The Undercards: Rich Thompson, Bulls Run Wild Over Indians

There is something to be said for the stolen base. It is truly an exciting play, and is a great way to manufacture runs when the offense is struggling. The stolen base has been a big part of the Rays offense over the years, and last night, the Durham Bulls ran rampant on the basepaths, stealing eight bases last night.

Durham Bulls 6, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) 2

After his last start in the majors, and how he has performed since returning to Durham, Jake Odorizzi needed a positive outing in the worst possible way. It did not appear as though last night would be that start in the beginning however. After the Bulls essentially stealing a run in the top half of the first inning, the Indians loaded the bases with one out. After a strikeout, Jared Goedert singled, plating two runs as Indianapolis went ahead 2-1. Tony Sanchez followed with a single, but the runner was gunned down at home to end the inning. From that point, Odorizzi settled in, holding down the Indians offense and giving the Bulls a chance to come back. The comeback began in the third, as Rich Thompson singled, then began to run wild again, stealing second and third for the second time in the game. With two out, Wil Myers singled in Thompson to tie the game. Myers then stole second, and scored on a base hit by Shelley Duncan. After the Bulls got another run in the fourth, they put the game away in the sixth. A two out single by Brandon Guyer drove in a run, and Guyer ended up on third due to an error. An infield single scored Guyer, and the Indians were unable to mount a threat as the Bulls won 6-2. Odorizzi picked up the victory, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks in six innings, striking out eight. Thompson was 2-2 with a walk, two runs scored and four stolen bases before leaving the game in the fourth. Guyer and Myers each stole two bases as well.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Reds) 2, Montgomery Biscuits 1 (Game One – Seven Innings)

The first game of the double header turned out to be a pitcher’s duel, with the game being scoreless heading into the fifth inning. Pensacola had the best chance at scoring early, putting runners on first and second with one out in the second, but was unable to push a run across. The Biscuits finally got a run on the board in the bottom of the fifth, when Kevin Kiermaier reached on an error to lead off the inning. After a bunt put Kiermaier to third, he came around to score on a base hit by Mikie Mahtook. However, the Blue Wahoos came back in the top of the sixth, putting runners on second and third with two outs. Travis Mattair singled to drive home both runners, but was thrown out at second as he tried to stretch the hit into a double. Those runs held up however, as the Biscuits fell to Pensacola 2-1. Enny Romero took the tough loss, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks in six innings, striking out five. Mahtook was the only member of the Biscuits to reach base multiple times, going 1-3 with a walk and an RBI.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos 6, Montgomery Biscuits 5 (Game Two – seven innings)

After dropping the first game to the Blue Wahoos, the Biscuits were looking to earn a split of the double header. However, Pensacola came out hot, taking advantage of several miscues. Theo Bowe singled with one out, then stole second. After an errant pickoff attempt moved him to third, Bowe scored on a double by Ryan LaMarre. LaMarre then scored on an error, as Steven Tinoco threw away a groundball. However, Montgomery came back in the bottom of the inning, putting runners on first and second to start the frame. After a wild pitch moved the runners up, Mikie Mahtook singled to drive in a run. Cameron Seitzer followed with an RBI base hit, and a double play gave the Biscuits a 3-2 lead. After trading runs, the Biscuits took a 4-3 lead into the fifth. However, Pensacola struck once again. With runners on second and third with two outs, Ray Chang doubled to bring home both runners, giving the Blue Wahoos the lead. The Biscuits tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, as Kyeong Kang hit his second home run of the year. Pensacola responded once again, as Bowe hit a solo home run of his own to put the Blue Wahoos back in the lead. That home run was the difference, as Pensacola defeated the Biscuits 6-5. Montgomery starter Victor Mateo had a rough outing, giving up five runs, four earned, on six hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. Eric Hamren took the loss in relief, allowing a run on three hits in 1.1 innings of work. Robby Price was 3-3 with two runs scored and a walk.

Charlotte Stone Crabs v. Dunedin Blue Jays – cancelled

The game last night between the Stone Crabs and the Blue Jays was postponed due to Tropical Storm Andrea. The game will not be rescheduled.

Bowling Green Hot Rods 6, Dayton Dragons (Reds) 1

The Dragons actually held the lead in this game, as three consecutive two out singles pushed a run across in the top of the second. That seemed to wake up the Hot Rods, who came roaring back in the bottom of the frame, loading the bases with one out. A walk forced in a run, and Brandon Martin hit a sacrifice fly to put Bowling Green ahead. Thomas Coyle followed with a two run double to give the Hot Rods a 4-1 lead. Meanwhile, Dylan Floro was going through the Dragons’ lineup, as Dayton was unable to mount a rally. Bowling Green out the game away in the seventh. With one out, Coyle doubled, and moved to third on a single by Joey Rickard. Consecutive base hits by Andrew Toles and Tyler Goeddel drove in both runners, and gave the Hot Rods a 6-1 lead. that score held up, as Floro picked up the victory, allowing only the one run on five hits and a walk, striking out five in six innings. Coyle was 3-5 with two doubles, a run scored and two RBIs.