From the Ironpig’s Media department:

Phils’ Triple-A SPRING Squad BUCKS BUCCOS, 6-5, on monday

The Phillies’ Triple-A spring training squad cranked out 12 hits en route to a 6-5 edging of the Triple-A Pirates at Prates Complex in Bradenton on Monday. The win improved the team to 4-3 in minor league spring training play.

The top three hitters in the lineup – CF Rich Thompson (2-4, 2B, R), SS Troy Hanzawa (2-3, 2B, 3B, 2 R) and RF Brandon Moss (2-5) – all recorded multi-hit games; with Hanzawa and Moss pacing the club with two RBIs apiece. 3B Carlos Rivero (2-4) had the team’s other multi-hit game while 1B Tagg Bozied (0-3, BB) had the other RBI.

Moss is now batting 4-10 (.400) since being reassigned from Major League camp. The 27-year-old spent most of 2010 in the Pirates system with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he hit .266-22-96 and led the International league in RBI (batted a robust .307 with runners in scoring position). He also appeared in 17 games with Pittsburgh, but hit just .154-0-2. A native of Monroe, Ga., Moss was considered a huge prospect with the Boston Red Sox organization after originally being drafted in the eighth round of 2002. He made it up to the Majors in 2007 and later made headlines when he went 2-5 with a game-tying, ninth-inning home run off Oakland closer Huston Street on Major League Baseball’s Opening Day in Tokyo, Japan, March 25, 2008. Later that season, he was a key part of the trade that brought Jason Bay to Boston (and sent Manny Ramirez to LAD), July 31, 2008. In parts of five big league seasons, Moss has hit .238-15-78 in 244 games. In parts of three seasons, he is a combined .275-46-204 in 312 International League contests. Moss signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent on Nov. 22 and is expected to be a key cog in the 2011 IronPigs lineup.

RHP Ryan Feierabend got the starting nod Monday, allowing three run on five hits and two walks in four innings of work. He was followed by RHP Brian Bass (3 ip, 2 g, r, 0 er, 3 bb, 2 k), RHP Michael Schwimer (1 ip, 2 k) and RHP Drew Carpenter (SV, 1 ip, 4 h, r, er). Schwimer has not allowed a hit, a run or a walk I his five innings pitched (three minor league games).

The Triple-A Phils will next host the Triple-A Pirates today at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla. First-pitch is scheduled for 1 PM.

TRIPLE-A PHILLIES 6, TRIPLE-A PIRATES 5 (Unofficial Box):

PLAYER AB R H RBI

1. Thompson, Rich-CF 4 1 2 0

Frey, Christopher-CF 1 1 1 0

2. Hanzawa, Troy-SS 3 2 2 2

3. Moss, Brandon-RF 5 0 2 2

4. Bozied, Tagg-1B 3 0 0 1

5. Larish, Jeff-DH 3 1 1 0

6. Miller, Matthew-LF 2 0 0 0

Spidale, Michael-LF 1 0 0 0

7. Rivero, Carlos-3B 4 0 2 0

8. Naughton, Joel-C 3 0 1 0

Suomi, John-C 1 1 1 0

9. Mintken, Korby-2B 3 0 0 0

E – Moss (1), Mintken (1), Suomi (1). 2B – Thompson (1), Hanzawa (2). 3B – Hanzawa (1). SB – Thompson (4). CS – Hanzawa (1).

PITCHER IP H R ER BB K

Feierabend, Ryan 4.0 5 3 3 2 3

Bass, Brian 3.0 2 1 0 3 2

Schwimer, Michael 1.0 0 0 0 0 2

Carpenter, Drew (SV, 2) 1.0 4 1 1 0 0

From the Ironpig’s Media team:

LATE JAYS RUN SINKS TRIPLE-A PHILLIES ON SUNDAY, 3-2

RHP Matt Anderson allowed a tie-breaking — and game-winning — run late in Sunday’s game, as the Triple-A Blue Jays edged the Triple-A Phillies, 3-2, at Englebert Complex in Dunedin.

The Phillies team actually outhit the Jays, 9-4; but dropped its record to an even 3-3 for the spring.

RHP Eddie Bonine started and allowed a pair of runs in three innings of work (h, bb, 4 k). The relief was then solid as both RHP Jason Grilli (h, bb) and RHP Michael Stutes (bb, k) tossed two scoreleess innings. Anderson — attempting to amke a comeback after not pitching professionally the past two seasons — was tagged with the loss (ip, 2 h, r, er, 3 bb).

The Phils offense got multi-hit games from CF Chris Frey (2-3, 2B) and DH Tagg Bozied (2-3, 2 2B, BB). LF Matt Miller (1-4) and CF Rich Thompson (1-1) delivered the lone RBIs. 1B Matt Rizzotti was 1-2 with 2 BB.

Michael Stutes appeared in 28 games with Lehigh Valley last season, going 4-1, 3.10 and a SV after a June 18 promotion from Double-A Reading. It was the first season as a reliever for the Phillies 11th round selection of 2008, who led the Eastern League in starts (27) in 2009. A back-to-back NCAA National Champion with Oregon State (2006-07), Stutes has garnered significant attention in big league camp this season. In five Major League spring training games, Stutes was 0-0, 1.00 (gs, 9 ip, 3 h, r, er, hr, bb, 9 k).

The Triple-A Phils next host the Triple-A Pirates at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater on Monday at 1 PM.

TRIPLE-A BLUE JAYS 3, TRIPLE-A BLUE JAYS 2 (Unofficial Box):

PLAYERS AB R H RBI
1. FREY, CHRISTOPHER-CF 3 0 2 0
THOMPSON, RICH-CF 1 1 1 1
2. MILLER, MATTHEW-LF 4 0 1 1
3. LARISH, JEFFREY-3B 3 0 0 0
RIVERO, CARLOS-3B 1 0 0 0
4. BOZIED, TAGG-DH 3 0 2 0
5. MOSS, BRANDON-RF 2 0 1 0
6. RIZZOTTI, MATTHEW-1B 4 0 0 0
7. SPIDALE, MICHAEL-DH 4 0 1 0
8. NAUGHTON, JOEL-C 2 0 0 0
KENNELLY, TIMOTHY-C 1 0 0 0
9. HERNANDEZ, FIDEL-SS 3 0 0 0
10. GARCIA, HAROLD-2B 3 1 1 0

2B – Frey (2), Bozied 2 (2), Garcia (1).

PITCHERS IP H R ER BB K
BONINE, EDDIE 3 1 2 2 1 4
GRILLI, JASON 2 1 0 0 1 0
STUTES, MICHAEL 2 0 0 0 1 1
ANDERSON, MATT L, 0-1 1 2 1 1 3 0

From the Ironpig’s media department.

TRIPLE-A PHILLIES RETURN TO WINNING WAYS OVER JAYS, 5-1, ON SATURDAY

RHP Drew Naylor and three relievers combined to allow just one run as the Triple-A Phillies defeated the Triple-A Blue Jays, 5-1, at Carpenter Complex on Saturday. The win snapped a two-game skid and put the team back above .500 (3-2) in minor league spring training games.

Naylor started and worked into the fifth inning (4.2 ip, 3 h, r, er, bb, 4 k) before yielding to LHP Dan Meyer (1.1 ip, bb, k), RHP Justin De Fratus (2 ip, 2 h, bb, 2 k) and LHP Juan Perez (1 ip, bb, 2 k).

The offense only collected seven hits; but, one day after recording no extra base hits, the lineup produced five — including a solo home run by CF Chris Frey (1-3) and doubles by C Brian Schneider, RF Brandon Moss, LF Michael Spidale and C Joel Naughton. Schneider also had a game-high 2 RBI.

Naylor, 24, spent last season as an Eastern League All-Star with Double-A Reading — going 12-10, 4.63 ERA in 27 G, 26 GS and tying for the EL lead with two shutouts. A member of the Phillies’ 40-Man Roster, the 6’4″ right-hander was originally signed by Philadelphia as an amateur free agent out of Brisbane, Australia, on March 2, 2004. Naylor, whose father Geoff played professional rugby for the Balmain Tigers (1978-79), pitched for Australia in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He also pitched for Brisbane in the Australian Baseball League this past winter (0-0, 3.00 in 3 G). In five career minor league seasons, Naylor has gone 38-40, 4.12 ERA and 1 SV in 106 G, 94 GS.

The Triple-A Phillies will next make the short jaunt to Englebert Complex in Dunedin to take on the Triple-A Blue Jays again Sunday at 1 PM.

TRIPLE-A PHILLIES 5, TRIPLE-A BLUE JAYS 1 (Unofficial Box):

PLAYERS AB R H RBI
1. FREY, CHRISTOPHER-CF 3 1 1 1
THOMPSON, RICH-CF 1 0 0 0
2. HANZAWA, TROY-SS 3 1 1 0
3. SCHNEIDER, BRIAN-C 5 1 1 2
NAUGHTON, JOEL-C 1 0 1 1
4. BOZIED, TAGG-1B 3 0 0 0
LARISH, JEFFREY-1B 0 0 0 0
5. RIVERO, CARLOS-3B 3 1 1 0
KENNELLY, TIMOTHY-3B 0 0 0 0
6. MOSS, BRANDON-RF 3 1 1 0
7. RIZZOTTI, MATTHEW-DH 3 0 0 0
8. SLAYDEN, JEREMY-DH 3 0 0 0
9. SPIDALE, MICHAEL-LF 2 0 1 1
MILLER, MATTHEW-LF 1 0 0 0
10. GARCIA, HAROLD-2B 3 0 0 0

2B – Schneider (1), Moss (1), Spidale (1), Naughton (1). HR – Frey (1).

PITCHERS IP H R ER BB K
NAYLOR, DREW 4.2 3 1 1 1 4
MEYER, DAN 1.1 0 0 0 1 1
DE FRATUS, JUSTIN 2 2 0 0 1 2
PEREZ, JUAN 1 0 0 0 1 2

I was unsure of what to expect tonight. Having never been to an indoor arena football game I noticed small differences and big differences. I won’t go over all of these but will highlight what I found the most interesting.

First off, the place was not packed, but it was LOUD! I counted about 9 false starts from the Richmond Revolution’s offense. (I’m a Seattle Seahawks fan and have come to learn that many false starts can be directly attributed to crowd noise) Perhaps it was the thunder sticks handed out to every fan coming into the stadium or it could have been the Noise Nation, but I have to say I heard the phrase, “Bring the Noise!” more than I’ve heard in a while.

The game moved very quickly compared to NFL games I have attended. Still 4 quarters. Still 15 minute quarters. Just not a TV timeout every 2-3 minutes.

So we started off with a lovely and patriotic singing of the National Anthem by one of the many Steelhawks Dance Team members.

She sang the Anthem beautifully.

The first quarter was exciting with the Steelhawks jumping out to an early lead with a touchdown. It looked like they commanded the first half and the Richmond team seemed to be affected by the level of enthusiam of the newly minted Steelhawk fans. Richmond soon came back. There were several interceptions and a fumble.

I thought this was a cool photo. Looks like he's flying

Play went back and forth and the last 2 minutes proved to be the deciding moments. Sadly, it was someone wearing a black and white uniform who ultimately decided which direction this game was going to go. The Steelhawks had Richmond pinned deep in their own territory and were holding fast with a 4 point lead. The hail mary pass went up, the Richmond Receiver went into the wall, pass incomplete. We all groaned when a late flag hit the turf installed on the floor at Stabler Arena. I didn’t see a replay, but the Revolution’s receiver looked just as surprised. This gave the Revolution a first down with only 5 yards to go for the go ahead score which came quickly after. (Speaking to several players and coaches after the game, this play was hotly contested.) With only 1:20 on the clock in the final quarter it looked like the Steelhawks were doomed. The ensuing kickoff got them to midfield. A quick play got them down to a dozen or so yards for the chance to win the game. With only 11 seconds remaining they made one last ditch effort. (If you’re waiting for my opinion, here it comes). Pass into the end zone, the Steelhawk receiver is checked into the boards with an effort that would make any NHL Hall of Famer proud and the pass drops. The entire stadium looks at that same “quick to the draw” referee to call a pass interference call and it never came. The Steelhawks settled for a field goal sending the game into overtime. Arena football follows college rules in overtime. If you aren’t familiar.. look it up.

The Steelhawks took another fieldgoal and Richmond drove the field coming about 5 yards out before their final play. Stabler arena was booming. Receivers signaled they couldn’t hear, the quarterback was waving and flapping worse than Peyton Manning and the inevitable happened. While giving one last command, Richmond’s quarterback turned his head, the center snapped the ball and it hit a surprised QB right in the groin. Nobody moved. Literally for about 1 second after the snap.. NOBODY MOVED. The QB proudly stood up with the ball (which could easily have gone 40 yards down the field) and dove into the end zone ending the game.

After the game, one thing I was particularly impressed with was both teams shaking hands and taking a knee to come together in prayer. These are good guys working hard and enjoying life.

When all was done, all were invited down onto the field for an autograph and photo session with the players fresh out of the game. I liked this with the Philly Force softball team and still like it now. This is something the Ironpig’s can learn from. One or two autograph sessions are nice, but an organized effort would be better. These players and the organization say they appreciate our support and show through actions that they appreciate our support. We need to get out and help support them as well.

Got to speak to Tammy Santiago, the “voice” of the Steelhawks on the game promotions team. Between quarters and time outs she held on field contests and I have to say I really felt for the guy who put a field goal attempt off of the left upright. Good times and good people!

Tammy Santiago. If you get a chance to say hello and thank her, please do so!

Altogether a great night. I received a lot of messages that the Noise Nation was visible often on the Service Electric 2 Sports broadcast and our thanks also goes out to them.

OinK! or should I say….. Screech!?

All photos courtesy of Noise Nation photographer Heather Mastropieri

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!