Blue Jays MiLB Recap: Teams Go 2-2

Jays Journal takes its daily look into the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system. The teams played a total of four games on Wednesday and all and all it was a solid day, going a combined 2-2. The Blue Jays’ affiliates will be looking to build off their good performance when they swing into action on Thursday.

AAA: Buffalo Bisons vs. Columbus Clippers (Indians) – 5-4 loss

After winning the first two games of their series with the Columbus Clippers, the Buffalo Bisons were looking to sweep the series by winning the third and final game. While the team was in the game from the start, they were unable to come out on top, losing 5-4 in walk off fashion. With the loss, the team now sits with a disappointing season record of 40-57.

The Bisons took a “piece together the game” approach when it came to pitching, using a total of five pitchers. The starter, Murphy Smith, went three innings, allowing one run off of two hits while striking out three. The four relief pitchers to see action out of the bullpen were Joe Smith (REHAB), John Stilson, Andrew Case and Griffin Glaude (0-1). Each of these pitchers allowed one earned run, except for Glaude, who was credited with the loss after allowing just one unearned run.

While the team certainly did not pitch well, they didn’t swing the bats all that well either. Four runs off of eight hits and two walks is not something to be super proud of, and the Bisons will be looking to improve on their performance tomorrow.

The players who contributed offensively were Jon Berti (1-4, HR, 2 RBI), Michael Saunders (1-4, R), Mike Ohlman (0-3, BB), Gregorio Petit (2-4, 2B), Rowdy Tellez (0-3, BB), Raffy Lopez (1-4, HR, RBI), Andrew Guillotte (1-4, R), Jason Leblebijian (0-3, RBI) and Roemon Fields (2-4, 2B).

The Bisons will be looking to build off this series win when they kick off a series with the Louisville Bats on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.

MVB: Jon Berti – 1-4, HR, 2 RBI

AA: New Hampshire Fisher Cats vs. Reading Phillies (Phillies) – 6-3 win

After splitting the first two games of their series with the Reading Phillies, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats were looking for a series victory by picking up a win on Wednesday. In a close game from start to finish, the Fisher Cats ultimately picked up the win by a score of 6-3. With the win, the team now sits with a season record of 39-57.

Canadian prospect Shane Dawson (3-9) started the game for the Fisher Cats, and he pitched quite well. The left-hander went six innings, picking up the win after allowing three runs off of nine hits and four walks. This season has been a tad bit of a disappointment for Dawson, as he is posting a season ERA of 5.95.

The pitchers to see action out of the bullpen were Justin Shafer and Carlos Ramirez. Both threw the ball extremely well, with Shafer pitching two shutout innings and Ramirez tossing one. It is worth noting that Ramirez still has a 0.00 ERA with the Fisher Cats after 16.2 innings pitched, which is an amazing feat at any level.

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The Fisher Cats offense definitely showed up on Wednesday, scoring six runs off of 11 hits and five walks – a total that will win you games nine times out of ten.

The players that pulled their weight at the plate today were Jonathan Davis (2-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB), Tim Lopes (1-4, RBI, BB), Harold Ramirez (3-4, 2B, R) Gunnar Heidt (0-4, RBI), Danny Jansen (1-5, 2B, R), Ryan McBroom (1-3, HR, 2 RBI), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2-2, 2B, 2 BB), Derrick Loveless (1-3, 2 R, BB).

After taking the series with the Phillies, the Fisher Cats will be looking for another series win when they start a three game series with the Trenton Thunder on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.

MVFC: Jonathan Davis – 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB

A+: Dunedin Blue Jays vs. Clearwater Threshers (Phillies) – 3-0 win

After losing the first game of their series with the Clearwater Threshers, the Dunedin Blue Jays were looking to get back in the win column on Wednesday. The Blue Jays were able to do just that, winning a tight one 3-0. With the win, the team now sits with a season record of 47-48.

Canadian prospect Jordan Romano (5-5) toed the rubber for the Blue Jays, and he pitched very well. The right-hander picked up the win after going five shutout innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Four pitchers saw action out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays today, and they were Taylor Cole, Alonzo Gonzalez, Dan Lietz and Kirby Snead. All four pitchers pitched to shutout performances, leading to a good team win.

At the plate, the Blue Jays did not shine. The team scored three runs off of six hits and five walks – a total that won’t win you every game, but it was enough to win today’s.

The players to contribute on offense were Anthony Alford (1-4, RBI), Connor Panas (1-3, HR, RBI, BB), Cavan Biggio (0-3, BB), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (0-2, 2 BB, SB), Max Pentecost (1-4), Juan Kelly (1-4, HR, RBI), Eduard Pinto (1-3, BB, SB) and D.J. Davis (1-3, SB).

After splitting the first two games of their series, the Blue Jays will be looking to take both game three and the series on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.

MVDJ: Jordan Romano – 5 IP, W, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 SO

A: Lansing Lugnuts vs. Quad Cities River Bandits (Astros) – 20-3 loss

The Lansing Lugnuts and the Quad Cities River Bandits were set to open a series on Wednesday, and only one team showed up to play. The Lugnuts were absolutely trounced, losing by a score of 20-3. With the loss on Thursday, the Lugnuts now sit with a season record of 46-46.

Mike Ellenbest (3-6) started the game for the Lugnuts, and he had probably the worst start he has ever had in his life, at any level. The right-hander picked up the loss after he went just one inning, allowing nine runs off of nine hits and one walk. After today’s brutal showing, Ellenbest now sits with an abysmal season ERA of 7.43.

The three pitchers to see action out of the bullpen were Geno Encina, Denis Diaz and Connor Eller. All three were also roughed up, with Encina allowing six runs over two innings, Diaz allowing three over three and Eller giving up two over two innings.

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Offensively the Lugnuts did not do their part either, as they scored three runs off of seven hits and five walks. However, let’s be real – the pitching is the sole reason the Lugnuts lost this game.

The players to contribute with the sticks were Rodrigo Orozco (3-4, 2B, RBI, BB, R), Edward Olivares (0-2, RBI, BB), Nash Knight (1-4, HR, RBI), Joshua Palacios (1-5), Luis Silva (2-3, BB), Mattingly Romanin (0-3, BB), Javier Hernandez (0-3, BB) and Yeltsin Gudino (0-3, R).

After getting hammered in game one, the Lugnuts will be looking to bounce back against the River Bandits in game two. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. EST.

MVL: Rodrigo Orozco – 3-4, 2B, RBI, BB, RR

Next: A Look Into Prospect Ryan Noda - By Clayton Richer

That’s all for today’s MiLB recap. Check back in tomorrow when Jays Journal recaps Thursday’s minor-league action.