Orioles minors recap 6/16: Losses everywhere, except the Keys split a doubleheader

Charlotte Knights 7, Norfolk Tides 2

The Tides got trounced in this one. Charlotte tallied an astounding 13 hits on the night, including three runs in the second and fourth and one in the eighth for good measure.

Tim Melville took the loss for Norfolk after he allowed six runs in 3.2 innings with nine hits and two strikeouts. He matched his season high in walks with four, which last occurred in his start preceding this one. His ERA is now an oversized 5.29.

At the dish, Cedric Mullins went hitless, although he did manage to work two walks. He is hitting .196 since being promoted to Triple-A. D.J. Stewart was 2-for-5 with a double, and his batting line for the year is now .266/.362/.443. Third baseman Drew Dosch went 1-for-4 with a walk, leaving his average at .287.

Portland Sea Dogs 2, Bowie Baysox 1

The Baysox lost a pitcher’s duel to the Sea Dogs, despite having Keegan Akin on the mound. Offense was at a premium last night, and Portland was able to come out on top with two runs on four hits, while Bowie only had one run on seven hits.

Standout lefty Keegan Akin took the hard luck loss, allowing two runs over six innings with four hits, three walks and seven strikeouts. His ERA on the year is a pristine 2.65 and he has 78 strikeouts in 74.2 innings.

Tim Beckham made an appearance at third base to get his rehab rolling. He was 0-for-2, although he did take a walk and score a run. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-4 with a double, leaving his triple slash line for the year at .276/.338/.440. Ademar Rifaela had a pair of hits in four trips to the plate, leaving his batting average at .245.

Frederick Keys 7, Down East Wood Ducks 5 (Game One)

The Keys out-hit the Wood Ducks in the first game of this Friday doubleheader. Frederick held the lead all game long, with Down East managing to score all their runs in the last two frames of the game; four runs in the sixth and one in the seventh.

For Frederick, center fielder Ryan McKenna continued his standout season. He went 1-3 at the dish with a double and a run scored. Big third baseman Jomar Reyes had three hits and added a run. Colby Rasmus, on rehab assignment, went 2-for-4 with two runs, a double, a home run, and three RBI. It was his first home run of 2018, in the majors or minors.

As far as pitching, Ofelky Peralta got the win for Frederick. He lasted five innings, scattering seven hits and four earned runs, along with zero walks and four strikeouts. He season long ERA is now 6.22.

Down East Wood Ducks 5, Frederick Keys 3 (Game Two)

Frederick was unable to complete the doubleheader sweep, losing their second game by two runs. Down East jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. They had 11 hits to go along with their five runs scored.

As far as Frederick’s offense, Ryan McKenna had a multi-hit game that included a home run, his eighth of the year. He is putting up video game numbers so far this season, with a triple slash line of .375/.466/.557. First baseman Wilson Garcia joined the home run club in this one too, launching his sixth of the year.

Keys starter Francisco Jimenez took the loss after he gave up five runs on eight hits over four innings. His ERA is now a bloated 9.82. Right-hander Steve Klimek did have three scoreless innings in relief though, leaving his ERA at 3.19.

West Virginia Power 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 2

The Shorebirds got outmatched in this game, losing by six runs in what turned into a blowout. Delmarva only managed lone runs in the seventh in ninth innings, while the Power scored runs in four out of the eight innings in which they hit.

For Delmarva, left-hander D.L. Hall took the loss. At 0-5, he is winless on the year. He lasted four innings (76 pitches), allowing four hits, one earned run, two walks and five strikeouts. That leaves his ERA at a manageable 3.76 on the year, along with 36 strikeouts and 22 walks in 40.2 innings overall.

On offense, Mason McCoy was 2-for-5 with two runs scored to raise his average to .241. Center fielder Zach Jarrett was 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI to leave his average at .303. Catcher Ben Breazeale was 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles. Third baseman Trevor Craport was 0-for-3 with his 11th error of the year, but he did have two walks on the night.

Hudson Valley Renegads 4, Aberdeen Ironbirds 0

The Ironbirds had their season opener last night at Leidos Field. Unfortunately, Aberdeen’s offense was silent and they were unable to get into the win column.

Shortstop Adam Hall, the Orioles’ second round pick in the 2017 draft, went 1-for-4 from the leadoff spot. Center fielder Jake Ring was 1-for-3 with a walk and DH Randolph Gassaway was held hitless.

On the pitching side, right-hander Victor Romero threw a solid game. He may have only lasted five innings, but he only allowed one run on three hits, zero walks and three strikeouts, which was good for a 1.80 ERA on the night.

Complete box scores from last night’s games can be found here.

Saturday’s Schedule Games

• Norfolk vs. Charlotte, 7:05 PM ET. Starter: Matt Wotherspoon (2-4, 4.94 ERA)
• Bowie vs. Portland, 6:35 PM ET. Starter: TBD
• Frederick vs. Down East, 6:00 PM ET. Starter: Alex Wells (3-4, 3.51 ERA)
• Delmarva at West Virginia, 6:05 PM ET. Starter: TBD
• Aberdeen vs. Hudson Valley, 6:05 PM ET. Starter: TBD