The Diamondbacks had an easy 6-0 win yesterday and the four main affiliates also found a way to win. The Aces cruised to victory behind the arm of Braden Shipley, the Baybears and Rawhide blew out their opponents, and the Cougars won a 1-0 pitcher's duel. That proves my theory that winning is fun.
Snake Stars
3 Stars: 1B Rudy Flores (Visalia) 3 for 5, 2 HR (14), 6 RBI
2 Stars: LHP Junior Garcia (Kane County) 5 1/3, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, W (3-3)
1 Star: RHP John Omahen (Mobile) 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 1 K, W (5-4)
0 Stars: RF Jason Morozowski (Kane County) 0 for 4, 3 K
Reno 6, Tacoma 3: The game started scoreless for 3 innings until both team put up a big inning in the 4th. The Aces opened the scoring with a 4-run 4th inning that included a big 3-run HR by Mitch Haniger. Shipley struggled a bit 2nd time through the order, but was also to keep the tying run from scoring then was able to complete 3 more scoreless innings. Shipley isn't as dominating a pitcher as Archie Bradley, but I do say his poise has gotten a lot better this year. Overall Shipley went 7 innings, allowed 3 runs on 8 hits, walked a pair, and struck out 4. The Aces tacked on insurance runs in the 5th and 7th innings. Kyle Jensen hit a solo HR in the 5th inning as well. The bullpen did its job, with Dominic Leone and Silvino Bracho each putting in a scoreless inning, the latter picking up his 12th save of the year.
Mobile 10, Jackson 2: The Baybears quickly jumped to a 3-0 lead after an RBI single by Jamie Westbrook and a 2-run homer from Kevin Cron. That allowed starter John Omahen to settle in and he was dealing on the mound. Omahen scattered 7 hits and 3 walks over 6 innings, allowing only 1 run in the effort with a strikeout. The Baybears weren't done offensively, as they added a 6-run 5th inning that started with a parade of doubles. Jamie Westbrook had 3 hits and 3 RBI while Gabby Guerrero ripped a pair of doubles. Austin Wright pitched the final 3 innings, allowing an unearned run, for the Old School save.
Visalia 15, Lancaster 1: The Rawhide scored early and often, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Starter Ethan Elias was able to take advantage of the offense, although he also pitched a great game himself. Elias allowed 1 run in 6 innings of work, allowing 5 hits and 2 walks and struck out 3. The only damage was a solo HR in the 6th inning. The Rawhide continued to put the pressure on offensively with a pair of 3-spots in the 5th and 6th innings to push the lead to 8-1, but they weren't done there. The Rawhide went for the jugular in the 8th inning, scoring 7 times with a Rudy Flores grand slam happening during the middle of it. Flores hit 2 homers and drove in 6 on the night. Domingo Leyba, Henry Castillo, Victor Reyes, and Joey Armstrong also had multi-hit games.
Kane County 1, Wisconsin 0: The Cougars managed to take a 1-0 in the 2nd thanks to some sloppy defense by Wisconsin, but that's all the offense they would wind up needing. Junior Garcia started for the Cougars, allowing 4 hits and a walk in 5 1/3 scoreless innings of work. After putting 2 on in the 6th inning, Austin Mason came in and stranded both runners. Tyler Mark followed with 2 scoreless innings and Drew Muren had a 1-2-3 9th to pick up his 2nd save of the year.