Birmingham 7, Montgomery 3
When 1B/3B Nicky Delmonico made the Future Sox 2015 mid-season rankings, I wrote that if he wanted to be considered a real option at the next level, he needed to hit for power. Delmonico slugged a meager .386 last season with the Barons and followed it up with an uninspiring .162/.237/.279 in the Arizona Fall League. He did not make the Future Sox 2016 pre-season rankings, but he is making us look foolish with his season thus far. On Monday, Delmonico led the offense by crushing his 9th and 10th home runs to raise his average to .338/.397/.676 and now has hit five home runs over his last six games.
Blair Walters received the win by striking out eight batters over six innings, allowing three runs. The Barons bullpen was spectacular in relief, as Matt Lollis, Brian Clark, and Peter Tago each threw a scoreless and hitless inning.
The Barons have the day off on Tuesday before heading to Pensacola to take on the Blue Wahoos. Tyler Danish will get the start and is in search of his fourth win of the year.
Winston-Salem 5, Salem 3
The Dash pounded out 15 hits as every member on the lineup got in on the action to help spur Winston-Salem past the Salem Red Sox. Adam Engel was a catalyst at the top of the lineup, going 2-4 with two doubles and a walk. Marcus Davis tripled and doubled and Keon Barnum went 2-5 with a double and raised his season average to .271.
Thad Lowry got the win and struck out five over six innings, limiting the damage to three runs on on six hits. Andre Wheeler had a great appearance in relief, throwing three shutout innings to earn the save.
The Dash will send Jordan Stephens to the hill on Tuesday against the Frederick Keys.
Kannapolis 7, Lexington 2
Zach Thompson has been on fire recently and Monday was no different as he shut down the Lexington Legends.Thompson did not allow an earned run while striking out six and only giving up two hits over six innings. The 22 year-old 6’7” righty has unbelievably only given up 7 hits over his last four starts in the month of May spanning 24 innings, complying a 0.75 ERA during that time.
Catcher Seby Zavala continues to tear the cover off the ball and blasted his 2nd home run of the season. Zavala is hitting .432 over his last ten games and has raised his season average up to .278 after a very slow start. Grant Massey also went yard and Danny Mendick hit two doubles to help the Intimidators cruise to the win in the first game of the series.
These two teams face off again on Tuesday and Tanner Banks will get the start looking for his 7th win of 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.