A 2-2 day on the day for the minor leaguers despite plenty of offense.
HR Roll Call – Samir Duenez (1), Ryan O’Hearn (3), Bubba Starling (3), Hunter Dozier, (3), Cheslor Cuthbert (2)
BP KC Hitter of the Day – Samir Duenez 4-4 HR (1), 2b (5), 3 RBI (12) SB (5)
Samir Dunez – Credit Mary Lay/Lexington Legends
BP KC Pitcher of the Day – David Huff 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Omaha Storm Chasers 3 New Orleans Zephyrs 2
The Chasers continued the formula that has been working, getting quality pitching and some timely hitting to extend their winning streak to five games. Starter Clayton Mortensen and reliever David Huff combined to work eight innings of one run ball with 10 K’s and just five baserunners allowed before giving way to Scott Alexander to earn the save. The Chaser offense could muster just three runs on the day but they were timely and effective. A sac fly from Jose Martinez following a Jarrod Dyson single in the 1st, a solo home run from Cheslor Cuthbert in the 6th and a two out RBI single from Cody Decker in that same inning. The Chasers will attempt to finish off the four game sweep on Monday prior to heading to Round Rock
Jose Martinez 2-3 RBI hitting .286
Jarrod Dyson 2-2 R, SB (4)
Cheslor Cuthbert 1-3 HR, BB
Midland RockHounds 9 NW Arkansas Naturals 8
The Naturals couldn’t stop the A’s big name prospects as Matt Chapman, BP #6 prospect and Frankin Barreto, BP #1 team prospects combined to go 5 for 8 with three home runs and seven RBI. The RockHounds cameback from a 7-2 deficit to push the Naturals losing streak to four games. Starter Eric Skoglund was rolling until his second and third times facing Chapman, as the right-handed hitter took him out to right-center prior to a double later in the game. The Naturals on the offensive side jumped out in front with a Bubba Starling home run and a big five run 5th inning thanks in part to a RockHounds two out error. The offense went silent from there until Hunter Dozier’s game tying home run in the 8th, but Midland would answer right back in the 9th for the win.
Hunter Dozier 2-3 HR (3), RBI (5), 2BB, 2R
Eric Skoglund 5.2 IP 8 H 4 ER 1 BB 5 K 3 HR
Logan Moon 2-4 R, RBI
Wilmington Blue Rocks 8 Potomac Nationals 2
The Blue Rocks used a big 6th inning to take the four game series with the Nationals three to one. That sixth inning was preceded by a Ryan O’Hearn home run in the 4th, and a 5th inning RBI double from Corey Toups. Lefty starter Colin Rodgers was rewarded with the win after delivering five innings of two-run ball, navigating around four walks and five hits. Coming back from Tommy John surgery Rodgers hadn’t shown velocity, but the curveball remains a weapon to keep hitters honest. His pitchability is above grade enough to earn wins at the High-A level. That 6th inning featured an RBI double from hot-hitting Austin Bailey, RBI singles by shortstop Humberto Arteaga, O’Hearn and Brandon Downes to finish off the eight run outburst.
Ryan O’Hearn 2-5 HR (3), 2R, 3 RBI
Chad Johnson 2-5 2b
Colin Rodgers 5 IP 5 H 2 ER 4 BB 2 K
West Virginia Power 5 Lexington Legends 4
After looking impressive at home, the Legends took their show on the road and promptly got swept by the Pirates Low-A franchise in rather emphatic fashion. At no point in this series did the Legends look as talented as the Power from top to bottom and that continued on Sunday. That’s despite a great day at the plate by first baseman Samir Duenez, whose perfect 4 for 4 day didn’t do much other than keep the game close. Starter Scott Blewett’s struggles continued with four runs (3 ER) over his four innings on 5 hits and 2 walks, no report as to whether his early season velocity has rebounded yet or not. The Legends will head to Asheville to take on the Colorado Rockies Low-A affiliate next, with Foster Griffin on the mound Monday.
Cody Jones 3-5 2 R, 2-2b
Scott Blewett 4 IP 5 H 4 R 3 ER 2 BB 3 K
Emilio Ogando 4 IP 3 H 1 Er 0 BB 4 K