I am attempting to revive a focus on the minor leagues in some capacity here, so I will begin to do brief recaps of our minor league system every day, the games of the day, and any notes. I will see if this piece can last for the remainder of the season with an eye towards next year.
AAA Durham-The Bulls were shut out 0-2 by the Louisville Bats today, getting the shaft from Louisville starter Mike Gosling. Doug Waechter made his first strong start this month, surrendering but one earned run over seven innings and throwing only 85 pitches and walking one. Al Reyes, the rehabbing journeyman who underwent shoulder surgery last year, pitched his first game in the minors this season, throwing a scoreless frame. Wes Bankston had two hits for Durham, and Delmon Young had a double in his only hit, breaking an 0 for 11 slide.
AA Montgomery-The Biscuits picked up a crucial game from Jacksonville in their quest for a Southern League playoff spot, beating the Suns 4-1 at the Baseball Grounds. Reid Brignac picked up a double and Justin Ruggiano had two hits for Montgomery, to compensate for a rare hitless day from Evan Longoria, who did pick up a walk. Jeremy Owens homered twice to drive the offense however, both solo shots, to account for half of Montgomery's offense. Tony Peguero shut down Jacksonville's offense, surrendering one run over five innings, while Marcos Carvajal pitched three scoreless innings, striking out five as Jean Machi saved the ballgame to top a shutout performance from the bullpen. Montgomery picked up a game on the Suns, and are now just a game back of Jacksonville as the five game set resumes play today.
A+ Visalia-The Oaks lost another one on a walkoff hit as Visalia was bested 5-4 on Sunday by Lake Elsinore. Sergio Pedroza and Fernando Perez were the only Oaks with multiple hits, Pedroza two and Perez three, as Shaun Cumberland, Chris Nowak, and John Jaso were held hitless. James Houser struck out nine in five innings, walking none, but also surrendered three runs, and Jino Gonzalez gave up the winning run in the bottom of the ninth for Visalia.
A- Southwest Michigan-The M-Rays bested Peoria 6-3 on Sunday, as Matt Walker won his fifth game of the year. Walker walked four and gave up two runs in five innings, though his seven strikeouts helped to compensate in the win. Neil Walton and J.T. Hall had four and three hits, respectively, and each doubled to lead the Battle Creek offense.
SS Hudson Valley-The Renegades bested Aberdeen 3-1 on Sunday, using two hit nights from Matt Fields and Ryan Royster to key to effort. Each doubled, Royster twice. Jeremy Hellickson shut out Aberdeen for five innings, striking out five and surrendering six hits while walking none for the 'Gades.
RK Princeton-The P-Rays' doubleheader with the Bristol White Sox was delayed due to heavy rain in the Bristol area. It will not be made up, as both teams are well out of the playoff race.