Minor League Playoffs Kick Off

One of the perks of having a deep and talented farm system is a trip to the playoffs for some affiliates.  Last year, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals won the Texas League Championship behind Danny Duffy, Mike Montgomery, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas and were named Baseball America’s Team of the Year in the process.

This year, the Naturals hope to repeat, while the Omaha Storm Chasers try to add to the success in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.  Kane County is also representing the Royals in the Midwest League.

Playoff series started yesterday.  So how did everyone do?

–Omaha 4, Round Rock Express (Rangers) 0

Luis Mendoza threw seven shutout innings and Kelvin Herrera struck out four in two innings to finish it off.  Meanwhile, Clint Robinson homered and drove in two.

Lorenzo Cain tripled and Manny Pina doubled as the Storm Chasers took the opener despite only eight baserunners.

–Arkansas Travelers (Angels) 2, Northwest Arkansas Naturals 1 in 11 innings

Both teams scored in the first and that was it until Arkansas turned a single, walk and a single with two outs into the winning run off of Blaine Hardy.  The Naturals lone run came after a walk, hit batter and sacrifice bunt allowed Derrick Robinson to score on a ground out.

Chris Dwyer put up six strong innings, allowing just two hits and no earned runs while striking out seven.  The bullpen was strong too after him, highlighted by 2.2 innings from Kendall Volz who struck out five.  Volz, of course, was one of the players the Royals received from the Red Sox for Mike Aviles.

-Kane County Cougars 4, Burlington Bees (A’s) 0

During the offseason, the Royals and A’s essentially traded Low A level affiliates, so it’s fitting that they face each other in the Midwest League Playoffs.

Greg Billo continued his solid season, shutting down Burlington over seven innings and striking out seven, walking just one and giving up only three hits.

Cheslor Cuthbert, Brian Fletcher and Orlando Calixte all drove in runs to lead the Cougars to a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-3 series.