The game ended with Danny Sandoval, the newest member of the York Revolution, being surrounded by his teammates after he drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 11th to lead York to a 7-6 victory against Southern Maryland.
Sandoval (pictured above with Syracuse in 2008) had been 0-for-4 in his Revs debut before knocking a single through the hole between first and second to score Jeff Eure from third.
The Daily Record/Sunday News game story can be found here.
The game featured some memorable moments: York hit into a triple play. A ninth-inning double was ruled foul and a heated argument followed, causing the ejection of Crabs coach Andy Etchebarren. But the story of the night was the performance of York's bullpen.
York righty Dan Foli pitched two masterful innings, retiring six straight batters before running into trouble in the eighth. He hit the first batter he faced before surrendering a two-run homer to Eric Crozier.
Southern Maryland would not score again.
York shut down the Crabs over the final three innings, including a two-inning, no-hit performance by Travis Phelps. The Revs had a scare in the 10th when closer Steve Andrade loaded the bases with no outs. He retired one batter, but could be seen shaking his right arm after pitches. York manager Chris Hoiles said after the game that Andrade felt something in his shoulder.
Former Pirates prospect Brian Holliday (1-1) entered the game and got the final two outs to end the threat, including a called third strike for out No. 3.
The bullpen allowed a combined four hits during the final six innings.
But a concern for Tuesday and perhaps the rest of the week could be the health of Andrade's shoulder. The hard-throwing right-hander with major league experience underwent shoulder surgery before the 2008 season, but he had said his arm felt better than it had in years during York's short spring training.
The sensation Andrade felt may be nothing. But if he needs time off, the Revolution could be stuck looking for another pitcher about 24 hours after releasing lefty Wayne Franklin.
With pitching at such a premium, in this league or any league for that matter, and York being able to carry as many as 27 until May 31; I was really surprised to see Franklin go.
I know he's struggling, and is notorious for struggling early, but this is just the reason to at least keep him around. He's still a serviceable arm in case of injury.
Who knows who else could get hurt, especially pitching wise, between now and May 31.
I like the idea of trying to get the 25 you're going to stick with rolling early; but I also think it wouldn't be a bad idea to maybe use those last 2 spots on some pitching for the rest of the month.
Maybe even start a little competition in the pen, bring in 2 more relievers and see who shines between now and May 31.
This way if someone does get hurt for any extended period of time, at least the front office wouldn't have to scramble for viable replacements.
None the less, great to see the Revs gut one out. Especially in that weather and in front of a Bridgeport crowd!
I think we'll have to use the term "Bridgeport Crowd" in the future. Definition: Any announced attendance that appears to be more than -- what? 2,000 or 3,000? -- fans over the actual attendance.
I was surprised by the Franklin move too. He's a slow-starter, so I thought York would keep him -- especially since it has until May 31 to make final cuts. Maybe he bounces back. But operating costs might be an issue. The economy is not great and Opening Day Partners is operating four teams. If a company needs to save money, it cuts payroll. And I think that rule would apply to a roster and not just the front office. It might not be a wise business model, but every business does it.
That said, this move could come back and bite the Revs, especially if Andrade needs some time off and Franklin pitches well for Camden.
I think Zimmermann might have been a better option to release. From the stats on the Revs page he's only pitched one more inning than Franklin but has allowed 5 more hits, 8 more earned runs & struck out 2 less than Franklin has. I know Franklin allows a lot of walks but it looks like Zimmermann might be that way too (highest amount of walks on the team right now). The only reason I can think of for keeping Zimmermann instead is to give a new face a chance.
I think Zimmermann might have been a better option to release. From the stats on the Revs page he's only pitched one more inning than Franklin but has allowed 5 more hits, 8 more earned runs & struck out 2 less than Franklin has. I know Franklin allows a lot of walks but it looks like Zimmermann might be that way too (highest amount of walks on the team right now). The only reason I can think of for keeping Zimmermann instead is to give a new face a chance.
Seems like I would want to keep my all time wins guy -Franklin. Even if he was not off to best start he is more of a guy who can do whatever you need Start or relieve and as we saw last year will usually come thru when it counts. Not the best choice on the part of the Revs.
In defense of Zimmermann, it's early. For many first-time players in the Atlantic League, they have never experienced a spring limited to 10 days. Also, he underwent offseason knee surgery. On top of that, no indy team would release a player who tops out at 94 mph only two weeks into the season. Not a lot of pitchers can match that velocity in this league.
But I think you touched on a key point, Zimmermann's new. Players who keep coming back to the Atlantic League often lose intensity. That's why the Riversharks cut ties with longtime, solid players in 2008. The Sharks felt they needed to start over, and needed to get younger.
I'm not saying Franklin lost something -- who could tell in four innings pitched? -- but that may have been a concern for York.