White Sox Minor League Recap 6/25/2016: Banks and Frebis terrific, Cooper excellent in relief, Pollakov goes deep in victory

The White Sox affiliated teams went 5 and 3 on the night in their eight contests. Tanner Banks and Johnathan Frebis were lights out in their respective starts, while Chicago native Steve Pollakov hit a three run blast in a Voyager’s victory. The bats came in life in Charlotte, while Birmingham won an exciting game in 11 innings, led by recently promoted Matt Cooper who pitched three scoreless innings and relief and earned the win.
Charlotte 8, Gwinnett 6
Chris Volstad made the start for the Knights, giving up five runs on eight hits over six innings of work. All of Volstad’s runs came across in the bottom of the first inning, which he then followed with five consecutive scoreless innings. Brad Goldberg got the win in relief, firing two scoreless innings and striking out two. Matt Lollis earned his first save of the season, giving up one run on a home run, but striking out the side in the bottom of the ninth.
The bats came to life for the Knights towards the end of the game, as they scored all eight of their runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth inning, with six of those runs coming in the top of the eighth. Carlos Sanchez, Matt Davidson, Omar Narvaez, and Jacob May all had two hits on the night, while Jason Bourgeois, Nick Delmonico, and Leury Garcia all had one hit and two RBIs each.
The Knights go for the sweep this afternoon as Tyler Danish will make the start.
Birmingham 7, Mobile 6 (11 innings)
Southpaw David Holmberg lasted 6.1 innings in his start, giving up four runs on nine hits with five punch outs. Recently promoted Matt Cooper was brilliant out of the bullpen, as he fired three scoreless innings while earning the win for the Barons. Nolan Sanburn came on in the bottom of the eleventh and earned the two out save, his fifth of the year.
At the plate, Sean O’Connell was a major factor, as the catcher had a pair of doubles and three RBIs. Jake Peter also contributed offensively, going 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, and Adam Engel and Eddy Alvarez both had one double and a RBI on the night.
Carson Fulmer takes the ball this evening in game four of five with the Bay Bears.
Winston-Salem 4, Wilmington 1
Tanner Banks earned his second win in three starts since being promoted from Kannapolis, as the young Southpaw hurled 6.1 innings of one run ball while punching out four. Jacob Morris did a nice job following Banks, as he threw 1.2 hitless innings while striking out two. Manny Martinez earned his first save of the season, pitching a scoreless ninth while striking out one.
The Dash only had five hits on the night, but were led by Mason Robbins, as he had a pair of hits, including a double and three RBIs. Toby Thomas had a base knock and a run scored, while Gerson Montilla and Nick Basto had one single each as well.
The Dash look to win the series this afternoon with Thaddius Lowry set to make the start.
Kannapolis 2, Delmarva 1
Southpaw Johnathan Frebis was terrific in his six innings, as he surrendered just one run on six hits while striking out four. Tanner Mendonca followed Frebis and was excellent, firing two innings of scoreless ball. 2016 11th rounder Ian Hamilton came on in the bottom of the ninth and shut the door, pitching a scoreless ninth while punching out two and earning the first save of his young professional career.
Seby Zavala and Grant Massey were the main catalysts for the Intimidators offensively, as they each had one hit and a RBI. Danny Mendick had a pair of base knocks as well, while Micker Adolfo had a double on the night.
The Intimidators go for the sweep this evening, and Zachary Thompson will make the start.
Great Falls 11, Helena 4 (Game 1 – 7 innings)
Aron McRee started for the Voyagers but struggled, giving up four runs on seven hits over 2.2 innings of work. The bullpen was excellent after McRee, as Ryan Hinchley, Richard McWilliams, and Ben Wright combined for 4.1 shutout innings, keeping the Voyagers in the game.
Offensively, Steve Pollakov led the way with a pair of hits, including a three run homer, his first of the season. Anthony Villa had two hits and two RBIs, while Brady Conlan and Sam Dexter both had one hit and two RBIs. Mitch Roman also had a very nice game, as he had two base knocks, one RBI, and two runs scored. Alex Call had a pair of hits and a run scored from the lead off spot as well.
Helena 5, Great Falls 2 (Game 2 – 7 innings)
Adam Panayotovich made the start in game two for the Voyagers, and gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits over six innings. Michael Horejsei did a nice job in his one inning of work, as he pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
Offensively, Brady Conlan had two hits and a run scored, while Frank Califano also had a pair of hits and one RBI. Mitch Roman singled and drove in a run, while Jameson Fisher and Jake Jarvis both had a single on the night.
The Voyagers look to win the four game series over the Brewers this afternoon.
AZL Diamondbacks 11, AZL White Sox 5  
Andres Sanchez started for the White Sox, giving up five runs (two earned) on three hits over four innings. The bullpen struggled on the night outside of Matt Foster, as he pitched two scoreless innings and struck out two.
At the plate, Amado Nunez had three hits, including a triple and two runs scored. Luis Curbelo had a pair of hits, two walks, and a run scored, and Slade Heathcott hit a double and drove in two. Joel Booker and Ylexander Villarroel also contributed offensively in the loss, as they both had one hit and one RBI.
The White Sox and D-Backs return to action tonight.
DSL Blue Jays 13, DSL White Sox 7
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