It was a 2-3 day on the farm, with the Barons and Dash winning behind some solid pitching efforts…
Scranton 11, Charlotte 10
The Rail Riders walked this one off, literally, in the 9th. A bases-loaded walk issued by Brad Goldberg pushed across the winning run, which was an unusual sight from a pitcher who’s been very good with Charlotte so far this year. At least his pain was short-lived – starter Terance Marin wore this one for the club, giving up 9 earned runs on 13 hits and a pair of walks without escaping the 4th inning.
Things were much better for the offense, which has been a theme for the Knights. Tim Anderson booked yet another multi-hit game, though he did also strike out a couple times. Matt Davidson (2-4, 2B, BB, K) and Carlos Sanchez (2-4, 3B, 2B, BB) also had 2-hit games, and Danny Hayes hit his 9th home run of the season.
Jacob Turner gets the start for Charlotte as they continue this series tonight.
Birmingham 5, Mobile 3
It’s been a disappointing first half for the Barons, but things have begun trending the right way lately, this win included. Utility player Marcus Lemon led the offense with a pair of doubles, while Adam Engel went 1-4 plus a walk and stole his 16th base. In a fun oddity, Jake Peter and Courtney Hawkins posted identical lines in the box score: 1-2, 2 BB, K. Peter was recently named a Southern League All Star.
Blair Walters posted a quality start, throwing an even six innings of 2-run ball, striking out three.
Wednesday means day ball for the Barons this week, with David Holmberg on the bump.
Winston-Salem 5, Wilmington 4
The Dash, who have had pretty major struggles all year, have won 5 of their last 7. Two of those wins came in great part due to the surprising and continued dominance of one Matt Cooper. The right-hander has struck out at least a batter an inning (usually more) in every start this year, with his 6 in 5.2 innings in this one being on the low side by his standards. Cooper gave up a pair of earned runs, but solidified his lead over all of Minor League Baseball with now 92 strikeouts.
Mason Robbins led the Dash’s offensive efforts with a pair of doubles and a single, knocking in three runs. Robbins has been on a scalding run lately, hitting .418 in his last 14 games, but somehow has managed a lower .411 OBP in that same period. He’s had no walks in those 56 PA, but also only 5 strikeouts. Hunter Jones also contributed a pair of hits and a walk, and stole his org-leading 25th base of the season.
The Dash are off on Wednesday.
Greenville 4, Kannapolis 1
Greenville 5, Kannapolis 2
The Intimidators dropped both games of a double-header, though they did get to celebrate sending four players to the SAL All Star Game (Seby Zavala, Landon Lassiter, Zachary Thompson, Tanner Banks) before the twin bill started.
In the first game, Luis Martinez threw his first career complete game (though of the 7-inning variety) and gave up 4 runs (3 earned), but the offense wasn’t there. Johan Cruz‘ base hit and walk meant he was the only hitter to reach base twice.
The second game ended up a bullpen game. Two of the pitchers did very well: Ryan Riga gave up three hits but no walks or runs in 2.1 innings, whiffing a pair, and Tanner Mendonca struck out 4 in his 2.1 innings allowing only one baserunner (on a walk). Offensively, Danny Mendick certainly did his part, going 3-3 with a double and a stolen base. But it wasn’t enough on this day.
The I’s host The Drive again tonight, with Christopher Comito getting the ball.
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