Because not even a speeding car could have picked them off last night. 5 stolen bases for the 'Nuts and a solid spot start for one of my favourite sleepers in New Hampshire. 3 (and a half?) wins for the affiliates.
Syracuse 4, Louisville 9.
On the glass half full side of things, Brandon League earned every out he got last night by strike out. Of course, he only lasted an inning and was blasted for 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. Mike Nannini did about all you could expect of him in relief of League but the short reliever tired in his third inning and gave up another 4 runs. John-Ford Griffin tried to rally the troops with a 3 run home run, his 10th of the year, but the Skychiefs couldn't muster much more after that. Matt Duff did a solid job in relief facing only 9 batters in 3 innings and striking out 5. Box favourite Spike Lundberg finished the game to put the 'Chiefs out of their misery.
Syracuse Post-Standard Game Story
New Hampshire 3, New Britain 2
The Fisher Cats also won 6-3 in the continuation of Friday's rainout. In the evening affair, Ryan Houston got the start and was just as effective, if not more, as he has been all season in relief. 5 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 5 K's. With mid-90's stuff, Houston could easily be in AAA right now, if only their were room. Kevin Barker and Rob Cosby both reached base 3 times in 3 appearances. Barker also hit a home run in the first inning. The Cats scored the go ahead run in the 7th (and final) inning on a rather unusual play. Justin Singleton doubled and later advanced to third when the opposing team decided to intentionally walk Cosby. On the fourth intentional ball, the pitcher sailed it over the catcher's head allowing Singleton to score from 3rd with the winning run.
Vero Beach 3, Dunedin 8
The Jays raked the Dodgers' first-rounder Brian Pilkington for all 8 runs in his 5 innings of work. The biggest blow came off the bat of Tim Whittaker, a three run homer in the fifth. Adam Lind added two more hits, as did Joey Reiman and Manny Mayorson. Kurt Isenberg had a decent start as well going 7 innings. Brian Reed and Milton Tavarez each pitched a solid inning in relief.
Lansing 5, Kane County 3
What a difference a month can make. Curtis Thigpen went 4 for 4 with a triple and tacked on a walk just to spice things up. He now sports a nifty .300/408/.429 line. Kyle Yates struggled with his command as he walked 5 batters in 5 innings, though he struck out 7. A very Purcey-like outing, but he managed to keep the runners at bay. On the other hand, the Lugnuts ran rampant, stealing 5 bases in 5 attempts. Joey McLaughlin pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
Lansing State Journal Game Story
The Three Stars!
Third star: Kevin Barker
Second star: Ryan Houston
First star: Curtis Thigpen
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20050529083116547