While the Future Sox writers were enjoying Memorial Day, the White Sox affiliates were in action. We will fill you in with all the highlights in a special two-day recap covering Sunday and Monday’s slate of games.
5/29 Games:
Rochester 5, Charlotte 3
Starter Jacob Turner‘s recent struggles continued as the Knights dropped Sunday’s game to the Rochester Red Wings. Turner wasn’t fooling anyone as he gave up nine hits and four runs over five innings. After a fantastic April (2.52 ERA), Turner has been lit up over six starts in May (7.52 ERA).
The Knights offense went 1-for-11 with RISP as they only managed to convert twelve hits and four walks into three runs. Outfielder Jason Coats had a monster game at the plate, going 4-5 with a home run and two doubles. Nicky Delmonico went 3-4 and catcher Chris O’Dowd went 0-1 with three walks in his Charlotte debut.
Pensacola 12, Birmingham 5
Trey Michalczewski tripled and walked over four plate appearances, but he had a nightmare game in the field as he committed three errors and the Barons dropped an ugly game to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Starter Blair Walters was the victim of all of Michalczewski’s errors and he was the tough luck loser. Nick Basto went 2-4 with a double and drove in three runs.
Winston-Salem 4, Potomac 1
Jordan Stephens tossed five innings of one-run ball and Mason Robbins and Michael Suiter blasted solo home runs to help the Dash snap a five game losing streak. Stephens pitched brilliantly to earn his first win of the season, striking out six and only allowing two hits. The bullpen was fantastic in relief as Manny Martinez and Jacob Morris each threw a scoreless inning and Connor Walsh earned his third save of the season with two scoreless and hitless innings.
Asheville 5, Kannapolis 0
Kannapolis starter Tanner Banks was out dueled by Asheville’s Jack Wynkoop as the Intimidators were blanked on Sunday. Banks worked seven strong innings, allowing three runs while striking out three and walking none. Banks has been the ace of the Kannapolis staff, posting a 2.57 ERA over 63 innings and winning six games. Second baseman Grant Massey went 2-3 with a double in an otherwise quiet game for the offense.
5/30 Games:
Charlotte 6, Syracuse 5 (11 innings)
The Knights celebrated Memorial Day in style as Danny Hayes tied it in the bottom of the 9th with a two-run home run and Nicky Delmonico untied in the bottom of the 11th with an RBI single as the Knights won via the walk-off for the seventh(!) time this year. Starter Chris Volstad allowed five runs to score over six innings but the Charlotte bullpen blanked Syracuse over the remaining five innings. Jason Coats went 2-5 with a double to raise his season slash line to a fantastic .325/.386/.532.
Anthony Ranaudo will get the start for the Knights on Tuesday as they continue their series against the Syracuse Chiefs.
The Birmingham Barons had Monday off and will return to action on Tuesday with Tyler Danish seeking his 4th win of the season against the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Winston-Salem 8, Potomac 2
After Jordan Stephens befuddled the Potomac Nationals on Sunday, it was Spencer Adams turn on Monday as the 20 year-old righty struck out seven batters over eight innings while only allowing two runs to score. Adams matched a career high with the eight inning effort and has thrown a Carolina League-leading 65 innings this season. First baseman Keon Barnum blasted his first home run of the 2016 season and also added a double in a great day at the plate. The former first round pick is quietly having a solid start to his season, slashing .284/.316/.364.
The Dash have Tuesday off before hosting the Carolina Mudcats on Wednesday with Brandon Brennan getting the start.
Augusta 5, Kannapolis 3
Kannapolis starter Johnathan Frebis was cruising along until Augusta put up a four-spot on him in the 5th inning which ultimately proved to be the difference. Shortstop Johan Cruz, who got off to a slow start to the season, went 3-5 with a double to lead the offense. Cruz is hitting .349 over his last ten games to raise his season average to a respectable .255. Landon Lassiter went 2-5 with a double and a stolen base and reliever Drew Hasler pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
The Intimidators face off against Augusta again on Tuesday and Luis Martinez will get the ball.
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.