Indianapolis (Pirates) 4, Norfolk Tides 0
Each team had a total of four hits and committed two errors, but the Indians picked up four runs while the Tides were shut out. Go figure. It's actually a bit remarkable that the Tides didn't score at all, given that they also drew seven walks in the game. Leadoff man Xavier Avery picked up a couple of hits. So did the rest of the team combined.
Some silver lining in the game is that it was a decent Triple-A debut for Joe "The Gunk" Gunkel. This is not actually his nickname except to Stacey and myself. The Gunk was charged with three runs in 5.1 innings, which doesn't sound so good except for the fact that only one of the runs was earned. He gave up that one earned run on three hits and a walk and struck out four batters.
Harrisburg (Walgreens) 9, Bowie Baysox 3
The Jason Garcia as a starting pitcher experiment has not been off to an auspicious beginning. Yesterday's game was not any exception to this, with Garcia getting blasted for the full Tommy Hunter (five runs, all earned). That came over six innings. His season ERA is now 6.86. Perhaps "only" walking two batters is progress, but then, he gave up eight hits also, so what good is it?
Rehabbing Jimmy Paredes and recently-demoted Joey Terdoslavich each picked up two hits for the Baysox. Shortstop Adrian Marin singled in his lone at-bat and also drew three walks. I like plate discipline.
Frederick Keys 5, Winston-Salem (White Sox) 2
Five runs on six hits for the Keys - very efficient scoring. The star of the game was catcher Jonah Heim, who picked up a solo home run, scored two runs, and threw out his 13th would-be base stealer of the season. So far this season, Heim is batting .203/.329/.373 - not a great average, but that's a great walk rate and solid power when he is connecting. Maybe the eventual capable backup to Chance Sisco?
A quality start for 2014 18th rounder Matthew Grimes, who gave up two runs on four hits and two walks in 6.1 innings of work. After five starts, Grimes has a 1.75 ERA for the Keys. Not high stock on this guy since he's a 24 year old in High-A, but if he keeps pitching like that, maybe he'll earn himself a chance in Bowie.
Delmarva Shorebirds - Rainout
Today's Scheduled Games
Norfolk: at Louisville, 7:05. Starter: David Hale
Bowie: at Richmond, 6:35. Starter: TBD
Frederick: at Wilmington, 6:35. Starter: Cory Jones
Delmarva: vs. Charleston, 5:05 (single admission doubleheader). Starters: Brian Gonzalez, TBD
For complete box scores from Sunday's games, check out here.