TEXAS LEAGUE (Double-A)
Midland RockHounds 7
Corpus Christi Hooks 6
WP: Gorman 2-1 / 3.38
HR: Brown (4)
Prospect Of The Game:
First Baseman Seth Brown
(3 for 5 / Home Run / Double / 2 RBIs)
The RockHounds twice battled back from deficits to prevail over Corpus Christi on Friday. First baseman Seth Brown collected a total of 3 hits, including a 2-run homer in the 4th inning to bring Midland back within a run. He also doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 5th. Brown’s been on a tear of late, and he’s now 15 for 33 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs over his last 8 games for the RockHounds. RHP Joel Seddon allowed 4 runs over 5 frames but left the game with his team up by a run after Brown scored in the 5th. RHP John Gorman then gave up 2 runs in 2 innings of relief to surrender the lead. Center fielder Brett Vertigan had 2 hits and singled in the tying run in the top of the 8th, while second baseman Eli White singled twice, drew a walk, stole a base and drove in the winning run in the 8th, and shortstop Richie Martin had 3 hits, including a pair of doubles, and scored the winning run for the RockHounds. Despite giving up a pair of runs, Gorman picked up the win, and LHP Dean Kiekhefer got the final three outs to secure his 2nd save for the Hounds.
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PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (Triple-A)
Colorado Springs Sky Sox 3
Nashville Sounds 4
WP: Alcantara 3-1 / 6.64
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Raul Alcantara
(4 IP / 2 H / 0 ER / 0 BB / 3 K / Win)
The Sounds scored their second straight win to raise their record back to an even .500 on Friday. Starter Chris Bassitt surrendered 3 runs in the 1st inning to put Nashville in an early hole, but by the time he left after the 3rd inning, the Sounds held a one-run edge. Shortstop Jorge Mateo had 2 hits, including a double, and drove in 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning, while left fielder Nick Martini singled twice in the game and drove in the tying and winning runs in the 2nd. Center fielder B.J. Boyd collected 3 hits, including a double, for the Sounds. RHP Raul Alcantara took over in the top of the 4th after Bassitt’s exit and was outstanding in relief, striking out 3 over 4 scoreless frames to earn his 3rd win. RHP J.B. Wendelken pitched a perfect 8th in his first appearance since being promoted to Triple-A, and RHP Josh Lucas got the final three outs in the 9th to notch his 2nd save for Nashville. And with Oakland outfielder Stephen Piscotty going on the bereavement list, Sounds RHP Kendall Graveman was promoted to make the start for the A’s on Friday.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (High-A)
Stockton Ports 8
Inland Empire 66ers 7
WP: Gilbert 2-0 / 0.00
Prospect Of The Game:
Shortstop Kevin Merrell
(4 for 5 / Double / 2 RBIs)
The Ports prevailed in 10 innings over Inland Empire to win for the third time in their last four games and remain tied with San Jose for first place in the California League North Division on Friday. Shortstop Kevin Merrell had a big night at the plate, collecting 4 hits, including a double, and driving in a pair of runs for the Ports. Second baseman Brallan Perez singled, tripled and scored twice, while catcher Jonah Heim singled and doubled in a pair of runs to extend his league-best hitting streak to 18 games, and designated hitter Dairon Blanco drove in the winning run in the top of the 10th with a sacrifice fly for Stockton. Starter Jake Bray allowed 4 runs over 5 frames, while RHP Brendan Butler gave up 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings of relief, and LHP Will Gilbert tossed a scoreless 9th and 10th to pick up his 2nd win for the Ports.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (Class-A)
Lansing Lugnuts 5
Beloit Snappers 3
LP: Ruiz 0-2 / 5.19
HR: Armenteros (2)
Prospect Of The Game:
Designated Hitter Lazaro Armenteros
(2 for 4 / Home Run)
After winning three straight earlier in the week, the Snappers dropped their third straight on Friday. Starter Jean Ruiz allowed 4 runs, 2 earned, over 4 frames to suffer his 2nd loss for the Snappers. 18-year-old designated hitter Lazaro Armenteros singled and slugged his 2nd home run in his first four games for Beloit, while center fielder Austin Beck and right fielder Jack Meggs had a pair of hits apiece in the loss. Meanwhile, infielder Jesus Lage was reassigned to the Snappers from Stockton, and Beloit first baseman Miguel Mercedes was sent to extended spring training in Arizona.
Saturday’s Games:
Nashville @ Memphis: 4:35pm PT / 6:35pm CT
Midland @ Corpus Christi: 5:05pm PT / 7:05pm CT
Stockton @ Inland Empire: 6:05pm PT
Lansing @ Beloit: 2:00pm PT / 4:00pm CT
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