Orioles prospects 7/9: Pedro Alvarez still doing things in Norfolk

Norfolk Tides 3, Columbus (Indians) 2

The Tides outhit the opposing Clippers 11-to-4 at Harbor Park on Sunday and squeaked by with a one-run victory. It could have gone much worse for the Clippers if the Tides didn’t go 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Newly acquired lefty Jason Wheeler kicked things off on the mound and surrendered both earned runs over four innings. Steve Johnson pitched a scoreless fifth and sixth and took home the win. Richard Rodriguez recorded the game’s final five outs, four of which by strikeout, and picked up the save. His ERA is now down to 2.65 on the year as he awaits his first call-up.

On offense, Luis Sardinas and Sharlon Schoop both had solo home runs for the Tides. The other RBI went to former NL all star Pedro Alvarez who went 2-for-3 and as he continues to play down in Norfolk despite his original opt-out date of June 1st.

Bowie Baysox 6, Richmond (Giants) 3

Mike Yastrzemski knocked a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to put the game out of reach for the Flying Squirrels. DJ Stewart also had his eleventh homer of the year, a solo shot, and two more walks to bring his OBP up to .357. The strange trend continues for the former 1st-round pick who keeps hitting better at each successive level. Lets hope at some point it continues to the big league club.

Still throwing regular 3-inning “starts,” Jesus Liranzo allowed two runs in the top of the first and his day ended early. Brandon Barker came out to start the second inning, and went on to throw 6 strong innings in relief. Barker surrendered just one earned run and struck out five.

Frederick Keys 5, Myrtle Beach (Cubs) 3

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans fought back to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning, but the Keys quickly responded in the bottom half of the frame with two runs of their own thanks to Ademar Rifaela’s fifteenth homer. Despite being overshadowed earlier in the year by Mountcastle and Hays, Rifaela has been extremely impressive at Frederick after a down 2016. His slash line this season is up to .312/.359/.545.

Although he let up 7 hits, Keys starter Cristian Alvarado allowed only two earned runs over six innings of work. For the second start in a row, the 22-year-old gave up a lot of contact, but was able to limit the damage. Most importantly, Alvarado once again didn’t make matters worse by walking any batters.

Hickory (Rangers) 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 3

The Shorebirds found some brief magic in the top of the ninth inning to force extra innings in Hickory, NC, but later watched the Crawdads walk it off in front of their home crowd in the following inning. It was the sole loss on the day within the Orioles’ organization.

Shorebirds starter Jhon Peluffo had his longest outing of the year, going six strong innings. The recently-turned 20-year-old surrendered one earned run on only three hits while striking out four. Still almost two years younger than the average prospect in the South Atlantic League, look for Peluffo’s name to jump up organizational prospect lists.

Playing in just his second game with the Shorebirds, Milton Ramos went 3-for-4 with a double as he now tries to work his way up the Orioles organization instead of the Mets’. Despite the three runs scored, Jake Ring had the Shorebirds’ only RBI on a pinch-hit sac fly.

Aberdeen IronBirds 5, Tri-City (Astros) 4

Fans at Ripken Stadium who stuck around saw the home team walk it off in dramatic fashion. In the bottom of the ninth inning, 2017 seventh-round pick T. J. Nichting reached safely on a two-out bunt with the bases loaded. It was the team’s first run since scoring four in the first inning. The Shorebirds now have 11 wins over their first 18 games.

After starting his season with three consecutive quality starts, IronBirds starter Brenan Hanifee surrendered only two earned runs on Sunday, but only completed four innings. The aforementioned Nichting had a multi-hit game, as did fellow 2017 draft pick Luke Ringhofer. They’re certainly not wasting any time between the draft and professional ball. Third baseman Kirvin Moesquit went 2-for-3 with two walks and two stolen bases.

Complete box scores for all of Sunday’s games can be found here.

Today’s Scheduled Games

• Norfolk: OFF
• Bowie: OFF
• Frederick: vs. Myrtle Beach, 2:00. Starter: Brian Gonzalez
• Delmarva: at Hickory, 12:00. Starter: TBD