It was Jeff Hoffman night in Dunedin, as the 2014 first round draft pick made his professional debut. I’m telling ya folks, this is the kinda night you circle on a calendar as a minor league baseball junkie. However, like this minor league update, it leaves a lot to be desired.
BUFFALO 5 @ Columbus 2
Er, yes, yes, Buffalo won. Good. Some players had hits. Everyone reached base, so basically count this one as a good one. Trust me. Tell us about Hoffman, already.
Actually I should add that Randy Wolf pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 7 hits, while striking out 7. That’s something, eh! And Chad Jenkins is back in the bullpen. It didn’t go so well, but you’re not here for THAT former first rounder.
New Hampshire 0 @ READING 4
Good heavens, the Cats were shutout. I’m not even going to bother with the HTML to make anyone stand out.
There was another 2014 first rounder pitching well, actually. The Phillies prospect Aaron Nola pitched a gem. But he’s not Hoffman…
Tampa 5 @ DUNEDIN 6
Here it is! 588 were either in attendance for Maicer Izturis’ rehab game, or JEFF HOFFMAN’s debut. He immediately disappointed those following along on twitter by giving up 4 runs in the 2nd inning. He allowed a 2 run home run to the 9 hitter. HE’S A BUST. NOTHING TO SEE HERE.
Okay, cut the nonsense. Hoff settled in afterwords and managed to pitch 5 innings, allowing 8 hits and just the 4 runs that came in the 2nd inning. He didn’t walk anyone and struck out 3. He had 3 groundouts to 5 flyouts. So, it wasn’t the worst start. And it’s a major positive just to get him onto the mound. And no walks is nice to see, I suppose. (A fine relief appearance from Jeremy Gabryszwski who struck out 7 in 4 innings.)
South Bend 1 @ LANSING 8
The Lugnuts steal the show tonight. A balanced offense that saw 3 hits from (former first rounder) D.J. Davis (3-4, 2R, 2B, 2 RBI, SB, CS, and an outfield assist), and Anthony Alford reach twice.
They even had a good pitching outing from a high draft pick. Sean Reid-Foley struck out 7 in his 3 shutout innings.
3 Stars
3rd star: Sean Reid Foley, Lansing
2nd star: Randy Wolf, Buffalo
1st star: D.J. Davis, Lansing
