Minor League Player of the Day – Nick Buss (AAA) - 2 for 5, 2 HR's, 3 Runs, 6 RBI's. While there were several candidates for this award, the fact that Buss drove in 6 runs on Friday night gave him the edge. With 2 more homers Buss ranks among the league leaders in long balls for 2013, and his 1.643 OPS ranks second on the club to only Scott Van Slyke.
AAA – The Isotopes crushed the Iowa Cubs on Friday with a 15 to 5 victory. Five different Albuquerque hitters had multi-hit games in this one, including Nick Buss who crushed 2 homers and drove in 6 runs. Tim Federowicz went 3 for 3 with grand slam and a pair of walks, while Matt Angle homered and doubled. Scott Van Slyke had two more hits and walked twice to increase his OB% to .641, and Dee Gordon went 4 for 6 to boost his batting average to .286. On the mound Blake Johnson did enough for the win as he allowed 5 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs over 5 frames, then Steve Smith permitted 2 more runs to score in relief. Chris Withrow turned things around, however, as he recorded all four of his outs via the K and persevered the big win.
AA – The Lookouts fell to the Smokies (Cubs) 2 to 1 on Friday despite shutting out Tennessee over the final 7 innings. Starter Andres Santiago gave up 5 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) over 6 frames, with both runs scoring in the first two innings. Gregory Infante and Kelvin De La Cruz did not allow a hit over the final two innings, but that didn't matter since the Chattanooga batters wasn't up to the challenge. Joc Pederson's solo homer was the only offense of note to come from this game, while Bobby Coyle went 2 for 3. Yasiel Puig had a triple in 4 at bats and saw his average fall to .417.
HiA – The Quakes put up a good fight on Friday, and they ended up defeating the Mavericks (Mariners) 8 to 6. Starter Ross Stripling threw relatively well as he gave up 5 hits and 3 runs over 5 frames while striking out 6, but it was Matt Shelton who recorded the win by allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over the next 2 frames. Pedro Baez picked up the first hold of his professional career, and Matt Shelton collected the 4th save on the young season. At the plate Angelo Songco has the big game as he went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI's, but Jonathan Garcia also contributed with a 9th inning homer. Chris 'O Brien went 3 for 5, while Scott Wingo collected 2 singles in 3 official at bats.
LoA – The Loons finally got to play on Friday but the result was a 8 - 5 loss to the Dayton Dragons (Reds). Zach Bird got the start and allowed 4 hits and 3 runs over 4 frames, but he also struck out 5. Arismendy Orzoria was perfect over the next 3 frames, but the next two relievers in Gregg Downing and Luis Meza struggled to prevent the Loons from capturing a win. Despite the loss Great Lakes had several solid performances at the plate, including a 2 for 4 night from Paul Hoenecke who homered, doubled, and rove in 2. Tyler Ogle also doubled and collected 1 RBI, while Corey Seager singled yet saw his batting average fall to .095.
Coming up – The Loons will play a double header on Saturday, with Angel Sanchez and probably Ralston Cash scheduled as the starting pitchers. Javy Guerra will take the mound for the Isotopes, while Rob Rasmussen and Jarret Martin will throw for the Lookouts and Quakes, respectively.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Matt Wallach was sent back to AA to make room for Tim Federowicz on the Isotopes roster. Now that Shawn Tolleson has been promoted to LA, however, it appears that the Isotopes will get another pitcher on their roster in the next day or so. LoA: Dashenko Richardo was demoted to the Loons to make room for Wallach, but Great Lakes also added another name to their roster as Gregg Downing was added to the bullpen. Bladimir Franco was sent back to extended spring training.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)