The affiliates had yet another 1-3 day, with pitching troubles dooming the top three affiliates.
Norfolk 7, Charlotte 6
For the third game in a row, the Knights gave up a late lead to take the loss. Miguel Gonzalez put up a statistically solid first start in the White Sox organization, through 5 innings of 2-run ball without walking a batter, and whiffing 5. Blake Smith had control issues in his two innings of work to allow the Tides back in it, and then Daniel Webb gave up the winning pair of runs in the 9th.
On the offensive side, Jason Coats continued his hot start at the plate with three base knocks in five trips, upping his season average to .455. He’s also riding an 11-game hitting streak and 15-game on base streak dating back to last year. Travis Ishikawa added his second double, a base hit and a walk in his 2-for-4 day. Leury Garcia and Daniel Fields had a pair of singles each, and they each stole a base as well. Tim Anderson was out for a third straight game, still without official explanation.
The Knights will run Chris Volstad on Tuesday against Norfolk.
Jacksonville 11, Birmingham 7
Brandon Brennan took a beating in his first start of the season, and the Barons couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Brennan allowed 10 runs (all earned) in three innings of work, showing signs of some wildness with a wild pitch, HBP and three walks. The bullpen fared much better, with Tyler Barnette, Kyle Hansen and recently-returned Michael Ynoa allowing just one run in five innings.
The picture was a little prettier for the offense, as six Barons recorded multi-hit games. Marcus Lemon led the way with four hits, two of them doubles. Trey Michalczewski, Adam Engel, Jake Peter, Josh Richmond and Sean O’Connell (who just joined the team) all had a pair of hits, with the first two including a two-bagger. Everyone in the lineup reached base at least once.
The Barons have their home opener on Tuesday, with Tyler Danish on the bump.
Myrtle Beach 5, Winston-Salem 4
The Dash’s previously strong bullpen gave this one away, allowing the Pelicans to walk off with a win. Blair Walters, returning to the White Sox organization, booked four shutout innings. But Danny Dopico had unusual control issues, walking four batters in the 9th before being pulled, and Euclides Leyer gave up the game-winning hit.
Nick Basto hit a home run and a single in four plate appearances. Toby Thomas and Marcus Davis each added a double.
Third-ranked prospect Spencer Adams gets the call to start at Myrtle Beach on Tuesday.
Kannapolis 2, Delmarva 1
The Intimidators’ pitching staff gets the focus in this one. Johnathan Frebis made his first start as a pro, and he somehow worked around 5 walks to allow just 1 run in his 5 innings. Alex Katz and Brannon Easterling contributed a pair of scoreless innings each to ensure the victory.
Tyler Sullivan just continues to be the ideal leadoff man for Kannapolis, adding a pair of base hits and a walk in four trips to the plate in this one. Sullivan, known more for his defense in center field, has a .421/.542/.579 line in his first five games along with three stolen bases. Shortstop Johan Cruz was removed from the game in the second inning, but there hasn’t been any official word as to why.
The Killer Z’s (Corey Zangari and Seby Zavala) were seen as the key hitting prospects on this club, but neither have been able to get things rolling yet. Zangari is hitting just .167 thus far with 8 K in 21 PA, while Zavala is 0-for-16 with a walk and 11 strikeouts.
Luis Martinez gets the start for the I’s today as they try to get to .500 on the season.
Want to know right away when we publish a new article? Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. Our list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.