ONE-TIME BARNSTORMER SIGNS WITH CARDINALS
ONE-TIME BARNSTORMER SIGNS WITH CARDINALS
Right-handed reliever Logan Sawyer, a member of the Lancaster Barnstormers in 2019 and 2021, has signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, it was announced Friday.
Sawyer, 29, will be joining a Major League organization for the first time since 2016, when he was with the Colorado Rockies at the Class A level.
After missing two full seasons with injuries, Sawyer was signed by the Barnstormers for the 2019 season. The Tennessee native appeared in 41 games and posted a 2-1 record and 5.66 ERA. He returned to Lancaster late in 2021 following a trade with the Frontier League's Evansville Otters and was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 appearances.
In his first season with the Otters, Sawyer posted an impressive 2.97 ERA with 25 saves as the Evansville closer. This past campaign, he saved 22 more while yielding only one unearned run on 11 hits in 30 innings. He walked just three while striking out 39.
"Logan deserves every bit of the blessed feeling he has right now," said manager Ross Peeples. "The work he did to come back from Tommy John (surgery) was awesome to see. Last year, his mental preparation was where it needed to be to get back. I am very, very proud of him."
About the Lancaster Barnstormers
The 2022 Lancaster Barnstormers, presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, are in their 18th year in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Ballpark Digest's three-time Best Ballpark in MLB Partner League Baseball - Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit www.lancasterbarnstormers.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball's first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.a
Big Bats Power 'Stormers Past Legends
by Logan Moyer
Big Bats Power 'Stormers Past Legends
by Logan Moyer
There is no word that can describe what took place on Wednesday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium in game two of the ALPB North Division championship series.
The ‘Stormers lost game one of the series 2-1 to the Blue Crabs, who starved off a late comeback attempt to preserve the win in back-to-back ALPB pitcher-of-the-year Darryl Thompson’s near complete-game. The tying run was on third base when Trayvon Robinson was punched out of strikes to end the contest.
Down 1-0 in the series, things went from bad to worse for the home team in the top of the 1st inning. Usually prolific starting pitcher Brooks Hall surrendered four runs in the frame, putting the ‘Stormers in a deep hole that would be very difficult to get out of. For a long while, it looked like the ‘Stormers had no intentions of even attempting to get themselves out of that hole.
The lineup could only muster five hits throughout the first 6 innings of the game, failing to get any solid contact against Southern Maryland starting pitcher Mitch Lambson. The team finally showed some life in the 7th inning when Jacob Barfield deposited a Mitch Lambson fastball just over the right-field wall to give the ‘Stormers their first two runs of the evening and reduce the Blue Crab lead to just two. Meanwhile, Hall recovered extremely well from his disastrous first inning, allowing just four hits in his next 5 innings of work and not allowing another run to score while he was on the mound.
“Brooks did a great job of keeping us in the game,” said ‘Stormers manager Ross Peeples. “We just kept competing.” However, any momentum that Barfield’s home-run created immediately disappeared when the Blue Crabs answered right back with two runs in the top 8th inning. The ‘Stormers clawed one back in the bottom half, again on a Barfield RBI-hit, but yet again Southern Maryland returned the favor in the top of the ninth.
Heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, the ‘Stormers were down 7-3 and had no more than a miracle’s chance at a comeback. Spoiler alert: they came back.
The miraculous comeback started when a bad hop on a ground ball hit by Anthony Peroni bounced over the head of the second baseman. Peroni wasn’t even supposed to play in the game, but starting catcher Chris Proctor was ejected in the 6th inning arguing a call at second base.
Shawon Dunston Jr. continued the rally with a single, followed up by a strikeout and a controversial single hit by Andretty Cordero that plated Peroni. The ball was initially believed to be caught by center fielder Zach Collier, but the umpires ruled otherwise. Upon my personal review of the play, the frame-by-frame video showed that Collier caught the ball. But what’s the fun in that?
Ariel Sandoval promptly hit a three-run home-run to tie the game and send the 3,796 fans at Clipper Magazine Stadium into a frenzy.
The game stayed tied and went into the extra innings as a result. Think the game’s been crazy so far? Buckle up, buttercup.
With two runners on base and only one man out, the Blue Crabs were in prime position to take the lead in the top of the 10th. When David Harris lined a single up the middle, it looked as if the Blue Crabs were surely going to take the lead and be in great position to shut down the game and take a 2-0 series lead.
Oh, what’s that? Ariel Sandoval still exists. Sandoval uncorked a cannonball of a throw to home plate, where Jack Sundberg was tagged for the second out. Peroni then gunned the ball to Jake Hoover (remember that name), who threw to Anderson Feliz at third base to tag Michael Wielansky out to end the inning.
With one out in the bottom of the 10th inning, Jake Hoover hit a Connor Law fastball just over the wall for a home-run, winning the game for the Barnstormers and evening up the series at one-a-piece.
“When I hit it, I was like that’s gotta be way gone,” said Hoover. “It’s really humid out right now… I know at the end of the season the ball just doesn’t go as far.”
The ‘Stormers used five pitchers out of the bullpen, and West Tunnell was credited with the win. Connor Law was credited with the loss, and Endrys Briceño surrendered the blown save.
“We talked before the series started about playing 27 outs,” said Peeples. “That’s what we did. That was probably one of the best games I’ve seen.”
The rest of the series will be played this weekend in Waldorf, Maryland. Game three is on Friday, and the ‘Stormers are slated to pitch Nile Ball up against Alex Merithew.
“We’ve hit him (Merithew),” said Hoover. “The only guy we’re really worried about and really try to get a plan on is Daryl (Thompson).”
Elsewhere in the Atlantic League, High Point won their game 11-4 to even up the South Division’s series. The winner of that series will play the winner of the ‘Stormers/Blue Crabs series for all the marbles.
Barnstormers Sign Cedar Crest's Joe Carpenter
Barnstormers Sign Cedar Crest's Joe Carpenter
The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed local product Joseph Carpenter to a contract, it was announced today by manager Ross Peeples.
Carpenter, 22, graduated from Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon County, where he batted .429. He was named All-County twice and All-Conference once.
Following his successful career at Cedar Crest, Carpenter played four seasons at the University of Delaware where he batted a composite .297 with 18 home runs and 11 RBI. This past year, the slugging first baseman hit .310 with eight homers and 41 RBI for the Blue Hens.
He also participated in the Perfect Game Collegiate League with Mohawk Valley and in the New England Collegiate League with Mystic. He batted .308 over those two summers.
This will be his first professional experience. Carpenter’s addition brings the Lancaster roster to 26, one shy of the Atlantic League maximum.
“He’s a young kid who works his butt off,” said manager Ross Peeples. “With the draft having fewer rounds, he probably got the short end of the stick, and I am interested to see how he handles this level. He has some potential and is strong as an ox.”
CCHS Graduate Joe Carpenter's Game-Winning Hit
By Logan Moyer
CCHS Graduate Joe Carpenter's Game-Winning Hit
By Logan Moyer
How on earth do you win a baseball game while walking 16 batters and hitting 4 more? Just ask the Barnstormers, who found a way to win a series-deciding game over the Long Island Ducks on Thursday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
The Barnstormer offense was red-hot from the get-go, scoring five runs in the 1st inning thanks in large part to Anthony Peroni’s wall-scraping grand-slam that landed in the right-field pavilion area.
Erik Manoah, the starting pitcher for the ‘Stormers, found himself in trouble early on. He hit two of the game’s first four batters, almost instigating a bench-clearing brawl. He walked another batter, but was able to strike out Dustin Woodcock to strand the bases loaded and end the inning. He would strand two more in the second inning before finally breaking down and allowing three runs to score in the 3rd. A common theme for the night, six out of ten batters that reached base for the Ducks in the first 3 innings reached on either a walk or a hit-by-pitch.
The Barn Boys struck right back in the bottom of the 3rd, recording four straight singles to score 3 runs and retake the lead. Fittingly, it didn’t take long for the Ducks to re-tie the game up, scoring a whopping five runs in the 5th. Shockingly, four out of the five runners that scored in the frame reached base on a free pass. See where I’m going with this?
Both teams ran though their bullpens, using a combined 11 pitchers by the time the game was completed.
Without a doubt, the story of the game was Cedar Crest High School graduate Joe Carpenter. Carpenter, an infielder by trade, was recently picked up by the Barnstormers. With the game tied at 10 and two runners on, Carpenter laced a single back up the middle to score Trace Loehr and Melvin Mercedes in his first professional at-bat.
West Tunnell came in and recorded a relatively (for how the game went) stress-free save and clinch a 12-10 win for the ‘Stormers.
“I went to quite a few (Barnstormer) games growing up, so it was really cool.” said Carpenter following the game. “I tried to control my heart rate and just slow the game down, and I got an RBI for my team.”
With the win, the ‘Stormers are now 23-9 in the second half. They are first in the North Division standings, 3 ½ games up on first-half champion Southern Maryland.
The ‘Stormers will continue the homestand this weekend with a series against a struggling Lexington Legends team. Friday and Saturday’s games will start at 6:30 PM, and Sunday’s contest will begin at 1:00 PM.
Follow @LoganMoyer24 on Twitter for more ‘Stormers coverage!
MERCEDES NAMED CO-PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Author of 23-Game Streak Honored
MERCEDES NAMED CO-PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Author of 23-Game Streak Honored
Melvin Mercedes, who set the Lancaster franchise record with a 23-game hitting streak during the month of July was named Atlantic League Co-Player of the Month.
He shares the honors with Long Island outfielder Alejandro de Aza, a former Barnstormer, and Gastonia outfielder Zach Jarett.
Mercedes batted .368 for the month with six homers and 24 RBI. His streak began against Staten Island on July 3 with a 3-for-4 game against the Ferryhawks. On July 24 at York, Mercedes broke the franchise record previously held by Matt LeCroy and Caleb Gindl when he batted safely for the 21st consecutive game. The streak went on for two more games against Southern Maryland, including his first career two-homer game, before it finally ended on July 29 at Staten Island. He went 0-for-4 with a walk and three fly ball outs in that contest.
For the season, the Lancaster second baseman is batting .291 with a career-high 10 home runs. He has walked 62 times and scored 70 runs, both ranking him among the Atlantic League leaders.
“Mellie has come around offensively which is one of the main reasons we are playing better,” said Lancaster manager Ross Peeples. “He’s stepped up since we lost our middle of the lineup guys. Mellie is one of those players who is fun to watch and brings energy to our team.”
He is the second Barnstormer so honored this season. First baseman Kelly Dugan shared the honor with Lexington’s Courtney Hawkins in May.
Stormers Push Through Rain Delay, Defeat Ferry Hawks
By Logan Moyer
Stormers Push Through Rain Delay, Defeat Ferry Hawks
By Logan Moyer
In my opinion, the game of baseball is beautiful. The crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cooked hot dogs, and the sound of cowbells ringing. Well, the last one might be exclusive to Clipper Magazine Stadium, but I digress.
Friday night’s contest between the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Staten Island Ferry Hawks was anything but beautiful. I have a few adjectives in mind to describe what took place, but they wouldn’t get past the editor.
6 errors, 5 wild pitches and passed balls, and 9 unearned runs.
Angel Aguilar scored in the first inning on a wild pitch. Get used to that sentence.
A massive black cloud appeared in the sky in the 5th inning. The weather radar didn’t look very promising, suggesting there was going to be steady rain and thunderstorms straight through until midnight.
The ‘Stormers took the lead in the bottom of the 5th inning on a throwing error by Ferry Hawk catcher Andres Noriega. The game was made official at the end of the 5th, and the umpiring crew called the game due to the forecast.
A two hour and seven minute rain delay ensued. Almost everybody assumed the game was over, but at around 10:00 PM the umpires instructed the ground crew to take the tarp off the field.
Nobody was happy that the game was resumed. The Barnstormers, who assumed they had already won the game, were visibly upset when walking back onto the field after the delay. The Ferry Hawks didn’t seem too happy either.
If the game was ugly before the rain delay, it was hideous after it. Defensive gaffes were easily the story of the night. Every time the ball was put into play, it felt like an error was probably coming. Routine ground balls were anything but, and the Ferry Hawks in particular couldn’t buy an out to save their lives.
Did I mention that there was a possibility the ‘Stormers would win the game without recording a single hit? Going into the rain delay, Lancaster was winning 3-2 without a single hit. If the game had been called, Staten Island pitcher Hector Guance would have thrown a no-hitter while being the losing pitcher.
Trace Loehr would eventually line a single back up the middle after the delay, but it was still a fascinating scenario. The defensive struggles continued for the Ferry Hawks, and the ‘Stormers won the game 8-3. The game lasted 5 hours and 34 minutes including the rain delay.
The ‘Stormers have now won 7 straight, and will continue the series against the Ferry Hawks on Saturday night.
Brazoban Reaches Big Leagues
2018 ‘Stormers Makes Debut with Marlins
Brazoban Reaches Big Leagues
2018 ‘Stormers Makes Debut with Marlins
At the age of 32, Huascar Brazoban has finally reached the pinnacle.
The member of the 2018 Lancaster Barnstormers bullpen made his debut with the Miami Marlins on Sunday, pitching a scoreless inning in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. He was awarded a hold.
Brazoban becomes the 14th one-time Barnstormer to advance to the big leagues following his time in Lancaster and the seventh to make it for the first time. The most recent, prior to Brazoban, was right-hander Connor Overton who debuted with Toronto late in 2021.
The hard throwing right-hander signed with Colorado in 2012 and got as high as Class AA Hartford in 2017. The following season, he came to Lancaster and was 2-4 with four saves and a 1.99 ERA. Brazoban allowed 39 hits and struck out 41 batters in 40.2 innings.
He was expected to return to Lancaster in 2019, but his visa did not clear until the season was nearly over. Prior to the 2021 season, the Barnstormers traded his rights, along with those of infielder Michael Martinez, to High Point. He appeared in 16 games with the Rockers last season, posting a 1-1 record and 2.81 ERA.
This winter, he joined the Marlins and opened the season with Class AAA Jacksonville. In 27 appearances with the Jumbo Shrimp, he had allowed 32 hits and 16 walks in 45.1 innings while striking out 59. His ERA was 3.18.
Martinez Hurls Gem, Revs Win Midnight Madness
by Logan Moyer
Martinez Hurls Gem, Revs Win Midnight Madness
by Logan Moyer
On Friday night, the Barnstormers hopped across the Susquehanna River to PeoplesBank Park in York for the opening game of a weekend series against the York Revolution. Seems normal enough, right? Think again. The first pitch was thrown at 10:02 PM. Dubbed “midnight madness” by the Revolution marketing team, the game was originally scheduled to start at midnight, however the York city council shot the plan down due to noise ordinances.
Gimmicks aside, the real story of the night was the pure dominant performance by York starting pitcher Jorge Martinez. The 37 year-old Cuban hurler, in his 18th professional season, was absolutely filthy in the late-starting contest. His main pitch, a slider, was absolutely on-point, fooling batters over and over again.
The ‘Stormers failed to record a hit against Martinez until the 4th inning when Shawon Dunston Jr. layed down a perfectly placed bunt to lead off the inning. At one point during the game, relief pitcher Tyler Suellentrop accounted for half of the team’s hits.
As good as Martinez was, it’s impossible to recount this contest without mentioning York designated-hitter Nellie Rodriguez. Rodriguez blasted two home runs, the second of which landed on the roof of a house on the far side of Arch Street. Combined with a solo home-run off the bat of Carlos Franco and a bases-clearing triple by J.C. Encarnacion, the Revs had a sturdy 5-0 lead all the way until the 6th inning.
The ‘Stormers lone run came off a home-run by Melvin Mercedes. Mercedes is on a torrid stretch recently, as he’s batting well over .300 in the last 20 games, and he’s managed to homer in each of the squad’s last three games.
The team had a somewhat-inspiring comeback attempt in the 9th inning, loading the bases up, but a run failed to score as Anthony Peroni lined out to right fielder J.C. Encarnacion to end the game at 1:06 AM.
Martinez was credited for the win, lasting 7 innings while only allowing 1 run and 4 hits. The righty also struck out 9 as part of his star performance. Starting pitcher Cam Gann got the loss for Lancaster, lasting only 3 innings before being chased out of the game.
The two teams will continue the War of the Roses throughout the weekend before the ‘Stormers head back home for a series against first-half champs Southern Maryland.
Follow @LoganMoyer24 on Twitter for more ‘Stormers coverage!
Big Bats Power Dirty Birds over 'Stormers
by Logan Moyer
Big Bats Power Dirty Birds over 'Stormers
by Logan Moyer
The Barnstormers came into the weekend series against the Charleston Dirty Birds smoking-hot. Before Friday’s contest, the Barn Boys had won eight straight overall and eleven straight at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
It didn’t take long for the first run to cross the plate. With two outs in the top of the first, Alfredo Gonzalez deposited an Augie Sylk fastball over the right-field fence for a 3-run home-run. The inning should have been over the previous batter, but shortstop Jake Hoover bobbled a ground ball whilst deciding whether to throw the ball to second or first base.
The ‘Stormers got all three runs back in the following innings. Andretty Cordero knocked in Shawon Dunston Jr. with a sacrifice-fly in the 1st, while Anthony Peroni and Trace Loehr scored on passed balls in the 2nd.
Lancaster briefly had the lead in the 4th inning when Dunston ripped a double off the right-field wall to drive in Loehr, but the Dirty Birds would answer right back in the 5th on a solo home-run off the bat of Jose Rosario.
In the 7th inning, Tyler Blaum dropped a single into right field to plate Gonzalez and re-take the lead. Nick Heath recorded the 3rd Dirty Bird home-run of the night in the 8th to push the lead to 2. The lead was yet again extended in the top of the 9th when Gonzalez absolutely obliterated a ball near Stadium Row to push the Dirty Bird advantage to 4.
The Barnstormer offense went ice-cold in the second half of the game. Just three ‘Stormers reached base from the 5th inning on. This was largely in part due to the tremendous performance by the Dirty Bird bullpen, which was forced into the action early on in the 3rd inning.
Nate Peden was the winning pitcher, pitching the 6th and 7th innings and giving up no runs. Chase Johnson was credited with the loss despite not giving up and earned run, a common theme on the night for the Red Roses.
The ‘Stormers drop the series opener by a 8-4 scoreline, but have 5 more games to levy revenge on the Dirty Birds. Saturday night’s game is Christmas in July at the stadium, while Cylo’s birthday will be celebrated on Sunday.
Follow @LoganMoyer24 on Twitter for more ‘Stormers coverage!
HALL CONTRACT PURCHASED BY METS: Right-hander to start Class AA Binghamton
by Dave Collins
HALL CONTRACT PURCHASED BY METS: Right-hander to start Class AA Binghamton
by Dave Collins
Lancaster, PA --- The contract of Lancaster Barnstormers’ right-hander Brooks Hall has been purchased by the New York Mets, it was announced Friday.
Hall, 32, had been scheduled to pitch in Friday night’s Atlantic League game for the Barnstormers against the Charleston Dirty Birds. Instead, he will pitch for the Class AA Binghamton Mets over the weekend.
The Anderson, South Carolina native was coming off consecutive highly successful starts for Lancaster. He carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning at York on July 4th, and left after seven shutout innings, winning 3-1. Five days later, Hall yielded only two hits against the Wild Health Genomes in a 5-1 victory. Overall, the right-hander was 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA. He had allowed only 21 hits and eight walks in 32.2 innings while striking out 32.
It was Hall’s third stint in Lancaster. He won 11 regular season games plus one playoff game for Lancaster in 2018. He returned to the Barnstormers in 2021 from a job in the financial industry for an emergency start in Gastonia and was so impressive that his contract was purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers, his original organization. After two starts at Class AA Biloxi, he was injured and missed the remainder of the season.
Hall originally signed with Milwaukee out of the 2009 draft. He played in their organization for seven years and the Arizona system for one before coming to the Barnstormers in 2018.
“Brooks deserves every bit of this opportunity,” said Lancaster manager Ross Peeples. “I can’t be any happier for him. He came in, proved he was healthy and pitched very, very well for us.”
His is the fourth contract purchased from the Barnstormers this season and the second in the last week.
Two Barnstormers Honored - Dugan, Shaver Named Mid-Season All-Stars
by Dave Collins
Two Barnstormers Honored - Dugan, Shaver Named Mid-Season All-Stars
by Dave Collins
Lancaster Barnstormers first baseman Kelly Dugan and catcher Colton Shaver have been named to the Ballpark Digest mid-season All-Star Team for the Atlantic League, it was announced today.
The squad was selected by the 10 Atlantic League managers.
Dugan hit .332 with 23 home runs and 64 RBI for the half, near the league lead in all categories while appearing in 55 of the 66 games. The former third round pick of the Phillies has three multiple homer games and clubbed 10 long balls against the York Revolution. In one stretch, he drove in 34 runs in 28 games from May 14 thru June 14. He hit 10 of his homers against York.
Shaver hit .265 with 10 homers and 40 RBI for the first half. The former Houston farmhand started slowly behind the plate but threw out 11 of the last 40 runners attempting to steal. His hottest streak at the plate was a span of seven games played from May 17-25. During that time, he hit .387 with three homers and 13 RBI. He had 10 doubles in 12 games, June 3-16.
“Both of these guys are well deserving of the honor,” says Lancaster manager Ross Peeples. “They are both true professionals and go about their business the right way.”
Southern Maryland had three players named to the squad. Lancaster, High Point, York and Gastonia had two each while Lexington and Charleston had one each. Stan Cliburn of Southern Maryland and Mauro “Goose” Gozzo of Gastonia shared the managerial honors with their clubs winning the first half titles in the North and South, respectively.
About the Lancaster Barnstormers
The 2022 Lancaster Barnstormers, presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, are in their 18th year in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Ballpark Digest’s three-time Best Ballpark in MLB Partner League Baseball - Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit www.lancasterbarnstormers.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 44 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
'Stormers Stay Red Hot With Win Over Rockers
by Logan Moyer
'Stormers Stay Red Hot With Win Over Rockers
by Logan Moyer
After a disappointing first half, the ‘Stormers are red-hot coming out of the gates in the second half. Following a series win against York and a sweep of the Genomes, the ‘Stormers were pumped-up and confident heading into their mid-week series against the High Point Rockers.
The Rockers, who boast major-league experience all over their roster, started the game off with a bang. Defensive mishaps and mental errors plagued Lancaster in the top of the 1st inning, allowing two runs to cross. Zander Wiel knocked in both runs with a single.
The ‘Stormers would get both runs back in the bottom half after the first three batters of the game all hit singles, but High Point quickly answered back in the 3rd inning when Ben Aklinski and Logan Morrison crossed the plate to give the Rockers a two-run advantage. Jake Hoover hit a wall-scraping home run in the 4th to bring the ‘Stormers within one.
The pace of play quickened up from there. After three innings of scoreless baseball, the Barnstormer bats were awakened in the 7th inning. Kelly Dugan and Andretty Cordero reached base to start the inning and were promptly driven in by a Trayvon Robinson single. Shawon Dunston Jr. would later draw a walk with the bases loaded to push Robinson across the plate.
Highly-regarded High Point pitching coach and former MLB Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola was tossed following an altercation at a mound meeting during the 7th inning. Manager Jamie Keefe would pick up the argument, even going as far as kicking dirt on home plate, but was somehow allowed to remain in the game.
The ‘Stormers added two more important insurance runs in the 8th inning on a two-run bomb off the bat of Trayvon Robinson. Robinson has been a key cog in the Lancaster lineup ever since being resigned last month.
“I’m just trying to keep it simple,” said Robinson following the game. “It’s like a second home here. The front office, my teammates, the coaching staff, everybody makes me feel like I’m at home.”
Following his two-hit four-RBI performance, Robinson rode back to his hotel on a bike. “I love this city man,” added Robinson. “I don’t like the winters, but I love it”.
Erik Manoah started the game for the ‘Stormers, lasting five innings and allowing three earned runs on five hits and four walks, striking out five. Bret Clarke, Augie Sylk, Josh Graham, and West Tunnell tossed an inning each out of the pen to shut the door for Lancaster. Sylk was credited with the win.
Zander Wiel hit a two-run home run in the 9th inning, but it wasn’t enough for the Rockers to stage a comeback as the Barnstormers won the game by a final score of 8-6. The team is now 6-1 on the young second half, and will look to continue their hot stretch throughout the rest of the series with High Point and into the weekend against Charleston.
De La Cruz Powers 'Stormers Past Revs
De La Cruz Powers 'Stormers Past Revs
In the Atlantic League, it’s not everyday you get a pitchers duel. Thursday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium was one of those rare days. Former MLB pitcher Alex Sanabia got the start for York, while Oscar De La Cruz chucked for the ‘Stormers.
Lancaster got on the board in the first inning when Andretty Cordero came up with a clutch 2-out RBI-single to drive in Melvin Mercedes, who worked a nine-pitch walk to get himself on base.
In the top half of the fourth inning, the Revolution recorded four straight singles to start off the inning, but only managed to get one run out of the inning after some nice damage control by De La Cruz.
The eventual winning run was scored in the sixth inning. Jake Hoover led off the inning with a single, reached second on obstruction by the first baseman, and was yet again knocked in with a clutch piece of hitting, although this time by slugging first baseman Kelly Dugan. Dugan is having an absolutely phenomenal year for the ‘Stormers. Through the first 57 games of the year, the former Phillies farmhand is slashing .324/.417/.718 with 23 home runs.
“I’m just trying to build on the success of last year and continue to get better at my craft,” added Dugan after an earlier game. “I’m honored to be a Barnstormer. It’s been great.”
De La Cruz pitched the first six innings, finishing with eight strikeouts and only allowing one run on four hits and zero free passes. Tyler Sullentrop pitched the seventh and the eight innings, working himself in and out of self-induced jams. Chase Johnson pitched the ninth and recorded a relatively-uneventful save.
Jake Hoover crushed his first home run at Clipper Magazine Stadium in the bottom of the eight, though the insurance run was un-needed in the 3-1 win. The ‘Stormers finish the series with back-to-back wins, and move to 2-1 in the young second half.
Next up for the team is a weekend series against the Wild Health Genomes. The long homestand will later continue with subsequent series against High Point and Charleston.
Follow @LoganMoyer24 on Twitter for more ‘Stormers coverage!
Lifeless Offense Derails 'Stormers against York
Lifeless Offense Derails 'Stormers against York
On Saturday night at Clipper Magazine stadium, the Lancaster Barnstormers hosted the York Revolution for the second game of a weekend series between the archrivals. In game one, Brent Teller’s six no-hit innings edged the ‘Stormers over the Revolution with a final score of 3-2. Later the same evening, Teller’s contract was purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Teller will begin his affiliated-baseball career with the High A Hillsboro Hops.
The Red Roses found the scoreboard first. In the second inning, LeDarious Clark came around to score on a single by Anderson Feliz. Clark reached base on an error, and stole second base to put him in position to score. The Revolution answered right back in the top of the 3rd when a flyball off the bat of Jack Kenley scraped the right-field wall and went into the stands.
Pitching was the story of the night for both squads. Oscar De La Cruz, usually a bullpen pitcher, lasted six innings and only gave up one run on the aforementioned home run. Former Yankees farmhand Eduardo Rivera started for York, dominating the first eight innings of the contest and allowing no earned runs on only three hits.
The White Roses got the eventual winning runs in the 7th inning. Carlos Franco led off the inning with a ground ball that was fumbled by third baseman Andretty Cordero, and former Barnstormer Connor Lien ripped a double down the left-field line to escalate the situation. Franco scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jhon Nunez, and Lien scored on a wild pitch by reliever Chase Johnson.
The Lancaster offense never even threatened to stage a comeback. LeDarious Clark was the only ‘Stormer to ever get past first base on Friday night. The team only managed three hits and eight baserunners over the course of the game.
Jim Fuller faced little opposition in the bottom half of the 9th, coming out of the pen and striking out two out of three batters en route to his 6th save of the campaign. Rivera was credited with the win for his impressive outing on the mound, and Chase Johnson was handed the loss coming out of the arm barn. Cole Aker and Bret Clarke also pitched two solid innings in relief for the ‘Stormers.
The ‘Stormers lost their chance to get back to .500 on the season, and their advantage in the War of the Roses series shrinks to 7-4. The two squads will meet again tomorrow for a Sunday matinee, with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 PM. The series will conclude on Memorial Day before the squad heads north for a midweek series against Staten Island.
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Teller Leads 'Stormers Past Revolution
Teller Leads 'Stormers Past Revolution
For a while on Friday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium, it looked as if neither team was going to be able to crack the scoreboard. Or even get a runner into scoring position.
Brent Teller started for the Barnstormers, and 37 y/o Mexican League veteran Jorge Martinez started for the Revolution. Both pitched like studs, keeping runners out of scoring position until the bottom of the 5th inning.
Teller had the best outing of any Barnstormers pitcher this year, tallying 11 strikeouts and allowing only one earned run through 7 ⅓ innings pitched. He also held a no-hitter through the 6th inning.
Teller’s repertoire includes a fastball, changeup, and a slurve, but he felt it was his fastball and his changeup that were fooling batters the most. “I was just executing the pitches that I wanted to throw… it was great.” added Teller after the game.
Andretty Cordero, who had three hits on the night, finally got the ‘Stormers into the hit column to lead off the 5th inning. Anderson Feliz followed him up with another hit, then they were both knocked in on a RBI-double by Devon Torrence. Kelly Dugan added a solo-home run in the 6th, his 10th of the year and 8th against the Revolution, to push the Barnstormer lead to three.
York was able to push across a run in both the 7th and 8th innings, but Josh Graham came out of the pen and stranded the game-tying run on first base to earn his 4th save of the season.
The ‘Stormers are now on a three game winning streak, and will look to continue that streak on Saturday night in game two of the weekend series against the Revolution. A win in that game will finally get the squad back to a .500 record, and will extend the War of the Roses series lead to 8-3.
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Stormers Obliberate Honey Hunters in Midweek Matchup
Stormers Obliberate Honey Hunters in Midweek Matchup
In Tuesday night’s loss to Gastonia, the Barnstormers tallied just one run on five hits, losing the game 2-1.
On Wednesday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium, the Barnstormers exploded for 13 runs, including four home runs.
Anderson Feliz and Jake Hoover drove in the first runs of the game in the second inning, followed by a two-run home-run by Colton Shaver in the 4th inning. That would be all the ‘Stormers needed to down the Honey Hunters.
Catcher Colton Shaver was the star of the show offensively. He worked a nine-pitch walk in his first at-bat, eventually crossing the plate for the first run of the game. He then ripped a home-run over the right-center field fence in his second at-bat. He also added a triple and a rocket lineout to the third baseman later on in the contest.
“I think the big thing was just keeping with my approach,” said Shaver. “You’ve got to keep it simple.”
Consistency has been a major issue for the Barnstormers. The offense has been explosive some nights, and lifeless on others.
“It’s day by day,” added Shaver. “We go out there, continue to be competitive, have fun, and do the best we can.”
Augie Sylk gave a good effort on the mound for the ‘Stormers, pitching five innings and giving up only two hits, both of which were bunt singles. Oscar De La Cruz, Chase Johnson, and Donald Goodson combined to pitch the final four innings out of the pen.
The ‘Stormers will attempt to grab the series win on Thursday morning, with the game starting at 11:00 AM. Later on in the week, the War of the Roses will continue with a home weekend series against the York Revolution.
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Teller, Barnstormers Shut Out Ducks 9-0
Teller, Barnstormers Shut Out Ducks 9-0
Even though the team put nine runs up on the board, make no mistake: Brent Teller was the star of the show for the Barnstormers Wednesday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
“Everything went right,” said Teller following the matchup. “I threw a lot of strikes, was mixing my pitches, and was able to get a lot of guys out.”
Teller pitched eight innings, striking out five and allowing only four Long Island batters to reach base. There was also a stretch early in the game where Teller retired 13 straight batters.
He was given an early lead, with the ‘Stormers putting up two runs in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. Connor Lien and Trace Loehr knocked in runs during the 2nd inning, while Loehr and Anderson Feliz got the RBIs in the 3rd.
“Pitching with a lead is always fun.” added Teller. “Makes my job easier. It allows me to attack hitters, throw fastballs early in the count and let them get themselves out.”
Lancaster added four more runs in the 7th inning. That rally started off with a double from Melvin Mercedes, who reached base four times on the night. Eight out of the nine hitters in the Barnstormers’ lineup reached base at least once. The only player who didn’t was Trace Loehr, who knocked in two runs with good pieces of situational hitting. The team added one more run in the 8th to make the score 9-0.
Hunter Caudelle got the start for the Ducks, though he only lasted 2 ⅔ innings, giving up four runs. Four different relievers would fill the scorecard up the rest of the long evening for Long Island. Rusney Castillo was the only bright spot for the Ducks, as he reached base twice in a game where only six batters could reach first base safely.
The two teams will meet again at 11:00 AM Thursday morning, when the Barnstormers will look for their first series sweep of the young season. Augie Sylk and Cody Beckman are the projected starting pitchers for their respective teams.
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BARNSTORMERS SIGN RIGHT-HANDER SPEER
New Orleans Native Joins Lancaster Pen
BARNSTORMERS SIGN RIGHT-HANDER SPEER
New Orleans Native Joins Lancaster Pen
The Lancaster Barnstormers signed right-hander pitcher Hunter Speer, it was announced today by manager Ross Peeples.
Speer, 26, is a former Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox farmhand. He came recommended to Peeples by 2021 reliever Ryan Eades.
He signed with the Dodgers after being drafted in the 25th round in 2018. He spent two seasons in the Pioneer League at Ogden, posting a combined 3-2 record with seven saves and a 5.15 ERA. Last year, he opened at Class AA Tulsa, was moved to Class A+ Great Lakes and then moved to the White Sox system where he finished with Class A Kannapolis. The New Orleans native went 2-2 with a save and a 7.90 ERA over four stops, including a brief stint at the White Sox complex in Arizona.
The right-hander was in the White Sox minor league camp this spring.
Speer spent two years at Nicholls State in his native Louisiana before finishing his collegiate career at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
“Speer is a guy who came highly recommended. He has a good arm and a lot to work with,” said Peeples.
He takes the roster spot of LHP Josh Smith, who was released by the Barnstormers following Monday’s exhibition game against York.
The Barnstormers open their 2022 season this Thursday at Gastonia’s CaroMont Health Park at 6:15. The home opener is slated for Friday, April 29 at 6:30 against the York Revolution.
The Lancaster Barnstormers signed right-hander pitcher Hunter Speer, it was announced today by manager Ross Peeples.
Speer, 26, is a former Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox farmhand. He came recommended to Peeples by 2021 reliever Ryan Eades.
He signed with the Dodgers after being drafted in the 25th round in 2018. He spent two seasons in the Pioneer League at Ogden, posting a combined 3-2 record with seven saves and a 5.15 ERA. Last year, he opened at Class AA Tulsa, was moved to Class A+ Great Lakes and then moved to the White Sox system where he finished with Class A Kannapolis. The New Orleans native went 2-2 with a save and a 7.90 ERA over four stops, including a brief stint at the White Sox complex in Arizona.
The right-hander was in the White Sox minor league camp this spring.
Speer spent two years at Nicholls State in his native Louisiana before finishing his collegiate career at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
“Speer is a guy who came highly recommended. He has a good arm and a lot to work with,” said Peeples.
He takes the roster spot of LHP Josh Smith, who was released by the Barnstormers following Monday’s exhibition game against York.
The Barnstormers open their 2022 season this Thursday at Gastonia’s CaroMont Health Park at 6:15. The home opener is slated for Friday, April 29 at 6:30 against the York Revolution.
About the Lancaster Barnstormers
About the Lancaster Barnstormers
The Lancaster Barnstormers are headed into their 18th year in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Ballpark Digest’s two-time Best Ballpark in MLB Partner League Baseball - Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit www.lancasterbarnstormers.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 44 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
Historical Heat on Historical Night
Historical Heat on Historical Night
By Brandon Rudolph
On a scorching hot 100° evening inside of Clipper Magazine Stadium, the Lancaster Barnstormers look to continue their win streak on what turned out to be a historic night. We had a first inning that saw 11 total runs scored (6 Long Island) (5 Lancaster) and lasted nearly an hour.
Long Island pitcher Brendan Feldmann continued his horrific night as he gave up another 8 runs in the top of the 2nd inning. Feldmann was pulled after 1 ⅔ innings, giving up 13 runs. Brady Dragmire would replace Feldmann and get out of the 2nd inning with the Barnstormers leading 13-8.
Andro Cutura would get the start for the Barnstormers and eventually get pulled in the 4th inning after giving up 4 runs. Now with just a 13-10 lead, the Barnstormers would give up 3 more runs in the 5th inning to the Long Island Ducks to trail 13-15. Trayvon Robinson would hit a solo homer in the bottom of the 5th, followed by Anthony Peroni driving in one run to tie the game 15-15 heading into the 6th inning.
Three hours into the game we are not even through the 6th inning. The humidity and heat played a huge factor in this one. The Ducks would score 4 more runs in the 6th inning to distance themselves from the Barnstormers. With the Stormers only scoring 1 run in that same inning, the Ducks took a 19-16 lead into the 7th inning. With a rare low action inning, the Barnstormers added another run in the 7th to make it a 19-17 game with the Ducks leading heading into the 9th inning.
Now well into the 4th hour of the game where 15 different pitchers would be used, it was still 83° inside the stadium but felt like 88°. The bottom of the 9th inning with this game already setting records for runs and game length, the Barnstormers still had one last chance to pull out a win. With 2 outs in the ninth and one on, Caleb Gindle, the league leader in home runs, comes to the plate as the potential game tying run. Gindle, 1-5 on the night, hits a single back up the middle to drive in 1 run bringing the Barnstormers one run closer to tying the game. Melvin Mercedes gave it a great battle at the plate but eventually would strike out to end the game. Barnstormers fell in what looks more like a football score 19-18 in a wild but fantastic game.
6/29/21
By Brandon Rudolph
On a scorching hot 100° evening inside of Clipper Magazine Stadium, the Lancaster Barnstormers look to continue their win streak on what turned out to be a historic night. We had a first inning that saw 11 total runs scored (6 Long Island) (5 Lancaster) and lasted nearly an hour.
Long Island pitcher Brendan Feldmann continued his horrific night as he gave up another 8 runs in the top of the 2nd inning. Feldmann was pulled after 1 ⅔ innings, giving up 13 runs. Brady Dragmire would replace Feldmann and get out of the 2nd inning with the Barnstormers leading 13-8.
Andro Cutura would get the start for the Barnstormers and eventually get pulled in the 4th inning after giving up 4 runs. Now with just a 13-10 lead, the Barnstormers would give up 3 more runs in the 5th inning to the Long Island Ducks to trail 13-15. Trayvon Robinson would hit a solo homer in the bottom of the 5th, followed by Anthony Peroni driving in one run to tie the game 15-15 heading into the 6th inning.
Three hours into the game we are not even through the 6th inning. The humidity and heat played a huge factor in this one. The Ducks would score 4 more runs in the 6th inning to distance themselves from the Barnstormers. With the Stormers only scoring 1 run in that same inning, the Ducks took a 19-16 lead into the 7th inning. With a rare low action inning, the Barnstormers added another run in the 7th to make it a 19-17 game with the Ducks leading heading into the 9th inning.
Now well into the 4th hour of the game where 15 different pitchers would be used, it was still 83° inside the stadium but felt like 88°. The bottom of the 9th inning with this game already setting records for runs and game length, the Barnstormers still had one last chance to pull out a win. With 2 outs in the ninth and one on, Caleb Gindle, the league leader in home runs, comes to the plate as the potential game tying run. Gindle, 1-5 on the night, hits a single back up the middle to drive in 1 run bringing the Barnstormers one run closer to tying the game. Melvin Mercedes gave it a great battle at the plate but eventually would strike out to end the game. Barnstormers fell in what looks more like a football score 19-18 in a wild but fantastic game.
6/29/21
Sunshine and Rain
Sunshine and Rain
The stars shine again on another 90° evening at Clipper Magazine Stadium. A night that saw another 20 plus runs scored between the Long Island Ducks and the Lancaster Barnstormers. Blake Gailen and Trayvon Robinson keep the Stormers hot bats rolling.
Gailen, the Barnstormers 1st baseman who will join team Israel in the Olympics later this month, hit a 2 run homer in the 3rd inning to lift Lancaster to a 4-1 lead early on. This game started off completely different then that of Tuesday night's game which saw 11 total runs scored after one inning.
Rain began to fall at the start of the fourth inning.. The Stormers scored off a Caleb Gindl double, a Blake Gailen single and a Trayvon Robinson triple to take a 7-1 lead headed into the 5th inning. If we remember anything about the previous night, we understand that a 7-1 lead was not safe facing a team as hot as the Ducks. The Ducks, Jesse Berardi solo homered followed by a two run shot from Steve Lombardozzi to cut the Stormers lead to three runs, 8-5.
Lancaster would give themselves some breathing room in the 6th inning, batting in 6 runs. Trayvon Robinson knocked in 2 runs and De La Rosa hit a 3 run home run as the lead ballooned to 9. The Stormers led 14-5 heading into the 7th inning stretch.
Blake Allemand would get involved in the action, as he went yard in the 7th, driving in 2 runs. The game officially became a blowout as the Stormers now led 16-5. Long Island would add three meaningless runs in the 9th inning to make it a 16-8 final. A diving catch made by Blake Allemand would end the game. The Stormers should consider sending that web gem to ESPN top 10 plays.
6/30/21