Today’s Interview: Eddie Menchaca (Vol. 8)

Still working hard in August. Sunday road BP in Peoria.

Every game is a must-win when you’re only up 2.0 games for the Wild Card spot, and the LumberKings earned a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Peoria Chiefs in 10 innings here at O’Brien Field last night to maintain that lead.  The Kings had just two hits over the first seven innings, but pinch-runner Julio Morban scored on a two-out double by Robbie Anston in the eighth and Carlos Ramirez snapped the 1-1 tie in the 10th, ripping a 3-2 pitch from Chiefs’ right-hander Luis Liria to the picnic tables in right for a two-run home run (listen:  Ramirez GW 2-R HR (#3) 8.13.11).  Right-hander Tyler Burgoon gave up a pair of singles to start the bottom of the 10th before slamming the door shut for his 13th save (listen:  Burgoon Strikes Out Klafczynski for 13th Save 8.13.11).  Left-hander Anthony Fernandez, behind 1-0 much of the night, earned his much-deserved fifth win with just a run on five hits over a career-high 9.0 innings.

LumberKings’ Manager Eddie Menchaca joins me for today’s pregame interview.  We discuss the clutch performance of Ramirez, Fernandez’s development into the staff ace, Burgoon’s tough save, the still-struggling offense and more.

Listen Here:  Menchaca Interview 8.14.11

Today’s Game Notes:  8.14.11 kingsnotes

Last night’s win means the Kings can secure a series victory today in Peoria.  Left-hander Roenis Elias (1-0, 3.00) makes his third start for Clinton today as he matches up against Chiefs’ right-hander Brett Wallach (0-2, 4.70 with Peoria, 3-5, 5.74 in high-A Daytona).  First pitch is at 1:00 PM, listen to the broadcast on 1390kcln.com.

-DL

Follow me on Twitter at @davelezotte and the LumberKings at @LumberKings.