All three starters in last night’s games pitched quite well, leading to three close contests and a 2-1 day.
*The Charlotte Knights game was postponed due to weather, to become part of a double-header in May. The Tides and Knights finish their set today with an early 11:05am CT game.
Birmingham 5, Tennessee 4
After a rough first start of the year, Tyler Danish improved quite a bit in his second go. The final line (5 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K) was effective if unspectacular, but it’s important to note that the 5th inning accounted for four of those hits (and a passed ball), so his first four frames were quite good. The bullpen allowed just one, unearned run in their 4 innings of work, though that unearned run (on an error by Joey DeMichele) in the 8th allowed the game to be tied up.
But that tie game simply set up the walk-off, with DeMichele redeeming himself on the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 9th. The Barons had walked the bases loaded that inning, before Joey’s knock. Jake Peter had a double and a single on the day, and he’s opened the season quite well as the team’s probably-temporary first baseman. He’s got a .417/.440/.583 line through his first six games. Josh Richmond also had a multi-hit game including a triple. Eddy Alvarez returned to the lineup and 0-4 with a walk and a strikeout, as he’s struggled so far in his first week against AA pitching (.100 average, though he is still drawing walks).
Carson Fulmer gets his second AA start on Wednesday as Birmingham continues their first home stand of the year.
Winston-Salem 4, Myrtle Beach 3
Spencer Adams posted 6 strong shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out 6 and walking none. Like Danish he improved on his last outing, though Adams’ first start wasn’t bad. Relievers Colin Kleven and Andre Wheeler allowed the Pelicans back in the game with three runs, but the Dash were able to hold on for the win.
Nick Basto had a three-hit game including a triple, and he’s hitting .455 on the young season. This is Basto’s third season in Advanced-A ball so he should be hitting, but his 1.227 OPS has provided a spark the team has needed. Toby Thomas added a solo home run as well.
In the rubber match of this series, Matt Cooper makes his second start on Wednesday night.
Delmarva 2, Kannapolis 1
The Intimidators’ lost a heart-breaker in this one, spoiling a shut-down start from Luis Martinez. The starter went five innings without giving up a run, striking out six and walking none (much like Adams). Big reliever Drew Hasler had his first struggles of the year in the 8th, allowing the deciding 2 runs on 5 hits.
Seby Zavala broke out of his season-opening hitless streak with a 2-for-4 day including a double. Antonio Rodriguez had three singles in four trips, and the 20-year old outfielder is hitting .391 to begin the year. Cody Daily had a pair of base knocks, and Landon Lassiter‘s 1-4 day means he’s had a hit in every game he’s played in thus far.
Lefty Ryan Riga gets the call in the wrap of this series on Wednesday, with some morning baseball (9:05am CT).
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