The red-hot IronPigs shuffled off to Rochester earlier this week on the heels of a home sweep of the then-first-place Tides, ready to push for a .500 record and perhaps use it as a spring-board to challenge the division leaders, Buffalo and Pawtucket. Alas, it was not to be. The ‘Pigs ran into former ‘Pig–and recently demoted–Vance Worley on Memorial Day and lost decisively. The bats came alive the next three games to the tune of 24 runs. However, it was not to be, as the they dropped all three games 8-7, 8-7, and 13-10. The pitching staff, thin from roster moves, injuries, rain delays, and day games couldn’t seem to get an out–or a pitch–when they needed it. That’s how it goes, though, and we roll on.
The Gwinnett Braves arrive in town from Syracuse having gone 8-2 over their last 10, and having won 3 of 4 from last-place Syracuse. Gwinnett’s record is similar to the IronPigs’. Here are the projected pitching match-ups for the wrap-around series:
Friday: Miner vs. RHP Tim Corcoran (3-3, 3.19)
Saturday: Rosenberg vs. RHP Omar Poveda (3-3, 2.84)
Sunday: Martin vs. LHP Yohan Flande (former Phillies Farm Hand) (2-4, 4.70)
Monday: Valdes vs. LHP Sean Gilmartin (3-3, 4.06)
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What to watch for:
- Monday’s starter, Sean Gilmartin, is the #4 prospect in the Braves’ system
- CF Todd Cunningham is the #8 prospect in the Brave’s system
- RF Joey Terdoslevich is the #14 prospect in the Brave’s system
- RHP David Hale (mostly a starter, but in relief yesterday) is the #19 prospect.
Who’s Hot:
- Josh Fields has a 10-game hit streak where his average nears .500
- Recently added INF Troy Hanzawa (up from Reading in the Utley/Martinez move) is hitting .435 since joining the IronPigs
- Joe Savery and Justin Friend have been solid out of the ‘pen of late
- The IronPigs continue to lead the league in triples, and have already surpassed their total from all of last season
Who’s Not:
- IronPigs’ starters have not gone more than 5 innings much at all this season.
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At the Park:
Friday: Fireworks and Dueling Pianos
Saturday: Russian Bar Trio
Sunday: Dog Team Performance, Kids Run the Bases
Monday: Team Photo and Autograph Night
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PigStop Menu (Club Level Featured Items):
Friday:
The Heffer Express- Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Onion Rings, served on a Kaiser Roll-$6.50
Saturday:
Dirty Dog-Jumbo All Beef Hot Dog topped with Pulled Pork, Cheese Sauce, Bacon.-$6.00
Sunday:
The Sensation-Spicy Battered Chicken Breast topped with Fried Banana Peppers, Munster Cheese, and Salsa- $6.50
Monday:
The Meaty Monster-Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey, Coleslaw, Thousand Island Dressing, Served on Marble Rye- $7.00
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One more thing:
Pure speculation, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Carlos Zambrano added to start the game on Sunday. Reading’s home as well, or they could leave him in Clearwater. Just a hunch. If nothing else, it would be interesting and it would add some innings.
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See you at the park,
@Kram209
(photo from 
noisenation.mlblogs.com 