The Dodger minor league teams split the day as the Isotopes and Loons picked up wins, while the Lookouts and Quakes were defeated.
Minor League Player of the Day – Elian Herrera - 3 for 4, 2 2B's, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 SB. Herrera helped the Isotopes win on Friday as he recorded half of the team's hits and scored 2 runs from the leadoff spot. Elian is a useful player for Albuquerque because he can play all over the field and has good speed, but given his background it appears that his offensive outburst so far in 2012 is due to the hitter friendly environment of the PCL.
AAA – The Isotopes defeated the Cubs 5 to 4 on Friday to complete a 4 game sweep of Iowa. Albuquerque scored 3 early runs on an RBI groundout and a single by Trent Oeltjen that drove in 2, then held on despite a late rally by the Cubs. The only other offensive standout was Elian Herrera who went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and a RBI, and is now hitting .350 for the season. Starter Mike Parisi had his best outing of the young season as he allowed 2 runs on just 3 hits over 7 innings, and recorded his first victory of the season. Scott Rice made things interesting in the 9th as he allowed a score and let the tying runner reach base, but he eventually closed it down for his 3rd save of the season.
AA – Chris Withrow made his 2012 debut for the Lookouts on Friday, and despite a solid performance his team was unable to come away with the victory as Chattanooga lost to the Smokies 3 to 2. Withrow started the game with 4 scoreless frames before losing his touch in the 5th, and overall he allowed just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 3. Geison Aguasviva gave up a run in relief, then it was Steve Ames who had an uncharacteristic performance as he permitted 5 hits in just 1.1 innings which resulted in both the blown save and the loss. The Lookout offense didn't provide much help as the team managed just 4 singles in this game. Two of those base knocks came from the struggling Griff Erickson who also drove in both runs for Chattanooga.
HiA – Angel Sanchez had one of his worst performances since joining the organization as the Rawhide (Dbacks) roughed up the Quakes on Friday 8 to 4. Sanchez allowed 7 runs on the night on 9 hits over 4.1 frames, although 2 of the runs were unearned and he didn't walk a batter. Jordan Roberts was outstanding in relief as he tossed 3.2 perfect innings, but at that point the game was too far out of reach. Rancho collected 10 hits in the loss, and was led by newcomer Scott Wingo who went 3 for 5 with two triples and an RBI. Nick Akins and Jonathan Garcia also had multi-hit nights, while Chris O'Brien's double was the only other extra base hit of the game for the Quakes.
LoA – The Loons scored in 6 different innings on Friday and ended up with a 7 to 5 victory over the Chiefs (Cubs). The offensive load was split between several players in the Great Lakes lineup, starting with Kevin Taylor who went 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI's. James Baldwin had the only other multi-hit game with a pair of singles, and he stole 2 bases and scored two runs two boot. Devin Shines and Jesse Bosnik also contributed with a long ball each. Starting pitcher Arismendy Ozoria pitched the minimum 5 innings to record the victory and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits and 5 walks. Jose Dominguez gave up 2 runs in relief over 3 innings but struck out 5, while Eric Eadington punched out the side in the 9th to pick up his 3rd save of the season.
Coming up – Allen Webster's start got pushed back one day due to the return of Withrow, but he should be on the mound for the Lookouts on Saturday. He'll be overshadowed by Zach Lee who is making his first home weekend start of the season for the Quakes, and I'm sure he'll draw a big crowd. Jarret Martin will look to continue his solid start for the Loons, while Michael Antonini will take the mound for the Isotopes.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Lance Zawadzki was assigned to the Isotopes while Joe Becker was sent to Rancho Cucamonga. AA: Chris Withrow was activated from the DL and Jon Michael Redding was sent to Rancho Cucamonga. HiA: To make room for the new additions mentioned above, Leon Landry was placed on the DL due to a concussion. LoA: Delvis Morales was assigned back to extended spring training while Pedro Guerrero was placed on the Loons roster.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)