Minor League Recaps

Thursday's Games

Connecticut over Tri-City 7-3
Juan Minaya had a bit of a rough start, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks in five innings and was followed by Jamaine Cotton who also got hit around giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits. Euris Quezada and Scott Zuloaga provided scoreless relief but it was too little, too late as Tri-City was unable to come back from an early deficit. The ValleyCats were held to seven singles, three of them belonging to M.P. Cokinos who also drove in two.

Hickory over Lexington 3-1
Jonas Dufek got the hard luck loss as he put up a quality start, allowing three runs on seven hits (two home runs) and a walk with 11 strikeouts over seven innings. He was followed by a perfect inning from Nate Pettus. The Legends lone run came via a Zach Johnson sac fly, his 108th RBI of the year.

Corpus Christi over Frisco 7-2
Matt Heidenreich got the start and his third win of the season as he allowed only one run on four hits over five innings of work. Alex Sogard pitched two scoreless innings, Kevin Chapman allowed one run in one inning, and Jason Stoffel extended his scoreless streak to seven games. George Springer and Kike Hernandez both were three-for-five with Springer hitting his first home run since his promotion to Corpus. Jake Goebbert followed Springer, knocking out back-to-back home runs. Ben Orloff and Goebbert were both two-for-four with two RBI each.

Lancaster over Inland Empire 2-0
What a great game! I'm glad I got to listen to Jason Schwartz with the call for the last few innings of the game as a pitcher's duel was being played out. Tyson Perez had a fantastic outing, allowing only five hits and no walks over seven and a third innings with five strikeouts. Kenny Long followed, striking out four of the five batters he faced and earning his first win as a JetHawk and preserving the shutout in the process. Jonathan Meyer was the star of the game, driving in the two Lancaster runs in the top of the ninth to break the 0-0 tie. He, along with catcher Carlos Perez, was also instrumental in a fielder's choice play at the plate to keep Inland Empire scoreless. Jio Mier was two-for-four and scored a run. Lancaster's magic number to earn a spot in the playoffs has now been reduced to one.

Oklahoma City over Albuquerque 3-1
Brett Oberholtzer had his best start since joining the Redhawks rotation as he gave up one run on seven hits and no walks with six strikeouts over seven and a third innings, but he wasn't awarded with the win as OKC took the lead late. Chuckie Fick got the win in relief and Jose Valdez earned his 21st save. Brian Bixler (2x3 RBI) and Brad Snyder (2x4 2B 2RBI) drove in all the Redhawks runs with singles as OKC mounted a small ball offense on their six hits and one walk.

Player of the Day: I have to go with Jonathan Meyer for a solid two-for-four night, a clutch two-out RBI single in the ninth inning and his great play in the field.

Pitchers of the Day: Tyson Perez with his seven and a third shutout innings gets the nod, but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Brett Oberholtzer's great outing as well. Both pitchers deserved better than a no decision.