Lake Monsters 6-24-13 Game Results

LAKE MONSTERS RELEASE

New York-Penn League Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics

LOWELL WINS RAIN-SHORTENED GAME 1-0 AT VERMONT MONDAY

Spinners score only run of six-inning game in third inning on a Tzu-Wei Lin RBI infield single

Just the 5th rain-shortened game at Centennial Field in the Lake Monsters 20-year history

Lake Monsters (3-5) will wrap up 6-game homestand on Tuesday vs. Lowell at 7:05 pm

Boxscore

BURLINGTON, VT --- Mario Alcantara tossed five scoreless innings and Tzu-Wei Lin's RBI infield single accounted for the only run in a six-inning, rain-shortened 1-0 victory for the Lowell Spinners in New York-Penn League action Monday night at historic Centennial Field.

The Spinners scored the only run of the game in the third off Vermont reliever Matt Stalcup, who walked the first two batters he faced in the inning. After a sacrifice bunt from Cleuluis Rondon, Lin bounced a grounder back up the middle for the infield single that scored Nick Moore. Stalcup worked out of further trouble in the inning and also got out of a second and third with one-out jam in the fourth by striking out Moore and Williams Jerez.

But the Lake Monsters offense was unable to get anything going against Alcantara, who gave up just two hits with two walks and four strikeouts over the four scoreless innings. B.J. Boyd had a one-out double in the first and Michael Soto a one-out double in the fourth for Vermont's only two hits.

Lowell reliever Taylor Grover retired the side in order, including a pair of strikeouts, in the bottom of the sixth before the game was halted by the umpires due to a thunderstorm that hit Centennial just as the inning was ending. It was just the fifth game at Centennial Field in Lake Monsters history to be shortened by rain (or fog) and the first Vermont loss in a shortened game at home since July 23, 1996 (2-1 loss to Lowell).

Vermont and Lowell will wrap up the three-game series and the Lake Monsters six-game homestand on Tuesday starting at 7:05 pm. All fans attending Tuesday's game will receive a free 2013 Vermont Lake Monsters team photo courtesy of Catamount Color.

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Lake Monsters Press Release 6-22-2013 Game Results

8-RUN INNING LEADS TIGERS TO 8-4 WIN OVER VERMONT SATURDAY

Connecticut snapped 0-0 tie with 8 runs on 5 hits in 7th inning ... Vermont scored all 4 of its runs in 9th

Michael Soto, Tyler Marincov and Reynaldo Mateo RBI doubles in 9th ... Vermont hosts Lowell Sunday

Boxscore

BURLINGTON, VT --- The Connecticut Tigers snapped a scoreless tie with eight runs in the top of the seventh inning to pick up their first win of the season with an 8-4 victory over the Vermont Lake Monsters in New York-Penn League action Saturday evening at historic Centennial Field.

Winless in their first four games and having scored just three runs in their first 42 innings, the Tigers sent 11 batters to the plate in the seventh inning off Vermont relievers Taylor Massey and Fernand Cruzado. Massey (0-1) did not retire any of the four batters he faced, allowing a double and three walks, while Cruzado gave up a two-run double to Dominic Ficociello and a three-run homer to Duncan McAlpine that capped the eight-run inning.

Vermont had just three hits over the first eight innnings before finally putting some offense together in the bottom of the ninth with four runs on four hits off Tigers pitcher Ryan Beck. Michael Soto, Tyler Marincov and Reynaldo Mateo each had an RBI double in the inning before Andrew Harrison came on in relief of Beck to retire the final two batters of the game.

Lake Monsters starter Gregory Paulino gave up just three hits with one walk and three strikeouts over six scoreless innings in his second start of the year, while Tigers starter Alex Phillips allowed just two hits with two walks and three strikeouts over five innings for a no-decision. Reliever Zac Reininger (1-0) tossed two scoreless innings to pick up the victory.

Patrick Leyland, Javier Azcona and Ficociello each had two hits for Connecticut (1-4), while Soto and Marincov two hits apiece for Vermont (2-4). 

The Lake Monsters homestand continues with the first of a three-game series against the Lowell Spinners, the NY-Penn League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, at Centennial on Sunday beginning at 5:05 pm. It is the first of three "Hot Dog Heavens" with 25-cent hot dogs on sale all game long.

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Time to play ball!  The Vermont Lake Monsters returned to Centennial Field for the 2013 Home Opener on Thursday night.  There were plenty of changes for the Monsters fans to notice.  Everything from major renovations to the ballpark, right down to these new Champ dolls.

The first and most obvious change to most will be the new grandstand seating which has replaced the concrete General Admission section.  This also includes numbered seating so be sure to take note of where your seats are when purchasing your tickets.  I did hear one group talking about how they missed that change so when they purchased tickets at separate times, they ended up with seats in various locations.

Another exciting seating addition is the new Field Level Seating.  A new section of General Admission bleachers have been added in front of the third base grandstand seating.  These are planned to be replaced in the future with the franchise's first Box Seats.  Along side of these seats, at the end of the visitors' dugout is the pair of recliners reserved for the winners of the "Best Seats In The House" promotion.

Also, for our the baseball history enthusiasts like myself, one addition includes part of a Major League Baseball stadium.  The section of Field Level Seating directly behind home plate are seats that have been moved here from Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland (Home of the Baltimore Orioles)

As you would expect, adding seats on the same level as the field has made some considerable changes to the playing field.  Many of these are a welcome sight to the players.  A long standing issue for catchers playing at Centennial Field has been the foul territory behind home plate.  As it stood before, the distance from the plate to the wall directly behind it was equal to the distance from the plate to the pitcher.  This presented a challenge for the catchers when chasing after a wild pitch for example.  Now, the fence behind the plate has decreased the distance so that it is now on par with other ballparks.

The dugouts have also undergone upgrades in the off-season.  In years prior, the teams could not all sit in the dugout at the same time.  Thanks to the upgrades, not only is there enough room for the team, except for the pitchers who are out in the new bullpen behind the right field wall, but even the bat boys & bat girls can sit with the team instead of chairs at the end.  Champ is sure enjoying the added dance space this provides for him as well.  We'll have to see if new roof provides any sound protection for the visiting teams against the stumping of those big blue shoes.

The left fielders will also be noticing some changes.  The left field wall has been moved in closer to the plate.  There is a chance that this change is partly responsible for Special Olympics Vermont earning their first $100 of the season from the Home Runs for Charity promotion.  The first Lake Monsters hit of the 2013 home season was a 1-run homer by third-baseman Chad Pinder.

The final change to the playing field was the wall along the third base foul line. The fence has been moved closer all along there.  This has resulted in a great increase in space along the barbecue area, although the guy with the jackhammer has a little less room to work in (don't worry, the sponsor did not lose out, the billboard was just reoriented).

Seems as though all of the renovations may be working for the team.  After an unfortunate 0-3 start on the road, they came home to Centennial Field and defeated the Connecticut Tigers (Detroit Tigers affiliate) with a score of 5-1.

What do you all think of the renovations?  Please leave a comment below and let us know.  Thank you everyone.

See you at the ballpark!

TODAY 9-11-2012

TODAY is September 11, 2012. 11 years ago, our lives were changed forever. It was one of those days where people vividly remember where they were and what they were doing when they got the news. I was at home that morning watching TV, Lois & Clark actually. The phone rang and it was my uncle telling mom to turn on channel 3, a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I can still tell yo

u the exact episode and the moment in the episode that was on when the TV changed to the horrific image of the towers with smoke billowing. I couldn’t even imagine what was to follow. None of us could.

TODAY, we honor the heroes. The first responders who ran into disaster, never stopping to think what may happen to them. The passengers aboard flight 93, who fought with their last breathes to see that their plane did not reach it’s intended target. All those who died that day, in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, and to the families they left behind. The brave men and women who put it all on the line everyday to keep us safe, and to their families at home as well. Thank you all.

TODAY, take the time to let your friends and family know that you love them. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Also, take the time to thank the heroes that are in your community everyday. Those in the military, both home and away, ready to do what is asked of them, and much more. Also, the first responders, who are ready to respond to the call, not always sure exactly what they are headed for. If you see a man or woman in uniform today, say thank you. It is something they are not told enough.

TODAY, and everyday, I am proud to be an American.

Historic Centennial Field hosts a historic moment

2012 has been an unpredictable season for the Vermont Lake Monsters.  Since it has been a while since the last post here, let's start with a quick season recap.

June
18	Tri-City	L 2-10
19	Tri-City	W 7-4
20	Tri-City	W 7-4
21	Tri-City	L 3-5
22	Lowell	L 3-5
23	Lowell	W 8-7
24	Lowell	W 7-2
25	Connecticut	W 3-2
26	Connecticut	Postponed
27	Connecticut	W 9-7
27	Connecticut	L 2-6
28	Lowell	L 5-6
29	Lowell	W 4-3
July
1	Connecticut	Postponed
2	Connecticut	L 0-8
2	Connecticut	L 6-9
3	Connecticut	W 4-3
4	Hudson Valley	W 2-1
5	Hudson Valley	L 0-6
6	Hudson Valley	W 5-3
7	State College	W 4-2
8	State College	W 8-2
9	State College	W 2-1
11	Jamestown	L 2-3
12	Jamestown	L 6-12
13	Jamestown	L 5-6
14	Williamsport	W 4-3
15	Williamsport	L 3-8
16	Williamsport	W 3-2
17	Connecticut	L 3-4
18	Connecticut	L 1-4
19	Tri-City	L 3-6
20	Tri-City	L 0-6
21	Tri-City	L 3-7
22	Tri-City	W 4-2
23	Lowell	Postponed
24	Lowell	L 3-5
24	Lowell	W 5-1
25	Auburn	L 7-8
26	Auburn	L 5-6
27	Auburn	L 0-4
28	Aberdeen	W 7-2
29	Aberdeen	L 1-2
30	Aberdeen	W 8-2
August
1	Mahoning Valley	L 1-6
2	Mahoning Valley	W 7-5
3	Mahoning Valley	L 0-2
4	Batavia	W 7-3
5	Batavia	W 3-1
6	Batavia	W 4-3
7	Hudson Valley	L 5-7
8	Hudson Valley	L 0-2
9	Hudson Valley	L 4-5
10	Brooklyn	L 0-1
11	Brooklyn	L 3-6
12	Brooklyn	L 5-10
15	Staten Island	W 6-2
16	Staten Island	W 3-2
17	Staten Island	L 3-10
18	Brooklyn	W 4-1
19	Brooklyn	L 0-2
20	Brooklyn	L 2-6
21	Staten Island	L 3-5
22	Staten Island	L 0-2
23	Staten Island	L 1-10
24	Tri-City	L 4-7
25	Tri-City	L 2-9
26	Tri-City	L 4-9
27	Connecticut	L 4-7
28	Connecticut	W 9-0
29	Lowell	L 0-6
30	Lowell	W 8-0
31	Tri-City	W 3-2
September
1	Tri-City	W 2-0

With a record of 31-41, the Monsters are in last place in the Stedler Division.  While they are not going to be able to make a repeat of last season, they still play some great baseball.

Saturday night's game was a historic moment in the history of the Vermont franchise.  It was the team's first ever No-Hitter.  Through the combined efforts of pitchers J.C. Menna, Deyvi Jimenez, and Ryan Dull, as well as tremendous support from the rest of the team, they were able to prevent any hits from the Tri-City ValleyCats.  A no-hitter is always an incredibly impressive achievement, but when you consider that they did it against the ValleyCats, who currently have the highest winning percentage in Minor League Baseball, it is a truly amazing moment for the team.

This year may not be a championship season for the Vermont Lake Monsters, but that doesn't stop the fans from cheering on their team.  Things like this no-hitter remind me of why I love Minor League Baseball.  Especially at the Single-A Short Season level, it is common for the team to be over 90% new each season, so the results can vary as well.  The no-hitter is also a good example of how a low record does not mean the players aren't talented.  It just means it didn't line up right this time.

The Lake Monsters are currently in the middle of the final homestand of the 2012 season.  Don't miss your chance to get out and see some great baseball at Historic Centennial Field.  They finish their series with Tri-City tomorrow and then wrap up the season with a 3 game set against the Aberdeen IronBirds.

See you at the ballpark!

Opening Night 2012 Brings A Lot Of New Changes

Centennial Field is the oldest ballpark still in operation in professional baseball.  Since the day in April 1906, when Ray Collins threw the very first pitch of the first game played here, the facility has undergone a lot of changes.  Over the past year, it has received some of the most notable changes it has seen in a long time, possibly ever.

As a Vermont Lake Monsters fan approaches the stadium gates, it may be hard not to notice one of the most visible changes.  Where there once was an old scoreboard with bad light sockets making it hard to read some of the numbers, there is now a brand new digital scoreboard underneath a 27' by 16' video screen.  The Lake Monsters have certainly hit the ground running making use of the new screen.  From sponsor ads, to birthday announcements, even a live camera in the ballpark showing fans and promotional games on the screen.  What kid, or adult, wouldn't be excited to see their face pop up on the screen?  Unless of course you were just biting into that hot dog.

Once you're inside, you'll start to notice other changes.  Some are more subtle than others.  First, the field lights were all replaced.  Those who are familiar with the park may notice on the way in that the light posts are actually set differently on the concourse.  They are a little further back from the bleachers and moved along as well.  Looking at some of the new lights over the field, the first impression isn't necessarily that they were upgraded.  Most of the units actually have fewer lights than before.  However, the new units are an entirely different technology allowing them to provide more light with energy and fixtures.

Many fans may not even notice the change which is actually the one the change the players will notice the most.  The entire infield was resurfaced over the off season.  The most notable result of this is that they were able to fix the significant drop between the infield and the outfield.  This makes for a better and safer experience for the players.  If you look closely, you'll see the difference when an infielder steps off the clay.  In the past, their feet would drop out of sight, but not anymore.

The infield was one of the two primary complaints heard from visiting teams in the past seasons.  The other was the visitors' clubhouse, which had been located at the far side of the soccer field behind the scoreboard. Now, it has been moved to the renovated locker room located directly below the scoreboard.  The switch makes for a significantly shorter trip between their dugout and the clubhouse.

Not to be left out, Champ decided it was time for a change too.  He retired his old green four-wheeler for the new 'sportier' yellow one.  The Lake Monsters even included a video on the screen showing Champ's story of how he found his new ride.

Summer has "officially" started now that the Vermont Lake Monsters are back at the ballpark.  They split the opening homestand against the Tri-City ValleyCats with a loss in the opener and a 7-4 win on the second night.  They now head out on the road to Tri-City for their first road trip of the season.  They'll be back in town on the 25th to take on the Connecticut Tigers.  Stay tuned to The 405 for updates on the team during the roadtrip.

Game photos available at http://www.bradboquetphotography.com

See you at the ballpark!

VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS MEDIA RELEASE

LAKE MONSTERS UPGRADE CENTENNIAL FIELD FOR 2012 SEASON
New Video Board, Scoreboard and Lights Among The New Additions To The Ballpark

BURLINGTON, VT --- With the security of a long term lease that was signed with the University of Vermont in April, the Vermont Lake Monsters have been busy upgrading the facility and ballpark to help alleviate several major concerns of Major League Baseball about historic Centennial Field, the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics announced today.

The biggest difference that Lake Monsters fans will see at Centennial is a brand new 27-foot by 16-foot video board and new scoreboard in left field provided by LSI Industries, Inc. The video board will give all fans a new game experience with the chance to get up close-and-personal with Lake Monster players through live video, headshots, player information, commercials, in between inning promotions and fan interaction.

Along with the video board, other upgrades to Centennial include:

* Each of the eight light towers taken down and replaced by new light towers with new wiring, fixtures and energy efficient lights as part of "Must Go Green" technology.

* Visiting teams have a new clubhouse (located underneath the scoreboard) including a coaches office, training room and locker space for all players.

* During the spring of 2011, the Lake Monsters clubhouse in the LaPointe Fieldhouse was renovated with a new lockers, training room, coaches offices and a players lounge.

* Following the 2011 season, the Centennial infield underwent a total renovation including regrading and resurfacing.

In all, the Lake Monsters have spent roughly $1,000,000 in upgrades and renovations to Centennial Field over the past year.

None of the improvements or renovations to Centennial Field would have been possible without the help of Total Sports Entertainment out of LaCrosse, WI, Twin State Signs, Melody Electric, Musco Lighting, Delta Electric, Burlington Electric, Lakewind Construction, SportsTurf Enterprises, the State of Vermont, the University of Vermont and the Centennial Field neighbors.

The 2012 Lake Monsters season opens this Monday, June 18th against the Tri-City ValleyCats at Centennial Field beginning at 7:05 pm.