KC Royals Minors Recap: Zane Evans Leads Naturals to Victory

Omaha won their first game over Reno, 9-6 in the rematch of last year’s Pacific Coast League playoffs. The two teams have combined for the last four PCL titles.

The Storm Chasers rudely welcomed former teammate Justin Marks back to town. Matt Fields‘ two out, three-run home run chased Marks from the game in the 4th inning to cap their five-spot. Prior to that inning, Marks had not allowed a hit.

The Storm Chasers collected 12 hits, three each from Reymond Fuentes and Cheslor Cuthbert. Fuentes also stole three bases (to give him eight on the season), scored three runs, and had an outfield assist.

Erik Kratz began his rehab assignment and went 1-for-4 with two RBIs. He also had a passed ball.

Aaron Brooks earned the win, as he allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out four. Michael Mariot earned his first save with a perfect ninth (two strikeouts).

*In roster news, lefty Brandon Finnegan was promoted from Double-A to replace released lefty Joe Paterson.

NW Arkansas has now won six in a row, as they swept Arkansas with a 10-4 victory in Thursday’s finale. The Naturals collected 20 hits.

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Every Natural had at least one hit, with six having multi-hit games.

Raul Mondesi

went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and three RBIs.

Jorge Bonifacio, Hunter Dozier, Zane Evans, and Alex Liddi each had three hits in the win. Evans hit two doubles, drove in two runs, and scored two. Liddi also drove in two runs and scored two.

Sam Selman was credited with the win in relief of Miguel Almonte (4IP, 4H, 2R, 3BB, 5K). Selman allowed one of the two inherited runners to score in the fifth. He also allowed a run of his own on two hits and two walks over 1.2 innings. Daniel Stumpf entered with the bases loaded in the sixth and left them stranded. He pitched 2.1 perfect innings with four strikeouts.

*In roster news, infielder Kenny Diekroeger was promoted from High-A (started at second base and went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI) . Fellow infielder Logan Davis was sent to Low-A (entered in right field and went 0-for-1).

Wilmington lost their finale to Winston-Salem, 2-0.

Alec Mills was the hard luck loser, as he allowed both runs on five hits over five innings. He struck out ten. Ashton Goudeau made his Blue Rocks debut and allowed two hits over three scoreless innings. He struck out three.

The Blue Rocks collected six hits, all singles and by six different batters.

*In roster news, infielder Carlos Garcia was promoted from Low-A.

Lexington lost their series opener to Hagerstown, 3-2.

The Legends collected just four hits, including Ryan O’Hearn‘s ninth home run of the season. Leadoff hitter Corey Toups went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Torey Deshazier was the hard luck loser, as he allowed all three runs on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out two and allowed two solo homers. Niklas Stephenson allowed a hit and a walk over three scoreless innings.

Next: Alex Rios Closing In on Rehab Assignment

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