Great Lakes flexes power in 9-3 victory

Player of the day

On a quiet day for Dodger prospects, converted outfielder Blake Smith takes this award thanks to two scoreless frames and a trio of strikeouts. Over 10 innings this season Smith has allowed just one run on six hits, and he has also struck out 12.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City managed just five hits on Saturday, all singles, but it was enough to produce a 4-1 win over the Cubs. The Dodgers scored twice in the first inning via a Kyle Jensen RBI single and a run scoring ground out by Corey Seager, then plated a couple of more runs in the ninth thanks to a Matt Carson pinch hit and a based loaded walk by Scott Schebler.

OKC got solid pitching all around, starting with Randy Fontanez who worked four shutout frames. Steve Smith picked up the win with 2 2/3  innings of strong relief, then David Aardsma continued the outstanding start to his season with another great outing, extending his current scoreless streak to eight innings.

Double-A Tulsa

Julio Urias had another strong start on Saturday, but it wasn't enough as Tulsa lost to the Naturals (Royals) 4-1. Urias allowed just four hits over six innings, but he also permitted three runs and took his second loss of the season.  Julio struck out seven and walked just one. Blake Smith had one of his best outings of the season as he punched out three over two hitless frames, lowering his ERA to 0.90.

At the dish the Drillers failed to record an extra base hit, however they managed to out-hit their opponents. Nate Samson, Brian Burgamy, and Travis Witherspoon all went 2-for-4 in this contest.

Class-A Rancho Cucamonga

The 66ers (Angels) erupted for five late runs to defeat the Quakes 8-4. This game was actually tied at three through the seventh inning, but then Daniel Tillman came into the game and had a rough outing. Not only did he allow five runs, but he also made a defensive error to contribute to the demise of his club.  Going back to the start of the contest Zack Bird permitted just two hits over 4 2/3 innings, but he also walked five and stuck out just three.

The Rancho offense actually accumulated 13 hits in this game, with three of them coming from Webster Rivas. Brandon Trinkwon drove in three via a pair of base knocks, while Devan Ahart accomplished the rare feat of connecting on two triples and scoring three runs.

Low Class-A Great Lakes

The Loons used the long ball on Saturday to down the Dragons (Reds) 9-3. Left fielder Brian Wolfe delivered the big blow as he crushed a grand slam in the third inning, then Johan Mieses immediately followed that up with a long ball of his own to make it back-to-back jacks for Great Lakes. Later in the game Josmar Cordero also connected on his first homer of the year, while Alex Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles.

Starter Kevin Guzman recorded the win after allowing just 1 earned run over 6 strong innings. Kyle Hooper and Bubby Rossman threw well in relief.

Transactions

none

Saturday box scores

Oklahoma City 4, Iowa 1

Arkansas 4, Tulsa 1

Inland Empire 8, Rancho Cucamonga 4

Great Lakes 9, Dayton 3

Sunday schedule

11:05 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Brock Stewart) vs. Dayton (Wyatt Strahan)

11:08 a.m.: Oklahoma City (Mike Bolsinger) at Iowa (Donn Roach)

12:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Deck McGuire) at Northwest Arkansas (Jonathan Dziedzic)

2:05 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Scott Barlow) vs. Inland Empire (Victor Alcantara)