Mudcats Game Notes
September 1, 2014 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release
The Series vs Winston-Salem -- The Mudcats wrap-up the regular season with a three game series against their inner-state rival Winston-Salem this weekend. Carolina broomed the Dash in a four-game series last weekend and could use another sweep to keep postseason hopes alive. The Mudcats hold a 30-29 series edge and are 17-11 against the Dash in Zebulon.
Last Time Out -- Logan Vick crossed home in a wild finish to Sunday's game as the Mudcats stunned the Winston- Salem Dash 3-2. Yhoxian Medina bounced an infield hit to third baseman Trey Michalczewski and Vick dodged a tag at home to score from second base. Jacob Lee took home his fourth win of the year after pitching 2.2 scoreless frames. Adam Plutko allowed two runs across 6.1 innings in his final start.
Today's Pitching Probables -- Mike Clevinger gets the ball for the Mudcats' season finale this afternoon. The right-hander pitched four hitless innings in his last start before allowing two runs in the fifth. Today mark his third start (fourth appearance) since coming over the Indians in a trade that sent RHP Vinnie Pestano to the An- gels.Clevinger was considered the 17th best prospect according to Baseball America. The Dash counter with J.B. Wendelken. The right-hander is 0-1 against in three starts against the Mudcats and shoulders a 10.22 ERA (12.1 IP, 29H, 22R, 14ER).
He Earned His Merritt -- Ryan Merritt made his final start of the 2014 regular season on August 29, posting his 16th quality start in a no decision. In 25 outings, Merritt pitched through seven innings on 11 occasions. His 2.58 ERA is third overall in the Carolina League and his impressive 0.95 WHIP is tops in Advanced-A. The left-hander set new career highs for a single season with 127 strikeouts and 160.1 innings pitched. Merritt was the first pitch- er to record 13 wins in a season for Carolina since 2000 and only the second in the CL since 2007. Impressively, Merritt finished 6-0 in 14 starts on the road and ended the year without throwing a wild pitch.He was voted a two- time All-Star in the CL this summer, making the start in the Midsummer Classic against the California League.
Baker to Pitch in AFL -- The Cleveland Indians announced their five prospects that will play in the prestigious Arizona Fall League this year. The list includes right-hander pitcher Dylan Baker and three former Mudcats. They will suit up for the Peoria Javelinas. Baker finished his 2014 campaign 3-3 with a 4.05 in nine starts. The list also included RHP Louis Head, who recorded 10 saves with the Mudcats this summer before earning a promotion to Double-A Akron. Catcher Tony Wolters and OF Jordan Smith, members of the 2013 Mudcats, were also selected to play in the AFL.
Nuggets of Interest -- As the regular season draws to the close, the Mudcats rank among the circuit's best in several categories. Offensively, the team's combined batting average (.263), OBP (.348) and walks (551) are tops in the CL. The Mudcats one of only five teams to draw 500+ in Advanced-A this year. The pitching staff owns a combined 3.91 ERA which ranks third. Jerrud Sabourin (.295) and Yhoxian Medina (.289) are in the league's Top 10 for batting average.
Cardiac 'Cats -- The Mudcats took home another one-run win on Sunday. The team has played in an astonishing 76 games decided by two runs or less and 31 of 68 games in the second half were decided by a single tally (14-17 record). The Mudcats are 34-41 in games decided by two or less this year. The team is 14-14 in games two-run games and 21-27 in one-run contests.
Looking Forward -- The Mudcats will open the 2015 Carolina League season with a home series against the Salem Red Sox. Opening Night is set for April 9th. For tickets and information on future events, visit carolinamudcats.
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Carolina League Stories from September 1, 2014
- Birds Celebrate Second Half Title With Walk-Off Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Pelicans Postseason Schedule Set - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Hillcats Drop Regular-Season Finale, 3-2 - Lynchburg Hillcats
- P-Nats Prevail 6-1 vs. Keys on Final Day of 2014 Regular Season - Potomac Nationals
- Keys Fall in Season Finale - Frederick Keys
- Mudcats Drop Season Finale to Dash - Carolina Mudcats
- Rocks End Season with Walk-Off Win over Salem - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Rocks Top Sox 7-6 in 10 - Salem Red Sox
- Pelicans Named Field of the Year - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Dash Conclude 2014 Season with Labor Day Win - Winston-Salem Dash
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Pelicans Game Notes: 5:05 vs. Lynchburg Hillcats - September 1, 2014 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Game Notes: September 1, 2014 - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Salem Red Sox Game Notes - Salem Red Sox
- Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (September 1 at Carolina) - Winston-Salem Dash
- Mudcats Game Notes - Carolina Mudcats
- P-Nats Sweep Doubleheader in Frederick with Pair of One-Run Wins - Potomac Nationals
- Keys Eliminated from Playoff Contention - Frederick Keys
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