Minor League Roundup for 8 May 09

Norfolk Tides 1, Buffalo Bisons 4

Chris Waters pitched a great game, going 7 innings on just 89 pitches. Back to back extra base hits in the first put him in the hole 1-0, but that was all he'd allow. After a leadoff single in the 2nd, Waters didn't give up another hit and only one other base runner, a walk in the third inning.

Kam Mickolio took the loss as the Bisons scored 3 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 0.2 innings. Mickolio is having just an awful year so far, having given up 11 hits, 4 walks, and 9 ER in just 8.1 innings of relief.

The Tides bats were quiet as the Bisons' pitcher Brandon Knight was just as effective as Chris Waters, allowing 1 run on 4 hits in 8 innings. The Tides scored their only run in the 5th when Justin Turner scored on a Justin Christian single. Matt Wieters was 0-3 with a walk. Nolan Reimold had one single in four at bats.

Bowie Baysox 3, Erie Seawolves 4

Sean Gleason made the start for Bowie with this line: 6.1 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR. This was Gleason's fourth start since getting called up from Frederick and he's allowed at least 4 ER in each. Gleason was selected in the 20th round of the 2007 draft and while I'm sure he deserves his chance, I'm always a little disappointed to look at the Bowie score and not see Arrieta, Patton, or Erbe (who's still on the DL with arm fatigue). Arietta, in case you missed it, bombed in his last start (May 6th). He gave up 5 runs (7 H, 3 BB) in 3.1 innings. I'm going to chalk it up to the fact that Bowie was underwater for 5 days and because of that Jake hadn't pitched since April 26th.

Brandon Snyder was 1-4 with a double and LF Jonathan Tucker went 2-4 also with a double. No other offensive performances worth mentioning.

Frederick Keys 0, Wilmington Blue Rocks 3

Brian Matusz was the star of this game despite taking the loss. Brian's line: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 13 K. Wilmington scored both runs in the 2nd inning. After a leadoff single, the next batter reached on an error on the catcher Cardona. Matusz struck out the next batter but then allowed a walk and two consecutive singles to score two runs. He got out of the inning by fanning Johnny Giovatella and Mike Moustakas.

From there it was smooth sailing for Brian, as he retired 15 in a row (starting with the Ks in the 2nd). He got into a bit of trouble in the 7th allowing two more singles, but finished with no damage.

The Frederick hitters were unable to solve Wilmington's starter Daniel Duffy. They managed just three singles and struck out 9 times. In fact, neither team allowed an extra base hit all night.

Delmarva Shorebird 7, West Virginia Power 1

Finally a win! It was a group effort by the pitchers. Nathan Moreau, making his Delmarva debut, pitched 3 innings and allowed the only run WV would score. Moreau gave up 2 hits, walked 1 and struck out 2. Following him was Eddie Gamboa, who picked up the win. Gamboa also went three innings while allowing 1 hit and striking out 4. Raul Rivero and Brandon Cooney closed out the game.

The top three in the order did their best impression of the top three in the Orioles order. Xavier Avery, LJ Hoes, and Ronnie Welty went a combined 6-12, scoring 3 runs and knocking in 5. DH Elvin Polanco also got in on the action with two hits (including a 2B) and 2 RBI. It was much better performance than that time he told Claire Huxtable that a woman's place is at home doing laundry and cooking dinner.

Today's Games:

Norfolk @ Buffalo, 1:05 p.m.

Bowie @ Erie, 1:05 p.m.

Frederick vs. Wilmington, 7:05 p.m. It's Matt Wieters bobblehead day, so if you love a good bobblehead, get to the game!

Delmarva vs. Greensboro, 7:05. Fireworks night at Perdue Stadium.