Blasters Fall on Opening Night to Winnipeg
May 19, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters fell victim to the power of the Winnipeg Goldeyes on Opening Day, as three home runs propelled the Goldeyes to an 8-1 victory over the Blasters. The game was called in the bottom of the sixth inning due to rain in the area.
Winnipeg started the scoring early, belting their first home run in the top of the second inning. After starter Josh Evans had retired the first two hitters of the frame, catcher Tanner Murphy drilled a homer well over the right field wall to give the Goldeyes a 1-0 lead. The home run was just the second round-tripper of Murphy's professional career.
Two homers broke the game open in the top of the third, bringing five Winnipeg runs across the plate. Maikol Gonzalez started the inning by grounding out, but Adam Heisler singled to put a runner on first for former Major Leaguer Reggie Abercrombie. The centerfielder hit one over the left field fence, a two-run shot that put Winnipeg up 3-0. With two outs in the frame, David Rohm reached on an error and Wes Darvill drew a walk. The two baserunners then scored on the game's third homer, a three-run longball from Casio Grider.
Trailing 6-0, the Blasters got a run back in the bottom of the third inning. Joplin loaded the bases with no outs on a hit by pitch to Ronnie Richardson, a single by Mitch Glasser, and a walk to Geraldo Valentin. Willie Cabrera drove in Richardson on a groundout, but the Blasters were unable to get any closer.
The Goldeyes finished the game's scoring in the top of the fifth inning, as back-to-back hits pushed across two more runs. Abercrombie led off the inning with a walk, and immediately scored on a Jacob Rogers double. Rogers subsequently scored on a Rohm single.
With the Blasters at the plate in the bottom of the sixth, the heavy rains at Joe Becker Stadium forced a delay, which eventually resulted in the ending of the game.
Starter Mikey O'Brien was the winning pitcher for Winnipeg, throwing until the game's conclusion in the bottom of the sixth. Evans was charged with the Opening Day loss for the Blasters. Matt Parish pitched well for Joplin, working a 1-2-3 sixth inning before the stoppage.
Glasser, Valentin, and Richardson each reached base twice for the Blasters in the opening defeat.
Joplin and Winnipeg will continue their four-game set tomorrow at Joe Becker Stadium, with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m. Josh Hodges will get the ball for the Blasters, while Duke von Schamann takes the mound for the Goldeyes. It will be the team's first Fireworks Night presented by Black Market Fireworks.
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