The story of the minor league affiliates so far is the overall play of Visalia who has lost just 12 times in 43 games. It was yet another comeback win led again by the hot-hitting Stewart Ijames who hit a 3-run homer in the 8th inning to erase a one-run deficit. The Rawhide holds a commanding 10-game lead in their division.
Snake Stars
3 Stars: Stewart Ijames, Visalia 2 for 4, 1 R, 1 DBL, 1 HR (11), 3 RBI
2 Stars: Blayne Weller, Visalia 7 IP, 7 H, 0 BB, 8 K, 2 ER, W (3-3)
1 Star: Nick Evans, Reno 3 for 4, 1 R, 1 DBL
0 Stars: Braden Shipley, Mobile 4.2 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 7 R (6 ER), L (2-3)
AAA: Reno 1 @ Omaha 7. Vidal Nuno was below par allowing 5 runs over 5 innings and the offense had no answer for that. Nick Evans had 3 hits including a double and Mike Freeman doubled in a run. That's about it.
AA: Mobile 3 Chattanooga 11. Braden Shipley had another very poor outing making that 4 out of his last 5 starts that qualify as such. he's giving up lots of walks and lots of hits with a declining K rate. I'm not sure what the issue is but things are not heading in a very good direction right now. He allowed 7 runs over 4+ innings and gave the offense little chance to recover. The bullpen allowed 4 more and that was that. Alex Glenn went 2 for 3 with a walk, a double and an RBI. Sean Jamieson had 2 hits with a double and Zack Borenstein had a pair of singles.
A+: Visalia 5 @ Modesto 3. Blayne Weller pitched very effectively and kept the team in the game through 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and no walks while striking out 8. He was rewarded for his effort when the offense exploded with a 4-run 8th to overcome a 2-1 deficit that featured a 3-run blast by Stewart Ijames. Nick Sarianides pitched the 9th striking out 2 for his 7th save.
A: Kane County 3 Wisconsin 5. The Cougars were battling in a hard-fought tilt until the relief corps got roughed up for 3 runs down the stretch. Ethan Elias was reasonably effective scattering 8 hits for 2 runs over 5+ innings while striking out 5. The offense made a gallant effort with 11 hits but all were singles and they came up short. Marty Herum had 3 hits and is hitting .335. Ryan Gebhardt and Henry Castillo each tallied 2 hits each.