A BB regular and avid follower of the Jays' farm system has stepped in as a volunteer pinch-hitter with this update. Thanks, Gerry.
By Gerry McDonald
The minor league season ends on Labour Day. That makes for 13 days left in the season. Some teams are just playing out the string, some are home and dry, and others are in a fight. As this is the first minor league update in a while, I will look at the last few days in my comments.
Syracuse
The SkyChiefs are tied for bottom spot in the North division, 13.5 games back of Pawtucket. Syracuse were in Ottawa over the weekend where they dropped the first three before winning the last game of the series yesterday. Several contributors to Batters Box attended games in Ottawa and their comments are spread through the last few day’s posts. The starting pitching has not been good. Pete Walker was bombed (8 runs in 2.2 IP) and Mike Smith struggled (4 runs in 5 IP). Jason Arnold had mixed reviews, looking good for a few innings but he did give up a three run home run to Luis Lopez and was not helped by sloppy fielding behind him. John Wasdin (3 IP, 3 hits, no runs) and Doug Linton (4.2 IP, no runs) provided good pitching in relief.
In yesterday’s game the SkyChiefs were down 4-0, but scored six runs in the last four innings for the win. Wasdin got the win, Tam the save. Gary Burnham has been carrying the only hot stick for the Chiefs and had a home run, his seventh, and scored two runs. Sequea and Pond also scored twice.
Gabe Gross went 1 for 11 in Ottawa. In four games he walked 6 times and had 4 K’s. Syracuse made two roster moves calling up Brian Patrick from Auburn and Scott Dragicevich from Charleston. I think both moves are to fill holes at Syracuse rather than being an indication of a bright future for both players.
New Haven
New Haven are in first place, five games ahead of Portland. These two teams play each other in the last seven games of the season. The Ravens lost 4-3 to Binghampton last night. Jordon DeJong lost it in the ninth on two walks, an infield hit and a sac fly. Russ Adams led off the game with a home run. Rios and Quiroz also had a hit each, but New Haven only had five hits on the night. Cam Reimers pitched well for New Haven giving up three runs on 9 hits in 8 innings. He allowed no walks and had 4 K’s.
New Haven beat Binghampton 8-7 on Monday and split a doubleheader on Sunday. Pistol was there on Sunday and filled a report. McGowan won game one and has really settled in at AA. Bush gave up three runs in the first inning in the nightcap and lost 3-2. Dominic Rich had the hot bat on Sunday and Monday but was 0-3 last night. Rich on Saturday, and Adams last night, had the only home runs in the last 4 games as Rios and Quiroz are a little quiet these days.
Dunedin
Dunedin are 1.5 games ahead of Clearwater for the second half title. Dunedin lost to Clearwater last night. Jamie Vermilyea’s bubble burst as he gave up three runs in the eighth to break a 3-3 tie. Dunedin scored 2 in the ninth but fell short 6-5. Brandon League pitched the first 5 innings, conceding 3 runs on 4 hits, 3 BB and 5 K’s. Dunedin out-hit Clearwater 14-6. Hill, Waugh and Tablado had 2 hits each as did several others.
Dunedin also lost to Clearwater in the eighth inning on Monday. Torres gave up 1 run in the eighth to break a 3-3 tie in that game. Hill, Davenport and Tablado had multi-hit games. Vince Perkins started that game, 5 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 3 K. Dunedin have 11 games left, 2 next week home to Clearwater where they will be looking for some revenge.
Charleston
Charleston are 16 games out of first. Charleston lost 1-0 to Lakewood yesterday. Charleston won 1-0 on Monday. They had 12 hits, in both games combined. Rivera and Medina with 3 hits each accounted for half the hits. With such low scoring games the pitching was strong. On Monday DJ Hanson pitched 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, one walk and 5 K’s to get the win. Charles Talanoa was the hard luck loser last night allowing one run on 5 hits and a walk in 6 innings. He also had 6 K’s.
Auburn
Auburn has already wrapped up the NY-Penn title with a 17.5 game lead. The Doubledays beat Jamestown 9-2 last night behind Kurt Isenberg who allowed one run in 5 innings but had only one K. Jamestown had 3 hits and a walk. Kratz had 2 doubles among his three hits and Ryan Roberts had a triple and home run and 4 RBI’s.
On Monday Auburn won 3-0 as Tom Mastny pitched five shutout innings with 7 K’s.
Pulaski
Pulaski are 2.5 games out of first on an improving team. Pulaski beat Danville 8-7 last night thanks to six runs in the eighth and one in the ninth. Jayce Tingler had 3 hits and 3 runs.
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