Diamondbacks Minor League Recap 5/28/19

The Diamondbacks Minor League affiliates combined to go 2-2 on the day.

Here are stars from last night’s game:

☆☆☆ Kane County CF Alek Thomas 2 for 4, 2B, HR (5), 2 RBI
☆☆ Kane County 1B Zack Shannon 2 for 3, BB, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
☆ Kane County RHP Justin Lewis 5 ¹⁄₃ IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 4 K, W (3-3)

(AAA) Reno Aces 8, Las Vegas Aviators 12: If there was any speculation towards Taylor Widener getting the call to replace Luke Weaver in the rotation, that died as he made the start for Reno today. It did not end well as Widener surrendered 8 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7. The Aces however were able to match the Aviators offense with a big 6th inning that included a big home run from Cody Decker that tied the game at 8. Ryan Atkinson was unable to hold that lead as he and Joey Krehbiel allowed 4 runs to score in the top of the 7th for the decisive runs. Matt Szczur would have a big day for Reno as he was a triple short of the cycle and reached base in all 4 plate appearances.

(AA) Jackson Generals 1, Chattanooga Lookouts 4: Kevin McCanna pitched 7 solid innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks, and 9 strikeouts. Unfortunately for him, the offense did not show up, a common theme for Jackson this year. Jackson hitters combined to go 4 for 30 at the plate while drawing 3 walks and struck out 11 times. Ryan Grotjohn scored the only run for the Generals as he singled while pinch hitting for McCanna in the 8th and scored on a bloop double down the RF line that the Lookouts RF would misplay into a run. Cameron Gann would battle with control problems as he allowed a 4th run to score in the 9th.

(A+) Visalia Rawhide 6, Inland Empire 66ers 4: Jeff Bain surrendered 4 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Unfortunately, two of those hits were homeruns as he allowed a solo HR to Devin Davis and a 2-run homer to Jo Adell. The Visalia offense would keep pace with Inland Empire throughout most of the game as it was a 1-run or tighter game most of the way. Jancarlos Cintron ran out a double play attempt with the bases loaded in the 3rd and L.T. Tolbert had a 2-run double in the 4th. The bullpen was solid enough, Mack Lemieux pitched 2 scoreless innings to set up late heroics in the bottom of the 8th. Yoel Yanqui led off the frame with a double before RBI singles by Luis Alejandro Basabe, Camden Duzenack, and Cintron to push across the winning runs. Breckin Williams would issue a walk in the top of the 9th, but recorded 2 strikeouts to help secure the save.

(A) Kane County Cougars 9, Peoria Chiefs 1 (F/7): In a rain-shortened game, the Cougars were still clearly the superior team. The Cougars would score first when Buddy Kennedy was balked home from 3rd. The 5th inning saw them capitalize on mistakes, as Peoria had a wild pitch, a balk, and a throwing error in the inning, thanks to a clinic on hitting with runners in scoring position. Zachery Almond and Keshawn Lynch had an RBI single and double respectively while Eduardo Diaz reached on an error with a runner at 3rd. Afterwards, the Cougars would flex when Zack Shannon and Alek Thomas both homered to left-center field to give them a 7-1 lead. Justin Lewis was the beneficiary of that offense as he gave up only 1 run in 5 ¹⁄₃ innings (which scored after he left the game). Lewis battled command issues but made the pitches when he had to with runners on base.