Diamondbacks Minor League Recap 4/9/2018: Cody hits a Double Decker, Varsho achieves liftoff

The Diamondbacks Minor League affiliates went 2-2 today with wins from Jackson in extra innings and a blowout win for the prospect-rich Visalia and losses by Reno and Kane County.

3 Stars: Reno DH Cody Decker: 4 for 4, 2B, 2 HR (2, 3), 3 RBI, BB

2 Stars: Visalia DH Daulton Varsho: 2 for 4, 2B, HR (1), 5 RBI, 2 R

1 Star: Visalia RHP Connor Gray 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, GS 60, W (1-0)

0 Stars: Kane County LHP Anfernee Benitez ²⁄₃ IP, 1 H, 5 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 2 K

Reno Aces 5, Fresno Grizzlies 11: The Aces (2-3) pitching was terrible as Jake Buchanan allowed 5 runs in 4 innings, allowing 7 hits and 1 walk with 0 strikeouts. There was no relief behind him as the bullpen allowed 6 runs in 5 innings behind him. Stefan Crichton was the only pitcher to not allow a run with a 1-2-3 8th inning. Offensively Cody Decker had a monster game, reaching base in all 5 plate appearances with 4 hits, 3 for extra bases, and 2 of those leaving the ballpark. The rest of the lineup struggled, going 6 for 35 for the game.

Jackson Generals 3, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 2 (F/10): Anthony Vasquez scattered 8 hits over 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs while striking out 2. The Generals (4-1) offense wasn’t overpowering, but were very opportunistic with a 3-for-5 day with RISP. Kevin Medrano paced the offense from the #2 spot with 2 hits, a double, and a walk in 4 PA. The bullpen was outstanding with 4 hitless innings from Colin Poche (4 Ks in 2 IP), Yoan Lopez, and Michael Dimock. The Generals took advantage of the extra inning rule that places a runner at 2nd to start the inning. Ben DeLuzio ended the game with a walk-off single in the right-center gap after a sac bunt and 2 intentional walks to create a force out at home plate.

Visalia Rawhide 7, Lake Elsinore Storm 1: The Rawhide actually fell behind 1-0 after Connor Grey allowed a solo homer with 2 outs in the first inning, but Gray settled in to allow no more over 6 innings. Gray recorded 1 strikeout and scattered 4 hits in his outing. The Rawhide answered the solo shot with a 4 and 3 spot on the scoreboard in the first two innings. Both rallies were keyed by Daulton Varsho, who had a 2-run double in the first and a 3-run homer in the 2nd. Neither team scored after the 2nd inning and the Rawhide cruised to victory with Kevin Ginkel and Josh Taylor retiring all 9 hitters faced.

Kane County Cougars 1, Quad Cities River Bandits 11: The game was close early on, with Cole Stapler allowing 3 runs in 5 innings with 7 strikeouts and 4 walks. The problem was the offense couldn’t solve Bandits pitcher Yohan Ramirez and a bullpen that allowed 8 runs in the final 4 innings. Yan Sanchez hit 2 doubles and Jazz Chisholm added one of his own, but the Cougars could not get the job done with RISP. The bullpen poured gasoline on the fire as Jake Winston, Anfernee Benitez, and Matt Peacock combined to allow 8 runs in the 6th and 7th innings.