PRISM is on the move!

A tremendous THANK YOU goes out to all the supporters of both PRISM and freelantz in our recent collective venture into the world of sports journalism!

As of the end of May 2009, PRISM and freelantz will be forging their own independent paths as a means of furthering each group’s already impressive portfolio.

Do know that a great deal of respect and continued support goes out to Jessica Lantz, as she ventures out to establish her own site at www.freelantzsports.com.

Jason and Elle will meanwhile be continuing the PRISM name at www.prismpressgroup.org.  There you can find articles already published on this particular site, as well as new material as it becomes available.

Jason can be reached by email effective immediately at jason@prismpressgroup.org, while Elle is now at elle@prismpressgroup.org.

Thank you again for checking in and we hope to see you soon!

– Jason

Sarasota Reds – Baseball – Reds vs Miracle, Game Three – Recap and Photo Journal

A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts

All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts

Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org

The Sarasota Reds capped off a three-game home series against the Fort Myers Miracle Wednesday night with a 6-5 win, and take to the road tonight for the first of a three-game set against the Jupiter Hammerheads at Roger Dean Stadium.

The Reds, now tied with the Palm Beach Cardinals at the bottom of the FSL South at 9-17, were propelled to victory by a strong offensive showing in the first inning of last night’s game, with Sarasota batters tallying a total of four scores – two of which came off a two-run shot by outfielder Denis Phipps that sailed over the left field wall.

Sarasota would score two additional runs before the night was over, the first when left fielder Carson Kainer was driven home on a single to center field by Phipps in the bottom of the third, the other as catcher Devin Mesoraco grounded out in the fifth inning, but not before second baseman Alex Buchholz tagged up at third and beat the throw home.

Sarasota Reds – Baseball – Reds vs Miracle, Game Two – Recap and Photo Journal

A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts

All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts

Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org

The Sarasota Reds knew they faced a tough go of it during a three-game home stretch against the Fort Myers Miracle that began on Monday evening.

After nearly rallying from behind in the bottom of the ninth only to lose 8-6 the previous night, quickly let things get out of hand against their opponent in Game Two on Tuesday.

Sarasota looked like it might keep things close through the first three innings, but faltered badly in the top of the fourth with the score 2-0 in favor of Fort Myers when Miracle short stop Chris Cates, left fielder Ben Revere, second baseman Steve Singleton, and third baseman Deibinson Romero all scored on a total of six hits allowed by starting pitcher for the Reds, Luis Montano, and reliever, Joseph Krebs.

The Reds responded in the bottom of the fourth, when second baseman / short stop Alex Bucholz grounded out on a hit toward third base, but left first baseman Yonder Alonso already well on his way toward home plate.

Sarasota Reds – Baseball – Reds vs Miracle, Game One – Recap and Photo Journal

A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts

All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts

Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org

The first place team in the FSL South showed  Monday night why it’s gotten off to such a strong start this season (14-9 heading into last night’s contests against the Reds), with the Fort Myers Miracle, led by the hot bat of catcher Danny Lehman, lighting up the scoreboard at Ed Smith Stadium and pulling out an 8-6 victory over the Sarasota Reds.

The Reds made things interesting late, however.  Trailing by five runs in the bottom of the ninth, right fielder Dens Phipps doubled a line drive into left field and brought home both first baseman Yonder Alonso and second baseman Alex Bucholz.  Catcher Devin Mersoraco then singled on a fly ball, again to left field, which allowed third baseman Neftali Soto to score yet another run from third base.

USF – Baseball – 2009 – Bulls vs Bearcats (Game Two) – Thoughts and Perspectives

A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts

All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts

Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org

Being new to USF baseball (okay, I admit it; I’ve not been much of a baseball fan – at least, until discovering the Bulls . . .), I didn’t think I would have gotten the least bit emotional when I arrived at Red McEwen field Saturday evening, just in time for the introduction of four players – Brandon Smith, Mike Consolmagno, Trey Manz, and Chris Rey – being honored as a part of the program’s annual Senior Night.

Parking spots were a scarce commodity for the second of a three game series between the University of South Florida Bulls and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, thanks to graduation ceremonies taking place concurrently at the nearby Sun Dome.   Plenty of smiles and more than a few shed tears, however, were in abundance out on the diamond.

One thing that you’re taught as a media representative — never give a hint of your personal leanings toward one team or another when you’ve been asked to cover an event.

USF – Baseball – 2009 – Bulls vs. Bearcats (Game Two) – Photo Journal

A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts

All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts

Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org

The following is a sample of the photographic work done at the 2009 South Florida v. Cincinnati baseball game on Saturday, May 2nd.

South Florida – Baseball – 2009 – Bulls v. Mountaineers – Game Two

A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts

All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts

Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org

Reprinted from publication on the University of South Florida’s GoUSFBulls.com website, 4/27/09

Special thanks goes to Amy Woodruff, Assistant Director of Communications for allowing PRISM/freelantz access to this wonderful event . . .

On one of the nicest nights that Southwest Florida has seen to this point in the month of April, the University of South Florida Bulls came one step closer to doing something which no other baseball team in the Big East Conference had done prior to this weekend — handing the West Virginia Mountaineers their first conference series sweep this season.

In a game that saw plenty of action by USF hitters, the Bulls routed the Mountaineers 11-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the weekend’s three-game stretch for a team which heading into the matchup Saturday remained  undefeated in conference play on its home diamond at Red McEwen Field.

Representatives from the schools’ women’s basketball squad threw out the ceremonial first pitch and a  steady breeze sent Big East team flags flapping in a loud symphony  just after 7:00 pm, as a crowd of nearly 1500 filled the stands and perimeter of the field to see starting pitcher Derrick Stultz take the mound against a West Virginia squad that a day earlier had been defeated by a score of 8-3.  The Mountaineers found early success in the first inning, with WVU left fielder Justin Parks leading off with a single through the left side which eventually landed him the game’s first run off a fly ball to right field by short stop, Jedd Gyorko.  Stultz allowed only one additional hit in the opening inning, and gave up just four more hits and one run through 131 pitches before being replaced after eight innings by closer, Andrew Salgueiro.  Stulz now moves to 5-1 on the season.