On the MiLB VIdeo Highlights page, the following clip is titled "RiverCats Make Spectacular Out." When the clip title includes the word "spectacular" it better be the lede!
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A new contender for play of the year? This one from back in April is, I think, still my favorite:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8bcUh9dHwcs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
HIGHLIGHTS: Hunter Cole goes 4 for 5 with double, triple. Daniel Carbonell had three hits including a HR. Michael Connolly threw 1-hit ball for 6.2 IP. Manuel Geraldo doubled and tripled.
Sacramento lost to El Paso (Padres), 5-2
losing their four game series, 1-3
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
SS |
Everth Cabrera |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.250 |
RF |
Mac Williamson |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.250 |
3b |
Kevin Frandsen |
4 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.298 |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Pitches |
Strikes |
Tommy Hanson, L, 0-3 |
7.0 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
6.41 |
92 |
65 |
Erik Cordier |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.38 |
15 |
10 |
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This view never gets old. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RiverCats?src=hash">#RiverCats</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeasonTix?src=hash">#SeasonTix</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SacSkyline?src=hash">#SacSkyline</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaleyField?src=hash">#RaleyField</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClawsUp?src=hash">#ClawsUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RiverCats">@RiverCats</a> ⚾️ <a href="http://t.co/ViGlxoQYTo">pic.twitter.com/ViGlxoQYTo</a></p>— ⚾Leslie Prétot⚾️ (@BayAreaFan19) <a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaFan19/status/624422192403599364">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Kevin Frandsen was the offensive star of the night for the RiverCats. He had 3 of their 8 hits, including the team's only XBH. He scored one of their two runs, and drove the other one in. He was the only player on the team to reach base twice. I wouldn't be terribly shocked to see the Giants try to find a 40 man space for him in September to use him as a bench piece in the final month. Everth Cabrera was transferred from Scottsdale to Sacramento for this game and made his RiverCats debut.
Tommy Hanson had his fourth start for Sacramento and now sports a 6.41 ERA with three losses. But he did manage to go seven innings, the first time with Sacramento that he has gone past 5. How's his stuff? Glad you asked! Let's check in with our field correspondant!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HOT SCOUTING TIP: Tommy Hanson isn't very good</p>— groug (@moonwalkmcfly) <a href="https://twitter.com/moonwalkmcfly/status/624417809099939840">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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* * *
Richmond won at Erie SeaWolves (Tigers), 4-3
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
CF |
Engel Beltre |
5 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.311 |
RF |
Hunter Cole |
5 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.302 |
1b |
Ricky Oropesa |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
.261 |
LF |
Myles Schroder |
4 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.252 |
3b |
Juan Ciriaco |
4 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
.206 |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Pitches |
Matt Gage, W, 2-0 |
6.0 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.64 |
95 |
Derek Law, S 4 |
1.0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4.50 |
10 |
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Squirrels have arrived in Erie, PA. 1st of four tonight with LHP Matt Gage making second AA Start. <a href="http://t.co/fqzP6ZsGB2">pic.twitter.com/fqzP6ZsGB2</a></p>— Squirrels Baseball (@GoSquirrels) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoSquirrels/status/624293515070173188">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Erie is the bottom dweller of the Western division, so this series offers the Squirrels a good opportunity to make a move on first place. They've now won five straight and sit just a game out of first.
Richmond had four different members of the lineup with mulit-hit game in this one, including the huge night from Hunter Cole. Over three different levels in his first full season, Cole's numbers are now .306/.363/.481. The only thing one might think unfortunate about his year is that his early move up to San Jose which subsequently has put him and Slater in the same lineup for most of the year, effectively cut off his time playing the infield. The bat would profile a lot better long term if it weren't stuck in a corner OF spot, I would think.
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Engel Beltre (which is, by the way, pronounced "Angel" for those who don't know) had two more hits in this game. Beltre has a fourteen game hitting streak going, stretching back to an 0 for 1 PH appearance back on July 7. The former Red Sox and Rangers prospect has been a fantastic addition to the Richmond team with an .805 OPS. The White Sox cut him loose earlier in the year after he posted a .580 OPS in 21 games in AAA (IL).
Matt Gage has made the most of his contingency spot start promotion and if he keeps pitching like this they're likely to keep him around. Gage, drafted out of tiny Siena college in upstate NY, is somewhat amazingly the fourth member of the 2014 draft to join the AA Richmond team. Gage was last year's 10th rounder, taken just after Stetson Woods. The 22 yr old LHP now sports a 3.77 ERA for the year between the Sally and EL.
* * *
San Jose lost at Bakersfield Blaze (Mariners), 8-5
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
LF |
Daniel Carbonell |
5 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.307 |
3b |
Skylers Stromsmoe |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
.667 |
C |
Jeff Arnold |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.269 |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Keury Mella, L, 5-3 |
6.0 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
3.32 |
Tyler Rogers |
1.0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.62 |
Dan Slania |
1.0 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.19 |
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalHotDogDay?src=hash">#NationalHotDogDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SJGiants?src=hash">#SJGiants</a> fans! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HebrewNational?src=hash">#HebrewNational</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiantTogether?src=hash">#GiantTogether</a> ⚾️ <a href="http://t.co/kS8KNGiFEo">pic.twitter.com/kS8KNGiFEo</a></p>— San Jose Giants (@SJGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SJGiants/status/624393103068295168">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Operation "Keep the Good Times Rolling on the Road" didn't get off to a great start in game one of the road trip. Keury Mella had a season high 8 K's in this game, but he also surrendered 6 runs (4 ER) and 2 HRs, though it's worth remembering that HRs come fairly easy in the tiny dimensions of Sam Lynn Ballpark. Mella also had 3 WP in the game, which suggests he wasn't quite on top of his stuff. Dan Slania continues to scuffle in the second half. Since his appearance in the All Star game he's allowed runs in 8 of his 12 appearances, for a total of 13 runs (10 ER) in 14 IP.
Daniel Carbonell led the offense with a three game including his 3rd HR of the year (2nd in SJ). After the brutal struggles in Richmond, Carbonell like Angel Villalona is obviously very happy to be back in the Cal League. And what do we find at the bottom of the Giants' order in this game? Yet another AAA veteran in Skyler Stromsmoe (more than 1200 PA in AA and AAA in his minor league career) joins the squad for even more of a veteran presence? Shocking! I should however, point out the walks that Stromsmoe, Jeff Arnold, and Jeff Kobernus had in this game, as Sacramento and Richmond lineups above combined for 0 walks in their two games.
Couple of other notes about yesterday's game:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Christian Arroyo (sick) a late scratch tonight. Ryder Jones (finger) hopes to return in a week.</p>— Joe Ritzo (@JoeRitzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeRitzo/status/624390277604573184">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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You can hear pitching coach Mike Couchee discuss the recent great pitching from the SJ staff on yesterday's pre-game show interview with Joe Ritzo.
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* * *
Augusta beat the Greenville Drive (Red Sox), 4-3
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
CF |
Johneshwy Fargas |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
.280 |
C |
Aramis Garcia |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.269 |
1b |
Skyler Ewing |
4 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.226 |
RF |
Dylan Davis |
4 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
.205 |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Chris Johnson |
5.2 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5.26 |
Dusten Knight |
2.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.76 |
Carlos Diaz, S, 3 |
1.1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.98 |
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oh, hello there. 2014 trophy is in Augusta tonight. <a href="http://t.co/DYZpilK9ph">pic.twitter.com/DYZpilK9ph</a></p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/624318664683098112">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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The Greenjackets finally climbed back to the .500 mark after several weeks of floating a few games below it, and their four game win streak has boosted them into 2nd place in their division, 2.5 games behind Asheville.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Johneshwy Fargas steals second and third on consecutive pitches to open the first inning. He now has 48 steals.</p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/624359836315217921">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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After I suggested Johneshwy Fargas was wearing down, he reached base three times (including a HBP) for the second consecutive game and stole two more bases. Man, I really have the touch with this team! Fargas is second in the league in SB (behind the Yankee's SS prospect Jorge Mateo who has 66), but did you know he leads the league in one offensive category?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We've reached Johneshwy Bingo tonight. Two steals for 48, a HBP to tie for league lead at 13.</p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/624384900053999616">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Aramis Garcia's walk now boosts the system's total for the night up to 4 in 4 games! You can read David Lee's feature on Garcia here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GreenJackets: Garcia's contact increase produces hot streak. <a href="http://t.co/kx5iqYMQSF">http://t.co/kx5iqYMQSF</a></p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/624281462481768449">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Carlos Diaz picked up the save in thrilling conclusion as he induced a ground ball DP to end the game, escaping a two-on jam and preserving the one run lead.
On a non-Giants note, Greenville, as you no doubt know, is one of the toolsiest collection of prospects in the minors with Moncada, Devers, etc etc. Last night it was SS Javy Guerra who got the scouts hearts racing with his fine play, as David Lee relates:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another day, another outstanding defensive play by Javier Guerra. Throws a bullet from the hole. Plus glove, plus-plus arm.</p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/624370567907516416">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After showing a plus-plus arm and plus glove, Javier Guerra hits one of the more impressive homers at Augusta this year. Right-center. 3-2 G</p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/624376018040680452">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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This probably doesn't help the current mood of Red Sox' fans any (schadenfreude, FTW!)
* * *
Salem-Keizer lost at Eugene Emeralds (Cubs), 2-1
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
CF |
Ronnie Jebavy |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
.248 |
DH |
Miguel Gomez |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.366 |
2b |
Richard Amion |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.213 |
LF |
Shilo McCall |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
.273 |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Michael Connolly |
6.2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2.95 |
Ryan Halstead, BS, 2, L, 1-1 |
1.1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3.46 |
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Connolly is DEALIN' for Salem-Keizer through six innings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoSKV?src=hash">#GoSKV</a> <a href="http://t.co/8jHR61sAzO">pic.twitter.com/8jHR61sAzO</a></p>— Volcanoes Baseball (@SKVolcanoes) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKVolcanoes/status/624428041972813824">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Recent Volcanoes games have all been high scoring affairs, but the hot offense crashed to a halt here, as they managed just 1 run on 5 hits (including 3 doubles) and 5 walks (there you go!). Instead this game was all about the pitching, as Michael Connolly threw 6.2 innings of one hit shutout ball in his finest start of the year.
The Volcanoes were clinging to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 8th when they let it slip away with one pitch. Donnie Dewees, the Cubs 2nd round pick out of the University of Florida turned the game around with the first HR of his career, a two-run shot that won the game.
The loss dropped the Volcanoes 2 games back with a precious few to play in the first half. Their elimination number is now down to 2 as they must win at least two of their three games this weekend to avoid elimination.
You can hear Michael Connolly talk about his brilliant effort in the Volcanoes post-game wrap up.
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* * *
AZL Giants lost to the AZL Brewers, 1-0
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
2b |
Tyler Brown |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.333 |
SS |
Jalen Miller |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.250 |
1b |
Dillon Dobson |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.239 |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Ricky Romero |
3.0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.57 |
Kendry Melo |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5.40 |
Matthew Pope, L, 0-1 |
1.0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.08 |
Eury Sanchez |
1.0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.04 |
The AZL team was thoroughly stifled as Tyler Brown (their 26th round pick this year out of the same Nevada JC as Bickford), Jalen Miller, and Dillon Dobson were the only members of the team to reach base and they couldn't manage to get their hits and walks collected into a single inning.
There was, in fact, precious little offense of any kind in this game, as the two teams had just 9 hits combined. The winning run was scored by HS OF Trent Clark, the Brewers 1st round pick this year. He moved into scoring position in the 8th on a walk and a sac bunt. He took third on a swinging strike three in the dirt as Catcher Rene Melendez threw to 1b for the put out. And then, in thrilling fashion, Clark stole home with the game's only run. I wonder how often a steal of home has been the only run in a baseball game. Get the Elias Bureau on it!
One other note, it seems the Giants magic touch with scrap heap pick ups is a joke even beyond McCC:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ricky Romero started tonight for the AZL Giants. Yes, that Ricky Romero. I assume he'll pitch a key game that propels them into the playoffs</p>— Josh Norris (@jnorris427) <a href="https://twitter.com/jnorris427/status/624435162407927809">July 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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* * *
DSL Giants beat the DSL Mariners1, 6-4
|
Age |
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
2b |
18.9 |
Manuel Geraldo |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.311 |
3b |
17.4 |
Francisco Medina |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.270 |
RF |
17.4 |
Sandro Fabian |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.263 |
DH |
18.7 |
Mecky Coronado |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.384 |
C |
19.3 |
Jesus Tona |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
.375 |
Age |
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
19.9 |
Norwith Gudino |
5.0 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3.64 |
16.11 |
Luis Amaya, BS, 2, W 3-0 |
2.2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.45 |
The 34-12 Giants have the DSL's best record and a three gmae lead in their division.
Gudino is still taking Victor Concepcion's starts I see, with no word on when Concepcion might be back. Luis Amaya entered the game with a one run lead and two men aboard. He "allowed" the tying run to score when he induced what should have been an inning ending double play but Manuel Geraldo threw away the turn to 1b. Amaya ended with 4 Ks, giving him 37 in 31 IP.
* * *
Great pitching slate today as Clayton Blackburn, Adalberto Mejia, Martin Agosta, and Andrew Suarez are all scheduled to start.