Orioles minors 6/16: Jason Garcia tosses a gem in Bowie

Norfolk Tides - OFF

Bowie Baysox 6, Portland (Red Sox) 1

Remember last year’s Rule 5 experiment, Jason Garcia? He’s been in the Bowie rotation all year and he has had his share of troubles, but Thursday’s game wasn’t one of them. Garcia blanked the Sea Dogs for six innings, giving up five hits and three walks while striking out six batters. That lowers his season ERA to 4.95.

It was a hit parade for Bowie, however. Four of Bowie’s starting hitters had multi-hit games, including a 2-5 from Chance Sisco. One of the hits was a double. Power is good. Even Adrian Marin, who has struggled at times this year, got into the act with a 3-4 night at the plate.

Rehabbing J.J. Hardy went 1-5 in what will hopefully end up being his final rehab game, but as of this moment nobody really knows for sure. Sea Dogs runners had three steals off of Garcia and Sisco with none thrown out.

Frederick Keys - postponed

Delmarva Shorebirds 6, Hickory (Rangers) 4

It’s always good news to see a young player succeeding in his first taste of full season ball. Ryan Mountcastle has fit this bill for the Shorebirds, and this game was no exception. Mountcastle slugged his fifth homer of the year as part of a 2-4 night and he’s now batting .294/.364/.452 at just age 19.

Last year’s other first rounder, D.J. Stewart, is older than 19 but also had a multi-hit night. Don’t look now, but Stewart has got his batting average up to .233. OK, he has a ways to go, but it’s something. Cedric Mullins also hit his fifth homer in the game, and he stole his 15th base as well.

Reid Love, last year’s 10th round pick out of ECU, started the game, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks in six innings of work. This guy has earned a shot at Frederick. You never know what will happen from there.

For complete box scores from Thursday’s games, including the adventures of the Orioles two Dominican Summer League affiliates, check out here.

Today’s Scheduled Games

• Norfolk: vs. Durham, 7:05. Starter: David Hale
• Bowie: at Erie, 7:05. Starter: David Hess
• Frederick: vs. Lynchburg, 5:00 (doubleheader). Starters: David Cory Jones, Mitch Horacek
• Delmarva: at Hickory, 7:00. Starter: Cristian Alvarado
• Aberdeen: at Hudson Valley, 7:05 (Season opener!) Starter: TBD