Sound from Friday Night in Salem
Keys 3B Nicky Delmonico spoke with Tim Murray prior to Friday’s game
It was not a pretty series opener for the Keys against the Salem Red Sox. The Salem Sox topped the Keys, 10-2. In the top of the second, Brenden Webb tied up the game at one with a RBI double down the right field line. C Allan de San Miguel scored on the play.
Webb finished up the game 2-for-4. Friday night was also the first time Webb started in center field during the 2013 season. His last start in CF came on August 18, 2012.
Prior to Friday night’s game, Keys 3B Nicky Delmonico chatted with Tim Murray on the Frederick Gorilla Pregame Show. Delmonico talked about coming back from his concussion, growing up in a baseball family, and his transition to third base.
Keys go for series win with Berry on the hill
Keys starter Tim Berry takes the hill for Frederick in Lynchburg tonight.
Tyler Wilson gave his performance of the season for the Keys last night, but Kyle Kubitza spoiled what looked like was going to be the Keys’ third straight win with a walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning. Frederick can still take the series tonight with a win. Tim Berry (2-2, 2.95) starts for the Keys.
*From last night’s game:
READ: The recap here. The box score here. And a story by Kent Zakour of The Gazette on Tommy Winegardner’s j0urney to the pitching mound in Frederick is here.
LISTEN: To last night’s Keys highlight of the game, Johnny Ruettiger’s two-RBI single.
Also, an interview with Keys reliever Zach Fowler.
For tonight’s game:
KEYS STARTER: LHP Tim Berry (2-2, 2.95)
- Leads starters in ERA, ninth in the Carolina League.
- Struck out 11 Hillcats on April 17 but allowed four runs in six innings, taking his first loss on the season.
- Rated by Baseball America as Baltimore’s 11th-best prospect.
- Drafted in the final (50th) round of the 2009 draft by the Orioles after senior season of high school, during which he threw a no-hitter and then had Tommy John surgery.
LAST APPEARANCE FOR BERRY:
| DATE |
OPP |
RES |
DEC |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
|
5/11 |
W-S |
L |
L |
5.2 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
HILLCATS STARTER: RHP James Hoyt (2-1, 3.77)
- Pitching in his 10th game of the season and making his third start; 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA as a starter and 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA as a reliever.
- Threw six scoreless, no-hit innings in his first start of the season on May 3 against Winston-Salem. Allowed 7 runs in 3.1 innings against Myrtle Beach six days later.
- Signed by Atlanta as a free agent out of independent leagues where he played two seasons. Pitched in 11 games in the Mexican League after signing.
KEYNOTES:
PICKING UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF: Keys third baseman Nicky Delmonico picked up a hit in the April 18 game at Potomac when he suffered a concussion that forced him to miss three weeks. Since returning Sunday, Delmonico’s pushed his hit streak to five games, extending his streak with a double last night. Just 20 years old, Delmonico has reached base in 14 of the 15 games he’s played and has recorded hits in 13 of them. His longest hitting streak this season was seven games and he’s hit in six consecutive away games.
HOLDING BACK HEFFLINGER: In their first series this season, the Keys held Lynchburg slugger Robby Hefflinger, currently second in the Carolina League in homers (8) and RBI (26), to just one hit in 12 at-bats, an RBI double. He didn’t play in Tuesday’s game and went 0-4 with 2 strikeouts on Wednesday.
PUNCH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ORDER: The Keys middle of the order saw a significant change last weekend. Beginning on Sunday afternoon, first baseman Christian Walker took over the No. 3 spot after being promoted from Class-A Delmarva and Nicky Delmonico returned from the disabled list to his fifth-spot in the batting order. Catcher Zane Chavez, among league leaders in batting average, on-base percentage and walks, batted fourth. In their games at the heart of the order, the trio has gone a combined 12-for-48 (.250) with three homers, 10 RBIs and eight doubles.
*Do you Groupon? The Keys do. Check out this deal: two field seats to any Sunday-Thursday home game and a Keys hat for $20. Normally, that would run you $44. Buy it here.
Shake your Keys.
Keys can jump into first tonight
Tyler Wilson starts tonight for the Keys knowing a win would put Frederick in first place.
Behind Eduardo Rodriguez’s stellar start, the Keys beat Lynchburg on the road last night, 7-2. Another win over the Hillcats tonight would put Frederick (20-17) a half game ahead of Lynchburg (20-16) and back into first place in the Carolina League North. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
*As for last night’s win:
READ: The recap’s here. Box score is here. Rodriguez has now won three starts in a row.
LISTEN: Christian Walker’s first Carolina League home run
*And as for tonight’s game, some notes:
KEYS SP: RHP Tyler Wilson (0-1, 5.00)
- Has yet to make it out of fifth inning in a road start, exiting after four innings after allowing five runs, four earned, at Winston Salem in last start.
- Went 7-7 with a 3.49 ERA and a WHIP of 1.03 in ’12, making 19 starts for Frederick and striking out 114.
- Rated by Baseball America as the Orioles’ 26th-best prospect.
- Won 22 games at UVA despite only starting as a senior, when he went 10-0 with a 2.24 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 16 starts. Drafted by the Orioles in 2011 in the 10th round.
LAST APPEARANCE FOR WILSON:
|
DATE |
OPP |
RES |
DEC |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
|
5/8 |
W-S |
L |
ND |
4.0 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
5 |
HILLCATS: RHP A.J. Holland (3-1, 3.00)
- Worked around eight base hits and a two walks over 5.2 innings at Carolina in his last start to pick up his third win of the season.
- He beat the Keys on April 17 for his first win of the season, striking out seven over five innings and allowing just an unearned run.
- Went 5-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 17 games, 15 starts, for Class-A Rome in 2012.
- Was drafted in the 16th round by Atlanta in the 2011 draft out of St. Joseph’s, where he split time as a starter and a reliever.
KEYNOTES:
HEY, MR. WILSON!: Lynchburg has been quite the menace for Tyler Wilson, as has the fifth inning this year. Last season, he lost both his starts against Hillcats, allowing 10 runs in nine innings. In his first start against Lynchburg this season, the Hillcats put up five runs and knocked him out of the game in the fifth, which has been Wilson’s worst frame this year. In fifth innings, Wilson has recorded 14 outs, given up nine hits, walked five batters and allowed eight runs. Batters are hitting .391 against Wilson in the fifth.
HOLDING BACK HEFFLINGER: In their first series this season, the Keys held Lynchburg slugger Robby Hefflinger, currently second in the Carolina League in homers (8) and RBI (26) and eighth in batting average (.293), to just one hit in 12 at-bats, an RBI double. He didn’t play in Tuesday’s game.
PUNCH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ORDER: The Keys middle of the order saw a significant change over the weekend. Beginning on Sunday afternoon, first baseman Christian Walker took over the No. 3 spot after being promoted from Class-A Delmarva and Nicky Delmonico returned from the disabled list to his fifth-spot in the batting order. Catcher Zane Chavez, among league leaders in batting average, on-base percentage and walks, batted fourth. In their games at the heart of the order, the trio has gone a combined 11-for-37 (.297) with three homers, 10 RBIs and seven doubles.
*Also, The Keys have homered in four straight games, going deep seven times. Listen to tonight’s broadcast on 1450 AM The Source at wthu.org. The Frederick Gorilla Pregame Show starts at 5:30.
*Do you Groupon? The Keys do. Check out this deal: two field seats to any Sunday-Thursday home game and a Keys hat for $20. Normally, that would run you $44. Buy it here.
*2012 Key Kevin Gausman is expected to reach the majors this year, but the Orioles aren’t calling up their first-round right-hander just yet, reports MLB.com Orioles beat writes Britt Ghiroli.
Shake your Keys.
Rounding the Bases – Connor Narron with Chaz Packan
Chaz Packan sat down with first baseman Connor Narron for Q&A session in this edition of Rounding The Bases.
On Friday May 10th I had the chance to sit down with Keys First Baseman Connor Narron for a “Keys Q & A” for this week’s edition of Rounding the Bases. Narron was sent to Delmarva on Sunday.
CP: How do you feel about playing for the Frederick Keys?
CN: “I love it because my father was a manager here it’s a good opportunity to play in this ballpark and be close to home”.
CP: How does it feel from a personal perspective that your father was the first manager in Keys history and this is the 25th season of Keys Baseball?
CN: “I actually didn’t know he managed here until everybody around here told me and its pretty cool to put the same uniform on that he did 25 years ago”.
CP: What are your earliest memories of baseball?
CN: “Being in the clubhouse with my dad seeing all the big league players and future hall of famers and how they go about their business”.
CP: Having been around the game of baseball growing up, who did you look up to in the major leagues as your role model?
CN: “Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and A-Rod before the steroid rumors because they all played for my dad”.
CP: Each player takes a different approach to hitting whether hot or cold, as a player how do you approach each at bat depending on the situation?
CN: “I try to see what the pitcher can throw for a strike during warm-ups and during the game I see if he’s throwing strikes if he is not throwing strikes I sit on a fastball the rest of the at-bat”.
CP: What are your thoughts on the team’s performance so far this season?
CN: “Our pitching is doing a great job so far, our hitting has not really came about but once we start hitting we will be pretty dangerous”.
CP: What was your first reaction to being drafted by the Orioles in the 2010 draft?
CN: “Growing up I always wanted to play professional baseball and win a world championship my dad was with the big league club in 1991 so it’s a true blessing to be on a ball club my dad was with and be close to home”.
*The Keys begin six-game road trip tonight at Lynchburg at 6:05 p.m. Game notes below:
KEYS Starter: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-2, 4.00)
- Has won his last two starts, combining for 13 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 2 BB and 10 K
- Rated by Baseball America as the fifth-best prospect in Orioles organization and third-best pitching prospect behind 2012 Keys Dylan Bundy & Kevin Gausman.
- Potentially could be the first Venezuelan player signed, developed and promoted to the majors by Baltimore.
- At age 20, he is the youngest player on the Keys’ roster by two months; Zach Davies, also 20, is the second youngest.
LAST APPEARANCE FOR RODRIGUEZ:
|
DATE |
OPP |
RES |
DEC |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
|
5/6 |
W-S |
W |
W |
6.0 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
HILLCATS STARTER: RHP Jarrett Miller (3-0, 4.00)
- Won his first three starts of the season before lasting just an inning his last start on Saturday, allowing four runs on five hits to Carolina.
- Pitched for Class-A Rome in 2012 and finished the season in the rotation, starting seven games. Went 2-1 with 4.31 ERA as a starter and 3-0 with a 3.79 as a reliever
- Drafted in the 21st round out of UNC-Greensboro by Atlanta in 2011
KEYNOTES:
HOLDING BACK HEFFLINGER: In their first series this season, the Keys held Lynchburg slugger Robby Hefflinger, currently second in the Carolina League in homers (8) and RBI (26) and eighth in batting average (.293), to just one hit in 12 at-bats, an RBI double.
PUNCH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ORDER: The Keys middle of the order saw a significant change over the weekend. Beginning on Sunday afternoon, first baseman Christian Walker took over the No. 3 spot after being promoted from Class-A Delmarva and Nicky Delmonico returned from the disabled list to his fifth-spot in the batting order. Catcher Zane Chavez, among league leaders in batting average, on-base percentage and walks, batted fourth. In their two games at the heart of the order, the trio has gone a combined 7-for-24 with two homers, six RBIs and seven doubles.
RODRIGUEZ VS. THE HILLCATS: Keys starter Eduardo Rodriguez picked up his first victory of the season against the Hillcats on April 15, throwing six innings and allowing two runs while striking out eight batters.
DELMONICO GOING DEEP: After missing three weeks with a concussion, Nicky Delmonico has returned to the lineup and tallied a single hit in both of the Keys’ games – a home run. Delmonico’s four long balls this season tie him for the team-lead. He hit a pair of homers against Lynchburg at Harry Grove Stadium in April.
Shake your Keys.
Keys Monday Mailbox – May 13th
Fans were here early for the Manny Machado bobbleheads on May 11th.
Welcome to the first Keys Monday Mailbox. On Mondays throughout the season, we will be fielding fan questions about the team, front office and other various topics. Let’s get to it.
On game days, what time do players arrive at the stadium and do any have game day rituals they follow? – Lari Lee
Players normally arrive around 1pm for 7pm games, so approximately 5-6 hours before first pitch. Upon arrival, some players work on their hitting in the batting cage while others can be seen doing their various workout activities around the stadium. A few players are seen doing what is known as a tour de stade, which is when you run up and down all of the steps in the stadium. For you Lost fans out there, Jack Shepherd did this in the show during some of his flashbacks. Players and coaches head out for BP and infield practice around 4pm, with the visiting team following them at 5pm. After that, if the players need treatment from the training staff, they get that – if they don’t need that, the guys have a snack, break out a deck of cards and get ready for the game.
As for game day rituals, Keys pitcher Tyler Wilson is the one that comes to mind. Before each game, he has a peanut butter sandwich, sends the same text message to his mom and he also jumps over the foul line when he goes on and off of the field. Whether you consider it a ritual or not may be up to you, but many players change their walk-out songs a few times a year, if not more. Since joining the Keys last season, Wilson has stuck to the song “My Life Be Like (Ooh-Aah)” by the Grits. Take a listen if you’d like. We may have to research some more of these, because I am sure there are some good ones.
What show does pitcher Zach Fowler like more, Seinfeld or 7th Heaven? – Former Keys pitcher Matt Bischoff, who was promoted to Double-A Bowie in April
When asked this question, Fowler answered Seinfeld, hands down. Then he was asked by fellow reliever Jesse Beal if he liked Dawson’s Creek better than Seinfeld, to which Fowler responded “that show’s terrible”.
What do you think is the better show, fans? Give us your answer below.
When does the grounds crew show up on game days? – Tyler Jones
Our head groundskeeper and groundskeeping assistant report to the stadium with everyone else on gamedays at 9 or 10am. When it comes to the game day crew, which consists of two more members, they report an hour and a half before the game begins. After clocking in, they remove the nets and cage from the field from batting practice, drag and water the field, get the mounds in shape for the game and chalk the foul lines.
The intense winds from Friday’s storm caused the tarp to have a life of it’s own.
If the game happens to have a rain delay, then the entire front office staff becomes the groundscrew and helps out with the tarp. This past Friday, the wind got the best of the tarp for a few minutes, resulting in what we like to call the “tarp monster”. See above picture.
How does a person become Keyote? Is it tryouts or do you draw straws in the office to see who’s it? – Shawn Lantz
Kids, you may want to shut your eyes for this one. As you can probably tell, Keyote is worn by many different people. We have two game-day employees that perform as Keyote just for game days and occasional community appearances. When it comes to off-season appearances and the bulk of the in-season appearance, Keyote is usually a member of our Marketing & Business Internship program or a member of our marketing team. As for tryouts, being Keyote is just like interviewing for a regular job. We look for a person that preferably has some mascot experience along with an enthusiastic attitude brought to the table.
The closest thing done to what you say is “drawing the short straw” is during off-season appearances. Sometimes a game of rock, paper, scissors is played to see who dons the suit that specific day and then it is decided on a rotational basis afterwards.
Being Keyote involves a lot on game days, including jumping out of our Keys van and running down the foul line to the home plate area. Keyote has an entrance video that is played pretty much every game during pre-game ceremonies. Thanks to Hi-Lo Auto Sales for the sweet ride!
Want to submit a question for the next Keys Monday Mailbox? Send your question to bapter@frederickkeys.com!
*Notes for tonight’s 7 p.m. game at Harry Grove Stadium – Keys vs. Blue Rocks
KEYS STARTER: RHP Zach Davies (2-2, 4.86)
- Picked up a win in last start despite allowing 5 runs in 5.2 innings.
- Has pitched very well with runners on base (.204 against) and runners in scoring position (.206 against).
- Orioles scrapped his slider last year to develop his curveball. Best off-speed pitch is his change-up.
- Rated by Baseball America as Orioles No. 20 prospect entering 2013; was drafted by Baltimore in 26th round of 2011 draft.
LAST APPEARANCE FOR DAVIES:
| DATE |
OPP |
RES |
DEC |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
|
5/5 |
CAR |
W |
W |
5.2 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
BLUE ROCKS STARTER: LHP Sam Selman (1-2, 5.61)
- Lost his second game of the season in last start, walking five and allowing three runs in 4.2 innings against Potomac. Leads the Carolina League in walks allowed (23 in 25.2 innings pitched).
- Went 5-4 with 2.09 ERA, striking out 89 batters in rookie-level Idaho Falls after being drafted last summer.
- His fastball sits in the mid-90s and peaks around 98 mph and his best off-speed pitch is his slider.
- Control problems plagued him early in his career at Vanderbilt, but a strong finish to his junior season led to Kansas City selecting him in the second round of the 2012 draft. Teammate of Keys infielder Jason Esposito.
KEYNOTES:
FREE-PASS POTENTIAL: Odds are there will be several walks issued this evening. Wilmington starter Sam Selman has walked 23 batters in 25.2 innings this season, the most in the Carolina League. The Keys have walked 163 times this season, 34 more times than second-place Winston-Salem, and catcher Zane Chavez’s 24 walks, 14 of which have come in May, is second in the league.
WELCOME AND WELCOME BACK: The Keys middle of the order saw a significant change Sunday afternoon. First baseman Christian Walker batted third and went 3-for-4 in his debut after being promoted from Class-A Delmarva Sunday morning and Nicky Delmonico returned from the disabled list to his fifth-spot in the batting order and celebrated his first game back with a solo homer. Sandwiched between them in the cleanup spot was catcher Zane Chavez, who’s hitting .324 in his last 10 games and is third in the league in on-base percentage (.432).
HARDWOOD CONNECTION: Two of the top scorers in Oklahoma High School history will be in baseball uniforms at Harry Grove Stadium tonight. Blue Rocks outfielder Lane Adam is No. 5 in the sooner state’s history and Keys manager Ryan Minor is 12th.
*And the starting lineup:
Machado bobbles, a doubleheader, fireworks and Biingo at The Grove
We’re giving away 1,000 of the Manny Machado bobbleheads today courtesy of BayRunner Shuttle. Gates open at 5 p.m. Get here early if you want this fine-looking bobblehead.
Mother Nature did not cooperate with the Keys’ plans Friday night, washing away Casino Night and postponing the 7 p.m. game against Wilmington.
But, as a result, we’re playing two at The Grove tonight, which will make for one grand Saturday evening at the ballpark. The doubleheader starts at 6 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m.
For starters, it’s Manny Machado bobblehead giveaway day presented by BayRunner Shuttle.
*Bobblehead giveaway tips:
- If you want a Manny bobblehead (it looks good, doesn’t it?) get here early. The earlier the better.
- We’re giving away 1,000 bobbles courtesy of BayRunner Shuttle when the gates open at 5 p.m.
- It’s first come, first serve and there will be a line.
Once you’ve got your bobblehead, get ready for two games that feature some strong pitching matchups. In game one, Keys pitcher Tim Berry takes on Blue Rocks top-pitching prospect and 2012 first-round pick Kyle Zimmer in game one. A look at the game one matchup:
KEYS GAME ONE STARTER: LHP Tim Berry (2-1, 3.44)
- Fourth in the Carolina League with 38 strikeouts.
- Retired first 13 Wilmington batters in April 12 start against Zimmer and Blue Rocks. Fanned eight and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks over six innings in start, receiving a no-decision in the Keys’ 4-3 win.
- Rated by Baseball America as Baltimore’s 11th-best prospect.
- Drafted in the final (50th) round of the 2009 draft by the Orioles after senior season of high school, during which he threw a no-hitter and then had Tommy John surgery.
BLUE ROCKS GAME ONE STARTER: RHP Kyle Zimmer (0-2, 4.03)
- Struck out eight Keys on April 12, allowing an unearned run on two hits and three walks. Enters game coming off a 6.1-inning, one-run start.
- Leads the Carolina League with 12.41 K/9 ratio; second in strikeouts (40).
- Rated by Baseball America as Kansas City’s No. 1 prospect. Had surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow in the offseason. When healthy, has registered 99 mph with his fastball.
And game two’s matchup:
KEYS GAME TWO STARTER: LHP Trent Howard (1-0, 0.51)
- Has allowed just one run in 17.2 innings out the bullpen this season.
- Went 0-1 with a 4.30 ERA in three starts vs. Blue Rocks last season
BLUE ROCKS GAME TWO STARTER: LHP John Lamb (2-3, 4.88)
- Had Tommy John surgery in ‘11; prior to injury was KC’s top pitching prospect
- Rated as Royals No. 11 prospect by Baseball America; 0-2, 8.00 ERA on the road this season
*Before we get underway with the games, The Grove will have a special first pitcher tonight. Noah “Biingo” Gray of “The Biggest Loser” fame will be tossing out a ceremonial first pitch this evening.
Biingo, a 13-year-old from New Windsor, was one of three child participants on the show who wanted to lose weight and get healthier. As part of his journey to a healthier lifestyle, Biingo, who loves baseball, came to Harry Grove Stadium for a workout that aired on the show.
He’s back tonight and he’s fit. Check out his before and after photos on nbc.com.
*And we’re planning for a beefed up fireworks show tonight, seeing as last night’s got rained out.
As of 2 p.m., tickets are still available. But them online at FrederickKeys.com at any time, at 301-815-9939 until 3 p.m., or at the Keys box office at Harry Grove Stadium.
*Want a bobblehead but can’t make tonight’s game? A complimentary bobblehead comes with any Keys ticket plan. We have Dylan Bundy bobbles, too.
*Tonight’s game one lineup:
Shake your Keys.
Come to The Grove tonight, you could win a suite
Tim Berry starts for the Keys tonight against Wilmington in what ought to be a game filled with strikeouts. He and Blue Rocks starter Kyle Zimmer are two of the best in the Carolina League when it comes to missing bats.
The Keys open a four-game homestand tonight at 7 p.m. against Wilmington. It’s Casino Night at Harry Grove Stadium, too.
Reasons to come to tonight’s game:
- Tonight’s pitching matchup – Keys LHP Tim Berry vs. Blue Rocks RHP Kyle Zimmer — has double-digit strikeout potential. Both are top-5 in strikeouts in the Carolina League and Zimmer leads the league in K/9 at 12.41. When these two started opposite one another on April 12, 16 batters walked away with a K after six innings.
- One fan will win a suite to a future Keys game as part of our Casino Night. We’ll have several special in-game promotions, as well.
- Zimmer is Kansas City’s top pitching prospect and has been known to throw 99 mph fastballs.
- The Keys are playing well right now, leading the Northern Division at 18-14 and leading the Carolina League in runs scored.
- Zane Chavez’s mustache: view it here when he rounds second base after hitting a homer at Winston-Salem.
- Buy your tickets here, call 301-815-9939 or visit the box office at The Grove.
*Some game notes:
-
WHIFF IT, WHIFF IT GOOD: Tonight’s starters are two of the best strikeout pitchers in the Carolina League. Zimmer leads the league in strikeouts per nine innings, striking out 12.41 batters per nine. Zimmer’s 40 strikeouts are tied for second in the league and Berry’s 38 are fourth.
FEELIN’ HOT, HOT, HOT: Keys catcher Zane Chavez and second baseman Jerome Pena have been swinging hot bats as of late. Chavez is batting .389 with 13 RBIs in his last nine games, providing some pop in the middle of Frederick’s order. He’s also walked 11 times in the last six games, putting him in second in the Carolina League with 21 free passes on the season. And after a dreadful start to the season, Pena is batting .344 over his last 10 games with two homers and eight RBIs, raising his batting average to .224.
BORN TO (SCORE) RUN(S): The Keys remain the worst hitting team in the Carolina League by batting average, hitting just .230 as a team, but lead the league in runs scored with 156. Possible explanations for the Keys’ offensive efficiency – they lead the league in walks (156) with 36 more than the teams tied for second and have the second-best OBP in the league (.329). Frederick’s batting .244 with runners in scoring position and have hit 24 homers this season.
*Keys lineup for tonight:
*Another chance to win a Manny Machado bobblehead on our Facebook page today before we give out 1,000 courtesy of BayRunner Shuttle at the gate at tomorrow’s 6 p.m. game. Keep your eyes peeled for a Manny trivia question on our Facebook timeline. Buy your tickets for Saturday’s game here, call 301-815-9939 or visit the box office at The Grove.
Shake your Keys.
Story for an off day: Rice makes the Majors
At age 31, Scott Rice became the Keys 126th player to reach the Major Leagues when he made his debut with the Mets on April 1.
Scott Rice spent once season in the Frederick Keys’ bullpen – 2003. Ten years later, he became the 126th former Key to reach the Majors.
Rice made his debut with the New York Mets on April 1 at age 31. During his season with the Keys, Rice, a left-handed reliever, went 1-3 with a 3.19 ERA in 31 innings pitched over 25 appearances. He reached Triple-A in 2006 and played for nine clubs, including an independent league team in 2008, after making his first Triple-A roster before getting the call to the majors.
The Orioles selected Rice in the 14th round of the 1999 draft out of high school. He spent three seasons in rookie ball before reaching the Single-A level in 2002 and after starting 2003 with Delmarva, he spent the second half of the year with the Keys.
Rice spent 14 seasons in the minors and threw 805 innings, becoming almost exclusively a reliever in 2003. Those 14 seasons and his persistence in the minors are paying off now.
In 18 games this season, Rice has a 1.76 ERA in 15.1 inning pitched for the Mets, the eighth Major League organization he’s signed with.
Other off day news:
*The Keys lost 12-9 in extra innings Wednesday afternoon. Read the recap in the Frederick News-Post or on FrederickKeys.com.
*We’re giving away another Manny Machado bobblehead today on our Facebook page. To win it, like us and then keep your eyes peeled for a Manny Machado trivia question we’ll post later. Be the first to correctly answer, and the bobble is yours.
*Don’t forget we’re also giving away 1,000 Manny bobbles courtesy of BayRunner Shuttle when the gates open for Saturday’s 6 p.m. game against Wilmington. Fireworks will follow Saturday’s game and Friday’s 7 p.m. game, the opener of a brief four-game homestand at Harry Grove Stadium.
Get your tickets here, call the Keys’ box office at 301-815-9939 or purchase them at the box office at Harry Grove Stadium.
*You can also get a Manny Machado bobble by buying any Keys ticket plan.
*The Baltimore Sun’s Ed Encina asks, “Why isn’t Manny Machado mentioned in the same breath as fellow phenoms Trout and Harper?“
Your first-place Keys are back in town tomorrow. Shake your Keys.
Listen to the Keys at work, win a bobblehead on Facebook
Check out our Facebook page today for a chance to win this Manny Machado bobblehead.
Shortly after yesterday’s blog post went up, the Keys got rained out in Winston-Salem.
Boo.
The good news is you don’t have to wait long for Keys baseball today. Frederick takes on Winston-Salem this morning at 11 a.m., looking to cap off an undefeated road trip.
If the Keys, who have won their first four games on this trip, win today, it will be their most successful road swing in recent Keys history. The best trips in recent memory:
- 5/27-29/11 – Keys swept Salem Red Sox; 4 games in 3 nights – 4-0 road trip
- 7/13-20/11 – 8 game trip to Wilmington & Kinston; Lost game 1 in Wilmington, won 6 in a row, lost game 8 in Kinston
- 8/19-24/05 – 7 game road trip to Myrtle Beach & Kinston; Won first 5 games but lost final 2 in Kinston
Listen to today’s game on AM1450 The Source, online at wthu.org or through the TuneIn Radio App by searching for WTHU. The Frederick Gorilla Pregame Show starts 30 minutes before first pitch.
*We’ll be giving away Manny Machado bobbleheads to the first 1,000 fans in the gates at Harry Grove Stadium for Saturday’s 6 p.m. game against Wilmington. Gates open at 5.
We’re also giving away a bobble today, tomorrow and Friday on our Facebook page. To win it, like us and then keep yours eyes peeled for a Manny Machado trivia question. Be the first to correctly answer, and the bobble is yours.
Tickets to Saturday’s game and the rest of the four-game series with Wilmington that begins Friday at 7 p.m. can be purchased online here, by calling 301-815-9939 or by visiting the Keys’ box office at The Grove.
For those of you who want a Manny bobblehead, but don’t want to fight the crowd Saturday, a free bobblehead comes with the purchase of any of our ticket plans. One bobble head per seat. We have Dylan Bundy, too.
*Speaking of Manny, his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is better than that of fellow phenoms Bryce Harper and Mike Trout, for all you lovers of advanced metrics. Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal gives Machado love in this story.
*For those of you wondering, Tuesday’s postponed game will be made up in Winston-Salem as part of a Memorial Day Doubleheader.
Shake your Keys.
Streaking Keys continue road trip at Winston-Salem
Keys catcher Zane Chavez has been red-hot over his last nine games.
If you haven’t been paying close attention, the Keys seem to have hit their stride again.
Back atop the Carolina League Northern Division standings at 18-13, Frederick has won four in a row, six of its last seven and eight of its last 11 games. The Keys take the field again at 7 p.m. tonight in Winston-Salem. Listen on AM1450 The Source or wthu.org. The Frederick Gorilla Pregame Show starts 30 minutes prior to first pitch.
As for last night’s 10-3 victory at Winston-Salem:
*READ: A recap of what happened from the Frederick News Post and on FrederickKeys.com
*LISTEN: The highlight of the game - Glynn Davis’ bases-loaded triple
*As for tonight, some notes:
CLOSE CONTESTS: Winston-Salem swept the Keys in their second series of the season, but won the three games by a combined five runs. Winners of eight of their last 11, the Keys hope to continue their perfect record (4-0) on this road trip and take the series from the Dash tonight.
HE’S HEATING UP: Keys catcher Zane Chavez and second baseman Jerome Pena have been swinging hot bats as of late. Chavez is batting .412 with 9 RBIs in his last nine games, hitting in the middle of Frederick’s order. He’s also walked nine times in the last five games, putting him in a tie for the Carolina League lead with 20 free passes on the season. And after a dreadful start to the season, Pena is batting .368 with two home runs and five RBIs in the last five games, raising his average to .214.
NO RUNS FOR YOU: The Keys have lowered their team ERA nearly six points in the last week, bringing it to 3.54, which is second-best in the Carolina League. Frederick was in last place in pitching and had the only ERA over 4.00 before their recent stretch.
*In light of Chavez’s hot streak and strong start to the season, you might be interested in reading this story about him and teammate Marcel Prado (12 games, 1.72 ERA, three saves) getting a shot with the Keys after spending last season with independent El Paso.
Brandon Apter
Mike Mueller
Frederick Keys Baseball
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