Andy Wilkins stays hot for Oklahoma City Dodgers

The Loons were the only club to successfully rally late, while a Dodger comeback and Drillers' effort would both come up short in the final innings Wednesday.

Player of the day

It was largely for naught, but Andy Wilkins went two for four with a triple and a home run in the Oklahoma City loss on Wednesday.  Wilkins has recovered nicely after a slow start in the organization.  His .362 average in his last ten games has boosted his season slash line to .250/.321/.412, with three of his five home runs on the season coming over this recent span of games.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Dodgers scored three runs in the ninth but left the rally far too late in a 7-3 loss to Sacramento.  The game started off on the wrong foot when Zach Lee was scratched with what the team has thus far deemed a minor injury.  Matt Shelton started in his place and surrendered two runs across four inning, but neither Steve Smith or Ryan Dennick could keep a clean sheet behind him.

Wilkins, Corey Seager, and Scott Schebler would each go two for four.  Seager and Schebler each had a double as part of their two hits.  Austin Barnes would go hitless in four tries in his first game back from the major leagues.

Double-A Tulsa

Despite a promising looking rally, the Drillers could not overcome a two-run home run in the top of the eleventh to fall to Midland (A's) 5-3 in an afternoon game.  Chris Reed allowed the home run in the eleventh to Renato Nunez after first surrendering a double to the leadoff batter of the inning.  The Drillers put two runners in scoring position in the bottom half of the inning, but Shawn Zarraga was thrown out at second failing to tag up on Jeremy Rathjen fly out to left field.

Jeremy Kehrt was solid in his six innings of work, allowing only one earned run (two total) while striking out six.  Rathjen hit his first home run of the season, while Brandon Dixon went two for five with a double.  Despite recording the final out, Zarraga was a productive three for four this afternoon.

Hector Olivera is expected to make his stateside debut on Thursday for the Drillers.

Class-A Rancho Cucamonga

The Quakes were off on Wednesday and will head to Lancaster (Astros) Thursday to start their road trip.

Low Class-A Great Lakes

The Loons mustered enough offense late and accepted the aid of a few defensive miscues by Peoria (Cardinals) to defeat the Chiefs 4-2.  Brandon Martinez pitched five solid innings and allowed the only two Chief runs of the game.  The bullpen pitched a clean final four innings, highlighted by two innings from Robert Fernandez for the win.

The Loons were efficient in scoring four runs on only seven hits.  Alex Verdugo went one for three with a double, while Julian Leon was hitless in four at bats on his return from Extended Spring Training.

Transactions

Triple A:  The optioning and assigning to Oklahoma City of Ian Thomas and Austin Barnes was officially announced today.

Low-A:  Brant Whiting was placed on the 7-day disabled list, and in his place, Julian Leon was assigned to Great Lakes from Extended Spring Training.

Wednesday box scores

Sacramento 7, Oklahoma City 3

Midland 5, Tulsa 3 in 11 innings

Great Lakes 4, Peoria 2

Thursday schedule

3:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Joe Broussard) vs. Peoria (Luis Perdomo)

5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Mickey Storey) vs. Midland (Tim Atherton)

5:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Deck McGuire) vs. Sacramento (Clayton Blackburn)

6:30 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Erik Bedard) at Lancaster (Evan Grills)