A recap of the four-game home series with the Rochester Redwings
Once upon a time, long ago and far away, I worked on the road crew to earn money for college. Contrary to popular belief, we worked hard and we “made a difference.” (That’s what they used to say, not good or bad, just “a difference.”) Anyway, I worked with some great guys. They would continually ask me, though, knowing I was temporary help, on leave from University or Graduate School, “How do you like it out here?”
“It’s fine,” I would reply.
“So, how do you like it out here?” They continued to ask. They had to know I wasn’t thinking of ditching seven years of college to apply for a full-time spot, right?
“Look,” I finally said, “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t getting paid.”
Well, here at the NoiseNation, we don’t get paid. Sometimes the jobs that do pay–not to mention life’s other obligations–get in the way of witty posts and game recaps. Better late than never, they say, right?
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The IronPigs just wrapped up a four game home set with Rochester, taking three out of four. Tuesday night brought a guy named Chase Utley for a rehab stint–not to mention the John Mayberry Jr. bobble-heads. It was probably the most hoopla I’d seen for such an appearance. There were plenty of folks in the park (and the parking lots) who don’t regularly come to the games. That’s good for our team and organization, but I can’t say I truly enjoy it. Perhaps it was Mr. Utley, or perhaps it was the home field, but the ‘Pigs pounded out 18 hits–including 2/5, HR, for Chase–on the way to a 10-3 win. Pridie was an offensive star, going 4/5. Turns out he was pregnant, so even more impressive. Matt Wright could only go three due to a stiff shoulder, and Aumont had some difficulty with the final inning.
Wednesday, the bats quieted down. Jason Pridie left to have his baby. Tom Cochrane went as far as he could, and BJ Rosenberg came in to relieve him. By that time, the ‘Pigs had crawled back to a 3-3 tie and a couple Redwings had been tossed. The ‘Pigs had all the momentum, but just couldn’t push the runners across. After a couple really good innings, Rosenberg came back out for the ninth. He said he felt fine, and the fact is, the ‘Pigs have to eat innings now. We’ve got a full double-header on tap for Sunday (more on that later), Wright injured, and a shortened bench due to injuries and call-ups. Rosenberg gave up a couple of doubles, and the ‘Pigs couldn’t answer, dropping the game 4-3.
The bats came alive again on Thursday as the ‘Pigs once again jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning on the way to a 10-1 win. Pete Orr, who has struggled lately, went 3/4 and drove in three. Everyone but Tuffy got a hit. Tyler Cloyd wasn’t sharp, but the AAA All-Star starting pitcher battled his way through six innings, scattering seven hits and one earned run. Newcomer Michael Cisco came in to take care of the final three. He did so with aplomb, tossing 26 strikes out of 39 pitches while giving up only three hits and no free passes. Welcome to the IronPigs, Mr. Cisco!
Friday night brought another close one. Perhaps Elarton has something left. He’s not won since mid-May, but his stuff was good last night despite once again not getting the win. It was 2-2 going into the sixth. With two bull-pen days on tap for the Sunday double-header, Mr. Sandberg needed more innings from Elarton. He yielded two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh (one on a botched intentional walk) but go through those innings. Then, Tuffy’s revenge. The Tuffmeister might have been hitless in the previous game, but he came through with two big doubles to tie, then win, the game. Once again, the ‘Pigs win a close one, walk off, and take it in ten. Reports are, Tug Hulett would have been pitching soon if the thing had stretched much past the tenth inning.
Now we’re up to date. The weekend brings the PawSox. By virtue of the three wins against Rochester and the PawSox recent 1-9 slump, the ‘Pigs are back in first place. It’s time to put some distance up there with three games in two days against said PawSox. The day-night two-fer on Sunday will be double bull-pen games for the ‘Pigs. Wiley veteran lefty Pat Misch will look to eat up innings and get the win tonight (Saturday). He’s been pitching really well of late, so I’m looking forward to a nice night and hopefully a win. Plus, Pridie’s back from having his baby, so another big bat in the lineup is always welcome. He’ll be batting fifth tonight. Add in AA-All Star reliever Justin Friend just called up from Reading, and I think we’ll be OK!
Stay cool, and I’ll see you at the park (or the tailgate, see next post)
@KRAM209
PS: There are whispers that Ryan Howard might be rehabing soon. Stay tuned.
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