Royals Minor League Playoffs: Day Two

On Wednesday, Omaha and Kane County took the first step towards advancing in their respective playoff series, while Northwest Arkansas was edged in extra innings.

Thursday, all three were in action again, hoping to climb a step closer to their league’s championship.

Pacific Coast League

Omaha Storm Chasers 7, Round Rock Express 2

Vin Mazzaro was solid through 6.1 innings and struck out six and Joaquin Arias had three hits as Omaha went up two games to none on the Texas Rangers affiliate.

Manuel Pina (not Manny) had a two run homer and only Kurt Mertins was the only Storm Chaser without a hit.  Game 3 is tomorrow night in Omaha and the Storm Chasers have a shot to complete the sweep.  The Reno Aces lead the Sacramento Rivercats two games to none as well and would be Omaha’s next opponent if both finish off their respective series.

Texas League

Arkansas Travelers 1, Northwest Arkansas Naturals 0

The Travelers spoiled a strong six innings by Jake Odorizzi, who held Arkansas scoreless while surrendering only one hit.

Equally as good, Arkansas’s Chris Scholl handled the Naturals over eight innings and allowed only two hits – one each to Paulo Orlando and Ben Theriot.

For the second straight night, Arkansas won in walkoff fashion with two outs, with Roberto Lopez playing the hero with a home run in the bottom of the ninth.  The teams travel to Springdale and Arvest Ballpark, where the Naturals will try to rattle off a three game home winning streak to advance to the championship series.

Midwest League

Burlington Bees 5, Kane County Cougars 1

Yordano Ventura gave up four runs in three innings and the Cougars managed just three hits and struck out 12 times as a team.  Angel Franco had the only Cougar run, homering in the third.

On the bright side, Kane County didn’t burn through too much of their bullpen with Ventura’s early exit, getting three innings from Antonio Cruz and another two from Edwin Carl.

The deciding game of the three game series will be tomorrow night as Jason Adam takes the mound with Kane County’s fate in his hands.