Orioles minor league recap 7/9: David Hess’ struggles continue in Norfolk

Durham (Rays) 7, Norfolk Tides 4

David Hess’ first start in the minor leagues since May 8 did not go as planned. He was shelled by the Bulls, allowing eight hits and one walk in 2.2 innings. Given all that traffic on the basepaths, he’s fortunate to have only given up four runs. Eddie Gamboa provided 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. Andrew Faulkner was also not scored upon in his two-out relief appearance.

Mike Yastrzemski drove in two of Norfolk’s four runs yesterday. Cedric Mullins went 1-4 with a walk. His average has climbed nearly 50 points in his last ten games as O’s fans continue wondering how much awful baseball we need to watch in Baltimore before we are treated to him.

Despite the loss, Norfolk did take two of three games from Durham this weekend. This leaves the Tides 3.5 games behind Durham in what has become a two-team race in the International League South Division.

Bowie Baysox 8, Harrisburg (Nationals) 4

The Baysox celebrated their mascot Louis’s birthday in the best way possible: winning the game and taking the rubber game of the series against the Senators. Every starter except Ademar Rifaela collected a base hit. Ryan Mountcastle connected for his eighth homer of the season (two hits total) and Martin Cervenka also added a round tripper. Ryan McKenna and Corban Joseph each tallied a hit and run scored.

Luis Ysla started for Bowie and picked up his fifth win of the season. He allowed plenty of base runners in his 5.1 innings pitched (seven hits, two walks) but punched out an impressive eight batters. Branden Kline recorded five outs to pick up his sixth save of the season. He has allowed only two runs over his last ten appearances.

Carolina (Brewers) 6, Frederick Keys 1

Keys’ starter Alex Wells lasted only 4.1 as his somewhat disappointing 2018 campaign continues. Despite being selected as a Carolina League All Star, Wells saw his record drop to 3-6 and his ERA rise to 4.13 after yesterday’s performance. He allowed four runs while striking out six.

They Keys didn’t collect their sole run until the ninth inning despite finishing the game with seven base hits. Randolph Gassaway plated that run with a double to score Wilson Garcia. Cole Billingsley was the only Key to collect more than one base hit. The loss wrapped up a five game series with the Mudcats in which Frederick lost four games.

Delmarva Shorebirds 2, Hickory (Rangers) 1

Fans in Salisbury got to see some excitement yesterday, as Mason McCoy won the game for the Shorebirds with a walk off single in the ninth inning. The game-winning hit was set up by Cadyn Grenier, the shortstop taken as a competitive balance pick in last month’s draft. He singled to lead off the frame and stole two bags to get in position for McCoy. It capped a slow offensive day for Delmarva, who managed only six hits (two from Grenier). Their other run came courtesy of Chris Shaw to give his club a 1-0 lead in the fifth.

2016 fourth-rounder Brenan Hanifee started for the Shorebirds and did a fantastic job. He allowed one unearned run in eight innings of work, lowering his season ERA to 2.41 in the process. He allowed seven hits and struck out only one. Hanifee was cruelly denied a win because a throwing error by Chris Shaw allowed a Crawdad runner to reach third, where he tied the game on a sacrifice fly.

Tri-City (Astros) 7, Aberdeen IronBirds 3

Aberdeen starter Hector Guance did not perform well, allowing four runs in five innings. All four of those runs came in the third inning, when Tri-City jumped out a a 4-0 lead. Yelin Rodriguez allowed three runs in relief, but only one was earned as his defense betrayed him.

Jaylen Ferguson had a good offensive day for Aberdeen and it came immediately after being demoted from Delmarva. He responded by going 2-4 with a home run and 2 RBI as he tries to get back into the organization’s good graces. Adam Hall collected two hits but that raised his average to only .195. Dalton Hoiles appeared as a pinch hitter, which was his first professional plate appearance. He walked on four pitches and scored. He also broke the scoreboard during batting practice. Bring him up to Baltimore!

Complete box scores from these games can be found here.

Monday’s scheduled games:

Frederick Keys vs. Wilmington, 7:00. Starter: Matthias Dietz

Delmarva Shorebirds vs. Hickory, 7:05. Starter: Luis Perez

Aberdeen IronBirds at Tri-City, 11:00AM. Starter: TBD