KC Royals April 26th Minors Recap

Omaha has now lost three in a row and their second straight in OKC, as they lost Sunday afternoon, 3-1. The Dodgers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth.

That negated the solid start from veteran Joe Blanton, who allowed two hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. He struck out four. Brian Broderick took the loss in relief, as he allowed three runs (two earned). He allowed a two-run home run by Chris Heisey.

The Storm Chasers collected five hits, including doubles from first baseman Casey Kotchman and shortstop Orlando Calixte. However, both committed errors (Kotchman had two). Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to 11 games by going 1-for-4.

NW Arkansas salvaged their series finale in Tulsa, winning 10-5. The Naturals return home to start a five-game homestand, beginning with Springfield Monday night.

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The Naturals collected 12 hits, including a four-hit day from

, who fell a triple short of the cycle. Liddi hit two home runs, a two-run shot in the third and a solo shot in the fifth.

had three hits, including two doubles, and two RBIs.

also hit two doubles in the win.

Matt Murray earned the win in relief of starter Miguel Almonte (4IP, 5H, 3R, 3BB, K). Murray allowed one hit, but walked four over 2.2 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

Wilmington also salvaged their series finale in Frederick, winning 8-2. After enjoying Monday off, the Blue Rocks will start a seven-game homestand, beginning with Myrtle Beach.

Zane Evans hit two home runs, both two-run shots. His first homer in the fourth tied the game at 2-2, as he drove in five runs. Frank Schwindel had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs.

Luke Farrell allowed two runs on five hits and a walk over the first five innings to earn his first win of the season. After allowing two runs and getting a double play to end the 3rd inning, Farrell retired six of the final seven batters he faced with three strikeouts.

Cody Reed earned the save, throwing four perfect innings of relief. He struck out four. In two relief appearances so far this season against the Keys, Reed has pitched eight scoreless innings while striking out nine.

Lexington split their doubleheader in West Virginia to break their seven-game losing streak. After enjoying Monday off, the Legends will return home to play three games against Rome.

The Legends won the first game by a 4-3 score.

Torey Deshazier earned the win, allowing just one run on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out five. Things got interesting in the bottom of the seventh with Jake Newberry on the mound. He already allowed two runs on three hits and a walk and the Power had the winning run on second base. However, Newberry got his third strikeout to end the game and get the save.

Luis Villegas drove in two runs in the win, including a solo home run in the third.

After leading 3-0 through four innings, the Legends lost the second game, 5-4.

Three of the Legends runs came via back-to-back home runs in the first by Humberto Arteaga (a two-run shot) and Ryan O’Hearn (his fourth of the season). Corey Toups was hit by a pitch to lead off the game, scored on Arteaga’s homer, and was replaced on defense.

Pedro Fernandez took the no decision, allowing four runs on four hits over 5.1 innings. He struck out six. Matt Strahm took the loss, as he came in with the bases loaded and allowed all three and one of his own to score. He walked the first batter he faced to force in the first run. After two straight RBI singles, the winning run scored via a bases loaded hit batter in the bottom of the sixth.

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