Indianapolis (Pirates) 7, Norfolk Tides 1
Norfolk had nine hits. So did Indianapolis! Unfortunately for the Tides, they had just two extra-base hits, while the opposition had five doubles and a home run. Starter Josh Rogers was shellacked for four runs in a 3.1 inning outing, with Jimmy Yacabonis getting torched for another three runs in just an inning of relief later in the game.
On the bright side, Ryan Mountcastle had a multi-hit game for Norfolk. He’s batting .321 for the year, with an .839 OPS. Chance Sisco was 1-3 in the game with a walk. Indianapolis also had two runners thrown out. Sisco was the designated hitter, though - Jesus Sucre was catching.
Bowie Baysox 12, Erie (Tigers) 1
One of the things that Orioles fans have to hope in 2019 is that a number of players on the next good Orioles team are on the O’s farm already. If Hunter Harvey can be a part of the next great O’s rotation, that would be wonderful. He’s had a tough season so far but took a step in the right direction on Saturday, striking out eight SeaWolves in six innings, with a run allowed on six hits. Hopefully there can be more like this.
Not to be forgotten is the Bowie offense in this game. They exploded for 19 hits, with four different batters picking up at least three hits. T.J. Nichting was a homer short of the cycle. Preston Palmeiro, son of Rafael, had three hits, and so did Ademar Rifaela, who drove in three runs. Also in the three hit club: shortstop Mason McCoy, who’s now sporting a 1.081 OPS over his first 11 games since being promoted to this level.
Frederick Keys 4, Salem (Red Sox) 1
Holding the other team to five hits is a good way to win a game. Frederick’s starter, Luis Lebron, gave up the lone run in four innings. Steven Klimek, now sporting a 1.83 ERA, pitched three scoreless, while Travis Seabrooke closed out the game’s final two innings.
At the plate, Keys batters picked up nine hits and were able to pull off the victory despite 1-9 hitting with runners in scoring position. Jomar Reyes, Cole Billingsley, and Trevor Craport all had multi-hit games.
Delmarva Shorebirds 3, Kannapolis (White Sox) 1 (Game 1 - 7 innings)
An April 8 rainout set up this doubleheader. Shorebirds starter Nick Vespi nearly went for a seven inning complete game, racking up 11 strikeouts in 6.2 innings against the Intimidators.
Delmarva batters had only six hits in the game, with second baseman Cadyn Grenier’s two-run single making the difference. Last year’s competitive balance pick is still waiting for his bat to come alive a bit more, with a .723 OPS so far on the season.
Kannapolis (White Sox) 8, Delmarva Shorebirds (Game 2 - 7 innings)
This was the 40th game that the Shorebirds have played this year. Although they lost, they have fewer than ten losses on the season. Really! They’re 31-9. It’s still amazing. This one just wasn’t their finest. Starter Ryan Wilson gave up seven runs in 3.2 innings, which proved to be too much for the offense to overcome.
After taking an 0-3 in the first game of the doubleheader, Adam Hall was 2-4 in this one, with a run scored. He’s still batting over .300 for the season.
Complete box scores from Saturday’s games can be found here.
Sunday’s Scheduled Games
- Norfolk: at Indianapolis, 1:35. Starter: Luis Ysla
- Bowie: vs. Erie, 1:35. Starter: Zac Lowther
- Frederick: vs. Salem, 1:00. Starter: Cody Sedlock
- Delmarva: at Kannapolis, 3:00. Starter: Ofelky Peralta