Charlotte 1, Durham 5
The Knights struggled to generate offense, as they fell to the Durham Bulls on Monday night. Kevan Smith and Matt Davidson had encouraging offensive performances – Smith drew three walks and Davidson had three hits. Tyler Saladino doubled, scored a run, and struck out once. Carlos Sanchez, fresh off receiving the award for International League player of the week, had a base hit and an RBI. 29 year-old Shawn Haviland started for the Knights, tossing an unremarkable 4.2 IP, walking three, and striking out three, while allowing three earned runs on four hits. Eric Surkamp and Daniel Webb – both members of the 2014 White Sox bullpen – worked in relief, each throwing 1.2 IP. Surkamp allowed an earned run on one hit, while walking one and striking out one. Baseball America’s Hudson Belinsky clocked Daniel Webb’s fastball in the mid-nineties. “White Sox RHP Daniel Webb at 94-96 in 7th. Meh [changeup].” Webb struck out one, allowing two hits and a walk.
Birmingham 5, Pensacola 6
The Barons’ bullpen faltered late, allowing three runs in four innings of work. Frankie Montas started for the Barons, walking six batters in five innings pitched. He struck out four batters, but allowed three earned runs and five hits. The Barons were able to overcome Montas’ lack of control on this night, as they were able to get to the Cincinnati Reds’ top pitching prospect Robert Stephenson (5.1IP, 6H, 5ER, 9SOs). Courtney Hawkins reached base three times with two base hits and a walk, while striking out twice. Tim Anderson had a walk, a run scored, and an RBI. Jason Coats had two doubles on the night. Jeremy Farrell hit a homer off of Stephenson in the third inning – his only hit on the night. Batting in the nine-hole, Joey DeMichele had a triple and a run scored on the night. Acquired in the Alejandro de Aza trade, Miguel Chalas struggled in his 1.1 innings of work. He allowed two earned runs on a walk and three base hits, striking out two.
Winston-Salem 5, Carolina 10
Winston-Salem was out-slugged, falling to 3-8 on the season. The pitching was not pretty. Tony Bucciferro, while going 5.1 innings, allowed six earned runs (two HRs) on eight hits and three walks. Jefferson Olacio continued to struggle with control, as he walked four (no SOs) and allowed three earned runs in 0.2IP. He has allowed seven walks to three strikeouts in 2.2IP on the season. Zach Isler was the lone bright spot, working three clean innings pitched with one strikeout and no hits or walks.
The Dash continue to be active on the base paths, as a team that features two elite speedsters in Adam Engel and Keenyn Walker should. Engel tripled and had a base hit, scoring twice, while stealing his seventh base of the season (he has been caught stealing twice). Walker also stole his seventh base of the season (has yet to be caught stealing). He reached base twice (a double and a walk) and scored two runs. The White Sox would welcome a breakout season from the former 2010 first round pick who has struggled to provide offensive value in his MiLB career (.640 OPS in 1713 PAs). In 40 PAs this season, Walker has walked as many times (five) as he has struck out and has a .375 OBP. Jake Peter continues to excel, raising his average to .308 with a base hit and two RBIs last night (six on the season). Trey Michalczewski (double, two RBIs) and Nick Basto each had two hits. Keon Barnum had a base hit, an RBI, and drew a walk.
Kannapolis’ game was rained out.
Luis Martinez will start game one of tonight’s double-header, with Yency Almonte taking the other game.
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