It was a pitcher’s duel between the Albuquerque Isotopes Dana Eveland and the Omaha Storm Chasers Luis Mendoza. Eveland pitched a complete game shutout, as he allowed just three hits while striking out six. Mendoza allowed two runs (none earned) on four hits over 6.1 innings. The Isotopes scored two runs in the top of the 5th inning on a ground out and Ivan De Jesus’ RBI double.

Another spot start for Edgar Garcia led to a loss for the NW Arkansas Naturals. Garcia allowed three runs on five hits over four innings. They lost 5-1 to the Tulsa Drillers. The Naturals collected just four hits in the game, with three of them coming from the top three hitters in the order (Derrick Robinson, Christian Colon, and Wil Myers). Two of the Naturals hits came in the bottom of the 9th inning, as they scored their lone run and sent seven men to the plate.

Homerun balls from the Potomac Nationals Francisco Soriano and Cutter Dykstra did in Wilmington Blue Rocks starter Justin Marks as the Blue Rocks dropped further behind in the Carolina League’s Northern Division (11.5 games out). They also dropped three out of four to the Nationals. This was after the Blue Rocks scored two runs in the top of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. Marks allowed four runs on eight hits over seven innings. He did strike out seven. The Blue Rocks mounted a comeback against Nationals reliever Neil Holland, as Julio Rodriguez hit a three-run homerun in the bottom of the 9th inning to cut the deficit to 7-5. However Rob Wort came on to retire Gerard Hall to end the game.

The Kane County Cougars defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels 6-5 and scored all of their runs in the first two innings (three in each inning). Cheslor Cuthbert hit a three-run homerun in the first inning. Jake Kuebler and Yowill Espinal had two hits each in the win. Nick Rogers picked up the save for the Cougars as he allowed just one hit over two scoreless innings.

With the score tied at 4-4 headed into the 9th inning, the visiting Albuquerque Isoptopes scored two runs in the top of the inning to win 4-2. Russell Mitchell hit a two-run homerun off Omaha Storm Chasers reliever Everett Teaford with one out. Omaha starter Mike Montgomery again struggled with his command, as he threw 94 pitches, 52 for strikes. He lasted just four innings, as he allowed two runs on seven hits and four walks. Jarrod Dyson and David Lough had three hits each (Omaha’s offense totaled ten hits).

The NW Arkansas Naturals offense collected just nine hits, but scored 10 runs en route to their 10-1 thumping of the Tulsa Drillers. The Naturals scored three runs in the first inning and another seven runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Salvador Perez continued his hot-hitting as he hit a grand slam in the 3rd inning (he went 1-for-4) and Rey Navarro followed with a solo homerun. In the 3rd inning, the Naturals had five hits, two walks, and Tulsa committed an error. The Naturals did not collect a hit after the 3rd inning. The big outburst made a winner out of Chris Dwyer, who was flat-out dominant (finally!). He allowed just three hits and one run over eight innings, while striking out nine.

They played two in Wilmington as the Blue Rocks and Potomac Nationals completed Monday night’s suspended game. The Blue Rocks lost the first game 4-3 (remember it was tied at 1-1 in the 5th inning). Dusty Odenbach entered in the 5th inning with two men on base and two outs when the game restarted. Destin Hood delivered a two-run single to give Potomac a 3-1 lead. Down 4-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Blue Rocks put together a comeback. With two outs and the tying run on second base (and winning run on first), John Whittleman flied out to end the game.

Game two was supposed to last seven innings, but neither teams offenses really came to life until the 7th inning. The Blue Rocks scored in the first inning on Nick Van Stratten’s RBI single. The score stayed that way until the top of the 7th inning as Blue Rocks starter Noel Arguelles had yet to allow a hit. The only Nationals base runner reached on a Gerard Hall error at shortstop until the 7th. After a walk and sac bunt, Hood tripled in a run (the Nationals first hit) and Justin Bloxom singled him in to give Potomac a 2-1 lead. The Blue Rocks came right back and tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the 7th on Joey Lewis’ RBI single.

To the 8th they would go. Potomac scored a run in the top of the inning, but the Blue Rocks came right back. With two outs, Kurt Mertins singled in a run and moved all the way to third base on a throwing error. Tim Ferguson followed with a walk-off RBI single as the Blue Rocks won 4-3.

The Omaha Storm Chasers were shut out by the Albuquerque Isotopes, 2-0, despite collecting more hits (6-5). Jon Ely pitched seven scoreless innings for the win, while Jeff Suppan took the loss. Suppan allowed a 5th inning two-run homerun to Russell Mitchell. Robinson Tejeda pitched two perfect innings of relief in the loss.

The NW Arkansas Naturals were pounded early and often in their loss to the Corpus Christi Hooks. The Hooks scored six in the top of the first against Naturals starter Edgar Osuna (he lasted just two innings and allowed seven runs). The Hooks had two four-run innings, the 5th and the 8th, as they won 16-3. Ben Theriot had three of the Naturals seven hits, while hitting a solo homerun in the 3rd inning. Two Hooks players hit grand slams, Chris Wallace and JD Martinez, the first time in their club’s history.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks and Potomac Nationals were suspended in the bottom of the 5th with the Blue Rocks leading 4-2. Heavy rains, thunder, and lightning came with one out and the bases empty. Whit Merrifield led off the game with a triple (he was in a 1-for-28 skid) and scored on Nick Van Stratten’s single (who is 6-for-14 since joining the Blue Rocks). John Whittleman followed with a  two-run homerun. Blue Rocks starter Tim Melville got the start and allowed one earned run over 4.1 innings. The game will be resumed at 5pm ET on Monday, followed by a seven inning game (with Noel Arguelles getting the start).

Despite collecting just three hits, the Kane County Cougars beat the Quad Cities River Bandits, 2-1. The Cougars scored single runs in the first and second innings and the pitching made them hold up. Brian Fletcher drove in one of the runs. Cougars starter Greg Billo allowed six hits over seven innings while striking out six. Chas Byrne earned his sixth save by pitching two scoreless innings of relief.

The KC Royals signed their 21st round pick, catcher Kenny Swab from Virginia. If you watched the College World Series, you may remember seeing him patrolling centerfield for the Cavaliers (where he pretty much played over the final two months of their season). Not sure where he’ll be assigned, but it may take him a bit to re-adjust to catching.

From what many said that were in attendance for his start, Omaha Storm Chasers starter Mike Montgomery pitched the best that he has all season on Friday night. It was much needed as he has struggled mightily for the most part this season. Through 6.2 innings, Montgomery gave up just two hits while walking three. He struck out seven in his scoreless outing. He faced off against Albuquerque All-Star (and former big leaguer) Dana Eveland. The Storm Chasers got to Eveland in the 3rd inning when Mike Aviles hit a grand slam. Aviles, David Lough, and Joaquin Arias had two hits in Omaha’s 6-0 victory.

What dogs the big league Royals has begun to dog the Royals minor league affiliates. Despite outhitting San Antonio 11-10, the NW Arkansas Naturals lost to the Missions 4-1. They were just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Every Naturals starter had a hit except Anthony Seratelli, as Derrick Robinson, Wil Myers, and Nick Francis collected two each.

Salem's Ryan Pressly

For most of his outing, the Wilmington Blue Rocks were baffled by Salem Red Sox starter Ryan Pressly. They had just one hit against him until the 7th inning (a Nick Van Stratten first inning single), yet led 1-0 (they scored in the 5th without courtesy of a hit). In the 7th with one out, John Whittleman drove in the Blue Rocks second run of the game on a single to right field. After a pitching change, Tim Ferguson drove in the Blue Rocks third and final run. The Red Sox had plenty of chance against Blue Rocks starter Justin Marks and the bullpen, but stranded 13 runners. Marks walked three in the 5th to load the bases but struck out Miles Head to end the inning. He came up again in the 7th (this time against reliever Tyler Sample) with runners at the corners, but grounded out to end the inning. The Blue Rocks held on for the 3-0 win (quotes and photos to come).

The Kane County Cougars held a 4-0 lead after four innings, but the Beloit Snappers stormed back to win 6-4. They scored three runs in the top of the 8th inning to take the lead for good. The Cougars collected just a walk against two Snappers relievers over the final five innings after chasing starter AJ Achter. The Cougars scored all their runs via the homerun ball from both Cheslor Cuthbert and Travis Jones.

» Continue reading “Royals Friday Minors Recap with Blue Rocks Coverage”

From a pitching standpoint, the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Albuquerque Isotopes game was UGLY. From a offensive standpoint, it was GREAT. Why? Just look at the final score: Omaha won 18-13 and the two teams totaled 28 hits. Every starter from both teams had at least one hit except the Isotopes JD Closser. The Isotopes hit four homeruns while the Storm Chasers hit five. The Isotopes had a four-run first inning and a six-run 5th inning (both big innings gave them the lead). Omaha scored in every inning but the 5th and 8th innings. They also had a BIG inning, an eight-run 6th inning to take the lead for good.

The All-Star break didn’t do wonders for the NW Arkansas Naturals or starter Chris Dwyer. The Naturals were down 7-0 after the second inning to the San Antonio Missions (they lost 8-2). Dwyer didn’t make it out of the 2nd inning (1.2 IP, 5H, 7R, 4BB, 1K). The bright spot was the bullpen as they allowed just one run on four hits over the next 7.1 innings. Offensively, the Naturals collected just six hits and Wil Myers drove in the two runs. Newly promoted Rey Navarro started at third base and Nick Francis started in LF (Francis went 1-for-3).

The Wilmington Blue Rocks received bad news on Wednesday night as shortstop Alex McClure was revealed to have a broken right hand after being hit by a pitch on Tuesday night in Frederick. McClure has been placed on the DL and Ryan Stovall was promoted from Low-A Kane County to take his spot. Kurt Mertins was sent from Double-A NW Arkansas to Wilmington (not sure whose spot he’s taking).

Onto the game. Blue Rocks starter Jake Odorizzi fell victim to the homerun ball in the top of the first inning as Bryce Brentz hit a three-run homerun. The Blue Rocks came right back to score two runs in the bottom of the inning. The Salem Red Sox tacked on another run in the top of the 2nd inning and held on for a 5-3 victory. Odorizzi allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits over six innings. He did not walk a batter while striking out six. Dusty Odenbach pitched three shutout innings of relief. Newly added outfielder Nick Van Stratten went 2-for-4 with a triple in the loss.

Word is that Odorizzi was promoted to Double-A following his start. He will be good. He just needs to conserve some pitches so he can go deeper into games.

Down 3-1 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, the Kane County Cougars scored three runs to take a 4-3 lead over the Beloit Snappers. Brett Eibner hit a three-run homerun to give the Cougars the lead (he had two hits). Nick Rogers made his Cougars debut and pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning with two strikeouts to earn the save.

Apparently the minor league versions of the Royals got the memo about winning games in their final at-bat.

Omaha Storm Chasers 10, Albuquerque Isotopes 4 (10 innings): Yes that’s right, 10 innings. Down 3-2 in the top of the 8th, David Lough doubled to lead off the inning. Eric Hosmer followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 3-3. In the top of the 10th, Omaha scored 7 times, helped out by five walks and two errors on the same play by the Isotopes. Paulo Orlando provided a two-run single and Lance Zawadzki ended the scoring with a two-run double in his second at-bat of the inning. The bottom of the 10th was a bit adventurous for reliever Blaine Hardy, as he hit the first batter he faced, Hosmer committed and error, and with one out he walked a batter. Hardy did allow a run, but held on for the win. Vin Mazzaro, the Royals fifth starter, will be making his first start of the season today.

NW Arkansas Naturals 6, San Antonio Missions 5: The Naturals provided the hometown fans yet another walk-off victory, this time they didn’t wait until extra innings. Tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the 9th, Mario Lisson hit a walk-off homerun on the fourth pitch of the at-bat from Missions reliever Josh Spence. Lisson hit the ball to the deepest part of the ballpark (left-center).

The two teams combined for 26 hits and only once (the 5th inning) did the two teams fail to score. The Missions left 11 men on base, with the Naturals turning four double-plays. It was a back-and-forth affair, with the Missions tying the game at 5-5 in the top of the 9th on an RBI single from Kyle Phillips. Naturals reliever Eric Basurto escaped further damage with two men on base by striking out Cody Decker and inducing a double-play grounder. This led to the heroics from Lisson.

Wilmington Blue Rocks 5, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5 (suspended): In a back-and-forth game, the Blue Rocks tied the game in the top of the 9th on a Rey Navarro lead off homerun. With Nick Francis at the plate and no one out, the rains came and the tarp went on the field. 30 minutes later, they decided to suspend the game in the top of the 9th and complete it prior to Sunday’s series finale.

The Blue Rocks held a 4-1 lead in the 5th, but reliever Justin Marks allowed an RBI single to Chris McGuiness and Mike Olt belted a three-run homerun to give the Pelicans a 5-4 lead. The Blue Rocks are still being victimized by the strikeouts, as they have collected 12 of them in the suspended game. Jake Odorizzi is expected to take the mound for the Blue Rocks in the 9-inning game following the completion of the suspended game. Odorizzi came over from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the Zack Greinke  deal.

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 4, Kane County Cougars 3: The Timber Rattlers scored two runs each in the 7th and 8th innings to take a 4-1 lead (aided by three Cougars errors). The Cougars scored two runs in the bottom of the 9th on a triple by Brian Fletcher, an RBI double by Angel Franco, and an RBI single by Ryan Jenkins. However Timber Rattlers reliever Brian Garman struck out the side, limiting the damage and picking up the save.

All four Royals minor league teams were in action Friday night, with two coming out victorious.

*Albuquerque Isotopes 10, Omaha Storm Chasers 6: It was another tough night on the Storm Chasers starting pitching, as this time veteran Jeff Suppan (who was just signed last week) was ripped. He allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks in just four innings of work. He also allowed two homers. The Isotopes scored four runs in the bottom of the first. The Storm Chasers collected more hits (11) than the Isotopes (7), but they committed more errors (3) and walked six batters.

Offensively, the Storm Chasers had their chances, and squandered bases-loaded opportunities. First baseman Eric Hosmer and second baseman Johnny Giavotella collected six of the team’s 11 hits. The two teams meet again on Saturday with Danny Duffy making the start for Omaha.

*NW Arkansas Naturals 5, San Antonio Missions 4: The Naturals broke a 2-2 tie in the 5th on a two-run double off the bat of shortstop Christian Colon (Colon had two hits). The Naturals would hold a 4-2 lead until the 8th when Missions first baseman Cody Decker hit a 2-run homer off Patrick Keating to tie the game and send it into extra innings. The game would stay tied until the 11th, when catcher Salvador Perez led off the inning with a walk. Anthony Seratelli would run for him and move to third on Mario Lisson’s one out single. Outfielder Nick Van Stratten would end the game with a walk-off RBI single to send the fans home happy (it was his second hit of the night). It was a big night for Van Stratten, as his possible-homer saving catch from the night before was ranked #2 on Sportcenter’s Top 10 last night.

This game was deemed as a great pitching matchup between the Naturals John Lamb and the Missions Casey Kelly. Neither figured in the decision and neither pitched that well. Lamb allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in just three innings (he struck out two). Kelly allowed three runs on five hits and one walk over 4.1 innings (he struck out one). However the relief from Mario Santiago of the Naturals saved the game. He pitched four shutout innings behind Lamb and only allowed two hits while striking out five.

*Myrtle Beach Pelicans 3, Wilmington Blue Rocks 1: It was a lackluster performance for the Blue Rocks in Myrtle Beach on Opening Night. The offense collected just five hits, while the Pelicans had 13. Tim Melville started for the Blue Rocks and allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks over four innings. The three runs the Pelicans scored all came in the first inning. The Pelicans pitching was dominant, as they struck out 16 batters, with starter Neil Ramirez striking out nine.

*Kane County Cougars 7, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 6: Despite allowing 11 hits, the Cougars picked up their first victory of the season. The bullpen of Matt Mitchell, Chase Boruff, and Chaz Byrne combined to go five innings and allow just one run on six hits, while striking out nine. Geulin Beltre and Alex Llanos each had two hits, with Llanos picking up a two-out, two-run double in the second inning.

Three of the Royals four minor league teams opened up on Thursday night. Here’s a recap of their games:

Albuquerque 10, Omaha 5: The game started off well as Clint Robinson homered in the 2nd inning. However lefty Mike Montgomery struggled the entire night. He gave up four runs in the bottom of the 2nd and after the Storm Chasers tied the game in the top of the 3rd, Montgomery gave up another run. All in all Montgomery went five innings and allowed five runs on six hits and two walks. The Storm Chasers had 12 hits but couldn’t capitalize on the chances. Robinson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs (he homered again in the 8th inning).

San Antontio 3, NW Arkansas 2: Shortstop Christian Colon homered in the bottom of the first to cut the Missions lead in half (2-1). However Naturals lefty starter Chris Dwyer struggled with his command (three walks in just four innings on 78 pitches, only 44 for strikes) and allowed three runs on four hits. The bullpen combination of Blake Johnson and Brandon Sisk pitched five shutout innings, but the offense couldn’t muster an attack. The Naturals collected just five hits, with Colon collecting two of them and driving in both runs.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks open up tonight down in Myrtle Beach. Tim Melville will be making the start for the Blue Rocks.

Wisconsin 9, Kane County 3: There wasn’t a whole lot of good going on for the Cougars on Thursday. They made three errors. They collected just six hits (and only two off the starting pitcher through six innings). The pitchers walked six batters and allowed 14 hits. However, 2010 draft pick Brett Eibner, who is now a full-time outfielder, homered in his first at-bat.

So the Royals minor league teams went 0-for-3. Here’s hoping for a better Friday!