The SharkTank Redemption

Ricky Brooks threw eight shutout innings to lead the Camden Riversharks over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 7-0, in the third game of a four-game set at Campbell’s Field Saturday night. 

Brooks (5-1) gave up just three hits and a couple of walks while striking out four in his eight innings of work; Spencer Steedley threw a scoreless ninth to preserve the shutout. 

The Riversharks (29-32) offense gave Brooks some runs in the first inning. Chris Walker and Brian Burgamy each walked and with two outs, Eduardo Perez drove them home with a double to right center. 

Deinys Suarez (3-3) settled down after that, keeping the Sharks scoreless over the next 5.2 innings. 


That was, until Walker unloaded his second home run of the series, doubling the lead to 4-0 and chasing Suarez from the game. Perez continued his hot hitting with a three-run blast of his own in the eighth. Perez finished the day 3-for-4 with a run scored and five RBIs. 

Sanchez, Vasquez Released

The Riversharks announced today they have released pitchers Humberto Sanchez and Carlos Vasquez.

Sanchez was sidelined with an elbow injury and made only three starts in 2012, last pitching on May 10th against the 'Stormers. His ERA was a bloated 14.40 with 4 k's and 9 walks.

Vasquez was supposed to be part of the Venezuelan contingent that brought Eddy Camacho and Raul Padron to Camden, but never materialized.

Dog Days

The long ball hurt Sean Jarrett and the Camden Riversharks in Friday night’s 9-1 loss to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the second of a four-game series at Campbell’s Field. 

It was a scoreless pitchers’ duel through three innings, but in the fourth Jarrett (4-4) ran into trouble with home runs. He had allowed just five homers in his first eleven starts, but the Blue Crabs (28-33) hit one in each of the next three innings. 

Jesse Gutierrez hit a two-run shot over the right field fence in the fourth, Mike Daniel hit a solo homer in the fifth and Matt Padgett delivered a two-runner of his own in the sixth. Jarrett gave up the five runs on just four hits through 6.1 innings. He left the game in the seventh with an apparent arm injury. 

Meanwhile, Dan Reichert (5-3) was brilliant for Southern Maryland. He allowed just two singles through seven innings of work. He ran into some trouble in the eighth, giving up three straight singles to kick off the inning. The final one was a rocket ground ball off the bat of Steve Doetsch that caught Reichert’s leg, forcing him to leave the game. 

Eduardo Morlan entered with the bases loaded and got Paddy Matera to fly out to left, scoring Eduardo Perez on the sacrifice fly. The threat was ended when the next batter, Jake Eigsti, bounced into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. 

Southern Maryland came through with four runs in the ninth, including a two-run single from Casey Benjamin, to blow the game open and even the series. The Sharks look to rebound Saturday in game three.

Well, That Didn't Take Long: Ducks Release Roberson

Here's why:

Season	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG
ALPB- 2012	Long Island Ducks	2	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0	.000
TOTAL		2	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0	.000

Ouch. Seven at bats and five k's.

In Which I Sumo Wrestle Adam On Pride Night

Travis: "Hey guys, would you be interested in participating in Sumo wrestling during the game?"

Adam: "Hahaha...well, I don't thi-"

Me: "YES. YES WE ARE."

So began my bucket list worthy adventure at the 'Sharks game Thursday night. Sign this waiver, meet up in Section 116 in the middle of the third inning, prize is a tour of the Yard's Brewery and a six pack. 

You had me at "beer".

Actually, you had me at "Get into these ridiculously oversized Sumo outfits and beat the hell out of each other." But once we made our way to the visitors dugout and were led into the bowels of Campbell's Field, getting into the suits proved to be a bigger workout than actual Sumo wrestling, or what I imagine actual Sumo wrestling is like. It took us 15 minutes just to suit up and by that time I was completely exhausted. Then we had to stand around in a giant padded suit for a half inning. Getting judged by ushers, street teamers and visiting players going to take a whizz. Ugh.

Finally, we were led out onto the field, introduced, and given a countdown to GET IT ON (hahaha, Pride Night) What I hadn't counted on was Adam using Road Runner type strategy to his advantage. That is, when I built up a little head of steam in preparation to knock his block off, he deftly moved his block one step to the right, and I fell flat on my face. Whereupon he jumped onto of me. Point, Blue.

So, humiliated in front of literally tens of fans, sweaty, dusty and exhausted, I emerged with a free t shirt and a certificate for a Yard's factory tour and a sixer. Fair trade, I'd say.

McGuire One Hits 'Crabs, Goes Seven Scoreless, Finally Catches A Break

Mike McGuire tossed seven scoreless innings, struck out six and allowed just one hit tonight as the Camden Riversharks shutout the Southern Maryland Bluecrabs 6-0 at Campbell's Field.

McGuire had a no hitter going through seven, until with one out, Matt Padgett hit a ground ball that just got through the infield.

The 'Sharks offense erupted with eleven hits tonight. Chris Walker and Eduardo Perez combined to go 7 for 8 at the dish, with Walker collecting a home run in the sixth that put the 'Sharks up 6-0.

Zach Hammes and Josh Walter each threw a scoreless inning in relief of McGuire.

This is the third time in 2012 McGuire has gone seven innings, but those others starts ended in a loss and a no decision.

Skeeters Beat 'Sharks Like They Owed Them Money

SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Skeeters used a six-run fifth inning and back-to-back home runs to take the series, 4-2, from the Riversharks with an 11-1 win in game six at Constellation Field in front of 6004 fans Wednesday night. It is Sugar Land’s third series win at home. In the final game of the six-game home stand, Bobby Livingston (7-2) got the nod for the second time this series in a rematch with Camden starter Keith Weiser (3-4). In their first battle, Livingston had the better end of the deal working seven and two-thirds innings for the win. The same could be said for their second encounter Wednesday night. Livingston struck out the side in the first after walking the leadoff batter, faced only three in the second and retired the side in the third, fourth and fifth while only giving up one hit and walking a couple. The first runs of the game did not come until the bottom of the fourth, but when they did, lightning struck twice. Designated-hitter Jason Lane led off the inning with a solo blast (3) up and over the left-field wall to give Sugar Land a 1-0 lead. Immediately after, first baseman Josh Pressley drilled the second pitch he saw the opposite way for his sixth home run of the season to double the, 2-0. It is the third time this season Sugar Land (26-33) has hit back-to-back home runs. More scoring came in the bottom of the fifth for Sugar Land. Shortstop Iggy Suarez started the inning with a single up the middle, and after a Dominic Ramos fly-out, left fielder Miguel Negron laced a pitch past third base down the line for a double. With first base open, Weiser walked Lane to load the bases for Pressley. After a long battle at the plate, Weiser missed the strike zone on a 3-2 pitch allowing Pressley to walk in the third run for Sugar Land, 3-0. Camden (27-31) made their first pitching change bringing in Kevin Reese in the middle of the fifth after Sugar Land tagged Weiser for three runs of six hits. Ofilio Castro was the first to face the reliever, and he continued his hot bat with a single into right. Only one run scored to push the lead up to four, 4-0, and as the merry-go-round continued, Steve Moss added to the run total with a two RBI-double into right-center field. With the score now 6-0, Bubba Bell came to bat with two on and still only one out. On the first pitch, Bell lined it past a diving Eduardo Perez in left bringing two more across home plate, 8-0. Bell’s sixteenth double of the season put him into a tie for second in the Atlantic League with two other players. The Riversharks plated their only run of the game in the top of the six when Livingston gave up back-to-back singles to Lloyd Turner and Raul Padron. Two batters later, Perez grounded out to Suarez at short scoring Turner to take away the shutout, 8-1. In the bottom of the sixth, the Skeeters added to Camden’s misery with two more runs. Ramos reached on a single and Negron walked to put two aboard. Two batters later, Pressley brought in runs nine and 10 with his second extra base hit of the game. The two-run double pushed the score up to 10-1.

How Long Have We Been Playing These Guys, Anyway??

SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Skeeters offense used five doubles and a home run to rock the Riversharks early and often in a game five win, 6-2, to take the series lead in front of 6832 fans at constellation Field Tuesday Night.

Dustin Richardson made his first professional start on the mound since 2008 for the Skeeters (25-33) in game five of the six-game series against former Major League pitcher Bryan Corey for the Riversharks (27-30).

After a scoreless first inning, the Riversharks started the scoring for the fourth time in five games against the Skeeters. Catcher Alvin Colina had not registered a hit against the Skeeters in the series until he led off the top of the second inning. In the first pitch of the at-bat, Colina ripped a fastball down the left-field line into the picnic area for his second home run of the season to give Camden a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning after two walks to the bottom of the order and a fielder’s choice to Chris Walker at the top of it, Richardson gave up an RBI-single to second baseman Lloyd Turner with two outs to double the Riversharks lead, 2-0.

The Skeeters did not take long to respond, though. After Josh Pressley grounded out in his first plate appearance in the bottom of the second, Ofilio Castro stepped up to bat with the bases empty. On a 2-1 pitch, Castro blasted a fastball down the left-field line into the picnic area for a home run. However, after deliberation amongst the umpires, they ruled it a foul ball. Castro strapped the gloves back on after taking the round trip once, and on the very next pitch, crushed a for sure shot over the picnic plaza for his second home run of the season. The blast put the Skeeters on the board, 2-1.

Richardson retired three of four batters he faced in the third, and in the bottom half of the inning, Sugar Land took the lead. Iggy Suarez grounded out with the first at-bat of the third, but Dominic Ramos at the top of the order singled to get the rally started. Miguel Negron popped up to the third baseman on the first pitch for the second out of the inning, but after a Jason Lane walk to put two on, Pressley again found a groove. The first baseman pulled a fastball into right forcing Riversharks right fielder Steve Doetsch to make a tough play. The ball kicked off his glove as he made a leaping attempt at the ball. Ramos easily scored from second and Lane was waved around from third to give the Skeeters a 3-2 lead on Pressley’s two-bagger.

In the fourth, Richardson retired the side in order before the Skeeters offense took effect in the bottom half of the inning once again. Bubba Bell doubled into deep left-center field, and Octavio Martinez singled into right pushing the runner into scoring position at third. In his second at-bat, Suarez laced a liner into left bringing bell in from third to increase the lead, 4-2. Two batters later, Martinez came home for the fifth run when Negron hit a sacrifice-fly into right, 5-2.
Pedro Liriano (3-2) came in to pitch the fifth through eighth innings and sealed them with a masterful four innings of work allowing no hits and no runs while striking out four. At point from the end of the second to the end of the game, the Skeeters allowed just two base runners, both from walks, retiring 22 of 24 batters and the last 10 in a row to end the game.

The Skeeters posted one run in the eighth after Suarez led off the inning with his second double scoring on an RBI-single from Pressley to make the score 6-2. Closer Gary Majewski finished the game in the ninth retiring the side in order in the non-save situation to give Sugar Land the series lead going into game six, 3-2.

'Sharks Survive Late Rally, Even Series With Skeeters 2-2

SUGAR LAND, Texas – Skeeters first baseman Josh Pressley went 4-4 with two doubles and reached base in all five at-bats as Sugar Land (24-33) dropped game four to the Camden Riversharks (27-29) in front of 5630 fans at Constellation Field Tuesday night.

Pitcher Michael Nix (1-7) made his third start of the season and second against the Riversharks Monday night in search of his second win against Camden righty Ricky Brooks (4-1).

For the first time in the series, the Skeeters scored first. After a scoreless first inning, Sugar Land worked Brooks in the second to take the early lead. Josh Pressley led off the inning with a single back up the middle, Ofilio Castro walked to put two batters aboard, and Steve Moss singled into right to load the bases through the first three batters of the inning. With no outs and the bases loaded, catcher Octavio Martinez singled over the second baseman into right to give the Skeeters a 1-0 lead. In the next at-bat with the bases still loaded, Luis Figueroa brought in the second run of the inning with a sacrifice-fly into center field, 2-0.

Nix came out with the lead in the top of third, but had trouble containing the bottom of the order after facing the minimum through the first and second inning. Eduardo Perez led off with a single into left and stole second to put himself in scoring position during the next at-bat. Steve Doetsch struck out looking, but with one out and one on, shortstop Jake Eigsti singled into center allowing Perez to come around to cut the Skeeters lead in half, 2-1.

Camden turned the lineup over for the first time, and the second time through proved better. At the top of the order, Chris Walker used his speed to turn what could have been just a double into an RBI-triple into deep right-center field. Eigsti scored from first to tie the game, 2-2.

Second baseman Lloyd Turner grounded out to Figueroa at second, but Atlantic League RBI leader and Riversharks first baseman Brian Burgamy tallied the go-ahead shot with an RBI-single into center. With the score now 3-2, former Houston Astro and World Series Champion Pedro Feliz continued a five-game hitting streak with a two-run home run (2) to increase the lead for Camden, 5-2.

Nix settled back into the game after the big third inning retiring nine of the last 10 batters he faced before getting the hook after working six inning allowing five earned-runs while walking and striking out two. Brooks finished after six as well just allowing the two early runs off seven hits and three walks.

Reliever Kelvin Villa helped retire 11 in a row after Nix left in the sixth with three-up three-down in the seventh, but the eighth was troublesome again. With one on and two out in the inning, catcher Raul Padron hit an RBI-double into the left-center field gap adding a crucial sixth run to the score to put Camden ahead, 6-2.

The Skeeters found a bit of hope when reliever Zach Hammes took the mound in the bottom of the eighth. Pressley continued his magnificent hitting night with a one out double into left, and in the next at-bat, Ofilio Castro brought him home with an RBI-triple into right. The Skeeters halved the lead, 6-3, and even cut it down to two when Steve Moss hit a sacrifice-fly into center to bring Castro in standing up, 6-4.

Camden brought in closer John Lujan for the third consecutive night, but the game wasn’t quite finished even with his appearance. After getting Iggy Suarez to ground out and Bubba Bell to strike out swinging, the Skeeters used the classic two-out rally. Miguel Negron walked and stole second to get in scoring position, and one batter later, Jason Lane brought him in with an RBI-double into left, 6-5. Lujan intentionally walked Pressley in his fifth at-bat of the game, and with two on and the game winning run at first, Castro grounded out to second on a bang-bang play to end the game. Lujan picked up his 12th save of the season and the win for Camden evened up the series at 2-2.

'Sharks Down Skeeters 5-1

The Camden Riversharks (26-29) beat the Sugar Land Skeeters (24-32) 5-1 on Sunday at Constellation Field, behind Raul Padron, who collected three hits. He singled in the first, third, and seventh innings.


The Skeeters' lineup had no answer for Sean Jarrett. Sugar Land  managed just two hits off of Jarrett, who allowed one earned run, walked one and struck out three during his six innings of work.

Steve Moss reached base three times. He scored one run and had one RBI. He homered in the sixth inning.

Jason Lane was charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just 5 2/3 innings, walked three, struck out four, and allowed two runs.

Mike McGuire Can't Catch A Break, Pt. III

Greetings From The Humungus!

#nowater in Camden means we have to ship in tanker trucks full of clean h2o just to keep our tanks level and sharks happy #justkeepswimming
— Meg McLaughlin (@lakewallywhat87) June 22, 2012

Here's what I imagine that scene looks like:

Tonight's 'Sharks Game Cancelled Due To Heat, Water Pressure, General Malaise In Camden

'Sharks Win Behind Solid Effort From Corey

Bryan Corey pitched effectively through 5 2/3 innings and earned his fourth win of 2012 as the Camden Riversharks beat the Long Island Ducks 6-2 tonight at Campbell's Field. Corey surrendered only one run on four hits while striking out two. 


Brian Burgamy blasted his seventh home run of the season deep to right to get the 'Sharks on the board in the bottom of the first. In the second, Jake Eigsti's RBI double scored Steve Doetsch and made it 2-0. 


Eigsti got another RBI in the fourth on a sacrifice fly that scored Drew Macias, and the 'Sharks lead it 3-0. Macias, the #7 hitter, had two stolen bases on the night.


Camden got another run in the fifth when Pedro Feliz grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Lloyd Turner. 


Camden nearly coughed up the lead in the sixth. After a James McOwen solo shot finally got the Ducks on the board, reliever Eddy Camacho threw seven straight balls and walked his way into a bases loaded 2 out jam. Camacho got Colin Roberson swinging for out number three. 


Long Island scored once more in the seventh when McOwen singled in Kraig Binick to make it 4-2 before Ron Karkovice had seen enough of Camacho. Josh Walter was brought in to get the last out of the inning. 


The 'Sharks tacked on some insurance in the eighth when Macias scored after an error by Ducks reliever Eric Niesen, and some smart baserunning by Steve Doetsch allowed him to score on a wild pitch from Jon Hunton.


John Lujan came on in the ninth and retired the Ducks in order. 

Mikey Mehlich Is...A T-Bone

Former 'Sharks righty Mike Mehlich has been signed by the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association.

In 13 games with Camden this year, Mehlich had compiled an ERA of 7.16 with 14 K's.

Meanwhile, former 'Sharks outfielder Colin Roberson has been signed by the Long Island Ducks.

Camden Losing Streak Now At Four

The Camden Riversharks drop four straight games for the first time this season in 3-2 loss to the Long Island Ducks Tuesday night at Campbell’s Field. It was the first of a three game set between the Liberty Division rivals and drops the Sharks six games behind the Ducks.

Long Island (30-21) got on the board first thanks to a solo home run from Ray Navarrete in the first inning off Ricky Brooks (3-1). Brooks allowed three runs on eight hits in seven innings to take the loss.

His quality start was wasted due to the dominant performance from Randy Keisler (4-1). Keisler went seven plus, allowing two runs on six hits. At one point he retired 16 straight hitters.

The Riversharks (24-27) tied it in the second when Pedro Feliz doubled to the wall in left and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly from Steve Doetsch.

James McOwen doubled on the first pitch of the fifth inning and came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Dan Lyons to regain the Long Island lead. McOwen scored again in the seventh off a single from Kraig Binick, part of Binick’s 4-for-5 evening.

Camden got one back in the eighth when Drew Macias started off the inning with a triple and scored on a Doetsch single. That was as close as Camden could get as Jon Meloan delivered a perfect ninth to tie John Lujan atop the saves list with eleven.

Bug Bombed

The Sugar Land Skeeters scored twelve unanswered runs in the final four innings to take game three, 13-5, over the Camden Riversharks Saturday night at Campbell’s Field. 

The Sharks (24-25) jumped out to an early 5-1 lead. Camden struck for two in the first inning with RBI singles from Eduardo Perez and Raul Padron. The Skeeters (20-28) got a run back in the second but in the bottom of the inning Camden added three more on sacrifice flies from Perez and Lloyd Turner plus a single from Alvin Colina. 

That was all the scoring for the Sharks as Bobby Livingston (5-2) settled down and didn’t allow a run over the next four innings, going six while allowing the five runs on nine hits. 

He got the win thanks to the strong comeback by the Skeeters. In the sixth, Sean Jarrett retired the first two men of the inning but back-to-back doubles led to two runs scoring. A three run seventh gave the Skeeters the lead. The inning featured two throwing errors by Perez and a two-run home run from Dominic Ramos off of Mariano Gomez (1-1) to put the Skeeters up for good. They added two in the eighth and four in the ninth for good measure. 

Marquez Smith Signed by Boston Red Sox

POSTED: 6/16/2012 by Danielle Forte

The Riversharks announced today that infielder Marquez Smith was signed by the Boston Red Sox organization and will join their Double-A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. 

“We were very excited when Marquez joined the team this year,” said Manager Jeff Scott. “We were disappointed when he left for Mexico but we understood and after his return, he played outstanding. We wish him all the best and I expect to see him playing Triple-A ball soon.” 

Smith played in 23 games for the Riversharks and was leading the team in batting average (.363) before he was signed. In addition, he hit three homeruns and had 20 RBIs. He hit a grand slam in his final at bat as a Rivershark. 

Smith was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2007 and is the second Riversharks player to be signed by a Major League affiliate this week. Pitcher Jason Bergmann was picked up by the Colorado Rockies two days prior. 

[MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER]

This Is...Troubling...

Date	Type	Club	Player	Description
06/14/2012	Status Change	Omaha Storm Chasers	Ryan Eigsti	Omaha Storm Chasers placed C Ryan Eigsti on the temporarily inactive list.

Infielders

#	Player	Position	B/T	Ht	Wt
7	Brian Burgamy	3B	S/R	5-10	190
10	Paddy Matera	IF	R/R	5-8	195
12	Eduardo Perez	IF	R/R
8	Marquez Smith	3B	R/R
11	Lloyd Turner	IF	R/R	6-1	170

'Sharks Squash Skeeters In A Slugfest

With the bases loaded in the 8th inning, Marquez Smith took a 3-2 fastball from Skeeters reliever Kelvin Villa and crushed it over the left field wall for a grand slam. It was the coup de grâce for Sugarland, as they fell to the Camden Riversharks tonight by a score of 12-5.

The Skeeters struck first when Dominic Ramos led off the game with a triple, and scored when Bubba Bell singled him in to make it 1-0. An error by Alvin Colina later in the inning allowed Bell to score. 

But that was the only time Sugarland would enjoy a lead. The 'Sharks bats came alive tonight against Skeeters pitching. In the bottom of the first, Colina's sac fly to center scored Paddy Matera, and an Eduardo Perez double scored Smith and Brian Burgamy to make it 3-2 'Sharks. 

In the second, Ramos took Keith Weiser deep to left for his fourth home run of the season, tying the game a 3-3. Ramos came within one single of hitting for the cycle, going 3 for 5 on the night with 2 RBI.

Camden got three more in the bottom of the frame, a double from Smith scored Patty Matera, and Burgamy's two run blast, his 5th of 2012, made it 6-3 'Sharks. 

The Skeeters cut the lead to 6-5 in the 4th on RBI doubles from Ramos and Iggy Suarez.

A solo shot from Burgamy in the 5th added some insurance, and the huge, 5 run eighth inning sealed Sugarland's fate. Weiser gets the win, but the bullpen combo of Jeff Farnsworth, Spencer Steedley, Zach Hammes and John Lujan deserves credit for shutting down the Skeeters the rest of the night, allowing no runs and just two hits in four innings of relief.

Ok, Now We Have Three Third Baseman. Now What?

The Camden Riversharks have announced that former World Series Champion and Philadelphia Phillie Pedro Feliz has returned to the ‘Sharks for the 2012 season. 

“We are very excited to have Feliz on the team again,” said General Manager Adam Lorber. “He is a talented ball player and an overall great guy. He is a great role model for young athletes and enjoys interacting with our fans.” 

Last season Feliz appeared in 72 games for the Riversharks, leading the team in batting average (.298) and on-base percentage (.366) before being signed by the San Diego Padres. He was also tied for second with the Riversharks in RBIs (45) and hit 11 home runs. In addition, he had 22 hits in his last 24 games including a team best 16-game hitting streak. 

After being signed in June, Feliz played in 25 games for the Tuscan Padres, Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. He had 12 RBIs and hit three homeruns. In November of last year, he was granted free agency. 

[RIVERSHARKS PLAYER] Signed By [MLB CLUB]

In a move that both delights and saddens me, the [MLB CLUB] have signed [POSITION] [RIVERSHARKS PLAYER] today. The deal hasn't quite been finalized, so I'm not supposed to talk about it. Hence, the [EXPLETIVE] redactions.

[RIVERSHARKS PLAYER] has dominated opponents so far in 2012, [LIST OF PLAYER ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN CURRENT SEASON]. So it was really only a matter of time before the scouts took notice. [RIVERSHARKS PLAYER] will be joining the [MINOR LEAGUE AFFILIATE FOR MLB CLUB] later this week.

'Sharks Sweep Doubleheader, Colina Returns

Brian Burgamy and Alvin Colina drive in two runs apiece to lead the Camden Riversharks over the Bridgeport Bluefish, 4-0, in the second game of Wednesday’s double header. The Sharks sweep the day and get back to .500 for the first time since May 4.

The Riversharks (23-23) took game one despite going down, 3-0, early. Luis Lopez hit an RBI ground-rule double in the bottom of the first to score Eddie Rogers. The ‘Fish (20-26) tacked on two more in the fourth when Pedro Lopez and Kennard Jones hit back-to-back RBI singles.

The Sharks responded with ferocity in the fifth. With the bases loaded and two down, Lloyd Turner singled home Eddy Perez and then everybody came home on a bases clearing 3-run double from Marquez Smith. Brian Burgamy picked up an RBI in game one as well, singling home Smith to complete the five run inning and give the Sharks a 5-3 win.

Burgamy picked up where he left off in the top of the first inning of game two. Paddy Matera led off the game with a single and Smith drew a one-out walk before Burgamy doubled them both in for the early 2-0 lead.

That was plenty for Sharks starter Ricky Brooks (3-0) who allowed just two hits over five shutout innings. Alvin Colina wasn’t taking any chances in his first day with the Sharks. After going 0-for-3 in game one, Colina slammed a solo home run to lead off the fourth inning in his second at bat of game two. The next inning he supplied an RBI groundout, chasing home Lloyd Turner.

By sweeping the day, the Sharks take the series, 2-1, in Bridgeport and come out above .500 on their nine-game road trip, 5-and-4.

'Sharks Lose Ugly, 9-1.

The Camden Riversharks bats were silenced in a 9-1 loss to the Bridgeport Bluefish Monday night in the first of a three-game series at Harbor Yard. The only run the Sharks scored was unearned.

Raymar Diaz (1-5) went seven innings, allowing the unearned run on six hits while striking out five. The loan Riversharks (21-23) run came in the third when singles from Scott Knazek and Lloyd Turner put runners at the corners with two down. Marquez Smith reached on an error by Luis Lopez to allow Knazek to score the first run of the game.

The Bluefish (20-24) responded in the bottom of the frame. Elliott Ayala and James Simmons hit back-to-back singles to kick off the inning. Both runners were moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Pedro Lopez and were driven in on a two-run single from Kennard Jones to give the ‘Fish a 2-1 lead.

Things got messier for ‘Sharks starter Kevin Reese (1-2) in the fourth. With runners at the corners and two down, Pedro Lopez singled home Louis Lopez. He and James Simmons both scored when the next batter, Kennard Jones, tripled and Eddie Rogers followed up with a two-run home run to complete the five run inning. Reese went four innings, giving up seven runs on seven hits while striking out four.

Kennard Jones drove in his fifth run of the game in the sixth, plating James Simmons, who scored three runs in the contest, off Riversharks reliever Jeff Farnsworth. A sacrifice fly from Brock Peterson scored the second run in the inning.

Mariano Gomez pitched a scoreless inning out of the pen for the Sharks. He has allowed one earned run in his last six appearances (6.2 innings). Lloyd Turner’s 1-for-3 day extended his hitting streak to ten games and Brian Burgamy extended his streak to ten straight games reaching base. Meanwhile, Marquez Smith failed to get a hit for just the fourth time in his twenty games played this season; he was riding a five-game hit streak.

Spencer Steedley Might Be The Second Coming Of Cy Young, 'Sharks Outlast 'Crabs 6-5

The Camden Riversharks hit three home runs to bite the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 6-5, Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game set at Regency Furniture Stadium. 

The Blue Crabs (22-21) got on the board first thanks to a solo home run from Jeremy Owens in the second inning. They added another in the third after David Espinosa walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Chris Caves. He then scored on a groundout from Casey Benjamin. Owens scored again in the fifth on a single from Espinosa to make it 3-0. 

The Riversharks (21-22) got one back in the sixth on the power of a Marquez Smith solo home run. That was the only run Crabs starter Nick Green allowed. He was pulled after the sixth, allowing the one run on four hits in his six innings. 

He gave way to Jared Locke (1-1) and the Riversharks took advantage. The first two men of the inning were set down before Jake Eigsti drew a walk. Caves made up for his throwing error with a two-run homer to tie the game and Chris Walker made it back-to-back jacks to give Camden the lead. They continued to pile on as Paddy Matera walked and scored on a Smith double and Brian Burgamy chased home Smith with a single to make it a five-run seventh inning and give the Riversharks a 6-3 lead. 

Spencer Steedley (2-0) pitched a perfect sixth inning before the Riversharks explosion to earn the win. Steedley has appeared in two games since joining the Sharks earlier this week. He has retired all six men he's faced and the Sharks have exploded for 12 runs in the two combined innings following his effort for come-from-behind victories. 

Southern Maryland made it interesting in the ninth, scoring two runs and for the second straight game pinch hitting Chin-Lung Hu with two outs in the ninth and the tying run in scoring position. John Lujan was able to strike him out this time though to preserve the win and gain sole possession of the league-lead in saves, becoming the first to double digits with his tenth. 

Mike McGuire Can't Catch A Break, Pt. II

A RiverSharks Haiku

Eleven strikeouts
Aren't enough to stop the 'Crabs
Next time buy that comb.

Weiser Gets The 'Sharks To Within One Game Of Mediocrity

Keith Weiser helped the Camden Riversharks outlast the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 3-1, in a pitchers duel Friday night at Regency Furniture Stadium.

The Sharks (20-21) got on the board first in the sixth when Chris Walker led off the inning with a single. It was the first hit for the Riversharks on the evening off Dan Reicher (3-1).

Lloyd Turner followed Walker with a single of his own, and Walker scored on a double play off the bat of Marquez Smith. Smith drove in Scott Knazek in the eighth to double the Sharks lead.


The lone Blue Crabs (21-20) run came in the bottom of the eighth when David Espinosa hit a solo home run off Mariano Gomez.

The Sharks added an insurance run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly from Jake Eigsti, scoring Drew Macias. John Lujan pitched a perfect ninth, including a pair of strikeouts, to pick up his league-leading ninth save of the season.

Rev's Bullpen Goes China Syndrome, 'Sharks Win

In a 46 minute 8th inning that included 13 batters, 7 runs, and a questionable call at third by umpire Buzz Albert, the Camden Riversharks roared past the York Revolution and held on to win 7-5 tonight at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

Revs starter Shawn Hill had baffled the 'Sharks hitters over seven innings of work, allowing no runs on just three hits while striking out five.

York scored four times in the bottom of the third, on consecutive RBI doubles by Ramon Castro and Chris Nowak. Nowak later score on a wild pitch from 'Sharks starter Ricky Brooks.

But after Hill's departure, the Revs bullpen imploded. Most of the blame fell to reliever Stephen Penney, who gave up RBI singles to Lloyd Turner and Marquez Smith, before being yanked for James Houser. In relief of Penney, Houser gave up an RBI single to Brian Burgamy that tied the game at 4-4.

Camden scored again when Houser walked Jake Eigsti with the bases loaded, bringing home Smith to make it 5-4.  Steve Doetsch scored Burgamy one batter later with an RBI single, and Andy Etchebarren had seen enough. Houser was yanked for Shaun Garceau, but Garceau walked catcher Chris Caves on four pitches with the bases loaded, scoring Eduardo Perez and making it 7-4 Camden. It took Chris Walker swinging at ball four on a 3-1 count and grounding out to first for the bloodletting to finally come to an end.

Then it was up to the 'Sharks bullpen. Reliever Jason Bergamann walked the first batter he faced in the 8th, but recovered to strike out the side. Bergmann has been overpowering hitters in the Atlantic League this season, with 28 Ks in 19.1 innings pitched.

John Lujan came on in the 9th. The Revs got a run back when with one out, Travis Scott blasted a line drive homer to right, but Lujan retired the nexy two batters he faced to notch his 8th save and complete a remarkable comeback victory for the Riversharks.

Matera Back From The DL. Roberson & Mehlich Released, Steedley Signed

The Camden Riversharks have made a few roster moves today. To make room for Paddy Matera's return from the disabled list the 'Sharks released OF Colin Roberson. In 24 games with Camden this season, Roberson was batting just .162 with 2 homers and 10 RBI.

The 'Sharks have also signed 27 year old lefty Spencer Steedley. Steedley last played for the AA New Britain Rock Cats in the Eastern League. In 2011, Steedley went 4 and 5 with a 4.52 ERA. To make room for Steedley, Camden has released reliever Mike Mehlich.

Farnsy's Miscue Lets York Jump The 'Sharks

Brandon Haveman hit a three run, bases clearing double in the seventh inning off 'Sharks reliever Jeff Farnsworth, and the Revolution held on to win 4-2 tonight at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

In five innings of work, Camden starter Bryan Corey held the Revs to just one (unearned) run on five hits while striking out six. But all the Riversharks offense could muster in response was two runs in the first inning, when Brian Burgamy's RBI single scored Chris Walker and Lloyd Turner.

Haveman got one run back for York in the bottom of the frame when he scored after Chris Nowak hit into a fielder's choice.

Steve Doetsch lead off the second with a triple, but was left stranded after a groundout from Turner, and strikeouts from Burgamy and Scott Knazek.

The Revs bullpen came through in a big way in relief of starter Jesus Sanchez, who exited after just an inning and two thirds. Lefty Yunior Novoa recorded five strikeouts in his three innings of relief. R.J. Rodriguez notched his 7th save of 2012, retiring the 'Sharks in order in the ninth.

Jake Eigsti's hitting woes continued as he went 0 for 4 at the dish tonight. In his last ten games, Eigsti is 6 for 38, for a miserable .157 batting average.

Sharks Squander Early Lead In Loss At York

The Camden Riversharks squandered a four-run first inning in an 8-7 loss to the York Revolution in game one of a three game set Tuesday night at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

The Sharks (18-20) took the early lead thanks to an RBI single from Brian Burgamy with the bases loaded. They remained loaded for Eduardo Perez, who continues his hot hitting with a bases-clearing double.

The Revs (18-19) began to chip away in the second. They got a run on a Chris Nowak lead off home run.

York added two more in the third. Ramon Castro singled home Brandon Haveman and Nowak drove in his second run of the game on a sacrifice fly.

With the Revs within one, Camden added an insurance run in the fourth when Scott Knazek singled home Jake Eigst to extend the lead to 5-3. Scott Grimes took Reese deep in the fifth; Reese allowed two homers on the day despite entering the contest with just three allowed all season.

Reese was pulled after getting through the rest of the frame unscathed. The Riversharks added two more to attempt to preserve Reese’s win in the seventh. Burgamy added two more RBIs with a double to score Chris Walker and Lloyd Turner.

But in the bottom half, York revved up. Andres Perez hit a two-run double before being driven home by a James Shanks triple. Then with the game already tied and two out Danny Gonzalez doubled home Shanks for the eventual game winning run. All of the damage came off Sharks reliever Zach Hammes (1-1). He had given up just two runs in his previous eight appearances.

The loss draws Camden and York even on the season series at two games apiece and for the second time in four days the Riversharks were unable to get back to .500.

Sean Jarrett Just Had His Best Start Of 2012, 'Sharks Win 4-1

Sean Jarrett threw seven strong innings in a 4-1 victory over the Somerset Patriots this afternoon at Campbell's Field. Jarrett allowed one run on four hits, while striking out five. He retired the first eight batters he faced.

Camden got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when a Drew Macias sacrifice fly scored Marquez Smith, who had doubled to lead off the inning.  Later, a Steve Doetsch RBI double scored Eduardo Perez to make it 2-0 'Sharks.

In the fifth, Macias crushed a bases loaded double that scored Lloyd Turner and Smith and made it 4-0.

Somerset's lone run came in the seventh when Yusef Carter grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Jesse Hoorelbeke.

In relief of Jarrett, Jason Bergmann and John Lujan shut the door on any Pats rally, allowing no hits and striking out two. Lujan picked up his seventh save of 2012.

Eduardo Perez Got The Start At 3rd Today, Because Marquez Smith Was Stuck In Concert Traffic

In the "I Swear I'm Not Making This Up" department: Marquez Smith was late getting to Campbell's Field today because a massive snarl of traffic was headed to the Susquehanna Bank Center for the 92.5 WXTU Anniversary Show, a country music festival.

Smith actually walked to the stadium, after manager Jeff Scott sent an intern out to take the wheel of his Chevy Tahoe and park it for him. He was inserted as the DH. Perez, for his part, took advantage, going 2 for 4 with a double and a RBI.

Mike McGuire Can't Catch A Break

A three run Somerset fifth inning proved to be too much to overcome as the Camden Riversharks fell to the Somerset Patriots, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon. 

For the third time in two days the Sharks (17-19) jumped out to an early lead over the Pats (15-20). The scoring got started in the fourth when Steve Doetsch led off the inning with a triple to right center. Two outs later catcher Scott Knazek came up with a three-bagger of his own to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead. 

Camden starter Mike McGuire (2-4) retired nine of the first ten he faced before Patriot first baseman Adam Donachie doubled to start the fifth inning. One out later Rex Rundgren singled home Donachie to tie the game at 1. The big blow came five batters later when Jeff Nettles ripped a two out, bases loaded double plating two more runs to the Pats a 3-1 lead. 

The Sharks would get one back in the bottom of the eighth when a one out Eduardo Perez double scored Brian Burgamy from first to cut the deficit to one. 

Camden would have a chance to tie it in the bottom of the ninth when Drew Macias led off with a pinch-hit single. A Chris Walker sacrifice would advance him to second and then third after a Lloyd Turner grounded out. With two away Marquez Smith hit a slow roller to third, but a great catch and tag from first baseman Adam Donachie saved Jeff Nettles from an error and preserved a 3-2 win for the Patriots. 

Matera To The DL, Goodbye Joey D.

The Riversharks announced today that infielder Paddy Matera has been placed on the disabled list. In 15 games with the 'Sharks, Matera is batting .333 with 2 homers and 5 RBI.

The move slightly opens up a very crowded infield. Eduardo Perez, once the starting third baseman, has been used sparingly since Camden acquired Marquez Smith last month. Perez has been making a strong showing lately as the DH, in today's doubleheader vs. the Somerset Patriots he went 5 for 8 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI.

With the impending return of Raul Padron and Pedro Feliz, the log jam gets worse. It's possible that Brian Burgamy could be moved from first base to left field, he spent some time there last season and is a good all-around utility player. But that doesn't solve the problem of possibly having three third baseman, plus Lloyd Turner and Matera fighting it out for the second baseman's job. Matera's DL stint won't last long, but when it's up look for some major shakeups in the 'Sharks infield.

Also, Atlantic League rules dictate that the roster be trimmed to 25 players by June 1st. To meet that requirement the 'Sharks have placed reliever Joe D'Allessandro on the inactive list. It may be only a matter of time before he's released. That's kind of a shame, not only because he's a local guy, but because in his last three appearances, Joey D was unhittable. He had 7 strikeout in his last 4 innings pitched, including striking out the side in a May 24th appearance vs. the Patriots.

'Sharks Sweep Doubleheader Against Pats

The Camden Riversharks swept a double header over the Somerset Patriots on a rain soaked Friday at Campbell’s Field. 

The Sharks (17-18) took game one with a 9-6 victory. Chris Walker hit his first home run of the season and Eduardo Perez drove in a pair to lead the Camden attack. Ricky Brooks (2-0) shut down the Patriots (15-20) for 6.2 innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits while striking out five against the team that cut him in the preseason. 

Game two, the Sharks stormed out to eight straight runs, scoring in each of the first four innings. Walker added his second homer of the season and Marquez Smith jumped on the long ball train with his first as well. After an hour rain delay, the Patriots put up a five spot in the fifth and added another in the seventh to make it close, but Jason Bergmann shut them down in the ninth to pick up his first save of the season. The Sharks have now won four in a row for the first time this season.