Showing posts tagged “Shaun Cumberland”
Mike Potter ·
6 Sep 2009, 3:54 AM ·
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A walk-off single from Logan Parker (pictured) completed a late comeback, giving the Carolina Mudcats a 3-2 win over the visiting Mississippi Braves on Saturday night.
The Braves began the scoring with a pair of fifth-inning runs off starter Alexander Smit, on an RBI double from Concepcion Rodriguez followed by an RBI single from Brandon Hicks.
Mississippi starter Jose Ortegano carried a shutout into the eighth before Carson Kainer’s single started a two-run rally. A wild pitch and walk followed, before a one-out RBI single from Kris Negron chased the starter. Shaun Cumberland’s infield hit tied the score.
In the ninth, Zack Cozart singled and took second on an error. Eric Eymann’s single moved Cozart to third to set up Parker’s heroics.
Zach Ward (2-4) was the winning pitcher.
The series continues tonight at 6:15, with Jerry Gil (2-4, 9.57) on the mound for the Mudcats.
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Alexander Smit, Atlanta Braves, Carson Kainer, Cincinnati Reds, Eric Eymann, Jerry Gil, Jose Ortegano, Kris Negron, Logan Parker, Mississippi Braves, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Zach Ward, Zack Cozart
Mike Potter ·
5 Sep 2009, 12:42 AM ·
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Eliminated before the stretch drive in the playoff race in the Southern League’s North Division, the Carolina Mudcats continued their late run of victories Friday night.
Zack Cozart (pictured) and Shaun Cumberland hit back-to-back two-run doubles in the seventh inning, leading the Mudcats to an 8-7 comeback victory over the Mississippi Braves that was their fifth straight win.
Jake Long and Yonder Alonzo homered for Carolina.
Ramon Geronimo (4-3) earned a win for the second straight night, while Sean Watson racked up his seventh save.
The series continues tonight at 6:15 PM with lefty Alexander Smit (4-3, 3.23) making the start for the Mudcats.
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Alexander Smit, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Jake Long, Mississippi Braves, Ramon Geronimo, Sean Watson, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Yonder Alonzo, Zack Cozart
Mike Potter ·
29 Aug 2009, 1:04 AM ·
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Luis Montano had his best Double-A start Friday night, but a couple of unearned runs unraveled it in the seventh inning.
And the Montgomery Biscuits scored all three of their runs in the seventh to claim a 3-1 victory over Carolina.
Montano (0-6) was pitching a two-hitter through six innings before the Biscuits put together their good-luck rally.
Carolina got a go-ahead run on base in the ninth before Matt Gorgen closed out the save.
Aneury Rodriguez (9-10) won his fifth straight decision for Montgomery.
Shaun Cumberland (pictured) scored Carolina’s only run on a Logan Parker grounder in the second.
Jerry Gil (2-3, 9.39) will start Game 2 of the five-game set for Carolina tonight at 8:05 against Ryan Morse (3-6, 5.26).
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Aneury Rodriguez, Cincinnati Reds, Jerry Gil, Logan Parker, Luis Montano, Matt Gorgen, Montgomery Biscuits, Ryan Morse, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Tampa Bay Rays
Mike Potter ·
25 Aug 2009, 11:56 PM ·
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FIVE COUNTY STADIUM/ZEBULON The “death march” is on for the Carolina Mudcats.
They go into tonight’s game with the Tennessee Smokies, who are tied for first place in the Southern League’s North Division, with a “tragic number” of two for elimination from the playoff race.
Barring about the biggest miracle in the history of sports that’s inevitable before the end of the season, but it’s a fact that no matter what happens today the Mudcats will go into every game the rest of the year knowing tomorrow’s game could be just for pride.
The Mudcats have yet another transaction as Louisville’s roster gets set for the almost certain Governors’ Cup Playoff spot, as catcher Korey Feiner is now in Triple-A.
There’s not going to be much of a crowd in the house tonight, so let’s grab an Italian sausage and play.
It’s a welcome relief for the home fans, as Camilo Vazquez (pictured) is absolutely dealing to start the game and his teammates are scoring runs. And it all turns out happy this time as the Mudcats hang on for a 7-6 win.
Carolina gets to Hung-Wen Chen for a run in the first as Kris Negron leads off with an infield hit, followed by Jose Castro’s single to center and Yonder Alonzo’s sacrifice fly to left.
And the Mudcats pour on four more runs in the second. Shaun Cumberland leads off with a double to right and steals third. Sean Henry follows with a walk and a steal before Logan Parker’s RBI grounder to short. Jake Long hits an RBI single to left, then moves over on Vazquez’s bunt to third. Negron - an American who after the game tries a clubhouse prank of pretending to need a translator - then blasts the next pitch off the left-field scoreboard to make it 5-0.
The Smokies figure out Vazquez with one out in the sixth. Jim Adduci starts the rally with an infield hit to third, followed by Ty Wright’s RBI double to right. With two out, Tyler Colvin hits an RBI single to right, and after Marquez Smith walks Welington Castillo hits an RBI double to left to chase the starter and bring on Ruben Medina.
Tennessee adds another in the seventh, as pinch-hitter Doug Deeds singles and later scores on Blake Lalli’s two-out single to left.
But Negron and the Mudcats get some insurance in the seventh, as Long leads off with a double to left and scores when Negron blasts a 2-1 offering off the net protecting the numbers on the scoreboard in left.
Carolina turns out to need the insurance because of the Tennessee eighth. With one out, Castillo singles up the middle and then Tony Thomas hits a ball toward second baseman Negron who commits two errors on the play. With runners on second and third pinch hitter Russ Canzler reaches on another error by shortstop Cozart, with two runs scoring to make it 7-6.
And there’s some loud and celebrative - although not particularly tasteful - music in the home clubhouse after the win.
Here’s what they said …
Mudcats manager David Bell: “Negron is really athletic and exciting. Vazquez has been doing a great job, especially since he’s been starting. I think he’s opened some eyes. I like hearing that music. This game’s a lot more fun when you win.”
Negron: “I didn’t think either one of those balls was going to go out. I’m more of a little guy than a home-run hitter.”
Vazquez: “I thought it was a pretty good outing until the sixth. Guys were doing their jobs and making plays behind me. I wanted to finish the inning, but they made the right call in taking me out.”
What does it all mean?
That the Mudcats are still not mathematically eliminated from the race, and that Tennessee is tied for second a game back of division leader West Tenn.
Stars of the game
1. Negron, for his two homers and the infield hit.
2. Vazquez, for the solid start and the win.
3. Castillo, for his three hits including two doubles with an RBI.
Play of the game
Negron’s second homer that provided the game-winning run.
Season series
Tennessee leads 17-12.
Streaks
Carolina: Won 1.
Tennessee: Lost 1.
Transactions
Carolina: C Korey Feiner promoted to Louisville. C Jake Long promoted from Sarasota to Carolina.
Tennessee: none.
On deck
Tennessee at Carolina, Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.
Casey Coleman (R, 13-6, 3.83) vs. Alexander Smit (L, 3-3, 4.06)
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Alexander Smit, Camilo Vazquez, Casey Coleman, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, David Bell, Doug Deeds, Jake Long, Jose Castro, Korey Feiner, Kris Negron, Logan Parker, Louisville Bats, Marquez Smith, Ruben Medina, Russ Canzler, Sarasota Reds, Sean Henry, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Tennessee Smokies, Tony Thomas, Ty Wright, Tyler Colvin, Welington Castillo, West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, Yonder Alonzo
Mike Potter ·
23 Aug 2009, 6:40 PM ·
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FIVE COUNTY STADIUM/ZEBULON It’s Game 2 of the Carolina Mudcats’ five-game homestand against the Tennessee Smokies, and it’s about getting to the point where the home team is playing for pride - and for job assignments heading into next season.
The Mudcats, who lost their chance for the Southern League’s first-half North Division title when they lost on the road to the Smokies on the final day of the half, are guaranteed a losing record in the second half and likely just a few days away from elimination from the race.
They do have that spoiler thing going, and probably wouldn’t mind throwing a monkey wrench into the Smokies’ playoff hopes. That doesn’t happen as Tennessee wins 3-2, taking a one-run victory for the second straight day.
Today is warm and cloudy, but with no threat of rain.
Umpires and managers are wearing light blue - some would say Carolina blue - sweatbands to promote awareness of prostate cancer.
And the Carolina Hurricanes’ “Storm Squad” is in the house.
Let’s consume mass quantities of chicken tenders and play ball.
The Smokies get their first run off Tom Cochran with a two-out rally in the third. Starlin Castro hits a double to right, followed by Blake Lalli’s RBI single to left.
Tennessee’s Jeremy Papelbon (pictured) allows just one baserunner until there are two out in the fifth, when Justin Tordi breaks up the no-hitter with a double to left center. Continue reading »
Baseball, Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Mudcats Andrew Cashner, Blake Lalli, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, David Bell, David Cales, Doug Deeds, Jeremy Papelbon, Jerry Gil, Jonathan Papelbon, Justin Tordi, Kristopher Negron, Marcus Mateo, Ryne Sandberg, Sean Henry, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Starlin Castro, Tennessee Smokies, Tom Cochran, Tony Thomas, West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, Zack Cozart
Mike Potter ·
22 Aug 2009, 11:37 PM ·
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FIVE COUNTY STADIUM/ZEBULON The Carolina Mudcats return home for the opener of a five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies that will comprise the entire homestand.
It’s bordering on time for the end-of-season “death watch” for the Mudcats, as their tragic number for elimination from playoff contention is down to seven with 15 games left in the season. Carolina would just about have to run the table and get help from at least three teams.
The Cincinnati Reds’ organization is acutely aware of the situation, so any Mudcat who deserves promotion to Triple-A is headed for Louisville to help the Bats try to win a Governors’ Cup. Todd Frazier (pictured) is the latest to make the jump, making the number 11 of current Bats players I have covered as a home beat writer at some point.
The Bats really may have about 1/3 of this season’s Southern League post-season all-star team on their roster, since they already had SL home-run leader Juan Francisco, the SL’s best pitcher in Travis Wood and perhaps the SL’s best player in Chris Heisey in the clubhouse. If you think I don’t want Louisville to visit Durham in the playoffs this season, try again.
Anyway, it’s dark and rainy all the way over here from Brier Creek, but the game starts a reasonable 23 minutes late.
Grab an Italian sausage and let’s go.
Tennessee, which eventually wins this one 5-4, takes the early lead with a two-run second inning off Luis Montano. Tyler Colvin leads off with a double to left, moving to third on Ty Wright’s sacrifice bunt to third. Tony Thomas scores Colvin on a two-out double off the wall in left, followed by pitcher Chris Carpenter’s RBI double to right.
Carolina goes ahead with a three-run rally in the fourth.
Jose Castro leads off with a single to left, and after a Shaun Cumberland single to left and a walk to Zack Cozart the bases are literally full of “Cs.” With one out, Logan Parker hits a two-run single to right, and then Carson Kainer puts the home team ahead with another single to right.
Tennessee takes the lead again with a two-out rally in the sixth. Wright doubles to left, followed by Welington Castillo’s RBI single to left. Thomas then smacks an RBI single to left.
The Mudcats tie it in the bottom, as Cozart walks, steals second, advances on Alex Maestri’s wild pitch and scores on Kainer’s one-out sac fly to center.
But Tennessee takes the lead again in the seventh, as Jim Adduci reaches on a fielder’s choice following Jonathan Mota’s single, followed by Starlin Castro’s RBI double to right for the game-winning run.
Here’s what they said …
Mudcats manager David Bell: “Montano was good. In several of his outings he’s struggled for the first couple of innings and then settled down and gotten the job done. It was a good game, but we just didn’t win. There should always be enough motivation to go out and try to win every game, no matter what the standings say.”
Parker: “When you’re in this position (in the standings), you just have to forget about how the team’s doing and motivate yourself every day. We had a great team in the first half and didn’t make the playoffs because we lost the last series to Tennessee. That’s something we need to be thinking about when we play them.”
Cozart: “It’s always important to finish the season strong, even if the team hasn’t been winning. And if you go out and play a good game yourself, that’s going to give the team a better chance to win.”
What does it all mean?
That the tragic number is now five, while Tennessee is a game behind West Tenn for the division lead.
Stars of the game
1. Thomas, with three hits including a double for two RBI.
2. Parker, for two hits and two RBI.
3. Carpenter, for a respectable start and a clutch hit.
Play of the game
Starlin Castro’s game-winning double.
Season series
Tennessee leads 15-11.
Streaks
Carolina: Lost 2.
Tennessee: Won 1.
Transactions
Carolina: Outfielder Todd Frazier promoted to Louisville. Infielder Kristopher Negron promoted to Carolina from Sarasota.
Tennessee: none.
On deck
Tennessee at Carolina, Sunday, 2 p.m.
Jeremy Papelbon (L, 4-5, 3.26) vs. Tom Cochran (L, 4-5, 3.29)
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Alex Maestri, Carson Kainer, Chicago Cubs, Chris Carpenter, Chris Heisey, Cincinnati Reds, David Bell, International League, Jeremy Papelbon, Jim Adduci, Jonathan Mota, Jose Castro, Juan Francisco, Kristopher Negron, Logan Parker, Louisville Bats, Luis Montano, Sarasota Reds, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Starlin Castro, Tennessee Smokies, Todd Frazier, Tom Cochran, Tony Thomas, Travis Wood, Ty Wright, Tyler Colvin, Welington Castillo, Zack Cozart
Mike Potter ·
17 Aug 2009, 11:35 PM ·
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The Carolina Mudcats’ chances to make a long-shot comeback for a playoff berth got even longer.
Brad Davis’ two-run homer in the sixth inning was the killer blow as the Jacksonville Suns topped the visiting Mudcats 5-2 in the opener of their five-game series. Carolina’s “tragic number” is down to 12.
The homer came off losing pitcher Luis Montano (0-4), who has dropped all four of his Double-A starts.
Jacksonville led 2-0 through three innings before one blast scored Carolina’s runs.
Former Mudcats pitcher Anibal Sanchez, possibly making the final start of his current Major League rehab, had retired the first nine batters in order before walking Sean Henry to lead off the fourth. Shaun Cumberland (pictured) then followed by rocketing a 3-1 fastball into the right-field bleachers.
Jacksonville added an insurance run against Ruben Medina in the seventh on a Logan Morrison double.
The series continues Tuesday night at 7:05, with Carolina’s Tom Cochran (4-5, 3.27) starting against Graham Taylor (6-6, 4.09).
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Anibal Sanchez, Brad Davis, Cincinnati Reds, Florida Marlins, Graham Taylor, Jacksonville Suns, Logan Morrison, Luis Montano, Ruben Medina, Sean Henry, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Tom Cochran
Mike Potter ·
16 Aug 2009, 6:29 PM ·
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FIVE COUNTY STADIUM/ZEBULON It’s the finale of the Carolina Mudcats’ homestand and the last time they’ll play the Birmingham Barons this season unless a 100-year miracle gets the home team a playoff berth.
It’s a hot, cloudy afternoon, but at least the Mudcats have room for some optimism since they were finally able to beat the league’s best team last night.
And they need wins badly, as they enter today’s action with a “tragic number” of 13 for elimination from the Southern League’s North Division race.
There’s not going to be much of a crowd, though there’s an interesting addition to the press box. On hand for the past two games to write a story for hometown paper back in The Netherlands is Frank Vonken, who introduces himself to everyone as “Frank from Holland.” Frank, who says he speaks five languages (”We’re not worthy!”) is on hand to cover Alex Smit (pictured), the big lefty from Eindhoven who is back in the lineup after recovering from a sore back.
The trip turns out to be a productive one for our friend Frank, as Smit - whose accent is now barely discernable - allows two runs on two hits in seven innings to pick up the decision in a 4-3 victory. Continue reading »
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Alexander Smit, Birmingham Barons, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, David Bell, David Cook, Frank Vonken, Henry Mabee, Jacksonville Suns, Jake Kahaulelio, Jason Bour, Javier Colina, Jim Gallagher, Johnny Lowe, Lee Cruz, Luis Montano, Matt Long, Montgomery Biscuits, Philippe Valliquette, Rayner Oliveros, Rob Hudson, Sean Henry, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Stephen Chapman, The Netherlands, West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, Zack Cozart
Mike Potter ·
15 Aug 2009, 10:59 PM ·
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FIVE COUNTY STADIUM/ZEBULON The Carolina Mudcats host Game 4 of their five-game series with the Birmingham Barons, and with a four-game losing streak they’re pretty much playing for pride in the series.
If they don’t start a winning tear pretty soon, they could be playing for pride in the Southern League’s North Division standings as well. Carolina’s “tragic number” is 14 for elimination from the playoff race.
Birmingham, of course, is running away with the best record in the league.
There are ominously dark clouds in the sky before game time, but it becomes obvious that there isn’t going to be a threat of rain.
Grab an Italian sausage and let’s play ball.
This time the Mudcats hit Birmingham starter Kyle McCulloch early and hard, striking for four runs in the second inning. And the run of timely hitting is a beautiful thing for a decent home crowd to watch, eventually leading to - yes indeed, boys and girls - an 8-1 Mudcats romp.
With one out, Sean Henry reaches on an infield hit, followed by Stephen Chapman’s single to right. Carson Kainer follows with an RBI single to left. With two out, Korey Feiner hits a two-run single to right. And after Jake Kahaulelio (pictured) reaches on an infield single to third, Shaun Cumberland brings home Feiner with a hit to left to make it 4-0. Continue reading »
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats Birmingham Barons, Camilo Vazquez, Carson Kainer, Chattanooga Lookouts, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, David Bell, Donny Lucy, Greg Atencio, Jake Kahaulelio, Jake Long, John Lujan, John Shelby, Juan Francisco, Korey Feiner, Kyle McCulloch, Miguel Gonzalez, Sean Henry, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Stephen Chapman
Mike Potter ·
14 Aug 2009, 11:59 PM ·
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FIVE COUNTY STADIUM/ZEBULON Time for Game 3 of the Carolina Mudcats’ five-game home series against the Birmingham Barons, and the hole seems to be getting deeper all the time for the home team.
The Barons are the Southern League’s best team with over twice as many wins as losses, while Carolina is in last place in the North Division, nine games behind the first-place Chattanooga Lookouts with a “tragic number” of 15 for elimination from the playoff race.
This is a crazy stat. Two teams out of the 10-team Southern League have records over .500, and the season may well finish that way. Birmingham comes into the contest 40 games over the break-even mark. And things don’t get any better for the red, black and white tonight as Birmingham wins 11-6.
It’s a bit of a saga for me to get over here from Brier Creek tonight. I-540 is a parking lot in Western Wake county, and there’s a pretty heavy thunderstorm in the middle of my trip.
But all of that means I get to the park 40 minutes before first pitch instead of about 75, and the game is going to start on time.
Grab a cheeseburger and let’s go.
Birmingham wastes no time getting on the board against Zack Ward, as C.J. Retherford draws a one-out walk and scores on David Cook’s two-out single to left center.
The Mudcats really get it going in the bottom of the second off John Ely. Todd Frazier draws a one-out walk and scores on Carson Kainer’s two-out double that goes off the glove of diving center fielder Jordan Danks. Logan Parker (pictured) adds an RBI double, and after Jason Bour walks Sean Henry hits an RBI single to left center and the homeboys are up 3-1. Continue reading »
Baseball, Carolina Mudcats, Durham Bulls Adam Ricks, Andy Tomberlin, Birmingham Barons, C.J. Retherford, Camilo Vazquez, Carson Kainer, Chattanooga Lookouts, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, David Bell, David Cook, Ever Magallanes, J.R. Pedew, Jason Bour, Jerry Gil, Jim Gallagher, John Ely, Jordan Danks, Justin Tordi, Kyle McCulloch, Lee Cruz, Logan Parker, Matthew Zaleski, Sean Henry, Shaun Cumberland, Southern League, Todd Frazier, Zack Ward
