Louisville Bats 4, Norfolk Tides 3
The Tides fell to 10-17 on the season with Wednesday's matinee loss. It was Odrisamer Despaigne who got the start, tossing five innings of two-run baseball. He surrendered five hits and two walks, striking out just two. He was able to get nine ground-ball outs, but it's continuing to be very unlikely that he'll get a call up to the big-league squad any time soon. For now, even Vance Worley has the obvious edge.
The Tides offense was particularly quiet with just six hits; Xavier Avery did go yard, upping his season average to .300. Christian Walker contributed Norfolk's only other extra base hit with a double while Trey Mancini walked twice in four plate appearances.
Out of the bullpen, lefty Zach Phillips gave up three hits (but no runs) over an inning and a third.
Richmond Fighting Squirrels 4, Bowie Baysox 3 (final/10)
Despite a marvelous outing from Parker Bridwell, the Baysox lose a late-night heartbreaker on Wednesday. The 24-year-old righty went six strong with just one run allowed, walking just two with six hits against. He now has a 3.55 ERA on the year with a 2-0 record to his name.
Corbin Joseph, batting .349 on the year, had yet another multi-hit game with a 2-5 effort. Garabez Rosa knocked one out of the park and Mike Yastrzemski continues to help his numbers rise with a walk and a single.
Thursday presents an interesting opportunity to pay attention to Frederick: Chris Lee (4-0, 2.49 ERA), the 23-year-old left-hander, takes the hill at 10:35 a.m. at Richmond.
Frederick Keys 6, Wilmington Blue Rocks 4
The Keys handed Wilmington its 19th loss of the season that is just 25 games old - largely due to a big night from the offense.
Three Keys had multi-hit games, including Cam Kneeland who had a 2-3 effort with a pair of walks. Top infield prospect Jomar Reyes also had two free passes, also tacking on a single. Cleanup hitter Aderlin Rodriguez went 2-5 with an RBI single.
On the mound, the Frederick performance wasn't as well-rounded. Starter Lucas Long lasted just four innings, allowing six hits and four walks. After he surrendered four runs however, the trio of Ivan Hernandez, Max Schuh and Michael Zouzalik combined to toss five scoreless innings to shut the door for the team's 11th win of the year.
Delmarva Shorebirds 7, Lexington Legends 4
Delmarva got a big outing from right-hander Cristian Alvarado, a legitimate 21-year-old prospect. He fanned 10 batters over six innings, allowing just four hits and two runs in the process. To make things even better, he didn't walk a single Legend. Not bad.
It was a big afternoon for former Florida State standout D.J. Stewart, likely much to the delight of the Orioles organization. Stewart went 3-3 with two RBI and a pair of doubles. He also walked twice for the perfect on-base number on Wednesday.
Ryan Mountcastle continues to struggle at the plate. He did have a hit, going 1-5, but still has a season batting average of .179 in 78 at-bats. It's early, but things aren't exactly going swimmingly for the young shortstop.
It should also be noted that the losing pitcher on Lexington's side was named Scott Blewett. He blew it for the third time this season, now owning a 1-3 record with a 5.86 ERA.
Tomorrow's probables
Norfolk: OFF
Bowie vs. Richmond, 10:35 a.m. Starter: Chris Lee
Frederick vs. Potomac, 7:05. Starter: John Means
Delmarva vs. Lexington, 7:05. Starter: Reid Love