Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, June 2, 2019

Let's play two in Frisco!

Iowa 8, Round Rock 5

W- Pedro Strop (1-0)
L- Cy Sneed (3-6)
S- Rowan Wick (2)

RR home runs: Yordan Alvarez (21, solo in 1st), Aníbal Sierra (1, 2 season; solo in 4th)

The Chupacabras fell victim to the homer as they served up six to the Demonios. Both of these teams transformed into their Copa de la Diversión identities for this game. This game started out well enough, but the Demonios finished the game on an 8-1 run after the 2nd inning.

Yordan Alvarez whacked a solo homer in the 1st to open the scoring. Round Rock got three in the 2nd thanks to a Nick Tanielu RBI double, an Aníbal Sierra sac fly, and a Josh Rojas RBI single. Sierra launched a homer to lead off the 4th. Drew Ferguson went 3-5 on the afternoon while Rojas had two hits and stole a base (3, 16 season).

Cy Sneed pitched five innings and allowed six runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on eight hits (four solo homers), walked two, and struck out four. Ronel Blanco was the first man out of the Round Rock bullpen and he allowed two runs on three hits (solo and two-run homers), walked one, and struck out three. One of the runs on the two-run homer was charged to Sneed. Ralph Garza Jr. allowed a hit over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Round Rock will have Monday off. They'll begin a three-game series in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Game 1: Corpus Christi 6, Frisco 4

W- Justin Ferrell (1-2)
L- Tyler Phillips (0-3)
S- Carlos Sanabria (3, 4 season)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks got out to a fast start in game one... but so did the Roughriders. Fortunately, theirs was a bit quicker and they managed to hold on for the win.

Corpus got three in the 1st thanks to a pair of RBI singles from Abraham Toro and Seth Beer and a sac fly from Granden Goetzman. Beer struck again in the 2nd with a two-run single and Luis Santana poked a ball through the infield to score Goetzman in the 5th. Beer and Santana had two hits apiece in game one.

Bryan Abreu went 1.2 innings and allowed four runs on three hits and walked four. The bullpen picked him up by keeping Frisco off the board the rest of the way. Justin Ferrell was first and he allowed a hit and struck out two in 2.1 innings. Willy Collado pitched 2.2 innings in his Texas League debut, allowing two hits and walking one. Carlos Sanabria struck out the one man he faced to end game one.

Game 2: Corpus Christi 2, Frisco 1

W- Cristian Javier (1-1, 3-1 season)
L- Joe Barlow (0-1)
S- Jonathan Bermúdez (1)

CC home runs: Granden Goetzman (11, solo in 5th)

Cristian Javier shined and some clutch plays allowed the Hooks to sweep the twinbill and take the series.

Javier allowed a run on a solo homer, three other hits, walked one, and struck out nine in 5.2 innings of work. Jonathan Bermúdez came on with two outs in the 6th; he allowed a single to the first man he faced, but Chas McCormick nailed the runner trying to score to end the inning. Bermúdez went on to throw a 1-2-3 7th to secure the win, getting a groundout and two fly ball outs to end the night.

Granden Goetzman led off the 5th with a homer and he came through in the 6th with an RBI single that broke a 1-1 tie. The Hooks had a chance to tack on with the bases loaded but Goetzman's RBI base hit was all they could get. Fortunately, it was enough. Goetzman finished 2-3 in game two.

Brett Adcock will take on Matt Milburn as the Hooks return home to start a three-game series with Midland. First pitch is at 6:15.

Winston-Salem 3, Fayetteville 2

W- Codi Heuer (3-1)
L- Jacob Billingsley (0-2)
S- Will Kincanon (1)

Fayetteville home runs: None.

The Woodpeckers mounted a 9th-inning rally that fell just short. Three of their four losses to Winston-Salem have been by one run.

Scott Schreiber opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. Miguelangel Sierra hit an RBI single in the 9th. Bryan de la Cruz followed by drawing a walk to load the bases, but Enmanuel Valdez hit into a force out to end the game. Valdez and Jacob Meyers finished with two hits apiece.

Shawn Dubin had a fine day on the mound as he allowed a run on three hits, walked one, and struck out seven in seven innings of work. Jacob Billingsley and Tommy DeJuneas pitched an inning apiece; Billingsley allowed an unearned run on a sac fly, walked one, and struck out one in the 8th, while DeJuneas allowed a run on two hits, walked one, and struck out two in the 9th.

Nivaldo Rodríguez will take on Konnor Pilkington in game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Burlington 2, Quad Cities 1

W- José Soriano (4-5)
L- Julio Robaina (0-1)
S- Austin Krzeminski (2)

QC home runs: None.

A rough inning on defense allowed the Bees to snatch this game from under the Banditos' noses.

Jeremy Peña nearly had a grand slam in the 3rd but he had to settle for a sac fly. Carlos Machado, who scored on the play, finished 2-3. Peña also extended his hitting streak to 15 games.

Austin Hansen continues to shut down the Midwest League as he allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out six over six shutout innings. His current scoreless streak now stands at 33.2 innings. That streak was in a bit of jeopardy in the 6th as the Bees put two runners in scoring position to lead off the inning. However, he pulled himself together to escape that predicament and retired the next three batters. Julio Robaina pitched the final two innings and he allowed two unearned runs on an error and a wild pitch in the 8th. Robaina walked three and struck out four.

Quad Cities has Monday off. They'll start a three-game series with Peoria at 6:35.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Luis Santana not pictured.

Granden Goetzman, OF, Seth Beer, 1B/OF, and Luis Santana, 2B, Corpus Christi

Goetzman: 1-2, 2B, sac fly in game one of doubleheader

2-3, solo HR (11), 2 RBI in game two of doubleheader

Beer: 2-4, 3 RBI in game one of doubleheader

Santana: 2-3, RBI, R in game one of doubleheader

1-3 in game two of doubleheader

Jonathan Bermúdez not pictured.

Corpus Christi Hooks pitchers 

Bullpen: W 6-4 @ Frisco (game 1)

5.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 3 K

Justin Ferrell: W (1-2) 2.1 IP, H, 2 K

Willy Collado: 2.2 IP, 2 H, BB

Carlos Sanabria: Save (3, 4 season), 0.1 IP, K

Game 2: W 2-1 @ Frisco (game 2)

Cristian Javier: W (1-1, 3-1 season), 5.2 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 9 K

Jonathan Bermúdez: Save (1), 1.1 IP, H

Austin Hansen, RHP, Quad Cities, and Shawn Dubin, RHP, Fayetteville

Hansen: 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K; has not allowed a run in 33.2 innings

Dubin: 7 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 7 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, May 30, 2019

Iowa 7, Round Rock 0

W- Alec Mills (2-2)
L- Cionel Pérez (0-1)

RR home runs: None.

The E-Train broke down.

Offensively, Round Rock could only muster up a double from Kyle Tucker and a pair of singles from Josh Rojas and Nick Tanielu.

Cionel Pérez pitched 4.1 innings and he allowed four runs on eight hits (solo homer), walked one, and struck out five. Kent Emanuel tagged in for the final 4.2 innings and allowed three runs on four hits (solo homer) and struck out four.

Rogelio Armenteros will face Trevor Clifton in game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 4, Midland 3

W- Carlos Sanabria (3-0, 5-0 season)
L- Trey Cochran-Gill (2-2)
S- Justin Ferrell (1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks scored a run in the 9th to nip the Hounds and they also avoided a sweep in the process.

Carson LaRue went four innings and allowed two runs on three hits (solo homer), walked two, and struck out seven. Jonathan Bermúdez and Carlos Sanabria followed with two innings apiece out of the bullpen. Bermúdez was first and he allowed a hit, walked two, and struck out three in a scoreless outing. Sanabria allowed a run on a sac fly, a triple, and fanned four. Justin Ferrell struck out one in a 1-2-3 9th inning to earn the save.

Osvaldo Duarte ripped an RBI double in the 5th to put Corpus on the board. Ronnie Dawson hit an RBI double in the 6th and he came around to score on a single from Luis Santana.

Carlos Canelón singled to lead off the 9th and advanced to second when Duarte laid down a sacrifice bunt. Chas McCormick joined Canelón on the bases after he got plunked and they both advanced a base on Abraham Toro's groundout. Seth Beer was intentionally walked to load the bases for Granden Goetzman, but he didn't have to do anything as a wild pitch allowed Canelón to score what turned out to be the winning run. Stephen Wrenn finished 3-3 with a couple of doubles and scored a run.

J.B. Bukauskas will start the first of a three-game weekend series in Frisco. He'll go against Jonathan Hernandez at 7:05.

Fayetteville 5, Wilmington 2

W- J.P. France (1-4)
L- Marcelo Martinez (3-2)
S- Jojanse Torres (1)

Fayetteville home runs: Michael Papierski (2, 2-run in 2nd), Ramiro Rodríguez (1, 2-run in 2nd)

A pair of two-run homers and a stellar night on the mound propelled the Woodpeckers to a win.

The one hit that J.P. France allowed in his five innings was a two-run homer hit by Dennicher Carrasco. France walked one and struck out six as he earned his first win of the season. Jojanse Torres shut it down by allowing one hit and striking out nine over the final four innings.

Michael Papierski opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the 2nd inning and Ramiro Rodríguez launched a two-run shot of his own later in the frame. Marty Costes provided some insurance with an RBI single in the 8th. Miguelangel Sierra went 2-3 and was the only player on either side to finish with a multi-hit game. Jonathan Arauz hit an infield single in the 5th to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.

Chad Donato will be on the mound for game three of this series and he'll take on Daniel Tillo at 7:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 4, Beloit 2

W- José Alberto Rivera (1-2)
L- Aiden McIntyre (1-3)
S- Devin Conn (3)

QC home runs: César Salazar (3, 2-run in 1st), Freúdis Nova (2, solo in 8th)

The Banditos avoided the sweep thanks to a quick start out of the gate.

That quick start came in the form of a three-run 1st inning as Jeremy Peña ripped an RBI double and César Salazar whacked a two-run homer. Freúdis Nova finished 2-4 and smacked a solo homer in the 8th; he also scored on Salazar's homer. Austin Dennis (SB, R) and Michael Wielansky also finished 2-4 on the evening.

Matt Ruppenthal allowed a run on three hits and struck out four, but he only lasted four innings because he issued five walks in the process. José Alberto Rivera tagged in for 4.1 innings and allowed a run on two hits, walked two, and struck out five. Devin Conn came on and got the final two outs of the game, one coming via the strikeout. He definitely had to earn his save, though. Conn struck out the first man he faced, but he proceeded to throw a wild pitch, issued a walk, threw another wild pitch, and issued another walk to load the bases. Fortunately, he pulled himself together and got Max Schuemann to fly out to end the game.

Quad Cities has a big series coming up as they'll take on the team right behind them in the Midwest League's Western division: Burlington. They have a 4.5 game lead over the Bees so these next three games will present an opportunity to extend the lead. First pitch is at 6:30.

Thursday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Jojanse Torres' photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 5-2 vs. Wilmington

9 IP, 2 H (solo HR allowed), 2 ER, BB, 15 K

J.P. France: W (1-4), 5 IP, H (2-R HR), 2 ER, BB, 6 K

Jojanse Torres: Save (1), 4 IP, H, BB, 9 K

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Freúdis Nova, IF, Quad Cities

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

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

José Alberto Rivera, RHP, Quad Cities

W (1-2), 4.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Jonathan Bermúdez not pictured.

Corpus Christi Hooks bullpen

5 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K

Jonathan Bermúdez: 2 IP, H, 2 BB, 3 K

Carlos Sanabria: W (3-0, 5-0 season), 2 IP, H, ER, 4 K

Justin Ferrell: Save (1), IP, K

Stephen Wrenn, OF, Corpus Christi

3-3, 2 2B, R

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, May 26, 2019

Nashville 9, Round Rock 5

W- Phillips Valdez (1-6)
L- Rogelio Armenteros (1-4)

RR home runs: Kyle Tucker (16, solo in 4th)

The Express had one last chance to get closer in the 9th, but they left the bases loaded to end the game.

Rogelio Armenteros went 3.2 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits (two-run homer), walked one, and struck out five. José Hernández-Urquidy tagged in for 3.1 innings and allowed four runs on a pair of two-run homers. He allowed four other hits and struck out seven. Kit Scheetz worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 8th.

Kyle Tucker led off the 4th with a home run. Round Rock loaded the bases to lead off the 6th and parlayed the situation into four runs. Alex De Goti and José Altuve singled and Tucker drew a walk to load them up for Yordan Alvarez, who hit a sac fly. Drew Ferguson hit an RBI single and then A.J. Reed walked to reload the bases for Taylor Jones, who came through with a two-run single. Jones went 2-3 and was the only player in the Express lineup to finish with more than one hit. Altuve went 1-5 and scored a run in his first rehab game.

Round Rock and Nashville will play two games on Memorial Day. The first contest is a game that originally began on April 18 but was suspended due to the weather. That game will resume at 12:05. Cy Sneed will take on Tim Dillard in the regularly scheduled game, which will last seven innings.

Corpus Christi 9, Frisco 1

W- Bryan Abreu (3-1, 4-1 season)
L- Tyler Phillips (0-2)

CC home runs: Josh Rojas 2 (7; solo in 2nd, solo in 8th), Seth Beer (2, 11 season; 3-run in 1st)

The Raspas dominated the Roughriders in all facets of the game as they romped to a Sunday win and earned the split.

Corpus landed some haymakers early as they put up five in the opening inning. Josh Rojas and Chas McCormick led things off with base hits and Abraham Toro opened the scoring with an RBI single to bring Rojas home. One batter later, Seth Beer launched a three-run home run into the bullpen. Granden Goetzman followed with a double and he came around to score on Chuckie Robinson's single. Rojas led off the 2nd with a homer. In the 5th, Goetzman flared a ball over the first baseman's head for an RBI double and he wound up scoring on an infield single from Osvaldo Duarte. Rojas capped off the evening by launching his second home run of the game in the 8th.

Rojas finished 3-5 on the night and he notched his third multi-homer game in his last six. In the span of a week, he went from having one home run on the season to seven. Beer and Goetzman had two hits and scored two runs apiece.

Cristian Javier walked two and struck out six in 4.2 innings. Bryan Abreu tagged in for 3.1 innings and he allowed a run on two hits, walked two, and struck out five. Justin Ferrell got a groundout, a fly ball out, and a line drive out as part of a 1-2-3 9th.

The Hooks have Memorial Day off. They'll start a three-game series in Midland on Tuesday.

Fayetteville 6, Lynchburg 2

W- Shawn Dubin (1-3, 2-3 season)
L- Adam Scott (2-5)

Fayetteville home runs: Jonathan Arauz (3, 2-run in 5th)

The Woodpeckers jumped out to an early lead and got a solid performance from their pitchers as they took the lead in their series with the Hillcats.

Shawn Dubin allowed a run on four hits, walked two, and struck out four in five innings of work. Brett Conine was the first man out of the Fayetteville bullpen and he allowed a run on two hits and struck out three. Tanner Duncan struck out one in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Jacob Meyers opened the scoring in the 2nd inning with a two-run double and he ended up scoring on Jonathan Arauz's double. Arauz, who extended his hitting streak to ten games, struck again in the 5th by whacking a two-run home run. Marty Costes added an RBI single in the 6th. He and Meyers both finished with three hits on the afternoon.

Arauz finished 2-4 on the day and is hitting .500 during his current hitting streak. He was hitting .175/.277/.289 on May 16. Ten days later, his line now stands at .260/.352/.403 on the year.

Nivaldo Rodríguez will start the series finale. First pitch is at 6:30 Eastern.

Quad Cities 8, Wisconsin 4

W- Luís García (3-0)
L- Logan Gillaspie (1-1)

QC home runs: None.

An early outburst propelled the Banditos to a victory on Sunday.

Jonathan Lacroix put Quad Cities on the board with an RBI double in the 2nd inning and he scored on an error that allowed Michael Wielansky to reach. Wielansky came home on a single from Trey Dawson, who got thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.

The Timber Rattlers scored twice in the top of the 3rd to tie the game, but Quad Cities got those runs back in the bottom half to regain control. César Salazar hit an RBI single and then David Hensley hit a sac fly. In the 4th, Ross Adolph hit a two-run single and then scored on Jeremy Peña's sac fly. Austin Dennis finished 2-4 with a stolen base (8). Wielansky was the only man in the lineup to go hitless, but he managed to score twice.

Luís García went five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits, walked two, and struck out six. Manny Ramirez got the 6th for his season debut; he got two outs, both via strikeout, but he also allowed a single and a run on a bases-loaded walk, one of three that he issued in the inning. Felipe Tejada got Manny out of the jam without incurring further damage. He pitched 1.1 perfect innings, striking out two. Humberto Castellanos allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out two over the last two innings.

Austin Hansen takes on Aaron Ashby in the series finale. First pitch is at 5:15.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Corpus Christi Hooks pitchers: W 9-1 vs. Frisco

9 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 BB, 11 K

Cristian Javier: 4.2 IP, 2 BB, 6 K

Bryan Abreu: W (3-1, 4-1 season), 3.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Justin Ferrell: IP; 1 groundout, 1 flyball out, 1 line drive out

Josh Rojas, UTIL, Seth Beer, 1B/LF, and Granden Goetzman, OF, Corpus Christi

Rojas: 3-5, 2 solo HR (7), 3 R

Beer: 2-4, 2B, 3-R HR (2, 11 season), 2 R

Goetzman: 2-4, 2 2B, RBI, 2 R

Jacob Meyers' photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Jacob Meyers, OF, Jonathan Arauz, IF, and Marty Costes, OF, Fayetteville

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

Arauz: 2-4, 2-R HR (3), 3 RBI

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

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 6-2 @ Lynchburg

9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K

Shawn Dubin: W (1-3, 2-3 season), 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Brett Conine: 3 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 K

Tanner Duncan: IP, K

Felipe Tejada, RHP, and Humberto Castellanos, RHP, Quad Cities

Tejada: 1.1 IP, 2 K

Castellanos: 2 IP, H, BB, 2 K

Taylor Jones, 1B/OF, Round Rock

2-3, 2 RBI

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, May 5, 2019

Quad Cities sweep!

Game 1 (resumed from Friday): San Antonio 10, Round Rock 9

W- Michael Tonkin (3-0)
L- Ralph Garza Jr. (3-1)

RR home runs: Kyle Tucker (7, solo in 1st), Taylor Jones (7, 3-run in 1st)

This game was originally scheduled for Friday but was suspended due to rain. Unfortunately, the Express, doing business on Sunday as the Chupacabras, walked off with the loss after blowing a 6-1 lead.

Round Rock scored six in the opening inning thanks to a pair of RBI singles from Jack Mayfield and Yordan Alvarez. Taylor Jones landed an early haymaker when he whacked a three-run homer, and then Kyle Tucker followed up with a solo blast of his own. In the 6th inning, Alex De Goti hit a two-run single and Jamie Ritchie scored on a wild pitch. De Goti finished 2-5 from the leadoff spot. Myles Straw went 2-4 with a stolen base, his eighth of the season.

Rogelio Armenteros went three innings and the one run he allowed came on a solo homer hit by Nate Orf in the 1st inning. He allowed one other hit and struck out six. Forrest Whitley was the first man out after play resumed and let's just say that his struggles continued. He only recorded two outs in the 4th and allowed five runs on four hits (three-run homer), walked one, and struck out one. Brendan McCurry came on for three innings and allowed a run on two hits, walked two, and struck out four. Ralph Garza Jr. pitched two innings and allowed three runs on five hits, walked two, and struck out one; San Antonio scored the winning run with two outs in the 9th.

Game 2 (regularly scheduled game): San Antonio 6, Round Rock 1

W- Donnie Hart (1-1)
L- Cy Sneed (0-4)

RR home runs: Alex De Goti (5, solo in 6th)

Round Rock didn't fare much better in the regularly scheduled game as the Flying Chanclas got three in the 2nd and three more in the 3rd to cruise to the victory.

Cy Sneed pitched two innings and allowed five runs (two inherited runners charged to him) on six hits, walked two, and struck out three. He did not record an out in the 3rd inning. Kent Emanuel took ownership of the 3rd and the two runners he inherited from Sneed both scored. In three innings, Emanuel allowed a run of his own on two hits. Nick Tanielu threw a 1-2-3 6th as he got a groundout and two pop fly outs.

Alex De Goti's solo shot in the 6th inning was the Chupacabras' lone scoring play in this game.

Ryan Hartman will get the start in the series finale. He'll face Zack Brown at 11:05 AM.

Tulsa 9, Corpus Christi 8

W- Shea Spitzbarth (1-1)
L- Brendan Feldmann (1-2)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks fell behind 5-0 after the 1st inning and their 9th-inning rally fell just short.

Carson LaRue only recorded one out before leaving the game. He allowed five runs (two inherited runners charged to him) on two hits (solo homer) and walked four. Brendan Feldmann was the first man out of the Corpus bullpen on Sunday afternoon; he pitched 2.2 innings and allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits (solo homer) and walked one. Colin McKee and Justin Ferrell restored order to the game with scoreless outings. McKee walked one and struck out five over 2.2 innings and Ferrell walked one and struck out two in 2.1 innings of work.

Lorenzo Quintana put the Hooks on the board with a two-run single in the 2nd inning. In the 3rd, Josh Rojas and Chas McCormick hit RBI singles and Quintana tied the game at 5 by adding an RBI double to his ledger. Unfortunately, the Drillers regained control with four in the bottom of the 3rd.

Carmen Benedetti reached on an error to lead off the 9th and Aníbal Sierra ripped a double to put two men in scoring position for Ronnie Dawson, who promptly brought them in with a single. Dawson advanced to second on a wild pitch, but Osvaldo Duarte and Abraham Toro both struck out. Granden Goetzman was able to bring Dawson in with an RBI single, but he ended up getting stranded when Josh Rojas grounded out to the pitcher to end the game. Duarte finished 3-5 on the afternoon while Rojas and Quintana had two hits apiece.

Game three between the Hooks and the Drillers will also be a matinee starting at 12:05. Whoever gets the start for Corpus will take on Mitchell White.

Down East 6, Fayetteville 5

W- Alex Eubanks (2-0)
L- Chad Donato (3-3)
S- DeMarcus Evans (5)

Fayetteville home runs: Jacob Meyers (3, 2-run in 9th)

Unfortunately, not all of the firsts in Fayetteville's inaugural season can be celebrated. They suffered a first of an unsavory kind on Sunday: getting swept in a home series. Their 9th-inning rally also fell one run short.

Jake Adams hit an RBI single in the 1st inning and then came around to score on Colton Shaver's double. Jacob Meyers hit a sac fly in the 7th and then smacked a two-run homer in the 9th to cut the Woodpeckers' deficit to one run. Sadly, they could not get the tying run home. Shaver, who is starting to get some playing time as a catcher, finished 2-4 and both of his hits were doubles. Alfredo Angarita reached in all of his plate appearances, going 2-2 with a couple of walks and a run scored. Meyers drove in the last three Fayetteville runs.

Chad Donato went five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits (two-run homer) and struck out six. Leovanny Rodríguez and Joey Gonzalez pitched two innings apiece; Leovanny allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and fanned two, while Gonzalez allowed an RBI single, walked one, and struck out three.

The Woodpeckers will have Monday off before they hit the road. They'll look to get back on track with a three-game series against Carolina starting Tuesday.

Quad Cities 4, Fort Wayne 3 in 11 innings

W- Luis Garcia (2-0)
L- Carlos Belen (0-3)

QC home runs: None.

With this victory, the Banditos swept this past week's roadtrip and have now won six straight.

After both teams combined to put up 12 zeroes on the board, Enmanuel Valdez finally opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 7th. He'd eventually score on César Salazar's groundout. Quad Cities was retired in order in the top of the 10th and Luis Garcia stranded runners on the corners to end the bottom of the 10th.

Trey Dawson started the top of the 11th in scoring position and he scored the go-ahead run on an error that also allowed Jonathan Lacroix to reach. Lacroix scored on Valdez's second RBI single of the day. Valdez finished 3-5 on the afternoon and also doubled and stole a base (2). Jeremy Peña went 2-4 and scored on Valdez's first RBI single.

Brett Daniels and Luis Garcia both threw five innings. Daniels allowed five hits, walked three, and struck out three in a scoreless outing, while Garcia allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, walked one, and struck out six. Devin Conn allowed a run on a groundout in the 11th and got a strikeout to end the game.

With the continued flooding problems in the Quad Cities, the River Bandits will host the Lansing Lugnuts at Banks Field, on the campus of the University of Iowa. Austin Hansen will take on Cobi Johnson at 6:35.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise. Standout performances from Round Rock's suspended game on Friday will also be included here.

Rogelio Armenteros, RHP, Round Rock

3 IP, 2 H (solo HR allowed), 6 K in Friday's game

Alex De Goti, IF, Round Rock

Friday: 2-5, 2 RBI, R

Sunday: Solo HR (5)

Colin McKee, RHP, and Justin Ferrell, RHP, Corpus Christi

McKee: 2.2 IP, BB, 5 K

Ferrell: 2.1 IP, BB, 2 K

Josh Rojas, UTIL, and Lorenzo Quintana, C, Corpus Christi

Rojas: 2-5, RBI, 2 R

Quintana: 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Jacob Meyers, OF, Fayetteville

1-4, 2-R HR (3), 3 RBI

Enmanuel Valdez, IF, Quad Cities

3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R, SB (2)

Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 4-3 (11 innings) @ Fort Wayne

11 IP, 8 H, 3 R (1 ER), 4 BB, 10 K

Brett Daniels: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K

Luis Garcia: W (2-0), 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB, 6 K

Devin Conn: Save (2), IP, unearned run, K

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 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Rain, rain, go away...

Fresno 9, Iowa 1

W- Cy Sneed (9-5)
L- Casey Coleman (2-2)
S- Kent Emanuel (1)

Fresno home runs: Garrett Stubbs (3, 3-run in 2nd), D.J. Fisher (9, 2-run in 2nd), Jack Mayfield (10, 2-run in 4th)

A couple of big innings allowed the Grizzlies to cruise to a victory.

Cy Sneed also turned in a nice outing, which definitely helped. Sneed allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out four over six shutout innings. The I-Cubs spoiled the shutout with a run off of Kent Emanuel in the 9th. Emanuel pitched the final three innings and allowed three hits, walked one, and struck out four.

Jack Mayfield walked to lead off the 2nd. He moved to third on a Yordan Alvarez single and scored the game's first run on a Myles Straw single. One batter later, Garrett Stubbs smacked a homer and the rout was on. Tony Nuñez walked, stole second... and got greedy and was thrown out at third. Jake Marisnick drew a walk and then D.J. Fisher whacked a two-run homer to extend Fresno's lead to 6-0. Fisher singled to start the 4th and scored on a Tyler White double. Two batters later, Mayfield launched a two-run homer. Fisher went 3-5 and finished a triple shy of the cycle. A.J. Reed went 2-4.

The Grizzlies will look to sweep the series on Thursday. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

San Antonio 1, Corpus Christi 0

W- Chris Paddack (3-1)
L- Framber Valdez (3-4)
S- Miguel Diaz (3)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks got shut out and swept out of San Antonio.

Framber Valdez wasn't awful, but he ran up a high pitch count and also allowed the only run of the game. In 4.2 innings, he allowed six hits, walked two, and struck out nine. Justin Ferrell was the first man out of the Corpus bullpen and did not allow a hit in his 2.1 innings; he issued a walk and fanned four. Erasmo Pinales worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 8th, striking out two.

Taylor Jones' double was the Hooks' only extra-base hit on the evening. Alex De Goti, Chas McCormick, and Stephen Wrenn all singled. McCormick now has a 10-game hitting streak.

Corpus will head home to start a four-game series with Midland at 7:05. Ryan Hartman is listed as the Hooks' probable starter for game one.

The doubleheader between Buies Creek and Potomac was postponed

Due to inclement weather. They'll try to play the doubleheader today, with game one starting at 4:00 Eastern. Also, the twinbill will constitute the entire series as this was supposed to be the final series between both clubs. One game has been canceled.

Quad Cities 6, Burlington 5 in 10 innings

W- Luis Garcia (2-2)
L- Anfernee Benítez (3-1)
S- Willy Collado (4)

QC home runs: None.

The only crooked numbers in this game came in the first extra frame. The Banditos broke a 3-3 tie with three in the top of the 10th and then the Bees made things really interesting with a home run that cut the lead to one run. Fortunately, Quad Cities was able to escape with the W.

Leovanny Rodriguez allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out six over five shutout frames. César Rosado was the first man out of the bullpen and went three innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, walking two, and striking out two. The two runs that Luis Garcia allowed in his 1.2 innings came off the homer in the 10th. As the homer occurred in an extra inning, the man on second was charged as an unearned run. Garcia allowed two other hits, walked one, and struck out three. Willy Collado was greeted by an infield single from Torii Hunter, but he buckled down and got that elusive final out with a strikeout.

Quad Cities scored the first three runs of this game: Jonathan Lacroix scored the first run when Scott Schreiber grounded into a force out in the 3rd and then Marty Costes and Chandler Taylor had RBI base hits in the 5th and the 6th, respectively. Schrieber started the 10th in scoring position; he advanced to third on a Seth Beer single and scored the go-ahead run on a single from David Hensley. Beer and Hensley scored when Alfredo Angarita flared a ball down the right field line and kept it just fair. Beer and Hensley both finished 2-5 on the night; Mike Papierski also finished with two hits out of the #8 spot in the order.

Jairo Solís will get the start in game two. He'll take on Oliver Ortega at 6:30.

Tri-City and Auburn was postponed

Due to rain. The series will conclude with a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 AM Eastern. Jayne is satisfied with this development as it has allowed her to catch up on sleep.

DSL Rays1 8, DSL Astros 5

W- Daniel Santana (2-1)
L- Fabricio Reina (3-4)
S- Shuruendy Valeriano (3)

DSL home runs: Victor Mascai (5, 2-run in 4th), Yimmi Cortabarria (2, solo in 8th)

The Rays put up crooked numbers in all of the innings in which they scored to top the Astros in DSL play.

Jherson Pereira allowed two runs on five hits and struck out one in three innings of work. Valente Bellozo worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 4th, striking out one. Fabricio Reina and Franny Cobos both pitched two innings; Reina allowed six runs (five earned, three inherited runners charged to him) on four hits and walked two, while Cobos allowed three hits.

Victor Mascai and Yimmi Cortabarria both finished 2-4 and they were both responsible for the offensive production in this game. Mascai put the Astros on the board when he launched two-run homer in the 4th inning. Cortabarria hit an RBI single in the 6th, Mascai drew a bases-loaded walk in the 7th, and Cortabarria struck again in the 8th with a homer to begin the inning. Abraham Castillo and Javier Bermúdez also finished with two hits on the day.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

The @astros signed two Brazilians today! RHP Heitor Tokar and 3B Victor Coutinho, best hitter in 🇧🇷 #astros @BenBadler @JesseSanchezMLB pic.twitter.com/z2Wbgvv5KH

— Baseball Brazil (@baseball_brazil) July 2, 2017

Photographer unknown, picture provided by Baseball Brazil

Victor Mascai (left), OF/1B, and Yimmi Cortabarria (not pictured), OF, DSL Astros 

Mascai: 2-4, 2-R HR (5), 3 RBI

Cortabarria: 2-4, solo HR (2), 2 RBI

Derek Fisher, OF, Fresno
3-5, 2B, 2-R HR (9), 2 R

Cy Sneed, RHP, Fresno
W (9-5), 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K

Corpus Christi Hooks pitchers: L 1-0 @ San Antonio
8 IP, 7 H, ER, 3 BB, 15 K
Framber Valdez: L (3-4), 4.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Justin Ferrell: 2.1 IP, BB, 4 K
Erasmo Pinales: IP, H, 2 K

Leovanny Rodriguez, RHP, Quad Cities
5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K

David Hensley, IF, Quad Cities
2-5, go-ahead RBI single in 10th, 2 R