Minor League Player of the Day – Angelo Songco - 3 for 5, 2 2B's, 1 3B, 4 RBI's, 3 Runs, 1 SB. The new daddy continued his breakout season with another big day at the plate. Songco needs just 3 more RBI's to reach the century mark, and with 12 games left he even has an outside shot at 30 HR's (he's currently at 25 jacks).
AAA – The Round Rock Express (Rangers) doubled up the Isotopes in both runs and hits with a 16 to 8 victory on Thursday. Dana Eveland had one of his worst outings of the season as he got pounded for 10 hits and 9 runs in just 4 innings. Travis Schlichting followed up Eveland's bad performance with a rough night of his own, giving up 5 more runs in 2 frames. At the plate Jerry Sands went 2 for 4 with is 26th bomb of the year and seems to be on the every other day plan. Russ Michell chipped in with a pair of doubles, and Jamie Hoffmann drove in two with a single and a sac fly.
AA – The Lookouts lost 8 - 3 to the Smokies (Cubs) as the hot Chattanooga offense was held in check. Kyle Russell went 2 for 4 with a double and Alfredo Silverio smacked yet another triple, but besides that it was just a few scattered singles for the good guys. Starter Will Savage had a uninspiring outing as he gave up 12 hits and 6 runs (5 earned) while striking out just 1. Javy Solano also had one of his more lackluster appearances, and after a great start in AA now has 5.29 ERA in his last 10 appearances.
HiA – 2011 1st round pick Chris Reed had a solid professional debut, then his teammates helped make his first game memorable by scoring 5 in the 8th for a comeback 12 - 10 victory over the Blaze (Reds). Angelo Songco had a big night at the dish as he went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and a triple and played a key role in the 8th inning rally. He drove in 4 runs for the night and even stole a base. Jaime Pedroza also collected 4 RBI's with pair of hits, while Blake Smith had 2 base knocks as well. Getting back to Reed, the new millionaire worked two innings and allowed just a single while striking out 2. Matt Magill wasn't nearly as sharp as he allowed 6 hits and 5 run in just 2.2 frames, and Josh Walter got knocked around as well. Luckily Logan Bawcom was able to close out the game with a uneventful 9th to clinch the comeback victory for Rancho.
LoA – The Loons jumped all over Dayton pitching on Thursday as they recorded 14 hits in a 9 - 3 slaying of the Dragons (Reds). One day after going 4 for 5, Leon Landry continued his hot streak as he fell just a triple shy of the cycle and drove in a pair or runs. Michael Pericht also homered and had two runs batted in, while Nick Akins went 3 for 5 with a double and was the 3rd member of the 2 RBI club. Starter Angel Sanchez worked a career high 7 innings and allowed just 1 run while striking out 6 and recording his 7th win of the season. Sanchez walked 2 and gave up 7 hits. Pete Budkecivs was scored upon twice in his inning of relief, but Raul Burgos finished the game with a perfect 9th.
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors beat the Brewers 10 to 4, but the Ogden box score wasn't as sexy as one might think. Nobody in the Raptor lineup had more than one hit, although Noel Cuevas drove in 3 with a based loaded triple. Doubles by Matt Kirkland and OK Dickson were the only other extra base hits for the home team. The Ogden pitching wasn't all that great either despite the win as Gustavo Gomez walked 5 in 4 innings and allowed 3 runs. Gomez did strike out 7, however, and reliever Kazuki Nishijima made his first appearance in 2 weeks a good one by tossing 2 hitless innings with 3 K's.
Rookie Arizona – The Arizona Dodgers lost to the 2nd place Reds 7 to 6 on Wednesday and now lead the Central division by just 1 game with 4 left to play. The Dodgers actually face the Reds twice more this season, so the playoff spot is really up for grabs at this point. Devin Shines did his best to keep his team in the game as he went 3 for 4 with a double and 4 RBI's, while Joe Winker drove in 2 with a two-bagger and a sac fly. Stefan Jarrin also had a solid game as the plate as he scored two runs and reached base in all 4 plate appearance via a single, a double, a walk, and a HBP. Starter Matt Laney allowed his first earned runs of the season during his 3 innings of work and gave up 5 hits, although opposing batters are still hitting just .155 against him for the season. Daniel Tamares struck out 4 in two frames of hitless relief (but walked 3), and Steve Matre worked his 5th Arizona League inning without allowing a run.
DSL – Season over
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)