Absolutely Sweet Macias

It was the complete opposite of last night's game.

The Camden Riversharks scored eight runs on fourteen hits, and despite a Long Island rally, held on to beat the Ducks 8-5 tonight at Campbell's Field.

Perhaps frustrated with the lack of runs in last night's 1-0 pitcher's duel, the baseball gods smiled early and often on both teams. The Ducks scored first when Brandon Sing's RBI single scored Craig Binick in the top of the first to make it 1-0.

But the Riversharks had Long Island starter Bob Zimmermann's number. They answered back in the bottom of the frame with three runs of their own. Marquez Smith knocked in Chris Walker with an RBI single, and Jake Eigsti plated Lloyd Turner when he grounded into a double play. Smith later scored from third when Zimmermann uncorked a wild pitch.

Camden got another run in the second when Walker singled in Steve Doetsch to make it 4-1.

In the third, Drew Macias blasted a two run shot OVER the Cooper Health sign in right. Suddenly it was 6-1.

Then...the wheels almost came off.

Long Island scored four runs in the fourth. Brandon Sing blasted a solo homer to lead off. Rey Navarette doubled. Shawn Williams almost put on over Lloyd Turner's head for a base hit, but Turner layed out and made a spectacular catch to retire him. Reid Gorecki smoked a two run dinger to left center, and the Ducks were within a run at 6-5.

Exit Bryan Corey, enter the bullpen combo of Blake King, Zach Hammes, Jeff Farnsworth and John Lujan. They combined to shut down the Ducks offense for the rest of the night. In four and two thirds innings, they allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out three.

The 'Sharks added some insurance in the seventh when Eduardo Perez's RBI single scored Macias, and Doetsch singled in Perez despite getting tagged out between first and second to end the inning.

VIDEO: Drew Macias' Sac Fly Seals The Win For The 'Sharks

Reese Shuts It Down, Smith Lights It Up

Drew Macias' 9th inning, bases loaded sacrifice fly to right field scored Marquez Smith, and the Camden Riversharks beat the Long Island Ducks 1-0 tonight, behind a quality start from righty Kevin Reese.

Reese threw six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just four hits, while striking out three. The bullpen combo of Zach Hammes, Jason Bergmann, and John Lujan continued blanking the Ducks, allowing just one hit in three innings of relief. 

Long Island threatened to score in the top of the 8th, after a throwing error by catcher Scott Knazek allowed Craig Binick to take third base with one out. But Bergmann got Brandon Sing to hit a grounder right to Marquez Smith, who alertly fired the ball to Knazek for out number two. Ray Navarrete ended the Ducks threat by flying out to right field for the third out. 

Smith had a great night at the dish as well, going 2 for 3 with two doubles as well as scoring the winning run.

Two Out Ducks Rally Dooms 'Sharks

The Camden Riversharks give up two runs in the top of the ninth in a 6-5 loss to the Long Island Ducks Tuesday night at Campbell’s Field. 

The Ducks (21-10) started this one the way they left off in game one, putting a three spot on the board in the top of the first. The first two batters of the game reached and Brandon Sing hit one off the wall in center to score both. Sing would come around to score on a single from Ray Navarrete to make the game 3-0 before the Sharks (13-18) would even bat. 

After the rough first, Camden starter Sean Jarrett settled down, allowing just two more hits over the next four innings. The only thing that could calm him down was the rain. A one-hour rain delay came after the fifth inning, forcing Jarrett out of the ball game. 

Not before the Sharks got him the lead though. Brian Burgamy and Jake Eigsti got on board for Eduardo Perez, who snuck one over the wall in right to tie the game at 3-3. Lloyd Turner singled home Scott Knazek to give the sharks the lead, and Burgamy walked in his second plate appearance of the inning to provide some insurance. 

The extra run was washed away immediately after the rain in the sixth. A Naverrete sacrifice fly scored Sing and closed the gap and with two down in the top of the ninth James McOwen hit a two-run double to dead center off John Lujan (1-3). 

Why Is Chris Walker Still Leading Off??

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a good leadoff man is supposed to, y'know...get on base, right??

In 23 games with the 'Sharks this year, Walker is batting a miserable .186. Patience at the plate is also key for a leadoff hitter, but Walker LEADS THE TEAM IN STRIKEOUTS with 29 so far.

I like Chris. He's a nice guy. He's a good outfielder with great range, and if he ever got on base he's still a threat to steal. But C'MON ALREADY, SCOTTY.

Campbell's Field Is Not Your Personal Spittoon, Jerk.

A special note to this guy, sitting in the front row of Section 116 during Monday's game:

Spitting on the ground is disgusting. Spitting on the ground in a baseball park while you root for the opposing team is disrespectful. Wearing black socks and brown shoes is just stupid. You sir, are an idiot. If I ever see you again in Campbell's Field, I'll likely spit on you, and I would encourage others to do the same.

In Which The Long Island Ducks Beat The Riversharks Like They Owed Them Money...

Mike Loree pitched seven strong innings of shutout ball tonight at Campbell's Field, as the visiting Long Island Ducks crushed the Riversharks 8-0. Loree gave up three hits while striking out five.

Absolutely nothing good happened for the Riversharks this evening. This was an ugly game, with a capital "Ugh." I don't feel like running through all the scoring plays in this one-sided snoozefest. It went down kinda like this:

Alvin Colina's #25 jersey made YET ANOTHER appearance at home, this time worn by newly acquired reliever Josh Walter:

This Picture Of Jake Eigsti Playing With His Son Is Freakin' Adorable.

Ricky Brooks, Errors, And A Tale Of Two Double Plays.

In the top of the first inning at TD Bank Park, 'Sharks starter Ricky Brooks had the bases full of Patriots with only one out.

If you've followed the Riversharks at all this year, you've heard this song before: starting pitcher gets into early trouble, gets tagged for a bunch of runs, and the 'Sharks try to play catch up for the rest of the game. Today's matinee in Somerset looked like more of the same. But...

Brooks got third baseman Jeff Nettles to ground to second. Patty Matera scooped up the ball and flipped it to shortstop Jake Eigsti. Eigsti fired a strike over to first baseman Brian Burgamy, and suddenly the 'Sharks were out of the inning, without giving up a run. No one was more excited about this than Brooks, who slapped his glove and let out an exultant yell on his way back to the dugout.

That one play seemed to set the tone for the entire game. The 'Sharks batted around in the second inning, scoring four runs in the process thanks to a combination of walks, errors by the Patriots infield, and a 2 run double for outfielder Drew Macias.

Brooks retired the next six batters he faced. In the top of the third, Paddy Matera hit what looked like a sure double play ball to Pats second baseman Freddie Bynum. But Bynum couldn't come up with it, and what at first looked like two outs turned into another 'Sharks run as Macias scored from third on the play.

Brooks never let Somerset get into scoring position. In his five innings of work, no Patriot made it to second base. The only extra-base hit the Pats could muster was surrendered by reliever Zach Hammes in the seventh.

The 'Sharks tacked on one more in the sixth when Lloyd Turner singled and scored Chris Walker to make it 6-0.

The Patriots spoiled the shutout in the bottom of the seventh when Rex Rundgren singled in Aaron Mathews. Rundren's groudout RBI in the ninth made it 6-2, but that was as close as the Pats would get. John Lujan struck out Jonny Tucker to end the game and give the 'Sharks the victory.

Hoorelbeke Powers Patriots Over Sharks

Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots defeated the Camden Riversharks 8-5 in front of 6,139 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday night.

Somerset scored in the bottom of the second inning on a two run homerun by Jeff Nettles (4) over the left field wall that gave the Patriots a 2-0 lead.

Camden answered right back the following inning on a two run triple to center field by Drew Macias to even the score at two.

The Patriots rallied to bring home four runs in the bottom half of the third on RBI doubles by Freddie Bynum and Freddy Sandoval. Jesse Hoorelbeke (6) then followed with a two run homerun to make the score 6-2.

The Riversharks chipped away at the lead in the top of the fourth, scoring two runs on a sacrifice fly by Marquez Smith and an RBI single by Brian Burgamy to cut the lead to 6-4.

Somerset added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth inning after Yusuf Carter walked and scored on an RBI single by Bynum to make the score 7-4.

Hoorelbeke (7) drove the ball over the center field wall for his second home run of the game in the bottom half of the fifth to increase the lead for the Patriots to 8-4.

A wild pitch in the top of the ninth inning allowed Camden to plate a runner for the 8-5 final.

Patriots reliever Derell McCall (2-1) got the win after pitching 4.1 scoreless innings and striking out two. Riversharks starter Bryan Corey (2-4) suffered the loss, allowing eight runs on ten hits in five innings of work. Josh Rupe picked up his fifth save of the season after coming in to retire the final batter of the game.

A Bittersweet Postscript For Shea...

Washington Township High School product Shea Harris ready for another year with Riversharks

Published: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 12:34 AM     Updated: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 12:37 AM

 By Bill Evans 
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View full sizeJoe WarnerCatcher Shea Harris, a Washington Township High School product, prepares for his third year with the Riversharks.

CAMDEN — Shea Harris got his start in professional baseball by talking his way into a tryout after an Atlantic City Surf game in 2007.

Five years later, he’s still hanging on as the Washington Township High School product is set to begin his third season with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League and sixth overall.

“I went to an Atlantic City Surf game just to see what it was about and saw I was better than the (catcher) they had and I kind of made my own break,” said Harris, who played his college ball at James Madison, Lewisburg Junior College and Gardner-Webb. “I called (the manager) over after the game and told him I’m better than the guy you got, let me work out for you tomorrow.’

“I worked out for him, signed my contract that day and was starting that night. I’m still plugging away and enjoying the game for what it has to offer.”

Harris will likely be the third catcher for the Riversharks this year. He is a .154 career hitter in the minor leagues but can handle a staff and threw out 12 baserunners in 56 games two years ago.

The 27-year-old is expected to start the season behind Alvin Colin and Raul Padron, but with a week to go before the opener neither of the top two catchers had arrived in the country.

“(Harris) is a well-below-average hitter, but he catches fine, receives fine, blocks balls and gives a good effort every day,” said Riversharks manager Jeff Scott. “He’s our third-string catcher, but right now he’s a first-string catcher and getting closer to being a first-string catcher on Opening Day. He played for us a lot two years ago because of some injuries and we won games with him behind the plate.”

Harris said he is working on his offense, but admitted his defense is his calling card.

“A guy like (the Phillies’) Carlos Ruiz gets it done and wins games behind the plate and that’s what I take pride in, winning games, working with the staff and trying to make everybody around me better,” said Harris. “The year the Phillies won the World Series, Carlos didn’t hit but .220. The past couple years I focused on getting the stick together, but I know the defense is going to be there. I’m here to catch and win ballgames.”

This is Harris’ fourth year in the Atlantic League as he played with the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2008, where he also worked with Scott.

“Everybody loves playing at home and it’s good being able to be with my family,” said Harris. “I’m used to the area. It’s very convenient.

“Throughout the years, I’ve played in 28 states and Canada. If you’re going to play somewhere it makes it easier to be home, and I’ve been working with Jeff Scott since I was in Bridgeport and he’s a great baseball guy, great guy to be around, so that’s another reason I’m here.”

Last year, Harris was with the Riversharks all season but only saw action in 11 games, backing up former major-league catcher Toby Hall. While hoping to play more, Harris took the opportunity to learn from a player who had competed at the highest level.

“Experience outweighed me a little bit,” said Harris. “I didn’t get to be on the field as much, but that’s the breaks. You keep plugging away and good things will happen.

“I spent as much time with Toby as I could. There’s no substitute for being around a guy like that every day, learning how to handle yourself. I gained that much more knowledge and you excel yourself having a guy like that to talk to.”

Scott admits the Atlantic League is a stepping stone for players to move on to affiliated ball, and noted it isn’t good practice to sign a player who doesn’t have that ability to play at another level. But while Harris’ ceiling might not be as high as others, his defense and intangibles make him a valuable member of the team.

“Shea’s never going to play in the big leagues or get signed by an organization, but he plays for the right reasons and he’s the one out of 100 that qualifies,” said Scott.

Harris is just looking for an opportunity to keep playing and feels his chances of seeing action are better this year with Hall gone.

“I’m going to play as long as I can, as long as I keep progressing and stay healthy, whatever happens happens,” said Harris, who gives baseball lessons in the offseason. “When I’m done playing, I’d like to coach college ball or even the big-time, but wherever the game takes me I’m just going to let it ride.

“You never know what can happen in this game. Maybe a guy gets hurt and one guy in the bleachers likes me and it’s on from there. But you have to be on the field to get that opportunity, and I’m hoping to play more.”

Contact Bill Evans at 856-845-9478 or bevans@southjerseymedia.com

Justin Cassel Deserves A Round Of Applause

For the second time in four days the Somerset Patriots blank the Camden Riversharks, 4-0, Friday night at TD Bank Ballpark. The Riversharks had not been shutout in 2012 before this series.

Jonny Tucker scored his first of two runs in the first inning on a Jeff Nettles RBI groundout to give the Patriots (14-13) the early lead.

Kevin Reese (1-1) settled down and put up zeros until the fifth, when Tucker delivered a two-RBI double to provide some insurance. He would come around to score later in the inning when Riversharks (12-15) first baseman Brian Burgamy made an error on a sacrifice bunt attempt.

Justin Cassel (1-3) didn’t need the insurance. He went seven scoreless innings for Somerset, scattering four hits while striking out a season-high nine Riversharks.

Marquez Smith, who continues to impress since joining Camden earlier in the week, reached base in all four trips to the plate. He had two of the Riversharks six hits on the night and Cassel’s only two walks.

The Camden bullpen continued to impress, with Blake King throwing two innings without allowing a run, but the Patriot bullpen countered with two scoreless innings of their own to secure the win and draw the series even at two games apiece.

Brian, I'mma Let You Finish, But Pats CF Jonny Tucker Has The Greatest Walk Up Music Of All Time...

Imagine my surprise when Tucker came strolling up to the dish with this blasting at TD Bank Park.

Sharks Rally Past Pats, 4-3

Drew Macias had a huge day at the plate, going 3 for 4 and hitting what turned out to be the game winning home run in the top of the 9th inning, as the Camden Riversharks came from behind to defeat the Somerset Patriots 4-3 at TD Bank Park.

Starter Sean Jarrett struggled with his control at times, but was helped by some excellent defensive plays by the 'Sharks in his 5 innings of work.

Somerset would strike first, however. In the 4th, Pats left fielder Aaron Mathews stroked a single to left that scored both Freddie Bynum and Freddy Sandoval.

The Patriots added one more run in the 5th when a Jesse Hoorelbeke single to right scored Bynum to make it 3-0.

But the 'Sharks tied the game with back-to back RBI singles in the 8th by Colin Roberson and Scott Knazek, and Macias' late-inning heroics put Camden up to stay.

In relief of Jarrett, the bullpen combo of Joe D'Allessandro, Mike Mehlich and John Lujan were absolutely superb over the course of four shutout innings, striking out eight Patriots between them and not allowing any hits. Mehlich gets the win, his first, and Lujan notches his fifth save.

Billy Rice Picked Up By White Sox

'Sharks outfielder Billy Rice has been picked up by the Chicago White Sox, and will be added to the roster of the Class A Kannapolis Intimidators of the South Atlantic League.

In 17 games with Camden this season, Rice was batting .300 with 3 triples. His OPS was among the best on the team at .827. He once got a lousy fade from his barber that made him go 3 for 5.

Burgamy's Got Mad Hits, Like He Was Rod Carew

Brian Burgamy debuted some new walk up music at today's game. In what must be a tribute to recently deceased Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch, Burgamy approached the dish with the speakers at Campbell's Field blasting "Sure Shot", from the Beastie's 1994 album Ill Communication.

Speaking of walk up music, I kinda miss Lloyd Turner's: 

Knazek's Knü Knumber

Is 24. But it looks like he needs new pants. Hope he can fit into Shea's.

Eigsti's 3 RBI & Solid Bullpen Lift Sharks Over Pats

Mike McGuire looked like he was in trouble.

After walking Somerset's lead off man Johnny Tucker and giving up a Texas Leaguer to second baseman Freddie Bynum, a Freddy Sandoval RBI single made it 1-0 Pats in the top of the first.

But after picking off Sandoval, McGuire retired the next two batters to end the inning and minimize the damage. He settled in, retiring the next six batters he faced, and only really got in trouble in the 4th, when Jesse Hoorelbeke crushed a 2 run homer to left, making it 3-0 Pats.

The 'Sharks countered in the bottom of the 4th when Jake Eigsti drove in newly acquired third baseman Marquez Smith with a one out grounder to third.

Camden tied the game in the 6th when Eigsti doubled down the left field line to score Lloyd Turner and Brian Burgamy. Somerset manager Sparky Lyle came out to argue the ball was foul, but after the umpires converged (and talk for a LONG time, meaning: nobody really had a good view of the play) the call stood, and it was 3-3 'Sharks after 6.

Somerset took the lead again in the top of the 7th on a sac fly to left from Sandoval. But the 'Sharks again rallied after the stretch when Smith's 2 out, 2 RBI single scored Chris Walker and Colin Roberson.

The bullpen combo of Zach Hammes, Jason Bergmann, and John Lujan combined to blank the Pats the rest of the game, allowing no run and no hits through 2 2/3 innings. Hammes gets the win, and Lujan struck out two in the 9th to earn his fourth save of the season.

Goodbye, Shea Harris. Hello, Marquez Smith.

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, with the acquisition of Scott Knazek and the impeding return of Alvin Colina, the Riversharks have released catcher Shea Harris. Harris was the Opening Day starting catcher and had appeared in 15 games with Camden this year. He attended Washington Township High School in Sewell, New Jersey.

The 'Sharks have also signed and activated third baseman Marquez Smith. The 27 year old last played with the Piratas de Campeche in the Triple A Mexican League. Smith was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft. 

Pats Blanks Sharks, 8-0

The Somerset Patriots put twelve batters to plate in the sixth to plate eight runs and beat the Camden Riversharks, 8-0, Tuesday night at Campbell’s Field. It is the first time the Sharks have been shutout this season.

Keith Weiser (0-2) came out strong for the Riversharks (10-14), but things unraveled after three straight singles in the sixth chased him from the ball game. Jeff Farnsworth and Mariano Gomez were tagged for a combined six runs before finally getting through the treacherous inning. The Riversharks had allowed 36 runs in the previous twenty three games, their highest of any inning.

Paul Phillips (4-0) was outstanding for the Patriots (13-11) to pick up his fourth win in four outings. He went seven innings, scattering just three hits while whiffing seven. The only real threat against him came in the second, when the Sharks put runners at the corners with one down. Phillips was able to strike out Colin Roberson and get Chris Walker to fly out to deep right-center to get out of the jam.

The bright spot for Camden came from Ricky Brooks, who just signed on with the team over the weekend. He made his home debut and did not disappoint, facing the minimum through two innings of work while striking out a pair.

Mikey Mehlick continued that trend with a perfect ninth to end the game on ten straight batters retired by Riversharks pitching, but it was too little too late.

Sharks Hold On To Take Rubber Match Against Crabs

Bryan Corey pitched a gem to lead the Camden Riversharks over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 3-2, in the rubber match of a three game set Sunday afternoon at Regency Furniture Stadium.

Corey (2-3) rebounded from his 5-run outing against Lancaster last Tuesday to throw seven innings of two-run ball, giving up four hits while striking out five against the Blue Crabs (11-12).

The Riversharks (10-13) provided all the run support in the fourth inning. Brian Burgamy and Jake Eigsti hit back-to-back sacrifice flies and Eduardo Perez followed up with an RBI double to put the Sharks up 3-0.

That was all the offense Camden would need. Corey cruised through the first 5.2 innings. Then he hit his only rough patch when he walked David Espinosa then served up a home run to Javier Colina. It was the second day in a row Colina hit a long ball.

That was all the Blue Crabs would get. Jason Bergmann, who leads the Sharks in ERA, pitched another scoreless inning in the eighth. Christian Lopez hit a ninth inning double to put the tying run in scoring position with one out, but John Lujan got a ground out and strike out to end the game and pick up his third save of the season.

Matera's Offense Propels Sharks Past Crabs

Paddy Matera hit his second home run in as many nights to help the Camden Riversharks beat the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 8-4, at Regency Furniture Stadium Saturday night.

For the second straight night the Sharks (9-13) jumped out to a first inning lead. Camden loaded the bases and a one-out error by catcher Richard Mercado allowed two runs to score.

Jake Eigsti doubled to right in the third to score Brian Burgamy and add another run. Then the Sharks blew things open in the fourth with a five-spot, including a three-run home run from Matera. Matera had no home runs in his eight games played before this series; he has two in two games against Southern Maryland.

Kevin Reese (1-0) made his first start of the season for Camden and held The Blue Crabs (11-11) scoreless through the first three innings. That changed with two outs in the fourth, when Richard Giannotti hit a three-run blast of his own.

Javier Colina added a solo shot in the sixth to chase Reese from the game. Reese went 5.1 innings, allowing the four runs on five hits. He had been the long reliever for the Riversharks early in the season and made a spot start in place of the injured Humberto Sanchez.

Reese gave way to Mariano Gomez, who got two strike outs while allowing a hit in his brief appearance. Since giving up four earned runs without recording an out against Lancaster on May 9, Gomez has made four appearances and allowed no runs on two hits in 5.1 innings of work.

The Riversharks bullpen flexed their muscle against their Liberty Division rival Saturday. They went a combined 3.2 scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out eight to preserve the win.

The win snaps a two-game losing streak for the Sharks and ends Southern Maryland’s win streak at four games. Camden will look to take the series Sunday and move within a game of crawling out of the cellar of the Liberty Division.

Seriously, Let Burgamy Pitch.

The Camden Riversharks blow a six run lead in their 11-6 loss to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Friday night at Regency Furniture Stadium.

Brian Burgamy started the scoring early for the Riversharks (8-13) with a grand slam before an out was even recorded in the top of the first. Paddy Matera led off the second with a solo shot, followed by back-to-back doubles from Scott Knazek and Billy Rice expanded the lead to 6-0.

That was it for the scoring for the Sharks. Dan Reichart (1-0) settled down to face the minimum over the next three innings and give the Blue Crabs (10-11) five innings allowing the six runs on six hits.

That provided Southern Maryland a chance to fight back. They opened the scoring in the bottom of the second. Christian Lopez and Jeremy Owens knocked back-to-back run-scoring singles to get Southern Maryland on the board. Riversharks starter Sean Jarrett (2-3) allowed another run to score on an RBI fielder’s choice from Ching-Lung Hu.

Jarrett’s struggles continued in the second inning. Matt Padgett delivered a double with the bases loaded, scoring three runs and tying the game at six. The Blue Crabs third baseman finished the game with a season high five runs batted in. That knocked Jarrett out of the game after 2.1 innings. He let in eight runs on seven hits. Later in the third inning, Southern Maryland took the lead on a Jeremy Owens double off reliever Blake King.

The Southern Maryland bullpen would hold Camden scoreless the rest of the game and hand the Riversharks their second straight loss. The Blue Crabs have now won four straight.

Who The Hell Is That Guy, Pt. III: Guy Harder

In case you wondered who that guy on the mound for the 'Sharks was tonight, his name is Ricky Brooks

The 27 year old has experience in the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets organizations, including three seasons of Double-A experience. He finished the 2011 season with a 3.95 ERA and appeared in 82 innings in 53 games for Binghamtom.

Brooks has a career ERA of 4.41 and 427 strikeouts in 510.2 innings pitched in 223 games.

From The Atlantic League's "Transactions" Page:

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs: RHP Ben Moore contract purchased by the Lamigo Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

Halama's Gem Sinks Sharks, 5-2

Barnstormers lefty John Halama went the distance against the Riversharks this afternoon, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out seven.

Lancaster got to 'Sharks starter Mike McGuire early. In the 2nd, Brad Boyer tripled to score Ryan Harvey, and Jaime Pedroza singled in Boyer to take a 2-0 lead.

The 'Stormers tacked on two more runs in the 4th when a sac fly from Francisco Hernandez scored Blake Gailen, and Adam Godwin's single to left scored Boyer.

Camden's only runs came in the bottom of the 5th, after a series of errors by Lancaster infielders Paddy Matera and Steven Doetsch both scored, cutting the 'Sharks deficit in half at 4-2.

The 'Stormers added an insurance run in the 8th, when Boyer again singled in Ryan Harvey, making it 5-2.

The win marked a milestone for Barnstormers manager Butch Hobson, as he notched his 1500 win in pro ball. 

Ah Yes, The Old 3-5-2-5-4-5 Double Play. That Old Chestnut.

Colina is never, EVER getting this jersey back.

It didn't take long for Scott Knazek to make an impact with his new squad.

The 27 year old catcher was released from the Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League on Wednesday. Tonight, inserted into the 'Sharks lineup and wearing Alvin Colina's #25 jersey, Knazek launched the first pitch he saw from 'Stormers righty Mark Brackman over the left field wall.

The Barnstormers got on the board first, when in the top of the first Fehlandt Lentini took a Keith Weiser fastball deep over the wall in left center. But the 'Sharks answered back in the bottom of the frame when Drew Macias homered to right to tie it at 1-1.

Macias blasted a line drive over the right field wall to tie the game.

Billy Rice took advantage of right fielder Ryan Harvey's fielding error in the bottom of the second, stretching a ball that should have been caught into a one out triple. Then Steven Doetsch hit into the weirdest double play I've ever seen, going 3-5-2-5-4-5 to get Rice breaking for home and Doetsch halfway between 2nd and 3rd.

Knazek's 2 run homer followed in the 3rd. Lancaster would tie the game at 3 in the fourth, when a Jaime Pedroza single scored Jesus Merchan and Kody Kirkland. But the Riversharks pulled ahead in the bottom of the frame when RBI singles from Knazek, Chris Walker and Lloyd Turner made it 6-3.

The bullpen combo of Kyle Reese, Jason Bergamann and John Lujan combined for 7 strikeouts in relief of Weiser, and shut the door on any hopes of a 'Stormers late inning rally. Weiser gets the win, his first of 2012. Lujan gets the save, his second.

Sharks win!! 

Blake Gailen & Jesus Merchan 7, Riversharks 3

The Camden Riversharks gave up four run innings in the fifth and sixth innings as they fell, 11-3, to the Lancaster Barnstormers Tuesday night at Campbell's Field.

Riversharks (7-11) starter Bryan Corey (2-2) retired the first two men he faced but three straight singles, including an RBI knock from Jesus Merchan, gave the Barnstormers (11-7) an early lead. Blake Gailen delivered an RBI single of his own in the third to add to the lead. Gailen and Merchan went a combined 7-for-9 at the dish, scoring four runs and driving in seven.

Eduardo Perez got the Sharks on the board in the fourth. He singled home Colin Roberson after a lead off double to bring the Sharks back within one, but much like Saturday night that was the closest they would get.

Gailen wacked his first of two home runs in the fifth to propel eight runs over the next two innings to put the game out of reach.

The Sharks did continue to battle, scoring two in the eighth on sacrifice flies from Roberson and Perez. Brian Burgamy and Lloyd Turner each had their only hits of the game in that inning, extending their hitting streaks to six games a piece.

Well, That Was Fast: Felix Pie Signed by Atlanta Braves

Camden, NJ- The Riversharks announced today that outfielder Felix Pie was signed by the Atlanta Braves organization. He will be joining the Gwinnett Braves, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. 

“We are always glad to see our players go back to Major League Baseball organizations,” said General Manager Adam Lorber. “Pie is a talented ball player and we are glad he got this opportunity.” 

Pie began his Atlantic League career with a seven game hitting streak and was leading the team in home runs (3) before he was picked up. He was second in RBIs (12), hit two doubles and had a .353 BA in 13 games for the Riversharks. 

He made his Major League debut on April 17, 2007 and hit a double off Greg Maddux. In 2009, he joined the Baltimore Orioles where he had a .259 BA over three seasons and became the fourth Oriole to hit for a cycle. 

Pie was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Chicago Cubs in 2001. 

'Sharks Drop Rubber Match

The ball was jumping out of Campbell’s field as the Camden Riversharks dropped the rubber match of their three game series, 13-8, to the Bridgeport Bluefish on Saturday night. 

The Atlantic League leading Bluefish (12-5) wasted no time getting their offense going, scoring four runs before Camden (7-10) starter Sean Jarrett (2-2) even recorded an out. Jarrett went three innings allowing eight runs on nine hits. 

The big blow came off the bat of Colin DeLome, who crushed a three-run homerun over the scoreboard in right-center. It was one of five homeruns between the two teams on the day; all of which went to right field. 

The Riversharks got one back in the bottom of the inning when Bill Rice led off with a triple and Lloyd Turner followed him up with an RBI single. The scoring madness ensued as the ‘Fish carried a 9-2 lead into the bottom of the fourth. 

That was when the Riversharks bats came alive. Back-to-back homeruns from Drew Macias and Brian Burgamy helped the Sharks put up a five-spot and pull within two. Jake Eigsti would add a home run of his own in the fifth to pull the Sharks within one, but that would be as close as the Sharks would get. 

The Bridgeport bullpen put up nothing but zeros in the final three innings, preserving the win for Tobi Stoner (1-1). The Bluefish starter picked up his first win of the season despite allowing eight runs on 12 hits in five innings. 

The Riversharks had a chance to get out of the Liberty Division cellar with a win thanks to a loss for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, but they came up short in front of the sell-out crowd at Campbell’s Field. 

Good Guy Toby, (Hopefully) Enjoying Retirement

Sanchez To The DL, Camacho Set To Return

Riversharks manager Jeff Scott has announced that Humberto Sanchez is most likely headed to the disabled list. Sanchez lasted an inning an two-thirds in his start on Wednesday, allowing five walks and giving up a monster home run before getting yanked for Kevin Reese.

In an interview before Game 2 of their day/night double header with the Bridgeport Bluefish, Scott said Sanchez complained of "soreness in his bicep" which contributed to his control problems.

When asked if this move would leave a hole in the 'Sharks starting rotation, Scott said he expects lefty Eddy Camacho to join the team at the beginning of the week. Camacho is finished his obligations to a team in Puerto Rico, and would slide right in to Sanchez's spot in the order.

Sharks Split Day/Night Doubleheader

R H E  CAMDEN 11 13 2  BRIDGEPORT 4 7 0

R H E  CAMDEN 4 9 0  BRIDGEPORT 6 8 1

The Bridgeport Bluefish scored three runs in the top of the ninth for a come-from-behind 6-4 victory over the Camden Riversharks in game two of a double header Friday. 

The Riversharks (7-9) got three runs in the first inning thanks to an error and two-run single from Colin Roberson. The Bluefish (11-5) got a run back in the second inning without recording a hit. 

Three walks and a hit batter pushed the first run across, and then in the third Louis Lopez grounded out to score Colin Dellome. 

Then the pitchers put up zeros across the board until the seventh, when Kennard Jones drove one up the middle to score Pedro Lopez and tie the game at 3-3. 

Camden responded in the bottom of the frame when Billy Rice chased home Jake Elgsti with a one-out double to regain the lead. 

But in the top of the ninth, John Lujan (1-2), surrendered three runs, capped by a two-out double from Prentice Redman to secure the win. 

The Bluefish needed the win to pull even on the day. The Riversharks blew out Bridgeport 11-4 in game one on Baseball Education Day. 

Brian Burgamy got things started with a three-run triple in the bottom of the first and the Riversharks never looked back. Burgamy now has a team high 16 RBIs and six in the last three games. 

Home Opener. I Couldn't Agree More, Kid.

Billy Rice's Bad Haircut Made Him Go 3 For 5 With A Triple And 3 Runs Scored.

Just sayin', Bill. Looks good to me.

I Don't Know How To Put This, But Brian Burgamy Is (Still) Kind Of A Big Deal. People Know Him.

The Camden Riversharks weren't having the greatest night.

Starter Humberto Sanchez was yanked after just an inning and two-thirds of work. The 'Sharks scored first, when a Lloyd Turner double scored Billy Rice to make it 1-0. But the 'Stormers took advantage of Sanchez' early control issues when right fielder Fehlandt Lentini crushed a three run homer to right to take a 3-1 lead.

Out of the bullpen, Kevin Reese pitched remarkably well, scattering four hits over five and one-third innings, striking out one, and more importantly keeping the 'Stormers from pulling too far ahead (see: last night's game).

Meanwhile, Camden slowly crept back into it. Scoring once in the fifth when Brian Burgamy singled in Rice to make it 3-2, and once more in the seventh when an error by "Stormers first baseman Tommy Everidge again allowed Rice to score, the game was knotted up at three going into the top of the ninth.

Then 'Stormers left fielder Blake Gailen absolutely murdered a fastball from John Lujan over the wall in left center (it actually hit the Wawa sign with an extremely loud, echoing THUD). Lancaster led 4-3, and all looked bleak for the Mudville Nine.

But the 'Sharks had apparently saved their best for last. In the ninth, Lloyd Turner led off with a single. Felix Pie seemed destined to hit into a double play but "Stormers shortstop Jesus Merchan, who had such an amazing game last night, couldn't field the ball cleanly. Lancaster wound up only getting Turner, Pie was safe on a fielder's choice.

Pie came up limping after his run to first, and after getting checked out by trainers and coaches, walked off the field under his own power, seemingly alright.

Patty Matera pinch runs for Pie, with Brian Burgamy due up. It's at this point that I yelled: "Hey Brian!! You're going to have to hit it to the f#cking moon if you want Matera to score from first!!"

He must've heard me.

Burgamy took 'Stormers reliever Jeff Bennett's 1-0 fastball deep to straight away center.

Home run. Ballgame. 'Sharks win in walk-off, wild fashion 5-3.