Orioles minor league recap 6/25: Sisco homers, Yefry Ramirez and Alex Wells impress

Louisville (Reds) 5, Norfolk Tides 1

Yefry Ramirez started for Norfolk and turned in a very nice outing. He allowed two runs and struck out four in 6.1 innings, but took the loss because of Norfolk’s offensive struggles. Rodriguez’s ERA of 3.88 is declining as he tries to position himself as the next man up when the Orioles need a starter. Lefty reliever Joely Rodriguez did not fare well, allowing three runs and recording just two outs in relief.

Norfolk scored only one run, but it came in a way that will make O’s fans happy: a Chance Sisco home run. In three games since being sent down to Norfolk, Sisco is hitting .364 with an OPS of 1.053. If the object of his demotion was to get him comfortable offensively, the early returns are good. His day wasn’t without bad news: he did not throw out any of the three attempted base stealers.

Cedric Mullins went 0-4 as he continues adjusting to International League pitching; he is batting .224 with Norfolk. DJ Stewart also went hitless. 1B Garabez Rosa collected two hits and was the only player in Norfolk’s lineup not to strike out.

Richmond (Giants) 4, Bowie Baysox 3

Bowie grabbed a 3-1 in Richmond but gave up two in the sixth and a walk-off sacrifice fly in the ninth to only earn a split in this four-game series. Matthew Grimes made his third start of the season (18th appearance overall) for the Baysox and pitched well. In five innings of work he allowed one run on six hits while striking out five. Reliever Tanner Chleborad allowed the tying runs to score in the sixth. Branden Kline was the tough luck loser, allowing the game winning unearned run. Kline is pitching very well for Bowie; his ERA sits at 1.77 after today’s game.

Bowie mustered seven hits and all three of their runs came in the second inning. DH Ademar Rifaela, C Martin Cervenka, and SS Erick Salcedo each plated runs during that second inning rally. Anthony Santander went 1-4 with a triple and owns a .736 OPS since being sent down. OF Ryan McKenna went 2-3 with a walk and a run scored. Since going hitless in his first two games at the AA level, he’s collected five hits in his past three games and continues to impress. Ryan Mountcastle and Corban Joseph each went hitless.

Salem (Red Sox) 7, Frederick Keys 1

Despite the lopsided score, it was a good day for the 2017 O’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year Alex Wells. The lefty did not give up an earned run in six innings. He walked three, allowed four hits, and did not record a strikeout. Since May 1, his ERA has fallen from 4.50 to 3.29. The bulk of Salem’s offense came against James Teague, who gave up five runs and recorded just two outs.

The Keys offense collected only four hits and struck out seven times. The only run came in the third, when CF T.J. Nichting singled, moved up on a wild pitch, and scored on a throwing error. Not a fun day for Frederick fans who like explosive offense. 2B Preston Palmeiro went 1-4 and Jomar Reyes went 0-4 while designated hitting. RF Jake Ring drew three walks and could perhaps teach the parent club something about plate discipline. The Keys dropped three of four in Salem to start their season’s second half.

Delmarva Shorebirds 8, Hagerstown (Nationals) 7

The Shorebirds plated three runs in the second and fifth innings as part of their big day at the plate. 3B Branden Becker went 3-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored. SS Mason McCoy, RF Will Robertson, and DH Max Hogan also drove in runs. CF Zach Jarrett went hitless to leave his batting average at .306.

2016 second rounder Matthias Dietz started for the Delmarva and was not a mystery. He worked 5.1 innings and allowed six runs, six walks, and six hits. Dietz’s ERA sat at 2.74 after seven shutout innings on May 25. Four starts later, it is 3.69. His WHIP this season is a troubling 1.43, but he has struck out 64 batters in 61 innings.

Scott Burke pitched 3.1 innings and allowed an unearned run to pick up the win. Nick Vespi recorded one out to collect his third save of the season.

Aberdeen Ironbirds 7, Vermont (Nationals) 2

Aberdeen’s offense matched their season high in runs scored on the young season as they moved back to .500. CF Doran Turchin, a 14th round pick out of Illinois this draft, clubbed his first home run of the season to go along with three RBI and two other base hits. DH Willy Yahn and SS Adam Hall also drove in runs.

Willie Rios started for the second time this season and gave up two runs in four innings. Jimmy Murphy and Nick Vichio combined to pitch five scoreless innings to close out Vermont.

Complete box scores for these games can be found here.

Monday’s scheduled games:

Norfolk vs. Gwinnett Game 1, 5:05. Starter: Asher Wojciechowski

Norfolk vs. Gwinnett Game 2. Starter: TBD

Bowie vs. Akron, 7:05. Starter: TBD

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

Delmarva vs. Hagerstown, 7:05. Starter: TBD

Aberdeen vs. Vermont, 7:05. Starter: TBD, whose arm must be very tired