BlueClaws take playoff lead behind clutch efforts

Damek Tomscha, image- Jay Floyd

LAKEWOOD, NJ-- It had been 2181 days since the Lakewood BlueClaws played in the postseason. It was worth the wait as the BlueClaws took a 1-0 lead on Wednesday night in the best-of-three South Atlantic League division series against the Hagerstown Suns (Nationals affiliate) by a score of 6-1 behind excellent relief pitching and clutch hitting.

Shortstop Emmanuel Marrero notched the first of his three hits in the 5th inning to tie the game at one run apiece. In the same frame, third baseman Damek Tomscha stroked a two-run ground rule double down the right field line to put the BlueClaws ahead 3-1.

"That's exactly what he's done all year," BlueClaws skipper Shawn Williams stated of the righty batting Tomscha. "Seems like he's always up in a big situation and that's what he does- he comes through with a big hit."

Those runs would be enough as the Lakewood bullpen was strong. It was righty reliever Grant Dyer that tossed three scoreless frame to earn the victory. He was followed on the mound with a scoreless frame from both lefty Zach Morris and righty closer Sutter McLoughlin.

"For me, it's great to watch," said Williams. "You have these guys that are staying pretty consistent and aren't really fazed by a playoff game and they showed it tonight."

Marrero, the BlueClaws' nine-hole hitter would later add another run-scoring hit in the 6th inning. First baseman Wilson Garcia and catcher Deivi Grullon also knocked in runs with singles in the 7th.

Lakewood starting pitcher Alberto Tirado, who had a 7-1 record with a 2.50 ERA in 12 regular season games since the All-Star break, pitched just four innings in the postseason opener. Allowing one run, the righty's pitch count was high as he threw 81 pitches, 48 of those for strikes.

Hagerstown will host game two (and three, if necessary) when the series resumes on Friday night at Municipal Stadium.

Playoff action elsewhere-

The Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs dropped their International League playoff opener against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre by a score of 2-0. Righty Ben Lively tossed 7 2/3 innings allowing two earned runs on five hits, two walks and eight strike outs, to take the loss. The 'Pigs notched just four hits in the losing effort.

The Double-A Reading Fightin Phils lost their playoff opener in the Eastern League with a 3-2 loss at Trenton. Right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. (7IP, 5 hits allowed, 3 runs/2 earned, two walks, 10 strike outs) was tagged with the loss. Slugger Dylan Cozens collected two hits, a walk and drove in a run.

The rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies lost the deciding game of their best-of-three title series on Wednesday. Top draft pick Mickey Moniak missed games two and three of the series with an apparent hip issue but is expected to play in the Florida Instructional League later this month.

2017 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #4 OF Mickey Moniak

Mickey Moniak, image- Joe Wombough Taken with the top overall selection in last year's MLB amateur draft, outfielder Mickey Moniak has garnered a lot of attention as a highly promising talent in the Phillies' developmental ranks. After signing out of La Costa Canyon High School for a reported $6.1 million, the lefty batting Moniak had a very good professional debut. In 46 games with the Phillies' Gulf Coast League team, Moniak posted a .284 batting average with 11 doubles, four triples, a home run and 28 RBI. Additionally, he showed some speed, swiping 10 bases in 14 opportunities. Following the regular season, Moniak participated in the Florida Instructional League and spent time at the Phillies' training facility in Clearwater, where he worked to add strength and muscle to his six-foot-two 185-pound frame. At the plate, Moniak, who was committed to play at UCLA prior to the 2016 draft, makes steady, hard contact. He is touted as a line drive hitter tha...

Chris Truby Speaks on Santana & Other BlueClaws Matters

On Monday, it was announced that the Astros selected outfielder Domingo Santana as the player to be named later in the late July trade that sent Hunter Pence to the Phillies. Santana, a Dominican born slugger, posted a .269 average with 7 HR and 32 RBI in 96 games with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. The 19-year-old is regarded as a five tool talent and has been ranked among the Phillies' top ten prospects by multiple national outlets. I had the opportunity to speak with Lakewood manager Chris Truby about Santana, the PTBNL list of five Phillies prospects that the Astros had to choose from, as well as other matters pertaining to the BlueClaws, as they enter the final few weeks of their regular season. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview. ______________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE . You can also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE .

2019 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #9 OF Dylan Cozens

Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd Powerful outfield prospect Dylan Cozens hopes to shake the reputation of a free swinger and become a more complete hitter in order to fulfill his dream of reaching the major leagues. At six feet six inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Cozens has an imposing frame that was well-suited for the grid iron, as he was a two-sport star in his high school days. After he was chosen in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft, Cozens debuted in the minors with the rookie level Gulf Coast Phillies. In 50 games there, he notched 15 doubles, two triples, five homers and 24 RBI. Cozens also participated in the Florida Instructional League in 2012. Following a productive spring in 2013, Cozens was retained in extended spring training and made his official season debut with the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters when they began playing in June. Cozens was among the league leaders in many categories that year, ...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog