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 July 2018 MiLB Standouts

With the calendar turning from July to August, the top five Astros minor league teams are well-poised with Corpus Christi and Quad Cities assured playoff berths as first-half winners, two of the other teams in first place and the final team (Buies Creek) in second place within striking distance. The rookie level clubs have raised their stock since a rather inauspicious beginning (although the DSL team still lags a ways behind in the standings). Here are a few of the players who have helped contribute to the success of their teams in July. I have highlighted a few of the more outstanding stats in red.

Note: If a player played at multiple levels during the month of July, he is listed under his current level, but his stats are cumulative.

FRESNO: 15-12 in July (63-45 overall); 1st place

Josh James - April 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Starters

• RHP Rogelio Armenteros: 1-0 with 1 save in 3 games/2 starts, 2.40 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 3 BB:18 K in 15 IP
• RHP Josh James: 3-1 in 5 starts, 3.42 ERA, 0.987 WHIP, 15 BB:45 K in 27.1 IP

Relief

• RHP Dean Deetz: 0-0 in 7 games, 0.00 ERA, 1.759(!) WHIP, 8 BB:17 K in 9.2 IP
• RHP Brendan McCurry: 2-3 with 3 saves in 9 games, 1.23 ERA, 0.955 WHIP, 3 BB:17 K in 14.2 IP
• LHP Buddy Boshers: 0-0 with 3 saves in 10 games, 2.51 ERA, 0.977 WHIP, 4 BB:13 K in 14.1 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• C Jamie Ritchie: 12 G, .342/.444/.579/1.023, 3 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 BB:7 K
• OF Derek Fisher: 24 G, .267/.388/.500/.888, 2 2B, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 16 BB:31 K, 5 SB:1 CS
• OF Yordan Alvarez: 23 G, .256/.370/.487/.857, 3 2B, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 14 BB:24 K; 1 SB:0 CS
• C Garrett Stubbs: 17 games, .250/.333/.464/.798, 3 2B, 3 3B, HR, 7 RBI, 6 BB:8 K, 1 SB:0 CS
• 1B A.J. Reed: 22 games, .250/.309/.488/.797, 8 2B, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 8 BB:20 K

CORPUS CHRISTI: 18-12 in July (67-41 overall); 1st place

Lorenzo Quintana - April 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Starters

• LHP Framber Valdez: 2-1 with 1 save in 4 games/3 starts, 0.40 ERA, 0.851 WHIP, 6 BB:37 K in 22.1 IP
• LHP Brett Adcock: 2-0 in 6 games/2 starts, 1.13 ERA, 0.833 WHIP, 12 BB:16 K in 24 IP
• RHP Corbin Martin: 2-0 in 6 games/5 starts, 1.97 ERA, 0.938 WHIP, 6 BB:32 K in 32 IP
• LHP Ryan Hartman: 3-1 in 5 starts, 2.39 ERA, 1.291 WHIP, 9 BB:28 K in 26.1 IP

Relief

• RHP Justin Ferrell: 1-0 with 2 saves in 8 games, 1.42 ERA, 0.868 WHIP, 4 BB:15 K in 12.2 IP
• LHP Alex Winkelman: 0-1 with 2 saves in 8 games, 1.50 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 13 BB:17 K in 18 IP
• LHP Kit Scheetz: 0-0 with 1 save in 7 games, 2.31 ERA, 1.371 WHIP, 3 BB:15 K in 11.2 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• C Lorenzo Quintana: 18 G, .333/.400/.825/1.225, 5 2B, 3B, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 4 BB:13 K, 3 SB:0 CS
• OF Carmen Benedetti: 15 G, .300/.357/.600/.957, 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 5 BB:12 SO, 2 SB:1 CS
• SS/2B Alex De Goti: 27 G, .302/.356/.469/.825, 7 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 5 BB:13 K, 2 SB:1 CS (just promoted to Fresno)
• UTIL Josh Rojas: 29 G, .255/.393/.367/.761, 8 2B, 3B, 8 HR, 22 BB:24 K, 8 SB:4 CS
• OF Chas McCormick: 26 G, .309/.387/.361/.748, 5 2B, 5 RBI, 13 BB:16 K, 3 BB:3 SO

BUIES CREEK: 15-13 in July (60-47 overall); 2nd place

 Brandon Bailey - May 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Starters

• RHP Brandon Bailey: 3-0 in 4 games/3 starts, 0.00 ERA, 0.818 WHIP, 4 BB:25 K in 22 IP
• RHP Enoli Paredes: 0-1 in 5 games/2 starts, 0.98 ERA, 0.600 WHIP, 4 BB:23 K in 18.1 IP
• RHP J.B. Bukauskas: 1-0 in 5 starts, 1.02 ERA, 1.019 WHIP, 5 BB:23 K in 17.2 IP
• RHP Tyler Ivey: 2-1 in 5 games/4 starts, 1.98 ERA, 0.805 WHIP, 5 BB:39 K in 27.1 IP
• RHP Peter Solomon: 4-0 in 6 games/4 starts, 2.05 ERA, 0.949 WHIP, 5 BB:26 K in 26.1 IP
• RHP Jose Luis Hernandez: 0-0 in 5 games/4 starts, 2.29 ERA, 1.220 WHIP, 6 BB:13 K in 19.2 IP
• RHP Cristian Javier: 0-3 in 5 games/4 starts, 3.13 ERA, 1.043 WHIP, 9 BB:25 K in 23 IP

Relief

• RHP Yohan Ramirez: 1-0 with 2 saves in 6 games, 1.00 ERA, 1.111 WHIP, 2 BB:7 K in 9 IP
• RHP Colin McKee: 0-1 with 3 saves in 6 games, 2.70 ERA, 1.300 WHIP, 4 BB:12 K in 10 IP
• RHP Gabriel Valdez: 3-1 in 6 games/1 start, 3.54 ERA, 1.131 WHIP, 3 BB:18 K in 20.1 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• C Chuckie Robinson: 14 G, .333/.396/.604/.1.000, 4 2B, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 5 BB:8 K, 0 SB:1 CS
• OF/1B Seth Beer: 27 G, .346/.443/.490/.933, 6 2B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 14 BB:17 K; 1 SB:0 CS
• IF Osvaldo Duarte: 28 G, .298/.365/.462/.827, 5 2B, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 11 BB:24 K, 8 SB:1 CS
• OF Jake Meyers: 23 G, .278/.393/.431/.824, 8 2B, 3B, 9 RBI, 14 BB:13 K, 2 SB:3 CS
• OF Bryan de la Cruz: 24 G, .296/.396/.370/.766, 6 2B, 11 RBI, 13 BB:19 K, 3 SB:1 CS

QUAD CITIES: 14-12 in July (59-48 overall); 2nd place for the season

Bryan Abreu - July 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Starters

• RHP Bryan Abreu: 2-0 in 5 games/2 starts, 0.51 ERA, 0.736 WHIP, 5 BB:35 K in 17.2 IP
• LHP Parker Mushinski: 1-0 in 6 games/3 starts, 1.25 ERA, 1.108 WHIP, 13 BB:23 K in 21.2 IP

Relief

• RHP Willy Collado: 1-1 with 2 saves in 8 games, 0.00 ERA, 0.698 WHIP, 2 BB:24 K in 14.1 IP
• RHP Brendan Feldmann: 0-1 with 3 saves in 8 games, 1.98 ERA, 1.098 WHIP, 6 BB:18 K in 13.2
• RHP Juan Pablo Lopez: 1-1 with 1 save in 6 games/1 start, 2.25 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, 8 BB:12 K in 16 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• OF Chandler Taylor: 23 G, .270/.415/.486/.901, 5 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 19 BB:31 K, 1 SB:3 CS
• 3B/1B Colton Shaver: 21 G, .240/.337/.400/.737, 4 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 10 BB:19 K, 0 BB:1 CS
• IF David Hensley: 24 G, .250/.359/.375/.734, 5 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 15 BB:27 K, 1 SB:3 CS

TRI-CITY: 17-11 in July (25-18 overall); 1st place

Austin Hansen - July 2018

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Pitchers

• RHP Austin Hansen: 1-0 with 1 save in 5 games/1 start, 0.77 ERA, 0.943 WHIP, 6 BB:12 K in 11.2 IP
• LHP Tim Hardy: 1-0 with 4 saves in 7 games/0 starts, 0.96 ERA, 1.286 WHIP, 7 BB:16 K in 9.1 IP
• RHP R.J. Freure: 3-0 in 4 games/0 starts, 1.00 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 4 BB:7 K in 9 IP
• RHP Brett Conine: 1-1 in 5 games/1 start, 1.88 ERA, 1.047 WHIP, 4 BB:18 K in 18.1 IP
• RHP Brett Daniels: 1-0 in 5 games/0 starts, 2.63 ERA, 0.805 WHIP, 1 BB:14 K in 13.2 IP
• RHP Shawn Dubin: 1-0 in 5 games/3 starts, 2.92 ERA, 0.811 WHIP, 2 BB:9 K in 12.1 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• OF Alex McKenna: 24 G, .299/.408/.506/.914, 4 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 8 BB:19 K, 3 SB:5 CS
• 1B Luis Encarnacion: 18 G, .241/.366/.534/.901, 2 2B, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 12 BB:24 K, 1 SB:1 CS
• OF Andy Pineda: 21 G, .309/.356/.457/.813, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 BB:23 K, 5 SB:3 CS
• C/1B Alex Holderbach: 16 G, .250/.351/.458/.809, 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 BB:15 K, 1 SB:0 CS
• SS/2B Jeremy Pena: 18 G, .328/.410/.358/.768, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 10 BB:5 K, 3 SB:0 CS

GCL: 15-9 in July (18-16 overall); 2nd place

Pitchers

• RHP Ernesto Jaquez: 1-0 in 4 games/2 starts, 0.00 ERA, 0.467 WHIP, 3 BB:25 K in 15 IP (note all July games were with the DSL, promoted to GCL 8/1)
• RHP Layne Henderson: 3-0 in 5 games/0 starts, 0.60 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, 5 BB:13 K in 15 IP
• LHP Jonathan Bermudez: 1-0 in 5 games/0 starts, 1.29 ERA, 0.571 WHIP, 3 BB:6 K in 7 IP
• RHP Jose Alberto Rivera: 1-1 in 5 games/2 starts, 1.80 ERA, 0.650 WHIP, 1 BB:22 K in 20 IP
• RHP Fredy Medina: 1-0 in 5 games/1 start, 2.08 ERA, 1.269 WHIP, 9 BB:20 K in 17.1 IP
• RHP Miguel Figueroa: 1-0 in 5 games/2 starts, 2.38 ERA, 1.147 WHIP, 5 BB:12 K in 11.1 IP
• RHP Manny Ramirez: 1-0 in 5 games/3 starts, 2.41 ERA, 0.911 WHIP, 8 BB:22 K in 18.2 IP
• RHP Jose Bravo: 1-2 in 5 games/3 starts, 2.60 ERA, 0.865 WHIP, 0 BB:11 K in 17.1 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• IF Ronaldo Urdaneta: 17 G, .379/.446/.621/1.067, 6 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 7 BB:13 K, 12 SB:0 CS
• IF Sean Mendoza: 19 G, .339/.423/.419/.842, 3 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 9 BB:9 K, 5 SB:1 CS
• SS/2B Deury Carrasco: 19 G, .279/.389/.443/.832, 2B, 3 3B, HR, 5 RBI, 10 BB:15 K, 10 SB:4 CS
• SS/2B Freudis Nova: 17 G, .317/.328/.413/.741, 2B, 3B, HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB:13 K, 4 SB:2 CS
• C Nathan Perry: 20 G, .274/.352/.387/.739, 5 2B, 3B, 9 RBI, 8 BB:12 K, 1 SB:0 CS

DSL: 15-8 in July (23-25 overall); 6th place

Pitchers

• RHP Alfredi Jimenez: 1-0 with 2 saves in 5 games/2 starts, 0.00 ERA, 0.526 WHIP, 2 BB:22 K in 19 IP
• RHP Valente Bellozo: 2-0 with 1 save in 5 games/3 starts, 0.00 ERA, 0.684 WHIP, 5 BB:11 K in 19 IP
• RHP Franny Cobos: 1-0 with 1 save in 5 games/1 start, 0.75 ERA, 1.250 WHIP, 4 BB:12 K in 12 IP
• RHP Wender Oberto: 0-1 with 1 save in 5 games/2 starts, 1.35 ERA, 0.800 WHIP, 3 BB:12 K in 20 IP
• RHP Heitor Tokar: 0-0 in 4 games/3 starts, 1.64 ERA, 0.545 WHIP, 1 BB:8 K in 11 IP
• RHP Jojanse Torres: 1-2 with 1 save in 5 games/1 start, 2.20 ERA, 0.857 WHIP, 3 BB:17 K in 16.1 IP
• RHP Jairo Lopez: 1-1 in 5 games/2 starts, 2.35 ERA, 1.239 WHIP, 3 BB:8 K in 15.1 IP
• RHP Jose Antonio Hernandez: 3-1 in 5 games/2 starts, 3.00 ERA, 1.278 WHIP, 6 BB:12 K in 18 IP

Position Players (ranked by OPS)

• C/1B Jose Alvarez: 15 G, .377/.424/.415/.839, 2 2B, 7 RBI, 5 BB:8 K, 2 SB:0 CS
• IF Enmanuel Morillo: 15 G, .269/.377/.385/.762, 3 2B, HR, 9 RBI, 6 BB:9 K, 2 SB:1 CS
• OF Abraham Castillo: 17 G, .310/.365/.379/.744, 4 2B, 7 RBI, 5 BB:14 K, 5 SB:1 CS
• 1B/OF Victor Mascai: 19 G, .288/.364/.364/.727, 2 2B, HR, 11 RBI, 8 BB:16 K, 4 SB:0 CS
• OF Yefri Carrillo: 20 G, .246/.417/.277/.694, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 16 BB:19 K, 6 SB:3 CS

June 2018 Standouts
May 2018 Standouts
April 2018 Standouts

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Fresno was off

The Grizzlies welcome the Tacoma Rainiers to Chukchansi Park for their final home series of the 2017 season. David Martinez takes the mound in game 1, which starts at 7:05 Pacific.

Midland 8, Corpus Christi 4

W- Heath Fillmyer (10-4)
L- Framber Valdez (4-5, 6-8 season)

CC home runs: Ramon Laureano 2 (9; solo in 6th, solo in 8th), Kyle Tucker (13, 22 season; solo in 4th)

The Hooks launched 3 homers, but they were all solo shots... they probably needed some more firepower in this one.

Ramon Laureano went 2-4 and launched two solo shots in the 6th and the 8th inning. Kyle Tucker smacked one in the 4th. Myles Straw went 2-4 with an RBI single in the 5th and stole a base, his first at the AA level. Straw now has 37 stolen bases this year.

Framber Valdez went 4.2 innings and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 5. Ralph Garza Jr. allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and walked 3 in an inning of work. Nick Hernandez allowed one hit, a solo homer, in his 2.1 innings. Hernandez also walked 2 and struck out 4. Ryan Thompson worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 1.

Forrest Whitley takes on Casey Meisner at 7:05.

Buies Creek 7, Lynchburg 3

W- Abdiel Saldaña (1-0, 6-2 season)
L- Sean Brady (1-1)

BC home runs: None.

The Carolina Stros snapped their 4-game slide on Tuesday by scoring the last 7 runs of this game in response to a 3-run homer from the Hillcats in the top of the 1st inning.

Brett Adcock went 4 innings and Lynchburg's one scoring play was that homer. He went 4 innings and allowed one other hit, walked 3, and struck out 4. Kevin Hill struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 5th to bridge the gap to Abdiel Saldaña, who shut it down over the last 4 innings by walking 1 and striking out 5.

Buies Creek put up 4 in the bottom of the 1st thanks to a 2-run double from Randy César and a 2-run single from Anthony Hermelyn. César lashed another double in the 3rd and ended up scoring on an error that allowed Taylor Jones to reach. Alex De Goti doubled to lead off the 6th and came home on a sac fly from Ronnie Dawson. Jones capped off the evening with a sac fly in the 7th that scored César, who went 3-4 on the night. Yordan Alvarez went 2-4 and scored a run.

Hector Perez will start the series finale. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Beloit 3, Quad Cities 0

W- Zack Erwin (6-4)
L- Ronel Blanco (5-4, 5-5 season)

QC home runs: None.

For the first time since May 17, 2014, Quad Cities failed to record a hit in a baseball game.

Daz Cameron and Luis Payano both drew a walk.

Ronel Blanco allowed an unearned run on 2 hits, walked 5, and struck out 1 in 4.2 innings. Patrick Sandoval went 3.1 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4.

The Banditos and Snappers meet for the final time in 2017 at 7:00.

Connecticut 5, Tri-City 2

W- Oswaldo Castillo (2-2)
L- Carlos Hiraldo (1-5)
S- Drew Carlton (7)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats were done in by 4 errors on Tuesday.

Jake Meyers went 2-3 and scored both Tri-City runs, coming home on a Gabriel Bracamonte infield single in the 6th and again in the 8th on J.J. Matijevic's single.

Carlos Hiraldo went 4.1 innings and allowed 4 unearned runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 6 hits and struck out 7. Tyler Ivey was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen and allowed a run on 3 hits while striking out 5 in 3.1 innings of work. Luis Ramirez got the last out of the 8th.

The ValleyCats and Tigers will conclude their series at 7:05 Eastern.

Greeneville 4, Johnson City 1

W- Jairo Solis (1-1, 3-2 season)
L- Alvaro Seijas (4-2)
S- Tim Hardy (1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros opened up a crucial series with a victory thanks to some fine pitching.

Jairo Solis won his first Appy League start by allowing an unearned run on 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 6 in 5 innings of work. Tim Hardy allowed 2 hits and fanned 8 over the final 4 innings to earn the save.

Greeneville scored twice in the 3rd on a Gilberto Celestino RBI single and a Roman Garcia sac fly and did so again in the 7th when Wilson Amador ripped an RBI double and came around to score on a single from Juan Piñeda. Amador went 2-3 and was the only player on either side to finish with a multi-hit game.

GCL Mets 3, GCL Astros 2 in 10 innings

W- Luis Mateo (1-3)
L- Brendan Feldmann (1-1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Palm Beach Stros scored twice in the opening frame... but that was all they could muster up on offense.

Hector Martinez and Angel Tejeda both drew bases-loaded walks in the 1st inning. Carlos Machado finished 2-4 and scored one of the runs.

Nivaldo Rodriguez went 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7. Devin Raftery was the first man out of the bullpen, allowing a hit and striking out 5 in 3 innings. Brendan Feldmann pitched 2.1 innings and allowed the winning run (which was unearned) on 2 hits and struck out 4.

DSL Athletics 7, DSL Astros Blue 2

W- Eliel Ramirez (3-1)
L- Jean Reyes (0-2)
S- Carlos Sanchez (4)

Blue home runs: None.

Kendy Moya went 2-4. Rhandall Sanchez and Leonardo Gonzalez scored on wild pitches in the 5th inning.

Jean Reyes pitched 2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 4, and struck out 2. Jervic Chavez allowed 3 runs on 3 hits, walked 4, and struck out 1 in 4 innings, and Christopher Javier allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 in 2 innings.

DSL Rangers1 5, DSL Astros Orange 4

W- Domingo Peña (1-0)
L- Jose Alberto Rivera (2-3)
S- Ediberto Encarnacion (2)

Orange home runs: None.

Both teams scored 4 runs in the 6th... but the Rangers also scored a run in the 4th.

Gerry Castillo and Renaigel Martis hit RBI singles in the 6th and they both scored on Sean Mendoza's single. Michael Garcia went 2-4.

Jose Alberto Rivera allowed a solo homer, which was the only hit he allowed in 3.2 innings. He also walked 2 and fanned 5. Christian Mejias allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (3-run homer), walked 3, and struck out 5. Yulian Frontado allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 1 over 2 innings.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Abdiel Saldaña, RHP, Buies Creek

W (1-0, 6-2 season), 4 IP, BB, 5 K

Randy César, 3B, Buies Creek

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

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Devin Raftery, RHP, GCL Astros

3 IP, H, 5 K

This is Tim Hardy's mugshot on MiLB.com.

Greeneville Astros pitchers: W 4-1 @ Johnson City

9 IP, 5 H, unearned run, BB, 14 K

Jairo Solis (not pictured): W (1-1, 3-2 season), 5 IP, 3 H, unearned run, BB, 6 K

Tim Hardy: Save (1), 4 IP, 2 H, 8 K

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Jake Meyers, OF, Tri-City

2-3, 2B, 2 R; scored both of Tri-City's runs

Corpus Christi Hooks outfielders

Ramon Laureano: 2-4, 2 solo HR (9)

Myles Straw: 2-4, RBI, SB (1, 37 season)
Kyle Tucker: Solo HR (13, 22 season)

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, August 12, 2017

Doubleheader day in the minors.

Game 1: Fresno 2, Albuquerque 1

W- Rogelio Armenteros (6-1, 8-4 season)
L- Ryan Carpenter (7-9)
S- Brendan McCurry (4)

Fresno home runs: Tyler White (20, 2-run in 3rd)

Both teams scored in the same inning; Fresno's scoring play produced more runs, so they won. I like it when baseball is simple.

Tyler White's 2-run homer in the 3rd opened up the scoring. He and Tony Kemp were the offense in game 1; White had two of the three hits. Kemp singled and scored on White's blast.

Rogelio Armenteros allowed a run on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 10 in 5 innings. It's the second time this season that Armenteros has recorded double-digit strikeouts. Brendan McCurry pitched the final 2 innings to get the save, allowing 2 hits, walking 1, and striking out 1.

Game 2: Fresno 5, Albuquerque 3

W- Jordan Jankowski (2-3)
L- Thad Weber (1-6)
S- Jumbo Diaz (2)

Fresno home runs: None.

Both clubs scored in the same number of innings in game 2, but the Grizzlies put up the only crooked numbers in their scoring innings to sweep the twinbill.

Fresno opened the scoring on a Garrett Stubbs RBI single in the 1st inning. They scored twice in the 3rd on a Preston Tucker RBI groundout and an RBI single from A.J. Reed and got two more in the 5th thanks to a 2-run single from Stubbs. Kemp went 3-4 with a double, a stolen base (21), and scored twice. Stubbs went 2-3.

David Martinez went 4.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Jankowski extracted Martinez from a bases-loaded predicament by getting the final two outs of the inning, one via strikeout. Kevin Comer and Jumbo Diaz followed with a scoreless inning; Comer allowed a hit and struck out 1, while Diaz struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th for the save.

Trent Thornton takes on Yency Almonte in game 3. First pitch is at 6:05 Mountain.

Springfield 6, Corpus Christi 5

W- Sandy Alcantara (7-5)
L- Alex Winkelman (1-7, 3-7 season)
S- Tyler Bray (2)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks almost erased a 6-2 deficit. Almost. They scored 3 in the 8th to make it a one-run game, but left the bases loaded to end it.

Alex Winkelman went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits (2 solo homers), walked 3, and struck out 4. Ralph Garza Jr. and Riley Ferrell followed with 2 innings apiece, with contrasting results. Garza allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. On the other hand, Ferrell struck out 5 in a perfect outing.

Jason Martin opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. Kyle Tucker drove in another run with a sac fly in the 2nd to tie the game at 2. Tucker's sac fly would be the last Corpus scoring play until the 8th; in the meantime, Springfield put up 2 in the 4th and the 6th to take a 6-2 lead.

Martin drew a 1-out walk, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, and scored on a double from Colin Walsh. Walsh moved to 3rd on another wild pitch and came home on a Tony Nuñez groundout. Arturo Michelena drew a walk following a pitching change. He went to 2nd on a Rico Noel single and two wild pitches later, scored to make it a 6-5 game.

Jamie Ritchie got plunked with one out in the bottom of the 9th, and then Ryne Birk came on to run for him. Martin singled and Walsh walked to load the bases. Birk was thrown out at home under questionable circumstances, which Hooks manager Rodney Linares disagreed with, and his dissent resulted in him getting the heave-ho.

Martin (RBI, R) and Michelena (2 R) both finished with 2 hits on the night.

Brock Dykxhoorn takes on Chris Ellis in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:05.

Down East 9, Buies Creek 3

W- Emerson Martinez (3-8)
L- Ryan Hartman (2-4, 5-5 season)

BC home runs: None.

The Wood Ducks busted this open late with 5 runs over the last 2 innings.

Ryan Hartman went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (2 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 5. Hector Perez was the first man out of the Buies Creek bullpen and allowed 4 runs on 3 hits (3-run homer), walked 4, and struck out 2 in 2.2 innings. Carlos Sierra allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on a double and walked 3 in 1.1 innings of work.

Both teams scored a run in the 1st; the Carolina Stros got theirs on a Yordan Alvarez sac fly. Alvarez hit an RBI single in the 6th, and Anibal Sierra scored on a Myles Straw groundout in the 8th. Stephen Wrenn went 3-4 with a stolen base (9, 17 season).

Jorge Alcala will face Brett Martin in the series finale. First pitch is at 2:00 Eastern.

Cedar Rapids 9, Quad Cities 1

W- Anthony Marzi (4-2)
L- Patrick Sandoval (1-2, 2-4 season)

QC home runs: None.

The Kernels blew the Banditos away by scoring in 6 out of 8 innings.

Daz Cameron doubled to lead off the 4th and scored Quad Cities' only run when Chas McCormick grounded into a force out.

Patrick Sandoval went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (2-run homer), walked 3, and struck out 5. César Rosado was the first man out of the bullpen and allowed 2 hits, one of which was a solo homer, in the 5th. Ronel Blanco went 2 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Robert Corniel struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Gabriel Valdez will start the series finale against Charlie Barnes at 2:05.

Game 1: Tri-City 4, Williamsport 3

W- Leovanny Rodriguez (1-0, 4-0 season)
L- Zach Warren (0-3)
S- Luis Ramirez (2)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats edged the Cutters thanks to a run in the 6th that broke a 3-3 tie.

Leovanny Rodriguez won in his return to the New York-Penn League; he went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5. Luis Ramirez walked 1 and struck out 3 in the last 2 innings.

Jonathan Arauz and Gabriel Bracamonte both singled to start off the 4th, and Adrian Tovalin ripped an RBI double to put Tri-City on the board. Bracamonte scored on a Colton Shaver sac fly. Jake Meyers scored on a balk in the 5th and Corey Julks smacked an RBI double in the 6th. Bracamonte finished 2-4.

Game 2: Tri-City 3, Williamsport 0

W- Matt Ruppenthal (1-1)
L- Connor Brogdon (1-1)
S- Diogenes Almengo (1)

TC home runs: None.

Tri-City took the division lead with a doubleheader sweep on Saturday. Now, it's just a 0.5 game lead and everyone in their division is separated by just 2.5 games, but they're looking to keep their momentum going. Winning both games in a doubleheader is a good starting point...

Matt Ruppenthal and Diogenes Almento combined on a 2-hit shutout. Ruppenthal allowed 2 hits and struck out 5, while Almengo struck out 3 in a perfect final 2 innings.

All three Tri-City runs in the second game came in the 6th. Bracamonte tripled and Adrian Tovalin walked to start things off. Bracamonte scored the first run on a single from Shaver. Mike Papierski walked to load the bases, and then Kyle Davis walked Tovalin home. Shaver scored on a botched force attempt. Bracamonte, who went 2-4 in both games, hit two triples in game 2.

The ValleyCats and Crosscutters will conclude their series at 5:05 Eastern.

Game 1: Kingsport 2, Greeneville 0

W- Christian James (2-3)
L- Yhoan Acosta (0-1)
S- Billy Oxford (1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros couldn't really get much going in the first game of the doubleheader. Jose Benjamin went 2-2 with a double.

Yhoan Acosta allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in the 1st inning. Tim Hardy allowed a hit and struck out 4 over 5 scoreless, and Ian Hardman struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 7th.

Game 2: Kingsport 3, Greeneville 0

W- Marbin Montijo (2-1)
L- Jairo Solis (0-1, 2-2 season)
S- Aaron Ford (1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

Rough day for the Appy Astros. Wilson Amador went 2-2 with a walk.

Noel Pinto allowed a hit and struck out 2 in a scoreless 1st inning. Jairo Solis went 1.2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Johsson Arias allowed 3 hits and struck out 6 in 2.1 innings, and Willy Collado allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 over the final 2 innings.

Francisco Villegas will start game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:00 Eastern.

Game 1: DSL Dodgers1 5, DSL Astros Blue 4

W- Maykel Rabsatt (1-0)
L- Jonger Ochoa (1-1)
S- Joan Valdez (3)

Blue home runs: None.

Yorbin Ceuta finished a home run shy of the cycle in 4 at-bats. He opened the scoring with an RBI triple in the 3rd and added an RBI double to his ledger in the 7th which cut the Blue team's deficit to one run. Wilyer Abreu and Kendy Moya both drove in a run.

Jean Reyes went 4.1 innings and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 1. Jonger Ochoa got the last two outs of the 5th and came out for the 6th, but ran into trouble. Luis Garcia took ownership of the last 2 innings. Ochoa, who walked 3, had 2 inherited runners charged to him. Garcia allowed 3 hits and struck out 2.

Game 2: DSL Dodgers1 4, DSL Astros Blue 0

W- Jeronimo Castro (6-2)
L- Jervic Chavez (1-1)

Blue home runs: None.

Having an equal amount of errors and hits usually does not bode well for a baseball team.

Kilvio Peralta allowed a hit and fanned 3 in 3 scoreless innings. Jervic Chavez went 3.1 innings and allowed 4 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and fanned 3. Jose Antonio Hernandez got the last two outs of the 7th, allowing a hit and striking out 1.

DSL Astros Orange 7, DSL Indians 5

W- Jesus Bernaez (2-4)
L- Diarlin Jimenez (3-6)
S- Cristofer Melendez (3)

Orange home runs: None.

Team Orange had to stave off a late charge from the Indians to win this one.

Deury Carrasco (2 R) and Luis Barajas (R) both had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Jeury Castillo also had 2 hits on the day; he scored twice and stole a base (7).

Elian Rodriguez and Jesus Bernaez threw 3 innings apiece and were both relatively successful. Rodriguez allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1, while Bernaez allowed a hit and fanned 3 in a scoreless outing. Fabricio Reina allowed 4 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Cristofer Melendez took ownership of the 9th, allowing a hit and striking out 2.

Saturday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Yorbin Ceuta, SS, DSL Astros Blue: 3-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, R in game 1 of doubleheader

Deury Carrasco, IF, DSL Astros Orange: 2-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
Jesus Bernaez, RHP, DSL Astros Orange: W (2-4), 3 IP, H, 3 K

Rogelio Armenteros, RHP, Fresno

W (6-1, 8-4 season), 5 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, 10 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Tyler White, IF, and Tony Kemp, 2B, Fresno

White: 2-3, 2-R HR (20) in game 1 of doubleheader

Kemp: 1-3, R in game 1 of doubleheader

3-4, 2B, 2 R, SB (21) in game 2 of doubleheader

Tim Hardy's and Johsson Arias' photos are their mugshots on MiLB.com.

Ian Hardman's photo taken by Bryan Green.

Greeneville Astros bullpen

Tim Hardy: 5 IP, H, 4 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Ian Hardman: IP, 2 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Johsson Arias: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 6 K in game 2 of doubleheader

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

Tri-City ValleyCats pitchers: W 4-3, 3-0 @ Williamsport in doubleheader

Matt Ruppenthal: W (1-1), 5 IP, 2 H, 5 K in game 2 of doubleheader

Diogenes Almengo: Save (1), 2 IP, 3 K in game 2 of doubleheader; perfect outing

Luis Ramirez: Save (2), 2 IP, BB, 3 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Gabriel Bracamonte, C, Tri-City

2-4, R in game 1 of doubleheader

2-4, 2 3B, R in game 2 of doubleheader

Riley Ferrell, RHP, Corpus Christi

2 IP, 5 K; perfect outing