Pitcher Paul Blackburn
(7 IP/1 H/0 ER/2 BB/7 K)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (Triple-A)
Albuquerque Isotopes 0
Las Vegas Aviators 1
WP: Wendelken 2-1 / 10.38
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Paul Blackburn
(7 IP/ 1 H / 0 ER / 2 BB / 7 K)
Las Vegas shut out Albuquerque on just three hits to win its third straight over the Isotopes on Thursday. RHP Paul Blackburn turned in an outstanding start to lead the way for Las Vegas. The 25-year-old allowed just 1 hit while striking out 7 over 7 shutout innings, but he left with the game a scoreless tie. RHP Miguel Romero tossed 2 scoreless innings in relief, and the game remained scoreless heading into the 10th. But third baseman Sheldon Neuse came through with the Aviators’ second hit of the game when he singled in the winning run with one out in the bottom of the 10th as Las Vegas won in a walk-off. RHP J.B. Wendelken picked up the win for the second straight night after tossing a scoreless frame in the top of the 10th for the Aviators.
Click here for more on Midland, Stockton & Beloit…
A’s Highlights…
TEXAS LEAGUE (Double-A)
Midland RockHounds 4
Amarillo Sod Poodles 5
LP: Gorman 2-2 / 4.50
HR: Blanco 2 (4), Heim (3)
Prospect Of The Game:
Outfielder Dairon Blanco
(2 for 4 / 2 Home Runs / 3 RBIs)
The RockHounds registered their third straight loss on Thursday. Catcher Jonah Heim homered for the second straight game to put the Hounds on the board in the 2nd inning. Center fielder Dairon Blanco slugged a solo shot of his own in the 3rd and then followed that up belting a two-run blast in the 5th. RHP Matt Milburn allowed 3 runs over 5 1/3 frames and left the game with a one-run lead. LHP Zack Erwin then tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief, but RHP John Gorman gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to suffer the loss as Amarillo won in a walk-off on Thursday.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (High-A)
Stockton Ports 1
Lake Elsinore Storm 5
LP: Cotton 0-1 / 9.00
HR: Mullen (1)
Prospect Of The Game:
Catcher Robert Mullen
(1 for 4 / Home Run)
Stockton suffered its second straight loss to Lake Elsinore on Thursday. RHP Jharel Cotton allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, including a pair of home runs, while walking none and striking out 2 in 2 1/3 innings of work to take the loss for Stockton. Cotton threw 45 pitches, 33 for strikes. Catcher Robert Mullen homered in his California League debut to provide the Ports’ sole run in the loss.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (Class-A)
GAME #1
Clinton LumberKings 6
Beloit Snappers 11
WP: Danielak 1-0 / 0.68
HR: Schwarz (1)
Prospect Of The Game:
Second Baseman Max Schuemann
(4 for 4 / 3 Doubles / RBI)
Beloit battled back from a six-run deficit to claim victory over Clinton in the completion of Wednesday’s suspended game on Thursday. Starter Bryce Conley gave up 3 runs in 1 inning of work on Wednesday. When play resumed on Thursday, RHP Adam Reuss took over on the mound and allowed 3 runs, 2 earned, over 5 frames, but Beloit bounced back to put 11 runs on the board. Second baseman Max Schuemann collected 4 hits, including 3 doubles, drove in a run and scored a run, while first baseman JJ Schwarz singled, homered and drove in 5 runs, and designated hitter John Jones singled, doubled, drew a walk, drove in a run and scored twice for the Snappers.
GAME #2
Clinton LumberKings 3
Beloit Snappers 2
LP: McIntyre 1-2 / 2.48
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Aiden McIntyre
(5 IP / 5 H / 1 ER / 2 BB / 8 K)
The Snappers suffered a one-run loss in Thursday’s second game, but RHP Aiden McIntyre turned in another solid start. Last year’s 22nd-round draft pick for the A’s was charged with 3 runs, but just 1 was earned, while striking out 8 over 5 frames, and he’s now notched at least 8 strikeouts in each of his last 4 outings. Beloit batters managed just four hits in the game, and second baseman Joseph Pena singled in a pair of runs to provide the Snappers’ only scoring in the loss.
Friday’s Games:
Albuquerque @ Las Vegas: 7:05pm PT
Midland @ Amarillo: 5:05pm PT / 7:05pm CT
Stockton @ Inland Empire: 7:05pm PT
Beloit @ Kane County: 4:30pm PT / 6:30pm CT
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm. You can also get our exclusive A’s minor league newsletter e-mailed to you free by signing up here.