Charlotte 10, Norfolk 2
The Knights offense pounded out thirteen hits including a 4-4 night from catcher Kevan Smith to rout the Norfolk Tides on Saturday. Starter Kyle Drabek picked up his 5th win of the season in an impressive outing. Drabek only allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out six to lower his ERA to 2.56 on the season. In addition to Smith’s performance, Trayce Thompson also had a excellent game, going 2-3 with a double and two walks. Thompson is quietly putting together his best season to date, as his current .268 batting average would dwarf his 2013 (.229) and 2014 (.237) numbers.
Birmingham 3, Jackson 2
The Birmingham pitchers were able to scatter ten hits and five walks to only allow the Jackson Generals two runs. Starter Mark Blackmar was not at his best, as he walked four batters and allowed six hits, but was able to hand the game off to the bullpen having only allowed two runs. Trailing 2-1 in the 8th inning, Tim Anderson walked and Courtney Hawkins singled to set the stage for a Christian Marrero two-run double to give the Barons the lead and the eventually victory. Reliever Devon Davis pitched two scoreless innings to earn the win and Zach Isler pitched two scoreless innings to collect the save.
Winston-Salem 7, Potomac 3
The Dash pulled away from the Potomac Nationals late as they took the game behind a quality start from Jordan Guerrero. Guerrero pitched six innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. Jake Cose and Peter Tago combined to toss three shutout innings in relief. Tyler Williams had a banner day as he went 3-4 with his first home run for the Dash. Second baseman Jake Peter went 2-5 with a double and a stolen base and Cleuluis Rondon went 2-3 with a walk and two runs batted in. Rondon, who was creeping up prospect rankings lists thanks to his stellar defense at shortstop, has slumped badly this season with the bat, hitting .174/.236/.210.
Charleston 7, Kannapolis 4
The Intimidators dropped an ugly game to the Charleston RiverDogs thanks to four errors in the field. Eddy Alvarez and Mason Robbins led the offense at the top of the lineup with identical 2-4 games. Starter Zach Thompson was chased in the 5th inning after allowing five runs (two earned). Reliever Jose Brito came on and allowed two runs (one earned) over 2.2 innings while only allowing one hit. Matt Cooper pitched a scoreless 9th and had a rare four strikeout inning.
Ogden 12, Great Falls 5
2015 3rd round draft pick Zack Erwin started the game and pitched three scoreless innings to lower his ERA to a sparkling 0.87, but after he departed the wheels came off for the Voyagers pitching. Ryan Riga was a bright spot as he pitched a scoreless innings in his first appearance for Great Falls after starting the year the Arizona League Sox. Offensively, Antonio Rodriguez tripled and Sikes Orvis went 2-3 with a double and a walk in a rather meager day for the usually potent Voyagers attack.
AZL Red 16, AZL White Sox 3
The Arizona League White Sox staff was hammered by the Reds hitters, as they gave up sixteen runs on twenty-two hits. Starter Kevin Escorcia could not record an out in the 5th, as he departed having allowed eight runs (seven earned) on twelve hits and reliever Ryan Powers threw gasoline on the fire by giving up an additional six runs in his 1.1 innings. First baseman Corey Zangari blasted his third home run of the season and Jake Fincher, Bradley Strong, and Tyler Sullivan collected two hits respectively.
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