White Sox Minor League Recap 6/26/2015: Johnson and Ball have a blast

Excellent pitching performances from Erik Johnson, Mark Blackmar and Matt Ball highlighted this day, as the state-side affiliates went 5-1…
Charlotte 3, Rochester 1
Erik Johnson continued his recent dominance, leading the Knights to their third straight win and tied for the best record in the International League. Johnson had a run of 29 consecutive innings without giving up an earned run, and so far in June here is his line: 35 IP, 23 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, 41 K. In this one he went seven, giving up a lone run on four hits and a walk, while whiffing eight. Outfielders Jason Coats and Trayce Thompson had 2-hit days, while Micah Johnson had a double in five trips (but was also caught stealing and made his 4th error of the season in AAA). Matt Albers made a rehab appearance, with a 1-2-3 inning including one strikeout.
Birmingham 3, Jackson 1
The Barons offense was propelled by three solo home runs (Brian Fletcher, Danny Hayes and Rob Brantly) accounting for all the team’s scoring. Christian Marrero added a 2-4 day with a double as he continues to tear up the Southern League, and Hayes’ home run was part of his 3-3 day. Mark Blackmar was strong in his 6.2 innings of work, allowing just the one run (on, yes, a solo home run) while striking out five. Tim Anderson went hitless but drew a walk and stole his 24th bag.
Winston-Salem 6, Lynchburg 4
The Dash rode a 5-run outburst in the 2nd inning and held on as they have won both their second half games. The offense was led by a smattering of 5 singles and Michael Suiter‘s 2-RBI double, but no one recorded a multi-hit day. Jake Peter stole his 11th base and continues to be the model of consistency, recording a hit in all but two games since May 23rd. The Dash staff struggled with the strike zone, walking 8 batters. Robin Leyer went 4.2 innings in the start allowing just 2 runs, despite allowing 10 baserunners but striking out 6.
Asheville 7, Kannapolis 4
The Intimidators were all that stopped the White Sox full season affiliates from sweeping their games on a second straight night. Mid-season signee Alexander Simon had a perfect day at the plate going 4-4 with a triple and a walk, but no one else managed more than a single. Eddy Alvarez stole his 32nd base, and he’s now a perfect 8-for-8 on attempts to swipe third. Thad Lowry uncharacteristically struggled in his start, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 11 hits and a walk in 5.2 innings without recording a strikeout.
Great Falls 11, Helena 10
The Voyagers built a huge 10-1 lead by the 5th inning, but found themselves in a tie before walking off in the bottom of the 9th. The Great Falls offense continues to rock and roll, led on this day by Zach Fish (3-5, HR, 2B, 2 K) and Louis Silverio (3-4, HR). Looking at the lineup they ran out last night, seven of the nine hitters are batting over .300 (with the lowest of those at .318), and one of the others (Johan Cruz) is batting .261 as a 19-year old. But in the Pioneer League, what is perhaps more interesting is Matt Ball. Ball went 6 innings in this start allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and no walks, striking out 6. The 20-year old has allowed just three runs on eight hits in his 12 innings thus far (with no walks), not a small accomplishment in this league.
AZL White Sox 5, AZL D-Backs 4
2015 draftees David Walker (3-4, 2B) and Tyler Sullivan (2-5) led the AZL team’s hitting attack as they eked out a one-run victory. Catcher Seby Zavala, another 2015 draft pick, hasn’t gotten much playing time as they rotate through 4 catchers but he hit his first HR in this one and is 5-for-10 with three doubles and that long ball so far. Kevin Escorcia was effectively wild: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R (1 ER), 4 BB, 3 K, 2 wild pitches and 1 HBP. Jesse Crain had yet another rehab start, throwing a scoreless inning while walking and striking out one.
DSL Blue Jays 9, DSL White Sox 6
Maiker Felix continues to hit well at Boca Chica, ashe had a 2-3 day with a pair of walks. The 17-year old has a .924 OPS and possibly most encouraging has 11 walks against 14 strikeouts in his first 85 PA on the island this year. Usual caveats about stats in the DSL apply.
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