Orioles minor league recap 6/10: Domingo Leyba’s grand slam powers Norfolk’s offense

Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 9, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins) 3

In a rare twist of fate, the Tides were the only Orioles affiliate to win on Wednesday. They made it happen on the back of a steady Alexander Wells start and one breakout inning to bury the Jumbo Shrimp.

Wells made it through five innings for the first time all season, allowing just one run on three hits, five strikeouts, and zero walks. The lefty’s season ERA remains a bit high at 6.35, but his last two outings have marked a sizable improvement over his early-season struggles. Konner Wade was first in relief, tossing three innings while giving up two runs to earn the hold. And Isaac Mattson wrapped up the win with a clean ninth inning.

Just about every Norfolk hitter had a nice night at the plate. Domingo Leyba delivered the crushing blow, a grand slam in the midst of the team’s eight-run fifth inning. Leyba had five RBI on the night. Ramon Urías hit a solo shot and a double. Tyler Nevin added three hits and a stolen base. Brett Cumberland and Mason McCoy each singled and doubled. A rehabbing Austin Hays went 0-for-5 with a run and an RBI. Chance Sisco was 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs.

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets) 9, Bowie Baysox 1

Kevin Smith had a nice game on the mound, where he tossed five innings, struck out eight, and did not walk any. Only one of his two runs was earned, but the unearned run came as a result of Smith’s own throwing error in the fourth inning. Regardless, it was another promising data point in Smith’s first full season as a member of the O’s organization.

Bowie’s bullpen fared much worse. Ofelky Peralta could only record two outs as he served up four runs on two hits and two walks. Luis Perez followed with more trouble over his 2.1 innings of work, allowing three runs on five hits, a walk, and two strikeouts.

J.C. Escarra was one of the few Baysox to produce at the plate. The DH went 2-for-4 with a triple and the lineup’s lone RBI. Adley Rutschman started at first base and had a pair of singles. The catcher Chris Hudgins managed to hit his fourth double of the season, but he struggled in the field with a throwing error and two passed balls. Terrin Vavra took a 1-for-4. Joey Ortiz was 0-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Cadyn Grenier and Johnny Rizer combined to go 0-for-8 with five strikeouts.

High-A: Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays) 7, Aberdeen IronBirds 5

It was a big day for Aberdeen outfielder Zach Watson as he hit his third and fourth homers of the season. Both were of the solo variety. Adam Hall went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Cody Roberts added two singles and two RBI. Maverick Handley and Shayne Fontana both doubled. Jordan Westburg was 1-for-5 with an RBI.

Connor Gillispie’s start was less than stellar. Over 4.1 innings he gave up four runs on five hits, a walk, and four strikeouts. Three of the five hits were home runs. Jake Prizina was the only Aberdeen pitcher to get out of this game unscathed. He tiptoed around a hit and two walks to not allow a run over 1.2 innings. Jonathan Pendergast and Logan Gillaspie both threw an inning apiece, allowing one and two runs, respectively.

Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 0, Lynchburg Hillcats (Cleveland) 0 - Suspended/3

Poor weather in Lynchburg stopped this contest in between the second and third innings. Zach Peek was cruising on the mound, striking out four over his two innings. Darell Hernaiz and Jordan Cannon had both singled prior to the rain.

This game will be completed on Thursday, starting at 5 p.m. The regularly scheduled game will follow and last just seven innings.

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

Thursday’s scheduled games

• Norfolk: at Jacksonville, 7:05. Starter: TBD
• Bowie: at Binghamton, 6:35. Starter: Cody Sedlock (0-0, 3.94 ERA)
• Aberdeen: at Bowling Green, 7:05. Starter: TBD
• Delmarva: at Lynchburg, 5 p.m. - Continuation of Suspended Game
• Delmarva: at Lynchburg, Start Time TBD, Starter: TBD - 7-Inning Game