MVN - Most Valuable Network

Game Recaps (7/4/08)

Tacoma 3, Portland 8 (SD + 4)
A pretty serious meltdown by the Rainiers’ bullpen, as they came into the eighth with a 3-1 lead. RHP Joe Woerman (6.34) actually managed to avoid trouble in his start, going six frames and allowing just one run to score on three hits (HR), a hit batter, and four walks while striking out one. LHP Jake Woods (4.66) had a hit, a walk, and a K to his line through the next inning and a third. The walk would come around to score, as RHP Tracy Thorpe (9.82, BS, L) recorded only one out, a K, walked four batters, and allowed a grand slam, all translating to five runs charged against him. RHP Jon Huber (5.90) let one of those score and gave up a run of his own on two hits before getting the K for the final out.
SS Tug Hulett (2 HR, .289) had the two big hits for the Rainiers, two solo home runs, and drew a walk as well. RF Prentice Redman (.316) added two hits and DH Victor Diaz (2B, R, .286) doubled.

Mongomery 11 (TB - 5), West Tenn 3
RHP Doug Fister (5.06) had ten runs (nine earned) score against him through five+ innings on eleven hits, two hit batters, and five Ks. Four of those hits and two of the hit batters came in the first inning, and four singles came in the sixth. From the third through the fifth, he retired nine of ten. LHP Nelson Payano (3.68) dodged a bullet or two in the next two frames, with a hit, a wild pitch, and four walks to two Ks on his line, but no runs scoring. LHP Nick Hill (10.38) had a run score against him on three hits in the eighth, and RHP Marwin Vega (5.24) allowed two hits, hit a batter, and struck out one in the ninth.
CF Gregory Halman (2 2B, 3B, R, .310) led the charge for the offense with three extra-base hits in the game. His first fourteen games in the Southern League have actually been better than his sixty-seven games in California. 1B Marshall Hubbard (.349) added a single and two walks, DH Jon Nelson (.296) and 3B Matt Mangini (R, .237) both had a couple of singles, and RF Mike Wilson (2B, RBI, .271) and C Adam Moore (2B, .306) both had doubles.

High Desert 0, Inland Empire 7 (LA + 3)
The up and down season for RHP Ricky Orta (4.31, L) continued, as he took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits (HR), three walks, and four Ks through three and a third innings. LHP Julio Santiago (4.58) scored one of those, allowing two hits and striking out one through three and two-thirds innings. RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (8.36) had three runs score against him on three hits, a wild pitch, a hit batter, two walks, and a K in the eighth.
The odd thing about this game is that the Mavs were limited to five hits and struck out nine times through eight innings against Eric Cyr. The same Eric Cyr who had a 6.75 ERA through seven appearances for the Rainiers at the beginning of the season. This was his first appearance since rejoining the Dodgers system. DH Chris Minaker (2B, .294) picked up another double, bringing his total for the year to thirty-four, but that was about it.

Peoria 9 (CHC + 6), Wisconsin 7
Peoria has now won eleven straight and the T-Rats have lost eight in a row. LHP Edward Paredes (4.91, PO) lasted only an inning+, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits (HR), a hit batter, and a walk, so it quickly turned into a bullpen day. RHP Ryan Moorer (4.22) pitched in with three frames of work, giving up a solo shot along with three other hits while striking out one. RHP Natividad Dilone (2.89), like Moorer, got bit by the solo home run, but managed to strike out the side in the fifth. RHP Keith Meyer (3.63, PO, L) was the one who took the loss after two runs score on three hits, a hit batter, two walks, and a K in two innings of work. LHP Jose Escalona (5.24) became the fourth T-Rats pitcher to give up a home run on the night, and also had a walk and two strikeouts in two frames.
The two offenses spent much of the game trading blows, so there were a few solid contributors that emerged. 2B Edilio Colina (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .285) managed three hits in the game, including his second home run of the year, and RF Joe Dunigan (2B, HR, 2 RBI, .196) had a couple of hits, including his fifth home run. His double pulled him into a tie with Colina for second on the team with seventeen, and while he’s only had forty-six hits on the season, half of them have gone for extra bases. CF Denny Almonte (2 2B, 2 R, RBI, .271) was close behind, with two doubles and a walk. Almonte now has an isolated slugging of .196 as nineteen-year-old center fielder in the Midwest League. Who saw this working out quite as well as it has? Still striking out in more than a third of his at-bats, however… 1B Alex Liddi (R, RBI, E, .246) and DH Joe White (.211) both had a single and a walk.

Yakima 1 (ARI – 2), Everett 7
I saw it in the Herald and didn’t quite believe it, but RHP Aaron Brown (1.93) started last night and gave up a hit and two walks while striking out three in four innings of work. Brown was strictly a reliever for Everett last year, but I guess he did start fifteen of twenty games for Houston too, so it’s really not all that surprising. RHP Christian Staehely (2.45) let an unearned run score on four hits, a walk, and a K through the next three and two-thirds innings and RHP Javier Martinez (1.29) struck out one in the next inning and a third, closing out the game.
I expected positive results from the offense once RF Dennis Raben (HR, 3 R, .750), but I didn’t expect them so quickly, as Raben had a home run in his first pro plate appearance and collected two other hits before he was through. C Travis Howell (2B, R, .333) also had three hits, and 3B Nate Tenbrink (HR, 2 RBI, .206) added his third home run of they ear with a shot in the third inning. CF Kevin Reynolds (2B, R, .403) and 1B Brandon Fromm (RBI, .194) both had two hits and DH Manelik Pimentel (2B, .155) and LF Ryan Royster (2B, R, .157) added doubles.

Princeton 3 (TB - 2), Pulaski 14
LHP Nick Czyz (2.93, W) ended up being the pitcher who moved into the rotation and his first start was a good one, as he threw six innings and let just one run score on three hits and two walks while striking out five. RHP Tommy Ellis (6.43) gave up a solo home run, hit a batter, and rung up one in the seventh. RHP Taylor Lewis (0.00, E) had an unearned run score against him on a hit and a strikeout in two-thirds of an inning after that, and LHP Brandon Pullen (2.45) took it the rest of the way, allowing two hits and recording Ks for all his outs.
The offense was the big story for the M’s, as two hitters, 2B Deybis Benitez (2B, 2 R, .308) and 1B Kris Sanchez (2 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .370) both had four hits, with Sanchez adding a walk to make his night perfect. There were other good performers throughout, but RF Kalian Sams (2 HR, 4 RBI, .224) leapfrogged them by hitting two home runs in the game, giving him five on the season and an isolated slugging of .221. 3B Mario Martinez (3 2B, R, .333) added three doubles, and is now slugging .530. C Juan Fuentes (2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, .386), LF Jose Rivero (HR, 2 R, .300), and DH Jonathan Arias (HR, 2 RBI, .333) all had two hits, including home runs for each, so the M’s managed six jacks in the game. A couple of the starters did go 0-for in the game, but it’s worth noting that one of them was SS Gabriel Noriega (RBI, E, .000), in his first game out of Arizona, and he didn’t strike out, just lined out and then grounded out four times.

AZL Rangers 1 (+ 3), Peoria Mariners 2 (ten innings)
RHP Kenta Suda (3.38) did far better in his second appearance, allowing six hits and striking out four in five innings of work. RHP Colin Buckborough (6.00, E) followed him, and went five innings with the Rangers’ only run scoring on a hit, a wild pitch, a hit batter, and a K while he struck out five. RHP Aaron Brown (4.50, W) allowed one hit in the tenth and got the win.
The tenth inning run came in a traditional small ball way, with 2B Donnie Jobe (R, 1-2, .111) singling, moving to second on a sac bunt by DH Jarrett Burgess (R, SB, 1-3, BB .156), and being driven home by another single by 2B-SS Cesar Fuentes (RBI, 2-4, .317). 3B Jharmidy de Jesus (RBI, CS, .359) and LF Terry Serrano (.226) both had two singles.

Aguirre Mariners 8, VSL Cardinals 3 (- 1)
RHP Erasmo Ramirez (3.68, PO) went five innings and gave the Cards all of their three runs on seven hits and a wild pitch against four Ks. RHP Mayckol Guaipe (1.88, W) turned in a perfect inning after that, but it was not nearly as impressive as the three-inning relief stint by RHP Yoervis Medina (2.02, S), in which he allowed a hit and a walk and struck out seven of the eleven batters he faced. Nasty.
LF Rafael Torrealba (2 R, RBI, .218), rarely a mention, let alone a headliner, had three hits in the game. Further down in the lineup, 1B Cesar del Rio (R, .268) walked three times. Batting second and a third, 2B Yidido Batista (R, RBI, CS, .265) and 3B Carlos Ramirez (2B, 2 RBI, .274) both had two hits. PH-DH Michael Acevedo (R, RBI, CS, .252) had a hit and a walk in his only two plate appearances.

Today’s Starters:
Tacoma: RHP Andy Baldwin, at Portland, @ 2:00 pm PDT
West Tenn: RHP Travis Chick, in Jackson, @ 5:05 pm PDT
High Desert: LHP Travis Mortimore, at San Bernardino, @ 7:05 pm PDT
Wisconsin: RHP Keith Renaud, in Appleton, @ 4:35 pm PDT
Everett: LHP Bobby LaFromboise, in Everett, @ 7:00 pm PDT
Pulaski: RHP Brooks Mohr, in Pulaski, @ 4:00 pm PDT
Peoria: LHP Ryan Feierabend, M’s lose 3-8.
Aguirre: TBA, in Aguirre
Yamasa: TBA, in Yamasa

Tacoma Rainiers: 44-44, .500, 9.5 GB in PCL Pacific North
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx: 6-11 (47-40), .353 (.540), 5GB in SL North
High Desert Mavericks: 8-7 (40-45), .533 (.471), 1 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 3-13, (34-48), .188 (.415), 8 GB in MWL Western
Everett Aquasox: 7-11, .389, 3 GB in NWL West
Pulaski Mariners: 9-8, .529, 2.5 GB in APL East
Peoria Mariners: 5-6, .454, 2 GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners: 26-17-1, .605, 3 GB in VSL
Yamasa Mariners: 19-8, .704, 1st in Santo Domingo North
Organizational Record: 231-227, .504

Game Recaps (7/3/08)

News of the PCL All-Star Game rosters has come out today. The Rainiers representative will be… RHP Jared Wells. Yes, I’m serious.

In much more awesome news, second-round pick OF Dennis Raben has signed and will be reporting to Everett (suddenly, I need to see an Aquasox game again), and Lailoken dropped by the comments section pointing out that BA has announced several international signings and it looks like, in addition to Morban, the M’s have signed a lanky right-hander from Nicaragua by the name of Jose Valdivia. I thought the M’s might have a chance at him, with a few signings already in system from Nicaragua, but I didn’t want to call it without anything to support the assumption. From what little I’ve read, he sounds like Rafael Soriano plus a couple of inches, with a good fastball and a good slider, but a somewhat slight frame. There are some quality outfielders still left on the market, with neither Rafael nor Yorman Rodriguez signing yet, so we’ll see where things go in the coming days. On to the recaps…

Colorado Springs 5 (COL + 1), Tacoma 3
RHP Rich Dorman (2.66, L) threw five innings and had five runs (four earned) score against him on nine hits (HR), a walk, and eight Ks. Still, there’s some reason for encouragement. His last tour in Tacoma, back in ’06, batters had a 13.2% chance of recording a walk and a 22.4% chance of striking out. This year in Tacoma, in only four appearances mind you, it’s a 4% chance of a walk and a 23.4% chance of a K. RHP Jon Huber (5.72) allowed a hit and struck out one in the next two innings and RHP Jared Wells (4.93) struck out two in the last two innings.
LF-CF Charlton Jimerson (2 2B, R, .242) had a three-hit night to creep back onto the radar. LF Victor Diaz (HR, 2 RBI, .282) added a home run, his twelfth of the season. 3B Matt Tuiasosopo (E, .255) had single and a walk and DH Wladimir Balentien (R, .233) walked twice. Wlad had seven walks in seventeen games prior to being called up and now has nine walks in fifteen games since being demoted.

West Tenn 7, Chattanooga 6 (CIN - 2)
LHP Justin Thomas (4.69) let five runs score in five innings of work on seven hits (HR), a hit batter, three walks, and six Ks. It was his worst outing in over a month and he’d been doing pretty well during that span. RHP Roman Martinez (4.66, W) had an unearned run score against him in an inning and a third on two hits and RHP Shawn Kelley (0.00) scored that run, with three hits, a balk, and strikeout in two and two-thirds innings.
The main story of the game was the home runs by CF Gregory Halman (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB, .283), LF-CF (yes, CF) Johan Limonta (HR, 3 RBI, .294), and DH Jon Nelson (HR, 2 RBI, .291). Halman’s home run in the seventh put the D-Jaxx ahead for good, but he was replaced on the field in the bottom half of the ninth after reaching on error and stealing a base in the top half. Hopefully, he’s all right. RF Mike Wilson (2B, 2 R, .273) missed out on the homers, but he did have a double and three walks. SS Mark Kiger (2 R, CS, .228), who doesn’t generally get those extra-base hits, had a single and two walks leading off. 1B Marshall Hubbard (2B, .349) added a double.

Lancaster 4 (BOS - 4), High Desert 5
Mavs win it with four runs in the ninth, pulling into a tie for first! Well, pitching first… LHP Donnie Hume (3.42) let two runs (one earned) score on four hits (HR), two walks, and three Ks through five and two-thirds innings. RHP Bryan Harris (5.40) allowed a hit and a walk and rung up a pair, pitching through the eighth inning. The ninth opened up with RHP Aaron Cotter (3.46) giving up two runs on four hits and a walk, but LHP Steve Uhlmansiek (2.49, W) got out of the jam with the aid of a strikeout followed by a flyout.
The ninth opened up with SS Carlos Triunfel (R, SB, 1-3, BB, .245) drawing a walk and moving on to third on a single by RF Carlos Peguero (2B, R, 2-4, .296). DH Chris Minaker (2 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2-4, .293) doubled both in and 3B Ronnie Prettyman (2B, R, RBI, 1-4, .357) followed suit with another double to score Minaker. With no one out and a 0-for-3 night at the plate to that point, Scott tried a sacrifice bunt, but the throw went into a right field and Scott reached safely with Prettyman scoring. The only other big thing out of the lineup was 2B Ogui Diaz (HR, SB, E, .258) going 2-for-3 with a home run.

Peoria 5 (CHC + 5), Wisconsin 4
Almost got it… RHP Jake Wild (3.57, L) went five and a third innings, letting four runs score on eight hits (HR), a walk, and six Ks. RHP Joe Kantakevich (7.56) scored one of those runs and had an unearned run score against him on three hits and two Ks in the next two innings. RHP Justin Souza (3.75) let that run cross the plate, walking one, balking, hitting a batter, and striking out two in an inning and two-thirds of work.
The outfield showed a little power in the game, as LF-CF Denny Almonte (HR, .265) and RF Joe Dunigan (HR, .191) both hitting home runs, with Almonte adding one single and Dunigan adding two. 1B (yes, 1B) Alex Meneses (R, .224) had two hits leading off and DH Joe White (.188) had a single and a walk.

Yakima 5 (ARI – 1), Everett 4
RHP Walter Suriel (5.84) had four runs score against him through seven innings of work on four hits (HR), a hit batter, and four walks against seven Ks. Changing things up a bit, RHP Douglas Salinas (5.87, L) had a two-inning relief stint and took the loss, giving up a solo home run along with one other hit and a wild pitch while striking out three. I don’t know who’s starting tomorrow now.
RF Kevin Reynolds (3B, 2 RBI, .397) had two hits leading off, 1B Manelik Pimentel (RBI, .148) had a hit and two walks, and 3B Nate Tenbrink (R, .200), C Travis Howell (2B, R, .293), and CF Ryan Royster (2B, R, .149) all had a hit and a walk. But, help is on the way…

Bristol 11 (CHW + 5), Pulaski 9
I was half-right, but half doesn’t quite cut it, so TBAs it is for the next three outings. RHP Kyle Haas (13.91) went two innings and let six runs (three earned) score on five hits, two walks, and a K. LHP Jose Rios (4.63, L) followed with some long relief, but not too long, as he lasted only three+ innings and let three runs score on three hits against six Ks. He was perfect up until the sixth, when he allowed three straight hits, and RHP Stephen Penney (14.73, BS) scored both of those and one of his own on two hits in an inning of work. RHP Andres Esquibel (4.35) had an unearned run score against him on two hits and two Ks in the last three innings.
LF Jose Rivero (HR, 3 RBI, .293) had the big hit for the M’s, a three-run home run in the fourth, his first of the season, and RF Kalian Sams (HR, E, .204) managed to homer in consecutive games, walking this time rather than adding a single. SS Anthony Phillips (3 R, .196), 2B Deybis Benitez (R, RBI, E, .190), and 1B Kris Sanchez (.310) all had two hits and a walk.

Peoria Mariners 6, AZL Giants 9 (+ 2)
IRHP Brian Oates (4.15, L) couldn’t make it two in a row, as he let four runs score through five innings on three hits (HR), a wild pitch, a hit batter, two walks and five Ks. LHP Richard Ortiz (1.29) pitched the sixth and had two runs (one earned) score against him on two hit batters, a walk, and two Ks. RHP Jeroen de Haas (6.00) followed up with another inning and let three runs (two earned) score on three hits and a hit batter. RHP Randy Castillo (0.00) made his debut in the final inning and struck out one.
SS Cesar Fuentes (2 HR, E, .297) gets some props in this one for hitting two solo home runs, the first of the season for him. He only had two home runs all of last year in the VSL. 3B Jharmidy de Jesus (2B, 2 R, E, .343) and 1B Alfredo Mateo (R, RBI, .297) both reached three times, de Jesus with three hits and Mateo with two and a walk. If not for the five errors, the M’s might’ve had a chance.

VSL Pirates 1 (+ 14), Aguirre Mariners 6
The quality pitching for the VSL M’s continued and helped take down the top team in the league, as RHP Gerardo Esparza (1.07, W) went six and two-thirds innings, letting just one run score on seven hits and a walk while striking out eight. RHP Manuel Campos (4.03) gave up five hits and struck out two in the last two and a third innings.
1B Cesar del Rio (2B, R, RBI, .270) was perfect at the plate in the game, going 3-for-3 with a walk. 3B Carlos Ramirez (2 R, .261), LF Michael Acevedo (R, .246), and RF Kenny Hart (2 RBI, .179) all reached safely twice, the first two with a hit and a walk and Hart with two singles.

Yamasa Mariners 1, DSL Athletics2 6 (0)
RHP Jose Perdomo (3.86, L) let three runs score through five frames after six hits, two walks, and a strikeout. RHP Enrique Rosario (2.45) then turned in a nearly perfect two innings, striking out four, though a runner would reach on a wild pitch. RHP Nelson Germocen (1.69) pitched the eighth and let three runs (two earned) plate on two hits, two walks, and three Ks.
SS Ameilis Carvajal (.236) walked twice and LF Marbin Beltre (R, .258) had a single and a walk. There was only one other hit and one other walk from the rest of the lineup, and A’s pitchers struck out eleven.

Tomorrow’s Starters:
Tacoma: RHP Joe Woerman, at Portland, @ 7:00 pm PDT
West Tenn: RHP Doug Fister, in Jackson, @ 5:05 pm PDT
High Desert: RHP Ricky Orta, at San Bernardino, @ 7:05 pm PDT
Wisconsin: LHP Edward Paredes, in Appleton, @ 5:05 pm PDT
Everett: TBA, in Everett, @ 7:00 pm PDT
Pulaski: TBA, in Pulaski, @ 1:00 pm PDT
Peoria: TBA, in Peoria, @ 9:00 am PDT
Aguirre: TBA, at Cardinals
Yamasa: Off day

Tacoma Rainiers: 44-43, .506, 9.5 GB in PCL Pacific North
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx: 6-10 (47-39), .375 (.547), 5GB in SL North
High Desert Mavericks: 8-6 (40-44), .571 (.476), T-1st in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 3-12, (34-47), .200 (.420), 7 GB in MWL Western
Everett Aquasox: 6-11, .353, 4 GB in NWL West
Pulaski Mariners: 8-8, .500, 3.5 GB in APL East
Peoria Mariners: 4-6, .400, 3 GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners: 25-17-1, .595, 3 GB in VSL
Yamasa Mariners: 19-8, .704, 1st in Santo Domingo North
Organizational Record: 227-223, .504

Game Recaps (7/2/08)

If I had info on the signing period, there’d be a post about it already. Sorry.

Colorado Springs 9 (COL 0), Tacoma 2
RHP Sean White (5.76, L) faced a bad combination of multiple hits and home runs, giving up nine runs through seven innings on thirteen hits (3 HR!!), a wild pitch, two walks, and four Ks. The early innings were what got him, and through the last three frames, he only allowed two baserunners. After that, RHP Chris Jakubauskas (3.00) made an appearance, fresh off the DL, and struck out one in an inning of work. RHP Mumba Rivera (12.00) allowed a hit and struck out one in the ninth.
The outfield, batting fifth through seventh, all had two hits, represented by LF Wladimir Balentien (2B, R, .237), CF Michael Saunders (3B, RBI, .280), and RF Prentice Redman (2B, .311). Flanking them, 1B Shawn Garrett (.298) and 3B Luis Valbuena (2B, R, E, .222) both had a hit and a walk.

West Tenn 5, Chattanooga 11 (CIN - 1)
It wasn’t as bad as his last outing, but LHP Ryan Ketchner (4.47, E, L) still got roughed up a bit, giving up seven runs (four earned) through five and a third innings on eight hits (HR), two walks, and three Ks. RHP Craig James (6.03) let another three score on four hits, a hit batter, and two Ks pitching the next inning. He also let one of Ketch’s runs score, and two of his own would cross after LHP Jason Mackintosh (3.41) came in and let a run score on three hits in an inning and two-thirds of work.
One bit of good news was that 1B Johan Limonta (HR, 2 RBI, .297) hit his first home run since May, his fifth dinger of the year overall. DH Jon Nelson (2B, HR, .292) and LF Brent Johnson (2B, R, RBI, .312) both had a couple of hits, including the fourth home run of the year for Nelson, and RF Mike Wilson (2B, R, 2 SB, .271) had a double and a walk.

Lancaster 6 (BOS - 3), High Desert 7
The season series is going quite a bit better than I remember it going last year. RHP Anthony Varvaro (6.28), whose pitching injury must have been fairly minor, let two runs score in five+ innings on four hits (HR) and five walks while striking out two. RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (7.85) allowed one of Varvaro’s runners to cross and let three runs score on two hits (HR) and a hit batter, the only out he recorded being a K. I’ve heard that he’s trying to go back to his old motion, but that can be an uphill battle, to unlearn something and then learn it all over again. LHP Michael Wagner (4.81, BS) pitched the next inning and two-thirds, allowing a run to score on four hits, two walks, and two Ks. LHP Julio Santiago (5.05, W) picked up his third win of the year, walking two and striking out one in the eighth, and RHP Stephen Richard (5.17, S) allowed two hits and struck out one for the save in the ninth.
The eighth inning run scored when CF James McOwen (2B, R, A, 1-4, .264) doubled, moved to third on a groundout, and scored on a single by LF Leury Bonilla (R, RBI, A, 3-4, .315). 3B Ron Prettyman (HR, .400) also had three hits, including his first home run at the level this year, but he was only demoted three games ago. Prettyman has kind of been free falling since losing the third base starting job to Tui in Tacoma. SS Carlos Triunfel (CS, .243), RF Carlos Peguero (2B, 3B, 2 R, RBI, .294), DH Chris Minaker (2 RBI, .291), and C Korey Feiner (R, .278) all had two hits. Triunfel added his sixteenth walk of the season, and with one more, he’ll tie his totals for last season.

Peoria 8 (CHC + 4), Wisconsin 4
RHP Juan Ramirez (4.59, E, L) had his second poor outing in a row, going just four innings and letting six runs (five earned) score on six hits (2 HR!), a hit batter, a walk and four Ks. RHP Keith Meyer (3.31) got through the next two and two-thirds, giving up one more run on four hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and four strikeouts. RHP Johnny DuRocher (1.69) took it through the eighth, striking out one, and then RHP Natividad Dilone (2.16) let a run score on two hits, a hit batter, and a K in the ninth.
2B Alex Meneses (2 R, .215) had three hits leading off and LF Denny Almonte (3B, 2 RBI, SB, .261) and 1B Ron Garth (R, RBI, .266) both had two hits and a walk. Colina appeared at shortstop in the day game, but went 0-for-5 at the plate.

Everett 4, Vancouver 7 (OAK - 4)
RHP Brett Lorin (3.63) got through five frames this time out, letting two runs plate on six hits and four walks while striking out two. RHP Marquis Pettis (5.68) let another couple of runs score in an inning+ on three walks and a strikeout. RHP Phillip Hann (9.95) scored one of those runs score along wit three of his own (one earned) in two-thirds of an inning after three hits, a walk, and a K. RHP Matt Renfree (4.63) allowed three hits and struck out two over the final inning and a third, but he neither allowed Hann’s runners to score nor had any to score against himself.
CF Kevin Reynolds (RBI, CS, .396) had four hits out of the leadoff spot, though I’m sure he’d probably just prefer to be out of the Northwest League for a change. 2B Luis Nunez (R, RBI, .375) had a couple of hits and SS George Soto (R, 2 RBI, E, .170) had a single and a walk.

Bristol 7 (CHW + 4), Pulaski 8
My prediction for the starter was wrong, and if it’s still wrong tomorrow, we’ll go with TBAs for a while. LHP Fabian Williamson (8.10, PO) pitched four and a third innings and let five runs score on nine hits (HR), a wild pitch, and a walk while striking out seven. RHP Jordan Alvis (9.53) pitched two innings after that, with two runs scoring on three hits and a hit batter. RHP Phillip Roy (0.00, BS, W) let one of those score, tying the game, but picked up the win when the M’s came back to break it. He allowed two hits and struck out two in an inning and a third. RHP Blake Nation (2.57, S) got his first save with two strikeouts in the ninth.
All but one of the starters had a hit in the game, so it was a collective effort, but I think the top honors go to RF Kalian Sams (HR, 2 RBI, .196) for his two hits, including his second home run of the year (the difference in the game). A close runner up was C Tommy Johnson (2B, R, 2 RBI, .368) for his three hits, and some credit should go to LF Jose Rivero (3 R, .294) for the timeliness of his two hits, what with the scoring three times. SS Anthony Phillips (2B, RBI, E, .176) and DH Juan Fuentes (2B, R, RBI, .400) both had doubles and 2B Blake Trinkler (.241) and 1B Guy Welsh (R, RBI, .310) each had hit and a walk.

Peoria Mariners 6, AZL Cubs 7 (- 1)
RHP Fray Martinez (4.80, L) got his regularly scheduled start and went five innings, with seven runs (three earned) scoring on seven hits (HR), a wild pitch, a couple of free passes and three Ks. RHP Yao-wen Chang (0.00) pitched two frames after that, with two each of hits, walks, and strikeouts, along with one wild pitch. LHP Eddy Hernandez (6.00) walked one and struck out one in the eighth.
3B Jharmidy de Jesus (2B, R, SB, E, .290) has brought his average up to respectable levels after a slow start, collecting three hits in this game. 2B-SS Cesar Fuentes (R, E, .281), DH Jonathan Arias (RBI, .250), and LF Terry Serrano (2B, CS, A, E, .227) all had a hit and a walk.

Aguirre Mariners 5, VSL Mets 0 (- 4)
It’s going to be hard to top what Nolan Diaz did earlier with a single appearance, but RHP Jesse Nava (1.27, 2 PO, W) and RHP Reynaldo Sabala (4.35, S) combined for a pretty solid game, with Nava allowing two hits and three walks while ringing up three in six frames of work, and Sabala walking one over the final three.
The offense picked up two runs in the first and didn’t need to look back after that. 3B Carlos Ramirez (3 R, RBI, .254), batting second, led the charge with three hits. 2B Roberto Velasquez (3B, R, .318) and 1B Cesar del Rio (RBI, .252) both had two hits, and LF Michael Acevedo (R, .245), SS Jetsy Extrano (2B, 2 RBI, .248), CF Mario Yepez (RBI, SB, .340), and RF Kenny Hart (.162) all had a hit and a walk.

DSL Cardinals 11 (- 7), Yamasa Mariners 3
Being on top of their division in almost every category, it’s unusual to see Yamasa take a drubbing like this. RHP Miguel Celestino (2.10, L) pitched five frames and had three runs (two earned) score on four hits, two wild pitches, two walks, and four Ks. RHP Gregorio Aquino (9.82) got in a third of an inning after that, allowing two hits and two walks, all of which would come around to score. LHP Anthony Fernandez (4.23) was in charge of two of those runners, though he only had a hit, a wild pitch, and a hit batter through an inning and two-thirds. RHP Joan Vizcaino (0.00) walked one in the eighth. Opening the ninth, RHP Fello Yan (6.75) had the same line as Aquino had through a third of an inning, but only one of those runs was the responsibility of LHP Cristian Rijo (0.00), who allowed a hit and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning. Apparently, one can try to make the switch to the mound, even in the summer leagues.
1B Hector Mercedes (HR, 2 RBI, .283) had a home run, his second, and added a free pass as well. C Hassiel Jimenez (2B, R, PB. .355) and 3B Bertin Sanon (2B, RBI, .300) both had doubles, with Jimenez adding a walk, and DH Mario Flores (R, .321) drew two walks.

Today’s Starters:
Tacoma: RHP Rich Dorman, in Tacoma, @ 7:00 pm PDT
West Tenn: LHP Justin Thomas, at Chattanooga, @ 3:15 pm PDT
High Desert: LHP Donnie Hume, in Adelanto, @ 7:05 pm PDT
Wisconsin: RHP Jake Wild, in Appleton, @ 5:05 pm PDT
Everett: RHP Walter Suriel, in Everett, @ 7:00 pm PDT
Pulaski: LHP Jose Rios (?), in Pulaski, @ 4:00 pm PDT
Peoria: TBA, at Giants, @ 10:30 am PDT
Aguirre: TBA, in Aguirre
Yamasa: TBA, at Athletics2

Tacoma Rainiers: 44-42, .512, 8.5 GB in PCL Pacific North
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx: 5-10 (46-39), .333 (.541), 5.5 GB in SL North
High Desert Mavericks: 7-6 (39-44), .538 (.470), 1 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 3-11, (34-46), .214 (.425), 6.5 GB in MWL Western
Everett Aquasox: 6-10, .375, 3 GB in NWL West
Pulaski Mariners: 8-7, .533, 3.5 GB in APL East
Peoria Mariners: 4-5, .444, 2 GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners: 24-17-1, .585, 3.5 GB in VSL
Yamasa Mariners: 19-7, .731, 1st in Santo Domingo North
Organizational Record: 224-217, .508

Game Recaps (7/1/08)

The international signing period opens tomorrow, with a number of big name players being open for bidding with bonuses the likes of which we haven’t seen before. The Athletics are the favorite to land top prospect RHP Michel Inoa, but there are plenty of other talents available. One strongly linked to the M’s is Dominican OF Julio Morban, a left-hander who handles the bat well, profiles to have some pop, and could possibly play center. Other names will emerge, as the M’s have been players in the market for years, but many more teams are involved now than in the past, so high profile signings may be harder to come by. The good news is, the scouting is so deep that they’ll likely get something out of it anyway.

Additionally, the Southern League All-Star Game rosters have been announced. The D-Jaxx will be represented by LHP Ryan Ketchner, C Adam Moore, OF Mike Wilson, and DH Marshall Hubbard. Dorman, Valbuena, and Mumba Rivera were all voted in, but have since been promoted to Tacoma.

Colorado Springs 2 (COL - 2), Tacoma 12 (seven innings)
RHP Scott Shoemaker (4.62, W) made his second spot start and threw six innings, letting a couple of runs score on two hits (HR), a walk, and two Ks. RHP Tracy Thorpe (6.91) allowed a hit and struck out one in the seventh.
The pitching was good, but the offense was the obvious highlight, with the Rainiers scoring enough runs to look good in a nine-inning game. Top props go to LF Michael Saunders (HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, .279), who was 2-for-4 and hit a two-out grand slam in the second. 1B Bryan LaHair (2B, R, 2 RBI, .257) was the runner-up, collecting a double and walking three times. 2B Tug Hulett (3 R, RBI, .287), 3B Matt Tuiasosopo (2B, R, RBI, .257), C Rob Johnson (2B, 2 R, .277), and SS Oswaldo Navarro (R, RBI, .287) all had two hits, with Johnson adding a walk, and DH Victor Diaz (R, RBI, .295) had a single and a walk. He’s not in Clement territory, but Johnson managed to hit .333/.398/.571 in June, bolstered in part by eleven doubles.

Colorado Springs 4 (- 1), Tacoma 1 (seven innings)
RHP Alfredo Venegas (13.50, L) was called up as Cesar Jimenez joined the Mariners, and went two and two-thirds innings in a start, letting four runs score on six hits, a wild pitch, three walks, and two Ks. LHP Jake Woods (4.60) pitched the next three and a third innings, allowing a couple of hits and a walk while striking out an impressive seven, all the more impressive considering Woods had only rung up twenty-nine in 41.2 innings coming into the game. RHP Jon Huber (6.03) walked two in the seventh.
The offense was considerably less active in game two, but SS Tug Hulett (2B, R, .292) had a couple of hits and LF Wladimir Balentien (CS, .227) had a single and a walk.

West Tenn 8, Chattanooga 7 (CIN - 2)
The D-Jaxx got a little creative with their vacant starting spot, sending out RHP Brodie Downs (4.33) for his first pro start in which he gave up a run on four hits, a wild pitch, four walks, and four strikeouts in five innings. LHP Nelson Payano (3.83) let another run score in the next two innings on a hit, three walks, and four strikeouts. RHP Marwin Vega (5.36, W) got the win, despite a terrible outing in which he let five runs score in just an inning’s worth of work on two hits (HR), a wild pitch, a hit batter, two walks and a K, one of the hits being a grand slam. RHP Shawn Kelley (0.00, S) had another perfect ninth, striking out one.
C Adam Moore (HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, .306) gets the gameball, partially because he led the team with three hits, but mostly because his home run in the ninth decided the game. Close behind in the running were 3B Matt Mangini (R, 2 RBI, .233) and 2B Jeff Dominguez (2B, R, 2 RBI, .229), who both had two hits and a walk. RF Mike Wilson (2B, .270) added a double, SS Mark Kiger (.231) walked twice, and DH Jon Nelson (R, .288) had a single and a walk.

Lancaster 5 (BOS - 2), High Desert 10
LHP Jose Jimenez (1.69, W) was flown in from Pulaski and didn’t do bad at all, all things considered, letting two runs (one earned) score on four hits (HR), a wild pitch, a hit batter, a walk, and five Ks. RHP Brad Reid (18.00) followed him and had a rough go of it, letting three runs score on three hits and a K. LHP Steve Uhlmansiek (2.57) let one of those score and allowed one hit and rung up one in an inning and two-thirds. RHP Aaron Cotter (3.05) turned in an uneventful ninth.
C Travis Scott (HR, 4 RBI, .276) continued his success in Mavericks Stadium by going 3-for-4 with his ninth home run. Of those home runs, six of them have been hit at home. 2B Chris Minaker (R, RBI, E, .288) and 1B Leury Bonilla (2B, R, RBI, E, .306) both added a couple of hits and DH James Davneport (2B, RBI, .250), who will probably see some time at the corners, had a double.

Peoria 5 (CHC + 3), Wisconsin 1
RHP Michael Pineda (1.83, L) had a rough outing by his standards, letting four runs score through six innings on eight hits, four walks, and three Ks. RHP Natividad Dilone (1.23, E) had a balk in the next inning and RHP Rob Harmon (6.98) let an unearned run score on a walk and four Ks in the last two frames. Harmon’s numbers as a reliever are steadily getting better.
2B Edilio Colina (.290) had a single and two walks leading off, 3B Alex Liddi (2B, .250) carried his good hitting into July with a couple of hits, including a double, and CF Maximo Mendez (CS, .246) had a single and a walk. DH Joe White (.100) also rejoined the team and went 0-for-3 with a walk. He’ll probably see some time at first as well.

Everett 6, Vancouver 1 (OAK - 5)
That’s more like it. RHP Stephen Hensley (4.26) got his first start and went three innings, letting a run score on a solo home run and had an additional hit and four Ks on his line. RHP Robbie Dominguez (3.68, W) allowed one hit and two walks while striking out four in four innings of long relief. RHP Christian Staehely (3.68) walked two and struck out one in the last two innings.
Three Aquasox batters managed to reach safely three times, as CF Kevin Reynolds (2B, 2 R, .354) had two hits and a walk, 3B Nate Tenbrink (2 R, SB, .211) had a hit and two walks, and 2B Luis Nunez (2B, .364) had three hits. Two others reached twice, C Travis Howell (R, RBI, .324) with two walks and RF Tyson Gillies (2 RBI, SB, .212) with a single and a walk.

Bristol 3 (CHW + 5), Pulaski 4
RHP Kenn Kasparek (3.21, W) also moved up a spot, though he didn’t seem to suffer any from it as he went six innings allowing just four hits while striking out seven. Kasparek now has fifteen Ks to just two walks in fourteen innings of work. RHP Taylor Lewis (0.00) had two hits, a walk, and two Ks to his line through the next two innings. After that, RHP Jeff Dunbar (3.86) had the first hiccup of his pitching career, letting three runs (two earned) score in the ninth on a hit batter, a fielding error, and a home run, though he would strike out a pair.
Recent contributors were at it again in this one, as 1B Kris Sanchez (2 RBI, .289) had three hits and C Juan Fuentes (R, .419) had a single and a walk. Out of the rest of the group, 3B Mario Martinez (2B, R, .321) hit his third double and CF Jacob Shaffer (.182) had a single and a walk.

Aguirre Mariners 1, VSL Tigers 9 (- 22)
RHP Angel Raga (4.91, E, L) took the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits and two wild pitches against three Ks in four frames of work. This marks one of the rare outings in which he didn’t hand out a free pass, as he now has sixteen walks to nine Ks in 18.1 IP, but coming off of TJ, that shouldn’t be too surprising. LHP Kervin Montbrum (3.80, E) pitched three innings after that, letting a couple of runs (one earned) score on three hits, a walk, and two Ks. RHP Ricardo Pereira (6.23) had three runs score against him on four hits and a walk in the eighth.
The offense was limited to just four hits in the game. Among those hits, DH Jetsy Extrano (2B, R, .248) had a double.

Yamasa Mariners 3, DSL Phillies 1 (-8)
RHP Bruno Mercedes (1.42) made his first start of the season a quality one, going six frames and letting one run score on five hits, a wild pitch, three walks, and six Ks. RHP Julio Antigua (1.29) walked one and struck out one in the seventh, and RHP Nelson Germocen (0.60, E, W) picked up the win in the final two innings, with a hit, a hit batter, two walks, and three Ks to his line.
2B Bertin Sanon (2B, RBI, SB, .297) went 3-for-3 with a walk batting ninth in the order. Sanon is running an .873 OPS in his first year in the league, but he’ll also turn nineteen in a couple of weeks. CF Janelfry Zorilla (2 R, RBI, SB, .163) had two singles and DH Ameilis Carvajal (2B, .245) and C Mario Flores (2B, .333) both doubled.

Tomorrow’s Starters:
Tacoma: LHP Robert Rohrbaugh (?), in Tacoma, @ 7:00 pm PDT
West Tenn: LHP Ryan Ketchner, at Chattanooga, @ 9:15 am PDT
High Desert: TBA, in Adelanto, @ 7:05 pm PDT
Wisconsin: RHP Juan Ramirez, in Appleton, @ 10:05 am PDT
Everett: RHP Brett Lorin, at Vancouver, @ 1:00 pm PDT
Pulaski: LHP Jose Rios (?), in Pulaski, @ 4:00 pm PDT
Peoria: TBA, at Cubs, @ 10:30 am PDT
Aguirre: TBA, at Mets
Yamasa: TBA, in Yamasa

Tacoma Rainiers: 44-41, .518, 7.5 GB in PCL Pacific North
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx: 5-9 (46-38), .359 (.548), 5 GB in SL North
High Desert Mavericks: 6-6 (38-44), .500 (.463), 1 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 3-10, (34-45), .231 (.430), 6 GB in MWL Western
Everett Aquasox: 6-9, .400, 2 GB in NWL West
Pulaski Mariners: 7-7, .500, 4.5 GB in APL East
Peoria Mariners: 4-4, .500, 1.5 GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners: 23-17-1, .575, 4 GB in VSL
Yamasa Mariners: 19-6, .760, 1st in Santo Domingo North
Organizational Record: 221-211, .512