2021 In Review: Trash Pandas Pitching - Part 2
The 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas pitching staff had more than its share of highlights during the 2021 season. In case you missed the first installment of our Season In Review series, click here to see part one of the Top 10 Pitching Performances from the Rocket City Trash Pandas
The 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas pitching staff had more than its share of highlights during the 2021 season. In case you missed the first installment of our Season In Review series, click here to see part one of the Top 10 Pitching Performances from the Rocket City Trash Pandas Inaugural Season.
Now, here are the best of the best on the mound from the 2021 season.
5. Diaz Quickly Dispatches Barons – July 29
DIAZ GOES THE DISTANCE!
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) July 30, 2021
Jhonathan delivers a complete game and that’s a TRASH PANDAS WIN! 🗑🐼⚾️ pic.twitter.com/Y1KfTQ2UwV
In the midst of his best stretch of the season, Rocket City southpaw Jhonathan Diaz took the mound against Birmingham looking to keep the good vibes rolling. He did just that. Staked to an early 3-0 lead, Diaz allowed a pair of runs in the fourth. From there, he was spectacular. Between the fifth and ninth innings, Diaz retired the final 14 hitters he faced, including striking out the side in the seventh, to finish the first nine-inning complete game in Toyota Field history in a 3-2 win. Diaz struck out seven and walked none to earn the first nine-inning complete game of his eight-year professional career. The game took only two hours and five minutes, the fastest nine-inning game of the Trash Pandas’ season.
“It was a phenomenal outing to have tonight,” Manager Jay Bell said at the time. “He kept them off balance all night and his line speaks for itself.”
4. Detmers, Tyler Stymie Shuckers In Father’s Day Doubleheader – June 20
Exactly four months ago, it was a doubleheader delight as the starters dealt and the #BashPandas were on full display for Father's Day.
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) October 20, 2021
Reminisce on a pair of our favorite wins in the 2021 inaugural season! 👇 pic.twitter.com/MVwHfxhL69
A Saturday night rainout on June 19 led to a terrific pitching day for the Trash Pandas in a Father’s Day doubleheader to conclude their first series against Biloxi. Reid Detmers began the afternoon with the best inning of his young career, striking out the side in the first on just nine pitches for the only immaculate inning of the season for the Trash Pandas. Detmers again struck out three in both the fourth and sixth innings. He finished with a then career-high 14 strikeouts and allowed two earned runs over six innings to earn his second Double-A win as Rocket City triumphed 3-2.
“Everything felt good today. I was getting a lot of swings and misses so I was just hammering the off-speed pitches and it worked out,” Detmers said.
In the second game, Kyle Tyler was even better. Over the first five innings, Biloxi only hit two balls out of the infield as Tyler retired the first 15 hitters he faced. While his bid for a perfect game ended in the sixth inning, Tyler rebounded to finish the first complete game in Trash Pandas history. He struck out eight and gave up one run on two hits to go the distance in a 6-1 win. The victories gave the Trash Pandas a series win over the Shuckers, four games to two.
“To be able to have those two guys on the bump and pitch the way they did on the same day was really nice,” Bell said.
“He’s impressive. Every time he goes out there it seems like he goes six or seven innings and gives up only one or two runs. I don’t even know how he does it. I may need to take lessons,” Detmers said, jokingly, of Tyler.
“There’s always that little bit of friendly completion to go out there and try and beat what he did,” Tyler said of Detmers. “As a whole, as much as I want to be that guy that strikes out 14, that’s definitely not who I am. I want to get guys out as fast as possible.”
3. Daniel Dominates In Chattanooga Rout – August 7
Divine from @Davis_Daniel13. 💫
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) August 8, 2021
🔴 8 IP // 3 H // 11 K 🔵 pic.twitter.com/2BQ9iN0kqA
After a 11-1 blowout loss against the Lookouts at AT&T Field on August 6, the Trash Pandas needed to rebound. Auburn alumnus Davis Daniel took the mound for the Trash Pandas and delivered the best performance of his blossoming professional career. Staked to an early 6-0 lead in the third, Daniel cruised through his outing. In the longest start of his season, Daniel threw eight scoreless innings and allowed just three hits while walking none and striking out 11 to earn his first Double-A win as the Trash Pandas crushed Chattanooga 14-2. At the time, it was their biggest run total and biggest margin of victory. That start in Chattanooga was in the midst of a strong run from Daniel, who was eventually promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake on September 4.
2. Molina Marvelous In Season Finale – September 15
All 1⃣1⃣ strikeouts in a career-high effort from Cristopher Molina! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/T5CJfWV5dv
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) September 16, 2021
Following seven and a half years in the lower levels of the minors, Cristopher Molina finally reached Double-A for the first time with the Trash Pandas in late July. He saved his best for last. With the Trash Pandas in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, Molina took the mound on September 15 against Pensacola and delivered one of the best outings of his career.
The native of the Dominican Republic fired eight scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while recording a career-high 11 strikeouts. Kolton Ingram entered in the ninth and pitched a clean inning to finish the first one-hitter in Trash Pandas history. The win was Molina’s sixth with Rocket City, tying him with Cooper Criswell for the team lead. The 4-0 win over the Blue Wahoos snapped the losing streak and proved to be the final game of the season.
“Molina ended with a 6-1 record and a 3.51 ERA, that’s pretty impressive,” Bell said. “I look at those stats and I think those could be deserving of Pitcher of the Year. He is a lot of fun to watch.”
1. Junk Flirts With Perfection In Biloxi – August 27
The best game from a Rocket City Trash Pandas pitcher was almost historic. In just his fifth start with the Trash Pandas after joining the team in a deadline deal from the New York Yankees, Janson Junk threw the game of his life. In the first, he needed just eight pitches to get through the inning. That trend lasted the entire night, with the Shuckers swinging early but producing only weak contact. In the fifth, he needed only five pitches before an eight-pitch sixth. Between the seventh and eighth, he struck out five of six batters in route to retiring the first 24 hitters he faced. With his perfect game bid alive going to the ninth, Junk returned for his shot at history. But the Shuckers spoiled the perfect game and no-hitter with a leadoff single in the ninth, a walk, and a three-run homer to make it a one-run game at 4-3 Rocket City. Kolton Ingram entered and got the final out to secure Junk’s win. In the longest game of his career, he fired 8.2 brilliant innings, allowing three runs on two hits with eight strikeouts to earn the win.
That start would prove to be his final Minor League start, as he was called up straight to the Angels from Rocket City the following week.
It was only fitting that a player named Junk had a date with perfection in the strongest pitched game from the Trash Pandas’ inaugural season.
Sam Brown gives Rocket City back-to-back Southern League Player of the Week awards
MADISON, Alabama – For the second consecutive week, a Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder has earned Southern League Player of the Week honors. Sam Brown was recognized by Minor League Baseball for his standout performance during the week of July 8–13. In Rocket City’s road series against Chattanooga, Brown led
Guzman Makes History as Trash Pandas Roll Into Break With Series Split
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Behind a record-setting performance from shortstop Denzer Guzman, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (6–12, 30–56) cruised to an 8–2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–9, 46–37) on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Field. The victory secured a series split and gave the Trash Pandas back-to-back wins heading into
Trash Pandas' Bats and Bullpen Dominate in 10–3 Win Over Lookouts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (5–12, 29–56) pounded out 13 hits and got a stellar performance from their bullpen to earn a 10–3 blowout win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–8, 46–36) on Saturday night at AT&T Field. With the victory, Rocket City will now aim for a
Colás Goes Deep, Ureña Steady as Trash Pandas Rally
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-10, 28-54) rallied late on Wednesday night to earn a 4–3 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (6-7, 44-35) in the second game of their series at AT&T Field. Oscar Colás led the charge with a two-run homer, his seventh of the season,
Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Week
MADISON, Alabama – Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder Denzer Guzman has been named the Southern League Player of the Week by Minor League Baseball for the week of July 1–6. In a six-game split series against the Knoxville Smokies, Guzman led the league with a 1.316 OPS and seven extra-base
Edwards hits go-ahead homer, Klassen fans nine in 2-1 win over Smokies
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Starter George Klassen matched his season high by recording nine strikeouts, and Evan Edwards hit the go-ahead home run in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (3-8, 27-52) to a 2-1 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (5-6, 38-42) on
Trash Pandas burst five bombs in air, leaving Smokies with red glare in a 10-8 win
MADISON, Ala. – Oscar Colas pelted three solo homers, and Josh Crouch whistled a three-run go-ahead dinger in the eighth as the Trash Pandas (2-7, 26-51) came from behind to defeat the Knoxville Smokies (4-5, 33-38) 10-8 in front of 7,157 raucous fans Thursday night at Toyota Field The Trash
Streak Snapped! Trash Pandas blast Smokies 9-1 to end skid
MADISON, Ala. – It's over! On Wednesday night, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (1-7, 25-51) ended their 16-game losing streak by blasting the Knoxville Smokies (4-4, 36-40) at Toyota Field, 9-1. Denzer Guzman hit a three-run home run that capped off a four-run third inning, and the Trash Pandas never
George Klassen named to 2025 All-Star Futures Game
MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City Trash Pandas right-handed pitcher George Klassen has been chosen to participate in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. This 26th edition of the Futures Game will take place at 3:00 pm CT on Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Klassen will represent the Trash
Rain spoils Trash Pandas' winning hopes on Sunday despite tying the game in the ninth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (0-6, 24-50) suffered a heartbreaking 15th straight loss on Sunday, as rain interrupted the series finale in the ninth inning. The Montgomery Biscuits (6-0, 43-31) won the game at Riverwalk Stadium 6-5 in a rain-shortened eight-inning contest. The two teams will not
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