Orioles minor league recap 5/23: Baby Birds put up lots of runs

Norfolk Tides 9, Charlotte Knights (White Sox) 3

Norfolk’s offense exploded for six runs in the second inning and didn’t look back from there. Mike Yastrzemski homered and Austin Wynns had three hits. All but two Tides drove in runs in the impressive offensive performance. One of those Tides was Caleb Joseph, who went 1-5.

Jimmy Yacabonis started and picked up his first win of the season. He allowed just one run on three hits through five innings, lowering his ERA to 3.72. Yacabonis hasn’t responded to his opportunities in the big leagues throughout his career, but he’s pitched fairly well in his first season as a starter. His peripherals don’t scream “major leaguer” but he is providing solid innings for the AAA club.

Donnie Hart recorded the final six outs of the game and allowed one hit. His ERA lowered to 2.55 as his bounceback season continues.

Bowie Baysox 8, Altoona Curve (Pirates) 5

Bowie trailed 3-1 when they came to bat in the sixth inning. The Baysox offense took off from there, paced by Ryan Mountcastle. His batting average sits at .356 after his one homer, four RBI performance. Corban Joseph also homered and plated three runs. Anthony Santander, Cedric Mullins, and Austin Hays each collected a base hit.

Keegan Akin started for Bowie and gave up three runs in six innings (quality start!). He continued his nice strikeout numbers, fanning seven batters in six innings. Given the O’s perpetual problem with getting starting pitchers deep into games, it is encouraging to see Akin get through at least five innings in all but his first start of the season.

Altoona scored two runs in the ninth to make it interesting, but Tanner Chleborad came in to end the rally and pick up his second save.

Salem Red Sox (Red Sox) 13, Frederick Keys 11

After throwing a scoreless first inning, Keys starter Jhon Peluffo ran into trouble. He was charged with seven runs (six earned) over 2.2 innings. Peluffo came into this game with a WHIP of 1.91, which was raised last night. Travis Seabrooke came in but couldn’t restore order. His ERA sits at 27.00 after giving up five runs while recording two outs.

Frederick was down 12-1 after five innings but mounted a late inning rally. 2B Preston Palmeiro hit a three-run home run, his seventh of the season. SS Chris Clare added one homer and three RBI and OF Ryan McKenna drove in two. The crowd in Frederick got a thrill as the Keys were retired in the ninth with the bases loaded.

Hickory Crawdads (Rangers) 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 1

2017 first-rounder DL Hall started for the Shorebirds and turned in his worst statistical outing of the season. He wasn’t a mystery, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks in four innings of work. His ERA rose from 2.29 to 3.04. Relievers Reed Hayes and Alex Katz both gave up runs as well.

Offensively, Delmarva mustered just one run on three hits. The lone run came on a Jaylen Ferguson solo home run in the eighth inning. It was Ferguson’s first RBI of the season. This loss was the second straight when the Shorebirds scored just one run.

Wednesday’s scheduled games:

Norfolk at Charlotte, 7:04. Starter: Tim Melville

Bowie vs. Altoona, 6:35. Starter: Jayson Aquino

Frederick vs. Salem, 7:00. Starter: TBD

Delmarva at Hickory, 6:00. Starter: TBD