Of all the reasons why the AAA club's move to Las Vegas was bad for the organization, the most egregious is the fact that 10:05 start times really impact the writing of a minor league recap. I don't know if the Jays considered these ramifications, but I'd like to think they'll right this wrong as soon as possible.
Oh, right: the games. The affiliates went 2-3.
The 51s stormed out to an 8-0 lead in this one thanks to homers by Randy Ruiz, Brett Harper and J.P. Arencibia. That was all starter Brian Burres needed as he went 7 innings allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out six. Thanks, Brian. Where the hell was that in Chicago and KC?
On the night, Arencibia was 1-for-5 with two strikeouts and Scott Campbell continued his slow march to a respectable batting average with a 1-for-3 performance which also included a walk and an error. Campbell is now hitting an odd .241/.320/.299 thanks to a 10:7 BB:K ratio and only four extra base hits. He is, however, hitting .294 in his last ten games.
New Hampshire 0 New Britain 2 (Game 1)
In the battle of weird sounding cats, New Hampshire actually outhit the Rock Cats 7-4 but were shutout in the opener of a double dip. Luis Perez went the distance for the Fisher Cats, allowing two runs on four hits and a couple of walks to go along with one strikeout.
At the dish, Perez's namesake Luis Sanchez had three hits but couldn't get further than third. David Cooper chipped in a single in a 1-for-3 day.
New Hampshire 3 New Britain 5 (Game 2)
The Fisher Cats blew this one late and it was my good friend Bubbie Buzachero who coughed it up. Relieving Redier Gonzalez in a tie-game, Bubbie gave up a three spot in the bottom of the sixth to essentially seal things for the Rock Cats. Gonzalez pitched alright, I guess, going 4.2 and allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one.
At the plate, Adam Calderone had a double and two walks but was also caught stealing. Brad Emaus and Brian Jeroloman each had a hit while David Cooper took an 0-for-3 but drove in a run.
Dunedin 6 Lakeland 4 (10 innings)
The Dunedin offense is showing some signs of life. Raul Barron led the way for the D-Jays with a two run homer as part of a 2-for-3, 3 RBI affair. The red hot John Tolisano pitched in with a 2-for-5 including a triple and a stolen base. Kevin Ahrens was also 2-for-5 with an RBI but struck out in his other three appearances. Eric Thames added a hit and his team-leading 24th RBI of the season.
Lakeland actually tied this one up in the ninth to force extras thanks to a blown save by Danny Farquhar. But Farquhar escaped with the win as the D-Jays put up two in the tenth. Dumas Garcia pitched a scoreless tenth for the save.
Kenny Rodriguez started for Dunedin and was effective going six innings and allowing a run on three hits while walking two and striking out four. The ancient Chris Michalak went a third of an inning in relief and didn't balk nor pick anyone off.
Peoria 8 Lansing 6
Not a good day for Ryan Koch. The 23 year-old righty allowed four runs in the first and two more in the second on his way to a seven run outing over four innings. Yorman Mayora pitched well in relief going 2.1 perfect innings with a strikeout.
If you know anything about Kenny Wilson you know the guy isn't exactly Ryan Howard at the plate. In fact, over his first 70 professional games, Wilson slugged in the .260 range. But Wilson went all man strength today and blasted a homer to left centre. Despite his .205 average, Wilson is actually 6 for his last 18 and is showing signs of better pitch recognition. He also stole his 10th base of the year against four caught stealings.
Not to be outdone, Mark Sobolewski also smacked his first homer of the season en route to a 2-for-4, 3 RBI day. He also kicked in his third stolen base of the year.
Johermyn Chavez, who tripled, and A.J. Jimenez both had two hits on the day. Jimenez actually scored twice and walked, as well.
Three Stars:
3rd Star: Kenny Wilson; 1-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB
2nd Star: Raul Barron; 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
1st Star: Kenny Rodriguez; 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
