“Bill, I believe this is killing me.”
-Billy Joel, Piano Man
About Last Night
Once again we’re getting about as good a pitching contribution as you can expect given this rotation lost it’s best starter (Abel) and a key contributor (Tyler). Rochester hits were finding grass not just like “seeing eye” singles but more like “binocular vision” singles, bleeding their way through the infield. It was enough to get three early runs and that was all it took. Like Tuesday, runners on base could not score. Tuesday it was dumb base-running moves, Wednesday it was silent bats with runners in scoring position.
Virtual Dead Heat
Jacksonville just cannot lose a game. The ‘Magic Number’ for the IronPigs is still 4 with 4 games to play. Jacksonville’s magic number is 5–a combination of 5 wins and IronPigs losses clinches it for Jacksonville. It was so fun. It’s slipping away. It’s a 1.0 game lead for the International League first-half crown.
Jacksonville sends LHP Adam Laskey to the mound tonight to make his Triple-A debut. The Syracuse starter is TBD as of this writing.
Roster Moves
The Phillies traded the Rangers cash for RHP Nolan Hoffman. He’s a former round 5 pick of the Mariners who came up through the Orioles system mostly. He’s spent the last three seasons at Triple-A and has yet to make his MLB debut. He was likely traded because he had an opt-out in his contract which put a deadline on his 40-man status. He was on a minor league deal, but was immediately added to the 40-man roster by the Phillies and optioned to Lehigh Valley. Since he’s been in Triple-A, it appears he’s mostly been a multi-inning reliever. His numbers do not look good this season, but Texas was making some changes in his pitch mix which may not have been working out. He’ll be adjusting on the fly with the IronPigs.
RHP Austin Schulfer was activated from the Injured List
RHP Koyo Aoyagi was added to the Development List
Photo: Jack Mitroka
Game Day!
First Pitch: 6:45PM
Gates: 5:00PM (all)
Promotions:
- Juneteenth Observation
- Twisted Thursday Happy Hour: Drink specials 5PM – 7PM
- Lacrosse Night: On Field lacrosse before the game
- Fireworks, post-game
Weather: Low 80s with sun and wind. Risk of severe weather.
Pitching:
IronPigs: RHP Nabil Crismatt (4-4, 4.06). The Crizzler was back to his best self in the last start. Look for him to be the stopper tonight if he can get some bloody run support.
Rochester: RHP Chase Solesky (2-5, 4.65). Pitches to contact. Can touch 95. 4-pitch profile.
See you at the park,
@Kram207