Extra Inning Affair in Joplin Goes to Winnipeg
May 20, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters could not come up with the big hit on Friday night, falling 4-3 to the Winnipeg Goldeyes in eleven innings at Joe Becker Stadium. The Goldeyes moved to 2-0 on the young campaign, while the Blasters fell to 0-2.
Winnipeg began the scoring for the second consecutive game, plating a run in the top of the fourth inning. Reggie Abercrombie was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and advanced to second on a stolen base. After a flyout and a walk to David Rohm, Wes Darvill brought in the game's opening run on a sacrifice fly.
The 1-0 Winnipeg lead held until the sixth inning, due to stellar starting pitching from both sides. For the Blasters, Josh Hodges tossed six innings of one hit ball, striking out four hitters. The righty did not allow a hit, and surrendered only two baserunners, after the first inning. Goldeye starter Duke von Schamann also worked into the sixth inning, and did not allow a run in his first five innings of work.
Joplin ralled for three runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 3-1 lead. With one out in the frame, the Blasters loaded the bases on a Ronnie Richardson walk, a Mitch Glasser hit by pitch, and a fielder's choice off the bat of Geraldo Valentin in which Glasser beat a throw to second base. The Blasters took the lead on a two-run single by Willie Cabrera, a hit that bounced between two Winnipeg fielders. After a Jake Taylor single loaded the bases again, Will Soto hit a sacrifice fly to center field that put the Blasters up two runs.
In the top of the eighth inning, Winnipeg evened the score. Maikol Gonzalez drew a leadoff walk and stole second, but Victor Capellan retired the next two hitters and got ahead 0-2 on first baseman Jacob Rogers. Rogers would then hit an 0-2 pitch over the fence in right center field, tying the game at three.
The Blasters threatened in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases with two outs before Conor Spink enduced a groundout to end the threat. Joplin also put a runner on second in the ninth, but could not score as the game moved to extra innings.
After a scoreless top half by Winston Abreu, the Blasters again loaded the bases in the bottom of the tenth. However, the threat was again extinguished by Winnipeg, this time on a strikeout by Jailen Peguero.
Friday's deadlock was broken in the top of the eleventh. Against Tyler Herr, Abercrombie reached on an infield single. After moving to second base on a wild pitch, the former Major League broke for third on a pitch that skipped away from Michael Pair. Pair's throw sailed into left, and the Goldeyes had the 4-3 advantage.
The Blasters again threatened in the bottom of the eleventh, but Eric Sim was able to force a game-ending 6-4-3 double play from Aaron Brill.
Peguero was Friday's winning pitcher, while Herr took the loss for Joplin. Sim earned his first save of the season.
The series between Joplin and Winnipeg continues on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. in Joplin. Saturday is Mascot Mania at The Joe.
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American Association Stories from May 20, 2016
- American Association Results - AA
- Goldeyes Gritty in Extra Innings - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Canaries Power Their Way To 10-4 Win Over Sioux City In Home Opener - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Frantic RailCats' Rally Falls Short in 6-5 Loss to Saints - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Extra Inning Affair in Joplin Goes to Winnipeg - Joplin Blasters
- Game Ends on Play at Plate as Saints Hang on for 6-5 Win - St. Paul Saints
- Late Rally Spoils Capra's Strong Start - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Belt Three Home Runs But Fall Short in Sioux Falls - Sioux City Explorers
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- Wingnuts Game Notes: May 20 vs. Lincoln - Wichita Wingnuts
- RailCats Falter in Season Opener, Lose to Saints 8-3 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Explorers Fall to Sioux Falls in Season Opener - Sioux City Explorers
- Kain's Four Hits Not Enough in Opener - Wichita Wingnuts
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