Penn League Report

Game Recaps for June 29th

Lowell 1 – Vermont 2

 Zachary Good started on the mound for Lowell. He worked two runs (one earned) on four hits, three walks and two strikeouts. He got the loss, his second of the season. Braden Kapteyn worked two innings, giving up one hit, walked one and two strikeouts.

 Chris Lamb got the start for Vermont. He worked six innings allowing one earned run on five hits and three strikeouts. He picked up his second win of the season. Kristopher Hall worked two innings, giving up one hit and walking one. Tucker Healy got the save for his one inning of work, walking one and striking out one.

 Vermont was led by Brett Vertigan at the plate, going 2-for-4. Christopher Bostick, Bruce Maxwell, and Kelvin Rojas all added one hit. Chad Lewis and Kelvin Rojas drove in the two runs.

 Mike Miller paced the Lowell hitters, going 3-for-4. Nathan Minnich, Zach Kapstein, and Mookie Betts all had one hit on the night. Kapstein drove in the lone Lowell run.

 Batavia 8 – Jamestown 1

 Ramon Del Orbe started for Jamestown and was hit around in his two innings. He allowed five earned runs on three hits, four walks, and two strikeouts. Jheyson Manzueta worked three innings, allowing one earned run on four hits and four strikeouts. Collin Cargill worked two innings, allowing one unearned on two hits and two strikeouts. Brian Ellington closed out the last two innings. He allowed one earned run on two hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.

 Kyle Helisek got the start for Batavia and went 4.2 innings. He gave up two hits, three walks, and five strikeouts. Tim Cooney got the the win for his 4.1 innings of work, allowing one earned run on two hits and four strikeouts.

 Austin Nola was the lone bright spot at the plate for Jamestown, going 2-for-4. Felix Munoz and Kentrell Dewitt both had one hit each.

 Breyvic Valera paced the Batavia hitters, going 4-for-5. Steven Ramos and David Washington both had two hits each. Ramos hit his first home run on of the year. Jesus Montero, Matthew Young, and Jordan Walton all had one hit each.

 Connecticut 2 – Tri-City 5

 Jake Duffey got the start for Connecticut. He worked six innings allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. He got the loss. Angel Nesbitt worked two innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and one strikeouts.

 Brady Rodgers started for Tri-City and worked 5.2 innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and seven strikeouts. He got the win. John Neely worked 1.1 innings, giving up four hits and two strikeouts. Travis Ballew also worked 1.1 innings, giving up two hits and three strikeouts. Kenny Long worked one-third of an inning, striking out one. Blake Ford also worked one-third of an inning, striking out one.

 Andrew Alpin and Jesse Wierzbicki both had two hits on the night and both drove in a run. Tyler Heineman added two hits as well.

 Tyler Hanover had the best night at the plate for Connecticut, going 4-for-5 driving in a run. Jeff McVaney had three hits and drove in a run. Patrick Smith added two hits of his own. Danry Vasquez, Juaner Aguasvivas, and Wes Thigpen, and Jordan Dean all had one hit each.

 Williamsport 5 – Auburn 4

 Nicholas Lee worked five innings in his start for Auburn. He allowed one earned run on four hits, two walks and seven strikeouts. David Fischer worked two innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits, one walk and one strikeouts. He was handed the loss. Richie Mirowski worked the last two innings, giving up two hits and three strikeouts.

 Ulises Joaquin got the start for Williamsport and worked 3.1 innings. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, three walks, and six strikeouts. Andre Kinder worked 2.2 innings, giving up one hit and struck out two. He got the win. Geoff Broussard got the save for his three innings of work. He allowed one earned run on four hits and one strikeout.

 J.R. Higley led the Auburn batters, going 2-for-5 with a double, home run and two runs driven in. Tony Renda and Craig Manuel also added two hits. Angelberth Montilla hit his first home run of the season.

 Roman Quinn, Larry Greene, and Yan Olmo all had two hits on the night for Williamsport. Chace Numata made the most of his one hit, driving in three runs.

 Aberdeen 2 – Brooklyn 5

 Cameron Coffey started for Auburn and took the loss. He allowed four earned runs on five hits, two walks, and two strikeouts in his four innings of work. Kenneth Wise worked two innings, giving up three hits and striking out one. Dustin Ward closed out the last two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.

 Rainy Lara worked 5.2 innings in his start tonight for Brooklyn. He allowed two earned run on three hits and ten strikeouts. Beck Wheeler worked one-third of an inning, walking one and striking out one. Juan Urbina worked one perfect inning, striking out one. Matthew Bowman got the save, giving up one hit, walking one and striking out five in two innings of work.

 Cole Frenzel paced the Brooklyn batters at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and a run driven in. Stefan Sabol and Jeffrey Glenn, and Phillip Evans all added two hits. One of Evans' hits was his third home run of the season.

 Jerome Pena had the best night at the plate for Aberdeen, going 1-for-4 with a home run. Torsten Boss, Cameron Edman, and Anthony Caronia all had one hit each.

 State College 2 – Mahoning Valley 3

 Joely Rodriguez started for State College, going five innings giving up three hits, walking one, and striking out three. Adrian Sampson worked two innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and four strikeouts. Jordan Cooper got the loss, allowing one unearned run in one inning of work.

 Jake Sisco started for Mahoning Valley and went 6.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, two walk, and four strikeouts. Jacob Lee worked two perfect innings, striking out five, to get the win.

 Jospeh Wendle had the best night at the dish for the Scrappers, going 3-for-4. Aaron Siliga added two hits of his own and drove in a run.

 Jacob Stallings led the State College batters at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double. Alex Fuselier, Barrett Barnes and Chris Diaz all collected on hit as well.

 Hudson Valley 8 – Staten Island 5

 Jesse Hahn started for Hudson Valley and went two innings, giving up one hit, walking three, and striking out four. Eduar Quinonez worked 2.2 innings and got the win. He allowed four runs (two earned) on two hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. Kris Carlson worked 1.1 perfect innings, striking out two. Rob Finneran worked one inning, giving up one hit and striking out one. Jose Molina got his second save of the season, tossing two innings. He allowed one earned run on three hits and three strikeouts.

 Gabriel Encinas got his second loss of the year for his start for Staten Island tonight. He went three innings allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits, four walks, and two strikeouts. Evan DeLuca worked 1.2 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. James Pazos struck out two in 1.1 innings of work. Eric Erickson gave up one hit in his one inning of work. Stefan Lopez allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two strikeouts in two innings of work.

 Fu-Lin Kuo had another multi-hit night, going 3-for-5 with two doubles. Taylor Dugas, Saxon Butler, Isaias Tejada, and Danny Oh all had one hit. Butler drove in two runs as well.

 Marty Gantt, Justin O'Conner, Michael Williams, and Joel Caminero all had two hits on the night for Hudson Valley. One of Gantt's hits was his first home run of the season. Thomas Coyle, Jake DePew, and Felix Gonzalez all had one hit.

 

 

Notes from Jammers-Muckdogs

Batavia dropped Jamestown 8-1 in rather easy fashion Friday night. They jumped all over Jamestown starter Ramon Del Orbe (with all of one hit) to grab a 4-0 lead before Jamestown even got to hit. It was basically over right there.

Ramon Del Orbe

The Jamestown starter had been pretty solid this year in two starts, allowing 10 hits and just two walks, but the 20-year-old native of the Dominican Republic simply didn’t have it tonight.

Routinely falling behind in the first, Del Orbe walked four of the first six hitters he faced with a David Washington lined single in between. Four runs scored in the frame despite Del Orbe only allowing the one single, but first pith balls to six of the eight hitters he saw will come back to haunt you every time.

In the second, he grooved a fastball to leadoff man Steve Ramos, which was crushed for a homer just to the left of the batter’s eye. If you’ve never been to Diethrick Park, that’s a shot. He threw just the two innings, allowing five earned.

Overall, I saw Del Orbe Sunday when he went six innings and scattered seven hits. His command was much better then to say the least, but Batavia hit him pretty hard again tonight. Even the outs were loud.

Jheyson Manzueta

It’s boom or bust with Manzueta. He has a pretty good fastball and compliments it with what looks like a slider. He threw three innings tonight, struck out four (including striking out the side in the fourth) and allowed four hits. Like Del Orbe, he grooved a fastball which was a hit a country mile by Jesus Montero to left-center. 

But, three innings and just one earned (off a homerun nonetheless) is nothing to complain about.

Here’s what I’m talking about, though. He’s allowed 11 hits (and some loud ones) in 9.2 innings pitched, but has a — get ready for it — 14:1 strikeout to walk ratio. The guy is racking up the K's, but doesn't avoid contact nearly as much as you'd think by looking at those numbers.

 Collin Cargill

First look at the righthander who is on a rehab stint after getting hurt June 3 for Jupiter. Cargill allowed lined shot singles against his first two batters but impressed me from there on out.

He got Garrett Wittels to ground one up the middle, which Anthony Gomez made a nice scoop and flip to Rony Peralta to start a double play.

He then sat down Batavia 1-2-3 in the 7th. The sidearmer threw pretty hard. With the year he’s having in Jupiter, he won’t be here long.

Slight complaint: He didn't move on a pitch that got away from catcher Brian Dice. The runner scored from third, beating a diving Dice.

Hitters of note

Juancito Martinez continues to have a solid year. The centerfielder walked twice and stole his fifth bag of the year. He’s 11-for-37 on the year with six walks. Really has been the lone bright spot of the offense.

Night off yesterday did Austin Nola well. The rookie out of LSU went 2-for-4 tonight to bump his average to .179. He's got a nice swing and a pretty good eye at the plate so you have to assume the hits will start coming.

Batavia Notes

Loved Steve Ramos, the Muckdogs leadoff hitter. He came into the game hitting .314 and had another nice day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a walk. He came around to score all three times and lined a bullet of a homerun.

Best part of his night, though, was with two outs in the sixth when Ramos sprinted home on a passed ball to score Batavia’s seventh run.

Cleanup hitter David Washington is a bit of a free swinger, but he ripped a single early and crushed a double in the ninth to score a run as well.

But it was Breyvic Valera who had the best night, albeit quietly. The second baseman went 4-for-5 with four singles. He also showed nice range at second when he went to his right to backhand a well-hit ball off the bat of Rony Peralta. He set himself easily and had the throw beat Peralta by a few steps.

Game Recaps for June 28th

Connecticut 2 - Tri-City 5

Charles Gillies got the starting nod of Connecticut and went five innigs. He allowed three runs, one earned, on one hit, two walks and five strikeouts. Tyler Barrett could not get an out before being lifted. He allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk. Alex Phillips worked two innings, giving up one earned run on two hits and one strikeout. Eric Heckaman worked one inning, walking one and striking out two. 

 Joe Bircher started for Tri-City and struggled in three innings. He allowed two earned runs on six hits. Juan Minaya went five innings, giving up two hits and striking out two. He got the win. Blake Ford got his thrid save of the season, working one inning and striking out two. 

Dan Gulbransen and Emilio King both had one hit and drove in one run for Tri-City. M.P. Cokinos and Austin Elkins both added on hit each. 

Jeff McVaney and Juaner Aguasvivas both had two hits for Connecticut. Bennett Pickar, Jordan Dean, Jared Reaves, and Danry Vasqueaz both added one hit.

State College 5 - Mahoning Valley 6

Geoffrey Davenport started for Mahoning Valley and went five innings. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits, one walk and three strikeouts. Scott Peoples worked two innings, giving up one unearned run on two hits, one walk and one strikeout. Enosil Tejada worked two inning, walking one and striking out two. He got his second win of the season.

 Jason Creasy worked 4.1 innings in his start for State College. He allowed four earned runs on six hits, two walks and one strikeout. Lance Breedlove worked 1.2 innings, giving up one hit. Thomas Harlan worked two innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and two strikeouts. He was handed the loss.

 Chris Diaz and Jodaneli Carvajal both had two hits on the night for Sate College. Chirs Diaz alos drove in one run. D.J. Crumlich, Ryan Hornback, and Dave Valesente all had one hit and drove in one run. 

Jeremy Lucas paced the Mahoning Valley hitters, going 4-for-4 with a double and a run driven in. Jairo Kelly and Charlie Valerio both had two hits on the night. Kelly hit his first home run of the year and drove in three runs. 

Williamsport 3 - Auburn 4

Taylor Jordan started on the mound for Auburn and turned in three quality innings, giving up one hit and striking out three. Jason Smith tossed 4.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits, one walk and four strikeouts. Elliott Waterman worked two-thirds of an inning, giving up one unearned run on one walk and one strikeout. Cody Davis worked the last two-thirds of an inning, giving up one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts. He got his second win.

 Josh Warner started for Williamsport and tossed five good innings. He allowed one earned run on five hits, two walks and four strikeouts. Steven Inch turned in two perfect innings of work, striking out one. Matthew Sisto worked one inning, giving up one hit. Jeb Stefan was handed the loss, as he worked two-thirds of an inning. He allowed three earned runs on three hits and two strikeouts.  

Tyler Greene paced the Williamsport hitters, going 3-for-4 with a double, home run, and one run driven in. Roman Quinn, Chace Numata, Diego Gonzalez, and Mitch Walding all had one hit each. 

Shawn Pleffner went 3-for-4 on the night for Auburn with two doubles and two runs driven in. Wander Ramos and Sandy Leon both added two hits. Ramos hit his first home run of the year. 

Staten Island 3 - Hudson Valley 9

Jeff Ames got the start for Hudson Valley and went five innings, giving up one unearned run on three hits, one walk and five strikeouts. Shay Crawford gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits, one walk and one strikeout. Brandon Henderson worked two innings, giving up two hits. He got the win. Marcus Jensen closed out the game, striking out one. 

Taylor Morton struggled with his command in his start for Staten Island. He allowed three earned runs on four hits, five walks and two strikeouts. Conor Mullee worked a perfect inning, striking out one. Taylor Garrison got the loss for his two-thirds of an inning of work, giving up four runs, two earned, on three hits, two walks and one strikeout. He got the loss. Charles Basford worked 1.1 innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits, two walks and one strikeout. 

Taylor Dugas, Saxon Butler, and Jackson Valera had two hits on the night for Staten Island. 

Ryan Dunn paced the Hudson Valley hitters tonight, going 3-for-4 with a doube and driving in four runs. Justin O'Conner added two hits. Michael Williams had one hit, a triple, and drove in a run. 

Brooklyn 2 - Aberdeen 5

Juan Guzman worked 4.1 innings in his start for Aberdeen, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits, three walks and five strikeouts. Sander Beck worked 2.2 innings, giving up one hit, walking three and striking out three. He got the win. Bobby Wilkins worked the last two innings, giving up one run and walking one. He got the save.

 Matthew Koch was pulled after 1.2 innings in his start for Brooklyn, allowing three earned runs on one hit, two walks and one strikeout. He was handed the loss. Beck Wheeler work one-third of an inning, giving up one hit. Julian Hilario worked four innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits, one walk and three strikeouts. Ernesto Yanez worked two innings, giving up two hits, walking one and striking out two. John Mincone worked one inning, giving up one hit and striking out one.  

Anothny Vega led the Aberdeen hitters going 3-for-4 with a run driven in. Torsten Boss added two hits on the night. Doug Bream added one hit and drove in two runs. 

Juan Carlos Gamboa paced the Brooklyn hitters, going 2-for-3. Nelfi Zapata added one hit and drove in one run on the night. 

Lowell 6 - Vermont 5

Mike Augliera started for Lowell  and worked two innings. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits and three strikeouts. Francisco Taveras got the win for his four innings of work. He gave up three hits, walked four and struck out three. Leandro Marin worked one inning, allowing two earned runs on one hit, two walks and two strikeouts. Kevin Brahney tossed two innings and got the save. He gave up one hit, one walk and one strikeout. 

Julio Ramos tossed 3.2 innings in his start, allowing one earned run on four hits and four strikeouts. Deyvi Jiminez got the loss for his 2.1 innings of work, allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits and three strikeouts. Nate Eppley worked two innings allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and two strikeouts. Austin House worked one inning, walking one and striking out two. 

John Wooten led the Vermont batters tonight, going 3-for-4. Jacob Tanis, Chad Lewis, and Dayton Alexander added two hits on the night. 

Deven Marrero paced the Lowell batters at the top of the lineup, going 3-for-5. Williams Jerez added two hits on the night. Kendrick Perkins added one hit, his league tying third home run of the year. 

 

 

Scouting Luis Heredia's Second NYPL Start

By Matthew Coller

 

I had a chance to watch five innings of State College Spikes' pitcher Luis Heredia on Tuesday against the Batavia Muckdogs. Here's some observations about the 6-foot-6, 17-year-old right-hander, who is considered the best prospect in the New York Penn League this season:

Heredia was throwing in the low 90s for most of the game. I've heard the Pirates and the Spikes' coaching staff would like him to avoid giving max effort. They want him to learn how to pitch and conserve energy because he projects as a starter. 

As far as mechanics are concerned, Heredia has a loose arm and a smooth delivery, which is straight over the top. Several hitters on the Muckdogs said the downward plane of his low-90s fastball made him naturally deceptive. One left-handed hitter said his fastball was tough to pick up and coming from so high up made it difficult to know whether the pitch was going to be high or low in the zone.

Heredia's fastball control was solid. After finding his groove in the second inning, he was mostly ahead in counts and able to start mixing in off-speed pitches. The Muckdogs' hitters were not impressed with his slider or curve, questioning whether he could get them over for strikes, but all agreed the change-up was Heredia's best off-speed pitch. The difference in speed was between 7 and 10 mph from his fastball.

The most impressive part of his five-inning, one-earned-run start was in the fourth inning he showed competitiveness and confidence not generally associated with kids not old enough to vote.

With runners on first and third and two outs, the Spikes' manager came out to get Heredia. But the 17-year-old talked him out of it and struck out the next hitter.

Heredia clearly has a starter's mentality. He is patient and has a calm demeanor on the mound.

Sufficed to say, he lived up to the hype...at least on Tuesday night.

 

 

Game Recaps for June 27th

Connecticut 7 – Vermont 9 (Game 1)

J.C. Menna started the first game for Vermont and worked 2.2 innings. He allowed six unearned runs on three hits, three walks and four strikeouts. Stuart Pudenz worked 2.1 innings, giving up one hit and striking out four. Logan Chitwood closed out the last two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and one strikeout. He got his third win of the season.

Endrys Briceno started for Connecticut and struggled in his 4.1 innings of work. He allowed six run, five earned, on eight hits, on walk and two strikeouts. William Clinard worked 1.1 innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits and two strikeouts. Joe Rogers worked one-third of an inning, allowing one earned run on one hit.

Vermont was led at the plate by Jacob Tanis, going 4-for-4 with three runs driven in. John Wooten added three hits, one being his second home run of the season. He also drove in two runs. Christopher Bostick, Wilfredo Solano, and Chad Lewis all went 1-for-3 with a double.

Zach Kirkesy made the most of his one hit, a grand slam, drilling his first home run of the year. Jake Stewart and Jared Reaves both went 1-for-3 with a double at the top of the lineup. Brett Harrison and Wes Thigpen both checked in with one hit.

Connecticut 6 – Vermont 2 (Game 2)

 
Brent Powers started on the mound for Vermont in the second game. He went three innings allowing two earned runs on two hits, on walk and two strikeouts. He was handed the loss. Kurt Wunderlich went 3.2 innings allowing four earned runs on six hits, one walk and three strikeouts. Drew Gagnier worked one-third of an inning, striking out one.

Tim Kelley started on the mound for Connecticut and went four very good innings. He gave up two hits, walked one and struck out four. Efrain Nieves went the next three innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits, three walks and three strikeouts. He got the win.

John Wooten had the best game at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run driven in. Jensi Peralta and Austin Booker were the only other Vermont batters to record a hit.

Jared Reaves and Danry Vasquez both got the ball rolling at the top of the lineup for Connecticut. Reaves went 2-for-4 with two runs driven in and Vasquez was 2-for-4 with a triple and a run driven in. Brett Harrison went 1-for-3 with a double and a run driven in.

Aberdeen 7 – Staten Island 2

Mark Blackmar started for Aberdeen and tossed six quality innings, allowing one unearned run on four hits and one strikeout. He got the win. Jose Nivar worked 1.1 innings, allowing one earned run on one hit and three walks. Gene Escat worked a perfect inning, striking out two.

Tim Flight stuggled a bit in his start for Staten Island. He went 3.1 innings allowing three earned runs on four hits, one walk and two strikeouts. Adam Smith did not fare much better, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks. James Pazos gave up two hits and struck out four in his 1.2 innings of work. Evan DeLuca worked the last two innings, allowing an earned run on one walk and a strikeout.

Exicaro Cayones had the best night at the plate for Staten Island, going 1-for-4 with a double and a run driven in. Saxon Butler also drove in a run while going 1-for-4. Matthew Dunn, Claudio Custodio, and Taylor Dugas all had one hit each.

Joe Hutter led the IronBirds batters at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs driven in. Torsten Boss added two hits, both doubles, as well. Cameron Edman went 1-for-3, driving in two runs. Roberto Ortiz,Creede Simpson, Pedro Perez all drove in one run each.

Hudson Valley 1 – Brooklyn 4

Hansel Robles started for Brooklyn and tossed 5.2 strong innings, giving up four hits and striking out four en route to the win. David Wynn worked two innings, allowing one earned run on one hits and three walks. Enresto Yanez worked one-third of an inning, striking out one. Tyler Vanderheiden tossed one inning, giving up one hit.

Sean Bierman got hit around in his start for Hudson Valley. He went two innings allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits. Ian Kendall worked the next three innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, four walks and two strikeouts. Ryan Garton was perfect in his two innings of work, striking out four. Jose Monlina struck out the side in his one inning of work while giving up one hit.

Eudy Pina had the best night at the dish for Brooklyn, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run driven in. Dimas Ponce and Cole Frenzel both had two hits on the night. Stefan Sabol, Phillip Evans, and Juan Carlos Gamboa all had one hit each.

Justin O'Conner and Michael Williams both had two hits each for Hudson Valley. O'Conner also drove in a run. Deshun Dixon and Leonardo Reginatto both had one hit each.

Lowell 1 – Tri-City 2

William Cuevas started for Lowell and turned in six quality innings, giving up three hits, walking one and striking out four. Jadd Schmeltzer was handed the loss for his two innings of work, allowing two earned runs on five hits, one walk and one strikeout.

Juri Perez started for Tri-City and tossed six very good innings as well. He gave up one unearned run on two hits, three walks and three strikeouts. Jeremiah Meiners got the win for his two innings of work, giving up one hit and striking out one. Jamaine Cotton worked two-thirds of an inning, walking one. Kenny Long got the save for his one-third of an inning, striking out one.

Austin Elkins led the ValleyCats batters out of the leadoff spot, going 2-for-4 with a run driven in. Neiko Johnson added two hits as well. Joe Sclafani, Andrew Alpin, Jesse Wierzbicki, and Justin Gominsky all had one hit each.

Mike Miller, David Chester, and Oscar Perez were the only Lowell batters to record a hit on the night.

Jamestown 0 – Auburn 7

Auburn only needed two pitchers to shutout Jamestown. Pedro Encarnacion started and went six quality innings, giving up three hits, walking one and striking out five. He was awarded the win. Brian Rauh got the save for his three innings of work, giving up two hits and striking out two.
Matt Milroy started for Jamestown. He went three innings giving up four earned runs on four hits, two walks and two strikeouts. Jake Esch went three innings as well, giving up three runs (one earned) on four hits, one walk and one strikeout. Jheyson Manzueta was perfect in his one inning of work. Nick Wittgren gave up one hit and struck out two in his one inning of work.

Yefi Perez (2), Matt Juengel (1), and Rony Peralta (2) were the only Jamestown batters to record a hit.

The bottom of the Auburn lineup led the way, with the 7-9 batters going a combined 6-for-10 with three runs driven in. Khayyan Norfork, Wander Ramos, and Spencer Kieboom all had two hits. Kieboom drove in three runs. Tony Renda, Carlos Alvarez, and J.R. Higley all check in with one hit.

State College 6 – Batavia 2

Daniel Bibona started on the mound for Batavia and went four innings. He allowed three earned runs on five hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Lee Stoppelman went three innings, giving up three hits and striking out two. Kevin Jacob struggled in his one inning of work, allowing three earned runs on five hits and one walk. Corey Baker worked one inning, giving up one hit.

Clay Holmes got the start, and win, for State College. He tossed five innings allowing one unearned run on one hit, five walks and four strikeouts. Dalton Friend worked on inning, giving up one earned run on three hits and two strikeouts. Joan Montero got two innings of work, giving up one hit, walking one and striking out three. Kyle Hanes was perfect in his one inning, striking out two.

Breyvic Valera, Garrett Wittles, Patrick Wisdom, Jesus Montero, and Steven Ramos all had one hit each for Batavia.

State College pounded out fourteen hits and they were led by Ryan Hornback, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and four runs driven in. Barret Barnes went4-for-5 with a run driven in. D.J. Crumlich and Walker Gourley both added two hits.

Williamsport 2 – Mahoning Valley 1

Robbie Aviles got the start for Mahoning Valley and worked five innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk. Josh Martin worked four innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. He was handed the loss.

Delvin Perez started for Mahoning Valley and worked five innings allowing one earned run on two hits, two walks and one strikeout. He got the win. Nicholas Hanson worked three perfect innings, striking out two. Zach Cooper got the save, striking out one in the ninth inning.

Joseph Wendle and Hunter Jones were the only Mahoning Valley hitters to record a hit.

Larry Greene led the Williamsport hitters, going 2-for-3 with a double. Christopher Serritella hit his first home run of the year. Yan Olmo, Mitch Walding, Logan Moore, and Brian Pointer all collected on hit each for the Crosscutters.

 

Game Recaps for June 26th

Brooklyn 2 - Hudson Valley 4

Matthew Span started for Hudson Valley and worked four innings. He allowed two earned run on six hit, three walks and three strikeouts. Reinaldo Lopez walked one batter in his two innings of work. Dylan Floro worked a perfect seventh and eighth inning. He got his second win of the season. Marcus Jensen got his second save of the year, striking out one in his one inning of work. 

Luis Cessa tossed five good innings in his start for Brooklyn. He allowed one earned run on six hits, one walk and three strikeouts. Darwin Frias worked two innings, allowing three unearned runs on one hit, two walks and three strikeouts. He was handed his second loss of the year. Beck Wheeler worked a perfect inning, striking out one. 

Eudy Pina had the best night at the dish for Brookly, going 2-for-4 with a run driven in. Kevin Plawecki, Stefan Sabol, Cole Frenzel, and Dimas Ponce all had one hit each. 

Thomas Coyle led the Hudson Valley batters, going 3-for-4 with a double. Deshun Dixon added a hit and drove in two runs for Hudson Valley. Luke Maile, Joel Caminero, and Justin O'Conner all had one hit each. 

State College 1 - Batavia 3

Joe Cuda got the start for Batavia nd tossed five quality innings, allowing one earned run on five hits, one walk and two strikeouts. He would get the win. Jose Almarante was nearly perfect in his three innings of work, giving up two hits and striking out four batters. Yunier Castillo got his second save of the year, walking one and striking out two in his one inning of work.

Luis Heredia stared for State College and was hit around. He allowed only two runs (one earned) on eight hits and three strikeouts. Josh Smith worked 1.2 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, one walk and one strikeout. Emmanuel De Leon worked 1.1 innings, walking one and striking out two.

Garrett Wittles continued to stay hot at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs driven in. David Washington added two hits, one being a double. Anthony Melchionda, Breyvic Valera, Roberto Reyes, Jonathan Keener, Jordan Walton, and Steven Ramos all had one hit. 

Yhonathan Barrios and Alex Fuselier both had two hits on the night for State College. Jodaneli Carvajal, Ryan Hornback, and Walker Gourley all had one hit each. 

Tri-City 10 - Lowell 5

Brian Holmes got the starting nod for Tri-City and worked 3.1 innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits (one home run), two walks and four strikeouts. Travis Ballew tossed 2.2 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit, a home run, and three strikeouts. Brad Propst worked one inning, allowing one earned run on one hit, a home run. Kenny Long worked one inning, striking out one batter. Blake Ford closed out the game, allowing one hit and striking out one in his one inning. 

Raynel Velette got the start for Lowell and worked 4.1 innings. He allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits, one walk and two strikeouts. He got the loss.  Yunior Ortega worked the next three innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits, two walks and two strikeouts. Kevin Brahney worked a perfect two-thirds of an inning to finish the game. 

Lowell  certainly brought the right bats to the game, slugging three home runs. Matthew Gedman had the best night, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs driven in. Kendrick Perkins and Deven Marrero both hit home runs in the game. Zach Kapstein added one hit as well. 

Tri-City pouned out thirteen hits enroute to their win. Jarrod McKinney was the only batter to not record a hit for Tri-City. Jesse Wierzbicki went 3-for-4 with a double and a run driven in. Andrew Alpin, Dan Gulransen, and M.P. Cokinos all had two hits on the night. 

Jamestown 3 - Auburn 8

Blake Monar started on the mound for Auburn and worked 4.1 innings. He allowed two earned runs on three hits, five walks and five strikeouts. Derek Self tossed 2.2 good innings, giving up two hits and striking out three. He was awarded the win. Bryan Harper worked one inning, giving up one hit, walking one and striking out one. Cody Davis closed out the game, giving up one earned run on one hit, a home run, and two strikeouts. 

Ryan Newell started for Jamestown and worked three innings. He allowed four earned runs on three hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Blake Logan followed, tossing 3.1  innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, three walks and seven strikeouts. Miguel Fermin worked two-thirds of an inning, giving up one earned run on one hit and one walk. Brian Ellington got one inning of work, allowing one unearned run on one hit, one walk and one strikeout. 

Austin Nola and Cameron Flynn both went 2-for-4 for Jamestown. Flynn also drove in two runs. Yeison Hernandez, Felix Munoz, and Juancinto Martinez all had one hit on the night.

Tony Renda had the best night at the plate for Auburn, going 1-for-3 with a double and two runs driven in. Stephen Perez also check in with a double and a run driven in on the night. Khayyan Norfork was 1-for-4 with a double and three runs driven in. 

Aberdeen 1 - Staten Island 4

Jorge Rivera started for Aberdeen and worked three innings, allowing two earned runs on one hit, four walks and three strikeouts. David Richardson worked three innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits, one walk and three strikeouts. Enrico Jimenez worked the seventh and eighth, walking three and striking out two.

Andrew Benak started on the mound for Staten Island and tossed three innings. He allowed one earned run on four hits, one walk and four strikeouts. Derek Varnadore worked three innings, giving up three hits and striking out three. Taylor Garrison worked two innings, allowing two hits and striking out two. Nick Goody got the save, giving up one hit and striking out one in on inning of work. 

Fu-Lin Kuo collected two hits on the night for Staten Island, with a run driven in. Ravel Santana collected the only other hit for Staten Island. 

Creede Simpson had the best night at the plate for Aberdeen, going 3-for-4 with a double. Doug Bream added two hits of his own on the night. 

Williamsport 2 - Mahoning Valley 6

Ryan Merritt started on the mound for Mahoning Valley and tossed five good innings, allowing one earned run on six hit, one walk and three strikeouts. Jacob Lee turned in two good innings of his own, allowing one unearned run on one hit, one walk, and three strikeouts. Rafael Homblert worked a perfect inning, striking out one. Jack Wagoner gave up one hit and struck out one in his one inning of work.  

Jonathan Musser got his second loss of the season in his start for Williamsport. He allowed five earned runs on three hits (one home run), four walks and one strikeout in 1.1 innings. Luis Gonzalez worked 4.2 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits, one walk and six strikeouts. Andre Kiner worked a perfect  two innings, striking out three batters. 

Tyler Naquin paced the Mahoning Valley batters, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs driven in. Charlie Valerio and Juan Romero both drove in two runs on the night. Romero hit his fourth home run of the season. 

Mitch Walding and Brian Pointer both had two hits on the night for Williamsport. Diego Gonzalez, Chace Numata, Christoper Serritella, and Tyler Greene all had one hit on the day. 

Game Recaps for June 25th

Jamestown 2 - Auburn 7

Mason Hope got the starting nod, and ultimately the loss, for Jamestown and struggled in his four innings of work. He allowed seven runs (four earned) on seven hits and four walks. Sean Donatello turned in two strong innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. Beau Wright got two innings of work to close out the game, walking two and striking out five. 

Gregory Baez started for Auburn and tossed five good innings. He allowed one unearned run on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. He got the win. David Fischer worked the next three innings allowing one run on two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Travis Henke worked a perfect ninth to close out the game.

Angelberth Montilla paced the Auburn hitters, going 3-for-4. Wander Ramos added two hits and one run driven in. Shawn Pleffner and J.R. Higley both had one hit each and drove in two runs. 

Anthony Gomez had the best day at the plate at the top of the lineup, going 2-for-5. Yeison Hernandez, Rony Peralta, Jose Behard, and Cameron Flynn all checked in with one hit. 

State College 7 - Batavia 4

Tyler Melling got the start for the Muckdogs and worked six innings. He allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits and three strikeouts. Kevin Jacob worked a perfect inning, striking out one. Corey Baker picked up his second loss of the year for his one inning of work. He allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout. Adam Bileckyj worked a perfect inning, striking out one. 

Jake Burnette started for Batavia and tossed four innings. He allowed three earned runs on four hits, three walks, and one strikeout. Logan Pevny worked two strong innings, walking one. Thomas Harlan got the win for his two innings of work, allowing one hit and striking out one. Jordan Cooper closed out the game, giving up one unearned run on one hit and two strikeouts. 

State College was paced at the plate by Walker Gourley, going 2-for-4 and driving in three runs. Chris Diaz and Yhonathan Barrios both collected two hits in the game. Rodarrick Jones was the only Spikes batter to not collect a hit. 

Garrett Wittles had the best night at the plate for Batavia, going 2-for-4. Breyvic Valera, David Bergin, David Washington, and Jordan Walton all had one hit each. 

Connecticut 2 - Vermont 3
Edgar De La Rosa started for the Tigers and tossed six innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, three walks, and five strikeouts. Matt Davenport worked two innings, giving up one hit. Angel Nesbitt picked up the loss, his second, and the blown save. He was unable to record an out before allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk to give the win to Vermont. 

Andres Avila started for Vermont and tossed 5.2 strong innings. He allowed one unearned run on four hits and nine strikeouts. Drew Gagnier worked 1.1 innings, allowing one earned run on one hit, one walk, and one strikeout. Kristopher Hall tossed two perfect innings, striking out four. He got the win. 

Wilfredo Solano paced the Vermont batters, going 3-for-4 and driving in a run. Brett Vertigan went 2-for-4 with a double. Chad Lewis was the only other Lake Monster batter to record a hit. 

Danry Vasquez went 2-for-4 at the dish for Connecticut. Jeff McVaney, Zach Kirksey, and Bennett Pickar all had one hit in the game. 

Hudson Valley 0 - Brooklyn 3
Luis Mateo got the start for Brooklyn tonight and tossed six superb innings. He gave up one hit, walked one, and struck out seven. He picked up his second win of the season. Paul Seward was perfect in his two innings of work, striking out three batters. Tyler Vanderheiden worked one inning, giving up one walk and striking out two. 

Taylor Guerrieri started on the mound for Hudson Valley and pitched five strong innings. He allowed one earned run on five hits and six strikeouts. Shay Crawford walked one and struck out one in his one inning of work. Rob Finneran gave up two hits, walked two, and struck out two in his 1.1 innings. Kris Carlson worked two-thirds of an inning, giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out two. 

Eudy Pina had the best night at the plate for Brooklyn, going 3-for-4 with two runs driven in. Phillip Evans and Cole Frenzel both had two hits in the game. Alexander Sanchez and Stefan Sabol both had one hit each. 

Hudson Valley only had two hits on the night, Jake DePew and Michael Williams had the lone hits. 

 Lowell 1 - Tri-City 7

Aaron West started on the mound for Tri-City and got the win for his five quality innings of work. He gave up one hit and struck out five. Thomas Shirley worked two innings, allowing one earned run on four hits and four strikeouts. Jamaine Cotton closed out the last two innings, giving up two hits and striking out one. 

Jacob Dahlstrand started for Lowell and worked five innings. He allowed three earned runs on three hits, three walks, and one strikeout. Leandro Marin worked one inning, allowing one earned run on one hit, one walk, and one strikeout. Braden Kapteyn struggled in his two innings of work, allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit, three walks, and three strikeouts. 

Jobduan Morales paced the Tri-City batters at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a doube and two runs driven in. Chase Davidson, Joe Sclafani, Ryan Dineen, and Justin Gominsky all had one hit. Gominsky also drove in two runs. 

Deven Marrero paced the Lowell batters, going 3-for-4. Matthew Gedman, Mookie Betts, Seth Schwindenhammer, and Oscar Perez all had one hit in the game. 

Williamsport 3 - Mahoning Valley 2

Luis DeJesus got the start and turned in six strong innings. He allowed one earned run on three hits (one home run) and eight strikeouts. Cody Penny picked up the loss on the year for his two innings of work. He allowed two earned runs on two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. Scott Peoples worked a perfect inning to close out the game. 

Hoby Milner turned in 2.2 innings for his start, allowing one earned run on two hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. Jordan Guth worked three innings, allowing one earned runs on three hits, and two strikeouts. Geoff Broussard got the win for his 2.1 innings of work, walking one and striking out four. Jeb Stefan got the save for his one inning of work, giving up two hits and striking out two. 

Brian Pointer had the best night at the dish for Williamsport, going 2-for-3 with a double, home run and two runs driven in. Christoper Serritilla, Larry Greene, and Mitch Walding all checked in with one hit each. 

Charlier Valerio had the paced the Mahoning Valley batters, going 2-for-4 with a run driven in. Joe Sever, Hunter Jones, and Evan Frazan were the only Scrappers hitters to not collect a hit .

Aberdeen 2 - Staten Island 7

Evan Rutckyj started for Staten Island and went 6.2 innings. He allowed two earned runs on four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. Stefan Lopez worked a perfect one-third of an inning. Conor Mullee worked a perfect eighth inning. Charles Basford closed out the game, allowing one hit and striking out one. 

Jaime Esquivel got the start for Aberdeen and worked two innings. He allowed three earned runs on three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. He was handed the loss. Sander Beck worked two innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits (one home run), two walks, and one strikeout. 

Joel Hutter paced the Aberdeen batters, going 3-for-4 with a double. Jerome Pena and Doug Bream both had one hit each. Dudley Leonora drove in two runs on the night. 

Fu-Lin Kuo had the best night at the plate for Staten Island, going 3-for-4 with a double and three runs driven in. Saxon Butler collected two hits, one of those being his second home run of the season. Jackson Valera and Daniel Lopez both had two hits on the night. 

Game Recaps for June 24th

Vermont 7 - Lowell 2

Zachary Good started on the mound for Lowell and went five innings. He allowed four runs (one earned) on two hits, three walks, and  two strikeouts. He got the loss. Tyler Wilson closed out the last four innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout. 

Chris Lamb started for Vermont and tossed four decent innings. He allowed one earned run on five hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Logan Chitwood worked the next three innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. He got his second win of the season. Tucker Healy was perfect in the last two innings, striking out two. 

David Chester paced the Lowell batters for the day, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and one run driven in. Deven Marrero added two hits on the day. Jose Iglesisa, Aneury Tavarez, Zach Kapstein, and Tim Robertson all checked in with one hit. 

Jacob Tanis had the best day at the plate for Vermont, going 2-for-3 with a double and two runs driven in. Chad Lewis and John Wooten both had one hit on the day and drove in two runs. Christopher Bostick was the only other Vermont batter to collect a hit. 

Batavia 4 - Jamestown 1

 Ben Freeman was handed the ball first for Batavia and he turned in 6.2 quality innings. He allowed one earned run on seven hits (one home run) and five strikeouts. Brandon Creath worked 1.1 innings, giving up one hit and striking out two. Yunier Castillo got the save, giving up two hits and striking out two in his one inning. 

Ramon Del Orbe started for Jamestown, giving up three earned runs on seven hits and three strikeouts. Jheyson Mazueta closed out the last three innings, allowing one earned run on five hits (one home run) and four strikeouts. 

Every Batavia starter had at least one hit for the game. Garrett Wittels, Jacob Wilson, and Roberto Reyes each collected two hits on the day. Gary Apelian went 1-for-4, slugging his first home run of the year.

Viosergy Rosa and Kentrell Dewitt were the only Jamestown batters to not get at least one hit. Jose Behar, Juancinto Martinez, and Matt Juengel each collected two hits for the game. Jesus Solorzano went 1-for-4, hitting his second home run of the season. 

 Hudson Valley 1 - Staten Island 9

Gabriel Encinas started for Staten Island and worked 3.1 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and two strikeouts. Dietrich Enns worked the next 2.2 innings, giving up two hits and striking out three. James Pazos  got two innings of work, walking three batters. Taylor Garrison closed out the game, striking out one batter in one inning of work. 

Jesse Hahn struggled in his start for Hudson Valley and only got through 1.1 innings. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks. Eduar Quinonez worked 4.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. Ryan Garton was nearly perfect in his one innings of work, walking one batter. Jose Molina worked a perfect ninth to close out the game.

Hudson Valley struggled offensively at the plate, getting only four hits on the day. Thomas Coyle, Ryan Dunn, Luke Maile, and Felix Gonzalez were the Staten Island batters to get a hit on the day. 

Saxon Butler paced the Staten Island batters at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two runs driven in. Jose Rosario added three hits of his own. Wes Wilson was 2-for-4 on the day with a doubel, triple, and three runs driven in. 

Tri-City 6 - Connecticut 5

Tri-City used six pitchers to secure the win today. Vincent Velasquez got the start and worked 4.1 innings allowing two earned runs on six hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. Juan Minaya allowed one earned one on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout in his one inning of work. Brad Propst got the win for his 1.2 innings of work, allowing one earned run on four hits. John Neeley allowed one earned run on two hits in one-third of an inning. Kenny Long worked a clean one-third of an innning. Blake Ford got his second save of the season for his perfect 1.1 innings of work, striking out one. 

Montreal Robinson got the start for Connecticut and worked 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. Jake Sabol struggled in his outing today, going 1.2 innings allowing four earned runs on four hits and one walk. Eric Heckaman could not get an out and he was lifted after walking two batters. Joe Rogers worked a perfect 1.2 innings to close out the game. 

The top third of the lineup for Tri-City went hitless but drew five walks between the three of them. Dan Gulbransen paced the Tri-City batters, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and three runs driven in. Jobduan Morales and Ryan Dineen both had two hits each. Emilio King, Jesse Wierzbicki, and Joe Sclafani all checked in with one hit. 

Carlos De Los Santos was the only Connecticut batter to not record a hit in the game. Juaner Agusavivas, Jared Reaves, Edgar Corcino all went 3-for-5 on the day for the Tigers. Bennett Pickar went 2-for-3 on the day, driving in one run. 

Brooklyn 10 - Aberdeen 5

Gabriel Ynoa got the start for Brooklyn and turned in six quality innings. He allowed two earned runs on three hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. He got the win. Ernesto Yanez only got one out before he was lifted for allowing three earned runs on three hits (one home run) and two walks. Tyler Vanderheiden worked one inning, giving up one hit and striking out one. John Mincone worked 1.2 innings, walking one and striking out two. He got the save. 

Sebastian Vader started for Aberdeen and struggled through five innings. He allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. Ryan Palsha worked two innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits (one home run) and two walks. Bobby Wilkins worked the last two innings allowing two unearned runs on three hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. 

Doug Bream paced the IronBirds hitters for the day, going 2-for-4 with a double, home run, and four runs driven in. Will Howard, Creede Simpson, Torsten Boss, Joel Hutter, and Sam Kimmel all had one hit in the game. 

Alexander Sanchez had the best day at the plate for Brooklyn, going 4-for-5 with two runs driven in. Nelfi Zapata went 3-for-5 with a home run. Cole Frenzel and Jonathan Clark both had two hits on the day.Frenzel and Eudy Pina both drove in two runs for Brooklyn. 

Auburn 6 - Williamsport 5

Silvio Medina started for Auburn and turned in four quality innings. He allowed one earned run on one hit, two walks, and three strikeouts. Bryan Harper struggled in his one inning, allowing two earned runs on four hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Elliott Waterman worked 2.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout. Richie Mirowski got the win for his 2.2 innings of work. He gave up one hit, one walk, and four strikeouts. 

Ulises Joaquin starte for Williamsport and struggled through 5.1 innings. He allowed four earned runs on five hits (one home run), four walks, and three strikeouts. Steven Inch worked 2.2 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and three walks. Matthew Sisto got the loss for his two innings of work. He allowed one earned run on three hits, two walks, and one strikeout. 

Auburn had three hitters collect two hits for the game. Jordan Poole, Wes Schill, and Spencer Kieboom all had two hits on the day. Eastarlin Martinez made the most of his one hit, hitting his first home run of the year. Tony Renda and Carlos Alvarez both drove in two runs at the top of the lineup. 

Williamsport also had three batters collect three hits for the game. Roman Quinn, Cameron Perkins, and Trey Ford all had two hits each. Diego Gonzalez was 1-for-4 on the day, driving in two runs. 

Scouting Notes on Auburn Doubledays' hitters

By Matthew Coller

 

Had a chance to spend a week watching the Auburn DoubleDays, a talented team that will hit their way into being one of the better teams in the NYPL, but may struggle to keep runs off the board.

Here's a look at some of their promising hitters:

Tony Renda – Second Baseman

Renda is the highest drafted player assigned to the DoubleDays, taken in the second round. He is an undersized middle infielder with very quick hands. His hand-eye coordination is as good as it gets. The former UC Berkley standout is able to hit or foul off any pitch at any speed. The combination of quick hands and coordination allows Renda to avoid a high number of strikeouts and the possibility of hitting for average.

The problem, however, is that Renda swings at everything. His approach is to swing early and hit everything, whether it's right down the middle or a foot outside. He does not work walks or counts. The infielder lacks power and does not have a swing that would suggest power could emerge as he travels through the minors.

In the field, Renda is average all around at best. Hands are underwhelming, arm is average at best and his range up the middle is below average.

Simply put: he is not an impact player. Likely a 35-40/80 overall player with a ceiling of utility middle infielder a la Nick Punto.

However, those who have played with Renda and against him say he has incredible make up. His work ethic is admired by teammates as is his attitude and desire to win. His overall grade is bumped up by his willingness to do everything possible to get the most out of his talent.

Stephen Perez – Shortstop

Quite possibly the most impressive overall player against the Batavia Muckdogs in the two teams' four-game, season-opening series, Perez showed a little bit of everything. He has extremely quick hands to go along with upper and lower body strength and flexibility relative to his position. He is strong enough to hit the ball out – projecting to average power for a shortstop - and can react to inside and outside pitches well enough to drive the ball to both gaps. Once he hits the ball in play, he is an above average runner. Perez is a threat to turn singles into doubles and doubles into triples with his aggressiveness and could steal 20-plus bases.

In the field, he is flexible, has good footwork, makes the routine plays and has an above-average arm. He tends to rush plays when going into the hole, but it's a kink that could be worked out. Perez has the potential to be an average to slightly above average fielder overall.

His big issue is strikeouts. He'll chase pitches out of the zone, especially away and up, and doesn't care much for working walks. In lower levels, his strength and hand quickness will make up for some of his erroneous swings, but he'll have to learn to walk at least occasionally if he's going to make it to the big leagues.

Brandon Miller

Miller was a home run hitting machine in college, knocking 23 bombs for Stamford. He showed power potential right away at the pro level by homering in his first two games. The right fielder struggles with many of the same things all home run hitters struggle with: strikeouts and pop ups. His upper-cut swing is built to lift the ball and give it plenty of back spin, but, finishing with the bat head toward the sky leaves him open to good pitchers exposing the holes.

The DoubleDays' outfielder can hit 20-25 home runs, maybe more, but the question is whether he'll ever be able to get out of the .220s in average. Miller does have a decent approach, looking for pitches up and on the inner half, especially from lefties and he is willing to take a walk. Though right now, most of his walks come because of his reputation, not because he worked the pitcher.

Estarlin Martinez – First baseman

There isn't much not to like about Estarlin Martinez at the plate. He has an even, line-drive swing and a great approach. The Doubledays' first baseman refuses to swing at both pitches out of the zone and pitches he isn't comfortable hitting. At 20-years-old, he is more mature at the plate than most and his raw strength has room to grow and increase his home run totals.

As he grows into his 6-foot-1 body, he may lose some of his athleticism and speed. He currently is an average to slightly above average runner but has impressive instincts when stealing bases and choosing to take the extra base.

The question mark for Martinez will be where he plays in the field. He looked decent at first base despite a lack of experience in the field. However, if he can't develop his line-drive swing into 25-30 home run power, he'd be better suited as a corner outfielder.

Others to watch:

Shawn Pleffner – First Baseman

 Pleffner is a strong left handed hitter with the ability to hit line drives into center field on both inside and outside pitches. He doesn't swing out at pitches out of the zone and, when ahead in the count, only offers at pitches he can drive back up the middle. Has the potential to hit for a high average, big question is whether he can learn to get the bat head out in front of inside pitches and drive them down the line and out of the park.

Spencer Kieboom – Catcher

Kieboom is an advanced defensive catcher with strong technique and a plus arm. He looks like a workman-type player with leadership qualities behind the plate. All the questions about Kieboom are about his abilities at the plate. He does not drive the ball to the outfield, getting most of his hits on hard ground balls. It doesn't appear he'll ever be able to hit for a high average, but he does have the ability to work the count, not expand the zone and earn walks.

Angelberth Montilla – Center fielder

Montilla is going to get every opportunity to succeed from the Nationals' organization because of his tools. His bat speed is above average and his swing shows power potential as more than just a line-drive hitter. With his hand-eye coordination and strength combo, he has the capability to hit for a high average. What will keep that average down, however, is his lack of plate discipline and pitch recognition. He's quick enough to foul off even pitches he's fooled by, but has trouble with breaking balls that are in the dirt or off the plate. And, he does not like to walk. He's thinking hit every time at bat. On the bases, he's got plus speed, probably a touch more with good instincts and an ability to read and react. He is also solid in the outfield getting good reads, utilizing his speed to cover a lot of ground and is an average to above-average thrower from center.

 

Game Recaps for June 23rd

Tri-City 1 - Connecticut 2 (Game 1)

Jack Duffey got the start for Connecticut in the first game of a double header and tossed 5.1 quality innings. He allowed one earned run on five hits and struck out four. Matt Davenport closed out the remaining 1.1 innings and got the win. He gave up one hit, walked one and struck out one.

Joe Bircher started for Tri-City and was not bad in his 2.2 innings of work. He allowed one run (unearned) on two hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. Jeremiah Meiners got his second loss of the season for his 3.1 innings of work. He allowed one earned run on one hit and three strikeouts. Jermaine Cotton closed out the remaining one-third of an inning, walking one batter. 

Connecticut struggled at the plate, with only three hitters collecting hits. Jeff McVaney, Danry Vasquez, and Wes Thigpen all had one hit each. 

Austin Elkins got things started for Tri-City at the top of the lineup, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run driven in. Neiko Johnson added two hits as well. Andrew Alpin and Jesse Wierzbicki were the only other batters to get a hit. 

Brooklyn 7 - Aberdeen 1

Rainy Lara got the start for Brooklyn and worked five strong innings. He allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out four. He picked up the win. Juan Urbina followed with three decent innings of his own, allowing one earned run on three hits, one walk, and four strike outs. David Wynn worked a perfect ninth to close out the game. 

Cameron Coffey struggled in his 4.2 innings of work. He allowed six earned runs on seven hits (one home run), two walks, and three strikeouts. Kenneth Wise struggled with his command in 1.1 innings of work, walking five. Enrico Jiminez worked two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits (one home run) and two walks. David Richardson worked a perfect inning, striking out one batter. 

Roderick Bernadina had the best nigth at the plate for Aberdeen, going 2-for-4. Will Howard went 1-for-4 on the night, hitting his third double of the season. Roberto Ortiz also added a double, his second. Pedro Perez added on hit as well. 

Alexander Sanchez and Kevin Plawecki both had two hits on the night. Plawecki drove in two runs and slugged his first home run of the season. Phillip Evans was 1-for-3, hitting his second home run of the year. Richie Rodriguez, Brandon Nimmo, Stefan Sabol, and Dimas Ponce all added on hit on the night.  Nimmo drove in two runs on the night. 

Batavia 5 - Jamestown 3 (10)

Tim Cooney got the start for Batavia and tossed five good innings. He allowed one earned run on tow hits (one home run) and one strikeout. Kyle Helisek worked 3.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on one hit, two walks, and one strikeout. Jose Almarante got two-thirds of an inning of work, walking one and one strikeout. He got the win, evening his record. Lee Stoppelman worked one-third of an inning, getting the save. 

Helpi Reyes got the start for Jamestown and saw some mixed results. In five innings of work he allowed two earned runs on four hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts. Bryan Berglund worked the next 1.2 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and two strikeouts. Frankie Reed worked 1.1 innings, giving up one hit and striking out one. Miguel Fermin worked two innings, allowing two runs (one earned) one four hits and one strikeout. He got the loss. 

Jesus Solorzano had the best night at the plate for Jamestown, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three runs driven in. Juancinto Martinez, Matt Juengel, Yefri Perez all checked in with one hit. 

Jacob Wilson and Jordan Keener were the only Batavia batters to not get one hit on the night. Anthony Melchionda, Breyic Valera, Roberto Reyes, and David Bergin all had two hits in the game. David Washington, Gary Apelian, Steven Ramos all had one hit on the night. 

Auburn 2 - Williamsport 3 (10)

Josh Warner got the starting nod for Williamsport and pitched seven very good innings. He allowed two earned runs on six hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. Zach Cooper worked three innings, giving up two hits, one walk, and striking out two. He got the win. 

Taylor Jordan started on the mound for Auburn and was good in his two innings of work. He allowed one run (unearned) on one hit and three strikeouts. Nicholas Lee worked four innings, allowing one earned run on four hit and four strikeouts. Brian Rauth worked two perfect innings, striking out three. Derek Self worked one inning, allowing one earned run on one hit and one walk. He was handed the loss. 

Cameron Perkins and Christopher Serritella both went 1-for-4 on the night with a double. Roman Quinn, Larry Greene, Mitch Walding, Brian Pointer all had one hit for the game. 

Craig Manuel paced the Auburn batter, going 2-for-4 with a run driven in. Angelberth Montilla also had two hits in the game. Jordan Poole, Shawn Pleffner, Destin Hood, and Tony Renda all had one hit. 

State College 9 - Mahoning Valley 2

Geoffrey Davenport started for Mahoning Valley and struggled a bit through four innings. He allowed three earned runs on six hits and two strikeouts. Jacob Lee tossed three strong innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and four strikeouts. Scott People could not record an out before being lifted after he allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits. Jack Wagoner pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and three walks. Luis Encarnacion worked a perfect one-third of an inning. 

Jason Creasy worked four innings in his start for State College. He allowed one earned run on three hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. Dalton Friend worked 1.2 innings, allowing one unearned run on two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Josh Smith worked 1.1 innings, giving up one hit and one walk. Kyle Haynes worked one inning, giving up one hit and one strikeout. Lance Breedlove allowed one hit and struck out one in his inning of work. 

D.J. Crumlich paced the State College batters on the night, going 3-for-4. Jodaneli Carvajal, Jacob Stallings, Ryan Hornback, and Samuel Gonzalez all had two hits on the night. Walker Gourley had the strange batting line of the night, going 0-for-3 with three runs driven in. 

Marcus Bradley had the best night at the dish for Mahoning Valley, going 2-for-5. Jairo Kelly and Robel Garcia where the only Scrappers batters to not get a hit. 

 Hudson Valley 10 - Staten Island 1

Jeff Ames got the start for Hudson Valley and tossed four strong innings, allowing one earned run one two hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. Brandon Henderson got the win for his four innings of work. He gave up one hit, walked one, and two strikeouts. Shay Crawford worked the ninth inning, giving up one hit. 

Taylor Morton worked five innings for State Island. He gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. He was pinned with the loss. Alex Smith struggled in his one inning of work. He allowed four earned runs on four hits, one walk, and one strike out. Evan DeLuca worked 2.2 innings, he allowed three earned runs on three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. Nick Goody closed out the last one-third inning. 

Exicard Cayones went 2-for-2 with a double and a run driven in. Saxon Butler and Matthew Duran were the only other Staten Island batters to get a hit. 

Luke Maile had the best night at the plate for all batters, going 3-for-4 with a double and three runs driven in. Deshun Dixon added four hits on the night. Justin O'Conner added two hits on the night, one double and one home run. Thomas Coyle, Joel Caminero, Jake DePew, and Leonardo Reginatto all checked in with one hit. 

 Vermont 8 - Lowell 7

Mike Aguliera drew the start for Lowell and turned in two good innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and two strikeouts. Francisco Taveras struggled in his two innings of work. He allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits, four walks, and two strikeouts. Jadd Schmeltzer worked three innings allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits, two walks, and one strikeout. Kevin Brahney closed out the last two innings, giving up one earned run on one hit, two walks, and three strikeouts. 

Deyvi Jiminez got the start for Vermont and did not get help from his defense. In 2.2 innings of work he allowed four unearned runs on six hits and one strikeout. Julio Ramos worked the next 2.1 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Nate Eppley worked three near perfect inning, walking one and striking out five. He got the win. Austin Hose got the save and worked one inning. He allowed one earned run on one hit, one walk, and one strikeout. 

Seth Schwindenhammer, Kendrick Perking, and Oscar Perez were the only Lowell batters to not record a hit. Matthew Gedman went 3-for-5 on the night with a run driven in. Aneury Tavarez, Mookie Betts, David Chester all had two hits on the night. Nathan Minnich went 1-for-5 with two runs driven in. Jason Thompson added one hit on the night. 

John Wooten paced the Vermont batters on the night, going 3-for-4 with a double and four runs driven in. Dayton Alexander went 2-for-4 on the night. Christopher Bostick, Rhett Stafford, Jacob Tanis and Chad Lewis all had one hit on the night. 

Tri-City 4 - Connecticut 3 (Game 2)

Tim Kelley got the start for the second game of the double headed and worked 3.1 innings. He allowed two earned runs on two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Alex Phillips worked two strong innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, one being a home run. Angel Nesbitt worked the last 1.2 innings, giving up one unearned run on one hit. He got the loss. 

Brady Rogers started for Tri-City and went four innings. He allowed three unearned runs on three hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. Travis Ballew got two innings of work, allowing one hit and striking out three. He got the win. Kenny Long got the save. He worked a perfect seventh, striking out two. 

Jared Reaves went 2-for-2 at the top of the lineup for Connecticut. Jeff McVaney and Juaner Aguasvivas were the only other hitters to collect a hit during the game. Zack Kirsey and McVaney drove in the two runs for Connecticut. 

Austin Elkins paced the Tri-City batters, going 2-for-3 in the second game. Chase Davidson made the most of his one hit on the night, driving in three runs on his first home run of the season. Andrew Alpin, Jobduan Morales, and Jesse Wierzbicki all checked in with one hit.