Royals April 15th Minors Recap

I know everyone tonight is thinking and praying for the victims in Boston, but there was also baseball being played throughout the country. All four KC Royals full season minor league affiliates were in action and celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. Omaha is auctioning off select autographed jerseys (one being a team signed jersey), with an opening bid of $50.

Omaha won their series on Monday afternoon against Nashville, with a 3-2 win. The game was played in 36 degree weather and some snow (check out Twitter to see what some of the players were tweeting).

With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning, veteran Xavier Nady led off with a solo homerun. That blast made a winner of Chris Dwyer, who allowed two runs on six hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out seven. Donnie Joseph escaped a runners at the corners and two out jam in the eighth and Michael Mariot picked up his second save of the season.

Johnny Giavotella hit his first homerun of the season, as he went 2-for-3, as did Brandon Wood (though he did not hit a homer). The Storm Chasers now welcome Albuquerque to Werner Park on Tuesday for a four-game series. It will be their second four-game series with the Isotopes this season.

With the game tied at 3-3 after five innings, NW Arkansas fell to host Frisco, 10-3. Frisco put up a six-spot in the bottom of the seventh.

Edwin Carl was on for his second inning of relief and allowed a one out RBI double, RBI single, and another double that brought on a coaching visit. That visit did not help, as he allowed a two-run homerun that completely blew the game open and chased Carl from the game. It didn’t get any easier for Jon Keck, who allowed an RBI single in the seventh and a leadoff homerun in the 8th inning.

That big inning negated the solid start from Noel Arguelles, who allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks over 5.1 innings.

On offense for the Naturals, Brett Eibner went 3-for-4 with his first homerun of the season. Rey Navarro went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Lane Adams

Despite committing five errors, Wilmington beat visiting Carolina, 4-3. The Blue Rocks were down 3-1 before putting up a three-spot in the bottom of the 7th inning.

In that inning, Lane Adams had the big hit, a two-run double with two outs. Four of the Blue Rocks eight hits went for extra bases.

Angel Baez only lasted 4.1 innings, mainly because he issued four walks. He left with a man on base, which scored. Antonio Cruz picked up the win, despite allowing one of Baez’ runs and one of his own (2.2IP, H, R, 0ER, BB, 2K). Andrew Triggs picked up his first save of the season with two scoreless innings of relief.

Kyle Smith was named the Carolina League’s Pitcher of the Week after two starts.

Lexington lost to Augusta, 7-3, after allowing two 3-run innings.

Aroni Nina got the start and left in the 5th inning with the bases loaded, but leading 2-1. Ali Williams entered in relief and allowed a two-run single and then a double play ground out that scored a run. In the following inning, Williams allowed three straight doubles (which scored two runs) and then a bunt single. An errant pickoff throw by Williams scored the third 6th inning run.

The Legends collected just five hits, with two coming from Terrence Gore. He also scored a run (though he was picked off).