Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, September 2, 2016

Sacramento 5, Fresno 1

W- Dan Slania (2-0)
L- Evan Grills (1-2, 9-8 season)

Fresno home runs: None.

The RiverCats got the jump on Evan Grills with 3 runs in the 3rd to take a 4-0 lead.

Grills went 6 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits, one of which was a solo homer. Brad Peacock pitched the final 2 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5.

Tyler Heineman finished 2-4, and his RBI double in the 6th was Fresno's only scoring play. D.J. Fisher also went 2-4 with a double, and Alejandro Garcia, who scored the only Fresno run, finshed 3-4.

Frisco 7, Corpus Christi 6

W- Juan Grullon (3-3)
L- Michael Freeman (3-4)
S- Luke Jackson (1)

CC home runs: Nick Tanielu (7, 11 season; 2-run in 3rd)

The Hooks attempted to force extra innings, but they stranded the tying run on 3rd to end the game.

Nick Tanielu opened the scoring with a 2-run homer in the 3rd inning. Later in the frame, Ramon Laureano and Conrad Gregor added RBI singles. Chase McDonald hit an RBI single in the 5th and added another one to his ledger in the 9th, but Gregor was left 90 feet away in the end.

Rogelio Armenteros went 5.1 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him), walked 2, and struck out 5. Michael Freeman and Kevin Comer both went 1.1 innings; Freeman had 2 inherited runners charged to him, both unearned, and walked 1. Comer allowed a run of his own on 3 hits and struck out 1.

Lancaster 4, Inland Empire 1

W- Akeem Bostick (5-3, 6-4 season)
L- Jake Jewell (2-15)
S- Andrew Thome (4, 8 season)

Lancaster home runs: None.

With the win, the JetHawks clinched a playoff berth.

Akeem Bostick shook off an unearned run in the 1st inning and delivered 6 solid innings, allowing 7 hits, walking 1, and striking out 5. Kevin McCanna allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 2 in 2 innings, and Andrew Thome worked around 2 htis and a walk to secure the victory.

All 4 Lancaster runs on Friday came on RBI doubles. Three of them came in the 1st inning, off the bats of Kyle Tucker, Bryan Muñiz, and Jason Martin. In the 5th, Martin ripped another RBI double for the final run of the evening.

Kane County 2, Quad Cities 1

W- Sam McWilliams (3-6)
L- Enrique Chavez (0-2, 3-4 season)
S- Keegan Long (7)

QC home runs: None.

Both teams scored in the 2nd inning... but the Cougars had the more productive half.

The Banditos' run in the 2nd came on an Arturo Michelena groundout. Dex McCall, who scored that run, doubled to lead off the inning.

Enrique Chavez went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 9. Carlos Sierra allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4 over the final 3 innings.

Tri-City 6, Staten Island 3

W- Salvador Montaño (2-0, 3-1 season)
L- Raynel Espinal (0-1)
S- Tyson Perez (1)

TC home runs: Chuckie Robinson (2, 2-run in 1st), Taylor Jones (8, solo in 4th)

The ValleyCats ensured a win in their final home series of the year by doubling up the Yankees.

Chuckie Robinson opened the scoring with a 2-run homer in the 1st and added an RBI double to his ledger in the 3rd inning. Taylor Jones led off the 4th with a homer, Rodrigo Ayarza led off the 5th with a triple and scored on a wild pitch. Robinson drew a walk later in the inning, advanced to 3rd on a Ronnie Dawson double, and scored the final run of the evening on another wild pitch. Robinson and Connor Goedert finished 2-3 on the evening.

Tyler Britton went 3 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7. Salvador Montaño was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen, and in 2 innings, he allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Kevin Hill allowed 2 hits and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless, and Tyson Perez threw a 1-2-3 9th to get the save.

Friday's Stars

Photo from MiLB.com

Akeem Bostick, RHP, Lancaster

W (5-3, 6-4 season), 6 IP, 7 H, unearned run, BB, 5 K

Chuckie Robinson, C, Tri-City

2-3, 2B, 2-R HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R

Kevin Hill, RHP, Tri-City

3 IP, 2 H, 2 K

Enrique Chavez (top) and Carlos Sierra, RHPs, Quad Cities

Chavez: L (0-2, 3-4 season), 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 9 K

Sierra: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K

Jason Martin, OF, Lancaster

2-2, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB (20)

Results for Saturday, September 3, 2016

Fresno 10, Sacramento 5

W- Kevin Chapman (3-4)
L- Jake Dunning (3-4)

Fresno home runs: Jon Kemmer (18, grand slam in 8th)

The RiverCats scored 3 in the 7th to tie the game at 5, but the Grizzlies quickly regained control with 5 runs in the 8th; Jon Kemmer's grand slam was the knockout blow.

Keegan Yuhl went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5. Brendan McCurry got 2 outs in the 7th, but he also allowed 3 runs on 4 hits and walked 1. Kevin Chapman stopped the bleeding by throwing 2.1 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 6.

Danny Worth opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st inning. Jack Mayfield added an RBI single in the 2nd, and Jon Singleton drove in the next three Fresno runs with an 2-run double in the 3rd and a sac fly in the 5th. Mayfield walked to lead off the 8th, and Colin Moran and Worth joined him after getting plunked and drawing a walk, respectively. This prompted a pitching change, and Kemmer greeted the new Sacramento pitcher, Vin Mazzaro, with a grand slam that put Fresno back in front. Singleton drove in the final run of the evening with an RBI double later in the inning.

D.J. Fisher (2 2B, R), Alejandro Garcia (3 R), and Max Stassi (R, SB) all finished with 3 hits. Both of Singleton's hits were doubles, and Kemmer only had one hit, but it was massive.

Mike Hauschild will start game 3 of this series. He'll face Chris Stratton at 5:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 7, San Antonio 1

W- Dean Deetz (2-0, 8-5 season)
L- Seth Simmons (3-4)
S- Kyle Smith (3)

CC home runs: Drew Ferguson (3, 17 season; solo in 1st)

Dean Deetz dominated the Missions on Saturday with 6 shutout innings, allowing just one hit, walking 2, and striking out 8. The Missions spoiled the shutout with a run off Kyle Smith in the 9th. Smith went 3 innings and allowed 4 hits and struck out 3.

Drew Ferguson opened the scoring with a solo blast in the 1st inning. In the 4th inning, J.D. Davis ripped an RBI double and Conrad Gregor drove in another run with a groundout. Garrett Stubbs hit an RBI double of his own in the 5th, and Davis smacked a 2-run double in the 7th.

In addition to his homer, Ferguson walked 3 times and scored 4 runs. Davis and Stubbs both finished 2-4, and both of their hits were doubles.

Kent Emanuel will take on Jerry Keel in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:05.

Lancaster 7, Inland Empire 6

W- Scott Weathersby (6-6, 7-6 season)
L- Adam Hofacket (1-2)
S- Andrew Thome (5, 9 season)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks scored 5 in the 7th inning and staved off a late 66ers rally to hang on for the win. With this victory, the JetHawks clinched the second-half title in the California League South, which gives them home-field advantage in the South Division mini-series.

Bryan Muñiz opened the scoring with an RBI groundout in the 1st, and Marc Wik drove in another run with another groundout in the 4th to tie the game at 2.

Wik walked to lead off the bottom of the 7th, and he would eventually score the go-ahead run on a wild pitch that was ball 4 to Johnny Sewald. With Osvaldo Duarte at the plate, Sewald and Myles Straw executed a double steal that saw Straw steal home. Duarte wound up walking, and he and Sewald did the double steal once again. Sewald scored on another wild pitch, and Muñiz followed with an RBI triple. Jamie Ritchie finished 3-4 and drove in the final Lancaster run with an RBI single to cap off the huge 7th inning.

Straw and Aaron Mizell both had 2 hits; Straw finshed the night with 3 stolen bases (4, 21 season), while Sewald finished with 2, giving him 23 with Lancaster and 39 on the year. Duarte's steal gives him 4 with Lancaster and 19 on the season.

Elieser Hernandez went 6 innings and the two runs he allowed came on a homer from Taylor Ward in the 2nd. He allowed 5 other hits and struck out 4. Scott Weathersby went 2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Juan Carlos Santos got an out in the 9th via strikeout, but he also allowed 2 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 2 hits. Andrew Thome got the final 2 outs of the game; he walked 1 and struck out 1.

Albert Abreu gets the start for Lancaster tonight, and he'll take on Justin Anderson at 5:05 Pacific.

Burlington 5, Quad Cities 0

W- Jose Rodriguez (7-5)
L- Yoanys Quiala (2-12)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos got blanked on Saturday.

Their only 3 hits were singles hit by Stephen Wrenn, Hector Roa, and Anthony Hermelyn.

Yoanys Quiala allowed 8 hits and had a bare minimum quality start. Sebastian Kessay allowed 2 unearned runs on 2 hits.

Franklin Perez will face Luis Peña in game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 2:00.

Staten Island 5, Tri-City 4

W- Chad Martin (4-0)
L- Carlos Sanabria (1-1, 2-3 season)
S- Justin Kamplain (6)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats scored 4 runs in the 6th to cut the deficit to one run, but they could not quite get over the hump.

Carlos Sanabria went 3.1 innings and allowed 5 runs (3 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 7 hits (solo homer) and struck out 2. Sean Stutzman was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen, and in 1.2 innings, he allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3. Ricardo Castro allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 7 over the final 4 innings.

Carmen Benedetti scored the first Tri-City run on an error that allowed Chuckie Robinson to advance to 3rd and Ronnie Dawson to take 2nd. Taylor Jones followed with a 2-run single, and Bryan De La Cruz hit an RBI groundout. Benedetti finished 2-4.

The ValleyCats will wrap up 2016 with two games in Connecticut. Ryan Hartman will take on Gregory Soto at 4:05 Eastern.

Saturday's Stars

Jon Singleton, 1B, Fresno

2-3, 2 2B, 4 RBI

Kevin Chapman, LHP, Fresno

W (3-4), 2.1 IP, H, BB, 6 K

Dean Deetz, RHP, Corpus Christi

W (2-0, 8-5 season), 6 IP, H, 2 BB, 8 K

J.D. Davis, 3B, Corpus Christi

2-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI, R

Ricardo Castro, RHP, Tri-City

4 IP, H, BB, 7 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, August 26, 2016

Sacramento 3, Fresno 0

W- Ty Blach (14-7)
L- David Paulino (0-2, 5-4 season)
S- Steven Okert (3)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies were kept off the scoreboard on Friday night. Three of their 5 hits were doubles; Jon Kemmer, Alejandro Garcia, and Jack Mayfield had the two-baggers.

David Paulino went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 8. Brendan McCurry and Kevin Chapman followed with 2 scoreless innings apiece; McCurry allowed 2 hits and struck out 3, while Chapman allowed a hit and struck out 1.

Evan Grills will start game 4 of this series. Word on the street is that Matt Cain will make a rehab start for Sacramento. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 7, Midland 0

W- Francis Martes (9-5)
L- Brandon Mann (2-3)

CC home runs: Drew Ferguson (1, 15 season; 2-run in 6th), J.D. Davis (20, 2-run in 7th)

Drew Ferguson broke a scoreless tie in the 6th, the Hooks poured it on in the 7th, and Francis Martes and Eric Peterson shut down the Midland offense. Martes allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4 over 7 shutout innings, and Peterson finished it off by striking out 4 over 2 perfect frames.

Ferguson finished 3-4, and his two-run homer in the 6th accounted for the game's first two runs. Mott Hyde got hit by a pitch to lead off the 7th, and he eventually scored on an error following a Tony Nuñez bunt single. Nick Tanielu added a 2-run single, and J.D. Davis capped off the evening by launching a 2-run home run, his 20th blast of the season. Nuñez (2 BB, R, SB) and Davis had 2 hits apiece.

Tonight, the Hooks will begin their final home series of the season, a 3-game set with San Antonio. Rogelio Armenteros will face Kyle Lloyd at 7:00.

Modesto 4, Lancaster 2

W- Ryan Castellani (7-8)
L- Elieser Hernandez (2-5, 6-8 season)
S- Troy Neiman (2)

Lancaster home runs: Trent Woodward (6, 7 season; solo in 8th)

The Nuts had more two-run innings than the JetHawks, so naturally, they won this game.

Lancaster's two-run inning was the 8th: Trent Woodward led off the inning with a homer, and Jason Martin hit a sac fly. Woodward finished 2-3 on the night.

Elieser Hernandez went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3. Andrew Thome allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 4 over the final 3 innings.

In game 2 of this series, Albert Abreu will face Colin Welmon. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

Wisconsin 2, Quad Cities 1

W- Miguel Sanchez (1-0)
L- Nick Hernandez (0-1, 1-2 season)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos' offensive woes continued, and the Rattlers nipped them with a two-out RBI single in the top of the 9th.

Bobby Wernes had 2 of the 3 River Bandits in this game; he doubled to lead off the bottom of the 1st, and his RBI single was the Banditos' only scoring play. The other hit was a single from Dex McCall.

Enrique Chavez allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 over 7 strong innings. Wisconsin got the go-ahead run off of Nick Hernandez, who went 2 innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2.

Yoanys Quiala will start game 2 of this series. He'll face Jordan Desguin at 6:00.

Lowell 5, Tri-City 4

W- Pat Goetze (4-1)
L- Devin Raftery (0-1, 3-1 season)
S- Jordan Weems (1)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats tied the game at 3 in the 8th .... only to see Lowell SS C.J. Chatham put the Spinners back in front with a 2-run homer in the top of the 9th. TC managed to pull a run back in the 9th, but they stranded the tying run on 2nd to end the game.

Tyler Wolfe scored the first run of the evening on an error in the 3rd that allowed Carmen Benedetti to reach. Kevin Martir hit an RBI single in the 6th, and he added a sac fly to his ledger in the 8th inning, and Benedetti hit a sac fly to bring the ValleyCats to within a run. Wolfe and Ronnie Dawson scored 2 runs apiece. Dawson and Rodrigo Ayarza both went 2-5, while Taylor Jones finished 3-4.

Jorge Alcala pitched 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 2. Erasmo Pinales tagged in to throw 3 scoreless innings, walking 1 and striking out 4. Devin Raftery pitched 2 innings, and the two runs he allowed came on Chatham's 2nd home run of the game. He allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 4.

Edgardo Sandoval starts game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville 4, Danville 0

W- Jorge Guzman (1-3, 2-4 season)
L- Jhon Martinez (4-5)
S- Juan Robles (1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros kept themselves alive in the playoff chase by taking 2 of 3 from the Braves.

Jorge Guzman and Juan Robles joined forces to keep Danville off the board; Guzman allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 7 over 5 innings, and Robles pitched the final 4 innings, allowing 4 hits and fanning 4.

Ruben Castro led off the 3rd with a single and scored the first run of the game on an error following a Frankeny Fernandez sacrifice bunt. Castro scored another run off another error in the 5th inning; this miscue came off a single from Abraham Toro. Not long after, Fernandez scored on a balk. Troy Sieber doubled to lead off the 8th and came around to score on a Carlos Machado single. Toro, Machado, Castro, and Stijn van der Meer all finished 2-4.

Tonight, the Appy Astros will begin a series with the team directly above them in the Appalachian League West standings, Elizabethton. Patrick Sandoval will get the start, and he'll take on Tyler Wells at 6:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 2, GCL Marlins 0

W- Yohan Ramirez (1-0, 2-1 season)
L- Bryan Morris (0-1)
S- Josue Uribe (1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros scored 2 runs in the 1st, which turned out to be enough for them to get the win.

Ronel Blanco and Yohan Ramirez were the first 2 pitchers for the GCL club, and they were making their US debuts. Blanco allowed a hit and struck out 3 in 3 innings of work, and Ramirez went 2 innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 2. Gabriel Valdez allowed a hit and struck out 3 over 3 scoreless, and Josue Uribe walked 1 and struck out 2 in the 9th to get the save.

Wander Franco opened the scoring with an RBI single, and Jose Benjamin grounded into a force out that allowed Ronny Jimenez to score. Jimenez and Randy Vasquez both finished 2-4.

DSL Astros Orange 5, DSL Rangers2 3

W- Christian Mejias (1-0)
L- Miguel Medrano (0-1)
S- Diosward Gonzalez (1)

Orange home runs: None.

The Orange team got a pair of runs in the 6th to break a 3-3 tie.

Euclides Chavez scored the first run of the game in the 2nd inning on an error following a Kelvin Perez single. The Orange team got two runs in the 3rd on a pair of RBI singles from Jose Abel Hernandez and Chavez. Jose Carrillo scored the go-ahead run on a balk in the 6th, and Samir Caraballo, who was at the plate at the time, added an RBI single. Caraballo, Chavez, Carrillo, and Hector Martinez all had 2 hits on the day.

Gerardo Bojorquez went 3 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (2 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 2. Christian Mejias allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 1 over 2 scoreless, and Diosward Gonzalez allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 over 4 scoreless for the save.

Friday's Stars

Diosward Gonzalez, RHP, DSL Astros Orange: Save (1), 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K

Francis Martes and Eric Peterson, RHPs, Corpus Christi

Martes: W (9-5), 7 IP, 3 H, BB, 4 K

Peterson: 2 IP, 4 K

Drew Ferguson, OF, Corpus Christi

3-4, 2-R HR (1, 15 season)

J.D. Davis, 3B, Corpus Christi

2-4. 2B, 2-R HR (20)

Andrew Thome, RHP, Lancaster

3 IP, H, 2 BB, 4 K

Enrique Chavez, RHP, Quad Cities

7 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 3 K

Erasmo Pinales, RHP, Tri-City

3 IP, BB, 4 K

Photos by Bryan Green

Jorge Guzman and Juan Robles, RHPs, Greeneville

Guzman: W (1-3, 2-4 season), 5 IP, H, BB, 7K

Robles: Save (1), 4 IP, 4 H, 4 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, August 6, 2016

Las Vegas 10, Fresno 8

W- Luis Mateo (1-0)
L- Aaron West (0-1, 5-3 season)
S- Josh Smoker (3)

Fresno home runs: Jon Singleton (17, 3-run in 1st)

Vegas took the finale after scoring 2 in the 8th inning to break an 8-8 tie. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies still won the series 3-2.

Jon Singleton opened the scoring with a 3-run home run in the 1st inning. Andrew Aplin added a 2-run single in the 4th and came around to score on a single from Colin Moran. Singleton added an RBI double to his ledger in the 5th, and Moran scored on an error in the 6th inning. 

Tyler Heineman finished 3-5 with a double and a run scored, and Singleton (3-R HR, 4 RBI, 2 R) and Danny Worth (2 BB, 2 R) had 2 hits apiece.

Edison Frias went 3.1 innings and allowed 8 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits (3-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 1. Albert Minnis was the first man out of the Fresno bullpen and threw 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 1, and striking out 1. Aaron West was next; he went 1.1 innings and allowed 2 runs, both of which were inherited runners that were charged to him, a double, and walked 1. Brendan McCurry took ownership of the 8th inning and allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 2.

The Grizzlies are in El Paso for the final leg of their 13-game roadtrip. Mike Hauschild will take on Bryan Rodriguez at 6:05 Mountain. 

Midland 7, Corpus Christi 2

W- Ben Bracewell (7-1)
L- Trent Thornton (1-1, 8-5 season)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks were sunk by a pair of home runs from top A's prospect Matt Chapman in this game.

Trent Thornton went 6 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits (solo and 3-run home runs both hit by Chapman), walked 2, and struck out 4. Michael Freeman allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 2 innings.

Ramon Laureano doubled to lead off the game and scored the first run of the evening on a single from J.D. Davis. Laureano smacked another double to drive in the other Corpus Christi run in the 2nd inning. He and James Ramsay had 2 hits apiece from the top of the order.

Francis Martes will start the series finale. He'll face Daniel Gossett at 2:00.

Lancaster 11, Modesto 5

W- Jose Luis Hernandez (1-2, 4-4 season)
L- Parker French (6-9)

Lancaster home runs: Aaron Mizell (5, 7 season; solo in 2nd), Keach Ballard (3, 4 season; solo in 2nd)

The JetHawks busted this game open with a 5-run 5th inning.

Johnny Sewald scored the first run of the game when Trent Woodward grounded into a force out in the 1st inning. Aaron Mizell led off the 2nd inning with a homer, and two batters later, Keach Ballard launched a solo shot of his own. Yulieski Gurriel added an RBI single later in the frame. Ballard scored on an error in the 4th inning following a Johnny Sewald bunt single. 

Jason Martin walked to lead off the 5th, and Mizell joined him on the bases after a single. Brooks Marlow got plunked to load the bases, and they all ended up scoring. Ballard drew a walk to bring in Martin, Mizell scored after Sewald got hit by a pitch, and Marlow scored on a Bobby Boyd walk. Gurriel added a sac fly, and Woodward hit a two-out RBI single. Mizell hit a one-out triple in the 8th and scored Lancaster's final run on a single from Marlow. He finished 4-5 with 3 runs scored. Ballard and Sewald also scored 3 runs in the game. 

Jose Luis Hernandez allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, walked 3, and tied a career high with 12 strikeouts. Ryan Deemes was the first man out of the JetHawks bullpen, and in 1.1 innings, he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and walked 3. After Deemes failed to record an out in the 9th, Andrew Thome took ownership of the inning and finished the game, striking out 1.

The JetHawks will look to sweep the Nuts out of The Hangar at 5:05 Pacific. Brock Dykxhoorn will face Helmis Rodriguez.

Burlington 7, Quad Cities 3

W- Austin Robichaux (2-1)

L- Justin Ferrell (4-5)
S- Aaron Cox (4)

QC home runs: None.

This game was tied at 3 after 3 innings, but the Bees scored the game's final 4 runs.

Ryne Birk put Quad Cities on the board with an RBI single in the 1st. He got caught stealing 2nd base, but Dex McCall took his place on the bases with a double. McCall came around to score on a double from Kyle Tucker. Kristian Trompiz drew a two-out walk in the 3rd inning. He proceeded to steal 2nd (7, 11 season) and scored after two consecutive wild pitches. Myles Straw finished 2-5 with a double and a run scored; he has 7 straight multi-hit games.

Hector Perez and Justin Ferrell both pitched 4 innings; Perez allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 3, and struck out 8, and Ferrell allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5. Adam Whitt allowed a run on a fielder's choice, walked 3, and struck out 1 in the 9th inning. 

In game 2 of this series, Albert Abreu will take on Jose Rodriguez. First pitch is at 1:15.

Tri-City 4, Brooklyn 1

W- Sean Stutzman (2-2)

L- Thomas Szapucki (1-2)
S- Dustin Hunt (1)

TC home runs: Tyler Wolfe (1, solo in 7th)

The ValleyCats took game 1 from the Cyclones as their offense came alive in the late innings.

They were hitless through the first 5 innings, but they scored 2 in the 6th to take the lead. Marcos Almonte drew a walk to lead off the inning. He proceeded to steal 2nd and moved to 3rd on the errant throw. Two batters later, Brauly Mejia ripped an RBI double to give Tri-City their first hit of the game. Later in the 6th, Taylor Jones put the ValleyCats in front with an RBI single. Tyler Wolfe led off the 7th with his first home run as a pro, and Spencer Johnson ripped an RBI double in the 8th to bring in the final run of the game.

Enrique Chavez went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and struck out 3. Sean Stutzman walked 1 and struck out 1 in a scoreless 6th, and Dustin Hunt finished it off with 3 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 4.

Kevin Hill will start game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 5:00 Eastern.

Greeneville 4, Bristol 1

W- Patrick Sandoval (2-2)
L- Mike Wallace (2-2)
S- Diogenes Almengo (2)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros scored 3 in the 6th and got a fine outing from Patrick Sandoval to take 2 of 3 from the Pirates.

Sandoval allowed 3 hits and struck out 7 over 5 shutout innings. The Pirates spoiled the shutout in the 8th with a run off of Diogenes Almengo. Almengo pitched the final 4 innings, allowing 3 hits and walking 4.

Jonathan Arauz doubled to lead off the 3rd inning and scored the game's first run when Abraham Toro grounded into a fielder's choice. Connor MacDonald singled to lead off the 6th; Ray Henderson and Carlos Machado joined him after they both got plunked. Frankeny Fernandez followed by hitting a sacrifice fly that scored MacDonald; an error allowed Henderson to score, and Machado also advanced to 3rd. Machado ended up scoring on a wild pitch. Arauz (2B, R) and MacDonald had 2 hits apiece.

Tonight, Nathan Thompson will start the first of a 3-game series in Pulaski. First pitch is at 5:00 Eastern.

Dominican Summer League

Both the Blue team and the Orange team had their games suspended by rain.

Saturday's Stars

Jon Singleton, 1B, Fresno

2-4, 2B, 3-R HR (17), 4 RBI, 2 R

Aaron Mizell, 2B/OF, Lancaster

4-5, solo HR (5, 7 season), 3 R

Enrique Chavez, RHP, Tri-City

5 IP, 2 H, unearned run, 3 K

Sean Stutzman, LHP, Tri-City

W (2-2), IP, BB, K

Dustin Hunt, RHP, Tri-City

Save (1), 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K

Photo from MiLB.com

Patrick Sandoval, LHP, Greeneville

W (2-2), 5 IP, 3 H, 7 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, July 14, 2016

Let's play two in Lancaster!

Fresno 6, New Orleans 2

W- César Valdez (7-1)
L- Jose Urena (1-3)

Fresno home runs: Tyler White (7, 2-run in 3rd), Jon Singleton (15, solo in 6th)

The Grizzlies kicked off the second half of their season with a victory.

Tyler White opened up the scoring with an RBI infield single in the 1st, and he added to Fresno's lead by whacking a 2-run home run in the 3rd inning. Jon Singleton ripped an RBI double in the 4th and clubbed a solo homer in the 6th. Teoscar Hernandez drove in the final Grizzlies run of the evening with a sac fly in the 7th. White and Singleton both finished 2-4, while Tony Kemp went 3-4 and scored a run at the top of the order.

César Valdez delivered another strong start; he allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 4 in 7 innings. Jandel Gustave walked 1 and struck out 1 in a scoreless 8th, and Reymin Guduan struck out the side and allowed a solo homer to Matt Juengel in the bottom of the 9th, which was the only hit he allowed in the inning.

Tommy Shirley will start game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:00.

Frisco 10, Corpus Christi 1

W- Connor Sadzeck (9-2)
L- Francis Martes (5-4)

CC home runs: J.D. Davis (14, solo in 6th)

The Roughriders kept the Hooks offense in check... and then they decided to turn this game into a laugher in the final inning.

J.D. Davis finished 2-4 and his solo blast in the 6th was the Hooks' only scoring play. Nick Tanielu went 3-5.

The only blemish on Francis Martes' line was a 3-run home run he served up to Andy Ibañez in the 3rd inning. In 6.1 innings, Martes allowed 3 other hits, walked 3, and struck out 7. Ryan Thompson struck out 1 over 2 perfect innings. Michael Freeman bore the brunt of Frisco's assault in the 9th inning. I'll leave it at that. Chris Cotton allowed a run of his own on 2 hits and got the final 2 outs of the 9th inning, striking out 1.

In game 3 of this series, Evan Grills will take on Victor Payano. First pitch is at 7:05.

Game 1: Lancaster 3, San Jose 0

W- Trent Thornton (6-4)
L- Phil Bickford (2-1)

Lancaster home runs: Ramon Laureano (7, 2-run in 6th)

Trent Thornton and Phil Bickford both threw complete games for their respective teams, but Thornton got the run support from his offense and outdueled the Giants' top prospect. He allowed just 4 hits and struck out 4 over the 7 innings.

Brooks Marlow broke a scoreless tie with an RBI double in the 5th, and Ramon Laureano provided some insurance with a 2-run home run in the 6th inning. Laureano and Johnny Sewald both finished 2-3; Sewald also stole a base, giving him 30 on the season (14 Lancaster, 16 Quad Cities).

How did the JetHawks fare in game 2?

Game 2: Lancaster 9, San Jose 4

W- Rogelio Armenteros (6-2, 6-4 season)
L- Jordan Johnson (6-7)

Lancaster home runs: Ramon Laureano (8, 2-run in 2nd), Bryan Muñiz (8, solo in 2nd)

The JetHawks swept the twinbill thanks to an early offensive outburst that staked Rogelio Armenteros to a 9-0 lead. Lancaster was the away team in this game, because this was a makeup of a game that was supposed to be played in San Jose all the way back on April 10.

Bryan Muñiz put Lancaster on the board first with an RBI single in the 1st inning. He came around to score on a single from Drew Ferguson, and a wild pitch allowed Johnny Sewald to score. Ramon Laureano smacked a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning, and Muñiz followed by adding a solo blast to his ledger. Marc Wik ripped a 2-run triple in the 4th, and Muñiz drove in the final JetHawks run with an RBI single in the 5th inning. He finished 3-4 and scored twice, while Laureano (2-R HR, 2 R) and Ferguson (RBI, R, SB [20]) had 2 hits apiece.

Rogelio Armenteros went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 7. He's the first player in the system to record 100 strikeouts this season. Kevin McCanna struck out 2 over 2 perfect innings.

Dean Deetz will start the series finale, and he'll face a rehabbing Matt Cain at 6:35 Pacific.

Quad Cities 4, Fort Wayne 2

W- Matt Bower (3-0, 5-3 season)
L- Thomas Dorminy (2-3)
S- Ralph Garza Jr. (6)

QC home runs: Hector Roa (2, solo in 2nd)

The Banditos got a nice start from Matt Bower, who has rebounded well since returning to the Midwest League.

Bower allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 8 in 7 innings of work; this was his longest outing as a pro. Justin Ferrell allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 in 1.1 innings, and Ralph Garza Jr. recorded the final two outs of the game.

Hector Roa opened the scoring in the 2nd inning by leading it off with a home run. Pat Porter followed that blast with a double. He advanced to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single from Anthony Hermelyn. The TinCaps tied the game at 2 in the 4th inning, but Quad Cities quickly re-established its advantage in the 5th as Hermelyn scored on a wild pitch. Kristian Trompiz tripled in the 8th inning and scored the final run of the evening on a single from Connor Goedert. Porter finished 3-4 and stole a base (5), while Trompiz and Myles Straw had 2 hits apiece.

Franklin Perez will start the series finale. He'll take on Jerry Keel at 7:05 Eastern.

Tri-City 2, Connecticut 0

W- Enrique Chavez (2-0)
L- Taylor Hicks (0-1)

TC home runs: Ronnie Dawson (2, 2-run in 7th)

There was only one scoring play in this game, and Ronnie Dawson's 2-run homer in the 7th proved to be the difference. Randy César went 2-2 and scored on Dawson's home run.

Hector Perez allowed 2 hits and struck out 5 in 4.1 innings. Howie Brey issued a walk, but he got the final two outs of the 5th. Enrique Chavez allowed 2 hits and walked 1 in 4 innings of work.

Kevin Hill will start game 2 of this series. He'll take on Locke St. John (outstanding name), a former teammate of his at South Alabama, at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville and Pulaski was postponed

Due to rain. They'll play a doubleheader tonight, with game 1 starting at 6:00 Eastern. Carlos Hiraldo will start that game, and Patrick Sandoval will start game 2.

DSL Royals 7, DSL Astros Blue 2

W- Kelvin Gonzalez (1-0)
L- Jose Orta (0-1)
S- Miguel Medrano (2)

Blue home runs: Michael Garcia (1, solo in 5th)

The Royals pulled away with a pair of 3-run innings.

Michael Garcia hit his first career home run in the 5th inning, and Jose Benjamin scored on a force out in the 6th.

Javier Navas went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jose Orta only recorded 1 out in the 6th via strikeout and allowed 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) and walked 4. Angel Matos pitched 1.1 innings and allowed 3 unearned runs on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4, and Juan Corniel allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 in 2.1 scoreless innings.

From July 2: DSL Phillies2 8, DSL Astros Orange 7 in 14 innings

W- Adrian Acosta (3-0)
L- Willy Collado (0-1)

Orange home runs: None.

After play resumed, the Phillies tied the game at 4 with a run in the 6th. Both teams scored 3 in the 11th inning, but the Phillies managed to walk off with the win.

Humberto Castellanos went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Luis Castro ended up going 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (1 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 4 hits, walking 5, and striking out 3. Yohan Ramirez allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 2.1 innings, and the Phillies scored the winning run off Willy Collado with a 2-out single in the bottom of the 14th. Collado also walked 2.

The Orange team scored 2 in the 4th on a Ramiro Rodriguez RBI single and a force out that scored Enmanuel Valdez. In the 6th, Ramiro scored on an error and Ronaldo Urdaneta drew a bases-loaded walk. The Orange team's 3 runs in the 11th came on a Vicente Mota RBI double, an RBI triple from Yeuris Ramirez, and an RBI single from Urdaneta.

DSL Astros Orange 4, DSL Phillies2 2

W- Humberto Castellanos (1-2)
L- Leonel Aponte (2-3)
S- Jose Antonio Hernandez (1)

Orange home runs: Gilberto Celestino (2, solo in 2nd)

The Orange team took the regularly scheduled game as two pitchers joined forces on a 2-hitter.

Humberto Castellanos allowed 2 unearned runs on an error and a force out, 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 5 innings. Jose Antonio Hernandez got the save; he walked 2 and struck out 3 over the final 2 innings.

Gilberto Celestino led off the 2nd inning with a home run to open the scoring. Later in the 2nd, Jose Carrillo stole home as part of a double steal with Juan Infante, who took 2nd base. Celestino scored another run on an error after Felix Lucas grounded into a force out in the 4th inning. Jose Abel Hernandez hit a sac fly in the 7th to bring in the final run of the day for the Orange team.

Thursday's Stars

Ramon Laureano, OF, Lancaster

Game 1 of doubleheader: 2-3, 2-R HR(7)

Game 2 of doubleheader: 2-4, 3B, 2-R HR (8)

Trent Thornton, RHP, Lancaster

W (6-4), CG, 4 H, 4 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Bryan Muñiz, 1B, Lancaster

3-4, solo HR (8), 3 RBI in game 2 of doubleheader

Photo from MiLB.com

Ronnie Dawson, OF, Tri-City

Go-ahead 2-R HR (2) in 7th inning

César Valdez, RHP, Fresno

W (7-1), 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K

J.D. Davis, 3B, Corpus Christi

2-4, solo HR (14)

 

Hector Perez's and Enrique Chavez's photos by Bryan Green.

Howie Brey's photo from MiLB.com

Hector Perez, RHP, Tri-City: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 5 K

Howie Brey, LHP, Tri-City: 0.2 IP, BB

Enrique Chavez, RHP, Tri-City: W (2-0), 4 IP, 2 H, BB

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, July 9, 2016 

Let's play two in Fresno!

Game 1: Fresno 5, Reno 0

W- Brad Peacock (3-4)
L- Braden Shipley (7-5)

Fresno home runs: None.

In the first game of the twinbill, Brad Peacock dominated on the mound. He went the distance, allowing just 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 12. The 12 strikeouts is the most that he's recorded as a member of the Astros organization; his career high for Ks is 14, which occurred on May 13, 2011, when he was with Harrisburg in the Nationals organization.

Jon Singleton opened the scoring with a 2-run double in the 4th inning. Tyler White ripped a 2-run double of his own in the 5th, and Tony Kemp capped off the scoring in game 1 with a sac fly in the 6th. Singleton and Kemp both finished 2-3.

How did the Grizzlies fare in game 2?

Game 2: Fresno 4, Reno 3

W- James Hoyt (4-3)
L- Jimmie Sherfy (0-1)

Fresno home runs: Max Stassi (5, solo in 6th)

The Aces tied the game at 3 in the top of the 6th, but Max Stassi quickly re-established Fresno's advantage by smacking a solo homer in the bottom half. And so, the Grizzlies won their final series before the AAA All-Star break by sweeping the doubleheader.

Jordan Jankowski went 3 innings and allowed an unearned run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Josh Fields and James Hoyt pitched 2 innings apiece; Fields allowed a run on 3 hits and fanned 4, and Hoyt allowed a run on 4 hits and struck out 3.

Tony Kemp drove in the first run of game 2 with an RBI single in the 2nd inning, and Teoscar Hernandez added an RBI groundout later in the frame. Teoscar added an RBI single to his ledger in the 4th, and Stassi's home run in the 6th turned out to be the game-winning hit. Stassi finished 2-3 in the game, and Kemp did so as well.

The Triple-A All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday, July 13 at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte. Brady Rodgers, James Hoyt, and Mike Hauschild will represent the Grizzlies on the Pacific Coast League All-Star team.

Fresno will return to action on Thursday when they begin a 4-game series in New Orleans.

Corpus Christi 7, Tulsa 6

W- Kyle Smith (3-5)
L- Ralston Cash (5-3)
S- Aaron West (12)

CC home runs: None.

The missed extra point turned out to be the difference here... sorry, I was still in football mode. I was covering the Texas State 7-on-7 Football Tournament in College Station this weekend, so I'm still trying to recover from that.

The Hooks trailed 6-0 after the 2nd inning, but they turned the tables on the Drillers, culminating in a 6-run 7th inning that put them in the lead.

Kent Emanuel only lasted 2 innings and allowed 6 runs on 8 hits (3-run homer) and struck out 2. However, the Hooks bullpen picked him up by keeping the Drillers off the scoreboard for the final 7 innings. Kyle Smith allowed 2 hits and struck out 3 over 4 scoreless innings. Chris Cotton allowed a hit and walked 1 in 1.1 innings, and Aaron West pitched the final 1.2 innings to get the save; he allowed 2 hits and fanned 1.

Roberto Peña drove in Corpus Christi's first run with an RBI groundout in the 6th. The Hooks quickly found themselves down to their final out in the 6th, but Chase McDonald, Danry Vásquez, and Nick Tanielu all singled to load the bases. Alejandro Garcia followed by drawing a bases-loaded walk. Peña added an RBI single, and then James Ramsay hit a double. He was credited with 2 RBI on the play, and an error allowed him and Peña to score the go-ahead runs. McDonald and Garcia had 2 hits apiece; here's Ramsay's go-ahead double:





Inland Empire 6, Lancaster 2

W- Jason Hoppe (1-2)
L- Dean Deetz (4-5)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks scored first, but the 66ers finished up the game on a 6-0 run.

Lancaster's two runs both came in the 4th inning; Jason Martin grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Johnny Sewald, and one batter later, Trent Woodward hit an RBI single.

Dean Deetz went 7 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, walked 3, and fanned 6. Kevin McCanna allowed 3 runs on 2 hits and struck out 1 in the 8th inning.

Clinton 3, Quad Cities 0

W- Luiz Gohara (1-0)
L- Albert Abreu (2-7)
S- Spencer Herrmann (2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos couldn't get much going on offense; that is because the top third of the order had all of the hits, and they were all singles. Myles Straw and Kyle Tucker both went 2-4, while Osvaldo Duarte finished 1-4.

Albert Abreu allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 2 in 5 innings. Chris Murphy allowed 3 hits and struck out 1 over 3 scoreless innings, and Ralph Garza Jr. worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th.

Tri-City 4, West Virginia 3

W- Enrique Chavez (1-0)
L- James Marvel (1-3)
S- Nick Hernandez (1)

TC home runs: None.

Tri-City hung on to the win by staving off a 9th-inning rally from the Black Bears.

Taylor Jones opened the scoring with an RBI double in the 4th. In the 5th, Stephen Wrenn legged out an RBI bunt single. Jones added an RBI single to his ledger in the 6th, and Alex DeGoti smacked an RBI ground-rule double in the 7th. Jones finished 3-4, while DeGoti (2B, RBI, SB [5]) and Brauly Mejia (2 R) both went 2-4.

Enrique Chavez allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3 over 5 shutout innings. Hector Perez tagged in for 3 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits, walking 4, and striking out 5. Nick Hernandez closed it out, but not before he allowed a 2-run double that cut the ValleyCats' lead to 1 and allowed the two runners he inherited from Perez to score. Hernandez struck out the side.

Elizabethton 4, Greeneville 3

W- Alex Schick (1-0)
L- Diogenes Almengo (0-1)
S- Colton Davis (3)

Greeneville home runs: Miguelangel Sierra 2 (8; solo in 1st, solo in 8th)

So, when will Miguelangel Sierra be promoted?

Sierra recorded his first career multi-homer game in this one by smacking two solo shots: the first led off the bottom of the 1st inning, and he sent another one out in the 8th. Luis Payano ripped an RBI double in the 9th to cut the Appy Astros' deficit to one run, but he was stranded there to end the game. Ray Henderson finished 2-4 with a double.

Diogenes Almengo went 2.2 innings and allowed 3 runs (all on a home run) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Patrick Sandoval allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 6 in 4.1 innings, and Devin Raftery struck out the side in order in the 8th inning.

DSL Astros Blue 8, DSL Phillies 7 in 11 innings

W- Juan Cuevas (5-2)
L- Steiner Carmona (1-2)

Blue home runs: None.

Samir Caraballo finished 4-4 with a double and 2 RBI. Angel Tejeda finished 2-4 with 2 runs scored; Orlando Marquez also scored twice.

Juan Cuevas got the win, allowing 2 hits over 2 scoreless innings.

DSL Astros Orange 6, DSL Rangers2 5

W- Miguel Matos (2-0)
L- Enmanuel Betances (0-2)

Orange home runs: None.

The Orange team surprised the Rangers with a late rally to take control.

Kendy Moya went 4-5 with a run scored, and Ronaldo Urdaneta was 2-4 with 2 RBI and a stolen base (7).

Miguel Matos allowed a solo homer to Adrian Pernalete in the 9th, which was the only run he allowed. Matos allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 3 innings of work.

Saturday's Stars

Photo by Bryan Green

Miguelangel Sierra, SS, Greeneville

2-4, 2 solo HR (8)

Brad Peacock, RHP, Fresno

CG, 3 H, BB, 12 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Kyle Smith, RHP, Corpus Christi

W (3-5), 4 IP, 2 H, 3 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Enrique Chavez, RHP, Tri-City

5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K

Results for Sunday, July 10, 2016

Tulsa 7, Corpus Christi 6

W- Joe Broussard (3-0)
L- Michael Freeman (3-3)
S- Gus Schlosser (2)

CC home runs: Jack Mayfield (8, 10 season; 3-run in 7th)

Jack Mayfield's blast tied the game at 6, but the Drillers went back in front with a run in the bottom of the 7th.

Chase McDonald put Corpus on the board with an RBI infield single in the 4th, and one batter later, Mott Hyde added a 2-run single. McDonald finished 2-4 on the day.

Edison Frias went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5. Michael Freeman allowed 2 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings, and Ryan Thompson pitched a 1-2-3 8th.

Keegan Yuhl will start the series finale. He'll face Lisalverto Bonilla at 7:05.

Lancaster 17, Inland Empire 0

W- Akeem Bostick (1-1, 2-2 season)
L- Alex Klonowski (6-9)

Lancaster home runs: Jason Martin (16, 2-run in 6th), Brooks Marlow (4, 6 season; 2-run in 6th)

Total domination from the JetHawks on Sunday night.

On the mound, Akeem Bostick and Andrew Thome joined forces to throw a 3-hit shutout. Bostick allowed a hit, walked 4, and struck out 6 in 7 innings, and Thome allowed 2 hits and fanned 1 over the final 2 frames.

In the series finale, Brock Dykxhoorn will take on Justin Anderson. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

Clinton 12, Quad Cities 5


W- Pablo Lopez (5-0)
L- David Schmidt (2-1, 3-2 season)
S- Joey Strain (7)

QC home runs: None.

It all went horribly wrong for the Banditos after the 5th inning as Clinton seized control with 8 runs in the 6th.

Hector Roa, who finished a home run shy of the cycle in 4 trips to the plate, smashed an RBI double in the 2nd to open the scoring. He added an RBI triple to his ledger in the 4th. Pat Porter finished 2-4 with an RBI single in the 8th. Later in the 8th, Kristian Trompiz hit a sac fly and Roa hit an RBI single.

Elieser Hernandez allowed 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 8 over 5 shutout innings. David Schmidt, Adam Whitt, and Zac Person all allowed 4 runs out of the bullpen. Schmidt only got 1 out in the 6th. He allowed a hit and walked 3, and 2 of the runs that were charged to him were inherited runners. Whitt pitched 2.2 inning and allowed 4 runs of his own on 4 hits and struck out 1. Person's 4 runs came on 3 hits, and he also walked 2 in the 9th inning.

Jose Luis Hernandez will start the series finale. He'll face Jeffeson Medina at 7:00.

Tri-City 5, West Virginia 3

W- Austin Nicely (2-1)
L- Danny Beddes (0-1)
S- Sean Stutzman (2)

TC home runs: Spencer Johnson (2, 4 season; grand slam in 3rd)

Spencer Johnson led Division I in home runs this past spring, and he's showing off that power. His slam in the 3rd inning put Tri-City on the board and in the lead. Rodrigo Ayarza added an RBI single in the 5th inning. Taylor Jones went 2-4.

Austin Nicely went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and fanned 1. Kevin Hill was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen, and he allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 over 3 scoreless. Sean Stutzman struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th to get the save.

Tonight, the ValleyCats are in Niles, Ohio, best known as the birthplace of former U.S. President William McKinley. They will be starting a 3-game series with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at 7:05 Eastern. Dustin Hunt will face Luis Jimenez.

Greeneville 4, Elizabethton 1

W- Nathan Thompson (1-0)
L- Sean Poppen (0-2)
S- Salvador Montaño (1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros got a couple of late insurance runs to provide some separation between them and the Twins.

Troy Sieber opened the scoring with an RBI single. Tyler Wolfe finished 2-5 with an RBI single in the 7th, and in the 8th, Vicente Sanchez hit an RBI groundout and Marcos Almonte added an RBI single. Almonte and Gabriel Bracamonte also had 2 hits in the game.

Tyler Britton and Nathan Thompson both threw 4 innings; Britton allowed 4 hits and struck out 6, while Thompson allowed a solo homer to Amaurys Minier in the 7th which accounted for Elizabethton's only run. Thompson allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 3. Salvador Montaño worked around a walk to close out the game.

Abdiel Saldaña will start the series finale. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 6, GCL Nationals 5 in 10 innings

W- Dariel Aquino (1-1)
L- Matt Pirro (1-1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Nationals tied this game with 4 in the top of the 7th, but the Kissimmee Stros walked off with a victory in the first extra frame.

Bryan Abreu allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5 over 4 scoreless innings. Manuel Gonzalez allowed an unearned run on a sac fly, a single, and struck out 1 in the 5th. Ian Hardman was next; he went 1.1 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 5 hits and struck out 1. Cris Santamaria allowed a hit in 1.1 innings, but the 2 runners he inherited from Hardman scored on a sac fly and a wild pitch. Dariel Aquino went 2.1 innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2.

Juan Piñeda (2 RBI, R, 2 SB [2]) and Reiny Beltre (RBI, R) both finished 2-4. Beltre was plunked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th to bring in the winning run.

Sunday's Stars

Photo by Bryan Green

Juan Piñeda, 2B, GCL Astros

2-4, 2 RBI, R, 2 SB (2)

Photo from MiLB.com

Hector Roa, OF, Quad Cities

3-4, 3 RBI; finished HR shy of cycle

Photo from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page

Lancaster JetHawks: W 17-0 @ Inland Empire

Jason Martin: 2-5, 2-R HR (16), 2 R
Brooks Marlow: 3-5, 2B, 2-R HR (4, 6 season), 6 RBI

Tony Nuñez: 3-5, 2 2B, RBI, 2 R

Bryan Muñiz: 4-6, 4 R

Akeem Bostick: W (1-1, 2-2 season), 7 IP, H, 4 BB, 6 K

Andrew Thome: 2 IP, 2 H, K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, July 3, 2016

Salt Lake 7, Fresno 3

W- David Huff (2-3)
L- Brad Peacock (2-4)

Fresno home runs: Alex Bregman (2, 16 season; 3-run in 5th)

The Grizzlies were foiled in their bid to sweep the series because they fell into an early 7-0 hole.

Alex Bregman's 3-run home run in the 5th was Fresno's only scoring play.

Brad Peacock went 5 innings and allowed 7 runs on 10 hits (9 singles and a double), walked 2, and struck out 6. Reymin Guduan recorded 2 outs in the 6th, 1 via strikeout, and walked 3. Jordan Jankowski extracted him from a bases-loaded situation without incurring any damage. Jankowski ended up pitching 2 innings, walking 1 and fanning 3. Kevin Chapman issued a walk in the 8th but was able to get the final out of the inning.

Tonight, the Grizzlies return home to begin a 4-game series with Sacramento. César Valdez will face Adalberto Mejia at 6:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 12, Tulsa 6

W- Albert Minnis (1-0)
L- Scott Barlow (3-5)

CC home runs: Roberto Peña (6, solo in 2nd)

The Hooks provided some early fireworks as they jumped out to a 10-2 lead after 4 innings.

James Ramsay led off the bottom of the 1st with an infield single and advanced to 2nd on an error. He scored the first run of the evening on another Tulsa error following a Mott Hyde single. Conrad Gregor and Nick Tanielu grounded into force outs that allowed Hyde and D.J. Fisher to score. Roberto Peña led off the bottom of the 2nd with a home run, and Hyde later added an RBI single.

In the 4th, Gregor drew a bases-loaded walk, Tanielu smacked a 2-run double, and Danry Vásquez added a 2-run single. Tanielu scored on a double play in the 7th, and Gregor finished off the scoring with an RBI double in the 8th.

Everyone in the Corpus lineup had a hit; Danry led the way in that category by finishing 3-4. Tanielu (2B, 3 RBI, 2 R), J.D. Davis (2 R), Hyde (RBI, R), and Ramsay (2 R) all finished with 2 hits in the game.

Kent Emanuel went 4.2 innings and allowed 3 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 7 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4. Michael Freeman allowed 2 runs on 5 hits in an inning (final out of 5th, 2 outs in 6th). Albert Minnis allowed a run on 2 hits and walked 2 in 2.1 innings, and Ryan Thompson threw a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Edison Frias will start game 2 of this series. He'll take on Chase De Jong at 7:05.

Lake Elsinore 3, Lancaster 2

W- Walker Lockett (3-3)
L- Dean Deetz (4-4)
S- Colby Blueberg (11)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks had to settle for a split as they couldn't capitalize on a couple of massive opportunities in the late innings.

Keach Ballard hit an RBI groundout in the 2nd inning to open the scoring. However, the Storm responded with 3 in the bottom half of the inning. Jason Martin smacked an RBI triple with 1 out in the 7th inning, but he was left at 3rd in the end. Lancaster had the bases loaded in the top of the 9th, but again, they couldn't push any runs across. Ramon Laureano and Jason Martin (2B, 3B, RBI) had 2 hits apiece; the two of them had all 4 of Lancaster's hits in this game. Bryan Muñiz walked twice and scored both Lancaster runs.

Dean Deetz pitched 2 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned; all 3 runs scored in the 2nd inning), walked 3, and struck out 3. 2 of those runs scored on an error, and the other came on a sac fly. Gonzalo Sañudo and Scott Weathersby pitched 3 innings apiece; Sañudo allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 4, while Weathersby allowed 2 hits and struck out 3.

Akeem Bostick will be on the mound tonight as the JetHawks start a 4-game series with Visalia. First pitch is at 6:35 Pacific.

Kane County 2, Quad Cities 1

W- Austin Mason (1-0)
L- Adam Whitt (2-2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos walked off with a loss in this game, and a loss in the series.

After 14 zeroes on the scoreboard, this game finally got its first run in the top of the 8th as Osvaldo Duarte tripled with 2 outs in the inning and trotted home on a single from Dex McCall. Duarte finished 2-3 and was the only player on either side to have a multi-hit game.

Albert Abreu dominated the Cougars as he allowed just 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5 over 8 shutout innings. However, Kane County got to Adam Whitt for the winning runs with 1 out in the 9th inning. Whitt recorded that one out with a strikeout.

Tonight, the River Bandits will begin a 4-game series with Beloit. Elieser Hernandez will take on Michael Murray at 6:00.

Tri-City 10, Hudson Valley 0

W- Hector Perez (2-0)
L- Spencer Moran (1-1)
S- Enrique Chavez (1)

TC home runs: Stephen Wrenn (7, 2-run in 1st), Ryne Birk (1, solo in 3rd), Daz Cameron (2, 2-run in 6th)

The ValleyCats won this series from the Renegades by dominating them in all facets of the game.

They dominated the pitching aspect of baseball by not allowing any runs. Hector Perez allowed just 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 over 5.2 shutout innings, and Enrique Chavez allowed 2 hits and struck out 2 over the final 3.1 innings to complete the shutout.

Tri-City dominated the offensive aspects of baseball by scoring 10 runs on 14 hits. Stephen Wrenn continued his rampage on New York-Penn League pitchers by opening the scoring with a 2-run home run in the 1st inning. Ryne Birk's first pro home run was a solo blast in the 3rd.

The ValleyCats scored 2 in the 4th, 5th, and the 6th: Brauly Mejia and Alex DeGoti hit RBI single in the 4th. Wrenn and Taylor Jones smacked RBI doubles in the 5th, and Daz Cameron whacked a 2-run homer in the 6th. Jones capped off Tri-City's dominant offensive showing with another RBI double in the 9th. Every position player who appeared for Tri-City had a hit, the three home run hitters and Jones' two doubles led the way. Rodrigo Ayarza, who subbed in for Birk at second base in the 7th, singled in his only plate appearance. Daz also stole his 8th base with Tri-City; he now has 12 stolen bases on the season.

Tonight, Tri-City will start a 3-game series with State College. Kevin Hill will start game 1, and he'll face Steven Farinaro at 6:30 Eastern.

Kingsport 11, Greeneville 0

W- Max Wotell (1-0)
L- Carlos Hiraldo (0-1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

It was a forgettable Sunday for the Appy Astros.

They were held to 4 hits in this game; Spencer Johnson and Wander Franco split that total between themselves.

Carlos Hiraldo only recorded 2 outs in the 1st inning. He allowed 5 runs on 4 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 1. Reggie Johnson pitched 2 innings and allowed 3 unearned runs on 3 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 2. Carlos Sanabria allowed 3 runs on 6 hits and fanned 6 in 5.1 innings, and Angelo Serrano worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 1.

Patrick Sandoval will start game 3 of this series. He'll take on Thomas Szapucki at 4:00 Eastern.

Game 1: GCL Astros 5, GCL Cardinals 1

W- Gabriel Valdez (1-0)
L- Jacob Schlesener (0-2)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros took the first of 2 from the Cardinals behind a strong pitching performance.

Gabriel Valdez allowed 1 hit and struck out 6 over 5 shutout innings. The Cardinals spoiled the shutout with a run off of Dariel Aquino in the 7th inning. Aquino allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.

An error in the 2nd inning allowed Jorge Martinez and Reiny Beltre to score the first runs of the day. Troy Sieber hit an RBI single in the 3rd inning. Andy Piñeda added an RBI single in the 6th, and Carlos Machado drove in the Kissimmee Stros' final run of game 1 with an RBI single in the 7th. Beltre and Machado both finished 2-4.

How did the GCL team fare in game 2?

Game 2: GCL Astros 3, GCL Cardinals 0

W- César Rosado (1-0, 1-1 season)
L- Mike O'Reilly (0-1)
S- Jose Ramos (1, 2 season)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros got another solid performance on the mound as they swept the doubleheader.

César Rosado allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 4 over 5 shutout innings. Manuel Gonzalez and Jose Ramos finished off the shutout; Gonzalez allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 in the 6th, and Ramos struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 7th inning.

All of the scoring in this game was done in the 4th inning, as Reiny Beltre smacked a 2-run double and came around to score on a Brandon Benavente single. Beltre had a solid day as he went 5-7 in the 2 games. Benavente finished 2-2.

Sunday's Stars

Albert Abreu, RHP, Quad Cities

8 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Jason Martin, OF, Lancaster

2-3, 2B, 3B, RBI

Photo by Bryan Green

Hector Perez, RHP, Tri-City

W (2-0), 5.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Enrique Chavez, RHP, Tri-City

Save (1), 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 K

Photo from MiLB.com

Ryne Birk, 2B, Tri-City

2-4, 2B, solo HR (1), 2 R

Photo from MiLB.com

Stephen Wrenn, OF, Tri-City

2-5, 2B, HR (7), 3 RBI, 2 R

Photo by Bryan Green

Daz Cameron, OF, Tri-City

2-5, 2-R HR (2), 2 R, SB (8, 12 season)

Photo by Bryan Green

Reiny Beltre, 3B, GCL Astros

Game 1 of doubleheader: 2-4, 2 R

Game 2 of doubleheader: 3-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R

Nick Tanielu, IF, Corpus Christi

2-5, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R

Photo by Bryan Green

Gabriel Valdez, RHP, GCL Astros

W (1-0), 5 IP, H, 6 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Photo by Bryan Green

César Rosado, RHP, GCL Astros

W (1-0, 1-1 season), 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 4 K in game 2 of doubleheader