Dbacks MiLB Round-Up 4/23: Drury Homers Twice

Early on in his minor league career Brandon Drury was an on-again, off-again kind of prospect. One good year, then one bad year. And his good years were always when repeating the prior level. That problem looks to be behind him as his first go-around at High A Visalia is picking up right where he left off last year. Last night he homered twice and drove in 4 runs giving him 20 RBI in 20 games. Half of his 26 hits have been for extra bases as he sports a .570 slugging percentage. His numbers are starting to look like Jake Lamb's from last year and he is probably pushing him on the prospect pecking order. Lamb is scuffling a bit in Mobile and Drury is 2 years younger. Also promising is the fact that while Lamb struck out at around a 25% clip last year Drury is only striking out at just over 16%. It shouldn't be forgotten that lots of kids hit well in the California League. Mobile is typically the true test of a hitter. Stay tuned, but things are looking good. Maybe we'll end up with something good from the Upton deal after all.

Snake Stars
3 Stars: Brandon Drury, Visalia 3 for 5, 3 R, 2 HR (5), 4 RBI
2 Stars: Adam Miller, South Bend 7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 ER
1 Star: Alex Glenn, Visalia 2 for 5, 2 R, 1 HR (4), 4 RBI
0 Stars: Bradin Hagens, Mobile 0 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 0 K, 4 ER, L (0-2)

Triple A: Reno - Off Day

Double A: Mobile 1 @ Huntsville 4. Mobile was mowed down by Huntsville starter Brent Suter on 1 hit over 8 innings. Starter Bryan Woodall was excellent tossing 6 shutout innings on 3 hits and 2 walks. But Bradin Hagens couldn't get anyone out in the 7th as he allowed 4 runs without retiring a batter. The Bay Bears got a meaningless run in the 9th without a hit.

High A: Visalia 12 @ San Jose 4. The Rawhide improved to an impressive 15-5 with a combination of effective pitching and some long balls. Brandon Drury continues to hit as he blasted 2 home runs and drove in 4 on the night. Alex Glenn contributed a grand slam in the 9th to rub it in on San Jose. Jess Darrah started and was solid going 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. Raul Navarro had 3 more hits and is hitting .362. Kevin Medrano reached base 3 times out of the leadoff spot with a single, a double and a walk.

A: South Bend 1 Dayton 0. A pitcher's duel broke out in South Bend, and even though Dayton starter Ismael Guillon was the more impressive arm, Adam Miller matched him toe for toe and eventually the Silver Hawk bullpen won out. Miller threw 7 shutout innings on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. Kyle Schepel added a clean 8th inning and Daniel Gibson struck out a pair in the 9th to set up the offense in the bottom half. Andrew Velazquez led off with a double. Jamie Westbrook struck out and Stryker Trahan grounded out to first advancing Velazquez to 3rd. They walked Daniel Palka intentionally to get to Joe Munoz who promptly singled to center for the walk-off win.