The Loons collected the only Dodger minor league win on Sunday, and there were very few standout performances to write about.
Minor League Player of the Day – Michael Antonini - 6 IP, 3 Hits, 1 Run, 2 K's. There weren't many candidates for this award, so I gave it to Antonini despite the 4 walks and lack of K's. He did allow just 3 hits over 6 innings which of course is impressive, and in the month of July he went 4 - 0 with a 2.08 ERA.
AAA – The post Robinson era began with a loss on Sunday as Albuquerque was defeated by the Zephyrs (Marlins) 9 to 3. Starter Randy Keisler got knocked around for 8 runs in 2.2 innings, so the game was out of reach early. His relievers did solid work, but nobody was impressive enough to mention. On offense, Jay Gibbons drove in all of the Isotope runs with a 3-run homer, while Jamie Hoffmann went 2 for 4. Justin Sellers, the new everyday shortstop, had a double for the only other extra base hit of the game for the Topes.
AA – The Lookouts went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position and the result was a 3 to 2 loss to the BayBears (Dbacks). Only two players stood out at the plate as Alfredo Silverio hit 2 doubles and Ivan Ochoa connected on 2 triples. Starter Michael Antonini allowed just 3 hits over 6 innings and gave up just 1 run. Cole St. Clair took the loss in relief after he allowed more than one earned run for the first time all season.
HiA – The Quakes had a comfortable lead after 6 innings, but the Rawhide (Dbacks) hung a couple of crooked numbers over the next two frames and came away with a 10 to 6 win over Rancho. Aaron Miller, who was making his first non-rehab start since June 9th, was solid for 2.1 innings as he allowed just 1 hit and struck out 3. He also walked 2, and I'm sure was on a very strict pitch count which is why he had an abbreviated outing. Andy Suiter tossed the next 3.2 innings and gave up just 1 run, then the flood gates opened when Robert Romero entered the game. Romero allowed 4 runs, then Carlos Frias provided no relief as he gave up 5 runs to pick up the loss. At the plate, every player in the Quakes lineup had a hit, although the only extra base knock was a double by Jake Lemmerman. JT Wise went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI's, and Ramon Jean also drove in 2 runs.
LoA – The Loons had just 4 hits on Sunday, but 3 of them left the yard as Great Lakes melted the TinCaps 6 to 4. Jessie Bosnik crushed a solo shot in the 6th for his 5th homer in 9 days, then Jonathan Garcia connected on a 2-run bomb in the 8th to put his team up for good. Bryant Hernandez added an insurance homer in the 9th to finish off the scoring. Leon Landry's single was the Loons only other hit of the day, and he also stole 2 bases. On the mound, Ryan Christenson started this game and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits through 6 innings. He didn't walk a batter, but only struck out 1. Bret Montgomery gave up just 1 unearned run in relief which resulted in his 5th win of the season, then Scott McGough picked up his 2nd save with a hitless 9th.
Rookie Ogden – The Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals) put up a 9 spot in the 5th inning and cruised to an easy 13 to 6 win over the Raptors. Starter Jose Dominguez was solid through 4 frames, but in the 5th he ran into some trouble and was pulled after allowing 6 runs. Carlos De Aza came in from the bullpen but he didn't have the answer either as he quickly gave up 4 runs without recording an out which put the game out of reach. Despite a late rally, the Raptors didn't do much at the plate as Alexis Aguilar's double was the team's only extra base hit. Andrew Edge went 3 for 5 and drove in 2 runs, while Matt Kirkland (1 RBI) and Jan Vasquez (2 RBI's) both went 2 for 3.
Rookie Arizona – Off day
DSL – The Dominican Dodgers lost to the Astros 3 to 2 in a game that lasted just 7 innings. 21 year old starter Victor Araujo pitched almost the whole game, but picked up the loss as he allowed 6 hits and all 3 runs. At the plate both Webster Rivas and Abinaer Soriano doubled and drove in a run, but that was pretty much it for the offense.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)
Great Lakes Loons Box Score (LoA)
Ogden Raptors Box Score (Rookie)