Orioles prospects 7/20: Encouraging starts from young pitchers

Norfolk Tides 7, Pawtucket Red Sox 3

Jayson Aquino took the mound for the Tides on Thursday and it’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint. Tossing six innings, the 24-year-old scattered seven hits and a walk, allowing just one run on the night over 88 pitches. His ERA is down to 4.34 on the season and four of his last five outings have been impressive. He’s always a candidate to be called up as the season moves on.

Drew Dosch, Pedro Alvarez and Chris Johnson all hit home runs in Norfolk’s win. Alvarez’s was his 20th on the year, though he’s hitting just .233. Paul Janish was the other key contributor — he went 2-4 with a double and a pair of RBI.

Bowie Baysox 7, Altoona Curve 6

A quick shoutout to Ryan Mountcastle is necessary here — this was the 20-year-old’s first game at double-A Bowie and he went 1-5 with a run scored. Here’s to plenty more hits with the Baysox.

Both Erick Salcedo and Austin Wynns went 2-4 with a double, while Adrian Marin was 1-3 with two walks, three RBI and a run scored. Marin, 23, has quietly had his best year as a pro with a .288 batting average.

Jesus Liranzo started the game in the three-inning mini-start and couldn’t have been much better. He allowed just one hit in the three scoreless frames and struck out a pair of batters. Unfortunately, Brandon Barker couldn’t get the job done in relief — he surrendered six hits and six earned in two innings.

Frederick Keys 8, Wilmington Blue Rocks 2

Cristian Alvarado was masterful on Thursday for Frederick, striking out 11 batters in six innings of work. He allowed eight hits and two earned, but when you don’t walk a batter and have double-digit strikeouts, chances are it’s going to be a good night. The 22-year-old has really turned it around following a tough first half — positive news for the O’s from a guy who most definitely still has potential value.

Almost everyone in the Keys lineup got involved on this night, and amazingly 10 of the team’s 12 hits were singles. Randolph Gassaway and Alex Murphy both went 2-4 with an RBI, the latter hitting his 14th double of the season. 22-year-old outfielder Ademar Rifaela (.302 season average) was 2-4 with Frederick’s only round-tripper.

Delmarva Shorebirds 7, Augusta GreenJackets 3

A great game for Delmarva here. Collin Woody, the former UNC-Greensboro standout, worked a 3-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Jake Ring, who has significantly cooled off after his incredible start to the year, was 2-5 with his 11th home run on the year.

In terms of performances on the mound, Zach Muckenhirn tossed five innings of one-run ball in his start while Francisco Jimenez and Jake Bray wrapped up the game to give the Shorebirds their 43rd win of the season.

Aberdeen Ironbirds 3, Vermont Lake Monsters 2

Thursday was a notable night from 2017 third-round selection Michael Baumann, the Ironbirds’ starter. The high pick out of Jacksonville (former home of Austin Hays, as well) tossed four innings of scoreless ball, striking out three and surrendering just two hits. With the current state of the system, it’d be nice to see these encouraging outings from young arms like Baumann continue.

The Aberdeen lineup only collected seven hits, but a win is a win. And when each of the top trio of the lineup has a pair of hits, it’s a good night regardless. Those guys — Kirvin Moesquit (2-4 with a pair of singles and a walk), Mason McCoy (2-3, double) and Ben Breazeale (2-3, home run).

Breazeale continues to dominate the NY-Penn league with a .434 average on the year. Not a bad start to a pro ball career for the catcher from Wake Forest.

Today’s games

Norfolk at Pawtucket, 7:05. Starter: Tyler Wilson

Bowie vs. Altoona, 7:05. Starter: Lucas Long

Frederick vs. Wilmington, 7:00. Starter: Reid Love

Delmarva at Augusta, 7:05. Starter: Matthias Dietz

Aberdeen vs. Vermont, 7:05. Starter: TBD