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WINTER PARK, Fla. (June 28, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats endured a rough start to the week with an 11-3 loss to the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Alfond Stadium Tuesday night.
“It kind of snowballed for us,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “We swung the bats well, but they made the plays defensively that they needed to. Their pitcher did a nice job settling in and from then, their bullpen did a good job.”
The Rats (6-10-1) started strong as leadoff hitter Alex Mendez (South Florida) hit a 1-2 pitch for a double and scored on a TJ Gavlik (North Florida) double in the first.
Winter Park’s (12-3) Dustin Demuth (Indiana University) scored on a passed ball in the second to tie the game. Demuth added another run in the fourth on a pitcher’s error. Michael Danner (Polk State College) hit a solo home run and B.J. Zimmerman (State College of Florida) scored on a catcher’s error in the fourth to give the Dawgs a 4-1 lead going into the fifth.
Sanford scored two runs in the fifth. Mendez hit his second double of the night, which also scored Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech). Dominic Attanasio (Clemson) hit a single to plate Mendez to make it a 4-3 game.
“We’re swinging the bat really well. We’re moving guys over, we’re starting to make more productive outs,” Piercefield said. “Overall, we’ve just got to keep working on minimizing when things start to go awry.”
Winter Park loaded the bases on two straight walks and a single in the home half of the fifth. Danner sent Michael Reed (Auburn University) and Omar Cotto (Southern Cal) home on a double before stealing home. Ted Blackman (Coastal Carolina) also crossed home in the fifth to make it 8-3.
Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) took the mound in relief to close the fifth and staunch the flow. He then pitched two more scoreless innings, striking out three and walking one in three innings of work.
The Dawgs added three more runs in the eighth. Reed hit a double to plate Alex Cruz (Georgia Tech) and Brad Hutton (Ohio State), while Stephen Holden scored on a single from Cotto.
The Rats will try to regroup with a contest against the Winter Haven Loggerheads (7-10) at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Wednesday night. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.
“Tomorrow the guys are going to have kind of a long day,” Piercefield said. "Some will help with a special needs group in Altamonte Springs and others are going to the Boys and Girls Club. Hopefully things start rolling the right way for us tomorrow.”
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sanford Closes Week With Loss to Leesburg
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LEESBURG, Fla. (June 26, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats ended their week with a 7-3 loss to the Leesburg Lightning at Pat Thomas Stadium Sunday night.
“Playing on the road against a quality team is always difficult,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “We came out and didn’t play a clean game defensively.”
Four Rats errors could have been the difference. The Lightning scored three runs on two errors and advanced to scoring position on two more.
“Our bullpen did a great job throwing quality pitches for ground balls,” Piercefield said. “We just didn’t field them cleanly often enough.”
Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) started on the mound for Sanford and through 2 2/3 innings, struck out three. Taylor Smith (Rollins), pitching in relief, continued his domination of Leesburg. In 1 1/3 innings, he struck out three in a row (including one to shut down a bases-loaded jam he inherited), walked none, and gave up zero hits.
Offensively, the Rats (6-9-1) finished the night with nine hits, but the Lightning (11-5) seemed to always be ready with a quick defensive reaction to limit Sanford’s scoring.
“We didn’t get many guys in scoring position, and when we did we couldn’t push them across,” Piercefield said. “The guys getting thrown out moving to bases, that’s on me - that’s River Rat baseball. We never assume a play is over, stay aggressive, and make them make a play. Tonight, they did.”
Christian Coburn (College of Central Florida) and Mike Albaladejo (Florida Atlantic) scored in the first on a single from Mike Miller (Dallas Baptist) for Leesburg.
Alex Mendez (South Florida) scored the first run for the Rats in the top of the fourth on a double from Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) to make it 2-1.
Tyler Kellmann (Lake Sumter CC) scored on a third baseman error in the sixth that also advanced Chase Durham (Howard College). Durham then scored on a Coburn sacrifice fly. Thomas Sicking (Texas Pan-American) scored on a Jacob Tillotson (Florida) single to push the score to 5-1.
The Lightning continued their rout one inning later as Troy Drummond (Delaware State), pinch running for Miller, and Kellmann scored on a catcher’s error.
Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) and Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) scored the game’s final two runs on a Leesburg shortstop error.
“We still finished the week with a winning record, and we’re looking forward to next week,” Piercefield said.
Sanford’s next game is against the first-place Winter Park Diamond Dawgs (11-3) at Alfond Stadium Tuesday night. First pitch is slated for 7pm.
LEESBURG, Fla. (June 26, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats ended their week with a 7-3 loss to the Leesburg Lightning at Pat Thomas Stadium Sunday night.
“Playing on the road against a quality team is always difficult,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “We came out and didn’t play a clean game defensively.”
Four Rats errors could have been the difference. The Lightning scored three runs on two errors and advanced to scoring position on two more.
“Our bullpen did a great job throwing quality pitches for ground balls,” Piercefield said. “We just didn’t field them cleanly often enough.”
Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) started on the mound for Sanford and through 2 2/3 innings, struck out three. Taylor Smith (Rollins), pitching in relief, continued his domination of Leesburg. In 1 1/3 innings, he struck out three in a row (including one to shut down a bases-loaded jam he inherited), walked none, and gave up zero hits.
Offensively, the Rats (6-9-1) finished the night with nine hits, but the Lightning (11-5) seemed to always be ready with a quick defensive reaction to limit Sanford’s scoring.
“We didn’t get many guys in scoring position, and when we did we couldn’t push them across,” Piercefield said. “The guys getting thrown out moving to bases, that’s on me - that’s River Rat baseball. We never assume a play is over, stay aggressive, and make them make a play. Tonight, they did.”
Christian Coburn (College of Central Florida) and Mike Albaladejo (Florida Atlantic) scored in the first on a single from Mike Miller (Dallas Baptist) for Leesburg.
Alex Mendez (South Florida) scored the first run for the Rats in the top of the fourth on a double from Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) to make it 2-1.
Tyler Kellmann (Lake Sumter CC) scored on a third baseman error in the sixth that also advanced Chase Durham (Howard College). Durham then scored on a Coburn sacrifice fly. Thomas Sicking (Texas Pan-American) scored on a Jacob Tillotson (Florida) single to push the score to 5-1.
The Lightning continued their rout one inning later as Troy Drummond (Delaware State), pinch running for Miller, and Kellmann scored on a catcher’s error.
Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) and Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) scored the game’s final two runs on a Leesburg shortstop error.
“We still finished the week with a winning record, and we’re looking forward to next week,” Piercefield said.
Sanford’s next game is against the first-place Winter Park Diamond Dawgs (11-3) at Alfond Stadium Tuesday night. First pitch is slated for 7pm.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
River Rats Roll Suns in The Villages
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THE VILLAGES, Fla. (June 22, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats earned their first win over the DeLand Suns in an 8-3 game at The Villages Wednesday night.
Sanford starting pitcher Ryan Heinz (George Washington) took the mound after missing two starts due to back tightness and pitched into the sixth inning, striking out four and walking just one. Heinz allowed two Suns runs in the first inning and one in the sixth.
“The first inning started out a little rough but you settle in out there,” Heinz said. “I just wanted to come in today and find the strike zone. I threw a lot of fastballs, not too many off-speed pitches, and hit the zone. Command is everything.”
“Ryan did a great job tonight,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “Ryan said his back was bothering him so we gave him time to recover. He was able to take the ball and attack hitters. After the first inning he settled down, got ahead of guys, got the leadoff hitter out, and really kept us in the game.”
The Rats’ bats helped, too. Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) led the second inning off with a double, followed by a Kyle Foti (Flagler) double to score Mazur, the first of six runs the Rats would score that inning.
“Johnny has been a spark plug for us the whole year,” Piercefield said. “He’s able to lay down a drag bunt, but also has enough to hit doubles. He really keeps our lineup energized.”
Tyler Doughty (South Florida) singled and Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) walked to load the bases.
Alex Mendez (South Florida) and TJ Gavlik (North Florida) then took RBI walks to make it 4-2 for Sanford. Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) hit a single to score Mendez, and Gavlik was able to score on a wild pitch to make it 6-2.
“Offensively, the guys are starting to figure out what kind of players they are and putting together great approaches,” Piercefield said. “In that second inning, we were able to find a bunch of holes.”
Sanford (6-8-1) and DeLand (7-7) both scored in the sixth. Boyd scored a second run on a Fortunato double for Sanford, while Kevin Lindheim (Stetson) scored for DeLand on a Brad Carlton (Stetson) sacrifice fly to make the score 7-3.
Sanford’s final run of the game came in the seventh when Mazur, after stealing second, was plated by a Doughty double.
“We had a great turnout tonight and it was a great experience. DeLand’s a quality team, and anytime you’re able to go out and get a win on the road, it’s a good night,” Piercefield said.
Sanford’s next game is against the Orlando Freedom (3-12) at Orel Hershiser Field at The First Academy Thursday (June 23) night. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) is the probable starter for Sanford.
THE VILLAGES, Fla. (June 22, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats earned their first win over the DeLand Suns in an 8-3 game at The Villages Wednesday night.
Sanford starting pitcher Ryan Heinz (George Washington) took the mound after missing two starts due to back tightness and pitched into the sixth inning, striking out four and walking just one. Heinz allowed two Suns runs in the first inning and one in the sixth.
“The first inning started out a little rough but you settle in out there,” Heinz said. “I just wanted to come in today and find the strike zone. I threw a lot of fastballs, not too many off-speed pitches, and hit the zone. Command is everything.”
“Ryan did a great job tonight,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “Ryan said his back was bothering him so we gave him time to recover. He was able to take the ball and attack hitters. After the first inning he settled down, got ahead of guys, got the leadoff hitter out, and really kept us in the game.”
The Rats’ bats helped, too. Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) led the second inning off with a double, followed by a Kyle Foti (Flagler) double to score Mazur, the first of six runs the Rats would score that inning.
“Johnny has been a spark plug for us the whole year,” Piercefield said. “He’s able to lay down a drag bunt, but also has enough to hit doubles. He really keeps our lineup energized.”
Tyler Doughty (South Florida) singled and Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) walked to load the bases.
Alex Mendez (South Florida) and TJ Gavlik (North Florida) then took RBI walks to make it 4-2 for Sanford. Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) hit a single to score Mendez, and Gavlik was able to score on a wild pitch to make it 6-2.
“Offensively, the guys are starting to figure out what kind of players they are and putting together great approaches,” Piercefield said. “In that second inning, we were able to find a bunch of holes.”
Sanford (6-8-1) and DeLand (7-7) both scored in the sixth. Boyd scored a second run on a Fortunato double for Sanford, while Kevin Lindheim (Stetson) scored for DeLand on a Brad Carlton (Stetson) sacrifice fly to make the score 7-3.
Sanford’s final run of the game came in the seventh when Mazur, after stealing second, was plated by a Doughty double.
“We had a great turnout tonight and it was a great experience. DeLand’s a quality team, and anytime you’re able to go out and get a win on the road, it’s a good night,” Piercefield said.
Sanford’s next game is against the Orlando Freedom (3-12) at Orel Hershiser Field at The First Academy Thursday (June 23) night. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) is the probable starter for Sanford.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sanford Stops Late Leesburg Rally, Snaps Losing Streak
Read this article at the FCSL website.
LEESBURG, Fla. (June 21, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats held off an eighth-inning rally and broke a three-game losing skid with a 4-3 victory over the Leesburg Lightning at Pat Thomas Stadium Tuesday night.
“We try to teach that belief of ‘expect to win’ when we come onto the field,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “We don’t hope. We don’t pray. We don’t wish. We expect to win, and today we were able to execute against a very good team. Any time you can go on the road against the number one team in the standings and get a win, it’s very satisfying and a great way to start the week.”
Both starting pitchers put up five shutout innings, but Sanford struck first in the sixth. TJ Gavlik (North Florida) led off with a double, his second base hit of the night and just the third overall for the Rats.
“Austin Liput (USC-Upstate) came right behind him and moved Gavlik to third [on a 4-3 groundout] followed by Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) hitting a sacrifice fly to centerfield, just how you’d draw it up,” Piercefield said. “Anytime you’re able to score first, and on the road, and when both pitchers are doing well, it makes it a lot easier than when you’re playing from behind.”
Sanford (5-8-1) added some insurance runs in the seventh, largely due to two defensive errors. Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) reached first on a pitcher’s error. Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) reached base on a single, and Alex Mendez (South Florida) hit a ground-rule double to score Haverstick. A shortstop’s error then allowed Boyd and Mendez to score, and Gavlik to reach first.
“That allowed our bullpen to do their thing,” Piercefield said.
Leesburg’s (9-4) Nic Kovacs (Lake Sumter CC) pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking none, but took the loss after giving up four runs.
Sanford starter Taylor Smith (Rollins) allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings of work, and struck out eight. Smith retired 11 consecutive batters between the third and sixth innings.
“We had a great pitching performance tonight from Smith,” Piercefield said. “He was able to keep their guys off balance. When you get a starting pitcher that’s able to do that, you’re going to be in a lot of games.”
Smith’s seven innings marked his deepest work of the season thus far.
“The thing with Smith has been pitch counts,” Piercefield said. “Tonight, he was able to attack hitters, so he was able to stay in the game and compete.”
Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island), pitching in relief for Sanford, did allow Patrick Hicks (Dallas Baptist), Thomas Sicking (Texas Pan-American), and Christian Coburn (College of Central FL) to score in the bottom of the eighth, but Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) came in for Sanford in the ninth and shut the door on Leesburg, striking out two and inducing a grounder to first to end the game.
Sanford continues their road game slate against the DeLand Suns (7-6) at The Villages. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. JR Edwards is the probable starter for Sanford.
LEESBURG, Fla. (June 21, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats held off an eighth-inning rally and broke a three-game losing skid with a 4-3 victory over the Leesburg Lightning at Pat Thomas Stadium Tuesday night.
“We try to teach that belief of ‘expect to win’ when we come onto the field,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “We don’t hope. We don’t pray. We don’t wish. We expect to win, and today we were able to execute against a very good team. Any time you can go on the road against the number one team in the standings and get a win, it’s very satisfying and a great way to start the week.”
Both starting pitchers put up five shutout innings, but Sanford struck first in the sixth. TJ Gavlik (North Florida) led off with a double, his second base hit of the night and just the third overall for the Rats.
“Austin Liput (USC-Upstate) came right behind him and moved Gavlik to third [on a 4-3 groundout] followed by Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) hitting a sacrifice fly to centerfield, just how you’d draw it up,” Piercefield said. “Anytime you’re able to score first, and on the road, and when both pitchers are doing well, it makes it a lot easier than when you’re playing from behind.”
Sanford (5-8-1) added some insurance runs in the seventh, largely due to two defensive errors. Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) reached first on a pitcher’s error. Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) reached base on a single, and Alex Mendez (South Florida) hit a ground-rule double to score Haverstick. A shortstop’s error then allowed Boyd and Mendez to score, and Gavlik to reach first.
“That allowed our bullpen to do their thing,” Piercefield said.
Leesburg’s (9-4) Nic Kovacs (Lake Sumter CC) pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking none, but took the loss after giving up four runs.
Sanford starter Taylor Smith (Rollins) allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings of work, and struck out eight. Smith retired 11 consecutive batters between the third and sixth innings.
“We had a great pitching performance tonight from Smith,” Piercefield said. “He was able to keep their guys off balance. When you get a starting pitcher that’s able to do that, you’re going to be in a lot of games.”
Smith’s seven innings marked his deepest work of the season thus far.
“The thing with Smith has been pitch counts,” Piercefield said. “Tonight, he was able to attack hitters, so he was able to stay in the game and compete.”
Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island), pitching in relief for Sanford, did allow Patrick Hicks (Dallas Baptist), Thomas Sicking (Texas Pan-American), and Christian Coburn (College of Central FL) to score in the bottom of the eighth, but Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) came in for Sanford in the ninth and shut the door on Leesburg, striking out two and inducing a grounder to first to end the game.
Sanford continues their road game slate against the DeLand Suns (7-6) at The Villages. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. JR Edwards is the probable starter for Sanford.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Rats' Rally is Too Little, Too Late
Read this article at the FCSL website.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 19, 2011) – Despite a four-run ninth inning, the Sanford River Rats fell to the DeLand Suns 8-6 at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Sunday night.
The River Rats entered the ninth inning down 8-2, but quickly energized the fans as Ryan Woodrey (Nova Southeastern) walked, followed by Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech) and Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) both singling to load the bases with no outs. Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) then hit a two-RBI double to score Woodrey and Doughty to cut the lead in half, 8-4. TJ Gavlik (North Florida) then singled to score Boyd, followed by a James Ramsey (South Florida) groundout that scored Fortunato.
With the score now 8-6, one out, and a runner in scoring position, Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) represented the tying run, but he flied out to centerfield. Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) was then the last hope for Sanford, but a pop-up to shortstop ended the rally and the game.
“It’s always frustrating to lose, but it’s one of those where the guys kept battling and putting up runs,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “Another game where we had a chance; we had the tying run at the plate in the ninth inning. Offensively, we were able to score six runs on 10 hits. Defensively, we were relatively solid. We got another solid effort by the bullpen. Adam Maxon came in and gave us a lift, so did Adam Albers. Flipped up some zeros and gave us a chance to stay in the game.”
Deland (7-5) starting pitcher Eric Green (St. Petersburg CC) earned the win after five innings of work in which he struck out nine, while walking only two and allowing one run. Bennie Sanchez (SCAD) took the loss for Sanford (4-8).
“Eric’s got a great arm. He did a nice job mixing locations to keep our guys off balance,” Piercefield said.
Stephen Bellantoni (USC-Aiken) and Brandon Turner (Bethune Cookman) scored the first two runs for DeLand in the first. Austin Jackson (Florida Southern) scored one in the second to make it 3-1. Austen Barber (Winthrop) and Aaron Silbar (Columbia University) crossed home in the fourth to make it 5-1.
Gavlik scored the first run for the Rats. Following a triple in the first inning, Ramsey hit an RBI single to plate Gavlik to make it 2-1. The other run prior to the ninth came as Boyd hit an RBI single to score Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) in the seventh to cut the lead to 5-2.
It was a special day for the Rats despite the loss, as many of the players’ fathers came to see their sons play on Father’s Day.
“It’s always great to see our guys be able to perform in front of their families,” Piercefield said. “That’s always special for a father to see his son play. We were excited to have them be a part of our festivities tonight.”
Sanford will be off Monday. Their next game will be at Leesburg’s (9-3) Pat Thomas Stadium on Tuesday, June 21, which will mark the first time the Rats will play there this summer. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 19, 2011) – Despite a four-run ninth inning, the Sanford River Rats fell to the DeLand Suns 8-6 at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Sunday night.
The River Rats entered the ninth inning down 8-2, but quickly energized the fans as Ryan Woodrey (Nova Southeastern) walked, followed by Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech) and Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) both singling to load the bases with no outs. Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) then hit a two-RBI double to score Woodrey and Doughty to cut the lead in half, 8-4. TJ Gavlik (North Florida) then singled to score Boyd, followed by a James Ramsey (South Florida) groundout that scored Fortunato.
With the score now 8-6, one out, and a runner in scoring position, Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) represented the tying run, but he flied out to centerfield. Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) was then the last hope for Sanford, but a pop-up to shortstop ended the rally and the game.
“It’s always frustrating to lose, but it’s one of those where the guys kept battling and putting up runs,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “Another game where we had a chance; we had the tying run at the plate in the ninth inning. Offensively, we were able to score six runs on 10 hits. Defensively, we were relatively solid. We got another solid effort by the bullpen. Adam Maxon came in and gave us a lift, so did Adam Albers. Flipped up some zeros and gave us a chance to stay in the game.”
Deland (7-5) starting pitcher Eric Green (St. Petersburg CC) earned the win after five innings of work in which he struck out nine, while walking only two and allowing one run. Bennie Sanchez (SCAD) took the loss for Sanford (4-8).
“Eric’s got a great arm. He did a nice job mixing locations to keep our guys off balance,” Piercefield said.
Stephen Bellantoni (USC-Aiken) and Brandon Turner (Bethune Cookman) scored the first two runs for DeLand in the first. Austin Jackson (Florida Southern) scored one in the second to make it 3-1. Austen Barber (Winthrop) and Aaron Silbar (Columbia University) crossed home in the fourth to make it 5-1.
Gavlik scored the first run for the Rats. Following a triple in the first inning, Ramsey hit an RBI single to plate Gavlik to make it 2-1. The other run prior to the ninth came as Boyd hit an RBI single to score Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) in the seventh to cut the lead to 5-2.
It was a special day for the Rats despite the loss, as many of the players’ fathers came to see their sons play on Father’s Day.
“It’s always great to see our guys be able to perform in front of their families,” Piercefield said. “That’s always special for a father to see his son play. We were excited to have them be a part of our festivities tonight.”
Sanford will be off Monday. Their next game will be at Leesburg’s (9-3) Pat Thomas Stadium on Tuesday, June 21, which will mark the first time the Rats will play there this summer. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.
River Rats Fall Hard to Diamond Dawgs
Read this article at the FCSL website.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 18, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats fought hard, but still fell 10-6 to the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Saturday night.
“Tonight was a tough night, obviously,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “Winter Park came out and started off hot and it kind of got to us. We were able to change the approach and get a little more aggressive and move guys into scoring position, and we did a great job executing in those situations.”
Sanford allowed four runs through the first three innings, while scoring none of their own, but battled back through the next three frames to tie the game at 5-5 by the bottom of the sixth.
Ted Blackman (St. Petersburg College) scored the first run of the game for Winter Park (7-2-1) in the first. Dustin Demuth (Indiana University) hit a solo home run to left field in the second. Omar Cotto (Southern Cal) and Blackman both scored in the third to make it 4-0.
The Rats began their rally with Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) and TJ Gavlik (North Florida) scoring runs to make it 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Austin Liput (USC Upstate), who has been an RBI machine for the River Rats so far this year, had an RBI single to score James Ramsey (South Florida) in the fifth to bring the Rats within one.
Another Demuth run in the top of the sixth made it 5-3 going into the bottom of the frame, but Gavlik crossed home again in front of Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech) on a two-run RBI single from Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) to knot it up at 5-5.
Justin Pickens (Stetson), pitching in relief for starter Ray Hanson (UCF), allowed a single to start the seventh, but the Rats’ defense turned a double play with the next batter. Pickens struck out Alex Cruz (Georgia Tech) to end the seventh.
Unfortunately, the Diamond Dawgs turned their own double play in the seventh and carried that momentum into the top of the eighth to score five runs and put the game out of reach for Sanford.
Demuth scored his third run of the night, and Michael Reed (Auburn University) scored one of his own on a two-RBI double from Blackman. Austin Chubb (Florida Southern) added another run with an RBI double to score Blackman. Finally, B.J. Zimmerman (State College of Florida) scored Chubb, but in trying to stretch for the double, was cut down on a quick throw from catcher Kyle Foti (Flagler) to Liput to end the inning.
Sanford had the bases loaded in the ninth, but was unable to capitalize, as they only scored one run to end the scoring at 10-6.
“Hopefully tomorrow we’ll put on a great show for the fans in Sanford and hopefully everyone has a great Father’s Day,” Piercefield said.
Sanford (3-6-1) will host the DeLand Suns (6-5) on Sunday, June 19. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.; Bennie Sanchez (SCAD) will get the start.
SANFORD, Fla. (June 18, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats fought hard, but still fell 10-6 to the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium Saturday night.
“Tonight was a tough night, obviously,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “Winter Park came out and started off hot and it kind of got to us. We were able to change the approach and get a little more aggressive and move guys into scoring position, and we did a great job executing in those situations.”
Sanford allowed four runs through the first three innings, while scoring none of their own, but battled back through the next three frames to tie the game at 5-5 by the bottom of the sixth.
Ted Blackman (St. Petersburg College) scored the first run of the game for Winter Park (7-2-1) in the first. Dustin Demuth (Indiana University) hit a solo home run to left field in the second. Omar Cotto (Southern Cal) and Blackman both scored in the third to make it 4-0.
The Rats began their rally with Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) and TJ Gavlik (North Florida) scoring runs to make it 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Austin Liput (USC Upstate), who has been an RBI machine for the River Rats so far this year, had an RBI single to score James Ramsey (South Florida) in the fifth to bring the Rats within one.
Another Demuth run in the top of the sixth made it 5-3 going into the bottom of the frame, but Gavlik crossed home again in front of Tyler Doughty (Florida Tech) on a two-run RBI single from Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) to knot it up at 5-5.
Justin Pickens (Stetson), pitching in relief for starter Ray Hanson (UCF), allowed a single to start the seventh, but the Rats’ defense turned a double play with the next batter. Pickens struck out Alex Cruz (Georgia Tech) to end the seventh.
Unfortunately, the Diamond Dawgs turned their own double play in the seventh and carried that momentum into the top of the eighth to score five runs and put the game out of reach for Sanford.
Demuth scored his third run of the night, and Michael Reed (Auburn University) scored one of his own on a two-RBI double from Blackman. Austin Chubb (Florida Southern) added another run with an RBI double to score Blackman. Finally, B.J. Zimmerman (State College of Florida) scored Chubb, but in trying to stretch for the double, was cut down on a quick throw from catcher Kyle Foti (Flagler) to Liput to end the inning.
Sanford had the bases loaded in the ninth, but was unable to capitalize, as they only scored one run to end the scoring at 10-6.
“Hopefully tomorrow we’ll put on a great show for the fans in Sanford and hopefully everyone has a great Father’s Day,” Piercefield said.
Sanford (3-6-1) will host the DeLand Suns (6-5) on Sunday, June 19. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.; Bennie Sanchez (SCAD) will get the start.
Friday, June 17, 2011
River Rats Suffer Second Loss to Suns
Read this article at the FCSL website.
DELAND, Fla. (June 16, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats fell 4-2 to the DeLand Suns at Melching Field at Conrad Park Thursday night.
“Anytime you only give up four runs to a team in this league you feel pretty good about yourself, especially on the defensive side,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “They made some solid plays defensively, though, and were able to limit us that way.”
Chad Rood (Stetson) earned the win for the Suns after throwing six innings in which he walked one and allowed the only two Sanford runs of the night.
“A lot of credit goes to Rood. He did a nice job settling in after the first and really kept our hitters off balance,” Piercefield said.
Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) and Austin Liput (USC Upstate) each scored a run in the first inning after a left fielder error moved them to scoring position and Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) hit a single to score them.
Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) got the start for the River Rats and despite seven innings in which he struck out four, the three runs allowed in the bottom of the second got him the loss.
“He did a great job through seven innings, flipping up a lot of zeros which gave us a chance to stay in the ballgame,” Piercefield said. “He’s a quality arm. He’s done a great job in his three starts for us. He pitched to contact, pounded the strike zone, and got a couple of double plays. We’ve become accustomed to expecting that out of him. He comes out and gives our team a chance to win.”
Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) pitched in relief in the eighth, but despite striking out two batters, the Suns (5-5) dinged him for one more run to make it 4-2.
The River Rats (4-6) will enjoy their second straight three-game home stand this weekend. Their next game is at home against the Winter Haven Loggerheads (4-6) on Friday (June 17) night. First pitch is slated for 7pm. Pitcher of the Week Ray Hanson will get the start.
DELAND, Fla. (June 16, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats fell 4-2 to the DeLand Suns at Melching Field at Conrad Park Thursday night.
“Anytime you only give up four runs to a team in this league you feel pretty good about yourself, especially on the defensive side,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “They made some solid plays defensively, though, and were able to limit us that way.”
Chad Rood (Stetson) earned the win for the Suns after throwing six innings in which he walked one and allowed the only two Sanford runs of the night.
“A lot of credit goes to Rood. He did a nice job settling in after the first and really kept our hitters off balance,” Piercefield said.
Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) and Austin Liput (USC Upstate) each scored a run in the first inning after a left fielder error moved them to scoring position and Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) hit a single to score them.
Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) got the start for the River Rats and despite seven innings in which he struck out four, the three runs allowed in the bottom of the second got him the loss.
“He did a great job through seven innings, flipping up a lot of zeros which gave us a chance to stay in the ballgame,” Piercefield said. “He’s a quality arm. He’s done a great job in his three starts for us. He pitched to contact, pounded the strike zone, and got a couple of double plays. We’ve become accustomed to expecting that out of him. He comes out and gives our team a chance to win.”
Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) pitched in relief in the eighth, but despite striking out two batters, the Suns (5-5) dinged him for one more run to make it 4-2.
The River Rats (4-6) will enjoy their second straight three-game home stand this weekend. Their next game is at home against the Winter Haven Loggerheads (4-6) on Friday (June 17) night. First pitch is slated for 7pm. Pitcher of the Week Ray Hanson will get the start.
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