Tamargo vs. Tamargo

 
The six-game Michigan swing heads here to Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly known as Oldsmobile Park) in Lansing.  The LumberKings are ailing after being swept in a doubleheader by the practically-double-A Great Lakes Loons last night, leaving them suddenly in fifth place and a half-game behidn Burlington for the West Wild Card.

The playoffs are on the line every day here in the second half for the Kings, but that takes a backseat to a degree to an unusual occurrence.  Tonight, we get to watch Clinton manager John Tamargo (pictured left on the front page of MiLB.com) face his own son, hitting coach and acting manager John Tamargo, Jr. of the Lugnuts.  I’ve been asked by a few folks if this is the first time a father and son will have managed against each other in Minor League Baseball, and to be quite honest, I haven’t been able to find out.

One thing is for sure — both Tamargos want to win this one.  JT Senior mentioned that in his speech to LumberKings’ fans at the 2010 Hot Stove Banquet way back in January.  Meanwhile, I can only imagine that JT Jr. wants to keep the playoff-hungry Lugnuts on a roll.  They’re coming off a series sweep of the Kane County Cougars, formerly the West’s first-place team.

My intention is to catch up with the Tamargos prior to tomorrow’s Sunday game.  Neither team was able to take the field today as a result of a major promotion going on at the ballpark all afternoon.

What I do have for you tonight is more LumberKings Game Notes and some highlights from last night’s doubleheader.  Enjoy:

• 7.24.10 kingsnotes.pdf
• Cerione Diving Catch 7.23.10.mp3
• Jones Solo HR (#8) 7.23.10.mp3
  
• Carroll Solo HR (#7) 7.23.10.mp3

Left-hander Nick Czyz (2-1, 3.51) makes a very important start tonight as he attempts to help snap a four-game losing streak.  The Kings have not lost five in a row this season.  The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM central time, listen online at 1390kcln.com.

-DL