Blue Jays MiLB Report – Bluefield scores big

Lansing Lugnuts (7-2) – 3
South Bend Cubs (7-2) – 2

A greatly pitched game led to a ton of stranded base runners on Friday.  Jon Harris got the ball for the Lugnuts and was great for six innings of work.  He allowed just two runs (one earned) while walking one and striking out four.  Harris was working out of trouble through his performance and the Cubs were able to get 8 hits.  Harris was able to get out of the issues but watched his pitch count climb quickly.  He threw 68 of his 99 pitches for strikes and picked up the win.  Josh DeGraaf came in for Harris after he faced one batter in the 7th.  DeGraaf picked up a three-inning save and was nearly untouchable.  He allowed just two hits while striking out three.

The offence was able to provide just enough to support the strong pitching performances.  A great performance for Connor Panas out of the clean up spot Friday.  He went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.  Juan Kelly also picked up a three-hit game and had a double.  John La Prise collected an RBI on a double and Justin Atkinson also raked in an RBI.  The Lugnuts picked up 11 hits but still left nine on base during this one.  They were able to go 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Vancouver Canadians (8-7) – 7
Spokane Indians (5-10) – 0

Canadians pitchers blanked the Indians as they took the win with some late offence.  The C’s were able to score two in the 3rd but they really opened things up in the 6th.  Mattingly Romanin hit a grand slam for his first home of the season.  Cavan Biggio picked up a two-run double in the win.  Luis Sanchez started the game for the C’s and got the shutout going.  He pitched 4.2 innings of three-hit ball but did not allow a run.  Grayson Huffman pitched 2.1 innings and allowed just one hit to keep the shutout going.  Stuart Holmes and Jackson Lowery completed the shutout with a lock down inning each.

Bluefield Blue Jays (4-5) – 15
Kingsport Mets (2-7) – 2

The Bluefield team really poured on the offence in this one.  Plenty of home cooking as they mashed the Mets.  14 hits and a pair of home runs fuelled the attack.  A big night for second basemen Nash Knight as he went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBIs.  Bradley Jones also had a huge game as he went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer, a double, two runs scored, and three RBIs.  One more hitter raked in three RBIs and that was centre fielder Earl Burl III as he it a three-run double and scored twice.  A pair of hitters also collected a pair of RBIs.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cam O’Brien drove in a pair each.  O’Brien hit a two-run homer in the 3rd and also scored twice.

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Connor Eller was looking good for the Jays on the mound.  He pitched five strong innings and allowed just one hit and a couple of walks.  He also struck out four during his performance.  The ‘pen had some more difficulties but allowed only two runs through the final four innings.  A great win for the Bluefield team as they continue to find their stride in the early going.