Former Independent League star Stewart Ijames has does nothing but hit since being signed by the Dbacks last summer. He's been the best hitter in a tough Visalia lineup and even though he is already 26 his path has been similar to that of David Peralta. He's not as athletic as Peralta but has more raw power. His strikeout totals from last year were acceptable for a power hitter though he's been striking out quite a bit so far this year. He may have that AAA-type ceiling but look for him to get his cup of coffee in the bigs down the road at some point.
Snake Stars
3 Stars: Stewart Ijames, Visalia 3 for 4, 1 R, 1 DBL, 1 HR (6), 1 RBI
2 Stars: Brandon Sinnery, Mobile 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 1 ER, W (1-1)
1 Star: Anthony Banda, Visalia 7 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 6 K, 2 ER
0 Stars: Reno Offense 2 for 29, 7 K
AAA: Reno 0 Las Vegas 12. Just an abysmal overall game. Vidal Nuno gave up 5 runs on 9 hits and the bullpen gave up 7 more over the final 2 innings. Though to be fair 4 were against position player Danny Worth. The offense had just 2 hits. Next.
AA: Mobile 2 @ Montgomery 1. Starter Brandon Sinnery was very good allowing just one run over 6+ innings and the bullpen held onto the one-run lead to cinch the win. Patrick Schuster, Jimmie Sherfy and Enrique Burgos led the bullpen effort. All the offense was provided by a 2-run homer from C Mark Thomas in the 5th inning. Raul Navarro had 2 hits and a walk and Mitch Haniger doubled.
A+: Visalia 3 Stockton 2. The Rawhide continue to pile up victories, this one in somewhat dramatic fashion as they overcame a 2-run deficit with single runs in the 6th, 8th and 9th innings to steal the win. Domingo Leyba was the hero with a bases-loaded single to start the walkoff celebration. Stewart Ijames tied the game in the 8th with a solo home run. Starter Anthony Banda was very good once again with 7 solid innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 6. He's sporting a 1.93 ERA in the tough California League. Kevin Vance got the win with 1.2 innings of perfect relief.