White Sox Minor League Recap 6/23/2016: bats come to life on the farm, Stephens turns in best start of season, AZL squad goes back-to-back-to-back

Five of six teams in action won on the farm for the White Sox last night, while the Intimidator’s game was suspended in the bottom of the fourth due to rain.  Courtney Hawkins and Telvin Nash, were among those to hit home runs in their respective games, and Jordan Stephens was the best he has been all season, firing 6.2 innings of scoreless ball en route to a win. The AZL White Sox were very impressive in their victory as well, as Luis Curbelo, Felix Mercedes, and Ricky Mota hit three consecutive home runs in the bottom of the fifth en route to victory.
Durham 9, Charlotte 1 (5 Innings)
This game was cut short due to rain in Durham, which was a good thing as the Knights got it handed to them, losing 9-1. Scott Carroll made the start and lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up six runs (only one earned) on seven hits with four strikeouts. Brian Clark followed Carroll and also struggled, giving up three runs on two hits in 1.1 innings of work. Recently promoted Matt Lollis did a nice job in the fourth inning, pitching a hitless frame while punching out one.
The Knights only had three hits in the shortened game, as Matt Davidson led the way with a pair of hits, including his ninth home run of the season in the top of the fourth. Nick Delmonico also hit a double in the contest with the Bulls.
Jacob Turner takes the mound tonight in Gwinnett as the Knights and Braves square off to begin a three game series.
Birmingham 8, Mobile 5
Jordan Guerrero got the start and earned his fourth win of the season, but he struggled in his six innings of work. The young southpaw surrendered five runs on nine hits while striking out eight. The bullpen was stellar in relief of Guerrero, as Peter Tago threw a scoreless seventh and eighth inning and was followed by Nolan Sanburn, who closed the door with a scoreless ninth earning his fourth save of the season.
The bats came to life early for the Barons, as they scored six runs in the top of the first inning. Courtney Hawkins led the way with a trio of hits, including a three run blast in the top of the first, his third of the season. Jeremy Dowdy also had three hits, including two doubles, while Keon Barnum had a double and two RBIs. Other contributors included Trey Michalczewski, who had a pair of base knocks, and Eudy Pina, who had a double and one RBI on the night.
Brandon Brennan makes the start tonight against the Bay Bears in game two of a five game set.
Winston-Salem 9, Wilmington 2
Jordan Stephens turned in his best start of the season, firing 6.2 scoreless innings while giving up just six hits and striking out six. Colin Kleven did an excellent job in his one inning of work out of the bullpen, pitching a scoreless ninth.
The offense exploded for the Dash on the night, as they had 15 hits. Marcus Davis had a night to remember, going 4 for 5 with one RBI and three runs scored. Recently signed Telvin Nash had quite the debut as well, hitting a three run shot in the fifth inning, and Nick Basto had three hits and two RBIs. Other contributors include Toby Thomas, who had three hits, including two doubles and one RBI, and Mason Robbins and Cleuluis Rondon, who both had a hit and one RBI.
The Blue Rocks and Dash meet tonight in game two of a four game set, and Spencer Adams will be on the mound for Winston-Salem.
Great Falls 7, Helena 3
Yosmer Solorzano got the win after throwing five innings of one run ball on four hits while striking out two. Jake Elliott did an excellent job in two innings as well, as he did not surrender a hit or let a batter reach base over those innings. Brandon Magallones also had a nice outing, as he pitched a hitless ninth.
The Voyagers’ bats stayed red hot, as lead off man Alex Call led the way with three hits, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Aaron Schnurbusch and Mitch Roman both had a pair of his, as Schnurbusch had two RBIs while Roman had two doubles and two runs scored. Jameson Fisher, Corey Zangari, and Anthony Villa also were offensive factors, as each had one hit and one RBI on the night.
The Voyagers and Brewers return to action in game two of a four game set tonight, and a starter for Great Falls has yet to be announced.
AZL White Sox 9, AZL Mariners 2
Luis Ledo got the start for the White Sox and threw four scoreless innings, giving up no runs on two hits with a pair of strikeouts. There were many positives out of the bullpen as well, as Jimmy Lambert, Bernardo Flores, Sean Renzi, and Ryan Boelter all threw one scoreless inning.
The White Sox offense had 14 hits on the night, and were led by Luis Curbelo, who had three hits including a double and a two run homer, the first of many in his young career. Felix Mercedes had a pair of hits including a solo home run, and Amado Nunez had two hits from the lead-off spot, including a double and two RBIs. Ricky Mota also went deep, hitting a solo blast in the bottom of the fifth. Worth noting, Curbelo, Mercedes, and Mota went back-to-back-to-back with the long ball, as they launched three consecutive home runs in the bottom of the fifth.
The AZL White Sox are off tonight, but return to action tomorrow night against the AZL Diamondbacks.
DSL White Sox 2, DSL Orioles 0
** Note: The game between Kannapolis and Delmarva was suspended in the bottom of the fourth due to rain. The two teams will resume play today with the Shorebirds leading 1-0 before playing a complete game starting at 7 pm ET. 
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.