Minor League Player of the Day – Joel Lima (LoA) - 6 IP, 1 Hit 0 Runs, 4 K's. Joel Lima probably had the best outing of his career on Saturday which helped him earn the player of the day honors. I've never been quite sure what to make of Lima as his numbers outside of the rookie leagues haven't been great, but he does show flashes of brilliance like he did on Saturday night which make me think he should be considered at least some kind of a prospect.
AAA – The Isotopes lost to the Storm Chases (Royals) 14 to 10 on Saturday, but they control their own destiny for the post-season as their magic number is now down to one with two games to play. Jerry Sands and Scott Van Slyke both homered for Albuquerque, with Van Slyke also adding a double, while Josh Fields went a perfect 2 for 2 with 3 walks. Elian Herrera tripled twice, singled, and drove in three, and Josh Bard matched him with a team high 3 hits. It should also be noted that Dee Gordon collected his first extra base hit since joining the Topes as he connected on a triple as well. On the mound Will Savage struggled through 4 innings as he gave up 9 hits and 6 runs, but Blake Johnson was even worse as he permitted 5 runs to score while recording just one out. Finally Ramon Troncoso saw his ERA rise to 6.67 after he allowed the final 3 runs.
AA – Chris Reed had another short outing on Saturday, but this time it was because he was getting hit around as the Lookouts lost to the Barons (White Sox) 3 to 1. Reed lost his 4th AA game of the year and allowed 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs over just 2.2 frames. Wes Roemer was excellent in relief as he gave up just a single hit over the next 4.1 innings, while Geison Aguasviva threw a perfect 8th to lower his ERA to 2.57. At the plate Joe Becker's and J.T. Wise's doubles were the only extra base hit of the contest for Chattanooga, while Nick Buss went 2 for 4 for the lone multi-hit game.
HiA – The Quakes lost to the Blaze (Reds) 10 to 7 on Saturday, yet they remain one game up in the wild card race with just two to play. Bakersfield took advantage of starter Ryan Acosta early in the contest as he got roughed up for 7 hits and 6 runs in just 3 innings, while relievers Michael Thomas and Freddie Cabrera were mediocre in relief as they allowed the final 4 run over the next 5 frames. On offense Jonathan Garcia hit a big 3-run homer that got Rancho back in the game, but they just weren't able to make up the lost ground. Garcia finished the night with 4 RBI's thanks to an additional single, while Gai'briel Suarez had the team's only extra base hit as he doubled after taking over for Joc Pederson who left the game for an unknown reason.
LoA – It's too bad the Loons have been eliminated from the post-season because they seem to be peaking right now, with their latest accomplishment coming in the form of a 3 - 0, 1-hit shutout over the Silver Hawks (Dbacks). Joel Lima started for Great Lakes and was outstanding over 6 innings as he gave up just 1 hit and walked 3 while striking out 4. The interesting part was that Lima was making just his 3rd start of the year (he's had 25 relief appearances), and it's a great way for him to end his season. Matt Shelton was also impressive in relief as he struck out 3 over two perfect frames, while Craig Stem recorded yet another save with a flawless 9th. The Loons didn't do much at the plate themselves, but it was enough for the win as Jesus Arredondo went 2 for 4 with a triple and a RBI. Nick Akins also drove in a run, while Michael Pericht's double was the club's only other extra base hit.
Rookie Ogden – Postponed
Rookie Arizona – Season over
DSL – Season over
Coming up – John Ely's promotion to the Dodgers leaves the Isotopes rotation in question, while Chattanooga's stater is also undecided. Garrett Gould takes the mound for the Quakes, while Ross Stripling and Lindsey Caughel will each start a game of the double header for the Raptors.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Francisco Felix was promoted to the Isotopes from Chattanooga, while Albuquerque lost John Ely, Javy Guerra, and Tim Federowicz to the Dodgers. HiA: Chris O'Brien was placed on the DL, while Cuban Selme Angulo. The timing is actually perfect as it was also reported that 2012 3rd round pick Onelkis Garcia, who is also Cuban, is set to join the Quakes. LoA: Andrew Edge was promoted to the Loons to take the spot of Tyler Ogle, who moved up to AAA yesterday.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)
Great Lakes Loons Box Score (LoA)
Minor League Central - Daily Dodger Recap