The sun does shine at Dickey-Stephens Park for doubleheader

With three games lost to monsoon rain and thunderstorms in the past five days, the sun finally came out for the Travelers Wednesday night. And I have proof. See that odd bright stuff? It was actual, real sunshine that greeted the Tulsa Drillers and the Travs for the start of play of a doubleheader.

 

You wouldn't think showing a picture of sunshine would be such a big deal, but after the dark, dreary days of soaking rain and storms it felt good to post up some sun. Heck, here's another.

 

Since Tuesday night's game was washed out this was the first game of an eight game home stand. And it was a tight, thriller that was scoreless until the Traveler's last at bat.

 

After 92 pitches, Tulsa starter and #7 prospect Esmil Rogers left the hill after the sixth inning of the seven inning contest blanking the Travs with no hits.

 

Rogers was still popping his fastball in at 93 mph as Driller left fielder Daniel Carte made a great catch off a Nate Sutton foul ball, crashing in to the wall to end the sixth and keep the no-hitter alive. But his relief in the bottom of the seventh, Tommy Baumgardner, quickly gave up a single to catcher Hank Conger ending the Travs' drought.

Arkansas right fielder Ben Johnson then sacrificed Conger to second. Big Mark Trumbo up next walked, and then it was second baseman Ryan Mount's turn. And he didn't fool around, lacing the first pitch he saw in to left field sending Conger home (below) to score the winning and only run of the game.

 

Mount was mobbed after his winning hit and greeted by the media after being named "Player of the Game."

 

 

The Travelers lost the nightcap of the doubleheader to Tulsa 5-3 with starter Trevor Bell taking the loss to even the home series 1-1.

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There was an injury of importance to announce, and I'm serious about this, that happened in-between games while the kids were running bases. I happened to be looking right at the moment a small tyke in her haste to take off, clipped Shelly's leg when he wasn't looking and the mascot went down in a heap, hard.

 He lay there for some time and required assistance to be helped up.

 

I know you are laughing, but it's not funny. Well maybe a little. No it's not. Anyway, Shelly was seen gingerly trying to run a little later.

Here's hoping he hasn't galloped his last race, and won't be retired to stud.

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Rock Dad--

     

Tulsa infielder and DH Rex Rundgren has a very famous father. Recognize that last name, Rundgren? Yes, his father is rock legend Todd Rundgren.

   

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In a scheduling quirk, the Travelers won't have another home game on Wednesday night until June 3.

-- Lonesome Traveler

 

Comments

[juan c]

Can someone provide a scouting report on Reckling? What pitches does he throw? Why's he been so successful thus far? Thanks.

[Stephen Colboar]

A nice blown save for Herndon which ruined a masterful start by Reckling.

[Mr. Shucks]

When he was in Cedar Rapids he had a killer curve and solid change with a fastball (sat about 89-91) he could spot pretty much anywhere when he was on. Sometimes he would lose feel for his curve and that would lead to some struggles.

He's still a kid and that means he'll keep getting better.

[Mars]

he's still using both to great effect here. FB sitting about 89 on the stadium gun, sometimes he reaches back and unleashes a 93. Change is coming in about 81. I'm not sure of the speed on his curve but it drops off the table. Both pitches are eating the AA hitters up