Monday, August 31, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, August 30, 2015

Michael Feliz shined once again in Corpus.

Omaha 4, Fresno 2

W- Buddy Baumann (2-4)
L- Asher Wojciechowski (8-4)
S- Michael Mariot (8)

Fresno home runs: Preston Tucker (11, 2-run in 1st)

The Grizzlies were swept out of Omaha as their bats went cold after the 1st inning.

Preston Tucker's 2-run homer in the 1st constituted the only Fresno runs. It was also their only extra-base hit of the afternoon,

Asher Wojciechowski went 5.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Jordan Jankowski struck out 1 in 1.1 innings, and Joe Thatcher struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

The Grizzlies will close out the regular season at home. First up is 4 with Albuquerque beginning tonight at 7:05 Pacific. Mark Appel will take on Boone Whiting.

Corpus Christi 2, San Antonio 1

W- Gonzalo Sañudo (1-0, 3-0 season)
L- Eury De La Rosa (1-1)
S- Jandel Gustave (18)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks took the 2nd of 3 games behind a fine pitching performance.

Michael Feliz allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 in 6 innings in what may possibly be his final outing in Corpus before rosters expand tomorrow. Gonzalo Sañudo, back from the Mexican League, threw 2 perfect innings, striking out 1. Jandel Gustave allowed a hit as he closed it out.

Jon Kemmer scored the first run of the game when Conrad Gregor grounded into a force out in the 2nd inning. Colin Moran broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single in the 8th inning. Kemmer and Moran had 2 hits apiece.

Chris Devenski will be on the mound tonight. He'll take on Dennis O'Grady at 7:05.

Lancaster 19, Lake Elsinore 2

W- Akeem Bostick (5-4, 8-4 season)
L- Michael Kelly (0-5)

Lancaster home runs: J.D. Davis 2 (26; solo in 3rd, 2-run in 8th)

The JetHawks pounded out 20 hits as they absolutely obliterated the Storm.

J.D. Davis was the 3rd player in the system to join the 100-RBI club with his 6 RBI.


Akeem Bostick went 6 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Mills, Enrique Chavez, and Andrew Walter pitched 1 inning apiece. Mills walked 1 and struck out 1 in the 7th, Chavez, making his Lancaster debut, allowed a hit and struck out 1 in the 8th, and Andrew Walter allowed a solo homer to Daniel Bravo in the 9th. He allowed one other hit and fanned 1.

The JetHawks will head up to Bakersfield for their final roadtrip of the regular season. In game 1, Troy Scribner will take the mound. First pitch is tomorrow evening, at 7:15 Pacific.

Quad Cities 2, Burlington 1

W- Brock Dykxhoorn (8-4)
L- Mike Bolaski (9-11)
S- Angel Heredia (12)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos were held to 4 hits, but they won in the column that counts.

Wander Franco hit a sac fly in the 2nd to open the scoring. In the 8th, Bobby Boyd hit a triple with 2 outs and ended up breaking a 1-1 tie by scoring on a wild pitch. Boyd's triple was the River Bandits' only extra-base hit.

Brock Dykxhoorn went 7 innings and allowed a run on 6 hits and struck out 3. Zach Davis allowed a hit and struck out 1 as he got 2 outs in the 7th. Angel Heredia struck out 1 and got a 4-out save.

In game 2 of this series, Dean Deetz will take on Keynan Middleton. First pitch is at 6:30.

Tri-City 13, Brooklyn 4

W- Kevin McCanna (3-2)
L- Kevin Canelon (5-5)

TC home runs: Cesar Carrasco (4, 2-run in 2nd), Aaron Mizell (4, solo in 3rd), Anthony Hermelyn (2, 2-run in 4th), Hector Roa (5, 11 season; 2-run in 4th)

Tri-City brought out the big guns as they bashed 4 homers in the span of 3 innings.

Hector Roa opened the scoring with an RBI groundout in the 1st. Then came the homers. Carrasco launched one in the 2nd. Aaron Mizell followed with a solo shot in the 3rd, and in the 4th, Anthony Hermelyn and Roa both smacked 2-run homers. They scored 4 more runs in the 6th as Brooks Marlow hit a sac fly, and Roa, Bobby Wernes, and Kolbey Carpenter hit RBI singles. Dex McCall drove in the final run of the evening when he drew a bases-loaded walk in the 8th. That 8th inning got a bit testy as Roa got plunked. I have no idea what happened afterwards, but I imagine that words were exchanged, and Juan Carlos Santos and two Brooklyn players ended up getting tossed.

Johnny Sewald (SB [28], 2 R), Roa (2-run homer, 4 RBI), Mizell (solo homer, 2 R), McCall (2B, RBI, 2 R), and Carrasco (2B, 2-run homer, 2 R) all had 2-hit nights.

Zac Person allowed 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 3 hits and struck out 6 in 3.1 innings. Kevin McCanna allowed a 3-run homer to Zach Mathieu in the 4th, and 2 runs were charged to Person. In 3.2 innings, McCanna allowed one other hit and struck out 1. Ralph Garza Jr. allowed 2 hits and struck out 2 in 2 innings.

In game 2 of this series, Trent Thornton will take on Gaby Almonte. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville 6, Princeton 2

W- Andrew Thome (2-1)
L- Bryan Bonnell (2-1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros sit 1.5 games ahead of Elizabethton with 2 games remaining. It's coming down to the wire.

Andrew Thome was excellent in his 5 innings as he allowed 2 hits and struck out 6. Cris Santamaria allowed a run and a hit in 3 innings, and Dylan James allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and struck out 1 in the 9th.

Kyle Tucker opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st, and Arturo Michelena added an RBI single. Greeneville got 3 runs in the 5th without a hit. Ford Stainback and Myles Straw scored on wild pitches, and Christian Correa scored on an error that allowed Straw to reach. That was the only ball that they put in play in that entire inning. Tucker hit an RBI single in the 8th inning. Daz Cameron stole 2 bases, giving him 24 on the season. Stainback (3), Straw (21), and Tucker (11, 15 season) also stole a base.

In game 2 of this series, Makay Nelson will take on Alexis Tapia. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern. The mission is simple: win, and they're in.

Astros Daliy Farm Report - 8/31

Everything you need to know from down on the farm ...

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ...

C Marlon Avea (22)
Avea was born August 31, 1993 in Masaya, Nicaragua, and was signed by the Astros in November 2010. He has played for Greeneville and Tri-City this season and was just promoted to the Low A Quad Cities team over the weekend.

More Astros minor league roster moves from yesterday.

STANDINGS, RESULTS AND LAGNIAPPE

FRESNO

Record: 1st 79-56 -.-GB L5 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched division title)

Sunday's Game: Omaha 4 over Fresno 2

The Midwest has not been kind to the Grizzlies. They went 1-7 on this road trip and will likely be very, very happy to return to Chukchansi Park as they host the Albuquerque Isotopes (against whom they own an 11-1 record) for four games starting tonight.

Playoff Picture: Fresno's first two playoff games in the best-of-five Conference series will be at home on Wednesday, September 9th and Thursday, September 10th. The next three games (if three are necessary) will take place at the home ballpark of the PCL Pacific Southern Division winner from Friday the 11th through Sunday the 13th. But we still don't know who Fresno will face in that series. The Las Vegas 51's are currently 1.5 games ahead of the El Paso Chihuahuas in the Southern Division. Those two teams will face off for four games in Las Vegas starting tonight.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Record: 1st 83-49 -.-GB W3 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched first half title)

Sunday's Game: Corpus Christi 2 over San Antonio 1
The Hooks were held to 7 hits, but the Corpus pitching staff held the Missions to only 3 hits. Michael Feliz had yet another very good start and was supported by Gonzalo Sanudo, who just returned from being on loan to the Mexican League, and Jandel Gustave, who earned his 18th save of the season. In other news, A.J. Reed did NOT hit a home run.

Playoff Picture: Much like Fresno, Corpus Christi will host the first two playoff games next Wednesday, September 9th and Thursday, September 10th, but unlike Fresno, they know who they will be facing. Midland (an Oakland affiliate) clinched the second playoff spot last week. The next three games (if three are necessary will be played in Midland. Corpus Christi owns the season series against Midland 18-14 and split their last series 2-2.

LANCASTER

Record: T2nd 72-61 2.0GB W4 (2nd in 2nd half; 2.0GB; clinched wild card)

Sunday's Game: Lancaster 19 over Lake Elsinore 2

It was a laugher at The Hangar as the 'Hawks banged out 20 hits with J.D. Davis (4x5 2B 2HR 6RBI BB 4R) and Brian Holberton (4x5 2B 3RBI 3R) leading the way. Akeem Bostick took the mound for his fifth, and by far his best, start at The Hangar.

Playoff Picture: This one could get interesting. Lancaster is definitely in the playoffs, but if the season ended today, they would be in as a wild card. However, Lancaster only lags High Desert in the second half standings by two games with seven games left to play, and the final 4 games of the regular season will be between these two teams. At stake ... bragging rights as the second half winner and home field advantage as these two teams will face each other again in the best-of-three mini-series being played September 9th, 10th and 11th (if necessary). The winner of the mini-series will face Rancho Cucamonga (the first half winner) in the Division Finals. Got all that? Good!

QUAD CITIES

Record: 1st 84-46 -.-GB W1 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched first half title)

Sunday's Game: Quad Cities 2 over Burlington 1

It wasn't the most convincing win as the River Bandits collected only four hits (including a Bobby Boyd triple) and only managed to score on a sac fly and on a wild pitch, but it still counts as a win! Brock Dyckhoorn collected his 8th win of the season and Angel Heredia his 12th save.

Playoff Picture: In the Midwest League, eight teams advance to the playoffs. As the Western Division first half champion, the River Bandits play the second place team from the first half, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, in a best-of-three division quarter final. The first game will be in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, September 9th and the second and third (if necessary) will be back in Davenport on Thursday, the 10th and Friday, the 11th. The River Bandits won the season series against the Kernels 9 games to 4.

TRI-CITY

Record: 1st 37-30 -.-GB W2

Sunday's Game: Tri- City 13 over Brooklyn 4
And that's where it stayed as far as home runs go, but it was definitely a wild one at The Joe yesterday. All of the Tri-City starters got at least one hit and five of them got two hits. Hector Roa, one of the players going deep in the game got plunked in the 8th inning and, according to reports, benches cleared and both pitchers got tossed. But Roa got the last laugh as he went 2-for-4 and drove in 4 runs.

Playoff Picture: With losses yesterday from Lowell and Connecticut, the Stedler Division leading ValleyCats extended their lead to 3.5 games ahead of Lowell and 4.5 games ahead of Connecticut with 8 games left to play. (Vermont is hanging by a thread 8.5 games behind with an elimination number of 1.) The three division leaders plus one wild card (the non-division leader with the best record) advance to the playoffs. The final three games of the regular season are between Tri-City and Connecticut.

GREENEVILLE

Record: 2nd 33-32 5.5GB W1

Sunday's Game: Greeneville 6 over Princeton 2

Starter Andrew Thome, a non-drafted free agent signed by the Astros this season, continues to shine. In this one, he went five innings allowing only two hits, no runs, no walks and struck out six. He has walked only one batter in 31 innings this season. The Appy Astros had six runs on five hits, partly because they scored three in the fifth inning on zero hits, two walks, two stolen bases, two errors and three wild pitches. Gotta love minor league baseball!

Playoff Picture: Greeneville increased their lead over Elizabethton to 1.5 games for the second division playoff spot as Elizabethton split a double-header on Sunday. There are only two games left in the season. Greeneville will play Princeton two more games on Monday and Tuesday; they are even in the season series against that team. And Elizabethton plays two against Bristol against whom they own the season series 6 games to 1. Greeneville will have played one fewer game than Elizabethton at the season's conclusion, but as far as I can tell that won't impact the standings, and Greeneville should be able to clinch their playoff spot with a win tonight. I will try to get clarification on that.

GULF COAST LEAGUE

Record: 4th 19-41 16.5GB L7 (Eliminated from postseason play)

Season over.

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE BLUE TEAM

Record: 1st 43-29 -.-GB L3 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched division title)

Won first round of playoffs over DSL Blue Jays 2 games to 0
Lost second round of playoffs to DSL Rangers1 2 games to 0

Season over.

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE ORANGE TEAM

Record: 5th 28-44 22.0GB W1

Season over.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Minor League Astros Moves - Week of 8/30 to 9/5

Starting a new week of Astros minor league roster moves. Here are the ones from last week.

FRESNO
9-5 LHP Chris Cotton assigned from Corpus Christi to Fresno
9-2 OF Preston Tucker recalled to Houston
9-1 RHP Jake Buchanan designated for assignment
9-1 LHP Joe Thatcher put on the 40-man roster and sent to Houston
9-1 IF Jonathan Villar recalled to Houston
8-30 RHP Travis Ballew assigned from Corpus Christi to Fresno

CORPUS CHRISTI
9-5 LHP Michael Freeman assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
9-4 LHP Brian Holmes activated from the DL
9-4 RHP Michael Feliz recalled to Houston
9-1 RHP Josh Fields recalled to Houston
8-31 LHP Albert Minnis assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
8-30 RHP Gonzalo Sanudo assigned from the Diablos Rojos del Mexico (where he had been on loan) to Corpus Christi

LANCASTER
8-31 LHP Steve Naemark assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster
8-30 RHP Enrique Chavez assigned from the GCL to Lancaster

QUAD CITIES
9-5 3B Nick Tanielu activated from the DL
9-2 RHP Lachlan Madden assigned from Greeneville to Quad Cities
9-2 RHP Agapito Barrios placed on the 7-day DL retroactive to August 31st
8-31 RHP Andrew Thome assigned to Quad Cities from Greeneville

GCL ASTROS
9-2 RHP Thomas Eshelman assigned from Quad Cities to the GCL

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, August 29, 2015

George Springer back!

Omaha 9, Fresno 5

W- Andy Ferguson (6-3)
L- Dan Straily (10-8)

Fresno home runs: Matt Duffy (18, solo in 2nd), Tyler Heineman (2, solo in 5th), Jonathan Villar (5, solo in 6th), Jon Singleton (20, solo in 7th)

The Storm Chasers singled Dan Straily to oblivion as they jumped out to a 9-1 lead on the Grizzlies. They were able to cut the deficit, but Omaha hung on to take this series.

Straily allowed 9 runs on 11 hits (9 singles and 2 doubles), walked 3, and struck out 5 in 3.1 innings. The bullpen allowed just 2 hits over 4.2 scoreless innings. Kevin Chapman was first; he allowed a hit and fanned 1 in 1.2 innings. Joe Thatcher, James Hoyt, and.... Andrew Aplin each tossed a scoreless frame. Thatcher struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 6th, Hoyt allowed a hit and struck out 1 in the 7th, and Aplin threw a 1-2-3 8th.

4 of Fresno's 5 runs came on solo homers. The only run that was not driven in on a home run was scored by Jonathan Villar on an Alex Presley groundout in the 8th. Matt Duffy's homer gives him 101 RBI on the year. Villar finished 2-4.

The Grizzlies will look to avoid the sweep as Asher Wojciechowski takes on Yohan Pino. First pitch is at 2:30.

Corpus Christi 8, San Antonio 6

W- R.J. Alaniz (6-3)
L- Eric Yardley (0-1)
S- Jandel Gustave (17)

CC home runs: A.J. Reed 2 (10, 33 season; 3-run in 1st, solo in 7th), Colin Moran (9, 2-run in 3rd), Jon Kemmer (18, solo in 7th)

A.J. Reed continues to torture Minor League pitching, and we saw the return of a budding superstar down in South Texas.

George Springer made went 1-4 in his first rehab appearance. He led off and started in RF. 7 of the 8 runs were driven in by the 4 home runs hit by the heart of the Hooks lineup, which consisted of Colin Moran, A.J. Reed, and Jon Kemmer. The other run scored on an error in the 3rd that occurred after a single from Alfredo Gonzalez. Reed's 2 homers were his 2 hits on the night, and Kemmer also had a 2-hit night, which extended his hitting streak to 8 games. Danry Vásquez went 3-4 with 2 runs scored.

Edison Frias had a bare minimum quality start, allowing 7 hits (solo homer) and striking out 4. Travis Ballew allowed 3 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 3 hits as he only got 1 out in the 7th. R.J. Alaniz allowed a hit and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings, and Jandel Gustave struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th to close it out.

Michael Feliz will take the mound tonight. He'll face Bryce Morrow at 6:05.

Lancaster 7, Lake Elsinore 4

W- Austin Chrismon (7-3, 11-4 season)
L- Kyle Lloyd (6-11)
S- Ryan Thompson (1, 6 season)

Lancaster home runs: J.D. Davis (24, 2-run in 1st), Brian Holberton (3, solo in 2nd)

Belated congratulations to the JetHawks for clinching a playoff spot this season. They got a nice start from Austin Chrismon in this one.

Chrismon allowed 2 runs on 9 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 5. Ryan Thompson pitched the final 3 innings and closed it out. He allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1.

J.D. Davis kicked things off with a 2-run homer in the 1st, his 24th on the season. Brian Holberton went deep in the 2nd, and James Ramsay later added an RBI single. Davis led off the 6th with a single and came all the way around to score on a triple from Sean McMullen. Holberton proceeded to add a sac fly to his ledger. He added two sac flies to his ledger, to be exact. He hit another one in the 8th that turned into a double play. Davis (2-run homer, 3 R) and McMullen had 2 hits apiece.

Akeem Bostick will take the mound for Lancaster this evening. He will take on Michael Kelly in the series finale at 5:00 Pacific.

Peoria 4, Quad Cities 2

W- Austin Gomber (15-3)
L- Josh James (6-4)
S- Jery Then (2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos had a rather nondescript day on offense. However, they were threatening late.

Jose Fernandez stole 3 bases, giving him 13 on the season. He scored Quad Cities' first run on an errant pickoff throw in the 4th inning. Wander Franco hit a single in the 9th inning, and on the ensuing error, Ryan Bottger scored. The Bandits' 9th-inning threat ended when Marlon Avea struck out to end the game.

Josh James went 8 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Steve Naemark allowed a solo homer to Harrison Bader in the 9th, which was the only run he allowed in the inning. He allowed one other hit and struck out 1.

The River Bandits will head to Burlington to begin a new series. Brock Dykxhoorn will take on Mike Bolaski today at 2.

Tri-City 7, Vermont 5

W- Chris Murphy (2-1, 3-1 season)
L- Tyler Painton (1-1)

TC home runs: None

Tri-City avoided the sweep as they erased a 5-0 deficit with 5 in the 7th to tie, and 2 in the 9th to break the tie.

Dex McCall sparked the rally in the 7th by reaching on an error. He put the ValleyCats on the board by scoring on a wild pitch. Richard Gonzalez, who was at the plate when that happened, ended up drawing a walk. Johnny Sewald followed by ripping an RBI double. Alex Melendez added an RBI single, and Bobby Wernes tied the game with a 2-run double. He had the game-tying hit in all 3 games of this series. Wernes had the go-ahead RBI single in the 9th, and he scored an insurance run on a double from Kolbey Carpenter.

Wernes (2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB, R), Sewald (2 2B, RBI, R), and Cesar Carrasco (R) all finished with 2 hits in this one.

Ryan Deemes went 3.2 innings and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3. David Schmidt allowed a hit in 1.1 innings, and Chris Murphy finished it off with 4 scoreless, allowing 2 hits, walking 1, and fanning 5.

Zac Person will be on the mound today as the ValleyCats welcome Brooklyn to New York's Capital District. First pitch is at 5:00 Eastern.

Burlington 3, Greeneville 1

W- Enmanuel Camacho (3-3)
L- Carlos Hiraldo (1-1, 4-4 season)
S- Jacob Bodner (5)

The Appy Astros dropped the series, but they're still in the 2nd playoff spot in the Appalachian League West as Elizabethton is currently on a 6-game slide.

Daz Cameron hit a 1-out triple in the 1st and scored Greeneville's only run of the game on a sac fly from Kyle Tucker. Daz finished 2-4 with a steal (9, 22 season), while Osvaldo Duarte went 3-4 from the bottom of the order.

Carlos Hiraldo went 3 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 1. Joselo Pinales allowed 2 hits and fanned 2 in the 4th. Edgardo Sandoval went 3 innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 1. Luis Ramirez struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

Greeneville will take on Princeton in their final series of the regular season. In game 1, Andrew Thome will take on Ethan Clark at 6:00 Eastern.

GCL Braves 6, GCL Astros 2

W- Odalvi Javier (1-1)
L- Patrick Sandoval (0-3)
S- Evertz Orozco (3)

GCL home runs: None.

Jared Cruz went 2-4 with a double. Ihan Bernal walked in all 4 of his plate appearances and scored a run on a passed ball in the 5th. Jonathan Matute scored on a balk in the 8th.

Patrick Sandoval allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 3 innings. Franklin Perez allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7 in 3 innings.

Astros Daily Farm Report: 8/30

Everything you need to know from down on the farm ...

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ...

RHP Juan Santos (20)
Santos was born August 30,1995 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and was drafted by the Astros in the 39th round in 2013 out of Arlington Day School in Jacksonville, Florida. He is currently playing for the Short Season A Tri-City ValleyCats.

Juan Santos - July 2014
Photo by Jayne Hansen

In case you missed it, here are the Astros minor league roster moves for the last week(ish).

STANDINGS, RESULTS AND LAGNIAPPE

FRESNO

Record: 1st 79-55 -.-GB L4 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched division title)

Saturday's Game: Omaha 9 over Fresno 5

This one got ugly early as Starter Dan Straily got touched up for 9 runs on 11 hits and 3 walks over 3.1 innings. Ouch. Kevin Chapman allowed one of Straily's inherited runners across, but then Chapman, Joe Thatcher, James Hoyt and OF Andrew Aplin combined for scoreless relief the rest of the way. Yes, Andrew Aplin pitched the final inning, facing three batters and inducing three flyball outs on 10 pitches, six for strikes.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Record: 1st 82-49 -.-GB W2 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched first half title)

Saturday's Game: Corpus Christi 8 over San Antonio 6
And Reed wasn't finished. He added on another solo home run in the 7th to make it 33 for the season. Colin Moran and Jon Kemmer also went yard, and Danry Vasquez was 3-for-4 and scored two runs.

LANCASTER

Record: T2nd 71-61 2.0GB W2 (2nd in 2nd half; 2.0GB; clinched wild card)

Saturday's Game: Lancaster 7 over Lake Elsinore 4

C Brian Holberton has been hot since coming off the DL recently. In the five games since he's been back, he's hit .471/.476/1.000. Two of his three home runs for the season have come during that period, including a solo home run last night to go with two sacrifice fly RBI and a caught stealing. J.D. Davis collected his 24th home home and Sean McMullen legged out his third triple of the season.

Lancaster's win, along with High Desert's loss to Bakersfield, has the team only two games behind High Desert in their quest to win the second half. The two teams will go head-to-head starting next Friday. That may prove to be an exciting series. With the win, Lancaster also tied Rancho Cucamonga for second place for the full season.

MiLB.com contributer Tyler Maun talks with Lancaster Hitting Coach Darryl Robinson about Alex Bregman's success with the team.

QUAD CITIES

Record: 1st 83-46 -.-GB L1 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched first half title)

Saturday's Game: Peoria 4 over Quad Cities 2

Peoria's pitching staff held the River Bandits to three hits, two of which came from players who just joined the team: C Marlon Avea and 1B Wander Franco. Josh James allowed three runs (two earned) as he went a career high 8 innings and struck out 7.

TRI-CITY

Record: 1st 36-30 -.-GB W1

Saturday's Game: Tri-City 7 over Vermont 5


It looked to be all over but the crying as the Gatos trailed by five runs from the bottom of the second. But, with two outs in the top of the 7th, they managed to tie things up with a 5-run inning. Chris Murphy had a terrific relief performance that kept Vermont in check and allowed 3B Bobby Wernes to play hero again in the 9th, driving in the go-ahead run.

Tri-City retained its 2.5 game lead over Lowell, but increased their lead to 3.5 against Connecticut as Lowell defeated Connecticut on Saturday.

GREENEVILLE

Record: 2nd 32-32 5.5GB L1

Saturday's Game: Burlington 3 over Greeneville 1

Despite the loss, Greeneville maintains a tenuous one game lead over Elizabethton for the second playoff spot as Elizabethton has now lost six straight games.


GULF COAST LEAGUE

Record: 4th 19-41 16.5GB L7 (Eliminated from postseason play)

Saturday's Game: GCL Braves 6 over GCL Astros 2

The Australian contingent kept this loss from being worse as 3B Jared Cruz collected two of only three hits (including a double) by the Baby 'Stros, and his fellow Aussie, 1B Connor MacDonald, collected the third hit and walked twice. And in true Rookie League fashion, one run scored as 2B Jonathan Matute walked, advanced on a wild pitch, advanced on a balk and scored on another wild pitch while the other run was scored by C Ihan Bernal (who walked four times in the game) on a passed ball.

And that's a wrap! Season over.

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE BLUE TEAM

Record: 1st 43-29 -.-GB L3 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched division title)

Won first round of playoffs over DSL Blue Jays 2 games to 0
Lost second round of playoffs to DSL Rangers1 2 games to 0

Season Over
DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE ORANGE TEAM

Record: 5th 28-44 22.0GB W1

Season mercifully over. (But they did finish one game ahead of the Angels DSL team, so there's that.)

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, August 28, 2015

Francis Martes and Rogelio Armenteros made their first starts at a new level, with varying results.

Omaha 3, Fresno 2 in 11 innings

W- Louis Coleman (8-2)
L- Jake Buchanan (5-4)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies tied the game in the 9th, but the Storm Chasers walked off with the win in extras.

Nolan Fontana finished 3-5 and scored the first run of the game on an error in the 1st. On the play, Matt Duffy was credited with his 100th RBI of the season. Tyler White finished 2-3 with an RBI single in the 9th that tied the game at 2.

Luis Cruz allowed 2 runs (1 earned, both in the 2nd) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2 in 3.1 innings. Juan Minaya was the first man out of the Fresno bullpen; he walked 4 and struck out 1 in 2.2 innings. Jordan Jankowski allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and fanned 3 over 2 scoreless. Jake Buchanan threw 2 scoreless innings, but he faced 4 batters in the 11th and failed to retire any of them. He allowed the winning run on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1.

In game 3 of this series, Dan Straily will take on Andy Ferguson. First pitch is at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 17, Midland 6

W- Travis Ballew (4-5)
L- Parker Frazier (4-2)
S- Chris Cotton (5, 9 season)

CC home runs: A.J. Reed (8, 31 season; solo in 5th)

The Hooks earned the split in the series as they just mauled the Hounds.


Francis Martes, in his Corpus debut, went 4.2 innings and allowed 6 runs on 7 hits (2-run and 3-run homers), walked 3, and struck out 3. The Hooks bullpen picked him up and finished the game with 4.1 scoreless innings. Travis Ballew was first; he allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3 in 1.1 innings. Josh Fields allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 1 as he got 2 outs in the 7th. Chris Cotton closed it out as he allowed a hit and struck out 1 in 2.1 innings.

Edison Frias will be on the mound tonight in the first of a 4-game series with San Antonio. He'll take on Ronald Herrera at 7:05.

Lancaster 16, Lake Elsinore 4

W- Christian Powell (2-2, 5-3 season)
L- Matt Shepherd (4-10)

Lancaster home runs: J.D. Davis (23, solo in 2nd), Chase McDonald (28, solo in 8th)

The JetHawks pounded out 19 hits and left the Storm in the dust.

Christian Powell went 5.2 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and struck out 6. Michael Freeman was the first man out and all he did in his 2.1 innings was strike out 3. Troy Scribner allowed a solo homer to Matthew Chavez in the 9th, which was the only hit that he allowed in the inning. He struck out 1.

Everyone in the Lancaster lineup had a hit, and Alex Bregman, who extended his hitting streak to 14 games, had 4 of them, including an RBI triple in the 2nd. At the bottom of the order, Jamie Ritchie (RBI 3B in 2nd) and Sean McMullen (2 2B; one drove in a run in the 3rd) both finished 3-4, drove in a run, and scored 4 runs. J.D. Davis, Chase McDonald, and Ronnie Mitchell, the 3-4-5 hitters, scored 2 runs each; Davis and McDonald also launched solo shots, while Mitchell hit yet another triple. McDonald drove in another run with a sac fly in the 3rd. D.J. Fisher drove in 3 as he ripped a 2-run triple in the 5th and added an RBI groundout in the 8th, while James Ramsay's 3 RBI came on an RBI single in the 3rd and a 2-run double in the 8th. Ramsay, Davis, and Mitchell had 2 hits apiece.

In game 2 of this series, Austin Chrismon will take on Kyle Lloyd. First pitch is at 6:00 Pacific.

Quad Cities 3, Peoria 0

W- Rogelio Armenteros (1-0, 3-2 season)
L- Jack Flaherty (8-3)
S- Angel Heredia (11)

QC home runs: None.

Rogelio Armenteros had a fantastic first start in the Midwest League. The Astros possess some pretty interesting pitchers at the lower levels, and Armenteros, a defector from Cuba who was signed in December, is one such arm.

Armenteros threw 5 shutout innings, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out a career-high 9. Eric Peterson and Angel Heredia completed the shutout. Peterson allowed 3 hits and fanned 2 in 3 innings, and Heredia struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th for the save.

Jose Fernandez put the Banditos on the board with a sac fly in the 3rd inning. In the 4th, Luis Reynoso added a 2-run single, and that was all the scoring in this one.

In the series finale, Josh James will take on Austin Gomber. First pitch is at 6:00.

Vermont 8, Tri-City 7

W- John Gorman (1-2)
L- Yeyfry Del Rosario (3-4)

TC home runs: None.

For the 2nd consecutive game, the ValleyCats managed to tie it late, only to see Vermont walk off with another win.

Anthony Hermelyn scored the first run of the evening in the 2nd inning thanks to an error following a Keach Ballard bunt single. Pat Porter scored another run in the 2nd as Johnny Sewald grounded into a force out. In the 4th, Sewald scored on an error, Brooks Marlow scored on a force out, and Bobby Wernes smacked an RBI double. Kolbey Carpenter hit an RBI single in the 8th, and Dex McCall tied the game with an RBI groundout. McCall managed to drive in 2 even though he went 0-4. Pat Porter finished 2-5 with a double.

Jose Luis Hernandez went 3 innings and allowed 7 runs on 8 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 1. Harold Arauz threw 4 scoreless innings out of the bullpen; he allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and fanned 4. Yeyfry Del Rosario pitched a scoreless 8th, but the Lake Monsters scored the winning run (which was unearned) off of him with 1 out in the 9th inning. Del Rosario allowed a hit and struck out 2.

The ValleyCats will look to avoid the sweep as Ryan Deemes takes the mound. He'll face Kyle Friedrichs at 6:05 Eastern.

Greeneville 3, Burlington 1

W- Diogenes Almengo (3-1)
L- Ashe Russell (0-3)
S- Samil De Los Santos (4)

Greeneville home runs: Rodrigo Ayarza (2, solo in 3rd), Connor Goedert (6, solo in 4th)

This win, coupled with Elizabethton's 9-6 loss to Kingsport in 10 innings, puts the Appy Astros alone in 2nd place in the Appalachian League West.

Rodrigo Ayarza opened the scoring with a solo shot in the 3rd, and Connor Goedert followed suit with a solo homer of his own in the 4th inning. Kyle Tucker added an RBI single in the 6th inning. Goedert finished 3-4, while Tucker stole his 10th base (13 season).

Diogenes Almengo went 5 innings and allowed a run on 6 hits while striking out 2. Erasmo Pinales allowed a hit and struck out 1 in the 6th. Hector Perez, who has had an outstanding debut year in the complex leagues, made his Appy League debut in this game. In 2 innings, he walked 1 and struck out 2. Samil De Los Santos threw a 1-2-3 9th to close it out.

In Greeneville's final road game of the season, Carlos Hiraldo will take on Joseph Markus at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Braves 8, GCL Astros 1

W- Gabino Avalos (4-4)
L- Jorge Guzman (1-1, 3-4 season)

GCL home runs: None.

Jonathan Matute finished 2-5 and drove in the Kissimmee Stros' only run of the game with an RBI single in the 7th. Marcos Almonte went 3-5.

Jorge Guzman got the start; he allowed 3 unearned runs in the 1st, 5 hits, and struck out 1 in 4 innings.

DSL Rangers1 10, DSL Astros Blue 2

W- Rafael Volquez
L- Jose Ramos

Blue home runs: None.

Again, a big inning spelled doom for the Blue team as they were eliminated from the Dominican Summer League playoffs.

Andy Piñeda hit an RBI groundout in the 3rd, and he scored on an Edgar Lorenzo single in the 8th inning. Ronny Jimenez finished 2-4.

Jorge Alcala was the first man out of the Blue team's bullpen; he allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 in 4 innings. He did allow the 2 runners that he inherited from Jose Ramos to score, though. Robert Corniel followed him, and he allowed an unearned run, a hit, walked 2, and struck out 1 in 3 innings.

Astros Daily Farm Report

I'm going to try something a little different as the minor league season winds to a close. I'm still trying to figure out a way to keep my readers informed without killing myself. I've already pulled back from doing all Astros birthdays past, present and future and have concentrated on the minor leaguers. And occasionally, I haven't been able to find a Tweet of the Day that is worthy of the honor. So, I may not feature one every day, but I'll still try to give you a flavor of minor league life and what the lads are doing, thinking, and feeling.

I will likely post a little later than usual, but generally by 9:00 CST most days. Some days will be short and to the point and some will be longer. If this works for me and for my readers, I may be doing something similar next season as a complement to my interviews, Dustin's recaps (if he agrees to continue with his great work) and whatever else strikes my whimsy. Thank you for your indulgence. And thank you for reading.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

TWEET OF THE DAY

STANDINGS, RESULTS AND LAGNIAPPE

FRESNO

Record: 1st 79-54 -.-GB L3 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched division title)

Friday's Game: Omaha 3 over Fresno 2 in 11 innings

DH Tyler White went 2-for-3 with 2 walks and drove in the tying run in the top of the 9th to send it to extras.

A glimpse into the celebration of Fresno's first division title since 1998 (from Thursday).

CORPUS CHRISTI

Record: 1st 81-49 -.-GB W1 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched first half title)

Friday's Game: Corpus Christi 17 over Midland 6
Travis Ballew, Josh Fields and Chris Cotton provided 4.1 innings of scoreless relief for the Hooks.

According to James Chipman of FanGraphs, Francis Martes has "it."

LANCASTER

Record: 3rd 70-61 3.0GB W2 (2nd in 2nd half; 3.0GB; clinched wild card)

Friday's Game: Lancaster 16 over Lake Elsinore 4
The 'Hawks collected 19 hits in this one on their way to clinching another playoff berth. That makes 5 of 9 Astros minor league teams that have officially advanced.

QUAD CITIES

Record: 1st 83-45 -.-GB W3 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched first half title)

Friday's Game: Quad Cities 3 over Peoria 0

Five hits was all it took as River Bandit pitchers Armenteros, Eric Peterson and Angel Heredia teamed up for a 4-hit shutout.

Steve Batterson of the Quad-City Times takes a look at the thought process behind players' walk-up music (and why I will never look at Josh Bonifay the same way again).

TRI-CITY

Record: 1st 35-30 -.-GB L3

Friday's Game: Vermont 8 over Tri-City 7

With 10 games left to play in the regular season, Tri-City leads the way with Lowell and Connecticut only 2.5 games back.

GREENEVILLE

Record: 2nd 32-31 4.5GB W1

Friday's Game: Greeneville 3 over Burlington 1

Connor Goedert was 3-for-4 with a one run home run. He is hitting .288/.355/.459 for the season and was recently named an Appalachian League All-Star.

The Appy Astros owe one to Kingsport as they came from behind late to defeat Elizabethton, helping Greeneville obtain sole possession of second place in the division. The first two teams in each division advance to the playoffs.

GULF COAST LEAGUE

Record: 4th 19-40 17.5GB L6 (Eliminated from postseason play)

Friday's Game: GCL Braves 8 over GCL Astros 1

Marcos Almonte was 3-for-5 for the day and is now hitting .315/.329/.384 since his promotion to the GCL (18 games).

Uno mas. One more game at 10:00 EST today and then these players get to head home.

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE BLUE TEAM

Record: 1st 43-29 -.-GB L3 (Clinched playoff berth; clinched division title; won first round of playoffs)

Season Over

The DSL Astros Blue team won the Boca Chica Northwest division and won the first round of playoffs two games to none against the DSL Blue Jays. They lost in the second round two games to zip against the DSL Rangers 1 team. But since it had been 14 years since an Astros DSL team had seen postseason action, it was still very much a victory for the Blue team.

Final Game Friday:

DSL Rangers1 10 over DSL Astros Blue 2

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE ORANGE TEAM

Record: 5th 28-44 22.0GB W1

Season mercifully over. (But they did finish one game ahead of the Angels DSL team, so there's that.)

Friday, August 28, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, August 27, 2015

In a rare off night for the farm, only the A affiliates won their games on Thursday. Certainly wasn't an off night for them...

Omaha 5, Fresno 1

W- Casey Coleman (5-3)
L- Mike Hauschild (6-4, 11-5 season)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies were up against it early as the Storm Chasers got 4 in the 2nd inning.

Their only run came in the 5th inning as Tyler White hit an RBI single that scored Max Stassi. Preston Tucker finished 2-4.

Mike Hauschild went 4.2 innings and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5. Kevin Chapman was the first man out; he allowed 3 hits and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings. Joe Thatcher and James Hoyt both pitched a scoreless inning; Thatcher walked 2 and fanned 1 in the 7th, and Hoyt struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

In game 2 of this series, Luis Cruz will face Chris Dwyer. First pitch is at 7:05.

Midland 10, Corpus Christi 1

W- Dillon Overton (4-2)
L- Kyle Westwood (9-7)

CC home runs: None.

Rough sailing for the Hooks. I'll just leave it at that.

Their only scoring play was a Conrad Gregor sac fly in the 6th inning. Danry Vásquez and Jack Mayfield had 2 hits apiece.

Kyle Westwood allowed 6 runs (2 earned) on 10 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 in 4 innings. Aaron West allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 1 over 2 scoreless innings. Reymin Guduan got 2 outs in the 7th, but he also allowed 4 runs on 5 hits. He walked 1 and fanned 1. Tyler Brunnemann walked 1 in 1.1 innings.

Tonight is the finale of this series, and Francis Martes will make his first start in the Texas League. He will take on Parker Frazier at 7:00.

Lancaster 7, Rancho Cucamonga 2

W- David Paulino (1-1, 5-3 season)
L- Scott Barlow (7-3)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks took the series behind an outstanding start from David Paulino, who combined with Kevin Comer to hold the Quakes to 3 hits.

Paulino allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out a career-high 9 in 7 innings, and Comer allowed a run on a sac fly, a single, walked 3, and struck out 1 in 2 innings.

Lancaster took control of this game with 2 runs in the 4th inning. In that 4th inning, Mott Hyde hit a sac fly, and Jamie Ritchie hit an RBI single. J.D. Davis hit an RBI single of his own in the 5th and came around to score on a Ronnie Mitchell triple. Alex Bregman ripped an RBI double in the 7th, and in the 8th, James Ramsay smacked a 2-run double. Ramsay, Bregman, and Ritchie all had 2-hit nights; Ritchie reached base in all 4 of his plate appearances as he also walked twice.

The JetHawks are back at The Hangar as they'll be hosting Lake Elsinore for the weekend. In game 1, Christian Powell will take on Matt Shepherd. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 8, Peoria 6

W- Jacob Dorris (1-0)
L- Dewin Perez (2-6)
S- Zach Davis (1)

QC home runs: Bryan Muñiz (2, 4 season; 2-run in 4th)

The Banditos saw a significant chunk of their 8-1 lead vanish, but they pulled themselves together in order to secure the victory.

Thomas Eshelman made his 2nd start for Quad Cities and allowed a run on 4 hits and struck out 3 in 3 innings. Jacob Dorris got the win in his first Midwest League appearance as he allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 2 scoreless innings. Elieser Hernandez had a tough outing as he allowed 5 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 in 2.2 innings. Zach Davis got the final 4 outs of the game; he allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2.

Jason Martin put Quad Cities on the board with an RBI groundout in the 3rd, and Ramon Laureano smacked an RBI ground-rule double. The Banditos busted this one open with 4 in the 4th as Kristian Trompiz hit an RBI single, Ryan Bottger added a sac fly, and Bryan Muñiz whacked a 2-run homer. Drew Ferguson added a 2-run single in the 6th inning. Muñiz, Laureano, and Trompiz all finished with 2 hits on the evening.

Rogelio Armenteros makes his Quad Cities debut tonight. He'll face Jack Flaherty at 7:00.

Vermont 6, Tri-City 5

W- Ryan Gorton (1-1)
L- Zac Grotz (4-3, 5-3 season)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats scored 2 in the top of the 9th to tie.... only to see the Lake Monsters walk off with a win in the bottom of the inning.

Alex Winkelman went 3.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Adam Whitt was the first man out; he allowed 2 runs on 7 hits and fanned 2 in 3 innings. David Schmidt was next; he allowed a run and walked 3 in 1.1 innings, and Zac Grotz allowed the winning run on 3 hits in the 9th. He got 1 out in the inning.

Dex McCall opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. Brooks Marlow ripped an RBI double in the 5th, and Johnny Sewald scored on an error as Vermont was trying to double him off of 3rd base following an Aaron Mizell lineout. Bobby Wernes hit a 2-run single in the 9th that tied the game at 5. Marlow finished 3-4, while Sewald was 2-4 with 2 runs scored.

In game 2 of this series, Jose Luis Hernandez will take on Dustin Driver. First pitch is at 7:05 Eastern.

Burlington 5, Greeneville 2

W- Igol Feliz (3-6)
L- Albert Abreu (2-3)
S- Jacob Bodner (4)

Greeneville home runs: None.

Both teams scored in 2 innings, but Burlington put up crooked numbers in their 2 innings.

Ford Stainback put Greeneville on the board with a sac fly in the 5th, and Daz Cameron had an RBI single in the 8th. Daz also stole a base (8, 21 season).

Albert Abreu allowed 2 unearned runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 4 innings. Dylan James pitched a 1-2-3 5th. Salvador Montaño went 2 innings and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3, and Starlyng Sanchez struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

In game 2 of this series, Diogenes Almengo will take on Ashe Russell. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Yankees2 6, GCL Astros 4

W- Brandon Stenhouse (3-2)
L- Junior Garcia (1-3)
S- Claudio Custodio (1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros got a pair of 2-run innings, but it wasn't enough as the Yankees scored the game's final 3 runs.

Jake Bowey hit an RBI single in the 3rd and scored when Connor MacDonald grounded into a force out later in the inning. Bowey hit another RBI single in the 4th, and an error resulted in Marcos Almonte scoring another run. He, Bryan De La Cruz, and Nestor Tejada all had 2 hits in this game. Tejada tripled and scored 2 runs.

Carlos Sanabria went 4.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2.

DSL Rangers1 5, DSL Astros Blue 1

W- Johan Juan
L- Yonatan Quintin

Blue home runs: None.

The big inning doomed the Blue team as the Rangers 1 tied the series. The Rangers got 4 runs (all unearned) off of Yonatan Quintin in the 8th. The series is tied 1-1, but the Rangers are leading 7-2 in the 8th inning of the 3rd and deciding game.

Edgar Lorenzo hit an RBI single in the 7th for the Blue team's only run.

Leovanny Rodriguez allowed a solo homer to Willy Diaz, which was the only run he allowed in 4 innings. Rodriguez allowed 3 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Hansel Paulino allowed 3 hits and walked 1 in 3 innings.

WTHB Under-the-Radar Roster: Position Players

Yesterday, I caught up with my long-neglected Under-the-Radar Pitchers. Today, let's take a look at how the position players are faring.

CATCHERS:

Tyler Heineman S/R
.283/.322/.355 in 22 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and 47 games for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies (promoted 5/22)
15-2B; 1HR; 27 RBI; 2 SB; 14 BB; 18 SO
36% Caught Stealing (25 SB; 14 CS)

Heineman has been a little slow to catch up with AAA pitching, but he has managed to hold his own. A switch-hitter, he is hitting better from the left (.286/.323/.370 with one home run and 13 of his 15 doubles), and he is hitting .300/.344/.433 with two outs and RISP.

Alfredo Gonzalez R/R
.322/.410/.383 in 13 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and 27 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks (promoted on 5/7) and 26 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks (promoted 7/5)

6-2B; 1-3B; 2 HR; 34 RBI; 5 SB; 1 CS; 34 BB; 46 SO
48% Caught Stealing (26 SB; 24 CS)

Gonzalez had previously established his defensive bona fides, but this season his bat has caught fire. He doesn't have a lot of power (but should develop a bit more on that front), but his on-base percentage has been consistently high as has his batting average.

Alfredo Gonzalez - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen


CATCHING RESERVES:

Jacob Nottingham R/R (Traded to the A's in July)
.326/.387/.543 in 59 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and .324/.368/.606 in 17 games for High A Lancaster JetHawks (promoted 6/30)
24-2B; 2-3B; 14 HR; 60 RBI; 1 SB; 2 CS; 21 BB; 61 SO
40% Caught Stealing (30 SB; 20 CS)

This could very well be one of those trades that comes back to bite the Astros one day with Nottingham going to the A's.

INFIELDERS:

1B/3B Matt Duffy R/R
.305/.380/.488 in 118 games for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies (68 games at 3B and 33 at 1B)
28-2B; 2-3B; 17 HR; 99 RBI; 4 SB; 1CS; 48 BB; 82 SO

Duffy started off the season a little slowly, but has gotten better and better throughout the season. (Click the chart to enlarge it.)



One very good sign is that he has walked 29 times while striking out 28 times in July and August. In the first three months of the season, he walked only 19 times to 54 strikeouts. That improvement in plate discipline was really the last piece of the puzzle for him.

Matt Duffy - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

1B/DH Chase McDonald R/R
.283/.359/.586 in 96 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
26-2B; 1-3B; 27 HR; 73 RBI; 2 SB; 1CS; 40 BB; 109 SO

McDonald has had an uneven season. In August, he is hitting .258/.314/.688 with five doubles, one triple and 11 home runs in 25 games.

3B Nick Tanielu R/R
.309/.356/.429 in 107 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
26-2B; 4-3B; 5 HR; 68 RBI; 2 SB; 7 CS; 30 BB; 61 SO

Tanielu, on the other hand, has been consistently good since getting past that first cold Midwest month of April. He was recently named a Midwest League Postseason All-Star.

SS/2B Mott Hyde R/R
.294/.379/.425 in 50 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and 66 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks (promoted 6/9)
37-2B; 5-3B; 3 HR; 63 RBI; 5 SB; 6 CS; 57 BB; 102 SO

In 23 games in August, Hyde is hitting .380/.469/.570, and he leads the Astros minor league system in doubles.

2B/SS Kristian Trompiz R/R
.251/.286/.363 in 103 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
18-2B; 4-3B; 5 HR; 37 RBI; 7 SB; 2 CS; 18 BB; 74 SO

Trompiz is almost two and a half years younger than the average Midwest League position player and it has shown at times. He is hitting .296/.329/.366 in 21 games in August.

IF Joe Sclafani S/R
.292/.371/.340 in 66 games for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies and 3 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks (currently at Fresno)
2-2B; 3-3B; 21 RBI; 4 SB; 1 CS; 25 BB; 35 SO

Sclafani got a slow start this season, likely adjusting to his role as more of a bench player, but in July and August, he has been hitting .360 in his 24 games.

INFIELD RESERVES:

3B/1B Tyler White R/R
.327/.446/.496 in 59 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and 47 games for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies (46 games at 3B, 26 at 1B and 32 at DH)
24-2B; 1-3B; 12 HR; 88 RBI; 1 SB; 1 CS; 77 BB; 65 SO

White was on my reserves because he left the team early in the season for a family matter and I wasn't sure of his status. Otherwise, he would have been a starter on my Under-the-Radar roster and, in looking at his stats, you can probably see why! He is hitting .373/.479/.571 since his promotion to Fresno and just recently debuted at #30 in MLB Pipeline's Top 30 prospect list.

SS/2B Chan Moon S/R
.263/.353/.350 in 17 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks, 70 games for AA Corpus Christi and 2 games for AAA Fresno (currently at Corpus Christi)
11-2B; 2-3B; 3 HR; 24 RBI; 20 SB; 7 CS; 39 BB; 56 SO

OUTFIELD:

LF/RF Brandon Meredith R/R - Released in July
.248/.331/.369 in 40 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
4-2B; 1-3B; 4 HR; 23 RBI; 2 SB: 4 CS; 18 BB; 38 SO

Shortly after being activated from the DL in early July, Meredith was released.

RF/LF Ronnie Mitchell L/L
.295/.364/.515 in 102 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
26-2B; 10-3B; 12 HR; 69 RBI; 1 SB; 3 CS; 41 BB; 81 SO

Mitchell is hitting .344/.380/.613 in 24 games in August and, with Brett Phillips having been traded, now leads the Astros minor league system in triples.

Ronnie Mitchell - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

CF/LF Bobby Boyd L/R
.280/.349/.345 in 107 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
15-2B; 4-3B; 1 HR; 35 RBI; 33 SB; 11 CS; 43 BB; 95 SO

Boyd is another player having a hot August; he is hitting .350/.430/.388 in 20 games. He is also second only to Jonathan Villar in stolen bases in the Astros minor league system.

CF/RF James Ramsay L/L
.315/.379/.459 in 119 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
28-2B; 4-3B; 10 HR; 57 RBI; 16 SB; 11 CS; 49 BB; 82 SO

Ditto on the Hot August ... .375/.442/.548 in 25 games.

OF/IF Marc Wik L/R
.266/.370/.424 in 86 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
17-2B; 4-3B; 7 HR; 39 RBI; 9 SB; 5 CS; 47 BB; 94 SO

And yet another good August ... .320/.393/.440 in 21 games.

OUTFIELD RESERVES:

RF/LF Jon Kemmer L/L
.326/.420/.572 in 97 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
25-2B; 3-3B; 17 HR; 59 RBI; 8 SB; 1 CS; 45 BB; 83 SO

Did I mention something about hot Augusts??? Try .386/.485/.699 with 11 doubles, three triples and three home runs in 23 games.

With several teams heading into postseason play, and all these hot bats, things could get very interesting!!!

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For background information on these players and more information regarding their selection, see my prior posts on Pitchers and Position Players.

Tweet of the Day

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, August 27, 2015

The DSL Blue team advances one step closer to the championship series.

Iowa 3, Fresno 2

W- Carlos Pimentel (12-5)
L- Brett Oberholtzer (7-4)
S- Brian Schlitter (22)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies managed to make it a 1-run game in the 9th, but they left the tying run on 1st to end the game.

Preston Tucker grounded into a force out to score Jonathan Villar in the 3rd, and Tyler Heineman hit an RBI groundout in the 9th inning. Tony Kemp finished 2-4.

Brett Oberholtzer allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and struck out 7 in 6 innings, and Jake Buchanan allowed a run on 2 hits in 2 innings.

Mike Hauschild will be on the mound for Fresno tonight as they begin a series in Omaha. He'll face Casey Coleman at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 5, Midland 3

W- R.J. Alaniz (5-3)
L- Omar Duran (2-2)
S- Jandel Gustave (16)

CC home runs: Jack Mayfield (6, 13 season; 3-run in 8th)

Well, better late than never. The Hooks scored their 5 runs in the 8th inning, all driven in by the bottom third of the order, to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat.

A.J. Reed kicked off this rally by whacking a double. He advanced to 3rd on a Jon Kemmer single. Conrad Gregor and Alfredo Gonzalez followed with RBI singles, and Jack Mayfield delivered the biggest hit of the night as his 3-run homer put Corpus in the lead. Reed, Colin Moran, and Jio Mier all finished with 2 hits. All 3 of them hit a double.

R.J. Alaniz allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and walked 3 in 7 innings of work. Tyler Brunnemann was greeted rather rudely by Colin Walsh, who took him deep to begin the 8th. Brunnemann got 2 outs in the inning and allowed one other hit. Chris Cotton got the final out of the 8th, and Jandel Gustave worked around a hit to close out the game, striking out 1.

In game 3 of this series, Kyle Westwood will face Dillon Overton at 7:00.

Rancho Cucamonga 10, Lancaster 2

W- Trevor Oaks (1-0)
L- Keegan Yuhl (4-1, 5-1 season)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks were left to rue their missed opportunities as the Quakes ended up turning this game into a laugher late.

Ruben Castro hit an RBI single in the 5th, and James Ramsay hit an RBI double in the 9th inning. Brian Holberton (3B, R), Chase McDonald, and J.D. Davis (2B) had 2 hits apiece.

Keegan Yuhl got roughed up for the first time this season as he allowed 3 runs on 7 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and struck out 5 in 4 innings. Jordan Mills allowed a hit, walked 4, and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings. Ryan Thompson's first task in the California League was to extract Mills from a bases-loaded predicament, and he did just that. He went 1.2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 3 hits. Andrew Walter allowed 5 runs on 3 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings.

David Paulino will face Scott Barlow in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 6, Clinton 3

W- Agapito Barrios (2-1)
L- Lukas Schiraldi (4-12)
S- Angel Heredia (10)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos took the series as they doubled up the LumberKings.

Quad Cities scored 3 in the bottom of the 1st to take control. Drew Ferguson scored on a wild pitch while Nick Tanielu stole 2nd, and Jason Martin hit a 2-run single. Ferguson then ripped an RBI triple in the 2nd. Ferguson, who ended up going 3-4 with 2 runs scored, added an RBI single to his ledger in the 4th, stole 2nd (6, 7 season), and scored on a Nick Tanielu single.

Agapito Barrios went 5 and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 4. Steve Naemark allowed a hit and walked 1 over 2 scoreless, and Angel Heredia allowed a hit and struck out 2 as he got the 2-inning save.

Thomas Eshelman will make his 2nd start for the River Bandits tonight as they're getting set to host Peoria for 3. He'll take on Dewin Perez at 7.

Connecticut 3, Tri-City 1

W- Jordan Smith (2-1)
L- Yeyfry Del Rosario (3-3)
S- Jake Shull (6)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats were foiled in their bid to sweep the series as the Tigers held them to 3 hits and scored the game's final 3 runs.

Anthony Hermelyn clubbed an RBI double in the 2nd to open the scoring.

Trent Thornton allowed 3 hits and struck out 1 in 3 innings. Scott Weathersby was the first man out, and the only run he allowed in his 2.1 innings came in the form of a solo homer hit by Patrick Mackenzie in the 6th inning. Weathersby allowed 3 hits and struck out 3. Yeyfry Del Rosario allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and fanned 2 in 1.2 innings, and Juan Carlos Santos allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 1 over 2 scoreless innings.

The ValleyCats' penultimate roadtrip of the season takes them to Vermont for 3 games. In game 1, Alex Winkelman will face Corey Miller. First pitch is at 7:05 Eastern.

Kingsport 1, Greeneville 0

W- Erik Manoah (1-3)
L- Yhoan Acosta (1-3)
S- Wilt Haggard (3)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros missed a huge opportunityto help themselves. Fortunately, Elizabethton also lost, so they are still tied with the Twins for 2nd place.

Greeneville only managed a single from Luis Payano, and a single from Gabriel Bracamonte (I always want to type Javier for some reason, even though they're not related).

Yhoan Acosta had a fine outing, but without any run support, he could only take a loss. He allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 8 in 5 innings. Makay Nelson and Joselo Pinales both pitched 2 scoreless innings; Nelson allowed 3 hits and fanned 1, while Pinales allowed 2 hits and struck out 1.

Greeneville will close out the regular season on the road. First up is 3 in Burlington. Albert Abreu will face Igol Feliz at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Yankees2 3, GCL Astros 1

W- Jordan Ovalles (2-4)
L- Michel Martinez (0-1, 4-3 season)
S- Omar Luis (1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros could only muster up a single run in this one.

That run came in the 1st off of a Connor MacDonald single. Marcos Almonte and Jonathan Matute had 2 hits apiece.

Michel Martinez went 3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 4, and fanned 2. Enrique Chavez was excellent in relief as he allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 5 innings. Abdiel Saldaña allowed a run on 2 hits and walked 2 in the 9th.

DSL Astros Blue 5, DSL Rangers1 3

W- Cristian Javier
L- Pedro Brito
S- Felipe Tejada

Blue home runs: Ronny Jimenez (1st of playoffs; 2-run in 1st)

The Blue team stormed out of the gate with 5 in the 1st and they were able to hold that lead.

Andy Piñeda led off the game with a triple and scored the first run of the day on an RBI single from Ozziel Sanchez-Galan. Sanchez-Galan made his way to 3rd on a walk and a wild pitch, then scored on a Cristopher Luciano single. Reiny Beltre, who drew the walk, scored when Edgar Lorenzo grounded into a double play. That still left Luciano on base for Ronny Jimenez, who ripped a 2-run homer. Piñeda and Jimenez both finished with 2 hits apiece.

Cristian Javier allowed 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3 over 5 shutout frames. Framber Valdez was the first man out; he went 2.1 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Felipe Tejada allowed an unearned run on 1 hit and fanned 3 in 1.2 innings.

WTHB Under-the-Radar Roster: Pitchers

I have woefully neglected my WTHB Under-the-Radar Roster. It's been two months since I checked in with them! Let's take a look at their progress ... pitchers today and position players tomorrow (I hope).

STARTING PITCHERS:

7-4 with 2 saves in 22 games (15 starts) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
2.80 ERA and 1.244 WHIP in 109.1 IP (31 BB:92 SO)

The bad news is that Devenski had a terrible July, allowing over twice as many earned runs across in that one month as he had in the rest of the months combined! The good news is that he has been largely back on track in August. The best news is that his dominant performances earlier in the season led to his inclusion on MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Astros prospect list where he is currently ranked as Number 18.

3-5 in 13 games (9 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
7.20 ERA and 1.667 WHIP in 45.0 IP (16 BB:36 SO)

Grills briefly came off the DL to pitch one inning on July 3rd and was promptly placed back on the disabled list where he remains. His numbers at The Hangar, Lancaster's home ballpark, were simply awful -- a 10.72 ERA and a 2.162 WHIP as compared to a 3.63 ERA and a 1.119 WHIP on the road. Let's hope that the road Grills shows up when he is activated from the DL.

5-6 with 2 saves in 5 games (3 starts) for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and 18 games (14 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks (promoted on 5/8)
3.48 ERA and 1.264 WHIP in 106 IP (41 BB:97 SO)

Radziewski has adjusted to Lancaster reasonably well and has a respectable 3.86 ERA and a 1.357 WHIP with the JetHawks. He has also fared better on the road where he is 3-3 with a 2.26 ERA and a 1.190 WHIP in 59.2 innings. He was just placed on the DL retroactive to 8-23

RHP Troy Scribner
2-5 in 25 games (12 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
5.55 ERA and 1.511 WHIP in 94 IP (53 BB:104 SO)

Scribner has lacked consistency this season but, other than a tough outing last week against Inland Empire, has been showing more progress on that front over his last several outings.

9-6 with 3 saves in 23 games (16 starts) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
4.58 ERA and 1.421 WHIP in 114 IP (23 BB:59 SO)

Westwood hasn't been able to really break out this season and his high batting average allowed is going to be a problem for him if he can't manage to miss more bats going forward.

STARTING RESERVES:

11-4 with 1 save in 10 games (8 starts) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and 12 games (12 starts) for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies (promoted 6/14)
3.33 ERA and 1.216 WHIP in 121.2 IP (28 BB:97 SO)

Hauschild has been a true success story this season. He currently leads the Astros minor leagues in innings pitched and has had an excellent month of August in Fresno, going 2-0 with a 2.10 ERA and a 1.013 WHIP in four starts.

Mike Hauschild - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

LHP Brian Holmes 7-day DL
7-7 with 1 save in 7 games (4 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks and 15 games (14 starts) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks (promoted 5/18)
4.35 ERA and 1.399 WHIP in 99.1 IP (38 BB:113 SO)

Holmes has struggled of late and was put on the DL 8-16.

BULLPEN:

4-1 with 5 saves in 38 appearances for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks and 2 appearances for the Corpus Christi Hooks (promoted 8-20)
3.71 ERA and 1.302 WHIP in 63 IP (24 BB:71 SO)

Allowing only one run in his final 9 appearances for Lancaster likely led to Brunnemann's recent promotion to Corpus Christi.

RHP Jordan Jankowski
8-3 with 3 saves in 50 appearances for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies
3.54 ERA and 1.464 WHIP in 56 IP (31 BB:69 SO)

Jankowski has had a particularly good August thus far, going 3-0 with 2 saves in 8 appearances. During that span, he has a 0.00 ERA and a 0.808 WHIP, walking 3 and striking out 15 in 8.2 innings of work. He has not allowed a home run this season.

Jordan Jankowski - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

LHP Mitch Lambson - Traded to the Braves 7/6
2-1 in 11 appearances for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and 13 appearances for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies (promoted 5/23)
2.60 ERA and 1.125 WHIP in 34.2 IP (9 BB:30 SO)

RHP Tyson Perez
1-3 with 6 saves in 3 appearances for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and 39 appearances for the AAA Fresno Grizzles (promoted 4/21)
2.45 ERA and 0.986 WHIP in 47.2 IP (13 BB:34 SO)

Perez has not allowed an earned run in his last 9 appearances.

RHP Eric Peterson
6-4 with 6 saves in 31 appearances for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
2.91 ERA and 1.365 WHIP in 55.2 IP (22 BB:69 SO)

Peterson has had a very nice August with a 1.80 ERA and a 0.900 WHIP in his six appearances.

3-1 in 11 games (7 starts) for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies
3.07 ERA and 1.049 WHIP in 41 IP (11 BB:37 SO)

I originally listed Shirley as a reliever on this roster because he has been used as both a starter and a reliever; however, his last three appearances were in a starting capacity. Unfortunately, those three outings were followed by a stint on the DL. He has not pitched since May 29th.

4-2 with 5 saves in 38 appearances for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and 1 appearance for the High A Lancaster JetHawks (promoted 8-25)
2.89 ERA and 1.089 WHIP in 56 IP (15 BB:55 SO)

Thompson had a 1.31 ERA and a 0.823 WHIP in 15 appearances for Quad Cities in July and August prior to his promotion.

BULLPEN RESERVES:

3-4 with 2 saves in 6 appearances for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and 27 appearances for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks (promoted first of May)
3.78 ERA and 1.376 WHIP in 52.1 IP (18 BB:46 SO)

Minnis bounced back from a very bad June to put up respectable numbers in July and August. He is the exception to the rule in that his home splits at the Hangar are actually better than his road splits.

RHP Daniel Minor - Released
0-1 in 7 appearances for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
3.48 ERA and 1.355 WHIP in 10.1 IP (7 BB:8 SO)

Minor was the victim of the depth of the Astros minor league system. There simply weren't enough innings to go around (particularly when the starting rotation was performing well), and Minor found himself to be the odd man out.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

For background information on these players and more information regarding their selection, see my prior posts on Pitchers and Position Players.

Tweet of the Day

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Let's play 2 in Des Moines!

Game 1: Iowa 3, Fresno 2

W- Ryan Buchter (1-0)
L- Asher Wojciechowski (8-3)
S- Brian Schlitter (21)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies threatened in the 7th, but a double play squashed those plans.

Jonathan Villar hit an RBI double in the 3rd inning, and L.J. Hoes ripped one of his own in the 5th. They also stole a base; Villar now has 34, while Hoes has 24.

Asher Wojciechowski went the distance with a bare minimum quality start. He allowed 5 hits (solo homer), walked 4, and struck out 2.

Game 2: Fresno 7, Iowa 3

W- Mark Appel (3-2, 8-3 season)
L- Felipe Paulino (4-8)
S- Jordan Jankowski (3)

Fresno home runs: Tony Kemp (3, led off game)

With this win, the Grizzlies have clinched the PCL's Pacific Northern division.

Tony Kemp began the game by going deep. Jon Singleton ripped an RBI double in the 2nd and scored on an RBI single from Andrew Aplin. In the 4th, Tyler Heineman clubbed an RBI double and Aplin scored on an error following a Tony Kemp single. Matt Duffy hit a double, and Tyler White scored on the ensuing error in the 5th. Kemp grounded into a force out in the 6th, and Nolan Fontana scored on yet another error. Kemp (solo homer) and Singleton (2B, RBI, 2 R) had 2 hits apiece.

Mark Appel had a bare minimum quality start, allowing 4 hits, walking 4, and striking out 5. Joe Thatcher got 2 outs in the 7th via strikeout and walked 2. Jordan Jankowski got the final out of the game with a strikeout.

In the series finale, Brett Oberholtzer will take on Carlos Pimentel at 6:40.

Midland 6, Corpus Christi 3

W- Jeff Urlaub (1-0)
L- Reymin Guduan (1-3, 4-6 season)
S- Brendan McCurry (3)

CC home runs: None.

Disaster struck the Hooks bullpen as the Hounds scored 4 in the bottom of the 8th to take the lead.

All 3 Corpus runs came in the 4th as Teoscar Hernandez scored on a wild pitch and Danry Vásquez ripped a 2-run double. Danry, Colin Moran, A.J. Reed, and Jon Kemmer all finished 2-4. Kemmer is on a 5-game hitting streak and has 2 hits in each of the 5 games that constitute this streak.

Chris Devenski went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 8 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Josh Fields walked 1 in a scoreless 6th. Travis Ballew struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 7th. Reymin Guduan got 1 out in the 8th via strikeout, but he allowed a hit and walked 2, leaving the bases loaded for Jandel Gustave. Gustave got the final 2 outs of the 8th, but he was unable to extract the Hooks out of the predicament as all 3 inherited runners scored. Gustave allowed a run of his own on 2 hits and struck out 1.

In game 2 of this series, R.J. Alaniz will face Kris Hall. First pitch is at 6:30.

Lancaster 12, Rancho Cucamonga 7

W- Albert Minnis (3-4)
L- Matt Shelton (1-2)

Lancaster home runs: Sean McMullen (2, 7 season; 3-run in 4th)

The JetHawks took flight with 7 in the 4th, giving them 12 through the first 4 innings of this one.

J.D. Davis opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. In the 2nd, Alex Bregman added a sac fly. Lancaster got 3 in the 3rd as Brian Holberton hit an RBI single, Ruben Castro hit an RBI groundout, and Marc Wik scored on a balk. Davis added another RBI single to his ledger in that big 4th inning, in which Mott Hyde hit a bases-clearing triple and Sean McMullen smacked a 3-run home run. Davis finished 3-4 with a double to go with his 2 RBI singles and scored 2 runs, while Holberton was 2-4 and scored 2 runs.

Akeem Bostick went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (solo and 2-run homers). Albert Minnis was the first man out; he allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Troy Scribner allowed a solo homer to Jacob Scavuzzo in the 8th, which was the only hit he allowed in the inning. He also walked 2. Andrew Walter allowed a hit and struck out 1 in a scoreless 9th.

In game 3 of this series, Bryan Radziewski will take on Trevor Oaks. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Clinton 3, Quad Cities 0

W- Eddie Campbell (2-2)
L- Justin Ferrell (4-3)
S- Kody Kerski (7)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos were held to 4 hits and were kept off the board. Trent Woodward and Bryan Muñiz both hit doubles.

Justin Ferrell went 6 innings and allowed a run on 6 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4. Zach Davis struck out 1 over 2 perfect frames, and Eric Peterson allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in the 9th.

Agapito Barrios will be on the mound for Quad Cities tonight as they wrap up their series with the Lumberkings. He'll face Lukas Schiraldi at 7:00.

Tri-City 13, Connecticut 6

W- Kevin McCanna (2-2)
L- Chase Edwards (6-5)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats fought back from a 5-0 deficit and blew the Tigers away with a 13-1 run to close out the game.

That 5-0 deficit was erased by a 6-run 4th inning. Kolbey Carpenter put Tri-City on the board with an RBI double. He'd score on a Pat Porter sac fly. Anthony Hermelyn and Keach Ballard followed with RBI singles, and Johnny Sewald put the ValleyCats in the lead with a 2-run double. Hermelyn and Ballard struck again in the 5th with a 2-run double and an RBI single, respectively. Sewald drew a bases-loaded walk in the 7th, and in the 8th, Bobby Wernes hit an RBI single, and Ballard and Sewald drew bases-loaded walks.

Hermelyn (2B, 3 RBI, R) and Wernes (RBI, 4 R) had 3 hits apiece, while Porter (RBI, 2 R), Carpenter (2B, 3B, RBI, 2 BB, 2 R) and Ballard (3 RBI, 2 BB, R) had 2 each.

Zac Person went 3.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 2 hits (2-run homer), walked 3, and struck out 2. Kevin McCanna was the first man out; he allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 3.2 innings, and Ralph Garza Jr. allowed a run on 4 hits and struck out 1 in 2 innings.

Trent Thornton will be on the mound for Tri-City tonight. He'll face Sandy Baez at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville 8, Elizabethton 4

W- Andrew Thome (1-1)
L- Cody Stashak (5-2)

Greeneville home runs: Connor Goedert (5, 3-run in 2nd)

The Appy Astros only scored in 1 inning, but it turned out to be enough as they earned a massive series win. They took the final two games over Elizabethton to pull into a tie for 2nd place in the Appalachian League West.

Rodrigo Ayarza put Greeneville on the board and in the lead by clearing the bases with a double in the 2nd, which became the first 3 runs in an 8-run inning. Osvaldo Duarte followed with an RBI double, and Myles Straw drove Duarte home with an RBI single. Straw was caught stealing 2nd, but Daz Cameron took his place on the bases by drawing a walk. Daz moved to 3rd on a Randy Cesar single, and Connor Goedert, whose BB to begin the inning started all of this, whacked a 3-run homer.

Straw finished 2-4 as everyone in the Appy Astros lineup reached base at least once.

Matt Bower, who was just promoted to Tri-City, allowed 4 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 4 in 4 innings. Alejandro Solarte walked 1 in a scoreless 5th, and Andrew Thome pitched 4 scoreless for the win, allowing 4 hits and fanning 1.

Greeneville will meet Kingsport for the final time this season. This game is just underway. Yhoan Acosta is on the mound for the Appy Astros, and he's taking on Erik Manoah.

GCL Tigers 6, GCL Astros 2

W- Toller Boardman (3-2)
L- Franklin Perez (0-2, 1-4 season)
S- Logan Longwith (5)

GCL home runs: None.

Jorge Martinez ripped an RBI double in the 5th inning, and Marcos Almonte added a sac fly in the 8th.

Franklin Perez allowed 3 runs on 6 hits and struck out 2 in 3 innings. Juan Robles was the 3rd pitcher to appear for the GCL Astros; he allowed a run on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 3 innings.

DSL Astros Blue 2, DSL Blue Jays 1

W- Ricardo Castro
L- Wilfri Aleton
S- Gabriel Valdez

Blue home runs: Cristopher Luciano (1st of playoffs, 2-run in 1st)

I believe that playoffs in the DSL is contested in a best-of-3 format. So, the Blue team will advance to the semifinals to take on the Rangers 1.

All the scoring in this game came off of home runs, and Cristopher Luciano's 2-run homer in the 1st was the difference.

Ricardo Castro allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 over 5 shutout innings. Gabriel Valdez pitched the final 4 innings and allowed a solo homer to Antony Fuentes in the 7th, which was the only Blue Jays run. Valdez allowed one other hit and fanned 1.