Blue Jays Minor League Recap: Dwight Smith is on Fire!

While all of the Blue Jays’ minor league teams are off to good starts, last night’s overall performance was not as good as we’d hope. In fact, Monday was not a very good night to be a Blue Jays minor leaguer. Two teams were shut out, one badly. The only team to score any runs was led by Dwight Smith Jr.’s 12 game hitting streak continuing. He had himself a game. As did his team mate, Kevin Nolan. Let’s see how the rest of things went down on the farm.

Buffalo Bisons (12-6)

The Bisons could not bring a run across the plate against the Norfolk Tides as they were shut out 3-0. They managed to put together 6 hits, though. 3B Andy Burns collected half of them including a double in the 6th. He’s off to a good start in 2015 with a .310 average since coming up to AAA. Brad Glenn also collected a double for one of his two hits.

Scott Copeland started the game for the Bisons and went 5 innings giving up 5 hits, 2 ER, 3 BB and 1 K. HE threw 89 pitches in the losing effort. Preston Guilmet struck out 4 in 2 innings. Steve Delabar chipped in a scoreless inning giving up a walk. It was the first one he’s given up in 6.1 innings of work in 2015.

New Hampshire FisherCats (10-9)

As stated, with a double and 3 RBI on the night, Dwight Smith Jr brought his hit streak to 12 games as the Fisher Cats beat he Trenton Thunder 8-3. Smith looked to be very comfortable at the plate and playing in LF. This could be a very good year for him. He’s hitting .324 thus far. And, I’m not just saying this because I already tabbed him for a break out season. Smith was helped out on offense by Kevin Nolan’s 3 hits. 

Toronto Blue Jays

The offense started with a walk by Jack Murphy in the 3rd. He was followed by a Nolan single, Dwight Smith fielder’s choice, a Ryan Schimpf double, and a Melky Mesa double to bring the score to 3-0. But, they weren’t done there. In the very next inning the boys were at it again. Nolan singled, Jorge Flores did the same and then my guy, Dwight Smith brought hem in with his 6th double of the season. Melky Mesa also added a solo home run in the 5th.

Casey Lawrence contributed a great start. He pitched into the 7th where trouble struck him. In hindsight, the righty probably should have just stuck with the 6 innings of work. Up to that point, he looked great. He tallied 6 strike outs on the night. But, when all was said and done, he had given up 8 hits, a walk and 3 runs. Something that was pointed out in the broadcast and should be noted here is Lawrence’s splits. Same handed hitters are hitting .214, which is OK. But, lefties are hitting him to the tune of .400. Danny Barnes and Blake McFarland combined to finish the game and collect a combined 5 strike outs.

Dunedin Blue Jays (9-10)

It was not a good night at the ballpark for the baby Jays. They were shut out 10-0 by the Daytona Tortugas. There was nary a bright spot to highlight from this game. The offense only mustered 5 hits all game. The defense committed 2 errors and the pitchers gave up 11 hits and 8 runs. It was a perfect storm of struggling for the home team. Left fielder, David Harris collected a double on the night. The game’s starter, Jayson Aquino lasted just 4 innings giving up 5 H, 2 HR, 2 BB, 6 K. His replacement, Matt Dermody did roughly the same in an inning less (5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 K, HR).

Lansing Lugnuts (12-6)

The Lugnuts had the night off on Monday. They’ll be at Lake County on Tuesday to begin a 3 game set as Chase Mallard (0-1 5.65) gets the start.

Next: Blue Jays Player of the Week