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Norfolk Tides 3, Charlotte Knights 4
Mike Wright struck out 10 batters and Sharlon Schoop picked up his first career AAA as the Tides fell to Charlotte. Wright has demonstrated much improved command this year having walked three batters while striking out 22. He only lasted four innings, though, after having thrown 82 pitches. Michael Almanzar and Dariel Alvarez doubled while Julio Borbon stole two bases for his team leading 5th and 6th of the season. Borbon was also caught stealing. After not having been scored on in his first four appearances of the season, Oliver Drake has now been scored on his last two and was the losing pitcher on the day. Steve Johnson, on the other hand, continued his scoreless innings streak with two more. He's also struck out 16 in 11 innings pitched this season.
Bowie Baysox 1, Akron RubberDucks 7
Nasty business, that. The Baysox were held to five hits (none for extra bases) and a walk while striking out nine times. Elih Villanueva was solid, managing the most technical of quality starts. Gene Escat got shelled, though. The Hawaiian alum of Fresno State allowed six baserunners in two innings and four earned runs. Better days are ahead, son.
Frederick Keys 2, Wilmington Blue Rocks 8
David Hess got the start today and Baseball Prospectus' Tucker Blair was on hand...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Orioles?src=hash">#Orioles</a> David Hess 91-94 T96; heavy FB; SL with hard bite 78-79; slightly inverted land but clean arm action</p>— Tucker Blair (@TuckerBlairON) <a href="https://twitter.com/TuckerBlairON/status/592389580596346880">April 26, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Orioles?src=hash">#Orioles</a> David Hess 90-93 in 3rd; Firm CH 83-84; SL 79-81 with bite; missing barrels with FB and SL</p>— Tucker Blair (@TuckerBlairON) <a href="https://twitter.com/TuckerBlairON/status/592398821675638785">April 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
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In short, Hess shows promise, but the Blue Rocks got the better of him on this day. Hess was able to strike out five and only walked one, but yielded two home runs. Adrian Marin was the only Key to reach base more than once and Trey Mancini doubled.
Delmarva Shorebirds 3, Greensboro Grasshoppers 0 (makeup from 4/25)
Bennett Parry struck out six and allowed four baserunners in five shutout innings and Derrick Bleeker was perfect in two innings. At 23, the big lefty Parry is starting his 3rd season at Delmarva...maybe this will be the year? 2014 draftee was credited with a triple when leftfielder John Norwood misplayed a line drive. Wilkerson had reached on an error earlier in the game, as well.
Delmarva Shorebirds 0, Greensboro Grasshoppers 1
Already making his third start against Greensboro this season, Brian Gonzalez tossed a minor masterpiece. Gonzalez walked fewer batters (2) and struck out more (8) than he has in any other outing this season. In his young career, Gonzalez has pitched 53.2 innings and struck out 56 batters. Jomar Reyes was 0-7 between both games. Jonah Heim was 2-3 and threw out a baserunner.