It's certainly no stretch to say that last night's 16-inning thriller against the Quakes was the most exciting game of 2007. The Mavs 3-2 victory was possibly their finest of the season, and there are a ton of great things to take away from the win.
Hats off to Adam Moore, who provided not one, but two go-ahead base hits in the extras. Even though he didn't get credit for an RBI in the 16th, part of me still thinks Saunders would have scored even without the error in right field. He should get an RBI just for the at bat he had in the 16th. Even though he was down in an 0-2 hole after two pitches, he battled back and eventually worked a full count before sending a line drive to right-center. It's also pretty impressive to think he had been behind the plate the whole game, yet he still had the strength to pound out two hard hit balls late in the game.
Even though Moore's hits put the Mavs in front, the Mavs pitching was responsible for keeping the game tied. Brian Kappel showed a lot of resilience by bouncing back from his rough outing the night before to pitch two scoreless last night and get his first win of the season. Marwin Vega had his best performance of the year, only giving up one run in seven innings. It's hard to believe he was actually in line for the loss before the Saunders RBI double that tied it at 1-1 in the eighth. Juan Zapata, David Asher, Austin Bibens-Dirkx, and Roman Martinez don't get a win in the score sheet, but they were all certainly a key part of the victory.
In the past two series, we've seen the Mavs lose two straight to their opponents, only to bounce back in third game to win at their opponents game. Against Lake Elsinore, the Mavs gave us 28 runs on 38 hits in the two previous games, before coming back with 10 runs and 18 hits of their own. In the first two games of this series against the Quakes, the Mavs bats were helpless against Rancho's pitching. This time around, the Mavs showed they can pitch as well, and dealt the first place Quakes the loss.
Tonight's game against San Jose will be tough to win because of the length of last night's game and today's seven-hour bus ride. Aaron Jensen will have to rebound from his last start and set the tone for the entire team tonight. If he does well, I think the team can rally around him.
Best of luck to the Mavs up north by the bay.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Catching Up
My goodness it has been quite some time since our last post, so we've got a lot of ground to cover. The Mavs went 1-2 in three, one-run games against the 66ers, split a four-game home series against Lake Elsinore, and last night fell in a pitchers duel at Rancho Cucamonga. We'll get back to last night's Rancho game later, but for now we'll focus on the two previous series.
The Mavs could have easily swept that series against the 66ers just with a little more timely hitting. The team went into that series with great numbers at the plate with runners in scoring position. But for some reason, they just couldn't get that clutch hit when they needed it most.
The comeback win against Lake Elsinore in the first game of the series looked like it might have been a good sign of things to come. The Mavs got pummeled in the next two games by a combined score of 28-7, and gave up 38 hits to the Storm. But it was good to see them bounce back from those losses to win big themselves by a 10-1 score in the final game of the series.
If you've read these posts before, we've brought up the topic of how the Mavs weren't playing complete games. It looked like they had solved that problem against Lake Elsinore the first time around, but more of the same has shown up again. Sometimes, that's just how it goes. For instance, you can't apply the lack of a complete game theory to last night's loss. Nobody in the Cal League would've been able to hit Steve Marek the way he was dealing for the Quakes last night. But it was very encouraging to see Jon Lockwood throw his best game of the year, even though he picked up the loss for making one mistake. I'm interested to see how the rest of the series against the Quakes plays out. I like our chances with Cotter and Vega going the next two days.
Remember, if you can't make it down to RC, you can always listen online. The link is just over one the right. Also, don't be afraid to pass along any comments or questions to us. The new e-mail address is over there too. Don't be shy! We'd love to hear from you.
The Mavs could have easily swept that series against the 66ers just with a little more timely hitting. The team went into that series with great numbers at the plate with runners in scoring position. But for some reason, they just couldn't get that clutch hit when they needed it most.
The comeback win against Lake Elsinore in the first game of the series looked like it might have been a good sign of things to come. The Mavs got pummeled in the next two games by a combined score of 28-7, and gave up 38 hits to the Storm. But it was good to see them bounce back from those losses to win big themselves by a 10-1 score in the final game of the series.
If you've read these posts before, we've brought up the topic of how the Mavs weren't playing complete games. It looked like they had solved that problem against Lake Elsinore the first time around, but more of the same has shown up again. Sometimes, that's just how it goes. For instance, you can't apply the lack of a complete game theory to last night's loss. Nobody in the Cal League would've been able to hit Steve Marek the way he was dealing for the Quakes last night. But it was very encouraging to see Jon Lockwood throw his best game of the year, even though he picked up the loss for making one mistake. I'm interested to see how the rest of the series against the Quakes plays out. I like our chances with Cotter and Vega going the next two days.
Remember, if you can't make it down to RC, you can always listen online. The link is just over one the right. Also, don't be afraid to pass along any comments or questions to us. The new e-mail address is over there too. Don't be shy! We'd love to hear from you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Road Warriors
The Mavs should be rested and ready to go after their first day off of the year. Tonight they'll start a three-game set at Arrowhead Credit Union Park against the Inland Empire 66ers. As you probably recall, the Mavs and 66ers faced each other in the first series of the year, with the 66ers taking three of four at the Mav. In those four games, both teams combined to scored 88 runs! Arena baseball at its finest!
But after watching the Mavs this past weekend down in Lake Elsinore, I'm pretty sure the only way these two teams will average 22 runs per game is if the Mavs score 20 of them. Each series, the pitching--both starting and relief--seems to improve. The Mavs got three great starts from Jon Lockwood, Aaron Cotter, and Marwin Vega, and Paul Fagan certainly had a couple of great innings in his start as well. The bullpen had a scoreless streak of 9.2 straight innings, only to have it broken in the final inning the Storm batted in the entire series.
The offense might have struggled in the last game of the series, but on the whole, it showed it can hit anywhere. If you've been reading these posts and listening to our broadcasts, you probably know Jon and I have been waiting for Mike Saunders to bust out of his shell. Well it looks like he did against the Storm this weekend, going 6-12 with two doubles, a triple, three RBIs, and three runs scored. He had to leave Sunday's game early after being hit by a pitch square in the back, so hopefully it's nothing more than a bruise.
The Mavs have yet to win a series this season, but I think there's a good chance that can change this week. If you can't make the drive down the hill tonight, remember to tune in starting at 7:00 for the pre-game and 7:11 for the first pitch.
But after watching the Mavs this past weekend down in Lake Elsinore, I'm pretty sure the only way these two teams will average 22 runs per game is if the Mavs score 20 of them. Each series, the pitching--both starting and relief--seems to improve. The Mavs got three great starts from Jon Lockwood, Aaron Cotter, and Marwin Vega, and Paul Fagan certainly had a couple of great innings in his start as well. The bullpen had a scoreless streak of 9.2 straight innings, only to have it broken in the final inning the Storm batted in the entire series.
The offense might have struggled in the last game of the series, but on the whole, it showed it can hit anywhere. If you've been reading these posts and listening to our broadcasts, you probably know Jon and I have been waiting for Mike Saunders to bust out of his shell. Well it looks like he did against the Storm this weekend, going 6-12 with two doubles, a triple, three RBIs, and three runs scored. He had to leave Sunday's game early after being hit by a pitch square in the back, so hopefully it's nothing more than a bruise.
The Mavs have yet to win a series this season, but I think there's a good chance that can change this week. If you can't make the drive down the hill tonight, remember to tune in starting at 7:00 for the pre-game and 7:11 for the first pitch.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Early Thoughts
The main thing about this team, which I pointed out on the broadcast last night, is that they yet to play a complete game. The Mavs haven't quite executed on all levels of the game within a single game, and that's probably why they stand at 1-7.
The offense is going to be fine. I think we saw last night they can hit just fine away from the hitter-friendly confines of the Mav. I'll take my chances with six runs at Lake Elsinore any night. Plus, there are some hitters who I think will come out of their early season funks at any moment. Mike Saunders is ripe to have a break out game. It's bound to happen at some point. Even though the batting average isn't high, he is still very patient at the plate, and has drawn more walks already than some guys do in an entire season. It's that type of consistent approach at the plate that makes me confident he's going to be an offensive star.
The starting pitching has been inconsistent on various levels. On one hand, the Aarons--Jensen and Cotter--have been solid. The others have struggled at times, but have shown their abilities within their early starts. I think what we saw from Paul Fagan last night kind of typifies this. Even though he gave up seven runs in three innings last night, in one of those innings, he retired the Storm in order by striking out the side. With time, I think the starting pitching could come around.
The bullpen seems to improve every game. It was great to see Jose Escalona pitch two scoreless innings last night. Despite Brian Kappel's rocky first appearance, he will boost the 'pen.
That's all I've got for now. I won't be down in Lake Elsinore for the next two nights due to travel issues, so it might be a couple days until the next post. Jon will be flying solo on the air the next two games, so hopefully he's getting plenty of beauty rest at the lovely Lake Elsinore Hotel and Casino. You can listen to Jon starting at 6:57 both tonight and tomorrow night. Don't forget to tune into Sunday's clubhouse show starting at 2:05 on Sunday afternoon.
The offense is going to be fine. I think we saw last night they can hit just fine away from the hitter-friendly confines of the Mav. I'll take my chances with six runs at Lake Elsinore any night. Plus, there are some hitters who I think will come out of their early season funks at any moment. Mike Saunders is ripe to have a break out game. It's bound to happen at some point. Even though the batting average isn't high, he is still very patient at the plate, and has drawn more walks already than some guys do in an entire season. It's that type of consistent approach at the plate that makes me confident he's going to be an offensive star.
The starting pitching has been inconsistent on various levels. On one hand, the Aarons--Jensen and Cotter--have been solid. The others have struggled at times, but have shown their abilities within their early starts. I think what we saw from Paul Fagan last night kind of typifies this. Even though he gave up seven runs in three innings last night, in one of those innings, he retired the Storm in order by striking out the side. With time, I think the starting pitching could come around.
The bullpen seems to improve every game. It was great to see Jose Escalona pitch two scoreless innings last night. Despite Brian Kappel's rocky first appearance, he will boost the 'pen.
That's all I've got for now. I won't be down in Lake Elsinore for the next two nights due to travel issues, so it might be a couple days until the next post. Jon will be flying solo on the air the next two games, so hopefully he's getting plenty of beauty rest at the lovely Lake Elsinore Hotel and Casino. You can listen to Jon starting at 6:57 both tonight and tomorrow night. Don't forget to tune into Sunday's clubhouse show starting at 2:05 on Sunday afternoon.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Breaking News
Only seven games into the season, and we have our first roster change of the year. Righty reliever Jason Snyder has been placed on the DL after he was hit with a line drive foul ball while he was standing at the top of the dugout on Tuesday night. His place on the roster will be taken by Brian Kappel, who started out this year on Tacoma's roster even though he didn't make any appearances. Kappel had great numbers at Wisconsin last year, going 4-0 with a 1.61 ERA and 8 saves. Looks like he could be a stabilizing influence on the Mavs bullpen.
Remember, tonight is the first road game of 2007, so unless you're heading down to Lake Elsinore tonight, remember there are several ways to follow the Mavs. You can listen on TALK 960 or access online streams at either www.talk960.com or at www.milb.com.
Back with more analysis of the early season tomorrow...
Remember, tonight is the first road game of 2007, so unless you're heading down to Lake Elsinore tonight, remember there are several ways to follow the Mavs. You can listen on TALK 960 or access online streams at either www.talk960.com or at www.milb.com.
Back with more analysis of the early season tomorrow...
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Hello And Welcome...
To the new blog of the High Desert Mavericks!
Greetings, this is Alex Freedman, the newest member of the Mavericks broadcast team. Throughout the course of the season, the legendary Jon Rosen and I will post our thoughts and stories of the Mavericks' 2007 campaign.
The Mavs are currently on a four-game skid and will try to reverse their fortunes against the Visalia Oaks later tonight. Aaron Jensen will make his second start of the year, and if he throws first pitch strikes like he did against Inland Empire last Friday, then the Mavs should be in good shape. Dallas Buck will get the nod for the Oaks. Buck was very impressive in his first ever professional outing last week against Modesto. He pitched six shutout innings against the Nuts and struck out 11! At this time last year, he was helping Oregon State march all the way to winning a national championship.
Please check back here tomorrow, when we will post our initial thoughts on this year's squad after the team concludes it seven-game homestand to open the 2007 season.
GO MAVS!!!
Greetings, this is Alex Freedman, the newest member of the Mavericks broadcast team. Throughout the course of the season, the legendary Jon Rosen and I will post our thoughts and stories of the Mavericks' 2007 campaign.
The Mavs are currently on a four-game skid and will try to reverse their fortunes against the Visalia Oaks later tonight. Aaron Jensen will make his second start of the year, and if he throws first pitch strikes like he did against Inland Empire last Friday, then the Mavs should be in good shape. Dallas Buck will get the nod for the Oaks. Buck was very impressive in his first ever professional outing last week against Modesto. He pitched six shutout innings against the Nuts and struck out 11! At this time last year, he was helping Oregon State march all the way to winning a national championship.
Please check back here tomorrow, when we will post our initial thoughts on this year's squad after the team concludes it seven-game homestand to open the 2007 season.
GO MAVS!!!
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