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Short schedule as three teams take the night off: two with their final off day of the 2015 season, and one as they await their post-season. We're getting down to it now. Only San Jose and Salem-Keizer have any off days at all left this year, and both of them will take their last off-day next Monday. From here on it's a sprint to the finish line, as some of the affiliates look to be hitting empty.
HIGHLIGHTS: Angel Villalona doubled and homered. Brian Ragira had four hits. Steven Duggar had three hits and a SB.
* * *
Sacramento lost at Omaha Storm Chaser (Royals), 6-0
|
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
|
1b |
Joaquin Arias |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.275 |
|
RF |
Mac Williamson |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.274 |
|
SS |
Nick Noonan |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.244 |
|
2b |
Everth Cabrera |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
.244 |
|
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Pitches |
Strikes |
|
Chris Stratton L 3-5 |
5.0 |
9 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4.19 |
94 |
57 |
|
Cody Hall |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.66 |
14 |
7 |
Chris Stratton opened the night by striking out rehabbing major league All Star Alex Gordon on three pitches and dispatched the Storm Chasers in order on 11 pitches. But he couldn't repeat that smooth first inning as he got rocked for 6 runs over the next two innings, with the dagger being Cheslor Chuthbert's three-run shot in the 3rd.
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Stratton did end up making it through five with two scoreless innings after that four-run outburst in the 3rd. It was the third time in his last seven starts that he's surrendered 6 runs, and also the second straight game that he's had a 1:1 K:BB ratio.
The Sacramento offense did pretty much nothing in this game, managing just four baserunners, three of them on singles. Since we're pretty short on highlights today, let's have a look-see at the RiverCats lone extra base hit:
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With two straight losses after their franchise best winning streak, Sacramento is now back at the .500 mark and needs to win today to avoid falling back under the break-even line.
* * *
Richmond lost to Harrisburg Senators (Nationals), 4-3
|
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
|
SS |
Rando Moreno |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
.280 |
|
2b |
Austin Slater |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.303 |
|
RF |
Hunter Cole |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.296 |
|
1b |
Juan Ciraco |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.224 |
|
PH |
Ricky Oropesa |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.246 |
|
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Pitches |
Strikes |
|
Joe Biagini |
7.0 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.51 |
100 |
66 |
|
Derek Law, L 0-1 |
0.1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5.66 |
20 |
9 |
|
Tyler Mizenko BS 4 |
0.2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.74 |
13 |
7 |
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Squirrels fall 4-3 to the Senators after a 3 run 9th inning for Harrisburg. <a href="http://t.co/xxBAY4iXPr">pic.twitter.com/xxBAY4iXPr</a></p>— Squirrels Baseball (@GoSquirrels) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoSquirrels/status/636007751861276672">August 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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After a late July homestand that included a series win over Altoona and a series sweep over Akron, Richmond went to Erie and won the first two games. On July 25, they stood a game out of 1st place in a close group of four teams at the top of the division, in position to take the Wild Card spot at least. Since that date they've gone 9-19 and sit well on the outside looking in entering the final two weeks of the season.
During that stretch of poor play they've found a lot of different ways to lose games. Yesterday, it was the Blown Save route. Though the offense once again struggled to score runs (going 2 for 11 with RISP), they managed to scratch out a 3 run rally in the bottom of the 7th to take a 3-1 lead. The big hit was Ricky Oropesa's PH double which knocked in the go ahead run and sent the 3rd run to 3b.
In the 9th, Derek Law went out to save that 3-1 lead and he really struggled to find the strike zone. Law faced just four batters. After getting the first on a called third strike he allowed a single and then walked back to back batters to load the bases. Tyler Mizenko would give up the actual game losing hit, but Law set the situation up. It's been a frustrating season for Derek, but evidence suggests that command frequently doesn't return until the 2nd year after TJ, and his stuff is there, so you'd think he'll return strong next year.
Richmond now sits at 62-64, and with a tough final two weeks schedule they're going to be stretched to avoid a losing year, which is a real shame.
* * *
San Jose won at Inland Empire 66ers (Angels), 6-4 in 11 inn.
|
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
|
1b |
Angel Villalona |
5 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.246 |
|
3b |
Ryder Jones |
5 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.272 |
|
DH |
Brian Ragira |
5 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.254 |
|
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
Pitches |
Strikes |
|
Jordan Johnson |
5.2 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.28 |
88 |
51 |
|
Ian Gardeck |
1.1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.65 |
20 |
16 |
|
Ray Black |
1.0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.27 |
25 |
15 |
|
Dan Slania, BS 5 W 4-5 |
2.0 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.24 |
30 |
20 |
|
Jake Smith S, 14 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.43 |
10 |
6 |
We might be getting a first hand report on this game from Brute Sentiment, who I believe made the trip down there last night.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SJGiants?src=hash">#SJGiants</a> in San Bernardino opening a 4-game series against the 66ers. Jordan Johnson (2-1, 3.00) makes the start <a href="http://t.co/UPJTmdzWLE">pic.twitter.com/UPJTmdzWLE</a></p>— Joe Ritzo (@JoeRitzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeRitzo/status/635983948850434049">August 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Jordan Johnson wasn't scintillating, but he managed his way through 5.2 scoreless innings. The four walks he allowed quite literally more than doubled his season total in 51.2 IP. In the end, he got out of the game with a 3-0 lead, thanks to Villalona and Ragira's big offensive nights.
However, the normally reliable SJ bullpen was shaky, surrendering four runs over the 7-8-9 innings and forcing extra innings.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight was San Jose's 21st extra-inning game of the season (10-11) - tied for the lead in all of MiLB (Ft. Myers).</p>— Joe Ritzo (@JoeRitzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeRitzo/status/636062087182163968">August 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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In the 11th, Villalona and Ragira teamed up again on the go ahead run as Villalona reached on his 3rd hit of the game (yes, he was A Triple Shy of a Cycle! thanks for asking) and Ragira's two-out single, his fourth hit of the day scored him. Tyler Horan doubled in the insurance run with his only hit of the day.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only 1-2-3 inning by a SJ pitcher was Jake Smith in the bottom of the 11th. Smith now 14-of-15 in save chances since becoming primary closer</p>— Joe Ritzo (@JoeRitzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeRitzo/status/636062473657958400">August 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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With the win, SJ remains two games behind Visalia for the second half division lead, and increased their lead in the second Wild Card position to 1.5 games. The schedule isn't favorable as only 3 of their final 12 games are at home, though those three do come against Modesto who they're trying to fend off for the final playoff spot.
* * *
Augusta had their final off day of the year.
On August 16, Augusta sat half a game in front of Greenville and a game in front of Asheville for the Wild Card. Since then they've gone on a six game losing streak and are on the verge of playing their way out of the playoffs, 3.5 games behind Asheville and 2 behind Greenville going into the final two weeks. And they just got some bad news yesterday, as they lost a home game vs. the division's best team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Augusta's makeup game against Savannah is scheduled as a doubleheader Aug. 31 at Grayson Stadium.</p>— David Lee (@David11Lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/David11Lee/status/635622953279975424">August 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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David Lee is hoping for news on Johneshwy Fargas today when they get to the field tonight to start their home series vs. the West Virginia Power.
* * *
Salem-Keizer beat the Everett Aqua Sox (Mariners), 4-3
|
|
Name |
AB |
R |
H |
RBI |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
BA |
|
RF |
Steven Duggar |
5 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
.281 |
|
CF |
Ronnie Jebavy |
5 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.265 |
|
1b |
John Riley |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.248 |
|
2b |
Richard Amion |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.233 |
|
DH |
Christopher Shaw |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
.283 |
|
Name |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
K |
HR |
HB |
WP |
ERA |
|
Nolan Riggs W 4-2 |
6.0 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3.04 |
|
Nathanael Santiago |
2.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.63 |
|
Ryan Halstead S, 5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.66 |
Stop me if you've heard this one before. On August 7th, SK beat Eugene 9-2. At that point they had a 6 game lead over Eugene in the Wild Card race. Since then they've gone 6-11 (including 3-7 in their last 10) and while they still are clinging to a 1.5 game lead over Eugene in the Wild Card race, Eugene has pulled in front of them and into 1st place in the second half race by a half game over Hillsboro. They too are on the verge of playing their way out of the race.
However, they picked up ground on both Eugene and Hillsboro last night holding on for a one-run victory. For the second time this half they beat on Everett's best pitching prospect, Brazilian lefty Luis Gohara, knocking him out of the game during a four-run 2nd inning. Steven Duggar's two-run double highlighted the inning, and Duggar would go on to have the best offensive night for the Volcanoes.
Nolan Riggs managed six quality innings, and then the bullpen held onto the one-run lead by throwing three perfect innings, including 5 Ks.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SKVolcanoes">@SKVolcanoes</a> Win!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sfgiants?src=hash">#sfgiants</a> <a href="http://t.co/14NdLlq6XT">pic.twitter.com/14NdLlq6XT</a></p>— Eric McGregor (@EMcG76) <a href="https://twitter.com/EMcG76/status/636045882199142400">August 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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* * *
AZL Giants had a scheduled off day
This was their last off-day of the season which has four days remaining. They play a DH today to make up an earlier rain out. The AZL Cubs won last night, so the Giants are tied for first with five games left. The Cubs also have a rain makeup DH tonight so this could be a big night. A two-game swing with just three to go could basically end things.
* * *
DSL Giants are enjoying their first round bye
Just to quickly explain the DSL playoffs. The DSL has five divisions which accord to five areas where camps are congregated (the divisions have no set sizes, some have six teams, others have ten). The five division winners plus one wild card team make up the post-season. In the first round, the two division winners with the best records get a bye while the other four teams plays a best 2 out of 3. In the second round, the 1 and 2 seeds play the winners of round one, again best 2 of 3. And then the championship series is best 3 of 5.
The Giants will begin their second round series on Thursday. An interesting question will be who the Giants draw in that round. Since they are the #1 seed, they are most likely to face the #6 seed which in this case would be the same Yankees1 team they barely outlasted for their division title. This would be unfortunate for the league as they'd end up with their two best teams playing in the semi-finals rather than the finals and a tough matchup for the Giants who have been beaten in the semi-final round in each of the past two years (and yes, the Yankees1 seem highly likely to win their series. They won game one 9-5 and as I check they're currently up in game two 6-0).
* * *
Not a great prospect day as far as our pitching matchups go, as Tommy Hanson, Kelvin Marte, Jason Forjet, Pat Young, and Michael Connolly are the scheduled starters. The Richmond game, however, will feature probably the best consensus pitching prospect in the minors as the Richmond batters get to test their mettle against Lucas Giolito. Good luck, Squirrels!