Category Archives: Minors

Minor League Wrap 5.17.2011

Toledo 8, Charlotte 3 (White Sox)

Toledo led 2-0 after 1 and continued to add to their lead throughout the night.

Charlie Furbush (LHP) was the winning pitcher after allowing 2 ER on 5 hits and 2 walks over 6 IP. He also struck out 8.

Scott Thorman (1B) had an otherworldly game. He went 3-5 with 2 HR, 1 2B, and 4 RBI. Danny Worth (3B) went 1-4 with a HR and 2 RBI.

Erie 1, Trenton 0 (Yankees)

Casey Crosby (LHP) started for the SeaWolves and pitched 6 innings giving up only 4 hits. Jared Gayhart (RHP) was the winning pitcher after he threw an inning and a third in relief. Chance Ruffin picked up his fifth save of the year .

The lone Erie run came off an RBI-single from Bryan Holaday (C) in the 7th. He went 1-3.

Lakeland 10, Charlotte 1 (Rays)

Jared Wesson (LHP) won after 6 1/3 as the starter. He held Charlotte scoreless on 5 hits and 2 walks. Morrison and Stohr combined to allow 1 ER over 2.2 innings of work.

After a 7-run 3rd inning, it’s difficult to pick one or two specific performances worth noting.  Avisail Garcia (RF) led the team with 4 RBI. He went 2-4 with a double and a homer.

West Michigan 6, Bowling Green 3 (Rays)

Jeff Ferrell (RHP) got yanked after 4 IP and 3 ER. Patrick Cooper (RHP) became the winning pitcher of record after 2 scoreless innings of relief. Hoch and Rondon combined to pitch 3 scoreless innings. Bruce Rondon (RHP) recorded his 5th save of the year.

Steven Moya had a productive night: 2-4, 1 R, 2 2B. Robert Brantly (C) went 1-5 with 2 RBI. Perez, Robbins, and Castellanos each had an RBI.

Minor League Wrap 5.16.2011

Toledo 5, Gwinnett 10 (Braves)

Thad Weber (RHP) dropped to 1-4 with a 6.45 ERA after giving up 7 ER over 6 IP. Fu Te Ni (LHP) allowed 3 ER on 4 H in 2 innings of relief.

Offensively, the Mud Hens had a great night with 5 hitters getting 2 hits. Deik Scram (OF) went 2-4 with a run scored, a HR, and an RBI. Will Rhymes went 2-4 with an RBI. He’s hitting .304 over 46 ABs with Toledo since his demotion.

Lakeland 7, Charlotte 2 (Rays)

After allowing Charlotte to crawl back from an early 2-0 deficit, the Flying Tigers scored 2 runs in the 5th and 2 more in the 7th to win this one handily.

Cole Nelson (LHP) recorded the win: 6.2IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. Despite the win, the pitching performance of the night belonged to Ryan Robowski (LHP). Robowski threw 2.1 innings of relief and struck out 5 without allowing a base runner.

Daniel Fields (CF), Jeff Kunkel (C), and Michael Rockett (LF) all went 3-4. Fields also added 3 RBI. Ryan Soares (SS) added 2 RBI on 1-5 from the plate.

Minor League Wrap 5.14.2011

Toledo 13, Gwinnett 1 (Braves)

Every Mud Hen recorded a hit this one as the team put up Rod Allen “crooked numbers” in the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, and  9th innings to win big.  Andy Oliver (LHP) got the win after 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, and 5 K. The lone ER came off of a solo homerun in the 5th. Matt Hoffman (LHP) was perfect over 2 innings of relief while striking out 3.

Danny Worth (3B), Scott Thorman (LF), and Max St. Pierre (C) each had 3 RBI for the ‘Hens.

Erie 5, Altoona 6 (Pirates)

An 8th inning implosion by Chance Ruffin allowed Altoona to overcome a 5-1 deficit and sneak away with a win. Before Ruffin’s awful 8th inning, Jacob Turner (RHP) had pitched 7 innings and allowed 2 ER off of 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4. His ERA over 7 starts is 2.58.

Brandon Douglas (2B) went 4-5 with two runs scored. Audy Ciriaco (SS) went 2-4 and led the team with 2 RBI.

Lakeland 3, Charlotte 4 (Rays)

Trevor “Mr.” Feeney (RHP) allowed 4 ER over 7 innings of work to take the loss. Feeney didn’t walk a batter while striking out 2. Matt Little (RHP) pitched an inning of relief and allowed a hit but nothing else.

Ryan Soares (SS) had a quality night offensively: 2-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI. Gustavo Nunez (SS) recorded the other RBI for the Flying Tigers.

West Michigan 1, Lake County 2 (Indians)

Lake County led 2-0 before Nick Castellanos (3B) went yard for a solo-shot in the 7th. However, on a night where the ‘Caps could only muster 4 hits, that’s all the offense they could generate.

Despite a quality start, Kyle Ryan (LHP) recorded the loss. Ryan threw 7 innings and allowed 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 ER while striking out 3. His ERA for the year is a respectable 3.27.

Minor League Wrap 5.11.2011

Toledo 1, Lehigh Valley 8 (Phillies)

Lehigh took a quick 4-0 lead after 1 and did not relent. Toledo’s starter, Thad Weber (RHP), lasted only 4 innings and allowed 5 ER on 6 hits and 4 walks. He was relieved by Chris Oxspring (RHP) who allowed 3 ER in 1 1/3 innings of work. Fu Te Ni and Robbie Weinhardt combined to finish out the game and did not allow an ER or a hit over the final 3 2/3 innings.

Scott Thorman (DH) had the only RBI of the night off of a solo home run in the 6th. Despite a complete lack of hitting with RISP, every Mud Hen except for Argenis Diaz (3B) had a hit.

Additionally, Ben Guez (RF) played in his first game at the AAA level. In 30 games and 100 ABs at AA, Guez hit .340 with a .404 OBP. He went 2-4 with a double in his Toledo debut.

Erie 1, Akron 4 (Indians)

Casey Crosby (LHP) was the losing pitcher despite a quality start: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 6 BB, 5K. Even though he pitched himself around 9 base runners, 9 BB/9 is too much. Rob Waite (RHP) and Zach Simons (RHP) each allowed 1 ER in relief.

Only three SeaWolves recorded a hit: Johnson, Douglas, and Roof. Shawn Roof (LF) went 1-2 with a walk.

Lakeland 0, St. Lucie 6 (Mets)

In 13 plate appearances, the first three men in the Lakeland order reached base 8 times. Unfortunately, the rest of the lineup could not muster the offense to clear the table, and the Flying Tigers were blanked.

Cole Nelson (LHP) threw 6 1/3 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and 4 walks. Jordan Pratt (RHP) pitched the final 1 2/3 innings and also allowed 3 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits.

Brent Wyatt (OF) went 1-2 and drew 2 walks.

West Michigan 1, South Bend 6 (Diamondbacks)

Josue Carreno (RHP) allowed 5 ER on 9 hits and a walk through 6 innings of work in a losing effort. He has not allowed fewer than 4 ER in his last 4 starts. Michael Torrealba (RHP) threw 3 innings of relief and allowed 1 ER on 1 hit and 2 walks.

Luis Castillo (CF), Hernan Perez (2B), and Steven Moya (OF) all went 2-4. James Robbins (1B) recorded the only RBI for the ‘Caps.

Castillo and Perez have been productive all season.  In 98 ABs, over 29 games, Luis Castillo is hitting .357 with a .413 OBP and .439 SLG. Hernan Perez is hitting .342 and slugging .491 over 114 ABs. Additionally, Perez has stolen 9 bases in 11 attempts.

At 20, Perez is a young talent who is producing terrific numbers at the A level. I would imagine he’ll get a mid-season promotion.

Minor League Wrap 5.10.2011

Toledo 1, Lehigh Valley 3 (Phillies)

Toledo scored one run in the bottom of the 9th to make it interesting, but the late effort was futile and Adam Wilk (LHP) took the loss despite a quality start: 7 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K. Lester Oliveros (RHP) added two innings of relief and allowed only one hit.

Only two Mud Hens got hits in the game: Dirks and Diaz. Andy Dirks (LF) went 3-4 with an RBI and Argeniz Diaz (3B) went 2-4 with a 3B and a run scored.

Erie 8, Akron 5 (Indians)

5 SeaWolf pitchers saw action in this one. Sorensen got the win after 6 IP, 7 H, and 1 Run (0 ER). Hamilton and Gayhart attempted to spoil the start and allowed 1 ER and 3 ER, respectively, in 2/3 innings of work. Chance Ruffin (RHP) struck out 3 in 1 2/3 to pick up the save.

Ben Guez (RF) picked up 3 RBI on 2-4 hitting with a double and a triple. Douglas (2B), Johnson (CF), and Henry (LF) added an RBI each. Rawley Bishop (1B) went 0-4 with 2 K’s.

Lakeland 10, St. Lucie 2 (Mets)

Jay Voss (LHP) recorded the win with the following line: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K. His ERA for the year is at 3.05 with a 2-0 record. Matt Little (RHP) and Michael Morrison (RHP) combined for three scoreless innings of relief.

Jordan Lennerton (DH) went 2-4 with 1 HR and 4 RBI. He also scored three runs and drew a walk. Wyatt (LF) and Gaynor (3B) added 2 RBI each.

West Michigan 1, South Bend 6 (Diamondbacks)

Antonio Cruz (LHP) received the loss after 5 ER in 5 IP. Logan Hoch (LHP) allowed another ER in 2 innings of relief work.

Ryan Hamme (RF) recorded the only RBI for the ‘caps on a 1-2 night.

West Michigan 5, South Bend 0

West Michigan led wire to wire but put it out of reach with a 4-run 5th inning. Jeff Ferrell (RHP) got the win after 5 shutout innings  with 5 K’s. Patrick Cooper (RHP) threw two perfect innings of relief to preserve the win.

Luis Castillo (CF) went 2-2 on the night. Hernan Perez (2B) went 1-2 with a HR.

Minor League Wrap 5.7.2011

Toledo  0, Charlotte 1 (White Sox)

The Mud Hens wasted a terrific pitching performance from Charlie Furbush (LHP). The young lefty threw 8 innings of 1-hit baseball and allowed only 1 ER but still took the loss. Additionally, he K’ed 8 while walking 2 during a Verlander-esque performance in northern Ohio. On the night, Furbush threw 108 pitches, 75 for strikes in a masterful display of command and elusiveness. It’s a shame the bats didn’t get him a win. Lester Oliveros (RHP) threw a perfect 9th inning of relief.

The entire lineup for the ‘Hens looked anemic; however there was one bright spot. Scott Thorman (RF) went 3-3.

Erie 10, Bowie 2 (Orioles)

The SeaWolves scored in every inning except the 6th and 7th as they led this one wire to wire for the win. LJ Gagnier (RHP) threw 7 innings and posted the following line: 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5K. Garcia and Simons combined to throw 2 innings; Simons gave up an ER in the top half of the 9th on a solo homer.

I hate to single out the negative here but every SeaWolf except for Michael Bertram (1B) recorded a hit in this landslide victory. The nights RBI leader was Francisco Martinez (3B) who picked up 3 RBI and went 2-3 with a homer, a triple, and a walk.

Lakeland 1, Tampa 7 (Yankees)

Victor Larez (RHP) was beat around pretty handily right out of the gate. In a starting role he lasted just 3 2/3 innings and somehow found a way to allow 10 hits and 6 ER. To his credit, an outing this bad has only dropped his record to 3-3 on the year and his ERA remains under 5.  Zach Samuels (LHP) allowed one more ER over 2 1/3 IP. Morrison and Pratt combined for two scoreless innings.

Offensively, Wade Gaynor (3B) had the only night worth mentioning: 2-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI.

West Michigan 6, Dayton 4 (Reds)

Kevin Eichhorn (RHP) got the win: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 8 K. Michael Torrealba (RHP) recorded the save after throwing 2/3 of an inning.

Nick Castellanos (3B) went 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI. Robert Brantly (C) went 3-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored. In 84 ABs, Brantly is hitting .381.

Minor League Wrap 5.6.2011

Toledo 7, Charlotte 8 (White Sox)

Charlotte chipped away at a 5-2 Mud Hens lead from the 5th through the 9th when Charlotte scored the winning run off of Enrique Gonzalez. Thad Weber (RHP) started and allowed 6 ER on 8 hits. Fu Te Ni and Enrique Gonzalez allowed an earned run each. Brendan Wise (RHP) and Matt Hoffman (LHP) combined to throw a scoreless 8th.

While the pitching staff tried their hardest to lose this one, the Mud Hens bats put up some quality numbers. Bryan Pounds (3B) went 3-4 with a walk. Scott Thorman (LF) went 2-5 with 2 homers and 4 RBI. Timo Perez (DH) and Ryan Strieby (1B) each added two hits.

Erie 6, Bowie 12 (Orioles)

Erie led 6-5 heading into the 7th inning. Bowie then tallied 7 runs in the frame to crush the SeaWolves. Casey Crosby (LHP) made it through 5 innings before giving way to the bullpen. Crosby allowed 5 ER on 5 hits. Cory Hamilton (RHP) led the SeaWolves to the slaughter house in the 7th and allowed 5 runs (1 earned) in an inning and a third.  Jared Gayhart (RHP) also got roughed around in the 7th: 4 hits, 2 ER in 2/3 IP. Rob Waite (RHP) pitched the last two innings allowing only one base runner on a walk.

5 SeaWolves had 2 or more hits (Douglas, Guez, Ciriaco, Henry, and Roof). Justin Henry (LF) picked up 3 RBI on 3 hits, including 1 double. Michael Bertram (1B) picked up 2 RBI on 1 hit, Shawn Roof (3B) got the other RBI for the ‘Wolves on a 2-3 night with a walk.

Lakeland 9, Tampa 0 (Yankees)

If you are wearing a cap while reading this, it’s time for you to tip it to Jared Wesson. Wesson allowed 2 hits over eight scoreless innings for the Flying Tigers to record the win. Wesson walked 4 and struck out 3. Ryan Robowski (LHP) pitched a perfect 9th to complete the game.

 Tony Plagman (DH) went 1-3 with a 2B and a walk. Plagman led the team with 3 RBI. Julio Rodriguez (C) had a spectacular night with the bat: 4-4, 2 R, 2 RBI. Rodriguez is hitting .360 on the year. Finally, Gustavo Nunez (SS) went 0-1 on the night but drew three walks. As I’ve mentioned, I am a big fan of “Moneyball”-esque analysis and view 3 walks as nearly as good as a 3 hit night.

West Michigan 6, Great Lakes 4 (Dodgers)

Josue Carreno (RHP) rebounded from his last performance with a near-quality start. He lasted 6 innings and allowed 4 ER on 7 hits and a walk. He also K’ed 5. Ramon Lebron (RHP) recorded a hold after allowing 1 walk and striking out 4 over 2 IP. Michael Torrealba (RHP) notched the save after allowing 1 hit and striking out 2 in the 9th.

Robert Brantly (C) went 3-4 with a homer and 4 RBI. He leads the Whitecaps with a .362 BA. Brantly has only had one game this year in which he failed to record a hit. For the year he’s hitting .362 with an OBP at .407. Rowland, J. and Nowlin picked up one RBI apiece. Finally, Hernan Perez (SS) went 2-4 with 2 runs scored.

Minor League Wrap 5.5.2011

Toledo 5, Charlotte 10 (White Sox)

The Mud Hens bats were able to put up 5 ER on Jake Peavy but still fell short. Adam Wilk (LHP) took the loss after allowing 6 ER in 4 innings. Robbie Weinhardt allowed 2 ER in 2 2/3 innings of relief.

Ryan Strieby went 1-4 with a homer and 2 RBI. Andy Dirks (CF) went 2-4 with a run scored.

Erie 1, Binghamton 7 (Mets)

Binghamton pitching completely stymied the SeaWolves until the top of the 9th when the Wolves put up 1 run on a Rawley Bishop (1B) RBI double. Over 7 IP, the Erie starter, Mark Sorensen (RHP) allowed 11 hits and a walk, resulting in 7 earned runs. Chance Ruffin (RHP) threw an inning of relief and did not allow a run on 1 hit.

No SeaWolf got more than one hit  and only two were for extra bases.

Lakeland 1, Clearwater 5 (Phillies)

This game was tied 1-1 through the 5th inning before Clearwater added 2 runs in the 7th, 1 in the 8th, and 1 in the 9th to ice it. Cole Nelson (LHP) received the loss for Lakeland: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K. Kenny Faulk (LHP) threw another scoreless inning of relief. For the year, Faulk has pitched 12 2/3 innings and allowed 1 ER and struck out 20 opposing batters. I think he may take the trip north to Erie before too long.

Julio Rodriguez (C) had a terrific night with the bat: 3-3 with a double to bring his season average to .324. Avisail Garcia (RF) collected the only RBI of the night for Lakeland.

West Michigan 3, Great Lakes 1 (Dodgers)

It took West Michigan 12 innings to beat Great Lakes and save the farm from a daily sweep. Antonio Cruz (LHP) must have angered the baseball gods because karma was not on his side tonight. Cruz threw 8 innings of 6 hit, 1 run baseball but did not get the run support for a win. Patrick Cooper (RHP) pitched the final two innings and struck out 3 to earn the win.

Castellanos, Robbins, and Castillo each recorded two hits for the Whitecaps. Nick Castellanos (3B) went 2-5 and picked up 2 RBI. Hernan Perez (2B) got the other RBI for the ‘caps on a sac fly.

Minor Leage Wrap 5.3.2011

Toledo 7, Pawtucket 2 (Red Sox)

Duane Below (LHP) had a quality start for the Mud Hens: in 6 IP, he scattered 7 hits and 3 walks while allowing 2 earned runs. He also K’ed 5. Fu Te Ni and Matt Hoffman (LHP) combined to throw three innings of shutout relief.

Timo Perez (LF) went 4-5 on the night with a run scored and 1 RBI. Victor Martinez made a rehab appearance and went 2-4 with a 2B, run scored, and an RBI. Cale Iorg (SS) led the team with 2 RBI off of a 2-run homer.

Erie, Binghamton PPD: rain

Lakeland 1, Clearwater 3 (Phillies)

Trevor Feeney (RHP) made it through 7 innings as the starter. He allowed 9 hits, a walk, and 3 runs (2 earned) while K’ing 8. Unfortunately, the Flying Tigers squandered his effort and produced only 1 run. Feeney took the loss.

Gustavo Nunez (SS) went 2-4 with the only run scored. He was driven in by Tony Plagman (1B) in the first inning.

West Michigan 0, Fort Wayne 2 (Padres)

Kyle Ryan (LHP) threw 6 2/3 and gave up 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB and K’ed 5 in a losing effort. Steve Crnkovich (RHP) relieved Ryan and finished the game without allowing a hit or a run, although he walked 2.

Luis Castillo (CF) led the anemic offensive attack for the Whitecaps going 2-4 on the night.

Minor Leage Wrap 5.1.2011

Thoughts on Bin Laden

Kevin in Dallas and Billfer have been kind enough to let me post on this fine site, for which I am especially greatful. I was given that permission on my assurance that I would try to provide some information and/or opinions on the Tigers’ minor league system; however, given the significant events of last night, and my personal history, I wanted to offer a brief comment on the Bin Laden news:

As none of you know, I spent six years in the Marines and was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, for seven months.  While Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and Bin Laden, Bin Laden, at least symbolically, stood for the reason we were there and the reason that America had it’s collective wool pulled off of its eyes. The beautiful mirage allowed pre-9/11 Americans to live their lives without the fear of mindless and random violence. Bin Laden ruined that.

I found out about Bin Laden’s demise while watching the Mets/Phillies game last night. When I heard 44,000 Americans begin chanting “USA, USA”, shivers ran down my spine. It reminded me that no one in America has forgotten about 9/11 and that this country is capable of bonding together to accomplish anything. Let’s all enjoy another summer of baseball knowing that the worst evil since Hitler is no longer able to murder innocent people. Let’s rebuild our naivete.

Without additional commentary, the minor leage wrap up from May 1st:

Toledo 4, Pawtucket 3 (Red Sox)

The Mud Hens scored all 4 runs during a rally in the 4th inning and held on through 5 additional scoreless innings to get the win. Scott Sizemore went 1-4 with a triple and 2 RBI. Dirks and Murrian had one RBI each.

Thad Weber (RHP) notched the win for the Mud Hens after lasting 5 2/3 IP as the starter. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks but struck out 9. Brendan Wise, Fu Te Ni, and Enrique Gonzalez combined to pitch 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief.

Erie 5, Altoona 6 (Pirates)

The SeaWolves led 5-4 going into the bottom of the 8th before Chance Ruffin allowed two runs (one from an inherited base runner).

No pitcher had an especially good night for the ‘Wolves. L.J. Gagnier (RHP) started but got the hook after 3 IP, 6 H and 3 ER. Jared Gayhart (RHP) relieved Gagnier and threw 3 innings of 1-run ball before giving way to Austin Wood and Chance Ruffin.

Justin Henry (2B) went 1-2 with 2 runs and 2 walks. While he’s only hitting .282 on the year, Henry continues to get on base. Through 15 games, he’s got an OBP of .417. Rawley Bishop (1B) went 1-5 but led the team with 2 RBI on the night.

Lakeland 14, Brevard County 2 (Brewers)

Every Flying Tiger, except Wade Gaynor (3B), picked up at least one RBI in this blowout win. Lakeland was led in the RBI department by Gustavo Nunez (SS) with 4. Wyatt and Roof added two each. While Gaynor failed to record an RBI, he still had a great night at the plate, falling a homer short of the cycle: 4-5, 3 R, 2 2B, 1 3B.

Jared Wesson (LHP) had a great start and picked up the win to even his record at 2-2. Wesson lasted 7 innings and gave up 7 hits, 4 walks, and 3 ER while K’ing 5. Morrison and Pratt tag-teamed the relief effort and allowed 2 runs in 2 innings of work.

West Michigan 7, Fort Wayne 13 (Padres)

West Michigan’s pitching was sufficiently mediocre to out-suck Fort Wayne in this low-scoring football game of an affair.  Josue Carreno (RHP), Clemente Mendoza (RHP), and Dan Gentzler (RHP) each had poor nights from the mount and combined to allow 13 hits and 13 ER. Each pitchers ERA is above 6 for the year and last night didn’t help their cause.

The Whitecaps did manage together a good night with the bats: Perez, Brantly, Robbins, and Castellanos each had two hits in 4 ABs. Castellanos led the team with 3 RBI on the evening.

Minor League Wrap 4.29.2011

Toledo 7, Syracuse 1 (Nationals)

The Mud Hens led wire to wire in this one and several players had a great night with the bat. Andy Dirks (CF) led the way: 3-5, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI.  Scott Sizemore (2B) continued his solid year so far at AAA with a 2-3 night, including 2 runs scored and 2 BB. Timo Perez (LF) recorded 4 RBI off of a double and a homer.

Adam Wilk (LHP) started and pitched 7 innings. He allowed 1 earned run on a homerun. Other than that, he scattered 5 additional hits and one walk while striking out 3. His ERA for the year dropped to 2.49 and he recorded his first win.

Erie 6, Altoona 8 (Pirates)

Erie trailed 2-8 heading into the top of the 8th inning before tacking on 4 to make it interesting. Bryan Holaday (C) went 3-4 with a  1 2B and 2 RBI for the SeaWolves. Ben Guez (OF) also had a productive night: 2-4, 1 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 BB.

Normally, I would call out Jamie Johnson (CF) for going 0-5 on the night; however, he picked up 2 RBI and so will escape my Stephen Colbert “wag o’ the finger”.

The SeaWolves found themselves out of this one early because of poor starting pitching from Mark Sorensen (RHP): 4.1 IP, 6 H, 7 R (6 earned), 4 BB, 1 K.

Lakeland 4, Clearwater 2 (Phillies)

Lakeland scored all 4 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning and quality pitching helped preserve a win. Wade Gaynor (2 RBI), Gustavo Nunez (1 RBI), and Brent Wyatt (1 RBI) combined for all Lakeland RBI.

Jay Voss (LHP) was credited with the win after pitching 5 innings. He allowed 5 hits and 2 ER but did not walk a batter. He also struck out 3. This was Voss’ second start of the year; however, in his last start he only threw 2 innings. I like to gauge a developing pitcher by his K/BB ratio and his BB/9 ratio – in this case, Voss is nearly at the 2:1 K/BB (11/6). I’d like to see him continue to work on control and stretch these outings out as he gets more comfortable as a starter.

Kenny Faulk (LHP) recorded his fifth save of the year after a perfect 9th with 2 Ks.

West Michigan 6, Lansing 12 (Blue Jays)

The Lansing Lugnuts did most of their damage in the 2nd and 5th innings when they scored 5 and 4 runs, respectively.

Brennan Smith (RHP) pitched 4 innings as the starter before getting the hook 5 runs and 6 hits later. Richard Zumaya took the loss after allowing 4 earned runs in just 1/3 of an inning. Zumaya also walked 3 batters without a strikeout. Lebron, Torrealba, and Rondon combined to finish a night of mediocrity for the Whitecaps pitching staff.

Robert Brantly (C) had another good night: 2-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI (season average at .339). James Robbins also had a nice night: 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI.

Minor League Wrap 4.25.2011

Toledo 6, Louisville 5 (Reds)

The Mud Hens went into the 9th trailing 5-2. With one out and the bases loaded, Scott Sizemore ripped a bases-clearing, walk-off double to left field and the Mud Hens won a thriller. It should be noted that Sizemore hit his game winner off of Louisville Bats reliever Daniel Ray Herrera (LHP) who, had not allowed an earned run in 8 previous innings of work.

Robbie Weinhardt (RHP) got the win for the Mud Hens after throwing a scoreless 9th inning. Brendan Wise also made a relief appearance and held the Bats scoreless over 2 1/3 innings. Wise has yet to allow an earned run this season in 6 games and 7.2 IP.

In addition to winning the game, Sizemore went 3-5 on the night to bring his season average up to .411. Not only has he been hitting at a Ted Williams-esque clip, Sizemore has consistently gotten on base (.500 OBP) and stolen 3 bases in 31 trips onto the base paths.

On one final note – our old friend (or nemesis) Dontrelle Willis allowed 3 runs (2 earned) over 7 innings as the starter for Louisville.

Erie: PPD – rain

Lakeland 4, Brevard County 3 (Brewers)

Toledo wasn’t the only minor league club to walk-off on Monday night. Down 2 going into the 9th Lakeland put together a rally after singles from Ryan Soares and Brent Wyatt. A past ball advanced Soares and Wyatt to 3rd and 2nd, respectively. A Daniel Fields single scored Soares to tie the game and advanced Wyatt to third. Then, a wild pitch from Jonathan Pokorny scored Wyatt from 3rd and celebration ensued.

Cole Nelson (LHP) started and pitched 5 innings. He gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and 4 walks. Tyler Stohr (RHP) and Michael Morrison (RHP) combined for 2 innings of scoreless relief. Nate Newman (RHP) got the win after holding the Brevard County Manatees scoreless over 2 innings while striking out 2 and walking 1.

Julio Rodriguez (C) went 2-4 with a  double and 2 RBI to lead the way for the Flying Tigers.

 West Michigan 1, Dayton 3 (Reds)

Although he took the loss, Antonio Cruz (LHP) looked good over 6 IP. He allowed 3 ER on 4 hits and 1 walk but struck out 5. His ERA for the year is 4.40.

Patrick Cooper (RHP) was perfect through 2 innings of relief and K’ed 2.

Robert Brantly (C) went 2-4 with a run scored. He has continued to hit and has his BA up to .390 for the season.