The winning continues, and not always the easy way. But they’re back to the part where they don’t give up on games, the bull pen keeps things close, and they just find a way. I credit the Snorkelers Athletic Club.
It’s Pickleball Night!
Photo: Jack Mitroka
About Last Night
Mick Abel battled the raindrops and the problem that is Sam Basallo. It wasn’t his best outing, but it’s difficult to pinpoint why. You can always come back to commanding the fastball, though.
Down 5-1 headed into the second half of the game as another round of light rain started, the ‘Pigs started to chip away. RBI hits by Stevenson and Stubbs brought the score to within 5-3. In the sixth, a two-run double by Rafael Lantigua tied the game at 5. [Aside: Lantigua isn’t really a “prospect” and he doesn’t have flashy numbers or skills, but he always seems to come through when he has an opportunity. If there’s a multi-run rally he was probably in the middle of it. He plays a solid infield. I like having him on our team.] Back to the game: For some reason, we’re still pitching to Sam Basallo (5-for-5 last night in his first action of the week) who crushed a home run. Down 6 to 5 in the eighth, the Tides pitcher couldn’t find the strike zone with two outs. Keaton Anthony played the hero golfing a liner past the shortstop (above) for the 7-6 lead, which held up when Zuni limited the Tides to only a Basallo hit, because of course we’re still pitching to him.
Transactions
The ‘Pigs are quiet headed to the weekend. But the Tides continue to make moves. Rehabber Mountcastle didn’t play last night. Starter Brnovich had to be activated from the Injured List to play. C Chadwick Tromp got DFA’d by the Orioles and peaced-out. The Orioles called up 2B Jeremiah Jackson. RHP Kade Strowd also went up to Baltimore. C Adley Rutschman played behind the plate last night. He went 1-for-5 with 2 K’s and the ‘Pigs stole four bases on him. Not a great night for the MLB phenom.
Game Day!
Game Time: 6:35PM
Gates: 5:15PM Main/Center; 5:00PM Club/Suites
Tickets: This one is going to sell out. Grab your lawn seats now. There are a few on the secondary. If you’re not going to make it to the game, consider listing your tickets for sale.
Promotions:
- Pickleball Night: You may find an exhibition court in the plaza
- Jersey Giveaway: Kiddos get a free pickleball jersey
- Fireworks
Weather: Clearing and cooler by game time. Should be a nice night.
Pitching:
IronPigs: TBA–RHP Adonis Medina will probably get the call. My advice to him is to be very careful pitching to Sam Basallo.
Tides: RHP Roansy Contreras (6-2, 4.19, 23G, 11 Starts). We covered him back in the series preview. He was a very highly regarded prospect when he was send from the Yankees to the Pirates in a trade several years ago. Since then things haven’t gone great. I’m looking forward to seeing him pitch.
Looking Ahead
Aaron Nola threw 56 pitches in a live BP yesterday in New York. I can’t see him rehabbing this weekend with us, so that puts him on the bus to Worcester in all likelihood. I don’t think Reading or Jersey are home this week either, and to get him ready as fast as possible I think Triple-A hitters are in order.
Golf Day tomorrow at the park. Plenty of tickets available as of this writing. Chance of showers, of course.
See you at the park,
@Kram207