IL1 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

SWB Game Notes

Published on May 19, 2013 under International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders News Release


WILD FINISH: On a bullpen day for the RailRiders, closers played a big role in their series opener with the Clippers. In front of a sold-out crowd of 10,100, Corban Joseph's ninth-inning two-run homer off IL saves leader Preston Guilmet gave his squad new life. But in the bottom half of the frame, Jim Miller's leadoff walk to former SWB man Matt Carson proved costly, as Chris Wallace's two-out single to right scored Carson and handed the RailRiders a 4-3 walk-off loss.

IT'S A WALK-OFF: The RailRiders suffered their first walk-off loss of the season. They have yet to win in the most dramatic of fashions.

DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS: The RailRiders have lost six of seven and eight of 11. Five of the eight losses over that longer stretch have been decided a single score and two of the 11 games have required extra innings. The Clippers have won four straight and eight of 10.

EIGHT BASES, ONE HIT: In the one-run finish, Columbus posted a pair of run-scoring innings on one total hit. At the start of the home sixth, Lonnie Chisenhall was grazed by a Chase Whitley pitch. A Carson tapper to Whitley advanced Chisenhall to second while Whitley's wild pitch gave him third. Cedric Hunter then got Chisenhall home with a line-drive sac fly to center. In the bottom of the ninth, Carson's sixth successful steal in as many attempts on the season promptly followed his leadoff walk. Hunter again sacrificed, this time on a bunt. After Juan Diaz struck out, Wallace singled the game-winner off Miller (0-4), providing the only hit between the two frames. Carson played in the Yankees' system from his start in pro ball in 2002 through 2008. He spent most of that final year with SWB.

THE MELK MAN: Melky Mesa went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and grounded into a double play. His two whiffs last night lifted his season-long total to 66. That leads the IL and ranks third in minor league baseball, trailing only Lewis Brinson's 72 (Low-A Hickory/Texas Rangers) and Alex Liddi's 67 (Triple-A Tacoma/Seattle Mariners). Those two men have 12 and 13 walks on the season respectively. Mesa boasts just four, including none since April 14. He has 152 at-bats this season, meaning he has struck out in more than 43% of his at-bats.

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD: The RailRiders have lost twice as many road games through five affairs on this road trip (4) as they had in 14 such games entering the journey (2). SWB was the best road team in the minors with an .857 winning percentage when it departed PNC Field on Monday night. The squad is in the midst of playing 16 of 20 away from NEPA.

HOW THE WEST WAS LOST: SWB has a losing record against each of the three IL West squads. It has dropped three of four to both Columbus and Indianapolis at PNC Field, along with losing three of four at Toledo's Fifth Third Field to start this road trip. Add in last night's series opener at Huntington Park and the RailRiders are 3-10 (.231) against the IL West. They are 18-10 (.643) against everyone else in the loop.

START ME UP: Last night's fill-in starter, Kelvin Perez, allowed two tallies over 3.2 innings. Technically, Joba Chamberlain started Tuesday's game at Toledo, but he went just one inning by design. When including tonight's man, Caleb Cotham, as the starter for that night, the true starters for SWB have allowed 22 runs over 23.1 IP for an 8.49 ERA on the road trip. That includes just 15 strikeouts and 35 hits in 99 opposing at-bats (.354 BAA).

DING, DING: Josh Bell got his first hit as a RailRider with a sixth-inning double. He finished the game 1-for-3 with a walk as well.

ON THE CHASE: On a bullpen day, the RailRiders got help when Chase Whitley was activated from the DL. In his season debut, the right-hander tossed 2.1 bridge innings, allowing just one run on one hit while stranding an inherited runner. He spent most of last season with SWB. He tied for third on the team in wins, going 9-5 with a 3.25 ERA over 41 appearances (two starts). He posted a 1.07 WHIP and .213 BAA and stranded 10 of his 13 (.769) inherited runners.

Check out the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from May 19, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central