2021 In Review: Trash Pandas Pitching - Part 1
The 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas season was filled with highs and lows on every front. But on the bump, the highs were especially sweet. Of the 36 pitchers to take the mound for the Trash Pandas in 2021, 10 went on to make their MLB debut for the Los
The 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas season was filled with highs and lows on every front. But on the bump, the highs were especially sweet. Of the 36 pitchers to take the mound for the Trash Pandas in 2021, 10 went on to make their MLB debut for the Los Angeles Angels.
In the first article of our Season In Review series, here is Part 1 of the top 10 pitching performances from the Rocket City Trash Pandas in their inaugural season. Part 2 will be published next week!
10. Biegalski’s Birthday Brilliance in Birmingham – July 13
Entering in the second inning with a three-run deficit was probably not how reliever Boomer Biegalski pictured his 27th birthday playing out. In the opener of a six-game set against their closest rival, Biegalski shined out of the bullpen to earn the only appearance on this list for a relief pitcher. Over five scoreless frames, the Trash Pandas reliever kept the potent Barons offense in check, allowing just a solo home run while striking out nine, the most by any Rocket City reliever in a single game, to earn a victory as a birthday present as Rocket City rallied for an 8-5 win.
9. Diaz Dazzles in First Start – May 13
All 1️⃣1️⃣ strikeouts from Jhonathan Diaz tonight.
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) May 14, 2021
🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊 pic.twitter.com/UlYxmKkjQM
After opening with two appearances out of the Rocket City rotation, southpaw Jhonathan Diaz was given the start in the third game in Toyota Field history against Tennessee on May 13. In his first start since August 2019, Diaz struck out the first four Smokies he faced. Then, he struck out four more again between the third and fourth innings while taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He finished with a career-high 11 strikeouts while allowing just one hit and walking two over 5.2 innings to earn the first win by a Trash Pandas starter. Nathan Bates and Oliver Ortega combined to pitch the final 3.1 innings, finishing the first shutout in Trash Pandas history with a 2-0 triumph. The move to the rotation would be the beginning of a career-year for Diaz.
“He stepped up huge for us. We needed a spot start and he gave it to us, doing a fantastic job. He pounded the strike zone,” Trash Pandas manager Jay Bell said that night. “He was putting everything where it was supposed to be and I was very impressed with his start. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect start.”
8. Criswell’s Career Night Crushes Shuckers – June 16
The man was mercurial tonight. 💫
All FOURTEEN strikeouts from @criswell_cooper! pic.twitter.com/VYgxA0vodM
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) June 17, 2021
Heading into their June 16 matchup with Biloxi, the Trash Pandas had won seven of their previous eight games. Cooper Criswell kept the good vibes going with another dominant performance. In the first, he recorded back-to-back strikeouts to strand a pair on base. He struck out at least a pair of Shuckers in the second, third, and fourth innings as the Trash Pandas built a lead. After a clean sixth, Criswell struck out two more in the seventh to end his night with a career-high 14 strikeouts while walking none over 6.2 scoreless frames to earn his third win of the season. At the time, it set a Trash Pandas franchise record for strikeouts in a game. Adrian Almeida and Nathan Bates combined to finish the 3-0 win, improving the Trash Pandas record to three games above .500 for the first time at 20-17. Criswell earned Double-A South Pitcher of the Week honors after this start.
“Tonight, I felt comfortable with all of my pitches. Michael Cruz called a great game. We were on the same page all night. Most of the time when that’s the case, it’s destined to be a pretty good night,” Criswell said at the time. “My changeup was working really well. I got a lot of swings and misses on that. But it felt great to be able to locate all of my pitches whenever I needed to.”
7. Tyler Twirls Gem to Extend Scoreless Streak - June 1
Simply sublime once again from @KT_OU15.
8 IP // 4 H // 1 R // 7 K
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/hIn3kNApfz
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) June 2, 2021
Early in the season, Kyle Tyler was the Trash Pandas’ most consistent starter. After allowing three runs in each of his first two starts, Tyler settled down with back-to-back scoreless outings to earn a win on May 19 at Pensacola and May 26 vs. Birmingham. In his next start on June 1 against Chattanooga, Tyler was even better. With strong defense behind him, Tyler became the first Trash Panda to pitch into the ninth inning, but was pulled after a leadoff single in the ninth. That run eventually came around to score, snapping Tyler’s scoreless streak at 23.2 innings, a mark that was the best for a Rocket City pitcher in 2021. Over eight innings, Tyler allowed the run on four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts to earn his third straight win in a 6-1 Rocket City triumph.
“Kyle did a fantastic job on the mound. He set the tone early and just pounded the strike zone,” Bell said. “He was around the strike zone all night long and it was a great performance.”
6. Criswell Goes The Distance in Chattanooga – June 22
⭐️ 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧 ⭐️@criswell_cooper goes the distance for the W! pic.twitter.com/bQ7en3LdAf
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) June 23, 2021
Following his 14-strikeout performance, Cooper Criswell was even better in his next start at Chattanooga on June 22. But in the first inning, it looked like he wouldn’t last long as the Lookouts plated a pair to take an early lead. He settled down from there, facing the minimum over the next three innings to keep the game close. When Rocket City took the lead in the eighth, Criswell remained on the mound. Pitching mostly to contact, Criswell finished what he started with the first nine-inning complete game of his career and the first in Trash Pandas history, allowing just two runs on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts. The win was the second of what proved to be four wins in a row for the righty who eventually made his MLB debut for the Angels in August.
Honorable Mentions:
-On June 26 at Chattanooga, Reid Detmers had a career night on the mound with a franchise record 16 strikeouts over six innings. But he also allowed five runs on seven hits, including three home runs as the Trash Pandas suffered an 8-6 loss. In relief, Ryan Clark added three strikeouts to increase the total to 19 for the game, a record that looks tough to beat in the future.
-Following a six-day break in the schedule because of a string of cancellations, Rocket City began the final month of the season with a four-game set against Tennessee on September 2. That night, lefty Ryan Smith turned in his best Double-A outing, tossing seven scoreless innings while walking none and striking out nine to earn the win as the Trash Pandas routed the Smokies 9-0. Smith earned Double-A South Pitcher of the Week honors for this brilliant start.
-With Rocket City on a four-game losing streak heading into a crucial matchup in Birmingham on September 10, the Trash Pandas gave the ball to rookie Brett Kerry for his Double-A debut. In just his fifth professional start, Kerry was strong, keeping the powerful Birmingham offense off the board for five innings. He induced double plays in both the second and third to maintain the scoreless tie, and ended his night with a six-pitch bottom of the fifth. However, the Trash Pandas were also held in check offensively in a 2-0 loss.
Independence Week and Fourth of July Festival coming up at Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a week-long Independence Day celebration as they host the Knoxville Smokies at Toyota Field from July 1-3. The festivities will include an Independence Eve Celebration and Fireworks, presented by SAIC, and a Fourth of July Festival culminating with
Fatherhood, Baseball, and Life Lessons
Baseball and fatherhood go hand in hand for many families across the country. Most boys learn the game from their dads, who often learn it from theirs, and so on. Both baseball and fatherhood require Leadership, planning, and teamwork. The relationship between the two goes much deeper than a game
Wednesday's doubleheader suspended, will resume on Thursday
Madison, Ala. – Game one of Wednesday's doubleheader between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Toyota Field has been suspended. This game will resume on Thursday at 4:05 pm, followed by a second seven-inning game approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first. On Wednesday,
Homestand Highlights: June 17-22 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas continue their longest homestand of the season as they close out the first half welcoming the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds' Double-A affiliate, at Toyota Field for seven games over six days, from Tuesday, June 17 to Sunday, June 22. The second
Trash Pandas show off their Butts, and win 4-1 over Blue Wahoos
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (24-35) kicked off a weekend celebration of Alabama's rich BBQ history on Friday night by playing as their alternate identity, the Bama Butts. They posted a 4-1 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-21) in front of 5,381 fans at Toyota Field.
Christian Moore Launched to the League
MADISON, Ala. – Former Trash Pandas infielder Christian Moore is headed to the majors after the Los Angeles Angels purchased his contract today. He becomes the 41st Trash Pandas player to make his major league debut. After a slow start to the season, Moore was riding a seven-game hitting streak
Pandas win second-straight over Wahoos, 5-4, on Thursday
MADISON, Ala. – On Thursday night at Toyota Field, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (23-35) captured their second consecutive victory, knocking off the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-30) 5-4. Mitch Farris struck out 10 batters over 6.1 innings, allowing the Pandas' offense to overcome a 3-0 deficit. The win gives Rocket
Pandas walk off Pensacola on Cole Fontenelle's 10th inning single
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (22-35) bounced back on Wednesday with a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-29), thanks to Cole Fontenelle's RBI single in the 10th inning. The Pandas out-hit the Blue Wahoos 12-11 and received another quality start from pitcher Walbert Ureña.
Hurtado stymies Barons 3-1 on Saturday night
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Joel Hurtado (W, 5-4) delivered his team-best sixth quality start of the season on Saturday night, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (21-33) to a 3-1 victory over the Birmingham Barons (30-25). The win gives Rocket City a 3-2 advantage in the series, heading into the finale
Barons win slogfest over Trash Pandas 11-6
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Nelson Rada extended his league-leading on-base streak to 15 games on Friday night, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-33) fell 11-6, their second straight loss to the Birmingham Barons (30-24) at Regions Field. Rada recorded his fourth three-hit game of the season, finishing 3-for-5 with a
Trash Pandas shut out Barons 1-0 in Rickwood Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-31) continued their winning ways on Wednesday afternoon, grabbing a 1-0 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-24) during the Rickwood Classic. With this win, the Trash Pandas improved to 6-2 over their last eight games and took a 2-0 lead in the
Pandas start road trip with extra-inning win over Barons
The Rocket City Trash Pandas (19-31) started their six-game road series in Birmingham on Tuesday night with a 3-2 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-23) in 10 innings. This win improved the Pandas' record to 5-2 in their last seven games as the series moves to historic Rickwood Field on
Sam Aldegheri recalled by Angels, Blankenhorn begins rehab assignment
MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels made the following roster moves on Monday, impacting the Rocket City Trash Pandas. They have recalled left-handed pitcher Sam Aldegheri, who will be joining the team in Boston. Additionally, outfielder Travis Blankenhorn has begun a rehabilitation assignment with the ACL Angels. This season,
Trash Pandas beat Shuckers 2-1 on Saturday behind Hurtado, homers and 7,162 fans at Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (18-30) picked up a 2-1 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers (29-21) on Saturday night, thanks to two solo home runs and a quality start from Joel Hurtado. The win secured the series victory for the Trash Pandas, as they have taken four
Streaking Pandas sweep doubleheader from Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (17-29) swept a doubleheader against the Biloxi Shuckers (28-20) on Thursday night at Toyota Field, winning game one 2-1 and game two 4-1. The sweep extended their winning streak to three games, taking a 3-0 series lead over the first-place Shuckers. Rocket
Bullpen comes up big in 3-2 win over Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-29) returned to Toyota Field for the first time since May 11 and picked up a 3-2 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers (28-18) on Wednesday night. All three of the Pandas' runs came in the fifth inning, ignited by a solo home
Welcome Home: Daly returns to the Rocket City
Mitch Daly’s baseball career started in Madison as a Bob Jones Patriot before taking him to Texas, Kentucky, and the rest of the country, chasing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. Wednesday marks his return to Madison, making his home debut for the Rocket City Trash Pandas after
Trash Pandas Unveil Two New Alternate Identities: The Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce
MADISON, Ala. – Barbecue in Alabama isn't just food—it's part of our identity. The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce two new alternate identities for 2025, the Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce! The identities will be unleashed and the team will wear these specialty uniforms during a
Homestand Highlights: May 27 - June 1 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their fourth homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate Biloxi Shuckers, May 28 – June 1. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Wednesday, May 28 | First Pitch: 6:35
Toyota Field welcomes summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages
MADISON, Ala. – Toyota Field is thrilled to welcome summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages. Kicking off today at 4:00 pm, the Trash Pandas will host The Big Ol' Ballpark Fair and Yoga in the Outfield. Other upcoming events include the rescheduled Rocket City Spring
Pandas use six-run sixth to earn late-night win on Saturday in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (14-28) endured a 69-minute rain delay on Saturday night in Chattanooga and then utilized a six-run sixth inning to secure an 8-5 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-22). The Trash Pandas recorded 11 hits and worked nine walks in a game that
Lookouts' gaffe, Guzman's blast lifts Rocket City to 7-5 win
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-27) secured a 7-5 victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-21) on Thursday night at AT&T Field, snapping their four-game losing streak. The win featured home runs from Josh Crouch and Denzer Guzman, along with five unearned runs scored in the sixth inning.
Big Ol' Ballpark Fair returns to Toyota Field, May 15-25
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas have partnered with Kissel Entertainment for the sixth annual Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair in the Toyota Field parking lot from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 25. The Fair will be closed on Monday, May 19. Similar to previous years, the Big
Rada runs wild on Friday, but Lookouts beat Pandas 4-2
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Nelson Rada became the first player in Double-A this season to steal 20 bases on Friday night, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-28) lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-21) by a score of 4-2 at AT&T Field. Rada finished the game 1-for-3 with an RBI, a