Minor League Player of the Day – Ralston Cash (LoA) - 6 IP, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, 1 Run, 7 K's. Cash finally healthy so hopefully in 2013 he will finally be able to perform like a 2nd round pick.
AAA – The Isotopes simply couldn't score on Saturday as they fell to the Iowa Cubs 6 to 1. The Isotopes plated just one run in this game, and it came on a RBI double from Alfredo Amezaga. Nick Buss also went 2 for 4 with a double, but that was the extent of the Albuquerque offfense. On the mound starter Javy Guerra threw just 2.2 frames, but he struck out 5 while allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks over 2.2 frames. Angel Castro got lit up in relief while Steven Ames returned from the DL and gave up a run as well.
AA – The Lookouts attempted a solid comeback on Saturday, but it wasn't quite enough as Chattanooga lost to the Tennessee Smokies (Cubs) 8 to 6. Starter Rob Rasmussen had a rough night as he allowed 6 hits and 4 runs over just 2.2 frames, and reliever Hector Nelo was ineffective as well as he permitted 4 runs to score in relief. At the plate Yasiel Puig hit his 2nd homer of the season, a 3 -run bomb, while Griff Erickson went 2 for 2 with a double and a walk.
HiA – The Quakes were doubled up on Saturday as they fell to the Mavericks (Mariners) 10 to 5. Jarrett Martin gave up 5 hits, 5 walks, and 5 runs over 4 innings, then Jon Michael Redding and James Campbell allowed the other 5 runs in relief. On offense Noel Cuevas hit his second homer of the season and Elevys Gonzalez also took one deep. Scott Schebler went 2 for 3 with a triple while Angelo Songco had a pair of base knocks and drove in a run.
LoA Game 1 – Corey Seager drove in the winning run in extra innings as the Loons defeated the Dayton Dragons (Reds) in the first game of their double header. The game winning hit was the second single of the game for Seager who finished the contest 2 for 4. Malcolm Holland also went 2 for 4 and drove in a run, while Alexis Aguilar's double was the only extra base hit of the game for Great Lakes. On the mound Angel Sanchez was very strong second start of the season as he allowed just 2 hits and 1 run over 6 innings while striking out 6. Sawil Gonzalez got the win in relief, and while Scott Griggs loaded the bases in the final frame, he got of the the jam and recorded the save.
LoA Game 2 Ralston Cash matched Sanchez's pitching performance from game 1 as the Loons completed the double header sweep of Dayton (Reds) with a 5 to 1 victory. Cash had the exact same line as Sanchez with the exception being that he walked just 1 batter instead of 2. Jharel Cotton pitched the final frame out of the bullpen and set the Dragons down in order. Most of the Great Lakes offense came in the 6th inning when Eric Smith crushed a grand slam. Paul Hoenecke had the only other notable offensive performance as he went 2 for 3 at the dish.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Steve Ames and Osvaldo Martinez were activated from the DL, while Alfredo Amezaga was placed on the inactive list. LoA: Pat Stover has been activated from the DL and he will take the roster spot of Devin Shines who has injured his shoulder.
Coming up – Onelki Garcia will highlight the pitching match-ups on Sunday when the Lookouts take on the Tennessee Smokies. Sean White will take the mound for the Isotopes, while Duke von Schamann and Carlos Frias will get the ball for the Quakes and Loons, respectively.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)
Great Lakes Loons Box Score - Game 1 (LoA)