Birmingham 0, Jacksonville 3
The Barons could not provide offense to support Junior Guerra’s nice start (6IP, 3Hs, 2ERs, 1BB, 7SOs). This is not a typo: The Barons’ lineup struck out 19 times in 34 ABs. Courtney Hawkins struck out four times in four at bats. Jacob May managed a hit in four at bats, but struck out three times. Tim Anderson drew his first walk of the season (67 PAs), collecting two hits (good for a .333 average), and two stolen bases (10 for the season, having yet to have been caught). Jeffrey Wendelken worked in relief, going two innings and allowing three hits and an earned run. He failed to record a strikeout, but did not issue any walks. NOTE: Frank Montas had been scheduled to start, but was pulled without a reason given.
Winston Salem 4, Myrtle Beach 2
The Dash, scoring all of their four runs in the fourth inning, improved to 7-9 on the season. Omar Narvaez accounted for three of those runs, as his lone hit in three at bats was a three-run homer. The bottom third of the line up – Nick Basto, Cleuluis Rondon, and Keenyn Walker – failed to reach base in nine ABs. Batting third, Trey Michalczewski doubled, scored a run, and struck out once – his double was only his third extra base hit of the season (all doubles in 57 ABs). Adam Engel had a hit in four at bats, striking out twice. Tony Bucciferro started for the Dash, going six innings – allowing six hits, one earned run, two walks, while striking out two batters.
Kannapolis 4, Hickory 3
Batting leadoff, Eddy Alvarez ignited the Intimidators’ offense with his first home run of the season (third XBH), a base hit, and a stolen base. Mason Robbins – two hits in four ABs, a run scored, and two SOs – provided some timely hitting in the sixth inning, hitting a game-tying RBI double. With two walks in four PAs, Brett Austin improved his BB:SO ratio to 9:7 on the season (50 PAs). 20-year-old starter Thaddius Lowry continues to exhibit excellent control of the strike zone. Lowry threw six innings and allowed four hits (two of which were home runs) and two earned runs. He struck out six batters, while only walking one. Reports from Hickory indicated he was hitting 94 on the gun, which is known to be a few clicks cold, so its likely he was solidly mid-90s and maybe higher. For the season (18 IP, 3GS), Lowry has struck out 16 batters and walked one.
The Charlotte Knights’ game was postponed.
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