RaysProspects.com

at 6:29 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Starting Pitching Summary:
Team         IP/GS   ERA   FIP   H/9  HR/9  BB/9   K/9  K/BB  AvAGE
Durham         5.1  4.00  4.19   8.9   0.8   3.8   6.7   1.7   26.8
Montgomery     5.0  4.46  4.28   9.0   0.9   3.2   6.4   2.0   24.8
Charlotte      5.1  3.93  3.58   9.3   0.8   2.2   7.3   3.3   24.1
Bowling Green  4.2  3.39  3.32   8.7   0.4   3.1   7.6   2.5   21.6
Hudson Valley  4.0  4.26  4.41   7.8   0.6   4.6   6.6   1.4   20.2
Princeton      4.2  2.41  2.80   8.2   0.2   1.8   6.4   3.6   20.6
GCL Rays       4.1  2.43  3.00   8.0   0.1   2.6   6.6   2.6   20.0
VSL Rays       3.1  4.56  4.37   9.8   0.7   2.8   5.1   1.8   18.6
DSL Rays       3.2  4.30  4.19   9.0   0.5   4.4   7.0   1.6   19.5

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 6:16 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Durham Bulls:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Talbot      4.47 3.55 10  54.1  67 27  3 18  40 11.1  0.5  3.0  6.6  2.2 25.7
Price       3.93 4.71  8  34.1  28 15  5 18  35  7.3  1.3  4.7  9.2  1.9 23.8
Davis       3.12 3.56 18 101.0  91 35  7 39  89  8.1  0.6  3.5  7.9  2.3 23.8
Hernandez   3.43 3.88 17  94.1  89 36  7 35  69  8.5  0.7  3.3  6.6  2.0 29.2
Houser      5.23 5.88 13  62.0  65 36  7 42  36  9.4  1.0  6.1  5.2  0.9 24.5
Cromer      1.89 3.64  8  47.2  35 10  3 12  30  6.6  0.6  2.3  5.7  2.5 28.6
Childers   12.0010.20  1   3.0   7  4  2  1   4 21.0  6.0  3.0 12.0  4.0 34.5
DeSalvo     6.75 5.33  9  42.2  45 32  4 30  27  9.5  0.8  6.3  5.7  0.9 28.8
Mason       9.00 5.70  1   4.0   8  4  1  1   3 18.0  2.3  2.3  6.8  3.0 25.0
DePaula     4.77 3.20  2   5.2   9  3  0  1   3 14.3  0.0  1.6  4.8  3.0 26.5
Kazmir      1.50 1.53  1   6.0   5  1  0  0   5  7.5  0.0  0.0  7.5  inf 25.4
Sonnanstine 3.46 2.58  2  13.0  13  5  0  2   7  9.0  0.0  1.4  4.8  3.5 26.3

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 6:05 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Montgomery Biscuits:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Hellickson  2.49 3.02 10  50.2  38 14  4 13  56  6.8  0.7  2.3  9.9  4.3 22.3
Rodriguez   6.01 5.50 18  85.1  84 57 15 42  70  8.9  1.6  4.4  7.4  1.7 21.6
Rollins     3.55 3.64 18 106.1 104 42  6 28  65  8.8  0.5  2.4  5.5  2.3 24.1
Morse       5.55 5.46 11  47.0  54 29  6 27  28 10.3  1.1  5.2  5.4  1.0 26.1
Cromer      5.01 3.93  8  41.1  53 23  3  9  21 11.5  0.7  2.0  4.6  2.3 28.6
Mann        4.19 3.81 12  62.1  59 29  3 23  35  8.5  0.4  3.3  5.1  1.5 25.1
Oliveros    9.00 5.95  2   8.0   9  8  2  3   8 10.1  2.3  3.4  9.0  2.7 23.8
Baker       3.21 4.08  8  42.0  36 15  4 15  33  7.7  0.9  3.2  7.1  2.2 26.5
Mason       6.14 5.04  3  14.2  20 10  2  4   7 12.3  1.2  2.5  4.3  1.8 25.0

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 5:53 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Charlotte Stone Crabs:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Cobb        3.20 2.98 16  78.2  81 28  5 16  71  9.3  0.6  1.8  8.1  4.4 21.8
Darcy       5.76 4.71 16  86.0 114 55 11 16  35 11.9  1.2  1.7  3.7  2.2 24.1
Newmann     3.95 3.46 14  73.0  59 32  4 32  72  7.3  0.5  3.9  8.9  2.3 24.0
Hall        4.02 3.53 16  85.0  85 38  7 21  69  9.0  0.7  2.2  7.3  3.3 25.8
Downs       2.31 3.12 15  89.2  91 23  8 16  84  9.1  0.8  1.6  8.4  5.3 24.5
Oliveros    0.00 1.60  1   5.0   3  0  0  0   4  5.4  0.0  0.0  7.2  inf 23.8
Mejias     10.80 7.20  3  10.0  16 12  4  2   9 14.4  3.6  1.8  8.1  4.5 23.8
Kazmir      0.00 1.70  1   4.2   3  0  0  1   5  5.8  0.0  1.9  9.6  5.0 25.4
Flores      5.40 3.30  2  10.0   9  6  0  4   7  8.1  0.0  3.6  6.3  1.8 24.5
Hinkle      1.80 1.80  1   5.0   3  1  0  1   5  5.4  0.0  1.8  9.0  5.0 23.1

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 5:38 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Bowling Green Hot Rods:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Moore       2.70 2.73 16  76.2  49 23  3 44 108  5.8  0.4  5.2 12.7  2.5 20.0
Dyer        5.25 3.46 14  70.1  85 41  2 20  49 10.9  0.3  2.6  6.3  2.5 21.3
DeLosSantos 3.74 3.97 17  86.2  94 36  5 30  50  9.8  0.5  3.1  5.2  1.7 21.6
Schenk      2.35 2.42  2   7.2   7  2  0  1   6  8.2  0.0  1.2  7.0  6.0 23.0
Jarman      2.70 3.65  8  40.0  37 12  3 10  27  8.3  0.7  2.3  6.1  2.7 24.1
Andujar     2.67 3.62  7  33.2  32 10  2  9  21  8.6  0.5  2.4  5.6  2.3 21.8
Cruz        3.47 2.58 13  59.2  66 23  3 15  62 10.0  0.5  2.3  9.4  4.1 20.9
Hayes       7.50 4.37  2   6.0   8  5  0  4   4 12.0  0.0  6.0  6.0  1.0 20.9
Barnese     1.09 3.35  7  33.0  23  4  1  9  22  6.3  0.3  2.5  6.0  2.4 20.5

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 5:29 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Hudson Valley Renegades:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Suarez      2.79 4.34  2   9.2   8  3  1  2   4  7.4  0.9  1.9  3.7  2.0 19.8
Lobstein    3.31 3.93  4  16.1  14  6  1  9  17  7.7  0.6  5.0  9.4  1.9 19.9
Colome      2.25 2.35  4  20.0  11  5  0  7  25  5.0  0.0  3.2 11.3  3.6 20.5
Gibson     10.6111.24  3   9.1  10 11  3 13   3  9.6  2.9 12.5  2.9  0.2 21.8
Dott        6.89 2.75  4  15.2  22 12  0  5  11 12.6  0.0  2.9  6.3  2.2 21.1
Ayers       3.27 5.20  3  11.0   8  4  1  7   6  6.5  0.8  5.7  4.9  0.9 19.8
Chavez      1.00 4.76  2   9.0   4  1  0  4   2  4.0  0.0  4.0  2.0  0.5 20.0
McEachern   6.75 4.45  1   4.0   5  3  0  2   2 11.3  0.0  4.5  4.5  1.0 18.8

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 5:19 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Princeton Rays:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
McEachern   1.06 2.38  3  17.0  11  2  1  0  15  5.8  0.5  0.0  7.9  inf 18.8
Rodriguez   4.11 4.44  4  15.1  17  7  1  6   9 10.0  0.6  3.5  5.3  1.5 19.3
Bencomo     3.63 2.33  4  17.1  18  7  0  4  15  9.3  0.0  2.1  7.8  3.8 20.4
Shull       1.20 2.07  3  15.0  14  2  0  3  13  8.4  0.0  1.8  7.8  4.3 18.9
Dettrich    3.00 2.47  3  15.0  15  5  0  3  10  9.0  0.0  1.8  6.0  3.3 20.8
Callender   0.90 3.40  2  10.0   7  1  0  2   2  6.3  0.0  1.8  1.8  1.0 25.6

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 5:10 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Gulf Coast League Rays:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Almonte     5.00 4.09  2   9.0  12  5  1  1   4 12.0  1.0  1.0  4.0  4.0 19.8
Suero       2.40 3.33  3  15.0  12  4  0  5   8  7.2  0.0  3.0  4.8  1.6 20.1
McGee       3.18 0.91  4   5.2   4  2  0  3  11  6.4  0.0  4.8 17.5  3.7 22.9
Mateo       0.56 2.33  3  16.0  13  1  0  2  13  7.3  0.0  1.1  7.3  6.5 19.9
Furdal      1.13 3.14  3  16.0  12  2  0  6  11  6.8  0.0  3.4  6.2  1.8 18.7
Romero, E   7.20 4.20  1   5.0   6  4  0  2   2 10.8  0.0  3.6  3.6  1.0 18.4

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 5:01 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Venezuelan Summer League Rays:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Sanchez    12.08 4.86  5  12.2  23 17  1  6  11 16.3  0.7  4.3  7.8  1.8 20.1
Quinonez    6.15 3.66  8  26.1  27 18  0 12  15  9.2  0.0  4.1  5.1  1.3 19.9
Linares     3.86 4.13  4  14.0  15  6  2  3  11  9.6  1.3  1.9  7.1  3.7 19.2
Lopez       1.78 3.95  6  25.1  23  5  1  9  15  8.2  0.4  3.2  5.3  1.7 18.2
Cabrera     3.31 3.63  7  32.2  31 12  2  5  15  8.5  0.6  1.4  4.1  3.0 19.7
Crespo      3.31 6.08  4  16.1  18  6  3  3   2  9.9  1.7  1.7  1.1  0.7 19.4
Wilches     6.00 2.87  4   9.0  17  6  0  1   3 17.0  0.0  1.0  3.0  3.0 17.8
Gonzalez    0.00 3.08  3   8.0   5  0  0  2   5  5.6  0.0  2.3  5.6  2.5 16.9
Duarte     27.0120.45  1   1.1   3  4  1  2   1 20.3  6.8 13.5  6.8  0.5 19.5
Echarry     4.26 6.04  4  12.2  10  6  3  4   9  7.1  2.1  2.8  6.4  2.3 17.0
Salazar     5.40 6.80  2   1.2   2  1  0  3   3 10.8  0.0 16.2 16.2  1.0 16.9

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 4:47 PM

Through Sunday's games.

Dominican Summer League Rays:
Starter      ERA  FIP GS    IP   H ER HR BB   K  H/9 HR/9 BB/9  K/9 K/BB  AGE
Wilsino     3.00 2.89  7  36.0  32 12  1  2  27  8.0  0.3  0.5  6.8 13.5 20.3
Guerrero    6.38 4.51  5  18.1  27 13  2  7  13 13.3  1.0  3.4  6.4  1.9 18.4
Dominguez   5.87 5.35  5  15.1  17 10  1 13  11 10.0  0.6  7.6  6.5  0.8 17.9
Lara        3.97 3.64  5  22.2  23 10  2  7  23  9.1  0.8  2.8  9.1  3.3 20.5
Galan       1.80 6.60  3  10.0   8  2  0 15   7  7.2  0.0 13.5  6.3  0.5 21.4
Fermin      4.63 3.71  4  11.2  11  6  0  9  12  8.5  0.0  6.9  9.3  1.3 18.8
Thomas, Ya  5.06 6.76  2   5.1   3  3  0  7   1  5.1  0.0 11.8  1.7  0.1 19.7
Reyes       6.75 1.70  2   4.0   3  3  0  2   6  6.8  0.0  4.5 13.5  3.0 20.6
Torres      4.26 6.36  2   6.1   6  3  1  1   1  8.5  1.4  1.4  1.4  1.0 18.2

Note: These stats only include appearances as a starting pitcher. If one of these pitchers make a relief appearance, those numbers are not included.

at 12:13 PM

Infielder Cody Cipriano has been promoted to the Montgomery Biscuits from the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Cipriano, who has played all around the Charlotte infield, has hit .297/.402/.456 with 5 home runs and 35 RBIs for the Stone Crabs this season, and was a Florida State League All-Star. He was selected by the Rays in the ninth round of the 2007 draft out of UC-Irvine.

No corresponding roster move yet.

at 12:09 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays are now the 17th (tied with the Baltimore Orioles) favorite major league baseball team according to HarrisInteractive (see page 2 of pdf). The Rays had the biggest increase of any team from 2008, when they finished 28th.

The 2009 top 5 favorite teams based on polling of U.S. adults who follow major league baseball are: New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and tied for 4th Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Other than the Rays moving up 11th spots, here are the biggest changes from last year:

- The Cleveland Indians made the largest move, down 18 places from a tie at No. 7 to a tie at No. 25.
- The Colorado Rockies have dropped ten places from a tie at No. 13 to a tie at No. 23.
- The Kansas City Royals dropped nine spots from a tie at No. 20 to No. 29.
- The Seattle Mariners (from No. 17 to No. 10) and the San Diego Padres (from No. 27 to a tie at No. 20) both moved up seven places.

at 11:48 AM

Catcher Michael McCormick has been assigned to the Charlotte Stone Crabs from the Bowling Green Hot Rods. The 22 year-old hit .165/.272/.252 in 218 AB's this season for the Hot Rods. He was originally drafted by the Rays out of Marist High School (Eugene, OR) in the 5th round of the 2005 draft.

Catcher Tyler Hauschild has been assigned to the Bowling Green Hot Rods from the Princeton Rays to replace McCormick.

at 10:00 AM

Durham Bulls on All-Star break
Notes: Durham returns to action on the 16th in Louisville...

Montgomery Biscuits on All-Star break
Notes: The Biscuits resume play on the 15th, hosting West Tennessee...

Charlotte Stone Crabs at Sarasota Reds 7:00 EDT
Starting for Charlotte: LHP Darin Downs 8-4 2.31
Notes:

Bowling Green Hot Rods at Lakewood BlueClaws 7:05 EDT
Starting for Bowling Green: RHP Nick Barnese 4-1 1.09
Notes:

Hudson Valley Renegades off
Notes: The 'Gades open up a 3-game series at home against Batavia tomorrow...

Princeton Rays at Bluefield Orioles 7:00 EDT
Starting for Princeton:
Notes: Not sure who it'll be on the mound(maybe Julius Dettrich)...

GCL Rays at GCL Twins 12:00 EDT
Starting for GCL Rays:
Notes:

at 7:00 AM

Durham Bulls 9, Norfolk Tides 2
Box | Recap
Notes: Durham improved to 51-39... Julio Depaula made the spot start and pitched three innings of shutout ball. Calvin Medlock relieved him and threw three scoreless of his own before Jorge Julio allowed the only two runs of the game for Durham. Dale Thayer finished things off with 1.1 scoreless innings... Ray Sadler and Elliot Johnson led the offense, each homering and driving in two... Henry Mateo also knocked in two... Reid Brignac went 0-5... Matt Joyce was 1-4 with a walk...

Montgomery Biscuits on All-Star break
Notes: Montgomery resumes play on the 15th at home against West Tennessee...

Sarasota Reds 5, Charlotte Stone Crabs 0
Box | Recap
Notes: Charlotte fell to 8-9... Jesse Darcy took his 8th loss of the year, allowing 5 earned runs in 5.2 innings... The Crabs totaled just six hits and a walk... Emeel Salem went 2-4...

Bowling Green Hot Rods off
Notes: Bowling Green opens up a series in Lakewood today...

Hudson Valley Renegades 5, Aberdeen IronBirds 3 (10 innings)
Box | Recap
Notes: Hudson Valley improved to 12-11... Diogenes Luis and David Genao each drove in runs in the top of the 10th, and Richard De Los Santos closed it out to get the win... Tyler Bortnick went 2-3 with a triple...

Princeton Rays 8, Bluefield Orioles 1
Bluefield Orioles 2, Princeton Rays 1 (7 innings)
Box 1 | Box 2
Notes: Princeton sits at 9-10... Game one was the completion of the July 11th game... Trevor Shull earned the win, allowing a run in four innings of work... David Wendt went 3 for 5 with 5 RBIs... Kyle Spraker, Cody Rogers, and Ramon Novas each had two hits... Joey Callender didn't allow an earned run in 5 innings in game two... Alex Koronis took the loss, coughing up a solo homerun in the bottom of the 6th...

GCL Reds 6, GCL Rays 1
Box | Recap
Notes: Brad Furdal got the loss despite a solid start, allowing two runs in 5 innings. He didn't strike out a batter and walked three... Andrew Bellatti threw two scoreless innings... Gerardo Olivares had the lone RBI...

Up
Durham Bulls - 2B Elliot Johnson: 1-2 with a homerun, two RBIs, and two walks.

Charlotte Stone Crabs - N/A

Hudson Valley Renegades - SS Tyler Bortnick: 2-3 with a triple and a walk.

Princeton Rays - C David Wendt: 3-5 with two doubles and 5 RBIs in game one.

Down
Durham Bulls - SS Reid Brignac: 0-5.

Charlotte Stone Crabs - Offense: Just six hits.

Hudson Valley Renegades - 3B Burt Reynolds: 0-4

Princeton Rays - C Tomas Francisco: 0-3 in game two.

at 8:30 PM

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs were shut-out by the Sarasota Reds 5-0 on Sunday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium. The Reds broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning when Jason Louwsma delivered a solo homer run to left center field. Sarasota added another run in the fifth inning when Louwsma scored on an RBI double by Dave Sappelt giving the Reds a 2-0 lead.

The Reds put three more runs on the board in sixth. Denis Phipps got things going with a double to left followed by a single by Jake Kahaulelio. Phipps scored on a sac fly by Jose Gualdron. Jason Louwsma followed with an RBI double to score Kahaulelio and later scored on a single by Shane Carlson. Sarasota now held a 5-0 lead in which they held to the end.

Jesse Darcy was the losing pitcher, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits in 5 2/3 innings while striking out 1 and walking 2. Jose Mejias pitched the final 2 1/3 innings giving up no runs on 1 hit. Scott Carroll was the winning pitcher for Sarasota.

What Went Right: Emeel Salem; only Stone Crabs to get multiple hits by going 2 for 4.

What Went Wrong: Offense; 5 Stone Crabs failed to get a hit, 0-6 with runners in scoring position while stranding 7 runners.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs look to avoid the sweep by Sarasota on Monday night at Ed Smith Stadium. Darin Downs (8-4) will be on the mound for Charlotte against Jeremy Horst (5-8) for Sarasota.

at 5:01 PM

[Via email from the Durham Bulls' broadcaster Neil Solondz.]

Elliot Johnson and Ray Sadler homered, as the Bulls pulled into a first-place tie with Norfolk at the All-Star Break with a 9-2 win on Sunday at Harbor Park.

Johnson's homer to right center in the third off Orioles prospect Jake Arrieta (2-3) was Durham's first hit of the day and broke a scoreless tie. Sadler's blast to start the fifth to left made it 2-0. Durham (51-39), which leads the league in homers with 92, had been without a homer for four straight games, all losses.

The Bulls then poured it on in the sixth, scoring five two-out runs to put the game out of reach. Sadler reached on a broken-bat infield hit toward third with the bases full to make it 3-0. Bases-loaded walks to Johnson and Craig Albernaz followed for a 5-0 lead, and Henry Mateo's two-run ground single to center made it 7-0.

That was more than enough for Durham's pitching staff, which went with bullpen by committee with Andy Sonnanstine sidelined due to mono. Julio DePaula worked three scoreless innings, as did Calvin Medlock (2-0). Durham helped the tandem by turning four double plays in the second through fifth innings.

Durham collected nine hits and seven walks, including two hits by Sadler and Chris Richard. The win helped Durham salvage the last of three games with Norfolk (50-38) heading into the three-day All-Star Break.

Durham continues road play on Thursday at Louisville. Reid Brignac and Dale Thayer will play in Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star Game in Portland, OR. Coverage begins at 9:40 p.m. with first pitch at 10 p.m. on 99.9 the Fan ESPN Radio.

at 3:51 PM

The Bowling Green Hot Rods have activated RF Jason Corder from the 7-day disabled list and placed RF Kyeong Kang on the temporarily inactive list (for the Futures Game).

The GCL Rays have activated LHP Jacob Partridge, which Nick covered in words and pics earlier.

at 12:40 PM

at 12:39 PM

[Via email from the Durham Bulls' broadcaster Neil Solondz.]

The Durham Bulls have made the following moves: C Alex Jamieson has been assigned to the Bulls from the Hudson Valley Renegades, C John Jaso was recalled from the Bulls to the Tampa Bay Rays.

at 12:38 PM

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

The Tampa Bay Rays have made the following move affecting Double-A Montgomery as they begin the All-Star break:

INF Brandon Chaves placed on the Disabled List retroactive to 7/10 (elbow) [23 + 2].

The move leaves the Biscuits one shy of the Southern League maximum of 24 active players. Two players (Jason Perry, Chaves) are currently on the Disabled List.

at 10:40 AM

The Game: The GCL Rays struggled to create offense for the majority of the game, but they managed to come up with three clutch runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to slip by the GCL Orioles, 3-1 in a rare Gulf Coast League night game at Charlotte Sports Park in front of a crowd of about 30.

Eli Suero got the start for the Rays and pitched five innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, walking two and striking out a pair. 2009 draft pick Jacob Partridge made his professional debut with a scoreless sixth inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. Jose Monegro came on to pitch the final three frames, allowing two hits and one strikeout to earn his first win of the season.

Offensively, the Rays struggled for most of the game. LF Hunter Pace was 2-4 on the night with a run batted in. CF Ruben Contreras scored the winning run on a wild pitch with Felix Gonzalez at the plate. Gonzalez drove in the third Rays run with a single. 2B Luis Marchena also had a two hit night for the Rays.

What Went Right: SP Eli Suero, 5IP 1 ER. RRHP Jose Monegro, 3 IP to earn the win. LF Hunter Pace, 2-4 with an RBI.

What Went Wrong: C Geraldo Olivares, 0-4. SS Cristian Vasquez, 0-3 with an error defensively.

The Road Ahead: The Rays are at home taking on the GCL Reds at 12PM. Brad Furdal is the starting pitcher for the Rays.

at 10:39 AM

[Via email from the Durham Bulls' broadcaster Neil Solondz.]

Rhyne Hughes' two-out two-run single in the eighth got Durham within a run, but the Bulls fell out of first with a 4-3 loss Saturday night to Norfolk.

Durham (50-39), down 4-0 after six innings, rallied with a run in the seventh when Hughes and Henry Mateo doubled off Jim Miller. In the eighth Chris Richard doubled and John Jaso walked against Miller. Josh Perrault wild pitched the runners to second and third before Hughes singled to right to the cut the deficit to one. Hughes, 3-for-4, highlighted a 12-hit attack.

Durham had a chance to tie the game in the ninth. Brandon Snyder robbed Mateo of an extra-base hit with a diving grab near the first base bag. Reid Brignac doubled to left-center, but Matt Joyce grounded to third, and Perrault fanned Justin Ruggiano for his first Triple-A save. Durham finished the game 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Norfolk (50-37) scored single runs in the third and fourth against Carlos Hernandez (5-5). A leadoff walk led to the first run, and an errant pickoff attempt led to the second run (unearned). Norfolk tacked on two more against John Meloan in the sixth on Brandon Snyder's first Triple-A homer, a two-run wind-blown fly ball to left.

Durham has lost four straight games, all by one or two runs, and now trails Norfolk by one game with a single contest left with the Tides before the All-Star break. Because Andy Sonnanstine has mono, Durham will use its bullpen to work through Sunday's game. Jake Arrieta will start for Norfolk at 1:15. Coverage on 99.9 the Fan ESPN Radio begins at 12:55.

at 10:38 AM

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

The Tennessee Smokies turned aside the Biscuits attempt to sweep a four-game series with a one-sided, 8-2, win in the finale on Saturday night at Smokies Park.

Biscuits' starter Aneury Rodriguez looked as though he was going to breeze through the first inning, retiring the first two Smokies before Ty Wright singled with two outs. Tyler Colvin singled behind him and Russ Canzler gave the Smokies a 2-0 lead with a two-run double to left field. Canzler was thrown out at third on the play to end the inning.

Rodriguez conceded a third run to the Smokies in the second inning when Jonathan Mota singled with one out. Tony Thomas then cracked a double to the gap in left-center field to score Mota from first for a 3-0 lead.

The lead grew again in the third as Jim Adduci tripled down the right-field line to lead off against Rodriguez. Wright followed with his second single of the ballgame to plate Adduci and the Smokies led, 4-0.

Rodriguez (4-10) departed the ballgame after three innings, taking his 10th loss of the season. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits, before Chris Mason relieved him in the fourth.

Hung-Wen Chen tossed a perfect three innings to start the ballgame, but the Biscuits sliced the Smokies lead in half with two runs in the fourth inning. Pedro Powell bunted this way on to start the inning, and a batter later Chris Nowak belted his first home run as a Biscuit to left-center field.

The Smokies grabbed control of the game again in the fifth inning. Mason conceded a one-out single to Nate Samson that sparked a four-run inning for Tennessee. All four runs were charged to Mason, who worked two innings of relief. A Mota RBI single capped the inning, and the Smokies led, 8-2.

Chen (5-7) worked effectively after Nowak's home run, ultimately earning the win by equaling his longest outing of the season. He left after seven innings, allowing just two runs on six hits and striking out five.

The Biscuits begin the All-Star break on Sunday and return to action with a five-game series against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Seattle Mariners). The series opens on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:05 PM at Riverwalk Stadium.

at 10:37 AM

[Via email from the Bowling Green Hot Rods' broadcaster Tom Gauthier.]

Tim Beckham singled in the game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth inning to lift the Hot Rods (11-5, 45-41) past the Charleston RiverDogs (7-10, 46-41) 3-2 on Saturday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. Beckham’s game-winner was his second of the series following up his RBI single that ended Friday night’s game. The win gave the Hot Rods a 3-1 series victory over Charleston while sending the Hot Rods on the road after 5-3 winning home stand.

The Hot Rods began their rally against losing pitcher Andrew Brackman (1-9), trailing 2-1, with a lead-off double by Jason Corder, who played in his first game since May 6 after being activated from the disabled list. Corder advanced to second on a single by Justin Reynolds before scoring on a sacrifice fly from Robi Estrada to tie the game at 2-2. Reynolds then stole second base before Anthony Scelfo struck out for the second out of the inning. That’s when Beckham stroked a single to center field to drive in Reynolds for the 3-2 lead.

The rally made a winner out of Jamie Bagley (2-3), who turned in 2.2 perfect innings in relief of starter Frank De Los Santos. Bagley struck out four, retiring all eight batters that he faced. De Los Santos, meanwhile, turned in a 4.1 innings of two-run ball, earning a no-decision because of the rally. De Los Santos allowed six hits, struck out three, and walked two in his shortest outing in seven weeks.

Charleston didn’t go quietly, however, nearly tying the game with another late rally for the second consecutive night. With two down in the ninth inning against Marquis Fleming (save, 5), Garrison Lassiter doubled to left-center to out the tying run at second base. He was replaced by pinch runner Tommy Baldridge with Addison Maruszak at the plate. Maruszak came through with a single to left field but Baldridge was gunned down at home plate by Jason Tweedy to end the game, much to the delight of 4,645 fans, the Hot Rods sixth standing-room only crowd in 2009.

Beckham earned Koch Air Hottest Hitter honors providing the game-winning single as well as his team-leading 20th double. Bagley was the Koch Air Coolest Pitcher after picking up his second win of 2009.

After an eight-game home stand the Hot Rods will enjoy Sunday taking a bus ride to Lakewood, NJ, to begin a four-game series with the BlueClaws on Monday night. Hot Rods right hander Nick Barnese (4-1, 1.09) will open the series against Lakewood righty Jesus Sanchez (4-5, 3.97). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM CDT. You can follow the game on the radio with Tom Gauthier at 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com. Pre-game coverage begins at 5:50 PM CDT.

The Hot Rods return home to begin an eight-game home stand against the Northern Division on Wednesday, July 22. The Hagerstown Suns will be in Bowling Green to open the home stand with Hannah Montana/High School Musical Night and Feeding American Food Bank Night. First pitch is at 7:05 PM. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com or head to the Hot Rods ticket office at the corner of 8th Avenue and Center Street at Bowling Green Ballpark.

at 7:50 AM

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs fell to the Sarasota Reds by the score of 6-1 on Saturday night at Ed Smith Stadium. The Reds hit the scoreboard first in the second inning. Neftali Soto lead off the inning with a double to center and later scored on an RBI single by Jason Louwsma to give the Reds a 1-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs battled back to tie the game in the top of the fourth. Henry Wrigley singled to left and Cody Cipriano was hit by a pitch to give the Stone Crabs runners on first and second. John Matulia followed with a line drive single to score Wrigley and tie the game at 1.

The Reds struck for four runs in the bottoms of the sixth to distance themselves from the Stone Crabs. The inning got started with a single by Neftali Soto who later scored on an RBI double by Jake Kahaulelio. Jason Louwsma followed with an RBI single to score Kahaulelio. Jose Gualdron then delivered a single to center to put two runners onboard for the Reds. Justin Tordi singled home Louwsma and Justin Reed singled home Gualdron to give the Reds a 5-1 lead. Sarasota added another run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a solo home run by Jose Gualdron and they held on for a 6-1 victory.

Alex Cobb pitched 5 innings in a no decision, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. Justin Garcia was the losing pitcher surrendering 4 runs off 6 hits in an inning worked. Tommy Rafferty finished the final 2 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 2. Luis Montano was the winning pitcher for Sarasota.

What Went Right: Alex Cobb; only allowed 1 run in 5 innings with 3 K’s.

What Went Wrong: Justin Garcia; gave up 4 runs in 1 inning pitched. Reid Fronk; 0 for 4 on the night and hasn’t had a hit in his lat 27 at-bats.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Reds face off for game two of the series Sunday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium. Jesse Darcy (2-7) will pitch against Jeremy Horst (5-8).

at 4:59 PM

The Durham Bulls have placed RHP Andy Sonnanstine on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to July 7, 2009.

Calvin Medlock has been assigned to the Durham Bulls from the Hudson Valley Renegades.

The DSL Rays have activated CF Cesar Guillen from the restricted list.

The Rays have signed 2B Starlin Rodriguez and assigned him to the DSL Rays. He's a switch hitting 5'9", 160 pound 19 year-old. He went 1-4 with a run scored in his first game yesterday.

The VSL Rays have signed free agent RHP Guillermo Salinas. He's a 6'1", 180 pound 20 year-old. He pitched 2.0 innings today with 2 strikeouts. The last I can find him appearing professionally was in 2007 for the Arizona League Brewers, where he had a 4.85 ERA with one save in 15 games. In 2006 he went 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in 14 appearances in his first professional season, also with the Arizona League Brewers.

at 12:05 PM

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

The Tampa Bay Rays have made the following moves affecting the roster of Double-A Montgomery prior to their series finale with Tennessee on Saturday night:

OF Desmond Jennings placed on Temporarily Inactive List, OF Pedro Powell activated from Hudson Valley (Short-A) roster [24 + 1].

Jennings is inactive while he travels to participate in the XM All-Star Futures Game in St. Louis, MO, on Sunday.

The corresponding moves keep the Biscuits at the Southern League maximum of 24 active players. One player (Jason Perry) is currently on the Disabled List.

at 8:17 AM

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs avoided the sweep by defeating the Jupiter Hammerheads 4-3 in game two of the doubleheader at Roger Dean Stadium. The Stone Crabs took the lead in the third inning by posting two runs to the scoreboard. Omar Luna and Emeel Salem got things started with back to back singles. Shawn O’Malley then reached on a fielding error by shortstop Osvaldo Martinez which also allowed Luna to score. Reid Fronk followed with a walk to load the bases. Henry Wrigley then delivered an RBI single to left to score Salem and give the Stone Crabs a 2-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs added more runs to their lead in the fourth inning. The Stone Crabs got things going with three consecutive singles by Matt Hall, Omar Luna and Emeel Salem. With Hall scoring on Salem’s single to center. Shawn O’Malley then drew a walk to load the bases. The second run of the inning game off a bases loaded walk to Reid Fronk that scored Luna and gave the Stone Crabs a 4-0 lead.

Jupiter rallied back in the bottom of the sixth inning. Ben Harrison led off the inning with a walk and was followed by a single by Brandon Tripp. Matt Dominguez then drew a walk to load the bases. Hunter Mense followed with a two run double to left to score Harrison and Tripp. Then Dominguez came home on a ground out by Jameson Smith to bring the Hammerheads within a run of the lead. But they were unable to push across any more runs and the Stone Crabs held on to win 4-3.

Jeremy Hall picked up the win by allowing 3 runs on 4 hits while striking out 7 and walking 5 in 5 innings of work. Matt Gorgen recorded a save by pitching 2 innings and allowing 1 hit with 2 strikeouts and 2 walks. Alejandro Sanabia was the losing pitcher for Jupiter.

What Went Right: Omar Luna; 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.

What Went Wrong: Christian Lopez; 0-4 with 2 strikeouts.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs travel to Ed Smith Stadium to begin a three game series against the Sarasota Reds on Saturday.

at 12:29 AM

[Via email from the Bowling Green Hot Rods' broadcaster Tom Gauthier.]

With 6,054 fans sitting on the edge of their seats Hot Rods shortstop Tim Beckham stroked a single to left field to score Anthony Scelfo for the game-winning run in a 5-4, 11-inning win over the Charleston RiverDogs (7-9, 46-40) on Friday night. The second-largest crowd in ballpark history witnessed the Hot Rods (10-5, 44-41) maintain their perfect 4-0 record in extra-innings in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The victory also ensures the Hot Rods will put together at least a .500 home stand and a season split with Charleston heading into their final meeting on Saturday night.

The winning rally actually began with a fantastic defensive play by Scelfo in the top of the 11th. The center fielder, who earlier in the game scaled the right field wall to take a hit away from Tommy Baldridge, made a diving catch in shallow center to rob Mitch Abeita of a lead-off single. After Josh Satow (W; 3-0) retired the final two batters of the inning, the Hot Rods went to work offensively in the bottom half of the frame.

Robi Estrada led off with a strikeout against relief pitcher Chuck Nolte (L; 1-1). Scelfo followed with his second hit of the night with a lined single by the first baseman Baldridge into right field. On the first pitch to Beckham, Scelfo attempted a delayed steal and was safe at second base by a hair to set up Beckham’s game-winner. On the very next pitch the Koch Air Hottest Hitter of the Game lined a single down the left field line to score Scelfo for the Hot Rods third extra-innings walk-off hit.

Satow earned the win with a career-high four innings out of the bullpen. While he did pick up his third blown save by allowing a game-tying triple to Abraham Almonte in the eighth inning, Satow allowed just one hit the rest of the way, retiring the final eight batters that came to the plate.

Charleston’s eighth-inning rally to tie the game at 4-4 was just one of many see-saw battles during the game. Bowling Green scored first thanks to an Isaias Velasquez single to score Beckham in their half of the first inning. The RiverDogs would come right back and get a run off of Joe Cruz (ND) with a two-out run-scoring hit from Mitch Abeita in the second to tie it at 1-1.

Each team would put together a two-run third inning. For Charleston, Corban Joseph and Melky Mesa drove in runs with consecutive two-out hits to give the RiverDogs a 3-1 lead in the top half. In the bottom half, Jake Jefferies drew a walk and advanced to third on a single-error combination off the bat of Kyeong Kang. Two batters later Mike Sheridan drove both runners in with a single to right field, tying the game at 3-3.

Sheridan struck again in the fifth against Charleston starter Brett Marshall (ND). That rally started with consecutive two-out singles from Jefferies and Kang, both advancing an extra base when left fielder Taylor Grote bobbled the ball from Kang. Isaias Velasquez then drew a walk to load the bases for Sheridan. The Hot Rods first baseman, who has four RBI in this series, single to right field to score Jefferies before Kang was thrown out at home plate to end the inning by Melky Mesa.

Cruz pitched just four innings for the Hot Rods, reaching a high pitch count due to endless foul balls by Charleston. He allowed three earned runs on five hits, striking out two and walking one. Neil Schenk followed up Cruz with three shutout innings, allowing just three hits before giving way for the final four frames. Schenk left the game in line for the win before Almonte’s triple in the eighth against Satow.

The two teams meet for the final time this season on Saturday night, which is Scout Sleepover Night at Bowling Green Ballpark. First pitch is at 7:05 PM. Gates open at 5:30 PM for season ticket holders and 6 PM for the general public. The first 1,000 fans will received a Silver Hot Rods Logo Baseball. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com.

The pitching match-up for Saturday features LHP Frank De Los Santos (4-6, 3.72) for the Hot Rods against Charleston RHP Andrew Brackman (1-8, 6.01). You can follow the game on the radio with Tom Gauthier at 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:50 PM.

at 11:44 PM

[Via email from the Durham Bulls' broadcaster Neil Solondz.]

Jon Weber had three hits, including a two-run single in a three-run sixth, but it wasn't enough for Durham in a 5-3 loss at Norfolk.

Weber's third hit off Andy Mitchell (7-2), a base hit to right, followed a Matt Joyce double, a single by Justin Ruggiano and a Chris Richard run-scoring double. Reliever Chris Waters came in and retired the next two hitters on first pitch flyouts before striking out Elliot Johnson to end the threat.

Norfolk then added to its lead on Michael Aubrey's second homer of the night off Wade Davis (8-5).

Durham rallied in the ninth against Alberto Castillo (five saves). Johnson walked with one out and Henry Mateo blasted a ball to center, but former Bull Joey Gathright ran it down for the second out. Reid Brignac singled to right-center to bring the lead run to the plate, but Castillo got Matt Joyce to pop to second to end the game.

Gathright had sparked a three-run first-inning rally off Davis with a leadoff walk. Justin Christian's double and Aubrey's two-run homer brought home the runs. Jolbert Cabrera's RBI double in the third drove home the fourth run of the night. Durham pitchers fanned 11 and allowed only six hits, but all of them were for extra bases (four doubles and two homers).

While Durham rallied at the plate, the Bulls probably lost this game early on. Durham had 15 base runners against Mitchell (out of 24 hitters) but scored only the three runns. Durham hit into four double plays (in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th) and had two runners thrown out on the bases in the fourth.

The Tides (49-37) are now in a virtual tie for first in the South Division with the Bulls (50-38) with two games left before the All-Star Break. After winning 10 of 11, Durham has dropped three straight.

Carlos Hernandez will try and break the string on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. against righty David Pauley. Coverage on 99.9 the Fan ESPN Radio begins at 6:55.

at 11:39 PM

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

The Biscuits blitzed the Tennessee Smokies and posted their most lop-sided win of the season, 15-1, on Friday night at SmokiesPark. With the win, the Biscuits claimed both the current four-game series and also the season-series with Tennessee.

The Biscuits came out swinging against Tennessee starter Casey Coleman in the first inning. Jason Bowers started a string of five consecutive hits with a one-out single. Chris Nowak followed with a single and Fernando Cortez drove in Bowers with an RBI single that gave the Biscuits a 1-0 lead. The single for Cortez also extended his league-best hit-streak to 15 games. Matt Fields then ripped a single to score Nowak and Nevin Ashley lifted an RBI double to right-center field to plate Cortez. Joe Gaetti capped the four-run inning with a sacrifice fly to center to score Fields, giving the Biscuits an early 4-0 advantage.

The Smokies got a run back off of Biscuits starter Heath Rollins in the second inning. Rollins delivered a first-pitch fast ball, which Ty Wright crunched to left field for a solo-home run to pull Tennessee within three runs, 4-1.

Coleman was chased in the fourth inning as the Biscuits broke the game open. Gaetti singled with one out and Coleman walked J.T. Hall to put two aboard. Drew Anderson then singled to load the bases for Desmond Jennings. Jennings walked on four pitches to push home a run as Gaetti scored. Bowers then sent a ground ball to third base that Marquez Smith attempted to come home with, but threw away, allowing two more runs to score. Both runs were unearned, but Coleman departed the ballgame, trailing, 7-1.

The Biscuits added a run off reliever Alex Maestri in the fifth inning as Hall drove in Fields with an RBI single for an 8-1 lead.

Meanwhile, Rollins was cruising to his seventh road win of the season. Rollins (8-7) allowed just a lone run on five hits over seven innings, his fine performance lost amidst the offensive barrage.

Coleman (9-4) was tagged with the loss, allowing seven runs -- five earned -- both season-highs. He allowed seven hits and walked two as the Biscuits snapped his personal three-start win-streak.

The Biscuits rubbed salt in the wounds with seven runs over the final two innings to establish season-highs in both runs and hits (19). The onslaught included a two-run Gaetti home run in the eighth inning and a Jennings RBI triple in the ninth.

The series finale is scheduled at 6:15 PM on Saturday night at SmokiesPark. RHP Aneury Rodriguez (4-9, 5.79) will make the start for the Biscuits against RHP Hung-Wen Chen (4-7, 5.81) for Tennessee.

at 8:49 PM

Jake McGee made his fourth rehab start of the year this year for the Gulf Coast League Rays, and his second straight against the Boston Red Sox organization. McGee threw one scoreless inning, not allowing any baserunners and striking out two. Not exactly sure why he only threw one inning, hopefully they were using this start as a bullpen session or something along those lines.

McGee went 2.2 innings in his last start, and has thrown 5.2 total innings so far for the GCL this summer. He has compiled a 3.18 ERA and allowed two earned runs in four starts.

at 8:35 PM

The Game: The Stone Crabs suffered a 8-1 loss to the Jupiter Hammerheads in game one of Friday’s doubleheader at Roger Dean Stadium. Jupiter jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Brandon Tripp doubled to left to score Greg Burns. Matt Dominguez followed with a sac fly to score Ben Harrison. The Hammerheads took a 2-0 lead and never looked back.

The Hammerheads added two more runs in the third inning as Greg Burns led off the inning with a single to right field. Ben Harrison cleared the bases with a two run homer to give Jupiter a 4-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs scored their only run of the game in the top of the fourth inning. Emeel Salem led off the inning with a single to center and then advanced to second on a steal. Greg Sexton singled to left to advance to third base. Cody Cipriano then followed with an RBI double to score Salem. The Stone Crabs trailed 4-1.

Jupiter put four more runs on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Ryan Curry doubled to left and later scored on an RBI single by Ben Harrison. Brandon Tripp then drew a walk to put runners at first and second for the Hammerheads. But they did not stay there long as Matt Dominguez followed with a three run homer to give the Hammerheads their 8-1 margin of victory.

David Newmann suffered the loss by allowing 8 runs off 6 hits and walking 3 with 1 strikeout in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin Boggan finished the final 1 1/3 innings and did not allow a hit. Jeff Allison was the winning pitcher for Jupiter.

What Went Right: Emeel Salem; 2 for 3 and scored the only run for the Stone Crabs.

What Went Wrong: David Newmann; surrendered 8 runs off 6 hits and walked 3.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Hammerheads complete the doubleheader with game two at Roger Dean Stadium. Jeremy Hall (9-4) will face Alejandro Sanabia (8-3).

at 12:28 PM

Team, actual wins, actual losses, runs scored, runs allowed, pythagorean wins, pythagorean losses, difference between actual and pythagorean.

Team                     W   L   RS   RA  pW  pL  Dif
Tampa Bay Rays          47  39  465  386  50  36   -3
Durham Bulls            50  37  408  393  45  42   +5
Montgomery Biscuits     41  47  354  431  36  52   +5
Charlotte Stone Crabs   44  37  349  333  42  39   +2
Bowling Green Hot Rods  43  41  329  367  38  46   +5
Hudson Valley Renegades 10  10   57   94   6  14   +4
Princeton Rays           8   8   53   63   7   9   +1
GCL Rays                 5   8   33   55   4   9   +1
VSL Rays                26  20  247  259  22  24   +4
DSL Rays                10  24  192  222  15  19   -5

at 12:19 PM

Team, league, number of home games, average attendance, rank in league.

Team           League           G     Avg    LgRank
Durham         International   44   6,347    8th/14
Montgomery     Southern        44   3,922    3rd/10
Charlotte      Florida State   38   2,953    1st/12
Bowling Green  South Atlantic  37   3,406    7th/16
Hudson Valley  New York-Penn    9   4,330    6th/14
Princeton      Appalachian      9   1,025    6th/10

at 10:00 AM

Durham Bulls at Norfolk Tides 7:15 EDT
Starting for Durham: RHP Wade Davis 8-4 2.84
Notes: Beginning of an 11-game road trip...

Montgomery Biscuits at Tennessee Smokies 7:15 EDT
Starting for Montgomery: RHP Heath Rollins 7-7 2.71
Notes:

Charlotte Stone Crabs doubleheader at Jupiter Hammerheads 5:05 EDT
Starting for Charlotte: RHP Jeremy Hall 9-4 3.94 & LHP David Newmann 4-3 3.16
Notes:

Bowling Green Hot Rods vs. Charleston RiverDogs 8:05 EDT
Starting for Bowling Green: RHP Joseph Cruz 3-4 3.23
Notes:

Hudson Valley Renegades vs. Aberdeen IronBirds 7:05 EDT
Starting for Hudson Valley: LHP Aaron Dott 0-2 4.97
Notes:

Princeton Rays vs. Pulaski Mariners 7:00 EDT
Starting for Princeton: LHP Julius Dettrich 0-1 2.70
Notes:

GCL Rays at GCL Red Sox 12:00 EDT
Starting for GCL Rays:
Notes:

at 9:59 AM

[Via email from the Durham Bulls Director of Media Relations Matt DeMargel.]

Chris Richard struck out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning ending the Bulls’ five-run rally just a few tallies short as the Braves knocked off Durham, 8-6 on Thursday night. A paid attendance of 8,311 watched as the Bulls dropped to 50-37 on the season.

Durham was behind 8-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning when the bats came alive. Richard started the rally with a one-out single followed by a single from Ray Sadler and a walk to Craig Albernaz to load the bases. Rhyne Hughes singled to score Richard, then a passed ball by Clint Sammons allowed Sadler to score making it 8-3. Elliot Johnson then singled home Albernaz ending the night for pitcher Jon Huber.

Lefty Juan Perez entered the game and retired Henry Mateo on a sacrifice fly to make it 8-5. Perez then suffered a bout of wildness, beaning Reid Brignac and walking Matt Joyce and Justin Ruggiano to force home a run and make it 8-6. With the bases loaded, the home plate umpire ruled Richard failed to check his swing on a controversial first strike followed by a called strike two and a strikeout swinging to end the game.

RHP Bobby Brownlie (1-1) picked up his first win allowing one run on five hits in seven innings of work for Gwinnett, while RHP Matt DeSalvo (0-3) took the loss allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks in three and two-thirds innings. Perez picked up his first save of the season.

The Bulls head to Norfolk for a three-game series beginning on Friday night at Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA. Catch all the action with Neil Solondz on www.durhambulls.com.

at 9:58 AM

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

The Biscuits powered their way to a second straight victory, defeating the Tennessee Smokies, 6-3, on Thursday night at SmokiesPark.

Pitching dominated the early portion of game two as starters Brandon Mann and Andrew Cashner traded scoreless innings through three innings.

Cashner added a scoreless top half of the fourth, and the Smokies finally broke through against Mann in the bottom of the frame. Jonathan Mota opened the inning with a double to left field and a batter later, Marquez Smith brought in the first run of the game with an RBI single to give the Smokies a 1-0 advantage.

The Biscuits took control of the game in the top of the fifth inning when Cashner walked J.T. Hall and Desmond Jennings to put two aboard with two outs. Brandon Chaves rolled a ball to second that was thrown away by second baseman Nate Swanson. Hall scored to tie the game, with Jennings ruled to third and Chaves to second when the throw bounced into the dugout. Cashner was relieved by Casey Lambert and Chris Nowak greeted him with a two-run single to center field that scored both runners and gave the Biscuits a 3-1 lead.

Cashner was charged with all three runs, but all three were unearned due to the error on Samson. Cashner (0-1) took the loss for Tennessee regardless, his first decision of the season.

Lambert ran into trouble again as the Biscuits broke the game open in the sixth inning. Matt Fields walked to start the inning and Nevin Ashley followed with his first home runs as a Biscuit, a two-run drive to left-center field to put the Biscuits out front, 5-1. Later in the inning, Jason Bowers sent a solo-home run to left field to extend the Biscuits lead, 6-1

Mann (5-5) evened his record with a sterling effort over 6 1/3 innings. He allowed just six hits, while striking out four. He departed with two aboard in the seventh, but Rayner Oliveros relieved him and quickly recorded the final two outs.

Oliveros finished the ballgame for the Biscuits, allowing a pair of runs in the ninth inning to cap the scoring, but effectively protecting the lead he was handed.

Game three of the series is scheduled for 6:15 PM on Friday night at SmokiesPark. RHP Heath Rollins (7-7, 3.71) will make the start for Montgomery against RHP Casey Coleman (9-3, 2.56) for Tennessee.

at 9:57 AM

[Via email from the Bowling Green Hot Rods' broadcaster Tom Gauthier.]

Isaias Velasquez picked up his team-leading sixth triple to go along with a pair of RBI on Thursday night, but his effort wasn’t enough as the Hot Rods fell to the Charleston RiverDogs 9-5 at Bowling Green Ballpark. The loss evens the series at one game each heading into the third game on Faith and Family Night presented by Way FM on Friday night.

Charleston opened the scoring for the second straight night, this time in the top of the second inning. Making his first start since June 28, right-hander Shane Dyer allowed the first two base runners to reach in the second on a single and an error. Dyer would quickly erase the next two batters before Garrison Lassiter slapped a single down the third base line to plate two runners to give Charleston a 2-0 lead.

The RiverDogs added a run in the fourth inning on a single to center field from Abraham Almonte. That was followed up with a back-breaker of a fifth inning when Melky Mesa hit a two-run double down the right field line followed by a two-out run-scoring single from Almonte that knocked Dyer (1-7) out of the game. The right hander allowed six runs, four earned, over 4.2 innings. He surrendered nine hits and walked three while striking out four.

Before the three-run fifth the Hot Rods had made it a two-run game on Velasquez’s sixth triple of the season, a base hit that moved him into the team lead in that category. He drove home Jake Jefferies who led off the fourth with a walk against starter Manny Banuelos (ND). Velasquez, however, was stranded at third when Banuelos ended the inning by retiring John Mollicone and Mike McCormick.

The RiverDogs added to their lead with a three-run seventh inning against reliever Tyree Hayes. Almonte once again figured into the scoring, driving in two runs with a triple to center and then scoring on a balk by Hayes to push the lead to 9-1. Almonte finished with three hits and four RBI in five plate appearances.

The Hot Rods began their comeback in earnest in the last of the seventh against Dan Kapala. With two down, Justin Reynolds was hit by a pitch. He would score on wild play when Jeremy Beckham hit an infield single to third that allowed Reynolds to go from first to third. Charleston first baseman Tommy Baldridge tried to throw Reynolds out at third but his throw sailed high and Reynolds ended up scoring from third on the error. Beckham was at second base on the error and moved to third on a passed ball before scoring on a wild pitch for a two-run frame.

In the eight, still facing Kapala, Jefferies and Kang put together consecutive singles before Velasquez picked up his second RBI of the game, forcing in Jefferies with a groundout. Kang scored when Mollicone picked up his 12th RBI of the second half on a flare single to right field.

The series continues with the RiverDogs on Friday night with post-game fireworks presented by Atmos Energy and WBKO. First pitch is at 7:05 PM. Gates open at 5:30 PM for season ticket holders and 6 PM for the general public. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com.

The pitching match-up for Friday features RHP Joe Cruz (3-4, 3.23) for the Hot Rods against Charleston RHP Brett Marshall (3-5, 5.59). You can also follow the game on the radio with Tom Gauthier at 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:50 PM.