Straight outta' Compton

Hot Rods snap losing streak

mcompton — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 04:16:48 +0000

After a week of frustration, the Bowling Green Hot Rods finally broke through with a 6-1 win over Dayton (Ohio) on Thursday at Bowling Green Ballpark. The victory snapped a seven game losing streak for the Hot Rods.
Tommy Coyle ended an 0-for-19 slump with three hits, while Dylan Floro allowed one run over six innings to lead the way for a Bowling Green team that had lost six straight home games.
Here are post game comments from Coyle and manager Jared Sandberg.

Sandberg
“Nobody knew what to do after the game was over. It definitely allows us to take a deep breath, kind of catch our breath and go in to tomorrow and try to win a series.”

“We’ve been waiting for that game. We’ve had a couple of different aspects go wrong in recent weeks, so it was nice to put it all together. Hopefully this is the start of something really good to come.”

On Coyle’s two-out, two run double to cap the four run second inning
“We talked about somebody picking us up. Tommy with the three hits, this kid can hit. He grinds out at-bats and has given us good at-bats all year. It has been a little rough stretch, but seemed like he was more in attack mode. He was attacking the fast ball, looking to swing. He was aggressive and good things happened.”

on Floro’s solid start
“He pounded the zone early and often. It opened his slider later in the outing. Dylan definitely set the tone. The soft hits and run really didn’t effect him. It could have effected him too, where he puts too much pressure on himself and goes in the other direction. He stayed under control and didn’t let it effect him.”

on finishing first half home schedule on a good note
“The fans were getting on us so hopefully this will kind of get them off our backs. We can come out tomorrow and win the series and give them something to think about for the next half a month.”

Coyle
“It’s definitely a big weight off our shoulders. We were looking to play defense, hit, and pitch all together in one night. Tonight we kind of pieced it all together. Hopefully that is a sign of good things to come.”

“It was nice to get out to a decent size lead just to take some of the pressure off the pitchers. I know we haven’t given them a lot of run support lately, but it was really a team effort tonight. It was good to put it all together.”

“Things weren’t really going our way a little bit and we kind of got frustrated, a little mad at ourselves, and started pressing. We were a little more relaxed going into tonight. We had a good feeling before the game.”

Hot Rods can’t end losing skid

mcompton — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:58:57 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods continue to scuffle, falling 5-3 to Dayton (Ohio) on Wednesday at Bowling Green Ballpark.
On a day when a record nine players were selected to the Midwest League All-Star game, the Hot Rods fell in a four run hole and were unable to rally. It was the seventh straight loss for Bowling Green, equaling the second longest losing streak in franchise history.
BG had its chances, loading the bases in the seventh and eighth innings and putting runners at second and third in the ninth, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Hot Rods are now 4.5 games back of a playoff spot with 11 games remaining.
Here are postgame comments from manager Jared Sandberg and outfielder Joey Rickard.

Sandberg
“We’re just missing that big hit that is going to break the game open or allow us to score more runs. It’s frustrating. We’re definitely competing, but it would be nice to be competing for nine innings. It’s about playing nine full innings of baseball – competing from the beginning to the end. It’s not about getting the tying or winning run to the plate. That is nice and all, but we have to compete and play like we are capable for all nine innings. If we continue to fall into this trap on June 5th, what is going to happen on August 5th? It’s not going to be then either. We’re looking for a spark, someone to pick us up whether it is early or late and be able to finish a ballgame.”

on learning how to deal with tough stretches like this
“You continue to try to have fun. It’s hard, but we’re looking at the bigger picture here. It’s about getting our work in and developing these kids, trying to come out and compete and win a ballgame. It’s not fun losing. It’s not fun coming to the ballpark and getting beat. Something’s gotta give. We try to be as positive as we can. It’s seven games. It’s a tough time. In April we were playing so well and we had to tell them that winning doesn’t solve everything. Well, it’s time to get a win.”

on having nine players named to the Midwest League All-Star game
“It’s nice to be voted on by other people in the league. Other people are recognizing their efforts and good play. It shows the talent. They can go up to Dayton and represent the Hot Rods organization, the Rays, and also represent themselves. It’s a great honor for all of them.”

Rickard
“Lately we’ve put ourselves in position in win, but we haven’t been able to get that big hit when we need to. We hit a few balls hard and I think we showed a lot of heart tonight. We just couldn’t quite get it done.”

on how to battle through a stretch like this
“We have to back each other. We have ups and downs in the season. We are going through a big down right now. We just have to stay behind each other and keep the support up.”

on if they can build off battling back after getting down 4-0
“We definitely don’t give up. We did put ourselves in good position to win the ball game. We just couldn’t quite get that big hit. Tomorrow is a new day. We know that. We’ll be ready. We’re just going to keep competing. We know we are one big hit away. It’s contagious. Once we start hitting, I think we will be alright.”

Hot Rods funk continues

mcompton — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:40:31 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods slide continues with an 8-6 loss to South Bend on Sunday at Bowling Green Ballpark.
The Hot Rods have lost five straight and are now 2 1/2 games out of a playoff spot.
Starter Taylor Guerrieri was roughed up for six runs on 11 hits (both career highs) in four innings.
South Bend has now outscored the Hot Rods 23-11 in the first three games of the four game set.

Here are postgame comments from Guerrieri and manager Jared Sandberg
Sandberg
“It’s another tough loss. We need some better execution all the way around going forward to make this thing work. It was nice to get out there with an early lead on Gantt’s home run. I thought that was going to be the spark we needed. South Bend never gives up. We saw that the first game (of the series). They kept grinding out their at-bats, working deep counts with Taylor and forcing him to throw strikes.”

On South Bend’s Brandon Drury who is now 8-for-14 with three homers in the series
“Brandon Drury is absolutely killing us right now. You kind of pick your poison too. (Rudy) Flores hitting right behind him is no slouch. He’s a guy with some power. If we do end up putting Drury on base, we have to face Flores. They are swinging the bats well. The guys in front of them are getting on base and they are driving them in.”

on leaving bases loaded in seventh inning
“Tommy has had some tough luck recently, hitting ball hard. If he continues to try to do much, he will continue to go downhill. He just has to grind out his bats, like he does so well, and hit the ball hard. That is all you can ask.”

Guerrieri
“It was tough. They are a good hitting ball team. I didn’t have very good stuff today. I fully accept this loss. I will try my best to not let that happen again.”

on allowing 11 hits with one strikeout
“That comes down to first pitch strikes, getting ahead. It’s something I really didn’t do tonight. Props to them for taking advantage of it, but hopefully I will do better next time.”

on the team getting out of this funk
“It’s a full season. Everyone knows it is a full season and knows it will be hard. A lot of it is staying mentally strong and coming out here every day and trying to get better.”

Hot Rods lose a pair

mcompton — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:13:09 +0000

The Hot Rods fell to 9-12 in April losing a pair of one-run games to Great Lakes (Mich.) 4-3 and 1-0 on Thursday at Bowling Green Ballpark.
Bowling Green finished 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position, squandering a solid start from Dylan Floro in game two. BG has lost four out of five now, scoring three runs or less in four of the losses.
Here are postgame comments from BG manager Jared Sandberg,

“They had the big hits. They executed a little better. They did a lot things better than us and that’s why they were able to come out on top. I thought we played OK. We pitched well, defended well. That big hit and then some execution on offense wasn’t there.”

“In these times when thing get tough, guys start to press a little bit and it compounds the issue. Tomorrow we have to come out, two more games, and do a better job. Maybe the pressure showed up a little bit tonight. You saw in the last inning when we get a better pitch to hit possibly good things can happen.”

On Dunn’s little bobble that didn’t give him a chance to get the go-ahead runner at home in game one
“That was the ballgame. Nothing against Ryan’s decision to throw to second base, but it was a bobble and the game starts to speed up a little bit. That’s part of trying to think the game before the play actually happens. He came in and asked me what I thought he should have done and, off the bat, the speed of the ball dictated he could have went to second for the double play.”

on not getting run home in fifth inning, game two
“You don’t want them to turn a double play. Tommy is going on all ground balls, unless it is a little chopper in front of home plate. The ball is hit back to the pitcher and he turns to second base. (Great Lakes manager Razor Shines) yells, ‘Home.” I talked to Tommy about it and told Tommy he has to see the ball thrown to second base in that situation.”

Previewing Hot Rods vs. Loons

mcompton — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:23:21 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods return home for a lengthy stretch, playing seven games at BG Ballpark in the next six days and 14 of the next 17 games at home.
It’s the final 14 home games in the first half for the Hot Rods, who currently hold a one game lead in the Midwest League Eastern Division.
Here is a look at the numbers previewing the series between the Hot Rods and the Loons.

Bowling Green (27-16) vs. Great Lakes (14-29)
Season Series: Hot Rods lead 2-0
Wednesday, 5:35 p.m. LHP Blake Snell (1-4, 3.16) vs. Angel Sanchez (1-4, 4.23)
Wednesday, Game two LHP Brandon Henderson (2-0, 1.86) vs. Miguel Sulbaran (2-2, 4.66)
Thurday, 7:05 p.m. RHP Dylan Floro (3-0 1.54) vs. Ralston Cash (2-3, 4.50)
Friday, 7:05 p.m. LHP Sean Bierman (2-1, 1.54) vs. Jharel Cotton (1-3, 3.96)

Bowling Green (15-6 home, 12-10 road)
Streak: Lost 1, 6-4 in last 10 games
Team Batting average: .250, ninth in Midwest League
Team ERA: 2.74, first in the Midwest League

Individual Leaders
Wins: Jeff Ames 5
ERA: Matt Ramsey 0.77
Innings pitched: Jeff Ames 42.1
Strikeouts: Blake Snell 38
Saves: Ryan Garton 4
Batting Average: Andrew Toles .319
Hits: Andrew Toles 53
Home runs: Marty Gantt 4
RBIs: Andrew Toles 29
Stolen Bases: Andrew Toles 22

Who’s Hot
Marty Gantt hitting .321 in the month of May
Luke Maile hitting .309 with seven RBIs in the month of May
Brandon Henderson 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in the month of May

Who’s Not
Tyler Goeddel hitting .150 in the month of May
Ryan Garton 0-1, 7.56 ERA in the month of May
Granden Goetzman hitting .111 in the month of May

Great Lakes (7-13 home, 7-16 road)
Streak: Lost 5, 2-8 in last 10
Team Batting average: .230, 16th in Midwest League
Team ERA: 4.52, 15th in the Midwest League

Individual Leaders
Wins: Carlos Frias with 4
ERA: Carlos Frias with 1.54
Innings pitched: Carlos Frias 46.2
Strikeouts: Angel Sanchez 47
Saves: Scott Griggs 4
Batting Average: Tyler Ogle .287
Hits: Tyler Ogle 39
Home runs: Tyler Ogle 6
RBIs: Tyler Ogle 21
Stolen Bases: James Baldwin 15

Who’s Hot
Robbie Garvey hitting .316 in the month of May
Kevin Taylor hitting .333 in the month of May
Malcolm Holland hitting .308 in the month of May

Who’s Not
Ralston Cash 0-3, 6.62 ERA in four May starts
Jeremy Rathjen hitting .197 in the month of May
Eric Smith hitting .122 in the month of May

Hot Rods win another home series

mcompton — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:35:21 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods earned another series win with a 6-1 victory over Lake County (Ohio) on Sunday.
BG got six shutout innings from Jeff Ames and three hits and four RBIs from Joey Rickard to take the rubber match from the Captains.
It was Ames fifth win of the season, fourth at BG Ballpark. All four of Ames’ starts at BG Ballpark have been daytime games and the right hander has been impressive – allowing four earned runs, three in one start, in 21 innings of work.
Here are post game comments from Rickard and manager Jared Sandberg

Sandberg
“Even with Washington leading off with double in the first, Ames was able to shut it down and go out there and pitch very relaxed and under control. His fastball was working on both sides of the plate – down with good life. His slider and change-up were outstanding today. I don’t know how many bats he broke. It was definitely another impressive start by Jeff.”

on the starting staff’s ability to shut down offenses
“They are really taking to the pitching philosophy, which is to attack with the fastball at both sides of the plate. When everything comes out of the hand looking like a fastball…it makes it tough on young hitters.”

on the offense
“We just kept the momentum from yesterday’s game going through today. Toles and Rickard at the top of the line-up, they did a nice job. We were 4-for-4 with a runner on third and less than two outs. We were able to drive the runs in when we needed to.”

on the quick score
“A 10:35 start is a lot different than a normal day. For us to go out there and not allow their lead-off double to score and come back and score two runs in the bottom of the first really took the pressure off and allowed us to relax. These guys are playing heads up baseball. They have tremendous IQ on the baseball field. The name of the game is being consistent and trying to be even keel. I think when guys try to do too much they get in trouble. When they get down on themselves and don’t have confidence, they are not going to play as well as they should. That’s part of the growing pains here in A Ball.

on the upcoming road trip
“We are going to see a Fort Wayne team that is coming in pretty hot. They are playing good baseball, so that should be a good series and a good test for us.”

Rickard
“A few guys got going and sometimes hitting is contagious. Thankfully we were able to keep it going. It really started from pitch one – a good quick inning by Ames. I was in a good position to hit. I had runners on all day. Fortunately I put a few good swings on some baseballs.”

on getting by some offensive momentum
“We know we are going to have our ups and downs. We have to just keep doing the same things. Hopefully we can keep it going on the road.”

Hot Rods even the series

mcompton — Sun, 12 May 2013 23:06:46 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods got back on the winning track with an 8-0 win over Lake County (Ohio) on Sunday at Bowling Green Ballpark.
Taylor Guerrieri struck out a career high 10 batters over five innings and Tyler Goeddel had two hits and three RBIs to fuel BG’s largest offensive output since an 8-0 win over Peoria (Ill.) on April 30.
Here are post game comments from Guerrieri and manager Jared Sandberg.

Sandberg
“Taylor was dominate for the get-go, in total control of the game. It was fun to watch. It comes down to some timely hitting, which we really haven’t had in the month of May. We were able to get that today.”

more on the offense
“It started with some two-out hits and some power today, which we don’t really have. With the offense kind of struggling in the month of May, that is what it takes – whether it is taking advantage of the other team’s mistakes or somebody clutching up with two outs and getting the job done. That’s what happened today and hopefully that is the way it will continue for the rest of the month.”

on if this is a game that can kick start the offense
“Hitting is contagious. One guy starts hitting and the whole offense starts hitting. That’s what happened in April and that is what we are hoping for right now. We’ve faced some good pitchers and some pitchers have had some good performances against us. You have to dig deep sometimes. It just takes the one hit or one day. Hopefully today was that day.

on Guerrieri
“He looks at those two walks and he’s not happy with it, but in the end you have to look at the overall performance. He dominated. I’m very, very pleased with how he pitched.”

on this Mother’s Day having a special meaning for him. Sandberg recently cut his hair and is wearing pink ribbons on his helmet in honor of his 30-year-old sister Jill Andrews, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer
“She was diagnosed with breast cancer in early March, had surgery, and is now going through chemotherapy. It’s obviously close to home. I’m just trying to support her as best I can.
“When you are on a stage or in a situation where you can provide awareness for any cause, it’s important. I think we are in a good spot. We’re in the Midwest League in A Ball in the public eye where we can raise awareness for whatever we need.

Guerrieri
on Sunday’s outing
“I struggled in the beginning, with two walks in the first two innings. After that I tried to stay mentally strong and it worked out for me. I’m fine with my outing. The defense played well for me. The offense really hit well for me. It’s hard to lose when you put eight runs on the board.”

on setting the tone for the offense
“Whenever we put up zeroes and they get some runs on the board in our minds it’s game over.”

on studying San Francisco starter Matt Cain to emulate his game
“His fastball command is unreal. Whenever he is on he is really tough to hit. His change-up is good and his breaking pitch is good. Whenever he is on TV I try to keep my eye on him. He’s really fun to watch. I enjoy it.”

Hot Rods use big inning to even series

mcompton — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:02:06 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods got back in the win column with a 5-1 victory over West Michigan on Thursday at Bowling Green Ballpark. The Hot Rods used a four run sixth inning to break the game open and make starting pitcher Dylan Floro a winner.
The right-hander went a career high six innings to improve to 3-0 on the season.
Here are post game comments from manager Jared Sandberg and outfielder Andrew Toles, who had two hits and two RBIs.

Sandberg
“I think getting the first run in the first inning helped everybody relax a bit. It didn’t really accumulate anything until that four run inning, but it is always nice to get on the board first – especially in the first inning.”

on Floro
“His fastball was effective. He maybe didn’t have the command he would have liked, but he had just one walk. It was definitely an improvement there. He’s got good stuff. His name doesn’t get thrown around in the mix with (Taylor) Guerrieri, (Jeff) Ames, and (Blake) Snell, but he’s got tremendous stuff and very good pitch ability. He’s doing a nice job for us so far this year.”

on allowing starters to work a little longer now, six innings/80 pitches max
“We’re going to let them pitch. We’re past that first month and they are not overtaxed, with a six man rotation. They’ve been hungry. All they’ve wanted is a chance and they are running with it.”

Toles
“It’s always good to get some momentum and get the juices flowing. We got some runners on and put some good swings on the ball. It worked out and we got the ribbies to take the lead. All of our pitchers are good. They battle. It’s real good to pick them up.”

on being named Rays hitter of the month
“It’s kind of cool, but it is just one month. It’s not that big of a deal. I don’t really want to think about it. I just want to keep pushing the rest of the season and see what happens.”

Hot Rods offense stumbles in series opener

mcompton — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:05:08 +0000

The Bowling Green Hot Rods were unable to snap out of an offensive funk, falling 2-0 to West Michigan on Wednesday at Bowling Green Ballpark.
The Hot Rods have scored 17 runs total in the month of May, dropping to 2-5 this month.
The poor offensive night overshadowed a great performance from starting pitcher Blake Snell.
The left-hander went a career high six innings, with a career best 10 strikeouts, but was done in by a two-run homer in the first.
After the home run Snell retired the final 13 batters he faced.
Here are post game comments from Snell and BG manager Jared Sandberg.

Sandberg
“It was just a great baseball game. Unfortunately, we came out on the losing end. That was fun to watch.”

on Snell
“That was impressive what Blake Snell did out there today. No walks and 10 strikeouts, that was impressive. He showed what kind of stuff he really has. When he commands the strike zone with his fast ball, then his secondary stuff plays. That’s exactly what he did today.”

on West Michigan starter Jordan John
“You have to tip your cap. That was a well pitched game by Jordan John as well. He kept us off balance. He should the ability to really pitch. It was a well pitched game on both sides.”

On having a chance to rally in the ninth with Marty Gantt at the plate
“He’s been swinging it well all season long. He was maybe a little over anxious and maybe tried to do too much, but it was the right guy in the right spot. He just didn’t get that big hit.”

On Joey Rickard getting thrown out at third trying to stretch a double into a triple in the eighth
“It’s a bang-bang play. It was a great relay by them. They made the play. I felt like in that situation, yeah he probably should have stopped at second, but he made them make a play.”

Snell
“It was one pitch. You can’t really hang your head or anything. I just hung it and there it went, but really I felt I did really good. I threw a lot of strikes and my command was good. I’m happy with my performance. Everything was coming out good. It was just the one slider. That was it.”

on pitching into the sixth
“I’m excited about the fact I went six innings and I threw a lot of strikes. It felt good to get extended. I’m excited about it. Hopefully, I can keep going six innings. If you go six innings, it usually means you are doing something right.”

Previewing Hot Rods vs. West Michigan

mcompton — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:27:31 +0000

Bowling Green (20-10) vs. West Michigan (13-16)
Wednesday, 7:05 p.m. LHP Blake Snell (1-2, 2.75) vs. LHP Jordan John (0-2, 4.91)
Thurday, 7:05 p.m. RHP Dylan Floro (2-0 1.35) vs. RHP Endrys Briceno (0-2, 6.26)
Friday, 7:05 p.m. TBA vs. RHP Yorfrank Lopez (3-1, 5.01)

Bowling Green (12-3 home, 8-7 road)
Streak: Won 1, 5-5 in last 10 games
Team Batting average: .261, sixth in Midwest League
Team ERA: 2.91, first in the Midwest League

Individual Leaders
Wins: Jeff Ames 4
ERA: Reinaldo Lopez 0.79
Innings pitched: Jeff Ames 31
Strikeouts: Jeff Ames 26
Saves: Ryan Garton 3
Batting Average: Andrew Toles .328
Hits: Andrew Toles 39
Home runs: Marty Gantt 4
RBIs: Andrew Toles 23
Stolen Bases: two tied with 13

Who’s Hot
C Luke Maile 7 for last 17
SS Leonardo Reginatto 6 for last 19

Who’s Not
IF Tyler Goeddel 2 for last 20
IF Patrick Leonard 2 for last 20
OF Andrew Toles 4 for last 24

West Michigan (10-8 home, 3-8 road)
Streak: Lost 2, 4-6 in last 10
Team Batting average: .265, fourth in Midwest League
Team ERA: 3.93, ninth in the Midwest League

Individual Leaders
Wins: two tied with 3
ERA: two tied with 0.00
Innings pitched: Endrys Briceno 27 1/3
Strikeouts: Brennan Smith 19
Saves: Jose Valdez 5
Batting Average: Devon Travis .364
Hits: Devon Travis 39
Home runs: Devon Travis 5
RBIs: Devon Travis 22
Stolen Bases: Danry Vasquez 7

Who’s Hot
OF Austin Schotts 7 for last 17
IF Devon Travis 9 for last 19

Who’s Not
IF Mario Martinez 3 for last 16