6/20/07: Double Dipped

Pardon the changes in format as I try to develop a style more suitable for me. Anyways, a belated blog from the game last night, as frustration kicked in and I just didn't want to relive those games.

As for those games, I guess we will start with game one. Gregor Blanco helped the Braves win 7-3, ending only a home run away from the cycle. He ripped a double down the first base line (nearly the same spot as Brayan Pena hit a triple earlier in the game), both of which apparently had Kevin Barker in awe, as he didn't even move for them, even though they were within a foot of him. Justin James (1-2), who didn't even play yesterday, received the loss for his two innings pitched the night before. Ismael Ramirez took over on Wednesday, and gave up nine hits leading to four runs (three earned) in four innings. The Chiefs made it 5-2 before Ramirez left, on a two run single by John Ford Griffin. The momentum died soon after, as Brandon League came in, giving up two unearned runs. The reason they were unearned was that League himself, threw the ball into the ground on an attempt to get an inning ending double play. Griffin ended the scoring with another RBI single giving us our final score of 7-3. Winning pitcher was Dan Smith (3-2) who gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs.

Moving on to game two, the Chiefs jumped out quickly for spot starter Jim Crowell. Mike Vento brought home Wayne Lydon and Ryan Roberts on a 2 out single. He then scored from second himself on a John Ford Griffin single, making it 3-0 after the first inning. Crowell pitched great, going four innings, only allowing 3 hits, no walks, and 2 unearned runs. Those were unearned as the inning was extended by a Ray Olmedo throwing error. Now, I understand if he is hurt, as the Chiefs have reported, but then my question is...why have him at shortstop? Either put Brad Hassey into the game, or maybe move Olmedo to second, pushing Adams to short. Injury or not, something needs to change because his throws have been inconsistent and his batting is non-existant. Back to the game, Mike Vento hit a solo homer to give Crowell a 4-2 lead as he left after the 4th. This is where things fall apart.

In the fifth inning, reliever Ryan Houston was brought in for the Chiefs. Richmond gets two singles to start off the inning. After a sac bunt and a strike out, there are runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. The pitching coach comes out to talk with Houston after this. Houston then gives up a walk to Carlos Mendez to load the bases. Next up was Graham Koonce, who rockets a home run deep out of Alliance Bank Stadium. Houston stays in to give up another homerun to Larry Bigbee, before leaving to a chorus of boos. Now, I agree Houston pitched horribly, but as a FAN I picked up on him tapping his chest at least three times after pitches, telling his catcher "my bad". As a manager/pitch coach/whoever, if I see my pitcher saying that, I am getting him out as quick as possible. Some may argue that with the short bullpen that we had, they were "saving" the bullpen, but to that I argue that they still used Venafro (both games) as well as Blaine Neal.

Richmond added another run in the 7th (final inning due to it being a doubleheader), making it 8-4 going into the Chiefs last at bats. Griffin hit a leadoff double, capping a great night for him, and giving fans false hope at a comeback. Next up was Jeff Duncan. Now, here is where things get interesting. He is apparently told to bunt, as he shows it twice before going to swing. I cannot understand this. If he shows once, fine, maybe its an attempt to get on for a single, but the second time makes me wonder if Coach Davis didn't realize the game was only seven innings long or what. Duncan goes on to strike out, but again you have to wonder what if he was allowed to swing at the first two pitches. Next to bat was catcher John Schneider. Schneider, yes the same guy who is batting .045, is allowed to bat. You have Chad Mottola on your bench, even Brad Hassey for crying out loud, and Davis leaves Schneider in! Again, one might argue that he wants to show confidence in the guy, but I will point you to game one of the season. Chiefs were leading going into the 9th and Curtis Thigpen is replaced by Sal Fasano defensively. Thigpen, a young guy who could use the confidence, was pulled strategically. Schneider flies out, Olmedo grounds out and that's the game. The win goes to Braves pitcher Ryan Basner, who came in for rehabbing pitcher Lance Cormier. Basner (3-2) gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 4 innings pitched. Houston (1-2) gets the loss for the Chiefs.

I will give Davis one prop, he actually did chime in at game one home plate umpire Josh Carlisle, as he felt the ump was making bad calls.


Notes:

I dropped the ball last night finding out Lee Gronkiewicz was sent to Syracuse, while Ty Taubenheim was called up, but not getting to make a post on that. My bad.

Yusaku Iriki is starting tonight for the Chiefs, don't know much about this guy, except he didn't do too great in New Hampshire.