Clinton Lumberkings at Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
April 8th, 2004
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| Wisconsin |
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E-Cox, LOB CLI-10, WIS-6, 2B-Kinsler, Wishy, Kreuzer, 3B-Dutton, HR-Colton (Lorenzo), SB-Senrieso, Jacobsen, SACB-Kinsler
O'Flaherty faced 1 batter in 9th
HBP-Richardson (Oldham), Swope (Chang), WP-Oldham, O'Flaherty, BB-Senrieso
U-Chris Bakke, Bob Davidson
T-3:04, A-1,662
The Post-Cresent
by Brett Christopherson
It's pretty easy to gauge talent. But when it comes to toughness that's another matter.
Able to throw four pitches effectively over the plate, it's clear Wisconsin Timber Rattlers hurler Thomas Oldham has plenty of the former. And after working his way out of a few james during the Timber Rattlers' 5-1 loss to the Clinton Lumberkings Thursday night in the Midwest League season opene at Fox Cities stadium before 1,662 fans, it's also clear Oldham has plenty of the latter, as well.
Earning the opening day nod, Oldham pitched a very effective four innings, striking out seven and giving up just three hits. "I thought he was real good tonight," said Wisconsin pitching coach Brad Holman, "He got into some deep count and ran his pitch count up. Obviously, early in the year, we're a little restricted on the pitches, esecially with the cold weather."
According to Holman, Oldham threw 75 pitches, which is why he was taken out of the game early.
Still, the Wisconsin staff was pleased with what they saw out of their No. 1 starter, especially with the way he kept battling hitters despite falling behind in the count a number of times.
"I think that's the kind of mentality that he has," Timber Rattlers manager Steve Roadcap said. "You didn't even see him close to being what he's capable of doing."
Holman said Oldham threw all four of his pitches, fastball, curveball, slider and changeup, but often had to rely on his fastball when he got behind in the count.
"He used all of his pitches, but he always had to come back and resort to his fastball when he needed the strike." said Holman, "But he threw his butt off, He made some quality pitches (when he was) behind in the count."
Rattlers catcher Chris Collins thought Oldham's best pitch was his fastball. "His fastball was working well, moving in and out." said Collins. "He threw well, I don't think he really needed to get their hitters off balance because his fastball was going well."
Oldham wasn't the only effective pitcher however. Overall, the Wisconsin pitching staff posted 15 strikeouts, with relievers Nibaldo Acosta and Eric O'Flaherty fanning three apiece and Kenly Chang adding two.
While Holman was impressed with the number of strikeouts he saw from his pitchers, he said that doesn't always mean that's a good thing. He also pointed out that the six walks the Timber Rattlers issued on the night was simple too much.
"We cut (the walks) down and we'll be pretty good." Holman said. "We've got a lot of guys who've got good ams and good stuff. And I, as a pitching coach, really preach aggressiveness in the strike zone. I just saw them a little bit tonight pitching for the strikeout. We had a couple of groundball situations where i'd like to see them go out and get the groundball on one pitch as opposed to throw six or seven pitches and try to get the strikeout just to simplfy the game a little bit."
Roadcap was happy to get the first game of the season out of the way. "We've got game one underneath our belt, and hopefully some people learned. It's going to be a learning process for a lot of kids. There were a lot of positives that come out of the game.
Clinton Herald
The Clinton Lumberkings' 2004 debut was a succesful one.
The Lumberkings overcame an early 1-0 deficit to knock off the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 5-1 in Midwest League action Thursday night.
Josh Kreuzer had three hits and drove in the go ahead run for Clinton, which continues it's series against the Timber Rattlers at 6:35 pm tonight and 1:05 pm Saturday.
Wisconsin opened the scoring with a run in the bottom of the second when Chris Colton belted the first pitch he saw for a homer.
Timber Rattlers' starter Thomas Oldham struck out seven in four innings of work and scattered three hits before the Lumberkings teed off against three relievers.
Clinton scored twice in the sixth inning, with Kreuzer knocking in both runs with a two out single to left field.
The Lumberkings added to their lead with three runs in the ninth. Juan Senreiso walked with the bases loaded to lake it 3-1, and Kevin Richardson followed with a two run single.
Jesse Chavez (1-0), the second of three Lumberkings pitchers, earned the win. In four innings of work, he gave up two hits and fanned three.
Starter Matt Lorenzo and reliever Brian Mattoon also had strong efforts. Lorenzo gave up three hits and fanned five in four innings of work, while Mattoon closed out the game by striking out one and issuing a hit in one inning.
Nibaldo Acosta (0-1), the second of four Timber Rattler pitchers, took the loss.
Cesar Herrera is slated to take the mound for Clinton tonight, while Wisconsin counters with Brandon Moorhead.
Former Appleton Baseball Club Inc. President, John Wollmeer threw out the first pitch. Wollner served as the club's President from 94-97