Norfolk Tides 1, Buffalo Bison 2
Fans at Harbor Park were treated to the rare International League pitchers' duel as Ubaldo Jimenez squared off against Blue Jays prospect Sean Nolin. Jimenez allowed seven baserunners in six innings, struck out three and induced seven groundouts. Ryan Webb allowed the go ahead run and was tagged with the loss, though Robert Coello and Evan Meek each pitched scoreless innings in relief.
Christian Walker doubled and walked (duh). Quntin Barry had a pair of singles and a steal.
Bowie Baysox 8, Binghamton Mets 2
Zach Davies was masterful in his 7.1 inning outing. The 21 year old righty from Arizona struck out eight, walked none and induced nine groundouts. It was the seventh qaulity start for Davies in his last ten starts. Mychal Given pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Glynn Davis had a pair of singles, while Michael Ohlman doubled and Garabez Rosa tripled. I don't know if I'd necessarily call Rosa a prospect, but you have to be encouraged with his progress this year and there's some value in having a platoon/utility guy with a little speed and some pop. He's slashed .351/.383/.614 since the AA All Star Break.
Frederick Keys 5, Wilmington Blue Rocks 4
The Blue Rocks were treated to a one-two punch of two of the most extreme groundball pitchers in the Carolina League. Brady Wager has thrown to a 55.6% this season while Mark Blackmar sports a godlike 63.8%. Blackmar got the start and was rewarded for his efforts with a horrorshow fifth inning in which four unearned runs scored. Both Jason Esposito and Trey Mancini were charged with errors. C'est la vie. Blackmar was the recipient of a no decision and Wager vultured the win with two scoreless innings.
Adrian Adrian Marin Marin hit his 24th double of the season. Rangers prospect Nick Williams is the only other 20 year old in the Carolina League with more.
Aberdeen Ironbirds 0, Williamsport Crosscutters 2
Yet another encouraging outing from Stephen Tarpley. Did he allow a homer? Yes, he did, but he also induced groundouts and struck out four in six innings. The homer accounted for the only run Tarpley allowed. He's gone at least six innings in his last three outings and has struck out 15 while allowing only four earned runs. Not bad at all.
Jay Gonzalez had a pair of singles to lift his average to .271, but was thrown out trying to steal for the fifth time this year.