Is it worth looking at the actual numbers?  May as well, but they are not particularly attractive.  J.P. Arencibia is the only one of

July 17, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia (9) during batting practice before a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

the three to play both games, catching both, and going one for eight with three strike outs.  David Cooper played game one at first base sporting a one for five line with a strike out and Brett Lawrie played the second at third base, leading off and going 0 for three with a walk.

Now, I know these guys are rehabbing, their timing is off, and they may disrupt clubhouse chemistry, blah blah blah. But seriously?  A team with at least 2 major leaguers in the lineup can’t even manufacture one run over two games? I was thinking even something as simple as the ol’ sacrifice home run would do it.  Hell, JP has hit sixteen so far this season for the Jays.  Surely he would be able to catch up to an A ball pitcher??!  Maybe they wanted to emulate their mates in Toronto who were getting blanked by the Orioles over the first two games of their series.

When I saw the lineups before game one, I felt a twinge of pity for the Flying Tigers.  Surely that’s not fair.  Ya, mlb regulars can play as many rehab games in the lower levels as they want during the regular season.  But we’re talking about the playoffs here, not practice.  Got that one wrong though, well played to Lakeland, and congratulations to Dunedin on what has to be considered a pretty successful season.  I’m sure, during the off-season, we’ll dissect to death each player’s season and where they may end up next year, because, well, it will be fun, and we won’t have a ton of other subjects to write about.

And then there were two.  That leaves the Lansing Lugnuts and Vancouver Canadians as the only Blue Jays affiliates still in the hunt for some silverware this year.

And let me digress here for a second.  I don’t mean to sound negative.  Three minor league franchises making the playoffs has to be considered an excellent season for the organization as a whole.  It’s just been a bit tough lately to be a Jays fan, so it would have been far more fun to see Arencibia, Cooper, Lawrie et al crushing bombs all over the place rather than getting blanked over two games.

Lansing got turned over 5-2 in Fort Wayne versus the TinCaps.  Noah Syndergaard took the loss going four innings, giving up three earned on six hits with five strike outs.  Tomorrow will be a fairly important game.  Justin Nicolino gets the ball and hopefully Brett Lawrie can get a few knocks in Low A, as he’ll be playing third, batting leadoff, and collecting a few air miles.

Vancouver start their best of three Northwest League final against the Boise Hawks Thursday night.  Javier Avendano, who has been sensational for the C’s this season, gets the start.  Here’s hoping he can get the Canadians an early series lead before it shifts back to Boise for games two and, if necessary, three.

I need some good news.  Plus, I’ll be at the Nat, so a solid performance from Avendano would justify all the glowing posts I’ve written about him lately.

Wins/Losses: 32-27 | Streak: L3 | 3rd in PCL Pacific South division (6.0 GB)

–
Reno Aces 8, Las Vegas 51s 1 – LP: Richmond (5-4, 5.84)

The 51s’ offense managed just six singles and the Aces scored seven unanswered runs as Las Vegas dropped their third consecutive game to Reno 8-1 on Tuesday night at Cashman Field.

Hitting:

Adeiny Hechavarria and Vladimir Guerrero hit back-to-back, one-out singles in the bottom of the first and both advanced into scoring position on a fielding error, but the 51s were only able to score the one run, on an Adam Lind groundout. After that, their only other opportunity to plate a run came with runners on first and second with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning.

After joining the 51s over the weekend from Advanced-A Dunedin, Guerrero went 3-for-17 (.176) with one double (but only one strikeout) in his first four Triple-A games of the season, while Lind, is hitting .415 (17-for-41) in his last 10 games but has just one extra-base hit — a double back on May 30 — over that span.

Pitching:

51s starter Scott Richmond lasted just four innings, giving up six runs (five earned) on 10 hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Richmond had a tough time getting out of the first inning, as a pair of two-out singles around an Adam Lind fielding error led to an unearned run, and a wild pitch on a swinging strikeout loaded the bases to continue the frame. What ultimately hurt Richmond, though, was a four-run second, where the first five batters all reached base via three singles, a walk and a double. He retired three of his next four batters to end the inning, but the damage was already done.

Clint Everts, making his third appearance since being assigned to the 51s from Double-A New Hampshire on May 27, gave up one unearned run and allowed three hits in two innings. After a fielding error by 51s left fielder Ricardo Nanita led to the run in the fifth inning, Everts benefited from a great play by his catcher, Travis d’Arnaud, to throw out Reno second baseman Taylor Harbin trying to steal second base. Left-hander Bill Murphy mopped up the game’s final three innings, allowing just one run on one hit that scored on two ground outs in the top of the ninth.

Wins/Losses: 21-35 | Streak: L2 | 6th in EAS Eastern division (11.0 GB)

–
Richmond Flying Squirrels 1, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 0 – LP: Pino (1-3, 3.28)

Starter Joel Carreno‘s strong outing wasn’t enough, as the Fisher Cats’ bats fell silent to hand them a 1-0 loss to the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Tuesday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Hitting:

Just like Triple-A Las Vegas, all of New Hampshire’s hits were singles. Mike McDade and Brian Bocock each went 1-for-3 and drew a walk, though Bocock was caught stealing for the first time this season in the  bottom of the third. The Fisher Cats’ only scoring chance came in the first inning, when Ryan Goins and McDade roped back-to-back, two-out singles but catcher Sean Ochinko grounded into a force out.

After drawing a walk in the third and another in the fourth, New Hampshire didn’t have another baserunner until Bocock’s leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth, which was wasted after a foul bunt strikeout and a double play ended the game.

Pitching:

Carreno was handed the hard-luck loss despite pitching his best game of the season, where he scattered just two hits over a season-high seven innings. Unfortunately one of those hits was a two-out solo home run in the third inning, but apart from that, Carreno faced the minimum amount of batters. He did not issue a walk for the first time in five Double-A starts this season, and out of his six strikeouts, five were of the swinging variety. Right-hander Scott Gracey kept it a 1-0 game with two perfect innings of relief.

Wins/Losses: 39-19 | Streak: W4 | 1st in FSL North division (7.5 GM Lead)

-
Dunedin Blue Jays 7, Palm Beach Cardinals 1 - WP: Nolin (7-0, 2.43)

After scoring four runs in the second inning, the D-Jays added three more in the sixth to take the opener of a four-game series against the Palm Beach Cardinals 7-1 on Tuesday night at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

Hitting:

DH/first baseman Gabe Jacobo continued to impress, going 2-for-4 in the leadoff spot with a two-run home run in the second inning to bring his season total to five. Kevin Nolan, Marcus Knecht, Kenen Bailli and Kevin Ahrens each hit a double, and the D-Jays finished 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Also, in addition to throwing out a baserunner, catcher Jack Murphy finished with three RBI on the night thanks to a sacrifice fly in the second and a two-run single in the sixth.

Pitching:

After giving up a leadoff home run to start the game, Dunedin starter Sean Nolin settled in, allowing just six hits and one walk in 5 2/3 shutout innings the rest of the way. After two singles opened the top the top of the fourth inning and eventually led to runners on the corners with two outs, Nolin was able to induce a fly out in foul territory to end the inning. He gave up back-to-back, two-out singles in the fifth and also got some help from reliever Dustin Antolin in the sixth when a runner on third was stranded, but it was still a great outing. The start earned Nolin his seventh win of the season and improved his record to 7-0.

Outside of the walk he issued after replacing Nolin in the sixth, Antolin earned his seventh hold of the season in lights-out fashion, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings without allowing a hit.

Making his first appearance of the season with Dunedin, right-hander Drew Permison induced three groundouts in a scoreless ninth inning. Permison, assigned to Dunedin just before the game, spent the bulk of last season closing games for the Vancouver Canadians before a late-season call-up to the Lansing Lugnuts.

Wins/Losses: 40-17 | Streak: W2 | 1st in MID Eastern division (9.5 GM Lead)

-
Scheduled off-day

Wins/Losses: 24-23 | Streak: L2 | 3rd in PCL Pacific South division (8.0 GB)

–
Nashville Sounds 7, Las Vegas 51s 6 – F/10 – LP: Hoey (0-2, 4.66)

After blowing an early 4-0 lead and clawing back to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth, the Las Vegas 51s ultimately fell to the Nashville Sounds, 7-6 in 10 innings on Thursday night.

Hitting:

Slugging catcher Travis d’Arnaud led the 51s’ offense with two solo home runs, and now has seven homers in his last 10 games to go along with a .310 average and 1.055 OPS over that span. Adam Lind also got in on the party, belting a two-run shot in the first inning for his third home run in five games with the 51s since being optioned to Triple-A over the weekend.

Leadoff hitter Anthony Gose went 3-for-5 with a double and stole his Pacific Coast League-leading 17th base of the season. He extended his hitting streak to eight games, hitting .437 (14-for-32) over that span.

Pitching:

51s starter Aaron Laffey lasted seven innings for the second time in as many starts and allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits. It was also Laffey’s second consecutive start without issuing a walk and recording five strikeouts. His main mistake came in the third inning, when he surrendered a two-out, three-run home run to Sounds left fielder Brooks Conrad, who later shifted to first base when 2011 Blue Jay Corey Patterson made a pinch hit appearance with the game on the line (he flied out).

Jerry Gil gave up a go-ahead run on two hits in the top of the eighth and closer Chad Beck loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the ninth but managed to keep the game tied. Jim Hoey was tagged with the loss after  giving up the game-winning run in the top of the tenth via a RBI groundout.

Wins/Losses: 18-27 | Streak: W1 | 5th in EAS Eastern division (9.5 GB)

–
New Hampshire Fisher Cats 8, Portland Sea Dogs 2 – WP: Pino (4-1, 3.18)

After breaking a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the second inning, the Fisher Cats erupted for five runs in the fourth to go on to top the Sea Dogs 8-2 on Thursday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. After losing both games of a doubleheader on Wednesday, the win gave New Hampshire a split in their four-game series against Portland.

Hitting:

New Hampshire’s newest members, second baseman Brian Bocock and catcher Sean Ochinko, were influential in the win. Bocock, playing in only his fourth game with the Fisher Cats after being on the 7-day disabled list since Opening Day, doubled his hit total on the season with a 3-for-5 night that included a double and three RBI. Bocock has certainly made the most of his four games since being activated from the DL, as he’s drawn three walks and stolen a base as well. Ochinko, called up from High-A Dunedin after it was announced that A.J. Jimenez would undergo Tommy John surgery, had a season-high three hits, including his first two doubles in a Double-A uniform.

Leadoff hitter Ryan Goins continued his hot May, going 3-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to six games. Goins, 24, has hit safely in nine of his last 10 contests and is currently hitting .379 (33-for-87) with an .882 OPS in 21 games this month. Switch-hitting left fielder John Tolisano went 1-for-4 with a walk and two RBI.

Overall, the Fisher Cats pounded out eight runs on 13 hits, 10 of which were singles, and had more walks (6) than strikeouts (5).

Pitching:

After giving up a season-high seven runs (six earned) in his last outing on May 18, Fisher Cats starter Yohan Pino rebounded nicely, allowing only a pair of earned runs on seven hits across solid strong innings. After back-to-back two-out doubles plated a run in the first inning, Pino did not have an opposing runner advance past second base until the sixth, when he served up a solo home run to Sea Dogs’ first baseman Reynaldo Rodriguez. Home runs have been a problem for Pino, as he’s given up at least one in five of his eight starts this season. Even though the Venezuela native only struck out three over seven innings on Thursday, it was only the second time this season where he hasn’t issued a walk.

Fernando Hernandez tossed two scoreless innings of relief, allowing only an eighth-inning single while striking out two. The single was the first hit he allowed since May 9, and he has now tossed 8 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings since then.

Wins/Losses: 30-17 | Streak: W1 | 1st in FSL North division (5.0 GM Lead)

-
Dunedin Blue Jays 4, Jupiter Hammerheads 3 - WP: Marek (1-0, 9.00) S: Barnes (15)

After Jupiter tied things up at 3 in the top of the eighth, the D-Jays answered with the go-ahead run in the bottom half of the inning, topping the Hammerheads 4-3 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on Thursday. With the win, Dunedin halted their season-high losing streak at two games, and, just like the Fisher Cats, the win earned them a split of their four-game series with Jupiter.

Hitting:

Left fielder Marcus Knecht continued to show that he’s turning the corner, going 2-for-2 with a triple, a pair of walks and a RBI. Over his last 10 games, the Canadian is now 11-for-37 (.297) with three home runs, 10 RBI, five walks, and a 1.008 OPS. Leadoff hitter Gabe Jacobo has been on an even bigger tear as of late, as his 2-for-4 performance brought his average up to .295 on the year and he now has a .349/.370/.651 slash line over his last 10 games, including seven doubles and his first two home runs of the season.

Dunedin first baseman Jon Talley quietly went 2-for-3 with a walk, and Ryan Schimpf went 1-for-4, tying a season-high with two RBI while setting a new season-high with three strikeouts.

Pitching:

Dunedin starter Sean Nolin lasted only 5 1/3 innings in his shortest outing since May 3, but allowed only one earned run on three hits while striking out four. While the three hits were the second-fewest that he’s allowed in a start this season, Nolin issued a season-high four walks; one each in the game’s first four innings. After giving up a one-out single to Jupiter first baseman Mark Canha in the sixth, Nolin was pulled in favor of Dayton Marze, who induced a ground out but gave up a two-out double that scored Canha and charged the run to Nolin.

28-year-old reliever Stephen Marek, making his first outing of the season after being transferred from Triple-A Las Vegas without appearing in a single game, picked up the blown-save win after a successful double steal from the Hammerheads scored the game-tying run in the eighth inning.

D-Jays closer Danny Barnes pitched around a Schimpf fielding error and a double in a scoreless ninth to record his Florida State League-leading 15th save of the season. The game’s final out was recorded in dramatic fashion at home plate via an outfield assist, Dunedin right fielder Kenen Bailli to third baseman Kevin Ahrens to catcher Jack Murphy.

Wins/Losses: 33-13 | Streak: W2 | 1st in MID Eastern division (8.5 GM Lead)

-
Lansing Lugnuts 5, Dayton Dragons 2 – WP: Rollins (4-0, 2.64) S: Meyer (16)

Thanks to some timely hits and a few gifts from Dayton’s pitching staff, the Lansing Lugnuts were able to beat the Dragons 5-2 on Thursday night. The win was Lansing’s ninth-straight over Dayton this season.

Hitting:

Though the Lugnuts’ five runs were enough to give them the victory, they had countless opportunities to add more. In addition to drawing 12 walks, Lugnuts hitters left 16 runners on base and went just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

Leading the charge was cleanup-hitting shortstop (wait, what?) Andy Burns, who went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and a RBI. I was thoroughly impressed with Burns on both sides of the ball when I was down in Lansing in early May, and all the 21-year-old has managed to do in the 10 games since then is hit .294 (10-for-34) with four doubles, one triple, two home runs, seven RBI, seven walks and a 1.092 OPS. After dabbling at second and third base earlier in the season, an injury to Opening Day shortstop Chino Vega has given Burns the chance to play almost everyday at short, and he has certainly made the most of it.

Chris Hawkins, hitting third, went 3-for-5 to bring his average up to a team-high .321, K.C. Hobson went 1-for-2 with a RBI and three walks, and Kenny Wilson hit a single and drew a pair of walks.

Speaking of walks, Lugnuts leadoff hitter and second baseman Jonathon Berti went 0-for-3 but drew a pair of free passes, and went on to steal his league-leading 21st base of the season. He’s been caught six times in 27 tries as well, for a very respectable 77% success rate.

Pitching:

Lugnuts starter David Rollins bounced back from his shortest outing of the season against Fort Wayne on May 18 to scatter three hits in five strong innings. He allowed one earned run and one walk while striking out four, in an outing similar to his April 27 start against Kane County. Lugnuts catcher Carlos Perez erased Rollins’ leadoff walk in the first with a great inning-ending throw to third base, and three singles in the third plated Dayton’s only run of the game, but Rollins was dialed in apart from those few small miscues. He retired the final seven batters he faced, including three strikeouts in the fourth inning.

Aleson Escalante earned his first hold since being shipped to the Lugnuts from extended spring training on May 11, Javier Avendano registered his seventh hold of the season with a scoreless eighth around a hit and two walks, and Ajay Meyer got the save with two strikeouts in a perfect ninth. The save was Meyer’s 16th of the season, seven more than the next closest pitcher for the Midwest League lead.

- JM

Wins/Losses: 21-21 | Streak: W1 | 3rd in PCL Pacific South division (8.0 GB)

Las Vegas 51s 5, Memphis Redbirds 3 - WP: Laffey (2-5, 5.04)

Aaron Laffey tossed his first complete game since 2007 and was supported with some timely hits as the Las Vegas 51s went on to defeat Memphis Redbirds 5-3 on Saturday.

Hitting:

Taking a page from the Blue Jays, the 51s scored four of their five runs via the long ball. Chris Woodward belted a two-out, two-run homer in the second inning to put Vegas up early, while Travis d’Arnaud broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth with a two-run shot of his own, his third home run in two games. Woodward had a nice day at the plate overall, adding a game-tying RBI double in the fourth inning to finish 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI.

While Woodward and d’Arnaud had the 51s’ only extra base hits, the rest of the lineup churned out a whopping 10 singles, with Anthony Gose, David Cooper, Ricardo Nanita and Danny Perales all hitting two each.

Pitching:

Baseball is truly unpredictable, and that was demonstrated on Saturday when 51s starter Aaron Laffey went the distance to earn just his second win of the season. Entering play with a 5.80 ERA, Laffey allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits in nine innings, with five strikeouts and no walks. It was the left-hander’s first complete game in almost five years, as his last one came in 2007 when he pitched for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in the Indians organization.

After a throwing error in the middle of the fourth, Laffey retired the next 14 consecutive batters, striking out the side in the ninth inning as well.

Wins/Losses: 16-24 | Streak: L2 | 5th in EAS Eastern division (8.5 GB)

Trenton Thunder 3, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 1 - LP: McGuire (3-1, 3.29)

New Hampshire’s bats were non-existent once again in their second loss to Trenton in as many nights, falling 3-1 on Saturday.

Hitting:

After managing one run in the series opener on Friday, the Fisher Cats responded with just one run again on Saturday. When you do that, it’s hard to win ball games.

New Hampshire’s lone tally came from a John Tolisano home run in the sixth, and he was the only Fisher Cat to have a multi-hit game, also hitting a single and drawing a walk. Four other Fisher Cats each added a single, but it was an ugly night offensively for New Hampshire, who managed one run on six hits.

Pitching:

Fisher Cats starter Randy Boone lasted just one third of an inning, allowing one earned run on three hits to get handed the loss. Reliever Aaron Loup came in to strand a runner at third, and only allowed one hit in 2 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

Danny Farquhar gave up crucial runs in the fourth and fifth innings on four hits, while Fernando Hernandez kept New Hampshire close with three perfect innings. Ronald Uvideo tossed a scoreless ninth around two hits and a walk.

Wins/Losses: 27-15 | Streak: L1 | 1st in FSL North division (5.0 GM Lead)

Bradenton Marauders 3, Dunedin Blue Jays 0 - LP: Magnuson (0-4, 5.59)

The Marauders broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the seventh and D-Jays’ bats fell silent, losing to Bradenton 3-0 on Saturday at McKechnie Field.

Hitting:

It was the third time this season that Dunedin was held off the scoreboard, and D-Jays hitters managed just four hits in this one. First baseman Gabe Jacobo was the lone bright spot, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles to extend his hitting streak to five games. He’s now hit safely in seven of his last eight games, but has just a .214/.313/.333 slash line over his last 10.

Leadoff hitter Ryan Schimpf went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk, while designated hitter Jon Talley hit a single for his 16th hit in his last 10 games. After hitting .313 with an .879 OPS in April, Talley has torn the cover off the ball in May, hitting .409 with a 1.010 OPS in 11 games.

Pitching:

Dunedin starter Sean Nolin continued to impress, tossing a six-inning gem, but regrettably had nothing to show for it. The left-hander struck out eight, did not issue a walk, and allowed only four hits. Between the second and third innings, Nolin struck out five of the six batters he faced.

Rehabbing reliver Trystan Magnuson, who spent all of 2011 at the Triple-A level and was taken off the Jays’ 40-man roster this week, gave up a season-high three earned runs in one inning of work to take the loss.

Called up from extended spring training, right-hander Bryan Longpre made his D-Jays debut, striking out a pair in a scoreless eighth.

Wins/Losses: 30-12 | Streak: W3 | 1st in MID Eastern division (6.5 GM Lead)

Lansing Lugnuts 2, Lake County Captains 1 – WP: McFarland (1-0, 0.00)

Despite managing just two hits in the game, two key unearned runs helped the Lugnuts defeat the Captains 2-1 on Saturday. With the win, Lansing became the first team in the Midwest League to reach 30 wins.

Hitting:

On a night where the Lugnuts offense was out-hit 10-2, baserunners were obviously scarce. The Lugnuts trailed 1-0 until the top of the sixth inning, when a bunt and a wild pitch advanced leadoff hitter Kellen Sweeney, who reached on a fielding error, to third. Kevin Pillar cashed Sweeney in with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 1, before Chris Hawkins roped a single to center for the Lugnuts’ first hit. Andy Burns, who has really impressed me this season, doubled to left field to score Hawkins, which wound up being the game-winning run.

Pitching:

Lugnuts starter Marcus Walden allowed one earned run on seven hits in four innings with two walks and three strikeouts to settle for the no-decision. Blake McFarland earned the win with four shutout innings of relief, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out three. Closer Ajay Meyer tossed a perfect ninth to record his league-leading 14th save of the season.

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

Highlights include a pair of wins in Las Vegas, a walk-off win in Dunedin and good pitching, as usual, from Lansing.

 Wins/Losses: 12-16 | Streak: W2 | 3rd in PCL Pacific South division (9.0 GB)

May 2: Las Vegas 51s 12, Reno Aces 4 – WP: Chavez (4-1, 2.38)

After already being ahead by three runs and scoring five more for good measure in the top of the ninth inning, the 51s topped Reno 12-4 on Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game set.

Hitting:

Outside of the 15 runs that the 51s’ offense scored on April 28, the 12 they put up against Reno was their biggest offensive showing in three weeks.

Left fielder Danny Perales exploded for a season-high four hits and four RBI, including his first home run of the season in the second inning. Cleanup hitter Moises Sierra finished 3-for-5 with three singles, a walk and an RBI, Travis d’Arnaud went 1-for-5 with a double and a walk, Yan Gomes hit a pair of singles and Ricardo Nanita hit a bases-clearing, three-run double in the ninth.

After drawing a pair of walks Tuesday night, Anthony Gose, hitting second behind Adeiny Hechavarria, drew three walks and went 1-for-2. Gose managed to rack up three RBI as well after hitting a sacrifice fly in the fourth, a RBI single in the sixth (advancing to second on the throw and promptly stealing third, his ninth bag of the year) and drawing a bases-loaded walk in the seventh.

Pitching:

51s starter Jesse Chavez was effective yet again as he limited Reno’s offense to just one earned run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings with two walks and six strikeouts to earn the win.

Though he pitched out of the bullpen for the Jays in spring training and has been a reliever for almost his entire professional career, Chavez has quietly been putting together a solid campaign as a starter for Las Vegas and could very well be on the radar to be called up to make a spot start for the Jays in the event of an injury. The California native how has a rotation-best 2.38 ERA in six starts with 21 hits and 36 strikeouts in 34 innings. The right-hander has allowed one earned run or less in each of his last three starts, and opposing hitters have managed a mere .175 average off of him so far this year.

Robert Coello gave up three earned runs on three hits with two walks while recording just two outs in relief, but Ryota Igarashi continued to impress, this time with three strikeouts in 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Chad Beck notched his second save of the season despite issuing three walks.

May 3: Las Vegas 51s 5, Reno Aces 4 – WP: Korecky (1-0, 3.50) S: Loup (1)

After scoring four runs in the first, the 51s were able to curb a late Reno rally at three to squeak away with the 5-4 victory and series win on Thursday night.

Hitting:

With some help from a throwing error from Aces third baseman Taylor Harbin, the 51s enjoyed a four-run first inning after hitting four singles and drawing a walk.

With his RBI single with the bases loaded that inning, Yan Gomes extended his hitting streak to six games. He’s hit safely in nine of his last 10 games including five multi-hit contests, and hit .385 with eight extra-base hits and a 1.147 OPS over that span. After playing third base on Tuesday and first base on Wednesday, Gomes returned behind the plate to his most familiar position at catcher for his third position in three days, and his versatility, combined with offensive performance, has to be opening eyes down in Las Vegas.

All seven of Las Vegas’ hits were singles on this unspectacular offensive night, with second baseman Ruben Gotay having the best game with a single, two RBI, a walk and two stolen bases.

Pitching:

The Blue Jays called up Joel Carreno a few days ago and since it was his night to pitch on, 51s reliever Andrew Carpenter opened the contest instead and tossed two scoreless innings. Bill Murphy allowed one earned run on four hits in three innings, Bobby Korecky earned the win after allowing no runs in two innings, and Chad Beck earned his third save of the season with a perfect ninth.

Left-handed reliever Evan Crawford, who was optioned by the Blue Jays to Triple-A earlier this week, allowed three earned runs on three hits with two walks in two thirds of an inning in his first appearance with the 51s.

Wins/Losses: 11-15 | Streak: L2 | 5th in EAS Eastern division (7.0 GB)

May 2: Reading Phillies 4, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2 – LP: Wright (0-1, 3.18)

After scoring a pair of runs early, the Fisher Cats gave up four unanswered runs as they fell to Reading 4-2 on Wednesday night.

Hitting:

It was a quiet night for New Hampshire’s bats, as their six hits were split evenly across six different hitters. Justin Jackson plated both runs with his triple in the second inning, while catcher A.J. Jimenez hit his third double of the season. Left fielder Brad McElroy went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, but he saved a run in the top of the ninth with an outfield assist on a throw to the plate.

Pitching:

Fisher Cats starter Ryan Tepera lasted only three innings and issued three walks, but allowed only a pair of earned runs on four hits. Reliever Matt Wright allowed one unearned run in two solid innings of work, but was handed the tough-luck loss after Reading center fielder reached base on a throwing error, stole second, and scored the go-ahead run on a double.

Right-hander Fernando Hernandez allowed one hit and struck out two in a pair of scoreless innings, while Danny Farquhar gave up one earned on three hits in 1 2/3 innings.

Sidearm left-hander Aaron Loup continues to thrive in his somewhat lefty specialist role, as he recorded one out in the eighth and now has not allowed a run in 13 1/3 innings this season thanks to the movement on his fastball and curveball.

May 3: Reading Phillies 8, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 6 – LP: Uviedo, 1-1, 2.84)

After taking a 5-0 lead by the end of the third inning, the Fisher Cats’ bullpen gave up the go-ahead runs in a late rally from Phillies as New Hampshire fell to Reading 8-6 on Thursday night for their third loss in the four-game series.

Hitting:

The Fisher Cats got things started right away in the first, when Ryan Goins led off with a single and Jonathan Diaz walked. First baseman Mike McDade promptly knocked in the first run with a single, before Brian Van Kirk chipped in a RBI single of his own later in the frame to put New Hampshire up 2-0.

The Fisher Cats extended their lead in the third inning, when Diaz reached base after being hit by a pitch and McDade followed that up with a two-run homer to right field, his second of the season. After Mark Sobolewski reached on an error and stole second, Van Kirk, who finished 3-for-4, cashed him in with a double for his second RBI of the game.

Pitching:

Making his third Double-A start, right-hander Casey Lawrence finished two outs shy of a quality start after he was pulled in the sixth following a leadoff single and a fly out. Matt Daly came on in relief and quickly allowed a pair of singles around a wild pitch that let Lawrence’s runner score. Overall, Lawrence was charged with three earned runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings with no walks and three strikeouts.

Daly also walked a batter and was charged with an earned run of his own, so he was pulled in favor of Aaron Loup after failing to record an out. Loup got his fourth hold of the year with a scoreless inning of work, before Clint Everts allowed his first run of the season and Ronald Uviedo allowed three runs (two earned) late in the game to get tagged with the loss.

Wins/Losses: 20-7 | Streak: W2 | 1st in FSL North division (6.0 GM lead)

May 2: Dunedin Blue Jays 6, Clearwater Threshers 4 – WP: Barnes (1-0, 2.25)

After tying the game with a two-run seventh inning, the D-Jays scored two more in the bottom of the ninth to walk off with the 6-4 victory over Lakeland on Wednesday night at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

Hitting:

Ryan Schimpf was the hero in this game, twice! The 24-year-old smacked a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game, and then with one out and a runner on, smacked his second two-run homer of the game to right field that put the Jays ahead to walk off with the win. Schimpf has hit three home runs in his last five games and 10 of his 18 hits this season have been for extra bases, so the 5-foot-9, 181-pound second baseman has been showcasing some unexpected power as of late.

Kevin Nolan was the only other Dunedin Jay to record a multi-hit game, hitting two singles with a walk and a RBI.

Pitching:

Dunedin starter John Stilson was capped at three innings in a strong performance, allowing one earned run on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts. His only mistake came in the third inning when he surrendered a two-out solo home run to Lakeland third baseman Nick Castellanos, who currently leads the ALL of the minor leagues with a .426 batting average. The homer was the first one off Stilson this season, and the right-hander has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his six starts.

May 3: Dunedin Blue Jays 5, Lakeland Flying Tigers 3 – WP: Nolin (4-0, 2.76) S: Barnes (10)

After giving up a run in each of the first three frames, the D-Jays were able to hold Lakeland off the scoreboard for the final six innings to hang on for a 5-3 on Thursday night.

Hitting:

Dunedin’s offense was out-hit 14-7, with catcher Jack Murphy going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Michael Crouse roped a two-run double, Marcus Knecht went 2-for-4 with a double, and Kevin Nolan hit a double of his own while also stealing his fourth base of the season. Both Knecht’s and Nolan’s doubles were their eighth on the year.

Pitching:

Going up against Lakeland starter and Detroit Tigers top prospect Jacob Turner, Sean Nolin put together another solid outing for Dunedin and improved to 4-0 on the season. He gave up three runs (two earned) on nine hits in five innings, with four strikeouts and one walk.

Dayton Marze allowed two strikeouts and struck out one in 1 1/3 scoreless innings, Boomer Potts walked the only batter he faced, and Scott Gracey collected three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings. Danny Barnes, one of my personal favorites, allowed two hits in a scoreless ninth to earn his 10th save of the season.

Wins/Losses: 19-8 | Streak: L1 | 1st in MID Eastern division (3.0 GM lead)

May 2: Great Lakes Loons 7, Lansing Lugnuts 1 – LP: DeSclafani (2-1, 3.32)

Held in check by Great Lakes starter Jarrett Martin, the Lugnuts couldn’t get anything going offensively and ultimately fell to the Loons 7-1 on Wednesday night.

Hitting:

The Lugnuts managed only one run on five hits, though three were of the extra base variety. Andy Burns and Kevin Pillar each slapped doubles, while Kenny Wilson hit his second home run of the season in the ninth inning to plate the only run of the game for Lansing and break the shutout.

Pitching:

Throwing a season-high four innings, Lugnuts starter Anthony DeSclafani ran into trouble early when he gave up a leadoff single, threw a wild pitch, and committed a throwing error on a grounder to put runners on the corners with nobody out. Another single, error (from Burns), and double followed that sequence, putting Great Lakes up 2-0 in the process. A ground out and double play swiftly ended the inning, but without allowing another run to score to put the Lugnuts in a 3-0 hole early.

Though DeSclafani had 1-2-3 innings in the second and fourth, he ran into more trouble in the third, when a single and double scored another run. A passed ball from catcher Carlos Perez and a walk put runners on the corners once again, but DeSclafani induced a pop out to end the threat, finishing the night having allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits with one walk and one strikeout. It was the third time this season that DeSclafani had been scored on in an outing.

Noah Syndergaard came on in relief and was close to recording another dominant, run-free outing. After giving up a leadoff single in the fifth, Syndergaard struck out the side swinging before stranding a runner in a scoreless sixth. Then, after retiring the first two batters he faced in the seventh, Syndergaard got the next batter to pop up into foul territory along first base, but Pillar ended up dropping the ball and the inning continued.

That proved to be costly, as Syndergaard served up a two-run home run followed by a single and double that scored three runs in total. After getting his fifth swinging strikeout of the night to end the inning, Syndergaard finished the night having allowed three runs (all unearned) on five hits with one walk, five strikeouts and a home run.

May 3: Lansing Lugnuts 6, Great Lakes Loons 5 – WP: Champlin (2-1, 3.71) S: Meyer (10)

In a wild, back-and-forth affair that saw the lead change four times and neither team lead by more than one run, the Lugnuts were able to come out on top with the 6-5 victory over Great Lakes on Thursday night.

Hitting:

Hitting second in the order for only the second time this season, left fielder Chris Hawkins paced the Lugnuts offense with a 3-for-5 showing that included a double and a RBI. The double was the Lugnuts only extra-base hit, but first baseman K.C. Hobson chipped in with a RBI single and Carlos Perez also recorded a RBI despite going 0-for-4.

The Lugnuts continued to be active on the base paths, as second baseman Jonathon Berti swiped two bags to bring his season total to 10, right fielder Kevin Pillar stole his ninth bag of the year, and Hawkins also chipped in with a theft, his fourth of the season. Two of the four bags that the three Lugnuts combined to steal were thefts of third base.

Pitching:

Left-handed Lugnuts starter David Rollins didn’t seem to have his best stuff but still put together a good outing. Although he gave up a season-high three runs, only two were earned and he allowed just three hits in 3 2/3 innings. Keeping up with his impressive strikeout totals, the Texas native fanned five, bringing him to 31 in 27 innings so far this season (10.3 K/9).

Kramer Champlin earned the win after allowing a pair of earned runs on three hits and a walk in 2 1/3 innings, while lefty Tyler Ybarra earned his third hold of the season after getting four strikeouts in two strong innings. Stud closer Ajay Meyer struck out the side around a base hit in a scoreless ninth to earn his Midwest League-leading 10^th save.

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

 Wins/Losses: 10-15 | Streak: W4 | 3rd in PCL Pacific South division (9.0 GB)

Las Vegas 51s 8, Reno Aces 7 (WP: Korecky, 1-0 | S: Igarashi, 1)

After taking the lead with five runs in the fourth only to find themselves tied after five innings, the 51s benefited from great relief pitching and the go-ahead run in the seventh frame to top the Aces 8-7 on Monday night in the opener of a four-game series.

Hitting:

Leading the 51s’ offense was Adeiny Hechavarria who, while leading off, went 2-for-4 with a walk and a two-out grand slam in the fourth inning. His four RBI were a season-high, and the home run was his 11th extra-base hit of the season, bringing his triple-slash line up to .311/.357/.443. Yan Gomes, getting a start at first base, flexed his muscle once again with a 3-for-5 night that included his 10th double and second home run of the season. Travis d’Arnaud also went 3-for-5 and Anthony Gose, hitting second, went 2-for-5 and stole his eighth base of the year.

Pitching:

51s starter Tim Redding tied a season-high with seven earned runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings of work. He struck out two while walking a pair, and gave up a solo home run in the fifth. While Redding’s outing was his longest of the season, I’m not exactly sure why Toronto is continuing to give him innings, as opposing hitters are hitting .431 off of him (not a typo) in five starts and he has a 12.56 ERA on the season so far.

The 51s’ bullpen picked up their starter, however, as Bobby Korecky got the win after coming on in relief of Redding to throw 1 2/3 scoreless innings without allowing a hit. Jerry Gil tossed a scoreless seventh and Robert Coello struck out the side around a base hit in a scoreless eighth.

Ryota Igarashi notched his first save of the season after striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning, and if the Blue Jays are thinking about making him Las Vegas’ closer, I like the idea. Igarashi, acquired by the Jays for cash at the very end of spring training, has 15 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings and has limited opposing hitters to a .154 average (six hits). He also has not surrendered a home run and currently has a 1.59 ERA this season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Wins/Losses: 10-13 | Streak: L1 | 5th in EAS Eastern division (6.0 GB)

Reading Phillies 3, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2 (LP: McGuire, 1-4)

Despite out-hitting the Phillies, the Fisher Cats gave up three unanswered runs to blow a 2-0 lead and ultimately fall 3-2 to Reading on Monday night.

Hitting:

Offensively, Jonathan Diaz, John Tolisano and Brian Van Kirk all had multi-hit games, with Diaz and Ryan Goins supplying the club’s lone RBIs. Center fielder Brad McElroy reached base twice with a single and a walk, and went 1-for-2 in stolen base attempts. Overall, it appears as though the Fisher Cats were outmatched, as they failed to record an extra-base hit and could barely muster any kind of rally.

Pitching:

Going up against Trevor May, the Phillies’ No. 1 prospect, Fisher Cats starter Deck McGuire dueled with him until the sixth, when four Reading hits led to a two-run frame that tied the game. Then in the seventh, a wild pitch from McGuire allowed a runner to advance to second before a two-out single cashed in what eventually became the game-winning run. McGuire was handed the hard-luck loss, having allowed three earned runs on eight hits in a quality start, but only recorded two strikeouts. In five starts this year, the 2010 first round pick has a 7.18 ERA and opposing batters are hitting .330 off of him.

Danny Farquhar and Aaron Loup did not allow a hit in a combined 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief.

Wins/Losses: 18-6 | Streak: L1 | 1st in FSL North division (0.0 GB)

Tampa Yankees 6, Dunedin Blue Jays 4 – F/10 (LP: Griffith, 3-1)

After giving up the tying run in the sixth inning, the D-Jays were stunned in extras and lost 6-4 to the Tampa Yankees on Monday night.

Hitting:

Dunedin was outhit 15-7 in this contest, and 27-year-old outfielder Kenen Bailli was the only player to get more than one. Leadoff hitter Jake Marisnick hit his third triple of the season, Sean Ochinko cashed in a pair and hit his seventh double of the season and Gabe Jacobo went 1-for-3 with a single and an intentional walk.

Defensively, Marisnick doubled up a runner at third base in the seventh for an outfield assist, while Canadian outfielder Marcus Knecht also notched an assist with a throw to second base in the 10th.

Pitching:

Dunedin starter Sam Dyson allowed three earned runs on seven hits in five relatively strong innings, with two walks and one strikeout. Reliever Dayton Marze was handed the blown save after giving up the game-tying run in his first of two innings of work, while Dustin Antolin and Boomer Potts each threw a scoreless frame. Shawn Griffith was handed his first loss of the season after giving up the game-winning runs in the top of the 10th inning on three hits.

Wins/Losses: 18-6 | Streak: W1 | 1st in MID Eastern division (0.0 GB)

*Cancelled* — Lansing Lugnuts vs. Clinton LumberKings

Via a press release on the Lugnuts’ official website:

“The Lansing Lugnuts (18-6) and Clinton LumberKings’ (10-14) scheduled Monday night series finale has been canceled due to field conditions and rain. It will not be made up. … The Lugnuts enjoy an off-day on Tuesday, May 1st, before traveling to Great Lakes to take on the Loons in a three-game set at Dow Diamond.”

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

 Wins/Losses: 1-5 | Streak: L3 | T-3rd in PCL Pacific South division (4.0 GB)

Fresno Grizzlies 10, Las Vegas 51s 5 (LP: Pino, 0-1)

It’s hard to come back when you’re down 8-0 after three innings, but that was the case for the 51s as a six-run third sealed their fate in their 10-5 loss to Fresno on Tuesday night.

Hitting:

Las Vegas mounted a late rally with a total of five runs in the sixth and seventh innings combined, led by Travis Snider, who finished 1-for-5 on the night but knocked a two-run double. Travis d’Arnaud went 2-for-4 with a double in the cleanup spot, Adeiny Hechavarria went 3-for-5 with two RBI hitting second, and Mike McCoy went 1-for-2 with two runs scored and a pair of walks at the very bottom of the batting order.

Pitching:

Making his first start since being called up to Triple-A, Las Vegas starter Yohan Pino was shelled for eight earned runs on 10 hits in just three innings of work. He struck out a pair and did not issue a walk, but gave up four doubles and a triple. Reliever Clint Everts righted the ship after that, though, allowing just one hit in three scoreless innings, before Bobby Korecky gave up a pair of earned runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings. Robert Coello closed things out with 1 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts around a pair of hits.

Wins/Losses: 3-2 | Streak: W1 | 2nd in EAS Eastern division (1.5 GB)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3, Reading Phillies 2 (WP: Hutchison, 2-0)

Despite a late scare from two Reading home runs, the Fisher Cats were able to make a winner out of their starter and top the Phillies 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Hitting:

Right fielder Brad Glenn went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and hit his first home run of the season, a two-out solo shot in the second inning, while Mark Sobolewski went 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI hitting seventh. Mike McDade‘s double was New Hampshire’s only other extra-base hit, and their offense finished with three runs on nine hits.

Pitching:

Despite not recording a single strikeout, Fisher Cats starter Drew Hutchison kept the Phillies scoreless in six strong innings, allowing eight hits and one walk. Danny Farquhar and Aaron Loup each recorded holds after combining to throw a scoreless seventh, while Ronald Uviedo made things interesting by letting Reading make it a one-run game with solo homers in the eighth and ninth.

Wins/Losses: 4-1 | Streak: W2 | 1st in FSL North division (0.0 GB)

Dunedin Blue Jays 4, Daytona Cubs 2 (WP: Gracey, 1-1 | S: Barnes, 3)

After their bats were silenced for the game’s first seven innings, the D-Jays’ offense woke up with a four-run eighth to take the lead and steal a 4-2 win over Daytona on Tuesday night.

Hitting:

Dunedin hitters left a runner on base in each of the first six innings before erupting with all of their offense in the top of the eighth. Leadoff hitter Jonathan Jones reached on a throwing error and advanced to second before Sean Ochinko and Marcus Knecht hit back-to-back doubles to quickly tie the game at 2. After another Daytona throwing error allowed Kevin Nolan to reach base and Knecht to score, Ryan Schimpf doubled Nolan home to put Dunedin up 4-2 before being thrown out at third trying to leg the hit into a triple.

Pitching:

Dunedin starter Casey Lawrence gave up the only runs of the game and finished his outing with two earned runs on nine hits in six innings with one walk  and two strikeouts. Scott Gracey earned the win in relief after tossing a scoreless seventh, Matt Wright and Dustin Antolin both recorded holds after combining for a scoreless eighth, and D-Jays closer Danny Barnes recorded his third save of the season after a scoreless ninth despite allowing a hit and issuing two walks.

Wins/Losses: 5-0 | Streak: W5 | 1st in MID Eastern division (0.0 GB)

Lansing Lugnuts 6, Dayton Dragons 2 (WP: Hernandez, 1-0)

Thanks to a dominant performance by Lugnuts starter and Michigan native Jesse Hernandez, Lansing was able to cruise to a 6-2 win over Dayton on Tuesday night and match their best start in franchise history at 5-0.

Hitting:

The Lugnuts broke a 0-0 tie with five runs in the top of the fifth, kicked off by a two-run home run by shortstop Andy Burns.  Markus Brisker and Kenny Wilson kept the inning alive with back-to-back two-out walks before executing a successful double steal to advance into scoring position. Lugnuts catcher Carlos Perez singled them both home to put Lansing up 4-0, and later scored on a K.C. Hobson RBI single for another valuable insurance run.

Pitching:

The story of the game was Hernandez, though, who allowed just one hit in seven scoreless innings of work, with one walk and a career-high eight strikeouts. He induced ground ball outs from the first five batters he faced before striking out four of his next six. After retiring 11 consecutive batters, the only “blemish” on Hernandez’s night was the single that he allowed in the fourth inning before retiring nine of his final 10 batters.

Making his second outing of the year, left-hander Tyler Ybarra gave up two runs (one earned) in two innings of relief, failing to record a strikeout while issuing two walks.

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

 Wins/Losses: 1-4 | Streak: L2 | T-3rd in PCL Pacific South division (2.0 GB)

Fresno Grizzlies 9, Las Vegas 51s 3 (LP: Richmond, 0-1)

The 51s managed to take a 2-0 lead in the third inning, but nine unanswered Fresno runs ultimately doomed them as they fell to the Grizzlies 9-3 on Monday night.

Hitting:

Despite every single 51s player outside of Travis d’Arnaud managing at least one hit, the 51s’ offense went just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and managed only three extra-base hits. Moises Sierra cranked his second home run of the season, a solo home run in the ninth, Travis Snider roped a two-run double and both David Cooper and Adeiny Hechavarria each had multi-hit games. Hechavarria also stole his first base of the year early in the game.

Pitching:

After lasting just one inning in his first start, 51s starter Scott Richmond didn’t fare to well at all in this contest, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits in five innings of work. He issued one walk, struck out three, hit a batter and also gave up a home run, a grand slam to Fresno shortstop Joaquin Arias in the fifth inning.

Fresno was able to tack on a few more runs later in the game, as 51s reliever Andrew Carpenter gave up two earned runs on a pair of solo homers with one strikeout in three innings of work, while right-hander Jerry Gil tossed a scoreless ninth with a pair of strikeouts.

Wins/Losses: 2-2 | Streak: L2 | 2nd in EAS Eastern division (1.5 GB)

Reading Phillies 5, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2 (LP: Cecil, 0-1)

Brett Cecil made his first Double-A start since being optioned to the minors, but Reading just notched too many hits as the Fisher Cats dropped the opener of a three-game set 5-2 on Monday night.

Hitting:

First baseman Mike McDade continued his solid start to the year with a 2-for-4 showing, but center fielder Justin Jackson stole the show with a 3-for-4 night that included his first double and triple of the season. He finished a home run short of the cycle but managed one RBI on the night, and brought his average on the season up to .417. Speedy left fielder Brad McElroy also went 2-for-4 hitting ninth and stole his first bag of the year, while second baseman Jonathan Diaz stole his fourth and fifth bases of the season by advancing to third.

Pitching:

Making his first Double-A start in years, Cecil gave up three runs in the first three innings before giving up a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Cecil finished the night having allowed five runs (four earned) on 11 hits in 6 2/3 innings, but did not walk a batter and racked up seven strikeouts. Fellow left-hander Evan Crawford kept New Hampshire in the game with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, giving up one hit.

Wins/Losses: 3-1 | Streak: W1 | 1st in FSL North division (0.0 GB)

Dunedin Blue Jays 8, Daytona Cubs 7 (WP: Dyson, 1-0 | S: Barnes, 2)

After taking a commanding 6-0 lead by the middle of the second inning, the D-Jays managed to hold off a late Daytona rally and escape with the 8-7 win on Monday night.

Hitting:

The top of Dunedin’s order did it all in this one, led by a 2-for-4, 4 RBI night by cleanup hitter Marcus Knecht. Leadoff hitter Jake Marisnick went 2-for-5 with a double, a walk and a stolen base, while two-hitter Jonathan Jones went 3-for-5 with two RBI. Right fielder Michael Crouse was held hitless in four at-bats, but managed to draw a walk and steal second base.

Pitching:

Making his first professional start since being drafted in 2010 and after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, Dunedin starter Sam Dyson got the win after allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits in six strong innings. He did not issue a walk while notching four strikeouts. He tossed a wild pitch and hit a batter, but his only mistake was the three-run home run that he allowed in the third inning.

Reliever Dustin Antolin ran into some trouble in the seventh, giving up three earned runs on three hits and a walk in just 2/3 of the frame, but Boomer Potts limited the damage and combined with Dayton Marze and Danny Barnes to toss 2 1/3 scoreless innings with Dunedin clinging to a one-run lead.

Wins/Losses: 4-0 | Streak: W4 | 1st in MID Eastern division (0.0 GB)

Lansing Lugnuts 8, Dayton Dragons 0 (WP: Sanchez, 1-0)

Thanks to strong pitching once again, the Lugnuts were able to stay undefeated and shut out the Dayton Dragons 8-0 on Monday night.

Hitting:

Every batter in the Lansing lineup managed to record a base hit, as the Lugnuts’ 14-hit attack included three home runs and three doubles. Making his season debut after spending 2011 with the Lugnuts, first baseman K.C. Hobson went 3-for-5 batting cleanup with a double and three RBI, while Kenny Wilson, Chris Hawkins and Kevin Patterson all hit solo home runs. Right fielder Kevin Pillar went 2-for-5 with a double and a RBI.

Pitching:

Making their first outings of the year, pitchers Justin Nicolino and Aaron Sanchez looked every bit like the top prospects that they are. Nicolino started the game, throwing three shutout innings with five strikeouts and without allowing a single hit or walk, while Sanchez earned the win after also tossing three shutout frames but allowing one hit and a pair of walks. Relievers Blake McFarland and Brandon Berl combined to throw three scoreless innings and close out the lopsided contest.

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

Notes include seven home runs against the Fisher Cats in New Hampshire, a hard-luck, extra-innings loss for a Dunedin Jays roster that gets more exciting every day, and lots of speed on the base paths that led to some timely runs for Lansing.

 Wins/Losses: 1-3 | Streak: L2 | T-3rd in PCL Pacific South division (2.0 GB)

April 7 – Sacramento River Cats 10, Las Vegas 51s 8 (LP: Murphy, 0-1)

After taking the lead in the sixth only to give up the tying run in the eighth, the 51s put together a two-out rally to walk off with a 4-3 win over Sacramento in extra innings on Friday night

Hitting:

Moises Sierra put together a nice game, cranking his first home run of the season, a two-out, solo shot in the sixth. In addition to his homer and RBI, Sierra finished the night 2-for-3 with three runs scored, a double and walk. Third baseman Yan Gomes — yes you read that right — went 2-for-4 with three RBI, while Danny Perales and Ricardo Nanita each added a double.

Pitching:

The star-studded rotation in Las Vegas continued to show itself on Saturday (note: sarcasm), as left-hander Bill Murphy, who previously played for the Jays and the 51s in 2009, gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, walking a pair and striking out three. It didn’t help that he was up against Brad Peacock, one of the pitchers Oakland acquired in the Gio Gonzalez trade and the No. 36 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America, either. Another former 51, Merkin Valdez, earned the save for the River Cats.

Clint Everts had his own troubles coming on in relief, as he surrendered three earned runs on a whopping seven hits in just 1 1/3 innings of work, while Bobby Korecky gave up a pair of earned runs on two hits in two innings of work as well. Jerry Gil tossed a scoreless eighth around a walk and a base hit, while Robert Coello struck out the side in a perfect ninth.

April 8 – Sacramento River Cats 10, Las Vegas 51s 3 (LP: Redding, 0-1)

As the only Jays affiliate in action on Easter Sunday, Las Vegas pitchers gave up 10 runs for the second consecutive night as they fell to 1-3 on the season with a 10-3 loss to Sacramento at Cashman Field.

Hitting

Las Vegas DH Ricardo Nanita supplied the bulk of the offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, a run scored and one walk, while Ruben Gotay, another name I wasn’t expecting to see in the Jays organization, went 2-for-4 hitting ninth. Batting cleanup, Moises Sierra went 0-for-2 and committed his second fielding error of the season, but also drew two walks, while left fielder Danny Perales hit a double, the 51s’ only extra-base hit of the game.

Leadoff hitter Anthony Gose went 1-for-4 with a walk, but was caught stealing for the second time this season in the first inning as he continues to search for his first Triple-A stolen base.

Pitching:

To be completely honest, I had no idea that 51s starter Tim Redding was even on the roster, let alone part of the Blue Jays organization at all. After splitting the 2011 season playing for the Phillies’ and Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliates, Redding, 34, was shelled for eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits with one walk and one home run in 3 and 2/3 innings to take the loss.

Ryota Igarashi tossed another 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with three strikeouts to keep his ERA at zero, while Jim Hoey did not allow a hit in 1 2/3 innings of work but did walk three and toss a wild pitch, eventually being charged with two earned runs. Chad Beck, another lone bright spot of the 51s’ pitching staff, tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings around two hits and a walk.

Wins/Losses: 2-1 | Streak: L1 | 2nd in EAS Eastern division (1.5 GB)

April 8 – OFF DAY

April 7 – Trenton Thunder 11, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2 (LP: McGuire, 0-1)

It’s hard to win a ball game when your offense gives you just four singles, but it’s even harder when your opponents hit seven home runs and your starter gives up eight earned runs . All of those things happened to the Fisher Cats on Saturday, as they were handed their first loss of the season to Trenton 11-2 in a game they’d like to forget.

Hitting

Kevin Howard, Brad Glenn, Mike McDade and Koby Clemens were the lucky ducks to each hit a single on an otherwise terrible day for New Hampshire’s hitters. Glenn also drew a pair of walks and stole his first base of the season, while Jonathan Diaz stole his third bag of the year as well.

Pitching:

In what 2010 first round pick Deck McGuire called the worst outing of his career, the Virginia native was shelled for eight earned runs on 11 hits in five innings with two walks and six strikeouts. He was also hit hard, as eight of those 11 hits were for extra bases, including a staggering five solo home runs, three of which were hit back-to-back-to-back to open the bottom half of the third inning.

Reliever but apparent starting rotation member Ryan Tepera tossed two innings of relief, surrendering three earned runs on four hits including, wait for it, two home runs. Fernando Hernandez mopped up the leftovers with a scoreless eighth.

Wins/Losses: 2-1 | Streak: L1 | T-2nd in FSL North division (1.0 GB)

April 8 – OFF DAY

April 7 – Clearwater Threshers 8, Dunedin Blue Jays 7 (F/11) (LP: Gracey, 0-1)

Trailing 7-5 after seven innings, a game-tying, two-run rally in the eighth to force extra innings wasn’t enough, as they were narrowly handed their first loss of the season by the Threshers 8-7 on Saturday.

Hitting:

Despite never having the lead in the game, Dunedin’s bats were persistent enough to constantly keep the club within striking distance. The D-Jays finally got on the board with a two-out rally in the third, when stud center fielder Jake Marisnick slapped a ground-rule double to right-center before Jonathan Jones reached on a fielding error and Marcus Knecht walked to load the bases. Cleanup hitter Kevin Nolan made no mistake, as he ripped a two-run, line-drive single to left to cut the Threshers’ lead to one.

Then in the sixth, against former Blue Jays prospect Frank Gailey, Jack Murphy walked to once again load the bases with two outs and, once again, the D-Jays pulled through as Marisnick smacked his second double of the game, a two-run knock to right to use the whole field once again. Then with runners on second and third with one out in the bottom half of the eighth, the Jays were gift-wrapped their game-tying runs after a fielding error and wild pitch from the Threshers.

Second baseman Ryan Schimpf quietly put together a solid game, going 2-for-3 with a pair of walks before being lifted for pinch runner Ivan Contreras, who wound up getting caught stealing. Michael Crouse went 1-for-4 with two walks and two runs scored as well. If I’m Dunedin manager Mike Redmond, I’m pretty excited about seeing this team over the course of a full season, even after just three games.

Pitching:

Up against Jesse Biddle, one of Philadelphia’s top pitching prospects, highly-regarded Blue Jays pitching prospect Asher Wojciechowski was roughed up in his first outing of the season, giving up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits in four innings of work with one walk and two strikeouts. He did not give up a home run, but was bitten by a two-out, two-run single in the first inning before three-straight hits opened a three-run fourth inning for the 23-year-old.

The D-Jays’ bullpen was stellar in relief, as Mat Wright, Dayton Marze, Boomer Potts, Danny Barnes and Scott Gracey combined to throw six scoreless innings to keep their team in the game. Gracey, however, wound up taking the loss after giving up a pair of singles and the game-winning run to Clearwater in the 11th.

Wins/Losses: 3-0 | Streak: W3 | 1st in MID Eastern division (0.0 GB)

April 8 – OFF DAY

April 7 – Game 1: Lansing Lugnuts 4, Great Lakes Loons 2 (F/7) (WP: Champlin, 1-0 | S: Meyer, 2)

Cramming the final two contests of a three-game set into a doubleheader due to the Lugnuts’ annual Crosstown Showdown, the Lugnuts took the first seven-inning affair on Saturday thanks to some solid pitching and timely hitting.

Hitting:

After the Lugnuts found themselves trailing 1-0 after the top half of the first, Kenny Wilson and Jonathon Berti took it upon themselves to get a rally started and open the frame with back-to-back walks. Unfortunately Carlos Perez grounded into a double play to somewhat end the threat, but Kevin Pillar was able to cash in Wilson with a two-out single to tie the game at 1. Pillar wound up advancing to third on a stolen base and a throwing error, but Lugnuts first baseman Kevin Patterson was unable to cash him in.

The Lugnuts manufactured their second run in the bottom half of the second inning, where Markus Brisker got himself on base with a leadoff single before stealing second and third to put himself in position for the sacrifice fly from shortstop Andrew Burns that put Lansing up 2-1. Pillar stole another bag in the fourth inning before scoring, and Burns notched his second RBI of the game with a two-out single in the sixth to put the Lugnuts up 4-2.

Pillar and Patterson each finished the night 2-for-3 with a RBI, and speed was the deciding factor for the Lugnuts in this one as they swiped five bags overall.

Pitching:

No. 50 on our top 50 prospects list and making his full-season debut with the Lugnuts was 22-year-old starter David Rollins, who put together a solid outing, limiting the Loons to a pair of earned runs on five hits in four innings with five strikeouts and two walks.  Rollins showed great composure in the top of the second inning where, after walking Jesus Arredondo (his second free pass of the inning) to load the bases following a double steal, he struck out the next batter to end the inning and keep the game tied.

Kramer Champlin, a 6-foot-6 right-hander that closed out 2011 with the Vancouver Canadians, earned the win after pitching two shutout innings of relief, allowing just one hit. Ajay Meyer earned his second save in as many games as he closed things out with a scoreless seventh.

April 7 – Game 2: Lansing Lugnuts 4, Great Lakes Loons 3 (F/8) (WP: Avendano, 1-0)

Scoring four runs for the second time in one day proved to be enough once again, as the Lugnuts edged out the Loons 4-3 in extra innings on Saturday to complete the sweep of both the doubleheader and the three-game series.

Hitting:

A three-run second inning almost held up for the Lugnuts, where first baseman Bryson Namba and backup catcher Pierce Rankin opened the frame with back-to-back singles before Markus Brisker drew a walk to load the bases with one out for Kellen Sweeney. Sweeney, who entered the game 0-for-4, roped a bases-clearing double to right field to snag all three RBIs, but was thrown out at third trying to stretch the hit into a triple. He finished the day 2-for-3.

Namba also finished the day 2-for-3, when his single in the eighth inning turned out to be the game-winner after it plated Kevin Pillar who had stolen second base after drawing a one-out walk. The Lugnuts stole another three bags in this game, and Wilson, Berti and Pillar are turning into quite the three-headed monster for opposing pitchers on the base paths.

Pitching:

Returning to the Lugnuts after logging 100 innings for them in 2011, 23-year-old right-hander Marcus Walden kept Great Lakes in check, limiting them to just three hits over five innings with four innings. He did, however, walk three batters, one of which scored in the first inning, and was also the victim of a squeeze bunt in the fifth so he finished with two earned runs on his pitching line.

A newcomer to the Blue Jays organization after spending his entire minor league career with in the St. Louis Cardinals’ system, Javier Avendano tossed three strong innings in the first A-ball appearance of his career. He was charged with blowing the save in the sixth inning after a dropped popup in foul territory by Namba led to an unearned run that tied the game, but overall the right-hander allowed just two hits without a single walk in his three innings.

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

 Wins/Losses: 1-1 | Streak: W1 | T-1st in PCL Pacific South division (0.0 GB)

Las Vegas 51s 4, Sacramento River Cats 3 (WP: Gil, 1-0)

After taking the lead in the sixth only to give up the tying run in the eighth, the 51s put together a two-out rally to walk off with a 4-3 win over Sacramento in extra innings on Friday night.

Hitting:

Travis Snider was the star of the game, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one walk. He belted his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to left center field in the sixth, to put the 51s up 3-2, before knocking a two-out single up the middle in the 10^th inning and eventually scoring the game-winning run.

Adeiny Hechavarria had a pair of hits once again along with a RBI and a walk, while Travis d’Arnaud and Mike McCoy each chipped in with a single, a walk and a stolen base. David Cooper was 0-for-4 leading up to his final at-bat in the 10^th inning, when he plated Snider with a RBI single up the middle.

Leadoff hitter Anthony Gose recorded the first Triple-A hit of his career, a single in the third, and finished the game 1-for-5 with a strikeout and three groundouts. He also made a heads-up defensive play in the top of the fifth, throwing out Sacramento first baseman Daric Barton trying to advance from first to third.

While the 51s did manage to squeak out the victory, it wasn’t their best night offensively. They were limited to three runs on seven hits prior to their 10^th-inning rally, and Snider’s home run was their only extra-base hit of the game.

Pitching:

Facing Oakland’s No. 1 prospect Jarrod Parker, 51s starter Jesse Chavez kept his team in the game, allowing two earned runs on four hits with seven strikeouts in four innings of work.

Andrew Carpenter and newly-acquired right-hander Ryota Igarashi combined to toss three scoreless frames before Jim Hoey blew the save in the eighth, hurling a wild pitch and allowing the River Cats to tie the game. Jerry Gil threw a scoreless 10^th inning to earn the win.

Wins/Losses: 2-0 | Streak: W2 | 2nd in EAS Eastern division (0.5 GB)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3, Trenton Thunder 1 (WP: Jenkins, 1-0 | S: Loup, 1)

The Thunder managed to plate a quick run in the first inning off a solo home run, but were held scoreless the rest of the way as New Hampshire went on to defeat Trenton 3-1 on Friday and guarantee the series win.

Hitting:

On a night where they could only muster three runs, the Fisher Cats’ offense was led by first baseman Mike McDade, who went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Second baseman Jonathan Diaz went 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base, his second in as many nights, and Ryan Goins also went 2-for-4 but with a double.

Catcher A.J. Jimenez went 0-for-4 at the dish but drew a walk, and made the most of it by snagging his second stolen base of the season.

Pitching:

Fisher Cats starter Chad Jenkins made one mistake inside to Trenton leadoff hitter Abraham Almonte, who deposited the pitch into the right field seats to temporarily put the Thunder up 1-0. He coasted after that, though, finishing the game having allowed just one earned run on five hits with a pair of strikeouts and no walks. Jenkins did, however, receive some help from his catcher Jimenez in the fifth, when he alertly picked off a baserunner that reached base on a missed catch by McDade. The move proved valuable because the next batter, Almonte once again, doubled to right and could have cashed in the runner.

Matt Daly, Danny Farquhar and Aaron Loup combined to toss three perfect innings of relief with five strikeouts between them.

Wins/Losses: 2-0 | Streak: W2 | T-1st in FSL North division (0.0 GB)

Dunedin Blue Jays 5, Clearwater Threshers 0 (WP: Nolin, 1-0)

The Dunedin Blue Jays found out the easy way that pitching wins you ball games, as three hurlers combined to shut out the Threshers 5-0 on Friday and

Hitting:

Led by center fielder Jake Marisnick (that’s something I’m sure you’ll hear a lot this season) who went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and two runs scored in the leadoff spot, the D-Jays tacked on runs early and never looked back.

Sean Ochinko and Kevin Ahrens each added a double, Michael Crouse hit Dunedin’s first triple of the year and Jonathan Jones went 2-for-5, his second night in a row with a multi-hit game.

Pitching:

Up against Brody Colvin, one of Philadelphia’s top pitching prospects, D-Jays starter Sean Nolin cruised through six shutout innings, limiting the Threshers to just four hits with two strikeouts and two walks.

Egan Smith, who was a mainstay in the Lansing Lugnuts’ rotation last year, came on in relief to allow only one hit and one walk in two scoreless innings, and Dustin Antolin closed things out in the ninth with a scoreless inning of his own.

Wins/Losses: 1-0 | Streak: W1 | 3rd in MID Eastern division (0.5 GB)

Lansing Lugnuts 3, Great Lakes Loons 2 (WP: Berl, 1-0 | S: Meyer, 1)

Opening their season in the friendly confines of Cooley Law School Stadium, the Lugnuts’ exciting pitching staff was on full display, but a late rally wound up giving them the 3-2 victory on Friday night.

Hitting:

Runs were hard to come by for both teams and the Lugnuts were actually outhit by the Loons 7-4, though the Loons did commit four errors on the night, including three by their starting pitcher Jarret Martin.

Two Great Lakes errors practically handed the Lugnuts their first run of the game in the first inning, when catcher Carlos Perez singled home Kenny Wilson, who walked but advanced all the way to third courtesy of some shady fielding by the Loons. Kevin Pillar managed to score the Lugnuts’ second run of the game on a throwing error in the fourth inning, and after yet another error in the eighth, Kevin Patterson singled home the game-winning run to put the Lugs ahead 3-2.

Markus Brisker went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, leadoff hitter Kenny Wilson went 0-for-2 with two walks and Kellen Sweeney went 0-for-1 with an intentional walk and a hit-by-pitch. After being picked off at first base, Sweeney went down holding his right leg and went straight to the clubhouse afterward.

Pitching:

Highly-touted right-hander Noah Syndergaard started the game for the Lugnuts and looked exactly like a top pitching prospect. In addition to hitting high-90’s with his fastball and even apparently touching 100 mph, he featured a mid-80’s changeup and fanned six batters in three scoreless innings of work, allowing just a pair of singles.

Making his professional debut, sixth-round pick Anthony DeSclafani was just as impressive as Syndergaard, as he too allowed just two hits in three scoreless innings, but with four strikeouts and without walking a batter.

Tyler Ybarra gave up Great Lakes’ only runs of the game and allowed them to tie the game in the seventh when he gave up a leadoff single and issued back-to-back walks to load the bases with nobody out. He almost managed to escape the inning unscathed, but gave up a two-run single before ending the frame.

Brandon Berl got the win after pitching a scoreless eighth, and Ajay Meyer notched his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth.

-JM

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal ), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!