Final Wrap-up with Scott Steinmann

The LumberKings hit the field for the final time in 2009 on this bittersweet Labor Day at Alliant Energy Field.  A six-month 140-game grind comes to an abrupt halt with no pending trip to the playoffs.  Players and staff alike are excited to get some time off and see friends and family once more, but it’s also the last time that this “family” will be all in one place.

The Kings showed a glimpse of their first-half selves last night, posting their 13th last at-bat win in a 5-4 comeback over the Peoria Chiefs.  Nate Tenbrink lined a game-tying double to the wall in right-center and then shielded shortstop Junior Lake from Tommy Johnson’s grounder.  Lake committed a fielding error, sending Tenbrink home for the 5-4 lead.  Cheyne Hann put runners at the corners in the top of the ninth but still locked down his 12th save.

Listen to Tenbrink’s heroics here: 
Tenbrink game tying 2-run double 9.6 vs. Peoria.mp3

Scott Steinmann’s club will try and match that intensity today as they play for the final time against the playoff-bound Chiefs.  Read about the game in today’s notes:  9.7.09 kingsnotes.pdf

Speaking of Steiny, he’s my final pregame interview guest today.  It’s part two of my 2009 Season Wrap-up.  We heard from General Manager Ted Tornow on the business side yesterday, today Steinmann talks about the benefits of his club being in a playoff race, the hitters ready for High Desert, the outstanding pitching staff, his favorite memories of the season and more.

Listen Here: 
Scott Steinmann Interview (Season Wrap) 9.7.09.mp3 

Of course, this isn’t the end of the LumberBlog for 2009, not by a long shot.  Tomorrow, I’ll give you my own Midwest League Playoff Preview, plus the final 2009 Season Report on your LumberKings will follow sometime next week.

-DL