Minor League Player of the Day – Joc Pederson - 2 for 5, 1 HR, 5 RBI's, 2 Runs, 1 SB. Pederson didn't have a hit after the 4th inning, but even still his performance was tops in the organization on Friday. His 2nd grand slam of the year helped the Raptors secure the win, and he even showed off his speed by stealing his 21st base of the season.
AAA – The Isotopes were limited to just 5 hits in a 7 to 0 loss to the River Cats (A's). Jamie Hoffmann's double, which extended his hitting streak to 17 games, was the only extra base hit for Albuquerque, and Jerry Sands went 1 for 4 with 2 K's. On the mound, starter Dana Eveland was hitting the corners as he struck out 9 in just 4.2 innings, but he also walked in a couple of runs in the 5th and was eventually ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Roy Corcoran gave up just 1 hit in 2.1 innings of relief, but David Pfeiffer continued to struggle as he allowed 3 runs while recording just 2 outs.
AA – For the second straight contest the Lookouts found themselves in a tie game in the 9th, but this time Chattanooga found a way to win as Travis Denker treated the home crowd to a 6 - 5 walk-off victory over the Mudcats (Reds). Alfredo Silverio, who had another big game as he went 3 for 4, doubled to lead-off the bottom of the 9th and moved to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt. Carolina intentionally walked the next two batters, but it was at that point that Denker singled to start the celebration. Scott Van Slyke connected on his 15th homer earlier in the game, while Alex Castellanos extended his hitting streak to 9 games as he tripled and drove in 3 runs. Starter Will Savage had an interesting stat line as he allowed 3 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs over 5 frames without striking out a batter, then Ethan Martin gave up 2 runs (1 earned) in 3 innings of relief while K'ing 4. Javy Solano picked up the win by tossing a scoreless 9th.
HiA – The Quakes already clinched a playoff spot in the 1st half, but they continue to battle and are just a half game out of 1st place after a 7 to 3 win over the 66ers (Angels). Wilberto Ortiz had a big game as he went 3 for 4 with a couple of doubles and 3 RBI's, while Jaime Pedroza also doubled and drove in 2 runs. Starter Red Patterson collected his 5th California League win after throwing 7 strong innings during which he allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits. Patterson struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 3.76 through 69.1 innings. Andy Suiter struck out 2 in a perfect inning of relief, then Logan Bawcom finished off the win despite allowing a run.
LoA – For the second day in a row the Loons gave up a couple of late runs and again lost to the Dragons (Reds) 3 to 2 despite allowing just 3 total hits. Starter Angel Sanchez took a no-hitter into the 5th inning, but he made a throwing error then allowed a single and ended up giving up 1 hit and an unearned run in 5.1 innings. Sanchez walked 3 and also struck out 3, so while he continues to limit base hits, his strikeout numbers have been down recently while his walks have been up. Jesus Rodriguez's stock continues to rise in my book as he stuck out 4 of the 5 batters he faced in relief, but Pete Budkevics allowed the go ahead runs to score in the 8th. At the plate the Loons had just 7 hits spread among 7 players, and Chris Jacob's 2-RBI double was the team's only extra-base knock. Jonathan Garcia had the only other notable evening as he reached base 3 times via a single and 2 walks.
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors scored early and often on Friday as Ogden defeated the Osprey (Dbacks) 10 to 3. Scott Schebler went 2 for 5 with a double and a solo homer while driving in 3, while Scott Wingo went 2 for 2 with a couple of walks to complete a perfect night at the plate. Joc Pederson had the big night, however, as he crushed his 2nd grand slam of the season and finished the night with 5 RBI's. Starter Gustavo Gomez didn't allow a hit until the 4th inning, and picked up the win after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings. Carlos De Aza threw 2 perfect innings of relief, then Yimi Garcia K'ed 2 in the 9th to complete the victory.
Rookie Arizona – The Arizona Dodgers improved to 13 and 3 in the month of August with a 7 to 1 win over the Royals. Blake Smith, playing in just his 4th Arizona League game on a rehab assignment, has already tied the team high in homers as he crushed his 3rd bomb in 4 days. Joe Winker, who ranks among the Arizona League Leaders in several offensive categories, continued his hot hitting as he went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and 2 RBI's. Alex Santana also contributed as he drove in 2 runs with a double, while Delvis Morales had a couple of singles and stole a base. On the mound starter Robert Boothe did not allow a hit over 2 innings, but he walked 3 and gave up a run. Greg Downing recorded the win with 2 shutout innings of relief, and Jason West became the latest anonymous minor league pitcher to extent his scoreless inning streak as he now has gone 14.1 innings without allowing a run.
DSL – Off day
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)