Snake Stars:
3 Stars: Reno SS Ketel Marte 2 for 5, 3B, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
2 Stars: Kane County RHP Jon Duplantier 6 1⁄3 IP, 7 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 4 K, GS 52, W (6-0)
1 Star: Visalia RF Jason Morozowski 2 for 5, 2B, HR (2), RBI, 2 R
0 Stars: Reno LHP Eric Jokisch 4 IP, 6 H, 8 R (6 ER), 2 BB, 5 K, GS 23, L (3-3)
Reno Aces 5, Las Vegas 51s 9: It was a race to the bottom between rehabbing Mets SP Steven Matz and Dbacks Minor League filler Eric Jokisch. The Aces pounded out 5 runs in the first 5 innings, with Ketel Marte hitting a triple and a 2-run homer to account for 3 of the 5 runs. Socrates Brito had 2 hits and a walk in 4 trips to the plate, pushing his AAA rehab stint slash to .343/.425/.571 in 10 games. Unfortunately the pitching did not hold up, spoiling a rare multi-XBH game for Marte.
Jackson Generals 3, Mississippi Braves 4: The Braves with with a bullpen game while the Generals countered with Josh Taylor. Taylor allowed 4 runs in 6 innings, with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts in the outing. The offense had their chances, but went 1 for 10 with RISP and stranded 11 of 14 runners. Rudy Flores had 3 hits, one being a double and Kevin Cron went 2 for 5 with a run scored. The bullpen did its best to keep the team in the game with Jared Miller striking out 3 in 2 scoreless and Miller Diaz pitching a scoreless 9th to set up a rally that ultimately fell short in the bottom half.
Visalia Rawhide 4, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 6: Cody Reed’s 2nd start in the Cal League did not go as well, although he did strike out 6 in 4 1⁄3 innings. Unfortunately, he was unable to hold onto a 4-3 lead in the 5th inning when he allowed a 2-run homer with 1 out. Jason Morozowski and Sergio Alcantara were the only batter with multi-hit games and drove in 3 of the 4 runs. The bullpen allowed 1 run in 4 2⁄3 innings and kept the Rawhide in the game, but they couldn’t sustain a rally late.
Kane County Cougars 5, Quad Cities River Bandits 2: Jon Duplantier was a bit more human, but still good overall. He allowed 2 runs (1 after he left the game) in 6 1⁄3 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4. The offense, knowing they’d get a strong start, showed up for their top pitcher with 5 runs on the day despite their top hitter, Marcus Wilson, striking out 3 times. Luis Silverio finished a homer short of the cycle and the Cougars took advantage of 2 errors. Tommy Eveld closed out the game with a scoreless 9th for his 11th save.