Thursday, August 30, 2012

'Sharks Look Better In Makeup Than Revs


Brandon Haveman tied the game with a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Camden Riversharks had the last laugh with a 5-4 win in 12 innings over the York Revolution in front of 4,152 fans at Sovereign Bank Stadium on Thursday evening, thanks to a two-out single in the top of the 12th by Pedro Feliz.

York spent most of its night battling back after Camden scored three unearned runs in the fourth on a Steve Doetsch opposite field home run to right-center, putting the Revs in a 4-1 hole.

After squandering a first-and-third, no-out opportunity in their half of the fourth, the Revs did plate runs in the fifth on an RBI single off the Arch Nemesis by Liu Rodriguez, and in the sixth on a Michael Hernandez sacrifice fly to center.

Down a run in the bottom of the ninth, pinch-hitter Travis Scott singled up the middle with one out, extending his hitting streak to seven consecutive games.  He then moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored the game-tying run on Haveman’s two-out single up the middle.

Revs starter Ryan Feierabend lasted 7.1 innings, allowing Camden’s first four runs, but only one of which was earned.  The lefty allowed nothing after the Doetsch home run, and York’s bullpen retired the first 11 batters it faced before Doetsch singled with one out in the 12th.  After the base hit, Doetsch stole second, and scored the decisive run on Feliz’ two-out single against reliever Ricardo Gomez (4-1).

York managed only one hit as a team in extra innings, as Camden’s bullpen rebounded after closer John Lujan allowed the tying run in the ninth.  Former Revs lefty James Houser (3-0) picked up the win with a perfect 11th.

Camden scored a first inning run on a two-out RBI double off the Arch Nemesis by Eduardo Perez.
York tied the game at 1-1 in the third when Rodriguez singled to right field with the bases loaded, but the Revs were denied the lead when Joe Thurston lined back to the mound for an inning-ending double play.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Pluck-A-Couple-Ducks


(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 29, 2012) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Camden Riversharks 5-3 on Wednesday night in the final game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

Camden took an early 2-0 lead in the first against Ducks starter Bobby Blevins on a sac fly to right by Brian Burgamy and a RBI single to right by Eduardo Perez. The Ducks grabbed a run in the second on Shawn Williams’ RBI groundout off Riversharks starter Eddy Camacho to cut the deficit to one.

Long Island then jumped in front 3-2 in the fourth on Josh Johnson’s two-out two-run single to right with the bases loaded. It stayed that way until the ninth when the ‘Sharks scored three to take a 5-3 lead. Burgamy’s RBI double, a sac fly by Raul Padron and a run-scoring single from Perez did the damage.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Blevins tossed five innings, yielding two runs on five hits with four strikeouts, and Camacho pitched six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out four. James Houser (2-0) got the win after tossing a scoreless eighth inning, and Armando Benitez (2-1) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs on three hits in the ninth. Leo Rosales earned his second save with a scoreless ninth.

'Sharks Acquire Reid Gorecki For PTBNL

The Camden Riversharks have acquired outfielder Reid Gorecki from the Long Island Ducks for a player to be named later.


Gorecki was drafted in the 13th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and started as a rookie in the Low-A New York-Penn League. He also spent time in High-A Palm Beach, Double-A Springfield, and Triple-A Memphis before being called up to MLB as a 40-man roster addition.

In 2008, he was released from the Cardinals organization due to injuries. On May 10, 2008, he was signed by the Atlanta Braves as a minor league free agent, and assigned to the Mississippi Braves of the Double-A Southern League. Gorecki re-signed with the Braves after the 2008 season.

On August 17, 2009, the Braves called him up to the majors. On August 19, 2009, Gorecki recorded his first major league hit and RBI against his hometown team, the New York Mets.

Gorecki was granted free agency at the end of the 2009 season. On January 11, 2010, Gorecki signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees with an invite to spring training. Gorecki became a free agent after the 2010 season ended. In 85 games with the Ducks this season, Gorecki is batting .281, with 10 HR and 41 RBI.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Q: Who The Hell Is That Guy Wearing Joe D'Allessandro's #14 Jersey?? A: It's Bryan Goelz

Goelz was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 36th round of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft from New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn, NY.

He last played for the Somerset Patriots in 2007. Was a teammate of second baseman Delwyn Young's on the South Georgia Waves in 2003.

Pluck-A-Duck


(Central Islip, N.Y. Aug. 28, 2012) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Camden Riversharks 10-5 on Tuesday night in the second game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Ducks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning against Riversharks starter Bryan Corey on a two-run single by Dan Lyons and a double steal that scored Mitch Canham from third. Camden responded with a six-run third inning against Ducks starter Chris McCoy to take a 6-3 lead. Chris Walker’s two-run homer and Danny Santiesteban’s two-run single highlighted the frame.

A four-run fourth for the Riversharks put the game out of reach, with a RBI single by Brian Burgamy, a run-scoring double by Raul Padron and another two-run single by Santiesteban doing the damage. Brandon Sing’s RBI groundout in the seventh and Joash Brodin’s solo homer in the ninth cut the lead to five, but it wasn’t enough.

Corey (8-8) got the win, tossing five innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out two. McCoy (2-2) took the loss, surrendering six runs on six hits in two and one-third innings.

Monday, August 27, 2012

'Crabs Rally, Beat 'Sharks 5-4


The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (25-18, 55-58) closed out another series win as they defeated the Camden Riversharks (17-25, 51-60) Sunday afternoon by a score of 5-4.

Going into the seventh inning, the game was tied 3-3 until Brian Barton knocked in the go ahead runs. Kevin Rios got things going in the seventh with a single, and was followed with a Jeremy Owens walk and Mike Daniel single. With the bases loaded, Barton reached on a fielders choice, which turned into an error by second baseman Delwyn Young. Kevin Rios scored on the hit and Young’s error allowed Owens to score, making the score 5-3.

The Riversharks added another run in the eighth but fell short in their rally.

Blue Crabs starter Daryl Thompson turned in another good outing as he pitched 5 1/3 innings, striking out 5, walking 2 and only allowing 2 runs.

Jim Ed Warden improved his record to 6-7 on the season, receiving the win. Through 2/3 of an inning, Warden struck out 1, walked 1 and allowed 1 one. Chris Mobley added his sixth save by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, striking out 1 and walking none.

Riversharks starter Mike McGuire (6-9) was charged with the loss for Camden. Over 6 2/3 innings, McGuire gave up five runs off of 7 hits. He struck out 6 and walked 1 batter.

Q: Who The Hell Is That Guy Wearing Sean Jarrett's #13 Jersey?? A: It's Jimmy Principe

Principe was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 37th round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ. He last played professionally for the South Bend Silver Hawks of the Midwest League in 2008.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Batting Ninth And Pitching..


By: Jake Levy

CAMDEN, NJ – The Riversharks were so depleted by injuries, the starting pitcher Keith Weiser was penciled into the nine hole of their lineup Saturday night.

A team already struggling to score runs, coming off a shutout loss the night before, was searching for something positive against the Liberty Division-leading Blue Crabs.

How about a four-run first inning?

The Riversharks did all their damage in the first, securing a 4-1 win in the middle game of a three-game set against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Saturday night at Campbell’s Field.

The Blue Crabs (24-18, 54-58) struck first with an RBI groundout from Brian Barton in the first inning. Camden responded with four runs in their half.

The first three Sharks all singled, including an RBI knock from Brian Burgamy. He was picked off during the next at bat, but it allowed Delwyn Young to score from third and put Camden (17-24, 51-59) in front for good.

Raul Padron added a solo home run and Danny Santiesteban drove in Steve Doetsch with a single to round out the scoring.

Each side put up zeros after that. Keith Weiser was great for Camden, going six innings and giving up the one run on seven hits. It was Weiser’s (7-8) third consecutive quality start, even though he did go 0-for-2 at the plate.

The Riversharks pulled back within 6.5 games of the Blue Crabs in the second half standings and look to make up ground Sunday in the series finale. Mike McGuire gets the start for Camden against Daryl Thompson.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Quien Es Mas Camacho?


By: Jake Levy

CAMDEN, NJ – The Riversharks opened their three-game set with Southern Maryland trailing them by 6.5 games in the second half standings and a chance to make up some serious ground. They were coming off two walk off wins in three nights and appeared to be gaining some momentum.

Enter Matthew Vasquez, who had gone eight innings in each of his last three starts heading into Camden.

Vasquez continued that trend with a complete game shutout, facing just three over the minimum while Casey Benjamin supplied four RBI as the Riversharks fell, 5-0, to the Blue Crabs in the series opener at Campbell’s Field.

It was a pitchers’ duel early, with both starters working quickly and throwing strikes. The Blue Crabs (24-17, 54-57) got on the board first with a run in the third inning on a two-out RBI single from Benjamin. They added their second run in the sixth with a sacrifice fly from Travis Garcia.

Other than that, Eddy Camacho had been cruising for Camden (16-24, 50-59) until the seventh inning. Seven hitters came to the plate in the Blue Crab seventh including Benjamin, who crushed a home run off the back wall in right field. It gave Southern Maryland the 5-0 lead which would eventually be the final.

Camacho (0-3) finished 6.1 innings and allowed five runs on eight hits. He did continue his trend of five innings or more in every start this season.

Pedro Feliz had his thirteen-game hit streak snapped in the loss. He was on deck when the game ended.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

'Sharks Come Up Big In Extras, Matera Injures His MCL In Walkoff Win

Brian Burgamy's RBI single in the bottom of the tenth scored Chris Walker and gave the 'Sharks their second extra inning walk-off victory over the Somerset Patriots in three days.

Burgamy was the hero of Tuesday night's game also, when his tenth inning home run sealed the win for Camden. He went 2 for 5 tonight with 2 RBI.

Bryan Corey got the start for the Riversharks, looking to rebound from his dismal four runs on eight hits, four and a third inning start against York on August 18th. Corey pitched well through six innings tonight, surrendering a single run on just four hits. He struck out three.

The 'Sharks scored a run in the first off Somerset's Justin Cassel, and again it was Burgamy providing the spark, doubling in Chris Walker for a 1-0 lead. The Pats tied it up in the fourth when a Colin Curtis sac fly scored Joe Holden.

Corey's exit after six gave way to the 'Sharks bullpen, and the Patriots took the lead in the seventh when a wild pitch from reliever Josh Walter got away from Raul Padron.

But a remarkable two out, ninth inning rally, capped by an RBI single from Steve Doetsch that tied the game, sent us to extras.


Scary moment for Camden: Paddy Matera was injured running hard into third base after Doetsch's hit, and had to be basically carried off the field by Ron Karovice and trainer Jason Kopec. It appears he either seriously sprained or perhaps might've broken his ankle, he was in obvious pain on his way off the field and into the locker room.

The 'Sharks, energized by their ninth inning success, wasted little time in the tenth. Chris Walker drew a leadoff walk, and Delwyn Young laid down a great bunt to get him into scoring position. Burgamy absolutely smoked a ball to the wall in right center, Walker scored, and Burgamy was mobbed by everyone in the dugout between first and second. 'Sharks win a thriller, 3-2 in ten innings.


UPDATE: According to 'Sharks GM Adam Lorber, Paddy injured his MCL going hard into third. That's a season ender, and possibly surgery. Get well soon, Paddy!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Steedley Steadily Okely Dokely

Spencer Steedley pitched two innings of one hit shutout baseball tonight vs. the Somerset Patriots.



 The End.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Brian Burgamy's Walk Off Heroics Lift Camden Over Somerset 5-4



Camden, NJ – First baseman Brian Burgamy’s line drive opposite field solo home run (16) in the bottom of the 10th inning propelled the Camden Riversharks (15-22, 49-57) to a 5-4 victory over the Somerset Patriots (19-21, 54-56) Tuesday night from Campbell’s Field. These two squads have split the first two games of this four game midweek series.

In the top of the second inning second baseman Freddie Bynum slapped a two RBI single through the right side of the infield to give the Patriots an early 2-0 lead.

In the ensuing half inning Camden tied the contest at 2-2 as shortstop Jake Eigsti fisted a two RBI single to center field.

Somerset retook the lead in the fourth frame as Bynum hit a RBI sacrifice fly to make the score 3-2.

The Riversharks jumped in front in the home half of the fifth inning as they plated two runs to take a 4-3 lead. Second baseman Delwyn Young hit a RBI double and designated hitter Eduardo Perez collected a RBI on a fielder’s choice.

The Patriots tied the game at 4-4 in the top of the seventh inning as shortstop Yunesky Sanchez tallied a RBI on a fielder’s choice.

Burgamy’s blast proved to be the difference in the 10th inning as the Patriots lost in walk-off fashion for the second time in the last three games.

Leo Rosales earned his second win of the season while Carlton Smith suffered his third loss of the year.

Pats Hang On To Beat 'Sharks, 3-2


By: Jake Levy

CAMDEN, NJ – Baseball’s a game of inches. One or two more on a fly ball Chris Walker, who represented the go ahead run, in the eighth and this story is written entirely differently.

Instead the ball lands harmlessly in the glove of left fielder Johnny Drennan and the inning is over and the Camden Riversharks fall 3-2 at the hands of the Somerset Patriots for their fourth consecutive defeat.

The Patriots (19-20, 54-55) jumped out to an early lead thanks to a Jesse Hoorelbeke RBI ground-rule double. They added to it in the fourth when Freddie Bynum singled home Joe Holden.

Roy Merritt was untouchable through the first four innings, facing the minimum, but the Riversharks (14-22, 48-57) got to him in the fifth. Pedro Feliz and Eduardo Perez hit back-to-back singles to kick off the frame.

Jake Eigsti tried to sacrifice them over, but Merritt (7-8) tried to cut down Feliz at third. His throw sailed into the left field corner, allowing Feliz to score and putting two more in scoring position. Lloyd Turner singled home Perez, his fourth RBI in four games against the Patriots to tie the game.

Steve Doetsch came to the plate with a chance to put the Sharks ahead. He hit a bullet line drive to first but right at Hoorelbeke, who caught it and simply tagged Lloyd Turner for the double play that couldn’t even score Eigsti from third. It was the first of two devastatingly bad luck plays in the game for the Riversharks.

Keith Weiser continued to battle through seven innings. Weiser (6-8) gave up the game winning hit in the seventh on an RBI double from Corey Smith, chasing home Yunesky Sanchez. Weiser allowed 12 hits but just three runs in the game.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Shea Harris Wants His #8 Jersey Back, Challenges Danny Santiesteban To A '50s Style Musical Knife Fight For It...

There's a rumble brewing at Campbell's Field.

Recently re-activated catcher Shea Harris today challenged 'Sharks right fielder Danny Santiesteban to a '50s style knife fight, possibly preceded by a lengthy musical song and dance number, for the right to wear Santiesteban's #8 jersey, which Harris previously had worn.

"Man, I though Danny and Adam [Lorber, Riversharks GM] always came through for me, and always would!" exclaimed Harris to his teammates during their morning meetup on the corner of Third and Cooper streets in downtown Camden. "But I guess I've gotta show them who's on top! When you're a 'Shark, you're a 'Shark all the way!!" Harris then launched into a ten minute interpretive dance set to a pulsing, orchestral Leonard Bernstein score. Santiesteban could not be reached for comment, though his spokesman called Harris' comments "pretty, and witty and gay..."


Sugarland Skeeters/Ghost Of Bill Veeck Sign 50 Year Old Doping Has-Been.


Roger Clemens is coming back to baseball.
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner, fresh off his acquittal on federal charges he lied to Congress regarding alleged steroid use, has signed a contract with the Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters, a franchise in the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

Fox 26 in Houston, citing Clemens' agent Randy Hendrick and Skeeters president Matt O'Brien, said Clemens will make his first start on Saturday night for the Skeeters.


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Hey, At Least We Got Free Ice Cream: Revs, Cody Shutout 'Sharks 8-0

When York leadoff hitter Brandon Haveman took the second pitch he saw from 'Sharks starter Eddy Camacho deep over the right field wall, I knew it would be a long afternoon for our Camden Riversharks.

York sent eight men to the plate in the first inning, scoring three more times after Haveman's solo shot. Things never got better for Camacho or the 'Sharks, as they were blanked by a superior Revs team in an embarrassing 8-0 blowout. It was Camden's third straight loss, and drops them to 6 games behind the Liberty Division leading Southern Maryland Bluecrabs.

Camacho went six innings, giving up six runs on twelve hits. He struck out six.

Camden could only manage four hits all afternoon against Revs pitching, and only one of those, a Pedro Feliz leadoff double in the seventh, went for extra bases. York starter Chris Cody cruised through the 'Sharks lineup, at one point retiring sixteen batters in a row.


In relief of Camacho, and holding true to form, Spencer Steedley managed to give up two more runs on four hits in just an inning of work. In an ironic twist, the much beleaguered Josh Walter and Zach Hammes combined to work back to back 1-2-3 innings in what might've been Camden's only bright spot for this game.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

'Sharks Lose, Harris Returns To The Lineup


CAMDEN, NJ – The Camden Riversharks were sitting 4.5 games out of the Liberty Division heading into Saturday when they began their nine-game home stand. It looked as though the stars were aligning for Camden to make a serious run at the Atlantic League playoffs.

Game one didn’t go as planned.

Joe Thurston hit two home runs to lead the York Revolution to an 8-1 win over the Riversharks Saturday night at Campbell’s Field. The Revolution never trailed and in the past two games have outscored Camden 20-3.

Friday’s game in York, Pennsylvania was rained out, pushing the starters back as the teams returned to Camden for the back end of the home-and-home series. Bryan Corey got the start for Camden (14-20, 48-55), coming off two of his best starts of the season.

Corey (7-8) gave up a one-out solo blast to Thurston in the first to give York (18-16, 54-50) the early lead.

Corey stranded two runners on in each of the next three innings, dancing around danger to keep it 1-0 until the fifth inning. Thurston led off with his second homer of the game, sparking the Revs to bat around, putting up four runs and chasing Corey from the ball game. Corey went 4.1 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits.

Blake King and Spencer Steedley went a combined 2.2 innings of scoreless ball out of the bullpen, keeping Camden in the game, but Chris Waters was proving to strong for the Camden lineup.

The Sharks finally got to Waters (3-5) in the seventh, getting their lone run on a Chris Walker two-out double to score Jake Eigsti. Camden got two aboard for Brian Burgamy, chasing Waters from the game, but reliever Kris Regas was able to get Burgamy to ground out to end the threat. Camden would not get another baserunner the rest of the game.

York tacked on three more in the eighth inning after Josh Walter allowed the first four men in the inning to reach, rounding out the scoring.

Camden looks for revenge Sunday. First pitch is 1:05 and pits Eddy Camacho (0-1) against Chris Cody (8-11) in a battle of southpaws.

'Sharks v. Revs Rained Out

Friday’s York Revolution game at Sovereign Bank Stadium against the Camden Riversharks has been postponed due to rain.  The game will be made up on Thursday, August 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Yours Truly Threw Out Today's First Pitch, Was Immediately Signed, Placed On The DL, Scheduled For Tommy John Surgery...


Burgamy's Blast Beats Bluefish, Bad Bullpen Battles, Bemusedly...

Brian Burgamy's three run homer in the seventh gave the 'Sharks a 7-3 lead, and for once, the bullpen didn't blow it. Camden held on to win 8-4, avoiding a series sweep by the Bridgeport Bluefish and snapping a three game losing streak in the process.

Mike McGuire got the start for the 'Sharks this morning and pitched fairly well, surrendering three runs on four hits in seven innings of work. He walked two and struck out four.

Camden scored three times in the first inning off Bridgeport's Brad Thomspon, getting consective, two out doubles from Burgamy, Pedro Feliz and Raul Padron. An Eduardo Perez RBI single capped the offensive outburst before Jake Eigsti grounded out to end the inning.

But the Bluefish answered right back in the second. Joey Gathright's sacrifice fly scored James Simmons to get Bridgeport on the board, and Brad Boyer launched a two run homer to right that tied the game 3-3.

Danny Santiesteban broke the tie in the fourth with an RBI double that scored Eigsti, and the 'Sharks caught a break in the fifth inning, when a combination of heads up defense and bad base running caused Bridgeport to hit into a 7-4 double play.


McGuire's departure in the seventh brought on the much maligned Riversharks bullpen. But despite our numerous prayers for rain, and both of them surrendering a couple hits, both Josh Walter and Leo Rosales got through two innings of relief relatively unscathed, surrendering just one run. Jake Eigsti's sac fly in the eighth added a bit more insurance for Rosales, who shut the door on the Bluefish in the ninth and sealed the win.



Monday, August 13, 2012

LUJAN!!

(Camden, N.J. – August 13, 2012) – A three-run shot by Luis Lopez contributed to a four-run ninth inning as the Bridgeport Bluefish (16-13, 47-52) came back to defeat the Camden Riversharks (14-17, 47-52) by a score of 5-3 at Campbell’s Field on Monday. The Bluefish are 8-6 against the Riversharks this season.

Lopez smacked the homer to left on a two-ball, no strike pitch from John Lujan (2-4) with runners on the corners and one out. The Bluefish third baseman has eight shots on the season and had two hits on the night. Eddie Rogers drove in the other run in final frame on a grounder to second. The Bluefish shortstop also picked up two hits, stole a base, and scored a run. James Simmons and Kennard Jones produced two hits for the winning team with Jones coming to the plate once. Prentice Redman reached base three times and picked up one hit while Joey Gathright and Shea Hillenbrand collected one hit a piece.

Camden scored all of the squads’ runs in the first inning. Brian Burgamy, Pedro Feliz, and Eduardo Perez drove in runs in the opening frame. Walker was the only home batter to pick up two hits on the night.

Bluefish starter, Gilbert De La Vara (8-6), earned the victory as the southpaw fired eight frames and surrendered three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning five. Juan Rincon notched his eighth save of 2012 as the righthander struck out two and walked two in the ninth.

Riversharks hurler, Eddy Camacho, did not factor in the decision as the southpaw starter delivered seven innings of one run (no earned run), seven hit, four walk and four strikeout baseball. Leo Rosales retired the Bluefish in order before Bridgeport came up with four runs on four hits and two walks against Lujan.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Psalms 18:42: I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured them out like mud in the streets.

(Bridgeport, Conn. – August 10, 2012) – The Bridgeport Bluefish (14-12, 45-51) offense came alive as the home team defeated the Camden Riversharks (12-15, 46-50) by a score of 11-1 at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. The Bluefish are 6-5 against the Riversharks this season.

The Bluefish scored three runs in the second inning, one more in the third, four in the fifth, two in the sixth and one in the seventh. Luis Lopez served a three-run homer to left in the fifth inning. His seventh homer of the year accounted for three of his four RBI on the night. Lopez finished with two hits and scored twice. James Simmons drove in three runs and picked up his eleventh shot of the season on a deep drive to center in the seventh.

Brock Peterson, Luis Rodriguez and Eddie Rogers had two hits on the night for the winning side. Peterson scored once and drove in a run. Prentice Redman reached base three times and scored every time. Brad Boyer picked up his first Bridgeport hit and drove in a run with a single in the fifth while Kennard Jones reached base twice and came home twice.

Camden outfielder, Eduardo Perez produced the only RBI for Camden on Friday. He grounded out to first to account for the only offense.

Bridgeport starter, Brad Thompson (3-0), earned the victory as the veteran righthanded starter completed six innings of one run (no earned run), four hit, two walk, and five strikeout baseball. Jonah Bayliss, Matt Pike, and Kyle Zaleski combined for three scoreless frames out of the bullpen. The tandem gave up one hit and one walk while fanning two Riversharks batters.

Camden hurler, Mike McGuire (5-8), suffered the loss as the righthanded tosser completed four-and-two-thirds frames while surrendering eight runs on nine hits and one walk while fanning six. Three Riversharks relievers tossed the final three-and-a-third innings and gave up three runs on four hits and three walks. Bluefish batters struck out three times against the road teams’ bullpen.

Y Tu Pedro TambiƩn


Thursday, August 9, 2012

Umpire Hank Himmanen Is One Tough SOB...

Himmanen got nailed twice by balls that got away from Patriots catcher Adam Donachie during tonight's game.

The first one sent him to a knee, where he remained for a few minutes to gather himself. This marks the only time I can remember an umpire getting a round of applause, the Somerset crowd was relieved to see he was alright.

Himmanen got himself together, only to get nailed in the mask later in the game. Guy is double tough, cause they both looked like they hurt.

Delwyn Young's Batting Average Dips Way Down To .833, Sharks Win 4-3

Returning to the line up for the first time since a bout of food poisoning sent him to the hospital for nearly a week, Delwyn Young promptly sent the third pitch he saw from Patriots starter Sean Green into orbit. It was the first of two dingers for Young, who finished the night going two for three with two RBI.

The Riversharks scored a run in each of the first four innings of tonight's game versus the Somerset Patriots. All but one, Lloyd Turner's RBI single in the second that scored Eddy Perez, came off solo homers. Young led off the second with another blast that made it 3-0, and Perez led off the fourth with his seventh homer of the year to put Camden up 4-0.

It would be just enough.

Keith Weiser got the start for the 'Sharks tonight and pitched pretty well, only allowing one run on four hits while striking out six. But things looked grim in the seventh, when with one out, and Spencer "No Lead Is Safe" Steedley on the mound, Joe Holden doubled to center, and Dan Hennigan followed up with a single. First and third with one out and the hero of last night's walk off win, Dan DeGeorge, coming up.

Luckily, Steedley got DeGeorge to ground to second. Unluckily, the 'Sharks couldn't complete the double play, getting only the force at second, and letting Holden score from third. But the defensive play of the game came next, when with Yunesky Sanchez batting, Raul Padron prevented any further damage when he caught Hennigan trying to steal for out number three.

Somerset got one more in the eighth when Corey Smith homered off Leo Rosales. John Lujan came on to pitch the ninth, and made a heads up defensive play of his own, throwing out Yusef Carter at second when Holden tried to bunt him over. The Patriots had two men on with two outs, but Lujan got DeGeorge to ground out to end the game and pick up his 22nd save of the year.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Q:Who The Heck Is That Guy Wearing Drew Macias' Uniform? A: It's Delwyn Young


Camacho's Strong Start Wasted As Pats Walk Off Winners, 4-3

Dan DeGeorge hit a bases loaded single to left in the bottom of the ninth that scored Rian Kiniry, and the Somerset Patriots came from behind to beat the Camden Riversharks in dramatic fashion this afternoon at TD Bank Park, 4-3.

Camden led 3-0 after an RBI single from Eduardo Perez in the third scored Chris Walker, and a costly two run error by Somerset second baseman Dan Hennigan scored Alvin Colina and Danny Santiesteban in the fourth. The Pats offense was quiet throughout most of today's matchup, mainly because Camden's starter was on his game.

Eddy Camacho got the start for the 'Sharks today and pitched well. Camacho shut out the Pats through his first five innings of work, allowing only one hit while striking out six. But Somerset quickly chased the lefty from the game in the sixth when Yunesky Sanchez tagged him with a two run double that made it 3-2. The Pats tied the game later in the inning when Jesse Hoorelbeke's ground out scored Sanchez.

Enter Zach Hammes. Then this happened:

Bottom of 9thSomerset Patriots
#21 Adam DonachieBall, Swinging Strike, Foul, Ball, 21 Adam Donachie putout (6-3) for out number 1
#24 Yusuf CarterCalled Strike, Ball, Swinging Strike, Ball, Foul, 24 Yusuf Carter advances to 2nd (double to left field)
#3 Joe HoldenBall, Ball, 3 Joe Holden advances to 1st (single to shortstop), 24 Yusuf Carter advances to 3rd (3)
Offensive Substitution8 Freddie Bynum subs for Dan Hennigan.
#8 Freddie BynumBall, Ball, Ball, 8 Freddie Bynum advances to 1st (intentional walk), 3 Joe Holden advances to 2nd (8)
Offensive Substitution18 Rian Kiniry runs for Yusuf Carter at 3rd base.
#5 Daniel DeGeorgeBall, Foul, Ball, 5 Daniel DeGeorge advances to 1st (single to left field), 8 Freddie Bynum advances to 2nd (5), 3 Joe Holden advances to 3rd (5), 18 Rian Kiniry Scores Earned (5)
Runs: 1, Hits: 3, Errors: 0, LOB: 3

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

'Sharks Down Patriots 3-1


Bridgewater, NJ- The Camden Riversharks defeated the Somerset Patriots 3-1 in front of 5,110 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday evening.

The Riversharks scored to take a 1-0 lead in the fifth after Eduardo Perez doubled and scored on an RBI double by Lloyd Turner.

Camden rallied to add to their lead in the seventh after Pedro Feliz scored on an error and Perez scored on an RBI base hit by Steve Doetsch to make the score 3-0.

Somerset got on the board in the bottom half of the eighth after Adam Donachie scored on a groundout by Joe Holden for the 3-1 final.

Camden starter Bryan Corey (7-7) got the win after allowing a run on four hits in seven innings pitched. Justin Cassel (3-8) suffered the loss for Somerset, allowing three runs on nine hits in seven innings of work. John Lujan came on in the ninth to pick up his 21st save of the season.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Batting Cleanup for Camden … Former Phillie Pedro Feliz


Matt Leon
Reporting Matt Leon
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Pedro Feliz spent just two years with the Phillies, but it was a great two years to be in South Philadelphia.  Of course he was the starting 3rd baseman on the 2008 World Championship team and the 2009 team that won the National League pennant.  Now 37, Feliz is still playing baseball, but he’s across the river, playing third and batting cleanup for the independent Atlantic League Camden Riversharks.
So far in 2012, Feliz has shown he can still hit the ball – batting .331 in 38 games with the Riversharks, with seven home runs and 26 runs batted in.
“Trying to go in there and do my best,” Feliz tells KYW Newsradio.  “Been working lately, so gonna try to keep doing it.  Feels very good to be playing and doing what I’m doing.”
Listen to Matt Leon’s interview with Pedro Feliz:
Feliz will always have a special place in Philadelphia history, as it was his RBI single in Game #5 of the 2008 World Series against Tampa Bay that snapped a 3-3 tie and gave the Phils a 4-3 lead they would never relinquish.  The win, of course, gave the franchise its second ever world title.  Feliz had a similarly clutch moment in the ’09 series.  His solo home run in the 8th inning of the critical Game #4 against the Yankees tied things up at 4.  But the impact of the that hit faded away quickly as the Yanks scored three in the 9th off Brad Lidge to win 7-4.   New York took a three games to one lead and would go on to win the series in six.
Despite that disappointment, Feliz looks back at his time with the Phillies fondly.
“Two great years that I had there with a group of guys and I had fun.  Especially that 2008 World Series Championship.  Can’t ask for more than that.  That was a great time.
“All the way from the beginning, it was a big battle we were having (in ’08), and we fought together.  Just to see the connection that we had with each one in the clubhouse and in the field.  You see the direction you’re moving to, and I think the best thing – the connection that we had with each other in the clubhouse and the good group that we had together.”
Feliz has eleven years in the big leagues to his credit.  The first eight came in San Francisco.  That run included a role with the 2002 team that lost the World Series to the Angels.  Now, this is actually Feliz’s second stint in Camden.  He played 72 games last year in a Riversharks uniform before signing with the Padres and finishing out the season with their Triple-A team in Tucson.  He hasn’t played in the majors since hitting .218 in 2010 for the Astros and Cardinals.
“It would be awesome if I get the chance to get back up there (to the Major Leagues), so I wouldn’t say no to that situation.  But I’m just doing my best and if somebody thinks I can do it again, to get back up there, I would be happy to do it.  And I believe in myself that I can do it.”
But if that call doesn’t come, you get the sense that Feliz is at peace with how it all has played out.
“Time will tell.  I mean I feel good with my career, I won’t complain.  Happy with what I’ve been doing in the game.  If I can get back I’d be happy.  If I don’t get a chance to get back, what am I gonna do? Just go home and spend time with my family.”
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

'Sharks Bullpen Blows It, Again.

The Sugarland Skeeters have completely owned the Camden Riversharks in 2012.

The Skeeters have compiled an unreal 12-5 record against Camden this year, and today's 5-3 win marks Sugarland's first series sweep in franchise history.

It started out as a nice little pitcher's duel, with the 'Sharks Kevin Reese going up against former MLBer Scott Kasmir. Both starters pitched fairly well, both gave up only a few runs in about five innings of work. But Kasmir had the better stuff, striking out seven and only allowing three hits. The game was tied 2-2 by the sixth.

Then, the bullpen. The goddamn bullpen.

I was chatting with the guy siting next to me in 108, about the goddamn bullpen. Zach Hammes had just relieved Reese with two outs in the top of the sixth. I recapped the 2012 Atlantic League All Star Game, and Hammes' unfortunate role in the Liberty Division's loss. He gave up a double to Aaron Bates as we were speaking. Guy next to me said, to my amusement, "Hm. So he's more of a...'contact' pitcher, huh?"


To be fair, Hammes got out of the sixth unscathed, and was replaced by the usually reliable Leo Rosales. Rosales cruised through the seventh, but the wheels fell off for him in the eighth inning, when the 'Skeeters staged an impressive two out rally. Josh Pressley doubled. Aaron Bates hit an RBI single. Steve Moss doubled, scoring Bates, and suddenly it was 4-2.

Camden got one run back in the bottom of the eighth, when Alvin Colina singled in Brian Burgamy. But John Lujan came apart in the top of the ninth, giving up a run on two hits, while walking two. The 'Sharks failed to rally, and were handed their fifth straight loss. They've gone from first in the division to 3.5 games out, kept out of last place only by the train wreck that is the Long Island Ducks second half.






Saturday, August 4, 2012

These Guys Again?



CAMDEN, New Jersey – Gary Majewski produced back-to-back saves for the Skeeters to help Jason Lane clinch his fourth win of the second half in the Skeeters 6-3 win in game two Saturday afternoon at Campbell’s Field.

The Skeeters scored first for the second night in a row, and they did it in a big way in the third inning off starter Mike McGuire (5-7). With one out and two on thanks to an Iggy Suarez walk and Amadeo Zazueta single, Dominic Ramos plated the first run with an RBI double. Ofilio Castro brought in the second run with a groundout to second, and Bubba Bell and Josh Pressley each picked up an RBI on back-to-back doubles of their own to make the score 4-0.

Jason Lane (4-2) started the ballgame for the Skeeters and pitched with heathy numbers through the first four innings. Again, the lefty had a scoreless streak of 11 straight before the first run was scored off him in the fifth. Paddy Matera reached on a single and came home on an RBI single from Chris Walker to cut the lead down to three, 4-1.

In the sixth, Lane left the game after giving up two more runs. Brian Burgamy started the inning with a single and was quickly brought home by a Pedro Feliz RBI double to halve the lead, 4-2. One batter later, Raul Padron plated Feliz from second with an RBI single to make it a one-run game, 4-3. Saul Rivera entered the game to finish the side retiring the first two batters he faced and five of the six he saw in his inning and two-thirds.

Roberto Giron made his second appearance of the series and retired the side in the eighth after facing just four batters paving the way for Gary Majewski in the ninth. However, the Skeeters cushioned the lead with two runs in the top-half of the inning. Zazueta knocked his first triple of the season with one out into left-center field to get in scoring position early. Ramos hit an infield single to first that kept Zazueta at third for the time being, but in the next at-bat, Castro brought him in with a single into left. With the score 5-3, Bell placed one more on the board with an RBI single into right to put the finishing touches on the Skeeters second win in a row over the Riversharks, 6-3.

Majewski (17, SV) went three-up three-down in the bottom of the ninth ending the game on a strikeout to leadoff man Chris Walker.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Delwyn Young Update

Turns out, Delwyn Young got a stomach bug in Texas and has been in the hospital for the better part of a week. Via his Twitter:

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Partial good news I just heard. If dinner stays down I'm outta here in the morning. 

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