California League

San Jose 2, Stockton 1 (Best-of-five series tied 2-2)

A fifth and deciding game will be needed to decide who will advance to the California League Finals as San Jose came from behind to defeat Stockton. San Jose took its first lead on a Sharlon Schoop two-RBI double in the seventh. The Giants would hold on as righty Dan Otero threw a perfect 1 1/3 innings to close out the contest. Josh Donaldson was 2-for-3 and Jermaine Mitchell (1-for3) drove in the Ports only run, as both players kept their playoff hot streaks alive. Ports lefthander Carlos Hernandez had another excellent start. He allowed just four baserunners in six innings while striking out ten. Giants righthander Daryl Maday matched him for five, allowing only six runners and striking out eight in a no decision. The series finale takes place tonight in San Jose at 7:00 PST.

Lancaster 4, Lake Elsinore 3 (Best-of-five series tied at 2-2)

In similar fashion to the other California League semifinal Lancaster took the lead late to tie the series at two and force a final and deciding game with a 4-3 win Tuesday. In the sixth, with the game tied at two, Daniel Nava ripped his second RBI double of the game to give the JetHawks the lead for good. Lancaster starter right-hander Blake Maxwell (1-0) was solid going six allowing only two runs, and lefty Derrick Loop gave the JetHawks three innings of one run relief to hold onto the victory. Luis Durango and Eric Sogard had good nights for the Storm in the loss both hitters going 3-for-5. The final and deciding game of this series takes place tonight at 7:00 PST in Lancaster. [...] Continue Reading »

California League

Stockton 7, San Jose 6 (Stockton leads best-of-five series 2-1)

Stockton took a step closer to the California League Finals by beating San Jose 7-6 on a Jermaine Mitchell walk-off single. The Ports stormed back after entering the eighth down 5-2, but scored five runs in the final two innings. Josh Horton (2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI), Chris Carter (1-for-3, HR, 42 on season), and Matt Spencer (3-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI) led the attack, all contributing in the comeback. Corey Brown spraked the ninth inning outburst for the Ports with a two-RBI double. The Giants got a big night from Mike McBryde (3-for-5, 3 R), and Sharlon Schoop added a three-run homer in the loss. Left-hander Joe Paterson (0-1, BS 1) took the loss for San Jose allowing Mitchell’s single, but right-hander Juan Trinidad allowed the Ports to tie it up giving up two to start the ninth. Left-hander Branden Dewing (1-0) got the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Stockton will try to close out the series at home tonight at 7:05 PST. 

Lake Elsinore 5, Lancaster 4 (Lake Elsinore leads best-of-five series 2-1)

One night after scoring four runs in the last two innings to tie the series at one the Storm came from behind again to win 5-4. Storm leftfielder Luis Durango singled home the game winner in walk-off fashion to put the Storm up two games to one in the series. Lancaster scored four in the fourth to take control of the game paced by Michael Jones and Reid Engel each going deep in the inning.  Eric Sogard paced the comeback for the Storm scroring Cedric Hunter on a triple in the fourth. The bullped was outstanding for the Storm throwing 5.2 scorelss, led by right-hander Robert Woodard’s two innings and right-hander Evan Scribner’s (1-0) perfect ninth. JetHawks lefty reliever Kyle Fernandes (0-2) took his second playoff loss thanks in large part to two ninth inning walks. The Storm have a chance to end the series with a home game tonight at 7:08 PST. 

[...] Continue Reading »

 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 »

California League

Lancaster 9, Lake Elsinore 6  10 Innings (Best-of-five series tied 1-1)

Lancaster took game two of the best-of-five California League Semifinal series in dramatic fashion. Kris Negron smacked a walk-off three-run homer in the bottom of the tenth to tie the series between Lancaster and Lake Elsinore at one with Lancaster’s 9-6 victory. Lancaster jumped out to a big lead with a five-run first sparked by a Jon Still three-run homer. The Storm then fought back scoring in five different frames to take a 6-5 lead into the ninth before JetHawks shortstop Yamaico Navarro’s RBI single tied it at six. The Storm were led by Brian Joynt and Anthony Contreras who each homered in the game. RHP Wilton Lopez (0-1, BS 1) took the loss for the Storm giving up four runs (one earned) in 1 2/3 innings. RHP Jason Blackley (1-0) got the win with a scoreless tenth for the JetHawks.  The series will continue on Monday night at 7:08 PST at Lake Elsinore.

Stockton 7, San Jose 6 (Best-of-five series tied at 1-1)

In another California League thriller Stockton took out San Jose 7-6 with a three-run ninth. San Jose got a solid start from righthander Kevin Pucetas who went six allowing one run and striking out five. The Giants looked to have everything under control for most of the game as they got RBI’s from six different players, including a homer from Brad Boyer. The Ports then came back with six runs in the final three innings. The Ports ninth featured a two RBI game tying triple from Chris Carter, followed by a Josh Donaldson single to give Stockton the lead for the first time in the game. Righthander Michael Benacka came into to close out the game for Stockton and tie the series. Dan Otero (0-1, BS 1) took the loss for the Giants giving up all three ninth-inning runs while only recording two outs. Donaldson had the big game for Stockton as he continues his hot hitting going 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI. The Series will resume at 7:05 PST at Stockton on Monday. [...] 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

California League

Lake Elsinore 10, Inland Empire 5 (Game Suspended Due to Power, Game 1 Best-of-3 Series)

Lake Elsinore and Inland Empire opened their best-of-three series at San Bernardino on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, they will have to complete game one of the series Thursday night at Lake Elsinore. Game one was suspended with Cedric Hunter (2-for-4, 2 BB) on second and two outs in the top of the ninth. In a bizarre affair the 66ers lights went out just after Hunter’s two out double. They then came back for three pitches to 66ers 2B Eric Sogard before going out again, causing umpires to call the game. Prior to that the 66ers crowd was treated to offensive show by visiting Lake Elsinore. The aptly named Storm came out of the box hot scoring three runs in the first.  The 66ers fought back scoring once in each of the next three innings to tie the game at three. Catcher Mitch Canham had a big night with two doubles in a 3 for 4 night at the plate. The storm took control for good, scoring three in the eighth, led by 3B Brian Joynt’s (2-for-5, 3 RBI) 2-RBI double. That is where the game stands as they head to Lake Elsinore. The game will be completed at 6:05 PST at Lake Elsinore, with Game Two of the Series following immediately afterwards.  [...] Continue Reading »

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 »

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

Fort Myers 2, Dunedin 1 (Fort Myers leads best-of-3 series 1-0)

Rene Tosoni hit only two home runs in 142 regular season at-bats, so it was a little surprising that it was his home run that led the Miracle past Dunedin. Tosoni, a .300/.408/.414 hitter for Fort Myers, hit a two-run first-inning home run, which proved to be all the runs Cole Devries needed. Devries held Dunedin to only five hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings before turning it over to the Miracle bullpen. Carlos Gutierrez, the Twins’ 2008 first-round pick, struck out two in 1 1/3 scoreless innings while Anthony Slama closed it out for the save in the ninth. It was a rockier outing than normal for Slama, who finished the year with a 1.01 ERA. Matthew Liuzza, Dunedin’s catcher homered off Slama, which was the first home run he had given up all year.

Palm Beach, Dayton ppd., rain

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Inland Empire 7, Rancho Cucamonga 6 (13-innings) (One Game Playoff, Inland Empire advances to California League Semifinals)

Inland Empire has had Rancho Cucamonga’s number all season, so it was fitting that they would do the same in a one-game playoff for the California League’s final playoff spot. Bridger Hunt scored on A.J. Ford’s wild pitch in the 13th to give the 66ers a one-run win and a spot in the playoffs. It was Inland Empire’s 11th win in 13 games against the Quakes this season. The 66ers jumped out to a 6-2 lead before the bullpen blew it. Rancho Cucamonga rallied for four runs in the eighth and ninth to tie the game and send it to extra innings. Reliever Trevor Bell kept the Quakes in the game with 3 2/3 scoreless innings, but it wasn’t enough thanks to the 66ers rally in the 13th. Christian Lara went 5-for-7 for Inland Empire, while Drew Toussaint went 4-for-7 for Rancho Cucamonga. Peter Bourjos stole his 50th base for the Quakes. Inland Empire will travel to face the Lake Elsinore Storm in a best-of-3 seminfinal starting on Wednesday.

NASHVILLE–We just arrived in Nashville, and it’s time to catch up on the buzz surrounding Thursday’s Rule 5 draft here in Music City. Padres righthander Paul Abraham was the latest name to surface over the weekend, and White Sox righthander Fernando Hernandez  continued to build momentum as well. [...] Continue Reading »

Lou Merloni has spent parts of nine seasons in the majors with four teams. He’s exactly the kind of player who often gets bitter at spending a season in Triple-A.

But instead of stewing over his fate in life, the infielder decided to become the veteran leader in the Sacramento clubhouse. And under his leadership, the Sacramento RiverCats are the top team in Triple-A.

Wearing a newly presented “C” on his uniform to signify his designation as the team captain, Merloni hit a three-run home run on Tuesday night to lead the Pacific Coast League champs to a 7-1 win over International League champion Richmond in the second Bricktown Showdown.

“Lou is a first-class act,” Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco told the Sacramento Bee. “We’ve had over 180 transactions with guys coming and going. He’s the one who’s kept this clubhouse together.”

Brant Colamarino added a two-run home run for Sacramento. The RiverCats starter Shane Komine worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings but was forced to leave the game with shoulder stiffness, but his replacement, Kazuhito Tadano, and two more relievers allowed only four hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Tucson beat Toledo last year as the Pacific Coast League has won the first two Bricktown Showdowns.

Perhaps as important as the win was for Sacramento, the crowd of 11,524 was equally important for Triple-A baseball. After seeing it’s attempts at a Triple-A championship series falter in the past, each of the first two Bricktown Showdowns have drawn over 10,000 fans.

DOUBLE-A SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Montgomery 4, Huntsville 3
(Montgomery wins series 3-2)

Montgomery designated hitter Sergio Pedroza hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to stun Huntsville and lead the Biscuits to a 4-3 win against the Stars in the SL championship finale.

The Biscuits are the first SL club to win back-to-back SL championships since 1977, when the Montgomery Rebels won three straight titles.

HIGH CLASS A CAROLINA LEAGUE

San Jose 6, Lake Elsinore 1
(Series tied, 2-2)

San Jose tagged Lake Elsinore starter Cory Luebke for a five-run second inning and three Giants pitchers combined on a five-hitter to force a Game Five tonight at Lake Elsinore.

Pablo Sandoval hit a three-run home run to get the Giants on the board in the second and Kyle Haines followed with a two-out, two-run double. Lake Elsinore, one of the league’s best offenses during the regular season, has been limited to just 10 hits and one run in the past two games.

TRIPLE-A INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Richmond 6, Durham 2; Richmond 7, Durham 2
(Richmond wins series 3-2)

We thought this sort of scheduling in the postseason only happened in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, but Richmond swept both games of a playoff doubleheader against Durham to claim the International League title, its first since 1994.

Due to a rainout on Friday, the teams doubled up Saturday and the R-Braves jumped all over Durham starters Jae Kuk Ryu and Mitch Talbot in each nine-inning game to win the title and earn a berth in the Bricktown Showdown against Sacramento in Oklahoma on Sept. 19. [...] Continue Reading »

TRIPLE-A INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Durham at Richmond, postponed (rain)
(Durham leads series 2-1)

The Bulls and Braves couldn’t get going in Richmond Friday due to inclement weather.

Game 3 is slated for Saturday at 7:00 at the Diamond, where the Braves will go with righthander Kevin Barry against Durham righthander Jae Kuk Ryu.

TRIPLE-A PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Sacramento 4, New Orleans 3
(Sacramento wins series 3-0)

River Cats righthander Brad Knox took a shutout into the eighth inning and the Sacramento bullpen hung on late to complete a three-game sweep of the Zephyrs and win the PCL championship.

Knox allowed all three of New Orleans’ runs in the eighth, he struck out six and walked three over 7 2/3 innings.

The win also gives the River Cats a berth in the Bricktown Showdown, where they will face either Richmond or Durham, for the Triple-A title in a one-game championship. [...] Continue Reading »

TRIPLE-A INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Durham 3, Richmond 2
(Durham leads series 2-1)

Durham inched to within a win of the Bricktown Showdown with a come-from-behind, one-run victory.

Richmond cruised through six innings, on the strength of Francisley Bueno left arm. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound southpaw held the Bulls hitless through six, striking out six, but came out at that point when he neared his 100-pitch limit. He had thrown 99.

The move proved serendipitous for the Bulls, who trailed 2-0 at that point, as they rallied for three runs off reliever Buddy Hernandez in the seventh. Catcher Michel Hernandez drove home two runs, including the go-ahead tally, with a single. [...] Continue Reading »

Jeff Niemann’s 2007 season can be viewed two ways. The half-full approach holds that Niemann entered the season with 108 career innings as a pro and had a successful year for Triple-A Durham because he made only one disabled list trip (for minor shoulder fatigue) and set all kinds of career highs, most importantly with 25 starts and 131 innings pitched. [...] Continue Reading »

TRIPLE-A INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Durham 5, Richmond 1
(Series tied 1-1)

Two of the Devil Rays’ top prospects led Durham to victory against Richmond, tying the division rivals and aspiring Governor’s Cup winners at one win apiece. Save for allowing a solo home run to Braves center fielder Gregor Blanco, righthander Jeff Niemann was nearly flawless in eight strong innings for the Bulls. He struck out nine, walked none and allowed six hits.

Durham third baseman Evan Longoria broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning with his two-run double down the left field line. The hit was part of a 2-for-4 night by the 2006 third overall pick. [...] Continue Reading »

TRIPLE-A INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Richmond 4, Durham 2
(Richmond leads series 1-0)

Richmond broke through for three runs against Bulls’ ace J.P. Howell in the seventh inning, breaking a scoreless tie and chasing the lefthander with 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. Second baseman Mike Rozema clubbed the two-run double that ignited the Braves’ rally, and center fielder Gregor Blanco followed with a run-scoring groundout.

Righthander Jeff Bennett tossed six shutout innings for Richmond, striking out six and walking two, to pick up the win. Joey Devine notched the save with 1 2/3 innings of one-run ball. [...] Continue Reading »

DOUBLE-A SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Huntsville 8, Tennessee 7
(Huntsville wins series 3-2)

Middle infielders Alcides Escobar and Hernan Iribarren combined for five hits and scored two runs as the Stars finished off Tennessee, 8-7 in the best-of-five series.

Huntsville lefthander Steve Hammond wasn’t sharp–allowing five runs on six hits over just four innings–but the Stars’ bullpen was able to hang on for the victory.

Tennessee outfielder Tyler Colvin went 2-for-5 with two doubles to lead the Smokies.

Huntsville, who lost to Montgomery in the SL finals last year, will get a shot at redemption beginning Wednesday.

HIGH CLASS A CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Lake Elsinore 9, Lancaster 2
(Lake Elsinore leads series 2-1)

Craig Cooper went 4-for-5 and Stephen Farris threw six scoreless innings as Lake Elsinore moved within a win of advancing to the California League championship series. David Freese, Mike Baxter and all homered during a six-run sixth inning that put the game away.

Visalia 6, San Jose 3
(San Jose leads series 2-1)

Catcher Frank Curreri hit a pair of home runs to help Visalia to avoid being swept by San Jose. Hector Ambriz allowed two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings to pick up the win.

HIGH CLASS A CAROLINA LEAGUE

Salem 8, Frederick 4
(Series tied 1-1)

Salem first baseman Mark Ori doubled and drove in two, while second baseman Tim Torres homered and collected three RBIs, as Salem knotted the Mills Cup championship series at 1-1.

HIGH CLASS A FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

Brevard County 5, Clearwater 4
(Clearwater leads series 2-1)

Brevard County third baseman Mat Gamel doubled and homered in the first two innings on Monday to ensure that Brevard County lives for another day. Gamel helped chase Clearwater starter Zac Stott out of the game in first inning, knocking Stott out after he gave up three runs in two-thirds of an inning.

LOW CLASS A SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Columbus 5, West Virginia 2
(Columbus leads series 1-0)

The Catfish took Game 1 of the South Atlantic League championship series thanks to a solid outing by righthander Lewis Hollins and a two run double by outfielder John Matulia.
Matulia doubled in the third inning to start the offense.

Columbus then put up a run in the next three frames. Rollins pitched six innings, giving up two runs on six hits for the win. West Virginia righthander Alexandre Periard gave up all five runs on six hits in six innings for the loss.

SHORT-SEASON NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE

Brooklyn 8, Staten Island 4
(Brooklyn wins series 2-0)

Brooklyn righthander Dylan Owen struck out seven and walked none in seven scoreless innings as the Cyclones defeated the Yankees 3-1 to advance to the championship series.

The Cyclones got on the board in the bottom of the third inning when center fielder Raul Reyes hit an RBI-double, then scored on a single from Ezequiel Carrera.

Auburn 6, Oneonta 0
(Series tied 1-1)

Righthander Marc Rzepczynski overpowered the Tigers, striking out eight and surrendering three hits and one walk through six scoreless innings to lead Auburn to a 6-0 victory.

Righthander Alan Farina came on in relief and was just as dominant, closing out the game with seven strikeouts in three scoreless innings

ROOKIE-LEVEL PIONEER LEAGUE

Great Falls 10, Helena 3
(Great Falls wins series 2-1)

The White Sox put on an offensive showcase in Helena, defeating Helena 10-3 to advance to the championship series.

Second baseman Dale Mollenhauer went 3-for-6 with a double, first baseman Christian Marrero went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk and rightfielder Andrew Mead went 2-for-5 with a double to fuel the Great Falls offense.

TRIPLE-A PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Sacramento 4, Salt Lake 2
(Sacramento won series 3-2)

Sacramento first baseman Daric Barton cranked a three-run home run in the fifth inning off Bees righthander Nick Green, a shot that provided the River Cats with all the offense they’d need. Sacramento advanced to the PCL finals by winning three straight games, in the process eliminating a Salt Lake club that won the first two games with walk-off hits. [...] Continue Reading »