Triple-A: Gwinnett Stripers (Braves) 2, Norfolk Tides 1
Tyler Wells looked good in what we know will be his final tune-up before he rejoins the Orioles rotation next week. Despite taking the loss, he threw 90 pitches over 6.1 innings while allowing just two runs on six hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. His presence will be welcome as interim manager Tony Mansolino looks to ease the innings burden on his current staff. José Espada struck out the two batters he faced. Cody Poteet tossed a clean ninth inning as part of his rehab.
There’s very little to report on the offensive side of things for Norfolk. They compiled just two hits, one of which was a solo homer for TT Bowens. Jorge Mateo added a double as he continues his rehab. Jud Fabian went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk.
Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox 5, Reading Fightin Phils (Giants) 1
Enrique Bradfield Jr. led the Chesapeake offense with three hits, including a pair of doubles, a stolen base, and three runs scored. The rest of the offense went 4-for-30 with a double, four walks, and 15 strikeouts. Reed Trimble had two of the walks, plus a stolen base. Austin Overn singled and drove in a run. Ethan Anderson went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Max Wagner went 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts.
The Baysox pitching staff was great. Zach Fruit got the win with his 5.1 innings in which he allowed one run and struck out seven. The bullpen took it from there as Peter Van Loon, Ryan Long, and Tyson Neighbors combined to toss 3.2 scoreless innings.
High-A: Aberdeen IronBirds 4, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies) 3
Boston Bateman was back on the bump for Aberdeen. His second start at High-A went better than his first, but it was still rough. The lefty needed 72 pitches to get through three innings, during which he allowed two runs on two hits, five walks, and five strikeouts. But the relievers were stupendous behind him. Ben Vespi nabbed the win with two scoreless innings. Rodolfo Martinez, Jacob Cravey, and Tanner Smith covered the final four innings to lock down the win for Aberdeen.
The IronBirds offense collected their four runs on six hits, two walks, and six strikeouts. Maikol Hernández went 2-for-2 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI. Edwin Amparo doubled, walked, stole two bases, and drove in a pair of runs. But it wasn’t all good. Nate George, Vance Honeycutt, and Griff O’Ferrall combined to go 0-for-11 with five strikeouts.
Low-A: Carolina Mudcats (Brewers) 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 5
Wehiwa Aloy continued to dominate Low-A with a 3-for-3 performance that included a double, a walk, two runs scored, and stole home. His OPS is up to .926. Ike Irish walked twice and drove in a run. Cobb Hightower doubled and drove in a run. RJ Austin was 0-for-4 but did steal a base. Joshua Liranzo hit two triples, scored once, and drove in a run.
Delmarva sent five pitchers to the mound, and none of them recorded more than five outs. Keifer Lord started and struck out three over his 1.2 innings, but also allowed two runs on two hits and four walks. Adrián Delgado was handed the loss, allowing three runs in his 1.2 innings. The only pitcher to not allow a run was Jacob Stretch, who worked 1.1 innings and struck out one.
Norfolk: at Gwinnett, 7:05 pm. Starter: Levi Wells (0-0, .— ERA)
Chesapeake: at Reading, 6:45 pm. Starter: Nestor German (5-6, 4.14 ERA)
Aberdeen: vs Jersey Shore, 7:05 pm. Starter: Yeiber Cartaya (1-1, 6.00 ERA)
Delmarva: at Carolina, 7:05 pm. Starter: Brandon Downer (1-1, 3.77 ERA)