Lancaster Barnstormers: May 2009 Archives

Longtime Barnstormers catcher Lance Burkhart has burned the Revolution before. A walk-off homer against closer Dave Veres stands out as the biggest example of his clutch hits against York last season. But Burkhart switched teams in the offseason after Lancaster asked him to take a back-up role.

Now with Southern Maryland, Burkhart homered with one out in the seventh to propel the Crabs to a 2-1 victory in the first game of a doubleheader.

The defending Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year Joe Gannon (2-1) earned the win, holding York to five hits. He surrendered a solo homer to Matt Padgett in the fourth, and only one other baserunner advanced past first base all game.

York right-hander Mike Smith (0-2) pitched a complete game. He allowed five hits and his velocity remained in the 90s throughout the game. He struck out four and walked two.

Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Steve Navaroli sits down to talk about the week that was, including a 2-7 start and York's momentum-building win Monday night to snap a five-game losing streak.

York pitching coach Tippy Martinez didn't try to avoid the topic. He's concerned about his bullpen, so much so that he plans to sit down with his relievers after watching York implode in a 14-4 loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers.

He needs to know what his pitchers are thinking, because they have struggled. York relievers entered Saturday's game with a 8.90 ERA, and they allowed eight runs during a two-inning stretch.

"We're all talking about it," Martinez said. "I don't know if it's a case of our guys trying to be too fine or getting away from what works for them.

"We're going to sit down and talk with them about it, find out what's in their heads. We want to just try to get a read on what's happening. We know these guys can do it, they can handle the work. There needs to be more communication before anybody panics."

I sat down with Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Steve Navaroli to talk about the York Revolution's home opener and the first week of the regular season.