On the night Paul Hoilman set the franchise record for longest hit streak in team history at 22, the Peoria Chiefs were unable to take advantage of another quality start from Kyler Burke as they fell 2-1 to the Beloit Snappers Wednesday night at Peoria Chiefs Stadium before 2,370 fans. The Snappers jumped out to a lead in the top of the third. Rory Rhodes singled and advanced to second on a balk by Burke. A groundout moved Rhodes to third before Adam Pettersen joined him on the base paths with a one-out walk. Leadoff hitter Wang Wei-Lin brought home Rhodes slapping a ground ball past the diving Wes Darvill at third to open the scoring at 1-0. After setting franchise record for longest hitting streak in his first at bat, Paul Hoilman was at it again in the fourth. The first baseman tripled with one out off Steven Gruver (2-3) and trotted home with a sac fly from Taylor Davis knotting the score at 1-1. Beloit got their lead back in the seventh. After hitting the leadoff hitter Jonathan Goncalves, Burke allowed a bloop single to Rhodes, Kyle Knudson followed with a sac bunt while reaching on a fielders’ choice to load the bases for Adam Pettersen. Pettersen gave Beloit the lead with a sac fly down the right field line that allowed Goncalves to tag and score giving Beloit a 2-1 lead. Click here for the complete game stats.
-Bob
The Peoria Chiefs scored four runs in the third and another five in the fifth to top the Cedar Rapids Kernels 9-6 on Sunday afternoon. Greg Rohan went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a home run while Rubi Silva went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI to lead Peoria. Peoria’s starter Cam Greathouse finished with 4 1/3 innings pitched with four runs, three earned on four hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Jeff Antigua (1-0) who entered the game as the second Chiefs pitched earned his first win of the season throwing 2 2/3 innings allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two batters. Eduardo Figueroa came in to pitch the last two innings of the game and record his first save of the year.
-Bob
Last night was special as I had the pleasure to spend time with and capture some lifetime memories of my friend Payton McSimov. Pete “Mr. Baseball” Vonachen greeted everyone in the main office and quickly presented Payton with an official league baseball & Pro-model bat to get autographed by the team. We were then escorted to the team locker room where all of the players and coaches were extremely courteous as they posed for pictures and autographed his gifts. One of my favorite shot’s is of Payton, his father Chad, his grandfather Ralph Sutton and Pete Vonachen posing for a photo on the bench before the game. He had the opportunity to play catch with Peoria Chiefs catcher Luis Flores on the field and visit in the dugout with the payers again before the start of the game. Before he left the field he stood next to Chiefs manager Casey Kopitzke during the National Anthem. He left the field to make his way up to his reserved box seat’s. They were located directly behind the Chiefs dugout. After all the pre-game activities it was time to relax with his family and “big brother” Bradley Basketball star Sam Maniscalco. Then he sat back to watch his favorite team while dining on chicken strips, french fries and ice cold lemonade. You can’t beat fun at the old ballpark and to see the smile it brought to his face was absolutely priceless!
-Bob
Myron Noodleman is the Clown Prince of Baseball. If you don’t believe me here are some quotes from Minor League Baseball General Managers who have worked with him.
“Myron is always entertaining and funny. He does a great job being in the stands and interacting with the fans. He is one of the top entertainment acts out there. We will certainly book him again next year!” - Charlotte Stone Crabs
“Great entertainment value for the fans. Myron provides an excellent show that is a perfect fit for fun well done in a family atmosphere.” - Kansas City T-Bones
“Myron’s non-stop work in the crowd makes him a big hit with fans.” - Kane Co. County Cougars
“Myron is a classic minor league baseball act that every baseball fan needs to see at least once!” - Birmingham Barons
“Myron is a funny-looking character who can flat out dance.” - Jacksonville Suns
“We love how Myron works the crowd during the game. It’s hard to find a performer that combines on-field with in-crowd entertainment.” - Lansing Lugnuts
“Myron Noodleman brings life and laughter to any stadium.” - Peoria Chiefs
“Fans love to see Myron interacting with our players, coaches and umpires. It was a fun night!” - Gateway Grizzlies
-Bob
The Peoria Chiefs officially retired the #31 jersey of former pitching great Greg Maddux in pre-game ceremonies at O’Brien Field. The 44 year-old Maddux rode in to the ballpark on a vintage fire truck accompanied by the “Chariots of Fire” theme song and a scoreboard video montage of his illustrious career. He then walked to home plate with Pete Vonachen where he was greeted by Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, who proclaimed it as Greg Maddux Day in Peoria.
-Bob
