With the parent club approaching .500 baseball, it’s only fitting the affiliates would split the day. Outfielders Trayce Thompson and Adam Engel continue their hot hitting, while Luis Martinez, Mark Blackmar and Matt Heidenreich all posted their best starts of the year…
Charlotte 4, Norfolk 3
The Knights came from behind to post a 4-3 win and stay in first place (IL South Division). Kevan Smith‘s solo HR in the 9th provided the winning edge, and he went 2-4 on the day. Trayce Thompson continuted his hot hitting with a home run of his own and a double in four plate appearances, though his 30.3% K/PA rate suggest the hot streak may not be sustainable without some adjustments. Leury Garcia added a 2-5 day, with Matt Davidson drawing the golden sombrero (0-4, 4 K). On the pitching end, Shawn Haviland somehow rope-a-doped his way to a quality start (3 ER in 6 IP) while giving up 11 hits and only incuding one strikeout.
Jacksonville 4, Birmingham 0
The Barons were shut out to fall to 7-9, despite out-hitting their opponents 7-5. Tim Anderson‘s two singles in four plate appearances provided the only significant highlight offensively, and he’s now hitting .343 on the season (but has still drawn just one walk in 71 PA). Courtney Hawkins successfully laid down a sacrifice bunt and didn’t strike out in his 4 PA, so there’s that. Mark Blackmar posted his best start of the season: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K. Onelki Garcia continues to struggle out of the bullpen, allowing three runs (two earned) in an inning of work.
Winston-Salem 6, Myrtle Beach 1
The Dash won a rain-shortened six inning affair, taking the series and getting themselves close to .500. Matt Heidenreich tossed a “complete game” of 5.2 innings, giving up 5 hits, 1 unearned run and 2 walks while striking out 6. Adam Engel remains hot, going 3-4 with a pair of doubles and his tenth stolen base (in 12 attempts) in just 17 games. Engel is now at .308/.387/.431 with a much-improved 12% K/PA rate on the year. Jake Peter added a pair of hits, as did Nick Basto who had a much-needed 2-2 day with a double and a walk to raise his average to .107. Keenyn Walker had a triple and a pair of walks to go with his 11th stolen base (in 14 attempts), and he’s been better at the plate so far than at any time since early 2012 in Kannapolis.
Hickory 5, Kannapolis 0
The Intimidators were the second affiliate to be shut out on Sunday. But on a positive note, 20-year old righty Luis Martinez had his best start of the young season: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K and an 8:2 GO:FO ratio. Yency Almonte made his first relief appearance of the year after starting a pair of games, posting this line: 3 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Eddy Alvarez had a double (and 2 K’s) in four plate appearance for the only extra base hit for Kanny. Outfielder Louie Lechich went 1-2 and added a walk, and he’s hitting .319 on the year.
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