KC Royals April 17th Minors Recap

Omaha lost their home opener to New Orleans, 5-3. That came after the Storm Chasers took a 2-0 lead in the first, with Whit Merrifield leading off the bottom of the inning with a home run.

Christian Binford took the loss, as he allowed two 2-run home runs. All-in-all, Binford allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk over six innings.

Orlando Calixte also hit a home run, a solo shot in the fourth that tied the game at 2-2. However, he committed two errors at second base, costing reliever Brian Broderick a run in the ninth. Ryan Jackson went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

With Alcides Escobar getting hurt in the KC Royals game, Storm Chasers shortstop Gabriel Noriega was pinch-hit for in the ninth by the newest Storm Chaser, Casey Kotchman (who lined out). Not sure if it is anything, but it gives you something to think about. Kotchman took the place of newly called up outfielder Reymond Fuentes on the roster.

NW Arkansas won their first game at home, with a 6-2 victory over Midland.

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The Naturals needed another solid bullpen effort, as starter

lasted just three innings (70 pitches). Dziedzic allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out six.

earned the win in relief, throwing 2.2 innings. He allowed one run on six hits and two walks. The lone run came on a solo homer in the fifth.

Matt Murray escaped a two on, two out jam in the sixth and threw 2.1 scoreless innings. Aroni Nina struck out the side in the ninth (around a hit).

The Naturals scored three runs in the first and two more in the second. Mike Bianucci got the scoring started with an RBI single. Balbino Fuenmayor drove in the second, and a bases loaded hit batter drove in the third run. In the 2nd inning, Hunter Dozier drove in two runs with a two out double.

Wilmington lost to Frederick in their second game at home, 6-4.

The Blue Rocks offense scored four runs on four hits and six walks over the first three innings. However, the Keys bullpen limited the Blue Rocks to two hits and a walk over the final six innings.

Mauricio Ramos drove in two runs with a double and Frank Schwindel had two hits, including a double, and a run scored.

Alec Mills took the loss, as he allowed five runs (four earned) on ten hits and a walk over 4.2 innings. He struck out five. Matt Alvarez rebounded from a rough first relief appearance as a Blue Rock with 2.1 hitless innings. Nick Green allowed a run over his two innings of work.

Lexington beat West Virginia, 6-3. After the Power tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the eighth, the Legends came right back with three of their own.

The first run in the bottom of the ninth scored on a bunt single by Carlos Garcia. Mike Hill followed with a two-run single. Hill also hit a two out, two-run triple. Brandon Downes went 3-for-4 with a double and three runs scored.

Colin Rodgers earned the win in relief, though he also took the blown save. He allowed three runs on four hits over 3.1 innings. He struck out four. Corey Ray took the no decision, as he allowed five hits and a walk over 5.2 scoreless innings.

The Legends stole six bases, two each by Downes and Garcia.

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