Read this article at the FCSL website.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 10, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats played eight innings of shutout baseball before giving up three runs in the ninth to fall 3-2 to the Leesburg Lightning at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Saturday night.
“It’s always tough when you lose, and especially when you play well,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “There are a bunch of positives to draw out of tonight, though. We played well enough to win the ball game, but you can never control outcomes. All you can control is how you go about the game and I think our guys did a great job of that.”
Right fielder James Ramsey (South Florida) scored both of Sanford’s runs. The first came on a sacrifice fly from second baseman Austin Liput (USC Upstate) in the fourth. The second was a solo home run in the eighth that put the Rats up 2-0.
River Rats (3-5) starting pitcher Bennie Sanchez (SCAD) gave up just two hits and two walks through six shutout innings. Neither Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) nor Adam Albers (St. Leo University) allowed runs in their one inning each of relief, and a series sweep seemed all but in hand going into the ninth inning.
Robert Stegbauer (Lincoln Memorial) took the mound to close out the game for Sanford, but walked Chase Durham (Howard College) and gave up singles to Tom Sicking (Texas Pan-American) and Mike Albaladejo (Florida Atlantic) to load the bases with no outs. Stegbauer was charged with the loss facing four batters in the top of the ninth.
Leesburg (7-1) third baseman Tyler Kellman (Lake Sumter CC) hit a two-RBI single to plate Durham and Sicking to tie the game. Right fielder Brandon Singer (Seminole State CC) had a fielder’s choice RBI to score Albaladejo and gave Leesburg the 3-2 lead.
Justin Pickens (Stetson) then took the mound and recorded three outs, including a strikeout to end the inning.
Despite getting two men on base in the home half of the ninth, Sanford couldn’t capitalize and took the heartbreaking loss.
Leesburg’s Michael Clutterbuck (Macomb CC) got the winning nod for the Lightning in three innings of work, striking out three. Dallas Baptist’s Carlton Patton shut the door on the Rats to pick up the save.
“We’re starting to come in the right direction, but we took another one-run loss,” Piercefield said. “It’s something the guys can continue to build on. These kinds of stretches… only help the team grow and get closer. We’re going to come out Tuesday refreshed and ready to go into week three.”
The River Rats have Sunday and Monday off before heading on the road to play Winter Park at Alfond Stadium at Harper-Shepherd Field Tuesday, June 14. The first pitch is slated for 7pm.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
River Rats Roll Lightning, 8-1
Read this at the FCSL website.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 10, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats handed the Leesburg Lightning their first loss of the season in an 8-1 romp at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Friday night.
“The game starts and ends with pitching,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “To limit a team like that to five hits is a great job. We were able to limit their offense and came out the better team that way.”
Ray Hanson (Central Florida) picked up the win in his first start for Sanford (3-4), allowing just one run on three hits in six innings of work.
“I struck out two guys and the defense did the rest,” Hanson said. “It was just one of those nights that where no matter where I put it it’d be a ground ball or they’d miss it.”
Of the 18 outs recorded while Hanson was on the mound, only one made it to the outfield, while 12 were groundouts to the infielders. Hanson also had four three-up three-down innings.
“He’s got a great arm and gets ahead of hitters,” Piercefield said. “He gives us a chance to win every time he goes out, just like all our pitchers do. He’s got a chance to be in the front of the rotation.”
The only run Hanson gave up was in the fourth when Jacob Tillotson (Florida) came home on a fielder’s choice to make it 1-0.
“He may have been a little upset about that, but when you get in a situation like that, you are going to score, so for him to limit them to one run there was huge,” said Piercefield. “The team fed off of that and we were able to roll off some quality at-bats.”
And roll they did. Sanford put up three in the home half of the fourth after Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) doubled and Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech) walked. TJ Gavlik (North Florida) hit an RBI single to score MacGeorge. Doughty was able to score after an Alex Mendez (South Florida) grounder, and James Ramsey (South Florida) hit an RBI single to score Gavlik to put the Rats up 3-1.
Sanford blanked Leesburg (6-1) in the fifth and scored two more as Doughty and Gavlik notched two more RBIs, scoring Ryan Woodrey (Nova Southeastern) and Doughty respectively.
Ramsey and Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) both singled to start the bottom half of the sixth, and two wild pitches allowed Ramsey to score and Haverstick to reach third. Woodrey laid down a sacrifice bunt to score Haverstick and MacGeorge followed with an RBI single to plate Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech).
“We don’t take records into account,” Piercefield said of the previously undefeated Lightning. “We see nine guys trying to beat us and we go from there, whether they’re wearing a Lightning jersey or a New York Yankees jersey, we’re going to go out and execute the game of baseball.”
The Lightning will again play the River Rats in Sanford Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 10, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats handed the Leesburg Lightning their first loss of the season in an 8-1 romp at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Friday night.
“The game starts and ends with pitching,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “To limit a team like that to five hits is a great job. We were able to limit their offense and came out the better team that way.”
Ray Hanson (Central Florida) picked up the win in his first start for Sanford (3-4), allowing just one run on three hits in six innings of work.
“I struck out two guys and the defense did the rest,” Hanson said. “It was just one of those nights that where no matter where I put it it’d be a ground ball or they’d miss it.”
Of the 18 outs recorded while Hanson was on the mound, only one made it to the outfield, while 12 were groundouts to the infielders. Hanson also had four three-up three-down innings.
“He’s got a great arm and gets ahead of hitters,” Piercefield said. “He gives us a chance to win every time he goes out, just like all our pitchers do. He’s got a chance to be in the front of the rotation.”
The only run Hanson gave up was in the fourth when Jacob Tillotson (Florida) came home on a fielder’s choice to make it 1-0.
“He may have been a little upset about that, but when you get in a situation like that, you are going to score, so for him to limit them to one run there was huge,” said Piercefield. “The team fed off of that and we were able to roll off some quality at-bats.”
And roll they did. Sanford put up three in the home half of the fourth after Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) doubled and Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech) walked. TJ Gavlik (North Florida) hit an RBI single to score MacGeorge. Doughty was able to score after an Alex Mendez (South Florida) grounder, and James Ramsey (South Florida) hit an RBI single to score Gavlik to put the Rats up 3-1.
Sanford blanked Leesburg (6-1) in the fifth and scored two more as Doughty and Gavlik notched two more RBIs, scoring Ryan Woodrey (Nova Southeastern) and Doughty respectively.
Ramsey and Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) both singled to start the bottom half of the sixth, and two wild pitches allowed Ramsey to score and Haverstick to reach third. Woodrey laid down a sacrifice bunt to score Haverstick and MacGeorge followed with an RBI single to plate Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech).
“We don’t take records into account,” Piercefield said of the previously undefeated Lightning. “We see nine guys trying to beat us and we go from there, whether they’re wearing a Lightning jersey or a New York Yankees jersey, we’re going to go out and execute the game of baseball.”
The Lightning will again play the River Rats in Sanford Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sanford Rolls to First Home Win
Read this at the FCSL website.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 9, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats defeated the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 6-3 for their first win of the season at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Thursday night.
"Anytime you're at home, you want to put on a show for the fans," River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. "We played the same game we have all year and tonight the ball fell on our side."
Sanford (2-4) starting pitcher Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) earned the win after pitching into the seventh, walking just one and striking out four.
"He did a great job locating the ball and was really able to take control of each at-bat."
Winter Park's (4-2) Drew Packard (Villanova) took the loss, pitching just 3 1/3 innings and allowing three runs.
Kevin Gude (Polk State College) came in to relieve Packard in the fourth and pitched effectively, striking out five and walking none.
Despite that, Gude has the dubious distinction of allowing Sanford's first home run of the season, a solo shot to right center from centerfielder Alex Mendez (South Florida) in the fifth, to make it 4-0 for the Rats.
"I felt I barreled it up pretty good," Mendez said. "It was a 3-0 pitch, and he put it right where I like it. We talk about getting the pitch that you like and I just capitalized on it."
"His homer kind of set the tone a little bit," Piercefield said.
Mendez figures into an interesting note defensively: Winter Park second baseman Michael Reed (Auburn) was 0-4, with all four of his outs coming on fly balls to Mendez.
"I had no idea about that one," Mendez said with a laugh.
Sanford allowed Winter Park three total runs in the sixth and seventh to cut their lead, 4-3, but a three-hit, two-run seventh for Sanford in which eight batters made plate appearances ended the game's scoring.
Robert Stegbauer (Lincoln Memorial) came to the mound to close the ninth for Sanford, but it wasn't easy.
With the bases loaded, Winter Park second baseman Todd Hankins (Seminole State College) blasted a long ball to left field that just curved foul.
"In the book, it's a long strike," Piercefield said. "It could’ve changed the game, but it didn't seem to affect Stegbauer."
After a mound visit from Piercefield to remind Stegbauer he was in control, he struck Hankins out swinging.
"We're going to put it right back on tomorrow and just play our game," Piercefield said looking forward.
The River Rats host the Leesburg Lightning for the final two games of a three-game home stint Friday and Saturday. Both games are scheduled to start at 7pm.
"Being at home definitely provides an advantage with our crowd. We've got great fans and great support," Piercefield said.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 9, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats defeated the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 6-3 for their first win of the season at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Thursday night.
"Anytime you're at home, you want to put on a show for the fans," River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. "We played the same game we have all year and tonight the ball fell on our side."
Sanford (2-4) starting pitcher Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) earned the win after pitching into the seventh, walking just one and striking out four.
"He did a great job locating the ball and was really able to take control of each at-bat."
Winter Park's (4-2) Drew Packard (Villanova) took the loss, pitching just 3 1/3 innings and allowing three runs.
Kevin Gude (Polk State College) came in to relieve Packard in the fourth and pitched effectively, striking out five and walking none.
Despite that, Gude has the dubious distinction of allowing Sanford's first home run of the season, a solo shot to right center from centerfielder Alex Mendez (South Florida) in the fifth, to make it 4-0 for the Rats.
"I felt I barreled it up pretty good," Mendez said. "It was a 3-0 pitch, and he put it right where I like it. We talk about getting the pitch that you like and I just capitalized on it."
"His homer kind of set the tone a little bit," Piercefield said.
Mendez figures into an interesting note defensively: Winter Park second baseman Michael Reed (Auburn) was 0-4, with all four of his outs coming on fly balls to Mendez.
"I had no idea about that one," Mendez said with a laugh.
Sanford allowed Winter Park three total runs in the sixth and seventh to cut their lead, 4-3, but a three-hit, two-run seventh for Sanford in which eight batters made plate appearances ended the game's scoring.
Robert Stegbauer (Lincoln Memorial) came to the mound to close the ninth for Sanford, but it wasn't easy.
With the bases loaded, Winter Park second baseman Todd Hankins (Seminole State College) blasted a long ball to left field that just curved foul.
"In the book, it's a long strike," Piercefield said. "It could’ve changed the game, but it didn't seem to affect Stegbauer."
After a mound visit from Piercefield to remind Stegbauer he was in control, he struck Hankins out swinging.
"We're going to put it right back on tomorrow and just play our game," Piercefield said looking forward.
The River Rats host the Leesburg Lightning for the final two games of a three-game home stint Friday and Saturday. Both games are scheduled to start at 7pm.
"Being at home definitely provides an advantage with our crowd. We've got great fans and great support," Piercefield said.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Winter Haven Tops Sanford for Second Straight Time
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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (June 8, 2011) - For the second game in a row, late scoring put the game out of reach as the Sanford River Rats fell 7-4 against the Winter Haven Loggerheads at Chain of Lakes Park Wednesday night.
"You've got to give Winter Haven a lot of credit," River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. "They put a lot of pressure on the defense like we do and they took advantage of a couple of defensive mistakes."
Jacob Newberry (High Point) got the win for Winter Haven and Jeff Dally (UCF) earned a save for his ninth inning of work.
Sanford starter JR Edwards (Lehigh) took the loss despite some solid work on the mound in the first 4 2/3 innings. Edwards had five strikeouts on the night including a three up, three down third inning.
Ray Hanson (UCF) came in to pitch in relief after Winter Haven scored four runs in the fifth to go up 5-1, and retired seven consecutive batters with just 28 pitches.
"We're excited to have him on the club," Piercefield said. "He kept us in the ballgame with a chance to win it tonight."
Offensively, another new River Rat made an immediate impact too. Keaton Stroud (Embry-Riddle) had a two RBI single in the sixth to get the Rats within two.
An error by the Winter Haven third baseman in the seventh allowed Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) to score and cut the Loggerheads' lead to one, but Winter Haven scored two more in the eighth to put the game out of reach for Sanford.
"The game of baseball takes care of itself," Piercefield said. "Tomorrow's just another game and we're going to play Sanford River Rat baseball."
Sanford (1-4) will return to Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium as the River Rats host the hot-hitting Winter Park Diamond Dawgs on Thursday, June 9 with first pitch at 7 p.m.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (June 8, 2011) - For the second game in a row, late scoring put the game out of reach as the Sanford River Rats fell 7-4 against the Winter Haven Loggerheads at Chain of Lakes Park Wednesday night.
"You've got to give Winter Haven a lot of credit," River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. "They put a lot of pressure on the defense like we do and they took advantage of a couple of defensive mistakes."
Jacob Newberry (High Point) got the win for Winter Haven and Jeff Dally (UCF) earned a save for his ninth inning of work.
Sanford starter JR Edwards (Lehigh) took the loss despite some solid work on the mound in the first 4 2/3 innings. Edwards had five strikeouts on the night including a three up, three down third inning.
Ray Hanson (UCF) came in to pitch in relief after Winter Haven scored four runs in the fifth to go up 5-1, and retired seven consecutive batters with just 28 pitches.
"We're excited to have him on the club," Piercefield said. "He kept us in the ballgame with a chance to win it tonight."
Offensively, another new River Rat made an immediate impact too. Keaton Stroud (Embry-Riddle) had a two RBI single in the sixth to get the Rats within two.
An error by the Winter Haven third baseman in the seventh allowed Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) to score and cut the Loggerheads' lead to one, but Winter Haven scored two more in the eighth to put the game out of reach for Sanford.
"The game of baseball takes care of itself," Piercefield said. "Tomorrow's just another game and we're going to play Sanford River Rat baseball."
Sanford (1-4) will return to Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium as the River Rats host the hot-hitting Winter Park Diamond Dawgs on Thursday, June 9 with first pitch at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
River Rats Fall Short in Loss to Winter Haven
Read this article at the FCSL website.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 7, 2011) - The Sanford River Rats tied the game three different times, but could never take a lead before falling 5-4 to the Winter Haven Loggerheads at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Tuesday night.
"We're just as easily 3-1 as we are 1-3," River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. "We've lost these three games by a total of five runs. The effort that these guys have put forth has been tremendous."
Sanford (1-3) starting pitcher Taylor Smith (Rollins College) and reliever Adam Albers (Saint Leo) both put forth tremendous effort from the mound. Smith struck out six and walked none in five innings of work.
Albers came in to a bases loaded jam in the sixth and struck out the first two batters he saw to close the inning.
Albers had to relieve Ryan Heinz (George Washington) after Heinz walked two and allowed an RBI single that gave the Loggerheads a 4-3 advantage.
"Ryan's back was a little tight," Piercefield said. "But Adam came in and, like he's done in his last two outings, slammed the door."
Alex Mendez (USF) had an RBI triple for the River Rats' first run followed by a sacrifice bunt from Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) to score Mendez for the tie.
Boyd's second RBI, a sacrifice fly to deep right to send Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) home, came in the fifth and tied the game once again at three.
After Albers slammed the door on the Loggerheads in the sixth, Sanford yet again tied the game with what was nearly a triple from Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle). Kyle Foti (Flagler) scored on MacGeorge's blast, but MacGeorge was called out at third.
Drew Leonard (Millsaps College), pinch running for Garrett Horan (Dickinson College), scored the winning run on a sacrifice bunt from Kevin Clements (Trinity) in the ninth.
Sanford managed to get Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) to third in the ninth on two passed balls but were unable to capitalize.
"It's frustrating that they're not getting to see the results that they want," Piercefield said. "But this is only going to make us a better team."
Piercefield isn't hitting the panic button, however. "Our goal is to create consistency, so to make big changes doesn't make too much sense."
Sanford travels to Chain of Lakes Park to take on Winter Haven (2-2) Wednesday at 7 p.m.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 7, 2011) - The Sanford River Rats tied the game three different times, but could never take a lead before falling 5-4 to the Winter Haven Loggerheads at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Tuesday night.
"We're just as easily 3-1 as we are 1-3," River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. "We've lost these three games by a total of five runs. The effort that these guys have put forth has been tremendous."
Sanford (1-3) starting pitcher Taylor Smith (Rollins College) and reliever Adam Albers (Saint Leo) both put forth tremendous effort from the mound. Smith struck out six and walked none in five innings of work.
Albers came in to a bases loaded jam in the sixth and struck out the first two batters he saw to close the inning.
Albers had to relieve Ryan Heinz (George Washington) after Heinz walked two and allowed an RBI single that gave the Loggerheads a 4-3 advantage.
"Ryan's back was a little tight," Piercefield said. "But Adam came in and, like he's done in his last two outings, slammed the door."
Alex Mendez (USF) had an RBI triple for the River Rats' first run followed by a sacrifice bunt from Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) to score Mendez for the tie.
Boyd's second RBI, a sacrifice fly to deep right to send Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) home, came in the fifth and tied the game once again at three.
After Albers slammed the door on the Loggerheads in the sixth, Sanford yet again tied the game with what was nearly a triple from Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle). Kyle Foti (Flagler) scored on MacGeorge's blast, but MacGeorge was called out at third.
Drew Leonard (Millsaps College), pinch running for Garrett Horan (Dickinson College), scored the winning run on a sacrifice bunt from Kevin Clements (Trinity) in the ninth.
Sanford managed to get Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) to third in the ninth on two passed balls but were unable to capitalize.
"It's frustrating that they're not getting to see the results that they want," Piercefield said. "But this is only going to make us a better team."
Piercefield isn't hitting the panic button, however. "Our goal is to create consistency, so to make big changes doesn't make too much sense."
Sanford travels to Chain of Lakes Park to take on Winter Haven (2-2) Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sanford Falls to DeLand After Rough Outing
DELAND, Fla. (June 5, 2011) - The Sanford River Rats fell to the DeLand Suns 6-5 after the Suns rallied for a four-run seventh inning in DeLand Sunday night.
Sanford reliever Steven Chaffee (Wingate) was on the mound for two-thirds of that seventh, and took the loss.“Our pitching staff did another great job tonight, but one inning sometimes can make or break you,” River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. “Chaffee located pitches, but they put great swings on them. They swung the bats well so a lot of credit goes to DeLand for sticking to their approach.”
DeLand catcher Galen Smith (Cleveland State CC) hit a double to start the Suns’ seventh. Centerfielder Stephen Bellantoni (USC-Aiken) singled, followed by another single from JT Warmoth (Embry-Riddle) that scored Smith. Shortstop Aaron Silbar (Columbia) hit DeLand’s third consecutive single before Andre Colon (St. Thomas) hit a two-RBI double to put the Suns up by one, a deficit that Sanford could not overcome.
Andre’s twin brother Steven Colon (St. Thomas) was on the mound for DeLand and picked up the win. Dane Stone (St. Thomas) earned the save for the Suns, striking out the last two Sanford batters.
“Our game plan offensively was the same approach we’re going to take most of the year: whatever they’re going to give us, we’re going to take,” Piercefield said. “Whether that’s a bunt hit, hit and run, or a stolen base.”
The small ball plan was evident Sunday. TJ Gavlick (North Florida) laid down a sacrifice bunt in the second, and Ryan Woodrey’s (Nova Southeastern) bunt in the fifth turned into a safe trip to first on an error by DeLand’s pitcher.
“Our guys have really bought in to playing small ball,” Piercefield said. “It’s tough to defend, and we’re always trying to put pressure on the defense. The guys did a great job of it today: we scored five runs. Typically that’s enough to win ballgames.”
It wasn’t all dink-and-dunk, however. Austin Liput (USC Upstate) hit a two-RBI triple in the fifth to give the Rats a 4-2 lead.
“Tuesday we’re going to go out and we’re going to battle again,” Piercefield said. “Good teams are always put in these situations. It’s a matter of learning from them so that the next time they present themselves it’s second nature and we come through with the big inning.”
Sanford’s next contest on Tuesday, June 7 is a rematch at Historic Sanford Memorial Park between the River Rats and Winter Haven Loggerheads set for 7 p.m.
Sanford reliever Steven Chaffee (Wingate) was on the mound for two-thirds of that seventh, and took the loss.“Our pitching staff did another great job tonight, but one inning sometimes can make or break you,” River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. “Chaffee located pitches, but they put great swings on them. They swung the bats well so a lot of credit goes to DeLand for sticking to their approach.”
DeLand catcher Galen Smith (Cleveland State CC) hit a double to start the Suns’ seventh. Centerfielder Stephen Bellantoni (USC-Aiken) singled, followed by another single from JT Warmoth (Embry-Riddle) that scored Smith. Shortstop Aaron Silbar (Columbia) hit DeLand’s third consecutive single before Andre Colon (St. Thomas) hit a two-RBI double to put the Suns up by one, a deficit that Sanford could not overcome.
Andre’s twin brother Steven Colon (St. Thomas) was on the mound for DeLand and picked up the win. Dane Stone (St. Thomas) earned the save for the Suns, striking out the last two Sanford batters.
“Our game plan offensively was the same approach we’re going to take most of the year: whatever they’re going to give us, we’re going to take,” Piercefield said. “Whether that’s a bunt hit, hit and run, or a stolen base.”
The small ball plan was evident Sunday. TJ Gavlick (North Florida) laid down a sacrifice bunt in the second, and Ryan Woodrey’s (Nova Southeastern) bunt in the fifth turned into a safe trip to first on an error by DeLand’s pitcher.
“Our guys have really bought in to playing small ball,” Piercefield said. “It’s tough to defend, and we’re always trying to put pressure on the defense. The guys did a great job of it today: we scored five runs. Typically that’s enough to win ballgames.”
It wasn’t all dink-and-dunk, however. Austin Liput (USC Upstate) hit a two-RBI triple in the fifth to give the Rats a 4-2 lead.
“Tuesday we’re going to go out and we’re going to battle again,” Piercefield said. “Good teams are always put in these situations. It’s a matter of learning from them so that the next time they present themselves it’s second nature and we come through with the big inning.”
Sanford’s next contest on Tuesday, June 7 is a rematch at Historic Sanford Memorial Park between the River Rats and Winter Haven Loggerheads set for 7 p.m.
Friday, June 3, 2011
River Rats Suffer 5-2 Loss on Opening Night
SANFORD, Fla. (June 2, 2011) - The Sanford River Rats opened the 2011 season with a 5-2 loss to the defending Florida Collegiate Summer League Champion Winter Park Diamond Dawgs Thursday night at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium.
Despite the loss, “There were a lot of positives tonight,” River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. “These guys played extremely hard tonight.”
River Rats (0-1) starting pitcher JR Edwards was charged with the loss giving up four earned runs on seven hits in four complete innings on the bump.
Jeremy Strawn started on the mound for Winter Park (1-0) and earned the win after he threw five shutout innings. He recorded eight strikeouts, including six consecutively, while allowing three hits.
“He did an excellent job,” Piercefield said of Strawn. “Guys like that are going give everybody trouble because he was able to throw all three pitches for strikes.”
Ryan Heinz and Adam Albers combined for five innings of relief work for Sanford and prevented the Diamond Dawgs from further scoring.
“The bullpen came in for five innings of shutout baseball against one of the better lineups we ar going to face,” said Piercefield.
“Defense kept doing what it was doing,” Piercefield said about fielding, including a 5-4-3 double play to end the sixth inning, and a hard throw from right fielder James Ramsay to catcher Andrew Valencia to tag Michael Danner six feet from the plate in the ninth.
“We threw up a zero in the error column. That’s always nice,” Piercefield said. “We also swung the bat well. As the game progressed, our at-bats got continually better.”
The River Rats had their best scoring opportunity in the sixth with bases loaded after Austin Liput reached by way of walk, followed by an Andrew Valencia one-out double and a Ramsay walk. Unfortunately for Sanford, Winter Park turned a double play of their own - a 4-6-3 that ended the inning.
Third baseman TJ Gavlick scored the first run for Sanford in the seventh. The second River Rats run came in the eighth as Liput crossed the plate on a Ramsay RBI double. Liput led off with a hit ground ball along the first base line that hit first base and bounced into the outfield allowing him to reach second. In the following at-bat, Ramsay tacked on another double for the Rats driving in Liput, 5-2.
“We’re gonna get after it on Saturday,” Piercefield said. “As the game went along, you saw everyone settle in. If we can maintain that, we’re going to be a powerhouse for the league.”
The River Rats will hit the road as they face the Winter Haven Loggerheads on Saturday, June 4 at Chain of Lakes Field. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.
Read this article on the FCSL website here.
Despite the loss, “There were a lot of positives tonight,” River Rats Head Coach Steve Piercefield said. “These guys played extremely hard tonight.”
River Rats (0-1) starting pitcher JR Edwards was charged with the loss giving up four earned runs on seven hits in four complete innings on the bump.
Jeremy Strawn started on the mound for Winter Park (1-0) and earned the win after he threw five shutout innings. He recorded eight strikeouts, including six consecutively, while allowing three hits.
“He did an excellent job,” Piercefield said of Strawn. “Guys like that are going give everybody trouble because he was able to throw all three pitches for strikes.”
Ryan Heinz and Adam Albers combined for five innings of relief work for Sanford and prevented the Diamond Dawgs from further scoring.
“The bullpen came in for five innings of shutout baseball against one of the better lineups we ar going to face,” said Piercefield.
“Defense kept doing what it was doing,” Piercefield said about fielding, including a 5-4-3 double play to end the sixth inning, and a hard throw from right fielder James Ramsay to catcher Andrew Valencia to tag Michael Danner six feet from the plate in the ninth.
“We threw up a zero in the error column. That’s always nice,” Piercefield said. “We also swung the bat well. As the game progressed, our at-bats got continually better.”
The River Rats had their best scoring opportunity in the sixth with bases loaded after Austin Liput reached by way of walk, followed by an Andrew Valencia one-out double and a Ramsay walk. Unfortunately for Sanford, Winter Park turned a double play of their own - a 4-6-3 that ended the inning.
Third baseman TJ Gavlick scored the first run for Sanford in the seventh. The second River Rats run came in the eighth as Liput crossed the plate on a Ramsay RBI double. Liput led off with a hit ground ball along the first base line that hit first base and bounced into the outfield allowing him to reach second. In the following at-bat, Ramsay tacked on another double for the Rats driving in Liput, 5-2.
“We’re gonna get after it on Saturday,” Piercefield said. “As the game went along, you saw everyone settle in. If we can maintain that, we’re going to be a powerhouse for the league.”
The River Rats will hit the road as they face the Winter Haven Loggerheads on Saturday, June 4 at Chain of Lakes Field. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.
Read this article on the FCSL website here.
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