Royals May 5th Minors Recap

Omaha lost to Oklahoma City, 5-1 in the series finale. The two teams split the four-game series. The Storm Chasers now head to Round Rock for four games.

The Storm Chasers lone hit came in the 3rd inning, a solo home run by Melky Mesa. They did work two walks, but struck out 13 times.

In the bullpen game, Ramon Troncoso took the loss, as he allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over three innings. Justin Marks followed and allowed two runs (one after he left the game) on two hits and a walk over three innings (plus two batters in the seventh).

Francisley Bueno threw a scoreless ninth in his rehab assignment.

NW Arkansas once again lost to Arkansas (and at home), this time by a 7-1 score.

The Travelers blew the game open in the ninth with a five-spot off Malcom Culver, aided by seven straight hits (eight total in the inning). Andrew Triggs and his 0.95 ERA came in with the bases loaded and got a unassisted double play on a liner to first base.

JC Sulbaran was the hard luck loser, as he allowed two runs on just three hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out five. The first batter of the game homered off him. After allowing a run in the third, Sulbaran retired 15 of his final 16 hitters before handing the ball to the bullpen.

The Naturals had just four hits, including Whit Merrifield‘s RBI double off fellow South Carolina hero Michael Roth. In that inning, the Naturals had runners at second and third base with one out, but Roth struck out the next two hitters. Former Kansas City Royals farm hand Brandon Sisk earned his first save of the season with two hitless innings.

*In roster news, Matt Murray was promoted from Wilmington. No word yet on a corresponding move.

Salem walked off against Wilmington by a 2-1 score.

Both teams scored a run in the sixth (the Blue Rocks scored on an error) before the Red Sox walked off with two doubles in the ninth off reliever Zeb Sneed.

The Blue Rocks had nine hits, two each by Johermyn Chavez and Jack Lopez. They did work four walks, but went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. They also stole three bases. Though Bubba Starling struck out three times, he did have two outfield assists, including throwing a runner out at the plate.

It was one of the best starts of the season for former first round pick Sean Manaea, though he only went four innings (37 pitches, 29 strikes). He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out six. UPDATE: I am going to say that the pitch count listed in the box score was wrong after reading comments by both Manaea and manager Darryl Kennedy. He apparently struggled through his four innings, especially struggling with his slider.

*In roster news, reliever Johnny Walter was activated from the DL.

Lexington lost to Hagerstown, 6-5 and lost the four-game series.

The Legends collected just four hits, two of which were home runs. Michael Antonio hit a two out, three-run shot in the sixth that cut their deficit to one run.

Unfortunately, the Suns scored two more in the bottom of the inning.

Matt Tenuta took the loss, as he allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. He also allowed four stolen bases. Kevin Perez allowed the two runs in the sixth, though only one was earned. Alex Black pitched a scoreless eighth.

Just 501 people were in attendance for the series finale.