Royals August 27th Minors Recap

Omaha scored five runs in the top of the first inning and held on for the 11-7 victory over Memphis. It got dicey in the bottom of the 9th inning, as Memphis scored four runs.

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.

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.

http://youtu.be/HfAkVV5XKy8

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.