Royals June 20th Minors Recap

Despite collecting 13 hits, Omaha lost to Memphis, 13-9. Redbirds rehabbing centerfielder Jon Jay went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs.

The Storm Chasers hit four homeruns, two by Max Ramirez. Salvador Perez again caught all nine innings and went 4-for-4. He also scored three runs. Johnny Giavotella went 2-for-5.

NW Arkansas took yet another game from Tulsa, as they won 7-6. The Naturals scored four runs in the bottom of  the 7th inning and held on for the victory.

There were two KC Royals making rehab appearances with the Naturals. Felipe Paulino started and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks over just three innings. He allowed two homeruns and struck out just one. Paulino threw 54 pitches, 33 for strikes. Lorenzo Cain got the start in centerfield and batted leadoff, as he went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. He also played all nine innings.

The Naturals also welcomed two new members to the club: Brian Fletcher and Alex McClure. Both got into their first Double-A games on Wednesday. I could see the Fletcher move happening, since he was Wilmington’s best hitter, but McClure has been under .200 all season long. However injuries to middle infielders Christian Colon and Sharlon Schoop gave McClure the opportunity (both are now on the DL). Unfortunately, Fletcher started in left field (where he doesn’t play his best baseball) and was taken out late in the game for defense (he went 0-for-4 with a run scored). McClure went 1-for-4, but struck out twice.

Still no games yet for Bubba Starling with Burlington, who is 2-0 to start the season.