Run For The Playoffs - A Louisville Bats AAA dynasty

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BATS TAKE GAME ONE

In front of a completely sold out crowd (first one since opening day), all loud with towels waving wildly, the Louisville Bats control the Syracuse Chiefs to the tone of 4-0.

This one felt like a playoff game. From new music during innings, to the towels waving and even the crowd noise being extra loud! A special thanks to the fans for being behind us all game long!

From the first batter on, it was a successful game for Louisville as we started the game out with our ace, and strikeout king Sean Gallagher on the hill, striking out the lead off guy on a slider away. The Bats had a scoring chance in the 1st and 3rd innings, but couldn't come through. In the bottom of the 6th, Neftali Soto, who started at first base per usual, collected his 3rd walk of the game. "Big Mike" Hessman made the Syracuse pitching staff pay on that 3rd walk, blasting a 2 run HR over the left field wall, hitting off the scoreboard.

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In the 7th, with two outs, 2B Emmanuel Burris singled up the middle to give us a 3-0 cushion which is all I needed to see before pulling out Sean Gallagher. He could have gone at least another inning but we didn't want to wear him out in just the first game. Jose Arredondo pitched a perfect 8th. In the bottom of the 8th, Jason Donald singled which cancelled out Nick Masset's save attempt as Donald's single made it 4-0. Kanekoa Texeria and Sean Marshall combined for a perfect ninth and wrapped up the ballgame.

Player of the Game
Sean Gallagher * 7IP, 2H, 0R, 0ER, 8K

Other notables
Bullpen looked great. Arredondo, Texeria, and Marshall did well together.

Final Game Notes
Bats pitching staff combined for a 2 hit shutout.
No hits or walks allowed from bullpen.
Home crowd helped control the game.

What it means to the team
Always nice to get that first playoff win under your belt.
Home fans sent home happy.
Looking forward to game two, Greg Reynolds makes the start for the Bats.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

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Ryan Ludwick dives and makes a gold glove dive in left, saving Jose Arredondo from giving up extra bases.

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Here's the proof. Yes, he came up with it! Wow! Look at that happy face..

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Give me that! Neftali Soto reaches in a pulls it away from the home crowd!

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Goodnight Bats fans!

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Up-and-coming rap artist, Hopsin to perform free pre-game concert!

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Fans, free with admission to tomorrow night's playoff game in Louisville, rap artist Hopsin will perform a free concert 2 hours before first pitch.

Hopsin is an American rapper from Los Angeles, California. In 2007, he was signed to Ruthless Records, and has since founded his own record label, Funk Volume, in 2009. Hopsin has released two studio albums, Gazing At The Moonlight through Ruthless Records and Raw along with the mixtape Haywire (with SwizZz) through Funk Volume. He is due to release a collaboration extended play with Travis Barker and his third studio album Knock Madness in 2013. He is well known for his use of white colored eye contacts in music videos, performances, and interviews.

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BATS WIN GAME TWO

For the last time this wild card playoff series, the wild, sold out, home crowd in Louisville, Kentucky got to see their lovable Bats take care of business against the Syracuse Chiefs. The remainder of the series will be played on the road in Syracuse, New York.

Right off the bat, Louisville had an early scoring chance in the first inning, but it wasn't meant to be. The Chiefs had a chance in the third, but Louisville starting pitcher, Greg Reynolds worked his way out of it. However, in the forth, he gave up a triple and one batter later a sac fly put Syracuse up ahead 1-0.

Louisville had been held hit-less until the 5th inning. As it turns out, the Bats wound up with the bases loaded with one out. 2B Emmanuel Burris came through to drive in 2 and put the Bats up 2-1. With Neftali Soto at the plate and Emmanuel Burris getting a nice lead off on first after his big 2 RBI single, an arid pickoff attempt by the Chiefs' pitcher allowed Billy Hamilton who was on third, to score easily as the bad pickoff throw went in to the outfield. Bats lead 3-1.

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Burris comes through in an important spot. Nothing new there, folks.



Tony Cingrani, who was left off the post season rotation and sent to the bullpen pitched a perfect 6th and 7th inning. In the bottom of the 7th, the Bats found themselves AGAIN with the bases loaded, this time with no one out. Billy Hamilton, who hadn't looked good at all in any at bat in the first two playoff games stepped up. Lacking confidence in him, I instructed him to put down a suicide squeeze bunt. With his speed, I knew he could beat it out if it was placed well. Sure enough, I looked like a genius. Not only did he beat out the throw from the catcher, the catcher's throw went flying in to the outfield! 2 runs scored and made it 5-1, Bats. Clay Hensley pitched a scoreless 8th for the Bats, and Nick Massett closed out the ninth without any issues. 5-1, Bats final.

Player of the Game
Greg Reynolds * 5IP, 3H, 1ER, 2K

Other notables
Emmanuel Burris had the hit of the game, as pictured.
Billy Hamilton put down the perfect bunt in the 7th which lead to two runs.
The bullpen, once again, was amazing.

Final Game Notes
Syracuse had 3 costly errors.
In the two playoff games so far, Syracuse has a batting average of .105.
Louisville's batting average in the same two games is .246.
Louisville's team ERA in the two games is .50. That's one run allowed.
Time of the ballgame: 2 hours and 52 minutes.

What it means to the team
Louisville got it done both games in front of their sellout crowd.
Packing the bags up for a bus ride to Syracuse, New York.
Bats lead the series 2-0.
Going for a 3 game sweep tomorrow.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

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Willie Harris flashing a little leather out there in right field.

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Not to be outdone, CF Billy Hamilton says "Hey, I can do that too!"

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Billy Hamilton at the plate, bases loaded. That bunt scored two!

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The Bats and Chiefs have enjoyed their travel day, traveling from Louisville, Kentucky to Syracuse, New York.

Earlier today the Bats found out that help is on the way from the catcher position. Although it's bad news for the playoff contending Reds, it comes at a perfect time for Louisville. Here's the official report, brought to you originally from USAtoday.com:

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The Associated Press 12:18 p.m. EDT April 21, 2013

CINCINNATI (AP) — "The Reds have placed catcher Ryan Hanigan on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left side." He will join the AAA Louisville Bats, who are in the playoffs, to try to work out his sore, strained side. There is no set date for his Bats debut.

"Hanigan, who is also dealing with a bruised left thumb, injured his oblique reaching for a high fastball thrown by Aroldis Chapman on Friday night."

Corky Miller will be added to the 40-man roster and take the place of Hanigan on the big league club until Hanigan's left side is fully healed.

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Interview with Bats Pitcher Sean Gallagher

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Jason Stella from BATSBASEBALL.com sits down with AAA ERA and strikeout king Sean Gallagher.

JS: You have earned a victory in each of your last three starts, and have completely controlled your ERA this entire season. What do you think has been the key in your improvement over the years?

SG: A big key for me is being able to consistently repeat my delivery, whether it is from the windup or the stretch. It helps me be a lot more consistent with all my pitches, and being able to be in the strike zone or around it. I've been doing a really good job of keeping the ball down and letting the defense do the work behind me, and keeping the team in the game.

JS: Over the course of your career, you have succeeded in both a bullpen role and as a starter. Describe the mind set of each, and if your approach differs depending on your role.

SG: You definitely have a different approach. Starting, you know you are going to back out there every fifth day. You have your routine in between starts, and you just have a schedule. Out of the bullpen, you find that you have to be ready every day. You can pitch three days in a row; you can go three days without pitching. You have to be ready and available to pitch every night. It's also a different mentality as a starter. You aren't trying to blow it out in the first inning; you are trying to go as deep into the game as you can.

JS: When you find yourself in a pressure-packed inning, whether that be a close game or runners in scoring position, do you find yourself focusing more on the mental aspect of the game, or the physical side.

SG: It's definitely more mental. When in a game like that, whether you notice it or not, you find yourself speeding up the game and making it harder on yourself. I find a lot of times when you get into a pressure situation, it does a lot of good to step back off the mound, take a deep breath, and slow yourself down. It really gives yourself a chance to think about what you are doing, executing the pitch at hand, and working out of that situation.

JS: You signed with the Reds in December, earning an invite to Spring Training. This is the fifth organization you have been a part of. Describe your experience with the Reds and playing in Louisville thus far?

SG: It's been awesome. It's been a tremendous experience. Like you said, this is my fifth organization, and I've been with a lot of good ones, some better than others. This is definitely right up there at the top with the coaching, teammates, everything from top to bottom is just first class, and it's a great place to be.

JS: You have had the opportunity to play professionally for over eight seasons, earning time with four different big league teams over the course of your career. Describe some of the memorable experiences you have enjoyed.

SG: When I was with the Cubs, we won the Central division and went to the playoffs, so that was a lot of fun to be around for that. The next year, I was involved in a big trade, so that was different, going from the National League to the American League. It's been fun. The dream growing up is to get to play professional baseball, and I have been fortunate enough to be around for as long as I have and to keep being able to do it. My goal is to get back there again and perform well, and be able stay there a lot longer.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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GAME 3 MATCH-UP


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Daniel Corcino Yunesky Maya

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Transactions

Johnny Cueto on DL with strain; will make rehab start for AAA Louisville

Associated Press

CINCINNATI -- The Reds have lost top starter Johnny Cueto for at least a few weeks because of a strained muscle in his back, the third significant injury for the defending NL Central champions in the season's opening weeks.

The Reds have called up left-hander Tony Cingrani to start in Cueto's spot until Cueto's return.

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Cueto

It's unclear how long the Reds might be without their Opening Day starter and 19-game winner from last season.

"Hopefully only three, maybe four starts," [Dusty] Baker said. "Once he does come back, he has to get his endurance up, so we're really not putting a timetable on it. We're going to miss him, but we've got to carry on."

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press

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SWEEEEEP! BATS SCORE 4 IN THE NINTH FOR COMEBACK WIN

"In the ninth, the wheels came off the bus and totally changed the complection of the game." - Syracuse Chiefs manager, Tony Beasley

Wow, what an exciting way to cap off a wild card series. In front a sold out NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, New York, the Bats win the wild card series in 3 games.

Ryan Hanigan, who was recently hurt during a game with the Cincinnati Reds made his rehab debut tonight as a Louisville Bat, and let's just say he made it count. He walked away with player of the game honors at the plate and contributed to relatively tight pitching behind the dish. Let's get to the action.

Hanigan got the Bats their first hit in the top of the 5th. Chiefs' starter Yunesky Maya had 8 K's through 6 innings, and Louisville wouldn't get another hit until the 7th. Bats' starter Daniel Corcino was just as good, however, he'd leave in the 6th in a 0-0 ballgame with the bases loaded and no one out; his first real trouble all day. Kanekoa Texeria was called upon by Manager Massey, but the choice may not have been the best one as 3 runs scored in the inning making it 3-0 Chiefs.

In the top of the 7th the Bats got a single, walk, and another single all with one out. With the bases loaded, Maya's good day was over. Ryan Hanigan hit a sac fly scoring one, making it 3-1. With the next batter, Jason Donald batting, Ryan Ludwick scored on a wild pitch, bringing the game to 3-2 Chiefs. Kanekoa stayed in the game and pitched a perfect 7th.

We fast forward to the 9th inning, where all the magic happened. In the top of the 9th with one out and Syracuse's closer in, "Big Mike" Hessman drew a walk. Manager Massey decided to play small ball and ask Ryan Ludwick to drop down a sac bunt, which he isn't very used to doing. On his second attempt he is hit by the pitch! So, to recap, it's now runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. Willie Harris stepped in to the box and hit a weak ground ball down the first base line and the Syracuse first basement made an excellent dive but bobbled the ball in transition. Harris was awarded an infield single. Bases now loaded in the 9th,1 out. Here he comes, the man of the day, Ryan Hanigan. Seeing Hanigan step in, Syracuse went to their bullpen again. Ryan works quite an at bad, drawing a full count.

Here's the full count, bases loaded, top of the 9th pitch to Hanigan..

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DOUBLE down the RF line!! 3 men around to score! Bats lead by 2 in the 9th!


Having a hard time calming down from jumping up and down, screaming and cussing, I sent catcher Nevin Ashley in to the game to pinch hit for the pitcher, Sean Marshall who got the final out in the 8th and with men on 1st and 2nd, Ashely doubled, scoring one run, making it 6-3 Bats.

Jose Arredondo picked up the easy save, putting an end to the Syracuse Chiefs.

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Player of the Game
C Ryan Hanigan * 2-3: 1 2B, 4 RBI

Other notables
"Big Mike" Hessman 1-3, 2 runs
Nevin Ashley 1-1, insurance RBI double in the 9th

Final Game Notes
Sean Marshall gets the win out of the 'pen, only facing two batters and getting the last out in the 8th.
Arredondo gets the save.
The two starting pitchers allowed a total of 2 combined hits in the first 5 innings.
Time of the ballgame: 3 hours and 18 minutes

What it means to the team
3 game wild card series sweep! What else needs to be said?

*We're set to take on our season arch-rival, division winning Columbus. Game 4 between Columbus and Charlotte just went final a few minutes ago with Columbus taking the series and advancing to face us in the International League Championship series.