Tyler Danish held his own against a tough Chattanooga lineup that features top prospects such as Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, and Adam Brett Walker. Danish went six innings, allowing six hits, one earned run, four walks, while striking out seven. For the season, the 20-year-old has posted strong numbers – 10.7 K-BB% and a 7.68 K/9, especially given his age for the level (4.5 years younger than league average).
The offense could not support Danish’s strong start. The offense did, however, get a boost in the form of Tim Anderson’s return to the lineup after his recovery from a bum ankle. He was back in the leadoff spot and had two hits in four ABs. The Barons failed to hit an XBH, as aside from Anderson’s two hits, the Barons managed just three base hits. Joey DeMichele – a starter for the upcoming AA All Star Game – went 0-4 with two strikeouts.
Carolina 8, Winston-Salem 2
The Dash managed just four hits for the game, as they fell to 25-35 for the season. Batting leadoff, Adam Engel drew a walk (no strikeouts) and scored a run while going 0-3. Jake Peter, the slick fielding second baseman, doubled – his 11th of the season – and scored a run in four ABs. In 240 PAs, the 22-year-old Peter is hitting at a clip above league average (122 wRC+). Trey Michalczewski doubled as well, with an RBI, a walk, and a run scored in four PAs.
James Dykstra got the start for the Dash. He went seven innings, allowing just three hits, four earned runs, no walks, and five strikeouts. Andre Wheeler worked an inning of relief, allowing five hits, four earned runs, with no walks or strikeouts.
Kannapolis 4, Delmarva 1
Eddy Alvarez catalyzed the offense out of the leadoff spot with two doubles, two runs scored, an RBI in five ABs, and his 24th stolen base of the season. Mason Robbins had three hits (one triple) in four ABs and an RBI.
In my analysis of Carson Fulmer, I put Thaddius Lowry – Kannapolis’ starter in this game – among the talented group of arms that the system boasts. In this game, Lowry proved effective going six innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, and two walks, while striking out five – lowering his ERA on the season to 3.66 (3.67 FIP). Lowry has a 14.7 K-BB% in 66.1 IP, with 7.73 K/9.
Nathaniel Stoltz of Fangraphs was at the game and provided FutureSox with this report on the 20-year-old, 6’4,” 215lb righty:
“Mostly 89-93 on the night. Consistent arm side life, which he only occasionally flashed in 2014 … Very quick tempo, almost looked anxious out there on the mound. Really likes to just get the ball and throw it … A lot more sliders than he threw in ’14. Usually had good tilt to them. 79-84, usually 80-82 … CH was ahead of the SL last year, but behind it now. Convincing arm speed, which was an issue last year, but not too much life. Some sink … Athletic, easy sound motion, though some repeating issues tonight. Might benefit from slowing down a tad. Can rush too much … Overall could see the improvements, he’s coming along, 4th starter upside but still a project guy who needs a lot more if he’s to make it … Showed ability to work all four quadrants with [the fastball]. Has reasonable command, feel for his age. Some consistency issues at times … Consistency issues go along with the inconsistent motion, rushing mentioned above … Fairly impressive. Is repeating the level and is physically advanced, so those are mitigating factors. But an interesting guy.”
The Charlotte Knights had the night off. Tonight, they are on the road taking on Blue Jays top prospect LHP Daniel Norris and the Buffalo Bisons. Chris Beck (3-2, 3.04 ERA) gets the start for the Knights.
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A big thank you to Nathaniel. You can follow him on Twitter: @stoltz_baseball
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