Astros Minor League Playoff Recaps

The complete schedule, results and probable pitchers can be found here.

Tuesday's Games

Lancaster over Inland Empire 6-1 in 10 innings
This was a pitchers' duel through the first nine, but the JetHawks bats came alive in the 10th inning to force a Game 5 back in Lancaster. Tommy Shirley took the mound and allowed the only Inland Empire run on four hits over five and a third innings. He walked one and struck out two. Gera Sanchez followed and got a key strikeout to leave the bases loaded in the sixth. Jordan Jankowski, Kenny Long, Mike Hauschild and Travis Ballew each took their turn and each provided hitless relief to keep the JetHawks in the game. The 'Hawks scored their first run in the eighth as Carlos Perdomo (3x4 2B BB RBI R) doubled in Joe Sclafani (2x3 2B 2BB 2R) who had doubled earlier in the frame. Perdomo was given the start at second in place of the slumping Delino DeShields. In the 10th inning, Lancaster loaded the bases in short order on a Sclafani walk and singles from Nolan Fontana and Perdomo. An Andrew Aplin sac fly scored the first run, but then back-to-back two-run doubles from Tyler Heineman and Brandon Meredith (3x4 2-2B BB 2RBI) blew the game open. Lancaster was dubbed the Heart Attack Hawks in 2012 for coming back and coming from behind time and again. I am thrilled to tell you that the Heart Attack Hawks are back!

State College over Tri-City 2-1 in 11 innings
This was another pitchers' duel with the two teams combining to allow only eight hits on the night. Evan Grills pitched a beauty, allowing one run via the long ball in the fifth inning. That was one of only two hits he gave up in eight innings of work. He walked one and struck out six. Chris Munnelly followed with two scoreless frames. Edison Frias was charged with the loss as he allowed the go ahead run to score in the 11th on a throwing error. The 'Cats lone run came in the second on a Brian Holberton sac fly scoring Brett Booth (2x5). Tri-City will now travel to State College for the second game in the three-game series with their backs against the wall and Michael Feliz on the mound. It should be a good one.

Player of the Day: Carlos Perdomo gets the nod for making the most of his first playoff start. Not only did he double in the tying run in the eighth, his slash hit single in the 10th was a big key to the JetHawks rally.

Pitchers of the Day: I cannot say enough about the entire JetHawks pitching staff. Tommy Shirley made his first start since July 30th and pitched like a champ. And then FIVE relievers come in and don't allow another hit the rest of the way? Gravy. But I cannot ignore the beautiful start from Evan Grills. It was arguably the best start of his professional career and, in a perfect world, it should have resulted in a "W."