Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, April 15, 2019

Memphis 10, Round Rock 2

W- Jake Woodford (1-0)
L- Forrest Whitley (0-2)

RR home runs: Jack Mayfield (3, solo in 1st), Garrett Stubbs (1, solo in 6th)

The Express had to settle for a split after Forrest Whitley got roughed up early.

Round Rock's only two scoring plays were solo homers from Jack Mayfield and Garrett Stubbs, who finished 2-3 on the day. After starting the season 0-8, Stubbs has recorded hits in four consecutive games, including three straight in which he's recorded two hits.

Whitley only lasted 1.1 innings and allowed five runs on four hits, walked two, and struck out one. Cy Sneed was able to restore some order to this game as he allowed a run on three hits, walked three, and struck out six in five innings of relief. In fact, Sneed was the only Express pitcher who recorded more than four outs in this game. Dean Deetz and Ralph Garza Jr. both pitched 1.1 innings with drastically different results; Deetz allowed four runs, all on home runs (two solos and a two-run shot). Overall, he allowed six hits and struck out three. Garza retired everyone he faced, striking out two.

Round Rock hits the road and they'll embark on a tour of Tennessee. First up is four with Nashville as Brady Rodgers will get the start against Wes Benjamin. First pitch is at 6:35.

Corpus Christi 6, Frisco 4

W- Kit Scheetz (1-0)
L- Yoel Espinal (1-1)

CC home runs: Ronnie Dawson (2, solo in 7th), Chuckie Robinson (3, walk-off 2-run in 9th)

The Hooks scored six runs in the final three innings, capped off by Chuckie Robinson launching a two-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to win it.

José Hernández-Urquidy went five innings and allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six. Ronel Blanco was the first man out of the Corpus bullpen and allowed two runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on three hits, walked one, and struck out one in 2.1 innings. Kit Scheetz allowed a hit in 1.2 innings of work.

Ronnie Dawson led off the 7th with a homer and Chuckie Robinson added an RBI single. Unfortunately, the Roughriders scored twice to retake the lead. In the 8th inning, Carmen Benedetti scored on a wild pitch and Abraham Toro tied the game again with an RBI single.

Frisco went down in order in the top of the 9th. Josh Rojas walked to start the bottom of the 9th and then proceeded to steal second and advanced to third on the errant throw down. Chuckie Robinson, who was at the plate when all of that went down, promptly sent Yoel Espinal's 1-1 pitch into the South Texas night to send everyone home happy. Dawson finished 3-3 and Robinson went 2-4.

Carson LaRue faces Brock Burke at 6:15.

Fayetteville 6, Carolina 1

W- Leovanny Rodríguez (1-0)
L- Bowden Francis (1-1)
S- Parker Mushinski (1)

Fayetteville home runs: Seth Beer (1, 2-run in 5th)

Well, we had to wait a bit, but Seth Beer is finally on the board in 2019.

The Jakes (Adams and Meyers) opened the scoring with a pair of RBI singles in the opening frame. Beer whacked a two-run homer in the 5th; not only was it his first home run of the season, it's also his first extra-base hit of the season. Michael Papierski hit an RBI single in the 6th and Colton Shaver drew a bases-loaded walk in the 7th. Jake Adams finished 4-5 on the evening, while Bryan de la Cruz finished 2-4 with a couple of runs scored and a couple of stolen bases.

Bryan Abreu fell one out shy of qualifying for the win but he still dominated the Mudcats. In 4.2 innings, Abreu allowed a solo homer (the only hit he allowed) to Joantgel Segovia, walked three, and struck out ten. Leovanny Rodríguez and Parker Mushinski finished things off; Leovanny allowed two hits and struck out two in 1.1 innings and Mushinski allowed two hits and struck out five over the final three innings.

Chad Donato gets the start in game two. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 7, Cedar Rapids 2

W- Shawn Dubin (1-0)
L- Luis Rijo (0-2)

QC home runs: Enmanuel Valdez (2, 2-run in 1st), Marty Costes (1, solo in 6th)

The Banditos led wire-to-wire to get the win as they began a home series... in their opponent's park. The flood waters are still hanging around the Quad Cities, which necessitated the change of venue.

Enmanuel Valdez opened the scoring by clubbing a two-run home run in the 1st inning. Jonathan Lacroix hit an RBI single in the 5th, although he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double to end the inning. Marty Costes led off the 6th with a homer and Trey Dawson added an RBI single later in the frame. Lacroix tripled to bring Valdez home in the 7th and he scored Quad Cities' final run of the evening when Costes brought him in with a single. Lacroix led the way with three hits, while Costes and Dawson both finished 2-4. Valdez had the two-run blast and scored three times.

Shawn Dubin shackled the Kernels as he allowed just one hit and struck out seven over six shutout innings. Jojanse Torres worked around a couple of hits to throw a scoreless 7th, striking out two in his 2019 debut. Cedar Rapids spoiled the shutout with a two-run homer off Willy Collado in the 9th. Collado pitched the final two innings and allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out three.

Austin Hansen will take on Blayne Enlow in game two of this series. First pitch is at 6:35.

Monday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Shawn Dubin, LHP, Quad Cities

W (1-0), 6 IP, H, 7 K

Enmanuel Valdez, IF, Jonathan Lacroix, OF, and Marty Costes, OF, Quad Cities

Valdez: 2-R HR (2), 3 R

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

Costes: Solo HR (1), 2 RBI, R

Ronnie Dawson (left), OF, and Chuckie Robinson, C, Corpus Christi

Dawson: 3-3, 2B, solo HR (2), 2 R

Robinson: 2-4, walk-off 2-R HR (3), 3 RBI

Cy Sneed, RHP, Round Rock

5 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 6 K

Garrett Stubbs, C, Round Rock

2-3, solo HR (1)

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 6-1 @ Carolina

9 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 17 K

Bryan Abreu: 4.2 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 3 BB, 10 K

Leovanny Rodriguez: W (1-0), 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 K

Parker Mushinski: Save (1): 3 IP, 2 H, 5 K

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Jake Adams, 1B, Fayetteville

4-5, RBI

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, April 13, 2019

Memphis 9, Round Rock 4

W- Harold Arauz (1-0)
L- Brendan McCurry (1-1)

RR home runs: Yordan Alvarez (6, solo in 5th)

The Express got buried by an eight-run 5th inning.

Cionel Pérez allowed a hit, walked two, and struck out three in two innings of work. Brendan McCurry took the loss in 2.1 innings of relief; he allowed five runs (two inherited runners charged to him) on six hits, walked one, and struck out three. Kent Emanuel was next; he went 3.2 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits, walked one, and struck out three. Dean Deetz worked around a couple of walks to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out one.

Jack Mayfield put Round Rock on the board with a two-run single in the 3rd. Garrett Stubbs, who scored one of the runs on Mayfield's base hit, added an RBI single of his own in the 4th, and Yordan Alvarez got one of the eight Memphis runs back with a solo shot in the 5th. Mayfield and Stubbs had two hits apiece in this game.

Today, the Express and Redbirds will transform into the Round Rock Chupacabras and the Memphis Música as part of MILB's Copa de la Diversión program. Rogelio Armenteros goes up against Austin Gomber at 1:05.

Amarillo 5, Corpus Christi 4

W- Tyler Higgins (1-1)
L- J.B. Bukauskas (0-2)

CC home runs: Abraham Toro (1, solo in 1st)

The Sod Poodles scored twice in the 8th inning to edge out the Hooks, who have now dropped six straight.

Abraham Toro clubbed a solo homer in the 1st to open the scoring. This was Corpus Christi's only scoring play until the 7th; they ended up scoring three runs in the inning as Josh Rojas cleared the bases with a triple. J.J. Matijevic finished 3-4 with a double and stole his first base of the season. Granden Goetzman finished 2-4 and scored a run.

Brandon Bielak went five innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out five. J.B. Bukauskas pitched the last three innings and allowed three runs on five hits, walked four, and struck out four.

Gabriel Valdez will get a shot to stop the Hooks' slide. He'll take on Reggie Lawson at 1:05.

Fayetteville 6, Myrtle Beach 4

W- César Rosado (1-0)
L- Javier Assad (0-2)

Fayetteville home runs: Corey Julks (1, solo in 4th)

The Woodpeckers had a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th and then had to hang on for dear life. Fortunately, the cushion was comfortable enough for them to be able to escape with the win.

Corey Julks finished 2-5 and opened the scoring by smacking a home run to lead off the 4th inning. In the 5th, Julks reached on an error that resulted in Michael Papierski coming in to score; he was credited with an RBI on the play. Jonathan Arauz scored on a wild pitch in the 7th. Fayetteville scored three in the 8th thanks to an RBI single from Scott Manea and a couple of RBI doubles from Colton Shaver and Arauz, who finished 3-4 and had two doubles on the evening.

Peter Solomon allowed a hit, walked three, and struck out three in three innings of work. César Rosado was the first man out of the Fayetteville bullpen; he went 2.2 innings and also walked three and struck out three. Joey Gonzalez walked two and struck out three in his 2019 debut. Tommy DeJuneas got the final out of the game with a strikeout, but the Pelicans decided to mount a bit of an uprising as they scored four runs (three earned runs) on three hits against him.

Cristian Javier takes on Erling Moreno in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:05 Eastern.

Quad Cities 6, Wisconsin 1

W- Brett Conine (1-1)
L- Reese Olson (0-1)
S- Matt Ruppenthal (1)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos got three in the 3rd inning and held the Timber Rattlers to just three hits on Saturday.

Brett Conine allowed a run on a solo homer, three hits, and struck out six in six innings. Matt Ruppenthal shut it down as he walked one and fanned six in the final three innings.

Jeremy Peña scored the first run of the evening on an error that allowed Scott Schreiber to reach in the 1st inning. Austin Dennis tripled to lead off the 3rd and scored on Trey Dawson's infield single. Enmanuel Valdez followed with a double and Peña struck with a two-run single. Schreiber drew a bases-loaded walk in the 5th and scored the final run of the evening on a double from Jonathan Lacroix. Valdez (2 2B, 2 R), Peña (2 RBI, R, SB), and Schreiber (R, SB) all finished with two hits on the night.

Mark Moclair gets the start as Quad Cities looks for the sweep. He'll face Justin Bullock at 1:05.

Saturday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Matt Ruppenthal's photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 6-1 @ Wisconsin

9 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 12 K

Brett Conine: W (1-1), 6 IP, 3 H (solo HR allowed), ER, 6 K

Matt Ruppenthal: Save (1), 3 IP, BB, 6 K

Jeremy Peña, SS, Quad Cities

2-4, 2 RBI, R, SB (3)

Corey Julks' photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Corey Julks, OF, and Jonathan Arauz, IF, Fayetteville

Julks: 2-5, solo HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R

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

This is his mugshot from Stetson University's Athletics page.

Joey Gonzalez, RHP, Fayetteville

3 IP, 2 BB, 3 K in season debut

Brandon Bielak, RHP, Corpus Christi

5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 K

Jack Mayfield, IF, and Garrett Stubbs, C, Round Rock

Mayfield: 2-4, 2 RBI

Stubbs: 2-3, RBI, R

2018 WTHB Players of the Year

Now that the minor league season is in the rearview mirror, the ring chasing is done and the players have scattered to all corners of the United States and Latin America, it's time to take a look at those players who really stepped up to the plate (or toed the mound) in a big way in 2018. System leaders in various categories have been highlighted in blue. Players are considered full season players or short season players based on where they started their seasons. A key to the levels (FNO, CC, BC, etc.) is at the end of this post.

[Note: it is my arbitrary rule that I do not consider players for these awards who have made their major league debuts. There will be one notable exception plus I will include notes on a few more of those players throughout this post in order to give a fuller picture of how some of their performances compare to my winners.]

FULL SEASON STARTERS OF THE YEAR

RHP Corbin Martin - September 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

LHP Ryan Hartman - September 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

This was an incredibly difficult task because, despite my best efforts, I could not pick just one of these pitchers as the Full Season Starter of the Year. LHP Ryan Hartman and RHP Corbin Martin threw roughly equivalent numbers of innings. All but four of Martin's outings were in AA and all of Hartman's were at AA so they faced the same level of competition. Hartman had the edge on wins, walk rate and strikeout rate. Martin had the edge on ERA, WHIP and hits allowed per nine innings. In the postseason, Martin had a 0.00 ERA and a 0.353 WHIP in 5.2 innings while Hartman had a 0.00 ERA and a 0.391 WHIP in 7.2 innings. If you throw out the worst outing of the season by each pitcher, you have Hartman with a 2.21 ERA and 1.008 WHIP and Martin with a 2.18 ERA and 0.978 WHIP. That is just too close for me to single out one over the other. Both Hartman and Martin had extremely good, extremely consistent seasons and Astros fans should be excited to see these two pitchers make their way closer to Houston.

As a side note, this could easily have been a 3-way tie with Tyler Ivey as the third wheel, but ultimately since Ivey threw fewer innings for the season and was not quite as dominant in the postseason, I went with Martin and Hartman.

RHP Corbin Martin (BC/CC): 9-2 with 1 save in 25 G/21 GS, 2.51 ERA, 1.008 WHIP, 35 BB:122 K in 122 IP

LHP Ryan Hartman (CC): 11-4 in 25 G/18 GS, 2.69 ERA, 1.077 WHIP, 26 BB:143 K in 120.2 IP

Honorable Mention (sorted by WHIP)

RHP Enoli Paredes (QC/BC): 6-4 with 2 saves in 24 G/5 GS, 1.43 ERA, 0.913 WHIP, 29 BB:90 K in 69 IP

RHP Tyler Ivey (QC/BC): 4-6 with 3 saves in 24 G/18 GS, 2.97 ERA, 1.027 WHIP, 29 BB:135 K in 112 IP

RHP Peter Solomon (QC/BC): 9-1 in 24 G/13 GS, 2.32 ERA, 1.093 WHIP, 32 BB:114 K in 100.2 IP

RHP Cristian Javier (QC/BC): 7-6 with 1 save in 25 G/18 GS, 2.70 ERA, 1.109 WHIP, 50 BB:146 K in 110 IP

RHP J.B. Bukauskas (QC/GCL/TC/QC/BC/CC): 4-2 in 14 GS, 2.14 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, 24 BB:71 K in 59 IP

RHP Brandon Bielak (BC/CC): 7-8 with 2 saves in 25 G/17 GS, 2.23 ERA, 1.154 WHIP, 39 BB:131 K in 117 IP

RHP Brandon Bailey (BC/CC): 6-8 with 1 save in 25 G/17 GS, 2.80 ERA, 1.161 WHIP, 52 BB:136 K in 122.1 IP

RHP Brock Dykxhoorn (CC/FNO/CC/FNO): 9-4 in 25 G/21 GS, 3.97 ERA, 1.165 WHIP, 39 BB:125 K in 127 IP

LHP Brett Adcock (BC/CC): 9-5 with 1 save in 25 G/14 GS, 2.89 ERA, 1.170 WHIP, 58 BB:95 K in 106 IP

LHP Parker Mushinski (QC): 4-2 with 2 saves in 27 G/12 GS, 2.33 ERA, 1.202 WHIP, 45 BB:114 K in 89 IP

RHP Luis Garcia (QC/TC/QC): 7-2 in 24 G/13 GS, 2.00 ERA, 1.242 WHIP, 41 BB:98 K in 85.1 IP

RHP Cy Sneed (3.83 ERA/1.362 WHIP) was tied with Brock Dykxhoorn for the most innings pitched in the Astros minors in the regular season with 127 innings. RHP Josh James (3.23 ERA/1.120 WHIP) led the Astros minors with 171 strikeouts in 114.1 innings prior to being called up to Houston.

FULL SEASON RELIEVER OF THE YEAR

Justin Ferrell - July 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Relievers aren't as clear cut as starters and I considered everything from total saves to converted save opportunities to inherited runners stranded to batting line allowed to innings pitched and number of appearances to postseason success to consistency. I strongly considered saves leader Brendan McCurry and Willy Collado (who had an excellent season but pitched fewer innings), but in the end I felt that Justin Ferrell had the best overall season. Had Ferrell not had a simply awful final game of the regular season (6 runs in 1.1 innings), I would have found this decision much easier. Backing out that appearance, Ferrell had a dominant 2.13 ERA, a 1.010 WHIP and allowed a .179/.264/.278 batting line. He converted 4 of 5 save opportunities and stranded 77% of inherited runners. Ferrell was promoted to Fresno for the postseason and pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in two games with a 0.818 WHIP.

RHP Justin Ferrell (BC/CC): 7-3 with 4 saves in 34 G, 2.92 ERA, 1.082 WHIP, 25 BB:82 K in 64.2 IP, .193/.276/.313 line allowed

Honorable Mention (sorted by WHIP)

RHP Willy Collado (QC): 1-4 with 6 saves in 23 G, 2.23 ERA, 0.942 WHIP, 10 BB:55 K in 40.1 IP

RHP Tanner Duncan (QC/BC/QC): 4-3 with 6 saves in 31 G, 2.82 ERA, 1.049 WHIP, 30 BB:67 K in 54.1 IP

RHP Matt Ramsey (FNO): 3-2 in 38 G, 2.04 ERA, 1.113 WHIP, 16 BB:63 K in 53 IP

RHP Humberto Castellanos (QC/TC/QC): 3-2 with 5 saves in 23 G, 2.00 ERA, 1.156 WHIP, 11 BB:50 K in 45 IP

LHP Kit Scheetz (BC/CC): 2-1 with 7 saves in 38 G, 2.24 ERA, 1.171 WHIP, 17 BB:87 K in 38 IP

RHP Ronel Blanco (BC/CC): 7-1 with 5 saves in 32 games, 3.65 ERA, 1.235 WHIP, 29 BB:71 K in 56.2

Blanco inherited the most runners during the season. Of the 37 runners he inherited, he stranded all but eight, including stranding inherited bases loaded on three separate occasions.

RHP Brendan McCurry (FNO): 6-7 with 14 saves in 46 G, 3.69 ERA, 1.279 WHIP, 17 BB:73 K in 63.1 IP

RHP Brendan Feldmann (FNO/CC/QC/BC): 2-2 with 8 saves in 33 G, 2.91 ERA, 1.338 WHIP, 20 BB:57 K in 46.1 IP

RHP Dean Deetz had a 0.89 ERA and a 1.230 WHIP in his 27 bullpen appearances with Fresno prior to being called up to Houston.

FULL SEASON POSITION PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Myles Straw - June 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

J.J. Matijevic - May 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Once again, my arbitrary rule that MLB debuts cancel out eligibility* for WTHB awards leaves 3B Tyler White (70 G, .333/.444/.569/.1.013),  OF Kyle Tucker (100 G, .332/.400/.590/.989),  3B J.D. Davis (85 G, .342/.406/.583/.988) and 1B A.J. Reed (123 G, .255/.344/.506/.851) out in the cold, but they all had excellent seasons. Reed led the Astros minor league affiliates with 28 home runs and 108 RBI. [*Since I had already written the following prior to Myles Straw's MLB debut last night, and since he has yet to collect his first MLB at-bat, I'm making an exception to my own rule. I don't think Matijevic will mind too much!]

I looked long and hard at the remaining candidates and, once again, I felt compelled to declare a tie because the two players who stood out most for me are such different types of players. J.J. Matijevic displayed elite power. His 52 extra base hits lagged behind only Reed (56) and Tucker (54) in the Astros system. And his OPS trailed only Tucker for players who had played in a minimum of 100 games for the season. On the other hand, although he collected 13 stolen bases, he was also caught stealing 13 times and he ranked in the top 10 in the system in strikeouts. Myles Straw's game was of a different variety. He led the system in runs scored, stolen bases and walks, and had the third highest average and second highest on base percentage for players appearing in 100 or more games in the system (with Tucker leading in both of those categories). Straw doesn't provide the power of someone like Matijevic, but he is a defensive web gem waiting to happen, collecting a system-leading 17 outfield assists for the season. Both of these players have bright futures ahead of them.

OF Myles Straw (CC/FNO): 131 G, .291/.381/.353/.734, 17 2B, 6 3B, HR, 31 RBI, 95 R, 70 SB:9 CS, 73 BB:102 K, 17 outfield assists

OF J.J. Matijevic (QC/BC): 101 G, .277/.350/.538/.887, 26 2B, 4 3B, 22 HR, 62 RBI, 66 R, 13 SB:13 CS, 44 BB:113 K

Honorable Mention (sorted by OPS)

OF Yordan Alvarez (CC/FNO): 88 G, .293/.369/.534/.904, 21 2B, 20 HR, 74 RBI, 6 SB:2 CS, 42 BB:92 K (spent 6 weeks +/- on DL; had he remained healthy all season, he would likely have been a top candidate for POTY)

OF Drew Ferguson (FNO): 71 G, .304/.432/.443/.874, 14 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 6 SB:6CS, 49 BB:68 K

1B Taylor Jones (CC/FNO/CC): 123 G, .281/.374/.480/.854, 32 2B, 2 3B, 18 HR, 80 RBI, 2 SB:0 CS, 61 BB:124 K

OF Carmen Benedetti (CC): 80 G, .277/.365/.443/.808, 17 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 11 SB:5 CS, 39 BB:82 K

OF Jake Meyers (QC/BC): 121 G, .278/.363/.423/.786, 31 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 16 SB:14 CS, 51 BB:83 K

IF Jack Mayfield (FNO): 113 G, .270/.324/.457/.782, 31 2B, 3B, 16 HR, 66 RBI, 5 SB:4 CS, 33 BB:92 K

3B Abraham Toro (BC/CC): 133 G, .247/.345/.435/.779, 35 2B, 3 3B, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 8 SB:4 CS, 62 BB:108 K

3B Randy Cesar (CC): 116 G, .296/.348/.428/.777, 25 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 3 SB:4 CS, 36 BB:112 K (put together a 42-game hitting streak from May 5th to June 28th in which he hit .391/.428/.627/1.055)

SS Alex De Goti (CC/FNO): 125 G, .283/.335/.440/.775, 29 2B, 3 3B, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 8 SB:7 CS, 28 BB:80 K

3B Nick Tanielu (CC/FNO): 105 G, .288/.336/.418/.755, 22 2B, 3B, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 3 SB:2 CS, 28 BB:50 K

OF Bryan de la Cruz (QC/BC): 119 G, .289/.367/.375/.742, 22 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 62 RBI, 10 SB:7 CS, 51 BB:97 K

I had to cut this off somewhere, but shout out to a few guys whose speed on the bases really helped out their respective teams: IF/OF Josh Rojas (130 G, 84 R, 34 2B, 6 3B, 38 SB), OF Corey Julks (125 G, 79 R, 30 2B, 4 3B, 30 SB), OF Stephen Wrenn (121 G, 79 R, 23 2B, 4 3B, 44 SB) and OF Ronnie Dawson (119 G, 69 R, 24 2B, 2 3B, 35 RBI). IF/OF Osvaldo Duarte (BC) and SS Jonathan Arauz (QC/BC) led the Astros affiliates with nine triples each.

FULL SEASON CATCHER OF THE YEAR

Garrett Stubbs - June 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Finally, an easy one!! I like to single out a catcher who shines both offensively and defensively in a season and this one was a no-brainer. Stubbs struggled with injury issues in 2017; subsequently, although he was still solid defensively, his season at the plate was somewhat lackluster. And, although Stubbs was shelved for 12 days in May on the DL this year, he appears to have put the injury and durability questions behind him by season's end as he caught up to the AAA level in a big way both offensively and defensively.

C Garrett Stubbs (FNO): 84 G, .310/.382/.455/.836, 19 2B, 6 3B, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 6 SB:0 CS, 35 BB:53 K, 45% CS rate (19 of 42)

Honorable Mention (sorted by OPS)

C Lorenzo Quintana (CC): 70 G, .254/.316/.484/.799, 19 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 7 SB:4 CS, 15 BB:47 K, 30% CS rate (17 of 56)

C Jamie Ritchie (CC/FNO): 70 G, .293/.390/.405/.795, 16 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 3 SB:1 CS, 31 BB:57 K, 32% CS rate (20 of 62)

C Ruben Castro (QC): 38 G, .299/.395/.381/.776, 7 2B, 2 3B, 10 RBI, 1 SB:4 CS, 19 BB:27 K, 43% CS rate (17 of 40)

SHORT SEASON STARTER OF THE YEAR

There were so many great performances among those who started their seasons with short season clubs, but no one was quite so dominant as Ernesto Jaquez ... well, at least until he got to Tri-City! Jaquez started his season with the Dominican Summer League (4-0 in 9 G/4 GS, 0.25 ERA, 0.528 WHIP), then was promoted to the Gulf Coast League on August 1st (0-0 in 5G/1 GS, 1.06 ERA, 0.824 WHIP), and ended his season with two games for Tri-City (the second of which he would likely try to take back - 8 ER in 0.1 IP). Take out that final appearance and Jaquez had an astonishing 0.48 ERA and a 0.621 WHIP in 15 of his 16 games. The 19-year old Jaquez signed in July 2017 out of the Dominican Republic for $95,000. Serious consideration was also given to Chad Donato (see below). He was certainly equally deserving, but I was trying to avoid another tie.

RHP Ernesto Jaquez (DSL/GCL/TC): 5-1 in 16 G/6 GS, 1.75 ERA, 0.741 WHIP, 17 BB:74 K in 56.2 IP, .129 BA

Honorable Mention (sorted by WHIP)

RHP Heitor Tokar (DSL): 0-1 in 13 G/8 GS, 1.66 ERA, 0.762 WHIP, 6 BB:35 K in 43.1 IP

RHP Franny Cobos (DSL): 1-2 with 1 save in 14 G/5 GS, 0.60 ERA, 0.800 WHIP, 7 BB:39 K in 45 IP

RHP Brett Daniels (TC): 3-0 in 11 G/2 GS, 1.62 ERA, 0.840 WHIP, 7 BB:36 K in 33.1 IP

RHP Alfredi Jimenez (DSL/GCL): 1-3 with 2 saves in 14 G/5 GS, 1.63 ERA, 0.867 WHIP, 13 BB:63 K in 55.1 IP

RHP Valente Bellozo (DSL): 2-1 with 1 save in 14 G/8 GS, 1.74 ERA, 0.871 WHIP, 16 BB:42 K in 51.2 IP

RHP Chad Donato (TC/QC): 9-0 with 2 saves in 15 G/12 GS, 1.62 ERA, 0.876 WHIP, 22 BB:98 K in 77.2 IP

RHP Austin Hansen (TC): 2-3 with 2 saves in 14 G/2 GS, 1.76 ERA, 0.880 WHIP, 13 BB:45 K in 30.2 IP

RHP Bryan Abreu (TC/QC): 6-1 with 3 saves in 14 G/7 GS, 1.49 ERA, 1.031 WHIP, 23 BB:90 K in 54.1 IP

RHP Nivaldo Rodriguez (TC): 4-1 with 1 save in 14 G/7 GS, 2.91 ERA, 1.042 WHIP, 13 BB:50 K in 55.2 IP

RHP Jojanse Torres (DSL): 1-2 with 1 save in 13 G/8 GS, 2.20 ERA, 1.073 WHIP, 8 BB:48 K in 41 IP

RHP Brett Conine (TC): 1-1 in 11 G/3 GS, 1.99 ERA, 1.074 WHIP, 11 BB:37 K in 31.2 IP

RHP R.J. Freure (TC): 3-0 in 11 G/3 GS, 0.98 ERA, 1.084 WHIP, 13 BB:29 K in 27.2 IP

RHP Fredy Medina (GCL): 1-1 in 9 G/3 GS, 2.25 ERA, 1.107 WHIP, 14 BB:34 K in 28 IP

RHP Wender Oberto (DSL): 4-3 with 1 save in 15 G/6 GS, 1.91 ERA, 1.112 WHIP, 18 BB:39 K in 56.2 IP

RHP Jose Luis Herndandez (TC/BC): 2-2 in 13 G/11 GS, 2.35 ERA, 1.134 WHIP, 10 BB:48 K in 57.1 IP

RHP Jose Antonio Hernandez (DSL): 4-4 in 15 G/7 GS, 1.90 ERA, 1.246 WHIP, 18 BB:41 K in 47.1 IP

SHORT SEASON RELIEVER OF THE YEAR

Tim Hardy - July 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

I originally had Joey Gonzalez in the top spot in large part due to his very impressive batting line allowed (see below), but ultimately, Tim Hardy was more effective in a couple of areas, converting all of his save opportunities and allowing only one inherited runner to score on his watch. And he appeared in three more games and 11 more innings than Gonzalez, also finishing the season at a higher level. The one qualm I had with Hardy was his somewhat high walk rate, but when I dug down and saw that four of those free passes came in just one outing (in which he presumably had a case of the yips), I decided to give him his own free pass. He appeared in just one game in the postseason, allowing only one hit and striking out two in his 1.1 innings.

LHP Tim Hardy (TC/QC): 2-2 with 4 saves in 18 G, 2.05 ERA, 1.304 WHIP, 15 BB:49 K in 30.2 IP

Honorable Mention (sorted by WHIP)

RHP Joey Gonzalez (GCL/TC): 4-2 with 3 saves in 15 G, 1.37 ERA, 0.864 WHIP, 4 BB:25 K in 19.2 IP, .176/.222/.230 batting line allowed

RHP J. P. France (TC/QC): 2-0 with 2 saves in 10 G, 0.50 ERA, 0.889 WHIP, 6 BB:28 K in 18 IP

RHP Hansel Paulino (TC/QC): 2-2 with 2 saves in 18 G, 3.57 ERA/1.041 WHIP, 11 BB:45 K in 40.1 IP

SHORT SEASON POSITION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Seth Beer - July 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

The first round draft pick came as advertised, shooting up through three levels of the system in his first professional season. And, although his numbers at the highest level weren't quite as gaudy as they were at the two lower levels, he was still very productive. Beer isn't known for his defensive prowess, but he certainly didn't embarrass himself in that regard as he got some great experience under his belt at both first base and the corner outfield positions. But it is Beer's bat that got him drafted and he truly excelled in hitting for average and getting on base. And I think we'll only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his developing power. Seth Beer would have been my pick for this award even if I hadn't had the chance to see him in person, but I really enjoyed seeing what a consummate professional he is and how dedicated he is to becoming the best player he is capable of being. Alex McKenna was also extremely impressive, but since he played in 23 fewer games than Beer, it made my decision easier.

OF/1B/DH Seth Beer (TC/QC/BC): 67 G, .304/.389/.496/.885, 14 2B, 12 HR, 42 RBI, 1 SB:1 CS, 25 BB:49 K

Honorable Mention (sorted by OPS)

OF Alex McKenna (TC/QC): 44 G, .311/.394/.512/.906, 8 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 6 SB:5 CS, 14 BB:40 K

SS Freudis Nova (GCL): 41 G, .308/.331/.466/.797, 3 2B, 3B, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 9 SB:5 CS, 6 BB:21 K

OF Andy Pineda (TC/CC/TC): 46 G, .288/.362/.423/.785, 6 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 12 SB:6 CS, 14 BB:43 K

OF Carlos Machado (TC): 52 G, .304/.346/.412/.758, 10 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 5 SB:2 CS, 14 BB:26 K

SHORT SEASON CATCHER OF THE YEAR

Another catcher no-brainer! Jose Alvarez, who signed with the Astros in July 2016 out of Venezuela for $195,000 played his second season in the DSL in 2018. Alvarez repeated the 50% caught stealing rate from his first season while substantially lowering the number of passed balls he allowed. But it was his offense that the 18-year old improved on most. In 2017, Alvarez started out strong but faded badly down the stretch, but in 2018, he was able to sustain his success throughout the season. Look for Alvarez to make his U.S. debut in 2019. He will be 19 years old next June.

C Jose Alvarez (DSL): 44 G, .359/.434/.420/.854, 8 2B, 15 RBI, 5 SB:2 CS, 17 BB:27 K, 50% CS rate (26 of 52)

Honorable Mention

Although there are several other extremely good defensive catchers in the lower levels of the system, no one really stood out when looking at defense and offense combined. Many of these younger catchers have shown flashes of offensive potential, but most are works in progress.

FNO = Fresno (AAA)
CC = Corpus Christi (AA)
BC = Buies Creek (High A)
QC = Quad Cities (Low A)
TC = Tri-City (Short Season A)
GCL = Gulf Coast League (Domestic Rookie League)
DSL = Dominican Summer League (Dominican Rookie League)

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, August 3, 2018

Nashville 6, Fresno 2

W- Frankie Montas (3-5)
L- Brady Rodgers (1-2)

Fresno home runs: Garrett Stubbs (4, 2-run in 7th)

The Grizzlies got swept out of the Music City. They have lost every game they've ever played in the Sounds' new ballpark.

Garrett Stubbs finished 2-4 and his two-run home run in the 7th represented Fresno's only scoring play. Kyle Tucker went 3-4.

Brady Rodgers went 5.2 innings and allowed three runs on six hits and struck out three. Buddy Boshers was the first man out of the Grizzlies bullpen and allowed two runs on two hits, walked one, and struck out two in 1.1 innings. Both of the runs that were charged to Boshers were inherited runners that scored. Riley Ferrell took ownership of the 8th and allowed a run of his own on a double, walked one, and struck out one.

Fresno's tour of Tennessee continues with four games in Memphis. Trent Thornton gets the opener and he'll face Kevin Herget at 6:35.

Frisco 2, Corpus Christi 1

W- Taylor Hearn (1-0)
L- Brandon Bielak (2-3, 7-6 season)
S- C.D. Pelham (2)

CC home runs: Aníbal Sierra (1, 5 season; solo in 6th)

The Hooks were kept in check up in the Metroplex on Friday.

Aníbal Sierra smacked a solo homer in the 6th, so there's that.

Brandon Bielak turned in a decent outing but he had to take the loss. He went five innings and allowed two runs on five hits and struck out five. Alex Winkelman walked one and struck out four over two no-hit innings.

Oh, and the guy the Astros acquired on Monday made his debut in the organization.

Brett Adcock takes on Pedro Payano at 7:05.

Buies Creek and Lynchburg was postponed

Due to rain. A doubleheader is scheduled for today with game one starting at 1:00 Eastern. Tyler Ivey faces Tanner Tully in game one and Cristian Javier takes on Micah Miniard in game two.

Quad Cities 3, Clinton 2

W- Luis Garcia (4-2)
L- Tyler Jackson (1-1)
S- Brendan Feldmann (6, 7 season)

QC home runs: Jonathan Lacroix (3, 3-run in 4th)

Quad Cities only had one scoring play but it was enough for them to get the victory and the sweep.

Luis Garcia had a solid night on the mound as he allowed a run on five hits and struck out three in three innings. Parker Mushinski and Brendan Feldmann both pitched two innings; Mushinski allowed an unearned run on a single, walked one, and struck out four, and Feldmann allowed two hits and struck out two.

Jonathan Lacroix went 2-3 and launched a three-run home run in the 4th that represented the Banditos' only scoring play.

César Rosado will start the first of a three-game series in Peoria at 6:30. He'll take on Angel Rondón.

Tri-City and Lowell was postponed

Due to rain. A doubleheader will begin at 5:00 Eastern.

From July 24: GCL Cardinals 2, GCL Astros 0

W- Edgar Escobar (2-1)
L- Julio Robaina (0-3)

GCL home runs: None.

Before getting to their regularly scheduled game, the Astros and Cardinals had to wrap up a game that they started on July 24. They didn't get any runs. Matt Ramsey struck out two in a 1-2-3 5th, Carlos Sierra allowed a hit and struck out one in the 6th, and Julio Robaina allowed two runs on three hits, walked one, and struck out one in two innings.

GCL Astros 10, GCL Cardinals 1

W- Christian Mejias (1-0)
L- Griffin Roberts (0-1)

GCL home runs: Yeuris Ramirez (1, 3-run in 6th)

Now that the suspended game was done with, the Palm Beach Stros unleashed a beatdown and cruised to a win.

Ronaldo Urdaneta went 4-5, stole a couple of bases (14), and scored three runs. Yeuris Ramirez went 3-4 and launched a three-run homer in the 6th inning. Yeuris also had a sac fly in the 2nd and an RBI single in the 9th.

Christian Mejias allowed three hits, walked four, and struck out three over three scoreless innings. Jonathan Bermúdez allowed two hits and fanned two in two innings. Bryan Solano allowed a run on a triple, walked one, and struck out four in three innings, and Daniel Bello struck out one in a 1-2-3 9th.

DSL Marlins 5, DSL Astros 0

W- Henry Valencio (3-2)
L- Alfredi Jimenez (1-1)

DSL home runs: None.

The Academy got buried by a five-run 6th inning.

Rolando Espinosa went 2-3.

Alfredi Jimenez went five innings and allowed an unearned run on three hits, walked one, and struck out five. Valente Bellozo bore the brunt of the Marlins' assualt in the 6th. Jose Betances allowed a run on a sac fly, a single, walked one, and struck out one in the 8th, and Ronny Garcia allowed a hit and struck out two in the 9th.

Friday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Ronaldo Urdaneta, IF, GCL Astros: 4-5, 2B, 3 R, 2 SB (14)
Yeuris Ramirez, IF, GCL Astros: 3-4, 2B, 3-R HR (1), 5 RBI

Alfredi Jimenez, RHP, DSL Astros: L (1-1), 5 IP, 3 H, unearned run, BB, 5 K

Jonathan Lacroix, OF, Quad Cities

2-3, 3-R HR (3)

Luis Garcia, RHP, Quad Cities

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

Alex Winkelman, LHP, Corpus Christi

2 IP, BB, 4 K

Garrett Stubbs, C, Fresno

2-4, 2-R HR (4)

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, July 22, 2018

Let's play two on Staten Island!

Fresno 10, Albuquerque 4

W- Trent Thornton (7-7)
L- Brett Oberholtzer (4-9)

Fresno home runs: Jack Mayfield (9, solo in 2nd), Tyler White (14, solo in 7th)

The Grizzlies took two of three from the Isotopes after they were foiled in their bid to sweep a series that occurred seven weeks ago.

Trent Thornton allowed a run on a solo homer, four other hits, and struck out ten in five innings. Buddy Boshers was the first man out of the Fresno bullpen for the 6th but he failed to record an out; he allowed three runs (two inherited runners charged to him) on three hits. Ken Giles took ownership of the 6th and allowed a hit while striking out one. Reymin Guduan worked around a couple of hits to throw a scoreless 7th, striking out one. Dean Deetz pitched the final two innings and allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out two.

Jack Mayfield went 3-4 and opened the scoring with a solo homer in the 2nd inning. Garrett Stubbs added another run when Jake Marisnick grounded into a force out in the 3rd and then Fresno opened things up with four in the 4th, as they got RBI singles from Nick Tanielu and Myles Straw with a two-run double from Stubbs sandwiched in between. Tyler White smacked a solo homer in the 7th and finally, D.J. Fisher hit an RBI single in the 8th and White capped off the evening with a run-scoring groundout. Tanielu finished 3-5 and scored twice, while Stubbs finished 2-2.

Fresno has Monday off. They'll begin a series with the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday.

Midland 8, Corpus Christi 4

W- Joel Seddon (5-6)
L- Jorge Alcala (2-3, 3-7 season)
S- Kyle Finnegan (4)

CC home runs: Carmen Benedetti (4, 2-run in 7th)

The Hooks had to settle for the split as the Hounds teed off on Jorge Alcala and Ronel Blanco. Corpus manager Omar Lopez's day ended almost instantaneously as he got run for a dispute over whether Stephen Wrenn beat a double play in the 1st inning.

Akeem Bostick went five innings and allowed an unearned run on two hits, walked one, and struck out six. Alcala came on for the 6th but his time on the mound was short-lived; he got two outs in the inning, one via strikeout, but not before Midland got him for three runs on two hits. Alcala also issued three walks during his stint. Ronel Blanco got the last out of the 6th, but he too would have to bear the brunt of the Hounds' assault as he allowed four runs (three earned) on two hits. Blanco also walked three and struck out two. Erasmo Pinales was the only Corpus pitcher to turn in a scoreless outing; he worked around a couple of walks in the 8th to do so and struck out one.

Josh Rojas scored the first run of the day when he stole home in the 3rd as part of a double steal with Randy César. Carmen Benedetti launched a two-run homer in the 7th to cut the deficit to one run, but the Hooks couldn't get over the hump. Alex De Goti scored when Aníbal Sierra grounded into a force out in the 8th inning. De Goti finished 4-4 with a double and a stolen base (5). Rojas swiped two bases (17, 29 season). César and Benedetti both finished with two hits on the day.

Brandon Bielak will take the mound for the first of a three-game series in San Antonio. He'll take on Jacob Nix at 7:05.

Buies Creek 10, Down East 7

W- Abdiel Saldaña (8-1)
L- Jacob Lemoine (1-4)
S- Colin McKee (4)

BC home runs: Chuckie Robinson 2 (6; grand slam in 3rd, 3-run in 8th)

The Carolina Stros saw a 7-0 lead vanish... and still won.

Chuckie Robinson had a monster afternoon, but I'll get to him in a moment. Those seven runs all came in the 3rd inning.

Jonathan Arauz led things off with a double and he came around to score the first run of the day on a double from Jake Meyers. Meyers advanced to third on a wild pitch and after J.J. Matijevic drew a walk, Osvaldo Duarte brought Meyers in with a base hit. Matijevic scored on Ronnie Dawson's double and Jake Adams got a free pass to first to load the bases for Robinson, who sent everyone home with a grand slam. After the Wood Ducks fought back to tie the game, Robinson whacked a three-run home run in the 8th to put Buies Creek back in front. Robinson and Dawson both went 2-4 on the afternoon.

Patrick Sandoval went five innings and allowed two runs on two hits (solo homer), walked one, and struck out four. Abdiel Saldaña had a bit of a tough day as he allowed five runs on nine hits (three-run homer), walked one, and struck out four in three innings. Colin McKee worked around a hit and a walk to close it out, striking out two.

The Carolina Stros will look for the sweep at noon Eastern.

West Michigan 6, Quad Cities 4

W- Billy Lescher (2-0)
L- Tanner Duncan (2-3)
S- Will Vest (4)

QC home runs: Seth Beer (3, 7 season; solo in 3rd)

The Whitecaps scored in more innings than the Banditos did. Quad Cities failed to score in a bases loaded, no out situation in the bottom of the 1st.

Seth Beer put the Banditos on the board with a homer to start the 3rd inning. David Hensley followed by reaching on an error and eventually scored on a single from Colton Shaver. Alfredo Angarita and Ruben Castro both singled with one out in the 6th and they both ended up scoring; Miguelangel Sierra ripped a double to bring Angarita in and Castro scored on a sac fly from Logan Mattix. Shaver, Castro, and Sierra all finished with two hits on the evening.

Chad Donato allowed four runs on a pair of two-run home runs, two other hits, walked two, and struck out six in four innings. Tanner Duncan did not allow a hit in his 2.2 innings, but he had two runs charged to him after Willy Collado allowed a double. He walked four and struck out four. Collado allowed one other hit and struck out three in 2.1 innings.

Peter Solomon will go up against Wilkel Hernandez in the series finale. First pitch is at 1:15.

Game 1: Tri-City 10, Staten Island 1

W- Carlos Hiraldo (2-0, 3-0 season)
L- Shawn Semple (1-3)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats scored in six of the seven innings as they disposed of the Pizza Rats in the first game of the twinbill: they scored one run in each of the first five frames and then put this game away with a five-run 6th.

Jeremy Peña returned to the lineup after a week off and led off the game with a single. He advanced to third on an Alex McKenna double and scored the first run of game one on an Austin Dennis sac fly that turned into an inning-ending double play. César Salazar ripped an RBI double in the 2nd. Peña singled to lead off the 3rd and scored on a base hit from Dennis. Michael Wielansky hit a sac fly in the 4th and Dennis stole third and scored on the errant throw down in the 5th. Things got a bit out of hand in the 6th.

Wielansky walked to lead things off and advanced to third when Peña hit into a botched force out attempt. McKenna was robbed of extra bases but Wielansky managed to score, so no harm done. Peña advanced to third on a wild pitch and then Enmanuel Valdez and Dennis walked to load the bases. Peña was thrown out at home on... a play, but Alex Holderbach walked to reload the bases for Carlos Machado, who came through with a two-run single. Ramiro Rodriguez walked to load the bases yet again for Salazar, who capped off the onslaught with a two-run single.

Salazar finished 3-4 in game one. Peña and Machado both had two hits and they both scored twice.

Nivaldo Rodriguez allowed a run on four hits and struck out one in four innings. Carlos Hiraldo allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out two over two scoreless, and Riley Cabral worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 7th.

Game two of the doubleheader was suspended in the top of the 2nd inning. The suspended game will be completed on Saturday in Troy, during the next ValleyCats/Yankees encounter.

Tri-City has Monday off. They'll start a three-game series with the Auburn Doubledays on Tuesday.

GCL Nationals 4, GCL Astros 3

W- Fray Perez (1-1)
L- Jose Bravo (0-3)

GCL home runs: None.

The Palm Beach Stros walked off with a loss on Sunday.

Fredy Medina allowed five hits, walked two, and struck out five over five shutout frames. Jose Bravo pitched 3.2 innings and allowed the Nationals' four runs on seven hits and struck out one.

Carlos Diaz went 2-5 and opened the scoring with an RBI bunt single in the 5th. Sean Mendoza drew a bases-loaded walk in the 7th and Freudis Nova hit a sac fly in the 8th. Freudis also finished with two stolen bases (5) on the afternoon.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Fredy Medina, RHP, GCL Astros: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Chuckie Robinson, C, Buies Creek

2-4, 2 HR (6), 7 RBI

César Salazar's photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

César Salazar, C, and Carlos Machado, OF, Tri-City

Salazar: 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI

Machado: 2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R

Both players' stats are from game one of a doubleheader.

Carmen Benedetti, OF, and Alex De Goti, IF, Corpus Christi

Benedetti: 2-4, 2-R HR (4)
De Goti: 4-4, 2B, R, SB (5)

Akeem Bostick, RHP, Corpus Christi

5 IP, 2 H, unearned run, BB, 6 K

Trent Thornton, RHP, Fresno

W (7-7), 5 IP, 5 H (solo HR allowed), ER, 10 K

Nick Tanielu (pictured twice), IF, Garrett Stubbs, C, and Jack Mayfield, IF, Fresno

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

Mayfield: 3-4, 2B, solo HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 R

Stubbs: 2-2, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, April 19, 2018

Organization sweep!

Fresno 10, Las Vegas 8

W- Matt Ramsey (1-1)
L- Jacob Rhame (0-1)
S- Brendan McCurry (3)

Fresno home runs: A.J. Reed (1, 2-run in 9th)

Um... wow. The Grizzlies looked like they were about to get blown out of the ballpark until they scored all ten of their runs in the final three innings to stun Vegas.

Rogelio Armenteros got knocked around in his three innings as he allowed 5 runs on 8 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 4. Andrew Thome was the first man out of the Fresno bullpen and threw 2.1 innings; the one scoring play he allowed was a 2-run homer to Zach Borenstein. He allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 2. Buddy Boshers worked around a hit to get the last two outs of the 6th.

James Hoyt, Matt Ramsey, and Brendan McCurry each worked an inning. Hoyt had the bases loaded on him in the 7th but managed to work out of trouble, striking out 2. Ramsey struck out two in a 1-2-3 8th. McCurry struck out the first two men he faced in the 9th but the last out proved to be elusive as the 51s scored a run thanks to a hit batter and a pair of singles. Fortunately, McCurry pulled himself together and finished the game by striking out David Thompson.

Tony Kemp put Fresno on the board with an RBI single in the 7th. Fresno rattled off 4 runs in the 8th, all with two outs. Kyle Tucker singled to lead off the inning and Tyler White joined him on the bases after getting hit by a pitch. A.J. Reed grounded into a double play, but J.D. Davis kept the inning alive with an RBI double. Jon Kemmer followed with an RBI triple and Garrett Stubbs brought him home with a single. Tony Nuñez and Tony Kemp walked to load the bases for Drew Ferguson, who came through with an RBI single to make this a 7-5 game.

White singled to lead off the 9th and Reed launched a home run to tie the game. Kemp put the Grizzlies in front with an RBI double and then a passed ball allowed him and Stubbs to score. Stubbs went 4-5 on the night. Kemp (2B, 2 RBI, R) and Davis (2B, RBI, 3 R) both finished 3-5, while Kemmer finished 2-4 with his RBI triple.

Kent Emanuel will start the series finale and he'll face P.J. Conlon at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 5, Frisco 3

W- Sean Stutzman (1-0)
L- Joe Filomeno (0-1)
S- Riley Ferrell (1)

CC home runs: Taylor Jones (1, solo in 5th)

The Hooks got a pair of runs in the 8th to break a 3-3 tie and came out on top in their first tussle with Arlington's AA affiliate.

Brock Dykxhoorn allowed a couple of runs on 5 hits (solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 3 in 5 innings of work. Sean Stutzman went 2.2 innings and allowed a run on a groundout, a double, walked 3, and struck out 3. Riley Ferrell issued a couple of walks and struck out two over the final 1.1 innings to record the save.

Myles Straw got plunked to lead off the game. He went on to steal second (10) and scored the first run of the night on a Carmen Benedetti RBI single. Taylor Jones doubled to start the 4th and came around to score on a single from Alex De Goti. After the Roughriders scored twice in the 4th to tie the game, Jones struck again in the 5th when he whacked a solo homer off Collin Wiles to put Corpus back in the lead. He drew a walk with one out in the 8th and ended up scoring the go-ahead run when Randy César swatted a double into the right-center field gap. César, who went 3-4, scored a crucial insurance run on Jamie Ritchie's single. Jones finished 2-3 and scored three of the Hooks' five runs in this game.

Ryan Hartman takes on Wes Benjamin in game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:05.

Buies Creek 8, Carolina 4

W- Carson LaRue (1-0)
L- Nattino Diplán (1-1)

BC home runs: Ronnie Dawson (2, solo 3rd), Chuckie Robinson (1, 2-run in 7th)

Four runs on Buies Creek. Feels like it's been a while since that's happened. No matter, a late uprising gave them their sixth consecutive win.

Buies Creek scored twice in the 3rd as Ronnie Dawson led things off with a homer and Kristian Trompiz hit an infield single to score Abraham Toro. They scored all four of their runs in the 7th with two outs to take control. Josh Rojas hit a one-out single, advanced to second on a Toro groundout, stole third, and scored on a Chas McCormick double. Osvaldo Duarte followed by lashing an RBI triple to tie the game, and Chuckie Robinson put the Carolina Stros in front by clubbing a two-run homer. Duarte ripped a two-run double in the 9th to seal the deal. He, along with Dawson (solo HR, 2 SB), Robinson (2-R HR), and Aníbal Sierra all finished with two hits on the night.

The Carolina Stros wreaked havoc on the bases on Thursday as they went 6-7 in stolen base attempts. Dawson (6) and Rojas (9) stole two apiece while Robinson (1) and Toro (2) each had one.

Brandon Bailey allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 9 in 4 innings of work. The Mudcats tagged Jesús Balaguer for 3 runs on 4 hits (2-run homer) in the 5th. Balaguer also issued a walk and struck out 1 in the inning. Carson LaRue allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4 over the final four innings.

Brett Adcock faces Braden Webb in game 2. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 2, Peoria 1 in 10 innings

W- Colin McKee (1-0)
L- Thomas St. Clair (0-2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos finally got to play baseball again! Nine innings was not enough to determine the outcome of this game, but fortunately, the River Bandits wasted little time in wrapping this game up thanks to a run in the first extra frame.

Four pitchers combined to allow one run and one hit while striking out 18. Parker Mushinski allowed that run on a passed ball, a single, walked 3, and struck out 8 in 4 innings. Robert Corniel struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 5th. Luis Garcia then tagged in for 3 no-hit innings; he walked 1 and struck out 6. Colin McKee walked 1 and struck out 2 over 2 scoreless to get the victory.

Marcos Almonte lashed an RBI double in the 2nd to open the scoring. Let's fast-forward to the 10th. Mike Papierski started the inning as the man on second and Almonte didn't see a pitch because he was intentionally walked. Roman Garcia got hit to load the bases, but it was a scary moment as Thomas St. Clair's pitch hit him in the head and knocked him out of the game. Corey Julks ended up taking his place on first. Papierski had a passed ball that resulted in Peoria's only run... and he scored the winning run for Quad Cities on a wild pitch. Almonte's RBI double was the only extra-base hit in this game for either side.

César Rosado will start the first of a five-game series in Burlington. He'll face Jeremy Beasley at 11:30 AM. Today is the only day where one game will be played; Quad Cities and Burlington will play a doubleheader on Saturday and another one on Sunday to make up a couple of postponed games during the River Bandits' previous trip to Burlington.

Thursday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Parker Mushinski's and Luis Garcia's photos are their mugshots on MiLB.com.

Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 2-1 vs. Peoria

10 IP, H, unearned run, 5 BB, 18 K

Parker Mushinski: 4 IP, H, unearned run, 3 BB, 8 K

Robert Corniel: IP, 2 K

Luis Garcia: 3 IP, BB, 6 K

Colin McKee: W (1-0), 2 IP, BB, 2 K

Garrett Stubbs, C, J.D. Davis, 3B/1B/OF, and Tony Kemp, 2B/OF, Fresno

Stubbs: 4-5, 2B, RBI, 2R

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

Kemp: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R; go-ahead RBI 2B in 8th

Taylor Jones, 1B, and Randy César, 3B, Corpus Christi

Jones: 2-3, 2B, solo HR (1), 3 R

César: 3-4, go-ahead RBI 2B in 8th, R

Ronnie Dawson, OF, Chuckie Robinson, C, and Osvaldo Duarte, 2B/OF, Buies Creek

Dawson: 2-3, solo HR (2), 2 SB (6)

Robinson: 2-4, go-ahead 2-R HR (1) in 7th, SB (1)

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

Brandon Bailey's photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Brandon Bailey, RHP, and Carson LaRue, RHP, Buies Creek

Bailey: 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K

LaRue: W (1-0), 4 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K