The Diamondbacks Minor League affiliates combined for a 1-2 record, with Visalia picking up the only win.
AA: Amarillo Sod Poodles 3, Midland RockHounds 4 (F/10)
Ryne Nelson got lit up early in the game, allowing 3 runs in the first 2 innings. He did keep the ball in the yard and limited the free passes, which allowed Amarillo to make a comeback bid later in the game. Unfortunately, the offense went 0 for 11 w/ RISP and left 11 on base, which made the task difficult. Amarillo would eventually tie things in the 8th when Geraldo Perdomo drove home Buddy Kennedy with a triple. In extras, Amarillo found themselves in a bases loaded situation but were not able to even put the ball in play. All it took in the bottom half was a soft ground out to 3B and a sacrifice fly for Midland to walk away with a win.
High A: Hillsboro Hops 1, Vancouver Indians 6
Blake Walston went 3 innings, gave up an unearned run, and took the loss because of bad teammates. A throwing error allowed that run to score combined with a lineup that didn’t score until the 9th inning and Josh McMinn’s awful outing in which he allowed 6 runs in innings 4-6. There was also a double ejection where A.J. Vukovich and manager Vince Harrison were ejected in the 7th over balls in strikes.
Low A: Visalia Rawhide 8, Fresno Grizzlies 3
Visalia’s offense busted out a can of whoop-ass early an often in this game, quickly taking a 6-3 after the 4th inning. Luke Albright surrender 3 runs in 2 1⁄3 innings in his pro debut, surrendering 4 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 3. It’s been 3 months since he last threw a competitive pitch, so this is more about getting his feet wet in Pro Ball. Viusalia got contributions up and down their lineup, with 8 of 9 starters recording a hit. Visalia also hit when it mattered, going 4 for 11 with RISP. Visalia’s bullpen was equally effective, giving up nothing over the final 6 2⁄3 innings and pushing this early lead to the finish line. Most notably Jake Rice providing most of the outs with 3 2⁄3 scoreless with 6 Ks.