Complete Minor League Recap: April 16

With the Fisher Cats and Lugnuts both having their games postponed, here’s a recap of the two Jays affiliates that were in action on April 16, the 51s and the Dunedin Blue Jays:

Las Vegas 51s 7, Fresno Grizzlies 0

Hitting:

David Cooper led the way with a 2-for-4 day including a double and 2 RBIs, while Eric Thames added two extra base hits, his 6th double of the season and his first triple of the season. Designated hitter Ryan Shealy chipped in with two doubles and an RBI, and Brett Lawrie, hitting leadoff, went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Leadoff hitter Darin Mastroianni got the night off after going 0-for-6 the night before.

Pitching:

The story here was Mike MacDonald – the Jays’ 15th round pick in the 2004 draft – who pitched a complete game two-hitter with no walks and 7 strikeouts, lowering his season ERA to 0.63 in to starts. At 29 years old, MacDonald is definitely no longer considered a prospect, but it was a dominant outing that the 51s hope he can repeat this season.

Notes:

• Adam Loewen continued to struggle at the plate, going 0-for-3 with 2 ground outs and a sac fly, and when he did get on base because of a fielding error, he was caught trying to steal second base
• MacDonald’s complete game shutout was the 3rd of his career

Dunedin Blue Jays 9, Tampa Yankees 7

Hitting:

Left fielder and leadoff Brad McElroy continued to produce at the top of the lineup, going 4-for-5 with 2 runs scored, a 2-run home run and 3 RBIs overall on the day. A.J. Jimenez went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs, while adding a stolen base as well. Brad Glenn, batting third, went 2-for-5 with a 2-run homer as well, and Jon Talley, hitting cleanup, added three singles.

Pitching:

Starter Ryan Tepera, no. 50 on our pre-2011 Top 50 Jays prospect list, lasted only 3 innings, giving up 5 earned runs and three walks, while striking out 3. Nestor Molina, another personal favorite of mine and no. 47 on our pre-2011 Top 50 Jays prospect list, allowed just 3 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs – neither of which were earned – in 4.2 innings in relief. Wes Etheridge pitched a shutout ninth to notch his second save of the season.

Notes:

• Glenn’s home run was already his fourth of the season in 10 games with the D-Jays
• Ivan Contreras went 0-for-3 on the day, but made the most of his leadoff walk in the 4th inning by stealing second and eventually scoring

-JM

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