Minor League Player of the Day – Blake Smith (AA) - 3 for 4, 2 2B's, 1 RBI, 1 Run. Smith took advantage of a relatively slow day for Dodger prospects to take this award. Blake has been quite thus far as he only had one extra base hit coming into Thursday's game, but hopefully this big day at the plate can spark something for the former 2nd round pick.
AAA – Postponed due to weather
AA – The Lookouts beat Birmingham for the third time this week, downing the Barons (White Sox) 5 to 3. Chattanooga was actually down early as Birmingham scored 3 quick runs in the 1st, but the Lookouts answered back with 2 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame and shut out the opposition over the next 8 innings. Starter Rob Rasmussen was great outside of the 3 early runs as he threw 6 innings, allowed 5 hits, and struck out 7. Ryan Acosta followed with 2 hitiless innings, then Yimi Garcia shut the down for his 3rd save of the year. At the plate Yasiel Puig got back on track with a 2-run homer, and Joc Pederson continued his hit streak with a single. Blake Smith also had a big game as he went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and a RBI.
HiA – The Quakes doubled up on the Mavericks (Mariners) on Thursday, defeating High Desert 6 to 3. In his 3rd start of the season Ross Stripling continued to throw well as he allowed 6 hits and 2 runs over 5.2 frames while striking out 6. A trio of relievers nailed down the win, and while Pedro Baez allowed a run in his inning of work, Michael Thomas did not as he recorded his league leading 5th save of the season. O'Koyea Dickson had the big hit in this game as he crushed a solo homer, and he had a sac fly as well. Angelo Songco also had a run scoring fly ball and tripled, while Scott Schebler went 2 for 4 with a three-bagger of his own.
LoA – The Loons were shutout for the second game in a row as they were blanked by the Hot Rods (Rays) 6 to 0. After being 1-hit their last time out, Great Lakes had just 3 singles in this game, with one of them coming from Corey Seager. Tyler Ogle had the only other notable performance as he walked 3 times. Loons' starter Lindsey Caughel was actually very impressive despite the loss as he struck out 5 over 6 innings and did not allow an earned run. We already know he didn't get any help from his offense, but his defense was bad as well as Great Lakes made 5 errors in the field. Two of the miscues came from Malcolm Holland, and Seager had a fielding error as well.
Coming up – Weather permitting there will be 6 games played on Friday, with the Isotopes and Loons playing double headers. Javy Guerra and Blake Johnson are scheduled to throw for Albuquerque, while Zach Bird and Angel Sanchez will get the ball for Great Lakes. In the other two games Onelki Garcia will take the mound for the Lookouts and Jarret Martin will start for the Quakes.
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)