Tuesday, July 31, 2018

FINALLY! OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER + STINGY PITCHING = 13-3 VICTORY!


                Pittsburg bats continued to roar, and three Diamonds pitchers kept Vallejo at bay in a 13-3 win that the team hopes is a preview of what they’ll do in the month of August.

                Having broken out of a miserable team-wide offensive slump on Sunday with three first-inning homeruns, Pittsburg again scored three runs in the first inning on Tuesday and never looked back.

                The big hit of the day belonged to first baseman Chris Kwitzer, making his Diamonds debut, when he hit a grand slam over the right field fence in the fifth inning. Ryan Lashley also had four RBI’s on the night. Joel Carranza was 1 for 1 with three walks and three RBI’s.

                Rafael Valera and Gabriel Bracamonte both went 3 for 4 with an RBI.

                Pittsburg starter Brett Solano (6-3) went six innings giving up no earned runs.  He got the win.

                Amilcar Cruz (1-2) got his first start for Vallejo and took the loss.

                The two teams will meet again in Vallejo on Wednesday before they move to Pittsburg for two games. Wednesday’s game will start at 6:05 p.m. in Wilson Park in Vallejo.
 

Sunday, July 29, 2018

SCRAPPY DIAMONDS BATTLE BACK, BUT AGAIN CAN’T SCORE IN OT


                Finding ways to score despite their offensive slump, Pittsburg forced Sonoma into extra innings. But despite the huge advantage given offenses in extra innings, the Diamonds couldn’t score for the second night in a row and lost 4-3.

                Two ground outs and a hit batsman drove in the Diamonds three runs. Under modified international rules, teams start each extra inning with runners at first and second and nobody out.  For the second night in a row, Pittsburg could not score even with that built-in advantage and lost because the opponent scored a run.

                The Diamonds got great performances from their starter Travis Blakley who struck out ten batters in six innings and gave up just three runs (two earned) and from reliever Sam Agnew-Wieland (0-1) who went 3 1/3 innings striking out ten and preserving the tie for extra innings where he took the loss.

                For the Stompers, catcher Mitchell Ho was 4 for 5 with a homerun and D. J. Sharabi (5-1) got the win in relief.

                The two teams will close out their series on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Arnold Field in Sonoma.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

BLATNIK 3 RUN HOMER MAKES IT CLOSE, BUT GEMS LOSE 6-4


                A dramatic eighth inning three-run homerun by Morgan Blatnik made it close but the Diamonds couldn’t overcome their offensive woes and loss to Vallejo 6-4.

                In the last seven games Pittsburg is batting a collective .193 and it has cost them repeatedly. This game was especially painful as the Diamonds had pulled within three games of the third-place Admirals and were starting six out the next eight games playing the team ahead of them in the standings.

                The Admirals used a two-run homer in the third from Chevy Clarke and a two-run scoring single from Rian Kiniry in the eighth to help build their six runs.

                Jordan Brink (2-5) gave up the six runs in 7 1/3 innings and took the loss. Vallejo pitcher Peter Reyes was getting his first start of the year and was taken out after four innings.  Amilcar Cruz (2-0) relieved Reyes and got the win despite giving up Blatnik’s three-run homer.

                The Benicia Bridge Series resumes Friday at 6 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

WILD 8TH INNING PLAY GIVES DIAMONDS THE WIN, 4-3


                The shortest hit of the night had the biggest impact.

                With the score tied 3-3 and two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Pittsburg had runners at first and third. Third baseman Ryan Lashley hit a ball that took a bounce right in front of the plate and landed about six feet away. Lashley thought it was foul and stood in the baseline expecting to hit again. Napa catcher Zach Taylor stood there holding the ball and when Lashley finally broke for first Taylor realized he needed to throw to get him out.

                The underhand toss flew over the head of Josh Montelongo at first and the Diamonds Yuki Yasuda dashed across home plate to score the lead run on the throwing error.

                Pittsburg lead 3-0 after Joel Carranza drove in runs in the first and third innings and Gabriel Bracamonte doubled to bring in another run.

                The Silverados John Nunnally hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to tie the game.

                Diamonds starter Brett Solano went seven innings getting seven strikeouts but left with the game tied. Alex Leach (1-0) picked up his first win and Sean Johnson set down Napa in order in the ninth inning to get his fifth save.

                The fifth Napa pitcher, Augie Gallardo (0-1) took the loss.

             With the win, Pittsburg moved into sole possession of fourth place, a game ahead of the Silverados and pulled within three games of third place Vallejo.

                The Admirals and Diamonds will play six of the next eight games beginning Thursday at 6 p.m. in Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

OFFENSIVE SLUMP CONTINUES AS GEMS LOSE TO NAPA 7-4


                Some fine defensive plays kept Pittsburg within striking distance of Napa throughout the game, but strike they could not, losing 7-4.

                A sliding catch by centerfielder Wes Wallace, pitcher Sam Agnew-Weiland racing off the mound to grab a bunt and throw out the lead runner at third base and an impossible lunging catch and behind-the-back backhand tag of the runner trying to score by catcher Stephan Haviar were among the outstanding plays.

                Gabriel Bracamonte remained on a tear (2 for 4 with two RBI’s) but a team-wide slump continued.  Thanks to walks and a hit batsman the Diamonds brought the tying run to the plate in each of the last three innings but could not get the hit to score the runs they needed.

                Corey MacDonald (3-6) started for Pittsburg and lasted four innings giving up five runs and took the loss. Napa starter Billy Felo (6-2) went five innings giving up three runs and got the victory.

                With the win, the Silverados moved into a tie with the Diamonds for fourth place in the Pacific Association.

                The two teams will meet again Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

PITCHERS SALVAGE WINNING WEEK WITH 3-2 VICTORY


                With the offense still in the doldrums, Pittsburg pitchers got even stingier allowing the Diamonds to squeak out a 3-2 victory over the slumping Pacifics. The win gave the Diamonds a 4-2 record for the week.

                Starter Travis Blakley went six innings scattering eight hits, striking out 11 and giving up just two runs (one earned).  Cam Hatch (3-0) pitched two scoreless innings and picked up the win. Sean Johnson shut the door in the ninth, earning his fourth save.

                In the fifth inning, with two runners on, Gabriel Bracamonte drove them in with double into right field. With the score tied at two in the eighth inning, Joel Carranza singled, went to second on a balk and scored when Patrick O’Donnell’s scorching grounder went off of Brent Gillespie’s glove and into No Man’s Land.

                Though the run was unearned, Jose Casilla (3-2) was on the mound for San Rafael at the time and took the loss.

                The Diamonds are back in sole possession of fourth place.  The Pacifics – who seemed to be Destiny’s Child at one point this season – are reeling after a 1-5 week that has sliced their lead over Sonoma to one game.

                After a day off, the Diamonds will begin a two-game series against the fifth place Napa Silverados on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

DEFEAT 5-2


                A second straight night of offensive futility doomed what should have been a competitive pitching performance as Pittsburg lost to San Rafael 5-2.

                Symbolic of the low-octane offense was the major hit for the second game in a row: a solo homerun, this time by Gabriel Bracamonte.  The Diamonds other run scored on a double play ball with runners at the corners.

                Dakota Freese (2-4) went 6 2/3 innings against his old teammates giving up five runs (four earned) and striking out seven. He took the loss. Max Beatty (8-1) pitched a complete game for the Pacifics and picked up a league leading eighth victory.

                The first-place Pacifics came into the game having lost four in a row.

                The two teams will close out the two-game set on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Albert Field in San Rafael.

Friday, July 20, 2018

DEFEAT 4-1


                Rafael Valera’s solo homerun in the second inning was the lone offensive bright spot for the Diamonds as they went down quietly to Sonoma 4-1.

                Jordan Brink (2-4) and relief pitchers Alex Leach and Sam Agnew-Weiland pitched well enough to keep Pittsburg in the game, but Diamonds runs were not being mined. Brink (2-4) pitched six innings, striking out eight, but he gave up four runs and took the loss.

                Stompers starter Tyler Sharp (2-0) went eight innings giving up just one run and earned the victory. Jacob Cox pitched a scoreless ninth and picked up his 15th save.

                Sonoma shortstop Kam Stewart hit a two-run homerun and had 10 putouts in the field to lead the Stompers.

                The Diamonds now take on the first place Pacifics for two games beginning Saturday at 5 p.m. at Albert Park in San Rafael.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

VICTORY! 9-6


                The Diamonds were relentless, answering every Sonoma score with more offensive output, eventually building a big lead and holding on to victory 9-6. 

                The critical moment came with two outs in the eighth inning with the Diamonds leading 5-3, but the Stompers had the bases loaded. With Rayson Romero at the plate, the ball got behind Pittsburg catcher Stephen Haviar.  As Haviar raced to get it, the Stompers Daniel Baptista broke from third. Haviar picked up the ball and tossed it to Cam Hatch covering. The umpire called Baptista out. The Stompers argued to no avail.

                The Diamonds were led by clutch hits from former Stomper Joel Carranza in the eighth and ninth innings, both times driving in what proved to be important insurance runs. Ryan Lashley – a newly mined Diamond – was 2 for 5 and his first Pittsburg hit was an RBI single in the first.

                Brett Solano (5-3) went 6 2/3 innings giving up three runs and striking out six to get the victory.  Sonoma starter Ethan Gibbons (5-1) pitched six innings giving up three runs (two earned) but took his first loss.

                The two teams will close out their two-game series on Friday at 6:05 p.m. at Arnold Field in Sonoma.

VICTORY! 5-3


                Corey MacDonald returned to form and Joel Carranza blasted his second homerun to lead Pittsburg to a 5-3 victory and a sweep of the two-game series against Martinez.

                MacDonald (3-5) gave up just two runs in 7 1/3 innings pitched in getting the victory.  For the second straight night, Sean Johnson pitched the ninth inning and collected his third save.

                Drue Bravo (0-2) got his first start of the year for the Clippers, giving up five runs in five innings and taking the loss.

                Carranza’s two-run homer in the third gave the Diamonds the lead.  In the sixth inning they combined a walk and four straight singles to score three more runs that would hold up for the win.

                Pittsburg will open a four-game road trip with a game against the Stompers on Thursday at 6:05 p.m. in Sonoma.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

VICTORY! 5-3


                Pittsburg took advantage of Martinez miscues and rode the arm of former major leaguer Travis Blakley to a 5-3 victory. 

                The Clippers committed three errors in the fourth inning as the Diamonds scored three runs. Wes Wallace drove in a run in the second inning and Joel Carranza drove in an insurance run in the seventh.

                Blakley (1-1) pitched eight innings giving up three runs (two earned) and striking out eight. Sean Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his second save.

                Martinez’ starter Jason Harper (2-5) took the loss.

                The two teams will meet again on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

Saturday, July 14, 2018

VICTORY 4-2


                After a week in which they seemed to find a different way to lose every night, the Diamonds finally remembered how to win. Clutch hitting, good fielding and strong pitching combined to welcome Pittsburg home with a 4-2 win over Napa.

                Jordan Brink (2-3) pitched seven innings giving up just two runs on three hits while striking out 11 and earning the victory. Nicholas Barnese pitched a scoreless ninth inning to get his third save.

                Devon Ramirez (0-2) gave up only three runs on just two hits but took the loss.

                Gabriel Bracamonte had a two-run homer in the first inning and Joel Carranza drove in an insurance run in the eighth to lead the Diamonds offense.

                The two teams will close out their two-game series on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.


DEFEAT 10-9


               The Diamonds came roaring back from a four-run deficit and when Wes Wallace hit a solo homerun in the eighth inning, Pittsburg had eked out a one-run lead. But Vallejo catcher Cyle Figueroa lined a single into right field in the bottom of the ninth, scoring two runs and giving the Admirals a walk-off victory.

                Some great Diamonds offensive performances went for naught. Patrick O’Donnell went 4 for 4 with three runs scored and four RBI’s; Jose Garcia went 3 for 4 with two hits off his brother, Eli Garcia, a relief pitcher for Vallejo; and Rafael Valera was 2 for 4 with two RBI’s.

                Sean Johnson (0-1) pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth innings but gave up the winning runs in the ninth and took the loss.  Brett Schneider (2-0), pitched a scoreless ninth inning and got the win.

                The Diamonds now take on the Napa Silverados for two games beginning Saturday at 5 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

Friday, July 13, 2018

DEFEAT 21-10


                 A 12-run sixth inning gave Vallejo an apparently insurmountable lead until the Diamonds immediately mounted a furious comeback to pull within seven. Then a Chris Fornaci grand slam closed the door again and the Admirals won 21-10.

                The culprit in the game for Pittsburg was its usually sure-handed fielding.  Ten of the Vallejo runs were unearned as the Diamonds committed four errors, two by their all-league shortstop Jose Garcia.

                Corey MacDonald (2-5) started for the Diamonds and took the loss. Frank Valentino (2-3) started for Vallejo and got the win.

                The lights went out for 20 minutes in the seventh inning.

                The two teams will play again Friday at 6:35 p.m. at Wilson Park in Vallejo.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

DEFEAT 4-1


               You could understand why Travis Blakley might be checking the calendar to see what year it is. It was last season all over again as the former major leaguer held the first place Pacifics to just three runs, but the Diamonds offense went limp, eventually losing 4-1.

                Two of the Diamonds four hits came in the first inning when Pittsburg’s only RBI came on a bases-loaded walk to Joel Carranza. That was it for the Diamonds’ scoring.

                The Australian left-hander Blakley pitched in tough luck last year, keeping opponents run totals to tiny levels but receiving almost no offensive support. Blakley (0-1) got into numerous jams  against the Pacifics but pitched out of most of them only to get the loss.

                Corey Dempster hit a bases-loaded double in the third inning and a tape measure homerun in the eighth to lead San Rafael.

                Jose Morel (2-0) started and got the win for the Pacifics. Jose Casilla pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save.

                The Diamonds will open a two-game series against the Admirals on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. in Wilson Park in Vallejo.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

DEFEAT 4-3


               When San Rafael scored three runs in the first inning and another run in the second it looked like the Pacifics were heading for another lopsided victory.  But Pittsburg starter Brett Solano regained his earlier season form and didn’t allow another run.

                When the Diamonds scored three runs in the sixth inning thanks to back-to-back hits by Rafael Valera, Joel Carranza and Gabriel Bracamonte and a two-out two RBI single by Patrick O’Donnell – it looked like it was anyone’s ballgame.

                It was, but no one would score again, and Pittsburg would leave the potential tying run at third base in the ninth inning, losing 4-3.

                Solano (4-3) went 6 2/3 innings giving up four runs on nine hits and took the loss. Max Beatty (6-1) went 8 1/3 innings allowing three runs (two earned) and got the win. Chris Mazza got the final two outs of the game and earned his fifth save.

                The two teams will complete their set of four games in a row on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. at Albert Field in San Rafael.

Saturday, July 7, 2018

VICTORY! 8-4


                Strong pitching got the support of timely hitting and good defense as the Pittsburg Diamonds put it all together to beat first place San Rafael 8-4.

                Diamonds starter Dakota Freese (2-3) went 6 2/3 innings giving up three runs to collect his second straight victory over his former teammates. Alex Leach, Cam Hatch and Sean Johnson followed in relief giving up zero earned runs.

                Pittsburg hitters were lead by Wes Wallace who collected four RBI’s on a three-run homerun and a sacrifice fly; Gabriel Bracamonte who was 2 for 4 with three RBI’s and Patrick O’Donnell who was 3 for 3 with an RBI. Jose Garcia and Brett Smith were both 2 for 4 scoring three runs between them.

                Pacifics starter Neal Lang (2-2) gave up eight runs in five innings and took the loss.

                The two teams close out the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.


Friday, July 6, 2018

DEFEAT 9-6


               The Diamonds hadn’t scored since the fourth inning but with two outs in the ninth, Martinez was down to its last strike.  That’s when the Clippers Devin Carter unloaded a two-run home run to tie the score.

                Despite starting each extra inning with runners at first and second and no one out (under the league’s modified international rules) Pittsburg didn’t score in overtime and lost 9-6 in 11 innings.

                Nicholas Barnese (1-2) gave up the game-tying homer and three runs in the 11th inning and took the loss.  Phil Richmond (2-1) pitched scoreless 10th and 11th innings and got the win for Martinez.

                Wes Wallace had a three-run homerun for Pittsburg.

                The Diamonds now play host to the first place San Rafael Pacifics with the first game Saturday at 5 p.m. in Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

VICTORY! 15-12


                A wild, back and forth, high-scoring game came to an abrupt and early end because of a Martinez city curfew and the Diamonds were declared winners 15-12 while the Clippers were denied their final at bats.  No inning can start at Joe DiMaggio Field, the Clippers ballpark, after 10:15 p.m. because the lights must be out shortly afterward.

                The top of the ninth ended after 10:15 so the game was called and instead of playing the last half inning on another day in the future, the victory was given to Pittsburg which had a 15-12 lead at the time.

                The game was an offensive blur featuring two homeruns among four hits for Gabriel Bracamonte; Joel Carranza hit his first homerun as a Diamond while going 3 for 3 with three walks and Morgan Blatnik continued his torrid pace going 2 for 3 with three walks.

                Two Diamonds made their debuts including left fielder Mathew Paculan who went 3 for 5 and Jerome Hill – who starred at Pittsburg High School and Los Medanos College – who got a hit and played a strong centerfield.

                Diamonds starter Brett Solano had his roughest game of the year giving up 14 hits and eight runs (seven earned) in five innings.  Cain Spangler (2-1) got the victory in relief.

                Clippers reliever Grayson Weber (2-1) gave up four runs in 2/3 of an inning pitched and took the loss.

                The two teams will play the rubber match of their three-game series Friday at 6 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.

DEFEAT, 8-3


               Like a firecracker with a wet fuse, the Diamonds were set to explode for runs all night against Martinez, but the big bang never came, and Pittsburg lost before a large 4th of July crowd, 8-5.

                Pittsburg threatened throughout the game but failed to cash in, leaving 12 runners on base. The Clippers’ Joe Jones (1-6) gave up only one earned run in five innings pitched to collect his first win of the season after six losses.

                Diamonds starter Corey MacDonald (2-4) gave up eight runs (six earned) in 5 1/3 innings pitched and took the loss.

                Morgan Blatnik continued his torrid pace for Pittsburg with two hits and walk, scoring a run and driving in another. Blatnik’s batting average climbed to .325 and his second-best in the league on-base-percentage jumped to .505.

                The scene moves to Martinez on Thursday night where the two teams will meet at Joe DiMaggio Field at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

VICTORY! 8-1


               Jordan Brink didn’t give up a hit until the seventh inning; Rafael Valera went 4 for 6 and had two RBI’s; Cos Cannella knocked in three runs with two hits and a sacrifice fly and the Diamonds cruised to an 8-1 victory.

                The win gave Pittsburg sole possession of fourth place and pulled them back within a game of the .500 mark for the season. The only run Brink (1-2) gave up was unearned as he collected his first victory of the year.

                Morgan Blatnik had two hits and three walks, raising his On Base Percentage to .500, second highest in the league.

                Brennen Fischer (1-1) went 5 2/3 innings giving up five runs (four earned) and took the loss.

                The Diamonds return home for a special 4th of July Armed Services Celebration with all military veterans admitted free. The game against the Martinez Clippers will start at 5 p.m. to give fans a chance to get to the Pittsburg Marina in time to see the city’s fireworks show after the game. Veterans are being encouraged to wear all or part of their uniforms to be identified and thanked for their service to the country.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Defeat 9-6


                With two runners on in the fourth inning, Diamonds centerfielder Wes Wallace hit a deep drive to left-centerfield that went over the fence. But Wallace’ shot was not a three-run homer. It had bounced on the warning track and was a ground rule double, meaning only one run had scored and that would be the total for the inning.

                Those two lost runs were sorely missed at the end of the game as Sonoma’s Rob DeAngelis lead off the ninth inning with a game-tying home run. The Stompers would follow that with three more in the tenth and win a see-saw battle 9-6.

                Tyler Stirewalt started for the Diamonds and went six innings giving up four runs (three earned). Nicholas Barnese (1-1) pitched the tenth inning and took the loss.

                D.J. Sharabi (2-0) went four innings in relief of Juan Espinosa and got the victory for Sonoma.

                The two teams will close out their two-game series on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in City Park in Pittsburg.