Player of the Week- Literally, 3B Ben Gobbel had a fantastic week at the plate, earning NW Player of the Week honors! Truly leading the Dust Devils to take 5/6 from the Emeralds on the Road Trip, stay tuned for the Who the heck is Ben Gobbel, and how is he so good!? Gobbel helped Tri-City take five of six games on the road from the league-leading Eugene Emeralds with the following stats:
.320 BA (8-25), 3 HR (tied for most in all of High-A ball), 4 RBI, 4 BB,8 runs scored (most in NWL), 1.156 OPS ROSTER MOVES!
05/09/24 C Caleb Pendleton assigned to Tri-City Dust Devils from ACL Angels.
05/08/24 Tri-City Dust Devils activated RHP Carlos Espinosa.
05/07/24 3B Cam Williams assigned to Tri-City Dust Devils from ACL Angels.
05/07/24 SS Denzer Guzman was assigned to Rocket City Trash Pandas from Tri-City Dust Devils.
CONGRATS TO YOU, DENZER, ON THE PROMOTION!
05/07/24 3B Shane Matheny assigned to Tri-City Dust Devils from ACL Angels.
05/06/24 Tri-City Dust Devils sent RHP Ryan Costeiu on a rehab assignment to ACL Angels.
Game 1 Recap: Dust Devils vs. Emeralds
Game Overview: The game unfolded clearly with pitching mastery and timely hitting, making it a thrilling encounter. The Dust Devils took control as the innings progressed through solid pitching and critical at-bats.
Key Moments:
Matt Coutney's Home Run - In the top of the 4th inning, Matt Coutney delivered a significant blow with a solo home run, his first of the season, which evened the score at 1-1. This moment was a turning point, boosting the Dust Devil's momentum.
Caleb Ketchup's Two-Run Single - Still in the 4th inning, Caleb Ketchup came through with a two-out single that drove in Mason Martin and Werner Blakely, propelling the Dust Devils to a 3-1 lead. This hit proved decisive in shaping the game's outcome, pushing the team's win probability to 73.4%.
Pitching Performance:
Marcheco's Dominance: Starting pitcher Marcheco was exceptional, hurling six innings of shutout ball, allowing just three hits and striking out 3. His performance earned him a well-deserved win, improving his season record to 2-2.
Relief Efforts: Garcia and Minacci from the bullpen continued the dominance, combining for three scoreless innings, allowing no hits, and adding four strikeouts, securing the game efficiently.
Hitting Highlights:
Standout Hitters:
Matt Coutney shined with his home run and doubled and walked twice, making him a crucial part of the Dust Devils' offense.
Caleb Ketchup and Mason Martin also provided essential contributions. Ketchup’s timely hitting drove in two crucial runs, while Martin doubled twice, underscoring the team's effective hitting.
Team Highlights:
Team Batting: Despite a cumulative average that might not impress, the Dust Devils' ability to hit when it mattered most led them to victory. The team was 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position, demonstrating clutch performance in critical moments.
Team Pitching: The pitchers collectively held the Emeralds to just one run on three hits, showcasing a dominant performance that kept the opponents at bay throughout the game.
In summary, the Dust Devils capitalized on powerful pitching and key hitting moments to secure a win over the Emeralds. This game highlighted the importance of timely hitting and solid pitching, setting the tone for future matchups.
Game 2 Recap: Dust Devils vs. Emeralds
Game Overview: In the second game of the series, the Dust Devils demonstrated their dominance, mainly through solid pitching and aggressive base running. The early innings saw the Dust Devils establishing a significant lead that the Emeralds struggled to overcome.
Key Moments:
Ben Gobbel's Early Impact - Ben Gobbel set the tone for the game right from the start with a solo home run in the top of the 1st inning, giving the Dust Devils an early lead. His contribution didn't stop there; he added another RBI in the 2nd inning with a single, driving in Werner Blakely and further solidifying the lead.
Kevin Bruggeman's Key Double - Also in the 1st inning, Kevin Bruggeman hit a crucial double that drove in Jadiel Sanchez and Shane Matheny, pushing the score to 3-0. This hit was pivotal in establishing the Dust Devils' control over the game.
Pitching Performance:
Urena's Stellar Outing: Urena was formidable on the mound, pitching six shutout innings while allowing just four hits and striking out 5, claiming his first win. His ability to suppress the Emeralds' hitters was vital in the game's outcome.
Bullpen Support: Southard, Espinosa, and Phillips contributed to preserving the lead, combining for three innings and allowing only one run. Despite Espinosa giving up a home run, the relief efforts were enough to secure the victory.
Hitting Highlights:
Top Hitters:
Ben Gobbel not only showcased power with his home run but also continued to pressure the Emeralds with two hits and two RBIs.
Kevin Bruggeman excelled with his timely double and consistent on-base performance, including two walks, proving crucial in the team’s offensive strategy.
Team Highlights:
Offensive Efficiency: The Dust Devils made the most of their opportunities, scoring 6 runs from 7 hits. While they struggled somewhat with runners in scoring position (3-for-15), their ability to move around the bases and capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident.
Defensive Play: The team turned two crucial double plays, which helped stymie any potential rallies from the Emeralds.
In conclusion, the Dust Devils leveraged strong pitching and timely hits to take command early in the game and never looked back. Their performance in this second game showcased individual talents like Urena and Gobbel and highlighted their collective ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate.
Game 3 Recap: Dust Devils vs. Emeralds
Game Overview: The series' third game proved challenging for the Dust Devils. The Emeralds took an early lead and maintained their dominance throughout the game. Despite a few moments of opportunity, the Dust Devils struggled to capitalize effectively, especially with runners in scoring position.
Key Moments:
Jadiel Sanchez's RBI Groundout - In the top of the 3rd inning, Jadiel Sanchez grounded out but managed to bring Jorge Ruiz home, scoring the first run for the Dust Devils and narrowing the gap to 3-1 against the Emeralds.
Fielding Error Leads to Run - Still, in the 3rd, an error by the Emeralds' shortstop allowed Cam Williams to reach base and Ben Gobbel to score, making it 3-2 and giving the Dust Devils a glimmer of hope.
Double Play Costs Opportunities - In the 4th inning, Jorge Ruiz hit into a double play, which, despite allowing Shane Matheny to score, stifled a potential rally, leaving the Dust Devils trailing further at 7-3.
Pitching Performance:
Clark’s Struggle: Starting pitcher Clark had a tough outing, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on six hits over just 2.2 innings, which set a challenging tone for the Dust Devils right from the start.
Bullpen Efforts: Langford and Martinez offered some stability, combining for 3.1 scoreless innings, but Phansalkar allowed two more runs to widen the deficit. Smith closed with a clean inning, yet the damage was already done.
Hitting Highlights:
Key Hitters:
Jorge Ruiz showed resilience, managing two hits and scoring one of the Dust Devils' three runs, trying to ignite the offense.
Kevin Bruggeman and Shane Matheny each contributed multiple hits, but the team struggled to convert these into more runs overall.
Team Highlights:
Struggles with Runners in Scoring Position: The Dust Devils went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, a stat that impacted their ability to close the score gap.
Defensive Issues: Bruggeman's fielding error and several double plays grounded into by the offense stunted potential rallies, which, combined with the pitching challenges, set the tone for the game’s outcome.
In conclusion, the Dust Devils faced a tough game filled with missed opportunities and pitching challenges. While there were individual performances of note, the inability to capitalize on scoring chances and early runs allowed by the pitching staff led to a decisive loss to the Emeralds. This game highlighted the importance of getting on base and executing with runners in scoring position, a lesson the Dust Devils will take into their next matchup.
Game 4 Recap: Dust Devils vs. Emeralds
Game Overview: Game 4 showcased a robust rebound for the Dust Devils following their previous loss. With a solid offensive showcase and effective bullpen management, the Dust Devils secured a win over the Emeralds, driven by standout performances at the plate and on the mound.
Key Moments:
Jadiel Sanchez's Multiple Home Runs - Jadiel Sanchez was the game's star, launching two crucial home runs. His first homer came in the 1st inning with Ben Gobbel on base, giving the Dust Devils an early 2-0 lead. His second, a two-run shot in the 9th, cemented the victory at 9-4.
Key Hits and RBI Opportunities—Throughout the game, the Dust Devils capitalized on their scoring opportunities. For instance, Cam Williams' double in the first drove in Shane Matheny, and Jorge Ruiz's single in the seventh brought home Ronaldo Flores, demonstrating timely hitting when it counted.
Pitching Performance:
Suarez's Winning Relief: Wilmer Suarez provided two perfect innings in relief, not allowing a hit and striking out two, which was crucial in maintaining the lead and ultimately earning him the win.
Bullpen Depth: Following Suarez, Choban and Minacci contributed scoreless frames, effectively shutting down any potential rallies by the Emeralds and securing the game.
Hitting Highlights:
Sanchez and Gobbel Shine:
Jadiel Sanchez was undoubtedly the game's MVP, driving in five runs with his two homers and adding a sacrifice fly for good measure.
Ben Gobbel continued his consistent performance with three hits, including a double, scoring twice to support the team’s offensive surge.
Team Highlights:
Offensive Efficiency: The Dust Devils were notably efficient, going 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position, reflecting their ability to capitalize on opportunities throughout the game.
Defensive Plays: Key defensive plays, including outfield assists and pickoffs, contributed to stifling the Emeralds' efforts to rally, highlighting the team's solid defensive work alongside their offensive output.
In conclusion, the Dust Devils demonstrated their resilience and ability to bounce back with a dominant performance in game 4. Led by Jadiel Sanchez's power-hitting and supported by effective pitching, the team took control early and maintained it throughout the game, setting a solid tone for the rest of the series.
Game 5 Recap: Dust Devils vs. Emeralds
Game Overview: Game 5 was a thrilling display of offensive firepower from the Dust Devils, who turned the game around with key hits and maintained control with solid pitching. The Emeralds struggled to keep up, succumbing to the Dust Devils' relentless attack, highlighted by pivotal home runs and aggressive base running.
Key Moments:
Ben Gobbel's Opening Home Run - The game started off with a bang as Ben Gobbel launched a solo home run in the top of the 1st inning, setting an early tone and putting the Dust Devils up 1-0.
Kevin Bruggeman's Grand Slam - In a dramatic top of the 6th, with the game tied at 5-5, Kevin Bruggeman delivered a massive grand slam, clearing the bases and propelling the Dust Devils to a 9-5 lead. This was a game-defining moment that swung momentum firmly in their favor.
Werner Blakely’s Triple - Following the grand slam, Werner Blakely hit a critical triple in the 7th inning that drove in three more runs, further extending the Dust Devils' lead and essentially sealing the victory.
Pitching Performance:
Hurtado’s Effort: Despite allowing 5 runs over 6 innings, Hurtado struck out 9 and managed to secure the win, benefiting from the solid offensive support.
Bullpen Stability: Phillips and Southard from the bullpen were formidable, allowing no runs over the final 3 innings and striking out 6, effectively shutting down any chance of an Emeralds comeback.
Hitting Highlights:
Gobbel and Bruggeman Shine:
Ben Gobbel continued to impress with his power-hitting, contributing significantly with a home run and scoring three times.
Kevin Bruggeman had a standout game, with his grand slam being the highlight. He drove in five runs to lead the team’s offensive onslaught.
Supporting Acts:
Matt Coutney and Werner Blakely also had vital hits, with Coutney doubling and scoring twice and Blakely's triple bringing in three crucial runs.
Team Highlights:
Offensive Depth: The Dust Devils displayed their depth with 11 hits, including crucial extra-base hits that contributed to their high scoring.
Execution with Runners in Scoring Position: Despite some missed opportunities, the team was effective enough in clutch situations, going 3-for-10 with RISP and making the most of their chances to score.
In conclusion, the Dust Devils dominated Game 5 with a blend of timely hitting and solid pitching. The team's ability to capitalize on crucial moments, especially with home runs and triples, allowed them to take and extend their lead, showcasing their potential to outscore and outlast their opponents in high-stakes situations.
Game 6 Recap: Dust Devils vs. Emeralds
Game Overview: In a tightly contested battle, the Dust Devils capitalized on strong hitting performances and solid pitching to secure a victory over the Emeralds. Key moments, including timely hits and home runs, allowed the Dust Devils to maintain their lead and fend off any comeback attempts by the Emeralds.
Key Moments:
Kevin Bruggeman's Clutch Single - In the top of the 6th inning, Kevin Bruggeman hit a crucial single that drove in Jadiel Sanchez and Matt Coutney, giving the Dust Devils a 2-1 lead and shifting momentum in their favor.
Cam Williams' RBI Double - Still in the 6th, Cam Williams followed up with a double that brought Bruggeman home, extending the lead to 3-1.
Ben Gobbel's Solo Home Run - In the 7th inning, Ben Gobbel added to the lead with a solo home run, his fifth of the season, which further solidified the Dust Devils' control of the game.
Matt Coutney's Sacrifice Fly - In the 9th inning, Coutney's sacrifice fly brought Jorge Ruiz home, pushing the score to 5-3 and adding an insurance run.
Pitching Performance:
Marcheco's Start: Marcheco pitched 4.2 innings with only one run allowed and five strikeouts, setting a solid foundation.
Bullpen Contributions: Espinosa, C picked up the win in relief, and despite a rough patch from Phansalkar, the bullpen, including Choban and Minacci, closed out the game effectively. Minacci notched his 5th save, showcasing the depth and resilience of the pitching staff.
Hitting Highlights:
Top Performers:
Ben Gobbel displayed his power at the plate with a home run, contributing significantly to the team's score.
Matt Coutney and Kevin Bruggeman were instrumental in driving in runs, with Bruggeman's two RBIs being particularly crucial in the 6th inning.
Supporting Roles:
Cam Williams and Jorge Ruiz also contributed with critical hits that drove in runs or set the stage for subsequent scores.
Team Highlights:
Execution with Runners in Scoring Position: The team went 2-for-10 with RISP, reflecting some struggles but enough success to drive in key runs.
Defensive Steadiness: While there were challenges, the team's defense did not commit crucial errors that could have shifted the game's outcome, allowing the pitchers to work more confidently.
In conclusion, the Dust Devils leveraged their strong batting lineup and effective pitching to win this game. Key hits like Bruggeman's single and Gobbel's home run were pivotal, as was the bullpen's solid performance in crucial late-game moments. This win demonstrates the team's ability to execute under pressure and maintain a lead through strategic plays and steady pitching.