Samuel Basallo had a massive game for Norfolk, and Colton Cowser returned to game action for the first time in almost two months.
Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 8, St. Paul Saints (Twins) 3 — Game 1 F/7
Samuel Basallo was the story in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Basallo finished the day 3-for-3 with two homers, a double, a walk, and three RBIs. Basallo scored after all four at bats and played catcher for Norfolk. It was the type of game that makes you want to see the 20-year-old reach Baltimore ASAP.
Jud Fabian matched Basallo with his 9th homer of the season, and TT Bowens recorded a pair of doubles in four trips. Coby Mayo finished 0-for-4 but still scored a run after reaching on a fielder’s choice in the fourth.
Thaddeus Ward turned in an encouraging start with 5.1 innings of one-run ball. Ward struck out seven and only allowed three hits. He did walk four batters though, and the lone earned run came via a solo homer.
Corbin Martin allowed a pair of runs over 1.2 innings of relief.
Triple-A: St. Paul Saints (Twins) 3, Norfolk Tides 2 – Game 2 F/7
Basallo got the second game off, and the Tides could have used him. Catcher Chadwick Tromp trimmed the lead to one with a solo homer in the seventh inning, but Connor Pavolony and Fernando Peguero both went down swinging to end the game.
Vimael Machín finished 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot, and Coby Mayo recorded an RBI single in three trips.
Roansy Contreras posted a respectable four innings of one run ball with two hits and five strikeouts. Similar to Ward, his only earned run came via a solo shot. Colin Selby allowed a run in an inning of relief.
Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox vs. Harrisburg Senators (Nationals) — Postponed (Rain)
Makeup on May 24
High-A: Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals) 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 3
Colton Cowser began a rehab stint last night with the IronBirds. The reigning American League Outstanding Rookie showed plenty of rust while serving as Aberdeen’s DH. Cowser finished 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, but it’s still a win to see him back on the field after breaking his thumb at the end of March.
Blake Money spotted Wilmington a three-run lead in the top of the first. Money still managed to pitch into the fifth inning, but he surrendered nine hits and four runs over 4.1 frames.
Griff O’Ferrall notched Aberdeen’s only multi-hit game from the leadoff spot. Vance Honeycutt finished 1-for-3 with a triple and a walk, and Reed Trimble trimmed the lead to one with a solo shot in the seventh.
Nick Richmond, Carter Baumler and Carter Rustad combined to throw 4.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Low-A: Salem Red Sox 10, Delmarva Shorebirds 3
The double digit scoring total from Salem would indicate that starter Chase Allsup had another rough go at it, but the former fourth-round pick actually pitched well. Allsup limited the Red Sox to only two runs over five innings with five strikeouts and two walks.
The teams were tied at two after five frames, but Salem broke things open late. Jack Crowder allowed a pair of runs in the sixth inning before allowing six more in the eighth. He ended the game with 3 IP 6 H, 8 R (7 ER), 3 K, 1 BB, 1 HR.
Alfredo Velásquez led the charge offensively for Delmarva. Velásquez doubled, stole third, and scored the Shorebirds’ first run on a throwing error. He tripled later and finished the day 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Edwin Amparo finished 2-for-4 with a double to mark Delmarva’s only other extra-base hit.
Friday’s Schedule
Norfolk: at St. Paul, Game 1, 7:37 pm. Starter: Trevor Rogers (0-2, 8.10 ERA)
Chesapeake: at Harrisburg, 7:00 pm. Starter: Ryan Long (2-1, 3.94 ERA)
Aberdeen: vs Wilmington, 7:05 pm. Starter: Ty Weatherly (0-2, 7.53 ERA)
Delmarva: at Salem, 6:35 pm. Starter: Chipper Menard (0-1, 9.00 ERA)