Charlotte 7, Louisville 1
The Knights scored five of their seven runs in the first four innings, getting ahead early and not looking back – improving to 58-46 on the season. Matt Davidson was responsible for most of the offensive damage, belting his 16th home run, a two run blast, off Tony Cingrani. Micah Johnson walked twice and was hitless in two other PAs but did manage two RBIs. Johnson’s OBP is up to .380, which pairs nicely with a robust .494 slugging in 63 games. Unlike some prospects, Johnson’s glove, instincts, and hands will be the key for his success at the M.L. level going forward.
Scott Carroll got the start for the Knights and proved apt against a weak Louisville lineup. Carroll went six innings, allowing six hits, one earned run, five walks, while striking out three.
Birmingham 5, Jacksonville 3
A four-run fourth inning proved enough to propel the Barons to a victory over the Jacksonville Suns. Christian Marrero accounted for those four runs, as he launched a grand slam, his 12th homer this season. The return of Jacob May has been a sweet one. The talented CF has had a hit in each game since returning from a concussion. In this game, and for the first time since his return, May was active on the base paths, stealing two bags (27). May had two hits, scoring a run, and driving a run in in the process. Tim Anderson, an electric player in his own right, went 1-4 with a run scored, striking out twice. Batting third, Courtney Hawkins went 1-3 with a run scored, a walk and a strikeout.
Myles Jaye, continuing his resurgent 2015 campaign, went six innings allowing two hits, three earned runs, four walks, while striking out four.
Winston-Salem 3, Frederick 1
The Dash (49-52) saved their best for last, scoring all of their runs in the seventh inning, which carried them over the Frederick Keys. Jordan Guerrero scattered seven hits over seven innings of work, issuing one free pass and an earned run, while striking three – a very nice start for the 21-year-old who has been very impressive this season, responding well to a (deserved) mid-season promotion.
Batting leadoff, Adam Engel went 2-4 with a triple (7th on the season) and an RBI. The 23-year-old will go as far as his hit tool develops because his other tools (besides game power) are all above average to plus. Omar Narvaez went 2-2 with two walks. Cleuluis Rondon went 1-3 with a run scored and a walk.
In an inning of relief, Jefferson Olacio struck out the side.
Kannapolis 1, Lakewood 0
The story in this one is Luis Martinez. The 20-year-old Martinez was masterful in eight innings of work, allowing just two hits and a walk, while striking out four. In his last five starts, Martinez has allowed five earned runs with a 20:7 SO:BB (29.2 IP). He has overcome a rough start to the season in his full season debut, lowering his ERA to 4.62 in 17 starts in 2015. Mutliple reports have his fastball now sitting 93-95, which is a big jump from the 90-91 he was sitting at earlier in the season. His command has also improved quite a bit.
Toby Thomas was responsible for the lone run. He went 1-3 with a triple and an RBI, raising his average to .236.
**
Great Falls’ game was cancelled.
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