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.