Astros Minor League Playoff Recaps

Results for Thursday, September 12, 2019

Woodpeckers one win away!

Mills Cup: Fayetteville 2, Wilmington 1

Fayetteville leads series 2-1.

W- Nivaldo Rodriguez
L- Kris Bubic
S- Humberto Castellanos

Fayetteville home runs: None.

Both teams had one scoring play; the Woodpeckers' yielded more runs and now, they are one win away from defending the crown they won last year as the Buies Creek Astros.

David Hensley put Fayetteville on the board and in the lead by ripping a two-run double in the 6th inning. Chandler Taylor, who scored one of those two runs, finished 2-4.

Nivaldo Rodriguez delivered in the clutch as he allowed just one run on three hits while striking out seven over six excellent innings. César Rosado struck out three in two perfect innings of relief and Humberto Castellanos worked around a hit in the 9th to close it out, striking out one.

Jojanse Torres will take the mound in game four and he'll face Austin Cox at 6:00 Eastern.

Thursday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

From top:

Nivaldo Rodriguez: W, 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 7 K

César Rosado: 2 IP, 3 K; perfect outing

Humberto Castellanos: Save, IP, H, K 

David Hensley: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Jayne has a look at the playoff picture as it currently stands.

San Antonio 14, Round Rock 8

W- Bubba Derby (7-7)
L- Ryan Hartman (6-7)

RR home runs: Jack Mayfield (26, solo in 1st), Kyle Tucker (33, 2-run in 7th), Nick Tanielu (18, 2-run in 7th)

The E-Train tried to claw back into this one as a six-run 7th cut their deficit to 10-8. The Missions, however, put them away with four in the 8th. Round Rock now leads San Antonio by two games heading into tonight's series finale.

Everyone in the lineup recorded at least one hit except for Alex De Goti, who walked twice and scored a run despite going 0-2. Jack Mayfield smacked a solo homer in the 1st and Ronnie Dawson ripped an RBI double in the 2nd. That double was Round Rock's last scoring play until they went off in the 7th. Three hits in that 7th inning resulted in six runs; Kyle Tucker and Nick Tanielu whacked two-run homers and Drew Ferguson added a two-run single. Ferguson, Tanielu, and Myles Straw all finished with two hits on the evening.

Tough night for the pitchers. Felipe Paulino was the first man out of the bullpen and he allowed two hits, one of which was a solo homer, in two innings of work. Ralph Garza Jr. was the last pitcher to appear for the Express and he retired all four batters he faced, striking out two.

Brandon Bielak will start the 2019 regular-season home finale for Round Rock and he'll take on Trey Supak at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 2, Arkansas 1

W- Forrest Whitley (3-7)
L- Ljay Newsome (3-3)
S- Yohan Ramirez (1)

CC home runs: Colton Shaver (20, 2-run in 4th)

Both teams only had one scoring play but the Hooks' yielded more runs.

Forrest Whitley is starting to show the form that has made him the Astros' top prospect once again. He allowed just one hit, walked four, and struck out eight over 5.1 shutout innings. Yohan Ramirez took it home and allowed a run on a wild pitch, a double, walked two, and struck out three in 3.2 innings of work.

Colton Shaver became the eighth player in the Houston Astros' minor league system to hit 20 home runs this season when he sent a pitch from Ljay Newsome out for a two-run homer in the 4th.

Brett Adcock will take on Logan Gilbert in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:15.

Carolina 5, Fayetteville 0

W- Scott Sunitsch (2-0)
L- Nivaldo Rodriguez (6-6)

Fayetteville home runs: None.

The Woodpeckers got blanked, but...

Thanks, Potomac! pic.twitter.com/gKR6uyqUdl

— 🐦 Fayetteville Woodpeckers (@WoodpeckersNC) August 29, 2019

Nivaldo Rodriguez pitched well but one poor pitch resulted in him getting the loss. He allowed two hits, one of which was a two-run homer, and struck out seven in five innings of work. J.P. France got the 6th and allowed an RBI single, walked one, and the two outs he recorded came via the strikeout. Riley Cabral pitched the last 2.1 innings and allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one.

Scott Schreiber ripped a couple of doubles from the #9 spot in the order.

Austin Hansen will start the series finale, which will also wrap up the road portion of Fayetteville's regular-season schedule. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Cedar Rapids 1, Quad Cities 0

W- Brian Rapp (5-1)
L- José Bravo (7-6)

QC home runs: None.

There was only one run in this game... and it did not belong to the Banditos, who walked off with the loss in the bottom of the 9th.

Brett Daniels allowed just one hit and struck out a career-high 11 over six shutout frames. His only baserunner came in the form of a one-out single in the 6th inning. Cedar Rapids scored the only run of the game off of José Bravo in the 9th with a bases-loaded single. Bravo allowed the one run on three hits and struck out three in 2.1 innings.

Quad Cities could only muster up a pair of singles from Oscar Campos and Freúdis Nova.

Jonathan Bermúdez will take on Tyler Palm in game two of this series. First pitch is at 6:35.

GCL Astros 5, GCL Marlins 2

W- Jervic Chavez (3-2)
L- Matt Givin (5-1)
S- Chandler Casey (2)

GCL home runs: None.

The Palm Beach 'Stros shook off two early runs from the Marlins and shut them out the rest of the way.

Yorbin Ceuta scored on a passed ball in the 2nd to put the Gulf Coast squad on the board. Rainier Rivas followed with an RBI single in the 4th and put them in front with a two-run double in the 5th. Sean Mendoza finished it off with an RBI single in the 8th. Rivas finished 3-5 on the afternoon. Sean Mendoza, Yimmi Cortabarria, and Gerry Castillo all had two hits; Cortabarria had a double and scored twice.

Diosmerky Taveras allowed two runs on three hits, walked one, and struck out two in the 1st inning. The bullpen shut the Marlins out for the final eight innings of this game. Jervic Chavez was first and he walked two and struck out four in four innings. Jherson Pereira walked the bases loaded in the 6th but got out of it unscathed, somehow. Whit Drennan walked two and fanned two in two innings and Chandler Casey closed it out, working around a walk in the 9th to do so.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Jervic Chavez, LHP, GCL Astros: W (3-2), 4 IP, 2 BB, 4 K
Rainier Rivas, OF, GCL Astros: 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI

Brett Daniels, RHP, Quad Cities

6 IP, H, career-high 11 K; perfect through 5.1 IP

Corpus Christi Hooks pitchers: W 2-1 vs. Arkansas

9 IP, 2 H, ER, 6 BB, 11 K

Forrest Whitley: W (3-7), 5.1 IP, H, 4 BB, 8 K

Yohan Ramirez: Save (1), 3.2 IP, H, ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Nivaldo Rodriguez, RHP, Fayetteville

L (6-6), 5 IP, 2 H (2-R HR allowed), 2 ER, 7 K

Nick Tanielu, IF, Round Rock

2-5, 2B, 2-R HR (18), 2 R

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, July 10, 2019

2019 Triple-A All-Star Game

In El Paso, the Pacific Coast League All-Stars topped their counterparts from the International League by a score of 9-3. Kyle Tucker got the start in left field and he hit a double in the 1st inning, which was his only hit in three at-bats.

Round Rock returns to action tonight as they begin a four-game series with Iowa at 7:05. Akeem Bostick will face Colin Rea.

Frisco 5, Corpus Christi 4

W- Walker Weickel (5-1)
L- Justin Ferrell (1-1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks thought they had control of this game after scoring four in the top of the 5th. Well... Frisco scored three in the bottom of the 5th to tie the game and they eventually walked off with the victory and swept the Hooks out of the Metroplex.

In his first rehab appearance, Brad Peacock walked one and struck out four over two scoreless innings. Enoli Paredes, the original scheduled starter, took over for five innings and he allowed four runs on four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Riley Ferrell allowed the winning run on two hits and struck out one in 1.1 innings.

Unfortunately, all of Corpus Christi's scoring in this game was limited to the 5th. Chuckie Robinson put them on the board with a sac fly and then Osvaldo Duarte and Bryan de la Cruz hit RBI singles. Duarte wound up scoring on a wild pitch that Ronnie Dawson swung at and missed for a strikeout. De La Cruz finished 3-4 on the night while Stephen Wrenn went 2-4.

The Hooks will look to bounce back as they start a four-game series in Midland at 7:00. Carson LaRue will face Kyle Friedrichs.

Fayetteville 3, Winston-Salem 2

W- Austin Hansen (6-2)
L- José Nin (3-3)

Fayetteville home runs: Scott Manea (6, 2-run in 2nd)

The Dash tied this game in the top of the 8th... only to see the Woodpeckers get back in front with one in the bottom of the inning.

Nivaldo Rodríguez continued his fine season as he allowed three hits, walked one, and struck out six over five shutout innings. Austin Hansen took over for the last four innings and he allowed a two-run homer, walked three, and struck out six.

Scott Manea launched a two-run home run in the 2nd inning. Jake Adams singled with one out in the 8th. He then stole second, advanced to third on the errant throw down, and scored what turned out to be the winning run on a single from Miguelangel Sierra. Jacob Meyers finished 3-4 with a double.

Cody Deason makes his Carolina League debut tonight at 7:00 Eastern. He'll go against Konnor Pilkington.

West Michigan 9, Quad Cities 5

W- Sandel de la Cruz (1-3)
L- Hansel Paulino (2-2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos fought back from an early 5-0 deficit to tie the game... and then the Whitecaps regained the lead with four runs in the 6th.

Austin Dennis hit a pair of RBI singles in the 3rd and the 5th. Later in the 5th, Grae Kessinger ripped a two-run double and he came home when Oscar Campos took his place at second. Trey Dawson finished 3-4 and scored twice. Dennis had his two RBI singles.

Jonathan Bermúdez went five innings and allowed five runs on seven hits (grand slam), walked two, and struck out one. Hansel Paulino got two outs in the 6th and he allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits, walked one, and struck out one. Riley Cabral allowed a hit and fanned four in 2.1 innings.

Brett Daniels takes the mound for game two. He'll take on Robbie Welhaf at 7:05 Eastern.

Tri-City 14, State College 7

W- Peyton Battenfield (1-1)
L- Scott Politz (1-2)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats poured it on early as they stormed out to a 10-0 lead.

Hunter Brown pitched 1.1 innings and allowed a hit, walked two, and struck out three. Peyton Battenfield was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen and he allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out six over 3.2 scoreless. Derek West got two outs in the 6th but he also allowed two runs on two hits and walked two. Luis de Paula got the final out of the 6th and pitched the 7th, where he walked four (one with the bases loaded) and struck out one. Yeremi Ceballos allowed four runs on three hits and walked one in the 8th and Miguel Figueroa walked one and struck out one in the 9th.

Zach Biermann opened the scoring with a two-run double in the 1st. Luis Santana and Nathan Perry hit RBI singles to kick off the big 2nd inning. Korey Lee hit a two-run single and Joe Perez hit a bases-clearing double, although he was thrown out at third to end the inning.

Biermann hit a groundout to bring in Korey Lee in the 4th. C.J. Stubbs ripped a two-run double in the 6th and he scored on a single from Wilyer Abreu. Lee brought in Tri-City's final run with a sac fly in the 8th. Lee, Biermann, and Perez drove in three. Lee and Abreu had three hits apiece; Lee scored four runs, Perry scored three times, and Stubbs came home twice. Stubbs, Perry, and Luis Santana all finished with two hits.

Manny Ramirez takes on Adrian Mardueno at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Nationals 9, GCL Astros 3

W- José Ferrer (1-0)
L- Fredy Medina (0-1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Nationals took control with five in the 2nd inning.

The Palm Beach 'Stros scored three in the 1st, but nothing more. Dexter Jordan ripped an RBI double and scored on Adonis Giron's single. Rolando Espinosa added a sac fly. Jordan, Colin Barber, Yeuris Ramírez, and Yorbin Ceuta all finished with two hits on the day.

Fredy Medina struck out the side in the 1st, but he also gave up a couple of runs. It didn't get much better for him in the 2nd inning. In addition to allowing the two runners he inherited from Medina to score, Jervic Chavez allowed a run of his own on four hits, walked one, and struck out four in two innings. Abdiel Saldaña took over for three innings and allowed a run on two hits, walked one, and struck out two. Daniel Bello and Julio Robaina pitched an inning apiece. Bello pitched the 7th and he allowed a run on two hits and walked two, while Robaina struck out two in a 1-2-3 8th.

The Palm Beach 'Stros will face the Mets at noon Eastern.

DSL Astros 2, DSL Athletics 1

W- Misael Tamarez (2-2)
L- Marcelo Hernandez (1-1)

DSL home runs: None.

The Dominican 'Stros scored one in the 9th to nip the A's.

Andrés Monzón scored on an error in the 1st and he hit an RBI single in the 9th. He went 2-5 and stole three bases, giving him 15 on the season. Yohander Martinez went 2-2 and scored the go-ahead run in the 9th on Monzón's base hit.

Carlos Calderón went four innings and allowed an unearned run on two hits, walked two, and struck out five. José Betances worked around a couple of walks to throw a scoreless 5th. Misael Tamarez allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out five over the final four innings.

The Dominican 'Stros are taking on the Braves right now.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Andrés Monzón, OF, DSL Astros: 2-5, RBI, R, 3 SB (15)
Carlos Calderón, RHP, DSL Astros: 4 IP, 2 H, unearned run, BB, 5 K
Misael Tamarez, RHP, DSL Astros: W (2-2), 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K; promoted to GCL after game

Dexter Jordan, 2B, GCL Astros: 2-5, 2B, RBI, R

Photo from Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.Net

Tri-City ValleyCats: W 14-7 vs. State College

14 R, 14 H

Korey Lee: 3-3, 2B, 3 RBI, 4 R

Nathan Perry: 2-3, RBI, 3 R

C.J. Stubbs: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R

Wilyer Abreu: 3-5, R

Peyton Battenfield: W (1-1), 3.2 IP, H, 2 BB, 6 K

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 3-2 vs. Winston-Salem

9 IP, 4 H (2-R HR allowed), 2 ER, 4 BB, 12 K

Nivaldo Rodríguez: 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 6 K

Austin Hansen: W (6-2), 4 IP, H (2-R HR), 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

Austin Dennis, UTIL, Quad Cities

2-3, 2 RBI, R

Riley Cabral, RHP, Quad Cities

2.1 IP, H, 4 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Bryan de la Cruz, OF, Corpus Christi

3-4, RBI

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, July 4, 2019

Happy birthday, America.

Let's finish up a game in the Gulf Coast League so they can play another one.

All pitcher records and save totals and player home run totals will be cumulative going forward.

Oklahoma City 13, Round Rock 7

W- Daniel Corcino (6-3)
L- Rogelio Armenteros (3-6)
S- Kevin Quackenbush (5)

RR home runs (season totals only): Jack Mayfield 2 (13; solo in 3rd, solo in 8th), Josh Rojas (14, solo in 1st)

The E-Train ran off five in the 8th to cut into a 10-1 deficit but the Dodgers put this game away with three in the bottom of the 8th.

Josh Rojas led off the game with a homer. Jack Mayfield led off the 3rd with a home run and the 8th with another homer. Mayfield's second homer sparked the rally as Chas McCormick hit a two-run single, Garrett Stubbs chipped in with a sac fly, and Rojas ripped a double. Rojas and Mayfield had three hits apiece in this one.

Rogelio Armenteros only lasted 1.2 innings and got roughed up. When four pitchers and a position player allow 13 runs... it probably wasn't a good night.

Tonight, the Express and Dodgers will play a doubleheader with game one starting at 4:35. This is to make up a game that was originally scheduled for April 30. Ryan Hartman will take on Mitchell White in game one.

Corpus Christi 22, Midland 5

W- Yohan Ramirez (2-4)
L- Matt Milburn (5-5)

CC home runs: Colton Shaver (10, 3-run in 2nd), Chuckie Robinson (5, 3-run in 4th), Seth Beer (19, solo in 6th), Ronnie Dawson (13, solo in 8th)

The Hooks provided some fireworks on the field before the post-game Fourth of July celebrations as they put up a double deuce on the RockHounds.

The Hounds scored five runs and were held to two hits. Yohan Ramirez allowed a run on a bases-loaded walk, one of six free passes that he issued on the night. He also struck out ten. Miguel Figueroa allowed the two hits; he went 1.2 innings and also allowed four runs, walked two, and struck out two. In his first appearance since coming off the IL, Brett Adcock walked one and struck out two in 2.1 innings.

Enoli Paredes will start game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:15.

Fayetteville 4, Winston-Salem 2

W- Nivaldo Rodríguez (6-4)
L- Jonathan Stiever (1-2)
S- Joey Gonzalez (2)

Fayetteville home runs: Ruben Castro (1, 2-run in 3rd), Corey Julks (2, solo in 4th)

The Woodpeckers spoiled the Dash's Fourth of July celebrations.

Ruben Castro opened the scoring with his two-run blast in the 3rd, his first home run of the year. Corey Julks launched a homer to lead off the 4th and he reached on an error that allowed Chandler Taylor to score in the 9th inning.

Nivaldo Rodríguez allowed two hits and struck out two over five shutout innings. Austin Hansen allowed two unearned runs on four hits and struck out eight in 3.2 innings and Joey Gonzalez got a strikeout to end the game.

Jojanse Torres will take on Kade McClure in game two of the series. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 7, Beloit 4

W- Jonathan Bermúdez (2-2)
L- Aiden McIntyre (2-6)
S- Riley Cabral (5)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos went off for four in the 4th and got three more in the bottom of the 5th to get some separation after the Snappers got three in the top of the 5th.

Jonathan Lacroix cleared the bases with a double in the 4th and he came around to score on Ramiro Rodríguez's single. Quad Cities loaded the bases again in the 5th and turned it into three runs. Ross Adolph scored when Alex McKenna hit into a fielder's choice. Lacroix plunked in a run and Ramiro Rodríguez hit a sac fly. Adolph and Oscar Campos had two hits apiece.

Cody Deason allowed an RBI double, walked five, and struck out four in four innings of work. Jonathan Bermúdez was the first man out of the Quad Cities bullpen and he went 3.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, walking one, and fanning five. Riley Cabral struck out two over 1.1 near-perfect innings to earn the save; he hit a batter in the 9th.

R.J. Freure takes the mound in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:35.

Hudson Valley 4, Tri-City 0

W- Edisson Gonzalez (1-2)
L- Peyton Battenfield (0-1)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats were blanked for the fifth time this season.

Peyton Battenfield allowed a run on four hits, walked one, and struck out two in four innings. Derek West walked two and fanned three in three innings and Luis de Paula allowed three runs on three hits, walked two, and struck out two in two innings.

All they got on offense were singles from A.J. Lee, E.P. Reese, Zach Biermann, and Bryan Arias.

The next two games of this series will take place in Hudson Valley. Game two of this series is at 7:05 Eastern.

GCL Marlins 2, GCL Astros 0

W- Matt Givin (1-0)
L- Brayan De Paula (0-1)
S- Andrew Nardi (1)

GCL home runs: None.

This game originally started on June 29 but was suspended by rain.

Nerio Rodríguez hit a double.

Blair Henley and Brayan de Paula went three innings apiece with varying results. Henley allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out four, while de Paula allowed two runs on four hits (solo homer), walked two, and struck out two. Danny Cody walked two and struck out two over two scoreless.

GCL Astros 1, GCL Marlins 0

W- Diosmerky Taveras (1-0)
L- Edgar Sanchez (0-1)

GCL home runs: None.

There was only one run in this game and it belonged to the Palm Beach 'Stros.

That run came in the 5th when José Álvarez grounded into a force out that allowed Sean Mendoza to score. Luis Guerrero hit a double.

Alex Palmer allowed a hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings in his pro debut. Diosmerky Taveras walked three and struck out seven over the final five innings to earn the save.

DSL Astros 7, DSL Royals1 0

W- Carlos Calderón (3-0)
L- Daury Cabrera (0-1)

DSL home runs: None.

The Dominican 'Stros went off for five runs in the 8th to put this one away.

Misael Tamarez allowed two hits, walked four, and struck out four over three innings. Carlos Calderón took over for four innings and allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out six. Cristofer Mezquita completed the shutout by allowing two hits, walking two, and striking out three over the final two innings.

Omar Díaz opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st and Tomás Ramírez added an RBI single in the 4th that brought Miguel Palma in. Palma drew a walk to lead off the 8th and that helped spark the outburst. They loaded the bases and Cristian Gonzalez hit an RBI single. Sebastian Grullón followed with an RBI single, Yohander Martinez drove in another run with a groundout and Carlos Hurtado capped things off with a two-run single. Hurtado finished 3-4 on the day.

Thursday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

GCL Astros pitchers: W 1-0 vs. GCL Marlins (regularly scheduled game)
Alex Palmer: 2 IP, H, 2 K
Diosmerky Taveras: W (1-0), 5 IP, 3 BB, 7 K
Blair Henley: 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K in suspended game

DSL Astros pitchers: W 7-0 @ DSL Royals 1
Misael Tamarez: 3 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K
Carlos Calderón: W (3-0), 4 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K
Cristofer Mezquita: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K

Carlos Hurtado, C, DSL Astros: 3-4, 2 RBI

Photo from Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.Net

Corpus Christi Hooks: W 22-5 vs. Midland

Every player in the lineup recorded a hit, at least one RBI, and scored at least one run.

Yohan Ramirez: W (2-4), 5 IP, ER, 6 BB, 10 K

Brett Adcock: 2.1 IP, BB, 2 K; first appearance since June 15 (was on IL)

Josh Rojas, UTIL, and Jack Mayfield, IF, Round Rock

Rojas: 3-4, 2 2B, solo HR (14), 2 RBI

Mayfield: 3-5, 2 solo HR (13)

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Derek West, RHP, Tri-City

3 IP, 2 BB, 3 K

Jonathan Lacroix, OF, Quad Cities

1-3, 2B, 4 RBI

Nivaldo Rodríguez, RHP, Fayetteville

W (6-4), 5 IP, 2 H, 2 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, June 29, 2019

Omaha 3, Round Rock 2

W- Jake Kalish (5-4)
L- Ryan Hartman (5-3)
S- Richard Lovelady (4)

RR home runs: Jack Mayfield (11, solo in 4th)

A three-run 1st from the Storm Chasers held up in the end.

Ryan Hartman pitched seven innings and allowed those three runs on six hits, walked three, and struck out five. Brendan McCurry allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out one over the final two innings.

Alex De Goti put Round Rock on the board with a sac fly in the 3rd and Jack Mayfield launched a homer to lead off the 4th. Chas McCormick finished 2-3.

Brandon Bielak will start game two of this series. First pitch is at 6:05.

Amarillo 8, Corpus Christi 6

W- Nick Margevicius (1-0)
L- Enoli Paredes (1-2, 4-3 season)
S- Jean Cosme (1)

CC home runs: J.J. Matijevic 2 (4, 6 season; solo in 3rd, solo in 9th), Seth Beer (7, 16 season; solo in 4th)

The Hooks' attempt to erase a 7-2 deficit ultimately fell short.

J.J. Matijevic led off the 3rd with a homer and Seth Beer did the same in the 4th. They got three in the 8th as Abraham Toro ripped an RBI double. He moved to third on Beer's single and scored on a single from Granden Goetzman. Beer wound up scoring thanks to a couple of wild pitches. Matijevic whacked his second home run of the night to lead off the 9th. He, along with Beer and Goetzman, finished with two hits on the night.

Enoli Paredes went 4.1 innings and allowed five runs (two inherited runners charged to him) on six hits (two-run homer), walked one, and struck out four. Justin Ferrell got the final two outs of the 5th, one via strikeout, but not before Amarillo got a single off of him that resulted in two runs getting charged to Paredes. Ferrell also issued a couple of walks. Yohan Ramirez allowed three runs on five hits (two-run homer) and struck out four in three innings.

Brandon Bailey takes on Ronald Bolaños in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:05.

Myrtle Beach 6, Fayetteville 4

W- Alexander Vargas (2-2)
L- Austin Hansen (1-1, 5-2 season)
S- Garrett Kelly (2)

Fayetteville home runs: Jonathan Arauz (5, 2-run in 6th)

The Woodpeckers outhit the Pelicans 10-6 but lost in the column that matters most. Also, a five-run 3rd inning for Myrtle Beach held up.

Jake Adams ripped an RBI double in the 1st to open the scoring and Enmanuel Valdez hit an RBI single to bring in Jonathan Arauz in the 2nd. Arauz, who just came off the IL, whacked a two-run homer in the 6th. Adams (2 2B, RBI, R), Arauz (2-R HR, 2 R), Valdez (RBI single, SB), and Corey Julks (R, SB) all had two hits on the evening.

Austin Hansen went five innings and allowed five runs on six hits, one of which was a grand slam, walked three, and struck out five. Nivaldo Rodríguez did not allow a hit over the last four innings but the Pelicans got a run off of him with a sac fly. Nivaldo walked three and struck out two during his stint on the mound.

Fayetteville will look to avoid the sweep and snap a five-game losing streak in the series finale. J.P. France will go against Javier Assad at 6:00 Eastern.

Clinton 7, Quad Cities 2

W- Tyler Mitzel (5-3)
L- R.J. Freure (4-3)
S- Tyler Jones (1)

QC home runs: None.

The LumberKings scored four in the 6th to put this game away.

Oscar Campos went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 3rd. Austin Dennis was 3-5 and hit an RBI single in the 4th. Trey Dawson finished 2-3 and drew a walk.

R.J. Freure allowed three runs on five hits (two solo homers), walked four, and struck out seven in five innings. Hunter Martin bore the brunt of Clinton's assault in the 6th as he allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out three in 1.2 innings. Riley Cabral walked two in 1.1 scoreless innings of work.

Brett Daniels takes on Tanner Andrews in game two of this series. First pitch is at 2:00.

Tri-City 4, Aberdeen 3 (10 innings)

W- Shea Barry (1-0)
L- Marlon Constante (0-1)

TC home runs: C.J. Stubbs (3, solo in 4th)

The ValleyCats snapped a five-game losing streak by walking off with the victory on Saturday.

Hunter Brown pitched 2.2 innings and an inherited runner scored and was charged to him when the man on third scored while the trailing runner was caught in a rundown in the 3rd inning. He walked three and struck out one. Derek West was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen and he allowed two runs of his own on two hits, walked one, and struck out one in 2.1 innings. Peyton Battenfield followed by striking out five in three perfect innings, and Shea Barry earned his first win as a pro as he walked two and struck out one over two scoreless.

Zach Biermann opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st inning. C.J. Stubbs smacked a solo homer in the 4th. E.P. Reese tied the game with a sac fly in the 9th. Deury Carrasco came on to pinch-run for Luis Santana in the 10th and he scored the winning run on Grae Kessinger's single. Kessinger finished 4-5 on the evening and Stubbs went 3-4, finishing a double shy of the cycle.

Manny Ramirez will start the series finale. First pitch is at 5:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros and GCL Marlins was suspended

Due to rain. This game will be completed on July 4. Blair Henley, making his professional debut, allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out four in 2.2 innings.

The Palm Beach 'Stros were supposed to play the Nationals today but that game got postponed as well.

DSL Astros 3, DSL Dodgers Bautista 2

W- Carlos Calderón (2-0)
L- Jeremi Rodriguez (1-1)
S- Reimy Beltre (1)

DSL home runs: None.

The Dominican 'Stros got a run in the 7th to edge out the Dodgers Bautista team.

Freddy Guilamo ripped an RBI double in the 3rd and scored on an error after Ayendy Ortiz stole second. Ortiz ended up getting thrown out at third. Andrés Monzón put the Astros back in front with a sac fly in the 7th.

These two teams will play again on Monday.

Saturday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Jaime Melendez, RHP, DSL Astros: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 6 K
Reimy Beltre, RHP, DSL Astros: Save (1), 2 IP, 3 K; perfect outing

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Peyton Battenfield, RHP, Tri-City

3 IP, 5 K; perfect outing

These are their mugshots on MiLB.com.

Grae Kessinger, SS, and C.J. Stubbs, C/OF, Tri-City

Kessinger: 4-5, 2B, walk-off RBI single, R

Stubbs: 3-4, 3B, solo HR (3); finished double shy of cycle

Jake Adams, 1B, and Jonathan Arauz, IF, Fayetteville

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

Arauz: 2-4, 2-R HR (5), 2 R

Nivaldo Rodríguez, RHP, Fayetteville

4 IP, ER, 3 BB, 2 K

Austin Dennis, UTIL, Quad Cities

3-5, RBI

J.J. Matijevic, 1B, and Seth Beer, 1B/OF, Corpus Christi

Matijevic: 2-4, 2 solo HR (4, 6 season)

Beer: 2-4, solo HR (7, 16 season), 2 R

Getting to Know RHP Nivaldo Rodriguez and 2B/3B Enmanuel Valdez

Getting the opportunity to talk with some of the Latin players in the Astros organization has proven to be a win-win situation. I'm able to get a better feel for their personalities and they get the valuable experience of participating in a friendly interview to practice their English-language skills. The interviews are rarely groundbreaking but they are fun nonetheless. My most recent victims interviewees were RHP Nivaldo Rodriguez and 2B/3B Enmanuel Valdez. Both of these players have had early success this season and have been featured as players to watch in my weekly farm reports. Both players started their seasons with the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits and both are now working to prove themselves at a higher level since being promoted to High A Fayetteville.

Nivaldo Rodriguez - June 2019

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Rodriguez has appeared in 13 games (11 starts) so far this season, compiling a 2.13 ERA and a 0.979 WHIP with 17 walks to 68 strikeouts in 63.1 innings of work. According to Fayetteville Manager Nate Shaver, Rodriguez showed himself to be a competitor from the first day he arrived at the higher level. "He continues to work everyday with Whit (Pitching Coach Thomas Whitsett) and work on pitch development. With his curveball being his best pitch, he's able to command the zone with it and he can throw it pretty much whenever he wants. He's able to strike guys out, throw three pitches and he's had good success," said Shaver of Rodriguez. That success has been consistent for Rodriguez who has a minor league career ERA of 2.30 and a 1.067 WHIP since his signing in June 2016.

Enmanuel Valdez - June 2019

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Valdez is hitting .252/.339/.403 through 58 games this season. His bat is still trying to catch up with the High A level where he's experienced a drop off in his production (he was hitting .275/.374/.442 in 33 games with Quad Cities), but Shaver isn't particularly concerned about Valdez's offensive abilities, "He swings the bat really well." Shaver's main focus right now is helping Valdez fine-tune his defense. According to Shaver, although Valdez has played primarily at third and second, he can play "pretty much anywhere on the infield." Valdez has a strong arm, but Shaver is working with him to make sure that he is consistently getting good direction on his throws, that he is "maintaining good direction and good foot work." Shaver sees that defensive versatility as the key to getting Valdez in the lineup so that he can get the opportunity day in and day out to improve both offensively and defensively. Personally, I would say that Valdez is a fun player to watch. He is a high energy player and tends to be in the middle of the action.

And without further ado, let's hear from these two players ...


The shout-out from Enmanuel to Doris at the end of the interview is a tribute to Doris Gonzalez, the Astros Supervisor of Education, Player Acculturation and Language Development. Doris has been a terrific resource for me and I would like to thank her as well!

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, June 23, 2019

Fayetteville sweep!

Round Rock 8, Iowa 3

W- Cionel Pérez (1-1)
L- Colin Rea (8-2)

RR home runs: Josh Rojas (4, 12 season; solo in 1st)

The E-Train busted out for three in the 4th and three in the 5th to seize control of this one.

Josh Rojas led off the game with a homer. A.J. Reed ripped a two-run double in the 4th and he came home on Chas McCormick's sac fly. Reed drew a bases-loaded walk in the 5th and Garrett Stubbs followed with a two-run single. Jack Mayfield capped off the afternoon with an RBI single in the 8th. Nick Tanielu, Taylor Jones, and Mayfield all finished with two hits on the day.

Corbin Martin and Cionel Pérez both pitched four innings with varying results. Martin allowed three runs on six hits (solo homer), walked one, and struck out five. Cionel allowed three hits and struck out four in a scoreless outing. Felipe Paulino, in his return to the Astros organization, struck out one in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Brandon Bielak will get the start in the fifth and final game of this series. First pitch is at 12:08.

Springfield 12, Corpus Christi 5

W- Roel Ramirez (2-1)
L- Yohan Ramirez (0-2, 1-4 season)

CC home runs: Colton Shaver 2 (2, 8 season; solo in 4th, 3-run in 6th), Lorenzo Quintana (5, solo in 2nd)

The Hooks, doing business as the Raspas like they usually do on Sundays, were foiled in their bid to sweep the series as the Cardinals got six in the 6th to seize control.

Yohan Ramirez went four innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on two hits, walked four, and struck out four. J.B. Bukauskas was the first man out of the bullpen and he, unfortunately, bore the brunt of that big 6th inning from Springfield. Let's just leave it at that. Justin Ferrell threw 2.2 innings and he allowed three hits, one of which was a two-run homer, walked one, and struck out one. Tommy DeJuneas was the only Corpus pitcher to turn in a scoreless outing as he struck out the side in order in the 9th.

Both teams scored a run in the 2nd; the Raspas got theirs on a solo homer from Lorenzo Quintana. Colton Shaver launched a solo shot in the 4th and then whacked a three-run homer in the 6th. He and Osvaldo Duarte both finished 2-4 on the evening.

The Hooks have now reached their All-Star break. The 2019 Texas League All-Star Game will take place Tuesday in Tulsa. Bryan Abreu, Carlos Sanabria, Colin McKee, and Abraham Toro will represent Corpus Christi.

Corpus returns to action Thursday.

Fayetteville 3, Myrtle Beach 2

W- Austin Hansen (1-0, 5-1 season)
L- Alexander Vargas (1-2)

Fayetteville home runs: Michael Papierski (5, solo in 3rd), Marty Costes (3, 5 season; 2-run in 4th)

Two big swings of the bat and a pair of fine pitching performances carried the Woodpeckers to a sweep of their first series in the second half.

Michael Papierski smacked a solo homer in the 3rd and Marty Costes launched a two-run homer in the 4th. Papierski, Jacob Meyers, and Miguelangel Sierra all had two hits on the day.

Nivaldo Rodríguez pitched four innings and allowed a run on three hits, walked one, and struck out three. Austin Hansen tagged in for the last five innings and he allowed a solo homer, walked two, and struck out six.

The Woodpeckers will begin a three-game series in Salem at 7:05 Eastern.

Quad Cities and Beloit was postponed

Due to rain rendering the field unplayable. This game will be made up during Quad Cities' next trip to Beloit, which will be from July 27-29.

After a day off on Monday, the Banditos will begin a four-game series with the Burlington Bees that's split between Burlington and the Quad Cities. The first two will be in Burlington.

Vermont 7, Tri-City 6 (11 innings)

W- Jorge Martinez (1-1)
L- Luis de Paula (0-1)

TC home runs: Nathan Perry (1, solo in 6th), Zach Biermann (2, solo in 8th)

The Lake Monsters nipped the ValleyCats in extras to avoid the sweep.

Peyton Battenfield struck out four over three perfect innings. Manny Ramirez was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen and he got two outs in the 4th via strikeout, but he also allowed three runs on two hits and walked three. Hansel Paulino got Ramirez out of a bases-loaded predicament by getting the final out of the 4th with a strikeout. Paulino ended up going 2.1 innings and he allowed two hits, one of which was a solo homer, and struck out four.

Julio Robaina was next and he allowed two runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on three hits, walked two, and struck out three in two innings. Garrett Gayle allowed the runner that he inherited from Robaina to score on a sac fly that tied the game at 6 in the 9th inning. He also allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out one. Luis de Paula pitched the final two innings and allowed what turned out to be the game-winning sac fly and struck out two.

Tri-City got back in the game when Korey Lee hit a two-run single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 4th. Luis Santana doubled to lead off the 5th and he scored the tying run on an error that allowed E.P. Reese to reach. Nathan Perry clubbed a solo homer in the 6th and Zach Biermann put the ValleyCats in front by whacking a two-run homer in the 8th. Reese (R, SB), Grae Kessinger (2B, 2 R), Korey Lee (2 RBI), and Santana (2B, R) all had two hits on the night.

After a day off, the ValleyCats will hit the road to kick off a three-game series against the Lowell Spinners.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Colton Shaver, IF, Corpus Christi

2-4, 2 HR (2, 8 season), 4 RBI

Felipe Paulino's photo taken by Bryan Green.

Round Rock Express bullpen

5 IP, 3 H, 5 K

Cionel Pérez: W (1-1), 4 IP, 3 H, 4 K

Felipe Paulino: IP, K

"WOODPPECKERS"

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 3-2 @ Myrtle Beach

9 IP, 4 H (solo HR allowed), 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K

Nivaldo Rodríguez: 4 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 3 K

Austin Hansen: W (1-0, 5-1 season), 5 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Michael Papierski, C, Fayetteville

2-5, solo HR (5)

Peyton Battenfield not pictured.

This is Korey Lee's mugshot on MiLB.com.

Peyton Battenfield, RHP, and Korey Lee, C, Tri-City

Battenfield: 3 IP, 4 K

Lee: 2-5, 2 RBI

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, June 10, 2019

Salt Lake 9, Round Rock 7

W- Matt Sandoval (2-2)
L- Brandon Bielak (0-2, 3-2 season)
S- Luke Bard (1)

RR home runs: A.J. Reed (9, solo in 6th)

The E-Train was forced to settle for a split as a 9th-inning rally fell short.

Brandon Bielak went 4.1 innings and allowed five runs (two inherited runners charged to him) on four hits, walked five, and struck out seven. Ryan Hartman was the first man out of the Round Rock bullpen and he allowed four runs on eight hits (solo homer), walked one, and struck out five. Justin Ferrell worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 8th, striking out two.

Nick Tanielu put the Express on the board with an RBI double in the 2nd inning. Kyle Tucker laced an RBI double of his own in the 3rd and came around to score on Taylor Jones' base hit. Alex De Goti scored on an error in the 5th and A.J. Reed launched a homer to lead off the 6th. Aníbal Sierra hit a two-run single in the 9th to get Round Rock a little closer, but that was as close as they got.

De Goti (2B, 2 R) and Jones (2B, 2 R, 3 BB) had two hits apiece. Jones reached in all five of his plate appearances.

The E-Train has Tuesday off as it is heading home. They'll start a three-game series with Reno on Wednesday.

Corpus Christi was off

The Hooks will start a three-game series against Arkansas at 7:10. Carson LaRue will face Darren McCaughan.

Fayetteville 8, Myrtle Beach 4

W- Nivaldo Rodríguez (1-3, 4-4 season)
L- Paul Richan (6-3)

Fayetteville home runs: Jake Adams (10, 2-run in 1st), Colton Shaver (6, 2-run in 5th)

Fayetteville got some breathing room midway through this one when they scored two runs in the 5th and the 6th innings to push their lead to 6-1.

Jake Adams whacked a two-run homer to open the scoring, and then Colton Shaver launched a two-run shot of his own in the 5th. Enmanuel Valdez ripped an RBI double in the 6th and he eventually came around to score on Michael Papierski's base hit. Adams added an RBI single to his ledger in the 7th and Bryan de la Cruz hit a sac fly in the 8th for the Woodpeckers' final run of the evening.

Adams, Valdez, Papierski, and Chandler Taylor all finished with two hits in this game. Taylor also stole a couple of bases, giving him three on the season.

Nivaldo Rodríguez turned in six innings of one-run ball to earn his first Carolina League win. He allowed three hits, walked one, and struck out five. Tanner Duncan was the first man out of the Fayetteville bullpen and he allowed two runs on four hits, walked two, and struck out two in two innings. Jacob Billingsley got the 9th and he allowed a run on a wild pitch, a triple, and struck out one.

Luis Garcia will make his Carolina League debut tonight at 7:00 Eastern.

Kane County 9, Quad Cities 3

W- Michel Gelabert (2-1)
L- Matt Ruppenthal (2-1)

QC home runs: None.

The Cougars took this one after they erupted for six runs in the 5th inning.

Matt Ruppenthal went 4.1 innings and allowed four runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on three hits (solo homer), walked four, and struck out eight. Devin Conn was the first man out of the Quad Cities bullpen and he went 2.2 innings, allowing three runs on three hits, walking one, and striking out three. Hunter Martin got the last two innings and he allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits, walked one, and struck out three.

Freúdis Nova opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. Ruben Castro hit a couple of sac flies; one in the 3rd and another in the 5th. Ross Adolph, Michael Wielansky, and Wilyer Abreu all had two hits and they all scored a run.

José Alberto Rivera will start the first of a three-game series in Beloit at 6:30. He'll go against Chase Cohen.

DSL Astros 6, DSL Braves 5

W- Ronny Garcia (2-0)
L- Frankelvin Vidal (0-1)

DSL home runs: None.

The Dominican 'Stros got a run in the 9th to nip the Braves. They chipped away at a 4-1 deficit after the opening inning and emerged with the W.

Yohander Martinez drove in the first run of the day on a groundout in the 1st. Omar Díaz scored on an errant pickoff throw in the 2nd inning and then a couple of wild pitches allowed him and Ricardo Toro to score in the 4th. Toro hit an RBI single in the 5th. Miguel Palma and Martinez walked to lead off the 9th. Jesús Liranzo came on to pinch-run for Palma; he and Martinez pulled off a double steal and he ended up scoring the go-ahead run when the throw to third got away.

Martinez, Toro, and Díaz all had two hits on the afternoon. Díaz scored twice, Toro also stole a base and drew a walk to reach base in all of his plate appearances, and Martinez stole three bases to give him six on the season.

Ricardo León, Jeremy Molero, and Ronny Garcia all pitched three innings apiece. León allowed four runs (all in the 1st) on four hits, walked four, and struck out two. Molero allowed an unearned run on an error, a single, walked three, and struck out four. Garcia allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless outing.

The Astros will face the Red Sox 1 today.

Monday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Ronny Garcia, RHP, DSL Astros: W (2-0), 3 IP, H, K
Yohander Martinez, SS, DSL Astros: 2-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, 3 SB (6)

Nivaldo Rodríguez, RHP, Fayetteville

W (1-3, 4-4 season), 6 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 5 K

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Jake Adams, 1B, Fayetteville

2-4, 2-R HR (10), 3 RBI

Taylor Jones, 1B/OF, Round Rock

2-2, 2B, RBI, 2 R, 3 BB

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, May 16, 2019

A night of debuts... and a beatdown.

Round Rock 10, Nashville 4

W- José Hernández-Urquidy (1-0, 3-2 season)
L- Phillips Valdez (0-5)

RR home runs: Yordan Alvarez 2 (17; 3-run in 1st, solo in 5th), A.J. Reed (2, 2-run in 7th)

Yordan Alvarez continues to do Yordan Alvarez things. His 17 home runs puts him in a tie for the MiLB lead with Austin Riley, who was just promoted to Atlanta a couple of days ago.

Yordan opened the scoring with a three-run blast in the 1st inning and struck again with a solo shot in the 5th. Derek Fisher hit an RBI single in the 6th and A.J. Reed launched a two-run homer in the 7th. Not content with his two homers, Alvarez tacked on a two-run double and then scored on Jack Mayfield's sac fly in the 8th for good measure. He and Fisher both finished 3-5 on the night, while Alex De Goti went 2-4 and scored a couple of runs.

José Hernández-Urquidy went five innings in his Triple-A debut and he allowed three runs on five hits (solo and two-run homers) while striking out eight. Both of the homers and all of the runs he allowed came in the 4th inning. Kent Emanuel and Ronel Blanco pitched two innings apiece; Emanuel allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out one in a scoreless outing, and Blanco allowed a solo homer in the 9th and struck out one.

Cy Sneed takes on Tim Dillard in game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:05.

Midland 6, Corpus Christi 2

W- Angel Duno (2-0)
L- Cristian Javier (0-1, 2-1 season)

CC home runs: Abraham Toro (7, solo in 7th)

Abraham Toro tied this game at 2 with one swing of the bat, but the RockHounds quickly regained control as they took game one of this series out in West Texas.

Toro went 2-4 and his two-run homer in the 7th represented Corpus Christi's only scoring play of the night. Carmen Benedetti finished 2-3 at the bottom of the order.

Brett Adcock pitched five innings and he allowed two runs on three hits, walked three, and struck out one. Cristian Javier received a rude welcome to the Texas League as he allowed four runs on four hits and walked four; one of the hits was a two-run homer and all of the damage that the Hounds inflicted on him came in the 7th. Kit Scheetz allowed a hit and struck out the side in the 8th.

Tyler Ivey faces Daulton Jeffries at 7:00.

Fayetteville 6, Salem 0

W- Enoli Paredes (3-1)
L- Dylan Thompson (0-1)

Fayetteville home runs: Jacob Meyers (4, 3-run in 6th)

Jacob Meyers' huge night at the plate and a four-hit shutout propelled the Woodpeckers past the Red Sox. After dropping the opener, Fayetteville won the next three to take the series.

In his Carolina League debut, Nivaldo Rodríguez allowed two hits, walked four, and struck out six in four innings. Enoli Paredes also threw four innings, allowing two hits, walking two, and striking out six. Tanner Duncan walked one and struck out one in the 9th to complete the shutout.

Nivaldo was all over the place, but it looks like Mother Nature was the culprit, according to Patrick Obley...

Something interesting his happening with Nivaldo Rodriguez. I think the sun is blinding him. With a runner at 3B, he has to look straight into the sun to track the runner. Turning to home on the pitch, I think he's a bit blinded. Issued a walk and hit a batter & is missing badly

— Patrick M. Obley (@PMOWriter) May 16, 2019

Fayetteville loaded the bases in the 1st but only got one run out of it after Scott Manea got plunked, which allowed Jake Adams to come home with the first run of the evening. Jacob Meyers tripled to lead off the 3rd and scored on a double from Colton Shaver. Michael Papierski singled to lead off the 6th; he moved to third on Miguelangel Sierra's double and scored on an error that allowed Alfredo Angarita to reach. One batter later, Meyers capped off the evening with a three-run home run. Meyers finished 3-5 on the night. Shaver and Sierra both finished 2-4.

Fayetteville will begin a three-game series with Carolina at 7:00 Eastern. J.P. France gets the start in game one and he'll go against Dylan File.

Quad Cities 21, Peoria 1

W- Jojanse Torres (3-0)
L- Jacob Schlesener (0-4)

QC home runs: Jeremy Peña (3, solo in 6th), Michael Wielansky (1, 2-run in 7th), Marty Costes (2, 3-run in 9th), David Hensley (2, solo in 9th)

Well, it was nice to know that the Banditos had fun in this one.

We are having fun.

— Quad Cities River Bandits (@QCRiverBandits) May 17, 2019

Everyone scored.

Jojanse Torres allowed a run for the first time this season when Brady Whalen hit a solo homer against him in the 1st inning. Yes, Quad Cities actually trailed in this game and they ended up finishing it on a 21-0 run. In five innings, Jojanse allowed one other hit and struck out seven. Austin Hansen tagged in for three scoreless, allowing two hits, walking one, and striking out three. Jonathan Bermúdez allowed a hit and fanned two in the 9th.

When José Bravo takes the mound for tonight's game, he will have pitched in at least one game for all four of the Astros' full-season minor league affiliates. I feel like someone has done this more recently, but the first person I can think of who did this and can actually remember doing this is Kyle Hallock, who accomplished this feat in 2013. Bravo will get the start in game two, which will begin at 6:35.

Thursday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Photo from Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.Net

Quad Cities River Bandits: W 21-1 @ Peoria

21 R, 13 H, E

9 IP, 5 H (solo HR allowed), ER, BB, 12 K

All players in the lineup for this game scored at least one run.

Jeremy Peña: 3-4, 2B, 3B, solo HR (3), 3 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB

Scott Schreiber: 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB

Marty Costes: 3-4, 2B, 3-R HR (2), 7 RBI, 2 R

Jojanse Torres: W (3-0), 5 IP, 2 H (solo HR allowed), ER, 7 K

Austin Hansen: 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K

Jonathan Bermúdez: IP, H, 2 K

He seems content with his season so far.

Yordan Alvarez, 1B/LF, Round Rock

3-5, 2B, 2 HR (17), 6 RBI

Abraham Toro, 3B, Corpus Christi

2-4, 2-R HR (7)

Enoli Paredes' photo is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 6-0 vs. Salem

9 IP, 4 H, 7 BB, 13 K

Nivaldo Rodríguez: 4 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 6 K

Enoli Paredes: W (3-1), 4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K

Tanner Duncan: IP, BB, K

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Jacob Meyers, OF, Fayetteville

3-5, 3B, 3-R HR (4), 2 R