We’re giving away 1,000 of the Manny Machado bobbleheads today courtesy of BayRunner Shuttle. Gates open at 5 p.m. Get here early if you want this fine-looking bobblehead.

Mother Nature did not cooperate with the Keys’ plans Friday night, washing away Casino Night and postponing the 7 p.m. game against Wilmington.

But, as a result, we’re playing two at The Grove tonight, which will make for one grand Saturday evening at the ballpark. The doubleheader starts at 6 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m.

For starters, it’s Manny Machado bobblehead giveaway day presented by BayRunner Shuttle.

*Bobblehead giveaway tips:

• If you want a Manny bobblehead (it looks good, doesn’t it?) get here early. The earlier the better.
• We’re giving away 1,000 bobbles courtesy of BayRunner Shuttle when the gates open at 5 p.m.
• It’s first come, first serve and there will be a line.

Once you’ve got your bobblehead, get ready for two games that feature some strong pitching matchups. In game one, Keys pitcher Tim Berry takes on Blue Rocks top-pitching prospect and 2012 first-round pick Kyle Zimmer in game one. A look at the game one matchup:

• Fourth in the Carolina League with 38 strikeouts.
• Retired first 13 Wilmington batters in April 12 start against Zimmer and Blue Rocks. Fanned eight and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks over six innings in start, receiving a no-decision in the Keys’ 4-3 win.
• Rated by Baseball America as Baltimore’s 11^th-best prospect.
• Drafted in the final (50^th) round of the 2009 draft by the Orioles after senior season of high school, during which he threw a no-hitter and then had Tommy John surgery.

• Struck out eight Keys on April 12, allowing an unearned run on two hits and three walks. Enters game coming off a 6.1-inning, one-run start.
• Leads the Carolina League with 12.41 K/9 ratio; second in strikeouts (40).
• Rated by Baseball America as Kansas City’s No. 1 prospect. Had surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow in the offseason. When healthy, has registered 99 mph with his fastball.

And game two’s matchup:

• Has allowed just one run in 17.2 innings out the bullpen this season.
• Went 0-1 with a 4.30 ERA in three starts vs. Blue Rocks last season

• Had Tommy John surgery in ‘11; prior to injury was KC’s top pitching prospect
• Rated as Royals No. 11 prospect by Baseball America; 0-2, 8.00 ERA on the road this season

*Before we get underway with the games, The Grove will have a special first pitcher tonight. Noah “Biingo” Gray of “The Biggest Loser” fame will be tossing out a ceremonial first pitch this evening.

Biingo, a 13-year-old from New Windsor, was one of three child participants on the show who wanted to lose weight and get healthier. As part of his journey to a healthier lifestyle, Biingo, who loves baseball, came to Harry Grove Stadium for a workout that aired on the show.

He’s back tonight and he’s fit. Check out his before and after photos on nbc.com.

*And we’re planning for a beefed up fireworks show tonight, seeing as last night’s got rained out.

As of 2 p.m., tickets are still available. But them online at FrederickKeys.com at any time, at 301-815-9939 until 3 p.m., or at the Keys box office at Harry Grove Stadium.

*Want a bobblehead but can’t make tonight’s game? A complimentary bobblehead comes with any Keys ticket plan. We have Dylan Bundy bobbles, too.

*Tonight’s game one lineup:

Shake your Keys.

The roster release and the roster is below:

Frederick Keys News Release

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2013

KEYS RELEASE INITIAL ROSTER FOR 2013 SEASON

Frederick’s break camp roster includes several highly-rated prospects, 16 Keys from 2012

FREDERICK, Md. –  The Frederick Keys have released their initial roster for the 2013 season, which includes 16 returning players from the 2012 team that nearly made the postseason with a late-season surge. Led by new manager Ryan Minor, The Keys’ break camp roster also features two of Baltimore’s top-five prospects and eight of the Orioles’ top-30, as rated by Baseball America.

Nick Delmonico and Eduardo Rodriguez, rated fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Orioles’ system, highlight a roster laden with young, talented players. The Keys open their 25th season Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. at Harry Grove Stadium against the Salem Red Sox.

A left-handed pitcher from Venezuela, Rodriguez, who will turn 20 on April 7, started 22 games for class-A Delmarva last season, going 5-7 with a 3.70 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 107 innings pitched. Delmonico, 20, also spent 2012 with the Shorebirds, hitting .249 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 95 games as a first and second baseman.

Returning Keys Devin Jones, Tyler Wilson and Tim Berry join Rodriguez, Zach Davies and Zach Petersime in Frederick’s starting rotation. Baltimore’s No. 18 prospect Jones, a 22-year-old right-hander, proved dominant in the Carolina League after joining the Keys last July, going 7-1 with a 2.80 ERA in nine starts and throwing two complete games. He’ll be the Keys’ opening-night starter.

The Orioles’ 26th-ranked prospect, Wilson, 23, struck out 114 batters and walked just 19 in 111 innings with the Keys last season, recording a 7-7 record and a 3.49 ERA, and Berry, a 22-year-old southpaw rated as the 11th-best O’s prospect, went 5-5 with a 4.32 ERA for Frederick. Davies, rated as Baltimore’s 20th-best prospect, started his professional career as a 19-year-old with the Shorebirds, going 5-7 with a 3.86 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 114.1 innings, and Petersime, 24, was promoted from Delmarva to triple-A Norfolk for three starts in August after posting a 2.78 ERA in the Shorebirds’ bullpen. Davies and Petersime are both right-handed.

All five outfielders on the Keys’ roster are returning players from last season. Orioles’ No. 14 prospect and Baltimore native Glynn Davis (22 games, .256 batting average, 8 stolen bases with 2012 Keys), No. 27 prospect Brenden Webb (23 games, .270, three homers, 13 RBIs) and John Ruettiger (64 games, .274, 16 SB, .373 on-base percentage) were all important pieces in August and September, when Frederick posted a 19-14 record. Mike Planeta started the season with the Keys but was sent to Delmarva in May where he would hit .272. Injuries limited Trent Mummey in 2012, but he hit four home runs, drove in 22 RBIs and stole fifteen bases in 72 games with the Keys last season.

In the bullpen, lefties Zach Fowler and Trent Howard – all Keys in 2012 – join right-handers Eric Beaulac, Gene Escat, Marcel Prado, Jesse Beal and Matt Bischoff, who posted a 2.89 ERA in 16 games as a 2012 Key. Howard (4-10, with a 4.83 ERA with the Keys in 2012) moves from the rotation to the bullpen this season while Beal (4.70 ERA, 6.8 strikeouts per-nine-innings in 2012) and Escat (3.58 ERA) are slated to make their advanced class-A ball debuts.

Prado, a 25-year-old righty, is one of two independent league players, both of whom played for the El Paso Diablos, to make Frederick’s break camp roster. Prado, a former Dodgers farmhand, saved 15 games for the Diablos, throwing to catcher Zane Chavez, who joins him in Frederick this season. A four-year independent player, Chavez, 26, hit .339 with four homers and 51 RBIs between El Paso and Grand Prairie.

Michael Ohlman, 22, hit .304 in 51 games as a catcher and first baseman with Delmarva in 2012 and Allan de San Miguel, 25, spent the final month of the year with Keys and hit .260 while guiding Frederick’s pitching staff to their most successful stretch of the season.

Joining Delmonico in the infield are 2012 Keys Travis Adair, Jerome Pena and Sammie Starr and former Shorebirds Connor Narron and Jason Esposito. Adair hit .285 playing primarily third and second base while second baseman Pena, who was promoted twice in 2012 to reach Frederick, finished the season with the Keys and hit .308 in 20 games. Starr, a middle infielder, played just two games with the Keys last season and hit .238 in 106 games in Delmarva. Esposito drove in 51 runs as the Shorebirds’ everyday third baseman in his first professional season and Narron, son of the Keys’ first manager Jerry Narron, slugged 10 homers and drove in 55 runs while serving as Delmarva’s utility player.

Keys players and coaches will be made available to the media for interviews and photographs during the Keys’ Media Day on Tuesday, April 2, from 4-5:30 p.m.at Harry Grove Stadium. All credentialed media are invited to attend. To obtain a press pass, please contact Mike Mueller at mmueller@frederickkeys.com.

-http://www.frederickkeys.com-

The Frederick Keys, advanced-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, open their 2013 season against the Salem Red Sox Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at Harry Grove Stadium. Ticket plans and single-game tickets are on sale now at the Keys’ box office and can be purchased at the box office, by phone at 301-815-9939 or online at FrederickKeys.com.

Contact: Mike Mueller, 301-815-9915

Tyler Townsend, a Key in 2010, ’11 and ’12, retired yesterday.

A Key for the last three seasons, Tyler Townsend retired yesterday. A third-round pick by the Orioles in 2009, the left-handed hitting first baseman produced well when he was on the field, hitting .295 with 19 homers and 82 RBIs in his Keys career.

Injuries, however, plagued Townsend, 24, and his career lasted just four seasons. Townsend’s best season came in 2011, when he  played 67 games for Frederick, batting .317, slugging 24 doubles and 13 homers while driving in 50 RBIs. For his career, he hit .272 with 36 home runs, 64 doubles and 158 RBIs.

MASN’s Steve Melewski wrote a short story about Townsend retiring, which you can read here.

Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia could start the 2013 season in Frederick.

*The plan when the Orioles signed Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia was to have him start the season in double-A Bowie and then quickly make his way to the majors. But visa issues delayed his arrival at spring training, which came on Feb. 28, and reports are that he may start his American baseball career at a lower level — Frederick or low-A Delmarva.

Urrutia, 26, defected from Cuba to the Dominican Republic in 2011, but hasn’t been able to play since 2010, when Cuba suspended him from baseball for attempting to defect. This Baltimore Sun article written by Dan Connolly gives some good background on Urrutia and how he ended up with the O’s.

O’s director of player development Brian Graham told Melewski that Urrutia could start with the Keys or the Shorebirds in this story.

*In another Melewski story, Graham said the O’s could employ six-man rotations with some of their minor league clubs. Given that possibility, let’s try and project the Keys 2013 rotation come opening night.

Potential Keys starters include Eduardo Rodriguez, Branden Kline, Tim Berry, Parker Bridwell, Zach Davies, Tyler Wilson, Miguel Chalas, Trent Howard and Devin Jones.

2012 Delmarva Shorebirds Rodriguez and Bridwell, though both young, seem fairly certain to move up to Frederick this season. Kline, a Frederick native, pitched briefly for short-season-A Aberdeen last season after being drafted out of Virginia and seems like a prime candidate to start the season in his hometown, though he could start the year as a Shorebird.

Berry, Wilson, Howard and Jones all pitched for Frederick last season and all could move up to Bowie. Davies is just 20 years old, but pitched in Delmarva all of last season, his first as a professional, and performed pretty well. Chalas has a little more professional baseball experience, but is also just 20 years old.

My guess for the Keys’ rotation on opening day, in no particular order:

• Rodriguez
• Kline
• Berry
• Bridwell
• Howard
• Davies

Who do you think will wind up in the rotation this season?

*KeysFest is Saturday at 11 a.m. Single-game tickets go on sale at the event at Harry Grove Stadium, which is free. The Tots2Tweens.com Egg Hunt will be held during the event and there will also be free food samples. More info here.

Shake your Keys.

The Aberdeen IronBirds look to snap a three-game losing streak tonight against the Williamsport Crosscutters (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies). The IronBirds fell in a rain-shortened game to the Crosscutters last night, 8-2. Aberdeen starting pitcher Matt Hobgood surrendered six runs (four earned) on two hits in 1.1 innings of work. He walked four and hit two batters while striking out one. Third baseman Connor Narron had three hits and knocked in both IronBirds runs in the loss. The game was called in the top of the eighth inning due to rain. Tonight, the IronBirds will have opening night starter Parker Bridwell on the mound. Bridwell currently ranks third in the New York-Penn League in strikeouts (55). He’ll go up against left-handed pitcher Adam Morgan.

Promotions

Starting pitcher Mike Wright and reliever Kyle Simon have been promoted to the Class-A Delmarva Shorebirds. Wright, the Orioles’ 2011 third-round draft pick, went 2-1 with a 3.77 ERA in seven starts. Simon, who was Baltimore’s fourth round pick this year, pitched eight scoreless innings of relief over the course of six appearances.

Strong Returns

Right-handed pitcher Travis Strong has been transferred back to Aberdeen from Delmarva. Strong began the year with the IronBirds and posted a 1-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in six appearances (16.0 innings of work). While with the Shorebirds, Strong struggled. He went 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA in seven outings (8.2 innings).

Narron Snaps Slump

Narron had one of his best offensive games last night against the Crosscutters. The IronBirds’ third baseman went 3-for-3 with two RBI. It was his first three-hit game and first multi-RBI effort this season. Prior to last night, Narron had just three hits in his previous 48 at bats.

2011 New York-Penn League All-Star Game

Today is the final game before the all-star break. The 2011 New York-Penn League All-Star Game will be played at Lelacheur Park, in Lowell, MA, on Tuesday August 16^th. First pitch is currently scheduled for 7:35 PM. Four IronBirds were named all-stars. Infielders Joe Velleggia and Dudley Leonora, outfielder Glynn Davis, and starting pitcher Trent Howard will represent Aberdeen in the late-summer classic.

The Aberdeen IronBirds look for their sixth straight win tonight as they begin a three-game road series at the State College Spikes (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates). The IronBirds beat the Hudson Valley Renegades last night 6-4. Joe Velleggia had two doubles and three RBI in the win. Jose Mota tossed four scoreless innings of relief to pick up his first win of the season. Tonight, the IronBirds will have the right-hander Parker Bridwell on the hill. Bridwell is tied for second in the New York-Penn League in strikeouts with 52. He’ll go up against left-hander Mike Jefferson.

En Fuego

Winners of five straight games, the IronBirds are the hottest team in the league. No other team has a current win-streak of more than two games. This five-game winning streak was preceded by a five-game losing streak. Since starting off the season 2-17, the IronBirds are 16-15.

League’s Worst and Hottest Teams

The IronBirds and the Spikes have the two worst records in the NYPL. Both teams, however, have been playing much better as of late. As mentioned above, the IronBirds are riding a five-game win streak. State College has won eight of its last 10 games.

Four IronBirds Named All-Stars

Aberdeen infielders Velleggia and Dudley Leonora, outfielder Glynn Davis, and starting pitcher Trent Howard will represent the IronBirds on the American League team in the NYPL All-Star game. It’s the third time Aberdeen has sent four or more players to the exhibition. This year’s All-Star game will be played at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, MA on Tuesday August 16^th.

Revenge Against Renegades

After dropping six straight to the Renegades, the IronBirds have bounced back to win three straight against Hudson Valley. Aberdeen is now 4-6 against the Renegades this year.

Hot Start to August

With last night’s win, the IronBirds are now 5-2 in the month of August. Aberdeen has a 3.71 team ERA in August. Although it’s a small sample size, the club’s ERA in August is over a run-and-a-half better than it was in July (5.42).

Aberdeen, MD – The New York-Penn League announced today that IronBirds outfielder Glynn Davis, infielders Dudley Leonora and Joe Velleggia, and pitcher Trent Howard will play for the American League team in the 2011 New York-Penn League All-Star game. The exhibition will be played at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, MA on Tuesday August 16^th.

A Baltimore-area native, Davis played one year at Catonsville Community College. Although he went undrafted, the Baltimore Orioles liked what they saw and signed him as a free agent. He has not disappointed. Davis batted .316 in the month of July. He’s currently tied for the NYPL lead in stolen bases (18).

Leonora signed as an international free agent in 2008 out of Willemstad, Curacao. At just 19-years-old, he’s one of the youngest players on the team. Leonora has primarily played second base this season for Aberdeen. He led the IronBirds in batting average in the month of July (.330).

Velleggia was selected by the Orioles in the 40^th round of the 2010 draft. After an injury-plagued career at Old Dominion University, Velleggia has shown some pop in his bat. Velleggia leads the IronBirds in home runs (7) and RBI (24). Like Davis, Velleggia was also born and raised in the Baltimore-area.

Howard was selected by the O’s in the seventh round of the 2011 draft. Through nine outings (seven starts), Howard is 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA. He has struck out 38 batters in 32.1 innings of work. Howard pitched three seasons at Central Michigan University prior to being drafted.

This is the third time the IronBirds have sent four or more players to the All-Star game (four in 2007 and five in 2010).

The IronBirds host the Hudson Valley Renegades tonight at Ripken Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Aberdeen IronBirds sold out season tickets for the 10^th straight season. Group packages and single-game tickets, however, are still available for the 2011 season. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsbaseball.com.

 ###

Howard received the honor for the week ending July 31^st. He pitched twice in the seven-day time frame, going 1-0. In 11 scoreless innings, Howard surrendered just four hits and four walks while striking out 15 batters. Howard is the first IronBirds player this season to take home a league player of the week award.

Selected in the seventh round of the 2011 draft out of the University of Central Michigan, Howard has gone 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA in eight appearances for the IronBirds this season. This past spring for the Chippewas, Howard posted a 4-4 record with a 2.78 ERA in 14 starts.

The IronBirds will try to avoid a three-game sweep tonight as they take on the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Cleveland Indians) at Ripken Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Aberdeen IronBirds sold out season tickets for the 10^th straight season. Group packages and single-game tickets, however, are still available for the 2011 season. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsbaseball.com.

The Aberdeen IronBirds will look to avoid being swept in three games tonight by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Cleveland Indians). The IronBirds bats went cold once again yesterday as they fell 1-0. Starting pitcher Trent Howard pitched five shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out six. Brandon Erbe pitched a perfect sixth. Zach Petersime surrendered just one run, which ended up being the difference, over the final three innings of the game. Tonight, the IronBirds will have former first-round pick Matt Hobgood. He’s looking to bounce back after one of the worst outings of his career. He’ll go up against fellow right-hander Rob Nixon.

Where has all the scoring gone?

Aberdeen was shutout for the second time in three games last night. The IronBirds have scored just one run during this current three-game losing streak. The team scattered six hits throughout yesterday’s ball game, but never mounted much of a rally.

Howard Named Pitcher of the Week

After another excellent start yesterday, Howard was named the New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week. Howard received the honor for the week ending July 31^st. He pitched twice in the seven-day time frame, going 1-0. In 11 scoreless innings, Howard surrendered just four hits and four walks while striking out 15 batters. Howard is the first IronBirds player this season to take home a league player of the week award.

Eighth Inning Woes

Yesterday, for the second game in-a-row, the Scrappers waited until the eighth inning to get on the scoreboard and take the lead. The IronBirds have been outscored 33-9 in the eighth inning this season. Aberdeen is just 7-7 at Ripken Stadium when leading or tied after seven innings.

Erbe Perfect Again

For his second appearance in a row, Erbe retired the side in order yesterday against the Scrappers. He induced two fly ball outs and a ground out from the 1-2-3 hitters in the Mahoning Valley order. Erbe is trying to bounce back from labrum surgery.

Good Bye July

The IronBirds finished the month of July with an 11-18 record. While the team batted a respectable .254 in July, the team’s ERA was a league-worst 5.42.

The Aberdeen IronBirds look for their third win in-a-row tonight as they open up a three-game series at the Jamestown Jammers (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Florida Marlins). The IronBirds are coming into tonight’s ball game off their second off-day of the season. On Monday night Aberdeen shutout the Batavia Muckdogs 4-0. Ryan Berry, Trent Howard, and Zach Petersime combined to three-hit the Muckdogs. Howard pitched six shutout innings of relief and struck out nine batters. Tonight, the IronBirds will have right-hander Brandon Erbe on the hill. Erbe is expected to throw one inning as he continues to recover from labrum surgery. He’ll go up against right-hander Dejai Oliver, who was the eighth round pick of the Marlins in this year’s draft.

After Erbe…

Right-handed pitcher Luis Lebron is expected to pitch an inning after Erbe exits. Lebron, who is making his second appearance of the season for Aberdeen, missed all of 2010 after having Tommy John Surgery. After Lebron’s inning, former first-round pick Matt Hobgood will pitch.

Need to Switch Divisions

So far this season, the IronBirds have a .316 winning percentage (second-worst in the league). When they play teams from outside the McNamara Division, however, the IronBirds are 9-6. Aberdeen beat the Stedler Division’s first-place team, the Vermont Lake Monsters, four out of the six times they played. In addition, the IronBirds took two of three from Batavia at home. The Muckdogs are just a game out of first-place in the Pinckney Division.

Three-Hit Shutout

Monday night’s three-hit shutout of the Muckdogs was the IronBirds’ second shutout of the season. David Baker, Alex Schmarzo, Enrico Jimenez, and Jose Mota combined for a two-hit shutout of the Tri-City ValleyCats on July 9^th. Despite the strong effort Monday night, the IronBirds have a league-worst 5.19 ERA on the season.

Pinckney Division

Despite being all but out of the playoff race, the IronBirds have an opportunity to affect the Pinckney standings. Currently, three teams (including the Jammers) are tied for first place in the Pinckney Division. Following this three-game series, Aberdeen will host the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (who are also tied for first) for three games at Ripken Stadium.

The Aberdeen IronBirds and the Batavia Muckdogs (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) will meet tonight in the rubber match of their three-game series. After dropping the opener of the series, the IronBirds beat the Muckdogs in a 10-8 slugfest. With the game tied at three in the seventh and the bases loaded, Austin Knight blasted a three-run triple to right-center field to give the IronBirds a lead they would not relinquish. Batavia made it close in the ninth by scoring four runs, and bringing the potential tying run to the plate. Jose Mota was able to slam the door shut, however, for his third save of the season. Tonight, the IronBirds will have right-hander Ryan Berry on the hill. He’ll go up against left-hander Jonathan Cornelius.

Berry’s First Start

Tonight Berry will be making his first start of the 2011 season. The right-hander has been on the disabled list for most of the year with a shoulder strain. He’s expected to pitch two or three innings. Tonight’s originally scheduled starter, Trent Howard, will pitch after Berry exits the ball game.

Velleggia’s Return

First baseman Joe Velleggia returned to the IronBirds lineup last night. In his first game since July 18^th, Velleggia smoked a ball off the center field wall for a triple. He finished 1-for-3 with two walks and a strikeout. Velleggia was out of the lineup after fracturing his orbital bone and nose following a freak accident in the batting cage.

IronBirds Win for Cowan

In last night’s win, Jake Cowan allowed just two runs (one earned) on two hits in six innings of work. Although Cowan did not get credited with the win, it was the first time this year Aberdeen won a game in which Cowan started.

Sammie Continues to Star

Sammie Starr knocked in three more runs in yesterday’s win against Batavia. Starr has 11 RBI in nine games played. He’s tied for fourth on the team in runs batted in with Wynston Sawyer (who has played in 35 games this season).

Dudley’s July

With four more hits yesterday, IronBirds second baseman Dudley Leonora is now batting .346 in the month of July, which leads the team.

The Aberdeen IronBirds look for a two-game series split tonight against the Brooklyn Cyclones (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the New York Mets). The Cyclones took the opener of the series by a final score of 12-5. Holding a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning, Aberdeen surrendered five runs in the fifth inning to cough up the lead. The Cyclones tacked on six total runs over the seventh and eighth innings to pick up the victory. Tonight, Aberdeen will have left-hander Trent Howard atop the hill. Howard, a seventh-round draft pick in 2011, is looking for his second win of the season. He’ll go up against fellow left-hander Carlos Vazquez. This will be Vazquez’s second start of the season against Aberdeen.

Bad Break for Joe

IronBirds infielder Joe Velleggia was scratched from the lineup last night after being hit in the face with a baseball while working out in the batting cage before the game. Velleggia is once again not in the lineup tonight. He had been riding a six-game hitting streak and is leading the IronBirds in all three Triple Crown categories.

Other Streaking IronBirds

Including Velleggia, the IronBirds have six hitters on their roster that have hit safely in five or more consecutive games. Glynn Davis picked up three hits last night to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. Dudley Leonora currently has an eight-game hitting streak. Wynston Sawyer and Mychal Givens have hit safely in six straight contests. Austin Goolsby has hit safely in five in-a-row.

Brooklyn Beat-Downs Continue

Following last night’s loss, the IronBirds dropped to 1-6 against the Cyclones this season. In the seven games against the Cyclones, Aberdeen has been outscored 35-18. In 2010, the IronBirds posted just a single victory against Brooklyn.

Roster Moves

The IronBirds have added four players over the past two days. Catcher Kyle Moore was transferred from the Class-A Delmarva Shorebirds to Aberdeen. The IronBirds were in need of a third catcher after Adam Davis was placed on the disabled list. 2011 fourth-round pick Kyle Simon also reported to Aberdeen. Simon made his IronBirds debut as well Tuesday night, tossing a scoreless inning of work. Finally Matt Hobgood and Ryan Berry reached the end of their allotted rehab time. They were officially added to the team’s roster earlier today.

The Aberdeen IronBirds look to win their second consecutive series tonight as they take on the Vermont Lake Monsters (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Oakland A’s) in the rubber match of a three-game series. After winning the opener, Aberdeen fell last night to Vermont 8-2 in 14 innings. Tied at two heading into the 14^th, the Lake Monsters struck for six runs on five hits against Aberdeen reliever Orlando Alfonso. The 14-inning affair tied a record for the longest IronBirds game at Ripken Stadium (the IronBirds defeated the Brooklyn Cyclones in 14 frames on July 2, 2005). Aberdeen will go for the series win with left-hander Trent Howard atop the hill. Howard was the Orioles’ seventh-round pick in this year’s draft. He’ll go up against fellow southpaw Brent Powers.

Records Broken

Last night’s 14-inning game tied a record for the longest home game in IronBirds history. In addition, Aberdeen used seven different pitchers, tying a record for the most hurlers used in a game. The IronBirds used seven pitchers two previous times: on August 26, 2003 against the Staten Island Yankees and September 7, 2006 against the Lowell Spinners.

Three More? Why Not.

Following tonight’s ball game, the IronBirds will board a bus and head to Burlington, VT to play three more games against the Lake Monsters. The IronBirds will play the same team six straight days two times this summer. In August, Aberdeen will take on the Connecticut Tigers on six consecutive nights.

Glynn’s Streaking

With two more hits in yesterday’s loss, Aberdeen center fielder Glynn Davis has hits in five consecutive games. The five-game hitting streak ties him for the longest such streak by an IronBirds hitter this season. Mychal Givens, Connor Narron, and Joe Velleggia have also had five-game hitting streaks.

Hobgood and Berry to Rehab with Aberdeen

Orioles prospects Matt Hobgood and Ryan Berry are expected to begin rehab stints with the IronBirds in Vermont. Hobgood and Berry have both been dealing with shoulder issues. Hobgood, who was the Orioles’ first-round pick in 2009, is expected to start Saturday’s game.

The Aberdeen IronBirds go for their first series win of the season tonight as they play the Tri-City ValleyCats (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Houston Astros) in the rubber match of their three-game series. After shutting out Tri-City in the series opener, the ValleyCats beat the IronBirds 5-1 Sunday evening. Aberdeen scored its only run in the ninth when Connor Narron knocked in Wynston Sawyer with his second double of the ball game. The IronBirds will have right-hander Mike Wright on the mound. The Orioles’ third-round pick is making his second start of the season for the IronBirds. He’ll go up against fellow right-hander Euris Quezada.

Narron’s Heating Up

After getting off to a slow start, Narron is beginning to heat up at the plate. The switch-hitting third baseman has hit safely in four straight games. Narron hit two doubles in last night’s loss. He currently leads the IronBirds in on-base percentage and walks.

Strong Long Relief

After starting pitcher Trent Howard left yesterday’s game, Travis Strong entered the game and pitched a season-high four innings. He allowed two runs on five hits over that span. Strong’s four innings of work ties an IronBirds’ season-high for a reliever (Eddie Gamboa pitched four innings in a rehab appearance on June 22^nd against the Brooklyn Cyclones). 

Fowler Makes Debut

Orioles 34^th round pick Zach Fowler made his IronBirds debut Sunday night at Tri-City. The left-hander allowed a run on three hits in one inning of work. Fowler was drafted out of Texas Tech.

Much Needed Rest

Following the series with Tri-City, the IronBirds will have their first off-day of the 2011 season. Aberdeen is scheduled to play 25 straight games to start the season. Mychal Givens and Narron have played in every game so far this season, and are tied for the league lead in games played.

Six Straight with Vermont

Following the off-day on Tuesday, the IronBirds open a three-game series with the Vermont Lake Monsters (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Oakland A’s). Following the three-game set at Ripken Stadum, the IronBirds will play a trio of contests at Vermont.

The Aberdeen IronBirds attempt to win back-to-back games for the first time this season tonight against the Tri-City ValleyCats (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Houston Astros). The IronBirds defeated the ValleyCats in the series opener Saturday night 2-0. David Baker pitched a season-high six innings, and allowed no runs on just two hits. Alex Schmarzo, Enrico Jimenez, and Jose Mota pitched three hitless and scoreless innings to finish off the two-hit shutout. The IronBirds go for the series win with left-hander Trent Howard atop the hill. Howard has been on a tight pitch count since joining the IronBirds as a seventh-round draft pick. He’ll go up against right-hander Jonas Dufek.

Two-Hit Shutout

Four IronBirds pitchers combined to throw a two-hit shutout Saturday night against the Tri-City ValleyCats. The shutout was the first tossed by the IronBirds in 2011. The two hits was also a season low for hits allowed in a game.

Velleggia Breaks Drought

The IronBirds went 13 games without hitting a home run. First baseman Joe Velleggia ended the drought last night by blasting his second home run of the season. Velleggia is now tied for the team lead in home runs with Wynston Sawyer and Jeremy Nowak (who has since been promoted to the Class-A Delmarva Shorebirds).

Winning Firsts

The IronBirds won their first road game of the 2011 season last night. They had dropped eight straight games to start the year away from Ripken Stadium. A win tonight would complete Aberdeen’s first series win of the season. It would also be the first time they’ve won back-to-back games in 2011.

Narron is Walking

IronBirds third baseman Connor Narron is leading the team in on-base percentage (.374) despite batting just .219. Narron has walked a team-leading 16 times. He currently is tied for fourth in the New York-Penn League in free passes.

Much Needed Rest

Following the series with Tri-City, the IronBirds will have their first off-day of the 2011 season. Aberdeen is scheduled to play 25 straight games to start the season. Givens and Narron have played in every game so far this season, and are tied for the league lead in games played.

The IronBirds look to snap a seven-game losing streak tonight against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays). Aberdeen continued its losing ways last night, as they fell to Hudson Valley by a final score of 6-0. A one-run ball game until the top of the ninth, the Renegades struck for five runs in the game’s final inning to break the game wide open. Manager Leo Gomez and pitcher Steven Mazur were both ejected for arguing calls. Matt Rice and Jeff Malm capped off the inning with back-to-back homers. The IronBirds will have 2011 seventh-round pick Trent Howard atop the hill tonight. The Renegades will counter with fellow left-hander Jacob Partridge.

Rough Start to July

The IronBirds are off to a 0-4 start in July, but that doesn’t begin to describe how much Aberdeen has struggled. The IronBirds are batting just .165 in July and have a team ERA of 8.45. The club has made five errors in the four games and has been outscored 36-5.

Looking for a Lead

Aberdeen hasn’t held a lead in a game in the month of July. The last time the IronBirds were ahead in a ball game was on June 30^th against Staten Island. On that date, Aberdeen held a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second, before the Yankees tied it up, took the lead, and eventually won the game.

Bottoming Out

The IronBirds are currently tied with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the San Francisco Giants in the Northwest League) for the worst winning percentage in affiliated baseball. Aberdeen currently has the worst team batting average (.209) and the worst team ERA (5.06) in the New York-Penn League.

Help on the Way?

The Baltimore Orioles added three 2011 top 10 draft picks to the IronBirds roster yesterday. Third-round pick RHP Mike Wright, fifth-round pick LHP Matt Taylor, and ninth-round pick RHP Devin Jones have been transferred from the Gulf Coast League. Wright is expected to start on Wednesday against the Lowell Spinners. He will likely throw two innings and be relieved by Taylor, who will also throw two innings. To make move on the roster for the trip, the Orioles released pitchers Samuel Taveras, Brandon Holloway and James Brandhorst, and outfielder Cody Young.

Wright made 16 starts this past spring for Eastern Carolina University. A three-year starter for the Pirates, Wright went 6-4 with a 2.79 ERA in 2011. Wright is a tall, lanky, right-hander whose fastball has been clocked as high as 97 MPH.

Taylor spent this past spring pitching for Middle Georgia College. The southpaw went 7-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 15 starts (16 total outings). He struck 128 batters in just 81.2 innings of work. Taylor pitched his freshman season for the University of Alabama.

Jones made 19 appearances and eight starts for Mississippi State in 2011. He went 2-5 with a 4.37 ERA for the Bulldogs. He’s known for having a mid-90’s fastball and a strong slider.

To make room for the three draft picks, RHP Samuel Taveras, RHP James Brandhorst, LHP Brandon Holloway and OF Cody Young were released. LHP Chris George was also transferred from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, but isn’t expected to report to Aberdeen.

The IronBirds begin a five-game home stand Monday night, July 4^th, at Ripken Stadium.

The Aberdeen IronBirds sold out season tickets for the 10^th straight season. Group packages and single-game tickets, however, are still available for the 2011 season. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsbaseball.com.

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The IronBirds will attempt to snap a nine-game losing streak tonight against the Brooklyn Cyclones (Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the New York Mets). The IronBirds lost an ugly game last night at Ripken Stadium. The Cyclones scored six runs, but were aided by five Aberdeen errors. IronBirds pitchers also walked a season-high nine batters. Aberdeen mustered just three hits at the plate, and lost 6-1. The IronBirds will turn to their ace Parker Bridwell to try to snap the losing streak. Bridwell struggled in his last outing, which came at Brooklyn. He’ll go up against right-hander Eduardo Aldama.

 The Losing Streak

After winning on opening night, the IronBirds have lost nine straight games. The losing streak is an Aberdeen record for a single season. Aberdeen lost 10 straight games over the 2004-2005 seasons (closed out 2004 with four losses, opened 2005 with six losses). The 1-9 start ties a record for the worst start in franchise history (2005 club also started the season 1-9).

 Brooklyn Blues

Over the last two seasons, the IronBirds are a paltry 1-13 against the Cyclones. Aberdeen hasn’t beaten Brooklyn since June 26, 2010. The IronBirds have not won at MCU Park since July 28, 2009. All time, the Cyclones have had the IronBirds number as well. Aberdeen has a .333 winning percentage all time against Brooklyn.

 Roster Moves

The IronBirds made a number of roster moves today. Outfielder Chris Clinton has rejoined the club from the Delmarva Shorebirds. Clinton went 0-for-3 in one game with Delmarva. Right-handed pitcher Brandon Cooney has wrapped up his rehab assignment and rejoined the Double-A Bowie Baysox. Right-handed pitcher Aaron Swenson was released. He did not report to Aberdeen, but was on the team’s roster.

 2011 Draft Picks

After starting the season without any 2011 draft picks on the squad, the IronBirds now have two. Seventh round pick Trent Howard and 11^th round pick Adam Davis have both been added to the roster. Howard is a left-handed pitcher who went 4-4 with a 2.78 ERA in 14 starts for Central Michigan University this past spring. Davis is a catcher from the University of Illinois, who was an All-Big Ten second-team selection in 2011.

Trent’s brother, Chris, has also started fly fishing. Check out the next picture of the two brothers….tell me those guys won’t remember that fish when they become “old timers”. This story is entirely what our blog is all about….getting out there and making those memories.

Thanks Trent for a great tale. That is one heck of a fish…and you let him go.

Thanks for fishing with us today, please come back and we’ll go again.

Jeff
Hunting our Heritage, one memory at a time……