Blasters Drop Series Finale; Swept by Laredo
July 1, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters suffered a series sweep at the hands of the Laredo Lemurs on Thursday, losing a rain-extended affair, 9-3. The game was stopped in the top of the eighth inning when torrential downpours struck Joe Becker Stadium, but was picked up roughly 45 minutes later. The defeat was the fifth in a row for Joplin, and the fifth loss in a row to the Lemurs.
Laredo never trailed in the contest, scoring the game's first two runs in the top of the second. With one out against starter and losing pitcher Alex De La Cruz, Abel Nieves singled to right field. Ty Morrison then hit his second home run of the season, a two-run shot that cleared the right field wall.
The Lemurs added two runs in the next inning, putting four consecutive runners on against De La Cruz. After a strikeout started the frame, Zane Chavez singled to right field and Nieves drew a walk to place runners on first and second. Morrison drove in his second run of the game on a single, and Alvaro Rondon followed suit with an RBI single of his own to give the Lemurs a 4-0 advantage.
Oscar Mesa got the Blasters in the run column in the bottom of the fourth inning. Mesa drilled his second home run of the season well over the right field wall. The leadoff dinger pulled Joplin to within three runs at 4-1.
Blaster reliever Keith Picht kept Joplin in the ballgame, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings of work. Picht allowed just one hit and two total baserunners, striking out four Laredo hitters.
A fifth run crossed the plate for the Lemurs in the top of the seventh inning against former Major League pitcher Jose Ortega. Morrison recorded his fourth hit of the game on a one out single, and moved to third base on a Joplin error. Morrison then scored on a passed ball, but the remaining runner was stranded on a strikeout and a lineout induced by Ortega.
Rain stopped the game in the eighth inning, with Cesar Valera on third base with two outs. Valera scored on a single by Chavez, and Nieves followed with a two-run homer that extended Laredo's lead to 8-1.
The teams both scored in the ninth inning, on three total home runs. In the top half, Leandro Castro hit his second homer of the season. Joplin answered with two solo shots in the bottom half, hit by Luis Terrero and Geraldo Valentin.
Ryan Beckman was the winning pitcher for the Lemurs, while De La Cruz was charged with his first Joplin loss.
Joplin's current six game homestand continues on Friday, with the beginning of a series with the Wichita Wingnuts. Friday will be the start of Military Appreciation Weekend, and the Blasters will be wearing special All-American themed uniforms. There will also be a fireworks display following the contest.
During every game of the current homestand, fans will have the ability to purchase five dollar tickets, applicable in any section of the ballpark. Tickets can be purchased at the team box office.
American Association Stories from July 1, 2016
- Home Runs Doom Blasters in Loss to Wichita - Joplin Blasters
- RailCats Hold on for the Win in Sioux City - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- AirHogs Drop Heartbreaker in Laredo Opener - Texas AirHogs
- Canaries Fall to Goldeyes 8-1 on Canada Day - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Mazzola, Herron Sweep League Awards for June - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Homer Happy Wingnuts Cruise in Joplin - Wichita Wingnuts
- Veglahn Impresses in First Pro Start, But Outdone by Former Major Leaguer in 5-1 Loss - St. Paul Saints
- O'Brien, Bats Lead Goldeyes on Canada Day - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- McKenzie Mows Down 'Hawks in Series Opener - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Veteran Lefty Set to Join Bullpen - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Mazzola, Herron Sweep League Awards for June - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Wichita Takes 12-Inning Series Finale - Texas AirHogs
- Kussmaul Has Contract Purchased by Diamondbacks - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Win Another Extra-Inning Contest In Fargo - Sioux City Explorers
- RailCats Mount Comeback to Take Series in Canada - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- 'Hawks Fall in Eleven Innings - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Blasters Drop Series Finale; Swept by Laredo - Joplin Blasters
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