Monday 31 August: Princeton 6, at Greeneville 2

As the season dwindles down, the P-Rays are playing very complete baseball.
Strong starting pitching, solid work from the bullpen, error-free defense, timely hitting and a little power. All the elements were there again tonight.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_31_prirok_gvlrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_31_prirok_gvlrok_1


Believe it or not, tomorrow is the final game of the 2009 season. The P-Rays close out their series at Greeneville, and we'll bring it to you on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com. Our broadcast begins with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT; game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm at beautiful Pioneer Park.

Reminder: During the "Dugout Show" segment of the pre-game show, we'll bring you part two of our conversation with Mitch Lukevics, the Tampa Bay Rays' Director of Minor League Operations.

Sunday 30 August: Princeton 7, at Greeneville 3

Princeton clinched a winning season with its doubleheader split at Johnson City yesterday.
Today, the P-Rays clinched 2nd place in the Appalachian League Eastern Division.
Not a bad day at all.

Today's decisive inning was the top of the 5th. Princeton scored five runs, highlighted by two-run home runs from Alejandro Torres and Ryan Wiegand.

Here's today's boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_30_prirok_gvlrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_30_prirok_gvlrok_1


Hard to believe, but we're down to the last two games of the season.
We'll bring you the penultimate game tomorrow night (Monday 31 August) on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com.
Our broadcast begins with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. The P-Rays and Greeneville Astros play the second of their three-game series starting at 7:00 pm EDT.

Note: During the final two P-Rays Pre-Game Shows, we'll feature an interview with Mitch Luckevics, the Tampa Bay Rays' Director of Minor League Operations.
Mitch is a good guy and long-time baseball man. It'll be an interesting and informative conversation.

Thursday 27 August: Princeton 14, at Johnson City 2 (7 Inning Game)

Maybe this is the kind of game that will lift the P-Rays for the rest of the season.
The highlight of the contest was Princeton's first grand slam of the season, delivered by young 3B Julio Cedeno in the top of the 3rd.
Cedeno went 4-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and six RBIs.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_27_prirok_jcyrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap (it'll take some time to read):
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_27_prirok_jcyrok_1


The P-Rays and Cardinals now brace for a quick turnaround and a doubleheader tomorrow morning.
We'll start our broadcast with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 11:00 am EDT, with first pitch set for 11:30 am. There will be two seven-inning games.
Tune in to Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) or log on to theriver102.com.

Thursday 27 August: Princeton 7, Johnson City 4

It took nearly 34 days, or approximately 816 hours (give or take), but it was worth the wait.
The P-Rays claimed victory in the completion of a game suspended by bad weather back on July 25 in Princeton.
The P-Rays broke open a close contest with a four-run 7th inning, highlighted Jason Patton's bases-loaded, two-run double.
The victory snapped the Princeton's three-game losing streak and was their 18th in 31 road games.

Boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_25_jcyrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

Recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_25_jcyrok_prirok_1


The P-Rays and Cardinals are scheduled to play a seven-inning game later today at Howard Johnson Field.
But at the time of this writing (6:15 pm EDT), bad weather is threatening and the start of the game is in doubt.

26 August: at Bluefield 6, Princeton 3

The most important number tonight was: 2-12 RISP.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_26_prirok_blurok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

Here's the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_26_prirok_blurok_1

Despite the loss -- the 16th in the last 24 games for Princeton -- the P-Rays still lead Bluefield for 2nd place in the Appy League East by .0005 in winning percentage.

Princeton visits Johnson City tomorrow. The two teams will complete their suspended game from July 25 at Hunnicutt Field (tied 2-2 after four innings), then play a seven-inning game.
The broadcast on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com begins at 3:30 pm EDT.

Tuesday 25 August:: Burlington 2, at Princeton 1

Princeton snapped an 18-inning scoreless streak with a run in the bottom of the 9th.

But that lone run was not enough as the P-Rays dropped this series (2-1), and the season series (5-4) to the worst team in the Appalachian League.

To make matters worse, Princeton finishes 2009 with a losing record at home (14-16).

Princeton hit just .204 in this series -- after a ten-hit outburst in a victory in game one. Burlington hit only .149, but won the last two games by virtue of a 6-3 advantage in extra-base hits.

Tuesday's boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_25_brlrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_25_brlrok_prirok_1

The P-Rays start a season-ending nine-game road trip with a single game at Bluefield tomorrow night (Wednesday 26 August).
Princeton has already secured this year's Mercer Cup series against the Orioles, but needs a win to hang on to second place in the Appy League East.
We'll start our broadcast with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. Game time at historic Bowen Field is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
Tune in to Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) or log on to theriver102.com.

Princeton needs to win four games on this road trip to insure a winning season.

Monday 24 August: Burlington 3, at Princeton 0

Manager Jared Sandberg has spoken about how some P-Rays players may be "counting down the days" until the end of the season, especially after Princeton faded out of the pennant race in the Appalachian League Eastern Division.
Tonight, to put it bluntly, it looked that way.
The P-Rays got shut out by the worst team in the league, mustering only three hits and falling below .500 at home for the season.
Oh, well, that's baseball.

Here's tonight's boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_24_brlrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And tonight's recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_24_brlrok_prirok_1


The P-Rays play their final home game of 2009 tomorrow night (Tuesday 25 August), hosting the Burlington Royals.
We'll bring it to you starting at with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm. Tune in to Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and/or to theriver102.com.


=================================================


NOTE:

Games times have been changed for Princeton's series at Johnson City later this week.

On Thursday 27 August, the P-Rays and Cardinals will resume their suspended game from July 25 (it was tied 2-2 after four innings), then will play a seven-inning regulation game.
Those games will start at 4:00 pm EDT, with an air-time of 3:30 pm.

On Friday 28 August there will be a 7-inning doubleheader, with an early start time of 11:30 am EDT. The doubleheader will help the teams make up the game they lost to rain at Hunnicutt Field on July 26.
The early start time is set to accommodate the start of the high school football season in Tennessee that night. Our air-time will be at 11:00 am EDT.

The series concludes with a 6:00 pm game on Saturday 29 August.
Due to Concord University football on Classic Rock 102 The River (102.3 FM WMTD) and theriver102.com, the P-Rays game will be moved to News Radio 620 WWNR in Beckley (which simulcasts on 101.1 FM). Princeton residents will also be able to hear the game on AM 1490 WAEY, and the game will be webcast on wwnrradio.com.
Paul Van Scott, a former P-Rays announcer, will fill on play-by-play on Saturday night.

The Concord football game at Southern Virginia University on Saturday 29 August will be broadcast on Classic Rock 102 The River and webcast on theriver102.com starting with the Mountain Lion Preview Show at 5:30 pm EDT. Kickoff will be at 6:00 pm.
I'll have the call of that game and will be joined in the booth by former Mountain Lion coach and athletic director Greg Quick.

Sunday 23 August: at Princeton 7, Burlington 0

Starting pitcher Joey Dettrich gave the P-Rays a superlative outing, Kirby Yates was strong in relief, the bats were booming and all was well on a "Hippie Day" Sunday at Hunnicutt Field.

The P-Rays need four wins in their last 11 games to secure their first winning season since 2005.

Boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_23_brlrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

Recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_23_brlrok_prirok_1

Princeton's penultimate home game is tomorrow night. It's game two of the three-game series with Burlington, and we'll bring it to you on the air on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and online at theriver102.com.
Our broadcast begins at 6:30 pm EDT with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show. Game time is at 7:00 pm at Hunnicutt Field.
Princeton is scheduled to start RHP Deivis Mavares.

Saturday 22 August: Bristol 4, at Princeton 1

Another frustrating night in a frustrating homestretch for the P-Rays.
After an impressive 13-hit performance last night, Princeton mustered only five hits tonight, went 0-7 with runners in scoring position and lost a game in which the White Sox committed five errors.

Boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_22_brirok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

Recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_22_brirok_prirok_1

Princeton splits the six-game season series with a Bristol team that left town with a 22-34 record.

The P-Rays open their final home series of the season tomorrow (Sunday 23 August) with an afternoon game with the last-place Burlington Royals. LHP Joey Dettrich is scheduled to be Princeton's starting pitcher.
We'll bring the game to you starting at 3:30 pm EDT with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show. First pitch on "Hippie Day" at Hunnicutt Field is scheduled for 4:00 pm.

Friday 21 August: at Princeton 9, Bristol 0

After frustrating week, Princeton busted out in a big way in snapping its four-game losing streak.
The P-Rays erupted for 13 hits, including home runs from Jason Patton (his first) and Cody Rogers (his 6th).
Patton and Rogers each wound up 2-4 with two RBIs on the night. Same thing for Tomas Francisco. Ramon Novas was 2-4 with an RBI, and Geno Glynn finished 3-3 with a double, an RBI and three runs scored.
Starter Zac Rosscup paced the Princeton pitching staff, scattering three hits and striking out six in five innings. Scott Shuman and Tyler Oakes finished up Princeton's third shutout of the season.

Princeton finally got its 30th victory of the season.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_21_brirok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_21_brirok_prirok_1


The P-Rays and BriSox conclude their season series tomorrow night at Hunnicutt Field.
Princeton is set to start RHP Trevor Shull against Bristol RHP Rene Garcia.
We'll bring the game to you on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com. The P-Rays Pre-Game Show starts at 6:30 pm EDT, with game time at 7:00 pm.

Thursday 20 August: Bristol 8, at Princeton 4

Ugh.
As in ug-ly.
The P-Rays committed six errors in losing their fourth straight game. Three of those errors came in the top of the 9th and Bristol leading 5-4; the White Sox exploited the Princeton bumbling to blow open the game.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_20_brirok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_20_brirok_prirok_1

The P-Rays and White Sox play game two of their three-game series tomorrow night, Friday 21 August. We'll bring it to you on Classic Rock 102 The River (102.3 FM WMTD) and theriver102.com, beginning with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT.
Game time is 7:00 pm at Hunnicutt Field.

This losing streak has to end sometime. It just has to.

Tuesday 18 August: at Kingsport 5, Princeton 2

A disappointing end to a disappointing series.
Kingsport had one of the worst home records in the league prior to hosting Princeton, but took three of four from the P-Rays.
The upside to this game was the performance or Rays starting pitcher Wilking Rodriguez. The 19-year old righthander from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela didn't allow a hit in his five innings. The only K-Met to reach base was Joe Bonfe, who drew a one-out walk in the 5th inning, on a 3-2 pitch.

Here's the boxscore:
http://appalachian.league.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l120&t=g_box&gid=2009_08_18_prirok_kptrok_1

And the recap:
http://appalachian.league.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l120&t=g_box&gid=2009_08_18_prirok_kptrok_1

The P-Rays get Wednesday off. The next day (Thursday 20 August) Princeton begins its final homestand of the season, with the start of a three-game series with the Bristol White Sox.
Tune in to Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com, starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. The game begins at 7:00 pm EDT.

Monday 17 August: at Kingsport 7, Princeton 0

Perhaps the dog days are biting down on Princeton.
The P-Rays fell behind early and never got going tonight.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_17_prirok_kptrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_17_prirok_kptrok_1


With the division title out of reach, Princeton finds itself in a position battle with arch-rival Bluefield. The Orioles have moved to within just one game of the P-Rays for second place in the Appalachian League East.

Princeton concludes its series with Kingsport tomorrow night, Tuesday 18 August. We'll broadcast it for you on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com, starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
Wilking Rodriguez will be Princeton's starting pitcher. Yohan Almonte will start for Kingsport.

Sunday 16 August: Doubleheader: Princeton 3, at Kingsport 2 (Game One); at Kingsport 4, Princeton 3 (Game Two, 8 Innings)

The P-Rays kept the Appalachian League's top hitting team pretty much in check, but settled for a split.

Here's the game one boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_16_prirok_kptrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_16_prirok_kptrok_1



This is the boxscore for game two:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_16_prirok_kptrok_2&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap of same:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_16_prirok_kptrok_2


The P-Rays split, combined with Danville's 5-4 win at Elizabethton, drops Princeton seven full games out of first place with 17 to go.

Princeton and Kingsport play the third game of their four-game series tomorrow night, Monday 17 August.
Tune in for the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com. Game time will be at 7:00 at Hunter Wright Stadium.

Saturday 15 August: Bluefield 5, at Princeton 3

This was just the third loss in ten meetings with their Mercer Cup rivals, but it drops Princeton 6 1/2 games behind Danville for first place in the Appalachian League Eastern Division.
The P-Rays are down to their last 19 games of the season.

There was controversy again tonight. Cody Rogers led off the Princeton 4th with a double off the wall in left, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple.
Bluefield 1B Corey Thomas got in Rogers' way as he tried to run the bases, slowing Rogers down. It seemed everyone in the ballpark saw the 'interference' except the umpires. The non-call ultimately cost Princeton a run in what was, at the time, a 1-0 game.
That said, Princeton's pitching was a little wobbly tonight. P-Rays pitchers allowed 11 hits to a Bluefield squad that came into the game hitting just .246.
So the non-call may not have ultimately mattered. But you never know.
Bluefield starter Vito Fabrizio was tough, shutting out Princeton over seven innings.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_15_blurok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_15_blurok_prirok_1


Princeton finishes 4-3 in the seven-game homestand.

Princeton opens a four-game series at Kingsport tomorrow, Sunday 16 August, with a twi-night doubleheader.
We'll have it for you on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com, starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 5:30 pm EDT. Game one of the doubleheader starts at 6:00.

Princeton defeated the K-Mets in their only two meetings so far this season. The P-Rays won 10-4 on July 15 and 12-9 the following night. The game of July 17th was rained out, precipitating (so to speak) the doubleheader at Hunter Wright Stadium tomorrow evening.

Friday 14 August: at Princeton 8, Bluefield 2

Well-rounded effort by the P-Rays tonight. Three-run rallies in the 3rd and 7th innings bracketed a two-run rally in the 6th.
Geno Glynn went 3-4, including his first professional home run, Tomas Francisco delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single in the 6th, and starting pitcher Deivis Mavares was solid for the second consecutive outing.
Princeton clinched the Mercer Cup championship last night. Tonight's win lifts the P-Rays to 7-2 against Bluefield this season.
It's been noted before, but, from a Princeton perspective ... even with the trophy in hand, it's always nice to beat Bluefield.

Here's tonight's boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_14_blurok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_14_blurok_prirok_1


Princeton and Bluefield wrap up this series of the Mercer Cup competition tomorrow night, Saturday 15 August, at Hunnicutt Field.
We'll bring it to you starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM and theriver102.com. Game time is scheduled for 7:00.

Thursday 13 August: Doubleheader: Bluefield 2, at Princeton 0 (Game One); at Princeton 3, Bluefield 1 (Game Two)

The Princeton Rays clinched the 2009 Mercer Cup championship over the Bluefield Orioles tonight, but it didn't come easy and it didn't come without a hullabaloo.

Princeton's offensive struggles continued in the first game, as first-round draft pick Matt Hobgood and Andrew Huebner combined to shut out the P-Rays on two hits.


In the second game, Princeton was able to break through, snapping a 1-1 tie with two runs in a controversial 5th inning.

With the bases loaded and nobody out, Brian Bryles hit a ground ball to Orioles 2B Gary Helmick. Helmick threw to SS Javier Santana to force out Ty Morrison at second, and it appeared Bryles beat the relay throw to first.

Dan Rhault scored from third and Princeton had a 2-1 lead, and it appeared Kyle Spraker had scored as well, hustling to the plate all the way from second to put the P-Rays ahead 3-1.

(Notice my use of the word "appeared?")

However, base umpire Mike Cafaro made a somewhat dubious interference call on Morrison, which meant he was out and Bryles was automatically out at first. Double play.

Several "discussions" followed between the P-Rays coaches and the umpiring crew. The interference call stood. Rhault's run stood as well, although Spraker was ordered back to third.

This all went on in full view of Appalachian League President Lee Landers, who was in attendance tonight.

But, perhaps in a case of poetic justice, Princeton scored its third run when the next batter, Ryan Wiegand, hit a pop-up to shallow center. The sure-handed Santana appeared to have it measured, but Helmick bumped into him and the ball fell to the ground. Spraker scored on the error to make the score 3-1.

Princeton starter Joey Callender benefited from the late, if somewhat unusual, run support to record the first complete-game victory of his brief professional pitching career.


Here's the Game One boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_13_blurok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_13_blurok_prirok_1


Here's the boxscore for Game Two:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_13_blurok_prirok_2&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap for same:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_13_blurok_prirok_2



Princeton and Bluefield meet again tomorrow night, Friday 14 August, in the second game of the "Mercer County Nights of Hope Baseball Series" to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The "Nights of Hope" game is at Princeton was originally scheduled for July 30, but was rained out.

Here's a link to a page on the P-Rays website with more information:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_13_blurok_prirok_2

Don't miss out on the silent auction.



We'll bring you Friday's game on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com. The P-Rays Pre-Game Show starts at 6:30 pm EDT, with game time at 7:00 at Hunnicutt Field.

Wednesday 12 August: Danville 4, at Princeton 2

Since their last off day, on August 3, the P-Rays have lost three straight series and six of their last nine games.
They've gone from a season-high 10 games over .500 and being as close as two games out of first place to falling five games back of Danville in the Appalachian League East.
Time is growing short, and this loss tonight did not help.
Small mistakes hurt.
Princeton starting pitcher Joey Dettrich gave up a three-run home to Danville 2B Matt Weaver, who was batting 8th in the Braves lineup (it was Weaver's first professional home run).
The P-Rays had two base runners picked off. The first was Kyle Spraker, at first base, after Princeton got two on with nobody out in the 1st inning against D-Braves starter Brett Oberholtzer. The other picked-off runner was Cody Rogers, at third base, in the bottom of the 5th, with Princeton trailing 3-2.
In a short-season pennant race, the margin of error is slim.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_12_dnvrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_12_dnvrok_prirok_1

The P-Rays host the arch-rival Bluefield Orioles in a Mercer Cup doubleheader tomorrow evening, 13 August.
We'll have it for you starting at 5:00 pm EDT with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show. Game one of the seven-inning DH will start at 5:30, with game two following 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.
Tune in to Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) or log on to theriver102.com.

Princeton leads this year's Mercer Cup series five games to one. The P-Rays will clinch this year's Cup championship with one more victory over the Baby Birds.

Tuesday 11 August: at Princeton 10, Danville 2 (completion of suspended game); Danville 13, Princeton 0 (7-Inning Game)

Danville pitcher Cory Rasmus made history in the second of the two games at Hunnicutt Field tonight.
The 21-year old right-hander threw a seven-inning no-hitter as the Braves rolled to a 13-0 victory.
It was the first no-hitter thrown against the Princeton franchise.

Princeton looked powerful in the first game, totaling 13 hits in a 10-2 victory -- the completion of the game suspended from last night.

Here's the boxscore of Rasmus' no-hitter:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_11_dnvrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap of that game:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_11_dnvrok_prirok_1


Here's the boxscore of the P-Rays' win in the completion of the suspended game:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_10_dnvrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_10_dnvrok_prirok_1


The split leaves Princeton where it started tonight -- four games behind the Braves for the lead in the Appalachian League Eastern Division, with just 24 games left to make up the deficit.

The P-Rays and D-Braves complete this three-game series -- and their season series against one another -- tomorrow night, Wednesday 12 August, at Hunnicutt Field.
We'll bring it to you starting with "The P-Rays Pre-Game Show" at 6:30 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com

More Rain. Again.

A downpour forced tonight's game between the Princeton Rays and Danville Braves to be suspended until 5:00 pm EDT tomorrow (Tuesday 11 August).
Princeton is leading 2-1 in the bottom of the 4th, with a runner at first and nobody out.

The suspended game will be played to its scheduled nine innings. After that game ends, there will be a seven-inning game between the same two teams.

We'll start our coverage tomorrow with "The P-Rays Pre-Game Show" at 4:30 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com.

Sunday 9 August: Princeton 10, at Burlington 3

Now this is more like it.
Princeton's offense awoke from its slumber, starting pitcher Deivis Mavares threw six strong innings, the bullpen was solid, the defense air-tight, and the P-Rays salvaged the last game of the series and the road trip.
Hopefully this portends good things for the uber-important series with first-place Danville starting Monday night.

Here's the Sunday boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_09_prirok_brlrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_09_prirok_brlrok_1


We'll bring you game one of the series with Danville Monday night on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com, starting at with "The P-Rays Pre-Game Show" at 6:30 pm EDT. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Hunnicutt Field.

Saturday 8 August: at Burlington 5, Princeton 3

(Now that I've found wi-fi access at the hotel I can post last night's Princeton Rays results.
Why is it that so many hotels limit their wi-fi to the lobby and make it nearly impossible to get access in the rooms? In this modern age, that's like removing the showers from the rooms and telling everyone to just clean up in the lobby.
I feel a rant coming on. But I'll save it for another time.)

Maybe it's the lingering after-effects of the day off last Monday, but Princeton has yet to return to form ever since.
The P-Rays put in another spotty performance Saturday night in falling to 1-4 on the current road trip.
Burlington, meanwhile, has won its last five games after starting the season a league-worst 11-29.

Here's Saturday night's boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_08_prirok_brlrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the accompanying recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_08_prirok_brlrok_1



Princeton concludes its road trip with the series finale at Burlington Sunday evening.
We'll bring it to you starting at 5:30 pm EDT with "The P-Rays Pre-Game Show."
First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm EDT.

Friday 7 August: at Burlington 2, Princeton 1

In a close, one-run game, little things make a big difference.
For example, Princeton going 1-12 with runners in scoring position.
That RISP category hurt.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_07_prirok_brlrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_07_prirok_brlrok_1

Game two of the series is tomorrow night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. Tune in at 6:30 pm EDT for the P-Rays Pre-Game Show on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com. Game time is slated for 7:00.

Thursday 6 August: Doubleheader: Princeton 6, at Danville 2 (Game 1); at Danville 3, Princeton 2 (Game 2)

Princeton's pitching was very solid today. The P-Rays' staff made only two mistakes in 14 innings, each to Danville's star first baseman Riaan Spanjer-Furstenberg.
The first mistake (a two-run home run in game one) didn't hurt. The second mistake did -- RSF's two-out, three-run double in the 3rd inning of game two proved to be the difference in a close game.

Trevor Shull scattered six hits in his complete game victory in game one.

Here's the game one boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_06_prirok_dnvrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_06_prirok_dnvrok_1

This is the game two boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_06_prirok_dnvrok_2&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_06_prirok_dnvrok_2&t=g_box&did=milb


The P-Rays are three games behind Danville for first place in the Appy League East. Princeton has 29 games remaining, including three more with the Braves starting next Monday at Hunnicutt Field.

The P-Rays open a series at Burlington tomorrow night. We'll bring it to you starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. Game time is at 7:00. Left-hander Joey Dettrich is scheduled to be Princeton's starting pitcher, with the Royals set to go with righty Chase Hentges.

Tuesday 4 August: at Danville 3, Princeton 0

For whatever reason -- maybe it was having yesterday off, or maybe it was the summer heat in Southside Virginia -- the P-Rays weren't as sharp as we've seen from them lately.
Danville starting pitcher Matt Crim baffled the Princeton lineup, Luis Avilan finished up, and the P-Rays could muster only five hits as their seven-game losing streak came to an end.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_04_prirok_dnvrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_04_prirok_dnvrok_1

Princeton falls to three full games back of Danville for first place in the Appalachian League Eastern Division.

Game two of this series is tomorrow night. We'll bring it to you on Classic Rock 102 The River (102.3 FM WMTD) and at theriver102.com. Air-time is 6:30 pm EDT for the 'P-Rays Pre-Game Show,' with first pitch scheduled for 7:00.

Sunday 2 August: Princeton 5, at Pulaski 4

Princeton completes a big weekend sweep at Calfee Park.
The bullpen was steady, allowing three hits and no earned runs in 4 1/3 innings. Ty Morrison provided the big hit -- a two-out, three-run homer in the top of the 8th that broke up a 2-2 tie.

The P-Rays have won seven in a row and 15 of their last 19. Princeton remains two games behind Danville for first place in the Appalachian League East.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_02_prirok_pulrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_02_prirok_pulrok_1

Princeton -- like everybody else in the Appalachian League -- gets tomorrow off.
The P-Rays return to the field Tuesday night, 4 August, starting a six-game road trip with a big series at first-place Danville.
We'll bring it to you starting at 6:30 pm EDT with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show. Game Time at Legion Field is set for 7:00.

Saturday 1 August Doubleheader: (Game 1) Princeton 5, at Pulaski 3; (Game 2) Princeton 13, Pulaski 7

Yet another lengthy rain delay at Calfee Park -- 94 minutes.
Add that to the 170 rain delay the last time Princeton visited Pulaski, and that's 264 minutes.
That's four hours and 24 minutes of rain delays.
Four hours and 24 minutes of our lives we'll never get back.
All we can do now is hope -- hope that, when rain is imminent in Pulaski, the grounds crew will actually put the tarp on the field. It'd be a nice change.

Can you sense the sarcasm I'm trying to convey?

Still, one must wonder what's worse: Being rained out two straight days, or having to endure a long rain delay and playing until after midnight?
There's no easy answer to that question.

Here's the game one boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_01_prirok_pulrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_01_prirok_pulrok_1


Here's the game two boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_08_01_prirok_pulrok_2&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_08_01_prirok_pulrok_2


The 13 runs the P-Rays scored in game two was a season-high, eclipsing the 12 Princeton scored in its win over Johnson City on July 24.


The P-Rays and Pulaski Mariners conclude their season series tomorrow night, Sunday 2 August, again at Calfee Park.
We'll bring it to you starting at 6:30 pm EDT with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 -- if it doesn't rain.

When It Rains....

...Baseball games get postponed.

The seemingly near-constant rain in Princeton has forced a postponement of tonight's game between the P-Rays and the Pulaski Mariners. It's the second straight day bad weather has prevented play at Hunnicutt Field.

Tonight's game will be made up as part of a 7-inning doubleheader tomorrow, Saturday 1 August, at Calfee Park in Pulaski. Game one will start at 6:00 pm EDT.

We'll bring you both games on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com. Our broadcast begins at 5:30 pm with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show.
Weather permitting, of course.

No Baseball Today

The Princeton Rays game against the Bluefield Orioles tonight, 30 July 2009, is postponed because of wet grounds.

It will be made up as part of a 7-inning doubleheader on Thursday 13 August, at 5:30 pm EDT.

The "Mercer County Nights of Hope" game originally scheduled for tonight will be held instead on Friday 14 August.

Tomorrow, the P-Rays open a series with the Pulaski Mariners. We'll bring it to you starting at 6:30 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com.

Wednesday 29 July: Princeton 7, at Bluefield 6 (11 innings)

Depending on how the rest of this season plays out, we may look back at this as a pretty important win for Princeton.
On a rainy night in Bluefield (bad weather delayed the start of the game by 19 minutes), the P-Rays overcame a sloppy start and a 6-2 deficit to grab yet another victory over their Mercer Cup rivals.

Ryan Wiegand (4-6) tied the game with a two-out, two-run single in the 7th, and Cody Rogers broke the tie with a solo home run in the top of the 11th. It was Rogers' third home run in as many games in this series, and he did it in front of family visiting from Texas.

Starting pitcher Trevor Shull had a rough outing but the bullpen excelled. Jeff Cinadr and Alex Koronis combined for 6 1/3 innings of shutout relief, with Koronis getting his first win of the season.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_29_prirok_blurok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_29_prirok_blurok_1


Princeton has won four in a row and 12 of their last 16 and remains 2 1/2 games behind Danville for first place in the Appy League East. The P-Rays are 4-1 in extra-inning games this season.
Bluefield has lost three straight, all to the P-Rays, after sweeping three games from Danville last weekend.

The P-Rays and Baby Birds conclude their four-game series tomorrow night, with the venue moving to Hunnicutt Field. We'll bring you the game starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT; first pitch is at 7:00. Tune into Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) or listen on-line at theriver102.com.

Tomorrow will be the second in the "Mercer County Nights of Hope" series. The players on both teams will wear pink caps, and the caps will be up for bids in a silent auction during the game. After the game, the winning bidders will be announced and the players will autograph their hats.
All proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Tuesday 28 July: Princeton 8, at Bluefield 2

The P-Rays got the bats going again (16 hits) and got a solid outing from starting pitcher Zac Rosscup.

Julio Cedeno went 4-5 with 2 RBIs; Cody Rogers finished 3-5 with a home run, three runs scored and a stolen base.

Rosscup allowed only three hits and two unearned runs in five innings. Joey Callendar and Jairo De La Rosa combined to give up just one hit in four innings of relief.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_28_prirok_blurok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_28_prirok_blurok_1

Princeton is now a season-high six games over .500 but still trails Danville by 2 1/2 games in the Appy League East.
The P-Rays lead the 2009 Mercer Cup Series four games to one.

The P-Rays and Baby Birds meet in game three of their current four-game series Wednesday night. We'll have the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT, with game time at 7:00.

Tomorrow night is the first in the "Mercer County Nights of Hope Baseball Series." The series is dedicated to raising money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.
Each team will wear pink caps for the "Nights of Hope," and the caps will be auctioned off after each game. All the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

Monday 27 July: Princeton 3, at Bluefield 0

Princeton gets its second straight shutout. Wilking Rodriguez was superb as the starting pitcher, and Kirby Yates was solid in relief.
Cody Rogers provided the big blow on offense -- a two-run home run to cap off the P-Rays' three-run rally in the top of the 3rd.
The win keeps Princeton 2 1/2 games behind Danville for first place in the Appy League East.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_27_prirok_blurok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_27_prirok_blurok_1


Game two of this four-game series is tomorrow night, Tuesday 28 July, at Bowen Field.
You can hear it on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com.
Our broadcast begins with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. The game will start at 7:00.

===================================================

A reminder: The games between Princeton and Bluefield this Wednesday and Thursday are the "Mercer County Nights of Hope Baseball Series." The "Nights of Hope" are aimed at raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer.
There are many special features and events associated with the "Nights of Hope." To find out more, call the Princeton Rays at (304) 487-2000, the Bluefield Orioles at (276) 326-1326, or the local chapter of the American Cancer Society at (304) 327-8770.

Sunday 26 July: P-Rays Rained Out

Bad weather keeps getting in the way of baseball in Princeton.

Lightning and rain forced last night's game between the P-Rays and the Johnson City Cardinals to be suspended after four innings, with the scored tied 2-2.

The rain never really stopped since Saturday night, which means today's schedule is washed out.

The lost games will be made up when Princeton visits Johnson City next month. Weather permitting, of course.

Here's the tentative schedule for that series at Cardinal Park:
Thursday 27 August: Completion of the suspended game of July 25, followed by a seven-inning game. The start time is 6:00 pm EDT.
Friday 28 August: A doubleheader of seven-inning games, starting at Noon EDT. Note the early start time.
Saturday 29 August: A single, normal, nine-inning game, starting at 6:00 pm EDT.

The P-Rays return to play tomorrow, with the opener of a Mercer Cup series at Bluefield. We'll have it for you starting at 6:30 pm EDT, on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com.

Friday 24 July: at Princeton 12, Johnson City 0

The P-Rays set a season-high in runs scored on the same night the pitching staff earned its first shutout of 2009.
Joey Dettrich bounced back from a rough outing last Sunday against Pulaski and was stellar: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
Ryan Wiegand went 4-4 with two doubles and 3 RBIs. Cody Rogers was 2-5 with a pair of doubles and 3 RBIs. Geno Glynn reached base four times; he wound up 2-4 with a double, two RBIs and four runs scored.
It was Johnson City's fourth consecutive loss and the first time they've been shut out this season.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_24_jcyrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_24_jcyrok_prirok_1

Princeton has moved to within 3 1/2 games of first-place Danville in the Appy League East.

Game two of the series is Saturday night. Deivis Mavares makes his first start of the season for the P-Rays, while Johnson City counters with Jesse Simpson (1-0, 1.35 ERA).

We'll start our broadcast with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 at Hunnicutt Field. Hear the game on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com.

• Saturday night's game is "Team Picture Night" at Hunnicutt Field. The first 500 fans get a free, full-color photograph of the 2009 Princeton Rays.

Thursday 23 July: at Elizabethon 8, Princeton 5

The heavy-hitting E-Twins hit three home runs in denying the P-Rays their first series sweep of 2009.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_23_prirok_elirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_23_prirok_elirok_1


After taking two out of three from the first place team in the Appy League West, the P-Rays go against the second-place team starting Friday.
The Johnson City Cardinals visit Hunnicutt Field, and you'll hear the game on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com
Air-time is 6:30 pm EDT. Game time is at 7:00.

Wednesday 22 July: Princeton 11, at Elizabethton 8

The P-Rays put up a season-best in runs and hits tonight and needed all of them. Princeton led 8-1 before Elizabethton rallied to make it close at the end.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_22_prirok_elirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_22_prirok_elirok_1


The P-Rays and E-Twins meet for the last time in the regular season on Thursday. Should Princeton win, it would be the first series sweep of the season.
We'll bring the game to you on Classic Rock 102 The River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com. Air-time is 6:30 pm EDT; game time is 7:00 pm.

Tuesday 21 July: Princeton 3, at Danville 2

Big win for the P-Rays tonight over the team with the best record in the Appalachian League.
Princeton and Elizabethton have split the four games they've played against one another this seson, with three of those games decided by one run.

Princeton's pitching was solid all night. Starter Wilking Rodriguez kept the league's leading offense in check. The only real mistake was the home run allowed by reliever Deivis Mavares, but he recovered to get the win. Jairo De La Rosa overcame a stumble by the defense in the bottom of the 9th to earn his first professional save.

Here's tonight's boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_21_prirok_elirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_21_prirok_elirok_1

Game two of the three-game series is Wednesday 22 July at O'Brien Field. Our broadcast starts with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT, followed by the game at 7:00.

Monday 20 July: Pulaski 6, at Princeton 4 (12 innings)

Princeton ran out of miracles tonight.
The P-Rays forged another rally in the bottom of the 9th to force extra innings, but couldn't replicate it in the 12th -- despite putting runners on second and third with one out.
Ouch.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_20_pulrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_20_pulrok_prirok_1

This is beginning to sound like old news, but ... Pulaski continues to get the measure of Princeton. The Mariners' record is 50-45 since the return of professional baseball to Pulaski in 2008; they're 12-3 against Princeton, and 38-42 against everybody else.

The P-Rays now face the challenge of bouncing back from Monday night's tough loss by visiting Elizabethton. The Twins, at 21-6, have the Appy League's best record and are 2-1 against Princeton this season.
We'll bring the game to you on the air on Classic Rock 102 The New River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and online at theriver102.com.
Air-time is 6:30 EDT.

Sunday 19 July: at Princeton 10, Pulaski 9

Roller-coaster ride for the P-Rays today. They put up six runs on eight hits in the first three innings to lead 6-3, then watched as Pulaski's bullpen retired 17 Princeton hitters in a row.
But, down 9-6 in the bottom of the 9th, the P-Rays put together a logic-defying rally to nab the victory.
Against those darn Pulaski Mariners, any win is alright.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_19_pulrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_19_pulrok_prirok_1
(The "Princeton Bottom 9th" section makes for particularly good reading.)

The finale of the series and the homestand is Monday night, July 20. You can hear it on Classic Rock 102 The New River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com, starting at 6:30 pm EDT. First pitch is set for 7:00 at Hunnicutt Field.

P-Rays Doubleheader vs Pulaski, 18 July

Princeton splits with the Mariners.
The P-Rays rally for a 7-6 win in a goofy first game, then the bats go flat in a 5-1 loss in game two.

Here's the game one boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_18_pulrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_18_pulrok_prirok_1

Game two boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_18_pulrok_prirok_2&t=g_box&did=milb
And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_18_pulrok_prirok_2


The third game of the four-game series is set for Sunday, July 19, at Hunnicutt Field. Air-time is 3:30 pm EDT, with game time at 4:00, on Classic Rock 102 The New River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and theriver102.com

• Pulaski is 11-2 against the Princeton Rays since the start of the 2008 season.

Thursday 16 July: at Princeton 12, Kingsport 9

The bad news: This one got a little ugly.
The good news: The P-Rays set a season-high for runs for the second straight night.
The better news: It's Princeton's third consecutive win, and the fourth in their last five games.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_16_kptrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_16_kptrok_prirok_1

Princeton tries for its first series sweep of the season with the finale against Kingsport Friday night. Tune in to Classic Rock 102 The New River (WMTD 102.3 FM) or listen on-line at theriver102.com.
Our broadcast begins with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. Game time is at 7:00 at Hunnicutt Field.

July 15: at Princeton 10, Kingsport 4

The P-Rays kept the offense going, totaling 12 hits and scoring double-digit runs for the first time this season.
With the victory, Princeton moves past Bluefield into second place in the Appy League East, 2 1/2 games behind Danville. (The Braves had their five-game winning streak ended by Elizabethton Wednesday night, 4-2.)
Cody Rogers led the P-Rays at the plate, going 4-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Ryan Wiegand went 2-5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Julio Cedeno wound up 2-3 with a two-run home run, his first HR of the season.
Starting pitcher Omar Bencomo cruised through the first five innings, allowing only a bloop single on 44 pitches. The P-Rays defense faltered behind him in the 6th, when Kingsport benefited from three Princeton errors to score all four of their runs.
But Bencomo got plenty of run support in getting the win, improving his record to 2-0.

Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_15_kptrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_15_kptrok_prirok_1

• The Princeton offense, which has struggled through the early part of the season, has scored 25 runs on 45 hits in the last four games.
• Over that same stretch, the P-Rays' pitching staff has allowed six earned runs on 24 hits.
  

The second game of the three-game series with Kingsport is Thursday night. Air-time is 6:30 and first pitch at 7:00 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The New River and theriver102.com.


(My apologies on not posting the results from Monday's 6-1 win at Bluefield. There was a server error at Bowen Field -- reminding us that while the internet is everywhere, it's not always reliable.)

P-Rays Results From Sunday July 12

Mixed news today.

Princeton wins the first game of its series against Bluefield, 8-1:
(box score)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_11_prirok_blurok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
(recap)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_11_prirok_blurok_1

But the P-Rays drop a tough one in the second game, 2-1:
(box score)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_12_prirok_blurok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
(recap)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_12_prirok_blurok_1

The game two loss prevented Princeton from moving past Bluefield in the second place in the Appy League East. But the P-Rays can grab that spot with a win in the series finale Monday night.
Of course, you'll hear that game on Classic Rock 102 The New River (WMTD 102.3 FM) and at theriver102.com. Air-time is 6:30 pm EDT, with first pitch at 7:00, from Bowen Field.

P-Rays Postponed

The Princeton Rays game against the Pulaski Mariners tonight (July 9) at Hunnicutt Field is postponed due to rain.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader in Princeton on Saturday, July 18. The first game starts at 5:30 pm EDT, with our broadcast on Classic Rock 102 The River and theriver102.com to begin at 5:00 pm.

The P-Rays and Mariners conclude their split series tomorrow night in Pulaski. We'll have it for you on Classic Rock 102 The River and theriver102.com starting with the P-Rays Pre-Game Show at 6:30 pm EDT. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
Wilking Rodriguez was tonight's scheduled starting pitcher for Princeton. Don't be surprised if he gets the start tomorrow at Calfee Park.

The Rays will try to recover from last night's 3-0 loss, the second time Princeton has been shut out this season. Here's the boxscore:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_08_pulrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

And here's the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_08_pulrok_prirok_1

• The P-Rays have lost nine of their last ten meetings with Pulaski.

P-Rays Results From Monday July 6

(I've been a little negligent getting these posted. My apologies.)

The P-Rays split a doubleheader with Elizabethton Monday night.
Game One: Elizabethton 5, Princeton 2.
Game Two: Princeton 5, Elizabethon 4.
The Rays' win in the nightcap was just the second loss of the season for the E-Twins, who boast the league's best record.

Here's the box score from the first game:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_06_elirok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Here's the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_06_elirok_prirok_1

The game two box score is here:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_06_elirok_prirok_2&t=g_box&did=milb
And here's the nightcap recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_06_elirok_prirok_2

The third and final game of the series is Tuesday night. Broadcast time is 6:30 pm EDT, with game time at 7:00 pm EDT on Classic Rock 102 The New River and at theriver102.com.

Princeton Rays Result: Thursday July 2

Tough one tonight. Here's the box score from the Appy League website:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_07_02_prirok_dnvrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

Here's the recap:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2009_07_02_prirok_dnvrok_1

Sometimes, one bad inning makes all the difference.

The second game of the series is Friday at 5:30 pm EDT, on the air on Classic Rock 102.3 FM The New River, and online at theriver 102.com.

Princeton Rays Score: Monday 29 June 2009

Not a Happy Monday for the P-Rays. Greeneville jumped on Princeton starter Wilking Rodriguez early and knocked him out after only 2 1/3 innings. The Rays also hurt themselves with four errors.

On the bright side, Princeton's Cody Rogers hit his first professional home run -- a rocket shot in the 5th.

The Astros win the first game of the three game series, 9-3. Here's a link to box score:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2009_06_29_gvlrok_prirok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

The P-Rays and Astros meet again Tuesday night, June 30, at Hunnicutt Field. You can hear the game on Classic Rock 102 The New River (WMTD 102.3 FM), and on-line at theriver102.com. Broadcast time is 6:30 EST.

Another Update On Chicago's Tangled Webio

Ask anyone who's worked in radio, and they'll tell you stories about working for unsavory bosses and/or owners.
But the ongoing controversy over web-only sports talk radio in Chicago takes it to a new level.
The fallout continues to rain down on the guilty -- and the innocent. Here's the latest:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-wed-phil-0624jun24,0,18729,print.column

Life In The Minors

Greetings from Hunnicutt Field in Princeton!

At the time of this writing, it's exactly 72 hours to first pitch of the 2009 season for the Princeton Rays. That's not a lot of time.
Over the last few days friends and colleagues have been asking who'll be on the P-Rays roster this year. As of now, three days from Opening Day ... I honestly don't know.

The team hasn't officially released a roster, which is good -- General Manager Jim Holland began work on a first draft yesterday, only to see unexpected changes come up. Some players who were expected to be here won't be coming, and some players who weren't expected here will.

Appalachian League teams are allowed to carry 35 players on their rosters, with 30 players active for any given game. Right now, there are 26 players in Princeton, with another due to arrive tomorrow. So that leaves eight spots to be filled before Tuesday's first game.

There's been at least one newspaper story about the '09 P-Rays, based on that first-draft roster. But the unexpected changes have rendered part of that story already obsolete; three players the story mentioned aren't here at Hunnicutt Field and likely won't play in Princeton, at least for now, while some players not mentioned in the story are here and more of the same are on the way.

Friday night, at around 11:30, in Jim's office, he asked me, "Do you have that first roster from earlier today?"
I told him I did.
"Well, throw it out. We're making some changes."

That's how it goes in the minor leagues.

As the P-Rays' radio broadcaster, I'm allowed access to certain information and trusted to keep it mum before it becomes public knowledge. Like with this roster. I have a list of players that are here right now (so I can prepare for the broadcasts) but I can't officially say who they are.

But I can reveal a few things:

• Unlike 2008, when the majority of the P-Rays' roster was made up of players who were with the team the previous season, newcomers will outnumber the returners in '09.
• The P-Rays will have an entirely new infield.
• Two players who were infielders in the Tampa Bay organization will be converted to pitchers.
  
• The outfield, with three returning starters from '08 (Brian Bryles, Ty Morrison, Ramon Novas) could be the strength of the team, especially early in the season while the newbies adjust to professional baseball.
• This is mere speculation, but Jason McEachern could be Princeton's Opening Day starting pitcher. The youngster excelled with the P-Rays last year (3-0, 1.44 ERA, 25 IP, 17 H, 16 K in nine apperances) as a 17-year old. But, as the Violent Femmes once sang, "this is only a guess."

NOTE: For the second time in as many years, I'll be hosting the "P-Rays Preview Show" the day before Opening Day. It's an hour-long look ahead to the 2009 season. Tune in to Classic Rock 102.3 FM The New River (WMTD), Monday, June 22, starting at 6:00 pm EDT.

And Again...

...the latest on the web-only sports talk station in Chicago. It gets weirder and sadder at the same time.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-webio-hernandez-missing-jun16,0,5222640.story

"The Madoff Of The Midway"

While the concept of webcast-only sports talk broadcasting is bound to succeed one day
(http://insidetheheadset.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-path-for-sports-talk.html), its immediate future in the nation's third-largest market has become uncertain.

What is it about scandals and Chicago?

Here was the first notice that something was awry:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-13-mike-north-jun13,0,1822596,print.story

Then it became more than just a broadcasting-related situation:
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/people/1622062,CST-NWS-North14.article#

Then, inevitably, investigators followed the money:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sec-chicago-sports-webio-jun15,0,7147350,print.story


Look for further updates as events warrant.

Do Yourself A Favor

If you haven't already, bookmark this:

http://www.realclearsports.com/

Realclearsports.com is, in essence, a one-stop shop for the latest work from some of the leading opinion makers in sports media, from newspaper columnists to bloggers.

It's timely, too, updated twice a day. For example, at the time of this writing (4:45 pm EDT, Monday 15 June 2009) realclearsports.com has links to 35 articles on its main page.
Topics run the gamut: The Los Angeles Lakers' NBA championship ... how Mario Lemieux played a role in the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup run ... baseball uberprospect Bryce Harper ... an update on former heavyweight boxing champion Riddick Bowe ... why Chris Berman of ESPN doesn't cover The Masters ... and so on, and so on, and so on.

In all, it's an on-line must-have for sports fans.

In the interest of full disclosure, I get no benefit for posting this link. I just happened to stumble upon the website one day and was quite impressed. Hopefully, you'll feel the same. Enjoy.

A New Path For Sports Talk

This sometimes reads more like a p.r. release than a news article, but it shows one very possible future for sports talk broadcasting:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11183-Chicago-Business-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Chicagosportswebiocom-is-changing-the-Chicago-media-industry

It's no great shock that this idea is working so well in Chicago, which fancies itself as "the best sports town the country."

The fans in Chicago are passionately devoted and enjoy no shortage of topics to discuss.
When it comes to major professional teams, they have the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks.
For major colleges, they have Northwestern and Notre Dame, not to mention Chicago's large contingent of Illinois alumni.
Chicago is big on high school sports, too.
On top of that, Chicago sports fans are never bashful about sharing their opinions. Trust me.

Hypothetical Question

If they stage an NBA Finals, and hardly anybody I know cares, do I have to blog about it?

Inspired By Bill Maher (?)

Here's an insightful piece called "New Rules for Sportscasting," from Leonard Shapiro in the June 9, 2009 Washington Post.
Shapiro focuses on the D.C. area, of course, but the issues he brings up are universal.
My comments are included.

*********************

New Rule: If you really do want to be taken seriously as a member of the media, you are not supposed to be abjectly rooting for the home team.

During the Washington Capitals recent playoff run, I heard more than one local broadcaster end sportscasts or individual reports on the team with an emphatic "Let's Go Caps!" If you want to scream your lungs out for the home team in the privacy of your own den, knock yourself out. But up in the press box, broadcast booth or your station's studio, knock off the cheerleading and act like a professional.

Comment: Agreed. "No cheering in the press box" is a time-honored rule in sports media, and it should apply to booths and studios too. As a play-by-play announcer, I can tell you this: There's nothing wrong supporting the home team, but play-by-play is a form of journalism. Reporting in its purest form.

So, if a play-by-play announcer homers it up for the home team, that announcer isn't telling the straight truth. In reporting, not telling the truth is, well, lying. Lying undercuts, if not destroys, a reporter's credibility.

I'd like to think that when I'm calling a game for, say, the Princeton Rays or the Concord Mountain Lions, I'm calling the game for the fans of those teams, and that listeners will be able to recognize that. I know what audience I'm working for. And, honestly, I want the teams I call games for to do well. But I won't gloss over the teams' shortcomings, nor will I ignore the opponent when it does something well.

*********************

New Rule: Along the same lines, when you're on the job, and especially on the air, don't wear clothing -- golf shirts, team jerseys, ball caps, whatever -- with a local team logo visible. Similarly, if you're a local sportscaster posing for a magazine cover in your own market, resist all attempts by editors or photographers to be dressed in the colors, jerseys, shirts, sweats of any local team, even if you work for the "official station of the _____." I won't name names this time for recent guilty offenders, but you know who you are. Here's another new rule. No free passes next time.

Comment: This applies more to TV than radio. It's also a little tricky at the local level. When I'm calling a P-Rays game, for example, I'll often wear a team-provided polo shirt, especially on the road, where people don't know me like they do in Princeton. Wearing team clothing shows that I am indeed working on behalf of the team (even though the team doesn't pay me).

In the last decade or so, the dynamic between sports teams and their broadcast outlets has evolved from a cooperative effort between two separate entities into a blended partnership (eg, the relationship between the NHL and NBC). So, look for this "transgression" Shapiro is upset about happening more and more.

*********************

New Rule: I assume Rob Dibble had a chance to meet Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Bob Wolff when the Nationals honored the former Senators play-by-play man (1947-60) Saturday night at the stadium.

Wolff would be too much the consummate gentleman to tell Dibble to cease and desist in referring to the Nationals on the air as "we," as in "we need a hit here" or "us," as in "they're killing us with three-run homers" or "our," as in "our pitching is dismally dreadful."

So let me suggest in my own loutish way that Dibble simply substitute "the Nats" or "the Nationals" or "Washington." Last time we looked, Dibble never threw a pitch, never swung a bat in a Nats' uniform. Even if he's now being paid by the team, and even if he has been properly critical of the club on the air, we, us and our translates to homer in my book, and likely Bob Wolff's as well.

Comment: I am completely on-board with Shapiro here. When you're broadcasting a game, you never, never, NEVER say "we." Never. Unless you're a current player, coach, trainer or manager for the team ... in which case you wouldn't be in the broadcast booth in the first place.

When it comes to sportscasting crimes, being a homer can be a misdemeanor, but saying "we" is a felony.

Off topic: It was nice to see Bob Wolff be honored by the Nationals.

*********************

New Rule: Enough already with Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN-980, Washington's only all-sports talk radio station. It's not so much the show I object to as its predominately national subject matter.

Yes they get world-class guests on a moment's notice, just as all the ESPN radio hosts do thanks to the power of the so-called Worldwide Leader. But if you're stuck in traffic on the Beltway on the way to work first thing in the morning, wouldn't you rather hear about teams and athletes in the local market, the way it is in many cities around the country?

Comment: In an ideal world, every sports talk market area, large or small, would feature only local programming. But ours is not an ideal world, especially in these times of economic uncertainty. Many times it's simply cheaper for a sports talk station to run syndicated programming like 'Mike & Mike' -- especially in small markets. (If you don't know how miserly some owners of small-market stations can be, just ask anybody who's been in radio for a few years. They'll tell you some stories....)

Then there's this cold, hard reality: Most smaller markets simply don't provide enough news and content to support a daily, four-hour morning show. Trust me. There's just not enough going on, and too small a population to rely on listener phone calls to help fill out the show. Heck, some stations at which I've worked don't even have the capability to take listener phone calls in the first place.

But why a market area as large as Washington DC doesn't have a local morning show is baffling.

That said, 'Mike & Mike' is a very good show.

*********************

New Rule: ESPN SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt sadly is the latest in a long line of TV sports anchors (Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Patrick, among others) to shamelessly pitch products in on-air commercials.

These days, Van Pelt appears in advertisements shilling for Titleist golf balls, and he should know better. He's essentially delivering news every night he's on, and often goes out in the field as a reporter and interviewer. Television anchors and reporters don't endorse products on the air. Ever see Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric or Britt Hume, among many others, do commercials? Van Pelt, a guy whose on-air work I've admired since his early days at The Golf Channel, is better than that. Next time, take a pass.

Comment: Again, I agree completely. And I say that as a fan of Scott Van Pelt.

It's impossible to be an objective journalist AND a product endorser. In Van Pelt's case, it would be one thing if he was strictly an entertainment personality, but his job calls for him to be an objective reporter covering a great many topics. He could, conceivably, be more critical of a golfer because that golfer doesn't use the products Van Pelt endorses. Which would damage his credibility.

On a local level, I've heard at least one broadcast news personality voice a commercial for a political candidate during an election campaign -- a staggering contradiction and conflict of interest. When that happens, a newsperson goes from being a reporter and a journalist to a mere shill -- sacrificing credibility in the process.

*********************

New Rule: Do we really need a half-hour studio show before every game in the NBA Finals? In previous postseason series, ESPN and TNT gave us hour-long pre-game shows and those were far too long, despite the presence of always entertaining Charles Barkley on TNT. At this point, anyone following the NBA knows all there is to know about both teams in the Finals, so why not a 15-minute pre-game starting at 8 p.m., a few minutes more for courtside introductions and analysis from the game broadcasters and tip-off at 8:30 p.m., the better to finish just in time for news at 11?

Comment: The length of pre-game or pre-event programs on network TV has become insufferable. For examples, look to the interminable pre-race shows for the Triple Crown horse races, or any NASCAR Sprint Cup event.
But I'll let you in on a little secret. Longer pre-event shows mean more spots for commercials, and more commercials give the networks a chance to make more money. So, unless there's a viewer revolt these shows are here to stay.

*********************

New Rule: The LPGA Championship, one of the four women's majors on the tour's ever-shrinking schedule, is being played this week in Havre de Grace, Md. But don't look for it on any of the major over-the-air networks this weekend. Instead, all tournament coverage will be aired by the Golf Channel, which means millions of potential viewers without the cable network in their basic package will be shut out. What a shame. And now that the LPGA owns the tournament outright, it's a must fix for the future.

Comment: This could be a sign of doom for the LPGA. Sure, the women don't have the same distance as the men on the professional tour, but the ladies play at a level the vast majority of us -- male or female -- can only dream of attaining. To me, good golf is good golf, and an LPGA major is as entertaining and pressure-packed as the PGA's. But I'm in the minority with that perspective, and it's a sign of big trouble for the LPGA if it can't get one of its majors on broadcast TV.

*********************

New Rule: Props to Richard Sandomir of the New York Times for pointing out that ABC's broadcast of the Belmont Stakes included a number of features that had already run earlier in the day on corporate cousin ESPN's pre-Belmont coverage before ABC went on the air for its own pre-race show.

"Synergy Results In a Lazy Broadcast" was the spot-on headline over the Times story Sunday. And while this synergy surely saved the parent Disney Company a few bucks in production costs, bottom line is that viewers watching both networks deserved better. One totally unnecessary feature aired on both networks included Kenny Mayne sitting in a pick-up truck with Mine That Bird trainer Chip Woolley playing a (badly) scripted game of Twenty Questions. We have only one: How did that get on the air in the first place?

Comment: This is the downside of the Disney/ESPN/ABC synergy. If pre-game and pre-event shows were shorter, there wouldn't be room for subpar feature pieces and the blatant overlaps Triple Crown fans had to put up with. A possible solution would be for ESPN to make such features available only on their website.

Ask yourself this: If a politician ran for election promising to shorten pre-game and pre-event shows on network TV, you'd vote for that person, wouldn't you?

Ex-(Princeton)Rays

One thing about Princeton Rays fans is that their loyalty is not fleeting. They're keenly interested in following the progress of former P-Rays as they work their way up the baseball ladder.

So, from time to time here on Inside The Headset I'll provide updates on how former Princeton Rays players are faring.

With the Tampa Bay Rays poised to add scores of new players via the First Year Draft -- which starts at 6:00 pm EDT today -- now is a good time for the first update.
We'll focus on a group of last year's P-Rays who are now with the Class A Bowling Green (KY) Hot Rods of the South Atlantic League.


The player generating the most interest among baseball fans -- inside and outside of the Rays' organization -- is shortstop Tim Beckham. The 19-year old was the first overall pick of last year's draft and began his professional career in Princeton.

This year, the youngster from Georgia is doing well at Bowling Green. He's played in 51 of the Hot Rods' 57 games so far, the most games of any position player. Beckham leads the team in batting average (.297), at-bats (192), hits (57), and is tied for the lead in RBIs (31).
By comparison, Beckham hit .243 with the P-Rays in 2008.

As he continues to learn in the professional ranks, Beckham finds himself leading the Hot Rods in strikeouts (47), and errors (17). He's also 2-8 in stolen base attempts.

Scouts predicted in the run-up to last year's draft that Beckham's power numbers will rise as he matures physically. Looks like they were right. Beckham is second on the Hot Rods in slugging percentage (.427) and OPS (.788). Last year, he slugged .345 and had a .642 OPS.



Tim Beckham's older brother Jeremy, who also started his professional career with Princeton last year, is also at Bowling Green in 2009.

The elder Beckham is hitting .276 in 24 games with the Hot Rods, with an outstanding .447 on-base percentage. Last year, Jeremy hit .260 for the P-Rays before being called up to Class A Hudson Valley after 18 games in Princeton.



Outfielder Justin Reynolds is having a bit of a rough go with Bowling Green, hitting .218 in 33 games. But the speedy 22-year old from Dallas, Oregon is 5-7 in stolen base attempts.



Four members of Princeton's 2008 pitching staff are now at Bowling Green. The best of that lot, arguably, is Matt Moore.

Moore just missed winning the Applachian League ERA title last year (he was 1/3 of an inning short being eligible for the title), and after a bumpy start at Bowling Green the left-hander has found his groove.

Moore's low point this season came against Savannah May 14, when the Sand Gnats touched him up for four earned runs on four hits and six walks in only 2 2/3 innings.
Moore responded with four straight impressive appearances; in that time, in a combined 18 1/3 innings pitched, Moore has allowed 12 hits and 10 walks, while striking out 28, with an ERA of 1.96.

The high point for Moore came in his last start. June 6, at Asheville, Moore was unhittable -- literally. In seven innings, he gave up no hits, walked only two and struck out 12.

Overall this season, Moore is 3-2 with a 3.30 ERA. He's recovered from a bout of early-season wildness (26 walks in his first 28 innings, a rate of 8.4 walks/9 IP) and is piling up the strikeouts. His 12 K's against Asheville last Saturday raised his season total to a team-high 69, for a stellar rate of 13.4 K/9 IP.
That's good in any league.
So is Moore's opponents' batting average: .175.


One of Tampa Bay's organizational philosophies is to limit their young pitchers to a strict pitch count. So it's a promising sign when someone in the lower minor leagues goes deeper into games, like Joe Cruz is doing at Bowling Green. After averaging about 3 2/3 IP in his first five starts, Cruz has gone five innings or more in his last three.

Overall, the 20 year-old Californian is 1-2 with a 3.03 ERA. In a total of 35 2/3 IP, he's walked only nine while striking out 39. That's a strikeout/walk ratio of 4.3:1, not to mention a rate of 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings.


Jamie Bagley and Mike Jarman gave last year's Princeton squad a lights-out right-lefty bullpen combo. Each is with Bowling Green this season, but their roles have changed.

Bagley is still a reliever, and he leads the Hot Rods with eight saves in 19 appearances. He started the season looking invincible, not allowing a run in his first ten outings, but has cooled down lately. Bagley's been scored upon in each of his last four appearances, with an ERA of 7.56 over that time. Still, he picked up the win last Saturday against Asheville.

Jarman is now a starter, a role he held in his college career. With Bowling Green, he's overcome a stint on the seven-day DL to go 4-4 with a very respectable 2.72 ERA. In 43 IP, Jarman has walked only ten while striking out 31.