Counting Down The Top Five Sports Stories of 2017

It's been a while, but I am finally resurrecting the blog. I have wanted to do this for a while, but it finally seemed like the right time. I am hoping to add content more frequently, as I would like to get this going again.

This first post will be a look back, as I count down my personal picks for the top sports stories of 2017. Keep in mind that these are based on my personal opinion, so your list may be different. I have tried to pick events/games/etc. that were important in the sports world.

Honorable Mentions: Russia Banned from 2018 Winter Olympics, The Ball Family, NFL Player Kneeling Debate, Cleveland Indians Record Streak, U.S. Men's Soccer Team Failing to Reach World Cup

5. Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Battle In The Ring

In what was one of the most hyped bouts in recent history, Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor battled in Las Vegas on August 26th. The weeks leading up to the bout were filled with a variety of questions, including how long McGregor would last and could he pull the upset.

McGregor put up a strong fight, winning the first couple rounds. As the rounds ticked away, Mayweather showed why he was undefeated in his boxing career, unleashing a barrage of punches to McGregor. In the end, the two competitors lasted until round 10, when the fight was called by the referee. While McGregor did not put the upset of the century, he put up an impressive performance that was lauded by several former boxers. In the end the real winners were both competitors, who earned over $400 million combined.

4. New England Pulls Off A Historic Upset To Win Super Bowl

When a football fan sees a 28-3 score late in the 3rd quarter, its hard to imagine the team that's down

25 making a comeback with just over a quarter left in the game. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots overcame such a deficit against the Atlanta Falcons, coming back to win Super Bowl LI 34-28 in overtime. 

Several records were broken during Super Bowl LI, including the largest deficit overcome to win the Super Bowl. New England also became the first Super Bowl in which the winning team never held the lead during regulation. The win also gave Tom Brady his NFL record fourth Super Bowl MVP award.

3. The Last Ride of Dale Earnhardt Jr. 

2017 marked the end for Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a driver in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series. Earnhardt Jr. made the historic announcement on April 25th during a press conference in North Carolina. The 15-time most popular driver missed 18 races during the 2016 season due to a concussion, and was hoping for some success in his final season. He failed to win a race in his final year and did not qualify for the playoffs.

While his final season did not end the way he wanted it to, his departure led to larger crowds at most of the tracks on the schedule, as fans flocked to see him one more time. Earnhardt Jr. was a popular figure in NASCAR, winning races and drawing in fans from all over the world. With his departure, NASCAR will need to figure out a way to keep those fans engaged with the sport. 

2. Penguins Win Back-To-Back Stanley Cups

A top five list of my top sports stories had to include the Pittsburgh Penguins capturing Lord
Stanley's Cup for the second consecutive year. The Penguins completed the feat in June, defeating the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Finals, four games to two.

After starting the season 13-7-3, the Penguins found their groove in December, going 12-1-2. The month included a streak of ten consecutive games with at least one point. The Penguins finished the regular season 50-21-11, earning the #2 seed in the Metropolitan Division.

The Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 in the first round, before beating the Washington Capitals 4-3 in the second round. In the Eastern Conference finals against the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins punched their ticket to the finals with a double-overtime victory in game seven.

The Penguins and Predators each won their first two games on home ice, evening the series 2-2. The Penguins took control of the series with a 6-0 win in game five, before ending it with a 2-0 win in game six in Nashville. 

1. #HoustonStrong on the Field and In The Community

The devastation of Hurricane Harvey rocked the city of Houston to its core, destroying homes and businesses. While the storm affected many lives, the response started almost immediately. Fundraisers and collections began across the country, with truckloads of supplies and food being sent to the Lone Star State.

Houston Texans star J.J. Watt also made a huge impact in the town he calls home, with his efforts raising over $37 million for relief efforts. Watt's efforts earned him Co-Sportsperson of the Year from Sports Illustrated. 

On the field, Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros brought hope to the residents in Houston in a different way. The Astros capped off a successful season with a World Series championship, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a back and forth series.

So there you have it, my picks for the top sports moments of 2017. Here's hoping 2018 has some great sports moments. Have a very Happy New Year!

-The Flood City Sports Fan

Photo Credits:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/nintchdbpict000348105108.jpg?strip=all&w=960

http://www.denverbroncos.com/assets/images/imported/DEN/photos/1280/SB_LI_1280_170205.jpg

http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/593eb56abf76bb1c008b522c-1200/2017-stanley-cup-final.jpg

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9efa2a648cfcdb2205cdb82e892b1b2b6396b8c3/c=589-0-5043-3349&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2017/09/02/USATODAY/USATODAY/636399758580426410-XXX-Astros-01.jpg

http://a.abcnews.com/images/Entertainment/jj-watt-hurricane-harvey-gty-mem-170907_4x3_992.jpg

Revival on the Mountain & Update

Greetings,

It's been a while, but I am back on the blog and ready to write. A lot has happened since the last time I posted, but I am back with several posts planned for the next few weeks. Look for a Road Trip Recap on my recent trip to Charleston, WV-Huntington, WV-and Cincinnati, OH and a recap on the 2014 Eastern League All-Star Game in the coming days.

Since this is my return to the blog, I decided the topic for this post should be on the revival of Thunder on the Mountain at Jennerstown Speedway. The track closed in 2009, and racing fans had to go elsewhere to see local racing action. The track reopened in May, and the new ownership group has done a great job at the speedway. Here is a breakdown that based on my experiences attending races this season.

Food/Drinks: The track offers a variety of food, with something for everyone. There is a main concession stand, a stand known as the back window, and a stand near the entrance to turn one selling Funnel cakes. The track has done a great job keeping the prices affordable, while also offering weekly specials. There are also employees in the stands selling drinks.

Merchandise: The speedway offers a variety of merchandise, along with a local collectibles dealer selling racing collectibles and photos from recent races at the track. There is also a 50/50 drawing benefiting the local fire department.

Atmosphere: The owners and staff have done a great job with the atmosphere. This begins at the gates where the entry staff are quick and friendly, getting everyone in efficiently. Under the grandstands, fans can purchase food/drinks/merchandise and take a spin in the racing simulator. Younger racing fans can head over to the playground near the entrance to turn one, which provides a view of the track for the guardians. Once racing begins, the staff includes the fans, especially the kids. Kids are invited down to the track after each feature race to be in the winner's photo. Each time I have been there this has been popular and the kids move on and off quickly. On certain nights, fans are invited down onto the track to see the cars, meet the drivers, and get autographs. Most of the drives have candy/giveaways for the fans coming down to the track. The track also offers a weekly door prize drawing, which is entered by purchasing a weekly program. Prizes given away so far this year include amusement park tickets and rides in a pace car. The track has done a great job creating a fun atmosphere for all ages.

Each race I have attended at Jennerstown has been exciting, and I look forward to heading out to more this season. The staff continues to work on improvements to the track, while working on improving car counts. They are also open to suggestions and ideas, which is evident on their social media accounts. It will take some time, but based on everything that has been done so far, those of us who love racing will be able to experience Thunder on the Mountain on summer Saturday nights. I encourage you to consider taking a trip down to Jennerstown to experience it yourself. You will not be sorry.

More Information:

Website: http://jennerstownspeedway.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennerstownspeedway 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jtownspeedway

-The Flood City Sports Fan

Tomahawks All-Star Game & AAABA Recaps

Good Evening,

Tonight's post combines two local events all bunched into one, the Tomahawks All-Star game and the AAABA tournament.

Tomahawks All-Star Game Recap, Team Red Def. Team Blue 6-3

Opening day is 48 days away, but a large crowd of Tomahawks fans made their way to Planet Ice in Richland Township for the Johnstown Tomahawks Main Tryout Camp All-Star Game Sunday Afternoon. Fans filled the stands and welcomed the future stars of this year's team onto the ice. The players were split into two teams, Red and Blue. They played three 30 minute periods with a running clock and a short intermission between periods.

The game was physical early on, and the first goal was scored by team red on the power-play at 16:01. Heinz Koster got credit for the goal with the assists to Eric Tien and J.B. Baker. Team Red extended their lead to 2-0 on an Evan Ketner goal, assisted by Joe Drabin and Shane Bernard at 22:45. The two teams exchanged chances early in the second period, but the goaltenders were solid, stopping everything in their paths. With less than seven minutes in the period, team blue got on the board on a Casey Linkenheld goal, assisted by Connor Gilmartin and Forest Donovan. Less than 30 seconds later, Ilya Ignatenko extended the team red lead to 3-1, with the assist provided by Griffin Leach. Early in the third period, the game saw its first fight when Jake Fairchild and Leach dropped the gloves just 1:07 into the period. At 6:25, Vincent Guimond made it a 4-1 game, with the assist going to Baker, his second of the game. Baker would add a goal of his own at 12:27 to give himself three points in the game. Gilmartin and Brandon Reinholz would drop the gloves at 25:09 of the third period, before back-to-back penalties were issued to Marc Guimond and Ketner. With four minutes to go in the game, Fairchild gave team blue their second goal of the game, with the assists going to Jacob Soyka and Tyler Basham. Within the last 90 seconds of the game, the teams exchanged goals with Connor Jonason scoring at 28:30 and Forest Donavan scoring 20 seconds later, to set the final at 6-3.

Overall, both teams played very well, putting it all on the line for today's game. It appeared to me that the coaches will have some tough decisions to make to get the final roster that will take the ice on September 14th when the Port Huron Fighting Falcons for the start of the 2013-14 season. After seeing what I saw today, it appears that this team will be fast, physical, and fun to watch this season.

Delweld Wins 2013 Johnstown AAABA League Title with 15-9 Win

Through the first 6 1/2 innings of Saturday night's game at Point Stadium, it appeared that Martella's Pharmacy was going to extend the best-of-five Johnstown AAABA League championship series to a fourth game. Delweld had other plans, scoring six runs in both the 7th and 8th innings to defeat Martella's 15-9 and sweep the series 3-0. The win gives them the league title and the honor of representing Johnstown in the AAABA National Tournament and playing in the night game each night. Martella's will also make the tournament, but will be known as Flood City and will play in the afternoon at the Point. Click here to see the Martella's GameChanger page from last night's game.

-The Flood City Sports Fan

Delweld Wins Game One, 6-5 in Ten Innings

     After both teams combined for 10 runs in the first five innings, Delweld and Martella's took the first game of the Johnstown AAABA League Championship series to extra innings. In the end, Delweld loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the tenth inning, and Ian Helsel hit the game winner which was bobbled by Jimmy Stenger, leading to a walk-off error, and a 6-5 victory for Delweld.

     Ben Legath and Luke Campbell each homered for Delweld, and Ian Helsel went 3-for-5 with two runs driven in. Tony Strasiser and Dillon Boyer each went 3-for-4 with Strasiser driving in three.

     Martella's opened up the scoring in the top of the first inning after Matt McMillen singled in Dillon Boyer for an early 1-0 lead. Delweld took their first lead of the game in the second, thanks to four runs including a Ben Legath home run over the screen in left field. The teams each knocked in a run in the third, before Martella's tied the game in the top of the fifth inning thanks to RBI from Jesse Cooper and Tony Strasiser. Both teams had their share of opportunities to score, but neither was able to put a run across, leading to extra innings. Delweld got out of the top of the 10th, only giving up a single to Tony Strasiser. In the bottom half of the 10th, Delweld's Ben Legath walked to lead off the inning. It appeared that Devin Pritts would sacrifice to put the winning run on second, but a throwing error by pitcher Andrew Keirn put runners on second and third with nobody out. After intentionally walking Eric Weyant to load the Bases, Helsel reached on an error to give Delweld the 6-5 win and a 1-0 series lead.

     Stone Rice picked up the win for Delweld, throwing two innings, giving up no runs and two hits. He relieved Marcus Shippey, who went eight innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, striking out four. Keirn took the loss, pitching 2.2 innings giving up the lone run in the tenth and two hits. Mike Mulvey started for Martella's, pitching 6.1 innings, giving up five runs and striking out five.

     The teams take the field at the Point again tomorrow night at 7pm for game two. If you can make it out to the Point, try to be there. You will probably see another exciting match-up.

-The Flood City Sports Fan

Johnstown AAABA Playoff Recap: Days 2 & 3

Good Afternoon,

     I didn't have a chance to post Sunday night about the games, so I am combining both nights into this one post.

Martella's Pharmacy 11-12, Berkley Hills Renegades 9-3
     After losing game one in the tenth inning, a game they led by two runs in the 9th inning, the Renegades looked like they were going to tie the series after taking an early 6-1 lead in game two. However, Martella's stormed back scoring nine runs in the fifth and sixth innings, en route to an 11-9 win and a 2-0 series lead. Derek Younker picked the win, despite giving up 17 hits and 8 earned runs. Ryan D'Andrea took the loss, giving up 7 runs (5 ER) in 4.1 innings. Anthony Fanelli, Tony Strasiser, and Jesse Cooper each had multiple RBI for Martella's, while Jake Pribanic and Dan Gray each had multiple RBI.
     In game three, Martella's jumped out to an early 7-1 lead and ended the series with a 12-3 win. Seven different Martella's players had an RBI in the game. Rick Jones led the way for the Renegades with 2 RBI, while John Jones went 4-for-5 in the game with an RBI. Nick Cubarney picked up the win, going seven innings, giving up three runs. Alain Girman took the loss, pitching 2.1 innings giving up 7 runs (5 ER). The Renegades end the 2013 season with a 22-15 record, while Martella's enters the championship series with a 25-12 record.

Delweld 7-12, Laurel Auto Group 4-7
     In game two, Laurel Auto Group and Delweld were tied after five innings, but Delweld scored two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to pick up a 7-4 win. Laurel Auto Group Committed four errors leading to two unearned runs. Delweld pitcher Nate Plummer picked up the win, tossing eight innings. Matt Kochasic took the loss for Laurel Auto Group.
     In the final game of the series, Laurel Auto Group scored first but Delweld scored 12 runs in innings 4-8 to pick up a 12-7 victory and a series sweep. Delweld got multiple RBI from Eric Weyant, Ian Helsel, Matt Martin, and Luke Campbell. Campbell also provided a home run in the victory. Ben Webb and Ryan Bills each had two RBI for Laurel Auto Group and Zach Zimmerman had two stolen bases. Austin Sleek picked up the win for Delweld, while Chris Nolan, who pitched in relief, took the loss. Laurel Auto Group finishes the season with a 21-16 overall record, A significant improvement over their 13-21 record from last season. Delweld enters the championship round with a 28-9 overall record.

Finals Preview: Delweld vs. Martella's
     The finals for the Johnstown AAABA League playoffs are now set for Thursday, as Delweld and Martella's Pharmacy both swept their series Monday night. This guarantees that these two teams will represent Johnstown in the AAABA National Tournament. This will be a tough series, because both these teams want to be the #1 Johnstown team and play in front of the larger crowd in the evening games at the Point.
     In the regular season, Delweld won the season series taking four of the six meetings. The last of those meetings was supposed to be last Thursday, but Delweld forfeited the game. It is not totally clear why, but the fact that they were locked into their seed and that there was a chance that they may have ended up playing Martella's in the first round had they defeated them were probably factors. Taking away the forfeited game, Delweld won four of the five meetings. However with the stakes on the line, and the fact that three of the five meetings that were played were one run games, I feel like this series will go at least four or five games.

Season Series (Delweld wins 4-2)

Delweld 3, Martella's 2 6/5

Delweld 1, Martella's 0 6/6

Delweld 6, Martella's 5 6/7

Delweld 10, Martella's 2 7/8

Martella's 7, Delweld 4 7/9

Martella's 7, Delweld 0 (Delweld Forfeited This Game) 7/18

     According to the Martella's AAABA Website, the two teams will meet in the league championship round for the 7th time in the last 11 years. Martella's has also clinched their first trip to the tournament in the last 12 years and their fifth straight overall. Delweld missed the tournament last year, but prior to 2012, they had made five straight appearances. Below is the schedule for the series, and I encourage everyone to try and attend one or all of these games. These two teams are rich in tradition and are going to put on a heck of a show.

BEST-OF-FIVE FINALS

Thursday, July 25

Martella's Pharmacy vs. Delweld, 7:00 p.m. 

Friday, July 26

Delweld vs. Martella's Pharmacy, 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, July 27 

Martella's Pharmacy vs. Delweld, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 28

Delweld vs. Martella's Pharmacy, 7:00 p.m. (if necssary)

Monday, July 29 

Martella's Pharmacy vs. Delweld, 7:00 p.m. (if necessary)

-The Flood City Sports Fan

   

Johnstown AAABA Playoffs Recap: Day 1

After an exciting evening of baseball, I am able to sit down and post a review of the day. I will try to do one of these for each night of action as the top four teams battle for a spot in the AAABA National Tournament and bragging rights as the best team in the Johnstown AAABA League.

Delweld 6, Laurel Auto Group 3 (Delweld leads the Best-of-Five Series 1-0)

In the first game of the night, Delweld, the top team in the regular season, defeated Laurel Auto Group 6-3. Delweld pitcher Marcus Shippey threw a complete game, giving up three runs and six hits over nine innings and Luke Campbell drove in three runs. Laurel Auto Group held an early 2-0 lead, but Delweld battled back, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 4-2 lead. Laurel Auto Group would get within two , but an insurance run by Delweld in the bottom of the 8th set the final score at 6-3. Zach Zimmerman, Joe Fearer, and Ryan Matsko provided the RBI for Laurel Auto Group, while Eric Weyant, Devin Pritts, and Campbell provided the runs for Delweld. Errors were costly to Laurel Auto Group in this game as four errors led to three unearned runs

One of the stranger strategies that I have ever seen was used in this game by Laurel Auto Group. Pitcher Ryan Bills would pitch to the entire lineup, except for OF Josh Staniscia. During his at-bats, left fielder Joe Fearer would come in and pitch, while Bills moved to third base and third baseman Mike Nowicki moved to left field. After Staniscia either reached base or recorded an out, Bills returned to the mound and completed the inning. This strategy worked the first time with Fearer getting a flyout on the first pitch, but he walked Staniscia during the next three at-bats.

Line Score      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9      R  H  E

Laurel Auto      0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0      3   6   4

Delweld            0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 X     6   9   0

Martella's Pharmacy 7, Berkley Hills Renegades, 10 Innings (Martella's leads the Best-of-Five Series 1-0

In the nightcap, Martella's Pharmacy scored two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, before Jordan Giannini hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the tenth to lead them to a 7-6 win over the Berkley Hills Renegades. The game was a back and forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. The Renegades got on the board first on a Jake Haubrich home run over the brick wall in left-center field in the top of the third inning. Martella's made it 2-1 in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Anthony Fanelli and a Matt McMillen ground ball that led to an error by Rick Jones.

 It appeared that the Renegades would pick up the victory after Rick Jones homered to left-center in the sixth, but Martella's was able to come back and tie the game in the ninth thanks to RBI singles from Pat Gully and Jimmy Stenger. After a scoreless top of the tenth inning, Martella's lead-off hitter Dillin Boyrer singled and moved to second on a Jesse Cooper sacrifice bunt, before Jordan Giannini ended the game just after midnight with a single to right-center field. Andrew Keirn picked up the win after coming in relief of starter Mike Mulvey in the 7th. Rick Jones, who relieved Nate Spohn in the 8th inning took the loss. Spohn had an impressive outing going 7.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (2 Earned), 9 strikeouts, and two walks.

Line Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10     R   H   E

Renegades  0 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0  0       6   13   4

Martella's    0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2  1       7   14   1

Today's Schedule: Martella's vs. Renegades 5:30pm/Laurel Auto vs. Delweld, 8:00pm (Point Stadium)

-The Flood City Sports Fan

Down on the Farm

Good Evening,

Today we take a look at the Pirates Minor League Affiliates and how they are doing at this point of the season. As of last night, every Pirates affiliate has played at least one game and some are already in the second half of their seasons.

AAA: Indianapolis Indians
50-26 Overall (1st in International League West Division)
Last Game: Lost 7-5 vs. Charlotte (LP: James McDonald)
Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Indianapolis Indians are currently the top team in the International League. Their 50-26 record is impressive, but the fact that the next closest team in their division, the Louisville Bats, are 12.5 games back shows how dominant they have been this season. Matt Hague leads the team with 44 RBI and 83 hits, including 22 doubles (tied for the league lead) and six home runs. Ivan De Jesus has been impressive this season. In 53 games, De Jesus has a .325 average with 3 home runs and 20 RBI. Felix Pie, who the Pirates picked up in the offseason, is second in the league with 46 stolen bases. He trails only Louisville's Billy Hamilton who has 46 last year and had 155 last year. On the mound, the Indians are led by Andy Oliver who leads the team in strikeouts (86-Leads League) and Innings Pitched (75.2). Kris Johnson leads the starters in wins with six and also has the best ERA for a starter (2.82). When the game reaches the later innings, the Bullpen has been solid with nine different pitchers recording saves, including Vic Black who has a team leading 11 saves. If the Indians are able to keep up their successful season, they should easily match or beat last years 89-55 record. Hopefully they can make it further into the playoffs this year.

AA: Altoona Curve
33-38 (6th in Eastern League Western Division)
Last Game: Lost 7-5 at Bowie (LP: Nick Kingham)
Last 10 Games: 8-2

The Altoona Curve are having the most success they have had all season. Prior to last night's game against Bowie, the Curve had won eight straight. The Curve will need more winning streaks like this one as they currently sit in last place in the Eastern League's Western Division, six games behind the division leading Harrisburg Senators and five games behind the second place Erie SeaWolves. Catcher Charlie Cutler leads the team with a .319 batting average. Andrew Lambo was recently called up by Indianapolis, so the title of offensive leaders now shifts to Jarek Cunningham and Alex Dickerson. Cunningham has a team leafing 14 home runs and his 25 RBI rank second on the team behind Dickerson (28). CF Mel Rojas leads the team with 65 hits, while Adalberto Santos has been quickest on the basepaths with 10 stolen bases. On the pitching side of the roster, Casey Sadler leads the team in wins (7), Innings Pitched (94.0), and Games Started (15). As the game heads into the later innings look for Luis Angel Sanz to come in and shut the door. Sanz was shaky earlier in the season giving up six, four, and three runs in consecutive appearances. In five of his past six appearances, Sanz has given up zero earned runs. It will be interesting to see if he improves as the season rolls on. The injuries that have affected the Pirates this season have impacted the Curve roster. They have made the best of it and if they can string some wins together, this team has a chance to climb the Eastern League leaderboard.

High-A: Bradenton Marauders
26-42 (First Half: 6th in the Florida State League South Division) 1-1 (Second Half)
Last Game: Lost 4-0 vs. Port Charlotte Stone Crabs
Last 10 Games: 3-7
As the second half begins for the Bradenton Marauders, they have to hope for more success than in the first half. The Marauders finished 16 games under .500 in the first half, 19.5 games behind first-half division winner Fort Myers. The Marauders offense is led by Alex Hanson, who leads the team in hits (76), Batting Average (.295) and Runs Scored (38). Left Fielder Willy Garcia leads the team with eight home runs and Second Baseman Dan Gamache leads with 29 RBI. Since Nick Kingham was called up to Altoona, no current Marauders pitcher has more than three wins or three saves this season. Robert Kilcrease has made 21 appearances this season and has a current team best 1.65 ERA. The Marauders have a lot of work to do and will need to improve their 9-26 road record this season. They have a chance to right the ship with an upcoming six game road trip.

Low-A: West Virginia Power
37-33 (First Half: 3rd in the South Atlantic League Northern Division)
1-1 (Second Half)
Last Game: Won 11-7 vs. Lakewood
Last 10 Games: 5-5
The Power have begun the second half of their South Atlantic League season after finishing in third place in the first half. Prior to being called up to Bradenton, Stetson Allie was leading the team in HR (17), RBI (61), and Hits (79). While Allie led the charge, infielders Dilson Herrera and Eric Wood have been effective this season. Keep an eye on Barrett Barnes, who was drafted by the Pirates in 2012. In 20 games this season for the Power, Barnes has 2 HR and 11 RBI. He is currently hitting .330 and has hits in four of his last five games. Orlando Castro leads the Power pitching staff with a 7-4 record and 1.93 ERA. Tyler Glasnow (3-1. 2.83 ERA) and Pat Ludwig (5-0, 2.64 ERA) have also been effective for the Power this season. The Power finished just 3.5 games out of first place in the Northern Division, but it will be challenging in the second half of the season without Allie. If players like Herrera and Wood are able to step up, the Power have a good chance to make a run at the second half title.

Short Season A: Jamestown Jammers
4-1 (Tied for 1st in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division
Last Game: Won 8-3 vs. Williamsport
The Jamestown Jammers are almost a week into the New York-Penn League Season and they currently sit in first place tied with the State College Spikes. This is interesting because the Spikes were the Pirates affiliate until this season when they became the affiliate of the Cardinals. While it is hard to judge the Jammers players with only five games under their belts, there are some players who have been successful so far. Danny Collins and Ji-De Jhang lead the league with three home runs and Jhang leads the league with 7 RBI. None of the Jammers starters have taken a loss this season and Cesar Lopez has the lone save for the Jammers this season. The true colors of this team will begin to show once they get into a few weeks of the season.

I will not be taking a look at the GCL Pirates or the  DSL Pirates 1&2 teams because they are only two games into the season. For information on them and all the teams click here.


- The Flood City Sports Fan