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A couple of minor league notes before we get to the recaps. First the Midwest League All Stars were announced on Friday, and 3 Loons pitchers were selected to participate; Red Patterson, Garrett Gould, and Ryan Christenson. The other news relates to minor league transactions that occurred. Shawn Tolleson and Anthony Jackson were removed from the Lookouts roster and were replaced by Stuart Pomeranz and Joel Lima. The surprise here is that Lima, who I had ranked as the #88 prospect heading into this season, has been promoted all the way to AA after spending 2010 in the Arizona Rookie League and 2008 - 2009 in the DSL. Also, I wouldn't read too much into Tolleson being taken off the Chattanooga roster. The team probably just needed another arm in their bullpen and Shawn had thrown 2 innings the night before. One other roster move is that Luis Vasquez has finally been activated from the DL while Andres Santiago has been sent to extended spring training.
Minor League Player of the Day – Angel Sanchez - 5 IP, 2 hits, 0 Runs, 4 K's. Sanchez is a new name to the Dodger organization as he was signed as a 20 year old last season and didn't debut until 2011, but so far he has been great. All I know about the 6'3" Dominican is that he throws in the low 90's, but I'm guessing he has decent secondary stuff since he's shut down the opposition thus far this year.
AAA – Dava Eveland and the rest of the Isotope pitching staff had a solid game on Friday as Albuquerque pulled off a 3 to 2 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals). Eveland tossed 7 innings of 5-hit ball in which he allowed just 2 runs and struck out 4. Mario Alvarez and Merkin Valdez each allowed a hit and a walk in an inning of relief, but both left the game unscathed to secure the victory. At the plate it was three different Isotope hitters that lead the team to the victory. John Lindsey went 2 for 4 with a homer, while Russ Mitchell had 2 doubles in 4 at bats with an RBI. Marcus Thames also left an impression in his final game in AAA as he hit his 2nd homer as an Isotope.
AA – The Lookouts' game out out of hand quickly as the Barons (White Sox) scored 8 runs in the first 2 innings and ended up beating Chattanooga 13 to 3. Starter Michael Antonini took the majority of the beating as the gave up 9 hits and 9 runs (7 earned) in 4 innings of work. He was followed by Joel Lima, who excelled in his full season debut with 2 shutout innings. Justin Miller struggled yet again in relief as he gave up 3 runs to increase his ERA to 7.23, so infielder Ivan Ochoa had to come in and get the final out for the Lookouts. The hitters managed just 6 hits in the game, all singles, so there really isn't anything worth writing about in terms of offense.
HiA – The Quakes made 5 errors which resulted in 5 unearned runs and a 7 to 4 loss to the High Desert Mavericks. Rancho starting pitcher Aaron Miller threw 6 innings and stuck out 5 while allowing just 6 hits, but he gave up 5 runs (2 earned) and picked up the loss in this game. Luis Vasquez made a successful return to the Quakes with a shutout inning of work, then Javy Solano threw the final 2 innings of the game and struck out 4 while allowing 2 unearned runs. At the plate, the rehabbing Juan Uribe went 2 for 4 with a double, while Travis Denker crushed a double and a homer which resulted in 3 RBI's. Blake Smith also had 2 hits and collected an RBI in this game.
LoA – The Loons didn't record a 3rd straight walk-off on Friday, but they did score a go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th and held on a for 4 to 3 victory over the Peoria Chiefs (Cubs). Preston Mattingly was the de-facto hero in this one as he hit the sac fly to score Christian Lara and put Great Lakes ahead. He was supported by Bobby Coyle, Michael Pericht, and Lara, who all had a double and a single in this game. Zach Lee got the start but was again limited to a strict pitch count as he lasted just 3 innings. Zee gave up 4 hits and 3 runs in his outing, although he did strike out 4 and didn't walk a batter. Angel Sanchez threw 5 innings in relief and yet again had a superb outing as he gave up just 2 hits and 1 walk without allowing a run. I'm not sure how this 21 year old rookie is getting the job done, but he has been outstanding thus far in 15.1 innings as batters are hitting just .140 against him. Logan Bawcom finished off the game in style as the struck out all 3 batters he faced for his 4th save of the year.
DSL – Postponed
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)