Minor League Player of the Day – Garrett Gould (HiA) – 6 IP, 0 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, 8 K’s. After a terrible start to his season, Gould is starting to turn the corner as he has been very good in 2 of his last 3 starts. While it’s going to take him a while to get his ERA to a respectable level, it’s a great sign that he’s done a solid job lately of limiting base runners and racking up the strikeouts.
AAA – The Isotopes fell below .500 on Friday after a 9 – 4 loss to Reno (Dbacks). Starter Aaron Laffey got roughed up for 7 hits and 5 runs over 6 frames, then reliever Steve Smith really had some problems as he allowed 4 runs in the 7th. Josh Wall and Chris Withrow tossed a scoreless inning each. Matt Angle led the offense by going 2 for 3 with a triple and 2 RBI’s, while Alfredo Amezega had a double, a single, and drove in a run. Alex Castellanos went 1 for 4 with a two-bagger in his second game back from injury
AA – The Smokies (Cubs) scored 4 early runs, and that was all they need for a 4 – 3 victory over the Lookouts. Zach Lee allowed all 4 runs in the 2nd inning, but after that he settled down and allowed just 1 hit over the next three frames before coming out of the game. A trio of relievers held Tennessee scoreless for the final 4 innings, but the offense wasn’t able to make up the deficit. Chris Jacobs hit a 2-run homer for the second straight day and Yasiel Puig drove in the other run with a double (and also stole 2 bases), but that was it for the offensive highlights. It should be noted, however, that Joc Pederson did extend his hitting streak to 12 games with a single in 4 at bats.
HiA – Starter Garrett Gould was outstanding for the Quakes on Friday, but his bullpen wasn’t able to hold a late lead as Rancho fell to the Giants 5 to 3. Gould, who has had a rough start to his season, allowed just 2 hits and 1 walk over 6 shutout frames and struck out 8. Pedro Baez allowed a run in the 7th but held the lead, then Eric Eadington imploded in the 8th as he loaded the bases then promptly gave up a grand slam and the game. The Quakes offense started out strong as Jonathan Garcia and Ryan Mount connected on back to back homers in the 2nd inning, but after that the bats went silent outside of an RBI single for Noel Cuevas in the 8th.
LoA – The Loons are closing in on last place in their division after a 3 – 1 loss to the Lugnuts (Blue Jays) on Friday. As has been the case for most of the year, the Great Lakes offense was the problem in this game as they scattered just 6 hits and didn’t score until the 9th. 2nd baseman Kevin Taylor had the only notable performance as he went 3 for 4 with the team’s only extra base hit, a double. On the mound starter Miguel Sulbaran had an OK outing as he allowed 8 hits and 3 runs over 5 frames. He struck out 6 and didn’t walk a batter. Craig Stem did now allow a hit in his two innings of relief, and Arismendy Ozoria was perfect in the final inning.
Coming up – It will be all night games on Saturday, highlighted by Chris Reed taking the mound for the Lookouts. Matt Palmer gets the ball for the Isotopes, Lindsey Caughel will throw for the Quakes, and the Loons starter will be Ralston Cash.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)