It was a perfect day in the Orioles organization as all four minor league teams and the MLB O’s got wins.
Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 15, Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals) 6
The entire Norfolk offense was clicking in this game. They recorded their 15 runs on 15 hits, six walks, and seven strikeouts, and they went 6-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
Coby Mayo led the way, going 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, a walk, and three RBI. Dylan Beavers scored four times, homered twice, and walked twice. Jud Fabian singled twice, stole a base, and scored a run. Both Maverick Handley and TT Bowens smacked one homer apiece.
Thaddeus Ward got the win on the mound. He tossed 5.2 innings, and allowed just two runs on three hits, five walks, and four strikeouts. Nick Richmond and Rodolfo Martinez combined for 2.1 scoreless relief innings, but in between them Kade Strowed coughed up four runs (three earned) on four hits, including a home run.
Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox 10, Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants) 6
Yet another big offensive game dotted with home runs down on the Orioles farm. Chesapeake smacked four long balls, one each from Silas Ardoin, Adam Retzbach, Frederick Bencosme, and Creed Willems. Retzbach also doubled and drove in a game-high three runs. Jeremiah Jackson tied him with three RBI of his own and a double. Douglas Hodo stole his fourth base of the season.
Alex Pham started on the mound, and after sailing through four innings struggled in the fifth. He would end up getting the hook that frame and finish his day with four runs allowed on four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts over 4.1 innings. Keagan Gillies nabbed the win by allowing one run (a solo homer) over 1.2 innings of work. And Daniel Lloyd earned his first save with three solid innings in which he gave up just one run on three hits and a strikeout.
High-A: Aberdeen IronBirds 2, Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets) 1
Pitching was the story in this low-scoring game. Aberdeen was actually out-hit by Brooklyn 5-2, but they made the most of the baserunners they did have in a game that was played in a brisk two hours and four minutes.
Braxton Bragg was dominant on the mound. Over seven innings he didn’t allow any runs or walks, and gave up just three hits, earning the win. Bragg still has a perfect 0.00 ERA over 16.1 innings this season. Zane Barnhart added one shutout inning of relief, and the only run that Riley Cooper gave up en route to his save was a solo homer.
The IronBirds managed just two singles and three walks in this game, and scored both of their runs in the bottom of the first inning. Vance Honeycutt and Griff O’Ferrall were responsible for the two hits. O’Ferrall, Austin Overn, and Ethan Anderson each worked a walk. Their two runs came in unconventional ways. The first was a stolen base when Anderson trotted home from third while Honeycutt swiped second and the throw got away from the shortstop. Later, they did it again! This time with Honeycutt heading home while O’Ferrall swiped second.
Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 6, Carolina Mudcats (Brewers) 3
Delmarva had oodles of baserunners in this one. They collected 12 hits, six walks, and got help from two Carolina errors. Kevin Guerrero paced the offense with three hits and a stolen base. Braylin Tavera and Yasmil Bucce hit one homer each and drove in two runs. Alfredo Velásquez and Steven Ondina swiped one bad apiece.
Only two Shorebirds stepped on the mound, and both were quite effective. Michael Caldon started and allowed just one earned run on two hits, a walk, and three strikeouts. But Cohen Achen earned the win by throwing six impressive frames. He gave up only one run on two hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.
A bit of bad news from this game: catcher Miguel Rodriguez had to leave the game with a left leg injury. He was helped off by two teammates and could not put any weight on the leg. There is no word yet on his outlook.
Thursday’s Schedule
Norfolk: at Omaha, 7:35 pm. Starter: TBA
Chesapeake: at Rich mond, 6:35 pm. Starter: Zach Fruit (0-1, 13.50 ERA)
Aberdeen: vs Brooklyn, 7:05 pm. Starter: Michael Forret (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Delmarva: at Carolina, 6:30 pm. Starter: Chase Allsup (1-1, 1.93 ERA)