Braden Shipley started the 2017 season with a chance to earn a starting rotation job. However, he was easily beat out by Patrick Corbin, Shelby Miller, and Archie Bradley for big league jobs. His first two starts in Reno were mediocre, but he found a way to pitch around baserunners, surrendering 2 runs in 6 innings and also contributing big with the bat. In terms of being a regular MLB contributor, he still has a lot of improvements to make before he can get there.
3 Stars: Reno RHP Braden Shipley 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 5 K, W (2-0); 2 for 3, 2-R HR (1)
2 Stars: Kane County RHP Bo Takahashi 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K, GS 64
1 Star: Jackson RHP Taylor Clarke 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 5 K, L (1-1), GS 64
0 Stars: Kane County DH Luis Alejandro Basabe 0 for 3, 3 K
Reno Aces 13, El Paso Chihuahuas 2: Shipley delivered a well-needed bounce-back outing, allowing just 2 runs in 6 innings. The command still isn’t perfect with 3 walks, but he also struck out 5. After trading runs the first couple of innings, Shipley was able to settle in and was on cruise control the final 4 innings of his start. The Aces put up 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th to take a lead, followed by Shipley shutting the door in his final inning. Shipley then in his final AB took Andre Rienzo deep for a 2-run homer that blew the game open as part of a 5-homer game for the Aces. Zach Borenstein and Oswaldo Arcia both had multi-homer games. TJ McFarland delivered 2 scoreless innings and the Aces tacked on 5 more in the 8th. Jimmie Sherfy pitched the 9th and it went as well as expected, a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout.
Jackson Generals 0, Montgomery Biscuits 1: The Generals forgot how to hit last night, blowing a bases loaded situation in the first and squandering another early chance to score in the 3rd. Clarke had cruised through the 4th inning, allowing just 1 hit and struck out 4. The 5th inning yielded trouble as the Biscuits strung together 3 hits, the run coming on an RBI bunt single. The bullpen did it’s best to keep the game 1-0, but the Generals could not break the force field surrounding home plate. Dawel Lugo and Michael Perez picked up 2 hits, Rudy Flores hit a double. The tying run got on in the 9th when Kevin Medrano drew a walk, but pinch runner Victor Reyes was thrown out at 2nd.
Visalia Rawhide vs. San Jose Giants postponed due to rain, likely doubleheader today
Kane County Cougars 2, Beloit Snappers 1: It took 11 innings for either team to score a run, but the Cougars outscored the Snappers in that frame. The pitching was outstanding, starting with 5 shutout from Bo Takahashi. He struck out 2 and walked 2. Jeferson Mejia, Tyler Mark, and Tommy Eveld followed, pitching 5 combined scoreless innings. Austin Mason allowed an unearned run in the 11th, but got the win because he was the last pitcher. The Cougars tied things up in the 11th with doubles by Luis Silverio and Marcus Wilson. Jazz Chisholm plated Wilson with a walk off single. Marcus Wilson went 1 for 5 with that double and 2 strikeouts.
Marcus Wilson was also named to MLB Pipeline’s first team of the week as one of the three outfielders.