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Minor League Player of the Day – Matt Magill (AAA) - 6 IP, 3 hits, 3 walks, 0 earned runs, 7 K's. Magill has improved in each of his 3 starts with the Isotopes, with Tuesday's performances being his best yet. So far he has yet to be fazed by the difficult pitching environment of the Pacific Coast League, and has struck out over a batter per inning.
AAA – Albuquerque and Omaha were all tied up at 1 after 9 innings, but the Isotopes stringed together four straight hits in the 10th to come away with a 3 - 1 victory over the Storm Chasers (Royals). Alex Castellanos, who had homered in the 8th to tie the game, started the late rally with a single, and Scott Van Slyke followed suit with his second base knock of the game. Rusty Ryal then drove home the game winning run with a RBI single, and Tim Federowicz added some insurance with another run scoring hit. The main reason the Topes were even in position to win this game was because of their outstanding pitching. Starter Matt Magill threw 6 outstanding innings, allowing just 3 hits and an unearned run while striking out 7. The recently called up Steve Smith was then perfect over the next 3 frames to record the win, and Steve Ames hurled a scoreless 10th to picked up his first save of the year.
AA – The Lookouts weren't able to hold a late lead on Tuesday as they fell to the Barons (White Sox) 4 to 3. After a solid start from Chris Reed, during which he allowed 6 hits and 2 runs over 6 frames and struck out 5, things were looking good for Chattanooga as they led by a run heading into the 9th. Closer Yimi Garcia couldn't nail things down, however, as he got into a jam then allowed a 2-run double to blow the save and record the loss. At the plate, the first four batters in the Lookouts' lineup all doubled, with those four players being Rafael Ynoa, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, and J.T. Wise. Wise was the only one of the four to record a second base hit (a single) and drive in a run. The only other offensive note was that Griff Erickson hit his first homer of the season.
HiA – The Quakes had trouble at the plate and in the field as they fell to the Storm (Padres) 10 to 1 on Tuesday. The offense managed just 6 singles in this one, with Scott Schebler recording the only multi-hit game and Scott Wingo picking up the only RBI. On defense the club made 7 errors, with 3 of them coming from shortstop Darnell Sweeney and 2 more coming from 1st baseman O'Koyea Dickson. Buried in this loss was the fact that Ted Lilly made another rehab start for the Quakes, but it was another uninspiring performance. While he didn't get much help from his teammates, Lilly allowed 7 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) over 5 frames while striking out 5. What that means for his future is yet to be determined. Daniel Coulombe struggled in less than an inning of relief as he walked 4 and also gave up 4 runs (3 earned).
LoA – The Loons were involved in a pitchers duel on Tuesday, but the Hot Rods (Rays) finally scored a pair of runs in the 8th and came away with a 2 - 0 win over Great Lakes. The Loons were actually one-hit in this game by Bowling Green, who actually had Steve Ames' brother, Jeff, on the mound to start the game. Eric Smith was the only one to get a base knock as he doubled. Great Lakes starter Miguel Sulbaran was very good himself as he allowed just 3 hits over 5 frames, and while he walked 3 he was able to stay out of trouble by inducing three double plays. His piggy backer Jonathan Martinez also threw pretty well, and the two runs he allowed were both unearned thanks to a couple of errors by 3rd baseman Paul Hoenecke.
Coming up – There are a full slate of games on Wednesday, starting with an early game for Chattanooga as Andres Santiago takes the mound. The struggling Garrett Gould will get the start for the Quakes and Lindsey Caughel will throw for the Loons, but the Isotopes starter is TBD.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Kelvin De La Cruz was promoted from AA to take Josh Wall's spot on the roster. HiA: Pratt Maynard was placed on the DL and he was replaced on the roster by fellow catcher Webster Rivas (who was in extended spring training).
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)