Nix loses Game 4 in the 6th inning...

After being handed 2 losses in the last 2 games, the Skeeters needed to pull a win out in this, the final game of the series to stay close to the top of the division. Bobby Livingston (2-2, 5.06 ERA) was given the start for the Skeeters while Nick Green (3-1. 2.49 ERA) got the call for the Blue Crabs.

Another loss...2 games out of 1st

After dropping game 2 and scoring 1 run on 6 hits...and committing 3 errors, the Skeeters hoped things would go their way tonight. Ryan McKeller (1-3, 5.65 ERA) got the start for the Skeeters and Deinys Suarez (0-2, 3.86 ERA) took the mound for the Blue Crabs.

Game 2 loss...comeback streak done

After 2 heroic comeback wins in the last 2 games, the Skeeters looked to continue winning and pull to the top of the standings. Heath Phillips got the call for the Skeeters against Rayner Oliveros for the Blue Crabs.

Game 1 vs. So. Maryland Blue Crabs

On a beautiful Memorial Day afternoon, in front of the 15th consecutive sell-out crowd, the Skeeters took the field in their camouflage uniforms in honor of the past & present troops that defend our great country. Matt Wright (2-0, 1.95 ERA) got the call for the Skeeters while Dan Reichert (2-0, 3.35 ERA) took the bump for the Blue Crabs.

Game 4 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

When the Skeeters took the field, they had the chance to pull within 1 game of 1st place as the Somerset Patriots lost earlier in the day. Derrick Gordon (1-1, 4.94 ERA) took the mound for the Skeeters and faced a formidable opponent in John Halama (3-2, 2.21 ERA). The last time the Skeeters faced Halama, they lost 7-4 and Halama has the only complete game thrown in the league this year. Tonight's game was the 14th consecutive sellout for the Skeeters with an attendance of 7,004!

Something to be proud of...

Attendance

Team	Yesterday	Total	Openings	Average
Sugar Land Skeeters	7,586	90,488	13	6,961
Long Island Ducks	6,319	71,899	14	5,136
Lancaster Barnstormers	-	68,449	14	4,889
Somerset Patriots	6,139	82,030	17	4,825
York Revolution	5,344	60,713	14	4,337
Camden Riversharks	-	36,790	10	3,679
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs	-	59,249	17	3,485
Bridgeport Bluefish	-	26,181	13	2,014
TOTALS:	25,388	495,799	112	4,427

Way to go Skeeters fans!! Let's stay out in front for the entire season!

Game 3 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

After dropping game 2 by 1 run, the Skeeters looked to get back to their winning ways in this, the 3rd of a 4-game series against Lancaster. Bobby Livingston got the start for Sugar Land while Mark Brackman go the start for Lancaster. Earlier in the day, about 2 hours before the start of the game, Jimmy Van Ostrand got the call all baseball players want to get. His contract with the Skeeters had been purchased by the Washington Nationals. Good luck "Dr. Van Ostrand" and keep tearing things up on your way to the BIGS!!

Game 2 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

With a 4-game win streak for the Skeeters, they took the field feeling pretty good about how things are going. Ryan McKeller (1-3, 5.63 ERA) took the mound for the Skeeters and Alan Johnson (2-3, 8.72 ERA) took the mound for the Barnstormers. The last time the Skeeters faced Johnson, he lasted just 1.1 innings, giving up 7 runs on 8 hits, with a whopping 21.21 ERA. The Skeeters hoped to see that pitcher once again.

Game 1 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

In the second rematch of the season, the Skeeters took the field looking to do better against the Barnstormers at Constellation Field. Heath Phillips (0-2, 6.52 ERA) took the mound against Rich Rundles (1-0, 1.67 ERA). With the Somerset Patriots losing to the Camden Riversharks in a matinee game, the Skeeters had a chance to pull within a .5 game of 2nd place...and 1.5 games out of first!!

Game 3 vs. York Revolution (Postponed)

The weather was not on our side today in York, PA. The rain started falling early and continued to fall right through the scheduled start time. The game was delayed for 1 hour before the decision was made to postpone the game due to rain. The radar showed that the rains were not going to clear up until around 10pm (9pm local) and with the Skeeters having a 3:30am flight to get home, the game was called. This means that it will be made up the next time the Skeeters play in York, PA which is June 19th. The game will be played as a double-header which, in the ALPB, means there will be two 7-inning games that day, the first game scheduled to start at 4:30pm local time.

The road trip was VERY successful for the home town boys as they were able to go 4-1, winning both series. The Skeeters will come home for an 8-game home-stand, 4 games against Lancaster & 4 games against Southern Maryland.

The game on Thursday is scheduled for 7:05pm local time. If you are not headed to the game, check back here to get the link for the LIVE broadcast link provided by 93Q & The Eagle.

Game 2 vs. York Revolution

After taking the series opener, the Skeeters sent Matt Wright to the mound to face Yunior Novoa. The Skeeters also looked to add another win the the streak on the road. 

Game 1 vs. York Revolution

In the first rematch of the season, the Skeeters looked to take the first game of the series. Before the game started, current Skeeters Octavio Martinez & Michael Nix received their ALPB Championship rings they won as members of the Revolution last year. Derrick Gordon (0-1, 6.00 ERA) got the call for the Skeeters and Jesus Sanchez (1-2, 7.15 ERA) took the mound for the Revolution.

Watch the Skeeters vs. Revolution series on-line!

Click on the following link to watch the first rematch of the season when the Skeeters take on the Revolution in their home park, Sovereign Bank Stadium.

http://yorkrevstv.com/

Game 3 vs. Bridgeport Bluefish

The Skeeters looked to rebound from last nights performance to take 2 out of 3 games at Harbor Yard. Heath Phillips took the mound for Sugar Land and Paul Osegura took the mound for Bridgeport. 

Watch today's game vs. Bridgeport

Click on the link below:

http://www.bridgeportbluefish.com/

Once on the Bridgeport website, scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for and click this link:

It will take you to the YouTube page for Bridgeport. Then look for the LIVE link and watch!!

Game 2 vs. Bridgeport Bluefish

After matching the longest win streak of the season at 3 games yesterday, the Skeeters hoped to keep things going when they took the field Saturday night but wound up on the losing end. 

Bobby Livingston (SL) and Gilbert De La Vara (BPT) battled for the first 3 innings only allowing 4 hits combined. The Skeeters scored first in the game in the 4th inning. Pressley reached base on a walk, Van Ostrand singled and Suarez walked to load the bases. With 2 outs, Kade Johnson hit a single scoring Pressley and Van Ostrand to take the 2-0 lead. Livingston came out and struggled in the inning allowing 4 singles, a double and issuing 2 walks resulting in 5 runs for the Bluefish to take control of the game and lead 2-5. The Bridgeport pitchers where able to hold the Skeeters to just 4 more hits scattered over the last 5 innings of the game...shutting down the offensive production the Skeeters had for the previous 2 games. The Bluefish were able to tack on 2 more runs over the last 5 innings to win the game 2-7. 

The game took just over 2 1/2 hours to play making it one of the quickest games played by the Skeeters in this, their inaugural season. Livingston took the loss for the Skeeters giving him a 1-2 record with a 6.12 ERA over 5 games. 

The rubber match game in Bridgeport is set to begin at 1:05pm local time.

Watch LIVE...correction

Alright...apparently they have a new link EVERY game! If you want to watch the game tomorrow, or Sunday, just scroll to the bottom of the main page and click the Bridgeport icon. It will take you to their main website where you can scroll to the bottom and look for the logo pictured below. Click it and it will take you to the YouTube page. Sorry for the confusion...I am learning this as I go!!

Game 1 vs. Bridgeport Bluefish

In a complete turn-around from the last road trip, the Sugar Land Skeeters have come out of the gates swinging...A LOT! In the first game against the Bluefish, the Skeeters had several "firsts" for the franchise. In the last 2 games, the Skeeters have put up 32 runs...more runs than they had the entire road trip when they went 1-9.

Skeeters vs. Bridgeport Bluefish...LIVE TV On-line!!

Alright...to all you faithful followers out there! I have done some scouring on-line and found a reliable source for the first 3-game road series against Bridgeport.

Click on this link and it will take you to the YouTube site where they play the games LIVE!!

http://www.youtube.com/user/ibnbluefish?v=J1ZgrtAjb04

Happy watching!! Bookmark the site for future reference the next time they play the Bluefish!

FYI...I have the link for the last 3-game road series against the York Revolution but will not put it up until the day of the series start so check back on Monday for that link!

ALPB League Leaders through 20 games
Batting AVG
1.      Jesus Merchan	(LAN)	0.509
2.      Ryan Garko	(LI)	0.450
3.      Fehlandt Lentini	(LAN)	0.418
4.      Adam Godwin	(LAN)	0.415
5.      Jason Botts	(SL)	0.367
Runs Scored
1.      Joey Gathright	(BPT)	18
2.      Jason Botts	(SL)	17
3.      Lew Ford	(LI)	16
Lloyd Turner	(CMD)	16
5.      Brian Burgamy	(CMD)	15
Hits
1.      Adam Godwin	(LAN)	34
2.      Jason Botts	(SL)	29
3.      Kennard Jones	(BPT)	28
Fehlandt Lentini	(LAN)	28
5.      Ryan Garko	(LI)	27
Jesus Merchan	(LAN)	27
Home Runs
1.     Michael Hernandez	(YRK)	6
Jason Botts	(SL)	6
3.     Brandon Sing	(LI)	5
4.     Ben Harrison	(SL)	4 (+ 5 other players)
RBI
1.      Jason Botts	(SL)	20
2.      Brian Burgamy	(CMD)	17
Eddie Rogers	(BPT)	17
4.      Ryan Garko	(LI)	16
Michael Hernandez	(YRK)	16
6.      Jimmy Van Ostrand	(SL)	15 (+ 1 other player)
Slugging %
1.      Jason Botts	(SL)	0.709
2.      Ryan Garko	(LI)	0.683
3.      Jesus Merchan	(LAN)	0.642
4.      Fehlandt Lentini	(LAN)	0.627
Lew Ford	(LI)	0.627
ERA
1.      Rich Rundles	(LAN)	1.08
2.      Roy Merritt	(SOM)	1.64
3.      Bob Zimmermann	(LI)	1.80
4.      Ben Moore	(SMD)	2.05
5.      Matt Wright	(SL)	2.10
Strike Outs
1.      Rich Rundles	(LAN)	28
2.      Matt Wright	(SL)	26
3.      John Halama	(LAN)	24
4.      Paul Oseguera	(BPT)	22
Nick Green	(SMD)	22
Wins
1.      Paul Phillips	(SOM)	3
John Halama	(LAN)	3
3.      Will Startup	(SL)	2 (+ 14 other pitchers)
Saves
1.      Jon Meloan	(LI)	6
2.      Tim Hamulack	(LAN)	5
3.      Josh Rupe	(SOM)	4
4.      Jorge Julio	(BPT)	3
R. J. Rodriguez	(YRK)	3

Game 6 vs. Long Island Ducks

Not only was this the final game of the series with the Ducks, it was also a Texas vs. Texas pitching match-up. The Skeeters sent Matt Wright (Waco, TX) to square off against Randy Keisler (Houston, TX). After a thrilling 12 inning victory for the Skeeters on Tuesday, the hometown boys took the field looking to split the series, and win 2 in a row before setting out on the road.

Game 5 vs. Long Island Ducks

After 3 straight losses for the Skeeters, they took the field against the Ducks looking to turn things around. Derrick Gordon took the bump for the Skeeters and Bob Zimmerman went for the Ducks. 

The 1st inning came and went without much excitement as the Ducks went 3 up & 3 down and the Skeeters were only able to get a lead off single by Bubba Bell. For the 3rd game in a row, the home team fell behind in the top of the 2nd inning 2-0...the second game in a row that it was a result of a 2-run home run. The 3rd & 4th innings were quiet for both teams but the top half of the 5th inning saw the Ducks add another run, off of a 1 out home run to give the Ducks a 3-0 lead. The Skeeters halted a 14 up & 14 down streak when Harrison singled...but the side was retired with no runs scored. After a single and a stolen base, James McOwen scored for the Ducks on a single by Shawn Williams to make the score 4-0 before the side was retired. Octavio Martinez & Bubba Bell hit back-to-back doubles resulting in 1 run being scored before the side was retired on a 6-3 double play...making the score 4-1. Will Startup took the mound in relief and faced 4 batters, walking the lead off batter, but held the Ducks scoreless. The bottom half of the 7th inning had the Skeeters rally by sending 9 batters to the plate. Castro reached on an error by the SS and scored on a Harrison single. Harrison was able to score on a ball hit by Bell who reached on an error by the pitcher, and Locke & Martinez scored on a Jason "BIG MAN" Botts 2 out single to make the score 4-5!! In the 8th inning, Will Startup continued to dominate the Ducks by getting his 6th straight out after walking the first batter he faced in the 7th inning. Castro stepped up needing a hit to continue his consecutive game hit streak and drew a walk...the second inning in a row he reached base as the lead-off batter. Van Ostrand hit into a 5-4-3 double play, the 3rd double play the Skeeters hit into for the day. Harrison ended the inning on a strike out. Gary Majewski came out in the 9th inning for his first save opportunity of the season. He faced the bottom half of the Duck's lineup and for the 2nd game in a row, the pitching staff was unable to hold the lead for a win. Majewski gave up a single and a triple to score 1 run to tie the game 5-5. He then walked the next batter to put runners on the corners. Majewski faced Kraig Binick at the top of the lineup and got out of the inning with a 6-4-3 inning ending double play. Sugar Land's hopes of winning rested squarely on the shoulders of Locke (0-2), Martinez (2-3), and Bell (2-4). Locke flew out to RF and Martinez singled to SS, beating out the throw to give the Skeeters a chance. Bell then swung on the first pitch hitting into the 4-6-3 inning ending double play...the 4th double play the Skeeters hit into for the game. For the first time this season, the Skeeters play extra innings when Majewski took the mound in the 10th even though he lost the save in the 9th...and was able to go 3 up & 3 down to retire the side. With the game still tied, Ramos & Botts went down on strikes and Pressley flew out to 2nd base to send it to the 11th...the 6th time this game for the Skeeters to go 3 up & 3 down. Eric Krebs came in for the Skeeters and retired the side 3 up & 3 down...6 straight for the Skeeters pitching staff. With 2 runners on base and 2 outs, Martinez sent a scorcher to RF and Van Ostrand was thrown out at home as he tried to score from 2nd to end the inning...headed to the 12 inning. Once again Krebs mowed through the Ducks, 3 up & 3 down...9 batters retired in a row for the Skeeters pitching staff. The game ended on a 2-out walk-off HR hit by Jason "BIG MAN" Botts to the deepest part of the park for the Skeeters' first ever walk-off HR/extra innings game/win in franchise history! The final score of the game was 6-5...SKEETERS WIN!! The HR was Botts' 5th of the season to lead the team, and placed him in a tie for second most in the league.

Ofilio "THE HERO" Castro ended his consecutive game hit streak at 4, being held without a hit today. Bubba Bell and Jason "BIG MAN" Botts both extended their streaks to 4 consecutive games with a hit. 

The conclusion of the series is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:05am local time. The Skeeters will have Thursday off, the only day off this month, before heading back out on the road for a 6-game road trip...3 against Bridgeport and 3 against York.

Game 4 vs. Long Island Ducks

After a 25 minute weather delay...the game got under way. The latest news for the Long Island Ducks is that Ryan "THE SKEETER SWATTER" Garko was signed by the Tampa Bay Rays affiliated team the Montgomery Biscuits. Duniesky Flores took the bump for the Skeeters to start the game and gave up a 2-run HR to James McOwen of the Ducks before retiring the side. It appeared that the Skeeters were headed for another 3 up & 3 down inning until Jason "BIG MAN" Botts busted a 2 out triple. Pressley and Van Ostrand both walked to load the bases. Ofilio "THE HERO" Castro stepped in, eyed the pitcher, and unloaded a GRAND SLAM that landed in the Skeeters' bullpen...his first HR/Grand Slam of the season and the Skeeters' first team Grand Slam of the season. Just as the side was retired, the skies opened up and the rain started falling...causing a rain delay. The tarp was unrolled, the teams took to the dugouts/locker rooms, and the fans headed for the Concourse to stay dry. 

After an hour long rain delay...the 2nd inning was under way. Both teams brought relief pitchers in, the Skeeters brought in Pedro Liriano, and the Ducks brought in Wynn Pelzer. Both teams struggled to get anything going after the rain delay until the bottom of the 4th inning when Ofilio "THE HERO" Castro singled with 1 out, his 2nd hit of the game and 8 hits in his first 13 at bats since joining the Skeeters. The inning was retired on an Iggy Suarez fly out to LF for the 2nd out and Harrison was thrown out at 3rd before Castro could cross the plate to keep the Skeeters scoreless. The 5th inning was a little shaky for Liriano as he faced 5 Ducks, allowing a single and a walk, but held then scoreless for the 4th inning in a row. The Skeeters were able to tack on another run after a 2 out single by "BIG MAN" Botts, and a Pressley walk, Van Ostrand singled driving Botts in from 2nd base. Castro retired the inning by flying out to the 1st baseman...the score was 2-5 after 5. Things absolutely fell apart for the Skeeters in the 6th inning when Heath Phillips came in for Liriano as he faced 7 batters and getting 2 outs. Those 7 batters were able to score 2 runs on 2 singles and a double. Phillips was pulled after an intentional walk to load the bases. Sean Morgan stepped in and inherited 3 base runners with 2 outs. After going to a full count, he retired the inning on a ground out to the SS. The 7th & 8th inning were fairly uneventful even though 8 Ducks steeped to the plate & 10 Skeeters batted, both teams were held scoreless. The Ducks were able to make a comeback in the 9th inning as they scored 2 runs on 3 hits...leaving 3 runners on base to take the lead 6-5. Bell, Locke, and Botts came to the plate and sat right back down in order to end the game.

The MVP of the game for the Skeeters was Ofilio "THE HERO" Castro as he went 3-4 with 4 RBIs thanks to the first ever Grand Slam for Sugar Land. He also has a 4 consecutive game hit streak, hitting safely in all 4 games he has played. Bubba Bell & Jason "BIG MAN" Botts both have 3 game streaks and Van Ostrand has a mini 2 game streak.

The loss drops the record to 5-13...now 5.5 games behind Lancaster who did not play yesterday. Tuesdays game is scheduled for an 11:05am start...as long as the rains stay away.

Game 3 vs. Long Island Ducks

Well...first off let me wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. The day was absolutely beautiful and celebrations were had by all. 

The Skeeters' fans turned out to pack the house and watched as the hometown boys dropped another heart breaker to the Ducks losing 6-4.

The first inning flew by as both teams went 3 up & 3 down but things got started for the Ducks in the top half of the 2nd inning as they were able to get 2 runs off 2 home runs, one for Ryan "THE SKEETER SWATTER" Garko and the other from Wilberto Ortiz. For the second inning in a row, the Skeeters went down in order. Even though the Ducks landed a base runner in the 3rd inning because of an error by Castro, they were unable to get him across the plate. The bottom half of the 3rd inning saw the Skeeters pull to within 1 run when the new guy, Kade Johnson belted his 1st home run off the first pitch he saw as a Skeeter! Welcome to the team!! The 5th inning took a little longer since both teams sent 5 batters to the plate but neither team was able to get any runs on the board. The bats got hot and home plate was stepped on quite a bit in the 6th inning as the Ducks were able to send 9 batters to the plate resulting in 4 hits, 3 runs and 3 runners left on base. The display continued when the Skeeters came to the plate. They were able to send 7 batters to the plate resulting in 4 hits, 2 runs and 2 runners left on base. One of the hits was a 420 foot BOMB from Jason "BIG MAN" Botts to the deepest part of the ballpark...his 4th HR of the season. The Ducks took a break in 7th inning going 3 up & 3 down. The Skeeters were able to send 6 batters to the plate this time but only scored 1 run in the inning leaving 1 runner on base. After the Ducks sent 5 batters to the plate and were held scoreless, the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down. 6 Ducks batted in the 9th inning and were able to score 1 run on 3 hits giving them a 6-4 lead headed into the bottom of the 9th. That is where it stayed as the Skeeters were only able to muster 1 hit, being held scoreless.

With this loss, the Skeeters drop to 5-12 on the season, 5 games behind the Lancaster Barnstormers who took possession of first place after the Somerset Patriots lost to the York Revolution. The Skeeters are 2-8 over the last 10 games and need to figure something out to turn things around. The 2 latest additions, Ofilio Castro & Kade Johnson have done their part to add spark but the rest of the team has flat-lined, except for a few sparky moments. 

Monday's game is scheduled for a 7:05pm start and is the only game scheduled for the league. 

Game 2 vs. Long Island Ducks

After a thrilling 9th inning victory with 2 outs Friday night, the Skeeters looked to get 2 in a row in the "W" column. Gaetti sent Ryan McKeller to the mound, even though he has been credited with 2 losses in 2 starts. The Skeeters faced Mike Loree, last year's Pitcher of the Year for the ALPB, for the first time this season.

1st inning - McKeller started shaky as he sent the first batter to 1st plate after plunking him with the ball. He promptly redeemed himself by pitching into a DP for the first 2 outs. The next batter singled and McKeller walked the 4th batter before retiring the side with a strike out. The Skeeters came out with Bell, Locke, and Botts but got nothing done...going 3 up & 3 down. The score was 0-0.

2nd inning - With just 2 pitches, McKeller got the 1st out with a fly out to RF. He then walked the next 2 batters in order. In an attempt at a double steal, the 2nd out came on a caught stealing at 2nd base, no play made at 3rd base. After the play, Cabral was taken out of the game with a towel wrapped around his hand, the initial thought was that he took a cleat to the hand and cut his fingers open. Victor Gutierrez came in to play 2nd base. McKeller then plunked his 2nd batter of the game, in as many innings, with the pitch, putting runners on the corners...2 outs. McKeller then gave up a deep double that resulted in 2 runs being scored. The 3rd out came with the second caught stealing of the inning as they tried to steal 3rd. The first 2 batters, Pressley & Van Ostrand went down in order for the first 2 outs. Castro stepped in hoping to continue his hot streak he started last night and did just that by firing a shot right back up the middle to reach 1st base. Harrison ended the inning with a fly out to the 3rd baseman, leaving Castro on base. The score was 2-0.

3rd inning - After facing 5 batters in each of the first 2 innings, Gaetti sent McKeller back out to the mound. He then walked the 1st batter, the 4 of the game. McKeller again faced 5 batters and allowed another single but was able to hold the Ducks scoreless, leaving 2 runners on base, 4 for the game so far. The first 2 batters for the Skeeters grounded out to the 3rd baseman. Bell slapped a double to end hit slump, that was his 4th double of the season. Locke was the hit by the pitch to give Jason "BIG MAN" Botts a chance to impress the big league scouts on hand...but he flew out to LF, leaving 2 runners on base, 3 runners LOB for the game. The score remained 2-0.

4th inning - McKeller again came out to pitch for the 4th inning...and for the 4th inning in a row, faced 5 batters. This time, however, he did not finish the inning. After a strike out to the lead off batter, McKeller walked the batter, his 5th of the game, and gave up a triple which scored the 3rd run for the Ducks. He then got the 2nd out with a fly out but walked his 6th batter of the game...prompting Gaetti to pull him and bring in Trey Rackel. With runners on the corners, Rackel walked the batter to load the bases, the 7th walked batter for the Ducks in the game. The Ducks also got their 3rd stolen base of the game before the walk. Ryan "THE SKEETER SWATTER" Garko crushed the ball for his 1st Grand Slam of the season...and the first ever for a Skeeters opponent. The side was retired on a fly out but the damage was already done...the score was 7-0. Much like the 2nd inning, Pressley & Van Ostrand went down in order bringing Castro up but he flew out to CF and the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down for the second time this game. The score remained 7-0.

5th inning - For the first time this game, the Ducks went 3 up & 3 down...thank you Rackel!! Ben Harrison stepped up and tattoos the offering from Loree blasting his 4th HR of the season!! Martinez & Gutierrez go down in order. Bell busts his second double of the game to give Locke a chance for an RBI...but he grounded out to the pitcher. The score was 7-1.

6th inning - After getting blistered in the 4th inning, Rackel headed back out to the bump. He faced 5 batters giving up a single and a 1 out RBI double, along with ta 2 out walk to Ryan "THE SKEETER SWATTER" Garko before retiring the side with a fielder's choice ground out. Jason "BIG MAN" Botts got back to his hitting ways with a lead off single, moving to 2nd base on a Pressley ground out to 1st base. Van Ostrand's slump continued as he grounded out to the SS. With 2 outs on the board, the Skeeters finally get something going as Castro came up and busted ANOTHER single back up the middle scoring Botts from 2nd base! Harrison walked to give Martinez a chance to help the Skeeters. Martinez walked, loading the bases for player/coach Vic Gutierrez. Gutierrez shoots a double down the RF line scoring 2 runs! After a pitching change for the Ducks, Bell stepped up to bat.and knocks a single to RF scoring 2 more runs...his 3rd hit of the game! Locke ended the rally with a strike out to end the inning. The score was 8-6 heading into the 7th!!

7th inning - Eric Krebs came in for the Skeeters. After an error by Gutierrez, the base runner was caught stealing by Martinez for the first out...the 3rd caught stealing for Martinez in the game. Krebs gave up a 2 out double and single before retiring the side with a ground out to 2nd base. After busting out and getting themselves back in the game, the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down for the 3rd time this game. The score remained 8-6.

8th inning - Krebs came back out to face the Ducks in the 8th inning. after a fly out and a single, Krebs threw the ball away trying to check the runner at first and allowed the runner to advance to 3rd base. He then issued an intentional walk to Garko, a season high 9 combined walks for the pitching staff in a game. Michael Nix then came in to relieve Krebs and hopefully get the Skeeters out of the inning. Nix retired the final 2 batters, holding the Ducks scoreless. The bottom of the line-up was due for the Skeeters. Castro reaches base for the 3rd time by drawing a walk, bringing up Harrison. He singled moving Castro to 2nd, "Big O" Martinez up to bat. "Big O" lays down a perfect bunt that scoots past the pitcher and 1st baseman, loading the bases for Vic Gutierrez!! Unlike his AB in the 6th, Gutierrez hit into the rare 1-2-3 double play. Bell ended the inning by flying out to the SS...leaving 2 runners on base, 7 for the game. The score remained 8-6.

9th inning - Nix issued a walk, the 10th for the Skeeter's pitching staff, to start the inning. Thanks to a fielder's choice and a 5-4-3 double play, the side was retired 3 up & 3 down for just the 2nd time this game. With just 3 outs left, the Skeeters had the meat of their line-up coming up in the bottom of the 9th. Locke, Botts, & Pressley give them the best shot at getting it done. Locke struck out for the 1st out of the inning. Botts flew out deep to LF, and Pressley lines a shot to CF reaching 1st base. Van Ostrand grounded out to SS to end the game. The final score was 8-6.

This loss drops the Skeeters to 5-11 for the season...last place in the Freedom Division. BOOOOO!!! The Somerset Patriots lost to the York Revolution so the Skeeters stay 4 games out of 1st with 124 games to go so panic should not be setting in just yet fans.

The 3rd game of the 6 game series is scheduled for a 4:05pm start time at Constellation Field.

Game 1 vs. Long Island Ducks...finally back @ home!

Well, after the boys landed in Houston around noon, they had a short time to prepare for tonight's game...and figure out what hey needed to do to stop the losing streak at 6 straight.

A new player for the Skeeters, Ofilio Castro, was activated and took the field at SS...to hopefully firm up the middle of the field and reduce errors and bobbles.

1st inning - Matt Wright took to the bump and even after allowing a single, was able to retire the side in order thanks to a double play. The Skeeters top three, Harrison, Locke, and Botts, went 3 up & 3 down. The score was 0-0.

2nd inning - Wright faced 5 Ducks and allowed a run to score off of a triple before the side was retired. The Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down for the 2nd inning in a row. The score was 1-0.

3rd inning - Despite a single by the Ducks, and thanks to a caught stealing, both teams went 3 up & 3 down...the 3rd inning in a row for the Skeeters. The score remained 1-0.

4th inning - Once again, Wright faced 5 Ducks, allowing 2 singles and a hit by pitch, but was able to hold the Ducks scoreless. Harrison, Locke, Botts, and Pressley came to the plate and got nothing done with Locke's single...the score remained 1-0.

5th inning - Wright found his command and faced only 3 Ducks, retiring the side in order. After a Van Ostrand fly out to LF, Ofilio Castro made his presence known in the line-up as he belted a double for his 1st hit as a Skeeter. Bell grounded out to 1st base, advancing Castro to 3rd base. With 2 outs, Octavio Martinez made it to 1st base on a SS error...plating Castro to tie the game. Marcos Cabral walked, giving the Skeeters 2 base runners but Harrison flew out to CF, ending the inning. The score was 1-1.

6th inning - Just as they did in the 3rd inning, both teams went 3 up & 3 down...the 4th such time for the game. The score remained 1-1.

7th inning - Both teams sent 4 players to the plate and each team got a double from the second batter in the inning...Ofilio Castro got his second hit, and double, of the game for the Skeeters. Neither team scored so the score remained 1-1.

8th inning - Gary Majewski came in for Wright and retired the side...3 up & 3 down. Cabral, Harrison, and Locke also went 3 up & 3 down...the 5th time for the Skeeters in the game. The score remained 1-1.

9th inning - For the 2nd inning in a row, Majewski retired the side 3 up & 3 down. With just 3 outs to go, the Skeeters sent Botts to the plate...he was walked giving the Skeeters a chance. Botts stole 2nd base on a Pressley strike out for the 1st out. Van Ostrand grounded out to the 3rd baseman for the 2nd out. Ofilio Castro stepped to the plate with the game in his hands and delivered his 3rd hit of the game, and most importantly, scoring Jason "BIG MAN" Botts for the game winning RBI...THE SKEETERS WIN!!

Van Ostrand, 0-4 on the game, ended his consecutive game hit streak at 9, giving him the second longest streak for the Skeeters behind Jason "BIG MAN" Botts' 12 game streak. 

The newest Skeeter, Ofilio Castro, has become the hero very quickly by going 3-4, scoring a run, and driving in the game winning RBI...helping the Skeeters stop the 6 game losing streak.

This win pulls the Skeeters to within 4 games of the Somerset Patriots as the York Revolution was able to dominate the game to beat them 11-6. The Skeeters record stands at 5-10, with the chance to pull even if they sweep the Ducks over the next 5 games at Constellation Field.

Saturday's game is scheduled for 7:05pm local time.

WELCOME HOME SKEETERS!!!

Watch ALPB Baseball LIVE!

Part of what I intend to bring to you with this blog is websites and phone apps that you can, and should, use to enjoy what the hometown Skeeters are doing in this, their Inaugural season. So far, in the "Gotta Have Links" section, I have provided you with links that allow you to listen to EVERY game this season either on your iPhone/iPad or Android device/computer at home. I have also given you links to the "Crazy" Facebook page, the Skeeters season schedule, Ticket box-office, and ALPB website for live scores, standings, & season stats. I recently became aware of a website that will allow you, the Skeeters fan, to WATCH the hometown boys LIVE while they are on the road. This, however, will not cover every road game, but should cover well over half of the road games this season. The website is Interactive Broadcast Network Sports (iBN Sports) and they currently stream games for the Bridgeport Bluefish, Lancaster Barnstormers, Long Island Ducks, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, and York Revolution. The streams are of their HOME games, none of their road games are streamed on-line. How will this benefit you? Well...when the Skeeters play one of these 5 teams, you will be able to watch!! How freaking AWESOME is that!?!

To get to the game, simply click the "iBN Sports" link in the "Gotta Have Links" section to the right and it will take you to the main baseball section of their website. Once there, move your cursor over the "BASEBALL" menu and a drop-down menu will appear. At this point, move your cursor over the "ATLANTIC LEAGUE" menu and another menu with the teams will appear. Simply click on the home team the Skeeters are playing and wait for the stream to begin!! Enjoy and please, let me know if you have any questions. At this time, the on-line streaming is not supported on iPhone/iPad devices. You must be on a windows based device to enjoy this function.

Here is the "About Us" from the iBN Sports website for your information.

Interactive Broadcast Network Sports (iBN Sports) is an online sports television network producing a large volume of broadcast quality sports content to underserved markets. The big networks have their share of premium sports coverage and Youtube has cornered the market on user generated video. But between these two realms there is a void. Only one network seeks to fill that void with professionally produced features and live game coverage to the underserved markets thirsting for more content. The passion for sports from high school football to mixed martial arts is growing daily and the volume of content that can be produced is too much for television as we know it. Only iBN Sports has the reach, the infrastructure, the network of partners and the low cost production capabilities to take on this task.

Currently, the top tier sports categories at iBN Sports include: high school sports, mixed martial arts (MMA), professional baseball, and collegiate and club basketball. Content is streamed online at www.ibnsports.com and distributed through a growing alliance of global media partners.

Game 4 vs. Somerset Patriots

With the final game of the series, and of the road-trip, the Skeeters looked to stop the losing streak before returning to Constellation Field Friday night. The Skeeters sent Derrick Gordon to the mound to face the Patriots starter, Paul Phillips.

1st inning - The Skeeters' top 3 batters (Locke, Cabral, Botts) went 3 up & 3 down. Gordon faced the top of the order and sat them down in order, recording 1 strike out. The score was 0-0.

2nd inning - Pressley & Van Ostrand both hit singles to give the Skeeters 2 runners but Bell hit into a 4-6-3 double play, moving Pressley to 3rd base with 2 outs. Harrison battled through 7 pitches but eventually struck out to retire the side, 1 LOB. Once again, Gordon faced 3 batters and again sat them down in order. The score remained 0-0.

3rd inning - Martinez, Gutierrez, & Locke went 3 up & 3 down. That was the 2nd time for the Skeeters to go down in order. Gordon did it again by facing 3 batters, setting them down in order, recording 2 strike outs to give him 3 for the game. The score remained 0-0.

4th inning - After Cabral grounded out, Jason "BIG MAN" Botts crushed a 402 foot HR for the 1st run, that was his 3rd HR of the season. Pressley & Van Ostrand went down back-to-back to retire the side. Gordon completely fell apart by facing 9 batters, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks with 2 outs before anyone started warming up in the Skeeters bullpen. He finally got out of the inning with a fly out to CF on the 10th batter of the inning. The score was 1-5.

5th inning - 4 Skeeters came to the plate but the only result was a double by Harrison. That made 2 LOB for the Skeeters this game. Sean Morgan came in for relief and faced 5 Patriots, allowing 1 run. That made the score 1-6.

6th inning - For the 3rd time this game, and a countless number for the entire road trip, the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down. The Patriots also went 3 up & 3 down in the inning facing Morgan. The score remained 1-6.

7th inning - Pressley, Van Ostrand, & Bell came up to bat...and went down in order. That was the 4th time this game for the Skeeters to go 3 up & 3 down. Morgan came back out to the mound and helped the Patriots go 3 up & 3 down...retiring the first 9 batters he has faced. That made the 5th time that the Skeeters have retired the side in order. The score remained 1-6.

8th inning - The bottom of the order came up for the Skeeters. Harrison brought his big-boy bat and hit a HR for the 2nd run of the game. Martinez struck out, Gutierrez grounded out to the SS, and Locke grounded out to the 2nd baseman to retire the side. Morgan stepped onto the mound and again retired the first 2 batters, making it 11 in a row, before issuing a walk to end the streak. He struck out the next batter to retire the side, giving him 3 strike outs for the game. The score was 2-6...3 outs to go.

9th inning - Cabral walked to start the inning off for the Skeeters. Botts struck out for the 1st out before Pressley doubled, moving Cabral to 3rd. Van Ostrand grounded out to 3rd base for the 2nd out but Cabral scored, for the 1st time as a Skeeter, and Pressley stayed on 2nd base. Bell stepped in and saw Pressley advance to 3rd on a wild pitch before grounding out to 2nd base to end the game. The final score was 3-6.

This loss became the 6th loss in a row, for a 1-9 record on this, the first road trip of the season. The Skeeters' season record drops to 4-10...5 games behind the Somerset Patriots in the Freedom Division. 

The hometown boys will travel home Friday morning before they take the field against the Long Island Ducks at 7:05pm Friday night.

Game 3 vs. Somerset Patriots

The Skeeters took their 4 game losing streak into the 3rd game against the division leading Patriots Wednesday night. Pedro Liriano (0-0) took the mound for Sugar Land and Roy Merritt (0-0) took the mound for Somerset.

1st inning - The Skeeters could not get anything going with the top of the order (Bell, Locke, Botts) and went 3 up & 3 down. Liriano faced 3 batters and sat them down in order, recording 2 strike outs. The score was 0-0.

2nd inning - After a Pressley fly out, Van Ostrand slapped a double, extending his consecutive game hit streak to 8 games. Harrison then struck out, Martinez walked, giving the Skeeters 2 base runners. Cabral then singled but Martinez was thrown out at second base on the fielder's choice to end the Skeeters chances. Liriano faced 7 Patriots allowing 1 run on 2 walks & 2 singles. The score was 0-1.

3rd inning - Benitez struck out to start the inning. Bell singled but the next 2 batters (Locke & Botts) flew out to CF. Liriano came in and faced 6 batters, giving up 4 walks, allowing a run to score on a wild pitch, while getting 1 out. Duniesky Flores came in to relieve Liriano and faced 2 batters but allowed a single which plated 2 scores. The score was 0-4.

4th inning - For the second time this game, Pressley stepped up to bat first and flew out, this time to RF. Van Ostrand slapped another double, his 2nd of the game. Harrison singled to CF and advanced to 2nd on an error by the 1st baseman, Van Ostrand advanced to 3rd base. Martinez was hit by the pitch, taking 1st base and loading the bases for Cabral. He flew out to the 2nd baseman and Benitez grounded the ball back to the pitcher, resulting in Van Ostrand being thrown out at home on the force out to end the Skeeter's hopes of scoring. Flores faced 6 batters, allowing a walk, a single, & a double that resulted in 2 runs scored. The score was 0-6.

5th inning - For the 2nd time this game, the top of the order (Bell, Locke, Botts) went 3 up & 3 down. Flores came back out, walked the lead off batter, then sat the Patriots down in order to hold them scoreless. The score remained 0-6.

6th inning - Pressley doubled to lead off the inning. Van Ostrand flew out and Harrison walked. Martinez made it to 1st base on an error by the second baseman to load the bases for the 2nd time this game. Cabral then hit into a 6-3 rally ending double play. Flores again came out to the mound and held the Patriots scoreless, giving up a single. The score remained 0-6.

7th inning - After Benitez and Bell struck out and flew out, Locke singled bringing Jason "BIG MAN" Botts to the plate with a chance to extend his consecutive game hit streak. After battling for the hit, Botts drew the walk to give the Skeeters 2 runners. Pressley singled to CF scoring Locke and sending Botts to 3rd base. Van Ostrand stepped in and flew out to RF to end the mini-rally. Heath Phillips came in to pitch and faced 4 batters, allowing a double and recording 2 strike outs. The score was 1-6.

8th inning - With just 6 outs left in the game, the bottom of the line up stepped in. They did not, however, step up. After Harrison flew out to RF, Martinez single to LF. That hit gave Martinez a 3 consecutive game hit streak. Cabral came to the plate and proceeded to hit into the 4-6-3 double play. Phillips came in once again and faced 4 batters, giving up a 402 foot HR to CF. The score was 1-7.

9th inning - Benitez, Bell, & Locke were the batters to get the rally started, and one of them needed to get on base to give Jason "BIG MAN" Botts a final chance at extending his consecutive game hit streak. Benitez struck out for the 2nd consecutive time, and the 3rd time this game. Bell flew out to LF for the 2nd out. Locke grounded out to the 3rd baseman to end the game. The final score was 1-7.

Jason "BIG MAN" Botts ends his 12 game consecutive hit streak in the loss as the Skeeters fall to 4-9 on the season, now 4 games behind the Freedom Division leading Somerset Patriots, and 2 games behind the Lancaster Barnstormers. The loss tonight gives the Skeeters a season high 5 game losing streak with 1 game left in the series. 

The Skeeters have left 27 runners on base through the first 3 games of the series. Had they been able to plate half of those runners, we would be sitting in a much better position that we are right now.

Derrick Gordon (0-0) gets the start for the Skeeters tomorrow night. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm local time.

Game 2 vs. Somerset Patriots

For just the second time this season since the Opening Day game, the Skeeters played ball into the bottom of the 9th inning. The results, however, were the same as that game as the Skeeters lost by 1 run. The final score of today's game was 3-4, keeping the Somerset Patriots 1 game ahead of the Lancaster Barnstormers and now 3 games ahead of the Skeeters for the division lead.

1st inning - After Bell & Locke walked to start the inning, Jason "BIG MAN" Botts singled in Bell, and extended his consecutive game hit streak to 12 games. The inning came to a screeching halt as Pressley struck out and Harrison hit into a 1-6-3 double play. Bobby Livingston faced 3 batters and sat them down in order...the score was 1-0.

2nd inning - The Skeeters sent 6 batters to the plate and but were only able to score 1 run. After Van Ostrand grounded out to the SS, Octavio Martinez singled and Marcos Cabral was hit by a pitch to give the Skeeters 2 base runners. Victor Gutierrez busted a double that plated Martinez for the 2nd run. Cabral & Gutierrez were stranded on base as Bell struck out and Locke grounded out to the SS. Thanks to a 4-6-3 double play, Livingston faced 4 Patriots but held them scoreless after giving up a walk and a single...the score was 2-0.

3rd inning - Both teams went 3 up & 3 down.

4th inning - The Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down for the second consecutive inning while Livingston again faced 4 batters, and, just as he did in the 2nd inning, held the Patriots scoreless...the score remained 2-0.

5th inning - For the 3rd consecutive inning, the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down. Livingston faced 5 batters this inning, giving up a double that scored 1 run for the Patriots...the score was 2-1.

6th inning - Jason "BIG MAN" Botts had a lead off single but Pressley hit into a 4-6-3 double play. Harrison then hit a single to give Van Ostrand a chance to add to the lead but he hit a fly out to CF for the 3rd out. Livingston entered the 6th inning and gave up a lead off triple which resulted into a run after the 3rd batter for the Patriots singled. The next batter also singled giving the Patriots 2 base runners with 1 out. Gary Majewski came for relief and retired the side on a 6-4-3 double play...the score was 2-2.

7th inning - 4 batters came to the plate for the Skeeters resulting in Marcos Cabral being walked, and stranded on 1st base. Majewski came back out, faced 4 batters, issuing a walk but holding the Patriots scoreless...the score remained 2-2.

8th inning - Locke flew out to CF for the 1st out, and Jason "BIG MAN" Botts was walked. After a throwing error by the catcher, Botts was able to advance to 3rd base. Pressley hit a single which scored Botts from 3rd base for the Skeeters' 3rd run. Harrison flew out to RF for the 2nd out. Van Ostrand singled, moving Pressley to 2nd base, and giving him a 7 consecutive game hit streak. Martinez then grounded out to the SS leaving 2 runners on base. Will Startup relieved Majewski and faced 2 batters, setting them down in order. Ryan Houston relieved Startup and thanks to another error by Cabral at SS, had a base runner to contend with. After a stolen base, the next batter singled to CF scoring the runner from 2nd base. Houston struck out the final batter to end the inning...the score was 3-3.

9th inning - With the game on the line, the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 down for the 4th time this game. Michael Nix came in for Houston. He gave up a lead off walk, then struck out the following batter for the 1st out. The runner was able to advance to 2nd base on a 1-3 ground out for the 2nd out of the inning. The game ended when the final batter of the inning singled to RF scoring the game winning RBI...once again, the final score was 3-4.

This loss makes the road record 1-7, with the only win coming in a rain-shortened game against the Lancaster Barnstormers. This loss also extends the consecutive loss streak to 4 games...the longest of the season for the Skeeters.

Hit streaks - Jason "BIG MAN" Botts (12), Jimmy Van Ostrand (7), Victor Gutierrez (3), Josh Pressley & Octavio Martinez (2).

Tomorrow's game is set to begin at 6:05 PM local time.

Game 1 vs. Somerset Patriots

After losing the first 2 series on the road, going 1-5 thus far, the Skeeters hoped to turn things around at the TD Bank Ballpark against the division leading Patriots.

Bubba Bell started things off with a lead off double and was driven in for the first score by Drew Locke's triple. Locke scored on a Jason "BIG MAN" Botts ground out for the 1st out. Pressley walked but Ben Harrison hit into the Skeeter's number one play...the 6-4-3 double play for the 2nd & 3rd out. Ryan McKeller faced 4 batters but held the Patriots scoreless...making the score 2-0 after the 1st inning. The Skeeters fell back into a slump for the 2nd inning going 3 up & 3 down. McKeller struggled mightily in the bottom half of the 2nd inning facing 7 batters, allowing 3 runs...making the score 2-3 after the 2nd inning. The struggling bats continued for the 3rd inning as the Skeeters went 3 up & 3 for the second inning in a row. McKeller again struggled in the 3rd inning facing another 7 batters but only allowing 1 run this time...the score was 2-4 after the 3rd inning. Jason "BIG MAN" Botts extended his consecutive game hit streak to 11 games with a lead off HR in the top of the 4th inning. The Skeeters were able to muster 4 base runners for the inning, but no more runs other than the HR by Botts. McKeller settled down for the 4th inning only facing 3 batter and setting them down in order...the score was 3-4 after the 4th inning. The Skeeter's 4th inning looked promising as Victor Gutierrez had a lead off single and Bubba Bell doubled to score Gutierrez. The rally hopes died as the next four batters were only able to eek out an intentional walk, issued to Jason "BIG MAN" Botts. Trey Rackel came in to relieve McKeller but did not fair any better as he faced 7 batters, the 3rd time the Patriots sent 7 to the plate in 4 innings, and allowed 3 runs...making the score 4-7 after the 5th inning. The Skeeters were able to get a few runners on the bases with a single by Octavio Martinez, a hit-by-pitch for Marcos Cabral, and a fielder's choice for Victor Gutierrez but did not score a run in the top half of the 6th inning. After a dismal outing for Rackel in the 5th inning, he returned to the mound in the bottom half of the 6th inning. After giving up a lead off double, Rackel retired the next 3 batters to end the inning...score remained 4-7 after the 6th inning. The top half of the 7th started for the Skeeters sending the meat of the order to the plate. The Skeeters first 2 batters, Locke and Botts, went down on strike outs for the first 2 outs. Pressley managed to hit a single to RF but was left on base when Harrison grounded out to the pitcher for the 3rd out. Rackel came back out for the bottom half of the 7th inning and was able to get the Patriots 3 up & 3 down...keeping the score 4-7 after the 7th inning. With that completed inning, it gives Rackel the team lead for longest relief outing at 3 innings. Van Ostrand began the 8th inning with his team leading 6th walk of the season. Martinez reached 1st base on a fielder's choice, getting Van Ostrand out at 2nd for the 1st out. Marcos Cabral singled advancing Martinez to 2nd. Victor Gutierrez fouled out to the catcher for the 2nd out of the inning. Bell then stepped in for a chance to drive in runs but flew out to CF, leaving 2 runners on the bases, 10 total for the game so far...3 outs to get something done. Eric Krebs came in for Rackel to close out the game...and hopefully hold the Patriots scoreless in the bottom of the 8th inning. The Skeeters pitching staff continues to be the Achilles heel as the Patriots are able to get a lead off triple, having the next batter drive in the run with a single. With the help of a caught stealing, a strike out and a ground out, the Patriots were only able to score 1 run...making the score 4-8 after the 8th inning. Drew Locke, Jason "BIG MAN" Botts, and Josh Pressley give the Skeeters their best chance at a rally in the 9th inning. The Skeeters failed to get anything going other than a single by Pressley and went 4 up & 3 down to end the game. The final score was 4-8.

With this loss, that gives the Skeeters their 2nd 3-game losing streak on this road trip, their record thus far is a dismal 1-6 on this road trip, and they have a 4-7 record for the season. 

With the win, the Somerset Patriots take the division lead with a 6-5 record as the Lancaster Barnstormers fall to a 5-6 record after losing to the Camden Riversharks.

Tomorrows game begins at 10:05 AM local time.

Game 3 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

After going even in the series, the Skeeters looked to take the final game of the 3 game series before heading to Somerset tomorrow night. The 1st inning had Drew Locke hitting in the lead off position and it paid off as he hit a single. Jason "BIG MAN" Botts extended his consecutive game hit streak to 10 by busting a double, scoring Locke from first base. That is all the Skeeters could muster as the next 2 batters went down. Matt Wright came in and sat the Barnstormers down...3 up & 3 down...1-0 after the 1st inning. The 2nd inning saw the bats come alive and after a strike out to Colt Morton for the first out, Benitez, Cabral, & Locke had consecutive singles to load the bases. Bubba Bell came up with the bases juiced and hit into a 4-6-3 inning ending double play. Once again, Wright faced 3 batters and sat them down in order, not allowing a hit. In the 3rd inning, Jason "BIG MAN" Botts received his first walk of the season to lead off the inning. Pressley hit into a 4-6-3 double play, the second of the game, to make it 2 outs. Harrison hit a 2 out single back up the middle, giving Van Ostrand a chance to increase the lead for the Skeeters. Van Ostrand delivered a 2 out double scoring Harrison from 1st base, Van Ostrand reached 3rd base on a throwing error. With that double, Van Ostrand's consecutive game hit streak reaches 4 games. Morton ended the inning with a ground out to the 3rd baseman. The Barnstormers seemed to have Wright figured out as he allowed a lead off HR, and a single. Colt Morton threw out the runner attempting to steal second for his first caught stealing of the season, 2 outs. Wright was still able to make it 3 up & 3 down by striking out the pitcher to end the inning...the score was now 2-1 after 3 innings. The top half of the 4th inning had the Skeeters struggle as the first 2 batters went down. That changed when Drew Locke doubled for his 3rd hit of the game. Bubba Bell then stepped in and smashed a 2 run HR for his first HR of the season...the ball landed in the outfield pool. Jason "BIG MAN" Botts ended the top half of the inning by flying out to CF. Wright faced 4 batters and held the Barnstormers scoreless to keep the score 4-1 after 4 innings. The middle of the line-up was due in the top half of the 5th inning for the Skeeters and saw the Skeeters go 3 up & 3 down for the first time in the game. Matt Wright came out to pitch in the bottom half of the 5th inning to make it the 3rd game in a row for him to pitch into the 5th inning...still looking for his first win of the season. After struggling just a bit, Wright was able to hold the Barnstormers scoreless, leaving 2 runners on base...keeping the score 4-1 after 5 innings, making him eligible for the win. The 6th inning was a duplicate of the 5th inning seeing the Skeeters go 3 up & 3 down. Wright came out for the bottom half of the 6th inning and faced 6 batters giving up 1 unearned run and leaving 2 runners on the bases...making the score 4-2 after 6 innings. The Skeeters brought the top of the line up into start the 7th inning and proceeded to go 3 up and 3 down for the 3rd straight inning...10 batters sat down in order for the Skeeters. Michael Nix came in to relieve Wright in the 7th inning and faced 4 batters, retiring 2 and allowing a single and a walk. Heath Phillips came in to close out the inning but gave up a 3 run HR on his first pitch of the inning. He then walked the next batter, allowed a bunt single, and walked the next batter to load the bases before finally retiring the side...the score was 4-5 after 7 innings. It appeared that the Barnstormers were going to hit the "copy" button for the top of the 8th inning as the first 2 Skeeters went down in order...making it 12 Skeeters down in a row since Bubba Bell in the 4th inning. Jimmy Van Ostrand broke the hit less streak by tagging a single to reach base. The inning ended with a fly out to the second baseman in foul territory. Even after his meltdown in the previous inning, Phillips returned to the mound for the Skeeters in the bottom half of the 8th inning. He faced 2 batters and got 2 outs on 3 pitches before being relieved by Sean Morgan, the local pitcher from Clements High School. Morgan immediately began to struggle as he gave up 3 consecutive hits, 2 singles and a double, which produced 2 runs for the Barnstormers on 5 total pitches. With a runner on 2nd base, Morgan finally got out of the inning with a ground out to the 2nd baseman...the score was 4-7 after 8 innings. Having only 3 outs to get something done, the Skeeters needed to have Martinez, Carbral, and Locke to start the rally. The Skeeters fell back into old habits however by going 3 up & 3 down...ending the game and starting another losing streak.

Jason "BIG MAN" Botts now has a 10 game consecutive hit streak, Jimmy Van Ostrand has a 5 game consecutive hit streak while Drew Locke, and Ben Harrison each have a 3 game consecutive hit streak.

With this loss, the Skeeters fall to a 4-6 record while the Barnstormers move into a tie with the Somerset Patriots for the Freedom Division lead with a 5-5 record. The Skeeters have a chance to make a big move when they begin a 4 game series against the Somerset Patriots tomorrow evening. The first game of the series tomorrow night begins at 6:05 PM local time.

Game 2 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

With the road losing streak stopped last night, the Skeeters took to the field looking to get the road winning streak started. Jason "BIG MAN" Botts extended his consecutive game hit streak to 9 games in the 1st inning with a single but was stranded on 2nd base. Derrick Gordon got the start for the Skeeters and held the Barnstormers scoreless in the 1st inning...keeping the score 0-0. In the 2nd inning, after a Drew Locke single, Jimmy Van Ostrand jacked his first home run of the season to make the score 2-0 for the Skeeters, that also gave Van Ostrand a 3 game consecutive hit streak. Gordon again held the Barnstormers scoreless making the score 2-0 after 2 innings. Josh Pressley doubled in the 3rd inning but was stranded on 2nd base. The Barnstormers finally figured Gordon out in the bottom half of the 3rd inning...sending 7 batters to the plate and scoring 3 runs making the score 2-3 after 3 innings. In the 4th inning, Van Ostrand reached 1st base thanks to an error on the short stop. The next batter for the Skeeters, Octavio Martinez, singled giving the Skeeters 2 base runners. That, unfortunately, was where it ended as the next batter, Deybis Benitez, hit into a 1-5-4 double play and Bubba Bell grounded out to the 1st baseman. The Barnstormers were able to tack on another run after sending 5 batters to the plate...making the score 2-4 after 4 innings. The 5th inning was uneventful for both teams as they went 3 up...3 down for both teams. The Skeeters bats came alive in the 6th inning giving the fans listening something to cheer about. After Ben Harrison was plunked in the chest, Drew Locke singled giving the Skeeters 2 runners. Jimmy Van Ostrand came to the plate with the chance to add onto his RBI total and did just that hitting a double and scoring 2 runners. Octavio Martinez singled, once again giving the Skeeters 2 base runners. The hot bats then cooled off quickly as Deybis Benitez hit into the all-to-familiar 6-4-3 double play, making that 2 plate appearances in a row for him to hit into a double play. Bubba Bell then grounded out once again to end the rally. Duniesky Flores came in to relieve Gordon and began to struggle against the Barnstormers immediately as he gave up a 1-run home run to the very first batter he faced. After giving up a single to the 2nd batter he faced, Flores settled down to get 2 consecutive outs. The next batter, however, tripled off the outfield wall scoring another run for the Barnstormers. Thankfully, the inning was ended on a ground out to the first base but the damage was done...the score was 4-6 after 6 innings. The 7th inning saw Jason "BIG MAN" Botts get a 1 out single but the Skeeters went 3 up...3 down when Pressley hit into the inning ending 4-6-3 double play. Although he struggled in the bottom of the 6th, Duniesky Flores took to the mound for the Skeeters. After a quick 2 outs on 3 pitches, Flores gave up 2 singles but finally ended the inning with a pop-up to the 2nd baseman, keeping the score 4-6 after 7 innings. Ben Harrison started the 8th inning for the Skeeters by singling to LF giving Drew Locke the chance to tie the game with one swing. Locke delivered a single and thanks to  a throwing error, Harrison advanced to 3rd base. Van Ostrand reached first base on a fielders choice, Locke thrown out at 2nd, and scored Harrison for the Skeeters' 5th run...all runs credited to Van Ostrand. Van Ostrand was able to advance to 2nd base on a wild pitch. The following 2 batters for the Skeeters were unable to produce anymore runs and stranded Van Ostrand at 2nd base making the score 5-6. Flores once again came back out to the mound even though Majewski was said to be warming up in the bull-pen for the Skeeters. Gaetti's gamble paid off though as Flores faced 2 batters and sat them down before being pulled and relieved by Majewski. He came in and retired the final batter of the inning, keeping the score 5-6 after 8 innings. With just 3 outs remaining, Bell, Marcos Cabral, & Botts looked to get back into the game and either tie or take the lead. Bell struck out looking to give the Skeeters 2 outs to go. Cabral  grounded out making it 2 outs. Jason "BIG MAN" Botts flew out to LF on the first pitch ending the game. The final score was 5-6, Barnstormers win...

With that loss, the Somerset Patriots take sole possession of the Freedom Division lead with a 5-4 record. The Skeeters and Barnstormers share 2nd in the division with 4-5 records.

The 3rd, and final game of this series, is set to begin at 5:05 pm CDT on Sunday. Matt Wright, the former Barnstormer, gets the start for the Skeeters.

Game 1 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

Alright Skeeters fans...to be perfectly honest, I completely missed this game! Why? Because my wife and I had an unexpected "no kids" night...and we took advantage of it by spending the night out on the town! I will, however, supply you with a few game/player highlights in hopes of receiving your forgiveness. Here it goes...

The Skeeters looked to stop the losing train that was barreling down the tracks from Southern Maryland when they started the game in Lancaster, PA against the Barnstormers. And to this Skeeters fan's delight, there was not much barnstorming happening! The Skeeters waited until the 2nd inning to bring out the bats as they scored 7 runs off 7 hits! They also scored 1 run in the 4th inning...making the score 8-0 after 4 innings. The starting pitching did a magnificent job of keeping the Barnstormers grounded and did not allow them to score anything until the 5th inning but held them to 2 runs...making the score 8-2 after 5 innings. The Skeeters then put 1 more run on the board in the 6th inning and held the Barnstormers in check to make the score 9-2 after 6 innings. The rain started falling in the 7th inning and eventually the umpires called the game after the Barnstormers batted to end the game! Skeeters win 9-2 on 14 hits after losing 3 in a row to start the road trip.

The most notable highlight of the night is that Jason "BIG MAN" Botts continued his consecutive game hit streak in the 2nd inning with a single...making it 8 games in a row with a hit! Jimmy Van Ostrand & Deybis Benitez both have a mini-streak of 2 consecutive games with a hit and look to stretch that to 3 games tomorrow night.

With this win, that keeps the Skeeters in a 2-way tie with the Somerset Patriots for the Freedom Division lead with a 4-4 record.

Tomorrow nights game starts at 6:00pm local time. Be sure and use the link to the right under the "Gotta Have Links" section to listen to the game LIVE!

Game 3 vs. So MD Blue Crabs

After dropping the first 2 games of the 3 game series, the Skeeters hopes were high as they began the game in Waldorf, MD. Unfortunately, they continued to struggle in the Regency Furniture Stadium and went 17 up...15 down with only 2 hits and 4 strike outs through the first 5 innings. The Blue Crabs fared much better going 26 up...15 down with 5 runs through the first 5 innings...score was 0-5 after 5 innings.

The Skeeters have tried a few times to rally from behind in past games but finally made it happen tonight! The top half of the 6th inning saw the Skeeters send 11 batters to the plate. After a ground out by Benitez, Bubba Bell walked, Alex Cintron singled and Jason "BIG MAN" Botts busted a 395 foot home run to make the score 3-5...that HR was his first of the season and extended his consecutive game hit streak to 7 games!! After 3 more walks to Josh Pressley, Drew Locke, and Cole Morton, Jimmy Van Ostrand hit a sacrifice fly to CF for the 2nd out but also scored Pressley making the score 4-5. With 2 runners on base, an intentional walk was issued to Ben Harrison, loading the bases. Deybis Benitez came to the plate officially making it the first time the Skeeters have batted around this season. Benitez then singled to CF scoring Drew Locke...which tied the game at 5-5. With the bases loaded, Bubba Bell popped out to the catcher in foul territory for the 3rd out ending the inning...and rally. The Blue Crabs were able to get one run back off 2 singles and a walk to take the lead back...score was 5-6 after 6 innings.

After a magnificent 6th inning rally by the Skeeters, the 7th inning saw them go 3 up and 3 down. The Skeeters sent Sean Morgan back in to face the Blue Crabs...much to the Crabs delight! Thanks to a triple, 2 doubles, and an intentional walk, the Blue Crabs sent 7 batters to the plate...matching their 5th inning output by scoring 3 more runs making the score 5-9 after 7 innings.

In the 8th inning, Jon Reep would have been proud of his fellow Hickory, NC resident Chris Mobley as he faced 3 Skeeters and sat them all down in order. With that 3 up and 3 down, the Skeeters have had 7 batters in a row come to the plate with nothing to show for it in the hits column. In the bottom half of the 8th inning, Trey Rackel came to the mound in hopes of shutting down the mighty Blue Crab bats...and that he did! It took him 11 pitches but he faced 3 and sat them down in order. The score remained 5-9 after 8 innings.

With just 3 outs to get something done, the struggles continued as the Skeeters went 3 up and 3 down ending the inning...and game. With the loss, the Sugar Land Skeeters have been swept in the series, going 0-3 in their first 3 road games of the season...thankfully the season still has 133 games.

Thanks to the Somerset Patriots defeating the Lancaster Barnstormers, the Skeeters remain tied with the Barnstormers and Patriots for the Freedom Division lead with a 3-4 record. The next series is a 4 game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers at the Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster, PA.

The first game of the series starts at 6:00 PM local time.