If you follow the Royals’ minor league system at all, there is one theme.  Wilmington is a tough place to hit.  Being a position player in the system and getting a promotion to high A ball is the equivalent of the Royals Brass telling you that they would like to see how you handle failure.  It is a pitchers park of nearly epic proportions.  Cuthbert’s 2012 line of .240/.296/.322 is definitely scary, and maybe completely meaningless as well.  I went back and looked for Royals in Wilmington going back to 1994 to see who hit well there.  Plenty of players, including Johnny Damon, Mike Sweeney, and even Ken Harvey had nice seasons for the Blue Rocks, but there is a consistent similarity among them all, and that is that they were all in their early 20s.  Only one player under age 20 had a significant amount of playing time in Wilmington and had good hitting numbers.  Wil Myershad a nice half season in is age 19 season.

Cheslor Cuthbert via Jen Nevius

The best parallel for Cheslor is Carlos Beltran.  Beltran was actually a year older at each stop, but had a similar path of decent rookie ball year and a pretty good line between low A and A ball.  Then he arrived in Wilmington and struggled to a line of .229/.311/.363 as a 20 year old.  The following year he repeated his time at high A, and did much better, getting a promotion to AA where his numbers exploded.  That is the hope for someone like Cuthbert in 2013.  Getting a chance to age and repeat could lead to similar growth as a player.  Not only that, but the fact that he is following a similar path at a younger age means that the ceiling for him may be very high.

Digging into last season there were some good signs.  Away from his home park, Cuthbert’s average was similar, but his OBP was 20 points higher and his slugging was 60 points higher.  Also, after three really awful months, his OBP in the last two months (a little over 100 PAs) of the season were .343 and .364 with the usual small sample size caveats.  Everyone is loving up Adalberto Mondesi this spring, and for good reason, but don’t forget about Cheslor Cuthbert.  It would not at all be surprising to me if next year he was in AA and/or AAA and creating questions about how to handle the log jam at third base.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

Omaha ended the regular season by losing two in a row to Albuquerque, with a 4-3 loss on Monday. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday in the playoffs.

Nate Adcock started, but for the second straight game, the Omaha starter was on a short pitch count. He threw 40 pitches over two innings (two runs on four hits).

The Storm Chasers collected ten hits (just two for extra bases) but went just 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Wil Myers went 2-for-4, but fell one homerun shy of the minor league lead.

NW Arkansas was swept in their final home series of the season, as they lost to Tulsa, 7-4. The Drillers scored five runs in the 4th inning.

Sugar Ray Marimon was chased from the game after four innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits (two homeruns) and two walks. He struck out six.

Wilmington finished off the regular season by losing two in a row, with a 3-0 loss to Potomac. Kevin Keyes hit a two-run homerun in the 4th inning that was the difference in the game.

The game started in a rain delay and ended when the skies opened up in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Juan Graterol went 1-for-1 to raise his average to .301.

Matt Ridings finished his season with a solid start, as he allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk. He struck out a career-high nine. Ridings attributed all the strikeouts to the P-Nats aggressiveness in the game. Many were swinging at the first pitch or chasing fastballs out of the zone (the P-Nats were still in street clothes when the game was supposed to start, hoping for a rainout).

Following the game (and the half hour delay before it was called), Ridings talked about his performance not only today, but on the season. He also looked to the postseason, which begins on Wednesday for the Blue Rocks at home against Lynchburg (weather permitting).

Kane County had the chance to sneak in as a Midwest League wild card. Burlington was playing a doubleheader (and lost the first game), but the Cougars lost their game to Peoria, 6-2.

In the Chiefs’ four-run 5th inning, Cougars starter Michael Giovenco was tossed after hitting a batter following a three-run homerun. The Cougars bullpen followed with 4.2 solid innings (one run on four hits).

On offense, Daniel Mateo and Julio Aparicio collected two hits in the loss.

With the playoffs just three days away, Storm Chasers starter Ryan Verdugo reached his pitch limit after just 2.2 innings (46 pitches). He allowed three runs on five hits and a walk.

Wil Myers (2-for-5) stepped to the plate in the 9th inning with the tying run on third base, but flied out to end the game. Rey Navarro and Adam Moore both collected two hits and Moore hit a two-run homerun.

NW Arkansas lost to Tulsa, 3-1 despite out-hitting the Drillers 10-9. JC Sulbaran finally pitched well for the Naturals since coming over from Cincinnati in the Jonathan Broxton deal. He allowed one run on six hits over seven innings. He walked four and struck out four.

The Naturals scored a run in the 9th inning and had the tying run on base, but could not score. Yem Prades went 2-for-5 and drove in the only run. Brian Fletcher and Kevin Kouzmanoff each collected two hits in the loss.

Blue Rocks starter Andy Ferguson

With just two regular season games left before beginning a playoff series at home, Wilmington fittingly played an extra inning affair on Sunday afternoon. The Blue Rocks lost to visiting Potomac, 4-0 in 11 innings. The P-Nats won in Wilmington for the first time in 2012 (they were 0-8). It was a scoreless affair until that fateful 11th inning when Steven Souza hit a no-doubt grand slam out to left field off losing pitcher Nick Graffeo (who struck out the side in his first inning of work). It came with two outs.

It was a great pitcher’s duel between Blue Rocks starter Andy Ferguson and P-Nats starter Matt Grace. Ferguson allowed seven hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings. He struck out six, as he put himself into the running for a rotation spot for the postseason. Grace, who has struggled all season, allowed six hits and a walk over eight scoreless innings.

The Blue Rocks only had multiple base runners in an inning three times, the final time being the bottom of the 11th inning. They loaded the bases with one out, but couldn’t come up with the clutch hit. Nick Van Stratten and Lane Adams both collected two hits in the loss with Van Stratten extending his hitting streak to nine games.

Ferguson threw 95 pitches, 65 for strikes (by my count). He had three innings where he threw less than ten pitches. Ferguson talked following the game about his outing, the defense being excellent behind him, the potential of him starting in the postseason, and his adjustments to the Carolina League:

With Burlington losing earlier on Sunday, Kane County had a chance to stave off elimination once again. And they did, with a 5-4 win over Peoria in ten innings. Their playoff season will come down to the final game of the regular season. A Cougars win and a Bees loss will send the Cougars to the Midwest League playoffs.

Down 3-0, the Cougars scored three runs in the bottom of the 5th inning with two triples, a double, an RBI ground out, and three wild pitches. Down 4-3 in the 8th inning after a Jorge Soler homerun, Dean Espy drove in the tying run with a single (he went 2-for-4). With two outs and the winning run on second base, Alex Llanos drove in the winning run with a single to set off the celebration (Llanos went 2-for-5).

Bubba Watch: Burlington was one win away from the Appalachian League title, but a long rain delay in Elizabethton delayed the start. They scored three runs early on two homeruns, one by Bubba Starling (a two-run shot that gave the Royals the lead). However in the bottom of the 11th inning, Elizabethton won the game on a wild pitch to force a deciding Game 3. Starling went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

Seven Storm Chasers had multi-hit games. Wil Myers (4-for-6) hit his 37th overall homerun and drove in four runs. Jason Bourgeois came off the bench to go 3-for-5 with two runs scored and Clint Robinson and Irving Falu each collected three hits in the win.

Pitcher Ethan Hollingsworth was promoted from Double-A to Omaha to help out in the postseason.

Four homeruns did in Mike Montgomery, as NW Arkansas lost to Tulsa, 6-2. He allowed all six runs on eight hits and a walk over six innings.

Brian Fletcher hit a two out, two-run homerun in the 8th inning that accounted for all of the Naturals’ runs. Mario Lisson and Carlo Testa both went 2-for-4 in the loss.

Wilmington kept up their winning ways, with a 5-1 victory over Potomac. They scored four runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Brett Eibner led off the inning with a solo homerun and two batters later, Matt Fields hit a two-run shot.

That made a winner of Jason Adam, who allowed one run on two hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Kane County beat Peoria, 6-5 with a three-run bottom of the 6th inning. With the win, the Cougars staved off elimination. They are two games back of the wild card with two games to go (Burlington was postponed).

The Cougars bullpen duo of Rudy Brown and Cody Fassold allowed just two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings of relief.

Justin Trapp led off the bottom of the first inning with a homerun (he went 2-for-5). Tim Ferguson also picked up two hits in the win.

Bubba Watch: Burlington walked off against Elizabethton in the first game of the Appalachian League championship. The Royals won 3-2 in 12 innings on Bubba Starling‘s sac fly. He went 1-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts. The Royals pitched 5.1 scoreless innings of relief.

The month didn’t end so well for Omaha. They lost to Albuquerque (who is fighting for a playoff spot and may face Omaha in the first round), 11-3. The Storm Chasers were down 9-0 after the second inning. Justin Marks made his Triple-A debut and it was a rough one. He allowed nine runs (seven earned) on seven hits and three walks over just 1.2 innings.

It was so bad that infielder Kurt Mertins had to pitch an inning of relief.

Wil Myers was the only Storm Chaser with two hits (he went 2-for-4 with a triple). He was also named Omaha’s Player of the Year.

Yordano Ventura

NW Arkansas took Game 1 of their doubleheader in Arkansas, 5-1. Yordano Ventura was solid, as he allowed one run on four hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out three. Ventura was named High-A Wilmington’s Pitcher of the Year earlier in the day. For more on ALL of the Royals Minor League Players and Pitchers of the Year, click HERE.

The Naturals pounded out 13 hits, with four players picking up multi-hit games. Kevin Kouzmanoff (who was just activated from the DL) and Mario Lisson drove in four of the runs.

The Naturals also took Game 2, by a score of 9-2. They pounded out 14 hits, with five players collecting multi-hit games.

Noel Arguelles picked up the win, as he allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and a walk over six innings (a complete game as it was completed early). He struck out five.

A day after clinching a playoff spot, Wilmington enjoyed Friday off before beginning a three-game series against Potomac.

Kane County‘s playoff hopes are quickly dwindling, as they lost again to Quad Cities, 8-2 (they were swept). The Cougars are still three games back (Burlington lost again), but there are just three games to go.

In the loss, Justin Trapp and Chris Elder each collected two hits (combining for three doubles) and scored the Cougars’ lone runs.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, but Burlington received a two-run homerun from Mark Threlkeld to beat Johnson City, 3-2 to take their first playoff series (Johnson City was the reigning Appalachian League champs). Starling was named Burlington’s Player of the Year. Next up for the Royals is Elizabethton for the Appy League title. The quest for the title begins on Saturday in Burlington.

Nate Adcock had a day to forget: 1IP, 8H, 7R (all earned), OBB, K.

For the Storm Chasers, Irving Falu went 3-for-4 and Jason Bourgeois collected two hits in the loss. Wil Myers hit his 36th homerun of the 2012 season (second to Reading’s Darin Ruf for the MiLB lead).

NW Arkansas was postponed in Arkansas as Tropical Storm Isaac moved in. The two teams will try to play a doubleheader on Friday night, as Yordano Ventura will start for the Naturals. Not sure why they’re even making up tonight’s game, as both teams have already been eliminated from postseason contention.

Blue Rocks centerfielder Brett Eibner

A six-run 4th inning pushed Wilmington over Myrtle Beach, 9-3, and into the Carolina League playoffs. Frederick lost to the last place Salem Red Sox after the Blue Rocks won, which set off the champagne celebration. It will be the Blue Rocks first appearance in the playoffs since 2009 and they haven’t won the Mills Cup since they shared it with Myrtle Beach back in 1999. So it’s been a LONG time.

That 4th inning all started with a Lane Adams walk (he walked twice in the inning). The Blue Rocks collected four hits and three walks and were helped out by an error and a wild pitch.

Watch out Carolina League if Brett Eibner can continue to hit the way he has two out of the last three games. He went 3-for-4 tonight with two runs scored and two RBIs. Angel Franco also went 3-for-4.

Leondy Perez was dominant in his start for the Blue Rocks, as he allowed just an unearned over 7.1 innings. He allowed five hits and a walk while striking out three.

Kane County lost in 12 innings to Quad Cities, 2-1 on a bases loaded sac fly. The Cougars sit three games back of the wild card with four games left in the regular season. The Cougars collected just two hits in the whole game and struck out 16 times.

The Cougars didn’t pick up their first hit until the 7th inning (a Justin Trapp double) off River Bandits starter Jonathan Cornelius, which chased him from the game. The very next inning, Julio Aparicio hit a solo homerun for the Cougars second hit, but it gave them the 1-0 lead. The River Bandits came right back with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning to tie the game.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling helped Burlington stave off elimination by beating Johnson City, 4-2. Starling went 2-for-3 with a solo homerun in the 7th inning (he also had a sac fly). The Royals win forced a deciding Game 3 on Friday night in Burlington in the Appalachian League playoffs.

Jake Odorizzi picked up the win and allowed just one hit, but over just five innings. Why? Because he walked five and struck out six. He threw 91 pitches, just 47 for strikes.

Arkansas scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back, as they beat NW Arkansas, 4-3. Yem Prades and Paulo Orlando each picked up two hits in the loss.

Whit Merrifield leading off on Opening Night for Wilmington

Despite going 0-for-3 in the Naturals loss, Whit Merrifield had a nice day off the field. He was one of seven KC Royals named to the Surprise team in the Arizona Fall League. He is listed on the roster as an outfielder, so I guess the second base experiment is over? He was also honored as the 2012 Matt Minker Community Service Award winner (each Carolina League team nominated one member off their roster). In his second season in Wilmington, Merrifield continued his work in the community that he was involved in in 2011. The Minker Award is named after the former Blue Rocks team president who passed in November of 2007 after losing a five-year fight with cancer. It is given to the Carolina League player who who does the best job of serving his club’s community during each season. In the inaugural season of the award (2008), current big leaguer Everett Teaford won the award. Last season, Tim Melville earned the honor.

A wild 7th inning pushed Wilmington past Myrtle Beach, 4-3. Blue Rocks starter Brooks Pounders carried a no-hitter into that 7th inning, but Tomas Telis doubled to lead off the inning. Three batters later, the Pelicans led 2-0. Six singles and three MB errors in the bottom of the inning gave the Blue Rocks the 4-2 lead.

With the win, the Blue Rocks are clinging to a 2.5 game lead over Lynchburg. The Hillcats won the first half title and would play all three divisional series games at home if they win both halves. Both Frederick (three games back) and Potomac (four games back) both lost. All three teams have five games left, while the Blue Rocks have just four. With a Blue Rocks win and a Frederick loss on Thursday, the Blue Rocks clinch a playoff spot.

After coming back to tie the game in the top of the 8th inning, Kane County lost to Quad Cities, 6-5. That was after the Cougars led 3-0 heading into the 6th inning. The Cougars had the tying run on second base with one out, but could not put a run across.

The Cougars are three games behind Burlington for the wild card spot in the Midwest League with five games to go.

The loss negated the solid start from Aaron Brooks. He allowed two runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out five. Jack Lopez and Dean Espy collected two hits, while Alex Llanos went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the loss.

Bubba Watch: Burlington got their playoff run in the Appalachian League started against Johnson City. The Royals lost 2-1. Bubba Starling went 0-for-2 with two walks and two strikeouts.

*Merrifield will be joined in the AFL by outfielder Brian Fletcher, shortstops Alex McClure and Orlando Calixte (though he is on the taxi squad and can only play on Wednesdays and Saturdays), and pitchers Edwin Carl, Justin Marks, and Jon Keck. Both Keck and Marks spent time this season on the DL. I’m guessing Calixte will be there working on his defense (he has 45 errors on the season).

In other Fletcher news, his sister and girlfriend will be in this season’s Amazing Race, with the premiere airing on September 30th on CBS.

**The instructional league roster was also announced with Starling, pitcher Sam Selman, catcher Cameron Gallagher, and outfielder Brett Eibner included. Will strikezone judgement be worked on with Starling and Eibner? Eibner added to his franchise record strikeout total in Wilmington Wednesday night with two Ks to bring his total to 162.

Workouts begins September 17th with a 23-game schedule running from September 24th through October 19th.

***The Royal extended their player development contracts with two of their rookie level teams, Idaho Falls and Burlington, through 2014.

Newly promoted Michael Mariot threw five shutout innings of relief for the Storm Chasers. He retired the final 11 batters he faced.

Lefty starter Chris Dwyer landed on the DL and Justin Marks was promoted from Double-A to take his place.

NW Arkansas was pounded by Arkansas, 12-2. That was after the Naturals took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. It could have been more for the Naturals in that first inning, but poor base running squashed any threats.

After Alex McClure singled to put runners at the corners, he was thrown out trying to steal second base. Brian Fletcher followed with an RBI triple. Then Fletcher was thrown out trying to steal home (on a double steal).

Blue Rocks centerfielder Brett Eibner

Wilmington came back to defeat Myrtle Beach, 6-5. Brett Eibner (2-for-3 with no strikeouts) hit a two-run homerun in the 6th inning to give the Blue Rocks the lead. With the win and a Frederick loss, the Blue Rocks now hold a two game lead for the final spot in the Carolina League playoffs.

Edwin Carl threw three hitless innings of relief to pick up his second save. He struck out five.

Kane County lost to Burlington, 3-1. Justin Trapp went 3-for-5 and fell a triple shy of the cycle. The Cougars lone run came via Trapp’s solo homerun in the 9th inning.

Kyle Smith was the hard luck loser, as he allowed two runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out eight. Cole White, who had been on the DL in Wilmington for awhile, allowed a run on one hit and two walks while striking out two (it was his first appearance with the Cougars). The dominant relief outing came from Cody Fassold, who pitched two perfect innings of relief while striking out four.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for4 with a strikeout in Burlington’s 3-1 victory at Bristol.

*26th round pick Mark Donato was suspended 50 games for violating the Minor League Baseball Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. After signing, Donato was hitting .253 with 27 RBIs in 35 games for the AZL Royals.

Every Storm Chaser had at least one hit and six had multi-hit games. The top three in the order, Irving Falu, Mitch Maier, and Max Ramirez went a combined 9-for-15 with six runs scored and six RBIs. Ramirez hit a two-run homerun in the 6th inning.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

Wil Myers (outfield) and Ryan Verdugo (left-handed starter) were named to the Pacific Coast League’s Postseason All-Star Team.

A six-run 6th inning was NW Arkansas‘ downfall, as they lost at Tulsa, 7-3. That was after the Naturals had a 3-0 lead.

Mike Montgomery allowed all seven runs on eight hits over six innings. He struck out six and only walked one. However, he gave up two homeruns. One of those was to big league rehabber Troy Tulowitzki. Tulo and fellow rehabber Jason Giambi went a combined 4-for-7 for the Drillers.

The Naturals collected six hits, two each coming from Paulo Orlando and Manny Pina.

With everyone idle on Monday night, the Wilmington Blue Rocks took advantage and beat Myrtle Beach , 9-1. The Blue Rocks collected 18 hits, though only two went for extra bases. The victory gave them a full game lead in the Northern Division of the Carolina League.

Andy Ferguson started and struggled a bit (eight hits over 5.1 innings), but worked his way out of jams. He was helped out by some good defense in the outfield. He was also helped out by reliever Nick Graffeo, who entered with the bases loaded in the 6th inning and struck out the inning’s final two batters. Graffeo said after the game that he threw only fastballs in that inning. He has also moved up the Blue Rocks depth chart in the bullpen, manager Vance Wilson said after the game.

Shortstop Orlando Calixte celebrated being named the Carolina League’s Player of the Week by going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Murray Watts was the only Blue Rock to not collect a hit (or get on base).

First baseman Matt Fields went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and also made a nice backhanded play in the field. After the game he talked about the long bus ride back from Lynchburg (they got back at 5am), what he was trying to do tonight at the plate, his playoff experience in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, how the Blue Rocks compare to that championship team, and that balk call.

When asked how his Sally League championship team compared with his current team, he admitted that there are alot of similarities. “…chemistry, the clubhouse…we’re like family…I think we could be trouble for anybody in the playoffs.”

“I’m not gonna lie, I definitely do,” Fields said about scoreboard watching.

Kane County beat Burlington, 4-0. The Cougars scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back. Michael Antonio delivered the big blow, a two out, two-run double.

Three Cougars combined to throw nine scoreless innings. Rudy Brown started and allowed four hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out six. Kellen Moen followed with four innings of relief. He allowed four hits and a walk while striking out three. Andrew Triggs picked up his fourth save, as he allowed just one walk over the final two innings (he struck out four).

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts in Burlington’s 7-4 win in Bristol.

Donnie Joseph picked up his first win as a KC Royals minor leaguer, with two scoreless innings of relief.

Every Omaha starter picked up a hit and all but three walked at least once. In that first inning, Omaha collected two hits and four walks, and were aided by a two-run error.

NW Arkansas lost to Tulsa, 6-3. For awhile, the Naturals had just one hit. Then Carlo Testa homered in the 7th inning for their second hit.

The Naturals came back with two runs in the top of the 9th inning and had runners at the corners, but Yem Prades grounded out to end the game. That left Whit Merrifield (2-for-4) in the on deck circle.

Blue Rocks centerfielder Brett Eibner

Wilmington took the first game of their doubleheader in Lynchburg, 1-0. It was a game dominated by pitching, that Jason Adam got the best of. He allowed five hits and a walk over six scoreless innings. He struck out five.

The Blue Rocks took the lead in the top of the 6th inning on a Matt Fields‘ sac fly. Nick Van Stratten and Murray Watts each collected two hits in the win.

Brett Eibner‘s two strikeouts in Game 1 gave him a total of 160 on the season, which is a new Blue Rocks record. His average also dropped to .192.

Wilmington lost Game 2, 3-2 despite out-hitting the Hillcats, 7-4. The Hillcats scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning.

The Blue Rocks went just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. They also made three errors.

With the DH split and Frederick’s win at Potomac, the Keys are now just a 1/2 game back of the Blue Rocks with seven games to go.

Kane County lost to Burlington, 7-6. After the Cougars scored four runs in the bottom of the 6th inning, the Bees came back with four runs of their own in the top of the 7th inning. Four straight walks started the inning.

Two Cougars errors cost them three runs.

Justin Trapp, Dean Espy, and Tim Ferguson each picked up two hits in the loss.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling had the day off, but Burlington lost 5-2.

Nate Adcock throwing a bullpen session in Baltimore

Omaha beat New Orleans, 5-1. The Storm Chasers received a great start from Nate Adcock. He allowed just one run on six hits and two walks over seven innings. Roman Colon followed with two perfect innings of relief.

The top two in the Storm Chasers order (Irving Falu and Mitch Maier) went a combined 4-for-7 with three runs scored and an RBI. Derrick Robinson broke out of his 0-for-21 skid with a double in the 4th inning.

NW Arkansas lost to Tulsa, 2-1 in walk-off fashion. Both teams scored a run in the first inning and no one scored until the bottom of the 9th inning.

That negated the solid start from Justin Marks, who allowed an unearned run on five hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

Jason Giambi continued his rehab assignment for the Drillers and went 0-for-1 with a walk and strikeout (Marks struck him out).

Wilmington was rained out in Lynchburg and the two teams will finish their series on Sunday night with a doubleheader. Even without playing, the Blue Rocks picked up a 1/2 game on Frederick, who lost a rain-shortened game in Potomac. However the red-hot P-Nats are now just two games back of first place (they have won five in a row).

Down 3-1, Kane County scored three runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to beat Burlington, 4-3. Justin Trapp and Jack Lopez (the Cougars 1-2 hitters) drove in all four runs and went a combined 5-for-8.

With well over 11,000 in attendance, reliever Michael Giovenco picked up the win. He allowed just one hit and three walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out three.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in Burlington’s loss. He also committed his fourth error of the season (it was fielding).

*2012 second round draft pick Sam Selman of Idaho Falls was named the Pioneer League’s Pitcher of the Year. He leads the league with a 2.08 ERA and 80 strikeouts.

Jake Odorizzi took the loss, as he allowed five runs on seven hits (two homeruns) over six innings. He did not walk a batter while striking out five.

Reliever Sam Runion

NW Arkansas walked off again against Springfield, 3-2 in 14 innings. This time Yem Prades drove in the game winner with two outs. Michael Liberto (3-for-6) scored the game winner yet again.

Yordano Ventura returned from the DL and allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over 4.2 innings. He struck out five. The story of the game for the Naturals was their bullpen duo of Ethan Hollingsworth and Sam Runion. Hollingsworth allowed four hits and three walks (two intentional) over 6.1 scoreless innings. Runion followed with three scoreless innings of relief. He picked up the win, as he allowed just one hit while striking out three.

Kevin Kouzmanoff headed to the DL to make room for Ventura.

Wilmington beat Lynchburg, 11-5 to retake the lead in the Northern Division of the Carolina League (Frederick lost to Potomac). The Blue Rocks pounded out 13 hits and scored in six of the nine innings.

Every Blue Rocks hitter had a hit except Lane Adams. Nick Van Stratten went 2-for-5 with a homerun, two runs scored, and three RBIs. He also stole a base. Cheslor Cuthbert went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three runs scored.

Leondy Perez picked up the win despite allowing four runs on eight hits. Edwin Carl pitched 2.2 perfect innings of relief. Santiago Garrido officially returned from the DL and pitched one inning for the first time for the Blue Rocks since June 4th.

Kane County stormed back with four runs in the top of the 9th inning to beat Quad Cities, 11-10. That was after the Cougars had a 6-0 lead after four innings.

The Cougars pounded out 19 hits, but collected just two extra-base hits (both were doubles). Every starter had at least two hits, except for Alex Llanos (0-for-5) and Chris Elder (1-for-5). The top four in the order (Justin Trapp, Jack Lopez, Daniel Mateo, and Dean Espy) went a combined 12-for-21 with seven runs scored and seven RBIs.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling had Friday off, as Burlington lost to Johnson City, 6-5.

*2012 first round pick Kyle Zimmer will undergo minor elbow surgery to clean out loose bodies. It is expected he will need 6-8 weeks to recover. Zimmer had been pitching for Kane County and did not allow an earned run over his last three starts (19.2 innings).

June 10, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Mitch Maier (12) bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Omaha busted out in a big way on Thursday night, as they beat New Orleans, 11-1. The Storm Chasers offense picked up 11 hits and went 5-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Mitch Maier went 3-for-4 and Wil Myers hit his 22nd homerun in Triple-A. Rey Navarro and Adam Moore went a combined 4-for-8 with six RBIs.

Ryan Verdugo was the beneficiary of all that offense, as he picked up his 12th win of the season. He allowed a run on five hits and two walks over six innings while striking out five.

NW Arkansas couldn’t close out a victory, as they lost to Springfield, 12-8. They led 8-2 through five innings. It got so bad that backup catcher Ryan Jenkins had to enter to finish the game for the Naturals.

Leadoff hitter Yem Prades continues to impress, as he went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBIs.

Wilmington fell into second place, as they lost their finale in Frederick, 6-5. The Blue Rocks lost 4-of-5 in Frederick, fell 1/2 game behind the Keys for first place, and are now just one game ahead of Lynchburg (who they play over the next three days).

The Keys walked off. With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th inning, Glynn Davis singled to shortstop, but the throw was bad and two runs scored to set off the celebration. That was the second error of the inning for the Blue Rocks.

Brett Eibner struck out two more times to increase his total to 158, one off the Blue Rocks single season record set back in 2001. His strikeouts lead the Carolina League. He is in an 0-for-21 drought with ten strikeouts. He has the fourth worst batting average in full season minor league baseball (.193).

Kane County lost to Quad Cities, 2-0. The Cougars collected just three hits, two from Justin Trapp. He also stole his 22nd base of the season.

Kyle Smith was the hard luck loser, as he allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Bubba Watch: The Appalachian League named its All-Stars on Thursday and four Burlington representatives were on the list. Tommy Shields was named Manager of the Year. Three players were named All-Stars: Patrick Leonard (3B), Bubba Starling (UT OF), and Mark Threlkeld (DH).

Speaking of Starling, he went 0-for-1 with a run scored and three walks in the Royals 6-3 victory.

The Storm Chasers collected 14 hits, as six players had multi-hit games. The top three in the order, Irving Falu, Mitch Maier, and Anthony Seratelli, went a combined 7-for-14 with six runs scored and two RBIs.

Doug Davis had one of his worst starts of the season. He allowed six runs on 12 hits and four walks over six innings. He did strike out eight.

Whit Merrifield leading off on Opening Night for Wilmington

NW Arkansas needed a walk off win to beat Springfield, 9-8. That was after the Naturals scored seven runs in the 3rd inning. Whit Merrifield (2-for-5) drove in the winning run with no outs in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Manny Pina and Michael Liberto each collected three hits. Liberto scored three runs, including the game winner. Merrifield and Yem Prades each had two hits in the win.

Wilmington lost another game in Frederick, this time by a score of 6-3. The Blue Rocks are clinging to a just a 1/2 game lead over the Keys.

Murray Watts (2-for-3) hit a solo homerun in the top of the 8th inning to tie the game (Keys starter Tyler Wilson had retired 17 in a row up until that point). That was after 2.1 hitless innings of relief by Antonio Cruz. However, the Keys came right back with four runs in the bottom of the inning.

Shortstop Orlando Calixte went 2-for-4 with his second straight leadoff homerun.

Ejections were aplenty and apparently there was also a fight (benches cleared in the 5th inning after the Keys scored a run). The Blue Rocks saw catcher Juan Graterol ejected in the 5th inning, along with Frederick catcher Joe Oliveira. Here is what happened according to the Blue Rocks press release:

A one-hopper came home from Brett Eibner.  The throw beat him slightly to the third base side of home plate.  Graterol could not corral the ball as (Garabez) Rosa brushed by him.  Rosa originally missed the plate and went back to touch it.  He was quickly met by Graterol who greeted him with a few punches to the head.  Benches cleared and both sides lingered on the field for several minutes.

In the 6th inning, Angel Franco and manager Vance Wilson were ejected for the Blue Rocks (this came after arguing a called third strike). These are the games I wish I was in attendance so I could witness what actually happened.

Kane County lost to Quad Cities, 6-2. The Cougars scored single runs in the first two innings.

The Cougars 3-4 hitters, Daniel Mateo and Julio Aparicio, went a combined 4-for-8 with two doubles. Neither scored a run.

One bright spot in the game was the relief outing of Cody Fassold. He pitched two scoreless innings of relief and struck out four.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Burlington’s 2-0 loss in Game 1 of their doubleheader. In their Game 2 win, Starling went 0-for-1. Royals pitcher Tyler Mack didn’t allow a hit until there were two outs in the 5th inning of Game 2. It was his first start (he signed on August 4th).

On offense, Wil Myers went 2-for-4 while playing third base. Unfortunately, he committed an error.

They faced former KC Royal Humberto Quintero, who went 2-for-5 for the Sounds and picked off Mitch Maier at first base.

NW Arkansas continued their losing ways with an 8-4 loss to Springfield. It was 5-0 after the 3rd inning.

JC Sulbaran continued his struggles since coming over from the Cincinnati Reds, as he lasted just 3.2 innings in his start. He allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits and four walks. He threw 88 pitches.

Ryan Dennick relieved him and, despite giving up a run, was dominant. He allowed five hits and a walk over 3.1 innings while striking out six.

In the loss, Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 with a homerun.

Blue Rocks shortstop Orlando Calixte

Wilmington rebounded from losing both games on Monday by winning in Frederick, 5-4. It gave the Blue Rocks a 1.5 game lead over the Keys for the second half title in the Northern Division of the Carolina League.

One day after being hit by a pitch and exiting the game, shortstop Orlando Calixte returned with a vengeance. He went 3-for-5 and fell a triple short of the cycle. He led off the game with a homerun and later stole a base. Cheslor Cuthbert also picked up three hits, while Geulin Beltre went 2-for-4 with a solo homerun.

Andy Ferguson picked up the win, despite allowing four runs on six hits over 6.2 innings. He did strike out six while not walking a batter. Reliever Edwin Carl was DOMINANT following Ferguson. He struck out five over 2.1 perfect innings to pick up his first save.

Kane County lost to Burlington, 6-3. The Bees scored four runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning.

Top pick Kyle Zimmer took the loss for the Cougars, despite not allowing an earned run. He allowed five unearned runs on ten hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out three. The Cougars made three errors, with two coming in that 3rd inning.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-3 with a walk in Burlington’s Game 1 loss to Kingsport. In Game 2, he went 3-for-3 with an RBI in the Royals 4-3 win. He also stole his tenth base of the season.

Nate Adcock took the loss, as he allowed those six runs on seven hits in just the 2nd inning. After that, he only allowed two hits.

Jake Odorizzi was named the Pacific Coast League’s Player of the Week. Infielder Christian Colon, who fouled a ball off his face after a promotion to Triple-A, will miss the rest of the season.

NW Arkansas scored a run in the first inning, but went on to lose to Frisco, 6-1. Mike Montgomery was in trouble in every inning but the third, and lasted just five innings. The five walks and a three-run homerun did him in.

In the loss, Paulo Orlando went 3-for-4.

Blue Rocks first baseman Matt Fields

With big league GM Dayton Moore in attendance in Frederick, Wilmington lost both games of their doubleheader. Their lead in the Northern Division in the Carolina League dropped to just a 1/2 game. The games got started late, as rain pushed back the start time by about an hour.

Game 1 was picked up in the 3rd inning, as it was suspended from a July game in Wilmington (in which Dylan Bundy started). Anyway, it was a back-and-forth affair late and the Blue Rocks had a chance in the bottom of the 9th inning. With a run in, a runner on first base, and just one out, Angel Franco grounded into a game-ending double play.

Matt Fields went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Game 2 was so much worse. The long ball once again came back to haunt Blue Rocks starter Jason Adam. The Keys scored five runs in the first inning as Adam allowed back-to-back homeruns, one was a three-run shot. He was in-and-out of trouble throughout his five innings of work.

Shortstop Orlando Calixte was hit by a pitch in the 4th inning and immediately was replaced.

Brooks Pounders was named the Carolina League’s Pitcher of the Week.

Kane County was the only KC Royals affiliate to win on Monday night, as they defeated Burlington, 5-4. Down 3-1 heading into the top of the 8th inning, the Cougars scored four runs and held on. Chris Elder hit a grand slam, just his second homerun of the season (first with the Cougars).

Alex Llanos and Tim Ferguson each collected two hits in the win. Angel Baez made the start and allowed an unearned run over five innings of work. He gave up four hits and three walks, but struck out six.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-5 with a solo homerun in Burlington’s 5-4 win in 12 innings. The second game of their doubleheader was postponed. He reached on a fielding error in the 12th inning and scored the winning run.

The Royals’ Patrick Conroy was named the Appalachian League’s Pitcher of the Week.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA pitcher Jake Odorizzi delivers a pitch during the first inning of the 2012 All Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

They also rode the arm of Jake Odorizzi, who improved to 10-2 in Triple-A. He allowed one run on four hits and two walks over seven innings.

If you’re interested in checking out the Storm Chasers celebration on Saturday night, check out Minda Haas’ site Royal Blues for photos.

NW Arkansas lost the first game of their doubleheader in Frisco, 3-0. The Naturals collected just two hits.

Noel Arguelles waited three days to make his next start (after two rainouts). He took the loss, as he allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.

The Naturals also lost the second game, 3-1. They actually out-hit Frisco 6-4, but went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. They had a chance to win the game (or at least tie it) in the top of the 7th inning. They had the bases loaded and one run already in, but Carlo Testa grounded out to end the game.

Whit Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a triple. Justin Marks took the loss, as he allowed all three runs on four hits and a walk over four innings.

Wilmington couldn’t complete the sweep over Lynchburg, as they lost 3-2. The Blue Rocks scored both of their runs in the first inning. Three of their four hits came in that first inning.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the top of the 9th inning, Braeden Schlehuber reached on a fielding error in center field and moved all the way to third base. He came around to score when the Blue Rocks middle infielders tried to turn a double play (but couldn’t).

The Blue Rocks had the tying run on third base with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, but Murray Watts flied out to end the game (he ended up 2-for-4).

The Wilmington loss dropped them to just 2.5 games ahead of both the Hillcats and Frederick. The Blue Rocks now head to Frederick for five games and then to Lynchburg for three more games.

Kane County led 4-3 heading into the 8th inning, but lost 7-4 in Burlington. The Bees scored four runs in the bottom of the 8th inning aided by three singles, three walks, and a wild pitch.

Alex Llanos went 3-for-4 and Chris Elder went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in the loss.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts in Burlington’s 8-4 loss in Greenville.

Jul 17, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ryan Verdugo (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Omaha returned home and beat Nashville, 5-3. The Storm Chasers also clinched the American Northern Division of the Pacific Coast League.

Ryan Verdugo was solid yet again, as he allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out seven.

Anthony Seratelli went 4-for-4 in the win. Rey Navarro made his Triple-A debut at second base and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base.

NW Arkansas was postponed for the second straight night. They will make up Saturday night’s game as part of a doubleheader on Sunday in Frisco.

The game of night in the KC Royals farm system was in Wilmington, as they walked off 1-0 winners over Lynchburg. They increased their lead to 3.5 games in the Northern Division of the Carolina League in the second half.

It was a well-pitched game between Brooks Pounders of Wilmington and Dimasther Delgado of Lynchburg. Pounders lasted seven innings for the second straight start and allowed just three hits and one walk while striking out seven. When he did get into trouble, he was bailed out by two GREAT throws from centerfielder Brett Eibner to end back-to-back innings. Delgado allowed just four hits and a walk over six innings.

It came down to the bottom of the 9th inning with hard-throwing Juan Jamie on the mound for the Hillcats. With the bases loaded and two outs, shortstop Orlando Calixte came to the plate. With a 3-2 count, he ripped the fastball just out of the reach of the diving Dan Brewer in left field and the Blue Rocks began celebrating and chasing Calixte all over the field.

Pounders talked after the game about his back-to-back great starts, the throws from Eibner, and his pickoff move. He was then pied in the face to end the interview by catcher Juan Graterol.

Kane County pounded out 14 hits and beat Burlington, 7-3. Five different Cougars had multi-hit games. Only one of those hits went for extra bases.

Kyle Smith picked up his fourth win, as he allowed an unearned run on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out nine. Cody Fassold followed with 2.2 perfect innings of relief. He struck out five.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Burlington’s 2-0 loss at Greenville.

Veteran Doug Davis courtesy of Minda Haas (Royal Blues)

It was a matchup of Doug Davis against former Storm Chaser Sean O’Sullivan and O’Sullivan won the battle. Davis allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out eight, but allowed two solo homeruns. O’Sullivan allowed just one run on four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out six.

The Storm Chasers lone run came via Mitch Maier‘s 4th inning solo homerun. Anthony Seratelli went 2-for-3 in the loss. In case you were wondering, Johnny Giavotella did not play.

NW Arkansas‘ game in Midland was postponed due to bad weather. However, the Naturals were eliminated from the postseason, as Springfield beat San Antonio.

Where did all of Wilmington‘s offense suddenly come from (and where has it been all season)? They scored ten runs in the 2nd inning and cruised to an 11-1 victory over Lynchburg. The Blue Rocks hold a 2.5 game lead over the Hillcats for the second half Northern Division title (the Hillcats won the first half).

The Blue Rocks collected 12 hits, but just three doubles, so they singled the Hillcats to death and capitalized on three Hillcats errors. Five Blue Rocks hitters had multi-hit games.

Matt Ridings was the beneficiary of all that offense, though he didn’t need a whole lot. He allowed an unearned run on three hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out seven.

Kane County and Clinton took their scoreless duel into the 10th inning when the LumberKings scored two runs. The Cougars got a run in the bottom of the 10th inning on Justin Trapp‘s solo homerun (he went 3-for-5). However they could not complete the comeback and lost 2-1.

Remember Tim Melville? He started for the Cougars in his return from the DL (where he has spent most of the season) and allowed just one hit and two walks over four innings. He struck out four. Andrew Triggs followed with four perfect innings of relief with four strikeouts.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts in Burlington’s 5-1 loss to Greenville. Playing shortstop for the Astros (in just his sixth game), the top pick in this past June’s draft, Carlos Correa, went 2-for-4 with a homerun.

The top of Omaha’s order, Falu and Anthony Seratelli, went a combined 5-for-12 with three RBIs. Derrick Robinson went 3-for-5 with three runs scored in the win.

NW Arkansas was battered in Midland, 13-3. The RockHounds led 11-0 after three innings. JC Sulbaran, who the KC Royals received from Cincinnati for Jonathan Broxton, continues to struggle with his new team (3IP, 9H, 11R, 5BB, 3K, 3HR). His ERA climbed to 10.64.

The bright spot for the Naturals was the relief outing from Ryan Dennick. He pitched four shutout innings and allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out five.

The Naturals scored three runs, but only picked up five hits, two from Paulo Orlando.

Blue Rocks reliever Nick Rogers

Wilmington and Lynchburg were locked in a pitcher’s duel and carried it into extra innings. The Blue Rocks came out victorious in ten innings, 2-1. They walked off on a bases loaded walk (the third walk of the inning).

Andy Ferguson started for the Blue Rocks and allowed just one run (on a 6th inning solo homerun) over six innings. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out nine. Nick Rogers, who seems to have rebounded from his struggles over the last two months, pitched three scoreless innings of relief (just one hit and one walk while striking out five).

Kane County beat Clinton, 5-3. 2012 first round draft pick Kyle Zimmer pitched another gem for the Cougars. He allowed two unearned runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out three. Zimmer also picked a runner off second base.

On offense, Jack Lopez went 2-for-3 and Michael Antonio scored two runs and drove in two runs in the win.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with a run scored and two strikeouts in Burlington’s late inning loss to Princeton. He also threw a runner out at the plate.

Nate Adcock started for the Storm Chasers and left in the 8th inning with a runner on second base and one out. Vin Mazzaro entered and allowed the runner to score (and took the loss).

On offense, the Storm Chasers only had five hits, with Max Ramirez picking up two hits. He also drove in both runs.

Christian Colon was placed on the DL due to an eye injury. He spent a good chunk of his season in Double-A on the DL already. You can find out more HERE (the bottom of the article).

Clinging to a 4-2 lead, Midland scored five runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to defeat NW Arkansas, 7-5. The Naturals made it interesting in the top of the 9th inning, by scoring a run and putting runners on first and second base with just one out. However Whit Merrifield and Brian Fletcher struck out to end the game.

Yem Prades went 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot and Paulo Orlando went 2-for-4 in the loss.

Jason Adam

It was the Adam & Adams show for Wilmington on Wednesday night, as they beat Potomac, 9-1. Lets start with outfielder Lane Adams. He drove in the Blue Rocks’ first run in the top of the first inning and came around to score another in that seven-run inning. In the end, he went 3-for-5.

Jason Adam made another dominant start for the Blue Rocks, as he pitched six shutout innings. He allowed four hits and struck out five. He didn’t allow a hit until the 3rd inning and only had multiple base runners in one inning (the fourth, but with two outs).

Clinton scored all ten of their runs from the fourth to the sixth innings to beat Kane County, 10-4. This was after the Cougars had a 3-0 lead.

Every starter for the Cougars, except Justin Trapp had at least one hit. Alex Llanos went 2-for-4. Chris Elder, who has been on the move all season, went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored in Burlington’s 2-0 win over Princeton. Each team collected just three hits.

Jul 17, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ryan Verdugo (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Omaha completed their four-game sweep at Tuscon on Monday, 5-2. Their magic number to clinch the division is now just five.

One day after picking up 33 hits, the Storm Chasers collected 11 more. Wil Myers, Max Ramirez, and Derrick Robinson each collected two hits. Five different players drove in runs.

Ryan Verdugo picked up the win despite not being great. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks over six innings. He did strike out seven. Donnie Joseph pitched two perfect innings of relief to pick up the save (his best game as a Storm Chaser).

NW Arkansas overcame three errors to beat Frisco in a late comeback, 4-3. The Naturals also went 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position and hit into two double plays.

The Naturals stole six bases. Yem Prades led off and went 3-for-4. Carlo Testa and Michael Liberto each collected two hits.

Justin Marks returned to the rotation for the first time since June 21st (he was on the DL). He lasted just 3.1 innings and 58 pitches. Michael Mariot followed and picked up the win, as he allowed an unearned run (and one of Marks’ runs) on four hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings.

Wilmington has won four in a row since manager Vance Wilson‘s closed door meeting on Thursday night, as they beat Potomac 4-2 in the first game of the three-game series. Brooks Pounders picked up the victory, as he allowed just an unearned run (in the first inning) on four hits over seven innings. He struck out five.

Things got interesting in the bottom of the 9th inning. The P-Nats had two runs in and runners at second and third base with two outs, but reliever Robinson Yambati picked up a strikeout to end the game.

On offense, the Blue Rocks collected ten hits, but went just 4-for-14 with runners in scoring position. The newest Blue Rock, Nick Van Stratten, went 3-for-3.

Cedar Rapids scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning and cruised to the 5-1 victory over Kane County. The Cougars collected just three hits.

Aaron Brooks dropped to 9-12  on the season. Kellen Moen followed with 2.1 perfect innings of relief while striking out three.

Omaha outfielder David Lough courtesy of Minda Haas (Royal Blues)

Omaha blew out one of the worst teams in the Pacific Coast League (Tuscon), 20-3.  The Storm Chasers pounded out 33 hits (that is not a typo) and every starter had at least two hits. The game was over after the third inning when Omaha scored eight runs in the 2nd and seven more in the 3rd. Mitch Maier hit a two-run homerun in the 2nd inning. Wil Myers hit a three-run homerun and David Lough hit a two-run homerun with two outs in the 3rd inning.

Myers (5-for-7 with four runs scored and three RBIs) and Lough (3-for-5 with five RBIs) fell a triple short of the cycle. Clint Robinson fell a homerun short of the cycle (5-for-7 with three runs scored and two RBIs).

The onslaught of offense made a winner of veteran Doug Davis, who allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings. The Storm Chasers bullpen trio allowed just two hits over the final three innings.

Leading 4-2 heading into the top of the 9th inning, NW Arkansas lost to Frisco, 6-4. The Rough Riders scored four runs on a Chris McGuiness one out grand slam. In the bottom of the 9th inning, the Naturals went down quietly, with three strikeouts.

That blast negated the solid start by Noel Arguelles, who allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and five walks while striking out five over seven innings.

The Naturals collected nine hits, with Paulo Orlando and Mario Lisson each picking up three (Lisson hit a homerun).

The Naturals welcomed Justin Marks back from a long DL stint, but placed Yordano Ventura on the DL (he has minor carpal tunnel).

Wilmington beat Salem 5-0, as they swept Salem over their final three-game set. The Blue Rocks rode the arm of Matt Ridings, who did not allow a hit until the 6th inning. He pitched a career-high seven innings and allowed just three hits while striking out three and hitting two batters. He also had good defense behind him, as he induced ten ground ball outs.

Murray Watts and Luis Piterson provided the bulk of the Blue Rocks offense, as both collected two hits, scored a run, and drove in a run (Watts hit a homerun).

For more on Ridings’ outing, check out this article on milb.com.

Kane County pounded out 15 hits, as they beat Cedar Rapids, 9-5. Five Cougars had multi-hit games. The bottom two in their order, Henry Moreno and Kevin David, went a combined 5-for-8 with four runs scored. Moreno hit his first homerun.

All of that offense made a winner of Kyle Smith, who allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out four.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 2-for-2 with two walks in Burlington’s 8-0 loss to Bluefield.

Nate Adcock picked up the victory after allowing three runs and scattering 11 hits over five innings. Four Omaha relievers closed out the victory.

Reliever Sam Runion

After the two teams combined for a total of five first inning runs, NW Arkansas held on for the 5-4 win over Midland. Brian Fletcher (2-for-4) gave the Naturals the lead in the first inning with a three-run homerun. He ended up driving in four of the Naturals’ five runs.

Ethan Hollingsworth picked up the win after throwing four innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out two. Sam Runion picked up his second save by striking out the side on just 11 pitches (ten for strikes).

I guess Thursday night’s closed door meeting by manager Vance Wilson worked: Wilmington beat up on Salem, 9-1 in the first game of the three-game series. Salem led 1-0 after the first inning (without a hit), but Blue Rocks starter Jason Adam cruised from there. He allowed the unearned run on just two hits over seven innings. He walked one while striking out six. Both singles off Adam came in the 3rd inning. He finished his outing by retiring the final 13 batters he faced.

Matt Fields continued his tear on Carolina League pitching, as he went 5-for-5 with two more homeruns.

Kane County beat Clinton, 5-0 as they scored all their runs in the 7th and 8th innings. The KC Royals top pick in this June’s draft, Kyle Zimmer, was dominant over his 6.2 innings. He allowed just three hits while striking out ten. In his first win with the Cougars, Zimmer struck out at least one hitter in every inning but the third.

The Cougars 4-5 hitters, Dean Espy and Alex Llanos, delivered the bulk of the offense. The two combined to go 4-for-8 with three doubles, three runs scored, and three RBIs.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs in Burlington’s 12-5 win. The Royals were down 5-2 heading into the 7th inning before scoring six and then another four in the 8th inning.

Down 4-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, the NW Arkansas Naturals made yet another comeback against Midland. On Thursday night however, they could not pull out the victory, as they lost 4-3. One day after making a pretty good Double-A debut, Whit Merrifield came to the plate with two outs and the winning run on second base. He could not come through, as he lined out to left field.

Mike Montgomery took the loss, as he again struggled. He lasted just 4.1 innings, as he allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five. He threw 95 pitches.

Wilmington was once again battered by Winston-Salem, as they lost 9-2. For more on specifics of the game, check out my live blog. The pitching wasn’t great, the offense was pretty much non-existent, and the effort wasn’t there. That led to a closed door meeting following the game by manager Vance Wilson. He was not happy that when the team was down 5-2, the mood in the dugout was as if they were down 30-2.

Following that meeting, Wilson talked about his team’s play, the thought of making the playoffs, reliever Nick Rogers and his struggles, and Leondy Perez‘ third start since coming off the DL.

After my battery ran out, I asked Vance if he had any updates on some of the injured players. Reliever Cole White has been throwing bullpen sessions and is on his way back. Brett Eibner (who isn’t on the DL but hasn’t played lately) felt good today and should be back out on the field on Saturday. Outfielder Roman Hernandez, who has been out awhile, has no timetable for his return. He has been dealing with blurry vision that hasn’t improved. As Vance said, “it could be five days or five months.” They just have to wait and see.

After a scoring a run in the top of the 8th inning to tie the game, Kane County fell to Clinton 2-1 in ten innings. The loss negated the solid start by Jason Mitchell, who pitched five scoreless innings. He allowed four hits while striking out five.

It wasn’t a great game for the Cougars. They committed three errors and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling had the day off as Burlington beat Danville, 10-2.

Jake Odorizzi pitched well for the Storm Chasers, but ended up with the no-decision. He allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out four.

Irving Falu and Adam Moore each collected two hits, while Wil Myers went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Whit Merrifield leading off on Opening Night for Wilmington

Down 4-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, NW Arkansas scored two runs in that inning and walked off winners over Midland, 5-4. With one out, the newest Natural, Whit Merrifield doubled. After an intentional walk, Kevin Kouzmanoff flied out, moving the runners up a base. So with two outs, Manny Pina delivered the game winner, an RBI single to center.

Merrifield had an eventful first game in Double-A. He homered in the 5th inning with two outs off a former foe, Sonny Gray (who dominated in his time at Vanderbilt). Plus, he scored the game winning run.

The Naturals bullpen duo of Buddy Baumann and Ryan Dennick combined to throw five scoreless innings of relief. They allowed one hit and three walks while striking out six.

Wilmington was blasted by Winston-Salem, 8-0. The Blue Rocks were out-hit 13-3. Geulin Beltre collected two of the hits and also threw a runner out from right field at second base.

The Blue Rocks were sloppy, as they made two errors along with a passed ball. The Dash also stole five bases.

Kane County lost their first game in Clinton, 6-2. Both teams collected eight hits, but the Cougars’ hits were all singles. Jorge Bonifacio and Dean Espy each collected two hits.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Burlington’s 7-1 loss to Danville.

Both teams collected 15 hits, as five Storm Chasers had multi-hit games. Mitch Maier hit a two-run homerun in the 2nd inning that gave Omaha the early lead.

Noel Arguelles in 2011 with Wilmington

NW Arkansas received a great starting performance from Noel Arguelles en route to their 4-0 win over Arkansas. Arguelles allowed just two hits and a walk over seven shutout innings. Ethan Hollingsworth, who was named the Texas League’s Pitcher of the Week, pitched two perfect innings of relief to pick up his second save.

Carlo Testa went 2-for-3 with a two-run homerun in the 7th inning.

Wilmington enjoyed their off day before beginning a homestand on Tuesday against Winston-Salem.

After Cedar Rapids took a 4-1 lead in the top of the 6th inning, Kane County came back with a four-spot to defeat the Kernels, 5-4. Catcher Kevin David drove in two runs in that 6th inning with a triple and scored on a wild pitch.

David and Justin Trapp each collected two hits in the win.

Edwin Carl picked up the win with 1.2 scoreless innings of relief. Kellen Moen picked up his first save with two scoreless innings of relief.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with two RBIs and two strikeouts in Burlington’s 5-3 win. He also was caught stealing for the very first time in his professional career.

On offense, Irving Falu went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs and Anthony Seratelli went 2-for-3.

Tony Abreu was promoted to the big leagues with the DFA of Yuniesky Betancourt.

A three-run top of the first inning pushed NW Arkansas over Arkansas, 5-1. Christian Colon went 3-for-4 in the win (maybe he’ll be promoted to Triple-A?). Mario Lisson drove in two runs with a two out single in the first.

Sugar Ray Marimon picked up the win, as he allowed one run on four hits and three walks over six innings. Sam Runion picked up his first Double-A save with three scoreless innings of relief. He allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out three.

Blue Rocks infielder Luis Piterson

Wilmington won their finale in Salem, 5-4 in ten innings. One of Luis Piterson‘s three hits drove in the go ahead run in the top of the 10th inning. Nick Rogers, who allowed an inherited run to score in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the game, put away the Red Sox in the bottom of the 10th inning to pick up the win.

The middle of the Blue Rocks order, Lane Adams, Cheslor Cuthbert, and Geulin Beltre, went a combined 7-for-14 with two runs scored and three RBIs.

The comeback by the Red Sox late negated the solid start by Andy Ferguson, who allowed just one run on six hits and a walk over 6.2 innings. He struck out seven.

Down 4-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, Kane County came back with four runs to beat Cedar Rapids, 5-4. The winning run scored on a throwing error by the centerfielder.

In that 9th inning, Jack Lopez drove in three with a bases-clearing triple to tie the game with one out.

Kyle Zimmer made his third start for the Cougars. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out six.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and an RBI in Burlington’s 6-3 win over Pulaski. All but two of the games in the Appalachian League were postponed on Sunday.

Nate Adcock throwing a bullpen session in Baltimore

Omaha lost to Reno, 4-2 as Nate Adcock was the hard luck loser. He allowed two unearned runs on seven hits and one walk over eight innings. He struck out eight.

On offense, Tony Abreu and Mitch Maier each had two hits for the Storm Chasers. Abreu however, had the error that cost them two runs (his 19th of the season).

NW Arkansas lost to Arkansas, 2-1. The newest Natural, JC Sulbaran (who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds), made his first start. He allowed one run on three hits and three walks over just four innings. He struck out two.

The Naturals collected six hits, with Paulo Orlando collecting half of them (3-for-4 with an RBI).

Wilmington lost to Salem, 6-5 in 11 innings. Blue Rocks reliever Antonio Cruz walked three in the 11th inning, as he walked in the winning run with two outs.

The Blue Rocks broke the 4-4 tie in the top of the 8th inning, only to see the Red Sox re-tie the game in the bottom of the inning.

The Blue Rocks 5-6 hitters, Orlando Calixte and Geulin Beltre, went a combined 4-for-9 with two doubles, a triple, a run scored, and an RBI. For Salem, Xander Bogaerts continues his hot streak against Wilmington, as he went 4-for-4 with two doubles, two walks, three runs scored, and an RBI. So far in the first two games of the series, Bogaerts is 7-for-8 with four doubles, five runs scored, and two RBIs.

Close to 10,000 fans were in attendance to watch Kane County lose to Cedar Rapids, 5-2. The Kernels scored all their runs over the first four innings. The Cougars bullpen duo of Jason Mitchell and Cody Fassold allowed just two hits and a walk over the final five innings. They combined to strike out four.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling hit his seventh homerun, a two-run shot in the 6th inning, as Burlington lost to Pulaski, 16-4. Starling went 1-for-3 and was replaced (like many of his starting teammates).

The newest Storm Chaser, Donnie Joseph (who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds for Jonathan Broxton), was roughed up in his debut. In one inning (the top of the 9th), he allowed two runs on three hits and two walks.

Rey Navarro in 2011 with Wilmington

With the game tied at 3-3, NW Arkansas scored two runs in the top of the 9th inning to beat Arkansas, 5-3. Carlo Testa led off the inning by striking out, but reached on the catcher’s throwing error. He came around to score on Rey Navarro‘s RBI double. Alex McClure‘s sac fly gave the Naturals the two-run lead.

Mike Montgomery started for the Naturals and allowed three runs (all in the 3rd inning) on five hits over seven innings. Ethan Hollingsworth (who pitched into the 7th inning on Monday) picked up the victory with two hitless innings of relief.

Both teams scored three runs in the first inning, but Salem prevailed over Wilmington 7-5. Brett Eibner hit a two-run homerun in the first inning and Murray Watts hit his first homerun, which gave the Blue Rocks the lead.

Geulin Beltre had a nice game in the loss: he went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases.

Tyler Sample picked up the blown save and his ninth loss of the season, as he allowed four runs on five hits over two innings.

Kane County lost to Beloit, 8-1 as they collected just five hits. Jack Lopez and Jorge Bonifacio each had two hits.

Daniel Mateo, the Cougars second baseman, committed two errors to push his season total to 30.

Bubba Watch: No at-bats on Friday night for Bubba Starling, as Burlington was postponed in Elizabethton. In the Appalachian League, Princeton and Pulaski played 24 innings (it was one of their two games in the day).

June 04, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella (9) connects for a single in the fourth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

After watching Reno score three runs in the top of the 3rd inning, Omaha came back with four runs of their own and another two runs in the 4th inning to win 6-3. Johnny Giavotella and Tony Abreu (the 2-3 hitters) went a combined 4-for-8 with five RBIs.

Doug Davis rebounded from the rough 3rd inning to complete six innings and earn the victory. He allowed those three runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out eight and picked off a base runner.

It was a cool 111 degrees in Tulsa, as NW Arkansas lost 6-4. Noel Arguelles struggled through four innings, as he allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits and five walks, a hit batter, and two wild pitches. Sam Runion made his Double-A debut with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

On offense, the Naturals out-hit the Drillers 11-9, but went 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Their 3-4 hitters, Brian Fletcher and Kevin Kouzmanoff, went a combined 4-for-9 with three runs scored.

Wilmington beat Winston-Salem, 9-4. Matt Ridings was the beneficiary of alot of offense. He allowed three runs on five hits over 6.1 innings. He struck out four.

The Blue Rocks collected 11 hits, with Geulin Beltre hitting a two-run homerun (2-for-4). Murray Watts and Orlando Calixte also collected two hits in the win (Watts drove in three runs), while Whit Merrifield went 3-for-4.

Despite scoring five runs in the top of the 5th inning, Kane  County lost to Beloit, 8-6. The Cougars scored a run in the top of the 7th inning to tie the game, but Casey Fassold allowed a run in the bottom of the inning. That was the only run he allowed over three innings of relief while striking out five.

Tim Ferguson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored while also throwing a runner out at second base.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-5 in Burlington’s 3-2 loss at Elizabethton in 11 innings.

Tony Abreu hit a grand slam in the Storm Chasers five-run 5th inning and Wil Myers hit a three-run homerun in their five-run 7th inning. Abreu and Myers (the Storm Chasers 3-4 hitters) went 5-for-9 with four runs scored and nine RBIs.

It was a cool 106 degrees at game time.

Sugar Ray Marimon

NW Arkansas ended July on a high note, with a 7-1 victory to open their three-game series in Tulsa. Sugar Ray Marimon improved to 2-3 in Double-A, with seven shutout innings. He allowed three hits and three walks.

The Naturals offense collected 14 hits, with every starter (but Carlo Testa) picking up a hit. Manny Pina hit a three-run homerun in the 5th inning (3-for-5).

Just like in OKC, it was a cool 108 degrees at game time.

NW Arkansas and Wilmington swapped relievers, as Sam Runion was promoted and Nick Rogers was sent back to Wilmington. At the time of Rogers’ promotion, I thought that Runion should have been the one receiving the promotion. If it had been a month earlier, I would have picked Rogers. Hopefully Rogers can get his command back (16 walks in 9.2 innings with the Naturals).

Wilmington started their road trip with a 2-0 loss in Winston-Salem. The Dash scored a single run in the first inning and never looked back. Andy Ferguson was the hard luck loser, as he allowed the two runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out eight.

Angel Franco returned from the DL to go 2-for-4 (the Blue Rocks only had four hits).

A six-run bottom of the 2nd inning did in Kane County, as they lost to Beloit, 9-4. The Cougars scored all their runs in the final two innings.

The Cougars collected 12 hits, but went just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Kevin David raised his average to .200 as he went 2-for-4. Their 3-4 hitters, Jorge Bonifacio and Julio Aparicio, went 5-for-10.

The KC Royals top pick in this June’s draft, Kyle Zimmer, allowed six runs on six hits and three walks over just two innings in his second start in Low-A.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Burlington’s 1-0 loss to Princeton.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

Down 6-0 after four innings, Omaha came back to defeat OKC, 7-6. A fielding error by the OKC pitcher cost them the winning run in the top of the 9th inning. Omaha broke their four game losing streak.

The Storm Chasers bullpen trio of Tommy Hottovy, Jeremy Jeffress, and Vin Mazzaro picked up starter Nathan Adcock. They threw four scoreless innings of relief.

Wil Myers went 3-for-4 with four RBIs as he hit two homeruns. Irving Falu and Tony Abreu each collected two hits. Mitch Maier played first base.

Despite coming back to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th inning, NW Arkansas lost to Springfield, 9-5. The Cardinals took a 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning, chasing Naturals starter Yordano Ventura from the game. Ethan Hollingsworth kept the Cardinals in check with 6.1 scoreless innings of relief.

The Naturals came back with three runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the game, as Yem Prades doubled in one run and Kevin Kouzmanoff doubled in two more. However the Naturals bullpen trio of Nick Rogers and Jon Keck gave up five runs in the top of the 9th inning to give the Cardinals back the lead. Rogers threw just seven of his 25 pitches for strikes (four walks).

Yem Prades continues his hot hitting, as he went 3-for-5 with two doubles.

Wilmington enjoyed Monday off and now head to Winston-Salem to begin a three-game series on Tuesday.

Kane County swept Quad Cities with a 5-3 win on Monday afternoon. Angel Baez got the start and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. The Cougars bullpen trio of Rudy Brown, Andrew Triggs, and Malcom Culver pitched four scoreless innings of relief.

Alex Llanos went 3-for-4 and Dean Espy went 2-for-4 with two doubles.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homerun in Burlington’s 8-2 loss.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA pitcher Jake Odorizzi delivers a pitch during the first inning of the 2012 All Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Omaha only scored in three innings, but it was enough, as they beat OKC, 11-1. The Storm Chasers collected 15 hits, with eight of the nine starters collecting at least one hit. Six different hitters collected RBIs.

Jake Odorizzi was the beneficiary of all those runs, as he picked up his eighth win. He wasn’t great, but he gave the team enough. He allowed one run on seven hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. Their bullpen trio of Francisley Bueno, Blaine Hardy, and Roman Colon threw three scoreless inning of relief.

NW Arkansas has now won two in a row against Springfield, as they won on Sunday, 3-2. The two teams exchanged solo homeruns in the first inning. With the game tied at 2-2 heading into the 6th inning, Yem Prades singled in the go ahead run.

Mike Montgomery earned the win, with seven solid innings. He allowed the two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three. Jon Keck and Juan Gutierrez followed with a combined two scoreless innings of relief.

Wilmington lost 5-2 to Carolina to lose the series. Jason Adam dropped to 3-11 on the season, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks over just 4.2 innings.

The Blue Rocks had their chance in the 9th inning after leading off the inning with two walks. However they only scored one run. On offense, they collected six hits and seven walks, but went just 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

A four-run 2nd inning catapulted Kane County to a 5-1 victory over Quad Cities. Tim Ferguson fell a double short of the cycle, as he hit a solo homerun in the 5th inning to finish the Cougars scoring. He delivered a two-run triple in the 2nd inning and scored on a throwing error.

Aaron Brooks was dominant in the complete game victory. He allowed a run in the first inning on a hit, an error, and a sac fly. Brooks scattered seven more hits from there. He struck out two and did not walk a batter.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Burlington’s 5-4 win. He also stole a base and threw out a runner at second base.

Ryan Verdugo is back in the Omaha starting rotation and he allowed all six runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. The bullpen trio of Jeremy Jeffress, Brandon Sisk, and Vin Mazzaro allowed just one hit (and no walks) over the final three innings. They combined to strike out five.

Wil Myers hit a solo homerun, but struck out with two men on base to end the game. Myers and Tony Abreu collected two hits each.

Michael Mariot in 2011 with Wilmington

NW Arkansas broke their nine game losing streak to Springfield with a 12-4 win. The Naturals scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back. Mario Lisson hit a three-run homerun in the first (he fell a double short of the cycle).

The Naturals collected 16 hits, as six players had multi-hit games. Lisson, Manny Pina, and Christian Colon all collected three hits. CC, since his return from the DL, has moved to second base.

The burst of offense made a winner of Michael Mariot, who did not allow a hit until there was one out in the 5th inning. He then allowed three straight, but induced an inning-ending double play to escape. Mariot pitched six scoreless innings in his start and only allowed those three hits.

Wilmington and Carolina played a rain shortened game, as the Mudcats won 8-4 in seven innings. The Blue Rocks out-hit the Mudcats 10-8, but went just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The Blue Rocks led 4-1 heading into the 6th inning, but the Mudcats scored five runs and another two runs in the 7th inning.

Leondy Perez returned to the mound after spending close to two months on the DL. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk over four innings. The Blue Rocks defense (well just shortstop Orlando Calixte, who cost them four runs) and the bullpen blew the game.

Matt Fields continues his torrid pace, as he hit another homerun (his 13th) and went 2-for-4. Juan Graterol also hit a homerun, a two-run shot in the 2nd inning. Luis Piterson, who is playing alot with the injuries to Angel Franco and Roman Hernandez, went 3-for-3.

Down 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, Kane County came back with a 3-2 victory over Quad Cities in the first game of their three-game series. Henry Moreno started off the inning with a single and was sacrificed to second base. He scored to tie the game on pinch-hitter Daniel Mateo‘s RBI triple. With two outs and runners at the corners, Jack Lopez delivered the game-winning single.

That late comeback made a winner of Jason Mitchell, who pitched two scoreless innings of relief. He allowed three hits and struck out three. Over 11,000 Cougars fans went home happy.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-5 with a run scored in Burlington’s 7-6 loss to Pulaski (in walk-off fashion).

The Storm Chasers collected five hits, with two each coming from Max Ramirez and Mitch Maier (the seventh and eighth hitters in the lineup).

Guess what? NW Arkansas is playing Springfield again (this is the third series in a span of 16 days, which will total 12 games) and they of course lost (considering they haven’t won a game). The Naturals lost 4-2 as Noel Arguelles returned from the inactive list (reliever Bryan Paukovits was placed on the DL) and allowed four runs in the top of the 6th inning. He faced five batters in the 6th inning and did not record an out. His final line looked like this: 5IP, 7H, 4R, 3BB, 3K. Brendan Lafferty entered with the bases loaded and allowed two runners to score.

The Naturals scored two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning. They had the tying run on second base and the winning run on first, but pinch-hitter Paulo Orlando struck out.

Blue Rocks first baseman Matt Fields

After allowing a run in the top of the first inning, Wilmington starter Brooks Pounders was on cruise control, as the Blue Rocks won their series opener against Carolina, 6-2. Pounders allowed that one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out six.

The Blue Rocks offense scored two runs each in three innings: the fourth, sixth, and seventh. Matt Fields hit his 12th homerun of his short career with the KC Royals, as he went 2-for-4. Cheslor Cuthbert and Orlando Calixte also collected two hits in the win. Those three were the Blue Rocks 4-5-6 hitters in the lineup.

Wilmington made two roster moves today. Pitcher Leondy Perez came off the DL after a few months there (and making three appearances in the AZL). Outfielder Roman Hernandez, who has not played since July 16th, went on the DL.

Kane County was swept by Wisconsin, as they lost Friday’s finale, 4-1. There were a little over 10,000 fans in attendance to see the Cougars collect just two hits. They didn’t pick up their first hit until Tim Ferguson singled with one out in the 6th inning.

Bryan Brickhouse was the hard luck loser, as he allowed one run on three hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk, and a run scored in Burlington’s 9-7 victory. He also grounded into a double play. His double came in the Royals six-run 5th inning.

Yem Prades in 2011 with Wilmington

NW Arkansas ended their six-game losing streak by winning the finale against Tulsa, 3-2. The Naturals have won just four games in the month of July.

After watching the Drillers come back and tie the game in the top of the 8th inning, Yem Prades hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the inning with two outs to retake the lead. Juan Gutierrez retired the Drillers in order to pick up his second save.

Ryan Dennick‘s solid start was negated by the late inning comeback by Tulsa. He did not allow a run over 5.2 innings. He allowed three hits and two walks while striking out six.

Over the last two days, the Naturals have lost two players to retirement. Catcher Jason Kendall retired on Tuesday and first baseman John Whittleman retired on Wednesday. The Whittleman retirement allowed the Naturals to activate shortstop Christian Colon from the DL. He went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

The big story in Wilmington was the start by Frederick’s Dylan Bundy (and his curveball). Too bad the game was suspended with two outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning due to the thunderstorms that swept through the Northeast. The Blue Rocks had just one baserunner against Bundy, a walk by Geulin Beltre.

Matt Ridings started opposite Bundy and allowed two hits and a walk over three shutout innings. He struck out four. The game will be completed in Frederick when Wilmington travels there later in the season (the Keys do not return to Wilmington).

With over 7,000 fans in attendance, Kane County lost at home to Wisconsin, 4-0. Two Cougars errors in the Timber Rattlers three-run top of the 8th inning cost them two runs.

The KC Royals top pick in this June’s draft, Kyle Zimmer, made his first start for the Cougars, but unfortunately picked up the loss. He allowed one run on five hits over four innings. He struck out five. Fellow 2012 draft pick Andrew Triggs followed Zimmer with three scoreless innings of relief. He allowed just one hit while striking out five.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with a two-run double with two outs in the top of the 2nd inning, as Burlington beat Pulaski, 9-2. The Royals had two 4-run innings.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

Omaha scored two runs each in the sixth and seventh innings to defeat Round Rock, 4-1. Wil Myers hit a two-run homerun in the 6th inning to give the Storm Chasers the lead they would not relinquish.

Ryan Verdugo is back in the rotation for Omaha and he picked up the win, as he allowed just one run on four hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out eight. Vin Mazzaro followed with three scoreless innings of relief to pick up his second save.

NW Arkansas was swept by Springfield in their four-game series for the second time in 12 days. The Naturals lost 5-4 in walk-off fashion. With a runner on second base and no outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, Jon Keck entered the game. The first batter reached on a sac bunt that Keck could not field. He intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases. Problem is, Keck lost the strikezone and walked in the winning run.

That negated the solid start from Michael Mariot, who allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk over seven innings. Springfield’s two runs off Mariot came on a two-run homerun in the first inning.

On offense, the Naturals collected eight hits, with Rey Navarro and Kevin Kouzmanoff having two each.

Wilmington lost their series opener at home to Frederick, 10-5. The Keys scored three runs in the first inning and four runs in the 8th inning that led them to victory.

The top five in the Blue Rocks order each collected two hits. Matt Fields hit his 11th homerun of the season (while driving in three runs).

Geulin Beltre did commit an error, but he made up for it by throwing out two base runners.

Kane County lost their series finale in Dayton, 5-1. Kellen Moen took the loss, as he allowed four runs over five innings. He gave up two homeruns.

On offense for the Cougars, Henry Moreno and Julio Aparicio each collected two hits. Their lone run came when Justin Trapp led off the game with a homerun.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling hit a two-run homerun in the 5th inning, as Burlington beat Greenville, 5-0. He went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. Despite the fact that their was less than 500 fans in attendance, three Royals pitchers combined on a one-hitter. Colin Rodgers allowed the one hit, a one out single in the 5th inning.

The Express comeback negated the solid start from Doug Davis, who allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over six innings. He struck out five. Tommy Hottovy then followed with two hitless innings of relief before Round Rock got to the rest of the Storm Chasers bullpen.

David Lough, Anthony Seratelli, and Derrick Robinson each picked up two hits. Tony Abreu went 3-for-6 in the loss.

NW Arkansas lost again to Springfield, this time by a score of 8-3. The Cardinals scored four runs in the first and eighth innings. Sugar Ray Marimon took the loss, as he allowed four runs on four hits (two homeruns) and two walks over five innings.

The Naturals collected six hits with Paulo Orlando and Brian Fletcher having two each. Jason Kendall started behind the plate and went 0-for-1 (he caught three innings).

Whit Merrifield

Wilmington picked up the sweep at Salem with a 4-1 victory on Sunday. Whit Merrifield led off the game with a homerun for the Blue Rocks. Matt Fields (2-for-3) hit a two-run homerun in the Blue Rocks three run 4th inning.

Brooks Pounders picked up his third Carolina League victory, as he allowed two runs on four hits and four walks over 5.2 innings.

Kane County scored four runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back en route to their 6-2 win at Dayton. Jorge Bonifacio hit the first of his two homeruns in the first inning (a three-run shot).

Aaron Brooks picked up the win, as he allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings. He struck out six. Jason Mitchell followed with two scoreless innings of relief to pick up the save (he allowed just one hit).

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in Burlington’s 9-3 win.

The Storm Chasers collected 13 hits. Tony Abreu and Adam Moore each collected three hits, as Moore scored two runs. Clint Robinson and Max Ramirez both had two hits.

NW Arkansas has now lost six in a row to Springfield, as they lost Saturday night 4-1. The Naturals collected six hits, all singles. Their lone run tied that game at 1-1 in the top of the 3rd inning on Rey Navarro‘s two out RBI single.

In the bullpen game, Bryan Paukovits was the second pitcher and threw three scoreless innings.

Lane Adams

Wilmington scored one run in the top of the first inning and waited until the late innings to take the game over Salem, 7-4. The Red Sox cut it to 5-4, but Lane Adams hit a two-run homerun in the top of the 9th inning to seal the deal.

The Blue Rocks collected 16 hits, with five players having multi-hit games. Juan Graterol went 4-for-4 and Orlando Calixte went 3-for-5 with three RBIs.

Edwin Carl picked up the win with three shutout innings of relief. The Blue Rocks outfielders threw out two base runners at the plate.

Kane County won their first game in Dayton, 9-1. The Cougars scored five runs in the 4th inning (after already leading 3-0) and never looked back.

Daniel Mateo hit two homeruns, accounting for four runs. Dean Espy went 3-for-5. Alex Llanos and Henry Moreno each collected two hits in the win.

Kyle Smith picked up his first win with the Cougars, as he allowed one run on three hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out nine. Michael Giovenco followed with 2.1 scoreless innings of relief. He struck out four.

Bubba Watch: Burlington and Danville were postponed on Saturday. Not sure yet if/when it will be made up.

Irving Falu

Omaha scored four runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back, as they beat Round Rock, 10-4. The Storm Chasers got to big league rehabber Neftali Feliz (he threw just 1.2 innings in his start).

The  Storm Chasers collected 15 hits. Irving Falu went 4-for-6 with two doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI. Johnny Giavotella and Tony Abreu each went 2-for-5. Anthony Seratelli went 3-for-5 with a homerun and three RBIs. Mitch Maier picked up his first hit since being sent back to the minors.

Nate Adcock picked up the win for the Storm Chasers, though he allowed four runs on four hits and three walks over seven innings. Vin Mazzaro followed in relief with two shutout innings.

A four run 7th inning did in NW Arkansas, as they lost at Springfield, 6-3. The Naturals led 3-0 after four innings, with their last run coming via Alex McClure‘s first Double-A homerun (a solo shot in the 4th inning).

Springfield’s comeback kept Yordano Ventura from picking up a victory. He allowed just one run (which was unearned) on just one hit over 5.2 innings. The reason he did not last longer was the five walks (and five strikeouts), which pushed him to 94 pitches. The Naturals bullpen trio allowed five runs over the final two innings.

Wilmington got out of Myrtle Beach and started their series in Salem with a victory by a score of 6-1. The Blue Rocks collected 13 hits and led 1-0 after six innings before a three run 7th inning. The top two of their order, Whit Merrifield and Geulin Beltre, went 5-for-9 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Also, the bottom of their order, Juan Graterol and Luis Piterson, went a combined 4-for-7 with three runs scored and an RBI.

Elisaul Pimentel allowed just two hits over seven innings of work. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.

Kane County lost both games of their doubleheader at Bowling Green. The first game (the makeup of Thursday night’s suspended game), the Cougars lost, 8-5. Bowling Green scored five runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning when the game restarted.

The Cougars scored three runs in the top of the 9th inning and had runners at first and second base with just one out, but a Bowling Green pitching change thwarted their rally.

In the second game (a seven inning affair), the Cougars lost 4-1. Bryan Brickhouse took the loss, as he allowed all four runs on just two hits, but he walked six. He allowed a three-run homerun in the bottom of the 4th inning after the Cougars led 1-0. Rudy Brown followed with 2.1 innings of shutout relief.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 2-for-5 with a triple and an RBI in Burlington’s 7-5 win at Danville. He also threw a base runner out at the plate. The Royals scored two runs in the top of the 9th inning for the victory (Starling drove in the final run with his triple).

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).

May 9, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third basemen Irving Falu (19) hits the ball to right field against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

Omaha has now lost four in a row, all to OKC, with a 10-5 loss. The Storm Chasers led 5-4 until a five-run top of the 8th inning for OKC.

After Ethan Hollingsworth, who was promoted from Double-A to fill the roster spot vacated by Francisley Bueno‘s promotion to the big leagues, gave up three runs on eight hits over four innings in the start, Roman Colon gave Omaha a solid three innings (he allowed a solo homerun).

Tommy Hottovy was roughed up in the 8th inning, as he allowed five runs (three earned) in just 2/3 of an inning. OKC had five hits and a walk. Hottovy did pick off a base runner.

In the loss, Irving Falu went 2-for-4 and Clint Robinson went 2-for-2 with three walks.

NW Arkansas is on the verge of being swept for the second straight four game series, as they lost to Arkansas, 8-2. The Naturals have lost seven in a row and are struggling in all facets of the game. Pitching hasn’t been good, as Michael Mariot allowed five runs in the top of the 5th inning (outside of that he pitched well). The bullpen gave up three runs. The offense collected nine hits, but went just 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Wilmington lost to Myrtle Beach again, with a 3-2 loss. Whit Merrifield led off the game with a homerun and the Blue Rocks led until the Pelicans scored two runs in the bottom of the 5th inning. They went on to score the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Andy Ferguson was the hard luck loser, as he allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings. He struck out four.

The Blue Rocks struck out 13 times, something that dogged the team early in the season.

Kane County collected just two hits en route to their 5-0 loss at Bowling Green.

Alex Llanos and Michael Antonio picked up the hits.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with a walk, a strikeout, a run scored, and an RBI. He also stole his second base of the season in Burlington’s 4-3 walk off win (in 11 innings). He singled to lead off the 11th inning and scored when Jose Rodriguez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

April 15, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Mitch Maier delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

If you thought Monday night’s KC Royals game was bad, then you didn’t get a chance to check out the Omaha game. They lost to OKC, 16-6. The game was actually semi-close (OKC led 4-2 heading into the 6th inning), before OKC scored ten runs in the 6th inning.

Chris Dwyer made his Triple-A debut and allowed seven runs on 11 hits and three walks over 5 innings (plus three batters into the 6th). Roman Colon followed by allowing seven runs in that 6th inning (his only inning of work). Granted, only one run was earned (Omaha made four errors on the night).

The best part of the night may have been the move from right field to the mound for Mitch Maier (yet again) in his return to Omaha. He allowed two unearned runs on two hits in his one inning of work (he went 0-for-3 at the plate).

Brian Fletcher hit two homeruns, but NW Arkansas lost to Arkansas, 11-6. It was the Naturals fifth loss in a row. Fletcher drove in four runs.

Noel Arguelles had another tough start, as he threw 110 pitches over just 4.2 innings. He allowed seven runs on seven hits and six walks. Those runs were scored over the 4th and 5th innings. In Baseball America’s latest issue, Arguelles was named the Royals biggest disappointment at midseason.

Wilmington collected just five hits and lost in Myrtle Beach, 2-0. Two of those hits came from Matt Fields.

Matt Ridings was the hard luck loser, as he allowed both runs on six hits over six innings.

The Blue Rocks made a roster move, sending catcher Kevin David (who was struggling and receiving less and less playing time) to Kane County. Murray Watts will join the team on Tuesday.

Kane County was the only Royals affiliate to win on Monday night, as they beat West Michigan, 9-5. The Cougars scored six runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning.

Tim Ferguson started the 3rd inning with a solo homerun. They went on to collect six more hits in the inning (Ferguson had two hits in the inning), a walk, and a sac fly.

All of that scoring made a winner of Aaron Brooks, who allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over six innings.

Bubba Watch: Burlington beat Princeton, 10-3 and Bubba Starling went 2-for-5 with two runs scored.

The Storm Chasers offense was dormant, as they collected just four hits, two by Johnny Giavotella.

Yordano Ventura

NW Arkansas was swept in their four-game series against Springfield, as they lost Sunday’s finale, 8-6. Yordano Ventura was roughed up in his Double-A debut (4.2 IP, 9H, 7R, 2BB, 4K).

The Naturals had runners on first and second base with just one out in the 9th inning, but Brian Fletcher grounded into a game-ending DP.

The Naturals collected 12 hits, but hit into two double plays and went just 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Catcher Manny Pina was reinstated from the big league DL, but was optioned to the Naturals. He went 3-for-4 with a homerun.

Reliever Nick Rogers continues to struggle with his command. He walked two and recorded just two outs, as he threw just eight of his 20 pitches for strikes.

Wilmington had Sunday off, as they made their way to Myrtle Beach.

Kane County lost to West Michigan, 6-3. Kyle Smith took his first loss, as he allowed five runs on eight hits over five innings. He did strike out five.

Andrew Triggs allowed runs in back-to-back outings for the first time in his short professional career.

Bubba Watch: Burlington finally played and they actually played two games in one day. In the first game of their doubleheader, Bubba Starling went 0-for-3. Daniel Hernandez allowed just two hits over six innings to pick up the win.

In the second game, Starling went 1-for-3.

The Royals scored all three of their runs in the two games via the homerun.

Irving Falu and Clint Robinson each had two hits in the win.

Jake Odorizzi improved to 6-0 in Triple-A, as he allowed the one run on seven hits and four walks over six innings. He struck out four.

March 11, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Mike Montgomery (22) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for Mike Montgomery, they did. He was demoted to Double-A NW Arkansas and lost on Saturday night to Springfield, 5-1. He allowed all five runs on six hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six while throwing 60 of his 92 pitches for strikes.

The Naturals offense was dormant, with their lone run coming via a Carlo Testa homerun. They had just three hits.

The Naturals have now lost three in a row and will try to salvage the series finale at Springfield on Sunday.

Wilmington moved to within a game of first place in the Northern Division of the Carolina League with a 6-3 win over Potomac. Elisaul Pimentel picked up his first win since being sent back to the Blue Rocks. He allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out seven.

Matt Fields hit another homerun, his 9th since joining the Blue Rocks, while Lane Adams went 3-for-4. Whit Merrifield went 2-for-5 in the win.

Kane County beat West Michigan, 6-4. The two teams combined for 21 hits and seven errors. Justin Trapp led off and went 3-for-5 with a homerun. Dean Espy and Tim Ferguson each collected two hits.

Bryan Brickhouse picked up the win, as he allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits over six innings. He struck out six.

Bubba Watch: Burlington moved on to Princeton, but had the same result that they had over the last three days in Kingsport: another postponement.

Wil Myers remained with the Storm Chasers following the All-Star break and went 2-for-3 with a double. Will Smith picked up the win with seven solid innings. He allowed one run on seven hits and a walk while striking out six.

NW Arkansas lost via a walk-off walk to Springfield, 2-1 in 13 innings. After a leadoff double and a fly out moved the runner to third base, the Naturals chose to intentionally walk the next two batters to load the bases. Problem was, they didn’t change pitchers and Ethan Hollingsworth walked the next batter on five pitches to drive in the winning run.

Both teams scored single runs in the 9th inning via solo homeruns. Paulo Orlando gave the Naturals a quick 1-0 lead with his third homerun of the season. Former Natural Jamie Romak hit his fourth homerun of the season with two outs in the bottom of the inning.

That negated the solid start by Michael Mariot, who did not allow a run over 7.2 innings. He allowed four hits while striking out three (though he walked four), but he threw just 79 pitches and wasn’t in trouble.

Manny Pina caught the first nine innings and went 0-for-4. The Naturals collected eight hits, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Jason Adam

The Wilmington Blue Rocks finally won with Jason Adam on the mound, as they beat visiting Potomac, 3-1. Adam finally picked up his second win of the season, as he allowed one run (a solo homerun) over seven innings.

The Blue Rocks collected eight hits, with the top two in the order (Angel Franco and Orlando Calixte) picking up four of them.

The P-Nats had rehabbing big leaguer Xavier Nady in the lineup again (no Drew Storen tonight) and he went 2-for-4.

Kane County received another stellar start from Angel Baez, as they beat South Bend, 2-1. Baez allowed an unearned run on two hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out ten.

Both teams only collected four hits and both teams scored their runs in the 4th inning.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling did not play again tonight as Burlington and Kingsport were once again postponed (that’s three in a row).

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

The Triple-A All-Star Game was held on Wednesday night and Wil Myers took home the MVP award to cap a fine week of All-Star accolades. The Pacific Coast League beat the International League in Buffalo, 3-0. Myers went 2-for-3 with an RBI. He was one of only two players two record a multi-hit game (Leslie Anderson of the IL also collected two hits). Myers played left field.

Clint Robinson came off the bench to play first base and went 0-for-1 (a strikeout). Ryan Verdugo pitched the third inning, walked one, and struck out one. Tommy Hottovy recorded the first two outs in the 8th inning. He struck out one.

NW Arkansas broke their eight game losing streak on Tuesday night with an 8-7 walk-off win over San Antonio. They had Wednesday off before starting a four-game road trip in Springfield on Thursday.

It was ugly in the beginning, as Naturals starter Noel Arguelles didn’t make it out of the first inning after allowing four runs. However the offense battled back, they got enough out of their bullpen, and had a little luck. In the 9th inning, Michael Liberto led off with a single and Yem Prades followed with a walk. After a strikeout and a pitching change, Brian Fletcher walked to load the bases for John Whittleman, who delivered a sac fly to tie the game. A throwing error home led to the winning run scoring.

Wilmington began their home series with Potomac with a 6-2 victory. Brooks Pounders picked up his second win in the Carolina League with six solid innings. He allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out eight.

Matt Fields continued his power-hitting, as he went 3-for-4 with his 7th homerun with the Blue Rocks.

Kane County collected just five hits, but beat South Bend, 3-0. They scored single runs in the first, 5th, and 6th inning.

Aaron Brooks picked up the win with seven shutout innings. He allowed four hits while striking out six.

Bubba Watch: Burlington’s game in Kingsport was postponed.

Omaha is currently in their All-Star break, as the Triple-A All-Star Game will be held in Buffalo on Wednesday night. It will be broadcast live on MLB Network at 7pm ET. Representing the Storm Chasers are starting outfielder Wil Myers, pitchers Ryan Verdugo and Tommy Hottovy, and first baseman/DH Clint Robinson.

August 05, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Manny Pina (28) makes a throw to second during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

NW Arkansas‘ losing streak has reached eight games, as they lost another to San Antonio, 7-6. The Naturals finish up their series tomorrow with the Missions before taking Wednesday off. The Missions took a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning on Nathan Freiman‘s three-run homerun off Naturals starter Chris Dwyer.

The Naturals collected 16 hits (and out-hit the Missions 16-12), but went 7-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Every starter except Paulo Orlando collected at least one hit and seven had multi-hit games. Michael Liberto, who rarely played in Wilmington, went 2-for-4.

Catcher Manny Pina continued his rehab, as he went 2-for-3 with two walks and three RBIs. He caught all nine innings.

Wilmington road a great pitching performance from  three pitchers en route to their 6-2 victory over Myrtle Beach. The Blue Rocks have off tomorrow before starting a four-game home series, this time against Potomac.

Reliever Matt Ridings got the start and only allowed one hit and a walk over 5.2 innings. He allowed both runs (though only one was earned) while striking out five. Antonio Cruz picked up the victory with 1.1 perfect innings of relief. Sam Runion closed out the game with two scoreless innings (he only allowed one hit).

The Blue Rocks surprisingly used the homerun ball. Lane Adams hit a solo homerun and Whit Merrifield hit a two-run homerun with two outs in the 8th inning to give them some insurance.

Andy Ferguson has been promoted from Idaho Falls and will be in uniform for the Blue Rocks on Wednesday night (he most likely will be taking the spot of Yordano Ventura, who was promoted to Double-A).

Kane County finished up their road series at Wisconsin with a 6-4 loss. They have off tomorrow before returning home for a six-game homestand.

The Cougars collected ten hits, but went just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Julio Aparicio and Tim Ferguson each hit solo homeruns while collecting four of the team’s hits.

Bubba Watch: Burlington’s game was suspended in the first inning and will be completed as part of a doubleheader on August 10th. The Royals were losing 1-0, but had runners at the corners with Bubba Starling coming to the plate.

Mike Montgomery had another rough start for the Storm Chasers. He allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six.

In the loss, Max Ramirez went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs. Kurt Mertins went 3-for-4 with his second homerun of the season.

NW Arkansas has now lost seven in a row, as they lost their series opener at home to San Antonio, 4-1. The Naturals collected just four hits, with the lone run coming via Mario Lisson‘s solo homerun in the 7th inning.

The Naturals are now six games back in the North Division of the Texas League (last place) at just 4-12 in the second half.

Jason Adam

Jason Adam‘s dominant start on Sunday was spoiled by the late inning heroics of Myrtle Beach, as the Pelicans beat Wilmington 2-1 in ten innings. The Pelicans scored a run in the top of the 9th inning to tie the game.

It was Adam’s best start in a LONG time, as he allowed just three hits and a walk over 7.1 innings. He struck out nine (a career-high). He gave up his first hit with one out in the 4th inning (also his first base runner). The 5th inning was the only inning that the Pelicans had more than one base runner. Adam retired eight in a row before allowing a single in the 8th inning that chased him from the game.

Right-hander Yordano Ventura, who started for the World team in the Futures Game, was promoted to Double-A (according to Blue Rocks radio announcer John Sadak).

Despite collecting eight hits, Kane County lost to Wisconsin, 10-0. They went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Bryan Brickhouse had another rough start for the Cougars. He allowed eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits and two walks over 5.1 innings.

In the loss, the 5-6 hitters (Julio Aparicio and Alex Llanos) went 6-for-8, but obviously did not score any runs.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI in Burlington’s 6-5 walk-off win. He walked in their 9th inning comeback.