Monthly Archives: March 2011

My apologies to be late with this.. was out enjoying a tremendous game at the Steelhawks tonight (Post coming early tomorrow)

From the Ironpig’s media dept.

TRIPLE-A PHILLIES DROP SECOND STRAIGHT TO DETROIT ON FRIDAY, 5-3

Four Phillies pitchers combined for 8.2 innings of shutout baseball on Friday. However, RHP Jordan Ellis — who has never pitched above the Single-A Level — allowed all five Tigers runs in just 0.1 IP to start the bottom of the eighth inning, and the Tigers Triple-A spring squad defeated the Phillies Triple-A team, 5-3.

After starting 2-0, the Triple-A Phillies (2-2) have dropped two games in a row — both to the Tigers.

RHP Nate Bump started and was effective, scattering four hits and no walks in three innings while fanning one. The 2010 International League All-Star was followed by RHP Michael Schwimer, who — for the second consecutive outing — tossed two perfect innings (3 k). RHP Tyson Brummett did the same with one strikeout; and RHP Drew Carpenter, a 2009 IL All-Star, finished with 1.2 IP of perfect relief (2 k).

After starting with back-to-back wins this spring training, the Phillies’ Triple-A squad(2-1) dropped its first game Thursday — falling 9-2 to the Triple-A Tigers at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater.

For the second consecutive game, the team managed just six hits. C John Suomi (2-3, RBI) had the lineup’s lone multi-hit game, while 2B Harold Garcia and 3B Tim Kennelly added the other RBI. Also of note, 1B Matt Rizzotti went 1-3 with a run scored.

The Triple-A Phillies returned home to host the Triple-A Blue Jays today at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla. Results will follow as soon as information is received.

BACON BITS: RHP Michael Schwimer has sent down all 12 batters he’s faced in Triple-A spring games, fanning seven. In three games in Major League action, he allowed four hits and four runs — three earned — in three innings pitched… RHP Drew Carpenter — making a conversion to relief this season — has retired all eight batters he’s faced in minor league camp. He was also 1-0, 0.00 in two Major League appearances (2.0 ip, 2 h, 0 r, bb, 3 k)… 1B Matt Rizzotti, battling for a spot in Lehigh Valley, has hit safely in all four Triple-A games (5-13, .385-0-2, 3 K)…

TRIPLE-A TIGERS 5, TRIPLE-A PHILLIES 3 (Unofficial Box):

PLAYERS AB R H RBI
1. THOMPSON, RICH-CF 4 1 1 0
2. MILLER, MATTHEW-LF 3 0 0 0
FREY, CHRISTOPHER-LF 1 0 0 0
3. KENNELLY, TIMOTHY-3B 4 0 0 1
4. RIZZOTTI, MATTHEW-1B 3 1 1 0
5. BOZIED, TAGG-DH 3 1 0 0
6. SULLIVAN, CORY-RF 3 0 1 0
7. VALLE, SEBASTIAN-DH 3 0 0 0
8. SUOMI, JOHN-C 3 0 2 1
NAUGHTON, JOEL-C 0 0 0 0
9. GARCIA, HAROLD-2B 3 0 1 1
10. HANZAWA, TROY-SS 3 0 0 0
PERDOMO, CARLOS-SS 0 0 0 0

E – Rizzotti (1), Garcia (2). SB – Thompson (3). CS – Sullivan (1).

PITCHERS IP H R ER BB KO
BUMP, NATE 3 4 0 0 0 1
SCHWIMER, MICHAEL 2 0 0 0 0 3
BRUMMETT, TYSON 2 0 0 0 0 1
ELLIS, JORDAN L, 0-1 0.1 4 5 5 2 0
CARPENTER, ANDREW 1.2 0 0 0 0 2

For the Latest Scores and Highlights from Phillies’ Triple-A Spring Training, follow @ PigsRadio on Twitter.

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawk’s Home opener and first home game will be at 7:00pm tonight at Stabler Arena!

Come on out and support the team and enjoy some family entertaining Indoor arena football!

So you have your tickets in hand for today’s bout between the LVRG Hissy Fits vs. Central New York RG (6pm at Independence Family Fun Center in Schnecksville) and if this is your first roller derby bout you may be wondering how this sport is played and scored. Well have no fear, we’ve got you covered! Welcome to Roller Derby 101.

The Track
The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls derby on a flat track as opposed to a banked one. Flat track roller derby enables teams to compete on any flat surface suitable for skating such as traditional roller skating rinks, gymnasiums, parking lots and even airplane hangars! This flexibility enables teams to become established quicker and at a much lower cost than constructing a banked track. According to the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association), the sanctioning body of the league, flat track derby evolved in 2001 and now boasts more than 400 leagues worldwide.

Playing Positions
There are five members of both teams on the track during a bout and each one has a specific role. The positions are Pivot (1) Blocker (3) and Jammer (1). The team member who is tasked with scoring points is called the jammer. You can recognize the jammer by her helmet cover which is marked with a large star. Her goal is to pass the opposing team’s blockers and emerge from the pack quickly. The first team’s jammer to leave the pack without committing any penalties will gain the power to stop the jam at any time by placing her hands on her hips. The jammer must lap the pack once before she can start scoring points. Once she has lapped the pack she scores one point for every opposing team’s blocker she passes legally. The jammer can also score points against players who are in the penalty box and she gains an additional point by passing the other team’s jammer.

The blockers have both offensive and defensive roles and frequently switch between the two depending upon the situation at hand. Their goal is to block the opposing team’s jammer from passing. You will recognize the jammers because they do not wear helmet covers.

The pivot blocker serves as the leader of the pack, she is also a blocker and is the last line of defense if the opposing jammer manages to get past the other three blockers. You will recognize the pivot by her striped helmet cover.

In short the object of a roller derby bout is for the blockers to enable their jammer to get through the pack while blocking the opponent’s jammer from passing.

Real or sports entertainment?
Contrary to what you may have been exposed to in television or film, roller derby is 100% legit. Outcomes of bouts are not predetermined; this is a sport where the best team wins. Spills, hits and attitude are all real and that’s why it is called a bout rather than a game, it’s a fight to the finish.
Now that you have a basic overview of the sport of roller derby, come out and put your newfound knowledge to use. Tickets still remain for today’s bout at the Independence Family Fun Center. Class is adjourned.

Information in this article was compiled from WFTDA (www.wftda.com).

¬by Deb Boylan, Lehigh Valley Rollergirls Correspondent

Our Spring Training Reporter George Kordalski with Michael Schwimer

Drew Carpenter recorded the final 4 outs of the ball game.

Nate Bump got into trouble early but tossed 2 scoreless innings.

Rich Thompson singled and scored the Ironpig's 3rd run at this at bat.

Michael Schwimer struck out the side in the 4th.

Photos compliments of George Kordalski

From our Spring Training Reporter, George Kordalski:

Jordan Ellis blew a 2 run lead in the 6th inning and the Pigs lost today’s Spring Game to the Tigers AAA squad.

Box score forthcoming…

Per Todd Zolecki, @ToddZolecki on Twitter,

The Phillies have sent Stutes, Worley, Galvis, Moss, Larish, Perez and Meyer to minor league camp.

The Ironpig’s spring squad will receive a boost from this group!

OinK!

Sorry for the delay on this, just got the message from the Ironpig’s media dept.

THIRD TIME IS NOT A CHARM; PHILS’ TRIPLE-A SPRING LOSES FIRST GAME, 9-2

After starting with back-to-back wins this spring training, the Phillies’ Triple-A squad(2-1) dropped their first game Thursday — falling 9-2 to the Triple-A Tigers at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater.

Following two terrific offensive performances, the squad was outhit, 12-6, while also committing all three of the game’s errors in the field.

RHP Ryan Feierabend was the starter and losing pitcher, allowing three earned runs on five hits in three innings. The next two pitchers — RHP Brian Bass (3 ip, 3 h, 1 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 3 k) and RHP Jason Grilli (1 ip, 0 h, 0 r, 0 bb, 1 k) — had the most effective lines of any of the five hurlers who appeared Thursday.

The offense was highlighted by OF Chris Frey, who went 2-4 with an RBI out of the leadoff spot. SS Troy Hanzawa (2-3) also collected two hits and the lineup’s other RBI. Former IronPig C John Suomi doubled in his only AB for the squad’s lone extra base hit.

Team next plays a rematch against the Triple-A Tigers at 1 PM on Friday at Tigertown Complex in Lakeland, Fla.

TRIPLE-A TIGERS 9, TRIPLE-A PHILLIES 2 (Unofficial Box):

PLAYERS AB R H RBI
1. FREY, CHRISTOPHER-LF 4 0 2 1
2. GARCIA, HAROLD-2B 4 0 0 0
3. RIZZOTTI, MATTHEW-DH 3 0 1 0
VALLE, SEBASTIAN-DH 1 0 0 0
4. BOZIED, TAGG-1B 3 0 0 0
KENNELLY, TIMOTHY-DH 1 0 0 0
5. RIVERO, CARLOS-3B 4 0 0 0
6. HUDSON, KYRELL-CF 2 0 0 0
7. MILLER, MATTHEW-RF 3 0 0 0
8. NAUGHTON, JOEL-C 2 0 0 0
SUOMI, JOHN-C 1 1 1 0
9. HANZAWA, TROY-SS 3 1 2 1

E – Hanzawa 2 (2). 2B – Suomi (1).

PITCHERS IP H R ER BB KO
FEIERABEND, RYAN L, 0-1 3 5 3 3 2 1
BASS, BRIAN 3 3 1 0 3 3
GRILLI, JASON 1 0 0 0 0 1
LOOP, DERRICK 1 2 1 1 0 1
ANDERSON, MATT 1 2 4 4 2 0

Some transactions for the Phillies organization today:

Catcher Ryan Gugel and first baseman Robb Quinlan were released.

Pitcher Drew Naylor was optioned to the AAA squad.

Pitchers Justin DeFratus and J.C. Ramirez were optioned to AA.

Shortstop Carlos Rivero optioned to AA.

Second baseman Harold Garcia optioned to AA.

Second baseman Cesar Hernandez optioned to High Class A.

First baseman Matt Rizzotti optioned to AA.

Yes, Rizzotti to the AA squad. It was nice meeting him at the Ironpig’s winter banquet and I’m looking forward to seeing him fill the gaping hole left at first base when Andy Tracy left, but it looks like the Phillies player development folks may have other ideas. Possibly just feeling him out, possibly the AAA squad is overflowing with first basement right now. We’ll know for sure in early April so I wouldn’t worry too much Amanda. (Rizzotti’s superfan)

OinK!