Category Archives: Minors

Minor League Wrap 8.14.2011

Toledo 1, Lehigh Valley 2 (Phillies)

Enrique Gonzalez gave up a solo walk-off homer to drop to 4-4 on the season. This was a bullpen start and the ‘Hens fared well through 8 as Weber, Villareal, and Purcey combined to hold Lehigh Valley to 1 unearned run before Mr. Gonzalez ruined the night.

Inge went 0-4 on the night with a strikeout. Salazar (CF) drove in the only Toledo RBI on the night and went 1-4 with a double.

Erie 5, Portland 9 (Red Sox)

Casey Crosby (LHP) lasted 5 innings and did not factor in the decision. He allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. Tyler Stohr (RHP) relieved Crosby and dropped to 1-1 after allowing 4 ER on 4 hits and a walk over 1.2 innings.

Audy Ciriaco (SS) was 2-4 with a double, triple, RBI, and a run scored. Four other Erie batters drove in one run apiece.

Lakeland 6, Brevard County 2 (Brewers)

Trevor Feeney (RHP) earned his 8th win of the season after he tossed 6 innings of 2-run ball. He gave up 7 hits with no walks and 6 strike outs. Little pitched a scoreless 7th to conclude the game.

Tony Plagman (1B) was the high-RBI man as he drove in 3 on a HR in the 5th. Rob Brantly (C) drove in 2 and was 2-3 from the dish.

West Michigan 3, Great Lakes 2 (Dodgers)

Ryan Hamme (DH) hit an RBI single in the top of the 9th to give WM the 3-2 lead, which they did not relinquish. Jeff Rowland (OF) had the other 2 Whitecap RBIs on a 2-run homer in the 5th.

Alex Burgos (LHP) didn’t factor in the decision but posted a quality start: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K. Kevan Hess (RHP) gave up an ER in 2 innings but still got his 1st win of the season.

Minor League Wrap 8.12.2011

Toledo 2, Lehigh Valley 6 (Phillies)

Andy Oliver (LHP) dropped to 7-9 after allowing 4 runs (3 earned) over 5 innings. He gave up 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3. Jose Ortega (RHP) was equally mediocre as he gave up two more runs in 3 innings of relief.

Inge had a totally dominant performance: 4-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI.  In fact, other than Ryan Streiby’s  single, no other Mud Hen recorded a hit against Lehigh pitching. In his last 4 games, Inge is 7-15 with a double, 2 HR, and 6 RBI.

Erie 6, Portland 2 (Red Sox)

LJ Gagnier (RHP) earned the win after allowing just 1 ER over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out an impressive 10 batters while walking just 3. Luis Marte (RHP) struck out 4 over 3 1/3 to pick up his 2nd save.

Justin Henry (LF) was  3-4 with a double, a triple, and 2 RBI. Jamie Johnson (CF) went 1-4 with a double, a walk, and a RBI.

Lakeland 3, Brevard County 4 (Brewers)

Brian Stroud (RHP) was the losing pitcher after he gave up 4 runs (3 earned) over just 4 1/3. The worst part of his outing was that he gave up 8 hits and 2 walks in 4.1 – a WHIP of 2.3. Despite 2 wild pitches, Tyler White (RHP) had a solid outing: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB. White boasts a 0.69 ERA over 13 innings of relief work with Lakeland.

Jordan Lennerton (1B) went 1-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Despite a season average of .251 with Lakeland, Lennerton is hitting .324 in his last 10 games. During that span he’s gone 12-37 from the plate with 2 2B and 3 HR while driving in 9 runs. Additionally, he’s struck out 10 times and walked 7. I think he may be starting to “get it” and might start next year with Erie if this pattern continues through the end of the season.

West Michigan 10, Dayton 5 (Reds)

Victor Larez (RHP) looked dominant in a starting role for WM: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, W. Larez was relieved by Nate Newman (RHP) who tried his best to lose. In 2/3 of an inning of work, Newman gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on a hit and 3 walks. Jade Todd (LHP) salvaged the game over an inning and a third of scoreless relief work.

Jason Krizan (OF) went 2-5 with a run scored, a HR, and 3 RBI. In 114 ABs with WM, Krizan is hitting .272. Nick Castellanos (3B) was 3-5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. In 423 ABs, Castellanos is producing .307/.358/.435 with 20 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, and 66 RBI.

Minor League Wrap 8.10.11

Toledo 6, Louisville 4 (Reds)

Wilk improved to 7-5 and threw a gem for Toledo which was nearly spoiled by poor 9th inning releif. Wilk lasted 8 innings and held Louisville to 1 ER on 3 hits and a walk while striking out 9. Oliveros gave up 3 ER in just 1/3 of an inning but the game was preserved by Enrique Gonzalez who recorded the last two outs to earn his 8th save.

Ben Guez (RF) went 3-4 with a double and 4 RBI. Inge went 0-2 but drew two walks. Since his demotion, Inge is hitting .316 with 2 HR, 7 RBI, 9 BBs and 11 Ks. Timo Perez and Diaz each drove in 1 RBI.

Erie 0, New Hampshire 8 (Jays)

Jay Voss dropped to 7-6 after he allowed 4 ER, 8 H, and 2 BB over 5 innings as the starter. The bright spot of the night was his 8 strikeouts. Weinhardt gave up 3 ER in just 1 2/3 innings as he continues his awful 2011.

6 out of 9 Erie batters did not record a hit; however, Brandon Douglas (2B) went 3-3 from the plate. Douglas is hitting .333 in his last 10 games.

Lakeland, Dayton: PPD

West Michigan 3, Dayton 5 (Reds)

West Michigan took a 3-0 lead into the 7th before giving up 3 in that inning and 2 more in the 9th to lose.  Josue Carreno (RHP) looked good as the WM starter: 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K. Unfortunately, his releivers prevented him from enjoying the win. Woolley and Hess allowed 3 ER and 2 ER respectively, before Torrealba closed the game out.

Steven Moya (RF) went 1-3 with 2 RBI. Casali (C) was 2-4 with the other WM RBI.

Minor League Wrap 8.7.2011

Toledo 11, Indianapolis 5 (Pirates)

Andy Oliver improved to 7-8 after posting the following line: 5.2 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 K. Ryan Perry earned a marathon save as he threw the final 3 1/3 innings, holding Indianapolis scoress with 3 K’s.

Max St. Pierre (C) was 1-3 with a 2-run HR and 4 RBI. Clete Thomas was 2-4 with 3 runs, a double, and 3 RBI. Inge was 2-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks.

Erie 1, Harrisburg 6 (Nationals)

Brooks Brown threw 6 innings but gave up 4 ER in a losing effort. Despite taking the loss, Brown did K 9 through 6 without a walk. Marte finished out the game and allowed 2 more ER.

Audy Ciriaco (SS) went 2-4 with a solo HR.

Lakeland, Brevard County: Suspended

West Michigan 6, Great Lakes 3 (Dodgers)

Kevin Eichhorn looked impressive and improved to 9-3 on the season. He allowed 2 ER on 8 hits with no walks and 5 K’s.  Recently promoted Ryan Woolley (RHP) picked up his first save after 2 scoreless innings of relief with 3 K’s.

Curtis Casali (C) drove in 3 RBI and went 2-4 from the plate. Jason Krizan (LF) was 1-3 with a 2-run homer and a walk.

Minor League Wrap 8.5.2011

Toledo 8, Indianapolis 4 (Pirates)

Adam Wilk (LHP) started and threw a terrific game: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Oliveros and Ruffin tried their best to ruin Wilk’s night and allowed 2 ER and 1 ER respectively in an inning and two thirds of relief. Brendan Wise (RHP) got the final out and recorded his first save of the season.

Ryan Strieby (1B)at his wheaties and then went 3-4 with 2 2B, a HR, 2 RBI, a BB, and 3 runs scored. Inge went 3-5 with a run scored and a RBI. Max St. Pierre (C) was 2-4 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

Erie 5, Harrisburg 1 (Nationals)

Drew Smyly turned in another good start for Erie and picked up his second win. He threw 5 innings while holding Harrisburg to 1 unearned run on 5 hits and 2 walks. He struck out an impressive 8 batters. It’s been rumored that Smyly is the PTBNL involved in the Fister deal – pray that it’s not true.

Jamie Johnson (CF) was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Brent Douglas (2B) was 3-4 with a double, a triple, and 2 runs scored.

Lakeland 11, Daytona 5 (Cubs)

In a battle of mediocrity, Lakeland starter Jared Wesson and Daytona starter Matt Loosen, combined to allow 13 runs before the 4th inning. Our man Wesson was less bad and improved to 12-8 on the season. He ended up giving up 6 ER on 7 hits and a walk through 6 IP. Nelson and Faulk held Daytona scoreless through three.

Jordan Lennerton (1B) had a huge night: 3-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI. Shawn Roof (SS) added some more RBI support:  4-5 with 2 runs, a double, and 2 RBI. Rob Brantly (DH) went 2-5 with 2 runs and a double. Eric Roof (C) was 2-3 with 3 runs scored and a RBI.

West Michigan 3, Daytona 2 (Reds)

Brian Flynn (LHP) improved to 4-1 and turned in his second quality start in a row: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Torrealba earned his 5th save of the season after throwing a 2-hit 9th with 2 K’s.

Steven Moya (DH) and Curtis Casali (C) each hit solo homers. Josh Ashenbrenner (2B) drove in the final WM run and went 1-3 from the plate.

Minor League Wrap 8.3.2011

Erie 3, New Britain 2 (Twins)

Brent Wyatt (RF) hit a 9th inning walk-off solo homer to send the Erie fans home happy. Casey Crosby (LHP) started and tossed 7 innings of 2-run ball before giving way to Luis Marte who earned the win after 2 scoreless innings.

Audy Ciriaco (SS) was 3-4 from the plate and improved his average to .272. Henry and Bishop added an RBI each.

Lakeland 3, Daytona 4 (Cubs)

Unfortunately, the walk-off magic was reversed on the Tigers farm system as Luke Putkonen (LHP) gave up a walk-off single. Before Putkonen came on,  Kenny Faulk (LHP) gave up a hit and blew the save chance but stuck out 3 in 1.2 innings of work without allowing a run.  Faulk has struck out 53 batters, and walked just 13, over 41.2 innings of work while posting a 2.81 ERA and saving 20 games.

Rob Brantly (C), the catcher who ate up low-A all year and was recently promoted, picked up all 3 Lakeland RBIs on a 3-run blast and went 2-4 on the night.

West Michigan 2, Dayton 3 (Reds)

Kyle Ryan (LHP) started and took the loss with the following line: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Despite his record, Ryan has a respectable 3.51 ERA through the year thus far. Mendoza and Torrealba combined to pitch two scoreless innings.

Hernan Perez was 2-5 with 2 doubles. Castellanos went 1-2 with a run scored and two walks. Clay Jones (1B) went 2-3 with a walk. Hamme and Machado had the two WM RBIs

Minor League Wrap 8.1.2011

Toledo 3, Syracuse 8 (Nationals)

Andy Oliver dropped to 6-8 after giving up 6 runs (5 ER) over 4 2/3 as the starter. He gave up 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7. Marte allowed 2 ER over 2.1 IP in relief. Lester Oliveros threw two final scoreless innings.

Inge was 1-3 from the plate with a double, two walks, and all 3 Toledo RBI. Will Rhymes went 2-4 with a double and a run scored.

Lakeland 11, Fort Myers 2 (Twins)

Zach Samuels (RHP) made his first start of the year and lasted 4 innings. He posted the following line: 4 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K. Cole Nelson (LHP) came on in relief and earned his fifth win after throwing three perfect innings with 4 K’s. White, Faulk, and Little threw 2/3 of an inning each with no hits, walks, or runs allowed.

Wade Gaynor (3B) went 4-5 from the plate with three doubles and four RBI. Lennerton, Brantly, and Garcia each hit home runs. Corey Jones (2B) went 0-5 with an other-worldly five strikeouts.

West Michigan 6, South Bend 1 (Diamondbacks)

Kevin Eichhorn (RHP) threw an absolute gem of a complete game. He gave up just 4 hits and a walk while striking out two. He improved to 8-3 on the season with a 3.47 ERA.

James Robbins (1B) went 2-4 from the plate with 2 runs scored, a HR, and 2 RBI. Steven Moya (RF) also had a HR with 2 RBI. Clay Jones (DH) was 3-4 with a double and a RBI.

Minor League Wrap 7.30.2011

Toledo 4, Syracuse 3 (Nationals)

Clete Thomas hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 11th to give the Mud Hens a thrilling victory. Adam Wilk (LHP) didn’t factor in the decision but posted a quality start: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K. The only poor pitching performance of the night belonged to Lester Oliveros (RHP) who allowed 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 ER while recording only one out. Gonzalez, Ruffin, and Marte each provided scoreless, near-perfect relief and Marte was rewarded with his first win of the year.

Inge was 1-5 with a solo homer. Timo Perez (LF) was 4-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Strieby, Thorman, and Thomas had one RBI each.

Erie 5, Akron 0 (Indians)

Drew Smyly (LHP) pitched a superb game in his first appearance with Erie. He lasted 7 innings, while allowing only 4 hits and 2 walks, with no runs and 8 K’s. In 14 starts at Lakeland, Smyly went 7-3 with a 2.58 ERA and 77 K’s in 80 1/3 innings of work.

Jamie Johnson (CF) was 4-5 from the plate and drove in 2 runs. Audy Ciriaco (SS) went 2-4 with a run scored, a double, triple, and RBI.

Lakeland 2, Fort Myers 9 (Twins)

William Bergolla (2B) went 1-3 and drove in 2 runs. Brian Stroud (RHP) gave up 6 ER and was the losing pitcher, Putkonen gave up 3. Bad game all around.

West Michigan 6, South Bend 4 (Diamondbacks)

Brian Flynn (LHP) improved to 3-1 after 6 solid innings: 6 H, 3 R (2 earned), 1 BB, 7 K. Torrealba recorded his 4th save after he came on in the 8th and allowed 1 hit and 1 walk over 2 innings.

Ryan Hamme (RF) had a Rod Allen “I see ya’ Ryan” kind of night: 2-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI. Castellanos also had a stellar night with the bat as he went 3-5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and a RBI.

Minor League Wrap 7.29.2011

Toledo 5, Norfolk 2 (Orioles)

Fu Te Ni pitched well as the Toledo starter, but didn’t factor in the decision: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. Brendan Wise (RHP) improved to 2-1 after 1-hitting Norfolk over 2 innings. Ryan Perry earned his 6th save of the season but allowed 2 hits and a walk in the 9th.

Ryan Strieby (1B) was 1-4 with a homer and 3 RBI. Inge was 1-4. In 14 post-demotion ABs with Toledo, Inge has 5 hits and 5 RBIs.

Erie 1, Akron 0 (Indians)

Jay Voss (LHP) looked terrific in the starting role. He threw 7 scoreless innings and allowed 3 hits and 4 walks with 2 strikeouts.  He took the win and improved to 6-5. Tyler Stohr (RHP) picked up his first save as he threw 2 innings of 2-hit relief with 2 K’s.

The lone run of the game was un-earned – so no RBIs. Audi Ciriaco (SS) was 2-4. Henry (LF) scored the lone run and was 1-3 from the plate plus a walk.

Lakeland 11, Fort Myers 0 (Twins)

Jared Wesson (LHP) improved to 11-8. He threw 6 innings and gave up 3 hits and 2 BB’s while striking out 4. Nelson and Samuels tossed the remaining three innings while striking out 2 batters each.

Tony Plagman (DH) ate his Wheaties before the game and posted the following monster line: 4-6, 2 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI. Jordan Lennerton (1B) drove also homered and drove in 2 in 5 ABs. Garcia (RF) was 3-5.

West Michigan 6, Lansing 5 (Blue Jays)

Patrick Cooper tossed just 1/3 of an inning in relief but got the win and improved to 5-5. Bruce Rondon (RHP) recorded save 19 on the year. In 40 innings of relief work, Rondon has 61 K’s, a 2.03 ERA, and a .164 average against. His only problem is walks (34). If he can nail down his control problems I see a several promotions in store for him.

Clay Jones (DH) was 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. Josh Ashenbrenner (3B) was 3-4 with a double and a RBI. Steven Moya (RF) went 1-4 with a 2-run homer.

Minor League Wrap 7.26.2011

Toledo 7, Norfolk 4 (Orioles)

After Brayan Villareal gave up 4 ER in 5 2/3 IP as the starter, Schlereth came on and threw 1.1 scoreless innings to become the winning pitcher. Ryan Perry earned his fifth save of the season over 2 innings of work.

Brandon Inge went 3-4 with a double, a HR, and 4 RBI in his AAA debut. Ryan Strieby was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI.

Erie 14, Richmond 3 (Giants)

Gagnier threw 2.1 innings as the starter. Gayhart relieved him and tossed 3.2 innings and earned the win. Stohr and Weinhardt combined to throw three scoreless innings.

Francisco Martinez (3B) was 4-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. Ciriaco (SS) was 3-5 with 1 3B and 3 RBI. Murrian (C) was 2-5 with a double and 3 RBI.

Lakeland 3, Palm Beach 10 (Cardinals)

Lakeland pitching has filed assault and battery charges against Palm Beach. Teufel and Morrison each allowed 4 ER during their brief appearances. Faulk gave up 1 ER and walked three in 2/3 of an inning. Zach Samuels (RHP), however, had a decent night from the slab as he went  3 innings and held Palm Beach scoreless with a 1.0 WHIP and 3 K’s.

Jordan Lennerton (DH) was 1-4 with an RBI. Garcia and Fields added an RBI each.

Minor League Wrap 7.25.2011

Toledo 6, Durham 2 (Rays)

Adam Wilk improved to 5-5 after he held Durham to 1 ER over 5 2/3 IP. He gave up 8 hits but K’ed 6 while dropping his ERA to 3.47. Wise and Gonzalez combined to pitch the remaining 3 1/3 without allow a run.

Will Rhymes was 3-5 with 2 runs. Timo Perez was 2-3 with a walk. Jeff Kunkel (C) was 1-4 with a solo homer. Kunkel began the year in Lakeland, where he played in 8 games and hit .208. He then spent 12 games in Erie, batting .270. In 37 ABs with Toledo he’s batting .081 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.

Erie 2, Richmond 3 (Giants)

Despite a solid pitching performance, Jacob Turner took the loss. He posted the following line: 8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K. Luis Marte threw a perfect 9th.

Audy Ciriaco (SS) was 2-3 with 2 runs scored. Deik Scram (LF) 2-3, 1 2B.

Lakeland 1, Palm Beach 0 (Cardinals)

Starter Drew Smyly (LHP) outdueled his Palm Beach counterpart as he threw 7 scoreless innings. Smyly allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10. He improved to 7-3 with a 2.58 ERA. Little picked up save # 4.

Wade Gaynor (3B) drove in the only Lakeland run and went 2-3 from the dish.

West Michigan 3, Clinton 4 (Mariners)

Kevin Eichhorn (RHP) lasted 6 2/3 and allowed 3 ER in a no decision. He didn’t walk a batter and K’ed 4. Mendoza blew the save opportunity and dropped to 1-2 after giving up an ER on 2 hits and a walk.

Clay Jones (DH) was 3-4 with an RBI. Hernan Perez (SS) was 2-5 with an RBI. Castellanos was 1-4 with a double and a run scored.

Minor League Wrap 7.22.2011

Toledo 3, Durham 4 (Rays)

Andy Oliver (LHP) started and took the loss after posting the following line: 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 8 K. Scherleth relieved Oliver and threw 2 scoreless innings allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out 2.

Timo Perez and Ryan Strieby each homered. Max St. Pierre was 1-3 with and RBI. Inge DNP.

Erie 5, Akron 6 (Indians)

Brooks Brown (RHP) threw 6 innings as the Erie starter and allowed 5 ER on 11 hits. Tyler Stohr (RHP) allowed an ER on 3 hits in 2 innings of relief work. Luis Marte (RHP) pitched a scoreless 9th and K’ed 2.

Michael Bertram (DH) was 1-2 with a walk, a HR, and 2 RBI. Rawley Bishop (1B) was 1-4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Henry (LF) was 1-4 with an RBI double.

Lakeland 1, Jupiter 4 (Marlins)

Trevor Feeney (RHP) dropped to 7-9 after giving up 4 ER on 7 hits and 2 walks over 5 innings. Morrison and Samuels combined to throw three scoreless innings of relief.

Tony Plagman (DH) drove in the only Lakeland run and went 2-4 with a double. I have been singing the praises of catcher Rob Brantly for most of the year. DD finally took my advice and promoted the 21 year old from West Michigan to Lakeland. In his high A debut, Brantly was 2-4. Hopefully Hernan Perez and Nick Casteallanos are not too far behind.

West Michigan 4, Kane County 1 (Royals)

Alex Burgos (LHP) is now 5-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 8 starts after he held Kane County to 1 run in 5 innings on 1 hit and 2 walks. Burgos struck out 6 in a dominant, minor league sweep saving, performance. Carreno earned his first save after 4 scoreless innings of relief.

Ryan Hamme (DH) was 3-4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Jones an d Machado picked up one RBI apiece. Hernan Perez and Nick CAstellanos each went 1-4, Perez scored a run.