TEXAS LEAGUE (Double-A)
NW Arkansas Naturals 1
Midland RockHounds 9
WP: Kaprielian 2-1 / 1.96
HR: Ramirez (5)
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher James Kaprielian
(5 IP / 1 H / 0 ER / 1 BB / 6 K / Win)
RHP James Kaprielian turned in his best start yet for Midland to help the RockHounds register their second straight win over the Naturals on Thursday. Kaprielian allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 6 over 5 scoreless frames to record the win in his longest outing for the RockHounds. The 25-year-old threw 59 pitches, 42 for strikes, on Thursday, and he’s now allowed just 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 11 in 13 innings over his last 3 appearances for Midland. Designated hitter Chase Calabuig collected 5 hits, including a double, and drove in a pair, while left fielder Tyler Ramirez walked, singled in a run and slugged a two-run homer, and second baseman Nate Mondou singled, doubled and drove in a run for the RockHounds.
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PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (Triple-A)
Las Vegas Aviators 8
Tacoma Rainiers 2
WP: Harvey 1-2 / 7.31
HR: Payton (29), Neuse (27), Barreto (18)
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Matt Harvey
(6 IP / 3 H / 2 ER / 0 BB / 6 K / Win)
RHP Matt Harvey turned in his second straight strong start for the Aviators to lead Las Vegas to its sixth straight victory on Thursday. The former 1st-round draft pick allowed 2 runs on just 3 hits while walking none and striking out 6 over 6 innings of work to earn the win. The 30-year-old threw a total of 69 pitches, 49 for strikes, on Thursday, and he’s now allowed just 2 runs while striking out 11 without issuing a walk over 10 innings of work since joining Las Vegas. RHP Miguel Romero threw 3 scoreless innings in relief to secure his 2nd save. Left fielder Mark Payton and second baseman Sheldon Neuse both homered for the third straight night, while third baseman Franklin Barreto belted his 3rd home run in his last 5 games. Payton hit a three-run homer and drew a pair of walks, while Neuse singled and slugged a solo shot, and Barreto drew a walk and drilled a three-run homer to help Las Vegas extend its lead over El Paso to two games in the PCL’s Pacific Southern Division.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (Class-A)
Kane County Cougars 2
Beloit Snappers 1
LP: McIntyre 3-10 / 4.51
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Aiden McIntyre
(6 IP / 2 H / 1 R / 0 ER / 2 BB / 5 K)
The Snappers suffered their sixth straight loss on Thursday. Starter Richard Guasch gave up 1 run over 4 frames, while RHP Aiden McIntyre was solid in relief, allowing just 1 unearned run in 6 innings of work, but he still ended up being saddled with the loss. Center fielder Devin Foyle singled, walked, stole a base and scored the Snappers’ sole run in the loss.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (Class-A Short-Season)
Lowell Spinners 0
Vermont Lake Monsters 3
WP: Morban 2-1 / 2.64
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Richard Morban
(4.2 IP / 3 H / 0 ER / 3 BB / 3 K / Win)
Three Vermont pitchers combined to shut out the Spinners on just four hits on Thursday. This year’s 2nd-round draft pick for the A’s, RHP Tyler Baum, made the start and threw 3 scoreless innings, while 21-year-old Dominican RHP Richard Jose Morban tossed 4 2/3 scoreless frames in relief, and 21-year-old Dominican RHP Jose Mora got the final four outs, all on strikeouts, to complete the shutout and secure his 11th save. This year’s top draft pick for the A’s, shortstop Logan Davidson, doubled, drew a walk and scored a run, while designated hitter Dustin Harris singled, walked twice and scored a run, and center fielder Kevin Richards tripled with the bases loaded to drive in 3 runs for the Lake Monsters.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (Rookie Short-Season)
AZL A’s Green 12
AZL Cubs-1 11
WP: H.Lopez 1-0 / 0.00
Prospect Of The Game:
Outfielder Matt Koehler
(4 for 4 / Double / Walk / 2 Stolen Bases)
The AZL A’s Green squad notched a one-run win over the Cubs on Thursday. This year’s 31st-round draft pick for the A’s, left fielder Matt Koehler, had 4 hits, including a double, drew a walk, swiped a pair of bases and scored twice, while designated hitter Brayan Buelvas tripled, doubled, drove in a pair and stole a base, and third baseman Givaine Basilia drew a walk and singled in the tying and winning runs in the top of the 9th. RHP Pedro Santos made the start and gave up 3 runs, 2 earned, in 1 1/3 innings of work, while catcher Hansen Lopez took to the mound and got the final five outs to pick up the win for the A’s.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (Rookie Short-Season)
AZL Angels 4
AZL A’s Gold 2
LP: Whittlesey 5-3 / 4.85
Prospect Of The Game:
Pitcher Charles Hall
(4 IP / 1 H / 0 ER / 0 BB / 4 K)
This year’s 33rd-round draft pick for the A’s, RHP Charles Hall, turned in his third straight solid start on Thursday, allowing just 1 hit while striking out 4 over 4 scoreless frames, and he’s now thrown 12 scoreless innings over his last 3 starts for the A’s. RHP Brock Whittlesey allowed 1 unearned run in 2 1/3 innings of relief to suffer the loss. Center fielder Ramon Martinez singled, doubled and drove in a run for the A’s in the loss.
Friday’s Games:
Las Vegas @ Tacoma: 7:05pm PT
Springfield @ Midland: 5:00pm PT / 7:00pm CT
San Jose @ Stockton: 7:10pm PT
Kane County @ Beloit: 4:30pm PT / 6:30pm CT
Lowell @ Vermont: 4:05pm PT / 7:05pm ET
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