Midwest League

Burlington wins best-of-five series 2-0 (Series called due to rain)

Burlington was awarded the Midwest League Championship despite only winning two games in the best-of-five series. The Bees were up 2-0 on South Bend in the series that has been cancelled due to the continued heavy rains across the Midwest. The Bees win their first title since 1999 and fourth overall. Burlington finished the playoffs with a perfect 6-0 record and defeated South Bend in the finals by a cumulative score of 18-0 allowing only five hits in the two games.

Midwest League

Burlington 12, South Bend 0 (Burlington leads best-of-five series 2-0)

One night after shutting out South Bend 6-0 to win game one of the Midwest League championship series, Burlington doubled its total and won 12-0. The Bees jumped out early with five in the first, fueled by a David Lough leadoff homer and a Jamar Walton two-run shot. Second baseman Johnny Giavotella had a huge night (3-for-4, 3 R), hitting a two-run blast in the second, his second straight game, to push the lead to 7-0.

The Bees scored their final run in the third inning, when they added five more, highlighted by outfielder Nick Van Stratten’s second RBI-double of the game. Given so much early support made Bees righty Alexander Caldera’s (2-0) start extremely easy. Caldera did not fail to impress, throwing six scoreless and allowing only three hits with six strikeouts. The Bees will now try to close out the Silver Hawks Friday night at South Bend at 6:30 CST. [...] Continue Reading »

Midwest League

Burlington 6, South Bend 0 (Burlington leads best-of-five series 1-0)

Burlington took a 1-0 lead in the Midwest League Championship Series with a 6-0 win over South Bend on the strength of an outstanding start from righthander Danny Gutierrez (1-0). Gutierrez went six innings allowing only two hits and striking out eleven. The Bees gave Gutierrez all the support he would need with a four-run third led by Mike Moustakas three-run homer. Silver Hawks ace Jarrod Parker (1-1) struggled in the loss allowing four runs in five innings. The Bees got late homers from Johnny Giavotella (2-run HR) and Jamar Walton (solo) to seal the victory, and the bullpen held South Bend hitless for the final three innings. The series resumes on Thursday night with the Bees hosting South Bend at 6:30 CST.

South Atlantic League

No games scheduled

9/11/2008   Augusta at West Virginia 7:05 EST (Augusta leads best-of-five series 2-0)

 Midwest League

South Bend 4, Dayton 3 (South Bend wins series 2-1)

South Bend advanced to face Burlington in the Midwest League Final on the strength of a 4-3 comeback victory. Dayton jumped out early with three runs in the first two frames led by homers from Jacob Kahaulelio and Michael McKennon. Unfortunately for Dayton that was all the offense the Dragons would muster as South Bend righty Bryan Henry settled down to allow just those three runs through five innings. The SilverHawks bullpen (RHP Bryan Shaw, RHP Daniel Schlereth and LHP Clay Zavada) then closed out the game with four innings of one-hit ball as they struck out nine. The Silver Hawks offense was led by Collin Cowgill who belted a three-run homer in the four-run fourth that was the only offense the Silver Hawks would muster or need. South Bend will now travel to Burlington for game one of the Midwest League Championship Series on Wednesday night at 6:30 CST.

South Atlantic League

 Augusta 5, West Virginia 1 (Augusta leads best-of-five series 2-0)

Augusta had to feel good about sending Sally League Pitcher of the Year lefty Madison Bumgarner to the mound up 1-0 in the Sally League Final over West Virginia. The GreenJackets got just what they expected from their ace as Bumgarner went six allowing four hits, one unearned run while striking out six. Augusta firstbaseman Angel Villalona had a two-run home run in the win. The GreenJackets will try to finish the series at West Virginia Thursday night at 7:05 EST.

 Midwest League

Dayton at South Bend Postponed Rain (South Bend leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Winner plays Burlington in Midwest League Championship Series which will begin on either Wednesday or Thursday at Burlington. 

South Atlantic League

Augusta 9, West Virginia 3 (Augusta leads best-of-five series 1-0)

Game one of the Sally League Championship Series held little drama for either team. Augusta jumped all over West Virginia with a nine run outburst in the first two innings to lead them to a 9-3 victory. Juan Ciriaco (3-for-5) hit a three-run blast in the first to get the GreenJackets off on the right foot against the Power. Nick Noonan (2-for-3, 2 R) and James Simmons (3 RBI) both had big nights for the GreenJackets as they won game one with ease. Jackets lefty  Craig Clark (1-0) got the win going six allowing six hits, two runs, one earned, and striking out eight. Power starter righthander R.J. Seidel (0-2) took the loss going one allowing nine runs (seven earned) in the loss. Zelous Wheeler led the Power’s offense with a 2-for-4 performance. Game two takes place tonight at Augusta at 7:05 EST.

Midwest League

Burlington 2, Cedar Rapids 1 (Burlington wins the best-of-three series 2-0)

Burlington completed their second straight series sweep with a 2-1 victory over Cedar Rapids on Sunday. Bees starter Luis Cota (1-0) combined with LHP Brandon Sisk shut down the Kernels bats. Cota allowed just three hits and one run, striking out seven. Sisk then came in to throw two hitless, scoreless innings and strike out four. The Bees now await the winner of the South Bend/Dayton series in the Midwest League Championship Series that will begin on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

South Bend 5, Dayton 2 (South Bend leads best-of-three series 1-0)

The Silver Hawks used a three-run seventh, sparked by two Dragon errors, to take the lead and win game one of their best-of-three Eastern Division Championship Series with Dayton 5-2. The Dragons got off to a good start as Brandon Warring homered to lead off the second and give them the lead the second, they would add another in the third. However, the lead would not last long as the Silver Hawks got solo-homers from Ryne White and Matt Oxendine in the fourth and fifth to tie the game up at two. Righthander Jeff Dietz (1-0) got the win in relief (2 IP, 0 R) for the Hawks and righthander William Spottiswood closed it out (2 IP, 0 R). The series continues Monday night at South Bend at 6:30 CST with the winner of the series moving on to play for the Midwest League Championship against Burlington. [...] Continue Reading »

Dayton 7, Lansing 3 (Dayton wins the best-of-three series 2-0)

Dayton closed out Lansing 7-3 to end the series after only two games and advance to the second round of the Midwest League Playoffs. Dayton got an excellent outing from starter RHP Enerio Del Rosario (1-0) who went seven allowing only one earned run. Dragon reliever LHP Aguido Gonzalez (1 SV) pitched the final two innings to close out the win. Dayton got another big night from Neftali Soto  who went 3-for-5 with an RBI. Jacob Kahaulelio also added three hits and two RBI’s in the victory for Dayton. Lansing got a good night from top prospect Kevin Ahrens who went 2-for-4. Dayton now must wait on the winner from the South Bend versus West Michigan series with the second round to begin on either Saturday or Sunday. 

South Bend at West Michigan PPD. Rain (South Bend leads best-of-three series1-0)

Burlington at Kane County PPD. Rain (Burlington leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Cedar Rapids at Clinton PPD. Rain (Cedar Rapids leads best-of-three series 1-0)

South Atlantic League Playoffs

No Games Scheduled

Lake County leads best-of-three series 1-0, series resumes on Friday at 7:05 EST

Augusta leads best-of-three series 1-0, series resumes Friday at 7:05 EST

Midwest League

South Bend 5, West Michigan 3 (South Bend leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Pretty it was not. In a game that featured eleven combined errors the SilverHawks managed to beat the Whitecaps in game one of their playoff series 5-3. South Bend got an effecient outing from top prospect Jarrod Parker (1-0) who went six allowing just two runs and striking out five. Daniel Schlereth then came in to throw two scoreless innings and strike out three. The SilverHawks then turned to dominant closer Clay Zavada who sealed the victory with a scoreless ninth. Sean Coughlin paced the SilverHawk offense with a 4 for 4 night driving in two. The Whitecaps pitching was not the problem as ace Jon Kibler (0-1) only allowed one earned in his four innings, but the defense could not support him.  West Michigan then got an outstanding relief effort from Paul Nardozzi who went four scoreless striking out seven. The series will continue tonight in Grand Rapids at 7 CST.  

Dayton 3, Lansing 1 (Dayton leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Pitching was the story early in the Midwest League playoff game in Dayton, Ohio, but an error in the sixth by Lansing would prove the difference as Dayton would go on to the 3-1 victory. Dayton starter Jeremy Horst (1-0) was superb  throwing 6 2/3 scoreless allowing just three hits and striking out five. Lansing starter Marc Rzepczynski (0-1) matched him pitch for pitch until the error led off the sixth. The big star for the Dragons was Neftali Soto who laced a two RBI double in the sixth that proved to be the difference. The two teams will meet again at 7:05 CST at Lansing.   [...] Continue Reading »

Wisconsin’s Michael Pineda pitched a gem, Chris Nash tore up Hagerstown and Mike Stanton came one home run away from making history.

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

It’s been a tough season for Lake County (Indians) first baseman Chris Nash, a player whose career is expected to be carried by his bat, but he certainly ended it on a high note. Nash went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and a stolen base as the Captains closed out their regular season with a 12-8 win over Hagerstown (Nationals). The home run was Nash’s fifth of the year, and he drove in a season-high four runs. Nash ends the regular season with a line of .230/.293/.348 in 270 at-bats. [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

Greensboro (Marlins) third baseman Matt Dominguez looks like he’ll put a cap on a successful first pro season as he hit two home runs Thursday night in a 13-2 rout of Lexington (Astros). He went 3-for-5 and drove in four runs, putting his line for the year at .287/.350/.477 with 16 home runs in 327 at-bats.

Prospect Nuggets

Greensboro center fielder Mike Stanton went 2-for-3, hit his 36th home run and drove in three runs. Stanton’s home run was the first in a line of back-to-back-to-back long balls, with his being followed by one from Dominguez and then one by first baseman Hunter Mense … Asheville (Rockies) third baseman Darin Holcomb went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and six RBIs in an 11-1 win over Greenville (Red Sox). The six RBIs vaulted Holcomb to the league lead in that category with 101 on the year … [...] Continue Reading »

Brandon Waring went deep twice, Madison Bumgarner won his 15th game and Wilmer Flores continued to shine in his low Class A debut.

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

In a move that probably shocks no one, Augusta (Giants) lefthander Madison Bumgarner is today’s POTD. Bumgarner worked five innings against Hickory (Pirates), allowed a run on three hits and struck out nine with one walk. Bumgarner struck out eight of the first 10 hitters he faced and extended his shutout streak to 38 innings, but it was snapped in the fourth after Hickory’s Matt Hague lined a single to right and Augusta right fielder Garrett Baker misplayed the bounce, allowing Hague to go all the way to third. Erik Huber drove in Hague with an RBI groundout.

Bumgarner finishes the regular season at 15-3, 1.46 with 164 strikeouts in 142 innings, putting him in line to win the three pitching triple crown categories. And since Augusta is in position to make the postseason—they lead Columbus by 5 1/2 games—Bumgarner could get at least one more start before all is done. [...] Continue Reading »

Daniel Schlereth blew away Fort Wayne, Caleb Gindl had another strong performance and Madison Bumgarner makes his run for the record books tonight.

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

We don’t usually POTD honors to the same player two days in a row, but rain thinned out the Sally League’s schedule yesterday, so we’ll again give the nod to West Virginia (Brewers) right fielder Caleb Gindl for going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI as the Power took another step towards clinching the Northern Division title with a 7-3 win over Lexington (Astros).

Prospect Nuggets

Charleston (Yankees) catcher Jesus Montero went 2-for-4 with an RBI in a 4-2 loss to Savannah (Mets). Montero is hitting a robust .360/.418/.620 so far in August. He’s ascended to the top of the league leaderboard in hits and is third in average. [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

West Virginia (Brewers) right fielder Caleb Gindl went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in a 4-1 win over Lexington (Astros). Gindl is riding an 11-game hitting streak that includes seven multi-hit games, and his advanced bat has helped him hit .345/.416/.545 since the all-star break, putting his line for the year at .306/.386/.478.

Prospect Nuggets

Savannah (Mets) catcher Francisco Pena went 2-for-4 against Charleston (Yankees). The 18-year-old Pena looks to be finishing the season on a high note, as he’s hitting .323/.333/.403 so far in August … Delmarva (Orioles) shortstop Tyler Henson went 3-for-5 with a double (24), a home run (11) and three RBIs in an 8-3 win over Lakewood (Phillies), putting his line for the year at .274/.316/.406. The 20-year-old Henson was playing shortstop for the first time all year after having manned third base throughout the season. He moved to third after committing 30 errors in 67 games at shortstop last year. He’s been better at the hot corner this year but has still committed 28 errors in 119 games. [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

Savannah (Mets) righthander Scott Moviel gave up only one run on four hits over six innings while striking out five and walking one in the first game of a doubleheader against Rome (Braves). It wasn’t enough though, as Moviel didn’t get much offensive support and the Sand Gnats went on to lose 2-1. Moviel’s record stays put at 9-8, but his ERA drops to 4.43 in 120 innings. [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

You can read more about Madison Bumgarner’s exploits in today’s Prospect Hot Sheet, but the Augusta (Giants) lefthander did it again last night. He went 6 1/3 shutout innings against Kannapolis (White Sox), allowing only six hits, no walks and striking out 10, including White Sox first-rounder Gordon Beckham twice. Bumgarner extended his shutout streak to 34 1/3 innings, putting him less than six innings away from the SAL record, and improved to 14-3, 1.45 on the year. [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

We’ll give co-POTD awards to Charleston’s (Yankees) two teenage catchers, Austin Romine and Jesus Montero. Both put their offensive talents on display last night to lead the RiverDogs to a 10-8 win over Columbus (Rays). Romine, who caught last night while Montero served as the DH, hit two home runs and went 3-for-4 with three RBIs on the night. Meanwhile, Montero went 2-for-5 with a home run of his own, a double and four RBIs.

Prospect Nuggets

Greensboro (Marlins) third baseman Matt Dominguez hit his 14th home run of the year (and sixth of August) as the Grasshoppers took down Greenville (Red Sox) 6-1. He went 1-for-3 overall … Kannapolis (White Sox) shortstop Gordon Beckham went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

The best performance on yesterday’s four-game slate in the SAL belonged to Greenville (Red Sox) shortstop Oscar Tejeda, who went 3-for-5, drove in two runs and scored another as the Drive outlasted Greensboro (Marlins) 12-6. The 18-year-old raised his line to .250/.290/.325 in 320 at-bats for the year.

Prospect Nuggets

Greenville third baseman Michael Almanzar broke an 0-for-17 slump by going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored … West Virginia (Brewers) right fielder Caleb Gindl hit his 10th home run of the year in a 10-6 loss to Asheville (Rockies). Gindl went 1-for-3 on the night … Augusta (Giants) first baseman Angel Villalona went 1-for-5 with a double and two RBIs against Kannapolis (White Sox) … Augusta’s pitching staff held Kannapolis shortstop Gordon Beckham to a 1-for-4 night. [...] Continue Reading »

Danny Duffy shut down Quad Cities, Angel Villalona had three hits and Justin Smoak made his professional debut.

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

Augusta (Giants) first baseman Angel Villalona went 3-for-4 with a double as the GreenJackets cruised past Lexington (Astros) 5-1. This was Villalona’s first three-hit game since May 18 and he raised his line for the year to .254/.302/.416.

Prospect Nuggets

Greenville (Red Sox) shortstop Oscar Tejeda went 2-for-4 with a double (16), triple (1) and a run scored as the struggling Drive dropped its fifth in a row … Charleston (Yankees) catcher Jesus Montero went 2-for-4 with his first triple of the year … [...] Continue Reading »

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

Shortstop Gordon Beckham’s professional career has gotten off to a flying start. The White Sox’ first-round pick joined Kannapolis (White Sox) on Friday and went 3-for-4 with a double in his pro debut against Hickory (Pirates). He went only 1-for-4 on Saturday, but got right back to it yesterday, going 3-for-3 and hitting his first professional home run, a three-run shot in the fifth inning off Crawdads righthander Francisco Ortiz. [...] Continue Reading »

Jason Heyward is getting his bat going again, so is Ben Revere and Phillippe Aumont has returned to Wisconsin’s rotation.

South Atlantic League

Prospect Of The Day

It’s been a while since we gave Jason Heyward some recognition, so we’ll try to make up for it today. The Rome (Braves) right fielder went 2-for-4 with his sixth triple last night as the Braves beat Hagerstown (Nationals) 6-1. The Braves scored all six of their runs in the first inning, with Heyward contributing a single and coming around to score on a hit by Freddie Freeman. This was Heyward’s seventh multi-hit game in his last 10, and he’s upped his season line to .325/.390/.489. [...] Continue Reading »