Category Archives: DiPro’s Dish

April 26, 2012 · 9:48 am

‘Pigs Schooled by Bisons – 12-1

On the first Education Day of 2012 the IronPigs where schooled by the Bisons. "Oy Vey"

Starting pitcher Scott Elarton didn't fare well in this first week-day (morning) game of the season.

After advancing to second on a passed ball, Bobby Scales is doubled off on a strong throw from right fielder Lou Montanez while Mike Fontenot looks on.

Domonic Brown - "Cut on and missed" to end the first and it pretty much went down hill from there. The 'Pigs had a tough day all-around and D. Brown had a couple mis-cues in left. Regardless of all that Brown still has a higher AVG (.269) to John Mayberry, Jr.'s (.200). Dom will shake it off and return strong!

Buffalo's third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo hits a sac fly to right that begins the scoring tirade plating Josh Satin (1B).

Omar Quintanilla (SS) is congratulated after hitting the first of 4 home runs on the day including the 2nd homer buy a Buffalo pitcher in the last two games!

Vote for FeFe!

IronPigs Manager Ryne Sandberg surveys the scene.

Catcher Tuffy Gosewisch with a big cut and a strike out on a foul tip held on by catcher Lucas May. The 'Pigs only managed 5 hits and were sent down on strikes 7 times.

Scott Podsednik readies for his at bat. The Podfather did not fare as well as last game going 0-4 with 1 K. In fact only 4 of 12 batters during day managed hits and Cody Overbeck managed the only multiple hit outing with the sole RBI.

IronPigs radio broadcaster Jon Schaeffer discusses lunch with Matt Provence. These two were on fire today! Quote of the day: "I had a cat that I named Kitty" (Matt) "That's like having a kid and naming it human! (Schaeff) (click to enlarge)

After this "cut on and miss", Bobby Scales draws a walk and...

...Vinny Rottino doubles on a drive to center and...

...Scales scores.

Tuffy Gosewisch comforts Elarton after he surrendered 9 runs (8 earned) on 10 hits, 1 BB, 1 K and two - 2 run homers to Quintanilla and Satin. Elarton is still on his comeback tour after recovering from numerous injuries. Surely Scott will shake it off and return strong in his next start.

Scott Elarton wonders what is wrong with this blasted baseball - Uncle Marty some assistance please!?!

"Gimme the new Guy"

B.J. Rosenberg fresh from the R-Phils (to take the place of Michael Schwimer who got the call up to the Phils) makes his IronPigs debut.

Despite the amazing follow-through, Rosenberg gave up the 3rd home-run of the day, a two-run shot to Bison's pitcher Matt Harvey.

In the 6th Rosenberg gets Matt Tuiasosopo to ground into a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning and his debut. He would be replaced by Jeremy Horst.

Rich Thompson (PH) for pitcher Rosenberg leads off the 6th with a single and ends up on 3rd after a Domonic Brown double. There was no sense in sending Richie with the score 11-0. Hector Luna would pop-out to SS to end the inning.

Lindsey Knupp, Director of Promotions/Entertainment always makes sure the kids have fun on Education Day. In fact, the kids sure can bring the NOISE and it's often some of the loudest moments throughout the season at Coca-Cola Park.

Jeremy Horst comes on to finish the afternoon and surrenders the fourth home-run of the day. This time of the solo variety to catcher Lucas May.

After a Kevin Frandsen ground-out, Hector Luna walks to begin the rally!

Fontenot is not and flies out to CF for out number 2.

Cody Overbeck launches a double to CF scoring Luna. Then in a brilliant managerial move, Wally Backman completes a pitching change in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs and the score 12-1. (Perhaps there was a pinch count - we'll give Wally the benefit of the doubt.) Regardless, new pitcher Jeff Stevens would get Lou Montanez to go down swinging to end the misery.

Click the play button below to hear Matt Provence tell you the rest.

Tonight the IronPigs will begin a 4 game home (away) stand as the SWB Yankees come to town. SWB has been the home team previously at CCP when their field flooded – it should be interesting. Game time is 7:05 pm and tickets are still available for Ryne Sandberg bronze statue give-away night!

Let’s Go IronPigs!

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April 25, 2012 · 9:14 am

The Podfather – ‘Pigs Prevail 3-2 in 11

Not a Valentino Pascucci or a Vinny Rottino would best The Podfather this night.

.

Starting pitcher Tom Cochran went 6 strong scoreless innings giving up 4 hits with 2 BB and 4 K.

Scott Podsednik leads off with a grounder to short - just out at first. The Podfather would go on to a 2-5 night with 2 R and the game winning RBI.

Domonic Brown singles to right, steals 2nd and is left stranded when Hector Luna...

...ends the inning - "Called 3rd Strike - Got emmm"

In the 2nd, Raul Reyes attempts a steal and the throw is...

...NOT in time - Safe!

In the 'Pigs half of the 3rd, after walks to Podsednik and Brown, Hector Luna advances both runners into scoring position on a ground out to third for the 2nd out.

Mike Fontenot becomes Mike FontenYES (courtesy of Matt Provence) and with a single to left plates Scott Podsednik for the first run of the game. In two games Fontenot is 3 for 7 (.429) with a 2b an RBI and 2 BB while only striking out once.

During the 4th, following a single, Buffalo's Josh Satin (1B) is OUT at a close (force) out at 2nd. The inning then ends on a 6-4-3 DP.

Bottom 5 - Following a single by Podsednik and a double by Frandsen, Domonic Brown launches a fly to LF. Vinny Rottino readies himself and fires home as The Podfather tags and...

...with a nifty slide, Pods beats the play at the plate to score again!

Bottom of the 6th - Erik Kratz ropes one into the BullPen and the 'Pigs are up 3-0. Buffalo would get 2 in the 8th on a 2-run dinger by Vinny Rottino and 1 more in the 9th to tie the game 3-3 and send the 'Pigs to extra frames.

The IronPigs' Raul Valdes strikes out Buffalo's Raul Reyes in the top of the 11th and would get the win in the bottom half when...

The Podfather singles to right... The play at the plate...

... and Kratzie is SAFE - scoring from second to end the game in the 11th. Pigs 4 - Bisons 3. While stranding 11, the 'Pigs did have 2 hits with runners in scoring position to end the losing streak. Pigs Fly!

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April 24, 2012 · 3:58 pm

No Coke & A Smile – Lutz called up to Mets

Zach Lutz in the last 5 games against LHV went 8 for 17 for a blistering .471. However, Lutz didn’t score any runs and only had 2 RBI along with 1 BB and 6 K.

Lutz has been called up to replace the Met’s Jason Bay (LF) who suffered a broken rib yesterday diving for a fly ball.

One less bat – more ‘Pigs runs!

Go Pigs!

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April 24, 2012 · 9:12 am

‘Pigs lose 1st at home – 5-1 to Buffalo – It’s a Philly Thing!

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their first game at home and their 3rd in a row in a downright chilled Coca-Cola Park. The Pigs are now 2 1/2 games behind Pawtucket in the IL North.

The ‘Pigs only managed 1 run on 7 hits while surrendering 5 runs on 15 hits.

It seems the Phils are having about the same luck at the plate at the ‘Pigs.

Looks like both teams are off to a slow offensive start and hopefully as the weather warms up so will the bats. Otherwise, we may all be in for a long season.

Not too many highlights for the evening so we’ll get straight to the Box, the Voice, and the Pix.

 Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

Despite the chilly weather fans lined up for Richie T bobbleheads. (DiPro)

Rich Thompson was honored before the game with a bobblehead and a birthday wish. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Both former major leaguers, Ryne Sandberg and Wally Backman exchange line-up cards. Ryno & Wally were born 4 days apart and both played 2nd base. Backman has a Ring, Sandberg is in the Hall. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Starting pitcher Pat Misch finished after 4 2/3 giving up 7 hits, 3 ER and a solo home-run to Bison's Pitcher Dylan Owen. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Pat Misch - the other side. (DiPro)

Pat Misch - SSTTRRIIKKEE. (DiPro)

Thanks to Richie T for the amazing years of AAA Baseball in the LHV and for being the first inductee in the "IronPigs Hall of Fame". (DiPro)

Josh Satin (1B) is tagged out by Tuffy Gosewisch (C) on a strong throw by Derrick Mitchell (RF) to end the first. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Not by Kevin Frandsen's (3B) chiny chin chin. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Newest IronPig acquisition Mike Fontenot (2B) turns two. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Cody Overbeck (1B) calls off Mike Fontenot and catches a pop-up by Bisons catcher Lucas May. (DiPro)

Rich Thompson (CF) is hit by a pitch in the bottom of the 4th. (DiPro)

Richie T is SAFE after a pick-off attempt. (DiPro)

Kevin Frandsen lays down a successful SAC bunt and advances Rich T to 2nd. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Cody Overbeck singles to left... (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

...and scores Rich Thompson for the only run of the night. (DiPro)

Phillipe Aumont sets... (DiPro)

...and delivers. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Phillippe Aumont misses a bunt try and Derrick Mitchell is thrown out after wandering too far off 2nd - by catcher May - rally done. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

David Purcey - SSTTRRIIKKEE. (DiPro)

Mike Fontenont smacks the only multi-base hit of the night with a double to left and is stranded on 3rd when Blanco is called out on strikes by an apparently cold HP Umpire Chad Whitson. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Barbie Q in the lead but is distracted by a dancer... (DiPro)

...leaving Hambone in the lead but he too is distracted and loses. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

"Pregame autographs by Dave Bush & Dom Brown...what really impressed me---there was a huge line---and Dom Brown stayed at least an extra 10 minutes & signed & signed & signed---everyone in that line (plus more who jumped in late) got an autograph! Gotta love that!"
(Photograph & Quote courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

I agree with Cheryl – Domonic is a different player than he was last year. Mayberry is hitting .175 with 2 RBI – Brown is hitting .262 with 8 RBIs. Will the Phils make some moves?

Twelve more games to go in this record-breaking home stand – game time today is 7:05 and the forecast looks slightly warmer – let’s hope the bats thaw.

Go Pigs!

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April 23, 2012 · 4:06 pm

IronPigs – RISP – .088 Avg in Losses

With the ‘Pigs 11-6 and 1 game behind the Pawtucket Red Sox in the IL North, I wanted to expand a little on Dan’s earlier post with some interesting stats.  All IL team stats can be found here for your own comparison purposes.

“If winning isn’t important, why do we spend all that money on scoreboards?”
~Chuck Coonradt (author of The Game of Work)

Runners left in scoring position refers to the number of runners on second or third base at the end of an inning and is an inverse measure of a team’s offensive efficiency. (Wiki)

RISP – Runners In Scoring Position

Total Team – 28 for 138 (.203 avg)  108 LOB

When winning – 25 for 104 (.240 avg)  74 LOB

When losing – 3 for 34 (.088 avg)  29 LOB

At Home –  14 for 58 (.241 avg)  39 LOB

Away – 14 for 80 (.175 avg)  69 LOB

[Home Record 7-0  Away Record 4-6]

Pawtucket’s Totals – 50 for 175 (.286 avg)  139 LOB

Scoring  – Total Runs Scored

Total Team – 64 Runs scored

When winning – The IronPigs have outscored their opponent by 25 (57-32)

When losing –  The IronPigs have been outscored by their opponent by 21 (28-7) {9 of those were un-earned}

At home – The IronPigs have outscored their opponent by 13  (37-24)

Away – The IronPigs have been outscored by their opponent by 9 (36-27)

What does it all mean? Only time will tell…

This team is loaded with young and veteran talent and while at this point there is no need to panic, the stats are interesting just the same, especially with an 11-6 record.

It’s the bullpen that appears to be keeping the ‘Pigs near the top of the standings for the most part. Stay tuned for a future post about the ‘pen.

There have also been some un-timely errors that have cost the IronPigs a few games. At this point, we’ll just chalk that up to being in the early part of the season.

Let’s hear from all the “unemployed analysts” out there with your opinions!

Pig Out!

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April 23, 2012 · 2:06 pm

MLB Veteran Mike Fontenot Now a ‘Pig

MLB verteran Mike Fontenot (INF) (usually 2B) was activated from the temporary inactive list and assigned to LHV today.

(photo ESPN)

The 31 year old, Lousianna native, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 21st round of the 1999 MLB June Amateur Draft and the Baltimore Orioles in the 1st round (19th) of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft

Mike brings another (veteran) lefty bat to LHV and has 6 years of MLB service (Cubs/Giants) under his belt. During his MLB career he hit .263 with 26 HR, 266 SO, and 133 BB. Wonder how he hits with runners in scoring position?

In 2004 Fontenot played for the Ottawa Lynx which (as you know) eventually became the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

So, welcome back? Or perhaps welcome aboard Mike!

OinK On!

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April 22, 2012 · 4:27 pm

‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ – Pigs swept by Wings – lose 3-2

Yes, how many times must the long balls fly
Before they’re never caught?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.

The answer was certainly blowing  in the wind today as the IronPigs were windblown into 3-2 loss with at lease two blasts that without the wind would have changed the outcome. Erik Kratz blasted one to center that surely would have been gone and Kevin Frandsen blasted one to left center that would have surely tied the game in the 9th.

In fact, the weather was so nasty (wind chills in the 30’s) that the scheduled double header was re-scheduled until July and today’s game will therefore be of the 9 inning variety. Let’s see if the ‘Pigs can take advantage and squeak out a final win on this week long (6 games) road trip.

Bottom 1 – Attack of the Wings

Ben Revere (LF) leads the game off with a single followed by a Matt Carson (RF) double that scores Revere. Wings 1 – Pigs 0

Bottom 3 – Return of the Wings

Ray Chang (2B) singles then Ben Revere (LF) singles. Brian Dozier (SS) bunts to Hector Luna at 3rd and Luna charges, makes a strong throw in the dirt, dug out by Cody Overbeck and Dozier just beats it out – Dozier is credited with a single.

Matt Carson (RF) knocks a sac fly to Derrick Micthell in CF and scores Chang.  Joe Benson (CF) then smacks a ground ball past 3rd scoring Revere. Pigs now down 3 – 0.

Top 4 – Nine straight innings without a run until…

Andres Blanco (SS) and Domonic Brown(LF) begin the 4th with back-to-back singles. The IronPigs get their first run when Hector Luna (3B) grounds to short scoring Blanco. Rochester 3 – Lehigh Valley 1

Kevin Frandsen (2B) pops out to left fielder Ben Revere (LF) for the 2nd out.

The IronPigs finally get a hit with runners in scoring position with a single scoring Brown for his team leading 10th RBI.

Derrick Mitchell (CF) grounds out to 3rd to end the inning. Red Wings 3 – IronPigs 2

Top 5 – Holy Kratz! (it’s windy)

Erik Kratz blasts one to center – Benson goes back – and the ball falls out the sky when it’s knocked down by the Arctic blast. Wings 3 – ‘Pigs 3  2

Top 6 – More RISP / No Scoring

Andres Blanco leads the inning with a single.

Domonic Brown flies out to center (1 out).

Hector Luna grounds into a 4-3 FC for the 2nd out advancing Blanco to 2nd.

With still yet another runner in scoring position Kevin Frandsen fouls out to former IronPig Matt Rizzotti to end the inning. Wings 3 – ‘Pigs 2

Bottom 6 – The return of Valdes

Valdes strikes out Benson swinging.  1-out

Michael Hollimon (3B) is called out on strikes. 2 down

Aaron “Norman” Bates pops out to Domonic Brown in left to end the inning.

Time for the ‘Pigs bats to get warmed up!

Top 7 – Diamonds are not a ‘Pigs best friend

Cody Overbeck flies out to 3rd baseman Holliman in a win blown, adventurous pop. The wind is brutal today blowing in from Lake Ontario.

Derrick Mitchell grounds out to 3rd baseman Holliman.

Lou Montanzez fouls out to our friend, first-baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Scott Diamond with 7 strong innings giving up 4 hits, 2 runs (both un-earned) 4 SO and no walks.

Bottom 7th – Valdez retires 6 in a row

J.R. Towles (C) flies out to left.

Ray Chang flies out to center

Ben Revere grounds out to Overbeck at 1st – unassisted.

Six outs left for the ‘Pigs to create some offense.

Top 8 – Fien is just Fine

Casey Fien on to replace starter Scott Diamond.

Kratz flies out to RF, Podsednik flies out to LF, Blanco grounds out to Fien to end the inning after 11 pitches.

Bottom 8 – Diekman no Leakman

Brian Dozier grounds out to short.  1 out

Matt Carson singles on a line drive to center fielder.

Pitching change (Jake Diekman) for LHV replacing Valdes who pitched 2 1/3, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K, and 0 BB.

Carson steals 2nd on the first pitch from Diekman.

Matt Rizzotti grounds out on a tough play by pitcher Diekman and Carson advances to 3rd.

Joe Benson – “Cuuuttt on and Missed” on a 94 mph fastball to end the inning and left 90’ of insurance on 3rd.

Last chance for the ‘Pigs as Brown, Luna, and Frandsen – 2 ,  3,  4 come to the plate.

Top 9 – RISP? NOPE!

Domonic Brown flies out to left on a line shot right in the mitt of RF Matt Carson. 1 out

Hector Luna singles on a liner to right and Richie T replaces Luna running at first.

Kevin Frandsen rips a line drive to right center, Rich Thompson rounds 2nd and the Canadian win strikes again as center fielder Matt Carson tracks it down just in front of the 390’ sign.

Rich Thomson steals 2nd followed by Cody Overbeck’s  ground out on a close play – Rizzotti to pitcher Fien.

The Red Wings revenge the 3 game sweep at Coca-Cola Park by sweeping the ‘Pigs at Frontier Fields. LHV ends the 6 game road trip 2-4 and return for Monday’s home stand 1 game behind Pawtucket in the IL N.

Tomorrow is Richie T bobblehead day better get there early!

Pig Out!

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April 21, 2012 · 12:53 pm

“Blame it on the Rain” – ‘Pigs Postponed

No sure if we can blame Milli Vanilli but today’s game at the Rochester Red Wings has been rescheduled as part of a dreaded 7 inning doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1:05 pm. Austin Hyatt (2-0, 2.20) is scheduled on the hill for the ‘Pigs and Scott Diamond (3-0, 1.47) for the Wings.

Oy Vey

Go Pigs!

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April 20, 2012 · 10:16 pm

‘Pigs lose – (to) Wings – Don’t fly

The IronPigs began their 3 game series against the Rochester Red Wings on 4/20 with a 5-2 loss.

A lucky fan from Northampton won $250 in the Good Shepherd Back-to-Back Homerun Sweepstakes Contest when 8 and 9 hitters Derrick Mitchell and Tuffy Gosewisch hit the IronPigs first back-to-back home runs of the season to jump out to a 2-0 lead.

Unfortunately, for LHV that was the only scoring they would plate and dropped their 5th game of the season and (pending the result of Durham vs. Pawtucket) may fall out of sole possession of the lead in the IL North.

Despite 11 hits, the IronPigs would leave 9 on base and go 0-7 with RISP.  (Rochester was 3-8 with RISP.)

Tuffy Gosewisch (C) 3 for 4 with the solo blast in the 3rd.

Domonic Brown (LF) 2 for 3 with 1 BB and 1 SO.

Joe Thurston (2B) 2 for 4.

Dave Bush (1-2) gets this loss with 4.2 innings pitched surrendering 7 hits, 4 earned runs and 1 strike out.

Tough loss for the IronPigs and hopefully tomorrow LHV will square up the series with Rochester and get ready for the record setting home stand on Monday.

Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

Depending on the severity of the Carlos Ruiz wrist injury we may see a transaction or two if the Phillies require a catcher. Will Kratz go?

Game time for Saturday is 1:05 pm.

Let’s Go ‘Pigs!

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April 16, 2012 · 2:57 pm

Savery Back – Suomi the DL – IronPigs Roster (update)

IronPigs Media Director Matt Provence has released an updated roster following the optioning of Joe Savery (P) to LHV and John Suomi’s (C) placement on the “DL” (shin contusion) retro to 4/15.

(Click to see full size)

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