SWEEP OF STORM SEEN BY SMALL SAMPLE SIZE
Fans Barricade Door to Utopia, Mayhem Ensues
Fifteen people were taken to the hospital after being beaten by members of the rabid Fans First brigade, a recently formed gathering of longtime Yellow Springs Nine fans who have been incited and emboldened since the Louisville Sluggers swept the team. “These things have consequences,” said Samuel Dickman, an iron-pipe carrying member of the club. “We’re not just joking around here.” The action depressed fan turnout from over fifty five thousand fans the club drew over recent games to only 38 thousand for the first game of the brief two-game Seattle series. 40,000 saw the second game.
Those daredevil enough to find their way into the park were treated to some fine Nine baseball, however, as Game One starter Ernesto Ramos continued to show signs that he may well be on his way to becoming the star most insiders thought he’d be—collecting his third victory while throwing into the seventh inning, all scoreless. Ramos struck out 9 and walked only one. It was his third solid outing of four, and dropped his ERA to 2.10 while beginning to create some buzz for Frick League pitcher of the month. The team won 9-2, scoring four runs in the first and not looking back. The Nine took control of the game in the bottom of the first when catcher Aaron Stone unloaded a three-run shot into deep left-center. (Stone's defense has seen an uptick of some type, as he's thrown out about 35% of runners attempting to steal.
The second game was a much tighter affair, whit veteran Freddy Delgado gutting out six innings, and rookie lefty Tiernan O’Macken snaring his first career victory. Vodak pitched the last two innings to gather his first save as a Nine, as backup catcher Pablo Alaniz homered in the seventh inning and the club won 3-2.
Manager Mentions: "It's a real shame to see what's happening outside the gates," Bill Inkster said. "My heart goes out to all the people who were pummeled. If everyone would just come into the facility, they'd be able to see what I see, and that is that Ernesto Ramos is turning into a Golden Greek God right before our eyes." When asked about the Nine's standings in the standings, he smiled and simply said: "This is a division full of good baseball teams. I think it will surprise a lot of the people who were ragging on it before the season started."
Fan Blasts: News after the games, though, was focused on the fan riots. “We’re working with city officials to see what steps the team can take to guard against further damage,” said new assistant GM Jose Cabrera. Unfortunately, we cannot take unilateral responsibility for the fans reaction.”
Fan First members were quick to respond:
"We've got to hit them in the pocketbook," said Kal Freeman, the operational force behind the Bleed Nine Red fan group. "It's the only message they understand."
Next Stop for the Nine Train: Four games in Omaha.
Starter PQS:
| Game | 6+ IP | H < IP | 5K | 3K => BB | 0 HR | Total PQS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramos | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | Delgado | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Off Topic
9-Notes:
Sediki Suddenly
ki-sucky
Sediki Suddenlyki-sucky
- Team doctors say rookie pitcher Angel Hernandez is not responding to treatment for his cranky shoulder as well as originally hoped. The team called up Tiernan O’Macken last week under expectation that he would be back down to Indianapolis when Hernandez recovered. The timetable is now uncertain. “My partner is fine with that,” O’Macken quipped. “Which really makes me feel wanted, right?”
- Reliever Momcilo Djuretic, on rehab assignment after last seasons’ torn flexor tendon, has thrown four straight solid outings. The team thinks he could be recalled any time. Emilio Gutierrez’s recent back issues, his 5.87 ERA, and remaining option could result in him being rent back to Indianapolis soon
- The team recently sent center fielder Michel Noel back to Indianapolis to work with Emilio Sanchez on his swing. The few fans who are not barricading the ticket office are suggesting last year’s sensational find, Abdeljilill Sediki (.167/.271/.262). might as well be next.