Big Fifth Inning Keys Blasters' Spring Training Win
May 13, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
It took a few innings for the Joplin Blasters to warm up the bats on Friday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
But when they did, it came in an offensive explosion.
The Blasters scored six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, which provided the difference in a 7-1 spring training victory over the Topeka Train Robbers of the Pecos League. The win gave the Blasters a second straight preseason triumph.
Topeka struck first in the ballgame, plating a run in the top of the second. Tyler Shannon led off the inning by taking first on a hit by pitch. Shannon came around to score on an RBI single by Matt Cantonwine, giving the Train Robbers a 1-0 advantage.
The early part of the contest continued to trend towards Topeka in the bottom of the second, when the Robbers turned a 6-4-3 triple play. Shannon made a acrobatic catch behind the second base bag, and proceeded to force out runners at first and second for the elusive feat.
One run would be all the Blasters would surrender. Over the first 18 innings of full spring training action, Blaster pitching has allowed just the one run. Josue Montanez started the game, and pitched the first three innings. Tyler Hodges earned the victory, pitching a stellar four innings of work. The Mississippi native struck out five hitters, and allowed just one runner to reach scoring position. Keith Picht and Matt Swilley ended the game with one scoreless inning a piece.
The explosive fifth inning started after a leadoff strikeout. Aaron Brill laid down a perfect bunt single, and walks to Kade Andrus and Michael Pair loaded the bases. Brill scored on a wild pitch, and Ronnie Richardson was walked to reload the bases. Another walk, this one to Mitch Glasser, kept the bases loaded and gave the Blasters a 2-1 lead.
Geraldo Valentin had the game's biggest hit, as the veteran drilled a double down the right field line for three runs. Valentin then crossed the plate on an RBI single from Willie Cabrera. When the inning ended, the Blasters had scored six runs on just three hits, and had opened up a five run lead.
Valentin's night continued in the bottom of the seventh, when he drove in the game's final run with a single. The single scored Will Soto, and was the sixth RBI of spring training for Valentin. The third baseman recorded two hits to lead the Blasters in the win.
Topeka and the Blasters will finish the short two-game spring series on Saturday, with first pitch set for 5:00 at Joe Becker Stadium.
American Association Stories from May 13, 2016
- Get to Know the Texas AirHogs 2016 Roster - Texas AirHogs
- Big Fifth Inning Keys Blasters' Spring Training Win - Joplin Blasters
- Late Rally Forces Tie Between 'Nuts, 'Cats - Wichita Wingnuts
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