Blue Jays MiLB recap – Hernandez shows offense

Jays Journal takes its daily look into the Toronto Blue Jays Minor League system. The Bisons break out in rain shortened game and the D-Jays keep winning.

Buffalo Bisons vs Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies)
8-2 Win

An early lead was possibly saved by the weather as the game lasted just five innings before being called. A huge five run inning staked a claim for the win as the Buffalo Bisons circled the wagons, I mean bases (Bills Joke). The offense was anchored by the newest member of the herd Teoscar Hernandez. Playing center field Friday he went 1-2 with three RBIs. He also scored a run in the five run 3rd inning. Another new arrival Danny Jansen wasted no time contributing with his new team as he went 1-2 and drove in a pair of runs ans scored a run. Dwight Smith Jr. had the line of the night as he went 3-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Rowdy Tellez also got in on the action as he went 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Lucas Harrell pitched well in the rain soaked game as he went four innings allowing just one run on a homer. He also struck out five batters and walked two. Wil Browning  would get the win as the game was shut down after top of the 5th. This was the Herds 3rd win in a row as they appear to be putting things together recently.

Luis Santos will look to push the winning streak to four games on Saturday as the Bisons take on the Iron Pigs.

MVB – Dwight Smith Jr. 3-3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI

New Hampshire Fisher Cats vs Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants)
5-6 Loss

Jon Harris got off to a wonderful start in this one until the Squirrels were able to find some nuts. The Squirrels got to Harris in the 5th and tagged him up for three earned runs. Harris had been cruising for four innings up to that point. Harris allowed eight hits while walking a batter and striking out four. Daniel Young and Andrew Case held things together to maintain the lead over the next three innings. Dusty Isaacs in the 9th got roughed up for two runs in the inning to let this one slip away from the Fisher Cats.

In the four run 4th inning the offense was started with three straight singles with one out. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit the first one and was followed by Emilio Guerrero and Gunnar Heidt. Heidt picked up the first RBI on the single and Alex Monsalve plated a run on a fielders choice. Derrick Loveless then dug into the box and crushed his first home run of the season. The two run bomb sailed over the left center field wall to score Heidt. Anthony Alford drive in a tag on run in the 5th on a single. Gurriel and Guerrero each had two hits and a run scored.

There has not been a pitcher announced for Saturdays night game against the Flying Squirrels.

MVFC – Derrick Loveless 2-4 with a home run, a run scored, and 2 RBI

Dunedin Blue Jays vs Charlotte Stone Crabs (Rays)
3-2 Win

The D-Jays kicked on the offense early against Tampa Bay Rays starter Jake Odorizzi. In the 3rd inning the Jays were able to rake together a pair of runs to take the lead on the MLB starter on rehab assignment. D.J. Davis ignited the two out rally with a double to left. Bo Bichette brought him home for the first run with a hard single to left. Cavan Biggio followed with another single to drive home Bichette. Connor Panas doubled home another run in the which proved to be critical as the Stone Crabs scored a pair in the top of the 7th.

Jordan Romano continues to impress as he put together another stellar performance. He tossed five innings while allowing just three hits and a walk. He also struck out a pair on his way to his 6th win. Alonzo Gonzalez was on the mound for the two Stone Crab runs but was charged just one earned run. Zach Jackson, Kirby Snead, and Jackson McClelland combined to maintain the lead.

Josh DeGraaf will get the start for Saturdays game. He will look to carry over the success from his last start against the Stone Crabs.  He pitched seven innings and did not allow a run in that previous start.

MVDJ – Jordan Romano 5 IP, 3 hits, 0 Runs, 1 walk, 2 K’s

Lansing Lugnuts at Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays)
0-3 Loss

Kyle Weatherly put together another good start for the Lugnuts but the offense was stuck in neutral against the Hot Rods pitchers. Weatherly threw five innings and allowed two runs on three hits. The damage was from an Adrian Rondon 2-run homer in the 4th. Mike Ellenbest allowed the third run during his two innings of work. He would strike out three. Andrew Deramo got in a shut down inning in hopes of a rally in the 9th for the Lugnuts.

The rally never came as the Hot Rod pitchers held the Lugnuts to just four hits. There was some hope as the Lugnuts patience at the plate led to five walks. The issue was the Lugnuts could not come up with a timely hit to plate any of those base runners. The would go 0-6 with runners in scoring position. No one could handle mashing the knuckle baller Chris Pike. Mattingly Romanin was the only Lugnut to collect a pair of hits.

Yennsy Diaz gets the start and will look to slow down the Hot Rods on Saturday.

MVL – Mattingly Romanin 2-4 with a double

Short Season Team Notes
Vancouver Canadians (Northwest League)

The C’s took out the Hillsboro Hops Friday evening. Reggie Pruitt knocked his first home run of the season and it was an inside the park job! He went 2-4 during the game. Kacy Clemens also had two hits which included a double and an RBI. Zach Logue got the start and pitched three innings allowing one run. The C’s won 4-2.

Bluefield Blue Jays (Appalachian League)

The Blue Jays were able to run away with the win in this one as they scored 8 runs. Brandon Grudzielanek drove in four RBI while going 2-4 in this one. Chavez Young scored twice while going 2-3. Kevin Smith and Antony Fuentes also scored twice. Jordan Barrett pitched three innings and was not charged any of the three runs that scored while he was on the mound. Four Bluefield errors led to the Yankees runs. Turner Larkins would pick up the win.

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