The Blue Rocks split their doubleheader which helped the affiliates go 3-2 on the day.
HR Roll Call None
BP KC Hitter of the Day – Bubba Starling 2-3 2-2b, BB, 2 R, RBI, SB (7)
BP KC Pitcher of the Day – Pedro Fernandez 7 IP 3 H 0 R 0 BB 8 K 91p/60k 3-6 GO-FO
The Royals moved Cheslor Cuthbert up to Kansas City with the injury to Mike Moustakas In addition, Hunter Dozier moved up to Omaha and Zane Evans came off the DL at Double-A.
Omaha Storm Chasers 5 Iowa Cubs 4
The Chasers two biggest name prospects had a couple big RBI hits to help their team take down the Cubs Saturday night. Newcomer Hunter Dozier provided a two run single in the 1st inning and later scored in the 8th for an insurance run that proved to be the difference maker. Along with Dozier, outfielder Jorge Bonifacio provided a key bloop double down the right-field and later scored on one of Jose Martinez’s four hits. Starter Luke Farrell did his job, working five and one-third innings while allowing just one run and striking out seven but missing out on gaining the win. Reliever Peter Moylan loaded the bases with a hit by pitch just a few days after giving up a HBP that allowed Memphis to win in walkoff fashion. The former major league reliever steadied the ship and got the final groundout to hang onto the win for the Chasers who have the best record in the PCL currently.
Hunter Dozier 1-3 R, BB, 2 RBI
Jorge Bonifacio 1-3 2b, 2R, RBI, BB
Jose Martinez 4-4 RBI
NW Arkansas Naturals 3 Arkansas Travelers 0
Perhaps it is pitching coach Steve Luebber that is the key to Christian Binford’s success as the right-hander has suddenly found his groove again after a difficult ’15 campaign. It should be considered no coincidence that Luebber’s first season with the Naturals has resulted in Binford finding his former self as he threw his third consecutive seven inning start with this one being even slightly better than the past two. It was a season high seven and one-third shutout innings for Binford with a season high eight strikeouts, working around five hits and a pair of walks. The Naturals lineup was lessened a tad with the loss of Hunter Dozier to Omaha but one of the most talented players, Bubba Starling provided enough offense with a pair of doubles and runs scored in the Naturals fifth consecutive road win.
Ryan O’Hearn 1-4 2 K
Christian Binford 7.1 IP 5 H 0 R 2 BB 8 K 5-3 GO-FO 87p/60k
Mauricia Ramos 2-4 RBI hitting .330 w/ 4 consecutive multi-hit games
Game 1
Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4 Wilmington Blue Rocks 0
The debut of Kyle Zimmer didn’t go all that badly as the right-handed starter got in 52 pitches, showed solid velocity while striking out five hitters in 1.2 innings. He tired and missed the zone late but showed the pitches he needs to be successful, now the real test which is the recovery period before his next start. The Rocks Zach Lovvorn followed Zimmer, giving up four runs in 4.2 innings to take the loss when the offense couldn’t push a run across in the seven inning shortened game.
Alfredo Escalera 1-3
Kyle Zimmer 1.2 IP 2 H 0 R 2 BB 5 K 52/31k
Corey Toups 1-3
Game 2
Wilmington Blue Rocks 2 Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0
In game two, Wilmington starter Pedro Fernandez put together likely his most impressive start in his career. Working through four perfect innings Fernandez dominated Pelican hitters for a shortened complete game while allowing just 3 hits. The Latin hurlers control has been much better this season culminating in a zero walk performance on the night while striking out eight hitters on the evening and showing resiliency after his worst start of the season. The offense rewarded Pedro with a victory with a Wander Franco RBI double in the first inning and a Robert Pehl run scoring double in the 4th.
Brandon Downes 2-3 2b, R
Wander Franco 2-3 2b, RBI
Corey Toups 1-3 R
Greensboro Grasshoppers 9 Lexington Legends 3
The struggles continued for Nolan Watson with a first inning grand slam and another run allowed in the 2nd as he gave up five runs in 4 innings of work The first rounder’s ERA continues to hover around the 11 with over a 2 WHIP and not enough strikeouts to make a dent. The early deficit was enough to win the game but Greenville wasn’t done there, adding a three run 6th inning and another run in the 8th. The offense didn’t put up much of a fight with four hits and no walks on the evening.
Nolan Watson 4 IP 4 H 5 ER 3 BB 2 K
Cody Jones 1-4 2b, 2 RBI
Ben Johnson 1-3