The Kannapolis Intimidators were rained out, but the rest of the affiliates swept the evening in decisive fashion. Tim Anderson continued to stay hot, hitting his fourth home run of the season. Jordan Guerrero and Brandon Brennan broke out of their ruts to produce excellent outings. All around a solid night across the system.
Charlotte 8, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1
The Charlotte Knights took care of business against the Scranton Railriders, winning handily, 8-1. The Knights collected 14 hits with some familiar names leading the charge. Scott Carroll gave up just two hits and zero earned runs over six innings, with three strikeouts and three walks. Michael Ynoa also went two innings, giving up no runs and notching two whiffs himself. The offense wouldn’t be outdone by the arms. Tim Anderson can practically smell Chicago as he went 2-for-5 with a three run home run, keeping his season average at .300. On the flipside, he also committed his 9th error of the season at shortstop. Carlos Sanchez went 4-for-5 with a double while Danny Hayes tallied three hits, including a pair of doubles, and two RBIs.
The Knights will send righty Terance Marin to the mound tomorrow in an attempt to stick above .500
Birmingham 5, Mobile 0
The story of this game is Jordan Guerrero, as he tossed seven scoreless innings while giving up just two hits. Control issues have uncharacteristically plagued Guerrero all season (5.7 BB/9) and tonight was no different. Guerrero yielded four free passes, but it’s still one of the 22 year-old’s better showings this year. Jake Peter went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs but Adam Engel was the standout offensive player of the game. The toolsy centerfielder two hits, one of which left the ballpark, scored three runs, and collected a walk for good measure.
Southpaw Blair Walters will be on the bump for the Barons as they look to keep rolling against Mobile.
Winston-Salem 6, Wilmington 0
Dash starter Brandon Brennan tossed an absolute gem in picking up his first win of the season. He threw a complete game shutout, surrounding nine hits but neutralizing that with seven punch outs. It was a breath of fresh air for Brennan, who has had a disastrous season but has begun to turn it around since being back in Winston-Salem. Right fielder Michael Suiter went 2-for-3, with a walk and an RBI, raising his average to .321. Usually known as just a wizard with the glove, Cleuluis Rondon launched his first home run of the season. Overall it was a nice night for the Dash against a cratering Wilmington squad.
2016 pitching sensation Matt Cooper toes the rubber for Winston-Salem tomorrow, and will look to build on his most recent 11-strikeout outing. Cooper leads all of the minors with 86 strikeouts this season.
Kannapolis-Greenville (Postponed)
Luis Martinez gets the ball for the Intimidators tomorrow.
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