Blasters Return Home with Victory over Laredo
June 15, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters returned home on Tuesday in victorious fashion, claiming a 6-5 triumph over the Laredo Lemurs at Joe Becker Stadium. The win moved the Blasters to 10-15 at the quarter mark of the 2016 campaign.
Laredo struck first in the contest, hitting the first of three total home runs in the contest. JD Pulfer was hit by a pitch and stole second base, where he stood with two outs. Cleanup hitter Dennis Phipps belted a deep homer over the center field wall, providing an early 2-0 advantage for the Lemurs.
A four run second inning moved the Blasters into the lead. The rally came entirely with two outs. Alberto Castillo drew a walk, and Zack Burling singled to put runners on first and second. Oscar Mesa then singled to center field, bringing Castillo home before an error moved Burling to third and Mesa to second. Mitch Glasser added a double to score the two runners on base and give the Blasters a 3-2 lead. Geraldo Valentin increased the lead to 4-2 with an RBI single that plated Glasser.
The Lemurs evened the game in the next half inning on their second homer, hit again by Phipps. Ty Morrison drew a one out walk to lead into Phipps' second longball, which was hit well over the left field fence at Joe Becker Stadium.
Joplin took the lead for good in the bottom of the third, scoring on two hits to begin the inning. Willie Cabrera started the frame with a single, and came around to score the go-ahead run after Will Soto hit a double, one of his three hits on the contest.
Both pitching staffs kept the 5-4 lead intact until the bottom of the sixth. Joplin starter Patrick Mincey earned a victory in his third professional start, working five solid innings for the Blasters. Jose Ortega and Keith Picht worked a scoreless sixth and seventh respectively. For the Lemurs, Ryan Beckman tossed a complete game, throwing 120 pitches over eight innings in a losing effort.
Zack Burling gave the Blasters a needed insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning, hitting his second home run of the season to right center field. The homer, which would prove to be the game-winner, gave Joplin a 6-4 lead.
Phipps struck again in the top of the eighth, doubling to lead off the frame. He moved to third base on a balk by Victor Capellan, and scored when Abel Nieves hit a sacrifice fly. Capellan struck out the final hitter to strand a runner on first and keep the one run lead. Winston Abreu came on the ninth and struck out two hitters to earn his third save.
The Blasters have an opportunity to earn their third Division series victory of the season Wednesday back at Joe Becker Stadium. Josh Hodges will start for the Blasters on Wacky Weenie Wednesday, with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.
American Association Stories from June 15, 2016
- Saltdogs Survive Late Rally by 'Hawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- 'Dogs Hold off RedHawks to Win Again - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Six Run Sixth Snaps Six Game Winning Streak in 8-6 Loss to Explorers - St. Paul Saints
- Wingnuts, T-Bones Washed out Wednesday - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Win Game One of Doubleheader in St. Paul - Sioux City Explorers
- Wingnuts Game Notes: June 15 vs. Kansas City - Wichita Wingnuts
- "Bark in the Park" Returns July 19th - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saints Add Twins Farmhand, Outfielder Chad Christensen - St. Paul Saints
- Pitching Staff Struggles with Command in 11-4 Loss on Tuesday Night - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Goldeyes Rally in 7th to Take Game 1 - Texas AirHogs
- Big Fifth Inning Gives Saltdogs Win over Hawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- McKenzie Clips 'Hawks on Rainy Night in Fargo - Lincoln Saltdogs
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Blasters Return Home with Victory over Laredo - Joplin Blasters
- Goldeyes' Bullpen and Bats Clutch in Comeback - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
