BlueClaws Set For First Pitch
The Lakewood BlueClaws open their 2018 season Thursday night in Kannapolis, North Carolina and once again Beach Radio 1160 & 1310 will serve as the radio home for all 140 games. Greg Giombarrese returns for his 10th consecutive season as the radio voice of the Phillies Class “A” affiliate who will begin the season with a 7-game road trip against the Intimidators and West Virginia Power before their home opener on April 12th against Delmarva.
The opening day roster includes four of the top 30 players in the Phillies organization according to Baseball America. Outfielders Jhailyn Ortiz (#7) and Simon Muzziotti (#14), pitcher Spencer Howard (#18) and second baseman Daniel Brito (#20) are among those who will start the season in Lakewood. The 19-year old Ortiz hit .302 with 8 home runs and 5 stolen bases with the Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2017. Brito is one of six current players who return to the BlueClaws after spending at least part of last season in Lakewood. The others are pitchers Luis Carrasco, Jonathan Hennigan and Addison Russ and catchers Colby Fitch and Gregori Rivero.
Marty Malloy is back for his second season as manager in Lakewood having guided the BlueClaws to a 73-66 record in 2017