The farm bounced back nicely from an ugly Saturday, winning 5 of 6 on Sunday. Pitching was solid or better nearly up and down the system.
Charlotte 3, Columbus 2
The Knights are truly the comeback kids this season, as this marked their 9th walk-off win of the year at BB&T. It was Jake Peter in this one with the 2-out, game-winning single in the bottom of the 9th (part of a 2-5 day). There wasn’t a whole ton of other offense to note, though Kevan Smith did go 2-for-4 as he continues to try to show he’s healthy and ready for a new shot at Chicago.
Chris Volstad was steady in his start, throwing seven frames of 2-run ball to give Charlotte a chance to win. Juan Minaya struck out three in 2 perfect innings to complete the pitching slate.
Lefty David Holmberg will start for the Knights on Monday.
Birmingham 6, Tennessee 2
Keenyn Walker’s first long ball of 2016, a 3-run shot, was the deciding factor in this win. Trey Michalczewski had a nice day at the plate as well, with a double, walk and a pair of RBI’s.
Jordan Guerrero did pretty much what he’s done all this season in AA – danced around control issues (4 walks) in relatively short innings (5 IP) but not allowing a ton of runs to score (2 ER). Peter Tago struck out 4 in a long 3-inning outing, and he’s been nails lately. After June 1st, Tago has an ERA and WHIP under 1.00, and has struck out a whopping 42 batters in 29.2 IP in that span. He’s a legitimate candidate to see time in Chicago this season.
Blair Walters gets the ball next for Birmingham.
Lynchburg 5, Winston-Salem 3
The Dash had won five straight games, but the streak ended yesterday and they lost another today. The offense couldn’t get going, registering just four hits and going o-fer with runners in scoring position. Michael Suiter had the best day of the bunch, hitting his 3rd home run and adding a walk.
It was a bullpen day of sorts of the pitching staff. Robin Leyer went three frames, allowing all 5 runs (but only 4 were earned). The bouncers, Drew Hasler and Taylore Cherry, each also tossed three frames but were more successful in not allowing any runs.
Jordan Stephens, who recently leaped into the top 10 prospects in the system, goes for W-S on Monday.
Kannapolis 2, Greensboro 1
Brannon Easterling’s excellent start – 7 innings of 1-run ball with 6 strikeouts and no walks – was just what the I’s needed. Easterling just turned 26 today (Happy Birthday!) and he’s had no trouble with SAL hitters this season, so it would be good to see him moved up. Michael Horejsei and Jack Charleston each added a scoreless frame to seal the win.
Grant Massey drove in both runs as part of his 1-for-3 day. Micker Adolfo had a double and a walk in 3 trips, and he’s hitting a bit better lately (.292 AVG in his last 7 games) to finally get above the Mendoza Line.
Kannapolis has not yet announced a starter for Monday’s action.
Great Falls 5, Billings 2
Max Dutto’s 2-home run day led the way for the Voyagers, who are the only White Sox affiliate with an overall record over .500 at this time. Casey Schroeder also went deep in the victory.
Christopher Comito struck out a whopping nine batter in his five innings of 2-run ball in the start. Comito was originally assigned to Class A Kannapolis, a very aggressive move for the at-the-time 19-year old, and it showed as he posted a 6.48 ERA in 9 starts. Sent down to Rookie level Great Falls, probably more appropriate for him at this point, he’s been doing quite well: 2.74 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9, 9.1 K/9 in the hitter-friendly Pioneer League. A parade of four relievers each added a scoreless inning to finish off this game.
The Voyagers will be off on Monday.
AZL White Sox 5, AZL Mariners 1
Luis Ledo made easy work of the Mariners, throwing 6 scoreless innings with 9 punch-outs. The 21-year old is in his first stateside pro season and has acquitted himself very well: 1.55 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, 7.1 K/9 in 29 innings.
Joel Booker went 2-5 and Jacob Cooper, who has been switching back and forth between outfield and catching, was 2-3 with a walk. Booker has had a nice pro debut thus far, as the 22nd round pick is getting on base at a .388 clip and has stolen 21 bases and been caught just once.
DSL was off
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.