The Storm Chasers came back with three runs in the bottom of the 9th inning, capped by Johnny Giavotella‘s two-run homerun. Clint Robinson, who hit a two-run homerun in the first inning, popped up with the tying run on first base to end the game.

Brian Fletcher

NW Arkansas broke their losing streak with a 5-4 victory over Arkansas in the series finale. The Naturals used the homerun ball to end the streak. John Whittleman hit a two-run homerun in the first inning and Brian Fletcher hit a three-run homerun in the 5th inning.

Mike Montgomery earned the victory in his first home game with the Naturals since 2010. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks over 6.1 innings. He threw 89 pitches, just 48 for strikes. Juan Gutierrez returned to the mound after Tommy John surgery (he signed with the KC Royals this past offseason) and struck out two in his one inning of relief.

In case you haven’t heard, veteran catcher Jason Kendall signed a minor league deal with the Royals and has been added to the Naturals roster. He is expected to start for them on Friday. Maybe he can help their struggling pitchers?

It took until there was one out in the top of the 8th inning for Wilmington to pick up their first (and only) hit of the game against Myrtle Beach’s Kyle Hendricks. That hit came via Murray Watts, who picked up an RBI double. Problem is, the Blue Rocks lost 2-1, as they were swept by the Pelicans.

Jason Adam was the hard luck loser, as he dropped to 2-10 on the season. He was again beaten by the longball; he allowed a two-run homerun in the bottom of the 5th inning. He only allowed two hits and one walk while striking out four. Hendricks struck out at least one batter in every inning except the 6th (he pitched 7.1 innings), for a total of eight.

Kane County‘s game at Bowling Green was suspended, with the Cougars winning 2-0 in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Angel Baez had pitched a perfect inning in the start. A rain delay of close to two hours halted the game and it will be made up on Friday night (the regularly scheduled game will follow with a seven-inning affair).

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling hit his third homerun of his career in the first inning in Burlington’s 4-3 win over Danville. Starling went 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base (his third of the season).

After some time without much news, the Royals announced that they’ve signed four players to minor league deals: catcher Max Ramirez, RHP Juan Gutierrez, LHP Francisley Bueno, and outfielder Greg Golson.

Ramirez, 27, has played in 45 games for the Texas Rangers, batting .217/.343/.357 in 140 plate appearances. He arrived to Texas in a time when Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were part of what was supposed to be the future of Ranger backstops, which never occurred. Ramirez has spent most of his time at AAA, where he’s hit .262/.338/.405 for his career. He should give the Royals minor league teams depth behind the plate. His full first name is Maximiliano, so that’s fun.

Gutierrez, 28, has been a reliever in the majors with the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a 4.79 ERA over 167.1 innings since 2007. He can strike out big numbers, but also gives up a considerable number of hits. He was released by the Diamondbacks back in mid-October. Gutierrez figures to be insurance should the Royals have injuries or poor performances in their bullpen.

Bueno, 30, pitched 2.1 innings for the Atlanta Braves back in 2008, giving up two runs on five hits. Otherwise, he’s mostly pitched at AAA outside of a nine-game stint with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball League in 2010. Bueno has been used both as a starter and a reliever and has a 4.21 ERA in 286.1 innings at AAA. He should be a starter and spot-reliever for Omaha and used as a reliever or spot-starter for the Royals if absolutely necessary.

Golson, 26, is probably the most interesting of the group. He’s spent time in the majors with the Phillies, Rangers, and Yankees over the past four seasons, though it’s mostly been for defensive replacements. He has a line of .195/.214/.244 in 42 plate appearances over 40 games and is described as a “toolsy” guy that’s never quite gotten it all together. Golson’s hit .261/.313/.380 in AAA for his career and would make a mean outfield defense with Jarrod Dyson in Omaha. It’s a good flyer to take on a guy that’s still before his peak.

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