pitcher Riley Shuckerow.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“Victor is a well-rounded player that is accustomed to this league,” says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. “We look forward to the contributions he can bring our club.”

In 2009, Rodriguez appeared in 97 games for the Long Island Ducks, recording a .301 batting average with 118 hits, 20 doubles, and 56 RBI in 392 at bats. Before signing with the Bluefish, the 32-year old played for multiple teams in the Atlantic League, including the Somerset Patriots, Newark Bears and the Ducks. Over the course of 381 Atlantic League games, he owns a .351 batting average. The infielder was named the Atlantic League player of the year in 2004, when he batted .371 with 57 extra base hits (32 doubles and 25 home runs) and 111 RBI.

The Puerto Rico native spent the majority of his professional baseball career playing at the Double-A level for six different clubs over a seven-year period. His best season in affiliated baseball came in 2000 as a member of Kinston (High-A, Indians). Rodriguez captured the batting title, recording a .327 batting average with 125 hits over the course of 382 at-bats. In 1,430 career minor league games, the 32-year old holds a .304 batting average with 699 RBI.

Victor was originally drafted in the second round of the 1994 amateur entry draft by the Florida Marlins.

To make room on the roster, the Bluefish have release pitcher Eric DuBose.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Lloyd Turner led off the game for the ‘Stormers with a single up the middle and then moved into scoring position on a groundout. With two down, Jason Perry drove a single down the left field line to score Turner.

The ‘Fish jumped in front of Lancaster in the bottom of the first when Brandon Chaves began the comeback with a one out, line drive single over the shortstop’s head. Steve Moss followed with a base hit of his own, and Danny Putnam drew a walk to load the bases. With two outs, Luis Lopez roped a single into left field to bring home Chaves and Moss.

A fifth inning push from the Barnstormers secured the team with the lead for two innings. Bryant Nelson began the frame by reaching first on an error committed by Bridgeport’s shortstop Brandon Chaves, and Reggie Taylor pushed Nelson to third on a double lifted to the right field wall. Nelson moved on to score on a groundout to the right side. Then with one out in the inning, Salomon Manriquez slapped a single into right, allowing Taylor to mark Lancaster’s fourth run of the game.

The key to Bridgeport’s success came in the eighth as they secured the lead, and the win. Wily Mo Pena came up big for the ‘Fish when he stepped up to the plate with one out and drilled a ball to the right side for a single. Pena hurried his way home from first base to tie the game on a Lopez double rocketed into center field, his third RBI of the night. The game winning run came on the heroic efforts of Colin Roberson, who sent a triple through the right-center field gap to bring home Lopez. Roberson then scored on a wild pitch to stretch the lead to two runs.

Kevin Mannix started his first game at home for Bridgeport, giving up four runs (three earned) resting on eight hits. The right-hander walked one and fanned three through five innings of work. Jorge Perez (1-0) earned the win after pitching the eighth inning, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out one. The save was awarded to Jorge Julio, who entered in the ninth, allowed only one hit, and struck out two to seal the victory.

Lancaster’s Ben Fritz allowed the ‘Fish to cross the plate twice off five hits and one walk. The Barnstormer struck out an impressive eight batters.  The loss was given to Jason Simontacchi (0-3) in the eighth inning when he gave up three Bridgeport runs on three hits.

The Bluefish now take to the road for eight games beginning tomorrow night in Lancaster. Bridgeport visits the Barnstormers for a two-game series and then travels to Camden for a three-game set with the Riversharks. The final three games of the road trip will take place in York against the Revolution. Fans can keep tabs on their hometown team throughout the road trip by tuning into the Bluefish Broadcast Network. Tomorrow’s contest against Lancaster begins at 6:30 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 6:00 p.m., exclusively on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Bluefish radio voice Perry Miles will have the call of all the action.

The Bluefish return home on Friday, June 11, to open a weekend series against the Somerset Patriots. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and gates open at 6:05 p.m. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Barnstormers took control of the game in the second inning on a series of well-placed hits. With one out, Joe Gaetti, Vic Gutierrez and Ryan Mulhern collected three consecutive singles to the left side to load the bases. Lloyd Turner followed with a double to right field, bringing home Gaetti and Toshihisa Nishi, who came in to the game to replace Gutierrez. The final run of the inning came on a sacrifice fly hit to center field by Bryant Nelson, scoring Mulhern.

Adam Greenberg set the tone for the third inning with a leadoff single to left field. Brandon Chaves followed with a double in the left field gap, and then Steve Moss roped a single of his own toward the left fielder to bring home Greenberg. A fielder’s choice from Danny Putnam allowed Chaves to cross the plate and with two outs in the frame, Colin Roberson sent a base hit up the middle to score Putnam.

Bridgeport tied the game at five in the fourth inning when Colin Roberson hustled home on a wild pitch thrown by Lancaster’s starter Josh Hall.

The sixth frame became the deciding factor of the game when Lancaster plated two more runs to jump ahead of the ‘Fish. Turner and Nelson began the rally with back-to-back singles up the middle to bring Reggie Taylor to the plate. Taylor brought home Turner, the go ahead run, on a fielder’s choice. Nelson crossed the plate as an insurance run when the Bluefish turned a double play on a ball hit by Salomon Manriquez.

Marc Kaiser (2-3) worked through five innings for the ‘Fish, giving up seven runs (six earned) on 12 hits. The righty walked two and punched out three.

Hall (3-2) allowed five earned runs on ten hits and walked three batters through six frames. Scott Patterson pieced his way through the ninth to earn his eighth save of the season for Lancaster.

The Bridgeport Bluefish finish their short series with the Lancaster Barnstormers tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Bridgeport starter Kevin Mannix will be opposed by Lancaster’s Ben Fritz. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kids Eat Free Tuesday, presented by TD Bank. All kids (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda or chocolate milk. Fans unable to make it to The Ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting The Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

A tough defensive inning for the ‘Fish gave the ‘Sharks an early lead.  A series of mishaps, including two errors committed by Tim Johnson allowed Camden to jump ahead by three unearned runs in the first inning. After scoring one in the second, Jason Botts led off the third inning with a solo blast off the scoreboard to give Camden a five-run cushion.

Eric DuBose (0-2) had another rough outing since returning to Bridgeport. The lefty lasted two and two-thirds innings, giving up five runs (two earned) on seven hits, walking two and striking out three. Patrick Ryan relieved DuBose and pitched the next three and one third innings of scoreless baseball with three hits and two strikeouts.

Camden’s ace Sam Narron (4-2) quieted Bridgeport’s bats for the first time in the three game series, throwing a complete game shutout allowing only six hits and one walk, while striking out six.

Wily Mo Pena made his Atlantic League debut in a Bluefish uniform and collected a base hit dribbler down the line in his first at bat of the season.

The Bluefish open a two game series with the Lancaster Barnstormers tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Bridgeport’s Kevin Mannix and Lancaster’s Josh Hall will face off in the opener. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kids Eat Free Monday, presented by ABI-JAY Novelty Foods. All kids (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda or chocolate milk. Fans unable to make it to The Ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting The Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Brandon Chaves began the third inning surge for the Bluefish with a one out single to center field. The red-hot Colin Roberson stepped up to the plate and collected a base knock of his own. Steve Moss followed with a double hugging the third base line, scoring Chaves and Roberson. With two down, Danny Putnam pulled the ball to right field for a double to bring home Moss.

The Riversharks did not let Bridgeport’s runs go unanswered, putting together a five-spot in the fourth. The ‘Sharks brought eight men to the plate in the frame to take the lead from the ‘Fish. Kyle Haines started the rally with a leadoff double and then following a single to right from Garrett Guzman, Richie Robnett drove a single to center to bring in Haines. Jason Botts’ double down the left field line scored Guzman, and then Robnett crossed the plate on a groundout. Raul Padron finished the offensive drive with a two run shot over the right field wall.

The ‘Fish tied the game in the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly delivered by Luis Lopez to bring in Jimerson. Luis Rodriguez put the game winning run on the board with a solo shot over the left field wall in the eighth inning.

Kyle Jackson started the game for Bridgeport allowing five runs on six hits over five and two-thirds innings of work. Denny Stark (1-0) picked up the win after relieving Chris Rivera in the eighth inning, allowing only one hit, walked one and struck out two in one inning of work. Jorge Julio earned his fourth save of the season, tossing a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts.

Camden starter Ben Davis threw the first five innings for the ‘Sharks, giving up four runs on ten hits, walking two and striking out a pair. Ryan McKeller (0-3) took the loss for the Riversharks after permitting two runs on two hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

Moss had three hits for Bridgeport, including two doubles and two RBI. Putnam and Chaves each had two hits and picked up a double of their own.

Bridgeport and Camden will play the final game of the series tomorrow afternoon at 2:05 p.m. Eric DuBose will start on the mound for the Bluefish against the Riversharks’ Sam Narron. Gates open at 1:05 p.m. and all fans will be treated to a pre-game autograph session, starting at 1:20 p.m. Following the game, all kids will have the opportunity to run the bases like the pros.  Fans unable to make it to The Ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting The Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“We are thrilled to add a slugger like Pena to this ballclub,” says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. “With his experience, we expect him to make a large impact both on the field and in the clubhouse.”

Last year, the former Major Leaguer played for the Buffalo Bisons (AAA) of the New York Mets organization. In 41 games with Buffalo he recorded a batting average of .276 with 40 hits, five home runs, and 21 RBI.

The 28-year-old made his Major League debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2002 after four impressive seasons in the minors. His best season in the big leagues was in 2004 with the Reds, where in 84 games, he batted .259 with 26 home runs and 66 RBI in 276 at-bats. From 2007 – 2008 he played in 101 games for the Washington Nationals. During seven seasons in the Majors, Pena has accumulated an overall batting average of .253 with 77 home runs and 225 RBI.
Pena was originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1998 as an undrafted free agent.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The offensive surge began early as the Riversharks put a run across in the top of the first off a sacrifice fly by Jason Botts. Bridgeport’s offense came alive after a quiet road trip by answering Camden with six of their own. With one out, Brandon Chaves started things off with a walk, and was followed by a Steve Moss single to bring Charlton Jimerson to the plate.  The 2009 Atlantic League batting champ lined a double to left, scoring Chaves. Danny Putnam then roped with a two-run single to right to score Moss and Jimerson. The rally continued as Luis Lopez singled, and Joe Jiannetti became the second ‘Fish to collect a double, allowing Putnam to cross the plate. The final two runs of the inning came on Luis Rodriguez’s ground rule double that was inches away from leaving the park, bringing home Lopez and Jiannetti.

Bridgeport continued the hitting frenzy in the second inning. Steve Moss walked with one away, and then Putnam came through for the ‘Fish for the second time with a triple to center field, sending Moss home. To keep things going for Bridgeport, Luis Lopez knocked a single up the middle to score Putnam, notching an eighth run on the board.

Matt Pike (4-2) delivered a solid performance, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and gave up only one walk through seven innings. Jorge Julio worked through the ninth inning to pick up his fourth save of the season.

The ‘Fish pummeled Camden’s starter Josh Brey (2-2), scoring eight runs on eight hits in his two innings of work. Brey walked three and struck out only one in his short outing.  Lefthander Eddy Camacho relieved Brey from his fishy situation in the third inning, holding Bridgeport to only two hits with three walks and two strikeouts over three innings of work.

The Bluefish and Riversharks will take part in game two of their three game series tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. Kyle Jackson will make an effort to earn his third win of the season for the ‘Fish and working for the opposition will be Camden starter Ben Davis. Fans unable to make it to The Ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting The Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“Paul has been an outstanding member of our pitching staff and will certainly be missed,” says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. “He has a tremendous amount of talent and we wish him the best with his new organization.”

Oseguera started six games for the Bluefish in 2010, posting a 3-2 record. He quickly became one of the Atlantic Leagues top hurlers, leading the league with two complete games and ranking second in strikeouts (33), third in wins (three), fourth in innings pitched (42.0), and sixth in ERA (2.36). The 26-year-old made his professional debut in 2006 with Single-A Salem-Kaizer of the Northwest League. He spent four seasons in the Giants organization, reaching as high as Double-A in 2008 as a member of the Connecticut Defenders. In 90 career minor league appearances (60 starts), the California native owns a 3.56 ERA with a 26-19 record and 371 strikeouts in 409.2 innings pitched.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

GAME DATE: 05/27/2010

Bridgeport Bluefish  1 AT Southern Maryland Blue Crabs  8

YTD                                   YTD

Bridgeport         AB  R  H BI   AVG  S Maryland         AB  R  H BI   AVG

A.Greenberg CF      4  0  0  0  .293  S.Cumberland RF     4  1  1  1  .278

B.Chaves SS         4  0  0  0  .190  C.Benjamin SS       5  0  2  0  .293

D.Putnam LF         4  0  1  0  .180  T.Garcia DH         3  0  0  0  .284

C.Jimerson RF       4  0  0  0  .333   D.Yoshida DH,PH    1  1  0  0  .200

L.Lopez 3B          4  1  1  0  .200  P.Osborn 3B         4  2  2  1  .320

J.Jiannetti 1B      4  0  2  0  .267  E.Crozier 1B        3  3  2  1  .259

L.Rodriguez C       4  0  3  1  .217  J.Owens CF          2  0  0  1  .213

B.Barton DH         4  0  1  0  .224  K.Kirkland 2B       4  1  1  2  .282

T.Johnson 2B        3  0  1  0  .293  B.McFall LF         3  0  0  0  .247

C.Lopez C           4  0  1  0  .302

Bridgeport           0 0 0   0 0 0   0 0 1 -  1  9  1

S Maryland           0 2 3   0 0 0   3 0 0 -  8  9  0

2B–L.Lopez (2), E.Crozier (5). HR–S.Cumberland (1), P.Osborn (3),

E.Crozier (6), K.Kirkland (2). RBI–L.Rodriguez (7), S.Cumberland (7),

P.Osborn (13), E.Crozier (14), J.Owens (10), K.Kirkland  2 (13). E–L.Lopez

(2).

LOB–Bridgeport 7, S Maryland 7.

YTD

IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR     ERA

Bridgeport

K.Mannix (L,3-2)                3.0   7   5   5   0   0   4    5.63

D.Stark                         2.0   1   0   0   3   3   0    3.24

J.Perez                         1.1   1   3   1   2   1   0    3.46

P.Ryan                          0.2   0   0   0   0   0   0    2.87

R.Shuckerow                     1.0   0   0   0   0   2   0    9.00

S Maryland

C.Robertson (W,1-0)             5.0   3   0   0   0   4   0    0.52

J.Ridgway                       2.0   2   0   0   0   2   0    6.08

R.Speier                        1.0   1   0   0   0   1   0    0.00

J.Warden                        1.0   3   1   1   0   1   0    4.85

WP–J.Perez (4). SO–A.Greenberg, B.Chaves, C.Jimerson 3, L.Lopez,

B.Barton, T.Johnson, S.Cumberland 2, D.Yoshida, P.Osborn, E.Crozier,

K.Kirkland. BB–S.Cumberland, D.Yoshida, E.Crozier, J.Owens, B.McFall.

BF–K.Mannix 15 (98), D.Stark 10 (66), J.Perez 8 (60), P.Ryan 3 (66),

R.Shuckerow 3 (66), C.Robertson 18 (65), J.Ridgway 7 (67), R.Speier 4 (30),

J.Warden 6 (63). P-S–K.Mannix 49-29, D.Stark 44-21, J.Perez 40-24, P.Ryan

7-6, R.Shuckerow 14-11, C.Robertson 70-45, J.Ridgway 24-18, R.Speier 26-17,

J.Warden 19-14.

It was a pitcher’s duel early between the Bears’ Matt Smith and Bridgeport’s Paul Oseguera.  Smith struck out five batters and allowed just four base runners through three scoreless innings.  Oseguera allowed two runners in the first, but retired four straight including a 1-2-3 second.  The Bears broke through in the third inning with the back-to-back singles followed by a Kennard Jones sacrifice bunt to put runners in scoring position.  Daryle Ward drove one in with a RBI groundout and it was 1-0 Newark.

The Bluefish pushed ahead in the fourth with the first two batters reaching base.  Joe Jiannetti ripped a two-run double to left-center to give Bridgeport the 2-1 advantage, one they would never relinquish.

Oseguera (2-1) earned the win, hurling eight innings, allowing one run on seven hits, with a pair of strikeouts and a walk.  Smith (2-2) suffered the loss with two earned runs on four hits, while striking out eight in seven and one-third innings.

Newark’s six-game road trip continues Friday night as they begin a three-game series with the York Revolution.  Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.  Fans can tune into all the action via streaming webcast at www.newarkbears.com with David Greenwald providing the play-by-play.

The Bears return to Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, May 18 to take on the Bridgeport Bluefish.  The teams will a doubleheader, with two, seven-inning games.  Game time is set for 11:05 a.m., with the gates of Riverfront Stadium opening at 10:05 a.m. Tickets for the game and all upcoming Bears games are available at the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium box office, by calling (973) 848-1000 ext. 212, or by logging onto www.newarkbears.com and clicking on the tickets icon on the top of the page.

Jesse Hoorelbeke hit a two-out double off the right field wall against Zimmermann to score Tyrone Pendergrass.  The closer then got Luis Rodriguez to foul out to right field to end the game.

The Revolution jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning after Matt Rogelstad led off the frame with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Goleski.  Rogelstad finished 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Ryner Bautista responded in the third with a solo home run off starter Dave Gassner (4-7).  It was the only run charged against Gassner, who went six and one-third innings for the win.  He struck out three, walked one and gave up four hits.

Bautista went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI for the ‘Fish.

York answered in the bottom of the frame when P.J. Rose hit his second extra-base hit in two nights with an RBI double.

Esteban Yan (6-3) suffered the tough loss after going the distance, striking out six and giving up three runs on eight hits in eight innings of work.

Rose was the fisherman on Saturday, hooking the ‘Fish with their second loss of the second half when he blasted a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning off Bluefish closer Andy Cavazos.

It was the first run and hit surrendered by Cavazos in eight innings.  The righty walked the first three Revs before Rose’s heroics.

Jesse Hoorelbeke paved the way at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two doubles and five RBI.  The first baseman’s three run double in the third inning was the turning point against Revs starter Dan Foli. The righthander exited at the end of the frame, finishing with four runs on six hits and three walks.

Daryl Harang did damage control for the Revs, tossing four innings of scoreless ball.

Gary Knotts did his part for Bridgeport on the mound, striking out seven in seven innings and allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks.

Relief pitcher Patrick Ryan made his Bluefish debut with a scoreless eighth.

Adam Greenberg had a nice night at the dish as he tied a season-high with three hits while stealing two bases.

Zimmermann earned his first save of the series Friday night in York’s 2-1 victory.  Bridgeport could not capitalize in the eighth and ninth innings with runners on base and dropped the first game of the Atlantic League second half.

The Bluefish struggled against starter Tim Harrikala (5-1) in Willie Upshaw’s 2009 managerial debut.  Harrikala pitched five scoreless innings to open the game, giving him 13 straight against the ‘Fish, before Enohel Polanco scored on a wild pitch.  The righthander earned the win by striking out four and giving up a run on four hits.

Josh Johnson’s two-run homer was all the Revs needed to provide Harrikala with his fourth straight victory.

Starter Corey Lee left after one pitch for the ‘Fish with an apparent right side injury.  Matt Pike replaced Lee and pitched a solid five innings. Pike suffered the loss despite allowing just two unearned runs on four hits and two walks.

Tommy John walked off the field at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the last time with a victory on July 8.  The Bluefish responded to the sudden news of John’s resignation with a 12 hit performance to defeat the Somerset Patriots 6-4 in the final game of the Atlantic League first half.

Luis Lopez’s two-run homer to left field proved to be the difference maker, as the Bluefish used a three-run fifth inning to break a 3-3 tie.  Adam Greenberg scored on Lopez’s blast off Brian Adams after dropping down a leadoff bunt and stealing second and third base.

Adams (8-5) suffered the loss after striking out three in five innings while giving up six runs on 10 hits and three walks.

Andy Cavazos pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his fourth save of the season for the ‘Fish.

Atlantic League strikeout leader Dan Reichert (9-6) earned his league-leading ninth victory of the season by lasting eight innings and striking out five while being tagged for four runs (one earned) on eight hits and two walks.

The Bluefish finished the first half with a record of 33-37.

The Patriots jumped out to an early 5-0 lead against starter Kyle Jackson on June 7 as the Pats went on to defeat the ‘Fish 6-4.  Jackson recovered to hold Somerset hitless over his final six innings pitched, but suffered the loss by giving up  six runs on six hits and four walks.

Brandon Sing highlighted Bridgeport’s eight-hit performance by going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Sing led the Bluefish to a 4-1 victory on June 6 by smashing two solo home runs in Esteban Yan’s complete game three-hitter.  Yan made quick work of Somerset, breezing through the game on 100 pitches.  At one point, Yan retired 13 straight Somerset batters.

Bridgeport finished the week 2-4 and will look to earn their first victory of the second half tonight in the final game of a four game series against the York Revolution at 7:00 p.m.

Tonight’s Matchup

Kyle Jackson (14 GS; 5-6, 5.11 ERA) vs. Shane Youman (5 G, 4 GS; 0-2, 2.26 ERA)

The Week Ahead

June 14-16 at Camden Riversharks

Player to Watch: Starting pitcher Tom Davey is 8-2 with a league-leading 2.31 ERA and his 66 strikeouts are tied for second in the league.  Davey is 2-0 against the ‘Fish with 10 strikeouts and Bridgeport has only scored one run off him in two games.

June 17-19 vs. Newark Bears

Player to Watch: Catcher Salomon Manriquez is the league-leader in batting average (.367) and his .444 on-base percentage is ranked second.  Manriquez is batting .276 against Bridgeport in six games with five walks and three runs.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Outfielder Brandon Sing and first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke have made themselves a threatening presence in the middle of the Bridgeport lineup.  Sing is 17-for-37 (.459) with 10 runs, nine RBI and two home runs in the last ten games.  Hoorelbeke has a team-high 14 RBI in the last ten games by going 13-for-32 (.406) with eight runs and three home runs.

Who’s Not:  Outfielder Tyrone Pendergrass is 3-for-18 (.167) with three runs and one RBI over the last five games…Enohel Polanco struggled in his first week back from a hamstring injury, going 3-for-14 (.214) with two runs and two RBI.

Scoreless Debut: Relief pitcher Patrick Ryan made his Bluefish debut on Saturday by pitching a scoreless eighth inning.  The 26-year-old joins Bridgeport after appearing in 16 games (eight starts) with West Tenn (AA, Mariners) of the Southern League earlier this year.  Ryan was 2-5 with a 6.62 ERA in 50 innings pitched.

On and off the Disabled List: The Bluefish placed Todd Davison on the disabled list with a knee injury and infielder Wilson Batista was reinstated to the active list yesterday.  Batista had three hits in six games for the ‘Fish earlier this year.

Streak Snapped:  Brandon Sing’s 10-game hitting streak was snapped on Friday against the York Revolution.  The outfielder’s streak is tied for the team-high with ex-Bluefish Henry Mateo.

Upshaw takes over John: With the sudden news of Tommy John’s resignation as manager of the Bluefish, Willie Upshaw will take over for his second stint as manager of the team.  Upshaw managed the team from 1998-2000, winning the 1999 Atlantic League Championship.  The 1998 Manager of the Year left the team in 2000 to coach in the affiliated ranks of the Cleveland Indians and then the San Francisco Giants.

With the sudden news of Tommy John’s resignation, the Bridgeport Bluefish will begin the second half of the Atlantic League season without their jovial manager by their side.

John will be leaving the team to join Sportable Scoreboards, a scoreboard manufacturing company, as a sales consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“I didn’t want to leave the team but we have two or three things happening right after the All-Star break, and I have to be there for that,” said John.  “It was either take it now or not take it at all.”

The 66-year-old manager broke the news with the team before Wednesday’s game and told general manager Todd Marlin and Bluefish owner/CEO Frank Boulton Tuesday night.

“It was shocking.  We never expected anything like that,” said Marlin.  “The team was really coming together under his leadership and we were looking forward to going into the second half.

“We completely understand the situation.  Whenever there is an opportunity to make yourself better or put yourself in a better place in life you have to take that opportunity.”

John managed Bridgeport for two and a half seasons, leading Bridgeport to a 160-176 record with no playoff appearances.

“When he came into the clubhouse today you could kind of tell in his voice that something was going on,” said starting pitcher Dan Reichert.  “In his first couple of sentences you couldn’t get the jist of what was going on; but then he let the cat out of the bag.  You could definitely tell by the crackle in his voice that he was sad and that he is going to miss 25 great men.”

Reichert pitched Bridgeport to a 6-4 victory in John’s last game as manager, but it won’t be the moments on the field that Reichert will remember.

“He has always been a positive guy regardless of what happened on or off the field,” said Reichert.

“Every manager you play for, you take away something and with Tommy it was how to hit a good driver or how to read a green,” said a laughing Reichert.  “I’m happy for him.  He will make some other people smile, crack up and think ‘wow, this guy is kind of a goof ball.”

It has been the unforgettable and numerous stories that John has told that have made such an imprint on his players.

“Playing for Tommy is a relaxed situation.  He keeps it loose,” said Luis Lopez, one of the first players to embrace John after the game on the field.  “He’s always telling jokes and I think that’s the way you have to be.  This game is a lot of pressure.  It’s a game of failure.  You just have to be relaxed.”

In his last game, John looked quite relaxed as he trotted out of the right field corner in the end of the third inning dressed as Watson in the hot dog race. The manager finished in an honorable last place.

“I was a smoked wiener,” a smiling John said.

John always brought a smile to The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and wherever he went on behalf of the Bluefish.  Wednesday night, the Bluefish teamed up with Rita’s Ice of Bridgeport for a players scoop night.  No one was sure if John would still show up, and at 7:45 p.m. John brought one last set of smiles to Bluefish fans as he rolled on in.  With a big grin on his face, he asked, “So what should we do first, scoop or sign autographs?”

Participating at these community outreach events was one of John’s favorite memories from managing in Bridgeport.

“Every day was a special moment here, but doing the Channel 12 Scholar Athlete dinner was really neat,” said the former Major League pitcher.  “I was a valedictorian in high school and I enjoyed talking to the kids about how tough it is to be an athlete and keep your grades up.”

Relief pitcher Andy Weimer hopes to have a similar impact next season at Utica College.

“I hope to develop a jovial relationship with the players like he had here,” said Weimer.  “Everyone loved him as a person and a coach.  It’s hard to dislike a guy like that.”

Bench coach Willie Upshaw will take over the managerial duties for the rest of the season with John’s departure.  Upshaw, the first manager in Bluefish history, spent three years in Bridgeport from 1998-2000.  The former Major Leaguer led the ‘Fish to the team’s lone championship in 1999 with a record of 78-42.

After hearing the news, Upshaw said, “I’m not a reaction guy, so it was almost like I went right into combat mode.  I think it’s a great opportunity and I’m just going to try and work at it every day.”

“I’m sure I have my own stamp.  What it is, I just can’t put into words right now,” said Upshaw.  “I want the players to be aggressive, but it depends on if they can do it.  That’s what I want to do and I’ll let them know.   Hopefully, they go out there and do it.”

Bluefish bench coach Willie Upshaw will take over as manager for the rest of the 2009 campaign. Upshaw, the first manager in Bluefish history, spent three years in Bridgeport from 1998-2000. He was named Atlantic League manager of the year in 1998 after leading the team to a 64-36 record and managed the Bluefish to their lone championship the following season with a league-best 78-42 mark. After another successful year with the ‘Fish in 2000 he made his way back to the affiliated ranks with the Cleveland Indians and most recently the San Francisco Giants.

“We would like to thank Tommy for contributions to the Bluefish on and off the field,” says Bluefish owner/CEO Frank Boulton. “Tommy has had tremendous presence in the community, and has been a consummate professional in the clubhouse. We had many bright moments at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

The former Major Leaguer pitched for 26 seasons from 1963 to 1989 including three 20-win seasons. Of eligible players, John is currently the winningest pitcher in Major League Baseball history not in the Hall of Fame. Tommy finished with a 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts in 760 games played.

He was selected to the Major League All-Star team four times and also finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting for both the 1977 and 1979 seasons. During his career, he won two World Series championships. John won the Hutch Award in 1975 for displaying honor, courage, and dedication to the game of baseball both on and off the field, and the National League Comeback Player of the Year award in 1976 after returning from surgery.

John retired from his playing career in 1989 after stints with the Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels, and Athletics. John joined the Bluefish in December of 2006 as the fifth manager in team history. He managed the team for two and a half seasons and led Bridgeport to a 159-176 overall record.

Upshaw’s Major League tenure spanned 10 seasons, nine of them with the Toronto Blue Jays. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 1975 free agent draft by the New York Yankees, he spent the first two years of his career in the minors before being chosen by the Blue Jays as part of the 1977 expansion draft. Willie would eventually make his Major League debut the following year on April 9 against the Detroit Tigers. In 1982, he became the Blue Jays regular first-baseman and led the team in home runs (21) and RBI (75). The following year he became the first Toronto player to top 100 RBI in a season with 104. Upshaw surpassed the 1,000 career hit mark in 1988, his final season in the Major Leagues, and finished his career with 1,103 hits, 123 home runs, 528 RBI and a .262 batting average.

Following a brief stint in Japan, Upshaw began his coaching career in 1991 as a hitting instructor in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. After two successful years in the minor leagues, he was on the fast track up the coaching chain after being named hitting coach for the Texas Rangers. Willie then returned to Toronto in 1995 where he would serve as hitting coach for the next three seasons. In 1998, the former Major-Leaguer would then make his way back home to Fairfield County, where he would become the first field manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Despite holding the Patriots hitless over his final six innings pitched, starter Kyle Jackson could not recover as the Pats jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the second inning.  Joe Burke led off the top of the frame with a leadoff single and was brought home on Elliot Ayala’s RBI double down the left field line.  Mike Rodriguez then followed with an RBI triple into the left field corner to give Somerset a 5-0 lead.  Rodriguez finished the night 2-for-4 with two runs, an RBI and stole his 21^st base of the year.

Jackson (5-6) retired the final three batters of the inning, and went on to allow four walks and a balk over the next five frames.  The only other run scored against Jackson came in the fourth when Josh Pressley hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Rodriguez.  The righty suffered the loss after going seven innings with three strikeouts while giving up six runs on six hits and four walks.

Casey Hoorelbeke and Andy Weimer combined to hold the Patriots hitless the rest of the game, pitching scoreless eighth and ninth innings respectively.

The Bluefish, trailing 6-3, attempted to make a late rally in the bottom of the ninth inning against Somerset closer Ryan Basner.  Adam Greenberg nailed a one out pitch down the right field line and into the home bullpen for a triple.  Tyrone Pendergrass then hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Greenberg.  Luis Lopez proceeded to pop up to first base to end the game and give Basner his fourth save of the year.

Somerset starter Chris Buglovsky (1-0) earned his first victory of the season by striking out two and holding Bridgeport to three runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings pitched.  It was Buglovsky’s second start of the year and just his sixth in two years.

Brandon Sing highlighted Bridgeport’s eight-hit performance, finishing 2-for-3 with one RBI.  Sing hit an RBI double in the bottom of the first inning that was just over the outstretched arm of leftfielder Elliot Ayala.

Luis Lopez had two walks for Bridgeport, including one in the seventh inning.  Sing then followed with a walk of his own to bring the tying run to the plate when Jesse Hoorelbeke came up with the ‘Fish behind 6-3.  Lefty Brian Henderson was brought in to face the slugger, and responded by jamming Hoorelbeke into a 5-4-3 double play.

The Bluefish and Patriots play the final game of their three-game series tomorrow during a 10:35 a.m. matinee. Righthander Dan Reichert will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Patriots starter Brian Adams. Everyone in attendance will be able to experience “Winning Inning Wednesday” and have the chance to take home $10,000. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Yan (6-2) went the distance for the ‘Fish, pitching a complete game three-hitter with two strikeouts, while walking one to earn the victory.  The righty made quick work of the Freedom Division First Half champions, finishing the night with 100 pitches.

At one point, Yan retired 13 straight Somerset batters before allowing an Elliot Ayala single to center field in the top of the ninth inning.  The only run against the former-Major Leaguer came on an RBI single by Mike Rodriguez in the same inning, scoring Sean Smith.  It was Yan’s third complete game of the season and first since June 14 against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Bridgeport struck early against Atlantic League wins leader Jim Magrane, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning.  After a one-out single to left field by Todd Davison, Adam Greenberg hit an RBI triple to plate Davison.  Greenberg then was brought home on an RBI sacrifice fly to left field by Tyrone Pendergrass.  Greenberg finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.

Brandon Sing provided Yan with plenty of support as well, blasting two home runs for his second multi-home run game of the season.  Sing extended Bridgeport’s 2-0 lead by drilling a 3-1 Jim Magrane pitch into the leftfield net during the bottom of the sixth frame.  The leftfielder hit his second dinger of the night in the eighth, a deep shot over the left-centerfield wall, to give the ‘Fish a 4-0 lead.  The slugger finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI and ended a 16-game homerless drought with tonight’s performance.

Magrane (9-2) was tagged with his second loss of the season despite striking out seven and giving up three runs on seven hits and one walk in six innings pitched.

Tip Fairchild pitched the final two innings for Somerset, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five.  Fairchild and Magrane combined to fan 12 Bluefish batters.  It is the second time in four days that the ‘Fish have struck out a season-high 12 times.

With the victory, the Bluefish have won a season-high four straight games at home and have now won seven of their past ten games.

The Bluefish and Patriots play game two of their three-game set tomorrow with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kid’s Eat Free Tuesday, courtesy of Stew Leonard’s. All kids (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Flashing their brand-new Bluefish baseball caps and t-shirts, the kids lined up patiently at the batting cage, jostling for position to be first in line.  The anticipation to touch the coldness of the aluminum baseball bat ran wild among the young players.  One by one they stepped inside the batting cage and were once again greeted with a cheek-to-cheek smile from Lopez.

Michael Lau played for the Giants at camp and during the home run derby in right field he blasted two home runs on five pitches.  One of which sailed onto the train tracks behind the rightfield wall.  The 7-year-old credits Lopez and the rest of the Bluefish players with helping him hit the ball better.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Lau.  “It landed all the way on the train-tracks!”

“As long as they get one thing out of camp then we know that we have done our job,” said Lopez.  “We just try to give them something from the great coaching that we have gotten during our careers.”

Lopez has coached in many baseball camps during his career and back home in Nebraska he’s done a lot of one-on-one lessons.  He really enjoys the interaction with the kids and sees the importance in it.

“I want the kids to realize that we’re [the players] regular people just like them. We are just grownups,” said Lopez.  “We are always put on a pedestal, especially when were playing in the big leagues.  We’re sometimes viewed as untouchable and I want them to realize that I’m just a regular guy.”

Lopez has taught this message to many Major League players during his days in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.  The Bronx native developed a good connection with the young Latin-born players in the system.  Some of those players included Alex Rios, Felipe Lopez and Cesar Izturis.

“I tried to help them out as much as I could,” said Lopez.  “I told them to be good citizens and to not get caught up in all of the temptations out there.  I knew they were going to be big league players.  I saw that the talent was there.”

In 1997, Lopez met current Bluefish teammate Luis Rodriguez when they played for Hagerstown (A, Blue Jays) of the South Atlantic League (SAL).  If it were not for Rodriguez, Lopez may never have developed such good friendships with the Latin players as he did not know how to speak much Spanish.

“I remember for the first couple of months he didn’t speak Spanish,” said Rodriguez. “Coming from South America, I didn’t know much English so he would help teach me English and I would teach him Spanish.”

During the same year, Lopez broke onto the scene for the Blue Jays as he was named the Southern Atlantic League’s Most Valuable Player.  The then first baseman/designated hitter led the league with 180 hits, a .358 batting average, a .430 on-base percentage and was named a SAL all-star.

It was a huge year for Lopez, being an undrafted free agent out of Coastal Carolina University.  The 35-year old continued his steady ascent through the Blue Jays organization until finally reaching the top of the mountain on April 29, 2001, making his Major League debut.

“When I finally got called up to the big leagues all of my teammates started hugging me.  It was a different kind of reception for a call-up,” said Lopez.  “Everyone knew what I had been through.  Me not being a draft pick and how I started off in the independent league.  I didn’t sign with Toronto for money.  I signed for a glove and two pairs of spikes.  I just wanted a chance.”

“I was excited for him,” said Rodriguez.  “This is our job.  You want to see your friends go higher and higher.  He called us, and was like ‘the stadium is awesome!”

Lopez played in a total of 41 games for Toronto that year and then made one last stint in the Major Leagues in 2004 as a member of the Montreal Expos, appearing in 11 games.

Tuesday night, Lopez showed off what he was teaching the kids in the batting cage by hitting the eventual game-winning RBI against the Camden Riversharks when he drilled a Josh Brey two-out pitch down the left field line in the bottom of the fifth inning to score Adam Greenberg.

As Lopez stepped on first base, he once again flashed that confident smile.

“All we want is strikes,” says Plefka.  “It’s like a telescope [your elbow].  Point the telescope right at the catcher.  There we go! That’s what I like!”

After about three minutes of advice, Ryan is throwing strikes right across the plate to Bluefish catcher Shea Harris.  Ryan was one of many kids and adults who were able to participate in the June 14 Lenox Advisor’s Fantasy Day Camp at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

“It was pretty cool.  He was really helpful.” said Ryan.  “I also really enjoyed the hitting part of the day too.”

Plefka easily could have been somewhere else instead of at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard that early Sunday morning.  After averaging 20.3 minutes, 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in two seasons at Texas Tech playing basketball under Bobby Knight, Plefka was offered an opportunity to play basketball overseas in Germany.

“I always grew up playing basketball.  It was in my blood” said Plefka.  “Yet I preferred to play baseball.  It was my love and dream to be drafted for baseball.”

That dream came true for Plefka when he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 47^th round (1214^th overall) in the 2006 Major League Baseball entry draft.  Instead of signing with the Angels, Plefka went on to stay at Texas Tech for his senior year and got a degree in human development and family studies.

Even though it was a difficult decision, Plefka chose to sign with the Angels after the 2006 season, this time as a free agent, instead of playing basketball overseas.

The opportunities in baseball seemed more promising to Plefka.  Even though he attended four different colleges in five years, Plefka’s numbers still showed the Angels potential.  The right hander pitched a total of 62 and two-third innings in three seasons at Vermont, Santa Fe Community College and Texas Tech.  In 2005, he posted a 3.66 ERA and 41 strikeouts at Santa Fe.

When manager Tommy John found out that the Bluefish had signed Plefka, he knew he was getting a tough and gritty relief pitcher.

“When he first arrived here I knew immediately that if he played for Coach Knight then he must be a tough son of a gun,” said John.

This season with the Bluefish, the opportunities have been slim to none for Plefka.  With a 2.20 ERA in ten games this season, the 24-year-old has done all he can to try and impress scouts.  Plefka has not appeared in a game since June 7 against the Somerset Patriots when he pitched 1.2 innings of shutout ball.

The New Britain native has used a fastball that ranges from 87 to 91 miles an hour, a slider and a changeup to get batters out this season.   His still-developing three pitch arsenal has held opponents to a .186 batting average in 16.1 innings.

“We don’t get the chance to use him as much as would like,” said John.  “Unfortunately you don’t get a chance to pitch that much here because the starters are going six or seven innings and he isn’t a closer.  He is more of a four-five-six inning kind of guy.”

Last year for the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League, Plefka posted a 7.81 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 27.2 innings. Even though he was not as successful as he would have liked, Plefka isn’t ready to rush back to basketball just yet.  He understands that this is just his third season of professional baseball, and his second year focusing on baseball full-time.

“I was never the best player in any sport I ever played,” said Plefka.  “I always had to work hard to get anywhere.  I’m going to keep working hard to become the best pitcher possible.”

Tyrone Pendergrass was part of the sixth inning Bridgeport barrage when he hit a one out single to left field, scoring Todd Davison (2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI) and Ryner Bautista.  Pendergrass finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI.

Bautista (1-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI)  put the only smudge, a three run home run, on an other wise fine debut by Newark starter Matt Melody (0-0) out of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Melody finished with one strikeout in four innings of work while getting tagged for four runs on five hits and one walk.

On the mound for the ‘Fish, Corey Lee (3-5) got his third win of the season behind Bridgeport’s offensive attack.  Lee allowed five runs on seven hits and five walks in six innings while striking out four.

After tossing a 1-2-3 sixth inning, Lee was relieved by Andy Cavazos, who struck out two while retiring six straight.  Jon Plefka appeared in his second game of the series, pitching a scoreless ninth.  The Bridgeport trio retired 13 of Newark’s final 14 batters in the game.

The Bluefish won the five game series against Newark this weekend, three games to two, and double digit scoring was the path to victory for Bridgeport as the ‘Fish were 3-0 when scoring 10 or more runs.  On Saturday, the ‘Fish split a doubleheader with the Bears.

The ‘Fish defeated the Bears 12-7 in game one by ambushing Newark starter Shane Komine (2-2) for 11 runs (10 earned) on 11 hits in 3.2 innings.  Seven of the 11 runs Komine allowed came in an eleven batter first inning highlighted by Adam Greenberg’s bases-clearing double in his second at-bat of the inning.

Luis Lopez went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Davison chipped in for the ‘Fish with a 3-for-4 performance with two RBI and a run scored.

Dan Reichert (7-6) earned his team leading seventh victory, despite allowing a season high three home runs.  The righthander struck out eight, but gave up seven runs on nine hits including three two-run homers from Carl Everett, Jacque Jones and Felix Martinez.

Keith Foulke avenged the Bears game one loss, with a dazzling spot start in the Bears 9-1 victory in game two.  Foulke struck out five in five innings and gave up just two hits, one run and no walks to earn the victory.  It was Foulke’s first start since August 6, 2008 when the former Major Leaguer gave up three runs in two innings for the Sacramento River Cats of the Pacific Coast League (AAA, Athletics).

Jesse Hoorelbeke was the only Bluefish to find the slightest bit of success, hitting a solo shot off of Foulke.  The home run was Hoorelbeke’s second of the day and third of the series.

Reliever Corey Willey finished the lockdown pitching performance by the Bears, retiring the final six Bluefish batters in the last two innings.

Bridgeport starter Kyle Jackson (5-5) was not as lucky with the run support as Reichert endured his worst outing of the season.  Jackson gave up a season high four home runs and also got tagged for eight runs on 12 hits, both of which are season highs as well.

The Bears walked the ‘Fish to victory on Friday, issuing the Bluefish a season-high 13 walks.

Despite trailing by scores of 2-0, 4-1, and 8-6 the ‘Fish scored four unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings to win the game 10-8.

The Newark bullpen walked 10 Bluefish batters after starter Edgar Martinez (4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR) left the game in the fourth inning with a leg injury.  Eight of nine Bridgeport hitters drew at least one walk, with five of those batters accepting two free passes.  Jesse Hoorelbeke even walked twice in the fifth inning.

Davison led the way offensively by hitting his first home run and first triple of the season in a 2-for-4 performance with two runs and an RBI.

Jon Plefka earned his first win of the season in his first appearance since June 7 by tossing a scoreless eighth inning.  Plefka allowed one hit and struck out two.

Despite scoring seven runs for the second time against Bluefish starter Esteban Yan (5-2), the Bears just could not outhit the ‘Fish to victory.  Yan got shelled for eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits and two walks, while striking out one in 4.2 innings pitched.

Newark opened the series on June 25 with a 5-4 victory.  Hoorelbeke went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored and a two home run to left field in the 2^nd inning to do all he could to try and lead the Bluefish to a series opening victory.  Charlton Jimmerson responded by blasting a two-run home run to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning to give the Bears the series opener.

Gary Knotts (1-4) suffered the loss after striking out three and giving up five runs on ten hits and three walks in 7.1 innings.

The Bluefish finished the week 3-2 and trail first place Southern Maryland by 10.5 games.  The ‘Fish take on the Camden Riversharks tonight at 7:05 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

Tonight’s Matchup

RHP Nate Bump (11 GS; 8-2, 1.90 ERA) vs. RHP Franklin Perez (3 GS, 10 GP; 0-2, 10.80 ERA)

The Week Ahead

June 29-July 1 vs Camden Riversharks

Player to Watch: Designated hitter Vito Chiaravolloti has a team-high .444 batting average against the Bluefish in seven games this season with a team high two home runs and nine RBI.  Chiaravolloti’s .889 slugging percentage and .583 on-base percentage are team highs as well.

July 2-5 at Long Island Ducks

Player to Watch: Third Baseman Ray Navarrete has a team-high five RBI and six runs scored against Bridgeport.  Navarette is 9-for-26 (.346) in six games against the ‘Fish this year.   

Fish Facts:

Who’s Hot: Todd Davison connected for his first home run and triple of the season in Friday’s 10-8 victory.  Davison has been hitting .433 (13-for-30) in his last nine games with six runs and four RBI…Jesse Hoorelbeke launched three home runs in the series against Newark and went 6-for-18 with seven runs and eight RBI. 

Who’s Not: Luis Rodriguez has gone 2-for-13 (.154) with one home run and four RBI in the last five games…Adam Greenberg is 3-for-18 (.167) in his last five games with four runs and four RBI.

‘Fish Walk off With Series: On Saturday, the Bluefish were issued a season high 13 walks by the Bears.  It was just the beginning for the ‘Fish, as Bridgeport went on to tally 30 walks for the entire series.  The Bluefish won the five game series 3-2.

Bats and Arms need to Improve for Second Half: The Second Half of the Atlantic League season will begin on July 10 and the Bluefish are hoping to gain some momentum at the plate and on the mound before the second half begins.  Currently, the Bluefish are ranked sixth in the league in hitting (.260) and pitching (4.50 ERA).  Bridgeport’s pitchers have given up the second most home runs in the league with 52 and have issued the second most walks with 222.

New ‘Fish in the Tank: The Bridgeport Bluefish acquired outfielder Ron Davenport from the Long Island Ducks for future considerations on June 24.  Davenport appeared in 28 games posting a .219 batting average with 10 extra base hits, 12 RBI and 10 runs scored for the Ducks this season.  The 27-year old made his Bluefish debut on Saturday, going 0-for-2 in game two of the doubleheader against Newark.

Bray Swimming Well in the South: Former Bluefish Steve Bray (2009) has pitched well this season at Double A West Tenn (AA, Mariners) of the Southern League. Bray is 1-4 with a 3.49 ERA in 13 games.  The University of New Haven product has struck out 43 batters in 59.1 innings while holding his opponents to a .242 batting average.

On June 12, athletic director Jim Spartano named Weimer the head baseball coach of Utica College.  Weimer, now in his fifth season of professional baseball and second with the Bluefish, is ironically amidst the best season of his career.  In 13 games, Weimer is 1-0 with a team-best 0.98 ERA and 10 strikeouts.  The new head coach has held opponents to a .217 batting average and has given up just two earned runs.

It was a tough decision, but he is confident that he has made the right choice.

“Obviously I want to keep playing because I’m pitching so well,” said Weimer.  “But at the same time, if I can’t get picked up with the numbers I’m putting up and the success I am having now then I guess it’s a good sign that the time is right.”

Coaching was something that Weimer always planned on getting involved in after his baseball career.  Despite playing professional baseball for the past five years, he has found time to be the assistant coach at Mohawk Valley Community College from 2004-2009 and he has been an instructor at the Field of Dreams athletic facility in Utica since 2003.

The Pioneers certainly can use Weimer’s pitching knowledge, as the team compiled a 7.10 ERA and a 5-27 record this year.  Junior captain and starting pitcher Chris Pallas is excited to play for the current Bluefish next year.

“I am extremely excited,” said Pallas.  “During the interview I felt he had a world of baseball knowledge and experience.  He is a great candidate for the job and I am 100% positive that he will help our pitching staff in every aspect.”

Weimer believes that his professional baseball experience is one reason why he was chosen for the job and he plans on basing his baseball philosophy on a strong pitching staff with a good defense behind them.

“I believe that if we turn the blowout games into competitive games then that’s a matter of two or three wins instead of losses next year,” said Weimer.  If we build at that rate every year then we should be a good program in the next few years.”

Assistant Coach Chris Parkinson has been in constant contact with Weimer since he took the position nearly three weeks ago.  Parkinson met with Weimer this past Monday and came away with a “great vibe.”

“He has a very calm and collective, intelligent demeanor,” said Parkinson.  ”He doesn’t seem like he is going to be overly taken back or surprised by anything.”

The six-foot-two inch relief pitcher has been accustomed to getting out of jams or troublesome situations throughout his career.  Weimer was selected out of Le Moyne College in the 15^th round (428^th overall) by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2003 Major League Baseball draft.

At Le Moyne, Weimer was 20-7 with a 2.13 ERA with 22 saves in 85 career appearances.  As a senior, he went 7-1 with a 0.74 ERA and seven saves as the Dolphins won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and earned a bid to the NCAA tournament.   Part of his success was a result of his sidearm pitching style on the mound.

Growing up, Weimer always threw sidearm when he played baseball at the park or on the playground.  It just felt natural to him.  When he arrived on campus, Weimer was not sure if he would be a shortstop or a pitcher after playing varsity baseball at New Hartford High School.

“I was a shortstop growing up so I would always throw the ball across my body,” said Weimer.  “When I pitched, I would throw more of a three-quarters angle.  The coach convinced me to throw sidearm and I picked it up immediately with instant success.”

The sidearm approach helped Weimer become a powerful closer for the New Haven County Cutters of the independent Can-Am League in 2006 and 2007 as he racked up 20 saves both years.

With the season-long struggles at the back-end of the bullpen, Weimer may begin to see more save situations the rest of the season.  For now, Weimer is just focused on finishing his last season the best he can and possibly getting one last shot at affiliated baseball.

“I never got the opportunity to play at Double-A or Triple-A which is something I really wish I had done,” said Weimer.  “But who knows, maybe in the next few months something might happen and I will definitely pursue the opportunity if given.”

Parkinson is assured that the experience Weimer is getting this year on the mound for the ‘Fish will gain him immediate respect in Utica’s clubhouse next year.

“I can assure you that he will be respected immediately just by in the way I saw his presence during the interview process, from meeting and talking to him daily and from seeing the letter he wrote to every player,” said Parkinson.

“Ron had a very good season in the Atlantic League last year,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “We are happy to bring him aboard and expect him to be a valuable addition of our lineup.”

The North Carolina native is in his 10^th year of professional baseball and second in the Atlantic League. Last season with the Camden Riversharks, he batted .336 with 28 doubles and set career highs with 18 home runs, 93 RBI, 134 hits and 224 total bases. The 27-year-old has spent seven years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization reaching as high as Double-A on three separate occasions. He has also spent time in the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations. Ron has 77 home runs, 508 RBI, 227 doubles, 22 triples and 33 stolen bases in 861 minor league games.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Reichert (6-6) suffered the tough-luck loss after striking out seven in nine innings.  The righty was charged with one unearned run on seven hits in his first complete game of the season.

The only run of the game came in the top of the second inning after Jason Aspito led off the inning with a base knock to centerfield and John Purdom followed with an infield single.  Aspito then advanced to third on an error by first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke. With one out, Matt Esquivel recorded his 20^th RBI of the season on a fielder’s choice to second base, scoring Aspito.

The ‘Fish could not find an answer for Harikkala, who was moved up in York’s rotation as Corey Thurman will be the starting pitcher for the Freedom division in Tuesday’s Atlantic League All-Star game.  Brandon Sing had three of Bridgeport’s five hits, finishing 3-for-4.  Luis Lopez and Ryner Bautista had the other two hits for the ‘Fish.

Bob Zimmermann pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save of the season for the Revs.

Yesterday’s loss gave Reichert two consecutive losses since winning four straight games from May 26-June 11.  On June 16, he held the Lancaster Barnstormers in check through six innings, retiring nine straight batters at one point, but back-to-back hits by Danny Bravo and Ryan Mulhern in the seventh inning gave the Barnstormers a 1-0 lead against Reichert.  The former Major Leaguer finished with two strikeouts in seven and one-third innings of work, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks.

In the top of the ninth, Sing hit his league-leading 11^th home run to left field.

On Friday, Atlantic League All-Star Esteban Yan (5-2) gave up just one run on five hits and one walk, leading the Bridgeport Bluefish to a 4-1 victory over the York Revolution.  Yan struck out one and breezed through the York lineup on just 90 pitches for the game.  It was Yan’s sixth quality start of the season.

Adam Greenberg gave Yan all the support he needed, going 2-for-5 with two runs and a season-high three stolen bases.  Greenberg led off the bottom of the third inning with a single through the right side and then proceeded to steal second and third base. The centerfielder then scored on a pass ball by York catcher Josh Johnson.

Ryan Radmanovich chipped in with two hits and one RBI as eight of the ten Bluefish batters contributed to the 10-hit outing.

Andy Weimer entered in the ninth inning to shut the door for the ‘Fish.  Weimer pitched a scoreless ninth frame to earn his second save of the season while striking out one and giving up one walk.

Todd Davison was the unlikely hero Saturday night, leading the Bluefish to their second straight victory over the Revs.  Davison scored both the game tying and game winning runs in a 5-4 extra inning victory at a wet Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  Davison led off the bottom of the 11^th inning with a single to right centerfield off Chris Britton (0-2). Greenberg then advanced Davison to second on a sacrifice bunt down the first base side. Tyrone Pendergrass proceeded to hit a single to York second baseman George Sandel, however, he was charged for an error as he flipped the ball past first baseman John Purdom, scoring Davison and giving the Bluefish their second walk-off victory of the year.

Matt Pike (3-3) pitched two innings of extra-inning baseball to earn the victory. Pike fanned two in two innings and allowed one hit and one walk.

With the rain starting to pick up significantly in the bottom of the sixth inning, Davison (3-for-5, 2 runs scored) hit a one-out single to left field off of York relief pitcher Travis Phelps. Greenberg followed with a game-tying RBI triple to left field. The outfielder finished 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

Gary Knotts was a workhorse on the mound for the Bluefish, throwing 137 pitches in nine innings. Knotts allowed four runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out seven. In the top of the eighth, Knotts continued to shine, striking out Purdom on a nasty curve ball.

Knotts’ arm was certainly fresh after being ejected on June 15 after seven pitches against Lancaster.  Every member of the Bluefish recorded a hit, and Bridgeport’s offense erupted in a 13-10 victory. Lopez and Greenberg led the way at the plate.  Lopez finished 3-for-5 with three RBI, a run scored and a home run while Greenberg chipped in with a 3-for-6 outing with three runs, a stolen base and an RBI.

Andy Cavazos earned the win pitching two innings, giving up one run on three hits and three walks, striking out two.  Rick Asadoorian struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his first save of the season.

On June 18, the ‘Fish were swept in a doubleheader by the Barnstormers.  Corey Lee (2-5) suffered the loss in game one, getting chased after four and two-thirds innings allowing three runs on three hits and six walks, striking out five.  Bridgeport was defeated 6-2 in game one.

In game two, Bridgeport fell 6-5 in eight innings.  Asadoorian got the loss after giving up three hits and a walk in two innings.  Jesse Hoorelbeke finished 3-for-4 with his second home run of the season, two RBI and a run scored.

The Bluefish enter this week’s All-Star break 10 games back of first-place Southern Maryland before resuming their season Thursday at Newark.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday June 23 Atlantic League All-Star Game

Player to Watch: New York Giants defensive tackle Justin Tuck and MLB Hall of famer Harold Reynolds are two of many well-known celebrities taking part in the celebrity softball game kicking off at 5:15 p.m.

June 25-28 at Newark Bears

Player to Watch: Designated Hitter Carl Everett has gone 5-for-15 (.333) with five RBI, six walks and two home runs against the Bluefish in five games this season.  The slugger has a .800 slugging percentage against the ‘Fish and ranks second in the league with a .426 on-base percentage.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Atlantic League All-Star Brandon Sing is 13-for-30 (.433) in his last ten games with seven runs, nine RBI and three home runs.  Sing leads the league with 11 home runs this season.

Who’s Not:  West Hartford native Ryan Radmanovich is 2-for-19 (.105) in his last five games with one RBI.

Off to Newark: Matt Pike was added to the Liberty Division roster on Saturday for the 2009 Atlantic League All-Star game this Tuesday in Newark.  Pike has pitched 19.2 innings with 18 strikeouts and has a 1.83 ERA.  Pike joins Esteban Yan, Andy Weimer, Brandon Sing and Luis Lopez as Bridgeport representatives in this year’s All-Star game.

Need to Score: Bridgeport is 3-26 when they score three runs or less and are 3-22 when they are out hit by their opponent.

Leading the ‘Pen: Andy Weimer earned his second save of the season on Friday night and has lowered his ERA to a team-leading 0.98.  With the season-long struggles at the backend of the bullpen, Weimer may begin to see more time in the ninth inning.  The All-Star has held opponents to a .217 batting average in 18.1 innings this season.

Plefka waiting Patiently: It has been 15 days since Jon Plefka pitched for the Bridgeport Bluefish.  In his last appearance on June 7, Plefka pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless ball, giving up two hits and two walks.  His ERA now sits at 2.20 in ten games this season.

Bluefish starter Dan Reichert pitched a gem but was outdueled by his counterpart Tim Harikkala.  There were twelve total hits in the game with the Revolution scoring the lone run in the top of the second inning.  Reichert (6-6) threw a complete game allowing just one unearned run scattering seven hits and no walks, while fanning seven.  The Bluefish bats were unable to start anything offensively as Harikkala (2-1) threw eight innings allowing no runs on four hits and one walk, striking out nine.  Bob Zimmermann pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save of the season for the Revolution.

Brandon Sing paced the Bluefish offensively collecting three of the team’s five hits.  Luis Lopez and Ryner Bautista collected the other two, both finishing 1-for-3, with Lopez drawing a walk in the first inning.

The Bluefish are on a three-day break for the Atlantic League All-Star festivities.  Pitchers Esteban Yan, Andy Weimer, and Matt Pike will join outfielder Brandon Sing and infielder Luis Lopez to represent the Bluefish in the contest.  Bridgeport heads on the road for a four-game series against the Newark Bears beginning June 25.  Fans can keep tabs on their hometown team by listening to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com . The Bluefish return home June 29 to begin a three-game series against the Camden Sharks.  Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Todd Davison led the Bluefish to their second straight victory over the Revs, scoring both the game tying and game winning runs.  Davison led off the bottom of the 11^th inning with a single to right centerfield off Chris Britton (0-2).  Adam Greenberg then advanced Davison to second on a sacrifice bunt down the first base side.  Tyrone Pendergrass proceeded to hit a single to York second baseman George Sandel, however was charged for an error as he flipped the ball past first baseman John Purdom, scoring Davison and giving the Bluefish their second walk-off victory of the year.

Britton was tagged for his second loss of the season and the Bluefish are now 2-4 in extra inning games.

The newest member of the Atlantic League All-Star team, Matt Pike (3-3), pitched two innings of extra-inning baseball to earn the victory.  Pike fanned two in two innings and allowed one hit and one walk.

With the rain starting to pick up significantly in the bottom of the sixth inning, Davison (3-for-5, 2 runs scored) hit a one-out single to left field off of York relief pitcher Travis Phelps.  Adam Greenberg followed with a game-tying RBI triple to left field.  The outfielder finished 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

Brandon Sing also had a solid night at the plate for the ‘Fish, going 1-for-3 with two walks, two RBI and a run scored.  The Atlantic League All-Star’s only hit of the night came on a blister to deep centerfield that scored Luis Lopez in the bottom of the third inning. The first baseman now has 12 walks in his past eight games.

Gary Knotts was a workhorse on the mound for the Bluefish, throwing 137 pitches in nine innings.  Knotts allowed four runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out seven.  In the top of the eighth, Knotts continued to shine, striking out John Purdom on a nasty curve ball.

After allowing three runs in the first two innings, Knotts rebounded by giving up just one run over his last seven innings.

York starter Dave Gassner struck out two in five innings, giving up three runs on seven hits and three walks to earn the no decision.  While at the plate, leadoff hitter Matt Rogelstad went 5-for-6 with a run scored and two RBI for the Revolution.

The Bluefish look to sweep the three-game series against York tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. Dan Reichert will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Revolution starter Tim Harikkala.  All fans in attendance will be treated to a pre-game autograph session beginning at 1:20 p.m. and following the game all kids will have the opportunity to run the bases like their favorite Bluefish players. Fans unable to make it to the stadium can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

“We are excited that Matt has been added to participate in the All-Star Game,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “He has been a key component to our bullpen all season long and is well deserving of this accolade.”

Pike is having one the best season of his nine-year minor league career. The righthander has posted a 1.83 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 13 appearances and leads all Bluefish relievers with 19.2 innings pitched.

Matt began his pro baseball career when he signed as a non-drafted free agent with the Cincinnati Reds in 2000.  After two seasons as a Reds farmhand, he was released and signed by the Elmira Pioneers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League.  Pike posted a 2.01 ERA in Elmira, leading to the New York Yankees purchasing his contract.  He made seven appearances for the Tampa Yankees (Advanced A – Florida State League) in 2002, tossing a total of 10.2 innings.  Following his brief stint with New York, Pike bounced around independent baseball from 2003 to 2007, before landing in Bridgeport for the 2008 campaign.

Pike joins fellow teammates Esteban Yan, Andy Weimer, Brandon Sing and Luis Lopez on the Liberty Division squad at the 2009 All-Star Game, which takes place June 23 at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home of the Newark Bears, in Newark, New Jersey.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Yan’s (4-2) streak of five consecutive quality starts was snapped as he gave up five runs (four earned) and five hits with two walks while striking out six.  He has now pitched a total of 48 innings in his last six outings and has allowed a combined 10 earned runs.

Despite getting ten hits off of knuckleballer Joe Gannon (5-5), Bridgeport could only manage three runs on the day.  All three came from the bat of Ryan Radmanovich in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Bluefish attempted to make a late rally.  With the bases loaded, Radmanovich hit a blistering double off of the right field wall to score Ryner Bautista, Todd Davidson and Enohel Polanco.

In the eighth inning, the Bluefish had the tying run at third with two outs after Tyrone Pendergrass advanced to third on a passed ball; but Enohel Polanco grounded out to third to end the rally.

Pendergrass led the Bluefish to victory in Yan’s previous start on June 9 in Bridgeport’s 4-1 victory over the Lancaster Barnstormers.  Pendergrass went 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored while Yan blanked Lancaster for seven innings allowing only three hits while striking out eight.

Even though Polanco could not deliver Sunday, he had a huge impact in Bridgeport’s 9-6 victory on Saturday against Southern Maryland in front of a season-high 4,552 fans at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  Polanco finished 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI.

Brandon Sing (3-for-4, four RBI, one run scored) joined the Bluefish home run fest, launching a 2-2 Jimmy Serrano pitch out of the ballpark for his team leading 10^th home run of the year.  The Bluefish had four home runs in the game, one shy of their all-time single-game record.  Bridgeport and Southern Maryland combined to hit eight total home runs in the game.

Corey Lee (2-4) benefited from Bridgeport’s nine runs on 14 hits, earning the win after pitching five and two-thirds innings.  Lee gave up six runs on eight hits with one walk while striking out five.

Sing (2-for-4, 1 RBI) had another monstrous home run in Friday’s 6-2 loss to Southern Maryland.  The first baseman drilled a 2-1 pitch from Blue Crabs starter Ryan Bicondoa in the sixth inning that bounced off of the nearby Arena at Harbor Yard.

James Shanks (2-for-3, 5 RBI) may not have hit the farthest home run in the game, but his grand slam in the sixth inning off of Kyle Jackson (5-4) proved to be the difference maker in the game.  Jackson finished with six innings pitched and five runs against on six hits and two walks, while striking out four.

On June 11, Dan Reichert battled through a 125 pitch count to deliver Bridgeport a series clinching victory in the rubber game of a three game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers.  Reichert pitched eight innings and was tagged for just one run on seven hits.  The righty also set a team season high with 10 strikeouts.

Reichert had plenty of run support as the ‘Fish exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Four of the runs were unearned as the Barnstormers got sloppy in the field resulting in two errors.  Polanco and Pendergrass combined for five runs and five hits in the game.  Polanco finished 3-for-5 with one run scored and three RBI while Pendergrass chipped in with a 2-for-3 performance and a run scored.

Ryner Bautista tied a single-game season high with three runs in the game.

On June 10 the Bluefish participated in their longest extra-innings game of the season, a three hour and 27 minute affair against the Barnstormers.  Matt Pike avoided trouble in the ninth inning, but proceeded to load the bases in the 10^th, and Michael Campbell drove in the winning run with an RBI single.

Luis Rodriguez sent the game into extra innings when he connected on a two run double in the bottom of the eighth inning, plating Sing and pinch-runner Todd Davidson.

Luis Lopez was the only member of the ‘Fish to have a multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with one run scored and two walks.

The Bluefish finished the week 3-3, and after dropping this weekend’s series against Southern Maryland, they now trail the Blue Crabs by 8.5 games for first place in the Liberty Division.

Up Next: The Bluefish travel to Lancaster (24-25) today to begin a four-game series with the Barnstormers before returning home on Friday to take on the York Revolution (15-34). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.       

Tonight’s Matchup

Gary Knotts (1-3, 3.77) vs. Eric Ackerman (2-3, 2.91)

The Week Ahead

June 15-18 at Lancaster Barnstormers

Player to Watch: L.J. Biernbaum has only played in one game against the Bluefish this season, but is currently ranked fourth in the Atlantic League with a .320 batting average and 32 RBI.  In his one appearance against the ‘Fish, Biernbaum went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.

June 19-21 vs. York Revolution

Player to Watch: Matt Padgett has a team high seven RBI against Bridgeport this season.  He is 10-for-24 against the ‘Fish in seven games.

‘Fish Facts:

Who’s Hot: Tyrone Pendergrass has made a huge turnaround from his prior 4-for-44 hitting slump in late May.  Over his last ten games Pendergrass has a .407 batting average with 11 hits in 27 at-bats.

Power Outage: Slugger Jesse Hoorelbeke has struggled to find his power stroke this season.  He has posted a .143 batting average in the past ten games and has just one home run and 14 RBI on the year.

Good First Impressions: Enohel Polanco has made an immediate impact for the Bluefish since joining the team on June 4.  In ten games with Bridgeport, the second baseman has posted a .357 batting average and has knocked in nine RBI…Outfielder Colin Roberson made his Bridgeport Bluefish season debut yesterday going 2-for-4 with a stolen base as the designated hitter.

High Sailing: In Saturday’s game against the Blue Crabs, Bridgeport and Southern Maryland combined for a total of eight home runs.  The game also featured a leadoff home run (John Ramistella), an inside the park home run (Patrick Osborn), and a grand slam (Brandon Sing).  The Bluefish’s four home runs were one shy of their all-time single-game record.  It was the first time the Bluefish hit four home runs in one game since September 2, 2008 at York.

Youman Moving on to Starting Role:  Bridgeport traded relief pitcher Shane Youman to the York Revolution on June 12 for outfielder Colin Roberson. Roberson joins the Bluefish after appearing in 19 games for York. Youman was 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA in five games for the ‘Fish.

Former Bluefish part of Japanese record: The Chiba Lotte Marines set a new Japanese Professional Baseball record with 15 runs in the sixth inning on June 11.  The Marines sent 20 batters to the plate and had 12 hits, 11 of which were singles.  Former Bluefish player Gary Burnham is a member of the Marines and has a .247 batting average with 11 RBI.  The previous record for runs in an inning was 14, and the modern Major League record is 17, set by the Boston Red Sox against Detroit in 1953.

The Bluefish put together a rally in the bottom of the seventh starting the inning with back-to-back singles by Ryner Bautista and Todd Davidson.  Bautista advanced to third on a fielder’s choice ground ball by Adam Greenberg and Enohel Polanco walked to load the bases.  Ryan Radmanovich followed with a double that was crushed off of the right field wall scoring all three runners.  Brandon Sing then roped single into center field advancing Radmanovich to third and knocking Blue Crabs starter Joe Gannon out of the game. However, the rally would fall short as Luis Rodriguez popped out and Colin Roberson flied out to left field to end the inning.

Workhorse right-hander Esteban Yan (4-2) threw another complete game for the Bluefish allowing five runs on as many hits and two walks, while striking out six.  Blue Crabs starter Joe Gannon (5-5) picked up the win allowing three runs on 10 hits and two walks while recording one strikeout.  Southern Maryland reliever Matt Hensley picked up his first save of the season.

Colin Roberson had an impressive debut for the Bluefish going 2-for-4.  Roberson joined Radmanovich (2-for-5, three RBI) and Brandon Sing as the three starters with multi-hit game as Bridgeport out hit Southern Maryland 10 to five.

The Bluefish now head on the road for four games beginning tomorrow night in Lancaster as the Bluefish visit the Barnstormers. Fans can keep tabs on their hometown team throughout the road trip by tuning into the Bluefish Broadcast Network. Monday’s contest against Lancaster begins at 7:05 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 6:45 p.m., exclusively on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Bluefish radio voice Josh Rogol will have the call of all the action.

The Bluefish return home on Friday, June 19, to open a three-game series against the York Revolution. The first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m., and gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kid’s Eat Free Monday, courtesy of ABI-JAY Novelty Foods. All kid’s (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Bluefish rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning, but fell just short to the Barnstormers in a hard fought three hour and twenty-seven minute contest.  Luis Lopez and Brandon Sing led off the frame with back-to-back singles to left.  They then advanced to second and third on a groundout by Ryan Radmanovich.  Jesse Hoorelbeke picked up an RBI by reaching on an error by the third basemen Aaron Herr, allowing Lopez to score.  Luis Rodriguez came delivered a clutch hit later in the inning by roping a two-run double, scoring Sing and pinch runner Todd Davidson to tie the game.

Reliever Matt Pike held off the initial threat from the Barnstormers in the ninth, but unable to repeat performance as the Barnstormers loaded the bases in the top of the tenth with no out.  Michael Campbell drove in the winning run with an RBI single to score Herr.

Lopez provided the offensive presence for the Bluefish, reaching base four times. The third basemen proved to be the only multi-hit player for the ‘Fish and also drew two walks.  Rodriguez finished the day 1-for-4 knocking in two RBI in the bottom of the eighth.

Bluefish starter Gary Knotts pitched well allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out eight through seven innings of work.  Pike (1-3) tallied the loss as Barnstormer reliever Ryan Cullen (3-2) got the win.

The Bluefish play the rubber game tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Dan Reichert will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Barnstormers starter Ben Fritz.  Tomorrow fans can enjoy Thirsty Thursday, presented by Budweiser. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

It was all easy going for the ‘Fish in game one as Luis Lopez connected for his second home run in five days after Adam Greenberg reached base on a single. The two run cushion was all Jackson (5-3) would need as he cruised towards the victory.

Greenberg crossed the plate again for Bridgeport in the seventh inning when Enohel Polanco hit an RBI triple.

Lopez was the hero in Bridgeport’s extra inning walk off victory on June 3 against the Long Island Ducks.  Lopez hit a walk off home run to left field on the first pitch he saw from Robert Paulk in the bottom of the tenth inning.  With a flip of the bat and a loud eruption from the Bluefish bench, the ‘Fish escaped from a possible Ducks sweep in the second series of the season-long battle for the Ferry Cup.

Esteban Yan was fantastic on the mound, allowing only two runs on eight hits and one walk, while striking out one on just 81 pitches.  Yan has now had four straight quality starts.

Andy Weimer entered in the ninth inning, and was just as good, throwing two innings of scoreless ball to earn his first victory of the year.  The righty only gave up two hits and a walk.

Though in the second game of the doubleheader, Sean Smith led off the bottom half of the first inning with a home run and turned Bridgeport’s ignition right off.  Corey Lee got tagged for his fourth loss of the season, giving up a season high seven earned runs on six hits in his shortest outing of the year, lasting two and one-third innings.

On Saturday night, Bridgeport erupted for a season high 17 hits and defeated the Patriots 8-7.  Brandon Sing jumped out of his hitting slump in a big way, going 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and two walks.  Sing’s night was capped off with his eight home run of the year, a solo blast in the seventh inning.

Yet, Sing was not the only Bluefish to contribute, as the entire lineup had at least one hit and six players had two or more base knocks in the victory.

Dan Reichert (5-4) had a season high seven strikeouts in six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits.

Matt Pike earned his first save of the season, coming into the game in the eighth inning with two outs and two on.  Pike retired the next two batters in order, striking out Travis Anderson to end the inning.  Another strike out in the ninth inning by Matt Pike, this one to Anthony Granato, granted the Bluefish the victory.

It was a good rebound victory, as the ‘Fish got stomped on by the Pat’s the previous night, 11-2.  It was Somerset’s seventh straight victory.

Bluefish starter Gary Knotts could not survive a troublesome fourth inning, getting chased after three and two-thirds innings pitched.  The former Major Leaguer gave up nine runs (four earned) on nine hits and one walk, while striking out one.

The beginning of the week was no better when Bridgeport took on Long Island.  The Ducks took the first game of the three game series 9-1.  Starter Kyle Jackson suffered the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits, one walk and three strikeouts in six and two-thirds innings.  Three of the runs given up were with two outs in the seventh inning.

Franklin Perez made his first appearance since a stint on the disable list and Long Island slugger Ray Navarrete welcomed him back with a two run home run on Perez’s first pitch.

Bridgeport’s 3-2 loss on June 2 to the Ducks was just as painful, losing a 3-2 heartbreaker in 11 innings.

Bluefish starter Corey Lee excelled in his first Ferry Cup Series start of the year, allowing only two runs on nine hits, while striking out six over eight innings of work. Casey Hoorelbeke added two shutout innings of relief to keep the game within reach, before Matt Pike (1-2) suffered the tough loss in 11^th

The ‘Fish had an opportunity to win it in the bottom of the tenth when the Ducks loaded the bases by intentionally walking Luis Lopez with one out after Todd Davison walked. Adam Greenberg proceeded to sacrifice bunt him to second base and Tyrone Pendergrass then reached base on an error.  With the bases loaded, Brandon Sing struck out swinging and Jesse Hoorelbeke struck out looking to end Bridgeport’s chances.

In an up and down week, the Bluefish failed to finish above .500 and now find themselves with a record of 17-25. The ‘Fish trail first place Southern Maryland by eight and a half games in the Liberty Division.

Up Next: The Bluefish begin a six game home-stand at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard Tuesday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers at 7:05.

The Week Ahead

June 9-11 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

Player to Watch: Ryan Mulhern had five RBI in three games against Bridgeport earlier this season.

June 12-14 vs. Southern Maryland

Player to Watch: Travis Garcia led the Atlantic League in hits going into Sunday with 58 and is batting .276 against Bridgeport.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Luis Lopez now has two home runs in his past five games.  Lopez is hitting .350 over his past five games with four RBI and three runs scored.

Who’s Cold: Corey Lee has been lights out at home this season with a 1.47 ERA but on the road Lee has struggled and after yesterday’s tough outing Lee’s road ERA has now risen to 7.09.

Polanco Swimming in New Tank: On June 4 the Bluefish acquired Enohel Polanco from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for future considerations.  Polanco is currently hitting .467.

Mateo making a Splash in Durham:  Henry Mateo ’s hot hitting as a member of the Bluefish has now carried over to the Durham Bulls (AAA, Tampa Bay).  Mateo is batting .315 with nine runs in 15 games. The former Bluefish was also named the Atlantic League Player of the Month of May.  Before being signed by Tampa Bay, Mateo led the league with a .416 batting average, while scoring 25 runs, stealing seven bases, and posting a .473 on-base percentage.

Caligiuri Earns himself a Pair of Wings: The Anaheim Angels purchased the contract of infielder Jay Caligiuri on June 4.  Caligiuri reported to Arkansas (AA, Angels) of the Texas League.  Caligiuri had a team leading .404 on base percentage and was batting .289 with 19 RBI in 37 games.

Rogers off to Reno: On June 1 the Arizona Diamondbacks purchased the contract of shortstop Ed Rogers.  Rogers has been assigned to Reno (AAA, Diamondbacks) of the Pacific Coast League.  The 30-year old played in 33 games for the ‘Fish and had a .299 batting average.

Despite the cloudy weather, Bluefish starter Esteban Yan shined bright as the star of the game. Yan (4-1) held the Barnstormers scoreless through seven innings allowing only three hits while striking out eight. The righthander continued his string of quality starts and has now given up only six earned runs in his last five starts.

The Bluefish offense broke out for four runs on eight hits, headed by a two-run third inning.  Tyrone Pendergrass and Adam Greenburg hit back-to-back singles to start the frame. Enohel Polanco laced a single into left field, plating Pendergrass. Greenburg later advanced home on a fielder’s choice by Luis Lopez, giving the Bluefish a 2-0 lead.

Bridgeport tacked on another run in the bottom of the sixth as Luis Rodriguez led off with a double. Pendergrass drove a single to right to bring home Rodriguez.

Enohel Polanco had an impressive home debut with the Bluefish collecting an RBI single. Luis Rodriguez and Tyrone Pendergrass both went 2-for-4 on the night, accounting for half of the team’s eight hits. Pendergrass drove in one and one scored himself to help propel the Bluefish to victory.

The Bluefish and Barnstormers play the second game of their three-game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Righthander Gary Knotts will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Lancaster starter Eric Ackerman. Everyone in attendance will be able to experience “Winning Inning Wednesday” and have the chance to take home $10,000. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

John doesn’t seem to mind the close quarters. His Bridgeport Bluefish just posted a 10th-inning home run to prevent a three-game sweep to the Ducks in a Wednesday morning game that started at a bleary-eye-inducing 10:35 a.m. John will be ready to head on the bus soon for an upcoming road trip.

Despite 288 major league victories in a career that spanned 21 seasons, John’s currently lifestyle is decidedly minor league. The former Yankee standout and borderline Hall of Famer said the mileage and facilities hasn’t dampened his enjoyment in coming to the ballpark.

“I love to,” John said about reporting for work daily. “We’re going on a road trip and we look forward to it. Sure do.”

Since being named manager right before the 2007 season, John’s enthusiasm has been tempered by the Bridgeport’s mediocrity. Back-to-back finished out of the playoffs can be taxing, especially when a ballpark that used to be the crown jewel of the league is now almost antiquated as teams like the Ducks and Somerset Patriots built nicer ones a short time later and expansion teams like Lancaster and York developed state-of-the-art facilities.

The Bluefish finished 2007 with a 60-66 ledger, coming in fifth. Bridgeport posted a 67-73 record last year and the current campaign hasn’t started much better. Entering Friday, the Bluefish were 15-24, last in the Liberty Division and 8 ½ games behind first-place Southern Maryland.

The team is averaging 2,209, making it last in the league behind financially struggling Newark. Three clubs (the Ducks, Lancaster and Somerset) are averaging more than 4,700, putting the Bluefish at a disadvantage. If anything can wipe the smile off John’s face, it’s the constant struggle to get his team to make the step to being a contender.

“If you play well it does,” John said with a hearty laugh when asked if he is still having fun. “If you don’t play very well like we’ve had the last couple of days, it’s not a lot of fun to manage anything.”

John was a four-time All-Star and is in his sixth decade of professional baseball. It was 46 years ago he made his big league debut as a 20-year-old Cleveland Indians pitcher, starting a career that featured 2,245 strikeouts, four World Series appearances and a surgical procedure on his pitching arm that was so revolutionary and successful that it became known as Tommy John surgery and has saved many subsequent pitching careers.

The three-time 20-game winner pitched until he was 46, becoming one of the most successful left-handed pitchers in baseball history. He still gets to spend time on the field. In between innings of home games, the on-field host brings John out from the dugout to sip tea provided by a sponsor.

John eagerly takes a drink and gives a hokey endorsement to the crowd, a tongue-in-cheek play on baseball’s old-time commercials. His tutelage has also helped his players, like former Tampa Bay pitcher and current Bridgeport ace Esteban Yan, who is an All-Star candidate under John after starting 3-1 with a 2.68 ERA through his first six starts.

“Tommy’s cool. He says what he has to say and we try and do what we have to do,” Yan said.

Managing in the Atlantic League also gives John a chance to match wits with well-known former players and current managers like Tim Raines (Newark), Sparky Lyle (Somerset), Butch Hobson (Southern Maryland) and Hall of Famer Gary Carter, who manages the Ducks.

John said he is close friends with Carter, extending a relationship started during their playing careers. When they get together to talk, Carter does have bragging rights if he chooses to employ it. The backstop batted .375 against the 6-3, 185-pound southpaw, lining six hits in 16 at-bats with two RBIs. John struck out Carter twice and never allowed an extra-base hit to him, though.

Through the first six games in the ferry series, the Ducks and Bluefish have split.

“Gary’s been a friend of mine for a long time,” John said. “We played against each other when he was with the Mets and Expos and all that. Whether we win or lose, Gary’s a friend and it’s fun.”

Laughing like a kid in a candy store, Yan moves his arms in a swinging motion in front of teammate Luis Lopez with a gloating smile from cheek to cheek.  His pearly whites gleaming, Yan moves his legs up and down in a running motion to show how he kept running at full speed towards second base, continuously laughing about the first at bat of his career.

It was June 4, 2000 when Yan became the 77^th Major Leaguer to homer in his first at-bat and the first pitcher since Don Rose of the 1972 Angels when he blasted the first pitch he saw from New York Mets pitcher Bobby Jones in an interleague matchup at Shea Stadium.  Yan became the fourth AL pitcher all-time to homer in his first at-bat.

“I didn’t realize I had hit a home run until I got to second base,” said Yan.  “When I got to second base, I asked myself, ‘What am I doing? I have to slow down.’  I felt very excited after that.”

Yan went on to win the game as well, striking out three and giving up four runs and five hits in five innings pitched.  In his only other at-bat in his major league career, Yan hit a single in 2003 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

His ability to split his personality from an intimidating pitcher to a jolly-minded teammate has helped Yan make his first season of Atlantic League baseball an enjoyable and successful one.

When asked about what Esteban Yan brings to the Bluefish, manager Tommy John jokes, “Weight. Girth. Smiles.”  John, now more composed after a good minute’s worth of laughing, says, “He’s just a hilarious guy.  He is always laughing in the clubhouse with the rest of the guys.”

Yan has been on a tear as of late, recording his fourth straight quality start in yesterday’s 3-2 extra innings victory over the Long Island Ducks.  On just 81 pitches, Yan allowed two earned runs on eight hits and one walk.  After giving up two runs in the first inning, Yan settled down and easily handled the Ducks lineup, the best hitting team in the Atlantic League.  Yan allowed just four hits over his last six innings.

“I’m feeling very good right now,” said Yan.  “I’m trying to do my best, and pitch as best I can to get back to the big leagues.  The only way you can do that is by pitching as much as you can.”

With the performance, Yan now has a 2.68 ERA in 47 innings pitched this season.  In his previous outing on May 29 at Southern Maryland, Yan pitched a complete game shutout on 99 pitches.  Against Lancaster on May 24, he fanned a season high eight batters in eight innings.

“He has a good fastball, maybe one of the better fastballs in this league,” said John.  “I think he would be a great closer because he is a two pitch pitcher.”

Yan has been both a starter and a reliever during his major league career.  In 217 major league games (118 starts), Yan has recorded 33 victories, 51 saves, and 553 strikeouts in 695 innings of work.

Even though he is set on being a starter for now, Yan has not shot down the opportunity of returning to the show as a reliever.

“Well, why not? I can get another opportunity to be perfect,” said Yan.

The last time baseball fans saw Yan at the highest level was in 2006 for the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a 3.60 ERA in 14 games.  The following season, Yan played for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League.  In Japan, Yan set the Nippon Pro Baseball record for balks in a season with 12.

“Those umpires are terrible.  They like to really key on foreign pitchers for balks.  He [umpire] tried to make me get out of games early by calling balks” said Yan.

Yan’s claim may be true, as in his 217 major league games he has only been called for two balks and hasn’t had a balk on American soil since 2002.

Now with the Bluefish, Yan is trying to catch the eyes of scouts to give him another shot at baseball’s highest level.

“To tell you the truth, but every day I had in the Major Leagues was the best moment in my life,” said Yan.

If no scouts find him, maybe Matt Groening will just put him in another episode of The Simpsons.

With another smile, Yan says about his appearance in the cartoon, “It was very nice.  It was good.”

“Enohel adds needed depth to our infield and brings a productive bat to the lineup,” says Bluefish manager Tommy John. “He is a veteran of the Atlantic League and we are happy he can bring experience to the club.”

Polanco is currently in his seventh season in the Atlantic League and 16^th of professional baseball. Last year in 22 games with Southern Maryland, he compiled a .289 batting average with 10 runs scored and five RBI. Prior to 2008, the 34-year-old spent seven seasons in the Mets, Cubs, Marlins, Indians and Rockies systems. His best season came in 1997, when he played for the Binghamton Mets (AA, Mets) of the Eastern League. The shortstop hit .300 and had a slugging percentage of .414, while scoring 34 runs. Polanco reached his highest level of affiliated ball in 2000, appearing in nine games with Calgary (AAA, Marlins) of the Pacific Coast League and in six games with Buffalo (AAA, Indians) of the International League.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“We are very pleased to hear that Henry has received this honor,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “He deserves this accolade for the work he performed on the field as a member of the Bluefish and we once again wish him the best of luck with the Rays organization.”

Mateo played 24 games for the Bluefish in 2009 before having his contract purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays organization. With Bridgeport, the switch-hitter posted an Atlantic League leading .416 batting average in 101 at-bats, while scoring 25 runs, recording a .473 on-base percentage and stealing seven bases. In 154 career games with Bridgeport, the 32-year-old owns a .333 batting average with 47 extra-base hits, 125 runs scored and 42 swipes. Mateo has played 190 games at the Major League level.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“Jay has been an integral part of this team and a true leader for the past three years,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “We are very glad to see him receive this opportunity and wish him the best of luck.”

Caligiuri played 37 games for the Bluefish in 2009, posting a .289 batting average in 135 at-bats, while driving in 19 runs and recording a team-leading .404 on-base percentage. In three seasons with the Bluefish, the 29-year-old batted .302 over 217 games, while collecting 53 doubles, 23 home runs and 145 RBI. Jay’s best season came during his Atlantic League debut in 2007 as a member of the Bluefish. The California native ranked fifth in the league with a .320 and posted career highs in doubles (33), extra-base hits (48), hits (129), runs scored (79) and RBI (78). Prior to joining Bridgeport, he spent six years in the Mets organization, reaching the Triple-A level once with Norfolk of the International League. In 704 career minor league games, the slugger owns a .266 batting average with 86 home runs and 405 RBI.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

After a hard fought battle between the two cross-sound rivals, the Ducks came away victorious in 11 innings. Long Island first baseman Victor Rodriguez began the frame with a leadoff double and later advanced to third base on an Estee Harris fly ball. John Pachot turned out to be the hero for the Flock, as he plated Rodriguez with a sacrifice fly to give Long Island the lead. Bill Simas shut the door on the Bluefish in the bottom half of the inning with a perfect frame to secure the win.

Bluefish starter Corey Lee excelled in his first Ferry Cup Series start of the year, allowing only two runs on nine hits, while striking out six over eight innings of work. Casey Hoorelbeke added two shutout innings of relief to keep the game within reach, before Matt Pike (1-2) suffered the hard-fought loss in 11^th.

Rayner Bautista proved to be the offensive star for the Bluefish by collecting two hits and scoring a run.

Jason Norderum (1-1) picked up the win for the Ducks by lasting two innings and allowing only two walks, while striking out two.

The Bluefish and Ducks play the final game of their three-game series tomorrow during a 10:35 a.m. matinee. Righthander Esteban Yan will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Ducks starter B.J. LaMura. Everyone in attendance will be able to experience “Winning Inning Wednesday” and have the chance to take home $10,000. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Long Island blew the game wide open in the seventh, scoring six runs. The go-ahead run came on a sacrifice fly by Alex Prieto, plating Estee Harris, while Matt Cavagnaro followed with an RBI triple. The Ducks would tack on two more runs before knocking out starter Kyle Jackson. Jackson (4-3) allowed six runs on eight hits, giving up one walk and striking out three over six and two-thirds innings of work. Reliever Franklin Perez came in for Jackson but faired no better, allowing a two-run home run to Ray Navarrete on the first pitch he threw.

Designated hitter Jay Caligiuri drove in the lone run for the Bluefish with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at one. Caligiuri finished the night 2-for-4 and now has seven hits in as many games. Newly acquired Rayner Bautista collected a hit in his first appearance with the Bluefish.

Ducks starter Julio Manon (1-1) went eight innings allowing only one run while scattering five hits with four walks and striking out five.

The Bluefish and Ducks play game two of their three-game set tomorrow with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kid’s Eat Free Tuesday, courtesy of Stew Leonard’s. All kids (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“Ed has been an important part of this team and is well deserving of this opportunity,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “We wish him continued success.”

Rogers played 33 games for the Bluefish in 2009, posting a .299 batting average in 127 at-bats. He also collected eight extra-base hits, 12 RBI and five stolen bases. The 30-year-old made his big league debut in 2002 for the Baltimore Orioles. He spent parts of three seasons in the Majors, getting the call again in 2005 and tasting big league action for a final time the following season with Baltimore. The infielder’s best season came in 2002 when he batted .261 and set career-highs in home runs (11), RBI (57), and extra-base hits (39) for Bowie (AA, Orioles) of the Eastern League.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The unlikely duo of Tyrone Pendergrass and Rick Asadoorian led the way for the Bluefish.  Pendergrass entered the game batting just .138 with four RBI in his past ten games, before having a season high three hits and three RBI. Pendergrass finished 3-for-4 while also scoring a run for the ‘Fish.

In just his third game of the season as the designated hitter, Asadoorian went 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored.  The batter’s box is nothing new for the pitcher as the former first round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox has plenty of experience behind the plate when he played as an outfielder early in his career.

In the fifth, the ‘Fish broke open a 2-2 ballgame, sending seven straight batters to the plate at one point and scoring seven runs.  Bridgeport used a double by Luis Lopez, a triple by Adam Greenberg and five singles to propel themselves in an explosive inning.

The 13 hits and 10 runs gave starter Dan Reichert (4-4) the victory after he allowed four runs and struck out two while scattering seven hits.  Blue Crabs starter Kenny Baugh got roughed up for eight runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings of work.

Reichert became the third Bluefish starter to earn a victory after former Major Leaguers Esteban Yan and Gary Knotts pitched back to back complete games for the ‘Fish on Friday and Saturday.

Knotts surrendered just one earned run on seven hits while striking out seven in Bridgeport’s 5-2 victory Saturday night.

Ed Roger’s gave Knotts just enough run support as the shortstop went 3-for-5 with three doubles and two runs scored.  Tyrone Pendergrass helped out at the plate once again with an RBI single.

Brandon Sing launched his seventh home run of the season and is now tied for second in the Atlantic League.

On Friday, Esteban Yan pitched the first complete game shutout of the season for the ‘Fish, using just 99 pitches.  Yan gave up eight hits, one walk and struck out five on a soggy night in Southern Maryland that included a 51 minute rain delay.  It was Yan’s third straight quality outing.

Tommy John shuffled the infield as Jesse Hoorelbeke returned to the lineup after missing 14 games.  Jay Caligiuri (0-for-3, 1 R) moved to second base, a position the Bluefish have struggled to find production from, for the first time this season and 31^st of his career.

Back at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, the Bluefish struggled against the Somerset Patriots earlier in the week.  A common theme for the Bluefish this year has been an inconsistency at the back of end of the bullpen.  That inconsistency continued on May 28, as the ‘Fish fell 4-3 in the rubber game of the three game series.

After getting a three run blast in the first inning from Ed Rogers, Corey Lee handled the Pats for six innings, striking out four and allowing just one run on five hits and five walks.  Andy Cavazos entered in the eighth inning after a perfect seventh from Andy Weimer.  Cavazos once again showed a lack of command, walking two and allowing two runs to score on one base hit.

Rick Asadoorian could not hold on in the ninth inning, and surrendered the game-tying and winning runs.  Matt Hagen hit a game-tying single to left field that scored Sean Smith, but an overthrow by left fielder Brandon Sing scored Jeff Nettles for the eventual game winner.

Joe Nelson hit a monstrous bomb to left field that landed on the front corner of the Arena at Harbord Yard in the top of the fourth inning, and the Patriots defeated the ‘Fish 10-7 on May 27.  The Pat’s delivered Bluefish starter Kyle Jackson (4-2) his second loss of the season as he gave up four earned runs on six hits and three walks.  Jackson struck out six over five innings of work.

On May 26, the Bluefish recorded their only win of the series against the Pats, 7-2.  Dan Reichert allowed one run on five hits and three walks, while striking out three over eight innings.  Luis Rodriguez paved the way for the offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

The Bluefish lost their eighth game of an eight game road trip, 3-2 to the York Revolution on May 25.  In a make-up game from May 14, Gary Knotts went eight shutout innings, surrendering just four hits and one walk while fanning two before handing the game over to the bullpen.  Andy Cavazos and Casey Hoorelbeke could not get the job done as the Revs rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to take home the victory.

Up Next: The Bluefish continue their quest of the Ferry Cup, taking on the Long Island Ducks in the first game of a three game series tonight at 7:05.

Tonight’s Matchup:

Kyle Jackson (4-2, 3.57) vs. Julio Mano (0-1, 6.48).

The Week Ahead

June 1-3 vs. Long Island Ducks

Player to Watch: Johnny Hernandez batted .417 in three games against the ‘Fish in the first series of the Ferry Cup.  Hernandez is eighth in the league with a .330 batting average.

June 4-7 at Somerset Patriots

Player to Watch: Matt Hagen leads the league in batting average (.368), hits (46), doubles (12) and slugging percentage (.560).

‘Fish Facts:

May Batter of the Month: Brandon Sing.  Sing leads the ‘Fish with 23 RBI so far this season and hit .280 in the month of May.  Sing is also tied for second in the league with seven home runs.

May Pitcher of the Month:  Esteban Yan.  Yan posted a 2.94 ERA and a 2-1 record over 33.2 innings while striking out 22 in the month of May. Yan has had three straight quality starts for the ‘Fish.

Who’s Hot: Ed Rogers is batting .350 over his past ten games and has five RBI and five runs scored.

Who’s Cold: Shane Youman is the latest member of the Bluefish bullpen to struggle in the set-up role.  Youman gave up three runs on two hits and three walks in 1.1 innings pitched yesterday against the Blue Crabs.

From Batista to Bautista: The Bluefish have placed Wilson Batista on the disabled list with a broken wrist and have signed and activated infielder Rayner Bautista.  Bautista had just one hit in eleven at-bats in four games for the York Revolution earlier this year.

Another New ‘Fish in the Tank: Bridgeport has signed and activated outfielder Ryan Radmanovich.  Radmanovich compiled a .267 batting average with 19 extra base hits and 38 RBI in 55 games with the Somerset Patriots last year.

Back in the ‘Pen: Franklin Perez was reinstated to the active list on May 29.  Perez has a 9.77 ERA in five games (three starts). With the move, Ryan Dipietro was placed on the inactive list.

From Sea to Land: The Bluefish traded Charlie Lisk (.288 and seven runs in 20 games) to the Gateway Grizzlies (Frontier League) for future considerations on May 28.  Lisk had asked to be traded to a team closer to his home in Ft. Mill, South Carolina.  Lisk appeared in 87 games for the Grizzlies last year and posted a .313 batting average and knocked in 64 RBI.

Placed back in the ‘Fish tank: With the Lisk trade, Shea Harris was reinstated to the active list.

“Rayner and Ryan have combined to play eight years in the Atlantic League and add experience to our roster,” says Bluefish manager Tommy John. “They will be key components in our lineup and we look forward to seeing the contributions they make.”

Bautista last played with York in 2007, where he set career-highs in hits (126), doubles (36) and RBI (64). Prior to 2007, the 30-year-old spent seven seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization. His best season came in 2003, when he posted a .286 batting average in 115 games at Double-A Erie of the Eastern League.  At Erie, Bautista had 114 hits, 44 runs, 18 doubles, 11 home runs and 48 RBI. The following year, Bautista made his first appearance at the Triple-A level with Toledo of the International League, appearing in 63 games as a shortstop/second baseman.

Radmanovich is entering his seventh season in the Atlantic League and 16^th of professional baseball. Prior to 2008, the 37-year-old spent ten seasons in the Twins, Mariners, Padres and Pirates systems until he began his Independent League career in 2003. His best season came in 1998, when he made his Major League debut and played in 25 games for the Seattle Mariners. The former Major Leaguer contributed 15 hits, two home runs and 10 RBI. In five seasons with Somerset, Radmanovich appeared in two Atlantic League All-Star games and drove in 279 runs while hitting 77 home runs.

In order to make room on the roster, the Bluefish have announced that infielder Wilson Batista has been placed on the disabled list.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

He can be seen sometimes wearing his navy Bluefish jacket leaning against the fence inside the dugout on game day.  He can also be seen flashing a jovial smile talking to players about old time baseball.  If he’s not on the field, you may just be able to find him inside his office.  With all kinds of tools, golf clubs, shafts, club heads, and a rainbow of polos inside, it can easily be mistaken for a GolfSmith.   With 26 years of Major League experience and 288 career wins, Tommy John has brought a “hands on” approach to this year’s staff in hopes of bringing the Bridgeport Bluefish to the next level.

“Tommy has talked about arm angles, release points and the whole philosophy of pitching this year,” said relief pitcher Matt Pike.  “With his hands on approach you can see it in the numbers that we have a pretty decent staff.”

This year’s pitching staff has been the backbone of the Bluefish.  With an ERA of 4.41, Bridgeport sits fifth in the league.  This is a vast improvement from last season’s ERA of 6.03 and 2007’s 5.23.

“The last two years we have had team ERAs of about six.  That’s horrible,” said John.  “My whole thing is that you have to be able to throw strikes.  If you can’t throw strikes you can’t pitch in this league, college ball or any place.”

John is looking for his first winning season with the ‘Fish since joining the team in 2007.  After going 35-28 and finishing one game back of the division crown in the first half of 2007, the ‘Fish have yet to finish a half above .500.  Overall, John has a career record of 144-159.

John knows that for any team to have success, it begins with pitching.

“Everything goes with pitching.  We’re going to score runs but our pitching and defense has to be able to carry us,” said John.

Regardless of the coaching record, his impact in the clubhouse is what makes John so respected by his players.  Whether it is telling his entertaining stories or giving a helping hand, John has certainly left his mark in Bridgeport.

Pike’s brother was in town during a game and Matt asked John if it was possible for his brother to sit in the dugout and wear a uniform with the team.  John replied, “Sure, he can even coach first base.”

“My brother is a pilot and says that one of the greatest things in his life was to wear a uniform and coach first base; Tommy made that possible,” said Pike.  “When a manager goes out of his way for a player to get his family involved and does things to create special memories for them, it’s something you will always remember and forever be grateful for.”

For John, some of his best memories in Bridgeport have come from interacting with the vast variety of guys and personalities that he has met.  “You get to find out what they like to do and what they’ve done in the minor or Major Leagues,” said John.  “Managing is just making the guys feel comfortable so that they can play at their best.”

When he isn’t telling one of his many entertaining stories from his golfing adventures or Major League days, John is always offering a sense of understanding and an openness to player’s who are trying to make their way back into affiliated ball.

“He understands what we’re doing here and he allows us to do what we need to do to get better and move on to the next level,” said Adam Greenberg.  “I think what’s most important to him is to see his guys individually do well enough to get noticed by a Major League organization, and of course for the team to do well.  He genuinely wants that for all of us.”

It is fitting that John wants to help his player’s make a comeback as the 66-year-old is best known for coming back from the injury that was supposed to end his career.  After missing the entire 1975 season, John rebounded from surgery, now known as Tommy John surgery, on his permanently damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm.  In 1976, John was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year and the game’s most victorious pitcher not in the Hall of Fame went on to win 164 of his 288 career victories after the surgery.

John pitched his most memorable game in the 1977 National League Championship series.  In game four, John out dueled Philadelphia Phillies’ Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in a torrential downpour at Veteran Stadium to lead the Dodgers to a 4-1 victory and the National League Pennant.

“I went nine innings and why we even played is beyond me,” said John.  “Both teams had to play in it and I was better than Steve Carlton.”

With Tommy John at the helm, the Bridgeport Bluefish will look to build off of a good pitching core to make a steady climb up the Atlantic League standings the rest of the season and possibly return to the postseason for the first time in three years.

The Bluefish offense was highlighted by one swing of the bat from Ed Rogers in the first inning. Rogers connected on a three-run shot that scored Luis Lopez and Brandon Sing to give Bridgeport an early lead. Adam Greenberg also contributed with a base knock to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.

Corey Lee did not factor in the decision, but found his groove early and never lost it after allowing only one run on five hits and five walks, while striking out four over six innings of work. Andy Weimer also pitched well for Bridgeport by adding a perfect frame in the seventh. Rick Asadoorian (0-2) suffered the loss after surrendering the tying and go-ahead runs in the ninth inning.

Jim Magrane (4-0) pitched well for Somerset, lasting eight innings and allowing five hits, three runs, three walks and struck out eight. Matt Hagen turned out to be the hero for the Patriots after he connected on the game tying single that scored Sean Smith. Jeff Nettles also came across the plate as the eventual winning run on the same play after an overthrow by Brandon Sing.

The Bluefish head on the road for three games beginning tomorrow night in Southern Maryland as the Bluefish visit the Blue Crabs for a weekend matchup. Fans can keep tabs on their hometown team throughout the road trip by tuning into the Bluefish Broadcast Network. Friday’s contest against Southern Maryland begins at 7:05 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 6:45 p.m., exclusively on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Bluefish radio voice Josh Rogol will have the call of all the action.

The Bluefish return home on Monday, June 1, to open a three-game series against cross-sound rival Long Island. The first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m., and gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kid’s Eat Free Monday, courtesy of ABI-JAY Novelty Foods. All kid’s (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Fish’s offense showed up late as they were unable to overcome a tough deficit. The Bluefish scored two runs in the third inning to bring the game within a run but that was as close as they would get as Somerset was able to keep the Bluefish at bay. Luis Lopez went 1-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Charlie Lisk also enjoyed a successful day at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run scored.

Bluefish starter Kyle Jackson (4-2) suffered his second loss of the season allowing four earned runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out six over five innings of work. Ryan DiPietro came in relief and added two scoreless frames for the ‘Fish.

Josh Miller (4-2) was credited with the win after going seven innings and allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks. Elliott Ayala provided most of the spark for the Patriots by going 2-for-5 with a run scored and three RBI.

The Bluefish and Patriots play game three of their three game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Lefthander Corey Lee will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Patriots starter Jim Magrane. Fans can enjoy the third Thirsty Thursday promotion of the year, presented by Budweiser. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Bluefish were able to end the losing skid at home behind an impressive offensive performance. Ed Rogers went 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI, while Luis Rodriguez collected three hits, recording two RBI and a run scored. Tyrone Pendergrass also contributed for Bridgeport, by connecting on a two-run triple.

Bluefish starter Dan Reichert (3-4) found his groove against the Patriots as he picked up the impressive victory. The righthander allowed only one earned run on five hits and three walks, while striking out three over eight innings of work.

Jared Gothreaux (2-4) suffered the loss for the Patriots after lasting six innings and allowed seven hits, two runs, two walks, while striking out six. The Somerset offense was led by Josh Pressley who went 1-for-4 with the lone RBI for the Pats.

The Bluefish and Patriots play game two of their three game series tomorrow during a 10:35 a.m. matinee. Righthander Kyle Jackson will be on the mound for the Bluefish, and will be opposed by Patriots starter Josh Miller. Everyone in attendance will be able to experience “Winning Inning Wednesday” and have the chance to take home $10,000. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Yan pitched a season high eight innings, allowing six hits and three runs, while striking out eight Barnstormers.  In the ninth, Shane Youman (0-1) walked L.J. Biernbaum (2-for-3, two RBIs, one run) to lead off the inning.  Aaron Herr followed with a single to center field and Youman than issued another walk, this one to Jed Morris.

With the bases loaded, Casey Hoorelbeke entered in crisis mode only to falter.  Ryan Mulhern nailed a one strike pitch over the head of shortstop Ed Rogers for the Barnstormers victory and series sweep.

This was Youman’s third appearance for the ‘Fish after making his season debut on May 18 against Southern Maryland.  The Bluefish lost 4-2 but received a tremendous effort from their bullpen.  Youman, Andy Weimer and Rick Asadoorian combined to pitch four and 1/3 innings of scoreless ball.

Yan has been on fire recently.  In his previous start on May 19, the righty pitched seven innings in a pitcher’s duel against Southern Maryland’s Kenny Rayborn.  Yan struck out three while allowing just three hits, two walks and one earned run.  Rayborn was just as good, going seven innings allowing just one run as well.

The Bluefish could not find a way to reward Yan for his outstanding effort, losing 4-3 in 11 innings.  Brandon Sing’s fifth homer of the year in the eighth inning tied the game at two apiece.  In the 11^th, Sing (2-for-3, two runs, one RBI) scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice bunt by Ed Rogers which was thrown into right field by Blue Crabs’ pitcher Jimmy Serrano.

Southern Maryland rallied in front of the home town crowd in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on Bluefish closer Andy Cavazo’s lack of control.  Cavazo’s walked Jeremy Owens and then after a sacrifice by Mike Conroy, he walked James Shanks.  Richard Giannotti was the hero for the Blue Crabs, plating both Owens and Shanks on a two-out single to right field.

Jonathan Plefka continued to be lights out in relief, pitching two innings of scoreless ball along with striking out three.  Plefka’s ERA now sits at 0.77; opponents are hitting just .146 off of the righty.

The following day, the ‘Fish dropped game three of the four game series 3-1.  Gary Knotts was the next Bluefish starter to get victimized by the lack of clutch hitting.  Knotts got credited with a hard-luck loss, tossing six and 2/3 innings and striking out a season high nine batters.  The former Major Leaguer allowed six hits, three walks and three earned runs.

In the last game of the series, the Bluefish were swept out of town by the Blue Crabs 5-4.

Dan Reichert got off to a rough start, getting tagged for four runs on five hits in the second inning.  He would recover, retiring the last eight batters he faced.  Yet despite back-to-back RBIs in the seventh from the newest member of the Tampa Bay Ray organization Henry Mateo and Jay Caligiuri, Bridgeport’s rally was to no avail.

The game represented a series trend for the Bluefish, scoring only four runs in the loss and ten for the series.  Bridgeport lost all four games of the series by a combined six runs.

Up in Lancaster, the ‘Fish fared no better, getting swept by the Barnstormers.  On Friday, Kyle Jackson gave Bridgeport another quality start, lasting seven innings giving up four hits, one earned run, and three walks while striking out three.  The bats were dormant though, and the Bluefish fell 2-1.

David Housel became the first player in Lancaster history to homer from both sides of the plate on Saturday and the Bluefish fell 10-2.  Andy Weimer’s five game scoreless streak of seven innings was snapped when he gave up back to back home runs to Housel and Michael Woods in the sixth inning.

Up Next: The Bluefish finish their eight-game road trip by taking on the York Revolution tonight in a Memorial Day showdown at 6:05 before returning home tomorrow for a three game series against the Somerset Patriots.

Player to Watch: Matt Esquivel. Esquivel is batting .417 against Bridgeport this season with 11 runs and six RBIs on 10 hits.  The outfielder has a total of 14 runs so far this year.

The Week Ahead

May 26-28 vs. Somerset Patriots

Player to Watch: Matt Hagen.  Hagen leads the league in slugging percentage (.567) and is second in the league with 36 hits.  The slugger also sits in third in batting average (.371) and fourth in on-base percentage (.431).

May 29-31 at Southern Maryland

Player to Watch: Jim Ed Warden.  The closer converted on three save opportunities in four games during last week’s sweep of the ‘Fish.  Warden struck out four batters and allowed just one hit in five innings pitched.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Ed Rogers. The shortstop is batting .306 over his past ten games and .353 during the last five.

Stuck in a Slump: Tyrone Pendergrass. Pendergrass is amidst a seven-game hitless streak.  Over his past ten games he has just one hit in 32 at-bats. 

Strong out of the ‘Pen: Matthew Pike extended his scoreless streak to six and one-thirds innings pitched.  This week, Pike pitched two and 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit.  The relief pitcher now has a 0.87 ERA.

Run Support, Please? In his last two starts, Esteban Yan has pitched 15 innings, struck out 11, and has allowed only four runs in two no-decisions. 

Reeled in by the Rays: Henry Mateo’s contract was purchased by the Tampa Rays on May 23. Mateo was assigned to Durham (AAA, Rays) of the International League.  Mateo played in 24 games for the Bluefish this season and was an offensive stall worth, leading the league with a .416 batting average. In 154 career games with Bridgeport, the 32-year-old owns a .333 batting average with 47 extra-base hits, 125 runs scored and 42 swipes.

“It’s great to see a player like Henry receive another chance at the big leagues,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “He has been a staple in our lineup for the past two years and we wish him the best of luck.”

Mateo played 24 games for the Bluefish in 2009, posting an Atlantic League leading .416 batting average in 101 at-bats. He also scored 25 runs, while recording a .473 on-base percentage and seven stolen bases. In 154 career games with Bridgeport, the 32-year-old owns a .333 batting average with 47 extra-base hits, 125 runs scored and 42 swipes. Mateo has played 190 games at the Major League level.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

It was the first of three fantastic grabs in the outfield for the 28-year-old.  Now almost four years later, Greenberg is still anticipating a return to the big leagues after his ten minutes of fame on July 9, 2005.

The Bridgeport Bluefish starting center fielder’s head sinks down and a slight smile appears when asked about this infamous day in his baseball career.  He knew the question would eventually come up.

It was a “dream come true” for Greenberg when he got the call to make his first major league at-bat as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning against the Florida Marlins.  Batting against lefty Valerio de Los Santos, Greenberg would get hit just underneath his right ear by a 92 m.p.h. fastball that sent him instantly to the ground and away from the Major Leagues ever since.

“I felt everything from the pain of being hit to the fear of being scared for my life,” said Greenberg.

Greenberg continues to work hard, pushing himself every day through one pitch, one at-bat, and one moment at a time.  It hasn’t been easy for the ballplayer, and it certainly has been frustrating.  Originally diagnosed with post concussion syndrome, the 1998-1999 Connecticut Male Athlete of the Year would eventually be diagnosed with positional vertigo.  Positional vertigo is normally an inner ear problem that can cause severe feelings of uncontrollable spinning.

After struggling in 2006 at West Tenn (AA, Cubs) and Jacksonville (AA, Dodgers), Greenberg received the help of Dr. Barry Seiller, a vision trainer in Chicago through a company called Vizual Edge.  Greenberg took some tests that revealed that his depth perception and vision was off.  It took him until the second half of the 2007 season for Greenberg to finally feel close to 100 percent.

Last year, Greenberg was released by the Kansas City Royals on the last day of spring training.  A short stint of 13 games with Bridgeport landed him with the Arkansas Travelers (AA, Angels).  In Arkansas, the long-traveled Greenberg regained his stroke and was having his best season of professional ball.  In 70 games, he finished with 16 stolen bases and a .271 batting average.  Both exceeded his numbers from 2005 when he played in 95 games for West Tenn (AA, Cubs).

“I was playing as good of ball as I ever had to the point where they even told me I was competing for a big league job,” said Greenberg.  “I was like ‘ok, this is great.’  I was playing great defense, stealing all the time, hitting the ball on the ground, running and putting the ball in play consistently.”

Though, once again the third-team College All-American from the University of North Carolina hit a stumbling block in his bid at another Major League opportunity.  The hustling Greenberg ruptured his cyst in his right knee running out a triple on a line drive to left field for the Travelers.

Trying to grasp that opportunity to finally get back up top, he rushed backed.  He struggled in his return and eventually pulled his hamstring, all but ending his season.

“As has happened often, it’s been a huge rollercoaster of situations and emotions,” said Greenberg’s father, Mark.  “He tries to put as much of a positive spin on it as he can, but to say it hasn’t been incredibly difficult and frustrating would be lying.”

Now back in Bridgeport, Greenberg once again is anticipating another opportunity to play affiliated ball.  Despite struggling at the plate, Greenberg continues to work towards his dream.

Hitting coach Willie Upshaw has been working with Greenberg on his balance and the direction of his swing.  Upshaw sees the outfielder’s determination on a daily basis.

“Oh, he will work,” said Upshaw.  “He isn’t afraid to work.  He goes out there during batting practice and the game and takes it all in.  That’s all you can ask for.”

Last Sunday, Greenberg had a tough day at the plate, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.  The frustration was evident as Greenberg tossed his helmet in disgust against the dugout wall. Instead of leaving his batting helmet on the ground at the end of the game, he picked it back up and went to work.

For another hour and a half, Greenberg tried to regain his swing by practicing in the batting cage.  “That’s the only way to get out of it; to work at it,” said his father.  “He was there until almost eight at night working with Brandon Sing.  He’ll do whatever he needs to do and he certainly is committed to getting back to where he has been.”

Throughout his “rollercoaster” career, Greenberg has developed a strong sense of perseverance.  He has learned to stop worrying about who’s watching or what may have been.  Instead, he is focused on what he can do, and what he will do.

“I can really benefit a team and help them in a variety of different ways.  I’m confident in that.  I’ll get my chance again and I’m ready for it.”

Halama earned a league best fifth victory in five starts while allowing just two runs on seven hits in eight innings of work.

The Bluefish hopped out to an early 1-0 lead after Brandon Sing doubled to start the second inning, but starter Cory Lee would struggle with his command, walking six in three and 2/3 innings.  Lee gave up four unanswered runs on five hits before being chased in the fourth frame.

Jermy Acey led the way for the Crabs in his season debut by going 3-for-3 and driving in half of his team’s runs.

‘Fish reliever Andy Weimer tossed another two and 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.  Rick Asadoorian and Shane Youman each followed with a scoreless frame.

Bridgeport’s bats stayed dormant, plating only one run in the final seven innings.

Crabs closer Jim Ed Warden hurled a perfect ninth to record his fifth save in as many chances.

The Bluefish continue an eight game road trip, with the second of four games in Southern Maryland on Tuesday night. Bridgeport will spend a four-game series in Waldorf and then travel to Lancaster for a weekend matchup with the Barnstormers. Fans can monitor their hometown team throughout the road trip by tuning into the Bluefish Broadcast Network. Tuesday’s contest against the Blue Crabs begins at 7:05 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 6:45 p.m., exclusively on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Bluefish radio voice Josh Rogol will have the call of all the action.

The Bluefish return home on Tuesday, May 26, to open a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. On Tuesday night, kids eat free at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard courtesy of Stew Leonard’s. All children (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203) 345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

Mateo currently sits atop the Atlantic League in a slew of batting categories.  The slugger leads the league in batting (.457), hits (37), runs (25) and on-base-percentage (.522).

On the mound, Kyle Jackson (4-1) outdueled Bears’ strikeout artist Bobby Brownlie to record his league-leading fourth win of the year.  Jackson tied a Bluefish season high, pitching seven innings and allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk.  Andy Cavazos earned his second save of the season the hard way.  After striking out Michael Sandoval looking, Cavazos loaded the bases with three straight walks before getting Kevin Thompson to strike out swinging.  With two outs, Bobby Hill hit a blistering grounder to first baseman Jay Caligiuri. Caligiuri made a diving snatch and toss to Cavazos to end the game.

Sunday’s win was Bridgeport’s second-straight over the Bears after dropping the series’ opener on Friday 9-4.  On Friday, Gary Knotts struggled to find a rhythm in his first start of the year.  Knotts was tagged for nine runs (eight earned) on eight hits in just three and two-thirds innings of work.

Jonathan Plefka gave the ‘Fish a lights out three innings of work in relief.

After getting in an early hole, the ‘Fish could not recover and stranded 14 runners on base.  Mateo finished 1-for-2 with two runs and three walks while Brandon Sing went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a walk and a triple.  Former Major Leaguers Keith Foulke and Armando Benitez closed the door for the Bears in the eighth and ninth innings respectively.

Mateo and Sing then helped the ‘Fish rebound in Saturday’s 10-6 victory over the Bears.  Sing batted in the clean-up spot for just the second time this season and drew three walks while going 1-for-3 with a solo home run.  Mateo was solid as usual from the plate, going 3-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs.

Dan Reichert (2-2) pitched Bridgeport to victory with five strikeouts and two earned runs over six innings of work.  It was Reichert’s second victory of the year.

Earlier last week the Bluefish took on the struggling York Revolution (4-16) at Sovereign Bank Stadium.  On May 12, the ‘Fish fell to the Revs 4-3 behind the work of York’s Matt Esquivel.  Esquivel scored all four runs, including a solo blast in the 8^th inning off of Casey Hoorelbeke, to deliver Bridgeport pitcher Kyle Jackson his first loss of the season.

Jackson pitched five and one-third innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out three.

Prior to Esquivel’s blast, Bridgeport tied the game on consecutive run scoring singles by Luis Lopez and Sing.

The following day, Lopez led the Bluefish on a fifth inning bombardment of York pitcher Mike Smith.  Lopez’s two-run shot was the exclamation point on a six-run inning for the ‘Fish, who went on to win the game 6-2.

Lopez and fellow teammate Brandon Sing currently are tied for fourth in the league in RBIs with 16.

Pitcher Corey Lee (1-1) earned his first victory of the year by holding the Revs to two earned runs on seven hits while striking out three over seven innings of work.

Bridgeport finished the week 3-2, and now just sit two games back of division leading Southern Maryland.

Up Next: The Bluefish travel to Southern Maryland (11-9) tonight to battle the Blue Crabs for the first time this year in a four-game series before heading up to Lancaster to take on the Barnstormers in a three-game weekend series.

Tonight’s Matchup:

Corey Lee (1-1, 2.70) takes to the mound to take on Southern Maryland’s John Halama (4-0, 1.67) at 7:05 p.m.

Fish Facts:

Who’s Hot:  Henry Mateo: Mateo is currently batting .611 over his past five games. Mateo crossed the plate for the ‘Fish on 10 out of his 11 hits during the week.

Who’s Cold:  Tyrone Pendergrass: Pendergrass struggled during the week going 3-for-22 from the dish.

Strong out of the ‘Pen: In his last three appearances, Matthew Pike has pitched four scoreless innings and has allowed just three hits.

Web Gem of the Week: In Friday night’s game against Newark, Adam Greenberg made a head first diving catch in shallow center field to rob Kevin Thompson of a base hit to end the top of the seventh inning.  Greenberg then made another sliding catch on a rip by Salomon Manriquez to end the top of the ninth inning.    

New to the ‘Fish tank: Bridgeport signed lefty Shane Youman on May 16.  The 29-year-old split time last season between the Reading Phillies (AA, Phillies) of the Eastern League and the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Independent League.  In 2006, Youman appeared in five games for the Pittsburgh Pirates and posted a 2.91 ERA.

In the Shop for Repair: On May 13, Bluefish-righty Franklin Perez was placed on the disabled list with an undisclosed injury.

Rainout Makeup Date Announced: The Bluefish will travel back to York on May 25 to take on the Revolution in a makeup game from May 14.  First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Bluefish bats were active in the form of small ball smacking 12 hits, all of which were singles. The Bluefish also set a season high with six steals on the day, three of which came from Henry Mateo. Mateo had another impressive day at the plate going 4-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Luis Lopez also enjoyed a successful afternoon at the dish going 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI.

Bluefish starter Kyle Jackson (4-1) tied a team high for innings pitched this season, lasting seven innings and allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk. Andy Cavazos appeared in the ninth to earn his second save of the year by allowing three walks and striking out two.

Bobby Brownlie (2-1) took to the mound for the Bears lasting five and one third innings allowing six runs on 11 hits and a walk, while striking out four. Charlton Jimerson highlighted the Newark offense going 2-for-4 including a home run, two RBI and two runs scored.

The Bluefish head on the road for seven games beginning Monday night in Southern Maryland. Bridgeport will visit the Blue Crabs for a four-game series and then travel to Lancaster for a weekend matchup with the Barnstormers. Fans can monitor their hometown team throughout the road trip by tuning into the Bluefish Broadcast Network. Monday’s contest against Southern Maryland begins at 7:05 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 6:50 p.m., exclusively on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Bluefish radio voice Josh Rogol will have the call of all the action.

The Bluefish return home on Tuesday, May 26, to open a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. On Tuesday night, kids eat free at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard courtesy of Stew Leonard’s. All children (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Bluefish bats were awakened as manager Tommy John changed up his line up putting catcher Charlie Lisk in leftfield and outfielder Brandon Sing at first base. Henry Mateo impressed the fans once again with his bat by going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBI. Brandon Sing also delivered batting in the clean up spot for only the second time this year. Sing went 1-for-3 with a run scored, two walks and a home run in the eighth inning.

Dan Reichert (2-3) earned his second win of the season after allowing eight hits, two earned runs, a walk and struck out five over six innings of work. Matt Pike followed Reichert’s exit, lasting an inning and allowing a walk and struck out one. Esteban Yan closed the door for the ‘Fish with a scoreless inning of relief.

Ryan Bukvich (2-2) took the loss for the Bears lasting three and one third innings allowing five hits, seven runs, five walks, and struck out three. Rob Mackowiak helped the Bears stay in the game by going 3-for-5 with a run scored, four RBI, and his first home run of the season.

The Bluefish and Bears play the rubber game of their three game series tomorrow beginning at 2:05 p.m. All fans in attendance will be treated to a pre-game autograph session beginning at 1:20 p.m. and following the game all kids and kids at heart will have the opportunity to run the bases like their favorite Bluefish players. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

“Shane adds a left-handed arm to our pitching staff,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “His mix of experience in the Major Leagues and the Atlantic League will translate well to our team.”

Youman enters his eighth season of professional baseball, second in the Atlantic League and first with the Bluefish. Last year, the former Major-Leaguer split time between Reading (AA, Phillies) of the Eastern League and the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. In his Atlantic League debut, he started 13 games for the Barnstormers, recording four victories and 39 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched. The lefthander’s best campaign came in 2006 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He began the year with Double-A Altoona of the Eastern League and recorded seven wins with a 1.51 ERA in 23 appearances (11 starts). His impressive performance earned him a call-up to Triple-A Indianapolis before making his Major League debut with the Pirates later in the year. In five appearances, including three starts with Pittsburgh, the 29-year-old posted a 2.91 ERA in 21 innings of work. After another brief stint in the minors, he would make his final appearance in the big leagues the following season.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Gary Knotts (0-1) got in trouble early and wasn’t able to recover in his first start of the season. Knotts lasted three and two-thirds innings allowing eight hits, nine runs, three walks and struck out one. Ryan DiPietro appeared in relief following Knotts’ exit and pitched two and one-third innings, surrendering only one hit, one walk, and no runs. Jonathan Plefka also appeared in relief for the Bluefish, allowing one hit and one walk, while striking out one over three innings of work.

The Bluefish were able to get runners on base, but unable to get them in. Henry Mateo continued his hot trend going 1-for-2 with two runs scored and three walks. Brandon Sing also continued his impressive hitting going 2-for-4 with two RBI, a walk, and a triple.

Oneli Perez (3-1) was credited with the win for the Bears. Perez went five innings allowing five hits, a run, three walks, and recorded five strikeouts. The Bears used five pitchers in the game including former big leaguers Keith Foulke who went one inning with two strikeouts and Armando Benitez who appeared in the ninth to close it out.

The Bluefish and Bears play game two of their three game series tomorrow beginning at 6:05 p.m. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark can listen to the game live on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Sing’s first two homers were two-run shots in the fourth and sixth innings off of Long Island’s B.J. LaMura.  The slugger’s final tune of the night came in the seventh inning when he hit a grand slam to leftfield off former Major-Leaguer Julio Manon, scoring Jay Caligiuri, Jesse Hoorelbeke and Luis Lopez.

After the Bluefish dropped game two of the weekend series, Sing led the ‘Fish to a series win on May 10 by going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a double.  The outfielder batted .545 during the series and knocked in 10 runs against the top team in the Liberty Division.

Sing is now in his 11^th season of professional baseball that has included stints in the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles organizations.  The 28-year-old spent eight seasons in the Cubs system after being selected in the 20^th round of the 1999 draft straight out of Joliet Township (Joliet, IL) High School.  Sing’s best season came in 2004 as a member of the Daytona Cubs (A, Cubs) when he led the Pacific Coast League with career highs in home runs (32), RBI (96), runs scored (86) and slugging percentage (.571).

Sing reached his highest level of professional baseball in 2006 as a member of the Iowa Cubs, appearing in 33 games.  To begin the season, Sing was joined by current teammate Adam Greenberg.  Sing would finish out the year at West Tenn (AA, Cubs) of the Southern League with 39 RBI while Greenberg appeared in 75 games for Double-A Jacksonville (Dodgers).

The six-foot-five-inch, 210-pounder brings the Bluefish 928 games worth of minor league experience and over 500 RBI in his career.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Bluefish found the offensive momentum they displayed on Friday by racking up 14 hits and scoring 10 runs on the Ducks. Brandon Sing continued his offensive success against Long Island by going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Luis Rodriguez also contributed at the plate going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

Bluefish starter Dan Reichert (1-3) recorded his first victory of the season after allowing five runs (three earned) on nine hits, while striking out three over five and two-third innings of work. Andy Weimer followed Reichert and pitched one and one-third innings allowing only two hits and striking out three. Franklin Perez made his first relief appearance of the year to close the door on the Ducks by pitching the final two innings surrendering one hit and striking out one.

Ducks lefthander Brad Halsey (1-1) suffered the loss after lasting three innings and giving up seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and three walks. Johnny Hernandez had a successful day at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run scored.

The Bluefish head on the road for three games beginning Tuesday night in York. Fans can monitor their hometown team throughout the road trip by tuning into the Bluefish Broadcast Network. Friday’s contest against Newark begins at 7:05 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 6:45 p.m., exclusively on www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Bluefish radio voice Josh Rogol will have the call of all the action.

The Bluefish return home on Friday, May 15, to open a weekend series against the Newark Bears. The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m., and gates open at 6:05 p.m. The first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark will receive a Bluefish Team Poster as part of “Freebie Friday.” Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The Bluefish bats were silenced for most of the game until the bottom of the ninth. Adam Greenberg led off the frame with a double to spark the Bluefish rally. With one out, Luis Lopez stepped to the plate and connected on a two-run home run over the left field wall to cut the Revolution lead to one. Jesse Hoorelbeke, who went 2-for-4 on the day, followed Lopez with a base knock, but the late-inning rally fell short as Revolution closer Steve Andrade retired the next two batters.

Lefthander Corey Lee made his first professional appearance since 2006 as he took to the mound for the ‘Fish. Lee looked impressive going four and one-third innings giving up no runs, a hit, and struck out six. Esteban Yan made his second appearance for the Bluefish by pitching one and two-thirds innings, giving up no hits, no walks, and struck out one. Matt Pike’s (0-1) took the loss in his first appearance of the season. He lasted two and one-thirds innings, giving up five hits, three runs (one earned) and recorded three strikeouts.

The York pitching staff was impressive, holding the Bluefish to only two runs, both of which came off a home run in the bottom of the ninth. Righthander Corey Thurman started today for the Revs. He gave up no runs, two hits, one walk, and struck out two. Daryl Harang (2-0) followed with a shut out frame of his own to earn his second win of the season. Harang lasted two innings surrendering one hit, no runs and no walks.

The Bluefish will have a day off tomorrow before returning to action on Tuesday, with the first game of a three-game series against the Camden Riversharks. A showdown of former Major Leaguers will commence, as the Bluefish will send right-hander Dan Reichert to the mound to square off against Riversharks starter Brian Lawrence. Fans unable to make it to the game can listen live at www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The runs were scarce at first as both teams were scoreless going into the bottom of the fourth inning. Jordan Czarniecki connected on a solo home run to centerfield to give the Bluefish a 1-0 lead. Bridgeport added to their lead in the fifth, scoring three runs sparked by a lead-off triple from Adam Greenberg. Greenberg scored on a Henry Mateo single as Mateo went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Charlie Lisk also contributed by going 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Kyle Jackson (1-0) took the mound for the ‘Fish and went five innings allowing no runs and striking out three. Former University of New Haven Charger Steve Bray pitched three innings in relief allowing only one run and one hit following Jackson’s outing. Casey Hoorelbeke made his first appearance of the year entering the game in the ninth inning allowing one run on one hit and striking out one.

Mike Smith (0-1) took the loss for the Revolution. Smith lasted four innings allowing one run on three hits and striking out three.

The Bluefish and Revolution play the final game of their opening four game series tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. Former Major Leaguer Corey Lee will take the hill for the Bluefish and will be opposed by Revolution starter Corey Thurman. Gates open at 1:05 p.m. and all fans will be treated to a pre-game autograph session, starting at 1:20 p.m. and following the game, all kids and kids at heart will have the opportunity to run the bases. Fans unable to make it to the game can listen live at www.bridgeportbluefish.com. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

The runs were plentiful, coming from all sections of the lineup. The Bluefish scored three runs in the first three innings followed by a four run fourth. The runs came courtesy of Henry Mateo who went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored, Jesse Hoorelbeke who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, and Jay Caligiuri who went 2-for-5 and lead the team with four RBI. Shea Harris also impressed by going 2-for-3 in his first start of the season.

Franklin Perez started the game for the Bluefish on the mound. Perez lasted four and one-third innings allowing six runs, ten hits, and punched out three. Esteban Yan (1-0) made his Bluefish debut and picked up the victory by pitching three and two-thirds innings in relief, giving up only one run on two hits and striking out four. Andy Cavazos closed out the game for the Bluefish in the ninth inning allowing one run on one hit and striking out two.

The Revolution did not go down quietly, nor did they make life easy for the Bluefish. Matt Esquivel’s grand slam in the top of the first inning gave the Revolution a 4-0 nothing lead. Esquivel also robbed Ed Rogers of a home run in the third inning. Lefty Dave Gassner (0-1) started the game on the mound for the Revolution and suffered the loss after lasting three and two-thirds innings giving up six run, two of them earned striking out three.

The Bluefish and Revolution play game three of a four game series tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. Southpaw Corey Lee will take the mound against Revolution starter Mike Smith. The fans in attendance will be treated to the first fireworks display of the season after the game. Fans unable to make it to the game can listen live at www.bridgeportbluefish.com . Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Tanaka played his final game Thursday night with the Revolution in the last game of a five game series against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The Japanese native will be returning to his home to continue his education.

With the goodbyes almost out of the way, York had one more in mind and this one would not be sad for York fans. Outfielders Jason Aspito and Matt Esquivel combined to go 5 for 8, knocked in four runs and led York to a 5-2 victory in easy fashion against the struggling Bluefish

There was no aftershock from last night’s scuffle on the field. However centerfielder Kennard Jones was suspended for one game, and also fined an undisclosed amount. There was no word on the discipline handed down to the Bluefish.

“There were some people still upset after last night’s game, but I thought they came out tonight ready to play,” said Manager Chris Hoiles.

The Bluefish had numerous opportunities to make something happen. In the first inning Bridgeport’s Alex Prieto hit a moon shot down the leftfield line and caused a stir of controversy. The umpire ruled it a foul ball and that brought out Bridgeport manager Tommy John.

The ruling was upheld and after the inning concluded one Bridgeport player continued to argue and was tossed from the game.

York pitcher Byron Batson made his first start since being recently acquired from Somerset. He lasted 3 1/3 innings as Bridgeport plated two runs in the fourth including Jesse Hoorelbeke’s 28th homerun of the season.

“We wanted to get him (Batson) out there and we thought three or four (innings) were probably the right amount,” commented Hoiles.

Dan Foli replaced Batson and pitched a near perfect 2 2/3 innings, striking out two, and walking two, and held the Bluefish hitless. Foli earned the win and improved his record to 6-7.

Foli was originally scheduled to pitch Saturday in Long Island, but after pitching in relief he will be replaced by Dave Gil.

York will travel to Long Island to finish up the final three games of fourteen consecutive games against the Liberty Division. York has dominated the Ducks this season accumulating a 13-5 record when facing them.

Starters Aaron Rakers, Dave Gil, and Corey Thurman will take the mound this weekend. Rakers will look to become York’s third pitcher to earn ten wins this season and join teammates Wayne Franklin, and Thurman. York did not have a single ten game winner last season.

With a Newark loss to Southern Maryland, York moved to four games ahead of Lancaster who has moved into second place as Newark has slipped to third.

Wasting no time, York halted the losing skid and placed the previous night’s double header losses in the past. The Revs’ first game of the double header against the visiting Bridgeport Bluefish turned out to be another team record by scoring nine runs in the second inning, which led to a 12-0 rout making the second long day worthwhile.

Under Atlantic League rules the games consisted of seven innings rather than the normal nine.

The explosive second inning has been common is the past week for the Revolution. Last Thursday the Revs accumulated eight consecutive hits and scored seven in the second inning. In the twin bill the second inning was the big inning in both games.

“I don’t know, I can’t really explain it,” laughed York manager Chris Hoiles.

The big inning was brought to life as Sandy Aracena smashed a towering drive to left center putting York on top 2-0. Newly reacquired infielder Kenny Perez made an impact in his fifth game back with the Revs by clocking a two run double to right center. Bridgeport pitcher Mike Connolly would last just 1 1/3 inning earning all nine runs and the inning would bring 15 Revolution players to bat.

Perez was recently with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the AAA affiliate of the Rockies. He batted .338 in 51 games during his stint with the minor league club.

“I think it’s a great honor, to be back with York, this is a great group a guys to play with,” smiled Perez, who is one of four recently acquired players by the Revolution.

York pitcher Corey Thurman posted an almost perfect outing as he gave up just one hit and no runs along with three strikeouts. Thurman’s 11th win on the season marked a new team record for wins in a season. The feat is quite remarkable after losing his first six starts this season.

“One of the adjustments we made was not throwing as much in between starts,” commented Thurman.
“Run support as of late, has not been an issue when Thurman has been on the mound. York hitters have scored 23 runs combined in his last two starts. “It always helps when the guys spot nine runs for you,” smiled Thurman.

After a thirty minute break York and Bridgeport were back at it for the second game on the night. Pitcher Wayne Franklin made a spot start and pitched a quality game going five innings giving up two runs including a Ryan Bear homer in the 2nd inning.

However the bullpen and the Revolution defense would hit a snag in the seventh inning as the visitors would add three runs before reliever Franklin Nunez buckled down and forced Bridgeport’s Alex Prieto to ground out to end the game to give York the 6-5 victory.

York again used the second inning to get ahead 3-1 as catcher Luis Taveras knocked a double to the left center wall scoring Edgard Clemente and Kenny Perez. Jose Enrique Cruz continued the rally by scorching a line drive past third for a single, scoring Taveras.

Bridgeport would add a run in the following inning on a Prieto sacrifice fly, scoring Luis Rodriguez making the score 3-2.

In the fourth Esquivel knocked in a run on shallow fly ball to right scoring Taveras. Fortunately the Revs added two more in the fifth inning when Clemente led off with a double, who would go on to score on Matt Dryer’s single to right. Center fielder Kennard Jones singled to left and Dryer scored from third tacking on the sixth and final run for the Revolution.

Patience was a key factor in the Revs’ victories as Bridgeport pitching struggled and allowed 16 walks in the double header combined. Game one included 11 free passes, marking a season high.

Franklin earned his tenth win of the season and his team record 18th career win.

“Wayne did an unbelievable job to spot start like he did,” said Hoiles.

With a Newark loss to Southern Maryland, York increased their first place lead to 2.5 games. York will face Newark in a three game series beginning September 15th most likely will play a significant role in York’s quest for the playoffs.

Wednesday night York will face the Bluefish in one of the 13 remaining games on the season and LHP Rolando Viera (3-1, 1.34) will take on LHP Ryan DiPietro (4-5. 5.14) at 7:07p.m.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Shortstop Elliott Ayala was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Josh Pressley.

Bridgeport tied up the game with a run in the top of the third inning. Designated hitter Wilson Batista singled and later scored on an RBI single by shortstop Alex Prieto.

Somerset regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Left fielder Mike Lockwood singled, third baseman Matt Hagen singled, and Radmanovich followed with an RBI single. Hagen would come home on a double play that gave the Patriots a 3-1 lead.

The Bluefish cut the lead to one with a run in the top of the fourth inning on a solo home run by right fielder Ryan Bear (8).

The Patriots scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Pressley singled, Lockwood singled, and Radmanovich then hit a three-run home run (6) to make the score 6-2.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ayala walked and scored on an RBI double by second baseman Teuris Olivares for a 7-2 advantage.

The Patriots broke the game open even more with ten runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Lockwood single, Hagen singled, and catcher Travis Anderson drew a walk to load the bases. Center fielder Sean Smith then drove in two runs with a double. Ayala’s RBI single plated Anderson and Olivares singled home Smith. With the bases still loaded, Pressley, Lockwood, and Hagen drew back-to-back-to back walks to keep the bases loaded. Radmanovich then cleared the bases with his second home run of the game, a grand slam (7) over the train tracks in right field for a 17-2 lead.

Bridgeport added four runs in the last two innings to make it a 17-6 final score. Patriots starter Brian Adams (10-6) picked up the win, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits and nine strikeouts in six innings pitched. Bluefish starter Mark Romanczuk (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on eight hits in three innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Monday night with a 6:05 pm game against the Camden Riversharks. The game includes a Labor Day Fireworks Extravaganza presented by News 12 New Jersey. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Bear capped a perfect evening with his walk-off jack, finishing four-for-four with two doubles, five RBIs and two runs. He tied the game in the first inning with a two-run double then gave his team the lead in the third with another two-bagger that scored Jay Caligiuri.

Bridgeport took a 6-4 lead into the ninth but could not hang on against the league’s leading offense. Jose Herrera’s sacrifice fly to left field tied the game at six and ultimately sent the game to extra innings. Atlantic League leading hitter Ramon Castro’s only hit of the night drove in Vic Gutierrez in the tenth to give his team a one-run edge. Shawn Babula (0-2) surrendered the game-winning long ball in the bottom of the inning.

Andy Weimer (1-1) picked up the win in relief despite allowing the go-ahead Newark run to score. Caligiuri (two runs) and Jesse Hoorelbeke (double, run) both recorded two hits for Bridgeport.
Ramon Nivar led the Newark offense with a four-for-five night with two runs scored. Raul Gonzalez also drove in two runs for the Bears.

Bridgeport looks to continue their success against the Bears tomorrow night at 7:05 P.M. Mike Connolly (2-1) will square off against Frank Rodriguez (1-1) of Newark.

Five Bears collected multiple hits, led by Keith Reed who went 3-4 with two singles, one double, was hit by a pitch, scored twice, and collected one RBI. Raul Gonzalez was 3-4 with three singles, and Will Otanez recorded two doubles. Jose Herrera, who smacked his tenth home run of the season in the sixth inning, scored three times during the game and gathered two RBI.

Bobby Hill jump-started the Bears offense, leading off the bottom of the first with a solo home run – his third of the season. After scoring again in the first, the biggest offensive strike came in the second, with a two-out grand slam home run by Ruben Mateo to make the score 6-0.

Mike Bumstead (12-6) was the beneficiary of the Bears’ offensive onslaught, earning his league-leading 12th win of the season. He gave up five hits and only one earned run, walked four, and struck out six through six innings of work.

The Bluefish got on board with an RBI single by Jay Caligiuri in the top of the fourth, and then, while trailing 9-1, strung together four runs in the top of the fifth to cut the Bears’ lead to 9-5. The inning included a two-RBI single by Caligiuri, who finished the game 2-4 with two singles and three RBI.

Bluefish starter Ryan DiPietro (3-4) suffered the loss, giving up ten hits and nine runs – five earned – during 3.1 innings. By pitching the final three innings of the game, Bears reliever Ed Almonte picked up his third save of the season.

The Bears finish their series against the Bluefish tomorrow with an 11:05 am game. The Bears play their home games at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, conveniently located off Route 280, across the street from the Newark-Broad St. train station, and minutes from Route 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike. For ticket information, please call 1-866-55-4BEAR or visit the Bears’ website at www.newarkbears.com.

Garcia had allowed four hits and no runs until the seventh inning when Wilson Batista blasted a two-run home run over the right field wall to put the Bluefish on board, making the score 9-2. Garcia (7-3) earned the win, giving up two runs on eight hits through seven innings of work.

A three-run homer by Jay Caligiuri in the top of the eighth cut the Bears’ lead to 9-5, but the Bears scored again in the bottom of the inning to take a 10-5 advantage. The ‘Fish scored one more run in the ninth and were poised for a rally until reliever Cory Willey induced a double play and struck out Ryan Bear to end the game.

Vic Gutierrez led off the bottom of the first with a triple and the hits kept on coming, with the Bears scoring six runs in the inning to jump out to a 6-0 lead. Back-to-back jacks highlighted the inning: first Will Otanez blasted a two-run shot and then Manny Mejia immediately followed with a solo homer.

After scoring another run in the second, the Bears were held scoreless until the sixth inning, when the scored two more runs to take a 9-0 lead. Jose Herrera recorded an RBI double, and he later scored on a sacrifice fly by Raul Gonzalez.

Bluefish starter Jordan Pals (0-1) took the loss in his first game coming off Tommy John surgery. Pals did not pitch out of the first inning, lasting two-thirds of an inning and giving up six runs.

The Bears continue their home stand tomorrow with a 5:05 game. Bears ace Mike Bumstead (11-6) will be facing Ryan DiPietro (3-3). The Bears play their games at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, conveniently located off Route 280, across the street from the Newark Broad St. train station, and minutes from Route 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike. For ticket information, please call 1-866-55-4BEAR or visit the Bears website at www.newarkbears.com.

The Bluefish trailed 4-2 heading into the ninth after a two-run top of the inning for Newark. Outfielder Branden Florence capped his great day at the plate with a game tying double that scored Jesse Hoorelbeke and Ryan Bear. It was his third game-tying hit of the afternoon as the 2008 All-Star also knotted the game up 1-1 with a second inning RBI single and 2-2 with a solo home run in the seventh. Florence finished four-for-five with four RBIs.

The Bluefish had runners on base in all innings except the first. They stranded 14 runners over the course of the game as they out-hit the Bears 15-13. Jesse Hoorelbeke had three hits with a double and a run scored. Ryan Bear, Jay Caligiuri and Alex Prieto all added two hits apiece.

The Bears scored the go-ahead run in the ninth on an RBI fielder’s choice by Bobby Hill. The Newark infielder just barely beat out a throw from Bluefish shortstop Alex Prieto that would have ended the inning. The Bears tacked on one more when Hoorelbeke lost a high pop up that allowed catcher Scott Knazek to score.

Tim Sweeney added another great game offensively to lead the Bears. The infielder went three-for-five with a double, RBI and a run scored. He notched seven base knocks in the three-game series.
Eddy Ramos (1-3) picks up the Bridgeport victory with a scoreless tenth inning of work. J.J. Trujillo (1-6) picked up the loss with 1.2 innings of work and three runs allowed on three hits. The Newark reliever served up the game-tying double to Florence and the game-winner to Lopez.

The Bluefish now head into the All-Star break at 4-2 in the second half. They will return to play this Friday with a three-game road series against the Somerset Patriots. Eric DuBose (5-2) will likely get the nod in the first game after the break.

One of eight Bluefish named to the 2008 All-Star game, Hertzler allowed two runs (zero earned) on three hits with three walks and three batters fanned over his six innings of work.

The Bridgeport bats provided plenty of run support for Hertzler with six runs through the first three innings. The ‘Fish plated three in the first on a pair of RBI singles by Calvin Pickering and Branden Florence and a fielding error on Newark catcher Scott Knazek. Jesse Hoorelbeke, another 2008 All-Star, cranked a towering solo home run (17) in the fifth to pad his league lead in long balls and finished two-for-three with two RBIs and two runs scored. Bluefish catcher Brian Munhall blasted his fourth home run of the year in the second and added an insurance RBI single in the eighth to finish two-for-four with two RBIs and a run.

The majority of the Bluefish offense came at the hands of Newark ace Pat Stanley (8-3). The burly right-hander worked six innings and allowed seven runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts. It was his third consecutive start allowing at least six runs to cross the plate.

The Bears did not go quietly after Hertzler left the game. They scored four runs over the final two frames off Bluefish relievers T.J. Tucker and Franklin Perez. Jose Herrera and Ramon Castro added an RBI single apiece in the eighth and combined finished the night four-for-eight with three RBIs and a run scored. Mike Just and Tim Sweeney each added two hits, a run and an RBI on the evening. Newark loaded the bases and brought the go-ahead run to the plate before Tommy John called on Matt Pike to get the final out of the game, earning his first save in 2008.

Bridgeport goes for the sweep tomorrow at 2:05 P.M. Rafael Bergstrom (4-5) will make his first start in ten days for ‘Fish and square off against the Atlantic League wins leader Mike Bumstead (9-5).

Bridgeport starter Tim Drew had the makings of a solid outing through his first four innings having allowed just three hits. A five-run fifth inning by the Bears knocked him out of the contest and gave Newark the lead.

The Bluefish immediately answered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to reclaim the lead.

Infielder Jay Caligiuri offered a beacon of life to the Bluefish offense when he drove in Calvin Pickering on a two-out go-ahead double. Caligiuri finished two-for-three with two RBIs and a run scored. Pickering also finished two-for-three with a double and two runs scored.

Franklin Perez (3-2) picked up the victory despite allowed the tying run to score in the eighth. Newark’s Scott Knazek scored the run on a Keith Reed bloop RBI single to left. Perez worked out of the rest of the inning to keep the game tied.

Steve Kent (0-2) takes the tough-luck loss for Newark allowing the unearned run to score in his one inning of work. Kent came on in the eighth to relieve Carlos Mirabal. The Newark starter pitched seven innings and allowed six runs on ten hits and two walks with two batters struck out. Tim Sweeney had a solid night at the plate for the Bears, finishing two-for-three with a run scored.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow night at 6:05 P.M. Bridgeport’s Barry Hertzler (3-6) squares off against Pat Stanley (8-2) in a battle of 2008 Atlantic League All-Stars.

Sunday’s contest quickly turned into a pitcher’s duel, with Manny Ulloa battling Tim Drew. Ulloa pitched five no-hit innings with nine strikeouts, but had thrown 90 pitches and experienced tightness in his elbow after the fifth, forcing his exit from the game. The Ducks bullpen surrendered three hits, but the combination of Jon Asahina, Abe Alvarez, Todd Williams and Joe Valentine preserved the shutout. Williams (2-1) earned his second victory in as many nights, while Valentine pitched a perfect ninth for his ninth save of the season. Drew lasted six innings for Bridgeport, allowing just three hits. Derrick Ellison (1-1) took the loss, giving up all three of the game’s runs in the bottom of the eighth.

The Ducks plated the game’s first run on bases loaded sacrifice fly by P.J. Rose. With runners at second and third, a wild pitch brought home the second run. After an intentional walk to Carl Everett, Jay Gibbons singled to score Nook Logan and increase the lead to 3-0. Ray Navarrete, Everett and Gibbons accounted for the three Ducks hits, while Henry Mateo went 2-for-4 in the losing effort for Bridgeport. Alex Prieto added a bunt single in the seventh.

The Ducks open the second half of the 2008 season on Tuesday against the Newark Bears. Gametime is 7:05 p.m., and the Citibank park gates open at 6:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive recycled license plate frames, courtesy of The Nature Conservancy. Fans unable to attend the game can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Mike Solano calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.

The game was won in the bottom of the ninth inning on a passed ball with the bases loaded and two outs. With Nook Logan aboard at second base, Bridgeport elected to intentionally walk Carl Everett and Jay Gibbons to pitch to Jamie Pogue. But the first pitch of Pogue’s at-bat caught the edge of catcher Brian Munhall’s glove and rolled to the backstop. Logan slid in safely under the tag of pitcher Eddy Ramos to seal the come-from-behind victory. The Ducks overcame a 7-5 deficit with single runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

Logan was 3-for-5 at the plate with three runs scored, while Everett went 2-for-3 with three RBI, including his 12th home run of the season. Pete Maestrales collected two RBI, while Dennis Donovan chipped in by driving in a run as part of a 2-for-4 effort. The Bluefish were paced by leadoff man Travis Ezi, who went 1-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored, and Brian Munhall, who connected for a three-run blast to highlight a five-run Bridgeport sixth. Alex Prieto had a 3-for-4 night with two runs scored to contribute to the Bluefish offense.

Randy Leek pitched the first five and one-third innings for the Ducks, surrendering six runs – five earned – on 11 hits. The bullpen came to Leek’s aid, however, allowing only one run over the final three and two-thirds innings of the contest. Todd Williams (1-1) picked up the win with one and two-thirds hitless innings of relief. Matt Pike and Mike Connelly combined for the first eight innings for Bridgeport. Pike gave up five runs on eight hits in five innings, while Connolly allowed two runs and three hits in three innings of work. Eddy Ramos (0-2) took the loss, giving up a double to Logan in the ninth, and intentionally walking the two batters before the passed ball ended the game.

The Ducks wrap up the first half of the 2008 season on Sunday against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Gametime is 5:05 p.m., and the Citibank park gates open at 4:05 p.m. The first 1,500 kids 12 years old and under will receive a lunch box, courtesy of News 12 Long Island. Prior to the game, all fans will be invited down onto the field to participate in a pregame autograph session, and following the game fans will be welcomed back onto the field for Kids Run the Bases, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Fans unable to attend the game can tune into all the action live on WNYG 1440 AM, WLIR 107.1 FM, or via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Ducks radio voice Chris King calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Third baseman Matt Hagen singled, stole second, and later scored on an RBI groundout by second baseman Teuris Olivares.

Somerset extended the lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated hitter Brandon Larson reached on an error and scored on first baseman Josh Pressley’s two run home run (7) to center field. Pressley has hit a home run in each of the last three games. The third run was scored on a fielder’s choice RBI.

The Bluefish got on the board with a run on a solo home run by third baseman Jesse Horrelbeke (13) in the top of the ninth inning.

Patriots starter Jim Magrane (1-6) picked up his first win of the season, allowing an earned run on five hits and nine strikeouts in eight innings pitched. Bridgeport starter Barry Hertzler (3-3) suffered the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, on eight hits in eight innings. Casey Cahill earned his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Monday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks The game includes Faith Night courtesy of Somerset Council and Bark In The Park Night. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Bluefish took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Center fielder Travis Ezi singled and scored on an RBI double by third baseman Luis Lopez.

Somerset took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Second baseman David Housel walked, center fielder Sean Smith singled, and shortstop Teuris Olivares drove in both runners on a double. Third baseman Brandon Larson followed with an RBI double to plate Olivares.

The Patriots opened up the game with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Left fielder Matt Hagen reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on an RBI double by catcher Jason Belcher. After Housel drew a walk, Smith cleared the bases with a three-run home run (3). Olivares then singled and stole second. First baseman Josh Pressley and designated hitter Vito Chiaravalloti each drew walks to load the bases. Right fielder Ryan Radmanovich drew a bases loaded walk to plate Olivares and Hagen followed with a two-run double to give Somerset a 10-1 lead.

Bridgeport cut the lead to 10-4 with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. First baseman Ryan Bear singled, shortstop Bobby Darula reached on a fielder’s choice, and shortstop Alex Prieto followed with a three-run home run (4).

Somerset added another three runs to the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning on a home run by Pressley (6), an RBI single by Belcher, and a bases loaded walk by Smith.

Patriots starter Josh Brey (2-0) picked up the win, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and five strikeouts in six innings pitched. Bluefish starter Ryan DiPietro (1-3) suffered the loss, allowing nine earned runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday afternoon against the Bridgeport Bluefish at 1:35 pm. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive an All-Star Cap courtesy of Tender Smiles 4Kids.Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Catcher Shea Harris drew a walk and later scored on a throwing error.

The Patriots took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Center fielder Sean Smith singled on a bunt and stole second. After left fielder Michael Ryan drew a walk, Pressley followed with an RBI single. Right fielder Ryan Radmanovich plated two runs with a double to right center field.

The Bluefish cut the lead to 3-2 with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Right fielder Ryan Bear doubled and scored on an RBI single by designated hitter Calvin Pickering.

Bridgeport tied up the game with a run in the top of the fifth inning. Second baseman Henry Mateo singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by third baseman Luis Lopez.

The Bluefish regained the lead with two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Center fielder Travis Ezi walked and scored on an RBI double by Mateo. Lopez followed with an RBI double to make the score 5-3.

Somerset wasted no time, scoring three runs to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Smith was hit by a pitch and stole second. Ryan reached on a single and third baseman Brandon Larson cleared the bases with a two-run triple. Pressley then made the score 6-5 with an RBI single.

The Bluefish tied it up again in the top of the eighth inning on a solo home run by Pickering (7).

Patriots reliever Casey Cahill (4-2) picked up the win with a scoreless inning pitched. Bluefish reliever Franklin Perez (2-2) suffered the loss.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Saturday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game includes Slider Bobblehead Dolls for the first 2,000 fans in attendance courtesy of TMNG Global. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning, the Bluefish scored two runs to win 5-4. Center fielder Travis Ezi singled, second baseman Henry Mateo walked, and third baseman Luis Lopez followed with a two-run game-winning double.

The Patriots broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning. Left fielder Matt Hagen tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by shortstop Elliott Ayala for a 4-3 lead

Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead in the first at bat of the game on a solo home run by Ezi (9).

The Patriots answered with a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning from Hagen (7) to tie the game at 1-1.

Bridgeport took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Shortstop Alex Prieto walked, Ezi singled, and Lopez singled to load the bases. First baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke then drew a bases loaded walk to score Prieto and right fielder Ryan Bear had an RBI groundout to score Ezi to make the score 3-1.

In the bottom of the sixth inning Somerset had back-to-back solo homeruns by right fielder Ryan Radmanovich (2) and Hagen (8), his second of the game, to tie the score at 3-3.

Bluefish reliever Franklin Perez (2-1) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on one hit in an inning pitched. Patriots reliever Brock Till (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing an earned run on one hit in 0.1 innings pitched. Eddy Ramos earned his third save of the season for the Bluefish with a scoreless ninth inning pitched.

Patriots starter Steve Kelly allowed three earned runs on five hits and seven strikeouts in seven innings in a no decision. Bridgeport starter Eric DuBose allowed three earned runs on nine hits and three strikeouts in seven innings for a no decision.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Friday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game includes Fireworks courtesy of Celgene Cellular Therapeutics. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Bluefish struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when second baseman Henry Mateo hit a one out solo home run (2) to left.

The Patriots answered with three runs in the top of the second inning to take a 3-1 lead. First baseman Vito Chiaravalloti led off by blooping a double down the right field line and came around to score on a two out RBI single up the middle by catcher Travis Anderson. Second baseman David Housel followed with a bloop single to left center and then shortstop Elliott Ayala ripped a two run double down the left field line that plated both Anderson and Housel.

Somerset plated five more runs in the top of the fourth inning to make it an 8-1 lead. The Patriots loaded the bases on a double off the left field wall by centerfielder Matt Hagen, a fielder’s choice to third off the bat of Anderson and a walk by Housel. Ayala followed by lining a two run single to center that to score Hagen and Anderson and then leftfielder Michael Ryan drew a walk. Third baseman Brandon Larson then hit a RBI fielder’s choice to shortstop where the Bluefish committed an error which allowed Housel and Ayala to score. After a two out single to left by Chiaravalloti, rightfielder Ryan Radmanovich delivered an RBI single to right that plated Ryan.

The Patriots tacked on a run in the top of the sixth inning to extend their lead to 9-1 when Chiaravalloti crushed a mammoth two out solo home run (8) to left.

Bridgeport scored their final run in the bottom of the ninth inning to make it 9-2 when catcher Brian Munhall led off with a single to center, moved to second on a single to right by leftfielder Bobby Darula and scored on a one out RBI single to left center by centerfielder Travis Ezi.

Patriots’ starter Andy Van Hekken (2-1) picked up the win, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out nine and walking none over seven innings. Bluefish starter Rafael Bergstrom (3-2) suffered the loss, allowing eight runs, six earned, on nine hits while walking two and striking out three in four innings of work.

With the win the Patriots improved to 28-18 on 2008 season while the Bluefish dropped to 24-23.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 19th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The first 1,000 fathers will receive a Ballpark Photo Frame courtesy of ImClone Systems. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Gary Cates started the Camden rally with a leadoff single in the ninth. He scored on a L.J. Biernbaum double to tie the game at four. After a walk to Josh Rabe, Brett Bonvechio drove in the go-ahead runs on a double to left-center. Bonvechio finished the night going two-for-five with two doubles and two RBIs. Cates, Nic Jackson and Ron Davenport all added two hits apiece for the Riversharks.

The Bluefish showed plenty of their own rally power on the evening. Luis Lopez broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning with an RBI single that scored Henry Mateo. Mateo found himself in another tight spot in the bottom of the ninth with the tying run on third base and the winning run on first. The Bluefish second baseman was unable to extend the game as he grounded out to his Camden counterpart to end the contest. Lopez finished the evening three-for-four with an RBI while Jesse Hoorelbeke drove in two runs on his only hit of the night.

Bridgeport starter Barry Hertzler got off to another rocky start, allowing three runs on five hits through his first two innings. From there, he cruised through his final six innings of work and kept his Bluefish in the game. Hertzler struck out three and walked four in his eight innings of work before turning things over to Bluefish closer Wes Wilkerson (0-5) in the ninth. Wilkerson allowed the three go-ahead runs to score on three hits and a walk. Alec Zumwalt (2-1) picks up the win for Camden, coming on in relief of starter Chris Young in the eighth inning.

The Bluefish and Riversharks split the first-half season series at 5-5. From here Bridgeport will host the Somerset Patriots in a three-game set this weekend. First pitch Friday is at 7:05 P.M. in which Bridgeport’s Rafael Bergstrom (3-1) will start against Andy Van Hekken (1-1).

The six runs in the fifth blew the doors open on the Camden blowout victory. Brett Bonvechio hit his team-high seventh home run while Josh Rabe drove in three on a double over the head of Bridgeport left fielder Bobby Darula.

Bridgeport starter Ryan DiPietro (1-1) was able to keep the game close until the fourth inning. Camden leadoff man Gary Cates hit a tough hop over the head of the Bluefish lefty that could have ended the inning. Instead, the infield hit broke a 2-2 tie and led to a Nic Jackson on two-run single to make things 5-2. DiPietro went four innings and gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits with two walks and one strikeout to suffer the loss. Jason Phillips, Richard Lewis, and Cates all recorded three hits on the evening for The Riversharks.

Camden starter Ryan Drese (4-1) scattered eight Bluefish hits over his seven innings of work and allowed just two runs to earn the win. The two runs came in the first two innings on a Jesse Hoorelbeke sacrifice fly and an Alex Prieto RBI groundout. Travis Ezi and Prieto both had two base-hits in the contest while Calvin Pickering (double) and Darula (triple) added an extra base hit a piece
The Bluefish and Riversharks will finish the three-game set up tomorrow night at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Bridgeport’s Barry Hertzler (2-2) will meet Chris Young (4-3) of Camden in the rubber match.

The Bluefish jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, caused in part by two Bears errors and a triple by Bluefish shortstop Henry Mateo. Then, in the bottom of the inning, Brian Burgamy smacked a solo home run for the Bears to make the score 3-1. It was Burgamy’s third home run of the season.

The Bluefish added another two runs in the top of the second, highlighted by RBI singles from Ryan Bear and Calvin Pickering, giving the Bluefish a 5-1 lead. However, the Bears responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Val Majewski and Keith Reed led off with singles and later scored on sacrifice flies by Gerard Haran and John Pachot.

Bridgeport scored a run in each of the third and fourth innings to push their lead to 7-3. Reed then led off the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run, his third of the year and second in two games, to make the score 7-4.

Bridgeport added another five runs in the fifth, four of which came on a grand slam home run by Brendan Florence to give the Bluefish a 12-4 lead. A home run by Bear capped off a four-run sixth inning for the Bluefish, upping their lead to 16-4.

The Bears scored the game’s final six runs, including four runs in the ninth inning. Unfortunately, the offensive surge was not enough and Newark lost the game 16-10.

Bears outfielders Cory Aldridge, Reed, and Burgamy all made appearances on the pitcher’s mound during the game, combining for four scoreless innings. Aldridge tossed two innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. Reed pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, while Burgamy induced a pop out and two ground outs in the ninth.

Bluefish starter Matt Pike (4-1) earned the win, pitching six innings and giving up five runs on seven hits. Jose Garcia (0-1) suffered the loss for the Bears, allowing seven runs, five of them earned on ten hits over four innings. He also walked four and struck out five.

The Bears start a four-game weekend series against the Long Island Ducks tomorrow in Long Island. Pat Stanley (4-0) will take the mound for the Bears. The Bears return home on Tuesday, June 10th for a six-game home stand. For great seats call 1-866-55-4BEAR or visit www.newarkbears.com.

The four-run seventh inning wiped out the Bears’ 3-0 lead, which they had grabbed in the bottom of the sixth on Keith Reed’s two-out three-run home run. The homer was Reed’s second of the season.

The lead would not last long for Newark as the Bluefish loaded the bases to start the seventh inning. Alex Prieto singled home the first run across the plate, which set up Ezi’s bases-clearing double to left-center field that gave the Bluefish a 4-3 lead.

The Bluefish nearly scored the first run in the top of the third inning when Ezi attempted to score from second base on a Henry Mateo single. However, right fielder Jose Herrera launched a throw from the outfield to catcher Scott Knazek, who tagged Ezi for the out.

Both Ramon Castro and Reed went 2-4 in the game, and Reed collected three RBI from his home run.

Bears starter Matt Sweeney (1-4) held the Bluefish scoreless for six innings but then gave up four runs in the seventh to take the loss. He allowed ten hits over six innings of work, struck out three and walked one. Eric Dubose (1-2) earned the win for the Bluefish, giving up three runs on four hits in six innings. The Bridgeport bullpen of Jeff Tam, Eddy Ramos, and Wes Wilkerson retired all nine batters they faced. Wilkerson earned his eighth save of the season, retiring the Bears in order to end the game.

The Bears finish their three-game series against the Bluefish tomorrow with an 11:05 am game. Jose Garcia (0-0) will take the mound for the Bears, facing Matt Pike (3-1). For great tickets to this or any other Bears home game, call 1-866-55-4BEAR or visit the Bears website www.newarkbears.com .

Bridgeport took an early 3-0 lead in the second inning when Jesse Hoorelbeke led-off with a home run. Starter David Pellegrine then hit Ryan Bear and allowed a double to Branden Florence. Travis Ezi’s double to center field brought home Bear and Florence was called safe on a very close play at the plate.

The Bears fought back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Cory Aldridge and Val Majewski hit back-to-back solo home runs to cut the lead to 3-2.

Newark took the lead in the following inning. Bobby Hill led off with a single and Ramon Castro followed him with a walk. Jose Herrera’s base-hit up the middle plated Hill and Majewski came up and knocked in Castro to give the Bears a 4-3 lead.

Bridgeport re-tied the game in the fourth when Alex Prieto, who was on second with a double, came in on a Henry Mateo single.

After loading up the bases in the fifth with no one out, Pellegrine was lifted in favor of Cory Willey. After giving up a run-scoring single, Willey was able to induce a short fly-out and then a double play to escape further damage.

Hoorelbeke struck again in the sixth inning, hitting his second home run of the game, another solo shot, giving Bridgeport a 6-4 lead.

Bridgeport starter Rafael Bergstom settled down after a rough first couple of innings to pick up the win. He kept the Newark lineup off-balance in the second-half of his outing.

“The last time we faced him [Bergstom] it was the same thing,” said manager Wayne Krenchicki. “We scored some early runs and then he settled down and threw a lot of change-ups and we didn’t do anything against after we scored early.”

The Bears were unable to re-gain any ground. Newark got a runner into scoring position in each of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, but couldn’t find the hit to bring the runner home.

A lead-off walk in the ninth by Castro was erased by a double play and then a two-out single by Aldridge when to waste with a game-ending groundout.

“You have to give a lot of credit to the pitching tonight,” said Krenchicki. “We have been very good with runners in scoring position and runners in scoring position with two outs, so you have to give their staff credit.”

Notes: The Bears lost for just the fifth time at home this season. They are 13-5 at Riverfront Stadium, while just 9-9 on the road. With his 2-for-4 night, Aldridge is now hitting exactly .400 on the season. He is 56-for-140 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. His batting average and RBI total lead the Atlantic League. Hoorelbeke’s two home runs gave him nine on the season, also an Atlantic League leader.

Newark starter Matt Sweeney cruised through most of the game, scattering Bluefish hits over his first seven innings. The Bluefish bats finally put together a string of runners together when Sweeney walked the first two men in the eighth before being relieved by Rich Scalamandre. Luis Lopez drove in his 24th and 25th runs on the season off Scalamandre to tie the game at three. The Bluefish infielder crossed the plate on a Calvin Pickering sacrifice fly to make the game 4-3. Scalamandre is charged with the loss going .1 innings with one hit and one walk while allowing the go-ahead run to score.

Sweeney finished with seven plus innings, allowing three runs on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts.

Eric DuBose put together a nice start with just two bad pitches leading to his three runs allowed. The Bluefish southpaw went 7.1 innings allowing six hits with five walks and five strikeouts. Jeff Tam got out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the eighth to earn the win. Wes Wilkerson gave up two hits in the ninth but was able to get Cory Aldridge, who homered earlier, to fly out to earn his sixth save of the season.

Travis Ezi got things started for Bridgeport leading off the game with a triple and scoring two runs with one steal. Bears shortstop Ramon Castro continued to dominate Bluefish pitching with his third home run in the series only three pitches into the contest. Aldridge and Jose Herrera both extended their hit streaks to a staggering 19 games.

The Bluefish welcome the Camden Riversharks to town for a three-game weekend series. Matt Pike makes his third start of the season on Friday for the ‘Fish opposed by Darren Sack of Camden.

The Bridgeport bats were quiet all night with just four hits over their first six innings. Rafael Bergstrom threw his strongest outing since his first start of the season, going seven innings and allowing two runs on six hits with four walks and five strikeouts. He was on the hook for the loss until his offense came alive in the seventh. Travis Ezi drove in Shea Harris on his first RBI single as a Bluefish and later scored on a throwing error by Newark catcher John Pachot.

The two teams traded runs in the eighth to keep the game tied. Randall Simon’s RBI single off Bluefish relief pitcher Franklin Perez made the game 3-2, but Alex Prieto answered right back with his own RBI single in the bottom of the inning. In the end the Bears tacked on that one extra run the Bluefish could not answer when Castro drilled Bentz’s pitch over the left field wall. The Bears infielder finished the game two-for-four with the homer and two runs scored. J.J. Trujillo worked 1.1 innings in relief for the win despite allowing the tying run to score in the eighth. Bentz gets the loss with one run on three hits in the ninth.

Bridgeport’s Branden Florence and Brian Munhall both had their extensive hit streaks snapped while Jose Herrera and Cory Aldridge of Newark both extended their hitting streaks to 18 games each. Herrera finished the night three-for-five with a triple, an RBI, a stolen base, and a run. Harris recorded his second multi-hit game with the Bluefish this season, going two-for-four with a double and a run.

The Bluefish look for a series split in the finale tomorrow night. Tim Drew will take the mound for Bridgeport to face Matt Sweeney.

Bumstead, who at one point in the game retired 11 batters in a row, came into the seventh inning with a 4-3 lead. He was pulled in favor of Edwin Almonte after loading the bases for one of the league’s leading hitters in Luis Lopez. Almonte was unable to keep the lead intact as a wild pitch and a Lopez sacrifice fly gave Bridgeport their first lead of the day. Bumstead (3-4) finished going 6.1 innings allowing six hits and five runs (two earned) while walking two and striking out two.

Hertzler settled down after his first two innings of work and lasted into the eighth. T.J. Tucker came on in relief after Hertzler allowed the tying run to reach third base with one out. After an intentional walk Tucker struck out back-to-back hitters to work out of the jam. Hertzler (2-2) picks up the win going 7.1 innings and allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out three and walking one. Wes Wilkerson worked a perfect ninth for his fifth save of the season.

Lopez drove in two runs on the day on two sacrifice flies and a walk. Branden Florence and Brian Munhall both extended their hitting streaks on the day, 12 and 9 games respectively. Florence went 2-3 with an RBI while Munhall went 1-4 with a double. Calvin Pickering added the only other multi-hit game for Bridgeport, going 2-4 with an RBI.

Mike Just went three-for-four in the nine spot for Newark with a run and a stolen base while each of the first four hitters in the Bears lineup had an RBI a piece.

The Bluefish improve to 15-16 on the season and will continue and will continue their four-game set with the Bears tomorrow. Rafael Bergstrom, hot off his first career Atlantic League win, will take the mound for the Bluefish opposed by Benito Baez of Newark.

The Bluefish 6-5 lead was erased by three runs in the seventh and four more in the eighth, capped by a two-run homer by Val Majewksi. Majewski was 2-4 on the night with three RBIs and a run. Ramon Castro and Brian Burgamy also added two hits adna home run a piece on the evening.

The Bluefish bats were quiet until the fourth inning when they sent nine men to the plate and scored five runs. Calvin Pickering and Brian Munhall both cranked two-run shots in the inning to contribute. Munhall and Luis Lopez notched the only multi-hit performances for Bridgeport with two base knocks each.

Matt Pike took advantage of his second spot start and pitched well. The righty went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits with four walks and a strikeout. Jeff Tam (0-1) helped Pike get out of a bases loaded jam with an inning ending double play in the sixth but then gave the lead back to the Bears in the following inning to take the loss. Pat Stanley (3-0) worked the win for Newark, going six innings and allowing eight hits and six runs (five earned) while walking three and striking out six.

Bridgeport will try to rebound with game two of four tomorrow night. Barry Hertzler will head to the hill for the Bluefish and will be opposed by Mike Bumstead.

After losing the first two of this series, Long Island decided to change the roles, and became the attackers. Scoring in each of the first six innings, the Ducks bats were awake on Sunday, wreaking havoc on Bluefish pitchers. On the strength of two Carl Everett home runs – with the latter being a Grand Slam – the Ducks (14-15) came away with a 19-6 victory over the Bluefish (14-15), in front of 6,211 at Citibank Park.

Everett, among the top 10 in batting average (.369) hit a solo shot off Bridgeport starter Carlos Castillo (0-2), in the first, and hit a massive shot to right in the 5th off Chris Eikhorst. Everett has been on base for 20 consecutive games.

“He is so comfortable at the plate right now, and proves to be a leader every day in the clubhouse”, said Ducks interim manager Bud Harrelson with skipper Dave LaPoint away, attending his son’s college graduation.

Every Ducks starter got at least one hit. Only P.J. Rose did not get a run batted in. Kevin Haverbusch stroked his second home run of the season and had three of the sixteen hits of Bluefish pitching.

Estee Harris, a native of Central Islip, blasted the third pitch of the game for Long Island over the right center field fence giving the Ducks the lead. He also drove in a run on a fielders choice, scored three runs, and stole two bases.

“Carl (Everett) has been such a great mentor for Estee”, said Harrelson. “He has worked with him, and worked on getting his confidence up and keep an even keel at the plate.”

Ducks starter Randy Leek (2-1), gave up a run in the second with only one hit out of four in the inning reaching the outfield. Leek pitched seven strong innings, striking out six and walking none. The former MacArthur High School General from Levittown, has been one of the more consistent starters on the Ducks over the past two seasons, with a WHIP of just under 1.00.

“The bullpen has been overworked of late, so with a big lead like that, it’s my job keep throwing strikes”, said Leek. “I had a game plan to keep the hitters off the plate, get inside a little bit, and keep them guessing.”

With this victory, the Ducks are back to a virtual tie with Bridgeport, six games behind Liberty Division leading Camden. At the 40% mark for the first half, there is still time to chip into the division lead.

“The upcoming road trip (four in Lancaster, and three in Southern Maryland), is very important. A game like this, will give the guys some real confidence for next week. Good things.”

And that’s what they are hoping for next week.

Notes: In each of the first six innings, the Ducks got the first man on base. Those runners subsequently scored. P.J. Rose’s consecutive RBI streak ended at seven. Rob Cafiero, part time player and coach, pitched the ninth inning, allowing three runs on three hits, to raise his ERA from 0.00 to 6.75. Bridgeport’s Luis Lopez who went four for four against the Ducks in Saturday night’s contest, went zero for five today. Jamal Strong made the unusual in the score sheet registering a sacrifice fly to second base and a RBI. Actually, the second baseman for Bridgeport was unable to catch the fly ball, (it was called infield fly rule), but P.J. Rose smartly came down the third base line to score Long Island’s first of four runs in the third inning. The Ducks leave after the game, for a seven day road trip to Lancaster and Waldorf, MD, before returning home on Jun. 2 for a seven game home stand against Somerset and Newark.

Bridgeport once again victimized Ducks pitching, outslugging its opponent for an 8-6 win over the home team last night at Citibank Park. In five meetings this year, the Ducks have surrendered 58 runs. That works out to be more than 11 runs per contest, by far the worse output against any opponent.

The offense has still kept the games competitive, as the Ducks are just 2-3 against the Bluefish. Pete Rose Jr. did his best to ignite a comeback bid, scoring two runs and driving in another. Most of the sell-out crowd of 6,513 stayed for fireworks night and nearly saw a comeback attempt.

“We’re battling and it’s early,” Rose said. “No one is hitting the panic button.”

Down four runs in the bottom of the sixth, Carl Everett came to the plate with the bases loaded lifted a 0-1 pitch deep to right. Braden Florence raced back before settling under the ball on the edge of the warning track, ending the Ducks best rally.

“We had some chances and hit some line drives at people,” acting manager Bud Harrelson said. “I thought overall we were a heck of a lot better than we were last night.”

Unlike Friday’s brutal 15-8 loss, the Ducks did not commit any errors. But they still dropped two games below .500 and at 13-15 trail Camden by six games.

Steve Kent lasted just 4 2/3 innings, getting tagged for 10 hits and seven runs (all earned). In losing the first two games of the series, the starting pitchers have gone a combined six innings to strain an undermanned bullpen that lost closer Joe Valentine when he was signed to the Phillies Triple-A affiliate earlier in the evening.

Florence started Bridgeport’s first-inning rally, singling and scoring on Calvin Pickering’s two-run double. Pickering scored on Brian Munhall’s RBI single to cap a three-run outburst. Luis Lopez sent his Atlantic League-leading average skyrocketing past the .400 mark. The second baseman entered batting .395 and went 4-4, adding a walk, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Lopez finished a home run short of the cycle, singling home Henry Mateo and scoring on Pickering’s sacrifice fly in a three-run fifth that chased Kent and provided Bluefish starter Tim Drew (3-1) enough cushion to pick up the victory.

“If we could figure out a way to get Luis Lopez out, we’d be OK,” Harrelson said. “This is a very tough offensive ball club. They’re tough. We’re a little beat up and we got guys we had to rest.”

Rose scored twice in the first three innings, chipping at the Bluefish lead. Jamie Pogue capped a two-run third, platting Rose on a RBI single. Pogue doubled and scored in the seventh and Kevin Haverbusch’s ground out scored Ray Navarrete in the eighth before the Ducks ran out of chances. Wes Wilkerson pitched a flawless ninth to pick up his fourth save.

The good news is second baseman Brent Abernathy is expected to return from his rib injury soon and Damian Rolls came off the inactive list and played for the first time since May 10.

“Everything’s going to come around,” Rose said. “As a team, we’re starting to swing the bats. I think it’s just a little rut and some crazy things that haven’t gone our way. Those two guys have been out and they can’t wait to get back in the lineup.”

Bridgeport collected 28 hits the previous two games. Pickering, a near 300-pound designated hitter, knocked in three runs and surprised everyone in the ballpark by stealing second base in the third. Pickering was not held at first and Kent failed to pay attention to him after his single. The lumbering slugger took off and stole the base easily.

Jon Asahina stopped the bleeding, allowing just one run in 3 1/3 relief innings. Jason Simontacchi is still on the inactive list, providing a chance for Asahina to move into the rotation.

“We’re building him because he looks pretty good,” Harrelson said. “He’s young and strong and we may need him as a starter eventually. I thought he handled himself very well out there.”

The rule book was the last of the Ducks’ worries last night. Kevin Mannix slogged through his second straight poor outing, getting lifted after recording just four outs and nine runs (three earned) in a brutal 14-9 loss to division-rival Bridgeport.

Mannix was tagged for six runs—all unearned—in the first inning thanks in part to two fielding errors and one infield single generously ruled a single. Mannix walked five and lasted just 1 1/3 innings as the Ducks dropped one game below .500 when just a night before they reached the break-even point for the first time since May 11.

“You knew he was in trouble right away. He was walking guys and walked two [runs] in,” said Harrelson, the Ducks’ co-owner filling in for Dave LaPoint, who is attending his son’s college graduation this weekend. “We didn’t help him early on with a couple of miscues. They got a couple of bloops and started blasting us.”

An infield single, fielding error and walk loaded the bases with no outs in the first. Bridgeport benefitted from a second misplay when third baseman Pete Maestrales threw a potential double play ball into right field, allowing two runs to score. Two batters later, Brian Munhall registered the first of his evening’s four RBIs, drawing a bases loaded walk.

Though all the runs were unearned via the two errors, Mannix suffered the ultimate indignity by walking pitcher Matt Pike to force in the fifth run of the inning. Pike, a pitcher, was making his first professional plate appearance, playing left field in an emergency situation because of injuries to the Bridgeport roster.

Fielding miscues represented a moiety of the Ducks’ problems. Mannix’s woes continued in the second when he allowed two hits and a walk to load the bases with one out. Brian Munhall then ripped a two-run double, prompting a coaching mound visit.

Immediately after the conference, Harrelson walked out to remove Mannix. But by rule, a pitching change cannot be made following a mound visit until the current pitcher faces one more batter (except in a pinch-hitting situation).

Mannix couldn’t end his night on a good night as Jake Daubert’s RBI double chased him and put the Bluefish up 9-2. The Ducks (13-14) chipped into the edge, cutting it as close as 9-6 on Alex Sanchez’ fourth-inning solo home run off Rafael Bergstrom.

Bridgeport (13-14) reestablished a comfortable lead in the fifth, deflating the sold-out Citibank Park crowd by tagging long reliever Mike Myers for four runs. Ryan Bear added a two-run double and Jesse Hoorelbeke’s single platted Braden Florence to put the Bluefish up 12-6.

“Myers is an inning-eater,” Harrelson said. “We started to come back and he gave up four and it kind of got out of hand.”

The Ducks racked up 15 hits but couldn’t bail out the pitching staff. Myers rejoined the organization two days after getting released and provided length instead of quality. The Wantagh native saved the bullpen by going 4 1/3 innings. He also surrendered eight hits, three walks and five earned runs, preventing the lineup from pulling out the slugfest in front of 6,047 fans.

Sanchez continued his amazing hot streak, recording a multi-hit game for the third time in three nights since joining the club. Sanchez finished 4-6, scoring four runs. In his brief Ducks career, the former Tigers outfielder has compiled 10 hits, seven runs, 2 homer, four extra base hits and three RBIs in just 15 at-bats. Sanchez played winter ball before working out in his home prior to joining the Atlantic League.

“He’s on fire,” Harrelson said. “It’s my understanding that he hadn’t really done anything for three months. But he’s got that nice, quick swing. He could probably take three years off and hit like that.”

Two hits and presented a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the ninth for the Ducks. Donaldo Mendez continued his season-long funk, striking out. Sanchez came up to extend the rally and lined the ball hard to second. Instead of finding the hole, Luis Lopez fielded it on one hop and turned the game-ending double play.

“He hit the ball as hard as you can hit it,” Harrelson said. “He has to hit it that hard to be doubled up.”

The Ducks dropped to 13-14 and will look to get even tonight in the second contest of a three-game set. Lefty Steve Kent will start for the home team and face Bridgeport right-hander Tim Drew.

A ceremony took place before the game to honor the players from last season’s championship Newark squad. Ed Almonte, J.J. Trujillo, John Pachot, Keith Reed and Vic Gutierrez were the players honored as well as manager Wayne Krenchicki and pitching coach Steve Foucalt.

Brian Peterson of Bridgeport picked up the game’s first hit in the top of the first, but he was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double by Brian Burgamy to end the inning.

The Bluefish appeared poised to draw first blood in the game when Alex Prieto hit a one-out double off the left field wall. However, the outfield arms were able to contribute once again. A Henry Mateo single sent Prieto around third towards home, but an impressive peg from right fielder Val Majewski nailed Prieto at the dish to keep the game scoreless.

Newark would pick up the game’s first run in the bottom of the third. The rally began with two outs when Vic Gutierrez reached on a tough chance for the shortstop Prieto, it was ruled an error. Mike Just then reached on an infield single, followed by two straight walks to Bobby Hill and Keith Reed, the latter bringing Gutierrez in from third. The bases were left loaded, however, when Randall Simon grounded out to end their rally.

Bridgeport came storming back in the top of the fourth when Brian Peterson tripled to right field to lead off. Calvin Pickering worked a free-pass from Will Cunnane and one batter later Ryan Bear doubled in Peterson. Jake Daubert singled in a run and then Bobby Darula hit a sacrifice fly to center to put the Bluefish up 3-1.

Once again, the Bears were equal to the task and roared right back into the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Mike Just doubled in two runs and Cory Aldridge cleared the bases with a double of his own accounting for five of the Bears seven runs in their turn at bat. Gutierrez also reached on an error by counterpart shortstop Prieto for the second consecutive inning.

“We swung the bats really well tonight and got some timely hitting,” said Krenchicki.

Bridgeport’s starter Barry Hertzler started strong by retiring his first eight in a row, but saw bad bounces and a couple of errors turn fortunes against him. He was lifted for reliever Matt Ford after Just’s double and Hill’s hard single up the middle. He ended up with seven runs against him, but only three were earned.

Newark put the conclusion in little doubt in the bottom of the fifth when Keith Reed came up with a bases-loaded double of his own that cleared the sacks of Bears runners and put Newark up 12-3.

Cunnane pitched five innings for the Bears on a cold night which saw him in the dugout for extended periods of time due to Newark’s offense stringing several long innings together. However, Krenchicki says that wasn’t why he was taken out.

“It was his first time out for the season,” said Krenchicki. “We wanted him to get around 80 pitches, so it didn’t have to do with the cold, it was just where we wanted him to be with his pitch count.”

Cunnane was positive about his first start in two years. “I’m coming off a surgery, so the start itself was a big deal for me, regardless of the outcome,” said Cunnane. “Granted, I came away the winner tonight. But, a lot of hard work went into getting back here and I’m really pumped about that, especially with my team picking me up the way they did.”

The Bears continued to tack on runs thanks to another RBI-double by Just and a two-run single by Bobby Hill, Newark now led 15-4 after six innings of play. Bridgeport picked up a couple of late runs to close out the scoring.

Third baseman Mike Just came into the game batting .077, but collected three hits and three RBIs, which he owes in part to his mother.

“My mom threw me batting practice this morning, actually, so that was pretty interesting,” said Just. “Then I came over with Jonesy (hitting coach Ryan Jones) and did some top-hand drills to keep my swing in that line drive and lower plane.”

Newark and Bridgeport meet again tomorrow with Michael Bumstead facing off against Eric Dubose.

Notes: Newark had three outfield assists in the game. Bridgeport catcher Brian Peterson was a home run short of the cycle, going five-for-five with three doubles, a single and a triple. Attendance for the night’s game was 4,745. Each outfielder for Newark contributed an assist in throwing out a runner. The most runs Newark has ever scored in a game is 20. It happened against Atlantic City on August 16, 1998. Majewski hurt his shoulder on a great catch in right field. Krenchicki said there’s some tightness in his leg, but was simply taken out of the game as a precaution. He most likely will not play tomorrow and be re-evaluated then.