Here's a quick rundown of highlights from last night's Jays' minor-league games, something I hope will be a semi-regular feature over the course of the season (or as often as I can manage, anyway). I'll also aim to supply a weekly update on the state of each squad and their key performers.
AAA
Syracuse 5, Buffalo 1
Batting: Leadoff man DeWayne Wise homered and drove in four runs, while shortstop Glenn Williams had three hits and scored twice.
Pitching: Embattled starter Mike Smith threw a solid six innings, including four hits, a walk and 4 Ks, against a dangerous Indians farm team with Alex Escobar, Ben Broussard and Victor Martinez. Late roster addition Dan Reichert threw two shutout innings of relief, with 2 Ks.
AA
Norwich 5, New Haven 4
Batting: Corner infielder Simon Pond drove in two runs in a 2-for-4 performance, while white-hot Gabe Gross collected two more hits, which actually drove his average down to .519. Jim Deschaine went for 0-for-2, but walked twice.
Pitching: Chris Baker gave the team six fine innings (5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 Ks), but the bullpen duo of Kevin Frederick and Gustavo Chacin couldn't hold the lead.
High-A
Brevard County 7, Dunedin 3
Batting: Rehabbing outfielder Jayson Werth collected two hits in four trips to the plate, but young hitting prospect Mike Snyder went 0-for-3 to drop his early-season average to an Interstate-like .095.
Pitching: One of Dunedin's many prize pitching prospects, Chad Pleiness, was cuffed around like a misbehaving kitten (4 1/3 innings, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks).
Low-A
Charleston 8, West Virginia 3
Batting: Shortstop Raul Tablado went 3-for 5 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, while infielder Scott Dragicevich scored once and drove one in with two hits.
Pitching: Previously unheralded hurler Israel Ramirez threw 6 1/3 perfect innings, striking out three. Ramirez has allowed just one baserunner in 8 1/3 innings this year.
AAA
Syracuse 5, Buffalo 1
Batting: Leadoff man DeWayne Wise homered and drove in four runs, while shortstop Glenn Williams had three hits and scored twice.
Pitching: Embattled starter Mike Smith threw a solid six innings, including four hits, a walk and 4 Ks, against a dangerous Indians farm team with Alex Escobar, Ben Broussard and Victor Martinez. Late roster addition Dan Reichert threw two shutout innings of relief, with 2 Ks.
AA
Norwich 5, New Haven 4
Batting: Corner infielder Simon Pond drove in two runs in a 2-for-4 performance, while white-hot Gabe Gross collected two more hits, which actually drove his average down to .519. Jim Deschaine went for 0-for-2, but walked twice.
Pitching: Chris Baker gave the team six fine innings (5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 Ks), but the bullpen duo of Kevin Frederick and Gustavo Chacin couldn't hold the lead.
High-A
Brevard County 7, Dunedin 3
Batting: Rehabbing outfielder Jayson Werth collected two hits in four trips to the plate, but young hitting prospect Mike Snyder went 0-for-3 to drop his early-season average to an Interstate-like .095.
Pitching: One of Dunedin's many prize pitching prospects, Chad Pleiness, was cuffed around like a misbehaving kitten (4 1/3 innings, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks).
Low-A
Charleston 8, West Virginia 3
Batting: Shortstop Raul Tablado went 3-for 5 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, while infielder Scott Dragicevich scored once and drove one in with two hits.
Pitching: Previously unheralded hurler Israel Ramirez threw 6 1/3 perfect innings, striking out three. Ramirez has allowed just one baserunner in 8 1/3 innings this year.
