Orioles minor league recap 8/12: Grayson Rodriguez dominates again for Bowie

Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 7, Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) 5

Dean Kremer linked up with Adley Rutschman and suddenly looked like a capable pitcher again. Kremer went four innings and allowed a run on six hits and three strikeouts. On the other end of the spectrum was Kevin Smith, who struggled, allowing four runs on four hits, two walks, and one strikeout in one inning of work. Beyond that, however, the Norfolk pitchers were effective with Thomas Eshelman, Claudio Custodio, and Fernando Abad combining for four scoreless innings to wrap up the win.

Maybe Rylan Bannon finally broke out of his season-long slump in this one. He hit two home runs, walked once, and scored three runs to lead the Tides offense. His season OPS is still just .554, though. Yusniel Diaz doubled and scored twice. Rutschman and Robert Neustrom both had two RBI.

Double-A: , Bowie Baysox 8, Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants) 4

Have you all heard of Grayson Rodriguez? It’s cool if you haven’t. He’s pretty unknown. Anyway, he was really good in this game. Over five innings, the big righty struck out eight batters, walked none, and served up just three hits. It seems like he’s got a decent chance to get to the big leagues if you ask me. Logan Gillaspie had some trouble in relief, giving up three runs over two innings. But Steven Klimek and Diogenes Almengo smoothed things out after him.

Johnny Rizer was the offensive star for Bowie. The left fielder went 3-for-3 with a walk, a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored. Seth Mejias-Brean and Zach Watson also hit bombs. Patrick Dorrian and Toby Welk added two hits. Welk also doubled and stole his third base of the season.

High-A: Aberdeen IronBirds, Asheville Tourists (Astros) 3 - Game 1 - F/7

The IronBirds needed just two pitchers to get the win in what was supposed to be Game 1 of a double header. Conner Loeprich served in an opener role, tossing two innings at the start. It went well enough as he allowed a run on two hits, no walks, and three strikeouts. The one run came on a solo home run. Jake Prizina followed and put together a solid five-inning outing to get the win in relief.

J.D. Mundy produced much of Aberdeen’s offense all by himself. He went 2-for-3 with a two-run home and a single to drive in three total runs on the day. Maverick Handley had the only other RBI on a base hit. Jordan Westburg had a 2-for-4 game, including a double and a stolen base. Dylan Harris also had a multi-hit performance. Gunnar Henderson and Hudson Haskin combined to go 0-for-7.

High-A: Asheville Tourists at Aberdeen IronBirds - Game 2

These two teams were able to sneak one game in ahead of the rain, but not two. Instead, they will play a pair on Thursday.

Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 8, Lynchburg Hillcats (Guardians) 7 - Game 1 - F/7

It was a non-stop parade around the bases for the Shorebirds in their doubleheader. They registered 10 hits and four walks in Game 1. Darell Hernaiz and Jean Carmona led the way with two hits and a double each. Cristopher Cespedes added his 12th home run of the year. Lamar Sparks registered his fifth double and two RBI. Mason Janvrin added a pair of base hits.

Houston Roth started on the bump, and it wasn’t his finest showing. He lasted just four innings while giving up four runs on seven hits, a walk, and five strikeouts. Two of the hits were home runs. Roth made way for Thomas Girard, who wasn’t any better. He tossed three innings while serving up three runs on four hits and no strikeouts.

Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 10, Lynchburg Hillcats 6 - Game 2 - F/7

Delmarva had 13 more hits in Game 2. Cespedes, Sparks, Ryne Ogren, and Trevor Kehe had two hits apiece. TT Bowens tripled with the bases loaded to drive in three runs. Carmona and Janvrin each stole a base.

The Shorebirds turned to Adam Stauffer to start this one. He would go three innings and allow three runs (two earned) on five hits and two strikeouts. Carlos Del Rosario was the first out of the ‘pen, making his debut at the Low-A level, and he had a weird outing where he got the win and did not allow any hits over 1.1 innings, but he still gave up three runs on five walks, and four strikeouts. Leonardo Rodriguez notched the save, tossing 2.2 shutout innings and striking out five in the process.

Complete box scores from all of Wednesday’s games can be found here. The Orioles’ Florida League Complex teams and their Dominican Summer League teams did not play any games.

Thursday’s scheduled games

• Norfolk: vs Memphis, 7:05. Starter: Mike Baumann (1-0, 1.64 ERA)
• Bowie: vs Richmond, 6:35. Starter: Drew Rom (1-0, 2.70 ERA)
• Aberdeen: vs Asheville, 4:35. Starter: Zach Peek (1-0, 2.77 ERA) - Game 1
• Aberdeen: vs Asheville,TBD. Starter: TBD (—, — ERA) - Game 2
• Delmarva: at Lynchburg, 6:30. Starter: TBD (0-0, — ERA)