The top two stars on the night had very similar pitching lines as the farm went 4-4.
Las Vegas 4 at Colorado Springs 12
A day after Brad Mills spun an absolute gem for the 51s, they went back to their traditional run-allowing ways courtesy of Scott Richmond (6 IP, 8 R) and Romulus Lewis (1 IP, 4 R). Unfortunately, the offense didn't provide the counter-balance it normally does, and the result was a blowout at the hands of Colorado Springs. Darin Mastroianni had the best game of the bunch, with two doubles and a walk, while David Cooper singled thrice.
Reading 3 at New Hampshire 2
Joel Carreno was good - he just wasn't as good as Austin Hyatt. The Philly struck out ten in dominating the F-Cats over seven innings, and Carreno (6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K) couldn't quite match him. Travis d'Arnaud (2-4, 2 RBIs) and Anthony Gose (2-4, 2 SBs, outfield assist) provided what punch they could. Gose also committed his second error of the year. Oh, and if you're wondering, Gose is tied for third in the minor leagues with 45 steals. Billy Hamilton of the Reds is light-years ahead of the competition with 69 steals despite a .303 on base percentage.
Fort Myers 2 at Dunedin 9
The bats came alive in the fifth inning when Dunedin decided to beat the crap out of Fort Myers (dunno what their plan was before that). Every hitter got on base, and highlights included homers from Jon Talley and Kevin Ahrens and thrice-on-base days (there should be a word for that. throbays?) from Justin Van Kirk and Kevin Nolan.
Of course, with Drew Hutchison on the mound, who needs nine runs? The fast-rising prospect continued to dominate, pitching six innings of five-hitter, striking out eight to no walks.
Lansing 5 at Clinton 11
Aw, Lansing aspires to be Las Vegas, so cute. Actually, Lansing's starter Marcus Walden pitched well, allowing only one earned run in his four innings, but the bullpen let him down, specifically Dayton Marze and Shawn Griffith.
At the plate, Michael Crouse homered and singled, and also notched a baserunner kill. Eli Boike walked and doubled.
Eugene 5 at Vancouver 6
It was a late night in Vancouver, as the Canadians required 13 innings to finish off the Emeralds. They finally won it when Stephen McQuail hit his 10th homer in just 26 games to walk off. Travis Garrett picked up the win by pitching two hitless innings with four strikeouts.
Burlington 5 at Bluefield 8
Bluefield scored early and often against the Royals' rookie-ball affiliate. Every member of the lineup had a hit, many of them two, including homers by Daniel Arcila and Gustavo Pierre. Chris Hawkins singled twice, walked, and stole a base.
Deivi Estrada got the start and pitched five innings of four-run (three earned) ball.
GCL Tigers 2 at GCL Jays 3
The G-Jays' starter, Randal Thompson, pitched a great 3.2 innings, allowing just one hit and getting strikeouts for 5 of his 11 outs. Dalton Pompey was an effective leadoff man, reaching base twice, scoring a run, and driving in a different run.
DSL Jays 0 at DSL Angels 2
Three Stars!
3. Stephen McQuail, walkoff homer
2. Joel Carreno, 6 IP, 3 ER, 8 K
1. Drew Hutchison, 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 K
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20110719010540468