The first two weeks of August nearly derailed the Ducks quest for a fifth straight Atlantic League playoff berth. But the subsequent fortnight is helping the Flock gain an edge of Bridgeport in the wild card race, continuing with a 12-3 victory Sunday over York.

George Lombard’s torrid hitting continued with a two-run home run to support Troy Cate’s strong effort. The Ducks opened the scoring on a second-inning RBI groundout and extended the edge to 3-0 an inning later when Lombard followed Ray Navarette’s walk by taking Dan Foli’s pitch deep to left.

Lombard’s blast marked his seventh homer in just 28 games. Cate made those runs stand up, limiting the Revolution to just two runs on six hits in six innings as the Ducks capped a six-game home stand with four victories and series wins over York and Bridgeport.

Including the final two July games, the Ducks lost eight in a row and 12 of 13 this month to drop to 13-19 as of Aug. 14. The Ducks responded by winning six in a row and have now won eight of the past10 to make it back to .500. Thanks to a strong first-half record, the Ducks surged 5 ½ games ahead of Bridgeport in the overall wild card standings with 38 games remaining.

“Right now, we’re all playing the game the right way and everyone is swinging the bat well,” Lombard said.

The Ducks scored in every inning except the first and eighth. A four-run sixth turned the contest into a blowout and improved Cate to 9-4.

Lombard’s play continued to help the Ducks achieve a previously elusive consistency level. The former Atlanta Brave went 1-4 Sunday and is batting .373. A mid-July free agent pickup, Lombard carried a .621 slugging percentage and .469 on-base percentage into the game to emerge as a capable replacement for Preston Wilson, who is on the inactive list with a season-ending shoulder injury.

“I get my work in and just go up there and try to have a quality at-bat every time,” Lombard said. “I’ve never been a numbers guy. The first year I was drafted, I hit a buck-40, so I’ve never been caught up in stats.

“Stats don’t mean a thing until the season is over when you can look back and reflect on your year.”

As a 18-year-old second-round pick, Lombard batted .140 in 40 games for Atlanta’s Single-A Gulf Cost Braves rookie league in 1994. But the 6-0 left-handed bat developed quickly and said he is working closely with coach Kevin Baez and manager Gary Carter. Lombard said he is looking to make it back to the big leagues for the first time since he played for the Nationals in 2006.

Lombard, a six-year major league veteran, is slugging at a clip. His numbers at Citibank Park are even more impressive. The one-time Rays, Tigers and Nationals corner outfielder started the afternoon with a staggering 1.000 slugging percentage and .646 on-base percentage at home. Six of his seven home runs have come at Citibank Park in just 13 home games

“It’s a good place to hit,” Lombard said. “The lighting is good at home plate and it’s your home field, so you can come out and do your early work. I feel more comfortable here.”

Navarrete finished 3-4 with two runs scored while Brooklyn native Johnny Hernandez provided plenty of insurance runs, logging three hits and three runs in five at-bats along with two RBIs as the Ducks pounded out 19 hits.

Lew Ford started the evening as the league’s leading hitter. The ex-Minnesota Twin went 1-4. Hernandez opened the scoring by lacing a leadoff single to start the second and scoring on Matt Cavagnaro’s RBI groundout.

Following Lombard’s long ball, the Ducks scored twice in the fourth and fifth innings before Hernandez added a two-run single through the right side in the sixth. Cavagnaro, who racked up three RBIs, drove in another run on a groundout while Rob Sandora also added a RBI single.

Three Ducks reliever pitched one inning reach to close the win and send the Ducks on a seven-game road trip through Camden and Newark with momentum.

While the Ducks didn’t win the first half division crown, quality pitching propelled the club to a first-place start in the second half. But the Ducks will need to demonstrate resiliency again after the Blue Jays signed Troy Cate to a minor league deal Friday.

Cate earned the ace moniker following Ray’s departure, recording a team-high seven wins. The lefthander was 7-2 with a 3.23 ERA that was lowest among starting pitchers. The left-hander won his fourth straight start and held opposing batters to a .224 batting average against in 78 innings. Cate will be assigned to the Eastern League’s Double-A New Hampshire franchise, becoming the fifth Ducks this season to sign with an affiliated organization.

“We couldn’t be happier for Troy and wish him the best in this great opportunity,” Ducks manager Gary Carter said. “He was really dialed in as of late and we’re excited that he will have the chance to get back to the big leagues.”

Cate’s signing continued to deplete the Ducks original starting rotation. Ray is still in Indians farm system while Opening Day starter Brad Halsey was released July 1. The front office hasn’t sought much outside help. Reliever Cory Doyne is the only pitcher signed this month, leaving pitching coach Dave LaPoint and the rest of the coaching staff to look for in-house replacements.

“He’s pitched well all year and has been one of the better pitchers in the league,” pitching coach Dave LaPoint said. “For us as a team, it was crippling because right now they aren’t a lot of names out there that we can replace him with.”

Ray started 4-0, earning victories in all but one of his starts before going to Triple-A Columbus May 27. The former Atlanta Brave is struggling for the Clippers, starting 2-5 with a 8.67 ERA. Like Ray, Cate is also an ex-big leaguer. The one-time Cincinnati Reds hurler will be looking to return to the majors for the first time since 2007.

“We’ve had to get on the horn and try to call as many people as we can,” LaPoint said. “We need a guy who can throw strikes like Troy did. We can’t hire any more guys who are going to be wild and keep taxing the bullpen.”

The pitching staff will get a rest thanks to Monday’s off-day after Bridgeport completed a three-game sweep at Citibank Park. The Ducks will look to regroup when it hosts first-half division winner Southern Maryland in a three-game series with the Blue Crabs trailing the Flock by a single game.

But starting pitcher Randy Leek was the victim of the Ducks first offensive cold spell since the season’s midway point. Leek limited Bridgeport to just one earned run in striking out a            season-high eight batters in eight innings.

The effort was not good enough as a Bluefish starter pitcher once again dominated. One night after Dan Reichert pitched a complete game shutout, Matt Pike struck out eight in logging a season-high seven innings to hand the Ducks a 4-3 loss in front of 6,305 fans at Citibank Park.

Ray Navarrete lifted a first-inning solo home run to left and Johnny Hernandez tagged Pike for a two-run triple in the second before the Bluefish continued to toss up zeros on the scoreboard. The Ducks will not face Bridgeport ace Esteban Yan this weekend, though the club has been shutout in 16 out of 18 innings this series and will look to avoid a three-game sweep to its division rivals.

Pitching coach Dave LaPoint filled in for manager and Hall of Famer Gary Carter, who is in Cooperstown for Sunday’s induction ceremonies. LaPoint left the clubhouse before reporters could interview him.

Preston Wilson struggled with stepdad and former Met outfielder Mookie Wilson in attendance, striking out four times from the cleanup spot. The Ducks entered the series winners of eight of its previous nine before losing two games in a row for the first time since July 14.

Former major leaguer Hector Carrasco saved Pike’s victory by surviving a tension-packed ninth. The righty induced two fly outs before walking Juan Francia and Hernandez to put the tying and winning runs on base. Navarrete worked the count to 3-1 before taking two strikes to end the game on an anticlimactic note as Carrasco picked up his first save for Bridgeport.

Leek dropped to 6-7 while Pike improved to 5-5.

Bridgeport used speed to open the scoring. Leadoff hitter Adam Greenberg placed a flawless bunt to second for an infield single before advancing on a sacrifice bunt. Luis Lopez’s RBI double drove in Greenberg to give Bridgeport the lead.

Navarrete tied the game in the bottom of the inning, smashing his team-leading 15th home run off the Stalco advertisement to the left of the scoreboard.

A two-out second-inning rally gave the Ducks its only lead. Eighth-hitting Rob Sandora’s single started the rally after two fly outs. Juan Francia walked and scored when Hernandez ripped Pike’s offering just beyond Greenberg’s diving attempt in right-centerfield.

Poor defense contributed to Bridgeport’s eventual game-winning outburst. Leek walked Brandon Sing to lead off the fourth before striking out Jesse Hoorelbeke. Sing took off for second on the strikeout pitch but stopped midway between first and second.

Francia, playing shortstop, took the throw at second but hit Sing with the baseball on the throw back to first to thwart what should have been a double play. Instead, the Bluefish lined back-to-back singles to load the bases before a sacrifice fly and Shea Harris’ two-run single to right handed Bridgeport a 4-3 lead.

Francia’s throw was charged an error two innings limited Leek’s line to just one earned run after the Levittown native settled down and retired 11 straight batters before Ducks reliever Joe Valentine struck out the side in order in the ninth.

Leek’s line was aided by a throwing error that made all three of Bridgeport’s fourth inning runs unearned. The Levittown native still pitched the furthest into a game this season, keeping the bullpen well rested, striking out six of the last 11 batters he faced.

The Bluefish broke the scoreless tie in the 4th inning, and took a 2-0 lead. Third baseman Luis Lopez drew a two out walk before Brandon Sing stepped to the plate and crushed a deep fly ball over the left field wall for his sixth homerun of the season.

Bridgeport tacked on three more runs in the 5th inning and extended its lead. An RBI single by Enohel Polanco plated Luis Rodriguez and advanced Wilson Batista into scoring position. Two batters later, Tyrone Pendergrass tripled to center field, driving in Polanco and Rodriguez, and giving the visitors a 5-0 lead.

The Riversharks answered back in the bottom of the 5th inning, and scored their first runs of the game. Third baseman Brett Bonvechio led off with a base hit, and then catcher Jason Jacobs drove a deep fly ball over the left field wall for his second homerun of the season. The two run blast cut the Bluefish lead down to 5-2.

The Sharks continued to chip away at the lead in the 6th inning, and cut Bridgeport’s lead further. Back to back doubles by Jose Leon and Brett Bonvechio tacked on an additional run, and made the score 5-3 in favor of Bridgeport.

The Bluefish bats came to life again in the 8th inning, as they added one more run to their lead. Sing drew a lead off walk, and then stole second base. Three batters later, Rodriguez drove a base hit to left field, scoring Sing, and upping the score to 6-3 in favor of the visitors.

Camden rallied for six runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, and took their first lead of the game. First, Leon went deep, as he tucked a high fly ball just inside the left field foul pole for a two run homerun that cut the Sharks deficit down to just one run. The Sharks then added four more runs in the inning, courtesy of RBI singles by Chris Walker and Junior Spivey, as well as an RBI double by Bryant Nelson that scored center fielder Wayne Lydon and gave the home team a 9-6 lead.

With a three run lead, the Riversharks put the ball in the hands of closer Julio Guerrero, who picked up his first save of the year by retiring the side while striking out two batters.

The Riversharks and Bluefish will play wrap up their three game series tomorrow at 11:05am. Lefty Ryan DiPietro (1-3, 4.47) will take the mound for the Riversharks, and he will be opposed by right handed pitcher Gary Knotts (2-5, 4.22) from Bridgeport. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box Score

The Automated ScoreBook

Bridgeport at Camden

Jul 15, 2009 at Camden, NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Bridgeport 6 (1-5,34-42)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Greenberg, A cf……….  2  0  0  0   0  1  0  0   0

Roberson, C cf……….  3  0  1  0   0  0  0  0   0

Pendergrass lf………..  4  0  2  2   1  1  1  0   0

Lopez, L 3b…………..  4  1  0  0   1  1  1  3   3

Sing, B 1b……………  4  2  1  2   1  2 12  0   1

Hoorelbeke, dh………..  4  0  1  0   0  2  0  0   0

Radmanovich rf………..  3  0  0  0   1  1  2  0   0

Rodriguez, L c………..  4  1  2  1   0  0  5  1   1

Batista, W 2b…………  4  1  1  0   0  1  2  3   0

Polanco, E ss…………  4  1  1  1   0  2  1  2   2

Pike, M p…………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Weimer, A p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Carrasco, H p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Ryan, P p……………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Plefka, J p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 36  6  9  6   4 11 24 10   7

Camden 9 (2-4,35-41)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Lydon, W cf…………..  4  1  0  0   1  0  1  0   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  5  0  2  2   0  1  1  3   0

Nelson, B ss………….  5  0  1  1   0  0  0  5   3

Knott, J lf…………..  2  1  0  0   2  1  0  0   0

Leon, J dh……………  5  2  3  2   0  1  0  0   0

Bonvechio, B 3b……….  5  1  2  1   0  0  0  0   3

Chiaravollot 1b……….  4  1  1  0   0  1 11  2   0

Jacobs, J c…………..  4  2  1  2   0  0 10  1   3

Walker, C rf………….  3  1  1  1   1  1  2  0   0

Brey, J p…………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Flannery, M p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Newman, J p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Guerrero, J p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Totals………………. 37  9 11  9   4  5 27 12   9

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Bridgeport………. 000 230 010 -  6  9  3

Camden………….. 000 021 06X -  9 11  0

——————————————-

E – Lopez, L(7); Batista, W(2); Polanco, E(4). LOB – Bridgeport 7; Camden 9.

2B – Hoorelbeke,(15); Spivey, J(9); Nelson, B(6); Leon, J 2(7); Bonvechio,

B(10). 3B – Pendergrass(3). HR – Sing, B(14); Leon, J(3); Jacobs, J(2). HBP

- Knott, J. SB – Sing, B(2); Walker, C(24). CS – Lydon, W(6).

Bridgeport             IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Pike, M………….  5.0  4  2  2  2  3 19 21

Weimer, A………..  2.0  2  1  1  1  1  8  9

Carrasco, H………  0.1  2  3  2  1  0  3  4

Ryan, P………….  0.0  3  3  0  0  0  5  5

Plefka, J………..  0.2  0  0  0  0  1  2  3

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Brey, J………….  5.2  6  5  5  1  5 23 24

Flannery, M………  1.2  2  1  1  3  3  7 10

Newman, J………..  0.2  0  0  0  0  1  2  2

Guerrero, J………  1.0  1  0  0  0  2  4  4

Win – Newman, J (1-2).  Loss – Ryan, P (0-2).  Save – Guerrero, J (1).

WP – Newman, J(3). HBP – by Plefka, J (Knott, J).

Umpires – HP: Mike Mazaressi  1B: Jim Tatum  3B: Bob Bainter

Start: 7:12 pm   Time: 3:21   Attendance: 2752

Weather: Sunny and getting warmer

Ryan, P faced 5 batters in the 8th.

Game: CAM7150

Southern Maryland used an eight-run fifth inning, the largest against the Revs this season.  An error got things started, and only one of the runs was earned.  The runs scored on an RBI double by John Ramistella, an RBI single from Pat Osborn, another RBI single by Jermy Acey, a two-run bloop hit from Lance Burkhart, a two-run double by Octavio Martinez, and another RBI double by Chuck Jeroloman, as 12 batters came to the plate.  Osborn’s two-run homer to left in the sixth then extended the lead to 10-0.

The big inning ruined a strong four innings by Tim Harikkala (5-2), who still has only allowed three earned runs over 15.2 innings his last three starts.  He missed a chance to set a Revs record with a sixth straight win on his 38^th birthday.

Kenny Rayborn (7-5) retired the first 16 he faced in the game until Jason Aspito clubbed a long homerun to right field in the sixth.  It was the 41^st in a Revs uniform for York’s all-time homerun leader, but it was the only hit all night for the Revs, who were one-hit for the first time in franchise history.  Rayborn went eight innings, and has now allowed one earned run or less eight times this season in 16 starts.

Southern Maryland added one more in the ninth on a sac fly from Lance Burkhart, but outfielder Ryan Goleski managed to strike out two batters, and reached 91 mph on the stadium radar gun in his inning of mop-up duty.

Dan Foli will face Jarrett Grube in the finale on Thursday at 7 p.m.  It is the third annual Red Hat Society Night at Sovereign Bank Stadium, and it’s also College ID Night.  Students can receive a discounted $7 ticket on Field Box seats by showing their college ID at the Apple Chevrolet Ticket Office.  Gates open at 6 p.m.

The Flock continued their early game dominance this season as they cracked the scoreboard first in the home first.  Ray Navarrete doubled down the left field line and came around to score as Estee Harris’ RBI double found a gap in right center to make it 1-0 Ducks.

Ducks’ starter Randy Leek and Stormers’ hurler Jason Scobie kept the scoreboard unchanged over the next four innings.  Leek retired six in a row at one point, including a perfect fifth.  Scobie matched Leek as he retired six of the seven batters he faced between the second and third innings.

Lancaster reached Leek in the sixth.  Lloyd Turner drilled a two-out triple into right field followed by a Michael Woods’ two-run shot to left field and the Barnstormers pushed ahead 2-1.

Long Island came back with a pair in the bottom of the eighth after Leek and Scobie turned the game over to the bullpens.  Juan Francia walked and Lew Ford dropped a single into shallow center to put runners on the corners.  Preston Wilson plated Francia on a RBI single and the game was square at two.  Estee Harris walked to load the bases and Victor Rodriguez plated the go ahead run with a sacrifice fly and the Ducks were on top 3-2.

Leek did not factor in the decision as he fired a season-high seven and two-thirds innings, allowing two runs and seven hits, while striking out five. Joe Valentine picked up the win working one-third of an inning and Bill Simas locked up his league-best 15th save with a scoreless ninth.

The Long Island Ducks and the Lancaster Barnstormers conclude their series on Thursday night.  Game time is set for 7:05 with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive Quack to the Future T-Shirts, presented by Island Screen Print.  Julio Manon takes the mound for the Ducks against the Stormers’ Trey Hodges.  Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn 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.

###

With Rob Mackowiak and Carl Everett on base, Salomon Manriquez crushed his fifth home run of the season to give Newark the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Somerset answered in the fourth with a three run homer off the bat of shortstop Anthony Granato that cleared the foul pole yet could have been called either way.

Newark made a run at the lead gathering two runs in the bottom of the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to defeat the Patriots.

Somerset’s Tip Fairchild notched his fourth win of the season after pitching for six innings, allowing eleven hits, four earned runs and striking out five Bears. Newark’s Kyle Kobernus recorded the loss.

The Newark Bears face the Somerset Patriots tomorrow afternoon at 11:05am. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-85-BEARS or by visiting www.newarkbears.com. The Bears have partnered with Habitat for Humanity this week, and a portion of all tickets sales will be donated to Habitat. Visit Bears & Eagles Riverfront stadium and support your Newark Bears as well as a great cause.

If you can’t make the game, make sure to check out Emmy Award winning broadcaster Spencer Ross who will be calling play by play on Newark Bears Internet Radio in partnership with Newark Radio Series. Visit http://wm5.spacialnet.com/NewarkRadionetDC114643 at game time to tune in.

The Barnstormers cracked the scoreboard first in the top of the third with four runs on four hits.  Back-to-back singles to start the frame followed by a walk loaded the bases against Ducks’ starter Jack Dittler.  A two-run single by Aaron Herr and a Jed Morris two RBI double gave the Barnstormers an early 4-0 advantage.

The Ducks came right back in the home half of the third with five runs on three hits.  Luis Taveras made his Flock debut drawing a one out walk.  After Juan Francia singled and Lew Ford walked to load the bases, Matt Cavagnaro ripped a two-run double down the left field line scoring Tavares and Francia.  Ray Navarrete walked to again load the bases and Preston Wilson cleared the bags with a double to deep center and Long Island moved ahead, 5-4.

Lancaster added two more runs in the fourth off Ducks’ reliever Robert Paulk (1-4), who replaced Dittler.  A pair of wild pitches plated the first run and Matt Watson drilled a RBI triple scoring Michael Woods and the Barnstormers took a one run lead.

Reliever Ron Flores entered to close out the fourth and worked a scoreless fifth, but Lancaster tacked on two more in the sixth.  Another wild pitch led to a run followed by a RBI single off the bat of Michael Campbell and the lead grew to three runs.  Campbell’s RBI double in the eighth plated a big insurance run to make it 9-5 Lancaster.

Juan Ovalles (2-4) got the win for the Barnstormers as he worked two and two-thirds innings in relief allowing one hit, while striking out a pair. Antonio Alfonseca recorded the save as he struck out Preston Wilson to end the game.

The Long Island Ducks continue their series with the Lancaster Barnstormers on Wednesday night.  Game time is set for 7:05 with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive Magnetic Baseball Cards, presented by Underwriters Laboratories.  It will also be Fire Safety Night at the ballpark.  Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn 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 Riversharks took the lead in the first inning of the contest, courtesy of an RBI double by left fielder Jon Knott. However, their lead was short lived, as Bridgeport answered right back in the 2nd inning. A solo homerun by Luis Rodriguez tied the game at 1-1, and the Bluefish then took the lead later in the inning. Wilson Batista singled to center field, and then scored when Ryner Bautista singled to right field. Bautista’s 12th RBI of the season gave the visitor’s a 2-1 lead.

Camden drove another run across the plate in the 3rd inning, and tied the game at 2-2. Right fielder Chris Walker lived up to his namesake and drew a leadoff walk. He then advanced to second base on a wild pitch, and moved to third when center fielder Wayne Lydon grounded out. The next batter was second baseman Junior Spivey, who plated Walker and tied the game with a slow rolling ground out to second base.

After a couple of scoreless innings, the Sharks retook the lead in the 6th inning. Knott singled up the middle and then moved to second when Bridgeport’s Adam Greenberg misplayed the ball in center field. Two batters later, Knott scored on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Brian Burgamy.

Once again, the Bluefish showed their grit as they quickly answered back. A sacrifice fly by Luis Lopez scored Greenberg in the 7th inning and tied the game at 3-3. The visitors then took the lead in the 8th inning when Batista picked up his second RBI of the season, a double to right field that drove in Jesse Hoorelbeke.

Despite falling behind again, the Riversharks showed they still had a little bite left in their bats, and once again claimed the lead in the 8th inning. With the bases loaded, Burgamy drew a walk to force home Spivey for the game tying run. The next batter was first baseman Vito Chiaravalloti, who hit a sacrifice fly to right field that plated Bryant Nelson, and gave Camden a 5-4 lead.

Ahead by one run in the 9th inning, the Riversharks put the game in the hands of closer Felix Rodriguez, who could not close the door on the Bluefish. With a runner on third base, Lopez laced a single to left field, scoring Greenberg, and once again tying the game. Later in the inning, Camden’s sixth error of the night cost them two more runs, and gave Bridgeport a 7-5 lead. They would add one more run in the inning, and take an 8-5 lead that they would not relinquish. The Riversharks tacked on a late run at the end of the game, but could not complete the comeback, as the ultimately lost by a final score of 8-6.

The Riversharks and Bluefish will play game two of their three game series tomorrow night at 7:05pm. Lefty Josh Brey (2-4, 4.41) will take the mound for the Riversharks, and he will be opposed by right handed pitcher Matt Pike (4-4, 1.31) from Bridgeport. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box Score

The Automated ScoreBook

Bridgeport at Camden

Jul 14, 2009 at Camden, NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Bridgeport 8 (1-4,34-41)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Greenberg, A cf……….  5  2  2  0   0  0  2  0   0

Pendergrass lf………..  3  0  1  0   0  0  4  0   0

Lopez, L 3b…………..  4  1  1  2   0  0  2  1   2

Sing, B dh……………  4  1  1  0   1  0  0  0   0

Hoorelbeke, 1b………..  4  2  0  0   1  1 10  0   3

Radmanovich rf………..  4  0  2  1   0  0  2  0   0

Rodriguez, L c………..  4  1  1  1   1  0  5  0   1

Batista, W 2b…………  5  1  2  2   0  1  1  5   0

Baustista, R ss……….  5  0  1  1   0  1  0  2   4

Reichert, D p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  1   0

Hoorelbeke,C p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Ryan, P p……………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 38  8 11  7   3  3 27  9  10

Camden 6 (1-4,34-41)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Lydon, W cf…………..  5  2  2  0   0  0  2  0   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  3  1  1  1   1  0  3  4   1

Nelson, B ss………….  4  1  0  0   1  0  1  4   0

Knott, J lf…………..  4  1  3  2   1  0  2  0   0

Leon, J dh……………  5  0  1  0   0  2  0  0   3

Burgamy, B 3b…………  2  0  0  2   1  2  1  2   0

Chiaravollot 1b……….  3  0  0  1   0  0 11  1   2

Jacobs, J c…………..  3  0  0  0   1  0  5  0   2

Walker, C rf………….  2  1  0  0   1  0  2  0   0

Brazelton, D p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  2   0

Guerrero, J p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Rodriguez, F p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Shaver, C p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 31  6  7  6   6  4 27 14   8

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Bridgeport………. 020 000 114 -  8 11  2

Camden………….. 101 001 021 -  6  7  6

——————————————-

E – Greenberg, A(2); Reichert, D; Lydon, W(4); Nelson, B(9); Burgamy, B

2(14); Brazelton, D 2. DP – Camden 1. LOB – Bridgeport 10; Camden 8. 2B -

Greenberg, A(8); Sing, B(19); Batista, W(3); Knott, J 2(15). HR – Rodriguez,

L(3). SH – Pendergrass 2; Radmanovich; Spivey, J; Walker, C. SF – Lopez, L;

Burgamy, B; Chiaravollot. SB – Pendergrass(13); Spivey, J(6).

Bridgeport             IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Reichert, D………  7.2  5  5  2  5  4 25 34

Hoorelbeke,C……..  0.2  2  1  1  1  0  4  5

Ryan, P………….  0.2  0  0  0  0  0  2  2

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Brazelton, D……..  7.0  7  3  2  1  2 28 31

Guerrero, J………  1.0  1  1  0  0  1  4  5

Rodriguez, F……..  0.1  3  4  1  1  0  3  5

Shaver, C………..  0.2  0  0  0  1  0  3  4

Win – Hoorelbeke,C (2-1).  Loss – Rodriguez, F (1-4).  Save – Ryan, P (1).

WP – Reichert, D 2(7); Rodriguez, F(5).

Umpires – HP: Bob Bainter  1B: Mike Mazareesi  3B: Jim Tatum

Start: 7:09 pm   Time: 3:01   Attendance: 3121

Weather: Sunny and nice

Game: CAM7140

Spot starter Daryl Harang allowed just one run in five innings, on Rich Giannotti’s third inning homer, his second of the year.  Harang scattered six hits and only walked one.

Southern Maryland extended their lead in the seventh, however, on Pat Osborn’s RBI double down the third base line, and a sac fly from Jeremy Owens.

Blue Crabs starter Joe Gannon took a shutout into the eighth, extending his scoreless streak to 13 innings.  Josh Johnson led off the eighth with a single on the first pitch, however, chasing Gannon.  Carl Loadenthal then singled up the middle against reliever Matt Schweitzer, and Keoni DeRenne sacrificed both into scoring position.  P.J. Rose was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Tom Collaro drew a bases loaded walk to get the Revs on the board at 3-1.  Schweitzer came back to strike out both Matt Rogelstad and Jason Aspito, however, to squelch the threat.

Matt Esquivel led off the ninth with a single against closer Matt Hensley, again bringing the tying run to the plate.  Hensley came back to strike out both Matt Padgett and Johnson.  Esquivel stole second on the latter of the two, and scored on another knock up the middle by Loadenthal, but Hensley came back to strike out the side, fanning DeRenne to end the game.

Gannon (7-9) improves to 6-1 in his career against York (4-0 this season), and has allowed one or no earned runs in six of his seven starts against the Revs.

Harang (2-8) suffered the loss, despite lowering his ERA to 4.35.  He has allowed just one earned run in his last 13 innings of work.

Notes: It is the sixth consecutive one-run game for the Revs, who are now 4-2 during that stretch… the Revs still lead the league in one-run victories, and are 14-8 in such situations this season… P.J. Rose extended his hitting streak to six games (9-for-21) with a first inning single… Loadenthal (2-for-5) extended his streak to five games (7-for-21)… Tim Harikkala (5-1) will face Kenny Rayborn (6-5) in the middle game of the series on Wednesday at 7 p.m… it is Bark in the Park: Part Duex, as man’s best friend is invited back to Sovereign Bank Stadium… all young ballplayers participating in the Revs’ one-day baseball camp sponsored by Wellspan will also be welcomed Wednesday night… every Wednesday is an Amtrak Wednesday where fans can enter a drawing for two free, round-trip tickets.

                                The Automated ScoreBook

                           SoMD Blue Crabs at York Revolution

                    Jul 14, 2009 at York, PA (Sovereign Bank Stad.)

SoMD Blue Crabs 3 (2-3)                       York Revolution 2 (4-1)

Player                      AB  R  H BI       Player                      AB  R  H BI

---------------------------------------       ---------------------------------------

J Ramistella rf............  4  1  3  0       C Loadenthal cf............  5  0  2  1

L. Rodriguez ss............  4  1  0  0       Keoni DeRenne 2b...........  4  0  0  0

P. Osborn 3b...............  4  0  1  1       P.J. Rose 1b...............  3  0  1  0

J. Shanks lf...............  4  0  2  0        Ryan Goleski pr...........  0  0  0  0

J. Owens dh................  3  0  0  1        J. Purdom 1b..............  0  0  0  0

L. Burkhart c..............  4  0  0  0       Tom Collaro dh.............  3  0  0  1

O. Martinez 1b.............  4  0  2  0       M. Rogelstad ss............  4  0  0  0

M. Just 2b.................  4  0  1  0        A. Manuel ss..............  0  0  0  0

R. Giannotti cf............  4  1  2  1       Jason Aspito rf............  3  0  1  0

J. Gannon p................  0  0  0  0       Matt Esquivel lf...........  3  1  1  0

 M Schweitzer p............  0  0  0  0       Matt Padgett 3b............  4  0  1  0

 M. Hensley p..............  0  0  0  0       Josh Johnson c.............  4  1  1  0

                                              Daryl Harang p.............  0  0  0  0

                                               Brian Holliday p..........  0  0  0  0

                                               J. Olson p................  0  0  0  0

Totals..................... 35  3 11  3       Totals..................... 33  2  7  2

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

-------------------------------------------

SoMD Blue Crabs..... 001 000 200 -  3 11  0

York Revolution..... 000 000 011 -  2  7  0

-------------------------------------------

DP - Revolution 1. LOB - Blue Crabs 12; Revolution 9. 2B - J Ramistella 2; P.

Osborn; J. Shanks; O. Martinez; R. Giannotti. HR - R. Giannotti(2). HBP - L.

Rodriguez; P.J. Rose; J. Aspito. SH - L. Burkhart; K. DeRenne. SF - J. Owens. SB -

M. Esquivel.

SoMD Blue Crabs                IP  H  R ER BB SO  WP BK HP IBB  AB BF  FO GO

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Gannon  W,7-9...........   7.0  4  1  1  1  4   1  0  1  0   25 27   8  9

M Schweitzer ..............   1.0  1  0  0  1  2   0  0  1  0    3  6   0  1

M. Hensley  S,7............   1.0  2  1  1  0  3   0  0  0  0    5  5   0  0

York Revolution                IP  H  R ER BB SO  WP BK HP IBB  AB BF  FO GO

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daryl Harang  L,2-8........   5.0  6  1  1  1  3   0  0  0  0   20 21   5  6

Brian Holliday ............   3.0  4  2  2  3  2   0  0  1  1   11 17   4  3

J. Olson ..................   1.0  1  0  0  0  1   0  0  0  0    4  4   1  1

WP - J. Gannon. HBP - by B. Holliday (L. Rodriguez); by J. Gannon (J. Aspito); by M

Schweitzer (P.J. Rose).

Strikeouts - P. Osborn; J. Owens 3; O. Martinez; R. Giannotti; C Loadenthal; K.

DeRenne; P.J. Rose; M. Rogelstad; J. Aspito; M. Esquivel; M. Padgett 2; J. Johnson.

Walks - J Ramistella; P. Osborn; J. Shanks; J. Owens; T. Collaro; M. Esquivel.

Umpires - HP: Marty Bauer  1B: Matt Beaver  3B: Mark Facto

Start: 7:00   Time: 2:56   Attendance: 3149

J. Gannon faced 1 batter in the 8th.

Game: YRK7149

Play-by-Play

                            The Automated ScoreBook

               SoMD Blue Crabs at York Revolution - Play-by-Play

                Jul 14, 2009 at York, PA (Sovereign Bank Stad.)

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

-------------------------------------------

SoMD Blue Crabs..... 001 000 200 -  3 11  0

York Revolution..... 000 000 011 -  2  7  0

-------------------------------------------

SoMD Blue Crabs starters: 26/rf J Ramistella; 8/ss L. Rodriguez; 13/3b P.

Osborn; 18/lf J. Shanks; 25/dh J. Owens; 16/c L. Burkhart; 15/1b O. Martinez;

20/2b M. Just; 21/cf R. Giannotti; 36/p J. Gannon;

York Revolution starters: 11/cf C Loadenthal; 7/2b K. DeRenne; 12/1b P.J. Rose;

25/dh T. Collaro; 9/ss M. Rogelstad; 28/rf J. Aspito; 99/lf M. Esquivel; 34/3b

M. Padgett; 17/c J. Johnson; 38/p D. Harang;

SoMD Blue Crabs 1st - J Ramistella doubled. L. Rodriguez fouled out to

c, bunt. P. Osborn grounded out to 3b; J Ramistella advanced to third. J.

Shanks popped up to rf. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

York Revolution 1st - C Loadenthal grounded out to 2b. K. DeRenne popped

up to 1b. P.J. Rose singled. P.J. Rose advanced to second on a wild pitch. T.

Collaro grounded out to ss. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 2nd - J. Owens struck out swinging. L. Burkhart grounded

out to ss. O. Martinez singled. M. Just grounded out to 1b unassisted. 0

runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

York Revolution 2nd - M. Rogelstad grounded out to 2b. J. Aspito popped

up to 3b. M. Esquivel walked. M. Padgett singled; M. Esquivel advanced to

second. J. Johnson grounded out to 3b. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 3rd - R. Giannotti homered, RBI. J Ramistella popped up

to 2b. L. Rodriguez grounded out to 3b. P. Osborn walked. J. Shanks flied out

to cf. 1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

York Revolution 3rd - C Loadenthal struck out swinging. K. DeRenne flied

out to lf. P.J. Rose struck out swinging. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0

LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 4th - J. Owens struck out swinging. L. Burkhart grounded

out to 2b. O. Martinez doubled. M. Just lined out to 1b. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0

errors, 1 LOB.

York Revolution 4th - T. Collaro popped up to 2b. M. Rogelstad grounded

out to ss. J. Aspito singled. M. Esquivel struck out swinging. 0 runs, 1

hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 5th - R. Giannotti doubled. J Ramistella singled; R.

Giannotti advanced to third. L. Rodriguez hit into double play 3b to 1b; J

Ramistella advanced to second; R. Giannotti out on the play. P. Osborn struck

out looking. 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

York Revolution 5th - M. Padgett grounded out to 2b. J. Johnson grounded

out to ss. C Loadenthal fouled out to 1b. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0

LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 6th - B. Holliday to p for D. Harang. J. Shanks doubled.

J. Owens walked. L. Burkhart out at first p to 2b, SAC; J. Owens advanced to

second; J. Shanks advanced to third. O. Martinez popped up to p. M. Just flied

out to rf. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

York Revolution 6th - K. DeRenne grounded out to 2b. P.J. Rose grounded

out to p. T. Collaro popped up to ss. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 7th - R. Giannotti struck out swinging. J Ramistella

doubled. L. Rodriguez hit by pitch. P. Osborn doubled, RBI; L. Rodriguez

advanced to third; J Ramistella scored. J. Shanks intentionally walked. J.

Owens flied out to cf, SF, RBI; L. Rodriguez scored. L. Burkhart grounded out

to 2b. 2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

York Revolution 7th - M. Rogelstad popped up to 2b. J. Aspito hit by

pitch. M. Esquivel flied out to rf. M. Padgett struck out swinging. 0 runs,

0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 8th - O. Martinez struck out swinging. M. Just singled,

bunt. R. Giannotti reached on a fielder's choice; M. Just out at second 3b to

2b. J Ramistella walked; R. Giannotti advanced to second. L. Rodriguez popped

up to 2b. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

York Revolution 8th - J. Johnson singled. M Schweitzer to p for J.

Gannon. C Loadenthal singled; J. Johnson advanced to second. K. DeRenne

grounded out to c, SAC; C Loadenthal advanced to second; J. Johnson advanced to

third. P.J. Rose hit by pitch. T. Collaro walked, RBI; P.J. Rose advanced to

second; C Loadenthal advanced to third; J. Johnson scored. R. Goleski pinch ran

for P.J. Rose. M. Rogelstad struck out looking. J. Purdom to 1b for R. Goleski.

A. Manuel to ss for M. Rogelstad. J. Olson to p for B. Holliday. J. Aspito

struck out swinging. 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.

SoMD Blue Crabs 9th - P. Osborn grounded out to ss. J. Shanks singled.

J. Owens struck out looking. L. Burkhart popped up to cf. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0

errors, 1 LOB.

York Revolution 9th - M. Hensley to p for M Schweitzer. M. Esquivel

singled. M. Padgett struck out swinging. M. Esquivel stole second. J. Johnson

struck out swinging. C Loadenthal singled, RBI; M. Esquivel scored. K. DeRenne

struck out swinging. 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Line score

SoMD Blue Crabs 3, York Revolution 2 (Jul 14, 2009 at York, PA)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

SoMD Blue Crabs..... 001 000 200  -  3 11  0      (2-3)

York Revolution..... 000 000 011  -  2  7  0      (4-1)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pitchers: SoMD Blue Crabs - J. Gannon; M Schweitzer(8); M. Hensley(9). York Revolution -

Daryl Harang; Brian Holliday(6); J. Olson(9).

Win-J. Gannon(7-9)  Save-M. Hensley(7)  Loss-Daryl Harang(2-8)  T-2:56  A-3149

HR 3 - R. Giannotti (2).

J. Gannon faced 1 batter in the 8th.

Game: YRK7149

Somerset gave up a seven run lead after putting eight runs on the board over the first four innings. Jeff Nettles hit a two run homer in the first inning, and second baseman Matt Hagen notched his twenty-fifth double of the season.

In every inning except the second and third, Newark put runs on the board to slowly catch up to Somerset. The Bears overcame the deficit and took the lead for the first time in the bottom of the ninth after a series of walks and base hits were enough to drive in the winning run. The Bears continue to improve their league leading team batting average after home runs by Andres Perez, Sandy Madera and Michael Hernandez.

Sandy Rleal closed the game for Newark after pitching for a solid three innings striking out three and allowing no earned runs. He recorded the win and improved his record to 2-2. Somerset’s Bret Prinz took his first loss of the season after walking Carl Everett, which plated Felix Martinez for the game-winning run.

Just five games into the second half of the season, both teams will go into tomorrow’s meeting with a record of 3-2.

The Newark Bears continue their three game series at home against the Somerset Patriots on Wednesday and a special day game at 11:05am on Thursday. Tickets for both games are available by calling 1-888-85-BEARS or by visiting www.newarkbears.com. The Bears have partnered with Habitat for Humanity this week, and a portion of all tickets sales will be donated to Habitat. Visit Bears & Eagles Riverfront stadium and support your Newark Bears as well as a great cause.

If you can’t make the game, make sure to check out Emmy Award winning broadcaster Spencer Ross who will be calling play by play on Newark Bears Internet Radio in partnership with Newark Radio Series. Visit http://wm5.spacialnet.com/NewarkRadionetDC114643 at game time to tune in.

Lancaster scored their only run in the first inning after Matt Watson’s RBI single drove in second baseman Lloyd Turner.

Three of the four runs for Newark were homers – Rob Mackowiak crushed a home run in his second game back as a Newark Bear and Carl Everett launched his twelfth homer of the season in the fourth, quickly followed by a home run off the bat of Michael Hernandez.

Newark’s Ramiro Mendoza pitched like he was still at Yankee Stadium, taking the win after seven innings on the mound, striking out four and allowing only one earned run. Armando Benitez notched his seventh save of the season after allowing just one hit in the ninth inning. Lancaster’s Eric Ackerman recorded the loss.

The Newark Bears start a three game series at home against the Somerset Patriots on Tuesday, Wednesday and a special day game at 11:05am on Thursday. Tickets for all three games are available by calling 1-888-85-BEARS or by visiting www.newarkbears.com. The Bears have partnered with Habitat for Humanity this week, and a portion of all tickets sales will be donated to Habitat. Visit Bears & Eagles Riverfront stadium and support your Newark Bears as well as a great cause.

If you can’t make the game, make sure to check out Emmy Award winning broadcaster Spencer Ross who will be calling play by play on Newark Bears Internet Radio in partnership with Newark Radio Series. Visit http://wm5.spacialnet.com/NewarkRadionetDC114643 at game time to tune in.

The Ducks struck first in the first off Blue Crabs’ starter Ryan Bicondoa using two base hits to plate a run.  Estee Harris led off the frame with a single and came home on a RBI single off the bat of Preston Wilson to make it 1-0 Flock.

The Blue Crabs came back with a run in the top of the second off Ducks’ hurler B.J. LaMura.  Three straight one-out hits, capped off by Octavio Martinez’ RBI single, tied the game at one.  In the third, James Shanks and Jeremy Owens hit back-to-back solo home runs to center field and pushed the lead to 3-1 Southern Maryland.

The ball kept flying out of Citibank Park in the home third.  Preston Wilson blasted his fifth homer to right field and plated Ray Navarrete, who was aboard after a leadoff single.  Wilson’s long ball knotted the game up at 3-3.

Both starters kept the scoreboard unblemished before the game was turned over to the bullpens.  LaMura exited in the sixth followed by reliever Cory Doyne, who made his Ducks debut working a scoreless seventh, and Joe Valentine with a perfect eighth.  Bicondoa left the mound in the seventh followed by Derrick Ellison and Mike James with a scoreless eighth.

In the ninth, Bill Simas (4-2) entered the game recording the first two outs.  John Ramistella reached on an error on Ducks’ shortstop Juan Francia and came around to score on a single and a wild pitch to push Southern Maryland ahead 4-3 for good.  Mike Hensley (1-1) worked a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.

The Long Island Ducks continue their homestand and welcome the Lancaster Barnstormers for a three-game series beginning Tuesday night.  Game time is set for 7:05 with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m.  It’s the 3rd Annual Health Night and the first 1,500 fans will receive t-shirts, presented by North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital.  Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn 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.

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.”

Carter extended his trip yesterday for two prolonged arguments after the three-man umpiring crew overturned two controversial calls. One call went for the home team and the other helped Southern Maryland, though the Ducks second-half success rate stayed perfect as George Lombard belted two home runs in his debut in a 6-2 win over the Blue Crabs Sunday at Citibank Park.

Lombard, a former Dodgers outfielder, logged four RBIs and three runs scored to help the Ducks improve to 3-0 in the second half while moving his team in position to claim a four-game sweep over a team that clinched a playoff berth by winning the Liberty Division’s first half crown.

“I haven’t played in over two months or seen live pitching,” Lombard said. “You have nothing to lose. Just go out there and do what you’ve done for 15 years.

“I’m excited to have a uniform on and would like to get back to Major League Baseball. It’s just another obstacle people throw at you.”

Lombard broke open a 2-all tie with his three-run home run in the sixth in his 3-4 evening. That shot to right off Southern Maryland starter Keith Ramsey ended an inning that started in bizarre fashion. Ray Navarrete’s hard-hit ball down the third base line appeared to land foul, though umpire Mike Edwards ruled it fair and Navarrete slid into second for an apparent leadoff double.

But Blue Crabs manager Butch Hobson and other fielders argued the call and Edwards put up his hands to signal foul ball-reversing his decision without consulting other crew members. That prompted Carter to get into a heated argument, though the Hall of Fame catcher was not ejected.

“No, I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Carter said. “If you make a call, you got to stick by it. If you reverse it, without getting help, well, that’s the wrong thing.”

Navarrete flew out to center before the Ducks made the matter moot. Preston Wilson and Victor Rodriguez lined back-to-back singles before the lefty-hitting Lombard took Ramsey deep to put the Ducks ahead, 5-2.

Lombard added a eighth-inning insurance run, elevating a line drive that hooked just inside the rightfield foul ball. First base umpire Dan Wilson ruled the ball foul before Carter argued. This time, Wilson conferred with home plate umpire Dave Perry and the call was changed to a home run.

After the records re-set at the 140-game regular season’s midway point, the Ducks have outscored Southern Maryland 17-5 to move to 3-0. Randy Leek and Julio Manon provided two stellar starts to begin the second-half and lefty starter Troy Cate made it three strong starts in a row, allowing just two runs (one earned) in six innings to improve to 5-2.

“The bullpen as a whole to this point has been overused,” Carter said. “Now we got three solid, good performances from our starting pitching. If we can get that on a consistent basis, then we can rest our bullpen.”

Carter said the Ducks are in position to complete a sweep that might have long-term implications. He reference the 1986 Mets four-game sweep over St. Louis on the road from April 11-14 that year. In 1985, the Cardinals beat out the 98-win Mets team for the division crown en route to winning the National League pennant. But the Mets made a statement early next season that propelled them to postseason success, which is what Carter said he is hoping to achieve in his first season as Ducks manager.

“I remember [Mets manager] Davy Johnson telling us if we went in and proved to them in the first series that we can beat them, we’ll win this thing,” Carter said. “Sure enough, that’s the way it went. We just need to put a thought in their head.

“That’s all I’m thinking about is playoffs. I’m not counting our chickens before they hatch because anything can happen but that’s how I think. And that’s who [Southern Maryland] we would play.”

The Patriots struck first in this game and took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning. With the bases loaded, Riversharks’ starter Tom Davey walked Somerset’s Travis Anderson, allowing Teuris Olivares to score. Two batters later, Mike Rodriguez picked up his 23rd RBI of the season when his groundout to 2nd base drove home Jason Belcher.

The Sharks answered back in the bottom of the 3rd inning and tied the game at 2-2. With two runners in scoring position, designated hitter Jose Leon crushed a line drive to right field, plating Wayne Lydon and Jon Knott.

After three consecutive scoreless innings, Somerset once again broke the game open in the 7th inning. An RBI single by Sean Smith scored Anderson, and gave the visitors a one run lead. Smith then stole second base and scored when a ground ball trickled through the legs of Camden’s Bryant Nelson, making the score 4-2.

The Patriots added to their lead in the 8th inning, as Riversharks reliever Michael Flannery struggled to find command of his pitches. After hitting two batters and loading the bases, Flannery surrendered a walk to Matt Hagen, bringing Anderson around to score, and giving Somerset a 5-2 lead.

Somerset added an insurance run in the top of the 9th inning, courtesy of an RBI double by Anderson. With a 6-2 lead, the Patriots put the game in the hands of closer Brian Henderson, who retired the side in order, and secured the win for the visitors.

The Riversharks will be back in action on Tuesday night at 7:05pm, when they will welcome the Bridgeport Bluefish to town for a three game series. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box score

The Automated ScoreBook

Somerset Patriots at Camden

Jul 12, 2009 at Camden NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Somerset Patriots 6 (3-1)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Rodriquez, M rf……….  5  0  1  1   0  0  4  0   2

Smith, S cf…………..  4  1  1  1   0  1  5  0   2

Hagen, M 2b…………..  4  0  1  1   1  1  0  0   0

Nettles, J 3b…………  5  0  1  0   0  1  3  1   4

Olivares, T ss………..  4  2  2  0   1  0  2  4   0

Belcher, J c………….  5  1  2  0   0  1  6  2   3

Ayala, E lf…………..  3  0  0  0   1  1  1  0   0

Anderson, T dh………..  2  2  1  2   2  0  0  0   0

Burke, J 1b…………..  4  0  2  0   0  1  6  0   1

Buglovsky, C p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Gothreaux, J p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Basner, R p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Henderson, B p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 36  6 11  5   5  6 27  7  12

Camden 2 (1-3)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Lydon, W cf…………..  5  1  2  0   0  0  1  0   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  4  0  0  0   1  0  1  4   0

Nelson, B ss………….  4  0  1  0   0  1  1  3   3

Knott, J lf…………..  3  1  2  0   0  1  1  0   0

Leon, J dh……………  4  0  2  2   0  1  0  0   0

Burgamy, B rf…………  4  0  1  0   0  0  3  0   4

Chiaravollot 1b……….  4  0  1  0   0  1 11  1   1

Bonvechio, B 3b……….  4  0  1  0   0  2  1  2   1

Finegan, B 3b………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Torres, F c…………..  4  0  0  0   0  0  7  0   0

Davey, T p……………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Newman, J p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Flannery, M p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Totals………………. 36  2 10  2   1  6 27 13   9

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Somerset Patriots… 020 000 211 -  6 11  0

Camden………….. 002 000 000 -  2 10  2

——————————————-

E – Nelson, B(8); Torres, F(2). DP – Camden 1. LOB – Patriots 12; Camden 9.

2B – Belcher, J(11); Anderson, T(11); Knott, J(13); Leon, J(5). HBP – Smith,

S; Anderson, T; Knott, J. SH – Ayala, E; Burke, J. SB – Rodriquez, M(25);

Smith, S(27). CS – Lydon, W(5).

Somerset Patriots      IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Buglovsky, C……..  5.0  9  2  2  1  3 23 25

Gothreaux, J……..  2.0  0  0  0  0  2  6  6

Basner, R………..  1.0  1  0  0  0  1  4  4

Henderson, B……..  1.0  0  0  0  0  0  3  3

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Davey, T…………  6.0  6  2  2  2  5 22 25

Newman, J………..  1.0  2  2  1  2  0  5  8

Flannery, M………  2.0  3  2  1  1  1  9 12

Win – Gothreaux, J (4-5).  Loss – Newman, J (0-2).  Save – None.

HBP – by Buglovsky, C (Knott, J); by Flannery, M (Anderson, T); by Flannery, M

(Smith, S). PB – Torres, F.

Umpires – HP: Valentin  1B: Colls  3B: Diaz

Start: 1:11   Time: 2:42   Attendance: 2992

Game: CMD7120

The Bears pulled together in the ninth inning to overcome a two run deficit. Rob Mackowiak, who re-signed with the Bears today, hit a single and scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of catcher Salomon Manriqez. Victor Mercedes’ line drive to center field drove in the winning two runs of the game. Tike Redman went three for four and notched another stolen base, and designated hitter Carl Everett went three for three, scoring twice and recording his forty-seventh RBI of the season.

Lancaster gathered six runs, including another home run from former Newark Bear Gerard Haran and from shortstop Aaron Herr, who scored twice and registered two RBI.

On his first day as a Newark Bear, right-hander Franklin Perez pitched for five innings, striking out six and allowing four earned runs. Armando Benitez pitched for one inning, striking out one, allowing no earned runs to record his first win of the season.

This is the first win for Newark in the second half of the season, and the first loss for Lancaster.

The Bears and Barnstormers face each other for the final game of their four game series tomorrow at 7:05pm. Monday’s game kicks off Habitat for Humanity Week at Riverfront Stadium, and tomorrow’s game will “Construction Day.” For more information on the Bears’ partnership with Habitat for Humanity and for information on tickets, please visit www.newarkbears.com.

If you can’t make the game, make sure to check out Emmy Award winning broadcaster Spencer Ross who will be calling play by play on Newark Bears Internet Radio in partnership with Newark Radio Series. Visit http://wm5.spacialnet.com/NewarkRadionetDC114643 at game time to tune in.

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.

The Ducks had a big fifth inning, putting seven runs on the board, starting with a home run by designated hitter Preston Wilson, his fourth this season. Lew Ford and Ray Navarrete each put a pair of runs on the board for Long Island.

The Bears retired the final thirteen Ducks at bat, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the five run deficit. Tike Redman, gathered one run off of two hits and Charlton Jimerson notched another two RBI to take his record to twenty-one for the season.

Newark’s Ryan Bukvich recorded the loss and Long Island’s starter Troy Cate improved his record to 4-2 with the win.

The Bears will face the Ducks on tomorrow evening at 6:05pm at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Wednesday evening will be Lady’s Night at the Den, featuring Danielle Staub of BRAVO TV’s Real Housewives of New Jersey. Tickets are still available for both games by calling 1-888-85-BEARS or by visiting www.newarkbears.com.

If you can’t make the game, make sure to check out Emmy Award winning broadcaster Spencer Ross who will be calling play by play on Newark Bears Internet Radio in partnership with Newark Radio Series. Visit http://wm5.spacialnet.com/NewarkRadionetDC114643 at game time to tune in.

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.

Barnstormers at Blue Crabs

Jul 07, 2009 at Waldorf, MD (Regency Furn Stadium)

Barnstormers 12 (32-36)              Blue Crabs 10 (40-28)

AB  R  H RBI                         AB  R  H RBI

Turner,L ss        4  3  3  3        Ramistella,J rf    5  1  1  0

Woods,M cf         5  1  1  2        Just,M 3b          5  1  0  0

Biernbaum,L dh     5  1  2  1        Osborn,P 1b        5  2  2  1

Haran,G c          6  1  2  4        Shanks,J lf        5  3  3  1

Morris,J 1b        5  0  3  1        Owens,J cf         4  0  0  1

Mulhern,R lf       4  1  1  1        Acey,J 2b          4  2  2  1

Herr,A 3b          5  1  1  0        Burkhart,L dh      3  0  1  1

Sabatella,B 2b     3  1  1  0        Martinez,O c       3  1  1  3

Watson,M ph        1  0  0  0        Jeroloman,C ss     4  0  1  1

Housel,D 2b        1  1  1  0        Ramsey,K p         0  0  0  0

Campbell,M rf      5  2  3  0        Grube,J p          0  0  0  0

Fritz,B p          0  0  0  0        Schweitzer,M p     0  0  0  0

Gomez,R p          0  0  0  0        James,M p          0  0  0  0

Alfonseca,A p      0  0  0  0        Hensley,M p        0  0  0  0

DeCrstfaro,V p     0  0  0  0

Totals……      44 12 18 12        Totals……      38 10 11  9

Score by innings:                      R  H  E

———————————————-

Barnstormers          004 000 125   – 12 18  1

Blue Crabs            033 031 000   – 10 11  0

———————————————-

E – Sabatella,B. LOB – Barnstormers 12; Blue Crabs 5. 2B – Biernbaum,L;

Mulhern,R; Campbell,M 2; Osborn,P. 3B – Turner,L; Shanks,J. HR -

Martinez,O(3). SF – Owens,J. SB – Turner,L; Woods,M; Shanks,J. CS -

Morris,J.

IP  H  R ER BB SO  WP BK HP IBB  AB BF Fly Gnd

Fritz,B               4.1  9  9  7  2  5   1  1  1  0   23 26   4  4

Gomez,R W 2-1         3.2  2  1  1  0  2   0  0  0  0   12 13   9  0

Alfonseca,A S,2       1.0  0  0  0  0  1   0  0  0  0    3  3   2  0

Ramsey,K              5.0  6  4  4  4  2   0  0  0  0   20 24   7  5

Grube,J               1.2  5  1  1  0  2   0  0  0  0   10 10   2  1

Schweitzer,M          0.2  3  2  2  0  1   0  0  0  0    5  5   1  0

James,M               0.2  0  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0    2  2   1  1

Hensley,M L 4-2       0.2  3  5  5  3  1   0  0  0  1    5  8   0  1

DeCrstfaro,V          0.1  1  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0    2  2   0  1

WP – Fritz,B. HBP – by Fritz,B (Acey,J). BK – Fritz,B.

Strikeouts – Woods,M; Biernbaum,L 2; Haran,G; Sabatella,B; Campbell,M;

Just,M; Owens,J 4; Acey,J; Martinez,O; Jeroloman,C. Walks – Turner,L 2;

Woods,M; Biernbaum,L; Morris,J; Mulhern,R 2; Burkhart,L; Martinez,O.

Umpires – Home:Mark Facto  1st:Marty Bauer  3rd:Matt Beaver

Start: 7:05 PM   Time: 3:37   Attendance: 3421

Game Notes:

Official Scorer:  Gary Swenson                    Wednesday’s Probables:

LAN:  LHP Eric Ackerman (3-5, 3.34); SMD:  RHP Ryan Bicondoa (6-2, 4.46)

Barnstormers at Blue Crabs

Jul 07, 2009 at Waldorf, MD (Regency Furn Stadium)

Score by innings:                      R  H  E

———————————————-

Barnstormers          004 000 125   – 12 18  1

Blue Crabs            033 031 000   – 10 11  0

———————————————-

Barnstormers inning 1

Turner,L grounded out to p, bunt.  Woods,M flied out to cf.  Biernbaum,L

grounded out to 2b.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 1

Ramistella,J popped up to 2b.  Just,M flied out to rf.  Osborn,P flied out

to rf.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 2

Haran,G flied out to rf.  Morris,J singled to left field.  Morris,J out at

second p to 1b to 2b, caught stealing.  Mulhern,R grounded out to ss.  0

runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 2

Shanks,J singled through the left side.  Owens,J struck out looking.  Acey,J

singled up the middle; Shanks,J advanced to third.  Acey,J advanced to

second on a balk; Shanks,J scored on a balk.  Burkhart,L grounded out to ss;

Acey,J advanced to third.  Martinez,O homered to left center, 2 RBI; Acey,J

scored.  Jeroloman,C struck out looking.  3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 3

Herr,A grounded out to 2b.  Sabatella,B singled to right field.  Campbell,M

singled up the middle; Sabatella,B advanced to second.  Turner,L tripled to

right center, 2 RBI; Campbell,M scored; Sabatella,B scored.  Woods,M walked.

Biernbaum,L doubled to left center, RBI; Woods,M advanced to third;

Turner,L scored.  Haran,G grounded out to ss, RBI; Woods,M scored.  Morris,J

walked.  Mulhern,R walked; Morris,J advanced to second; Biernbaum,L advanced

to third.  Herr,A fouled out to c.  4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 3

Ramistella,J singled to center field.  Just,M reached on a fielder’s choice;

Ramistella,J advanced to second on a fielding error by 2b.  Just,M advanced

to second on a wild pitch; Ramistella,J advanced to third on a wild pitch.

Osborn,P singled to left field, RBI; Just,M advanced to third; Ramistella,J

scored, unearned.  Shanks,J grounded out to 2b, RBI; Osborn,P advanced to

second; Just,M scored.  Owens,J struck out swinging.  Acey,J singled down

the rf line, RBI; Osborn,P scored, unearned.  Burkhart,L singled through the

left side; Acey,J advanced to second.  Martinez,O reached on a fielder’s

choice; Burkhart,L out at second ss to 2b.  3 runs, 4 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 4

Sabatella,B fouled out to 2b.  Campbell,M flied out to cf.  Turner,L walked.

Woods,M struck out swinging.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 4

Jeroloman,C flied out to rf.  Ramistella,J grounded out to 3b.  Just,M

struck out swinging.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 5

Biernbaum,L singled to left field.  Haran,G struck out swinging.  Morris,J

flied out to cf.  Mulhern,R lined out to lf.  0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1

LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 5

Osborn,P doubled to right center.  Shanks,J singled up the middle; Osborn,P

advanced to third.  Shanks,J stole second.  Owens,J struck out swinging.

Acey,J hit by pitch.  Burkhart,L walked, RBI; Acey,J advanced to second;

Shanks,J advanced to third; Osborn,P scored.  Martinez,O walked, RBI;

Burkhart,L advanced to second; Acey,J advanced to third; Shanks,J scored.

Gomez,R to p for Fritz,B.  Jeroloman,C singled to right field, RBI;

Martinez,O advanced to second; Burkhart,L advanced to third; Acey,J scored.

Ramistella,J fouled out to 1b.  Just,M flied out to cf.  3 runs, 3 hits, 0

errors, 3 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 6

Grube,J to p for Ramsey,K.  Herr,A grounded out to ss.  Sabatella,B struck

out looking.  Campbell,M doubled down the rf line.  Turner,L singled through

the left side; Campbell,M advanced to third.  Woods,M fouled out to 1b.  0

runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 6

Osborn,P flied out to cf.  Shanks,J tripled to center field.  Owens,J flied

out to lf, SF, RBI; Shanks,J scored.  Acey,J struck out swinging.  1 run, 1

hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 7

Biernbaum,L struck out swinging.  Haran,G singled through the left side.

Morris,J singled to center field; Haran,G advanced to second.  Mulhern,R

doubled to center field, RBI; Morris,J advanced to third; Haran,G scored.

Herr,A popped up to 1b.  Watson,M pinch hit for Sabatella,B.  Schweitzer,M

to p for Grube,J.  Watson,M popped up to ss.  1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2

LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 7

Housel,D to 2b for Watson,M.  Burkhart,L flied out to cf.  Martinez,O struck

out looking.  Jeroloman,C flied out to rf.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 8

Campbell,M doubled to right center.  Turner,L singled to third base;

Campbell,M advanced to third.  Woods,M singled through the left side, RBI;

Turner,L advanced to second; Campbell,M scored.  Biernbaum,L struck out

looking.  James,M to p for Schweitzer,M.  Woods,M stole second; Turner,L

stole third.  Haran,G grounded out to ss, RBI; Turner,L scored.  Morris,J

popped up to 3b.  2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 8

Ramistella,J popped up to 2b.  Just,M flied out to cf.  Osborn,P flied out

to cf.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 9

Hensley,M to p for James,M.  Mulhern,R walked.  Herr,A singled to left

field; Mulhern,R advanced to second.  Housel,D singled to right center;

Herr,A advanced to second; Mulhern,R advanced to third.  Campbell,M struck

out swinging.  Turner,L walked, RBI; Housel,D advanced to second; Herr,A

advanced to third; Mulhern,R scored.  Woods,M grounded out to ss, RBI;

Turner,L advanced to second; Housel,D advanced to third; Herr,A scored.

Biernbaum,L intentionally walked.  Haran,G singled up the middle, 2 RBI;

Biernbaum,L advanced to third; Turner,L scored; Housel,D scored.

DeCrstfaro,V to p for Hensley,M.  Morris,J singled to left field, RBI;

Haran,G advanced to second; Biernbaum,L scored.  Mulhern,R reached on a

fielder’s choice; Morris,J advanced to second; Haran,G out at third 3b

unassisted.  5 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 9

Alfonseca,A to p for Gomez,R.  Shanks,J flied out to rf.  Owens,J struck out

swinging.  Acey,J lined out to 1b.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Game Notes:

Official Scorer:  Gary Swenson                    Wednesday’s Probables:

LAN:  LHP Eric Ackerman (3-5, 3.34); SMD:  RHP Ryan Bicondoa (6-2, 4.46)

Long Island started strong with eight runs in the first inning after a series of wild pitches and walked batters. They added another two runs in the second after a two run homer off the bat of infielder Victor Rodriguez. In his first day in a Duck’s uniform, Alberto Castillo hit a homerun in the ninth inning to secure the win for Long Island.

The Bears gathered five runs, the first a home run off the bat of Charlton Jimerson, his eighth this season. Jacque Jones crushed a home run in the third and hit a two run single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jimerson and Jones each put two runs on the board for Newark.

Julio Manon notched his fourth win of the season after pitching for five innings, striking out five and allowing two earned runs. Newark’s newly signed Sean Tracey took the loss.

The loss brings Newark’s record to 34-34 and Long Island’s to 36-31.

The Bears will face the Ducks on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 6:05pm at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Wednesday evening will be Lady’s Night at the Den, featuring Danielle Staub of BRAVO TV’s Real Housewives of New Jersey. Tickets are still available for both games by calling 1-888-85-BEARS or by visiting www.newarkbears.com.

If you can’t make the game, make sure to check out Emmy Award winning broadcaster Spencer Ross who will be calling play by play on Newark Bears Internet Radio in partnership with Newark Radio Series. Visit http://wm5.spacialnet.com/NewarkRadionetDC114643 at game time to tune in.

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.

Barnstormers at Blue Crabs

Jul 06, 2009 at Waldorf, MD (Regency Furn Stadium)

Barnstormers 9 (31-36)               Blue Crabs 8 (40-27)

AB  R  H RBI                         AB  R  H RBI

Turner,L ss        5  1  1  3        Ramistella,J rf    6  2  2  1

Sabatella,B 1b/2b  7  0  2  0        Just,M 3b          5  1  0  1

Woods,M cf         4  1  1  0        Garcia,T ss        7  1  3  2

Biernbaum,L dh     7  1  2  1        Osborn,P 1b        7  0  2  2

Haran,G c          4  2  0  0        Shanks,J lf        7  0  2  0

Bravo,D 2b         1  0  0  0        Owens,J cf         5  1  0  0

Morris,J 1b        5  2  4  1        Acey,J 2b          6  1  1  1

Mulhern,R lf       6  2  4  2        Burkhart,L dh      5  2  3  0

Campbell,M rf      6  0  3  2        Jeroloman,C pr/dh  1  0  1  0

Housel,D 3b        5  0  0  0        Martinez,O c       6  0  2  1

Hodges,T p         0  0  0  0        Gannon,J p         0  0  0  0

Ovalles,J p        0  0  0  0        Schweitzer,M p     0  0  0  0

Scobie,J p         0  0  0  0        James,M p          0  0  0  0

Musser,N p         0  0  0  0        Estrada,P p        0  0  0  0

Camacho,E p        0  0  0  0        Batson,B p         0  0  0  0

Abel,N p           0  0  0  0        DeCrstfaro,V p     0  0  0  0

Peeples,R p        0  0  0  0

Totals……      50  9 17  9        Totals……      55  8 16  8

Score by innings:                           R  H  E

—————————————————

Barnstormers          001 101 032 000 1  -  9 17  2

Blue Crabs            042 010 001 000 0  -  8 16  0

—————————————————

E – Housel,D 2. DP – Barnstormers 1; Blue Crabs 2. LOB – Barnstormers 13;

Blue Crabs 17. 2B – Campbell,M; Osborn,P; Acey,J; Martinez,O. HR -

Turner,L(5); Biernbaum,L(8); Mulhern,R(6); Ramistella,J(10). SH -

Burkhart,L; Martinez,O. SF – Mulhern,R. SB – Sabatella,B; Woods,M; Haran,G.

CS – Sabatella,B; Owens,J.

IP  H  R ER BB SO  WP BK HP IBB  AB BF Fly Gnd

Hodges,T              2.0  6  6  6  3  3   1  0  1  0   12 16   2  1

Ovalles,J             2.0  1  0  0  0  1   0  0  0  0    8  8   5  0

Scobie,J              1.0  3  1  1  0  0   0  0  0  0    6  6   0  3

Musser,N              1.0  2  0  0  1  1   0  0  0  0    5  6   1  1

Camacho,E             2.0  1  0  0  1  1   0  0  0  0    6  7   1  3

Abel,N W 1-0          4.0  2  1  1  1  4   0  0  0  0   14 17   2  5

Peeples,R S,2         1.0  1  0  0  0  1   0  0  0  0    4  4   0  2

Gannon,J              7.2 11  6  6  5  1   0  0  1  0   30 37  11  8

Schweitzer,M          0.1  0  0  0  0  1   0  0  0  0    1  1   0  0

James,M               1.0  3  2  2  1  1   0  0  0  0    6  7   1  1

Estrada,P             2.0  2  0  0  1  3   0  0  0  0    7  8   0  2

Batson,B L 2-3        1.1  1  1  1  2  0   0  0  0  0    4  6   3  0

DeCrstfaro,V          0.2  0  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0    2  2   2  0

WP – Hodges,T. HBP – by Hodges,T (Owens,J); by Gannon,J (Haran,G).

Strikeouts – Sabatella,B; Woods,M; Biernbaum,L; Haran,G 2; Mulhern,R;

Ramistella,J; Just,M; Garcia,T 2; Osborn,P 2; Owens,J 4; Acey,J. Walks -

Turner,L 2; Woods,M 3; Haran,G 2; Morris,J; Housel,D; Ramistella,J 2;

Just,M 2; Owens,J; Acey,J.

Umpires – Home:Matt Beaver  1st:Mark Facto  3rd:Marty Bauer

Start: 7:05 PM   Time: 4:48   Attendance: 2573

Game Notes:

Official Scorer:  Gary Swenson                 Tuesday’s Probables:

LAN:  RHP Ben Fritz (3-4, 3.49); SMD:  LHP Keith Ramsey (0-0, 0.00)

Hodges,T faced 2 batters in the 3rd.

Barnstormers at Blue Crabs

Jul 06, 2009 at Waldorf, MD (Regency Furn Stadium)

Score by innings:                           R  H  E

—————————————————

Barnstormers          001 101 032 000 1  -  9 17  2

Blue Crabs            042 010 001 000 0  -  8 16  0

—————————————————

Blue Crabs inning 2

Sabatella,B to 2b.  Morris,J to 1b for Bravo,D.  Acey,J out at first p to ss

to 1b.  Burkhart,L singled to center field.  Martinez,O popped up to 2b.

Ramistella,J walked; Burkhart,L advanced to second.  Just,M walked;

Ramistella,J advanced to second; Burkhart,L advanced to third.  Garcia,T

singled up the middle, 2 RBI; Just,M advanced to second; Ramistella,J

scored; Burkhart,L scored.  Osborn,P doubled to left field, 2 RBI; Garcia,T

scored; Just,M scored.  Shanks,J flied out to lf.  4 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors,

1 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 3

Mulhern,R homered to left center, RBI.  Campbell,M grounded out to 2b.

Housel,D walked.  Turner,L walked; Housel,D advanced to second.  Sabatella,B

flied out to lf.  Woods,M walked; Turner,L advanced to second; Housel,D

advanced to third.  Biernbaum,L flied out to cf.  1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3

LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 3

Owens,J hit by pitch.  Owens,J advanced to second on a wild pitch.  Acey,J

doubled to left center, (ground-rule), RBI; Owens,J scored.  Ovalles,J to p

for Hodges,T.  Burkhart,L fouled out to 2b.  Martinez,O doubled down the lf

line, RBI; Acey,J scored.  Ramistella,J popped up to 2b.  Just,M flied out

to rf.  2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 4

Haran,G walked.  Morris,J singled up the middle; Haran,G advanced to second.

Mulhern,R singled through the right side; Morris,J advanced to second;

Haran,G advanced to third.  Campbell,M reached on a fielder’s choice, RBI;

Mulhern,R out at second 2b to ss; Morris,J advanced to third; Haran,G

scored.  Housel,D grounded into double play p to ss to 1b; Campbell,M out on

the play.  1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 5

Scobie,J to p for Ovalles,J.  Acey,J grounded out to ss.  Burkhart,L singled

to right field.  Martinez,O singled through the right side; Burkhart,L

advanced to second.  Ramistella,J singled to shortstop; Martinez,O advanced

to second; Burkhart,L advanced to third.  Just,M reached on a fielder’s

choice, RBI; Ramistella,J out at second ss to 2b; Martinez,O advanced to

third; Burkhart,L scored.  Garcia,T grounded out to 3b.  1 run, 3 hits, 0

errors, 2 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 6

Biernbaum,L popped up to 2b.  Haran,G hit by pitch.  Morris,J singled to

left center; Haran,G advanced to third.  Mulhern,R flied out to lf, SF, RBI;

Haran,G scored.  Campbell,M singled to right field; Morris,J advanced to

second.  Housel,D reached on a fielder’s choice; Campbell,M out at second ss

to 2b.  1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 8

Morris,J singled down the rf line.  Mulhern,R singled up the middle;

Morris,J advanced to second.  Campbell,M flied out to cf.  Housel,D grounded

out to ss; Mulhern,R advanced to second; Morris,J advanced to third.

Turner,L homered to left field, 3 RBI; Mulhern,R scored; Morris,J scored.

Schweitzer,M to p for Gannon,J.  Sabatella,B struck out swinging.  3 runs, 3

hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 9

James,M to p for Schweitzer,M.  Woods,M walked.  Biernbaum,L struck out

swinging.  Woods,M stole second.  Haran,G grounded out to 3b.  Morris,J

singled through the right side, RBI; Woods,M scored.  Mulhern,R singled

through the left side; Morris,J advanced to second.  Campbell,M singled to

right center, RBI; Mulhern,R advanced to third; Morris,J scored.  Housel,D

flied out to cf.  2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 9

Abel,N to p for Camacho,E.  Burkhart,L grounded out to ss.  Martinez,O

grounded out to 2b.  Ramistella,J homered to left field, RBI.  Just,M

grounded out to 2b.  1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 13

Woods,M walked.  Woods,M out at first p to 1b, picked off.  Biernbaum,L

homered to right field, RBI.  Haran,G walked.  DeCrstfaro,V to p for

Batson,B.  Morris,J fouled out to lf.  Haran,G stole second.  Mulhern,R

flied out to cf.  1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Game Notes:

Official Scorer:  Gary Swenson                 Tuesday’s Probables:

LAN:  RHP Ben Fritz (3-4, 3.49); SMD:  LHP Keith Ramsey (0-0, 0.00)

Lancaster’s Housel batted right-handed in the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th

innings.

Hodges,T faced 2 batters in the 3rd.

Southern Maryland scored first in the top of the second inning after center fielder Jeremy Owens singled, designated hitter Jermy Acey singled, and catcher Lance Burkhart singled to plate Owens.  First baseman Octavio Martinez then singled to score Acey and right fielder John Ramistella (9) followed with a three run homerun for the 5-0 lead.

The Blue Crabs added a run in the top of the fourth inning.  Acey walked and Martinez drove him home on an RBI single to make the score 6-0.

The Patriots scored in the bottom of the fourth inning after first baseman Josh Pressley walked and scored on an RBI single by third baseman Jeff Nettles to cut the lead to 6-1.

Southern Maryland broke open the game with six runs in the top of the sixth inning.  Burkhart doubled, Martinez singled, and Ramistella doubled to score Burkhart.  Second baseman Mike Just followed with an RBI double to plate Martinez and Ramistella, shortstop Travis Garcia singled, and left fielder James Shanks (11) hit a three run homerun for the 12-1 lead.

The Blue Crabs added a run in the top of seventh inning after Acey singled and Ramistella doubled to drive him home for the 13-1 advantage.

The Patriots scored in the bottom of the ninth inning after designated hitter Jason Belcher singled and scored on an RBI single by right fielder Elliott Ayala and catcher Travis Anderson scored on a wild pitch for the 13-3 final.

Blue Crabs reliever Ryan Bicondoa (6-2) picked up the win after pitching two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.  Patriots starter Kip Bouknight (4-5) got the loss after surrendering ten earned runs on 13 hits and five strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday, July 5th with a 6:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game includes a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza presented by John Maltese Iron Works and Guaranteed Win Night.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Bridgeport’s Corey Lee dominated the Ducks, allowing just three hits in seven scoreless innings as the Ducks dropped a 7-0 decision in front of the largest crowd in Citibank Park history. Southern Maryland posted a win Saturday afternoon and clinched the Liberty Division’s first-half championship with Bridgeport’s win.

Despite a new attendance high of 7,582, the Ducks’ fell to 34-31 and will need to win the division’s second-half title or capture a potential wild card berth in order to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2003. While the records re-set July 10, the remaining five games in the opening half could still matter at the end of the season if there is a wild card race.

“I think it’s a good way of doing it and it gives every team an opportunity to regroup and have a chance to get in the playoffs,” Carter said. “Every game counts and in this situation, we just have to keep going out there and play hard.

“We can’t forget the last five games.”

There was some good news for the Ducks on a picturesque Independence Day with Preston Wilson returning to the Ducks lineup for the first time in more than a month. Wilson batted cleanup and went 1-4 as the designated hitter, marking his first game action since getting drilled in the face with a pitch that caused a displaced fracture of his nose May 28.

“It’s funny because for me, anytime I’ve come back from something, the first day is OK and it starts telling you how much time you’ve missed in the next few days,” Wilson said. “It’s a matter of stating focused and trying to keep everything as slow and simple as possible and not try to force it. Hopefully, it will come back quicker if [I] don’t try to force it.”

Ducks pitchers experienced severe control problems, walking seven batters to set-up Bridgeport’s rallies. Jake Dittler allowed just three hits and one run in six innings but walked five, including a sixth-inning leadoff walk that resulted in the game’s first run.

Luis Lopez followed a free pass to Tyrone Pendergrass by lining a double that landed just inside the rightfield line. Dittler ended his outing by escaping the jam, stranding Lopez at second before exiting. The right-hander took the hard-luck loss, dropping to 2-4.

A seventh-inning bullpen meltdown allowed Bridgeport to pad the lead with six runs, punctuated by Ryan Radmonovich’s three-run home run. Jason Norderum and Joe Valentine were both charged with three runs.

“Walks always comes back to haunt you,” Carter said. “That was the difference in the ballgame.”

Wilson’s return should bolster the lineup for a second-half push though it did nothing to stymie Lee. The Ducks did not have a single runner reach second until the seventh inning. Even with two runners on base, Lee ended the threat by forcing Johnny Hernandez to ground into a double play. Lee watched Matt Pike pitch the last two innings. The Ducks could not avoid its shutout this season.

“Bridgeport’s been swinging the bat well and getting some good pitching,” Carter said. “They are going to be just as tough in the second half.”

Wilson took an extra precaution at the plate to guard his face. The former major league All-Star wore a protective clear visor fixated to the the helmet’s brim. But the new equipment and long layoff didn’t hinder bat speed as Wilson lined a single sharply through the right side in his first at-bat against Lee. The former Mets, Marlins and Astros outfielder even laughed about his protective gear, pointing it out to catcher Luis Rodriguez before stepping into the batter’s box for the first time.

“It’s a big boost,” Carter said. “We came up with that shield that will protect him, otherwise he wasn’t going to be eligible until around [July] 9 or play in the field until the 14th.  There’s no question, it’s a big plus to have him back.”

The Ducks will look to salvage a split of the four-game series Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

With two outs already recorded in the 3rd inning, Riversharks’ starter Ryan DiPietro ran into some trouble. After surrendering a single to right fielder Jacque Jones, and a walk to designated hitter Carl Everett. First baseman Brandon Buckman stepped to the plate and hit a frozen rope up the middle, scoring Jones for the early 1-0 lead.

The Riversharks answered right back in the bottom of the third inning, as they batted around, and took a commanding lead. It all began when third baseman Brian Burgamy slapped a pitch up the middle, and advanced to 2nd base on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Jason Jacobs. The next batter was Wayne Lydon, who blooped a single into shallow right field, scoring Burgamy to even the ballgame. But the Riversharks’ bats did not stop there, a costly error by Buckman provided a kick-start to the Riversharks’ offense. With Lydon and Chris Walker onboard, second baseman Junior Spivey knocked a ball just past Bears’ shortstop Felix Martinez, which scored Lydon for the go-ahead run. One batter later, left fielder Jon Knott drove a ball off the left field wall to score both Walker and Spivey, making the score 4-1. Stepping to the plate next was first baseman Brett Bonvechio, who unloaded a 2-0 offering over the right field fence, capping the runs in the inning at 6, and a 6-1 lead for the home town club.

The Bears began to claw away at the Riversharks’ lead in the top of the 4th inning, when center fielder Tike Redman took DiPietro’s pitch to deep right field, cutting Camden’s lead to 6-2. But Camden quickly regained that run. After another error by Buckman, Bonvechio added his third RBI of the contest, when he ripped a ball into left field, scoring Spivey from 3rd, to make the score 7-2.

Camden continued to add to their lead in the bottom of the 6th inning, when Lydon drew a one-out walk. He then stole second, for his 27th swipe of the season. Walker then stepped to the plate, and tagged a ball into right field, plating Lydon for an 8-2 lead.

The Bears continued to slash away at the Riversharks’ lead. Former Rivershark catcher Albert Castillo led off the inning with a double to the left field wall. Castillo then moved to second after a walk was surrendered to Redman. Left fielder Charlton Jimerson laid down a sacrifice bunt, which Jacobs threw over the head of Bonvechio, allowing Castillo the free pass to home. This paved the way for Everett to crush a pitch off the wall in right field, scoring both Redman and Jimerson, to cut the lead to 8-5.

But once again, the Riversharks would not let the Bears’ get too close. Newark’s Reliever yielded four consecutive walks to begin the bottom of the 8th inning, allowing Lydon to walk all the way around the bases and score to up the ante to 9-5. Camden would tack on an additional run, after Knott hit a fly ball to center field, sending Walker home to make the score 10-5.

In the 9th, the ball was turned over to lefty Chris Shaver, who shut down the Bears’ revolutionary hopes of a comeback, and sealed the victory for the sharks.

The Riversharks and Bears will conclude their four game set tomorrow, for a Sunday matinee game at 1:05pm. Lefty pitcher Josh Brey (1-3, 3.51 ERA) will take the mound for the Sharks in the final game of the series, and will be opposed by Newark’s RHP Jose Garcia(3-1, 5.04 ERA). Limited seating is still available for the game. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.riversharks.com.

The holiday crowd witnessed a 12-5 Bluefish win over the Ducks courtesy mainly of a 10-run second inning, which saw Bridgeport bat around while hitting two grand slams in the same frame.

Offensive stars for Long Island included Ray Navarrete (solo home run), Lew Ford (solo home run) and Johnny Hernandez, who had three hits. Robert Paulk delivered five and one-third innings of scoreless baseball in relief of starter B.J. LaMura (5-5).

The Ducks and Bluefish continue their series on Saturday. Game time is 7:05 p.m., and the Citibank Park gates open at 6:05 p.m. Jake Dittler makes the start for Long Island against Bridgeport’s Corey Lee. Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Government Service Administrators. Fans can tune into all the action on WNYG 1440 AM or online at www.liducks.com, with Chris King and David Weiss 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 Blue Crabs took an early lead in the top of the first inning after right fielder John Ramistella (8) hit a solo homerun to left field.  Third baseman Mike Just then singled, shortstop Travis Garcia singled, first baseman Patrick Osborn singled, and left fielder James Shanks doubled to score Just and Garcia.  Center fielder Jeremy Owens followed with a double to score Osborn and Shanks to make the score 5-0.

Somerset answered with three runs in the bottom of the first inning.  Right fielder Mike Rodriguez singled, second baseman Matt Hagen doubled, and third baseman Jeff Nettles hit a sacrifice fly to plate Rodriguez.  Catcher Jason Belcher (2) followed with a two run homerun to cut the lead to 5-3.

The Patriots tied the game in the bottom of the third inning after Nettles doubled, designated hitter Teuris Olivares doubled to score Nettles, and left fielder Elliott Ayala singled to drive home Olivares to make the score 5-5.

Somerset scored in the bottom of the fourth inning after first baseman Joe Burke doubled and scored on an RBI single by Rodriguez for the 6-5 lead.

The Patriots added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after shortstop Anthony Granato walked and later scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Rodriguez to make the score 7-5.

Southern Maryland scored in the top of the eighth inning after a solo homerun by Owens (15) to cut the lead to 7-6.

The Patriots added to their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning.  Center fielder Sean Smith singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Nettles to make the score 8-6.

Patriots starter Brian Adams (8-4) picked up the win after allowing six earned runs on nine hits and nine strikeouts in 7.2 innings pitched.  Blue Crabs starter Joe Gannon (5-9) suffered the loss after allowing seven earned runs on 12 hits in 5.1 innings pitched.  Patriots closer Bret Prinz (5) got the save after pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Saturday, July 4th with a 5:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game features a Pre-Game Baseball Clinic, $1 Hot Dogs, and a Chance to Win $10,000 presented by Heineken Premium Light.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Riversharks opened the scoring in the third inning of the game and took a one run lead. With runners on the corners, third baseman Brett Bonvechio slapped a single to right field, driving home Jon Knott, and giving Camden a 1-0 lead.

The Sharks extended their lead in the 4th inning, as they tacked on 3 more runs. With a runner in scoring position, second baseman Junior Spivey ripped a double to right field that plated Chris Walker. The next batter was Knott, who drew a walk, putting two base runners aboard. Then catcher Jason Jacobs stepped to the plate and drove a double to left field that scored both Spivey and Knott, and gave the home team a 4-0 lead.

Camden’s offense continued to click in the 5th inning. With two runners on base, first baseman Vito Chiaravollotti doubled to center field, bringing Bryant Nelson and Knott around to score. The next batter was Jacobs, who singled up the middle, allowing Chiaravollotti to score from second base, and giving the Riversharks a 7-0 lead.

The Bears finally got onto the scoreboard in the 7th inning, and cut the Riversharks lead down to 7-1. Left fielder Charlton Jimerson led off the inning with a double to left for the Bears, and then scored when Michael Sandoval stepped to the plate and followed suit.

The Bears continued to claw away at their deficit in the 8th inning. Camden reliever Josh Newman first balked in a run, and then allowed another to cross the plate courtesy of a wild pitch. An RBI single by Newark’s Felix Martinez followed, and made the score 7-4 in favor of the home team.

With a three run lead in the 9th inning, the Riversharks put the ball in the hands of closer Felix Rodriguez. Despite giving up a two run homerun to Carl Everett, Rodriguez managed to close the door on the Bears, and lead Camden to a 7-6 victory. The save was Rodriguez’s fourth of the year.

The Riversharks and Bears will play game three of their four game series tomorrow at 5:35pm. Left handed pitcher Ryan DiPietro (0-2, 3.76) will take the hill for the Sharks. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box score

The Automated ScoreBook

Newark at Camden

Jul 03, 2009 at Camden NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Newark 6 (33-32)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Redman, T cf………….  3  0  0  0   2  0  2  0   0

Caruso, M 2b………….  5  0  0  0   0  1  3  4   4

Jones, J rf…………..  5  2  2  0   0  1  2  0   1

Everett, C dh…………  4  1  3  2   1  1  0  0   0

Madera, S 1b………….  4  1  1  0   1  1  6  0   0

Manriquez, S c………..  4  1  0  0   1  0  5  0   1

Jimerson, C lf………..  3  1  2  0   2  1  1  0   0

Sandoval, M 3b………..  4  0  2  1   0  0  3  2   2

Buckman, B ph………..  1  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   1

Martinez, F ss………..  4  0  1  1   0  1  2  1   0

Melody, M p…………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Bukvich, R p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Willey, C p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Benitez, A p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 37  6 11  4   7  6 24  8  11

Camden 7 (29-35)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Walker, C rf………….  4  1  1  0   1  1  0  0   0

Nelson, B ss………….  5  1  3  0   0  0  1  4   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  5  1  2  1   0  0  1  4   3

Knott, J lf…………..  2  3  2  0   3  0  4  1   0

Chiaravollot 1b……….  4  1  1  2   1  1 10  0   1

Jacobs, J c…………..  5  0  2  3   0  1  7  1   3

Lydon, W cf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  1  1  0   1

Bonvechio, B 3b……….  2  0  1  1   3  1  2  0   0

Finegan, B dh…………  5  0  1  0   0  0  0  0   6

Brazelton, D p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Guerrero, J p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Newman, J p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Rodriquez, F p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Totals………………. 36  7 14  7   8  5 27 12  14

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Newark………….. 000 000 132 -  6 11  0

Camden………….. 001 330 00X -  7 14  0

——————————————-

DP – Newark 2. LOB – Newark 11; Camden 14. 2B – Everett, C; Jimerson, C;

Sandoval, M; Spivey, J; Chiaravollot; Jacobs, J. HR – Everett, C. HBP -

Lydon, W. SB – Redman, T; Jimerson, C; Walker, C.

Newark                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Melody, M………..  3.2  9  4  4  4  4 20 24

Bukvich, R……….  1.1  3  3  3  2  0  7 10

Willey, C………..  2.0  2  0  0  1  0  6  7

Benitez, A……….  1.0  0  0  0  1  1  3  4

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Brazelton, D……..  6.0  4  0  0  3  4 21 24

Guerrero, J………  1.0  2  1  1  0  0  5  5

Newman, J………..  0.1  2  3  3  2  1  3  5

Rodriquez, F……..  1.2  3  2  2  2  1  8 10

Win – Brazelton, D (3-4).  Loss – Melody, M (0-1).  Save – Rodriquez, F (4).

WP – Melody, M; Bukvich, R; Newman, J 2. HBP – by Bukvich, R (Lydon, W). BK -

Newman, J.

Umpires -

Start:   Time: 3:28   Attendance: 4267

Game: CMD7030

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.

In the meantime, the Ducks will settle for a win after trailing 3-0 in the eighth. The Ducks scored twice in the ninth to send it to extra before Hernandez brought home John Pachot with the winning run against Jonathan Plefka (1-1).

Down two runs in the ninth, Victor Rodriguez reached on a one-out error when Todd Davison bobbled the ball. Two base hits sandwiched around strikeouts put the tying runs on base and booth advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch.

Pachot then hit a grounder down the third base line that Luis Lopez snared with a backhander. Rather than holding it, Lopez tried the low-percentage throw and his attempt skipped past first base, allowing Kyle Reynolds to score the inning’s second unearned run and tie the score at 3.

Manager Gary Carter nearly was ejected the next batter when Pachot, after advancing to second on another wild pitch, raced home from second when Juan Francia punched a single to left. The strong throw resulted in a bang-bang play and an out call, which caused Carter to jump in the air and scream in frustrating at what could have been the game-winning run.

A power surge temporarily knocked out the left-center field lights with two outs in the top of the sixth and the ensuing 1:08 delay ended a pitching duel prematurely. Cate and Bridgeport’s Kyle Jackson each allowed one base hit each before the rain swept over Citibank Park, leaving it to the bullpens.

Bridgeport finally opened the scoring with a three-run seventh, spoiling Cate’s dominating effort as the Bluefish posted a 3-0 victory. Cate struck out eight and walked just one in 5 2/3 innings. The lefty retired the first 10 Bluefish and faced the minimum through five innings before giving up a leadoff sixth inning walk.

Cate then struck out the next two batters before the delay. The left-center lights and scoreboard flashed on and off before the second strike on Shea Harris. Harris stayed at bat and struck out on the next pitch just as the lights went out in the scoreless game.

At that point the umpires called for the tarp as lightning flashed. Rain pelted the field for the next hour and Ron Flores was on the mound in relief of Cate when the teams returned 68 minutes later.

Flores got out of the sixth by inducing a pop out on one pitch. Yet the Ducks couldn’t muster any more offense despite the Bluefish going to the bullpen. Jackson picked up a no-decision, allowing one hit in five innings, striking out four while issuing zero walks.

The Ducks (34-29) trail first-place Southern Maryland by 5 1/2 games with seven games left for the first-half crown. All records re-set at the midway point, though the remaining first half games are still important should the Blue Crabs win the second half pennant as the best overall record determines a wild card entry.

Bridgeport (29-35) finally generated offense with the first four batters reaching base to start the seventh. Jesse Hoorelbeke lined a single to following a leadoff double and walk, loading the bases against the Ducks Rob Paulk.

With the infield playing in to cut off the run at home, Brandon Sing’s grounder skipped through the left side to plate Todd Davison with the first run while chasing Paulk. Jason Norderum came in and got a key strikeout before walking former Duck Ron Davenport to force in a run. Hoorelbeke scored Bridgeport’s third and final run on a wild pitch to cap the rally.

Cate’s effort came two days after the Ducks released Opening Day starter Brad Halsey. Halsey, a fellow southpaw, was 3-5 with a 5.86 ERA before his departure.

Julio Manon is the closest the Ducks have come to finding an ace, posting a 3-1 record and a rotation-best 3.29 ERA. Cate is the only Ducks starter with an ERA less than 4, making him a candidate to take over the No. 2 rotation spot and provide a lefty complement to Manon.

Halsey never found the consistency and didn’t miss many bats, allowing left-handed hitters to bat a collective .325 against him. The former Yankee prospect was jettisoned July 1 after allowing 73 hits in just 58 1/3 innings. Catcher Jamie Quinn, the team’s bullpen catcher, took Halsey’s roster spot after backup catcher Rob Sandora is out day-to-day with soreness in his leg.

The Riversharks jumped out to an early lead in this contest, courtesy of some clutch hitting. With two outs already in the books, designated hitter Jose Leon safely reached first base with an infield hit. The next batter was Jon Knott, who doubled to left field and advanced Leon to third. With two runners in scoring position, first baseman Vito Chiaravolloti lined a single into left field, driving home Leon and Knott, and giving the Riversharks a 2-0 lead.

Newark pulled back a run in the top of the third, and cut Camden’s lead in half. Center fielder Tike Redman reached first base with an infield single. The next batter was second baseman Andres Perez, who tripled to center field, driving in Redman, and making the score 2-1. The Bears then drew even in the 5th inning, as an RBI double by Perez again plated Redman, and tied the game.

The Sharks answered right back in the bottom of the fifth, and retook the lead. Center fielder Wayne Lydon drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, and then advanced to third on a throwing error by Newark catcher Salomon Manriguez. He then scored when shortstop Bryant Nelson doubled to right field, giving Camden a 3-2 lead. Three batters later, Chiaravollotti stepped to the plate and picked up his third RBI of the game when he singled to center field and drove home Nelson, extending the home team’s lead.

Camden tacked on an additional run in the 6th inning, and extended their lead to 5-2. After a leadoff double by catcher Jason Jacobs, Chris Walker knocked a single to right field, and drove home Jacobs.

The Riversharks tacked on two more runs in the bottom of 8th inning, when Knott ripped a liner off the glove off Newark’s Felix Martinez. The error would score both Chris Walker and Nelson. The scoring continued for Camden when third baseman Brett Bonvechio slapped a pitch over the head of a leaping Andres Perez for Camden’s 8th run of the contest.

In the 9th inning, the game was put on the arm of reliever Michael Flannery, who tamed the Bears’ chances, whilst locking down an 8-2 Riversharks’ victory.

The Riversharks and Bears will play game two of their four game series tomorrow at 7:05pm. Right-handed pitcher Dewon Brazelton (2-4, 3.50) will take the hill for the Sharks, and will be opposed by lefty Matt Melody (0-0, 6.75) of Newark. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box Score

The Automated ScoreBook

Newark at Camden

Jul 02, 2009 at Camden, NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Newark 2 (33-31)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Redman, T cf………….  3  2  2  0   0  0  4  0   0

Perez, A 2b…………..  3  0  2  2   0  0  1  1   0

Caruso, M 2b…………  1  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Jones, J rf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  3  2  0   2

Castillo, A c………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Everett, C dh…………  4  0  0  0   0  2  0  0   1

Manriquez, S c/rf……..  4  0  0  0   0  3  6  0   0

Madera, S 1b………….  4  0  4  0   0  0  8  1   0

Buckman, B lf…………  4  0  1  0   0  1  0  0   2

Sandoval, M 3b………..  4  0  0  0   0  1  1  2   0

Martinez, F ss………..  4  0  0  0   0  2  1  2   2

Komine, S p…………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  2   0

Banks, W p…………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Spurling, C p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Mendoza, R p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 35  2 10  2   0 12 24 10   7

Camden 8 (28-35)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Walker, C rf………….  5  1  2  1   0  0  1  0   1

Nelson, B ss………….  5  2  3  1   0  1  1  3   0

Leon, J dh……………  4  1  1  0   0  0  0  0   0

Knott, J lf…………..  5  2  1  2   0  2  1  0   2

Chiaravollot 1b……….  4  0  3  3   1  0  9  0   0

Bonvechio, B 3b……….  4  0  1  1   1  0  0  0   1

Spivey, J 2b………….  5  0  1  0   0  1  1  7   4

Jacobs, J c…………..  4  1  1  0   0  0 12  0   1

Lydon, W cf…………..  1  1  0  0   2  0  1  0   2

Davey, T p……………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Shaver, C p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Flannery, M p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 37  8 13  8   4  4 27 10  11

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Newark………….. 001 010 000 -  2 10  4

Camden………….. 200 021 03X -  8 13  0

——————————————-

E – Manriquez, S(6); Sandoval, M 2(11); Martinez, F(4). DP – Newark 1;

Camden 2. LOB – Newark 7; Camden 11. 2B – Perez, A(6); Madera, S(2); Nelson,

B 2(5); Knott, J(9); Jacobs, J(7). 3B – Perez, A(4). HBP – Redman, T. SH -

Lydon, W. SF – Leon, J. SB – Lydon, W(26).

Newark                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Komine, S………..  4.2  6  4  2  2  2 21 23

Banks, W…………  1.1  3  1  1  1  1  5  8

Spurling, C………  1.0  0  0  0  1  1  4  5

Mendoza, R……….  1.0  4  3  0  0  0  7  7

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Davey, T…………  7.0  8  2  2  0 10 27 28

Shaver, C………..  1.0  0  0  0  0  1  3  3

Flannery, M………  1.0  2  0  0  0  1  5  5

Win – Davey, T (7-2).  Loss – Komine, S (2-3).  Save – None.

WP – Davey, T; Flannery, M. HBP – by Davey, T (Redman, T).

Umpires – HP: Hauer  1B: Barry  3B: Facto

Start: 7:10 pm   Time: 2:51   Attendance: 2072

Weather: Sunny and nice

Game notes:

Next game probables

Newark – Matt Melody

Camden – Dewon Brazelton

Game: CAM7020

Southern Maryland took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning on a solo homerun to left field by Ramistella (6).

The Patriots answered in the bottom of the third inning.  Left fielder Joe Burke singled, catcher Travis Anderson walked, shortstop Anthony Granato walked, and right fielder Mike Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to score Burke.  First baseman Josh Pressley then walked, designated hitter Matt Hagen was hit by a pitch to score Anderson, and third baseman Jeff Nettles singled to score Granato and Pressley.  Burke capped off the rally with an RBI single to score Hagen for the 5-1 lead.

The Blue Crabs added a run in the top of the fourth inning after a solo homerun by Shanks (9) to cut the lead to 5-2.

Southern Maryland scored in the top of the fifth inning after third baseman Chuck Jeroloman walked, Ramistella walked, second baseman Mike Just walked, and shortstop Travis Garcia doubled to clear the bases and tie the game.  Shanks (10) followed with a two run homerun to make the score 7-5.

Somerset cut the lead to 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning after Anderson hit a solo homerun (3) to left center field.

Southern Maryland added to their lead in the top of the eighth inning after designated hitter Jermy Acey doubled and Ramistella (7) followed with a homerun to make the score 9-6.

The Blue Crabs added a run in the top of the ninth inning after a solo homerun by center fielder Jeremy Owens (14).

Southern Maryland reliever Byron Batson (2-2) picked up the win after pitching 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two.  Patriots reliever Scott Van Es (0-1) got the loss after surrendering three earned runs on three hits and two walks in 0.2 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Friday, July 3rd with a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game features a Post-Game Fireworks Show courtesy of True and Associates.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

]]> http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/2009/07/03/crabs-defeat-fish-10-6/feed/ 0 http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/2009/06/30/plefka%e2%80%99s-passion-for-baseball-pushes-him-forward/ http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/2009/06/30/plefka%e2%80%99s-passion-for-baseball-pushes-him-forward/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:28:57 +0000 Justin Felisko http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/?p=968 Bridgeport, CT-The quiet but eager 10-year-old boy raises his head towards the six-foot-eight-inch, 240 pound skyscraper.   The tall Bridgeport Bluefish reliever slowly bends over after gently introducing himself and hands the young boy a baseball in the visitor’s bullpen of the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  With ball in hand, Ryan Mennitt steps to the mound and begins to listen intently to Jon Plefka.  Despite being separated by 14 years, they both share in the same love of the game.

“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.

“He’s a guy I think can help the ball club,” said Manager Chris Hoiles.  “He’s a proven hitter who can improve our offense and lead this team.  He’s hit well in this league and everywhere else so we’re glad to have him.”

Hoiles and Rose have known each other on and off the field since their days in the Orioles system.

Rose joins the Revs for his fifth consecutive season in the Atlantic League, where he is a career .297 hitter.  That includes a standout 2007 campaign with the Long Island Ducks when he batted .342 which ranked fourth in the league.  He also finished second with 155 hits that season, and fourth with 95 RBI.  Last year, Rose batted .289, while pounding 15 homers and driving in 95 for the second consecutive year with the Ducks.  He has also suited up for the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Newark Bears in the Atlantic League.  Now in his 21^st professional season, Rose reached the major leagues with his hometown Cincinnati Reds in 1997.

Right-handed pitcher Jason Olson has also been invited to work out with the club, and could also be activated in the coming days.  Perhaps the most accomplished reliever in the Revs’ brief history, Olson has appeared in a club-record 92 games over the course of two seasons, and is York’s all-time leader with nine relief victories.  He posted a 3.41 ERA in 50 games last season for the second half Freedom Division champs.  A fan-favorite in York, Olson was also named last year’s Community Outreach Player of the Year.

Lancaster (28-28) stormed into the lead in the top of the first. Lloyd Turner hit a single to left field and then stole second to put himself in scoring position. Jed Morris hit a single later in the inning to score Turner and give the Barnstormers the lead.

While one run was not enough for Junge, it was plenty of a lead to start the game. Junge dominated the Blue Crabs (33-23), putting on a clinic with 12 strikeouts to set a new season high for a pitcher against Southern Maryland.

In the seventh inning, Barnstormers’ Ryan Mulhern hit a two-run home run against Gannon over the tall left-field wall to add more insurance for Junge.

Junge allowed only 3 hits in the first 6 innings. In the bottom of the seventh inning, James Shanks led off the inning with a triple. He then scored on a Richard Giannotti single to put the Blue Crabs in the run column.

Against four pitchers from the Blue Crabs’ bullpen, the Barnstormers just added insult to injury, putting up 7 runs in the top of the eighth inning.

The Blue Crabs put up 4 runs in the bottom of the eighth inning but failed to make any more of a comeback, falling 10-5.

Junge (4-1) picked up the win and finished with 7 innings pitched, giving up one run, allowing 5 hits and only 1 walk.

Gannon (5-7) picked up the loss and finished with 7 innings pitched, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits.

Barnstormers at Blue Crabs

Jun 25, 2009 at Waldorf, MD (Regency Furn Stadium)

Barnstormers 10 (28-28)              Blue Crabs 5 (33-23)

AB  R  H RBI                         AB  R  H RBI

Foster,Q lf        5  1  1  3        Ramistella,J rf    5  0  1  0

Turner,L ss        4  1  2  1        Just,M 2b          3  1  1  0

Woods,M cf         4  1  3  0        Garcia,T ss        4  1  2  0

Herr,A 3b          3  1  0  0        Osborn,P 1b/3b     4  0  0  0

Morris,J dh        4  0  2  2        Shanks,J dh        4  2  2  1

Haran,G c          5  1  0  1        Owens,J cf         4  1  1  0

Bravo,D 2b         3  2  0  0        Burkhart,L c       4  0  1  3

Mulhern,R rf       3  2  1  2        Giannotti,R lf     4  0  1  1

Sabatella,B 1b     4  1  1  1        Jeroloman,C 3b     2  0  0  0

Junge,E p          0  0  0  0        Acey,J ph          1  0  0  0

Gomez,R p          0  0  0  0        Martinez,O 1b      1  0  0  0

Abel,N p           0  0  0  0        Gannon,J p         0  0  0  0

Rodriguez,E p      0  0  0  0

Schweitzer,M p     0  0  0  0

Serrano,J p        0  0  0  0

Batson,B p         0  0  0  0

DeCrstfaro,V p     0  0  0  0

James,M p          0  0  0  0

Totals……      35 10 10 10        Totals……      36  5  9  5

Score by innings:                      R  H  E

———————————————-

Barnstormers          100 000 270   – 10 10  1

Blue Crabs            000 000 140   -  5  9  0

———————————————-

E – Herr,A. DP – Barnstormers 1; Blue Crabs 1. LOB – Barnstormers 7; Blue

Crabs 6. 2B – Woods,M; Burkhart,L. 3B – Foster,Q; Shanks,J. HR -

Mulhern,R(5). SF – Turner,L. SB – Turner,L; Woods,M; Ramistella,J.

IP  H  R ER BB SO  WP BK HP IBB  AB BF Fly Gnd

Junge,E W 4-1         7.0  5  1  1  1 12   0  0  0  0   26 27   7  1

Gomez,R               1.0  4  4  4  1  1   0  0  0  0    7  8   1  1

Abel,N                1.0  0  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0    3  3   1  2

Gannon,J L 5-7        7.0  5  3  3  4  4   1  0  0  0   25 29  11  5

Rodriguez,E           0.0  1  2  2  1  0   0  0  0  0    1  2   0  0

Schweitzer,M          0.0  1  1  1  0  0   0  0  0  0    1  1   0  0

Serrano,J             0.1  0  2  2  2  0   0  0  0  0    1  3   0  1

Batson,B              0.2  3  2  2  0  0   0  0  0  0    4  5   1  1

DeCrstfaro,V          0.0  0  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0    0  1   0  0

James,M               1.0  0  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0    3  3   2  1

WP – Gannon,J. HBP – by DeCrstfaro,V (Morris,J).

Strikeouts – Woods,M; Morris,J; Bravo,D; Sabatella,B; Ramistella,J;

Garcia,T 2; Osborn,P; Owens,J 2; Burkhart,L 3; Giannotti,R 2; Jeroloman,C

2. Walks – Woods,M; Herr,A 2; Bravo,D 2; Mulhern,R 2; Just,M 2.

Umpires – Home:Dan Wilson  1st:Mayhue Edwards  3rd:Dave Perry

Start: 7:05 PM   Time: 3:28   Attendance: 5342

Game Notes:

Official Scorer:  Gary Swenson                 Friday’s Probables:

LAN:  RHP Ben Fritz (3-2, 3.31); SMD:  RHP Kenny Baugh (4-3, 4.60)

Rodriguez,E faced 2 batters in the 8th.

Schweitzer,M faced 1 batter in the 8th.

DeCrstfaro,V faced 1 batter in the 9th.

The Automated ScoreBook

Barnstormers at Blue Crabs

Jun 25, 2009 at Waldorf, MD (Regency Furn Stadium)

Score by innings:                      R  H  E

———————————————-

Barnstormers          100 000 270   – 10 10  1

Blue Crabs            000 000 140   -  5  9  0

———————————————-

Barnstormers inning 1

Foster,Q flied out to lf.  Turner,L singled through the left side.  Turner,L

stole second.  Woods,M struck out swinging.  Herr,A walked.  Morris,J

singled to center field, RBI; Herr,A advanced to third; Turner,L scored.

Haran,G grounded out to p.  1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 1

Ramistella,J reached on a throwing error by 3b.  Just,M singled to right

field; Ramistella,J advanced to second.  Garcia,T struck out swinging.

Osborn,P struck out swinging.  Shanks,J lined out to ss.  0 runs, 1 hit, 1

error, 2 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 2

Bravo,D struck out swinging.  Mulhern,R walked.  Sabatella,B flied out to

rf.  Foster,Q grounded out to 1b unassisted.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1

LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 2

Owens,J struck out swinging.  Burkhart,L struck out swinging.  Giannotti,R

popped up to ss.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 3

Turner,L singled through the left side.  Turner,L advanced to second on a

wild pitch.  Woods,M walked.  Herr,A grounded into double play ss to 2b to

1b; Woods,M out on the play; Turner,L advanced to third.  Morris,J flied out

to lf.  0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 3

Jeroloman,C struck out swinging.  Ramistella,J struck out swinging.  Just,M

flied out to cf.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 4

Haran,G grounded out to 3b.  Bravo,D flied out to cf.  Mulhern,R flied out

to cf.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 4

Garcia,T singled to left field.  Osborn,P grounded into double play ss to 2b

to 1b; Garcia,T out on the play.  Shanks,J fouled out to rf.  0 runs, 1 hit,

0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 5

Sabatella,B struck out looking.  Foster,Q popped up to p, bunt.  Turner,L

grounded out to p.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 5

Owens,J flied out to rf.  Burkhart,L struck out looking.  Giannotti,R struck

out swinging.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 6

Woods,M singled up the middle.  Herr,A flied out to rf.  Morris,J struck out

swinging.  Haran,G flied out to rf.  0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 6

Jeroloman,C struck out swinging.  Ramistella,J singled to right field.

Ramistella,J stole second.  Just,M walked.  Garcia,T struck out swinging.

Osborn,P lined out to 1b.  0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 7

Bravo,D walked.  Mulhern,R homered to left field, 2 RBI; Bravo,D scored.

Sabatella,B flied out to cf.  Foster,Q flied out to rf.  Turner,L flied out

to lf.  2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 7

Shanks,J tripled to right center.  Owens,J struck out swinging.  Burkhart,L

struck out swinging.  Giannotti,R singled to second base, RBI; Shanks,J

scored.  Acey,J pinch hit for Jeroloman,C.  Acey,J popped up to 1b.  1 run,

2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 8

Osborn,P to 3b.  Martinez,O to 1b for Acey,J.  Rodriguez,E to p for

Gannon,J.  Woods,M singled up the middle.  Woods,M stole second.  Herr,A

walked.  Schweitzer,M to p for Rodriguez,E.  Morris,J singled to left

center, RBI; Herr,A advanced to third; Woods,M scored.  Serrano,J to p for

Schweitzer,M.  Haran,G reached on a fielder’s choice, RBI; Morris,J out at

second ss to 2b; Herr,A scored.  Bravo,D walked; Haran,G advanced to second.

Mulhern,R walked; Bravo,D advanced to second; Haran,G advanced to third.

Batson,B to p for Serrano,J.  Sabatella,B singled up the middle, RBI;

Mulhern,R advanced to second; Bravo,D advanced to third; Haran,G scored.

Foster,Q tripled to center field, 3 RBI; Sabatella,B scored; Mulhern,R

scored; Bravo,D scored.  Turner,L flied out to cf, SF, RBI; Foster,Q scored.

Woods,M doubled to left center.  Herr,A grounded out to ss.  7 runs, 5

hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 8

Gomez,R to p for Junge,E.  Ramistella,J grounded out to 1b unassisted.

Just,M walked.  Garcia,T singled to left field; Just,M advanced to second.

Osborn,P infield fly to 1b.  Shanks,J singled to left center, RBI; Garcia,T

advanced to second; Just,M scored.  Owens,J singled to shortstop; Shanks,J

advanced to second; Garcia,T advanced to third.  Burkhart,L doubled down the

rf line, 3 RBI; Owens,J scored; Shanks,J scored; Garcia,T scored.

Giannotti,R struck out swinging.  4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Barnstormers inning 9

DeCrstfaro,V to p for Batson,B.  Morris,J hit by pitch.  James,M to p for

DeCrstfaro,V.  Haran,G flied out to lf.  Bravo,D flied out to rf.  Mulhern,R

reached on a fielder’s choice; Morris,J out at second 2b to ss.  0 runs, 0

hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Blue Crabs inning 9

Abel,N to p for Gomez,R.  Martinez,O grounded out to 3b.  Ramistella,J flied

out to rf.  Just,M grounded out to ss.  0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Game Notes:

Official Scorer:  Gary Swenson                 Friday’s Probables:

LAN:  RHP Ben Fritz (3-2, 3.31); SMD:  RHP Kenny Baugh (4-3, 4.60)

Rodriguez,E faced 2 batters in the 8th.

Schweitzer,M faced 1 batter in the 8th.

DeCrstfaro,V faced 1 batter in the 9th.

The Revolution broke a scoreless tie with a ten batter, three run bottom of the fourth inning to take a 6-0 lead. York loaded the bases after second baseman Keoni DeRenne was hit by a pitch, designated hitter Tom Collaro singled up the middle, and right fielder Jason Aspito singled to right. After a double play ground ball, left fielder Matt Esquivel hit a two out two run triple to right center to plate Collaro and Aspito. First baseman John Purdom followed with an RBI bloop single to right to score Esquivel and then after a single to center by catcher Josh Johnson, center fielder Kennard Jones hit a two run double into left center. Jones would later score on a Patriots’ fielding error on a ground ball to second off the bat of shortstop Matt Rogelstad.

The Patriots scored two runs in the top of the six inning to cut the lead to 6-2 when second baseman Matt Hagen crushed a two run home run (6) to left center after designated hitter Josh Pressley led off with a single up the middle.

York got a run back in the bottom of the sixth inning to make it 7-2 when Jones hit a one out single to center, moved into scoring position on a single to right center by Rogelstad, and scored on a two out RBI single to center by Collaro.

Somerset rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning to cut the Revolution lead to 7-4. The Patriots loaded the bases on a lead off single to right by first baseman Joe Burke, a single to right by leftfielder Elliott Ayala, and a bunt single up the third base line by centerfielder Sean Smith. Pressley then drew a one out walk to force in Burke and Hagen followed with a sacrifice fly to right to plate Ayala.

The Patriots added two more runs in the top of the eighth inning to make it a 7-6 York lead. Somerset loaded the bases when Anderson reached on a Revolution fielding error on a pop up to third, a walk by shortstop Teuris Olivares and a single to center by Burke. Ayala was then hit-by-a-pitch to force in Anderson and Olivares scored on a RBI single to center by Smith.

Revolution starter Dan Foli (2-7) picked up the win, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out four and walking four in six plus innings of work. Patriots’ starter Jason Standridge (0-2) suffered the loss, allowing six runs, five earned, on six hits while walking one and striking out three in 3.2 inning pitched. Revolution reliever Bob Zimmerman pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his second save of the season.

With the loss the Patriots dropped to 37-20 on the 2009 season while the Revolution improved to 18-39.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, July 2nd when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 705 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game is Strikeout Cancer Night presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com

The Riversharks jumped out to an early lead in this game, as leadoff hitter Chris Walker notched his second homerun of the season; a solo shot that curled just inside the left field foul pole in the bottom of the first inning. The Sharks added a second run to their lead the following inning. First baseman Vito Chiaravollotti doubled to center field, and then came around to score courtesy of an RBI base hit by Jason Jacobs that gave the home team a 2-0 lead.

The offensive onslaught continued for Camden in the third inning, as they doubled their lead. Shortstop Jansy Infante singled to center field to start the inning. Two batters later, designated hitter Bryant Nelson stepped to the plate and crushed a two run homerun to left field, putting the Ducks in a four run deficit. The homerun was Nelson’s fifth of the year.

Camden tacked on an additional run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Walker doubled to left field, and then picked up his 19th stolen base of the year when he safely slid into third base. He then scored when Nelson singled to left field, giving the Riversharks a 5-0 lead.

Camden’s lead was extended again in the 6th inning, courtesy of an RBI double by Jacobs, that plated Chiaravollotti for a second time in the game, and gave the Sharks a 6-0 lead that they would not relinquish.

The Riversharks and Ducks will play game two of their four game series tomorrow night at 7:05pm. Right handed pitcher Ryan Drese (1-4, 3.45) will take the mound for the Riversharks. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box score (NCAA)

The Automated ScoreBook

Long Island at Camden

Jun 25, 2009 at Camden NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Long Island 0 (30-26)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Ford, L cf……………  4  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Cavagnaro, M 3b……….  3  0  1  0   1  0  0  1   0

Navarrete, R 1b……….  3  0  1  0   1  0  7  1   0

Harris, E lf………….  4  0  1  0   0  2  0  0   2

Rodriquez, V dh……….  4  0  1  0   0  0  0  0   3

Hernandez, J rf……….  3  0  1  0   1  0  4  0   0

Pachot, J c………….  4  0  0  0   0  0  7  0   0

Prieto, A ss………….  4  0  0  0   0  1  2  2   2

Francia, J 2b…………  3  0  1  0   0  0  3  2   1

Leek, R p…………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  2   0

Hrynio, M p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Flores, R p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 32  0  6  0   3  3 24  8   8

Camden 6 (25-31)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Walker, C rf………….  3  2  2  1   0  0  3  0   0

Nelson, B dh………….  4  1  2  3   0  0  0  0   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  4  0  0  0   0  1  4  2   0

Knott, J lf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  1  0  0   1

Chiaravollot 1b……….  2  2  1  0   2  1 11  0   0

Jacobs, J c…………..  4  0  3  2   0  0  3  1   0

Lydon, W cf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  1  5  0   0

Burgamy, B 3b…………  4  0  1  0   0  0  0  6   0

Infante, J ss…………  4  1  1  0   0  2  0  4   4

Brey, J p…………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  1   0

Guerrero, J p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Bittner, T p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Rodriquez, F p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 33  6 12  6   2  6 27 14   6

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Long Island……… 000 000 000 -  0  6  0

Camden………….. 112 011 00X -  6 12  0

——————————————-

DP – Camden 1. LOB – Long Islamd 8; Camden 6. 2B – Hernandez, J(10); Walker,

C(7); Chiaravollot(10); Jacobs, J(6). HR – Walker, C(2); Nelson, B(5). SH -

Walker, C. SB – Walker, C(19).

Long Island            IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Leek, R………….  6.0  9  6  6  2  4 24 27

Hrynio, M………..  1.0  0  0  0  0  0  3  3

Flores, R………..  1.0  3  0  0  0  2  6  6

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Brey, J………….  5.0  5  0  0  3  2 19 22

Guerrero, J………  2.0  0  0  0  0  0  6  6

Bittner, T……….  1.0  1  0  0  0  0  4  4

Rodriquez, F……..  1.0  0  0  0  0  1  3  3

Win – Brey, J (1-2).  Loss – Leek, R (2-6).  Save – None.

Umpires – HP: Bainter  1B: Mazzarisi  3B: Hubler

Start:   Time: 2:25   Attendance: 2409

Game: CMD6250

Bridgeport’s Jesse Hoorelbeke hit a two run homer in the second inning, but the Bears overcame the early deficit off the bat of Charlton Jimmerson. Jimmerson’s two-run homer in the fifth secured the win for Newark.

Starter Jose Garcia pitched for an impressive seven innings striking out six Bluefish and only walking two. Armando Benitez notched his fifth save of the season, with a perfect ninth inning.

The win improves Newark’s record to 31-25 and keeps them in second place in the Freedom Division.

The Bears face Bridgeport tomorrow at the Den at 6:05pm, the second game of a five game series. Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s game by calling 1-888-85-BEARS or by visiting www.newarkbears.com.

“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.

Sound familiar? Benitez wasn’t even wearing a Mets uniform this time. Instead, the Newark Bears closer failed to hold a two-run ninth inning lead in the Atlantic League’s All-Star game Tuesday night, giving up four runs on five hits as the Liberty Division stormed back for a 7-5 victory.

Southern Maryland’s Mike Just tied the contest by working the count full against the former two-time major league All-Star. With one out and runners on second and third, Just blasted a two-run single up the middle to tie it at 5.

Bridgeport’s Luis Lopez ripped a RBI single down the leftfield line to plate Just with the game-winning run, tagging Benitez and the Freedom Division with the loss.

“Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose,” an upbeat Benitez said in the home clubhouse afterwards. “I felt like I wasn’t 100 percent until the last couple of batters.”

Benitez, who has taken over as Newark’s closer from former Red Sox Keith Foulke, said he wanted to win the exhibition but still was appreciative of the opportunity. The 36-year-old is a two-time major league All-Star but said earning the respect of fellow players, coaches and fans is important to him.

“You make the All-Star game because people picked you. You did something special,” Benitez said. “It’s a good opportunity to come back. It’s not the big leagues but to be in a situation here, it’s very nice. It’s cool for me and I take pride in being in the All-Star game.”

Just was the only Liberty starter to play the entire game, going 2-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored to earn MVP honors. Ducks closer Bill Simas entered in the eighth inning with the Liberty Division trailing by a run. Since the Liberty squad was the visitor, manager Butch Hobson wanted to ensure Simas got to pitch in front of the 20 scouts in attendance at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

The move left the Liberty squad with no more pitchers and Simas had to come out in the ninth for a five-out appearance. Yet Simas thrived on the workload, tossing a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the win.

“For us to come back like that, it’s a pretty big win,” Valentine said. “Even though it’s an exhibition, we’re here to win. Anytime you’re an All-Star, it’s an honor, wherever you are. And the talent that’s in this league; it’s pretty nice.”

The Freedom Division jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, scoring once in the first before Lancaster’s Lloyd Turner blasted a two-run double down the leftfield line. Turner was in line for the MVP award if the Freedom team could have protected the lead.

Unlike last year’s All-Star game in Somerset, there was no pregame home run derby. Ray Navarrete represented the Ducks in the contest last year but still got to swing for the fences, knocking a two-run home run to left in the top of the third to put the Liberty Division on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 3-2.

“Anytime there’s a home run derby, I always think it makes the All-Star game more fun,” Navarrete said. “Either way, I’m having a good time.”

The Liberty Division plated a run in the seventh before the Freedom squad picked up an insurance run charged to Ducks set-up man Joe Valentine in the eighth. Even the extra run couldn’t help Benitez, who started the ninth by allowing a weak infield single before Camden’s Jason Jacobs lined a single to right.

A pop out and a passed ball put two runners in scoring position for Just, who delivered his clutch hit. Just stole second in front of Lopez’s single and Camden’s Jon Knott brought Lopez home on a RBI double to left-center.

Atlantic League rules state that an extra-inning game would be decided by a homer-off, which would be baseball’s version of the NHL’s shootout where the game would be decided by a home run derby.

Freedom manager Chris Hoiles (York’s manager) said that scenario allowed him to use all his pitchers and save Benitez for the end, where it was his job to finish the inning without needing to worry about arms for extra-innings.

“I figured with what we have, Benitez is our closer and that was the best option I had,” Hoiles said.

And now, with Armando Benitez in the Atlantic League, things haven’t changed.

The erstwhile major league closer came into Atlantic League All-Star Game in Newark with his division leading 5-3 and promptly gave up four runs on five hit to give the Liberty Division a 7-5 win.

“Look, I gave up a few base hits, but the game was fun for me,” Benitez said afterwards.

Sure the game was fun, especially with the celebrity softball game before hand. And yes, this All-Star game was an exhibition, but this was an important game for the players. Besides being a game for the fans, this was a showcase with over 20 major league scouts in attendance. The main reason why many of these players go to the Atlantic League is for a chance to prove they can still play and get picked up by affiliated ball.

So for a guy like Benitez, who yearns to go back to the big leagues, this was his chance.

And true to form, he blew it.

Unless of course, there’s an organization who wants an over the hill closer, that overthrows and then gets tattooed, Met fans learned that over the years. No matter how many easy saves this guy gets, when the heat gets turned up, Benitez starts to choke. Just look at Game 6 of the 1999 NLCS, or Game 1 of the 2000 World Series, or down the stretch in 2001.

You can argue that the Mets fortunes would have been better if they had a better closer.

Yet, you can’t blame Benitez for being what he is, the same way you can’t blame a terrible actor like Ben Affleck for constantly getting starring roles. You need to blame those that hire them. Steve Phillips should have jettisoned Benitez after the 1999 season and got another closer – or at least took his chances with John Franco. But Phillips kept him and everything that happened afterwards was not just the closer’s fault, but the general manager’s as well.

At least the Yankees learned their lesson after only three weeks. After he was sent to the Bronx, the Bombers immediately saw Benitez’s true colors – and the strain he put on Mariano Rivera, who was forced to clean up the mess. So he was shipped to Seattle for Jeff Nelson. No harm, no foul.

Now, six year’s later, he is in the Atlantic League, doing his thing. Sure he’s a name and a draw, but as we saw last night, no matter the competition, Benitez brings it on himself and the bigger the game, the bigger the choke.

Just ask any Met fan.

No backflips accompanied Smith as he took his position during the Atlantic League’s All-Star pregame celebrity exhibition softball game. The 54-year-old said his crowd-pleasing acrobatic ways are a thing of his playing days.

“I play too much golf now. My back is stiff,” Smith said with a laugh inside Newark’s home dugout. “Don’t get old.”

Smith last played a competitive game in 1996 before retiring from the Cardinals. After getting inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, the 15-time All-Star is relishing his role as an unofficial ambassador to the game.

Current players like Armando Benitez, who was representing the Bears, flocked over to Smith for a hug and a picture. Newark’s Michael Hernandez also wanted to pose with the 13-time gold glove award winner. Behind the backstop, fans clamored for autographs on baseballs, programs and ticket stubs.

Smith said the attention was hard to envision when he first came up with San Diego in 1978. After getting traded to the Cardinals, Smith earned a plague in Cooperstown, playing in St. Louis from 1982-1996, registering 2,460 career hits. That hit total is still impressive considering Smith’s claim to fame was his defense, where he finished his career with a .978 fielding percentage.

“There’s a positive legacy that you want to leave to where you had a positive impact on the sports,” Smith said. “I tried to conduct myself in a manner that would hopefully get me to this point to where people would come up to me, as they do now, and tell me how much they appreciate the way I went about my business.

“I’ve always taken a lot of pride in the way I’ve approached this game. I’ve never taken the game for granted and now I’ve reaped the rewards of it.”

Smith reached base with a first-inning single, where he immediately fist-pumped a mascot. It was just one of many light-hearted moments in a game featuring entertainment personalities and current big-name athletes like Justin Tuck from the Giants and the Jets’ Thomas Jones and Kerry Rhodes. Newark native Queen Latifah also participated as a team captain.

The softball comparisons brought up comparisons to a favorite off-the-field Smith memory. The famous 1992 episode featured Smith on the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant team that included then-major league stars like Steve Sax, Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens.

So, what softball moment did Smith enjoy more?

“Oddly enough, that’s one of the most-asked questions, people ask me a million questions about the Simpsons episode,” Smith said with a chuckle. “It was all a voice over. None of us were in the studio at the same time.”

Playing in Newark’s home ballpark brought Smith back to an independent league. It’s the same type of set-up for which Ozzie’s son Dustin is playing, as the younger Smith is currently leading United League Baseball in steals for Coastal Bend.

“He’s been in the league for a little bit,” Smith said. “A lot of people think it’s easy for sons or daughters of professional athletes to get in the business. It’s tough to break in. I had to take a different route to the big leagues and I’m hoping it’s the same case for him.”

But there were still plenty of smiles for the team’s four position players and two pitchers who were selected to represent the Ducks for the Liberty Division squad at Newark’s Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The Flock entered the four-day break riding momentum, posting an 8-2 record in the past 10 contests to move within three games of first-place Southern Maryland.

With 15 games remaining in the opening half race, Ray Navarrete said the respite will allow the Ducks to finish out the division race strong.

“Our confidence level in the clubhouse is at the highest point we’ve had,” Navarrete said before the game. “Anytime you get days off to rest and heel some injuries is good. It came at the perfect time.

“I really like our chances. We have a lot of special things ahead of us.”

Navarrete was making his second straight All-Star appearance in a Ducks uniform, hitting a two-run third inning home runs as the Liberty Division stormed back for three ninth-inning runs against Freedom Division closer Armando Benitez in a 7-5 come-from posted victory. After being a man without a defensive position the last two years, Navarrete moved to third base at the start of the season, going to a position in which he had little experience.

Manning the hot corner, Navarrete committed 10 errors but has looked more comfortable at the position. The former Mets prospect continued his torrid offense hitting, belting a team-best 10 home runs while driving in 34 runs.

“I’m grateful to be here today,” Navarrete said. “Third base has been a huge adjustment for me. I still have a long way to go before I turn into a good third baseman but it means a great deal to me.”

Earning an All-Star selection is an honor in any professional league, though Navarrete said he hopes he won’t have a chance to accomplish the feat a third consecutive year when the Ducks host the event in 2010.

“All of us, this is not our ultimate goal to continue to be in this league,” Navarrete said. “But if a lot of us don’t get the opportunity to get signed, this is the league in which we have to show our talents. Anytime our peers, coaches or media votes us in, you have to take pride in it because this is a great league with a lot of exceptional talent.”

Catcher John Pachot and rightfielder Estee Harris were the other Ducks to start the game while outfielder Johnny Hernandez entered for Harris in right in the top of the sixth. Pachot went 1-2 while Harris and Hernandez went a combined 0-5.

Joe Valentine, the club’s regular set-up man, entered in his customary eighth-inning and allowed a leadoff infield single before getting a strikeout.  Trailing 4-3, Liberty manager Butch Hobson then called on Ducks closer Bill Simas.

“It’s funny how it worked out,” Valentine said. “I knew I was going to face only one or two hitters and he [Simas] was going to come in because they wanted to get everyone into the game in front of the scouts.

“This is of course a more laid-back situation. For everybody promoting this area to get the fans back out here, I thought it was a great event.”

Simas induced a ground ball that first baseman Vito Chiaravolloti couldn’t field. The play was ruled a hit and put runners on the corners. Simas forced a slowly hit ball but it went far enough to allow Tom Collaro to score on the groundout, extending the Freedom Division’s lead to 5-3 heading into the ninth.

Before Benitez’s breakdown, Liberty manager Butch Hobson called on Simas in the eighth just to get him into the game in front of 20 scouts. Simas ended up needing to pitch the ninth, turning a five-out effort into a win. Hobson said Simas was OK with the extra workload and gave him permission for the extended duty. The Ducks do not resume play until Thursday, giving Simas an extra day of rest.

“He was fine. I just wanted to make sure I got him in the game,” Hobson said. “I don’t want to see anybody get hurt. With eight pitchers, you want to make sure everybody gets their opportunity.

Notes: QuackerJack, who has lost every single race at Citibank Park when he goes up against children, finally was able to claim victory. The Ducks mascot defeated a field of other Atlantic League mascots in a race around the bases before the top of the seventh.

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.

The Patriots took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on a solo homerun by designated hitter Jeff Nettles (4).

The Blue Crabs answered with four runs in the top of the third inning.  Second baseman Mike Just singled, right fielder John Ramistella walked, and left fielder James Shanks doubled to score Just and Ramistella.  Shortstop Travis Garcia followed with a two run homerun (11) for the 4-1 advantage.

Southern Maryland added a run in the top of the fifth inning. Shanks doubled and scored on an RBI double by designated hitter Patrick Osborn to make the score 5-1.

The Blue Crabs made it 6-1 in the top of the eighth inning after center fielder Jeremy Owens tripled and scored on an RBI single by catcher Lance Burkhart.

Blue Crabs starter Kenny Baugh (4-3) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on five hits in six innings pitched. Patriots starter Brian Adams (7-3) suffered the loss, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in five innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, July 2nd when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 705 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game is Strikeout Cancer Night presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Riversharks took an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning of this contest. First baseman Jon Knott led off the inning by crushing a fly ball to center field for a stand up double. He then scored when Vito Chiaravollotti looped a single into centerfield. The run gave Chiaravollotti his 24th RBI of the season.

Camden added to their lead in the third inning, and made the score 3-0. Right fielder Jeff Vincent drew a one out walk, stole second base, and then advanced to third on an infield hit by Chris Walker. The next batter of the inning was second baseman Junior Spivey, who singled to right field, scoring Vincent, and eventually scoring Walker, thanks to a throwing error by Newark’s Michael Sandoval.

The Riversharks took control of the game in the fourth inning, as they added 4 more runs to their lead. Chiaravollotti drew a one out walk, and then made his way to third base when Brian Burgamy launched a ground rule double to center field. With two runners in scoring position, catcher Jason Jacobs doubled down the left field line, driving in two runs, and giving Camden a 5-0 lead. The next batter was Vincent, whose single to center advanced Jacobs to third base. Vincent then stole second base, and watched Jacobs score, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by left fielder Wayne Lydon. The next batter was Walker, who notched an infield single that plated Vincent, and gave the home team a 7-0 lead.

The offensive onslaught continued for the home team in the bottom of the 7th inning, as they took a 9-0 lead. Spivey reached base on a fielder’s choice, and then came around to score when Knott tripled to right field. The next batter was shortstop Bryant Nelson, who singled to left and picked up his ninth RBI of the season as Knott crossed the plate.

The Bears finally got on the scoreboard in the eight inning, as they cut the Riversharks’ lead down to 9 to 2. But it was too little to late for the visitors, and their rally fell will short. With a commanding seven run lead heading into the final inning, Camden put the game in the hands of reliever Michael Flannery, who worked his way out of a bases loaded jam to shut the door on Newark.

The Riversharks and Bears will wrap up their three game series tomorrow at 1:05pm. Right handed pitcher Dewon Brazelton (2-3, 3.24) will take the mound for the Riversharks, and will be opposed by righty Shane Komine (1-1, 4.02) from Newark. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box score

The Automated ScoreBook

Newark at Camden

Jun 21, 2009 at Camden NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Newark 5 (30-25)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Martinez, F 2b………..  4  0  1  0   0  0  0  3   0

Nivar, R ss…………..  3  0  1  0   1  1  2  2   2

Jones, J rf…………..  4  1  1  0   0  0  2  0   0

Manriquez, S 1b……….  4  1  1  0   0  1 10  0   0

Buckman, B dh…………  4  2  2  2   0  0  0  0   0

Hernandez, M lf……….  4  1  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Perez, A cf…………..  3  0  1  1   1  1  4  0   0

Sandoval, M 3b………..  4  0  3  2   0  0  0  2   0

Castillo, A c…………  4  0  0  0   0  1  8  1   1

Komine, S p…………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  1   0

Almanzar, C p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Foulke, K p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Benitez, A p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 34  5 10  5   2  4 27  9   4

Camden 0 (24-31)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Lydon, W cf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  2  2  0   0

Walker, C rf………….  3  0  0  0   1  0  4  0   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  3  0  0  0   1  1  3  5   0

Knott, J lf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  0  2  0   2

Nelson, B dh………….  3  0  1  0   0  1  0  0   0

Burgamy, B 3b…………  3  0  1  0   0  0  0  3   1

Chiaravollot 1b……….  3  0  0  0   0  1 10  0   0

Infante, J ss…………  3  0  0  0   0  3  1  4   1

Torres, F c…………..  3  0  0  0   0  0  4  3   0

DiPietro, R p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Shaver, C p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Bittner, T p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Totals………………. 29  0  4  0   2  8 27 15   4

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Newark………….. 000 000 302 -  5 10  1

Camden………….. 000 000 000 -  0  4  1

——————————————-

E – Jones, J(1); Burgamy, B(9). DP – Newark 2; Camden 1. LOB – Newark 4;

Camden 4. 2B – Jones, J(3); Manriquez, S(9); Buckman, B(1). SB – Knott,

J(2). CS – Nivar, R(7); Perez, A(1).

Newark                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Komine, S………..  6.0  4  0  0  1  5 20 21

Almanzar, C………  1.0  0  0  0  0  1  3  3

Foulke, K………..  1.0  0  0  0  0  1  3  3

Benitez, A……….  1.0  0  0  0  1  1  3  4

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

DiPietro, R………  6.0  2  0  0  2  3 18 20

Shaver, C………..  1.0  3  3  1  0  1  7  7

Bittner, T……….  2.0  5  2  2  0  0  9  9

Win – Komine, S (2-1).  Loss – Shaver, C (1-3).  Save – None.

Umpires – HP: Bauer  1B: Beaver  3B: Facto

Start:   Time: 2:26   Attendance: 3439

Game: CMD6210

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.

The Ducks, who are celebrating their 10th Anniversary Season, sold out their 500th game in club history and celebrated in style as the Ducks waddled off for the third time this season.

A RBI groundout off the bat of Matt Cavagnaro in the third gave the Flock an early 1-0 lead. The Barnstormers tied it up with one in the sixth off Ducks’ starter Julio Manon. Lloyd Turner’s RBI double plated Quincy Foster, who walked earlier in the inning.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the ninth. Johnny Hernandez led off the frame with a base hit to right field and was sacrificed over to second by John Pachot. Alex Prieto then came to bat and served the very first pitch he saw from ‘Stormers reliever Ryan Cullen (4-3) into left field to give the Ducks the victory.

Manon went six and two-thirds, allowing six hits and one run, while striking out five. Billy Simas (2-1) picked up the win firing a scoreless ninth.

The Ducks will enjoy three days off for the Atlantic League All-Star Break and then begin a four-game series on Thursday against the Camden Riversharks. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m at Campbell’s Field.  Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn calling the play-by-play. The Ducks return home on Monday, June 29^th, to host the York Revolution at Citibank Park. First pitch will be at 6:35 p.m., and the ballpark gates open at 5:35 p.m. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Quackers, courtesy of Newsday. 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 Riversharks took an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning of this contest. First baseman Jon Knott led off the inning by crushing a fly ball to center field for a stand up double. He then scored when Vito Chiaravollotti looped a single into centerfield. The run gave Chiaravollotti his 24th RBI of the season.

Camden added to their lead in the third inning, and made the score 3-0. Right fielder Jeff Vincent drew a one out walk, stole second base, and then advanced to third on an infield hit by Chris Walker. The next batter of the inning was second baseman Junior Spivey, who singled to right field, scoring Vincent, and eventually scoring Walker, thanks to a throwing error by Newark’s Michael Sandoval.

The Riversharks took control of the game in the fourth inning, as they added 4 more runs to their lead. Chiaravollotti drew a one out walk, and then made his way to third base when Brian Burgamy launched a ground rule double to center field. With two runners in scoring position, catcher Jason Jacobs doubled down the left field line, driving in two runs, and giving Camden a 5-0 lead. The next batter was Vincent, whose single to center advanced Jacobs to third base. Vincent then stole second base, and watched Jacobs score, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by left fielder Wayne Lydon. The next batter was Walker, who notched an infield single that plated Vincent, and gave the home team a 7-0 lead.

The offensive onslaught continued for the home team in the bottom of the 7th inning, as they took a 9-0 lead. Spivey reached base on a fielder’s choice, and then came around to score when Knott tripled to right field. The next batter was shortstop Bryant Nelson, who singled to left and picked up his ninth RBI of the season as Knott crossed the plate.

The Bears finally got on the scoreboard in the eight inning, as they cut the Riversharks’ lead down to 9 to 2. But it was too little to late for the visitors, and their rally fell will short. With a commanding seven run lead heading into the final inning, Camden put the game in the hands of reliever Michael Flannery, who worked his way out of a bases loaded jam to shut the door on Newark.

The Riversharks and Bears will wrap up their three game series tomorrow at 1:05pm. Right handed pitcher Dewon Brazelton (2-3, 3.24) will take the mound for the Riversharks, and will be opposed by righty Shane Komine (1-1, 4.02) from Newark. Limited seating for the game is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box Score

The Automated ScoreBook

Newark at Camden

Jun 20, 2009 at Camden, NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Newark 2 (29-25)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Redman, T cf………….  4  0  1  1   0  0  1  0   0

Jimerson, C rf………..  3  0  1  1   0  0  2  0   0

Anderson, M dh………..  4  0  2  0   0  0  0  0   0

Manriquez, S c………..  4  0  0  0   0  0  7  1   0

Buckman, B 1b…………  3  0  1  0   1  1  8  0   2

Nivar, R ss…………..  4  0  1  0   0  0  1  6   0

Hernandez, M lf……….  4  0  2  0   0  2  2  0   2

Martinez, F 2b………..  2  0  1  0   0  0  0  2   0

Manuel, A 2b…………  1  1  1  0   1  0  2  1   0

Sandoval, M 3b………..  4  1  1  0   0  0  1  0   3

Martinez, E p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Bukvich, R p…………  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Santiesteban p……….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 33  2 11  2   2  3 24 10   7

Camden 9 (24-30)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Lydon, W lf…………..  4  0  0  1   0  1  2  1   2

Walker, C cf………….  4  1  2  0   0  1  1  0   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  4  1  1  1   0  0  5  6   1

Knott, J 1b…………..  4  2  2  1   0  1  9  2   1

Nelson, B ss………….  3  0  1  1   0  0  2  7   0

Chiaravollot dh……….  3  1  1  1   1  0  0  0   0

Burgamy, B 3b…………  4  1  1  0   0  1  1  2   0

Jacobs, J c…………..  3  1  1  2   1  2  3  2   0

Vincent, J rf…………  2  2  1  0   2  1  2  0   0

Bump, N p…………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  2  0   0

Guerrero, J p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  2   0

Flannery, M p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 31  9 10  7   4  7 27 22   4

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Newark………….. 000 000 020 -  2 11  2

Camden………….. 012 400 20X -  9 10  0

——————————————-

E – Sandoval, M 2(9). DP – Newark 2; Camden 2. LOB – Newark 7; Camden 4. 2B

- Hernandez, M(7); Sandoval, M(9); Knott, J(6); Burgamy, B(7); Jacobs, J(5).

3B – Knott, J(1). SH – Nelson, B. SF – Jimerson, C; Lydon, W. SB – Nivar,

R(8); Vincent, J 2(4). CS – Redman, T; Nivar, R.

Newark                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Martinez, E………  5.0  7  7  5  2  3 20 24

Bukvich, R……….  2.0  3  2  2  1  1  8  9

Santiesteban……..  1.0  0  0  0  1  3  3  4

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Bump, N………….  5.0  6  0  0  1  1 18 19

Guerrero, J………  3.0  3  2  2  0  1 10 11

Flannery, M………  1.0  2  0  0  1  1  5  6

Win – Bump, N (8-2).  Loss – Martinez, E (1-3).  Save – None.

WP – Bukvich, R.

Umpires – HP: Mark Facto  1B: Marty Bauer  3B: Matt Beaver

Start: 5:52 pm   Time: 2:37   Attendance: 2579

Weather: Cloudy and cool

Game notes:

Start of game delayed 17 minutes due to rain

Next game pitchers

Newark – Komine

Camden – Brazelton

Game: CAM6200

The Ducks conclude their homestand on Sunday against the Lancaster Barnstormers. Game time is 1:35 p.m., and the Citibank Park gates open at 12:35 p.m. Julio Manon takes the mound for Long Island against Lancaster’s Ben Fritz. Plessers presents Father’s Day at Citibank Park and fans will also be invited onto the field for a pregame autograph session with the 2009 Long Island Ducks, as well as following the game for Kids Run the Bases, courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Fans unable to attend can tune into all the action on WNYG 1440 AM or online at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn 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.

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.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Smith singled and would later score on an RBI groundout by first baseman Josh Pressley.

Somerset added two more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Anthony Granato singled and moved to third on a double by Smith. Right fielder Mike Rodriguez drove home Granato with an RBI groundout. Designated hitter Jeff Nettles plated Rodriguez with an RBI single for a 3-0 lead.

The Patriots extended the lead with three more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Left fielder Joe Burke singled and moved to third on double by Granato. Smith drove home both runs with a two-run double and scored on an error for a 6-0 advantage.

Somerset continued to roll with two more runs. Nettles walked, catcher Travis Anderson doubled, and third baseman Teuris Olivares hit a two-run double to plate Nettles and Anderson. Smith then drove home Olivares with an RBI single to make the score 9-0.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI groundout by Rodriguez that scored Smith, who doubled earlier in the inning.

The Blue Crabs broke up the shutout on a solo home run by right fielder John Ramistella (5) to make the score 10-1.

Somerset scored four unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth inning after RBI hits by Burke, Granato, Smith, and Rodriguez for the 14-1 final.

Patriots starter Kip Bouknight (4-4) picked up the win, allowing just one hit in seven scoreless innings. Southern Maryland starter Kenny Rayborn (4-4) suffered the loss, allowing six runs, four earned, on seven hits in four innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday afternoon with a 1:35 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game features a Father’s Day Celebration that includes Golf Balls (1st 1,000 Men 18 & Over) courtesy of The Law Offices of Jamison Mark, a pre-game Baseball Clinic, and a Fathers and Kids’ Catch on the field. There will also be a pre-game Autograph Session and all Dads and Kids get to Run The Bases after the game.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

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 Ducks countered with just two such players but still put a big league hurting on the Bears, torching six Newark pitchers for 19 hits and two home runs in a 17-6 blowout win in a Citibank Park matinee.

Estee Harris drilled his second grand slam of the season, breaking the game open with his fifth-inning bases-clearing blast to right as part of a five-RBI afternoon. Alex Prieto went 3-4 with a homer, four runs scored and three RBIs. Every Ducks starting position player registered a base hit by the fifth inning, chasing Newark starter and former Yankee Shawn Chacon.

“When we get on base, the other guys bring us in,” Prieto said. “When one guy starts hitting, everyone starts hitting again. Right now, we’re doing pretty well.”

Prieto and Juan Francia went a combined 5-8 with five runs scored and five RBIs batting in the eighth and ninth position, marking the second straight game the bottom of the order has served as the offensive catalyst.

“When you get the bottom part of the lineup going, you’re going to have a day like today and score 17 runs,” manager Gary Carter said.

Jake Dittler continued to solidify his spot as a back-of-the-rotation contributor, going 5 1/3 innings in allowing six runs to pick up the win as the Ducks extended its winning streak to four. The Ducks capped an eight-game homestand with five wins before heading to Somerset for a four-game series against the Atlantic League’s best team.

“We’re looking to get that production from the middle of the lineup,” Carter said. “This was a big series for us, no question about it.

“To win three games against a powerhouse like Newark was a big plus for us. Guys are swinging the bats and it seems like we’re starting to jell at the right time.”

Entering Friday, the Ducks sputtering offense mustered just 11 runs in six games. Preston Wilson is still out until at least Monday, though the club continues to batter Atlantic League pitching without the former All-Star. The Ducks have scored 32 runs the past three contests, staying three games behind first place Southern Maryland.

Harris broke the game open in the Ducks six-run fifth inning. After working the count to 3-0 against lefty Cory Willey, Harris took a strike and sat on a fastball, whipping the bat through the zone to pull the ball hard over the rightfield wall. Harris’ fifth home run helped the Ducks turn a three-run cushion into a 12-3 edge.

“The previous at-bat against him, he didn’t go to his breaking ball,” Harris said. “He kept feeding me fastballs so I figured he would try it again.”

The offensive onslaught comes at a time when the Ducks are getting its rotation back healthy and productive. Combined with Southern Maryland losing its staff ace and closer to major league organizations this week and the Ducks are hitting its peak with just eight days left before the All-Star break.

Opening Day starter Brad Halsey looked dominate in his last start and 2008 wins leader Randy Leek threw two scoreless innings in relief Saturday in his first game back since being sidelined with an oblique injury.

Troy Cate started that game and allowed just one run in five innings as he works his way back from a groin injury and Dittler stayed aggressive when staked to a big lead. Newark took advantage of the pitches in the zone, driving up Dittler’s run total thanks to Andres Perez’s three-run home run in the sixth. The right-hander also had to sit through long innings and his manager said that prevented him from staying loose.

“He was upset about the three-run home run but for the most part, he was keeping the ball down,” Carter said. “With a pretty big lead, he wasn’t afraid to come in and throw strikes.”

The Ducks jumped out to a 6-0 lead, scoring once in the first and five runs in the second in which 10 batters came to the plate. Chacon needed 27 pitches to get out of the first and fired 32 in the next inning before Newark manager Tim Raines pulled the ex-Yankee and Colorado Rockies starter. The Ducks also shelled Chacon in another slugfest victory May 18 at home.

Every Ducks position player except Johnny Hernandez scored at least one run. The rightfielder still got into the action, driving in two runs in a 2-5 effort.

“When everyone is hitting like that, I don’t feel like a middle guy,” Harris said. “You don’t feel like it’s an extra burden. Everyone is doing what they need to do out there. It makes it easier on everyone.”

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY— Newark enjoyed a name-recognition advantage entering Sunday’s game against the Ducks, sporting a lineup featuring seven former major leaguers and a starter who also enjoyed success at the top level.

The Ducks countered with just two such players but still put a big league hurting on the Bears, torching six Newark pitchers for 19 hits and two home runs in a 17-6 blowout win in a Citibank Park matinee.

Estee Harris drilled his second grand slam of the season, breaking the game open with his fifth-inning bases-clearing blast to right as part of a five-RBI afternoon. Alex Prieto went 3-4 with a homer, four runs scored and three RBIs. Every Ducks starting position player registered a base hit by the fifth inning, chasing Newark starter and former Yankee Shawn Chacon.

“When we get on base, the other guys bring us in,” Prieto said. “When one guy starts hitting, everyone starts hitting again. Right now, we’re doing pretty well.”

Prieto and Juan Francia went a combined 5-8 with five runs scored and five RBIs batting in the eighth and ninth position, marking the second straight game the bottom of the order has served as the offensive catalyst.

“When you get the bottom part of the lineup going, you’re going to have a day like today and score 17 runs,” manager Gary Carter said.

Jake Dittler continued to solidify his spot as a back-of-the-rotation contributor, going 5 1/3 innings in allowing six runs to pick up the win as the Ducks extended its winning streak to four. The Ducks capped an eight-game homestand with five wins before heading to Somerset for a four-game series against the Atlantic League’s best team.

“We’re looking to get that production from the middle of the lineup,” Carter said. “This was a big series for us, no question about it.

“To win three games against a powerhouse like Newark was a big plus for us. Guys are swinging the bats and it seems like we’re starting to jell at the right time.”

Entering Friday, the Ducks sputtering offense mustered just 11 runs in six games. Preston Wilson is still out until at least Monday, though the club continues to batter Atlantic League pitching without the former All-Star. The Ducks have scored 32 runs the past three contests, staying three games behind first place Southern Maryland.

Harris broke the game open in the Ducks six-run fifth inning. After working the count to 3-0 against lefty Cory Willey, Harris took a strike and sat on a fastball, whipping the bat through the zone to pull the ball hard over the rightfield wall. Harris’ fifth home run helped the Ducks turn a three-run cushion into a 12-3 edge.

“The previous at-bat against him, he didn’t go to his breaking ball,” Harris said. “He kept feeding me fastballs so I figured he would try it again.”

The offensive onslaught comes at a time when the Ducks are getting its rotation back healthy and productive. Combined with Southern Maryland losing its staff ace and closer to major league organizations this week and the Ducks are hitting its peak with just eight days left before the All-Star break.

Opening Day starter Brad Halsey looked dominate in his last start and 2008 wins leader Randy Leek threw two scoreless innings in relief Saturday in his first game back since being sidelined with an oblique injury.

Troy Cate started that game and allowed just one run in five innings as he works his way back from a groin injury and Dittler stayed aggressive when staked to a big lead. Newark took advantage of the pitches in the zone, driving up Dittler’s run total thanks to Andres Perez’s three-run home run in the sixth. The right-hander also had to sit through long innings and his manager said that prevented him from staying loose.

“He was upset about the three-run home run but for the most part, he was keeping the ball down,” Carter said. “With a pretty big lead, he wasn’t afraid to come in and throw strikes.”

The Ducks jumped out to a 6-0 lead, scoring once in the first and five runs in the second in which 10 batters came to the plate. Chacon needed 27 pitches to get out of the first and fired 32 in the next inning before Newark manager Tim Raines pulled the ex-Yankee and Colorado Rockies starter. The Ducks also shelled Chacon in another slugfest victory May 18 at home.

Every Ducks position player except Johnny Hernandez scored at least one run. The rightfielder still got into the action, driving in two runs in a 2-5 effort.

“When everyone is hitting like that, I don’t feel like a middle guy,” Harris said. “You don’t feel like it’s an extra burden. Everyone is doing what they need to do out there. It makes it easier on everyone.”

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.

Both teams got off to a fast start in this game, as they each posted one run in the first inning. Somerset’s Sean Smith lead the game off with a single to right field, and then stole second base. He scored later in the inning, when second baseman Matt Hagen bounced a single through the middle of the Camden defense for an RBI single. The Riversharks answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, courtesy of a solo homerun by shortstop Bryant Nelson, which tied the game at 1-1.

The Sharks took the lead in the third inning, again courtesy of a solo homerun by Nelson, which was launched over the right field wall. The homerun was his second of the game, and fourth of the season, and made the score 2-1 in favor of the home team.

The visitors used some clutch, two out, hitting in the fifth inning to tie the game at 2-2. After the first two batters of the inning we retired, shortstop Anthony Granato made it into scoring position with a double to left field. The next batter was Smith, who picked up his second base hit of the game, scoring Granato in the process.

With the game tied in the final inning, the Riversharks put the ball in the hands of reliable reliever Tracy Thorpe. Unfortunately for the Sharks, Thorpe gave up the game winning run when Somerset’s Joe Burke laced an RBI single to center, scoring second baseman Matt Hagen, and giving the Patriots a 3-2 victory. With the loss, the Riversharks fall 23-26 on the season, while Somerset improves to 33-16.

Next up, the Riversharks will head to Regency Stadium to take on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The four game series will begin Monday night at 7:05 pm, with right handed pitcher Nate Bump (7-2, 2.12) expected to take the mound for Camden. The Sharks will return home to Campbell’s Field on Friday, June 19th, to take on the Newark Bears. Limited seating is still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.riversharks.com.

Box Score

The Automated ScoreBook

Somerset at Camden

Jun 14, 2009 at Camden, NJ (Campbell’s Field)

Somerset 3 (33-16)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Smith, S cf………….  4  1  2  1   0  0  2  0   0

Rodriguez, M rf……….  4  0  1  0   0  1  2  0   1

Pressley, J dh………..  4  0  0  0   0  1  0  0   0

Hagen, M 2b…………..  4  1  2  1   0  0  2  2   0

Nettles, J 3b…………  4  0  0  0   0  1  0  1   1

Burke, J 1b…………..  4  0  1  1   0  0  8  2   0

Ayala, E lf…………..  4  0  0  0   0  1  2  0   1

Belcher, J c………….  3  0  2  0   0  0  7  1   0

Johnson, B pr………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Anderson, T c………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Granato, A ss…………  2  1  1  0   0  0  2  2   1

Fairchild, T p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  2  1   0

Van Es, S p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  2   0

Cahill, C p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Basner, R p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Prinz, B p…………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 33  3  9  3   0  4 27 12   4

Camden 2 (23-26)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

——————————————————

Lydon, W cf…………..  5  0  1  0   0  2  0  0   0

Walker, C rf………….  5  0  0  0   0  0  2  0   0

Nelson, B ss………….  5  2  2  2   0  1  3  2   3

Knott, J lf…………..  4  0  1  0   0  1  5  0   0

Burgamy, B 3b…………  2  0  1  0   1  1  0  4   0

Spivey, J 2b………….  3  0  3  0   1  0  1  0   0

Chiaravollot 1b……….  3  0  0  0   1  0 10  2   0

Finegan, B dh…………  4  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   5

Torres, F c…………..  4  0  2  0   0  1  4  1   2

Drese, R p……………  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Brey, J p……………  0  0  0  0   0  0  1  0   0

Guerrero, J p………..  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Thorpe, T p………….  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals………………. 35  2 10  2   3  6 27 10  10

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

——————————————-

Somerset………… 100 010 001 -  3  9  0

Camden………….. 101 000 000 -  2 10  0

——————————————-

DP – Somerset 1; Camden 1. LOB – Somerset 4; Camden 10. 2B – Hagen, M(16);

Granato, A(4). HR – Nelson, B 2(4). SH – Granato, A; Burgamy, B. SB – Smith,

S(11); Lydon, W(23). CS – Smith, S(1).

Somerset               IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Fairchild, T……..  5.0  4  2  2  2  5 19 21

Van Es, S………..  2.0  3  0  0  1  1  8  9

Cahill, C………..  0.2  2  0  0  0  0  3  4

Basner, R………..  0.1  0  0  0  0  0  1  1

Prinz, B…………  1.0  1  0  0  0  0  4  4

Camden                 IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

———————————————–

Drese, R…………  1.0  2  1  1  0  1  5  5

Brey, J………….  6.0  4  1  1  0  1 20 20

Guerrero, J………  1.0  1  0  0  0  0  3  4

Thorpe, T………..  1.0  2  1  1  0  2  5  5

Win – Basner, R (2-0).  Loss – Thorpe, T (0-2).  Save – Prinz, B (1).

WP – Fairchild, T.

Umpires – HP: Mayhue Edwards  1B: Dave Perry  3B: Dan Wilson

Start: 1:08 pm   Time: 2:35   Attendance: 3440

Weather: Sunny and nice

Game: CAM6140

“You deserved to win,” Carter said to Manon, who had a large ice bag strapped across his right arm.

The Ducks bullpen didn’t live up to its reputation as the team’s lone season-long strength, costing Manon a win while dealing another blow to the club’s first-half division title chances.

A rare lapse from set-up man Joe Valentine and closer Bill Simas allowed Camden to score twice in the eighth and ninth innings, capped by Brian Burgamy’s two-run homer in the last inning to move the Ducks to 22-23; the first time since May 28 the team dropped below .500.

“It’s a shame it turned out the way it did,” Carter said. “Julio pitched an outstanding game but I have enough confidence in my bullpen and I’m going to go back to them when I need them.”

Manon celebrated his 36th birthday by throwing seven scoreless innings. Fredrick Torres finally got to the former Montreal Expos pitcher in the eighth, taking him deep with one out to end his shutout bid. A single brought in Valentine, who entered with a 1.40 ERA. But a single through the right side put runners on the corners before Jon Knott ripped a RBI double off the rightfield wall to tie the score at 2.

Simas, who carried a 1.89 ERA, got the first out in the ninth before allowing a single. Burgamy entered with a .189 average and Simas allowed just one home run. Burgamy got the better of the matchup, ripping a full-count fastball to the row of advertisements beyond the rightfield wall for a crushing two-run homer. The Ducks remained 4 ½ games behind the Liberty Division-leading Blue Crabs.

Manon made just his season’s fourth start and worked into the eighth inning for a third straight outing. Matt Cavagnaro scored twice thanks to RBIs from Estee Harris and Ray Navarrete, staking the ex-Oriole to a 2-0 lead into the late innings.

On an overcast and cool night, Manon prevented Camden from squaring the ball, inducing 15 fly ball outs. Manon said he shrugged off the loss and supports the relievers who have kept the Ducks from falling out of the division race.

“We’re all one group and we’re all trying to do our best,” Manon said. “Whatever happened out there, we’re not meaning for it to happen. It just happened, that’s the way the game is.”

Last week’s seven game road trip featured series against the league’s worst two teams. The Ducks won two of three from Bridgeport but dropped three of four against last-place York, finishing the trip 2-4. Camden is just one game above .500 and have won two of the first three games in the series, meaning the Ducks are missing opportunities to surge up the standings.

Injuries also are mounting. Randy Leek, last year’s wins leader, is still out with an oblique injury and Preston Wilson is still recovering after getting hit in the face with a pitch. The Ducks offense is sputtering, scoring just 10 runs the past five games.

“I view those games as several missed chances,” Carter said. “We needed to capitalize against Bridgeport and York. Maybe the [upcoming] All-Star break will be a blessing in disguise because our guys have been pretty banged up and we’ve been doing it with mirrors, basically.”