The Return of Rich Thompson?

Game 34, May 9, DBAP	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Syracuse Chiefs (Nationals)	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	7	0
Durham Bulls (Rays)	0	0	1	1	1	0	0	1	0	4	7	0

Season: 21-13; Home Stand: 1-3
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun

A nice crowd (8,000+) got to see a well-played baseball game. The Bulls didn’t get swept. One of our favorite guys, Rich Thompson, had a good night (mostly). And a guy who is looking to become WDBB’s favorite pitcher got his fourth win. A great evening at the DBAP.

Rich Thompson was supposed to have a day off. He’s not had a good year at bat, although he has been doing his usual exceptional job in center field. Last night, however, Wil Myers came out of the game not long after his first AB and Thompson took his place in right field. (Myers apparently had digestive problems.) Thompson’s double in the 5th set up Fontenot’s run in that inning. His base stealing set up his scoring on a wild pitch in the 8th. His very accurate throw in the 9th caught a Chief’s runner attempt to stretch a single into a double. Have to mention, however, that when he lost a fly ball in the lights (I think this was his first time in right field this year) letting the hitter get to third base, I was afraid he might become the goat. Didn’t happen. His batting average is finally above .200. All is right with the world.

J.D. Martin is really looking good. A glance at his minor league stats leads me to think that his not-very-good 2012 might be the exception. This year’s results are very much on track with the rest of his career. Also, I didn’t know he’d spent so much time with the Syracuse Chiefs (53 appearances over three seasons). Here’s hoping he stays in the rotation even if Mike Montgomery comes back.

Outside the Game—

• Cory Smith with the News & Observer has a nice feature on Jake Odorizzi. Odorizzi is scheduled to start against the Iron Pigs today.
• Norfolk continues to be extremely hot. They remain two games ahead of the Bulls in the South Division.

Today's Match Up

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs are the Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. If you’re a Phillies fan this will be the only time this year that you will have a chance to see your future stars. They’ve got some terrific pitching this year. Update: Ooops! Got ahead of myself. ERA corrected. Not all that good after all.

May 10	W-L	RS	RA	Diff	BA	OPS	ERA
Lehigh Valley	14-19	147	166	-19	.249	.711	4.73
Durham	21-13	168	125	43	.262	.723	3.33