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Minor League Player of the Day – Joc Pederson (AA) - 3 for 3, 1 2B, 2 Walks, 1 Run. Pederson has reached base 12 times in the last three games thanks to 9 hits and 3 walks as his continues to dominate the Southern League. Not to rain on his parade (and this should come as no surprise since Joc is a left handed batter), but the one thing I haven't mentioned is that Pederson's weakness this year has come against left handed pitchers who are holding him to a .231 average.
AAA – Starter Matt Palmer had a rough outing and the Isotopes offense was relatively quiet on Wednesday as Albuquerque fell to Tuscon (Padres) 8 to 3. Palmer gave up 5 hits and 7 runs in just 4.1 innings of work to record the loss, then Steve Smith allowed a run over the next 2.2 frames. Peter Moylan, who has been very good over the last few weeks, finished the pitching duties with a shutout inning. At the plate Matt Angle went 3 for 5 with a double and a stolen base, but that was pretty much the extent of the highlights. The only other thing to note is that Scott Van Slyke played left field and went 1 for 4 with a RBI.
AA – Despite a solid effort from the bullpen and a late comeback attempt the Lookouts fell to the BayBears (Dbacks) 5 to 4 on Wednesday. Starter Chris Reed lasted just 3 innings in this one after allowing 4 hits, 4 walks, and 4 runs, but reliever Kyle Cofield kept the game close as he gave up just one score over the next 4 frames. Jose Dominguez followed with a shutout inning and Michael Thomas did not allow a run in his AA debut, but the Lookout offense wasn't able to help out their bullpen. You can't blame Joc Pederson, however, as he had yet another great game at the plate, reaching base 5 times via a couple of singles, a double, and a pair of walks. Blake Smith and C.J. Retherford also contributed with back to back solo homers in the 8th, but the rest of the offense was pretty quiet in the loss.
HiA – The 66ers (Angels) got the best of the Quakes on Wednesday as Rancho fell 9 to 7. For a morning game the bats sure seemed to be awake as 9 runs were scored in the first 3 innings. 5 of those runs were charged to Rancho starter James Campbell who left after just 2.1 frames. Craig Stem also got clobbered in relief to the tune of 4 runs in 1.2 innings of work. Noel Cuevas paced the Quakes offense with 4 hits, but none went for extra bases and he only drove in 1. Scott Schebler went 2 for 3 with double and a pair of stolen bases and Ryan Mount drove in two with a couple of singles, but that was about it for the highlights.
LoA – The Loons were looking good after a 5-run 7th gave them a lead, but their bullpen couldn't hold on as Great Lakes fell to Fort Wayne (Padres) 6 to 5. Two-run doubles by both Paul Hoenecke and newcomer Kevin Taylor accounted for most of the scoring in the 7th inning, while Tyler Ogle had the only multi-hit game with a pair of singles. Starter Ralston Cash had a quality start as he struck out 7 over 6 frames and allowed 3 runs, but reliever Miguel Sulbaran couldn't hold the lead and was charged with all 3 late runs.
Coming up – On Thursday Garrett Gould will try to build off his previous outing for the Quakes which was very solid, and Jharel Cotton will take the mound for the Loons. Angel Castro gets the start for Albuquerque while the Lookout pitcher hasn't been announced.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Matt Wallach has again been promoted to Albuquerque and as we all know Justin Sellers will also be joining the team. AA: Jan Vazquez has been activated off the disabled list to takes Wallach's spot on the roster.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)