Special note… The White Sox have three affiliates currently in first place in their divisions (Birmingham, Winston-Salem, Great Falls), another who already clinched a post-season berth (AZL), and yet another that is in the thick of a division race (Charlotte). This means the White Sox could very likely have a handful of teams in the post-season, as many as five in fact. It’s been years since the club had more than one or two teams make their post-seasons in the minors, so things are getting exciting in this regard down on the farm.
The Knights got roughed up at home, falling to 61-56 on the season. Kyle Drabek got the start for the Knights and allowed seven earned, eight hits, and four walks (to just one strikeout). The offense was able to string together a few runs as Drew Garcia had a multi-hit game and Chris Jacobs launched his first home run in his sixth game as a member of the Knights. Jason Coats, batting second, reached base twice – once on a walk, the other on a double (22 for the season). #28 overall mid-season prospect J.B. Wendelken worked an inning of relief, allowing an earned run and two hits, while striking out one (no walks).
Birmingham 7, Pensacola 2:
The Barons pounced early with five runs in the first on Reds prospect Cody Reed (recently acquired from the Royals in the Johnny Cueto trade). Tim Anderson went 3-5 with a triple (11th of the season) and a run scored. Anderson was again in the lineup as a DH. While the White Sox are making sure to keep Anderson off the disabled list, he was taken out for a pinch-runner in the eighth after sliding into third base and injuring himself. The top prospect just continues to make contact and is up to a .312 batting average over a full season with the Barons. He’s special – hopefully this injury is not serious. Jacob May was back doing his thing. He had two base hits and two runs scored, while also stealing his 31st bag of the season. It would be nice to see some power from May, but the fact that he’s active on the bases and making contact following a concussion mid-season is nonetheless encouraging.
Frankie Montas (4-3, 2.59) had a really nice start, going five innings, allowing four hits, one unearned run, with two walks and five strikeouts. Peter Tago – selected this past offseason in the MiLB Rule V draft – earned the save (4) in just a third of an inning and, of course, struck out the lone batter he faced. Tago has been a machine since his promotion to the Barons (8.2 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 10 SO), as he – in the offseason with the White Sox – ditched his curveball in favor of a slider. The results have been very impressive from the former first round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies.
Great Falls 8, Grand Junction 7 (F/10)
The Voyagers came back and won in extras on Jackson Glines‘ first professional home run in the 10th. Glines also drew a walk and has been improving at the plate (.394/.474/.576 in his last 10 games), reinforcing the praise given him by Nick Hostetler in our recent interview with him. Johan Cruz (back at third base) had a pair of base hits, and leadoff hitter Grant Massey reached four times on three walks and a base knock (he also stole his 7th bag). The pitching started poorly as Evin Einhardt and Chris Freudenberg allowed seven earned runs in three combined innings. But a string of four relievers threw seven shutout innings striking out nine, finished off by Danny Dopico striking out the side to put it away in the 10th.
AZL White Sox 7, AZL Dodgers 2
The AZL club walked to a win as they drew 11 free passes. Corey Zangari had three of them, and Hunter Jones had a pair (as well as a couple stolen bases) on his rehab assignment. Starter Yosmer Solorzano was back to the form that got him noticed early in the season: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 8:2 GO:FO. Seby Zavala added his third triple of the season as the he and Zangari continue to put the capital Z in AZL this season.
DSL Orioles-1 6, DSL White Sox 5
Carlos Perez 2-4, BB. Maiker Feliz 1-4, BB. Hanleth Otano 1-5, SB, 2 K.
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Winston-Salem and Kannapolis were not in action.
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