Just when you thought he could do no wrong Jimmie Sherfy had a bad outing when he blew a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 9th that forced extra innings for Visalia. Sherfy walked the leadoff hitter and then struck out the next batter before serving up a 2-run homer that tied the game at 4-4. He got out of the inning but his perfect streak to start the season was gone. It had to happen sooner or later. The other prospect we're watching closely, Archie Bradley, had another so-so start allowing 3 runs over 4 innings, though he did strike out 8.
Snake Stars
3 Stars: Andrew Chafin, Mobile 6.1 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 ER, W (1-0)
2 Stars: Rudy Flores. Visalia 3 for 6, 1 R, 1 HR (4), 2 RBI
1 Star: Mike Freeman, Mobile 2 for 3, 1 BB, 2 R, 1 HR (2), 1 RBI, 1 SB (4)
0 Stars: Jimmie Sherfy, Visalia 1 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 ER, 1 BS
Triple A: Reno 4 @ Fresno 6. Archie Bradley had a second consecutive so-so start when he allowed 3 runs over 4 innings on 5 hits and 2 walks, though he did strike out 8. All the runs were surrendered in the 2nd inning on 3 singles, a hit batter and a double. He got out of the inning with consecutive strikeouts. The Aces battled back to within 1 run before Zeke Spruill allowed 3 more runs in the 6th inning. Nick Evans continued his hot hitting going 2 for 3 with his 5th homer and 3 RBI. Ender Inciarte and Alfredo Marte each had a pair of hits including a double, and Didi went 1 for 5 with a double.
Double A: Mobile 2 @ Huntsville 1. Andrew Chafin was sharp again allowing a single run over 6+ innings on 2 hits and 3 walks with 5 strikeouts. Chafin is sporting a 0.76 ERA through 4 starts with 19 strikeouts in 23 innings. The only concern is the walks total is still too high at 11. Chafin left with a slim 2-1 lead and the deep Mobile bullpen made it stand up. Jake Barrett pitched the 8th allowing one hit, and Matt Stites pitched the 9th giving up a walk and striking out 2. Mike Freeman led the offense going 2 for 3 with the go-ahead solo home run in the 3rd inning. Jake Lamb went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout.
High A: Visalia 5 @ San Jose 4. As we noted above Jimmie Sherfy blew a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 9th but the Rawhide persevered into the 13th before eking out a 1-run win off an Evan Marzilli sacrifice fly. Spencer Arroyo started and was very good going 7 innings allowing just 2 solo home runs as he struck out 6. In extra time Kyle Winkler pitched 2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts and Enrique Burgos pitched the 13th for his 3rd save. The Rawhide offense cranked out 14 hits with Rudy Flores leading the way with 3 hits including a 2-run homer in the 1st. Raul Navarro had 2 hits with a triple and an RBI. Brandon Drury had 2 hits with a double and an RBI.
A: South Bend - Rained Out