Blasters Swept in Doubleheader at Steel Yard
Published on May 28, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters suffered a doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Gary SouthShore RailCats on Saturday, dropping decisions of 11-5 and 4-2 at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary. The defeat moved the Blasters to 4-5 on the year, while the RailCats rose to 4-6.
In the opener, which was picked up in the bottom of the second inning, the RailCats struck first with a run in the bottom of the third. Elbert Devarie and Jerred Mederos recorded back-to-back singles, with a fielder's choice off the bat of Cameron Newell bringing in Devarie for the game's opening run.
The Blasters evened the game in the top of the fourth inning with a run of their own. Mitch Glasser hit a single to begin the frame, and a hit by pitch to Geraldo Valentin and a single by Willie Cabrera loaded the bases. Charlie Valerio hit a sacrifice fly to knot the contest at one, but the Blasters were unable to get another run across.
Gary's run explosion began in the bottom of the fourth, with the first three runs of ten scored over the next three innings. The Railcats' three run fourth was keyed by a two-run triple from Jose Sermo and a sacrifice fly by Tillman Pugh.
The Railcats added three more runs in the bottom of the fifth, on an error, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly by Brennen Metzger. The three-run frame moved the RailCat lead to 7-1.
Back-to-back doubles by Valentin and Cabrera led off the top of the sixth for the Blasters, with the former scoring on the two-bagger of the latter. Cabrera would later score on a single by Jesus Solorzano.
Four runs in the bottom of the sixth put the game away for the RailCats. The quartet of runs scored on a Metzger single, a Jeremy Hamilton walk, and a two-run single from Sermo, his fourth RBI of the contest.
Joplin finished the scoring in the top of the eighth. Mitch Glasser drove in the fourth run of the game on an eleven pitch at-bat, which ended in an RBI single. The scoring concluded on an RBI groundout from Valentin.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Missouri Southern product Axel Johnson made his professional debut, working a scoreless inning for the Blasters. At the plate, Juan Medina led the Blasters with three hits, including a double, and a run scored.
Santiago Rodriguez earned the victory for the RailCats, while Matt Parish took the loss for Joplin.
In the nightcap, it was the Blasters that were on the board first, scoring a run in the top of the first. With two outs, Valetin singled and then scored on a double to deep right center field by Willie Cabrera. Cabrera's double accounted for his 12th RBI of the season.
Kade Andrus made his debut for the Blasters in the game, and started his career with a great diving catch in left field.
The RailCats retook the lead in the bottom of the second inning, also with two outs. Alex Crosby recorded a two-out single, and catcher Jose Gonzalez gave Gary the lead with the only homer of the day, a two-run shot to left field.
A sacrifice fly from Hamilton put the RailCats up 3-1 in the third inning of the seven inning ballgame. Newell singled to lead off the inninf, and scored with the bases loaded on Newell's fly ball to center.
Gary Southshore added another run in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single from Davarie, a hit that plated Gonzalez after his second extra base hit of the game.
The Blasters finished the scoring in the top of the sixth with a run. Valentin and Cabrera both hit one out singles, and Valentin scored on the second sacrifice fly of the day by Valerio.
Josh Evans was hit with his second loss of the season, while Richard Castillo won his first game for the RailCats.
The series concludes on Sunday with a 2:10 contest in Gary. The Blasters will send lefty Josue Montanez to the mound, and he will be opposed by righthander Karl Triana.
The Blasters return to Joe Becker Stadium on Monday. In honor of Memorial Day, the Joplin Blasters will be offering free general admission tickets to Monday's contest with the Saint Paul Saints. Monday's game at Joe Becker Stadium is Nerd Night, and is also the team's first Margarita Monday.
American Association Stories from May 28, 2016
- Victory Slips Through Saints Fingertips in 6-4 Loss to T-Bones - St. Paul Saints
- RedHawks Top Wingnuts 7-3 - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- RailCats Score 15 Runs in Double Header Sweep of Blasters - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Explorers Extend Winning Streak to Four Games - Sioux City Explorers
- Missed Opportunities Hurt Wingnuts in Fargo - Wichita Wingnuts
- Blasters Swept in Doubleheader at Steel Yard - Joplin Blasters
- Saints Sign Seasoned Starter Scarpetta - St. Paul Saints
- American Association Game Recap - AA
- Wingnuts Game Notes: May 28 at Fargo-Moorhead - Wichita Wingnuts
- De La Cruz Powers RedHawks to Home Opener Victory - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- De La Cruz Single-Handedly Hammers Wichita - Wichita Wingnuts
- Canaries Drop Third Straight in 9-6 Loss - Sioux Falls Canaries
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