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NYPL Aberdeen IronBirds

Nine-run first propels IronBirds

June 17, 2008 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Aberdeen IronBirds News Release


If only they could all start so well.

The Aberdeen IronBirds kicked off their 2008 season with a bang, tying a franchise record with nine runs in the top of the first inning at Hudson Valley's Dutchess Stadium on their way to a 13-7 win.

The nine-run outburst included the second grand slam in IronBirds history, which came off the bat of designated hitter T.J. Baxter with two outs. Baxter, a University of New Orleans product selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 26th round of the MLB draft earlier this month, had singled earlier in the frame and came around to score with one out.

The only other time an IronBird has connected for a bases-full blast came on Aug. 23, 2006, when outfielder Danny Figueroa did so as part of the first cycle in club history. The IronBirds had twice previously scored nine runs in an inning, which came on July 29 and Sept. 1, 2002.

Leadoff man Calvin Lester also provided a spark for Aberdeen, drawing two walks, stealing a base and scoring two runs in the first inning alone. Newcomer Tyler Kolodny added a two-run single in the frame as well. In all, the IronBirds pounded out five hits and waited out five walks in the first.

Hudson Valley starter Tyree Hayes didn't make it out of the inning, as he was lifted after Baxter's grand slam.

Baxter added a single in the third inning and finished his first professional game with three hits in six at-bats.

Shortstop Jedidiah Stephen packed some pop at the plate as well on Tuesday night, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double in the third and a two-run homer in the fifth to round out the scoring for the IronBirds (1-0). Eight different IronBirds scored a run in the game, while seven of the nine starters recorded a hit.

Aberdeen starter Cole McCurry (1-0) picked up the win after allowing five runs-two earned-and striking out three batters in five frames. Fredy Deza allowed two unearned runs in two innings and Tim Spooneybarger fanned three in two scoreless frames to close the game.

Hudson Valley (0-1) plated four runs in the fifth and one apiece in the third, sixth and seventh innings but never seriously threatened the IronBirds' lead. Mike Ross and Jason Corder led the way for the Renegades with two hits each.

The game marked the fourth consecutive time that Hudson Valley and Aberdeen had met on Opening Day. The IronBirds have now won each of the past three season openers, as they topped the Renegades by a 12-1 score at home in 2007 and pulled out a 5-3 win in 14 innings at Dutchess Stadium in 2006.

The teams will square off twice more this series before the IronBirds return to Ripken Stadium for their home opener on Friday at 7:35 p.m.

Left-hander Jake Smith will get the nod for the IronBirds in the second game of the series against Hudson Valley on Wednesday.

Check out the Aberdeen IronBirds Statistics



New York-Penn League Stories from June 17, 2008


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