June Promos

Things are about to go full throttle here for the rest of the season. Mid-June marks the kick-off of the New York-Penn League, giving us three more teams to add to the summer slate of regional Minor League action. Plus the start of Summer is upon us, so plan now for optimal enjoyment.

And what better way to enjoy the great weather than to take in some great baseball action. Here are some of the best promos around New England for the month of June:

Connecticut Tigers
No Promos Listed On Website (we will follow up on this before their season begins)

Lowell Spinners
June 21st - Magnetic Schedule Giveaway/Home Opener (Massachusetts only Minor League team kicks off another season at LaLacheur Park)
June 22nd - Cooler Bag Giveaway (Maybe you like your drinks cold...maybe you don't)
June 23rd - NASCAR night (Not sure what the plan is, but I assume some cars and drivers will stop by on their way to the races in Loudon, New Hampshire that weekend...a NASCAR crowd is ALWAYS a lively crowd)
June 24th - $1000 Hot Dog Night (The Spinners are stuffing money in the hot dog wrappers, so eat up! $1000 will be spread out across the park in random dog wrappers..."Utah, gimme two!")
June 25th - Thomas the Tank Engine's Birthday (Another round of Thomas for the kids, if you happened to miss his trip through Pawtucket earlier in the season)

New Britain Rock Cats
June 1st - Backpack Giveaway (Sure it's a bit early to start picking up "back-to-school" items, but kids 12 and under can think of it more as a "travel" bag)
June 4th - Post Game Fireworks
June 5th - Fan Choice T-Shirt Giveaway (The Rock Cats had a contest where fans could vote on which player should be featured on a t-shirt. They will reveal the winner that night when they hand out the shirts)
June 6th - Zooperstars! Mascot Act (A pack of insane, inflatable mascots will be running around the park all night long....that's them to the right---->)
June 15th - Grilling Tool Giveaway (It's presented by Kayem, who know a few things about proper grilling, and besides your spatchula is getting a bit disgusting)
June 25th - Post Game Pyro Special Effects Show (So this sounds a bit more interesting and upbeat than the normal fireworks show...not saying there is anything wrong with the fireworks)
June 27th - Hat Giveaway (No details on what kind of hat or how many are available...soooo, enter at your own risk if you're just going for the hat)
June 28th - Lunch Cooler Giveaway (Go to this night and the Spinners "Cooler Giveaway" on the 22nd and keep EVERYTHING cold!)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats
June 4th - Atlas Fireworks Show (The first of four Atlas Fireworks shows in June)
June 5th - Atlas Fireworks Show
June 6th - Hat Giveaway (First 2,000 fans get a free Fisher Cats hat, which will cover your face from the lazy Sunday sun)
June 17th - Atlas Fireworks Show
June 19th - Atlas Fireworks Show/Halloween Night (Sure it's some 4 months until "actual" Halloween, but the Fisher Cats are giving you an excuse to test your costume NOW...and there throwing in some fireworks to add to the mayhem)
June 20th - Golf Towel Giveaway (What better way to spend Father's Day than at the ballpark? The first 1,000 fans will get a free golf towel, so it's like an extra (free) gift for dad...but I'm sure he's cool with just the baseball and your company)
June 28th - Mini Bat Giveaway (The first 1,000 fans will get a Fisher Cats Mini Bat...older brothers will test these out on their younger siblings, I assure you)
June 29th - Baseball Giveaway (The first 1,000 fans will get a Fisher Cats logo baseball, which will be tough to hit with your mini-bat that you got the day before)
June 30th - Webkinz Giveaway (I still can't figure these things out, but every team is giving them away...ask your kids if they want one)

Pawtucket Red Sox
June 2nd - Baseball Giveaway (The first 3,000 fans ages 14 and under will received a Paw Sox baseball...I still firmly believe in the power of a free baseball)
June 3rd - Junk Ball Night (Again the first 3,000 fans ages 14 and under are the lucky winners of a Junk Ball...which I had to look up and apparently it's a whiffle ball game with a lot more structure...I HAVE TO PLAY THIS)
June 15th - Red Sox Legends Night (There are no names listed for the evening's affair, but if they put the words "Red Sox" and "Legends" together, then you're sure to see something great)
June 18th - Bat Night Giveaway (The first 4,000 fans ages 14 and under will get a free Nokona Paw Sox bat)
June 30th - Foam Finger Night (Who's Number 1? Uhhhh, you are if you happen to be one of the first 3,000 fans aged 14 and under)

Portland Sea Dogs
June 4th - Tom Sadge as Neil Diamond (He's coming to Portland, Maine...THIS DAY! Terrible, I know, but it's a Neil Diamond impersonator, so what do you want from me?)
June 15th - Zooperstars! (Wow, these guys are EVERYWHERE! Refer to the above photos in the Rock Cats Promos if you need a refresher on who these guys are)
June 17th - Fireworks (That's how it's listed...plain, simple and to the point)
June 30th - Junichi Tazawa Bobblehead Giveaway (Although he's out for the season after Tommy John surgery, the first 1,000 fans can remember what he looks like in his Sea Dogs uni...if their only memories of him happen to include a head bigger than his torso)

Vermont Lake Monsters
June 18th - Magnetic Schedule Giveaway (It's Opening Day for the Lake Monsters and you get something to hold up your amazing artwork on the fridge too!)
June 19th - Autograph Book Giveaway (There are no athletes more accessible than Minor League ballplayers, so it's best to get their autograph now before they hit the "big time")
June 20th - Have a Catch Sunday (Another great Father's Day full of baseball...after the game you can play catch on the field and the first 225 kids on the field get a free ball)
June 22nd - Nationwide NASCAR night (It's great to see two of America's tried-and-true sports teaming up with the races in Loudon, New Hampshire set for the weekend of June 26-27)

Of course I would be remiss if I did not remind you about the KRAFT Singles Tuesdays which take place at all of the ballparks. Buy a ticket, bring a KRAFT Singles wrapper and get a free ticket...it's just that easy...and that awesome! Take advantage of this offer whenever you get a chance (and whenever you have the cheese). Click here for more details about this great offer that runs all season long.

While We're Away

Here is the upcoming schedule for the week:

New Britain Rock Cats
vs. Portland Sea Dogs 5/28 @ 7:00pm, 5/29 @ 1:00pm, 5/30 @ 1:00pm, 5/31 @ 1:00pm
@ Altoona Curve 6/1 @ 6:35pm, 6/2 @ 10:35am, 6/3 @ 6:35pm
@ Binghamton Mets 6/4 @ 6:35pm,6/5 @ 1:35pm,6/6 @ 6:35pm

New Hampshire Fisher Cats
vs. Trenton Thunder 5/28 @ 7:05pm, 5/29 (Doubleheader) First Game @ 6:05pm, 5/30 @ 6:05pm, 5/31 @ 1:35pm
@ Reading Phillies 6/1 @ 6:35pm, 6/2 @ 6:35pm, 6/3 @ 2:05pm
vs. Altoona Curve 6/4 @ 7:05pm, 6/5 @ 7:05pm, 6/6 @ 1:35pm

Pawtucket Red Sox
vs. Norfolk Tides 5/28 @ 7:05pm, 5/29 @ 6:05pm, 5/30 @ 6:05pm,
vs. Charlotte Knights 5/31 @ 1:05pm, 6/1 @ 7:05pm, 6/2 @ 7:05pm, 6/3 @ 7:05pm
@ Louisville Bats 6/4 @ 7:05pm, 6/5 @ 6:05pm, 6/6 @ 6:05pm

Portland Sea Dogs
vs. New Britain Rock Cats 5/28 @ 7:00pm, 5/29 @ 1:00pm, 5/30 @ 1:00pm, 5/31 @ 1:00pm
@ Trenton Thunder 6/1 @ 7:05pm, 6/2 @ 7:05pm, 6/3 @ 7:05pm
vs. Reading Phillies 6/4 @ 7:00pm, 6/5 (Doubleheader) First game starts @ 5:00pm, 6/6 @ 1:00pm

You can listen to all of these games at:
MiLB Gameday Audio

Happy Memorial Day and enjoy your week!

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/27/10

New Britain Rock Cats (Carlos Gutierrez 1-3, 3.73)
vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Robert Coello 4-1, 3.10) @ 7:00pm
WTIC FM 96.5 (Rock Cats Radio Network)
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Trenton Thunder (David Phelps 20, 2.59)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Zach Stewart 2-1, 5.63) @ 7:05pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Norfolk Tides (Troy Patton 2-6, 6.56)
vs. Pawtucket Red Sox (Felix Doubront 0-0, 0.00) @ 7:05pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Standings (Through 5/27/10)

Last Night's Results 5/27/10

Dusty Brown blasts a walk-off homerun in the 9th inning for the win. (photo by Louriann Mardo-Zayat)

Five Game Tilt Favors Fisher Cats in Rubber Match

Fisher Cats 8 Rock Cats 7
W: Vince Bongiovanni (5-2)
L: Michael Allen (1-1)
S: Danny Farquhar (11)
HR: NH - Eric Thames (9), David Cooper (3); NB - Yangervis Solarte (2)
NOTES ... New Hampshire reliever Trystan Magnuson picked up his 7th hold on the season and hasn't given up a run since April 22nd, a run of 18.2 scoreless innings ... Fisher Cats pitcher Danny Farquhar is now tied with Altoona closer Danny Moskas as the saves leader in the Eastern League with 11 ... New Britain's Yangervis Solarte has now hit safely in eight straight games ...
"Eric Thames fell a double short of a cycle, driving in two runs and David Cooper homered and drove in two runs as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats edged the New Britain Rock Cats 8-7 on Thursday afternoon at New Britain Stadium." Full recap

Brown Walk Off Blast Kicks Off Homestand
Tides 4 Paw Sox 5
W: T.J. Large (1-0)
L: Kam Mickolio (1-1)
HR: PAW - Dusty Brown (4)
NOTES ... Pawtucket starter Boof Bonser had his longest outing of the year, going 6 innings, giving up 4 hits and allowing no runs ... Over his last four appearances, Paw Sox reliever Dustin Richardson has allowed only 3 hits over 7 innings, with no runs and 14 strikeouts ...
"Catcher Dusty Brown blasted a three run homer with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth on Thursday night at McCoy to lift Pawtucket to a 5-4 win over the Tides." Full recap

Portland Game To Be Continued

Sea Dogs 6 Reading 4 SUSPENDED
"The two teams are scheduled to finish the game on June 4th, when the Phillies visit Hadlock Field. The current situation has the Sea Dogs batting in the top of the sixth, leading 6-4, with runners on the corners." Full recap

Today's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/27/10

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Randy Boone 2-2, 2.57)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (Santo Arias 0-6, 4.50) @ 10:35pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)
WTIC FM 96.5 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

Portland Sea Dogs (Stephen Fife 2-1, 3.92)
vs. Reading Phillies (Jason Anderson 0-0, 1.80) @ 6:35pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Norfolk Tides (Chris George 1-1, 4.22)
vs. Pawtucket Red Sox (Boof Bonser 0-2, 10.61) @ 7:05pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Last Night's Results 5/26/10

Jonathan Diaz was a doubles state-of-mind Wednesday night.

Double Trouble For Rock Cats
Fisher Cats 11 Rock Cats 6
W: Kyle Drabek (6-4)
L: David Brombger (2-3)
HR: NB - Lis (3)
NOTES ... Jonathan Diaz's four doubles set a single game Fisher Cats record ... The nine doubles by the Fisher Cats ties a team record for a single game ... New Britain's Eric Lis has 3 home runs and 9 RBIs in the 10 games he has played in since being sent down from Rochester ... Kyle Drabek is second in the Eastern League in wins (6), first in strikeouts (51) and first in innings pitched (59.2) ... David Bromberg has lost 3 of his last 4 starts ...Rock Cats' Steve Singleton hit safely in his fifth straight game ... Fisher Cats' Brian Jeroloman extended his hit streak to eight games and he has reached base in his last twelve games ...
"Jonathan Diaz set a franchise record by connecting for four of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ club record-tying nine doubles, and Kyle Drabek allowed two runs over seven innings to notch his team-leading sixth victory as the Fisher Cats defeated the New Britain Rock Cats, 11-6..." Full recap

Dogs Put Down With Walk Off Blow
Sea Dogs 3 Reading 5
W: Michael Stuttes (3-0)
L: Bryce Cox (0-3)
HR: REA - Matthew Rizzotti 2 (3, 4)
NOTES ... The blown save was Bryce Cox's first of the year ... In 12 games since being called up from Single-A Clearwater, Reading's Matthew Rizzotti is hitting .421 with 4 home runs, 5 doubles and 12 RBIs (3 HRs & 8 RBIs in his last three games) ... The Sea Dogs are 2 and 8 against Reading on the season with five games remaining between the two teams on the season ... The seven hits allowed by Casey Kelly was the most he has given up in any outing this season ...
"The looks on the faces of the Portland Sea Dogs told the story." Full recap

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/26/10

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Kyle Drabek 5-4, 3.59)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (David Bromberg 2-2, 3.45) @ 6:35pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)
WTIC FM 96.5 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

Portland Sea Dogs (Casey Kelly 0-3, 4.45)
vs. Reading Phillies (Vance Worley 3-2, 4.26) @ 6:35pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/25/10

GAME 1
New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Luis Perez 4-3, 3.86)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (Tyler Robertson 0-3, 3.86) @ 5:05pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)
WTIC FM 96.5 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

GAME 2
New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Adrian Martin 1-1, 3.48)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (Kyle Gibson 2-0, 1.26) @ 30 Minutes After Game 1

Portland Sea Dogs (Kyle Weiland 0-3, 5.18)
vs. Reading Phillies (Drew Naylor 3-4, 4.28) @ 6:35pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Pawtucket Red Sox (Michael Bowden 1-2, 6.03)
vs. Durham Bulls (Heath Phillips 3-4, 4.58) @ 7:05pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Last Night's Results 5/24/10

Extra Frame Favors Rock Cats
Fisher Cats 7 Rock Cats 8
W: Michael Allen (1-0)
L: Vince Bongiovanni (4-2)
HR: NH - Shawn Bowman (3); NB - Steve Singleton (3)
NOTES ... Steve Singleton singled home Marc Dolenc in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Rock Cats the walk-off victory ... Last night was only the 4th home win for the Rock Cats in 21 games ... Fisher Cats' catcher Brian Jeroloman has reached base in 10 straight games and is currently 3rd in the Eastern League with a .333 batting average ... New Britain's Ben Revere was named the Eastern League's Player of the Week, the third straight player from a New England team to win that honor (Darin Mastroianni (NH) 5/3 - 5/9 & Adam Calderone (NH) 5/10-5/16) ...
"Steve Singleton delivered a walk-off RBI single into center field that scored Marc Dolenc in the bottom of the tenth as the Rock Cats recovered from blowing a six-run lead to down New Hampshire, 8-7 on Monday night." Full recap

Sea Dogs Can't Solve Flande
Sea Dogs 2 Reading 7
W: Yohan Flande (3-3)
L: Ryne Miller (1-3)
HR: REA - Domonic Brown (8), Matthew Rizzotti (2)
NOTES ... Portland reliever Ryne Lawson allowed his first home run since April 15th, spanning 19 innings ... Reading's Domonic Brown hit his 8th home-run on the year, pulling him into a 5-way tie for 3rd place in the Eastern League ... Reading starter Yohan Flande is 2nd in the Eastern League with a 2.25 earned run average ...
"The Portland Sea Dogs ran into the best the Phillies had to offer Monday night." Full recap

Durham Pitching Stifles Paw Sox Once Again
Paw Sox 0 Durham 1
W: Jeremy Hellickson (7-2)
L: Kris Johnson (3-3)
S: Winston Abreu (3)
HR: Ryan Shealy (8)
NOTES ... Jeremy Hellickson pitched 8 innings and gave up only 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 5 batters ... Only 4 batters in the International League have over 140 at-bats and are batting under .200, including Pawtucket's Tug Hulett (.183) and Josh Reddick (.184) ... Paw Sox starter Kris Johnson pitched 6 innings for the third straight game, a span in which he has only allowed 3 earned runs ... Hellickson is among the Top 10 International League Leaders in Wins, ERA, Strikeouts, WHIP and Innings Pitched ...
"Suddenly, 1-0 baseball games have become the order of the day for the Pawtucket Red Sox against the Durham Bulls." Full recap

Back At It

So after taking a few "personal" days, following our trip up to Portland, we are back in business...if only for a few days. I'll be able to provide you the usual updates and info until Friday when I will be departing on a much-needed vacation, for a week. If the urge catches me while I'm on the beach, and the WiFi hits my phone at just the right angle, maybe I'll check in. In the meantime, I think it would be cool if you all keep ME updated on what's happening. Let me know what games you're keeping an eye on, or going to. Send me your stories and pictures, I would love to post them up...from anywhere across the Minor League Baseball world.

This photo actually comes from my Southwest correspondent and just-so-happens to feature my handsome nephew at the Albuquerque Isotopes game on Saturday, May 22nd. The 'Topes held on to beat the Las Vegas 51s by a score of 11-10, despite a 19 hit night for the 51s.

So where are you going? Where have you been? If you want to share your MiLB experiences, shoot me an email at beyondfenway@gmail.com. I'll load you up with tons of info from now until Friday, to keep you occupied while we are away.

Trenton Takes Two

Justin Snyder's 3-run home run in the top of the 5th inning was the difference maker for Trenton. The final in Game 2 is 3-2 in favor of the Thunder. After nearly 7 hours of baseball, the Portland Sea Dogs come up empty in today's doubleheader. We'll recap our trip to Hadlock Field sometime tomorrow...in the meantime, I'm off to catch the Celtics game somewhere here in beautiful Portland, Maine. Special thanks to Chris Cameron and the Sea Dogs orginization for their hospitality.

On the Board

Portland strikes first in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Yamaico Navarro singled in two runs to put the Sea Dogs up 2-0.

Ray Chang has left the game after fouling a ball off of his leg. He was down for a good 5 minutes before drawing a walk and eventually making it to second base. However he was unable to continue and has been pulled for precautionary measures.

Where that first game went quickly, even with 3 extra innings, Game 2 is moving at a snail's pace. The last two Portland at-bats have eclipsed 15 minutes each.

The large crowd that packed Hadlock for Game 1 has trickled down quite a bit...I guess those extra innings they got last game were enough...but not for the die-hard...we ALWAYS want more baseball...thankfully they're bringing it to us as we speak! The Sea Dogs strand the bases loaded and after two innings in Game 2 there is no score...

The Starters

Both starting pitchers (Jeremy Kehrt for Portland and Wilkin De La Rosa for Trenton) pitch scoreless first innings.

Jeremy Kehrt deals

Wilkin De La Rosa with the delivery

Game 1 In the Books

Luis Nunez jacked a three-run homer off of Jason Rice in the top of the 10th to put Trenton up 8-5. Anthony Rizzo led off the bottom of the 10th with a single up the middle and Ray Change immediately drove him in with a double to the left-center gap. The crowd was ready for a big extra-innings comeback, but unfortunately Juan Apodaca, Jose Iglesias and Chih-Hsien Chiang made three straight outs to end Game 1 of the doubleheader here at Hadlock Field. Game 2 is set to begin in thirty minutes.

Trenton barely escapes with a Game 1 victory

Eammon Portice puts in a yeamon's effort in relief, throwing 4 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 3. In the top of the 9th he allowed a leadoff walk to Justin Christian, Austin Krum followed with a flyout to center. Marcos Vechionacci singled to center putting the go-ahead run in scoring postion until Austin Romine grounded into the inning-ending 5-4-3 double play.

In the bottom of the 9th Jose Iglesias grounded out to short to start the inning. Chih-Hsien Chiang hit a sharp liner to right field for out number two. Nate Spears was hit by a pitch and Che-Hsuan Lin executes a hit-and-run to perfection, hitting it in the hole that the second baseman left wide open while going to cover 2nd base. Ryan Kalish is intentionally walked, and rightfully so, as he is 3 for 4 on the day with some hard hits. Luis Exposito comes up with the bases juiced and a chance to play hero...but he hits a dead ball pop up to the shortstop, ending the potential game-winning rally.

We're going to extra innings...free baseball ya'll!

Eammon Portice steps off the mound

Austin Romine gets ready to step to the plate

All Tied Up

It's a 5-5 score heading into the bottom of the 7th inning. Justin Christian tied things back in the fourth inning with a 2-run homer, his second on the day. Both homers came in back-to-back innings.

Eammon Portice has come on to pitch for Portland after Fife went 5 innings, allowing 5 runs, 7 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 4 batters. Wilkins Arias is in to pitch for Trenton. Hector Noesi leaves after 6 innings of work where he also allowed 5 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, with 4 strikouts.

Hector Noesi dealing to Anthony Rizzo

Chih-Hsien Chiang gets under a fly ball to center field

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/22/10

Trenton Thunder (Wilkin De La Rosa 1-2, 4.95)
vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Jeremy Kehrt N/R) @ 30 minutes after Game 1 ends
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Binghamton Mets (Chris Schwinden N/R)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (Santos Arias 0-54.66) @ 6:35pm
WTIC FM 96.5 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Randy Boone 1-2, 2.57)
vs. Bowie Baysox (Steve Johnson 1-2, 3.35) @ 6:35pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Pawtucket Red Sox (Boof Bonser 0-1, 7.64)
vs. Durham Bulls (Richard De Los Santos 2-2, 4.76) @ 7:05pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

I Told Ya So

And just like that the Sea Dogs come right back in the bottom of the 3rd inning to take a 5-3 lead. Nate Spears roped a solo home run out to right center field to tie the game up and Ryan Kalish hit a BOMB about 5-6 rows up into the U.S. Cellular Pavilion in right field.

Back and Forth

The Thunder retake the lead in the top of the 3rd inning. Justin Christian smoked a liner that just made it over the Maine Monster in left field to tie the game at two. Austin Romine hit a hard single out to right field that scored Austin Krum from second base to make the score 3-2.

It feels as if there may be alot of back-and-forth between the two teams in this one. We may be in for a long day here at the ballpark...which is NEVER a bad thing. Although it doesn't look good, both managers are surely hoping to get a lot more out of their starters. With another game looming after this one neither team wants to burn their bullpen early.

We'll get some pics up here in a bit and continued updates live from Portland!

Doubleheader in Portland

Live from Hadlock Field where the Sea Dogs are playing two against the Trenton Thunder...and the Thunder get on the board before i could even publish the post. A wild pitch by Stephen Fife allows the Thunder to make it 1-0 with no outs in the Top of the 1st.


Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/20/10

Trenton Thunder (Hector Noesi N/R)
vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Casey Kelly 0-3, 3.20) @ 6:00pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Binghamton Mets (Bradley Holt 0-3, 10.95)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (David Bromberg 1-2, 3.58) @ 6:35pm
WTIC FM 96.5 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Kyle Drabek 5-3, 3.06)
vs. Bowie Baysox (Zach Britton 2-3, 4.24) @ 7:05am
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Pawtucket Red Sox (Adam Mills 1-3, 4.25)
vs. Norwich Tides (Chris George 1-1, 4.50) @ 7:15pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

Yesterday's Results 5/20/10

(Photo by Jeff Schools/ CMSB Media)

Hit Fest Favors Thunder
Trenton 9 Fisher Cats 7
W: Josh Schmidt (2-0)
L: Luis Perez (4-3)
S: Eric Wordekemper (4)
HR: NH - Brad Emaus (5), Brian Jeroloman (4)
NOTES ... The 20 hits by the Fisher Cats was a season high, only three of which were for extra bases ... The Fisher Cats welcomed 7,621, a standing-room only crowd that was the largest of the season ... All Fisher Cats starters collected at least one hit ... Darin Mastroianni picked up his 19th stolen base on the season ... The Fisher Cats hit the road with the first stop in Bowie for three games against the Baysox.
"...but the largest audience of the season at Merchantsauto.com Stadium left disappointed when the Trenton Thunder held off the Fisher Cats, 9-7, on Thursday afternoon..." Full recap

Big League Help Not Enough to Scratch Cats

Rock Cats 6 Sea Dogs 2
W: Kyle Gibson (2-0)
L: Kyle Weiland (0-3)
HR: NB - Lis (1)

NOTES ... Starting pitcher Felix Doubront was promoted from Portland to Pawtucket ... Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to join the Boston Red Sox on Saturday in Philadelphia ... Seven-footer Loek Van Mil saw his first relief action since being called up to New Britain and allowed two hits and struck out one in one inning of work ... Portland's Nate Spears has walked 11 times in his last 10 games played ... New Britain's Ben Revere went 7 for 14 with 2 walks and 2 stolen bases in the three games against Portland ... Portland welcomes the Trenton Thunder to Hadlock Field tomorrow night ... New Britain heads back home to face-off against the Binghamton Mets
"Jacoby Ellsbury picked up three hits and one run, while Mike Cameron had a run, a hit, and an RBI, as both players made rehab appearances from the Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately for the Portland Sea Dogs, that would not be enough, as New Britain starter Kyle Gibson was on his game." Full recap

Paw Sox 1 Norfolk 8
W: Jake Arrietta (4-2)
L: Fabio Castro (2-3)

HR: PAW - Lars Anderson (2); NOR - Robert Andino (5)

NOTES ... Norfolk pitchers struck out 13 Pawtucket batters ... Niuman Romero and Josh Reddick both struck out 3 times apiece for the Paw Sox ... Pawtucket plays one more game against Norfolk on Friday night before shipping off to Durham ...

"Jake Arrieta is rated the fourth best prospect in the Orioles chain, and on Thursday night, the PawSox found out why." Full recap

(Photo by Megan Morrow)

Today's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/20/10

Trenton Thunder (Lance Pendleton 1-2, 4.37)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Luis Perez 4-2, 2.80) @ 11:05am
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

New Britain Rock Cats (Mike McCardell 0-4, 4.50)
vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Kyle Weiland 0-2, 4.50) @ 12:00pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Pawtucket Red Sox (Fabio Castro 2-2, 6.56)
vs. Norwich Tides (Jake Arrieta 3-2, 2.20) @ 7:15pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

Last Night's Results 5/19/10

Bubba Bell standing on first base after a base hit. (Photo by Rick Medeiros)

Tides Turned on Paw Sox
Paw Sox 2 Norfolk 5
W: Chris Tillman (4-4)
L: Michael Bowden (1-2)

S: Frank Mata (8)
HR: NOR - Scott Moore 2 (4,5), Justin Turner (1)
"It was terrifying. No, not the two home runs Scott Moore hit over the right field wall off Pawsox pitcher Michael Bowden, though both were smartly struck. And no, not the homer just over the left field fence by Justin Turner in Norfolk’s 5-2 win Wednesday night." Full recap

Encore Inning Helps Cats Rock a Win

Rock Cats 4 Sea Dogs 3
W: Matthew Williams (1-1)
L: Bryson Cox (0-2)

S: Chris Province (3)

"Red Sox Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron fail to appear and the Sea Dogs fall 4-3 in the 10th inning." Full recap

Fisher Cats Rained Out
Trenton vs. Fisher Cats PPD
The make up date for the rain-out is Saturday, May 29th as part of a single admission, twi-night doubleheader. The first of the two seven-inning games will begin at 6:05pm.

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/19/10

New Britain Rock Cats (Tyler Robertson 0-3, 3.86)
vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Ryne Miller 1-2, 5.63) @ 6:00pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Trenton Thunder (Lance Pendleton 1-2, 4.37)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Bobby Bell 3-2, 5.89) @ 7:05pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Pawtucket Red Sox (Michael Bowden 1-1, 5.93)
vs. Norwich Tides (Chris Tillman 3-4, 3.83) @ 7:15pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

Yesterday's Results 5/18/10

Paw Sox Blank Tides
Paw Sox 6 Norfolk 0
W: Kris Johnson (3-2)
L: Brandon Erbe (0-7)
HR: PAW - Aaron Bates (4), Bubba Bell (1)
"No wins on the road in almost a year? Kris Johnson took care of that Tuesday night." Full recap

Fisher Cats Walk-Off With Win
Trenton 2 Fisher Cats 3
W: Vince Bongiovanni (4-0)
L: Wilkins Arias (2-1)
HR: NH - Adam Loewen (5)
"Shawn Bowman's shot to the warning track ended Trenton's 10-game winning streak and gave New Hampshire a 3-2 victory in the rain last night." Full recap

Ellsbury helps Dogs edge Cats
Rock Cats 1 Sea Dogs 2
W: Felix Doubront (4-0)
L: Carlos Gutierrez (0-3)
S: Robert Coello (1)
"Jacoby Ellsbury drew a leadoff walk in the first inning, starting the one and only rally the Portland Sea Dogs would need." Full recap

An autograph-seeking fan tosses a ball to Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox before Tuesday night’s Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field in Portland. (John Patriquin/Portland Press Herald Staff Photographer)

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/18/10

New Britain Rock Cats (Carlos Gutierrez 0-2, 4.38)
vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Felix Doubront 3-0, 3.00) @ 6:00pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Trenton Thunder (David Phelps 3-0, 1.60)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Zach Stewart 2-1, 6.84) @ 7:05pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Pawtucket Red Sox (Kris Johnson 2-2, 6.11)
vs. Norwich Tides (Brandon Erbe 0-6, 5.84) @ 7:15pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

Paw Sox Streak Snapped

It was a great day for baseball in Pawtucket yesterday afternoon, unfortunately the Paw Sox couldn't continue their season-high six game win streak. The game marked the return of Jacoby Ellsbury who began his rehab after he fractured his ribs back in April. He led off in the DH role and went 1 for 3 on the day with a walk. He was pinch-hit for in the bottom of the ninth with the Paw Sox down by one and the game-tying runner on base...I guess it was a strict three-at-bat appearance for him?!

Boof Bonser got the start for Pawtucket and once again was not spectacular. He was yanked after 4 1/3 innings, tying his longest outing of the season. Bonser gave up two earned runs on five hits and three walks. I have now seen him pitch twice on the season and have not been impressed at all. He pops his heat in the very low 90s, his breaking ball isn't bad when it's on, but if he is expecting to make the big club at any point this season, he has to find better control overall.

In the seventh inning with two runners on, Josh Reddick hit a ball out to right field that was misplayed by a charging Chris Duncan. The ball got under his glove and rolled all the way to the wall, allowing Reddick to believe that he has Ellsbury speed (and his manager too, who was waving him in from third). Of course Reddick was gunned down at the plate, but Pawtucket was now up 4-3.

The lead was short lived as Syracuse picked up two runs in the top of the eighth thanks to an RBI double by Eric Bruntlett and an RBI single by Pedro Lopez. That put the score at 5-4, where it would stay

Syracuse 5 PawSox 4

W: Atahualpa Severino (2-0)

L: Joe Nelson (3-2)

S: Joel Peralta (9)

HR: SYR - Chris Duncan (4)

Since New Hampshire, Portland and New Britain all had off days, you would expect a quiet news day. But there is certainly some things to take note of before they all get back to business tonight.

New Hampshire's Adam Calderone was named the Eastern League Player of the Week! For the week of May 10-16 he batted .393 with 4 HR, 11 RBI, .929 slugging percentage. Calderone became the third Fisher Cats player to win the award so far this season, following Luis Perez and Darin Mastroianni. Congrats to Adam for this well-deserved honor.

The Sea Dogs are getting ready to welcome the rehabbing Jacoby Ellsbury to Portland starting with tonight's game against the New Britain Rock Cats. He is expected to start in the outfield after DH'ing for the Pawtucket Red Sox on Monday. There is no timetable set for when Ellsbury will return to Boston, but based on last night's outfielding debacle against the Yankees, they'll probably want him back with the big club as soon as possible...so go check him out while you have a chance.

Finally, down in New Britain they have decided to shake things up with their roster. Joe Benson, Chris Parmalee and Estarlin de los Santos have all been sent down to Single-A Ft. Myers while Toby Gardenhire was sent up to Triple-A Rochester. First baseman Eric Lis was sent down from Rochester to New Britain and making their way up the pike from Ft. Myers is Chris Cates, Brandon Roberts and the return of the seven-foot wonder LOEK VAN MIL (I've been waiting for this moment all season long)!!!! Relief pitcher Spencer Steedley hit the DL with a left arm strain. The Rock Cats are hoping these moves turn around their dismal start.

Today's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/16/10

Syracuse Chiefs (Chuck James 2-1, 4.96)
vs. Pawtucket Red Sox (Adam Mills 1-3, 4.58) @ 1:05pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

Portland Sea Dogs (Stephen Fife 2-1, 3.26)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Randy Boone 1-2, 2.70) @ 1:35pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

New Britain Rock Cats (David Bromberg 1-1, 3.58)
vs. Harrisburg Senators (Tom Milone 3-1, 3.53) @ 2:00pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

Yesterday's Results 5/15/10

Twins 2009 first round pick Kyle Gibson was nothing short of spectacular in his first start with New Britain

Rock Cats Find a Savior
Rock Cats 6 Harrisburg 0
W: Kyle Gibson (1-0)
L: Aaron Thompson (1-5)
HR: NB - Yangervis Solarte (1), Ben Revere (1)
NOTES ... Kyle Gibson went 7.1 innings, giving up only 4 hits while striking out 10 batters in his AA debut ... Yangervis Solarte went 2 for 2 with a double and a his first AA home run ... Matthew Williams and Joe Testa combined for 1.2 innings of hitless relief work for the Rock Cats ... Ben Revere has collected 5 hits so far this series, including his first home run of the season ...
"Kyle Gibson may not be the answer to every problem plaguing New Britain, but for one night the newcomer provided the spark the Rock Cats needed." Full recap

Paw Sox Keep Ball Rolling
Syracuse 4 Paw Sox 6
W: Scott Atchison (1-0)
L: Jason Bergmann (1-1)
S: Robert Manuel (4)
HR: SYR - Chris Duncan (3); PAW - Dusty Brown (3)
NOTES ... T.J. Large was thrust into the starter's role for Pawtucket on Saturday, his first professional start ... Large has thrown 9.1 innings of shutout ball since being called up from Portland on May 3rd ... Daniel Nava is currently 16th in the International League with a .315 batting average, and 7th in RBI with 28 ... Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury will begin his injury rehab in Pawtucket during the final game of the four game series, tomorrow at noon ...
"The PawSox cashed in on three consecutive Syracuse errors in the bottom of the eighth inning and defeated the first place Chiefs 6-4 on Saturday night..." Full recap

Fisher Cats Win Fifth Straight
Sea Dogs 0 Fisher Cats 5
W: Kyle Drabek (5-3)
L: Casey Kelly (0-3)
HR: NH - Adam Calderone(6)
NOTES ... Fisher Cats Brian Jeroloman (.322) and Adam Calderon (.321) are 5th and 6th in the Eastern League in batting ... Portland's Casey Kelly has not gone more than 5 innings in his seven starts this season due to a strict pitch count ... Calderone is tied for third in the league with 29 RBI ... 10-year old Brendan Howard of Fremont, New Hampshire was the 2,000,000 fan in Fisher Cat's history ... "Kyle Drabek and Trystan Magnuson combined on a six-hit shutout as the Fisher Cats won their fifth straight, beating Portland 5-0..." Full recap

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/14/10

New Britain Rock Cats (Mike McCardell 0-3, 4.15)
vs. Harrisburg Senators (Jeff Mandel 0-4, 3.82) @ 7:00pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

Portland Sea Dogs

(Kyle Weiland 0-2, 5.48)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Luis Perez 3-2, 3.08) @ 7:05pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Syracuse Chiefs (Matt Chico NR)
vs. Pawtucket Red Sox (Michael Bowden 1-1, 6.39) @ 7:05pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Last Night's Results 5/13/10

Adam Calderone carried a big stick into yesterday's battle

Sea Dogs 2 Fisher Cats 9
W: Bobby Bell (3-2)
L: Ryne Miller (1-2)
HR: POR - Che Hsuan-Lin (2); NH - Adam Calderone 2 (5), Brad Emaus (4)
NOTES ... The seven innings of work by Bobby Bell was his longest outing on the season ... Portland 1B Anthony Rizzo has hit safely in all three games he has played in since being called up from Single-A Salem ... Yesterday was the first time Adam Calderone had gone yard since May 1st ... It is estimated the the Fisher Cats will welcome their 2,000,000 fan to MerchantsAuto.com Stadium at tomorrow's game ...
"Adam Calderone homered twice, and the Fisher Cats stayed in sole possession of first place with a 9-2 series-opening win against Portland on Thursday night." Full recap

Rock Cats 1 Harrisburg 3
W: Brad Meyers (1-0)
L: Tyler Robertson (0-3)
S: Victor Garate (4)
HR: HAR - Leonard Davis (5)
NOTES ... The Rock Cats have dropped six straight games, which is only their third longest losing streak of the season (so far) ... New Britain 2B Yangervis Solarte went 1-3 with a double in his first game up from Single-A Fort Myers ... Harrisburg closer Victor Garate has allowed only two earned runs over 11.2 innings, with 15 Ks, this season ...
"Brad Meyers threw six scoreless innings, and the Senators offense did enough to secure a victory, as the Sens beat the visiting New Britain Rock Cats on Thursday night at Metro Bank Park, by a final score of 3-1." Full recap

Three Straight for Paw Sox

Mike Cameron connects for a sacrifice fly to drive in a run in his third rehab start for the PawSox. (Photo by Louriann Mardo-Zayat)

Gwinnett 2 Paw Sox 3
W: Kris Johnson (2-2)
L: Ryne Reynoso (0-5)
S: Joe Nelson (1)

NOTES ... Mike Cameron was back in action today, after taking yesterday off, and went 0-2 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI on a sac fly ... Daniel Nava picked up his team leading 28th RBI with a single in the 3rd inning ... Joe Nelson picked up his first minor league save since 2008 when he pitched for the Albuquerque Isotopes ...
"For the first time this season, the PawSox have strung together three straight wins." Full recap


Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups

New Britain Rock Cats (Tyler Robertson 0-2, 4.00)
vs. Harrisburg Senators (Brad Meyers 0-0, 0.00) @ 7:00pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

Portland Sea Dogs (Ryne Miller 1-1, 4.18)
vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Bobby Bell 2-2, 6.67) @ 7:05pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Today's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/11/10

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Randy Boone 1-2, 2.93)
vs. Reading Phillies (Vance Worley 1-2, 5.12) @ 11:05pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)

Binghamton Mets (Scott Shaw 4-0, 7.06)

vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Stephen Fife 1-1, 4.07) @ 6:00pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Gwinnett Braves (James Parr 2-2, 3.62)
vs. Pawtucket Red Sox (Adam Mills 0-3, 5.64) @ 6:15pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

Trenton Thunder (Jeremy Bleich 1-2, 4.50)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (Carlos Gutierrez 0-1, 5.10) @ 6:35pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

MiLB Gameday Audio

Yesterday's Results 5/10/10

Casey Kelly struck out a season high seven batters. (Photo by Jeff Schools/ CMSB)

BMets Bats Sink Dogs

Binghamton 7 Sea Dogs 5
W: Clint Everts (2-0)
L: Santo Luis (1-1)
S: Jose De La Torre (2)

HR: BIN - Zach Lutz (8)
NOTES ... Portland's Casey Kelly had season highs in strikeouts (7) and pitches thrown (82) ... Mets third baseman Zach Lutz hit his league leading eighth home run ... Red Sox first base prospect Anthony Rizzo reported to Portland during last night's game after being called up from Single-A Salem ... The Sea Dogs are 2-4 against Binghamton so far this season ...
"The Portland Sea Dogs had a chance to jump into a tie for first place in the Eastern League East Division." Full recap

Second Inning Rally Enough For RPhils
Fisher Cats 2 Reading 4
W: Drew Naylor (3-3)
L: Kyle Drabek (4-3)
S: Sergio Escalona (5)
NOTES ... Darin Mastroianni had his 15-game hit streak snapped, as well as his franchise-record 34-game on-base streak ... Brad Emaus has reached base safely in 20 straight games ... Mastroianni was named Eastern League Player of the Week ...
"Adam Loewen smacked a pair of doubles, knocked in a run and scored a run, and Brad Emaus added two hits and a walk to stretch his on-base streak to 20 games, but the Reading Phillies took the opener of a three-game series with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-2..." Full recap

Thunder Scatters Rock Cats

Trenton 8 Rock Cats 2

W: Ryan Poper (1-3)

L: David Bromberg (1-1)
NOTES ... Alexander Soto has reached base safely in 10 straight games for New Britain ... The Rock Cats have dropped four-in-a-row for the second time in May ...
"Trenton jumped on David Bromberg for five runs in the fourth inning and never looked back as the Thunder downed the Rock Cats, 8-2 on Monday night." Full recap

Paw Sox Cut Down
Gwinnett 3 Paw Sox 2

W: Chris Resop (3-1)
L: Randor Bierd (2-3)

S: Michael Dunn (1)

NOTES ... Mike Cameron filled the DH role in his first rehab start with Pawtucket; he went 1-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored ... Daniel Nava extended his hit streak to 10 games ... Cameron is set to play the outfield for the Paw Sox tonight ...
"If getting to see as many pitches as possible was the goal for Mike Cameron in his first game on rehab assignment with the Pawtucket Red Sox, then it was mission accomplished." Full recap

(Photo by Louriann Mardo-Zayat)

Tonight's Probable Pitching Matchups 5/10/10

Binghamton Mets (Bradley Holt 0-2, 18.69)

vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Casey Kelly 0-2, 2.87) @ 6:00pm
AM 1490 & 1400 (Sea Dogs Radio Network)

Gwinnett Braves (James Parr 2-2, 3.62)
vs. Pawtucket Red Sox (Randor Bierd 2-2, 5.48) @ 6:15pm
WHJJ AM 920 (Paw Sox Radio Network)

Trenton Thunder (Ryan Pope 0-3, 6.10)
vs. New Britain Rock Cats (David Bromberg 1-0, 1.61) @ 6:35pm
WTIC FM 96.4 (Rock Cats Radio Network)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Kyle Drabek 4-2, 3.18)
vs. Reading Phillies (Drew Naylor 2-3, 4.55) @ 6:35pm
WGIR AM 610 (Fisher Cats Radio Network)


MiLB Gameday Audio

Yesterday's Results 5/9/10

Kyle Weiland struck out four over five perfect innings on Sunday. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

Rock Cats Can't Figure Out Sea Dogs
Sea Dogs 2 Rock Cats 1
W: Robert Coelle (4-1)
L: Henry Arias (0-1)
S: Bryson Cox (5)
NOTES ... Portland is 9-0 on the season versus New Britain ... Portland pitching only allowed one hit on the day ...
"Everything was going Kyle Weiland's way on Sunday, even the weather." Full recap

Late New Hampshire Rally Not Enough
Fisher Cats 5 Binghamton 5
W: Dylan Owen (2-1)
L: Luis Perez (3-2)
S: Jose De La Torre (1)
HR: BIN - Marshall Hubbard (4)
NOTES ... Darin Mastroianni extended his hitting streak to 15 games ... New Hampshire has lost four of their last five games ...
"Adam Loewen went 3-for-3 with a hit-by-pitch, and Jonathan Diaz drove in two runs in the ninth inning with a single, but the Fisher Cats fell 5-3 in Binghamton on Sunday afternoon." Full recap

Eight Run Sixth Leads Paw Sox to Victory
Paw Sox 8 Charlotte 3
W: Michael Bowden(1-1)
L: Lucas Harrell (1-3)
HR: PAW - Daniel Nava (5); CHA - Tyler Flowers (5)

NOTES ... Pawtucket sent 12 batters to the plate in the sixth inning ... Manager Terry Lovullo is set to return to the team after taking the last two games to attend to family matters ...
"Pawtucket starting pitcher Michael Bowden changed his attitude after giving up a run in each of his first two innings in the PawSox’ 8-3 victory over Charlotte on Sunday afternoon." Full recap