MWL1 Burlington Bees

Bees Win Pitchers' Duel Part Two

Published on April 20, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Burlington Bees News Release


BURLINGTON, Iowa - The Burlington Bees (7-8) shut out the Lansing Lugnuts (12-3) in game two of a three game series with a great pitching performance from right-hander, Sean Murphy. The two teams have now defeated each other by the same, 2-0 score in two straight games.

Sean Murphy took the hill for the Bees and looked outstanding in 6.2 innings pitched. Murphy used all of his pitches and looked determined to attack the strike zone throughout the game. His slider was sharp, his change- up disappeared as it reached the plate, and his heater consistently blew past the Lugnuts' batters. The tall right- hander threw 6.2 innings and gave up only four hits, four walks and struck out seven.

Murphy faced trouble in the sixth when leadoff man, Jon Berti reached due to an error by first baseman, Doug- las Landaeta. Berti went all the way to second base then advanced to third when the second batter of the inning, Kenny Wilson put down a successful sacrifice bunt. But Murphy was saved by an impressive defensive play by second baseman, Chih-Fang Pan and catcher, John Nester. With the infield drawn in, K.C. Hobson lifted a shal- low fly ball to rightfield. Pan raced after it and snagged it for one out. Then Berti tried to tag up from third base and was ruled out at the plate by a well-placed tag from Nester.

When Murphy put two runners on with two outs in the top of the seventh, manager Aaron Nieckula brought Jeff Urlaub in to put out the fire. Urlaub struck out Kellen Sweeney with a 3-2 fastball to hold onto the lead. Oppos- ing batters are only hitting at a .083 clip against Urlaub.

The offense did enough by scoring one run in the bottom of the sixth. Douglas Landaeta doubled to lead it off and scored on a base hit from Bobby Crocker. In the bottom of the eighth, John Nester crushed a pitch for a solo homer and some insurance heading into the ninth. Right-hander Ryan Doolittle earned his first save of the season by pitching a perfect top of the ninth and striking out the final batter.

The Bees try to take the series on Saturday night in the rubber match of the three game series. For tickets, call (319) 754-5705 or visit www.gobees.com for more information.




Midwest League Stories from April 20, 2012


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