Blasters Set Offensive Records in 19-10 Victory
May 25, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
It was a historic offensive night at Joe Becker Stadium on Tuesday. The Joplin Blasters set team records in runs, hits, and runs in an inning en route to an explosive 19-10 victory over the Wichita Wingnuts. The win, Joplin's third straight, moved the Blasters into sole position of first place in the South Division through the season's first six days.
Joplin's run scoring began in the first inning. Mitch Glasser reached on a fielder's choice after an Aaron Brill single. Glasser then stole second and scored on an RBI double from Geraldo Valentin.
Wichita then took the lead in the top of the second, scoring three runs off starter Josh Evans. Evans retired the first two hitters, but surrendered a two-out single to Matt Chavez. The Wingnuts then went ahead on Richard Prigatano's second homer of the season, a two run shot. An error extended the inning, and Brent Dean scored on a single from Leo Vargas.
The bottom of the second inning proved to be the biggest inning in franchise history. The Blasters scored eight runs on eight hits during the frame, chasing former Major League Jon Link before the inning's conclusion. Runs were driven in by Zack Burling, Brill, Glasser, Valentin, and Juan Medina. By the inning's end, the Blasters had taken a 9-3 lead.
The Wingnuts responded with three runs of their own in the top of the third. Wichita again did their damage with two outs, when Matt Chavez drilled a three-run homer, his first of the season.
Willie Cabrera drove in his seventh run of the season in the bottom of the third, extending the Blaster lead to 10-6. Brill led off the inning with a single, and came around to score on a two-out hit from Cabrera.
Jake Taylor got into the action in the bottom of the fourth, hitting his 16th home run (and first of the season) in a Blaster uniform. Taylor's longball was of the two-run variety, and also scored new Blaster Charlie Valerio.
Wichita scored their seventh run in the top of the fifth. A leadoff walk to T.J. Mittelstaedt turned into a run when Dean grounded into a fielder's choice with one out.
The sixth inning saw the Blasters set franchise records in runs and hits. The runs scored on a throwing error and a two-run single by Glasser. The previous team records were 12 runs and 16 hits.
Valerio, who had four hits, scored his third run in the bottom of the seventh. The new first baseman hit a two-out double, and eventually scored on a Zack Burling single. After seven innings, the Blasters held a 16-7 lead.
Wichita's end of the scoring came in the top of the eighth. Brent Clevlen hit his first home run of the season, and two more runs scored on a dropped popup with two outs in the frame. The two teams combined for six errors in Tuesday's contest.
The final three Joplin runs came across the plate in the bottom of the eighth. Soto, Valerio and Taylor each drove in runs to account for the 19-10 margin.
Every Blaster hitter recorded at least two hits in the victory, and all nine hitters in the lineup drove in a run. The 24 Joplin hits were four shy of the Association record, and the Blasters scored an Association single game high in runs. The combined total of 29 runs was also the season's highest across the league.
Jason Zgardowski earned his first victory for the Blasters, while Link was charged with the loss.
The first place Blasters will look to extend a three-game winning streak on Wednesday against Wichita. Righthander Josh Hodges will face lefty Anthony Capra at 6:35 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium.
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