Columbus 9, Charlotte 3
Shawn Haviland (1-3, 6.00) had a rough day after being named the game’s starter last minute in wake of Chris Beck‘s promotion for the White Sox double header. Haviland only allowed two earned runs in his 3.2 innings of work, but the defense did him no favors as he allowed seven runs total. Jarrett Casey took over for 3.1 innings and struck out five while giving up no runs and the recently promoted Onelki Garcia gave up two runs in two innings.
On the offensive side of the ball Micah Johnson, Neftali Soto and Jason Coats each recorded two hits. Johnson notched a double as he continues his return to leading off in Charlotte and is carrying a .281 average, Soto had an RBI in his first game since his fellow first baseman Dan Black left for Korean baseball, and Coats (who we recently profiled alongside Courtney Hawkins) hit a double and a home run. Trayce Thompson also got an RBI after going 1-4.
Jacksonville 8, Birmingham 2
Wearing 1948 replica jerseys as the Barons returned to their previous home for the Rickwood Classic*, the Barons were promptly stomped by the Suns. The defense let starter Myles Jaye (2-3, 4.23) down as they allowed five runs, only three of which were earned. Jaye didn’t help by only striking out one in 4.2 innings and allowing seven hits. Nolan Sanburn pitched 2.1 innings of scoreless relief with three strikeouts and J.B. Wendelken pitched two scoreless while striking out two.
The offense was mostly a no show, though the names that showed are the ones you would want to show up. Jacob May got two hits in the leadoff spot and Tim Anderson got a hit behind him. Courtney Hawkins and Adrian Nieto each continued their hot streaks as Hawkins went 1-4 and his average over the last 10 games sits at .316. Nieto went 2-3 with a walk and home run and over his last ten games he has hit .303 with three homers, nine RBIs and seven walks. Given the dire state of catching in the organization, a productive Nieto could go a long way towards masking that weakness.
*The Rickwood Classic was held at Rickwood Field, the oldest surviving professional baseball stadium and former home of the Barons until 2013. The field is currently being turned into a “working museum” where baseball’s history can be experienced.
Lynchburg 4, Winston-Salem 2
Robinson Leyer (1-5, 4.14) was the tough luck loser after giving up three runs, all off of a Nellie Rodriguez first inning home run, in six innings and striking out six. The offense didn’t help at all as only Jake Peter and Keenyn Walker got hits, a single apiece, with Walker getting two RBIs. Walker also stole his league leading 24th base, four ahead of teammate Adam Engel.
Lexington 4, Kannapolis 3
Spencer Adams (1-3, 3.96) went seven strong innings for the Intimidators, only allowing three hits and one run as he struck out four and walked two. Sadly errors doomed closer Jefferson Olacio who allowed two runs, one earned, to blow the save and the farm’s chances of avoiding a sweep. On offense only Christian Stringer was of note, going 2-4 with an RBI and a walk.
UP NEXT
Junior Guerra (1-3, 3.68), Mark Blackmar (0-3, 4.30), Jake Cose (1-1, 1.74) will be pitching for Charlotte, Birmingham and Winston-Salem respectively on Thursday. The Intimidators’ starter is TBD at this time.
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