Royals July 27th Minors Recap

Omaha lost to New Orleans, 8-5.

It seems like the Pacific Coast League is catching up to Clayton Mortensen (four or more runs in his last three starts). He allowed seven runs (five earned) on nine hits over five innings. The Zephyrs got it started with a three-run home run in the bottom of the first.

Scott Alexander made his Triple-A debut and scattered three hits and two walks over two scoreless innings. He struck out two. Casey Coleman allowed the final Zephyrs run in the eighth.

The Storm Chasers hit three home runs, but they were all solo shots. Francisco Pena hit his 22nd of the year. Christian Colon and Carlos Peguero each had two hits, including homers. Whit Merrifield also had two hits in the loss.

NW Arkansas lost to Springfield, 5-4. The two teams split the four-game series.

With the game tied at 4-4 in the top of the eighth, Malcom Culver walked the leadoff hitter before a one out double broke the tie. The Naturals had two on and one out in the ninth, but Hunter Dozier grounded into a game ending double play.

Tim Melville was solid over the first five innings, scattering eight hits and two walks. He allowed two runs. Noel Arguelles made it through the sixth, but left after allowing back-to-back hits to start the seventh.

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That brought in

to make his Double-A debut. He allowed both runs to score on back-to-back one out singles. It could have been worse, as the Cardinals had the bases loaded, but he escaped.

Angel Franco went 3-for-5 (his third straight multi-hit game) and Edinson Rincon also had three hits. Newly promoted Mark Threlkeld went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Parker Morin also had two hits in the loss.

*In roster news, Max Ramirez was released.

Wilmington lost their second straight to Winston-Salem, this time by a 6-1 score. The loss dropped them into a second place tie with Lynchburg, who they begin a three-game series with on Tuesday (two games back of Potomac).

Blue Rocks starter Sean Manaea started out dominant, throwing just nine pitches in each of the first two innings. Then he lost his command in the 3rd inning, walking the first two batters on nine pitches. After a coaching visit, he then struck out the next two batters before loading the bases on another walk. That brought up Courtney Hawkins, who Manaea blew away (he struck him out three times).

Manaea battled through five scoreless innings, allowing five hits and four walks while striking out five.

Yender Caramo entered in the sixth and hit the first batter he faced. Before you knew it, the Dash had the lead, as they strung together four straight singles to score three runs. It could have been much worse if not for the triple play they turned.

With the runners moving and no outs, Justin Jirschele (yes he is Mike’s son) ripped a line drive just over second baseman Ramon Torres‘ head. Torres jumped and made the catch before flipping to shortstop Jack Lopez who tug the second base bag and tug the base runner.

At that point, that play seemed to have saved the game. It was their first triple play since August 27, 1997 in Frederick. I was in Frederick for that series, though I do not remember the play. UPDATE: I just received new information that their last triple play was at Frawley on April 16, 2012.

Until the 8th inning when Zeb Sneed entered and allowed three more runs. He fell behind, which led to a three-run homer by Grant Buckner.

The Blue Rocks collected five hits, two by Lopez. They did not have a base runner after the fifth.

*In roster news, the Blue Rocks received utility man Logan Davis from Idaho Falls to replace Threlkeld, who was promoted to NW Arkansas.

Lexington beat Savannah, 5-2. They actually trailed 2-1 heading into the seventh.

Kenny Diekroeger hit a solo home run in the third that gave the Legends the 1-0 lead. Diekroeger would drive in another run in the eighth on a sac bunt. Mauricio Ramos also drove in two runs.

The Legends collected 12 hits, with five players having two hits.

Luis Rico was solid in the no decision, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out four. Jose Miguel Rodriguez earned the win, though he allowed one run on one hit and five walks over three innings. Tim Hill earned his third save with a scoreless ninth.

*In roster news, Frank Schwindel was sent to Idaho Falls, as catcher Luis Villegas was activated from the DL. Kind of stinks for Schwindel, who was hitting .292 with 15 homers.