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Minor League Player of the Day – Austin Cowen (Rookie) - 5 for 5, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 Runs. As much as I wanted to give this award to Seager, I had to go with the 5 for 5 game even though it came from a non prospect backup catcher. Cowen has been used sparingly over his first two seasons as a pro, and this was his first notable game of 2013.
AAA – The Isotopes got stung by the Bees (Angles) on Wednesday in a 7 to 2 loss. Rusty Ryal was the only Albuquerque hitter to do anything at the plate as he went 3 for 3 with a double and a 2-run homer that drove in both runs. The rest of the offense combined for just 4 singles. On the mound Jonathan Sanchez stuck out 7 over 5 innings, but other than that he had a rough game as he allowed 10 hits, 3 walks, and 5 runs. Stephen Fife then allowed two runs in relief for the second outing in a row.
AA – The Lookouts lost for the 11th time this month after a 6 - 2 defeat to the Smokies (Cubs). Chattanooga actually out-hit the opposition in the contest, but all 9 of their base knocks were singles including 3 by Rafael Ynoa. Joc Pederson had 2 more hits as did Brian Cavazos-Galvez. Starter Chris Reed had a rough outing as he allowed 7 hits, 4 walks, and 5 runs over just 4 frames. Andres Santiago then threw in relief for just the second time this season and gave up the final run over 3 innings of work.
HiA – The Quakes used a 3-run 8th inning, highlighted by a 2-run Corey Seager homer, to slip by the Mavericks (Mariners) 6 to 5. For Seager it was his second extra base hit of the game as he tripled earlier in the contest, and it marked the first time he's had a multi-hit game since joining Rancho. Chris Jacobs started the 8th inning rally with a double and also had an RBI single earlier in the game, while Scott Schebler also went 2 for 4 with a double. Starter Jon Michael Redding allowed just 4 hits over 6.1 innings, although 4 runs did score against him (2 earned). The rehabbing Shawn Tolleson actually recorded the win in relief despite permitting a solo homer, and Craig Stem picked up his 2nd save with a hitless 9th.
LoA – The Loons went quietly on Wednesday as they were dropped by the Dragons (Reds) 3 to 1. Brandon Twinkwon and Leo Rodriguez both doubled while Aaron Miller and Devin Shines went 2 for 4, but that was it for the offensive highlights. Starter Tom Windle had another solid start on the mound as he allowed just 2 hits and 0 runs, although he threw just 3 innings in an effort to limit his workload. Thomas Taylor was charged with the loss after he gave up two of the three runs in relief.
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors lost a slugfest on Wednesday as they were outlasted by the Voyagers (White Sox) 16 to 11. The two teams combined for 34 hits, with Ogden catcher Austin Cowen leading the way with 4 singles and a double in 5 at bats. Jesmuel Valentin went 3 for 6 with a double and a triple to fall a homer shy of the cycle, and Joey Curletta had the only other multi-hit game for the Raptors with a 2 for 4 effort that included a two-bagger as well. Almost everyone had a tough time on the mound, including starter Scott Barlow who allowed 8 hits and 6 runs over 3.1 frames. Jake Fisher followed and gave up 4 more runs, then later in the game Jordan Hershiser got beat up for 5 more scores.
Rookie Arizona – Off day
DSL – The Astros put on a clinic on Wednesday as they shutout the Dominican Dodgers 12 to 0. With no offensive highlights to speak of, I'll jump right into the poor pitching performances as all four pitchers for the Dodgers allowed runs. Starter Oscar Cruz permitted 4 scores in 4 innings, while Angel Bautista had the worst relief effort as he gave up 4 runs himself while recording just 3 outs.
Coming up – Everyone plays on Thursday, with the highlight being Zach Lee taking the mound for the Lookouts. The only other announced starters are Geison Aguasviva for the Quakes and Francisco Villa for the Raptors.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Blake Johnson was activated from the DL while Steve Smith was sent back to Chattanooga. HiA: Bobby Coyle was placed on the DL and John Cannon joined the active roster.
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)
Great Lakes Loons Box Score (LoA)
Ogden Raptors Box Score (Rookie)