The Dodger minor league teams scored 3 walk-off victories on Saturday, and overall won 4 of the 6 games played.
Minor League Player of the Day – Hector Gimenez - 4 for 6, 1 HR, 1 2B, 4 RBI's, Walk-off single. The Lookouts have had several huge offensive performance of late, and Gimenez is the latest Chattanooga player to contribute in a big way. Vector actually won this award exactly a week ago when he had another 4 hit game, and continues to increase his value heading into the off-season.
AAA – The Isotopes and Redbirds (Cardinals) scored 8 of the games' 11 runs after the 7th inning, but Albuquerque had the final say as Ivan De Jesus' 2nd long ball of the game gave the home team the 6 - 5 walk-off victory. The Topes were actually leading 4 to 1 heading into the final frame, but Jon Link proved to be quite hittable and gave up 4 runs to erase a solid start by Mike Parisi. It only took two batters in the bottom of the 9th to turn the fans' disappointment into glee, however, as Brad Coon singled to start the rally and then De Jesus promptly homered to left. Tim Federowicz also had a big game as he went 3 for 4 with a double and his 4th bomb in 14 games, while Jerry Sands walked twice and struck out once in a 0 for 2 night.
AA – The Lookouts were involved in yet another wild game on Saturday and eventually won 15 to 14 against the Mudcats (Reds) on a walk-off single by Hector Gimenez. Saturday actually concluded the 5 game series with Carolina, and every game was decided by a single run with Chattanooga winning 4 of the contests. The game winning hit by Gimenez capped a huge night for the 28 year old as he went 4 for 6 with a double, a homer, and 4 RBI's. Alex Castelanos, who also played a key role in the 9th inning rally, drove in 4 runs as well and had 3 doubles while Alfredo Silverio had his 4th multi-hit game in a row and went 3 for 5 with a two-bagger. The flip side of this exciting game was that the Lookout pitching staff struggled through a difficult night. Starter Allen Webster lasted just 2.1 innings as he gave up 6 runs on 8 his, while Javy Solano and Cole St. Clair got touched up for 4 runs apiece. Luckily the back of the bullpen stayed strong for Chattanooga as Steven Ames stuck out 3 over 1.2 perfect innings and Shawn Tolleson K'ed the side in the 9th for the win.
HiA – The Quakes made 4 errors in the field and couldn't get much offense going in their 7 - 2 loss to the 66ers (Angels). Starter Andres Santiago was wild and mostly ineffective as he walked 4 and allowed 6 runs (5 earned) over 4.1 frames. Steve Smith tossed 2.2 shutout innings of relief, but at that point the game was already out of hand. At the plate Wilberto Ortiz's two doubles were Rancho's only extra base hits, while Rafael Ynoa also went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.
LoA – The Loons were shutout through 8 frames, but they made up ground quickly over the next two innings by tying the game in the 9th then scoring a walk-off 3 - 2 victory over the Hot Rods (Rays) in the 10th. Great Lakes only had 4 total hits in the game, and manufactured the runs in the 9th via a walk, a Nick Akins' double, a ground-out, and a wild pitch. The winning run scored in the 10th when a Blake Dean sacrifice fly scored Charlie Mirabal, who had collected his 2nd double of the game earlier in the inning. On the mound starter Greg Wilborn walked 4 and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, although neither of the runs were earned. The bullpen was excellent as 3 relievers combined to no-hit Bowling Green over the final 4 frames, including Bret Montgomery who picked up the win as he extended his scoreless streak with another shutout inning.
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors scored at least 1 run in each of the first 5 innings and defeated Missoula (Dbacks) 9 to 4. Every player in the Ogden lineup had at least one hit, and catcher Pratt Maynard had his best game as a young professional as he crushed a grand slam in the 1st inning and added a double later in the game. OK Dickson and Justin Boudreaux also homered, while Noel Cuevas went 4 for 5. Starter Brandon Martinez was wild again as he walked 5 in just 2.2 innings and was pulled after giving up 3 runs. Yimy Rodriguez recorded the win as he allowed just 2 hits over 4.1 innings, then Mike Drowne finished off the win by striking out 4 over the final 2 frames.
Rookie Arizona – Off day
DSL – The Dominican Dodgers finished off their season on a sour note on Saturday as they lost to the Astros 6 to 2. The Dodgers pretty much emptied their bench in this one as several seldom used players made an appearance in this game. Starter Geuris Alcantara pitched in his first game since June 1st and did not allow a hit in 2 innings of work, while 19 year old Daniel Lantigua allowed 3 unearned runs in his professional debut. 5 other relievers finished off the game with uninspiring performances. At the plate the Dodgers didn't have an extra base hit, but Arce Rodriguez completed his season by going 2 for 3 with a walk..
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)