Top prospect Anthony Banda has struggled a bit to start the year for AAA Reno, getting blown away in his first two starts. His last two starts have been very serviceable and yesterday found his strikeout pitch. His K/BB of 20/14 still needs a lot of improvement, and with an ERA/FIP/xFIP of 5.49/4.91/4.75 on the year he’s not ready for MLB action just yet.
No Stars today, not enough good performances to warrant it.
Reno Aces 4, El Paso Chihuahuas 3: The Aces scored 4 runs in the first inning and held onto dear life to the end. Banda turned in his best performance of the year, allowing 3 runs in 5 2⁄3 IP, striking out 11 and walking 4. Banda ran out of gas with 2 outs in the 6th, with 2 walks and a 2-run homer being the results of his last three hitters faced. The bullpen carried the team the rest of the way with 3 1⁄3 scoreless.
Jackson Generals 2, Biloxi Shuckers 3: Taylor Clarke ran into trouble in the 5th inning and was lifted for Joey Krehbiel. Overall, Clarke allowed 1 run in 4 1⁄3 IP, leaving with a man on base. The offense was unable to capitalize on 5 walks, going 0 for 4 with RISP. The bullpen was unable to close the door on Biloxi and was walked off with 1 out in the 10th inning.
Visalia Rawhide 1, Modesto Nuts 7: The Rawhide played a lackluster series against the Nuts, who completed the 4-game sweep. The Rawhide struggled in every phase of the game, committing 3 errors, picking up only 4 hits, and bad pitching from everyone. Justin Donatella allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in 4 innings, with no strikeouts and 4 walks. The offense was mostly Daniel Lockhart, who picked up a double and a triple in the game and scored the only run for Visalia.
Kane County Cougars 2, Cedar Rapids Kernels 11: Bo Takahashi got shelled for 5 runs in the 2nd inning, allowing 3 home runs in the frame and ultimately only recording 5 outs for the game. The bullpen wasn’t much better. The offense also struggled, including an 0 for 4 game from Marcus Wilson, going 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position and 8 men left on base.
Prospects of the Week April 16-23:
Hitter: Ketel Marte. Marte hit .400/.415/.400 for the Reno Aces, driving in 4 and scoring 8 times. Ultimately you want to see more power in his bat, with just a season ISO of .041 in a very hitter-friendly league and home ballpark. Until he hits with more pop, he’s not a better option than the 3 middle infielders ahead of him.
Pitcher: Jon Duplantier. In one appearance, Duplantier threw 5 1⁄3 hitless innings with a 6/1 K/BB ratio. In 3 appearances, covering 15 1⁄3 innings this year, Duplantier has allowed only 1 unearned run and posted an ERA/FIP/xFIP of 0.00/1.71/2.44. An advanced college pitcher, it’s only a matter of time before they promote him to a more challenging environment in Visalia. Last year Clarke made 6 starts for Kane County before his promotion.