Minor League Player of the Day – Corey Seager (Ogden) - 3 for 5, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 SB. Seager didn't have the winning RBI on Friday, but he did have the only 3 hit game for the organization and had a well rounded game that even included a stolen base. Hopefully Corey can continue his success deep in to the Pioneer League playoffs.
AAA – After waiting out a 2-hour rain delay and then falling behind early in the game the Isotopes made a decent comeback attempt in the late innings, but it just wasn't enough as Albuquerque fell to the Storm Chasers (Royals) 7 to 4. The Topes are now down in the best of 5 series 2 games to 1, making Saturday's game a must win. Starter Derrick Loop battled through 6 frames and actually recorded a quality start while striking out 7 to keep his team close, but Red Patterson had a rocky AAA debut by allowing 2 runs in an inning of work. Tim Corcoran also struggled as he walked 3 and gave up another run, while Ramon Troncoso permitted the final score. At the plate the offense was pretty well rounded as 7 of the 9 hitter in the lineup had at least one hit, although Dee Gordon was one of the two players to go 0-for-the night. Matt Angle and Elian Herrera both went 2 for 4 with a double, while Tyler Olge also had a two-bagger and drove in a run. Trent Oeltjen had the only other notable performance as he had two singles and a RBI.
AA – Zach Lee couldn't carry over his late season success into the post season as the Lookouts lost to the Generals (Mariners) 7 to 3. The defeat now puts Chattanooga just one game away from elimination, although the good news is that they return home on Saturday. Lee gave up 4 runs on 8 hits over 5.1 frames, including two bombs to top prospect Mike Zunino. Zach struck out just 2, but didn't walk anyone. A trio of relievers all allowed exactly one run each over the final few innings, and that was just too much for the Lookouts' offense to overcome. Rafael Ynoa did connect on a two run homer and Jake Lemmerman went 2 for 4 with a double, but that was it for the team's extra base hits. One final note is that Joc Pederson made his AA debut after replacing Blake Smith on the roster (who was put on the DL), and Pederson responded with a single in four at bats.
HiA – Season over
LoA – Season over
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors started their post season with an exciting extra inning victory on Friday as Ogden defeated the Rockies 4 to 3 in 11 frames. With the score tied at two at the end of regulation, things looked good for the Raptors in the 10th as they scored without the aid of a hit after a walk, an error, and a passed ball brought the run home. Reliever Owen Jones gave the run right back in the bottom of the 10th, so the game moved into the 11th which is when Paul Hoenecke became the hero as his RBI single turned out to be the game winning hit. Things didn't go easy in the bottom of the 11th either as Alan Garcia gave up a single and a walk, but the game finally ended in dramatic fashion as he recorded the final out at the plate after a Rockie runner tried to score on a passed ball. Not to be forgotten in the late inning craziness is the start by Lindsey Caughel, who fired a career high 8 innings and allowed just 2 runs on 8 hits. He didn't issue a walk, and struck out 4. At the plate we already covered Hoenecke's winning hit, but the big game belonged to Corey Seager who went 3 for 5 with a double, a RBI, and a stolen base. Jesus Valdez also doubled and drove in a run, while Eric Smith went 2 for 4 and scored twice.
Rookie Arizona – Season over
DSL – Season over
Coming up – Both the Isotopes and the Lookouts face must win situations on Saturday, and while Chattanooga will send Andres Santiago to the mound, Albuquerque's starter will be Cole St. Clair. Ross Stripling will get the ball for the Raptors in game two of their playoff series.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: As we all know Alex Castellanos has been promoted to Los Angeles, and therefore Pedro Baez was assigned to the Isotopes to take his spot on the roster. AA: Blake Smith was placed on the DL, and so Joc Pederson is getting his first taste of AA after getting called up.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Ogden Raptors Box Score (Rookie)
Minor League Central - Daily Dodger Recap