The game between the Triple-A Norfolk Tides and Charlotte Knights was postponed due to rain, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox lost both games of a doubleheader to the Reading Phillies.

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds edged the Lake County Captains, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds beat the Tri-City ValleyCats.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles topped the Burlington Royals, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles blanked the GCL Red Sox.

Earlier today, outfielder Jonathan Tucker was promoted to Norfolk from the Baysox. He took the roster spot of outfielder Joey Gathright, who was traded to the Red Sox over the weekend.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Tonight's matchup between the Tides and Charlotte at Harbor Park was rained out. It will be made up tomorrow as part of a doubleheader. The first game will start at 6:15 p.m.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Reading Phillies 5, Bowie Baysox 4, 11 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Designated hitter Adam Donachie was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored as the Baysox lost, 5-4, to Reading in 11 innings during the first game of the doubleheader.

Bowie left fielder Dave Krynzel contributed two singles, an RBI and a run scored, and second baseman Miguel Abreu was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom allowed four runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette (4-6) gave up one run and three hits in 1 2/3 innings.

First baseman Paco Figueroa and catcher Steve Torrealba each added a single and an RBI for the Baysox.

Game 2 score: Reading Phillies 4, Bowie Baysox 3, 9 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Krynzel was 1-for-4 with two RBIs in the nightcap, but the Baysox suffered a 4-3 loss in nine innings against Reading to fall three games off the pace for the final spot in the Eastern League playoffs.

Donachie contributed two singles for Bowie, and right fielder Joe Nowicki was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in his first game since returning from the disabled list.

Bowie starting pitcher Ryan Rodriguez gave up three runs (two earned), three hits and three walks in four innings, and relief pitcher Fredy Deza (5-7) allowed one run and two hits in one-third of an inning.

Baysox center fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-5 in the defeat.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 6, Lake County Captains 5 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty and designated hitter Joe Mahoney hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning to lead the Shorebirds to a 6-5 victory over Lake County at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Welty hit a three-run shot with one out in the first before Mahoney followed with a solo blast.

Delmarva first baseman Elvin Polanco was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, and second baseman L.J. Hoes contributed a single, a double, an RBI and two runs scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Nathan Moreau gave up two runs (one earned) and four hits in 4 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Brett Bordes (3-2) allowed one hit in two scoreless innings.

Relief pitcher T.R. Keating surrendered two runs and three hits in two innings for the Shorebirds, but he collected his second save of the season.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 4, Tri-City ValleyCats 2 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Brian Conley was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored in the IronBirds' 4-2 victory over Tri-City.

Aberdeen catcher Justin Dalles contributed two singles and a run scored, and first baseman Tyler Townsend was 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (3-5) surrendered only two hits in six scoreless innings, and relief pitcher Josh Dowdy gave up one unearned run and one hit in 1 1/3 innings for his sixth save since joining the team.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 3, Burlington Royals 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Justin Anderson struck out seven batters in five scoreless innings to lead the Orioles over Burlington, 3-2. The 21-year-old left-hander allowed three hits and one walk.

Bluefield relief pitcher Michael Mechaw (1-0) gave up two runs and two hits in 3 1/3 innings, and closer Sam Taveras recorded the final two outs for his fifth save of the season.

Orioles first baseman Edinho Meyer was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, and center fielder Michael Planeta added a single, an RBI and a run scored.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 2, GCL Red Sox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Lou Montanez was 1-for-3 during his latest injury rehabilitation assignment in the Orioles' 2-0 victory over the Red Sox.

Orioles shortstop Moises Ciriaco was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, and first baseman Tyler Stampone added a double and a walk.

Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes (5-3) allowed no runs and three hits in six innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Joshua Goodin recorded the final three outs for his third save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The South Atlantic League named Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds right fielder Ronnie Welty to the 2009 postseason All-Star team, the team announced in a news release.

The 21-year-old outfielder is at least tied for the lead on the Shorebirds in seven offensive categories. Welty is tied for the most home runs on the team (nine), and he is first on the team with a .294 batting average, 121 hits, 24 doubles and 61 RBIs. He is also leading the team in on-base percentage (.373) and slugging percentage (.422).

Welty is also third on the Shorebirds with 59 runs scored, and his batting average is tied for 10th in the South Atlantic League.

The announcement concludes a season full of awards for Welty, who was named the Orioles Minor League Player of the Month in June after hitting .315 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. He was also selected as the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for his performance from June 8-14.

Welty, the Orioles' 20th-round selection in the 2008 MLB draft, also represented the Shorebirds in the midseason South Atlantic All-Star Game.

The 16 managers, general managers, sports writers and broadcasters voted for the postseason awards in the South Atlantic League.

The Shorebirds finish the 2009 season with eight home games against the Lake County Captains and the Lakewood BlueClaws.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides look to snap a five-game losing streak when they host the Charlotte Knights at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox play a doubleheader against the Reading Phillies as they fight for a spot in the Eastern League playoffs.

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds take on the Lake County Captains at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds play on the road against the Tri-City ValleyCats.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles face the Burlington Royals at Bowen Field.

The Single-A Frederick Keys are idle.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Cliff Flagello was placed on the temporary inactive list in order to return home for the birth of his first child, according to the team. The 24-year-old right-hander, who is 2-4 with a 4.67 ERA in 41 games with Delmarva and Frederick this season, is not expected to return in 2009.

In order to replace Flagello on the roster, the Shorebirds promoted left-hander Jacob Smith from Aberdeen. The 23-year-old relief pitcher is 3-3 with a 2.15 ERA in 19 appearances for the IronBirds, and he earned the victory in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game earlier this month after tossing a scoreless inning.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (67-67)

Opponent

Charlotte Knights (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: David Pauley (9-11, 4.41 ERA)
Charlotte: Daniel Hudson (2-0, 3.43 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (68-64)

Opponent

Doubleheader at Reading Phillies (5:35 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-7, 4.18 ERA)
Reading: Yohan Flande (3-4, 4.34 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryan Rodriguez (1-2, 7.62 ERA)
Reading: Alex Concepcion (2-3, 3.22 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (28-31 in the second half, 64-64 overall)

Opponent

Lake County Captains (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (5-3, 3.70 ERA)
Lake County: T.J. House (5-10, 3.14 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (27-40)

Opponent

at Tri-City ValleyCats (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Patrick Kantakevich (2-5, 3.65 ERA)
Tri-City: Dallas Keuchel (2-2, 2.12 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (32-34)

Opponent

Burlington Royals (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Burlington: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

In Tuesday's edition of The Baltimore Sun, there will be an article about Single-A Frederick Keys relief pitcher Brett Jacobson, who was acquired by the Orioles in the trade that sent first baseman Aubrey Huff to the Detroit Tigers.

Jacobson is 1-2 with a 9.53 ERA in four appearances since joining the Keys, but he earned his first victory Sunday against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Harry Grove Stadium.

Below, I've listed additional quotes from Jacobson and Keys pitching coach Kennie Steenstra.

JACOBSON ON BEING TRADED FOR AUBREY HUFF:

"It was surprising for sure. I wasn't expecting it. I was getting ready for the end of the season [with the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers] down in Florida, and I got called into the office one day. They told me I got traded, and I asked who I got traded for. They told me Aubrey Huff, and of course, I know who Aubrey Huff is. I asked who else was coming with me, and they told me I was the only one, so it kind of boggled my mind. I didn't think that would happen to me because I knew I was [a Single-A] pitcher. It's definitely a good thing to know that an organization thinks highly enough of you to [acquire] you for a big-leaguer. I'm very excited. It's crazy. I still can't believe it when I think about it. All of my friends and family were seeing it on ESPN and stuff. It's just kind of cool. We don't typically get attention like that, stuff doesn't happen to guys that low in the minor leagues."

JACOBSON ON DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TIGERS AND ORIOLES:

"It's not anything huge. For someone who doesn't play in the minor leagues, you wouldn't notice anything different. In fact, it's kind of funny how many similarities there are between everything. There are just a lot of little differences, such as throwing programs, arm-care programs after you throw and conditioning programs. It's just weird to get adjusted. You kind of get in a comfort zone with one team and it takes a little bit of time to adjust. I'm still in the transition period of making that adjustment because I haven't done it before. I was only with the Tigers for less than two years, so it's just going to take a little bit of time to get adjusted."

JACOBSON ON HIS EARLY CONTROL ISSUES WITH THE KEYS:

"Really, I think it is trying to get adjusted mentally. When I got traded for a big-leaguer, I think I put a lot of expectations and a little too much pressure on myself. When you do that in a mental game, it's tough when you're competing against yourself. To get rid of that is necessary to pitch well. I've been battling that a little bit, but the coaches here -- [Keys pitching coach] Kennie [Steenstra] and [manager] Richie [Hebner] -- have really helped me and been positive. They've been really good helping me with that."

JACOBSON ON HIS STRENGTHS AS A PITCHER:

"The fastball is my go-to pitch, I guess you could say. I just feel the most comfortable throwing that. As for strengths, I pound the strike zone, but not since I've been here. I've been struggling with that, but I typically do a pretty good job with that. Here, if I'm mixing up my pitches, it's been pretty good. I can throw three pitches for strikes, so that's kind of what I'm trying to do now."

JACOBSON ON THE UPCOMING OFFSEASON:

"I was informed a couple days ago that I'm going to the Instructional League for the Orioles, which is basically the month of October. ... I really haven't met anybody from the Orioles, at least the administration, so it'll be nice to do that and get comfortable with the organization. My goals for the offseason are just to get more consistent. I tend to struggle with consistency with all my pitches. I'm a pretty skinny guy, so I'm going to try to fill myself out a little bit. Overall, [the goal] is just to get more consistent with my mechanics and how I feel when I'm throwing on the mound."

JACOBSON ON HIS CONNECTIONS TO ORIOLES PITCHER BRIAN MATUSZ:

"I haven't talked to him. I played summer baseball with him in high school. I saw him a couple times in college, but I kind of lost contact. I'd love to talk to him because I don't really know a lot of guys in the organization. The guys here in Frederick have been real nice with me. They've been really good with letting me know how things work here."

JACOBSON'S FAVORITE MEMORY OF MATUSZ:

"In high school, typically if you have a good fastball -- and obviously, he does -- you can just blow it by guys. I remember when I would be pitching, I would just throw all fastballs. I remember he would always throw curve balls, changeups and I would be like, 'Why are you doing that? You don't have to do that,' and he understood it. He figured it out, and now that's kind of his bread and butter -- being able to throw three great pitches for strikes. I think it's funny just looking back [and seeing] that he had it figured out more than everybody else did at that point in time."

JACOBSON'S EXTRA POINTS TO EXPRESS TO ORIOLES FANS:

"I know some people are probably looking at my statistics since I've been here and saying, 'Who is this guy that they traded for? He's terrible,' because I'm not an idiot. I know I've been doing bad since I got here. I'm a hard worker. I'm going to do everything in my power and do what my coaches tell me to do, really work hard to achieve my goal of making it to the major leagues and help out the Baltimore Orioles."

KENNIE STEENSTRA ON WHAT HE LIKES ABOUT JACOBSON:

"He has a great arm, a very good projectable body. He seems like a very level-headed kid. We haven't had any issues with him. Obviously, it's a very short sample size we've had so far seeing him throw, but he goes after people. ... In Myrtle Beach, he lost his command a little bit and walked some guys. He came out the other day and had a leadoff walk, but didn't throw another ball the whole inning. I think he is a guy that's going to show you some command and throw some strikes. He's just having a little trouble getting into a rhythm right now."

STEENSTRA ON WHAT JACOBSON NEEDS TO WORK ON IN THE OFFSEASON:

"Well, I think he has some things to smooth out in his delivery. We want to make him a little bit more repeatable than he is right now. He has shown a good breaking ball and the beginnings of a changeup, so I think the changeup is probably the next step in his development after getting that fastball command down. He has a great arm to work with. He's a guy that is still relatively young, so there's a lot to work with there."

STEENSTRA ON WHAT MATUSZ CAN HELP JACOBSON WITH:

"They are different pitchers, but [Matusz] has a great mental approach to the game, and he shows a lot of confidence. That's the kind of thing that anybody can take from him. I think [Jacobson's] situation might be a little bit different. He's right-handed and kind of over-the-top more than Matusz. He has some things to work on, but there is obviously a lot to work with there. He's a welcomed addition, and he should be very good for us."

STEENSTRA ON JACOBSON'S ADJUSTMENT PERIOD TO THE ORGANIZATION:

"I think any time you get traded over and join a new team, the first thing you try to do is impress everybody. He might have been pressing a little bit early on. He really settled in for the last three or four hitters he faced the other night in Kinston, so hopefully that's something he can build on during his next appearance."

STEENSTRA'S EXTRA THOUGHTS ON JACOBSON:

"He's a really good kid with a great arm and a lot of potential. You can never have too many of those guys in your system. He's the kind of guy that you don't know what you're going to get down the line, but there's a pretty good shot that you'll see him in the big leagues someday."

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 5:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I'm back after a brief delay due to other work obligations.

I returned late from Frederick on Saturday night and covered Sunday's game between the Orioles and Cleveland Indians at Camden Yards, so I apologize for the lack of minor league coverage over the past day.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Charlotte Knights, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox swept a doubleheader from the Reading Phillies.

The Single-A Frederick Keys edged the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost both games to the Hagerstown Suns.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds lost to the Tri-City ValleyCats.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were beaten by the Burlington Royals, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles topped the GCL Rays.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Charlotte Knights 8, Norfolk Tides 6 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 4-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored in the Tides' 8-6 loss to Charlotte at Harbor Park.

The 26-year-old outfielder is batting .312 with 12 home runs and 67 RBIs in 102 games since being promoted to the Tides from Bowie earlier this season.

Fiorentino leads the Tides with 70 runs scored, and he is tied for the most hits on the team with infielder Justin Turner (114). He is third on the team with 26 doubles in 2009.

Norfolk first baseman Rhyne Hughes contributed three hits, and left fielder Brandon Pinckney was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored.

Tides starting pitcher Chris Waters (9-6) allowed eight runs (six earned) and 10 hits in four innings. The 29-year-old left-hander struck out two batters and issued two walks.

Second baseman Melvin Dorta was 2-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored for the Tides, and third baseman Brandon Snyder was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.

Relief pitchers Josh Perrault, Bob McCrory and Jim Miller combined to give up only one hit in five scoreless innings for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Bowie Baysox 1, Reading Phillies 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: First baseman Eric Crozier hit an inside-the-park home run in the top of the second inning as the Baysox beat Reading, 1-0, in the completion of last night's suspended game.

Bowie right-hander Pedro Beato (1-2) took over on the mound when play resumed today. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed four hits in five scoreless innings to earn his first victory since being promoted to Double-A earlier this month.

Relief pitcher Luis Lebron struck out the final two batters to pick up his sixth save since being called up to Bowie at the beginning of August.

Game 2 score: Bowie Baysox 5, Reading Phillies 2, 7 innings (Box score)
'
Game 2 recap: Designated hitter Paco Figueroa was 1-for-2 with a triple, three RBIs and a run scored as the Baysox swept the doubleheader with a 5-2 victory over Reading in the second game.

Bowie right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion contributed a double, a triple and an RBI, while center fielder Danny Figueroa added a stolen base and two runs scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Brandon Erbe (4-3) gave up two runs and five hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out eight batters and issued two walks.

Relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa recorded the final three outs to pick up his first save since joining the Baysox.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 9, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 8 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Caleb Joseph was 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs in the Keys' 9-8 victory over Myrtle Beach at Harry Grove Stadium.

The 23-year-old catcher also doubled in the win for the Keys. Joseph is batting .295 with 12 home runs, 23 doubles and 60 RBIs in 100 games for Frederick this season, but he is only hitting .156 in August.

Frederick shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and three runs scored, and first baseman Robbie Widlansky added two hits, an RBI and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Zach Britton didn't give up any hits in two innings before being removed from the game. No word from Frederick so far on why Britton left early.

Relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (1-2) picked up his first win since joining the Keys after allowing one run and two hits in 1 1/3 innings, and closer Brandon Cooney recorded his sixth save since being promoted to Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Hagerstown Suns 17, Delmarva Shorebirds 6, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: The Shorebirds gave up at least two runs in each of Hagerstown's six innings at the plate during a 17-6 loss in the first game of the doubleheader.

Delmarva first baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored, and third baseman Rodolfo Cardona added a two-run shot.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Oliver Drake (8-8) gave up 10 runs (nine earned) and 11 hits in 2 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old right-hander is 2-2 with a 6.41 ERA in five starts in August.

Center fielder Xavier Avery was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored for the Shorebirds, while second baseman L.J. Hoes and designated hitter Elvin Polanco each added a single and a run scored.

Game 2 score: Hagerstown Suns 6, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)
'
Game 2 recap: Hoes was 4-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in the second game of the doubleheader, but the Shorebirds suffered a 6-3 loss to Hagerstown.

It wasn't a completely perfect game for the 19-year-old infielder, however, as he committed three errors for Delmarva. Hoes leads the team with 26 defensive miscues this season.

Delmarva third baseman Levi Carolus was 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored, and Polanco added a single and an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Chris Salberg (3-3) allowed four runs (three earned) and seven hits in four innings. The 25-year-old left-hander collected seven strikeouts and walked one batter.

Avery contributed two hits and a run scored for the Shorebirds.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Tri-City ValleyCats 6, Aberdeen IronBirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Brian Ward was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in the IronBirds' 6-3 loss to Tri-City in the series opener.

Aberdeen center fielder Steve Bumbry collected a double, and first baseman T.J. Baxter added a single, a stolen base and a run scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Colin Allen (2-6) allowed five runs and nine hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Stephen Procner gave up one run and three hits in three innings.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Burlington Royals 6, Bluefield Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Mike Flacco was 2-for-4 with a double in the Orioles' 6-3 loss to Burlington at Bowen Field.

Bluefield starting pitcher Jesse Beal (5-5) allowed three runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Robert Holloway was charged with three runs and four hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Orioles shortstop Javier Santana was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and center fielder Michael Planeta added a double, an RBI and a run scored.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 2, GCL Rays 1 (Box score)

Recap: Orioles left fielder Lou Montanez was 1-for-3 with an RBI in his first injury rehabilitation assignment during the team's 2-1 victory over the Rays.

Orioles third baseman Moises Ciriaco was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and right fielder Jose Nivar contributed a double and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (4-2) allowed one unearned run and four hits in seven innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Chris Hervey recorded the final three outs for his first save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were pounded by the Durham Bulls, and the Single-A Frederick Keys topped the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds edged the Vermont Lake Monsters.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles fell to the Danville Braves, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles beat the GCL Twins.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox and Reading Phillies were unable to play due to bad weather in Pennsylvania, and the game between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and Hagerstown Suns was rescheduled for Sunday.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 11, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Tides' 11-2 loss to Durham at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris Lambert (6-9) gave up four runs and five hits in three innings, and relief pitcher Matt Albers was charged with four runs (three earned) and four hits in 1 2/3 innings.

Tides designated hitter Victor Diaz and infielder Melvin Dorta each collected a single and a run scored, and shortstop Blake Davis added an RBI.

Infielder Brandon Pinckney allowed two hits in one scoreless inning after entering the game as a relief pitcher for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

The series opener between the Baysox and Reading was postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 6:35 p.m. tomorrow.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 7, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Rick Zagone (1-3) earned his first victory since being promoted to the Keys in early July as Frederick beat Myrtle Beach, 7-2, at Harry Grove Stadium.

The 22-year-old left-hander allowed two runs and seven hits in seven innings for Frederick. Zagone struck out 10 batters and didn't allow any walks.

Frederick third baseman Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, and left fielder Matthew Tucker added two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Second baseman Bobby Stevens contributed a single and two RBIs for the Keys, and shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was 2-for-5 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored.

Keys catcher Caleb Joseph hit a double and scored a run.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Tonight's matchup between the Shorebirds and Hagerstown was postponed due to rain and unplayable field conditions. The two teams will meet in a doubleheader Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in order to make up the postponed game.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 5, Vermont Lake Monsters 4 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder T.J. Baxter was 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and two runs scored in the IronBirds' 5-4 victory over Vermont.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Nicholas Haughian only allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings, and relief pitcher Jacob Smith (3-3) earned the win despite suffering a blown save.

IronBirds second baseman Michael Mooney and catcher Justin Dalles each contributed two hits, an RBI and a run scored, while third baseman Tyler Kelly was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Relief pitcher Kevin Landry surrendered four runs, three hits and a walk in one-third of an inning for the IronBirds, and closer Josh Dowdy recorded the final three outs for his fifth save since joining the team.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Danville Braves 5, Bluefield Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Edinho Meyer was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Orioles' 5-1 loss to Danville.

Bluefield infielder Gary Helmick scored the team's only run, and designated hitter Joel Polanco added a single.

Orioles starting pitcher Bobby Bundy (2-7) allowed four runs and four hits in three innings. The 19-year-old right-hander collected one strikeout, issued two walks and hit a batter.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Twins 1 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Orlando Alfonso (1-2) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings as the Orioles defeated the Twins, 5-1.

Orioles designated hitter Anderson Childers was 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while third baseman Tyler Stampone and second baseman Moises Ciriaco each added a single, an RBI and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Zachary Petersime gave up one run, five hits and two walks in four innings for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides host the Durham Bulls at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox hit the road for a series against the Reading Phillies.

The Single-A Frederick Keys return to Harry Grove Stadium to take on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds travel to play the Hagerstown Suns.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds continue their road trip against the Vermont Lake Monsters, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles face the Danville Braves on the road.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (67-64)

Opponent

Durham Bulls (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Lambert (6-8, 3.66 ERA)
Durham: Wade Davis (10-7, 3.26 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (66-64)

Opponent

at Reading Phillies (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (4-2, 2.27 ERA)
Reading: Vance Worley (7-10, 5.14 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (28-32 in the second half, 59-70 overall)

Opponent

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (0-3, 5.80 ERA)
Myrtle Beach: TBA

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (28-28 in the second half, 64-61 overall)

Opponent

at Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Ryan O'Shea (8-6, 3.60 ERA)
Hagerstown: TBA

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (26-39)

Opponent

at Vermont Lake Monsters (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Nicholas Haughian (6-3, 2.26 ERA)
Vermont: Paul Applebee (0-0, 3.38 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (32-31)

Opponent

at Danville Braves (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Danville: Brett Oberholtzer (5-2, 2.18 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Durham Bulls, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were pounded by the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys lost to the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds blanked the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were edged by the Vermont Lake Monsters.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were beaten by the Danville Braves, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles dropped a game against the GCL Reds.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 3, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Bob McCrory (0-2) allowed three runs and four hits in two innings as the Tides blew a one-run lead in a 3-1 loss to Durham at Harbor Park.

The decisive runs came on a three-run home run by Bulls first baseman Chris Richard, a former Oriole, with one out in the ninth. It was Richard's 22nd home run of the season for Durham.

Norfolk center fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base, and designated hitter Victor Diaz added two hits.

Tides right fielder Jeff Fiorentino contributed a double and an RBI, and third baseman Brandon Pinckney was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored.

Former Orioles relief pitcher Winston Abreu struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth to pick up his 14th save of the season for Durham.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 11, Bowie Baysox 5 (Box score)

Recap: Paco Figueroa was 1-for-4 with two RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored, but that was far from the main story as the Baysox lost, 11-5, to Akron at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie used four position players as relief pitchers in the loss, and they had mixed results.

First baseman Eric Crozier was summoned to the mound to start the seventh inning for the Baysox, and he allowed one run, one walk and two hits.

Baysox right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion retired the side in order in the eighth, including one strikeout.

Catcher Steve Torrealba, who entered the game as the first baseman when Crozier went to the mound, gave up two runs (one earned) and one hit before being ejected after recording one out in the ninth.

Bowie shortstop Jason White took over for Torrealba and forced the next two Akron batters to ground out to end the top of the ninth.

Starting pitcher Fredy Deza (5-6) gave up five runs and eight hits in four innings. The 26-year-old right-hander issued three walks and hit two batters.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 5, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a strikeout and a run scored in the Keys' 5-2 loss to Kinston.

Frederick starting pitcher Sean Gleason (4-7) gave up three runs and nine hits in six innings, while relief pitcher Brett Jacobson allowed two runs and two hits in one inning.

Keys third baseman Brandon Waring was 1-for-5 with four strikeouts and a run scored, and second baseman Buck Britton added a single and an RBI.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 1, Lake County Captains 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Cole McCurry (6-8) allowed six hits in six scoreless innings as the Shorebirds won, 1-0, against Lake County. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out six batters and issued one walk.

Delmarva third baseman Levi Carolus was 2-for-3 with a walk, and designated hitter L.J. Hoes added a single, a walk and a run scored.

Shorebirds center fielder Xavier Avery was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Relief pitcher Cliff Flagello recorded the final six outs to pick up his sixth save since joining the Shorebirds.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Vermont Lake Monsters 1, Aberdeen IronBirds 0 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter T.J. Baxter was 2-for-4, but the IronBirds couldn't score any runs in a 1-0 loss to Vermont.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Jake Cowan allowed one hit in four scoreless innings, and relief pitcher Josh Dowdy (1-2) gave up one run and two hits in one inning.

IronBirds right fielder Brian Conley hit a single for the team's only other hit.

Relief pitcher Ashur Tolliver, the Orioles' fifth-round selection in this year's MLB draft, made his professional debut for the IronBirds. The 21-year-old left-hander surrendered one hit, but he didn't allow any runs in three innings.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Danville Braves 5, Bluefield Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Michael Planeta was 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and an RBI in the Orioles' 5-3 loss to Danville.

Bluefield second baseman Omar Casamayor contributed a double and two runs scored, and left fielder Kipp Schutz added an RBI.

Orioles starting pitcher Vito Frabizio (4-4) allowed two runs and two hits in five innings. The 20-year-old right-hander collected four strikeouts, issued three walks and hit a batter.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Reds 7, GCL Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Kyle Hoppy was 1-for-3 with two RBIs as the Orioles lost, 7-2, to the Reds. It was the first professional hit and RBIs for the Orioles' 28th-round selection in this year's MLB draft.

Orioles second baseman Anderson Childers and shortstop Moises Ciriaco each hit a double in the game.

Starting pitcher Jario De La Cruz (3-4) allowed five runs (four earned) and five hits in 3 2/3 innings for the Orioles. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out two batters and issued one walk.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides host the Durham Bulls at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox wrap up their series against the Akron Aeros at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys conclude their road trip against the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds take on the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds hit the road to face the Vermont Lake Monsters, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles travel to play the Danville Braves.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (67-63)

Opponent

Durham Bulls (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (1-1, 4.55 ERA)
Durham: Jason Cromer (6-3, 2.56 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (66-63)

Opponent

Akron Aeros (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Fredy Deza (5-5, 3.00 ERA)
Akron: Josh Tomlin (12-9, 4.40 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (28-31 in the second half, 59-69 overall)

Opponent

at Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Sean Gleason (4-6, 4.73 ERA)
Kinston: Alexander Perez (1-2, 3.16 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (27-28 in the second half, 63-61 overall)

Opponent

at Lake County Captains (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Cole McCurry (5-8, 3.01 ERA)
Lake County: Nick Hagadone (0-2, 2.45 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (26-38)

Opponent

at Vermont Lake Monsters (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Nicholas Haughian (6-3, 2.26 ERA)
Vermont: Mitchell Clegg (1-4, 2.47 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (32-30)

Opponent

at Danville Braves (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Vito Fabrizio (4-3, 2.91 ERA)
Danville: Cory Rasmus (3-2, 3.74 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Durham Bulls, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox won both games of the doubleheader against the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys were edged by Kinston, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were defeated by the Lowell Spinners.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles beat the Princeton Rays, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles split two games with the GCL Red Sox.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 4, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Tides' 4-2 loss to Durham at Harbor Park.

Norfolk center fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-5 with a stolen base, and catcher Robby Hammock added a double.

Tides starting pitcher David Pauley (9-11) allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander struck out four batters and issued three walks.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Bowie Baysox 5, Akron Aeros 3, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Center fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored as the Baysox beat Akron, 5-3, in the first game of the doubleheader at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie starting pitcher Steve Johnson (1-2) earned his first victory since joining the Orioles' minor league system in a trade last month. The 21-year-old right-hander gave up three runs, two hits and five walks in five innings.

Baysox left fielder Miguel Abreu was 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored, and third baseman Josh Bell contributed a double and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Luis Lebron retired all six batters he faced to earn his fifth save since being promoted to the Baysox.

Game 2 score: Bowie Baysox 5, Akron Aeros 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Abreu was 2-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored as the Baysox swept the second game of the doubleheader, 5-2, over Akron.

Bowie right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion was 1-for-3 with two RBIs, and catcher Steve Torrealba added a single and an RBI.

Baysox relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (1-0) improved his overall record to 11-0 this season after tossing two scoreless innings. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed two hits and collected two strikeouts.

Starting pitcher Ryan Rodriguez gave up two runs and three hits in three innings for the Baysox, and relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette didn't allow any runs in the final two innings to pick up his fifth save in Double-A this season.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 3, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Robbie Widlansky collected a pair of doubles and two RBIs in the Keys' 3-2 loss to Kinston.

Frederick left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and center fielder Matt Angle added a single and his 38th stolen base of the season.

Keys starting pitcher Chorye Spoone gave up two runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings, and relief pitcher Brian Parker (4-3) allowed one run and three hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lake County Captains 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 6 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kyle Hudson was 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored as the Shorebirds fell, 7-6, against Lake County.

Delmarva third baseman Levi Carolus was 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored, while center fielder Xavier Avery added a single, a double, a stolen base and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Nathan Moreau gave up four runs and four hits in 3 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old left-hander collected six strikeouts and walked four batters.

Relief pitcher T.R. Keating (5-5) allowed one run and one hit in 2 1/3 innings for the Shorebirds. The only hit he surrendered was a solo home run to Captains second baseman Mark Thompson with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Lowell Spinners 3, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Tyler Sexton only gave up two unearned runs and three hits in six innings, but the IronBirds suffered a 3-2 loss to Lowell at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen catcher Justin Dalles was 1-for-4 with an RBI, and shortstop Garabez Rosa added a triple and a run scored.

IronBirds relief pitcher Jacob Smith (2-3) allowed one run and three hits in one inning, and relief pitcher James Brandhorst retired all six batters he faced.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 6, Princeton Rays 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Matt Hobgood allowed one run and four hits in 4 2/3 innings during the Orioles' 6-3 victory over Princeton at Bowen Field.

The 19-year-old right-hander struck out one batter and issued two walks. Hobgood also threw a wild pitch, and he didn't qualify for the win since he left before the fifth inning was completed.

Bluefield relief pitcher Robert Holloway (3-3) gave up two unearned runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings to pick up the win. The 23-year-old left-hander collected three strikeouts.

Orioles left fielder Kipp Schutz was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and first baseman Mike Flacco added a triple and an RBI.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Game 1 score: GCL Red Sox 7, GCL Orioles 0 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Jario De La Cruz (3-3) was charged with three unearned runs, one hit and one walk in one-third of an inning as the Orioles were blanked, 7-0, by the Red Sox in the completion of a suspended game.

Orioles first baseman David Anderson walked twice.

Relief pitcher Tony Butler only allowed one hit in two scoreless innings for the Orioles during his latest injury rehabilitation assignment.

Game 2 score: GCL Orioles 2, GCL Red Sox 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Second baseman Moises Ciriaco was 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI in the Orioles' 2-1 victory over the Red Sox in the second game.

Orioles right fielder Grolmann Gonzalez contributed a double and a run scored, and left fielder Edwin Cintron hit a single and scored a run.

Starting pitcher Aaron Wirsch allowed one run and one hit in 3 2/3 innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher David Baker (1-0) struck out seven batters and didn't allow any base runners in 3 1/3 innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides return to Harbor Park to take on the Durham Bulls, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox host the Akron Aeros in a doubleheader at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys play on the road against the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds continue their road trip against the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds face the Lowell Spinners at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles meet the Princeton Rays at Bowen Field.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (67-62)

Opponent

Durham Bulls (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: David Pauley (9-10, 4.37 ERA)
Durham: Jeff Bennett (0-1, 9.00 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (64-63)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Akron Aeros (6:05 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (0-2, 3.10 ERA)
Akron: Jeanmar Gomez (10-3, 3.06 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Fredy Deza (5-5, 3.00 ERA)
Akron: Connor Graham (1-2, 4.07 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (28-30 in the second half, 59-68 overall)

Opponent

at Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Chorye Spoone (0-0, 6.75 ERA)
Kinston: Paulo Espino (6-6, 2.55 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (27-27 in the second half, 63-60 overall)

Opponent

at Lake County Captains (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (5-3, 3.40 ERA)
Lake County: Jason Knapp (2-7, 3.98 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (26-37)

Opponent

Lowell Spinners (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Tyler Sexton (2-7, 4.24 ERA)
Lowell: Drake Britton (0-0, 0.00 ERA with Rookie-level GCL Red Sox)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (31-30)

Opponent

Princeton Rays (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Matt Hobgood (1-1, 6.35 ERA)
Princeton: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were edged by the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds defeated the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were beaten by the Lowell Spinners.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles fell to the Pulaski Mariners, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles won against the GCL Rays.

Earlier today, the Keys announced that second baseman Ryan Adams was suspended by the team for the rest of the season for on-field disciplinary reasons.

The Keys wouldn't elaborate on the decision, but they said the incident happened during the team's 4-3 loss to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Sunday. According to this report in The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News, Adams was pulled from the game in the second inning for not running hard on a groundout.

In order to replace Adams, the Keys added infielder Buck Britton from the IronBirds.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 12, Rochester Red Wings 5 (Box score)

Recap: Eight players collected multi-hit games, led by left fielder Freddy Guzman's 3-for-4 performance, as the Tides pounded Rochester, 12-5.

Norfolk right fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 2-for-5 with a home run, a triple, three RBIs and a run scored, and catcher Guillermo Rodriguez added two hits, two RBIs and a run scored.

Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder contributed two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored, while third baseman Justin Turner was 2-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher Chris Waters allowed three unearned runs, two hits and one walk for the Tides, and relief pitcher Andy Mitchell (10-5) tossed four scoreless innings.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 4, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Paco Figueroa was 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and a stolen base as the Baysox lost, 4-3, to Akron at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie shortstop Carlos Rojas contributed two hits and a run scored, and designated hitter Danny Figueroa was 1-for-4 with two runs scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom allowed three runs and six hits in seven innings, and relief pitcher Jim Hoey (2-6) gave up one run and two hits in two innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 6, Kinston Indians 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Zach Britton (9-6) gave up one run and five hits in seven innings during the Keys' 6-1 win over Kinston.

The 21-year-old left-hander struck out six batters and issued one walk. Britton also recorded 13 outs on ground balls in the victory.

Frederick designated hitter Wally Crancer was 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored, and center fielder Matt Angle was 2-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Keys shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. contributed two hits, an RBI and a run scored, while third baseman Brandon Waring added a single, an RBI and a stolen base.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 8, Lake County Captains 5 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Levi Carolus was 2-for-4 with a home run, four RBIs and a stolen base in the Shorebirds' 8-5 victory over Lake County.

Delmarva second baseman L.J. Hoes contributed three doubles and three runs scored, and shortstop Greg Miclat added a triple, two RBIs and a stolen base.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Chris Salberg (3-2) gave up four runs and four hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Cliff Flagello recorded the final out for his fifth save since joining the team.

Center fielder Xavier Avery was 2-for-5 for the Shorebirds, and right fielder Ronnie Welty collected a single, a double and an RBI.

Catcher Luis Bernardo was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Lowell Spinners 8, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: The IronBirds committed four errors, including two by shortstop Garabez Rosa, in an 8-2 loss to Lowell at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (2-5) struck out seven batters, but he suffered the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) and five hits in five innings.

IronBirds left fielder Brian Conley was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, and designated hitter T.J. Baxter added a single, a stolen base and a run scored.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Pulaski Mariners 6, Bluefield Orioles 5 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Michael Planeta hit two doubles in the Orioles' 6-5 loss to Pulaski.

Bluefield shortstop Gary Helmick was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored, and right fielder Luis Ramirez was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Justin Anderson allowed one run and six hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Sam Taveras (2-1) gave up two runs and three hits in one-third of an inning.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Rays 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman David Anderson was 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in the Orioles' 5-4 victory over the Rays.

Orioles right fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano hit a solo home run, and catcher Michael Ohlman collected his first two professional hits. Ohlman, who the Orioles selected in the 11th round of the 2009 MLB draft, contributed a single, a double, a stolen base and an RBI.

Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes (4-3) allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Billy Gross retired all three batters he faced for his first save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec asked me to pass along the Orioles players who will represent the organization with the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

Triple-A Norfolk Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder and right-hander Josh Perrault will be joined by four players from the Double-A Bowie Baysox, as well as Single-A Frederick Keys center fielder Matt Angle.

Baysox third baseman Josh Bell and right-handed pitchers Brandon Erbe, Ryohei Tanaka and Eddie Gamboa will be members of the Desert Dogs, who play at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the spring training home of the Oakland Athletics.

Keys infielder Brandon Waring is listed on the team's taxi squad, which means he is eligible to play in two games per week.

Snyder is making his second consecutive trip to the Arizona Fall League. He batted .349 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 17 games for the Surprise Rafters last season. The 22-year-old first baseman is hitting .300 with 12 home runs and 83 RBIs in 118 games while splitting this year between the Tides and Baysox.

Bell, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers last month for George Sherrill, is batting .317 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in 17 games with the Baysox. Before coming to the organization, the 22-year-old infielder had a .296 batting average, 11 home runs and 52 RBIs in 94 games with the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts.

In 117 games for the Keys this season, Angle is batting .289 with 36 stolen bases and 74 runs scored. The 23-year-old outfielder was the Orioles' seventh-round selection in the 2007 MLB draft.

Perrault is 1-4 with a 2.22 ERA and 17 saves in 54 relief appearances at two different levels in the Orioles' minor league system in 2009. The 27-year-old right-hander was 0-2 with a 1.80 ERA and 16 saves in 35 games for the Baysox before being promoted to Triple-A. Perrault has posted a 1-2 record and 2.88 ERA in 19 games since joining the Tides.

In 12 starts for the Baysox in 2009, Erbe is 3-3 with a 2.40 ERA. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out 49 hitters and issued 33 walks for Bowie this season. Erbe was 0-1 with a 4.61 ERA in four starts with the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds in an injury rehabilitation assignment after missing time for a fatigued arm.

Gamboa, who has played at three different levels in the organization in 2009, is 10-0 with a 1.20 ERA in 34 appearances overall. Tanaka has a 4-2 record and 2.27 ERA in 18 games (nine starts) with the Baysox this season.

Waring leads the Carolina League with 35 doubles and 87 RBIs, and he is second in the league with 25 home runs. The 23-year-old infielder is batting .276 with 68 runs scored in 123 games for the Keys this season.

Frederick trainer Pat Wesley will also take part in the league as one of the trainers for the Desert Dogs.

The Desert Dogs begin the 2009 campaign against the Mesa Solar Sox at home on Oct. 13. The championship game is scheduled for Nov. 21. There is a Rising Stars Game on Nov. 7, which features the top prospects in the league.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides conclude their road trip against the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox host the Akron Aeros at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys take on the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds travel to play the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds face the Lowell Spinners at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles meet the Pulaski Mariners.

Keys shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was selected as the Carolina League Player of the Week for the week of Aug. 17-23. The 22-year-old infielder batted .462 with four doubles and six RBIs during that span. Florimon was 5-for-5 against Wilmington on Aug. 19.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (66-62)

Opponent

at Rochester Red Wings (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Andy Mitchell (9-5, 5.49 ERA)
Rochester: Anthony Swarzak (4-4, 2.34 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (64-62)

Opponent

Akron Aeros (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-7, 4.22 ERA)
Akron: TBA

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (27-30 in the second half, 58-68 overall)

Opponent

at Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Zach Britton (8-6, 2.82 ERA)
Kinston: Bryan Price (3-7, 6.10 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (26-27 in the second half, 62-60 overall)

Opponent

at Lake County Captains (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Chris Salberg (2-2, 3.91 ERA)
Lake County: T.J. House (5-9, 2.89 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (26-36)

Opponent

Lowell Spinners (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Patrick Kantakevich (2-4, 3.65 ERA)
Lowell: Yeiper Castillo (4-1, 2.97 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (31-29)

Opponent

at Pulaski Mariners (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Justin Anderson (2-1, 3.03 ERA)
Pulaski: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were edged by the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox fell to the Altoona Curve.

The Single-A Frederick Keys topped the Kinston Indians, and the matchup between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and Hagerstown Suns was postponed due to rain.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds pounded the Lowell Spinners, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were beaten by the Pulaski Mariners.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Rochester Red Wings 2, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Robby Hammock hit a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning, but the Tides were unable to hold the lead in a 2-1 loss to Rochester.

The Red Wings scored two runs (one earned) against Norfolk relief pitcher Josh Perrault (1-2) in the bottom of the ninth. The 27-year-old right-hander only recorded one out before losing the game.

Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta was impressive for the Tides in the defeat. The 23-year-old right-hander only gave up two hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings. Arrieta struck out six batters.

Tides center fielder Joey Gathright was 1-for-3 with a walk, while first baseman Rhyne Hughes and left fielder Freddy Guzman each added a single.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Altoona Curve 7, Bowie Baysox 6 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning, but he also committed a throwing error as the Baysox lost, 7-6, to Altoona at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie designated hitter Paco Figueroa was 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, two RBIs and a run scored, while first baseman Eric Crozier added a solo home run.

Baysox starting pitcher Brandon Erbe gave up four runs (two earned) and four hits in 4 1/3 innings. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out six batters and issued four walks.

Second baseman Miguel Abreu hit a double for the Baysox.

Bowie relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette (4-5) allowed one unearned run, one hit and one walk in two innings, and relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa surrendered two unearned runs, one hit and three walks in 1 2/3 innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 7, Kinston Indians 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland allowed one run and two hits in six innings during the Keys' 7-4 victory over Kinston.

Frederick shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. and third baseman Brandon Waring hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning.

Keys relief pitcher Jake Stevens (4-6) tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings, and closer Brandon Cooney recorded the final three outs for his fourth save.

Designated hitter Matthew Tucker contributed two hits for the Keys, and first baseman Robbie Widlansky added an RBI.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Tonight's game between the Shorebirds and Hagerstown at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium was rained out. The two teams do not play again in Salisbury this season, so the game won't be rescheduled unless the South Atlantic League rules that it is necessary due to playoff implications.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 11, Lowell Spinners 0 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Garabez Rosa hit a three-run home run as part of a seven-run first inning, and the IronBirds cruised to an 11-0 victory over Lowell at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen center fielder Steve Bumbry was 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored, and third baseman Tom Edwards added two hits, an RBI and two runs scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Colin Allen (2-5) allowed five hits in six scoreless innings. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued one walk.

Right fielder Brian Conley contributed a triple and two runs scored for the IronBirds, and designated hitter Tyler Kelly collected a single, two walks and two runs scored.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Pulaski Mariners 11, Bluefield Orioles 6 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Edinho Meyer collected two doubles, an RBI and three runs scored in the Orioles' 11-6 loss to Pulaski.

Bluefield shortstop Javier Santana was 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored, and third baseman Mike Flacco added a triple, a single and an RBI.

Orioles catcher Dashenko Ricardo collected two hits, two RBIs and a stolen base, and center fielder Michael Planeta was 1-for-3 with a run scored.

Starting pitcher Jesse Beal (5-4) allowed nine runs (six earned) and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings for the Orioles. The 19-year-old right-hander collected one strikeout and walked one batter.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game recaps
        

What a difference a year makes.

Eddie Gamboa was 1-7 with a 3.63 ERA in 12 starts for Rookie-level Bluefield in 2008, but has thrived after moving to the bullpen this season.

The 24-year-old right-hander, who was promoted to Double-A Bowie on Aug. 17, is 10-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 33 total appearances at three levels — Single-A Delmarva, Single-A Frederick and Bowie — in 2009.

“You just have to be ready to come in and throw strikes right off the bat. I think that’s one of my strengths as a pitcher,” Gamboa said. “I can come in and locate three different pitches for strikes, whether I see the hitters once or twice. It really just changes how you approach it.”

Gamboa wasn’t sure if he was going to make the roster of one of the Orioles’ full-season affiliates prior to spring training, but he’s kept his immaculate 2009 campaign going by using the three pitches — two-seam fastball, cutter and changeup — that caught the attention of the organization in March.

“I didn’t want to be a 24-year-old stuck in extended [spring training]. I don’t think I was one of the guys going to Delmarva until I was able to show something in spring training,” Gamboa said. “Whatever got me to Delmarva, I stayed with it and it got me to Frederick and now to Bowie.”

Gamboa, who the Orioles selected in the 21st round of the 2008 amateur draft out of UC Davis, was 6-0 with a 1.86 ERA in 18 appearances for Delmarva before being called up to Frederick in late June. He won four games and only allowed three runs (two earned) in 33 innings with the Keys before heading to Bowie.

Keys pitching coach Kennie Steenstra cites Gamboa’s hard work and character as the main factors that led to his emergence from virtual anonymity to a perfect record this season.

“He came up to us, threw lots of strikes and kept the ball down in the zone,” Steenstra said. “Honestly, he flew under my radar a little bit. I didn’t really know much about him coming out of spring training. He had some success at Delmarva. He was brought up and continued that success [in Frederick], so it’s good to see.”

Gamboa’s ability to make adjustments has helped him transition to a relief role, according to Orioles director of player development David Stockstill.

“The two big things are command of his pitches and deception,” Stockstill said. “His deception is outstanding, the way he changes speeds and the command of the pitches when getting ahead of hitters.”

Gamboa plans to continue to improve this offseason.

“I want to hopefully get a little bigger, stronger, more flexible and come back with a little more [velocity] on my ball,” Gamboa said. “I want to try to become a true prospect here. ... If I can make myself more of a powerful guy with command, I think I’m going to give myself some good opportunities going forward.”

While Gamboa turned a lot of heads this season, he needs to rely on his strengths as he climbs the ladder in the organization, Steenstra said.

“He has a chance to make it. It’s hard to teach a guy command and control, and that’s something he already has,” Steenstra said. “Hopefully he can continue to hone those skills a little bit and keep moving up the chain.”

Baysox notes: Third baseman Josh Bell is batting .327 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games with Bowie. Right-hander Steve Johnson is 0-2 with a 3.10 ERA in four starts since joining the Baysox. Both were acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the George Sherrill trade. ... With two weeks remaining in the season, the Baysox (64-61) are 2 ½ games behind Reading for the final playoff spot in the Eastern League Southern Division. Second baseman Miguel Abreu leads the team with 38 multi-hit games. The 24-year-old infielder is batting .291, and is tied for fourth in the Eastern League with 29 doubles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 7:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides continue their series on the road against the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox take on the Altoona Curve at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys are scheduled to play the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds host the Hagerstown Suns at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds welcome the Lowell Spinners to Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles meet the Pulaski Mariners.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (66-61)

Opponent

at Rochester Red Wings (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (5-6, 4.28 ERA)
Rochester: Yohan Pino (2-2, 3.14 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (64-61)

Opponent

Altoona Curve (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Brandon Erbe (3-3, 2.26 ERA)
Altoona: Kyle Bloom (5-7, 3.84 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (26-30 in the second half, 57-68 overall)

Opponent

at Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Kenny Moreland (3-1, 5.10 ERA)
Kinston: Chris Jones (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (26-27 in the second half, 62-60 overall)

Opponent

Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Chris Salberg (2-2, 3.91 ERA)
Hagerstown: Juan Jaime (2-0, 2.00 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (25-36)

Opponent

Lowell Spinners (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Colin Allen (1-5, 5.94 ERA)
Lowell: Pedro Perez (1-4, 3.08 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (31-28)

Opponent

at Pulaski Mariners (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Pulaski: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

There was a lot of baseball in the Orioles' minor league system on Sunday.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox split a doubleheader against the Altoona Curve.

The Single-A Frederick Keys lost to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds split a doubleheader against the Hagerstown Suns.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds lost both games of the doubleheader, and they were no-hit in the first game.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were edged by the Pulaski Mariners, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles beat the GCL Twins.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Rochester Red Wings 6, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in the Tides' 6-2 loss to Rochester.

Norfolk designated hitter Victor Diaz contributed two hits, and shortstop Blake Davis scored a run and collected an RBI.

Tides starting pitcher Chris Lambert (6-8) allowed three runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings during his first appearance as a member of the Orioles' minor league system.

First baseman Brandon Snyder was 1-for-4 with an RBI for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Bowie Baysox 2, Altoona Curve 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (4-2) gave up one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings as the Baysox beat Altoona, 2-1, in the first game of the doubleheader at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Josh Bell was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and center fielder Danny Figueroa added a triple and an RBI.

Baysox second baseman Miguel Abreu hit a double, and right fielder Dave Krynzel was 1-for-2 with a run scored.

Relief pitcher Luis Lebron tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn his fourth save of the season for the Baysox.

Game 2 score: Altoona Curve 5, Bowie Baysox 3, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Abreu was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as the Baysox fell, 5-3, in the nightcap of the doubleheader.

Bowie catcher Steve Torrealba hit a sacrifice fly, while center fielder Danny Figueroa and left fielder Jonathan Tucker each scored a run.

Baysox starting pitcher Pedro Beato (0-2) allowed three runs and five hits in four innings. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued three walks.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4, Frederick Keys 3, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Bobby Stevens was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Keys' 4-3 loss to Myrtle Beach in 10 innings.

Frederick designated hitter Billy Rowell was 2-for-5 with an RBI, and first baseman Robbie Widlansky added two hits, including a double.

Keys starting pitcher Rick Zagone gave up two runs and four hits in six innings. The 22-year-old left-hander struck out seven batters and didn't walk anyone.

Relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (0-2) allowed two runs, two hits, four walks and two wild pitches in 1 1/3 innings for the Keys.

Left fielder Matthew Tucker was 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 2, Hagerstown Suns 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Designated hitter Joe Mahoney hit a two-run home run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning to carry the Shorebirds to a 2-1 victory over Hagerstown in the first game of the doubleheader at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva starting pitcher Oliver Drake allowed one run and five hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Cliff Flagello (1-2) tossed a scoreless inning for the win.

Shorebirds right fielder Ronnie Welty walked and scored a run, while first baseman Elvin Polanco and center fielder Xavier Avery each added a single.

Game 2 score: Hagerstown Suns 2, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Shortstop Greg Miclat collected three hits, three stolen bases and an RBI in the Shorebirds' 2-1 loss to Hagerstown during the second game of the doubleheader.

Delmarva catcher Brendan Monaghan was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base, while Welty added a single.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Shane Mathews allowed three hits in four scoreless innings, and relief pitcher T.R. Keating (5-4) gave up one run and two hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Game 1 score: Brooklyn Cyclones 5, Aberdeen IronBirds 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Brooklyn starting pitcher Brandon Moore (6-2) tossed a seven-inning no-hitter in a 5-0 victory over the IronBirds during the first game of the doubleheader at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Nicholas Haughian (6-3) allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old left-hander collected three strikeouts, issued two walks and hit a batter.

IronBirds left fielder Richard D'Oleo was 0-for-2 with a stolen base.

Game 2 score: Brooklyn Cyclones 5, Aberdeen IronBirds 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Right fielder Brian Conley was 1-for-3 with a run scored in the IronBirds' 5-1 loss to Brooklyn during the nightcap.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Stephen Procner gave up one run and six hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Josh Dowdy (1-1) allowed three runs and five hits in one inning.

Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 1-for-3 for the IronBirds.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Pulaski Mariners 5, Bluefield Orioles 4, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Mike Flacco was 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI in the Orioles' 5-4 loss to Pulaski in 10 innings.

Bluefield first baseman Edinho Meyer was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and right fielder Luis Ramirez added two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Justin Moore allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, and relief pitcher Pat McCrory (1-1) gave up one unearned run and one hit in one-third of an inning.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Twins 1 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano was 2-for-4 with two RBIs in the Orioles' 5-1 win over the Twins.

Orioles first baseman David Anderson was 1-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored, while center fielder Edwin Cintron added a double.

Starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (3-2) allowed one run and six hits in seven innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Tony Butler tossed two scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides take on the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox play a doubleheader against the Altoona Curve at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys meet the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds face the Hagerstown Suns in a doubleheader at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds play two games against the Brooklyn Cyclones at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles travel to play the Pulaski Mariners.

Shorebirds trainer Aaron Scott was recently selected as the South Atlantic Trainer of the Year, the team announced yesterday. He'll compete with the winners of the other minor leagues for the overall honor of Minor League Trainer of the Year, which will be announced at the Major League Baseball winter meetings in Indianapolis in December.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (66-60)

Opponent

at Rochester Red Wings (1:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Waters (9-5, 4.35 ERA)
Rochester: Reid Santos (1-5, 5.06 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (63-60)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Altoona Curve (5:05 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (3-2, 2.34 ERA)
Altoona: Mike Crotta (6-7, 5.00 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Pedro Beato (0-1, 5.63 ERA)
Altoona: Kyle Bloom (5-8, 3.84 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (26-29 in the second half, 57-67 overall)

Opponent

at Myrtle Beach Pelicans (6:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Richard Zagone (0-3, 6.14 ERA)
Myrtle Beach: Edgar Osuna (3-6, 4.52 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (25-26 in the second half, 61-59 overall)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Hagerstown Suns (5:05 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Oliver Drake (8-7, 3.73 ERA)
Hagerstown: Patrick Lehman (0-1, 3.21 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Chris Salberg (2-2, 3.91 ERA)
Hagerstown: Paul Demny (2-10, 5.38 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (25-34)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Brooklyn Cyclones (1:35 p.m., 5:35 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Stephen Procner (0-3, 5.76 ERA)
Brooklyn: TBA

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Nicholas Haughian (6-2, 2.05 ERA)
Brooklyn: TBA

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (31-27)

Opponent

at Pulaski Mariners (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Pulaski: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell apart in the ninth inning against the Rochester Red Wings, and the Single-A Frederick Keys came back to beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles lost to the Kingsport Mets, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles pounded the GCL Reds.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox, Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were all postponed due to rain.

Speaking of the Baysox, I was in the press box at Prince George's Stadium for several hours before the game was called due to the weather.

It seems like a tremendous waste of time, but it actually was very rewarding.

I was introduced to Joshua Kusnick, who is a sports agent. He represents approximately 40 professional baseball players.

Three Orioles minor leaguers are clients of Kusnick -- Baysox third baseman Josh Bell, Keys relief pitcher Brandon Cooney and Bluefield starting pitcher Vito Frabizio.

Here is Kusnick's blog, in case you're interested in following his updates. There are some baseball thoughts, but the blog also gives fans a personal glimpse into the life of a sports agent.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Rochester Red Wings 5, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Alberto Castillo (2-3) was charged with four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning as the Tides blew a three-run lead in the ninth to suffer a 5-4 loss to Rochester.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris George only gave up one run and five hits in seven innings. The 29-year-old left-hander struck out four batters and didn't walk anyone.

Tides center fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-5 with a run scored, and left fielder Freddy Guzman contributed a single, an RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases.

Second baseman Brandon Pinckney collected a triple and a run scored for the Tides, and catcher Robby Hammock added a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

As mentioned earlier, tonight's game between the Baysox and Altoona was postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader Sunday, beginning at 5:05 p.m.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 6, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-5 with a double and a two-run home run in the Keys' 6-2 win over Myrtle Beach.

Frederick center fielder Matt Angle was 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored, and left fielder Matthew Tucker added three hits, including a triple, and two RBIs.

Keys right fielder David Cash was 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and designated hitter Bobby Stevens also hit a double.

Starting pitcher Sean Gleason gave up two runs and five hits in six innings for the Keys. The 24-year-old right-hander collected six strikeouts and didn't issue any walks.

Frederick relief pitcher Pat Egan (2-3) tossed two scoreless innings for the victory. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed two hits and recorded all six outs on strikeouts.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Tonight's meeting between the Shorebirds and Hagerstown was postponed. No makeup date was immediately announced from the team.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

The IronBirds and Brooklyn were unable to play tonight due to rain. It's unclear at this time when the two teams will make up the postponement.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Kingsport Mets 3, Bluefield Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Mike Flacco was 2-for-4 with his 12th double of the season in the Orioles' 3-1 loss to Kingsport at Bowen Field.

Bluefield starting pitcher Bobby Bundy allowed one run and six hits in seven innings. The 19-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and didn't walk anyone.

Relief pitcher Andrew Huebner (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up two runs (one earned) and three hits in two innings for the Orioles.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 11, GCL Reds 0 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman David Anderson was 3-for-3 with a double, four RBIs and a run scored as the Orioles cruised to an 11-0 victory over the Reds.

Orioles shortstop Anyi Tejeda was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, and catcher Xavier Lopez was 1-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Starting pitcher Zachary Petersime (4-2) only allowed one hit in five scoreless innings for the Orioles. The 20-year-old right-hander collected three strikeouts and walked two batters.

Orioles center fielder Edwin Cintron added two hits and a run scored, and third baseman Tyler Stampone contributed a double, an RBI and two runs scored.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides hit the road to take on the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox host the Altoona Curve at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys play against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds welcome the Hagerstown Suns to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds face the Brooklyn Cyclones at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles meet the Kingsport Mets at Bowen Field.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (66-59)

Opponent

at Rochester Red Wings (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (1-1, 5.47 ERA)
Rochester: Kevin Mulvey (5-7, 4.16 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (63-60)

Opponent

Altoona Curve (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (3-2, 2.34 ERA)
Altoona: Mike Crotta (6-7, 5.00 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-29 in the second half, 56-67 overall)

Opponent

at Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Sean Gleason (4-6, 4.86 ERA)
Myrtle Beach: Richard Sullivan (2-11, 4.48 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (25-26 in the second half, 61-59 overall)

Opponent

Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Oliver Drake (8-7, 3.73 ERA)
Hagerstown: Patrick Lehman (0-1, 3.21 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (25-34)

Opponent

Brooklyn Cyclones (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: TBA
Brooklyn: TBA

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (31-26)

Opponent

Kingsport Mets (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Kingsport: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Gwinnett Braves, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were beaten by the Altoona Curve.

The Single-A Frederick Keys lost to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds came up short against the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds fell in a rain-shortened matchup against the Batavia Muckdogs, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles beat the Kingsport Mets.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 3, Gwinnett Braves 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Justin Turner was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the Tides' 3-2 victory over Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher David Pauley (9-10) gave up one run and three hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Alberto Castillo tossed one scoreless inning to pick up his 13th save of the season.

Tides center fielder Joey Gathright contributed two hits, a stolen base and an outfield assist, while designated hitter Rhyne Hughes and catcher Guillermo Rodriguez each hit a double.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Altoona Curve 4, Bowie Baysox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-3 with a run scored as the Baysox fell, 4-1, to Altoona at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie starting pitcher Steve Johnson (0-2) allowed three runs (two earned) and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 21-year-old right-hander collected six strikeouts, issued three walks and hit a batter.

Baysox designated hitter Paco Figueroa was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa allowed one unearned run and two hits in 1 2/3 innings during his first appearance with the Baysox since being promoted earlier this week.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Myrtle Beach Pelicans 9, Frederick Keys 5 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Chorye Spoone allowed four runs (three earned), three hits and three walks in the Keys' 9-5 loss to Myrtle Beach. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out two batters and threw three wild pitches.

Frederick catcher Wally Crancer was 2-for-3 with a double and three runs scored, and second baseman Ryan Adams added two hits and a run scored.

Designated hitter Matthew Tucker contributed two hits and two RBIs for Frederick, while left fielder Tyler Henson hit a solo home run.

Keys relief pitcher Brian Parker (4-2) surrendered four runs (three earned) and three hits in two innings.

Right fielder Billy Rowell was 1-for-3 with an RBI for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lake County Captains 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 6 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (8-6) was roughed up for seven runs (six earned) and 10 hits in six innings as the Shorebirds lost, 7-6, to Lake County at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva right fielder Ronnie Welty was 1-for-2 with a double, a stolen base, two RBIs and two runs scored, and shortstop Greg Miclat was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Shorebirds catcher Victor Castillo and third baseman Levi Carolus each added a double, and center fielder Xavier Avery was 1-for-5 with a run scored.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Batavia Muckdogs 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Tyler Townsend hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot in the sixth inning, in the IronBirds' 4-2 loss to Batavia at Ripken Stadium. The game was called due to rain after seven innings.

Aberdeen second baseman Mike Gioioso was 1-for-2 with a double and a walk, while right fielder Brian Conley added an RBI on a sacrifice fly.

IronBirds starting pitcher Tyler Sexton (2-7) allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings. The 24-year-old left-hander collected five strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 5, Kingsport Mets 2 (Box score)

Recap: The Orioles scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to pull away for a 5-2 victory over the Kingsport Mets at Bowen Field.

Bluefield center fielder Michael Planeta was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, and first baseman Edinho Meyer collected a single and a double.

Orioles shortstop Javier Santana added two hits, an RBI and a run scored, while third baseman Mike Flacco was 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Flacco is batting .257 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 51 games for Bluefield in 2009.

Starting pitcher Vito Frabizio gave up one run and eight hits in six innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Ryan Palsha (2-1) allowed one run and four hits in two innings.

Bluefield relief pitcher Sam Taveras retired all three batters he faced in order to pick up his fourth save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides wrap up their homestand against the Gwinnett Braves at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox return to Prince George's Stadium to take on the Altoona Curve.

The Single-A Frederick Keys hit the road to face the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds host the Lake County Captains at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds meet the Batavia Muckdogs at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles play against the Kingsport Mets at Bowen Field.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (65-59)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: David Pauley (8-10, 4.50 ERA)
Gwinnett: Jonny Venters (3-5, 5.68 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (63-59)

Opponent

Altoona Curve (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (0-1, 3.00 ERA)
Altoona: Donald Veal (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-27 in the second half, 56-65 overall)

Opponent

at Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Chorye Spoone (0-1, 3.52 ERA with GCL Orioles and IronBirds in 2009)
Myrtle Beach: TBA

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (25-25 in the second half, 61-58 overall)

Opponent

Lake County Captains (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Ryan O'Shea (8-5, 3.33 ERA)
Lake County: Jason Knapp (2-7, 4.05 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (25-33)

Opponent

Batavia Muckdogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Tyler Sexton (2-6, 3.99 ERA)
Batavia: Michael Blazek (3-8, 4.53 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (30-26)

Opponent

Kingsport Mets (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Vito Frabizio (4-3, 3.05 ERA)
Kingsport: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were pounded by the Gwinnett Braves, and the series finale between the Double-A Bowie Baysox and Akron Aeros was rained out.

The Single-A Frederick Keys lost to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds edged the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds fell to the Batavia Muckdogs.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were beaten by the Kingsport Mets, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles suffered a loss against the GCL Rays.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Gwinnett Braves 11, Norfolk Tides 3 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, a stolen base, two RBIs and a run scored, but the Tides lost, 11-3, to Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Andy Mitchell (9-5) gave up eight runs, seven hits and a walk in six innings. The 30-year-old right-hander also hit a batter.

Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder and shortstop Blake Davis each contributed a double, while left fielder Freddy Guzman was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Matt Albers allowed three runs and four hits in one inning for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

The matchup between the Baysox and Akron was postponed due to rain. No makeup date was immediately scheduled. The two teams don't play again in Akron this season, but they do have one more series at Prince George's Stadium from Aug. 25-27.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 6, Frederick Keys 5 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Robbie Widlansky collected a double and an RBI in the Keys' 6-5 loss to Wilmington at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick starting pitcher Zach Britton allowed five runs (three earned) and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. The 21-year-old left-hander struck out eight batters and issued three walks.

Relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (0-1) suffered the loss in his debut with the Keys after giving up one run in two innings. He didn't allow any hits, but walked one batter. The go-ahead run scored in the eighth inning after Jacobson threw a wild pitch.

Keys shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. and left fielder Tyler Henson were both ejected in separate incidents during the game.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 2, Lake County Captains 1 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty hit a two-run home run in the first inning, and the Shorebirds held on for a 2-1 victory over Lake County at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva left fielder Jacob Julius was 2-for-3 with a double, and shortstop Rodolfo Cardona added two hits and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Cole McCurry (5-8) gave up four hits and three walks in 5 1/3 scoreless innings, and relief pitcher Brett Bordes allowed one unearned run in one inning for his fourth save of the season.

Third baseman Levi Carolus, who was recently promoted to the Shorebirds from Aberdeen, was 0-for-3 in his debut with the team.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Batavia Muckdogs 3, Aberdeen IronBirds 0, 13 innings (Box score)

Recap: First baseman T.J. Baxter collected four of the IronBirds' five hits, including a double, in a 3-0 loss to Batavia in 13 innings at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich gave up two hits and walked two batters in six scoreless innings, while relief pitcher Jacob Smith (2-2) allowed three runs and four hits in one inning.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa contributed a single for the IronBirds.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Kingsport Mets 9, Bluefield Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Matt Hobgood (1-1) was roughed up for six runs and nine hits in four innings during the Orioles' 9-3 loss to Kingsport at Bowen Field.

The 19-year-old right-hander struck out two batters and threw a wild pitch for Bluefield. Hobgood has a 6.35 ERA in 17 innings during his first six professional appearances.

Orioles first baseman Mike Flacco was 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and center fielder Michael Planeta contributed three hits and a stolen base.

Shortstop Gary Helmick added a single and two runs scored for the Orioles, but he also committed two fielding errors. Planeta also made a defensive miscue.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Rays 6, GCL Orioles 4 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Brenden Webb was 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in the Orioles' 6-4 loss to the Rays.

Orioles third baseman Tyler Stampone was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI, and shortstop Anyi Tejeda added two hits and an RBI.

Catcher David Calderon contributed a double and two runs scored for the Orioles, and left fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano also hit a double.

Orioles starting pitcher Aaron Wirsch gave up two runs, five hits and three walks in three innings, and relief pitcher Tony Butler (0-1) surrendered two runs and three hits in two innings during his latest injury rehabilitation assignment.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Orioles claimed right-handed pitcher Chris Lambert off waivers from the Detroit Tigers, according to a news release from the team.

Lambert was immediately optioned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, but it's unclear whether he will be available for tonight's game against the Gwinnett Braves at Harbor Park.

The 26-year-old pitcher was 0-1 with a 14.85 ERA in two relief appearances for the Tigers earlier this season. Lambert was designated for assignment by Detroit earlier this week.

Lambert posted a 6-7 record with a 3.55 ERA as a member of the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens this year, and he is 40-41 with a 4.40 ERA in 142 career games (118 starts) while splitting time in the minor leagues between the Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.

Lambert is 12th in the International League in ERA so far this season, and he is tied for sixth in the league with 106 strikeouts in 126 2/3 innings.

Last season, Lambert was 12-8 with a 3.50 ERA in 26 starts for the Mud Hens. He struck out 124 batters and issued 48 walks in 149 1/3 innings while registering three complete games.

The Cardinals selected Lambert with the 19th overall pick in the 2004 MLB draft.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides host the Gwinnett Braves at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox meet the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at Harry Grove Stadium, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds face the Lake County Captains at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds and Batavia Muckdogs will play at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles welcome the Kingsport Mets to Bowen Field.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (65-58)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Andy Mitchell (9-4, 5.07 ERA)
Gwinnett: Todd Redmond (8-6, 4.07 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (63-59)

Opponent

at Akron Aeros (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (0-1, 3.00 ERA)
Akron: Connor Graham (0-2, 5.19 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-27 in the second half, 56-65 overall)

Opponent

Wilmington Blue Rocks (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Zach Britton (8-6, 2.71 ERA)
Wilmington: Danny Duffy (8-3, 3.38 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (24-25 in the second half, 60-58 overall)

Opponent

Lake County Captains (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Cole McCurry (4-8, 3.15 ERA)
Lake County: T.J. House (5-8, 2.86 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (25-32)

Opponent

Batavia Muckdogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Patrick Kantakevich (2-4, 4.04 ERA)
Batavia: Daniel Calhoun (1-0, 1.48 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (30-25)

Opponent

Kingsport Mets (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Matt Hobgood (1-0, 4.15 ERA)
Kingsport: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Gwinnett Braves, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox couldn't find their bats in a loss to the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys were defeated by the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds fell in extra innings against the Lake County Captains.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were pounded by the Batavia Muckdogs.

Before tonight's game, the Keys activated relief pitcher Brett Jacobson. The 22-year-old right-hander was acquired recently from the Detroit Tigers in a trade for first baseman Aubrey Huff.

Also, Levi Carolus was transferred from Aberdeen to the Shorebirds. The 21-year-old infielder replaces third baseman Tyler Kolodny, who was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 15. Carolus batted .320 with one home run, 13 doubles and 25 RBIs in 44 games for the IronBirds before his promotion.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Gwinnett Braves 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (5-6) gave up one run and six hits in seven innings in the Tides' 5-2 victory over Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

The 23-year-old right-hander collected six strikeouts, issued two walks and hit two batters. Arrieta threw 63 of his 100 pitches for strikes in the win for Norfolk.

Tides center fielder Joey Gathright was 3-for-4 with a triple, three RBIs and a run scored, and designated hitter Brandon Snyder was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Norfolk shortstop Melvin Dorta added two hits, a stolen base and a run scored, while first baseman Rhyne Hughes was 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Bob McCrory retired the final three batters for his fifth save of the season for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 3, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Danny Figueroa's two-out single in the top of the sixth inning was the only hit for the Baysox in a 3-0 loss to Akron.

Bowie starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-7) lost his seventh consecutive decision after allowing three runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out seven batters.

Baysox relief pitcher Luis Lebron retired all four batters he faced.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 9, Frederick Keys 7 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was 5-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored, and he was a home run shy of the cycle in the Keys' 9-7 loss to Wilmington.

Frederick first baseman Robbie Widlansky was 4-for-5 with a double and four RBIs, and center fielder Matt Angle added a single, a stolen base and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Kenny Moreland allowed six runs, five hits and two walks in five innings, and relief pitcher Brandon Cooney (0-2) gave up two unearned runs despite not surrendering a hit in one inning.

Right fielder Billy Rowell contributed an RBI and a run scored for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lake County Captains 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 1, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty contributed a pair of doubles, a stolen base and a run scored in the Shorebirds' 5-1 loss to Lake County in 10 innings at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva starting pitcher Nathan Moreau only surrendered one run and two hits in 6 1/3 innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. The 22-year-old left-hander struck out seven batters and issued three walks.

Relief pitcher Cliff Flagello (0-2) allowed four runs (three earned) and four hits in 1 2/3 innings for Delmarva.

Shorebirds designated hitter Elvin Polanco was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Batavia Muckdogs 10, Aberdeen IronBirds 4 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored as the IronBirds were pounded, 10-4, by Batavia at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen third baseman Tyler Kelly contributed a sacrifice fly, and shortstop Michael Mooney was 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Colin Allen allowed four runs, five hits and four walks in two innings, and relief pitcher Brian Sisk (0-2) was charged with two runs (one earned) and three hits in two-plus innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides take on the Gwinnett Braves at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox play on the road against the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys look to rebound at Harry Grove Stadium after losing both games of yesterday's doubleheader against the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds host the Lake County Captains at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds return from the All-Star break to meet the Batavia Muckdogs at Ripken Stadium, while the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles and Rookie-level GCL Orioles are both idle.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (64-58)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (4-6, 4.59 ERA)
Gwinnett: John Halama (4-4, 4.35 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (63-58)

Opponent

at Akron Aeros (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-6, 4.24 ERA)
Akron: Eric Berger (0-1, 5.40 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-26 in the second half, 56-64 overall)

Opponent

Wilmington Blue Rocks (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Kenny Moreland (3-1, 3.96 ERA)
Wilmington: Mario Santiago (6-12, 4.32 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (24-24 in the second half, 60-57 overall)

Opponent

Lake County Captains (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (5-3, 3.58 ERA)
Lake County: T.J. McFarland (7-4, 3.75 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (25-31)

Opponent

Batavia Muckdogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: TBA
Batavia: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost to the Gwinnett Braves, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were beaten by the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys were swept in a doubleheader by the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles topped the Bristol Sox, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles were edged by the GCL Twins in extra innings.

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were idle, and three players from the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds participated in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game.

In addition to the earlier roster moves, the Keys also activated right-hander Chorye Spoone from the disabled list. To make room on the roster, Frederick placed left-hander Nathan Nery on the disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 16.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Gwinnett Braves 7, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Melvin Dorta was 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in the Tides' 7-4 loss to Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Norfolk third baseman Justin Turner was 3-for-4, and left fielder Freddy Guzman added a triple, two stolen bases, an RBI and a run scored.

Tides starting pitcher Chris Waters gave up one run and three hits in 5 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Alberto Castillo (2-2) allowed five unearned runs, three hits and two walks in one inning.

Shortstop Blake Davis was 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 12, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, but the Baysox were pounded, 12-3, by Akron.

Bowie starting pitcher Brandon Erbe gave up two runs (one earned), three hits and three walks in four innings, and relief pitcher Jim Hoey (2-5) allowed four runs (three earned) and four hits in one inning.

Baysox left fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and designated hitter Paco Figueroa added two hits and a stolen base.

Frederick Keys (A)

Game 1 score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 6, Frederick Keys 5, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored as the Keys were edged by Wilmington, 6-5, in the first game of the doubleheader at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick center fielder Matt Angle was 1-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored, while first baseman Robbie Widlansky added a single and an RBI.

Keys starting pitcher Rick Zagone allowed five runs (three earned) and four hits in three innings, and relief pitcher Brian Parker (4-1) gave up one run and three hits in three innings.

Game 2 score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 4, Frederick Keys 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring hit his 23rd home run of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth inning, but the Keys were swept in the doubleheader after a 4-2 loss to Wilmington.

Florimon added two doubles and a run scored for the Keys, but he also committed three of the team's six errors in the game.

Frederick starting pitcher Pat Egan (1-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and six hits in 3 1/3 innings, and relief pitcher Jake Stevens gave up one unearned run and two hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Keys left fielder Tyler Henson was 1-for-3 with a double.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 6, Bristol Sox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Michael Planeta was 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and two runs scored in the Orioles' 6-1 victory over Bristol at Bowen Field.

Bluefield designated hitter Kipp Schutz was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and first baseman Mike Flacco added a double and an RBI.

Orioles third baseman Corey Thomas contributed two hits and an RBI, and catcher Dashenko Ricardo was 1-for-3 with a triple and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Jesse Beal (5-3) allowed one run and six hits in six innings for the Orioles. The 19-year-old right-hander struck out three batters and didn't walk anyone.

GCL Orioles

Score: GCL Twins 2, GCL Orioles 1, 11 innings (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Moises Ciriaco was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in the Orioles' 2-1 loss to the Twins in 11 innings.

Orioles starting pitcher Angel Cespedes gave up one run and three hits in seven innings. The 19-year-old right-hander collected four strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

Catcher Dennis Perez was 1-for-3 with an RBI for the Orioles.

Orioles relief pitcher Chris Hervey (1-1) allowed one run, one hit, one walk and he hit a batter in two-thirds of an inning.

New York-Penn League All-Star Game

Score: American League All-Stars 4, National League All-Stars 2 (Box score)

Recap: IronBirds relief pitcher Jacob Smith earned the win for the American League All-Stars in a 4-2 victory over the National League All-Stars in State College, Pa., after tossing one scoreless inning.

Aberdeen infielder Tyler Kelly was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and infielder Levi Carolus was 0-for-1.

Staten Island Yankees second baseman Jimmy Paredes was named as the game's Most Valuable Player after going 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides return home to host the Gwinnett Braves at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox hit the road to take on the Akron Aeros.

The Single-A Frederick Keys play a doubleheader against the Wilmington Blue Rocks at Harry Grove Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles take on the Bristol Sox at Bowen Field.

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds are idle, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds are in the middle of the All-Star break. The New York-Penn League All-Star Game will be played tonight at Penn State.

Earlier today, relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa was promoted from Frederick to the Baysox.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 4-0 with a 0.55 ERA and one save in 14 games for the Keys. Before joining the Keys, Gamboa was 6-0 with a 1.86 ERA and one save in 16 games for Delmarva.

When you do the math, you'll see that Gamboa is 10-0 with a 1.26 ERA in 32 games this season.

In order to make room for Gamboa in Bowie, relief pitcher Zach Clark was transferred to the Keys.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (64-57)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Waters (9-5, 4.52 ERA)
Gwinnett: Tim Hudson (0-0, 2.25 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (63-57)

Opponent

at Akron Aeros (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Brandon Erbe (3-3, 2.26 ERA)
Akron: Scott Barnes (1-0, 3.60 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-24 in the second half, 56-62 overall)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks (5 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (0-3, 5.96 ERA)
Wilmington: TBA

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Frederick: Pat Egan (1-2, 1.38 ERA)
Wilmington: TBA

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Game

New York-Penn League All-Star Game

Time and location

7:15 p.m. at Penn State University

Notes

* The IronBirds will be represented by infielders Levi Carolus and Tyler Kelly, as well as left-handed relief pitcher Jacob Smith. Aberdeen pitching coach Scott McGregor will also participate in the festivities.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (29-25)

Opponent

Bristol Sox (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Jesse Beal (4-3, 3.97 ERA)
Bristol: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The signing deadline for 2009 MLB draft selections was last night, and the Orioles agreed to deals with 29 of the team's 50 choices.

Second-round selection Mychal Givens, a Florida high school player who was set to attend Oklahoma State, agreed to terms with the team as the midnight deadline approached.

I've listed the 29 draft picks who signed below, in order of the round in which they were selected. The number of the round is listed to the left. Some of the players have yet to appear in games within the Orioles' minor league system, but statistics are given when available.

1. Matt Hobgood, RHP -- The 19-year-old right-hander is continuing to adapt to professional baseball. Hobgood, who signed in June, is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in five starts for the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles. He tossed five scoreless innings against the Princeton Rays during his last start on Aug. 13.

2. Mychal Givens, SS -- In an exciting turn of events for Orioles fans, the 19-year-old shortstop reached an agreement with the team shortly before the midnight deadline. Givens, who was also a top pitcher in high school, is not expected to be assigned to any of the affiliates in the Orioles' minor league system before heading to the fall instructional league.

3. Tyler Townsend, 1B -- The 21-year-old infielder missed a month of the season with the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds due to a wrist injury. Townsend recently returned to Aberdeen's lineup, and he is batting .159 with one home run and eight RBIs in 16 games this season.

4. Randy Henry, RHP -- The 19-year-old right-hander signed with the Orioles for $365,000 last week. Henry hasn't been assigned to any of the affiliates in the team's minor league system at this point in the season.

5. Ashur Tolliver, LHP -- The 21-year-old left-hander signed with the Orioles for $200,000 last week. Tolliver has yet to appear for any of the teams in the organization.

6. Justin Dalles, C -- The 20-year-old catcher agreed to terms with the Orioles in late June and was assigned to Aberdeen. In 35 games with the IronBirds, Dalles is batting .225 with eight doubles and 15 RBIs.

7. Aaron Wirsch, LHP -- The 18-year-old right-hander is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA in five appearances (two starts) for the Rookie-level GCL Orioles. Wirsch collected 12 strikeouts and walked four batters in his first 10 innings in professional baseball.

9. Ryan Berry, RHP -- The 21-year-old right-hander signed with the Orioles last week for $417,600. Berry was believed to be a tough player to sign when the team selected him. He hasn't pitched for any of the Orioles' affiliates so far this season.

10. Jacob Cowan, RHP -- The 21-year-old right-hander made his debut with the IronBirds in July, and he is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in six games (two starts) in 2009. Cowan hasn't pitched for Aberdeen since Aug. 4 when he held the State College Spikes to one hit in five innings.

11. Michael Ohlman, C -- The 18-year-old catcher hit .550 with three home runs, 28 RBIs and 23 stolen bases during his senior year of high school. Ohlman signed a contract with the Orioles earlier this week, and he hasn't been assigned to any teams within the organization.

12. Steve Bumbry, OF -- The 21-year-old outfielder missed about three weeks earlier in the season due to a groin injury. In 29 games for Aberdeen, Bumbry is hitting .225 with one home run and seven RBIs. He also has four doubles and three triples.

13. Tyler Kelly, 2B -- The 21-year-old infielder will be joined by IronBirds infielder Levi Carolus and left-handed pitcher Jacob Smith to represent the team in the New York-Penn League tonight. Kelly is batting .294 with one home run, 15 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 45 games for Aberdeen.

14. David Baker, RHP -- The 18-year-old right-hander made his professional debut with the GCL Orioles on July 21. Baker doesn't have any wins or losses, but he has a 2.38 ERA in six appearances with the team.

16. Ryan Palsha, RHP -- The 19-year-old right-hander is 1-1 with a 4.86 ERA and three saves in seven appearances for Bluefield this season. Palsha struck out four batters and only allowed one hit in three scoreless innings last night against the Bristol Sox.

18. Jarret Martin, LHP -- The 20-year-old left-hander is listed on Bluefield's roster, but he has not appeared in any games for the Rookie-level affiliate so far in 2009.

19. Kipp Schutz, OF -- The 21-year-old outfielder is batting .250 with one home run, 14 RBIs and 18 runs scored in 30 games for Bluefield. Schutz is hitting .290 (9-for-31) with his only home run, three doubles, five RBIs and six runs scored in his past 10 games.

20. James Brandhorst, RHP -- The 21-year-old right-hander is 0-1 with a 1.96 ERA and four saves in 16 appearances for the IronBirds in 2009. Opponents are batting .254 against Brandhorst, who has struck out 19 hitters in 18 1/3 innings.

21. Kevin Landry, RHP -- The 21-year-old right-hander has a 3.93 ERA in nine appearances for the IronBirds, but he hasn't factored in any decisions. Landry struck out 27 batters and issued 14 walks in 18 1/3 innings so far in 2009.

22. Cameron Coffey, LHP -- The 18-year-old left-hander established a club record for a late-round selection by agreeing to a contract with the Orioles that included a $990,000 signing bonus. Coffey is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery.

23. Michael Mooney, SS -- The 21-year-old infielder signed with the Orioles in late June and was assigned to Aberdeen. In 35 games for the IronBirds, Mooney is hitting .235 with one home run, 12 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

24. Justin Anderson, LHP -- The 21-year-old left-hander signed with the Orioles in the middle of June. Anderson is 2-1 with a 3.25 ERA in 11 appearances (one start) with Bluefield.

26. Michael Mechaw, LHP -- Mechaw, who will turn 21 on Wednesday, doesn't have any decisions in nine appearances for Bluefield this season. The young left-hander has a 6.41 ERA, and opponents are batting .253 against him.

27. Michael Planeta, OF -- The 19-year-old outfielder is batting .283 with two home runs and 22 RBIs in 47 games for Bluefield. Planeta also has eight doubles, two triples, five stolen bases and 21 runs scored for the Orioles this season.

28. Kyle Hoppy, OF -- The 18-year-old outfielder was planning to play football and baseball at Bucknell before agreeing to terms with the Orioles earlier this week. Hoppy hasn't been assigned to any of the affiliates in the organization so far in 2009.

30. Brenden Webb, OF -- The 19-year-old outfielder signed with the Orioles last week, and he recently joined the GCL Orioles. Webb is batting .125 (1-for-8) with a double and three runs scored in three games so far in 2009.

31. Mike Flacco, 1B/3B -- The 22-year-old infielder, who is the brother of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, is batting .247 with three home runs and 24 RBIs in 48 games for Bluefield. Flacco also has 10 doubles, three triples and 24 runs scored this season.

38. Josh Dowdy, RHP -- The 22-year-old right-hander was 2-0 with three saves and a 1.13 ERA in nine appearances with Bluefield before being promoted to the IronBirds in late July. In seven games with Aberdeen, Dowdy is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and four saves.

45. David Rivera, OF -- The 18-year-old outfielder is hitting .202 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 36 games for the GCL Orioles in 2009. Rivera also has three doubles and two triples, but he has struck out 31 times so far this season.

50. Timothy Berry, LHP -- The 18-year-old left-hander signed with the Orioles in July and is going to be recovering from Tommy John surgery for the near future.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost to the Charlotte Knights, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were beaten by the Savannah Sand Gnats.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles topped the Bristol Sox, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles were swept by the GCL Reds in a doubleheader.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox, Single-A Frederick Keys and short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were all scheduled to be idle.

In case you missed it, the Orioles traded first baseman Aubrey Huff to the Detroit Tigers for Single-A relief pitcher Brett Jacobson.

To replace Huff on the roster, it's believed that the Orioles will promote Tides first baseman Michael Aubrey. The 27-year-old infielder wasn't in Norfolk's lineup on Monday, and first baseman Brandon Snyder was absent from the batting order for the second consecutive game.

The Orioles optioned relief pitcher Matt Albers to Norfolk after tonight's game, and relief pitcher Kam Mickolio will be promoted from the Tides tomorrow.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Charlotte Knights 7, Norfolk Tides 5 (Box score)

Recap: The Tides scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning, but their comeback bid fell short in a 7-5 loss to Charlotte.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris George (1-1) allowed four runs and nine hits in four innings during his debut with the team after signing as a free agent earlier in the day.

Tides third baseman Melvin Dorta was 3-for-4 with a run scored, and left fielder Brandon Pinckney was 2-for-5 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored.

Right fielder Jeff Fiorentino hit his 10th home run for the Tides, a solo shot in the ninth. The 26-year-old outfielder is batting .302 with 58 RBIs in 89 games since being promoted to Triple-A earlier this season.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Savannah Sand Gnats 3, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Elvin Polanco was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Shorebirds' 3-1 loss to Savannah during the series finale.

Delmarva second baseman L.J. Hoes and left fielder Jacob Julius each hit a double, and right fielder Ronnie Welty contributed a stolen base and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Chris Salberg allowed one run and three hits in seven innings. The 25-year-old left-hander struck out five batters and issued one walk.

Relief pitcher Mick Mattaliano (0-1) gave up two runs, two hits and one walk in two-thirds of an inning for the Shorebirds. He also threw a wild pitch.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 4, Bristol Sox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Javier Santana had two hits and two RBIs in the Orioles' 4-1 win over Bristol.

Bluefield third baseman Corey Thomas was 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while first baseman Mike Flacco added two hits and an RBI.

Orioles starting pitcher Justin Moore (4-2) gave up one run and five hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Ryan Palsha tossed three scoreless innings for his third save.

Catcher Dashenko Ricardo was 2-for-4 with a double for Bluefield.

GCL Orioles

Game 1 score: GCL Reds 13, GCL Orioles 7 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: In a game completed from Aug. 12, the Orioles suffered a 13-7 loss to the Reds despite a grand slam by left fielder David Rivera.

Orioles designated hitter Jaynnertt Melenciano was 4-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored, and center fielder Edwin Cintron was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes gave up four runs (two earned) and five hits in four innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Dustin Carder allowed five runs (four earned), five hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings.

Game 2 score: GCL Reds 3, GCL Orioles 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Second baseman Anderson Childers was 1-for-3 with an RBI, but the Orioles were swept by the Reds in the doubleheader.

Cintron picked up a stolen base and scored a run for the Orioles, while Melenciano and third baseman Moises Ciriaco each hit a single.

Orioles starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (2-2) gave up two runs (one earned), two hits and two walks in six innings. The 20-year-old right-hander struck out four hitters.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides conclude their road trip against the Charlotte Knights, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds wrap up their series against the Savannah Sand Gnats.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles host the Bristol Sox at Bowen Field, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox, Single-A Frederick Keys and short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds are all idle.

The Shorebirds placed infielder Tyler Kolodny on the disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 15, with an injury to his left wrist. No corresponding move was immediately announced.

With starting pitchers Radhames Liz and Troy Patton recently added to the disabled list for the Tides, the team added some extra help by signing 29-year-old left-hander Chris George from the Mexican League.

George was 1-0 with a 4.79 ERA in 12 appearances for the Pawtucket Red Sox earlier this season. The Kansas City Royals selected him with the 31st-overall pick in the 1998 MLB draft. He was 14-20 with a 6.48 ERA over parts of four seasons in the major leagues for the Royals from 2001-2004.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (64-56)

Opponent

at Charlotte Knights (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (2-1, 6.33 ERA with the Triple-A Diablos Rojos de Mexico)
Charlotte: Wes Whisler (8-10, 3.96 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (24-23 in second half, 60-56 overall)

Opponent

at Savannah Sand Gnats (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Chris Salberg (2-2, 4.35 ERA)
Savannah: Kyle Allen (7-6, 3.88 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (28-25)

Opponent

Bristol Sox (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Justin Moore (3-2, 3.74 ERA)
Bristol: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Charlotte Knights, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the Portland Sea Dogs.

The Single-A Frederick Keys defeated the Winston-Salem Dash, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds swept a doubleheader against the Savannah Sand Gnats.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds beat the Jamestown Jammers.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles fell to the Bristol Sox, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles were beaten by the GCL Red Sox.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Charlotte Knights 3 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in the Tides' 4-3 victory over Charlotte.

Norfolk second baseman Justin Turner collected two hits and a run scored, and first baseman Michael Aubrey was 1-for-5 with an RBI.

Tides starting pitcher David Pauley allowed two runs and four hits in five innings. The 26-year-old right-hander struck out three batters and issued one walk.

Orioles relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate (1-1) gave up one run and two hits in two innings during his latest injury rehabilitation assignment for Norfolk, and relief pitcher Alberto Castillo tossed a scoreless inning for his 12th save of the season.

Shortstop Blake Davis and catcher Robby Hammock each contributed an RBI for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 5, Portland Sea Dogs 4 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell hit his third home run since joining the Baysox in a 5-4 win over Portland at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie second baseman Paco Figueroa was 3-for-4 with a run scored, and left fielder Jonathan Tucker added two hits, an RBI and his 30th stolen base of the season.

Baysox right fielder Dave Krynzel and catcher Adam Donachie each contributed two hits and a run scored, and shortstop Jason White was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Starting pitcher Pedro Beato allowed four runs and six hits in six innings for the Baysox, and relief pitcher Zach Clark (2-1) retired all five batters he faced.

Bowie relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette earned his fourth save of the season by recording the final two outs.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 5, Winston-Salem Dash 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring lifted the Keys to a 5-3 victory over Winston-Salem at Harry Grove Stadium with a grand slam in the fifth inning.

Frederick designated hitter Wally Crancer was 2-for-4 with an RBI, and first baseman Robbie Widlansky added two hits and two runs scored.

Keys center fielder Matt Angle contributed two hits and a run scored, while right fielder Billy Rowell was 1-for-3.

Starting pitcher Sean Gleason (4-6) gave up two runs and three hits in five innings for the Keys, and relief pitcher Brandon Cooney picked up his third save of the season by retiring the final three batters.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Savannah Sand Gnats 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Third baseman Rodolfo Cardona was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in the Shorebirds' 4-2 win over Savannah in the first game of the doubleheader.

Delmarva right fielder Jacob Julius added a triple and a run scored, while second baseman L.J. Hoes was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (8-5) allowed two runs and four hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Cliff Flagello recorded the final three outs for his fourth save of the season.

Game 2 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Savannah Sand Gnats 3, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Cardona was 2-for-3 with two runs scored to carry the Shorebirds past Savannah, 4-3, to sweep both games of the doubleheader.

Delmarva center fielder Kyle Hudson was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Julius added a double.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Oliver Drake (8-7) gave up three runs and six hits in six innings, and relief pitcher T.R. Keating retired the side in order in the seventh inning for his first save of the season.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 9, Jamestown Jammers 3 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Garabez Rosa was 4-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored in the IronBirds' 9-3 victory over Jamestown.

Aberdeen first baseman Tom Edwards was 3-for-5 with a run scored, and third baseman Levi Carolus added three hits and an RBI.

Starting pitcher Chorye Spoone gave up one hit and three walks in three scoreless innings as part of an injury rehabilitation assignment with the IronBirds. The 23-year-old right-hander also struck out three batters.

Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-6 with two runs scored for Aberdeen. The 21-year-old outfielder is batting .225 in 29 games for the IronBirds this season.

IronBirds relief pitcher Nicholas Haughian (6-2) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. The 22-year-old left-hander collected six strikeouts and didn't walk anyone.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bristol Sox 6, Bluefield Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Gary Helmick contributed a pair of doubles in the Orioles' 6-1 loss to Bristol at Bowen Field.

Bluefield designated hitter Jose Kianes was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and first baseman Edinho Meyer added an RBI double.

Orioles starting pitcher Bobby Bundy (2-6) gave up six runs (five earned) and five hits in five innings. The 19-year-old right-hander struck out eight batters and didn't issue any walks.

GCL Orioles

Score: GCL Red Sox 11, GCL Orioles 6 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Grolmann Gonzalez was 2-for-5 with a triple and four RBIs, but the Orioles fell, 11-6, to the Red Sox.

Orioles starting pitcher Zachary Petersime (3-2) allowed six runs and seven hits in three innings. The 20-year-old right-hander walked three batters and collected two strikeouts.

Center fielder Brenden Webb collected two outfield assists in his second professional game. The 19-year-old outfielder was the Orioles' 30th-round selection in this year's MLB draft.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost to the Charlotte Knights, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were beaten by the Portland Sea Dogs.

The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Winston-Salem Dash, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were edged by the Savannah Sand Gnats.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were pounded by the Jamestown Jammers, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were defeated by the Princeton Rays.

If you're keeping track at home, the affiliates in the Orioles' minor league system were 0-6 in Friday's games. That's not a good start to the weekend.

Speaking of the weekend, I'm heading to Kings Dominion for the next two days. I'm going to attempt to still write game recaps at night -- as long as the wireless Internet in the hotel room works -- but there won't be any game previews.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Charlotte Knights 3, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (4-6) allowed three runs (two earned) and six hits in six innings during the Tides' 3-1 loss to Charlotte.

The 23-year-old right-hander threw 63 of his 103 pitches for strikes, and he collected five strikeouts. Arrieta's ERA in 13 starts for the Tides is 4.59.

Norfolk third baseman Brandon Pinckney was 2-for-3 with an RBI, and shortstop Blake Davis scored the team's only run.

Tides left fielder Freddy Guzman picked up two stolen bases.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Portland Sea Dogs 4, Bowie Baysox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Danny Figueroa was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored, but the Baysox suffered a 4-1 loss to Portland at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Josh Bell hit a sacrifice fly, and designated hitter Paco Figueroa was 1-for-1 with three walks.

Baysox starting pitcher Steve Johnson gave up one run and four hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued two walks in his first start in front of the home crowd.

Relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette (4-4) allowed two runs, one hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning for the Baysox.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Winston-Salem Dash 4, Frederick Keys 1 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder David Cash was 1-for-4 with an RBI in the Keys' 4-1 loss to Winston-Salem at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick first baseman Brandon Waring was 1-for-2 with two walks, and catcher Caleb Joseph scored the only run for the home team.

Keys starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (3-1) gave up four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out three batters and issued one walk.

Shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. committed his 29th error of the season for the Keys.

Frederick designated hitter Matthew Tucker and manager Richie Hebner were both ejected in the ninth inning.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Savannah Sand Gnats 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs in the Shorebirds' 5-4 loss to Savannah.

Delmarva center fielder Xavier Avery contributed two hits and a run scored, and third baseman Tyler Kolodny added a double and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Cole McCurry gave up two runs (one earned), five hits and four walks in six innings, while relief pitcher Brett Bordes (2-2) allowed three runs (one earned), one hit and four walks in 1 2/3 innings.

Left fielder Kyle Hudson was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored for the Shorebirds.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Jamestown Jammers 12, Aberdeen IronBirds 5 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Tyler Sexton (2-6) gave up eight runs (six earned), eight hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings as the IronBirds lost, 12-5, to Jamestown.

Aberdeen first baseman T.J. Baxter was 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI, and second baseman Buck Britton added three hits and an RBI.

Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored for the IronBirds, and shortstop Garabez Rosa contributed a triple, an RBI and a run scored.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Princeton Rays 8, Bluefield Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Omar Casamayor was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in the Orioles' 8-2 loss to Princeton.

Bluefield catcher Dashenko Ricardo was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and designated hitter Edinho Meyer added a triple and a run scored.

Orioles pitcher Justin Anderson (2-1) made his first professional start and allowed three runs (one earned) and three hits in three innings. The 21-year-old left-hander made 10 relief appearances for Bluefield before getting the nod for tonight's start.

Third baseman Mike Flacco was 1-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base for Bluefield.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides travel to play the Charlotte Knights, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox welcome the Portland Sea Dogs to Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys host the Winston-Salem Dash at Harry Grove Stadium, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds continue their road trip against the Savannah Sand Gnats.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds hit the road to take on the Jamestown Jammers, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles meet the Princeton Rays.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (63-54)

Opponent

at Charlotte Knights (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (4-5, 4.74 ERA)
Charlotte: Daniel Hudson (0-0, 9.00 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (61-56)

Opponent

Portland Sea Dogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (0-1, 4.00 ERA)
Portland: Felix Doubront (6-4, 3.68 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (24-22 in second half, 55-60 overall)

Opponent

Winston-Salem Dash (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Kenny Moreland (3-0, 3.20 ERA)
Winston-Salem: Justin Edwards (3-2, 4.84 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-22 in second half, 58-55 overall)

Opponent

at Savannah Sand Gnats (6:30 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Cole McCurry (4-8, 3.24 ERA)
Savannah: Robert Carson (8-8, 2.80 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (24-29)

Opponent

at Jamestown Jammers (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Tyler Sexton (2-5, 3.25 ERA)
Jamestown: TBA

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (27-23)

Opponent

at Princeton Rays (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Princeton: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

Earlier this week, the Orioles decided to withdraw their offer to second-round selection Mychal Givens and turn their attention to signing other draft picks.

The effects are already being felt as the team finalized a deal with 22nd-round selection Cameron Coffey, a left-handed pitcher from Houston, that includes a $990,000 bonus, according to Baseball America.

No, that's not a typo.

To put the number into perspective, consider that some players who were picked in the end of the first round didn't receive that much as a signing bonus.

The question is: Why would the Orioles give so much money to a late-round pick?

Well, several experts believed the high school left-hander would be selected in the top two rounds of the 2009 MLB draft before Tommy John surgery ended his senior season early in the spring.

According to Baseball America's Jim Callis, Coffey's deal is the largest ever for a player who had Tommy John surgery just before the draft.

Coffey was reportedly throwing in the low-to-mid 90s before he injured his elbow. However, until this spring, the young left-hander's fastball had been clocked consistently in the mid-80s.

While the large signing bonus shows that the Orioles are clearly impressed with his potential, I'm not sure that it's going to be a great deal for the future of the organization.

The Orioles will look incredibly smart if the 6-foot-5 pitcher returns to throwing his fastball in the 90s, but it won't be viewed as a wise move if his fastball stays in the mid-80s upon his recovery.

To me, the large amount of money reportedly given to Coffey makes it an extremely risky signing.

It's an excellent move to draft a player with second-round talent in the 22nd round, but I'm not sure that it's a wise decision if you need to give him first-round money to sign.

Maybe I'm reacting a little harshly right now. I'll reserve final judgment until after Coffey begins his career in the Orioles' minor league system, but I'm being skeptical at this time.

I know there are a lot of Orioles fans out there who want the team to spend more money, so perhaps this is a good start to that philosophy.

What does everyone think about this signing? Was it a good move? Am I making a big deal out of nothing?

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees this afternoon. The two teams were scheduled to play a second game, but it was rained out.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and the Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Potomac Nationals in a rain-shortened contest.

The meeting between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and Charleston RiverDogs was canceled, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were edged by the Williamsport Crosscutters.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles split a doubleheader against the Princeton Rays.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Recap: The Tides scored four runs in the first inning and cruised to a 4-2 victory over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Harbor Park. The two teams were originally scheduled to play a doubleheader, but the second game was canceled due to rain.

Norfolk shortstop Blake Davis was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and first baseman Brandon Snyder added a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Tides starting pitcher Chris Waters gave up one run and two hits in three innings before he was ejected by home plate umpire Al Porter. Manager Gary Allenson was also thrown out of the game.

Relief pitcher Kam Mickolio (3-3) tossed two scoreless innings for the Tides, and closer Alberto Castillo earned his 11th save of the season despite allowing one run in the seventh.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: New Hampshire Fisher Cats 6, Bowie Baysox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell picked up his fourth consecutive multi-hit game as the Baysox fell to New Hampshire, 6-2, at Prince George's Stadium.

The 22-year-old infielder was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Bell is batting .462 with two home runs and five RBIs in eight games since being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for left-hander George Sherrill.

Bowie catcher Steve Torrealba added an RBI, and left fielder Jonathan Tucker threw out two runners at second base in the loss.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-6) gave up six runs, six hits and four walks in three innings. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out two batters and threw a wild pitch.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 8, Potomac Nationals 4, 6 innings (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Tyler Henson was 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored in the Keys' 8-4 win over Potomac in six innings.

Frederick third baseman Brandon Waring contributed two doubles, a single and two runs scored, and first baseman Robbie Widlansky was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (4-5) gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings, while shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. and manager Richie Hebner both were ejected in the second inning.

Second baseman Ryan Adams was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Keys, and center fielder Matt Angle added a double, two runs scored and his 34th stolen base of the season.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

The series finale between the Shorebirds and Charleston was canceled due to rain, and it will not be rescheduled.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Williamsport Crosscutters 2, Aberdeen IronBirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Steve Bumbry hit a triple in the IronBirds' 2-1 loss to Williamsport at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen second baseman Tyler Kelly and right fielder Brian Conley each added two hits, and first baseman T.J. Baxter scored the team's only run.

IronBirds starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (2-4) allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander collected four strikeouts and walked one batter.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Game 1 score: Bluefield Orioles 2, Princeton Rays 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Matt Hobgood earned his first professional victory in the Orioles' 2-0 win over Princeton. The 19-year-old right-hander struck out three batters and allowed two hits in five innings.

Bluefield second baseman Omar Casamayor contributed two RBIs, and shortstop Javier Santana was 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Relief pitcher Andrew Huebner retired all six batters he faced to earn his first save of the season for the Orioles.

Game 2 score: Princeton Rays 3, Bluefield Orioles 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Left fielder Kipp Schutz hit his first professional home run in the second inning, but the Orioles dropped the nightcap, 3-1, against Princeton.

Bluefield starting pitcher Robert Holloway (2-3) allowed three runs (one earned) and six hits in 4 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Ryan Palsha tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Orioles second baseman Gary Helmick hit a double, and Mike Flacco collected a single as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in a doubleheader this afternoon at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox play the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Prince George's Stadium tonight.

The Single-A Frederick Keys meet the Potomac Nationals, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds take on the Charleston RiverDogs.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds face the Williamsport Crosscutters at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles travel to play a doubleheader against the Princeton Rays.

Relief pitcher Ryan Rodriguez was promoted from the Keys to Bowie yesterday.

Three IronBirds players were selected for the New York-Penn League All-Star Game, the league announced yesterday.

Aberdeen relief pitcher Jake Smith, as well as infielders Levi Carolus and Tyler Kelly will represent the team in State College, Pa., on August 18 at 7:15 p.m.

IronBirds pitching coach Scott McGregor will also take part in the game.

Carolus is batting .308 with one home run, 13 doubles and 23 RBIs in 41 games for the IronBirds this season, and Kelly is hitting .299 with one home run, 14 RBIs and 22 runs scored in 41 games.

Smith is 2-1 with a 1.42 ERA in 14 games for the IronBirds in 2009. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out 29 batters and issued 15 walks in 31 2/3 innings so far this season.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (62-54)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (12:15 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Waters (9-5, 4.56 ERA)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Romulo Sanchez (4-3, 4.23 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Norfolk: TBA
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Ivan Nova (1-2, 4.99 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (61-55)

Opponent

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-5, 3.48 ERA)
New Hampshire: Luis Perez (7-10, 3.85 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (23-22 in second half, 54-60 overall)

Opponent

at Potomac Nationals (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (3-5, 4.88 ERA)
Potomac: Adam Carr (1-3, 4.80 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-22 in second half, 58-55 overall)

Opponent

at Charleston RiverDogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Cole McCurry (4-8, 3.24 ERA)
Charleston: Brett Smith (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (24-28)

Opponent

Williamsport Crosscutters (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Patrick Kantakevich (2-3, 4.14 ERA)
Williamsport: Korey Noles (1-1, 2.60 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (26-22)

Opponent

Doubleheader at Princeton Rays (5:30 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Princeton: TBA

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Princeton: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The matchup between the Triple-A Norfolk Tides and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees was rained out, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were edged by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Potomac Nationals, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds fell to the Charleston RiverDogs.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds topped the Williamsport Crosscutters, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles won against the Pulaski Mariners.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Tonight's game between the Tides and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 12:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon at Harbor Park.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: New Hampshire Fisher Cats 5, Bowie Baysox 4 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell was 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs, but the Baysox lost, 5-4, to New Hampshire at Prince George's Stadium. The 22-year-old infielder is batting .435 (10-for-23) with two home runs and four RBIs in seven games since being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bowie first baseman Eric Crozier contributed a solo home run, and designated hitter Dave Krynzel added two hits.

Baysox starting pitcher Brandon Erbe struggled with his control. The 21-year-old right-hander issued five walks, hit two batters and gave up two runs and two hits in four innings. Erbe collected one strikeout.

Relief pitcher Jim Hoey (2-4) allowed two runs and two hits in one inning for the Baysox.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 7, Potomac Nationals 5 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored in the Keys' 7-5 victory over Potomac.

Frederick first baseman Robbie Widlansky collected two hits, an RBI and two runs scored, while catcher Caleb Joseph was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Keys center fielder Matt Angle added two hits, a stolen base and a run scored, and designated hitter Wally Crancer was 2-for-5.

Starting pitcher Rick Zagone allowed four runs and five hits in three innings for the Keys, and relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (4-0) gave up one run and three hits in two innings.

Relief pitcher Brandon Cooney tossed a scoreless inning to earn his second save of the season for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Charleston RiverDogs 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 1-for-4 with a stolen base and two RBIs in the Shorebirds' 4-3 loss to Charleston.

Delmarva shortstop Rodolfo Cardona contributed a double and an RBI, while first baseman Joe Mahoney was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Nathan Moreau (5-3) allowed two runs and five hits in four innings. The 22-year-old left-hander collected five strikeouts and walked two batters.

Second baseman L.J. Hoes added a single, a stolen base and a run scored for the Shorebirds.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 6, Williamsport Crosscutters 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Tyler Kelly was 3-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs and two runs scored in the IronBirds' 6-2 victory over Williamsport at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen designated hitter T.J. Baxter was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored, and third baseman Levi Carolus added a two-run home run.

IronBirds starting pitcher Colin Allen (1-5) gave up one run and four hits in six innings. The 22-year-old right-hander collected five strikeouts and issued one walk.

Left fielder Brian Conley was 1-for-1 with three walks, an RBI and a run scored for the IronBirds, and catcher Justin Dalles contributed a double and an RBI.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 6, Pulaski Mariners 3 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Polanco was 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs as the Orioles topped Pulaski, 6-3.

Bluefield second baseman Omar Casamayor was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, and center fielder Michael Planeta added an RBI and a run scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Jesse Beal (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and seven hits in seven innings. The 19-year-old right-hander struck out six batters and didn't issue any walks.

Relief pitcher Pat McCrory recorded his first save of the season for the Orioles after tossing two scoreless innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides play the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Prince George's Stadium.

The Single-A Frederick Keys face the Potomac Nationals, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds continue their road trip against the Charleston RiverDogs.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds take on the Williamsport Crosscutters at Ripken Stadium, and the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles travel to play the Pulaski Mariners.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (62-54)

Opponent

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Waters (9-5, 4.56 ERA)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Romulo Sanchez (4-3, 4.23 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (61-54)

Opponent

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Brandon Erbe (3-3, 2.08 ERA)
New Hampshire: Adrian Martin (2-2, 3.45 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (22-22 in second half, 53-60 overall)

Opponent

at Potomac Nationals (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (0-3, 5.53 ERA)
Potomac: Trevor Holder (1-1, 4.91 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-21 in second half, 58-54 overall)

Opponent

at Charleston RiverDogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (5-2, 3.52 ERA)
Charleston: Trenton Lare (1-2, 4.34 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (23-28)

Opponent

Williamsport Crosscutters (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Colin Allen (0-5, 6.00 ERA)
Williamsport: Austin Hyatt (2-0, 0.28 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (25-22)

Opponent

at Pulaski Mariners (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Pulaski: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were blanked by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox earned an extra-inning win against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Single-A Frederick Keys were edged by the Potomac Nationals, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Charleston RiverDogs.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds beat the Williamsport Crosscutters.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles split a doubleheader against the Pulaski Mariners, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles were beaten in extra innings by the GCL Red Sox.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 9, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: The Tides managed only two hits in a 9-0 loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher David Pauley (8-10) gave up seven runs (six earned) and seven hits in four innings. The 26-year-old right-hander collected four strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk, and left fielder Freddy Guzman contributed a single.

Orioles relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate surrendered a solo home run to Yankees second baseman Cody Ransom and struck out one hitter in the seventh inning during his latest injury rehabilitation assignment for the Tides.

Former Orioles starting pitcher Russ Ortiz (2-0) allowed only one hit in seven scoreless innings for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 35-year-old right-hander struck out six batters and issued three walks.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 4, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3, 12 innings (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Ambiorix Concepcion was 3-for-6 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored as the Baysox topped New Hampshire, 4-3, in 12 innings at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Josh Bell collected three hits, including a double, and a run scored, while second baseman Miguel Abreu added an RBI and a run scored.

Baysox catcher Adam Donachie knocked in Concepcion for the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 12th.

Starting pitcher Pedro Beato allowed two runs and five hits in five innings for the Baysox, and relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette (4-3) tossed three scoreless innings to pick up the victory.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 4, Frederick Keys 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring hit a three-run home run in the third inning, but the Keys suffered a 4-3 loss to Potomac. It was the 23-year-old infielder's 21st home run of the season.

Frederick shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. contributed a double and a run scored, while center fielder Matt Angle also scored a run.

Keys starting pitcher Sean Gleason (3-6) gave up four runs (two earned) and seven hits in five innings. The 23-year-old right-hander collected three strikeouts, issued one walk and threw a wild pitch.

Relief pitcher Pat Egan retired all nine batters he faced for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Charleston RiverDogs 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Xavier Avery was 2-for-4 with a double in the Shorebirds' 5-1 loss to Charleston.

Delmarva third baseman Rodolfo Cardona contributed a double and an RBI, and first baseman Joe Mahoney was 1-for-3 with a walk and his 28th stolen base of the season.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Chris Salberg (2-2) gave up five runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old left-hander collected four strikeouts and didn't walk anyone.

Second baseman L.J. Hoes walked and scored the only run for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 5, Williamsport Crosscutters 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Brian Conley was 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the IronBirds' 5-4 victory over Williamsport at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Nicholas Haughian (5-2) allowed four unearned runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 22-year-old left-hander struck out three batters and issued two walks.

IronBirds shortstop Garabez Rosa contributed an RBI and a run scored, while center fielder Steve Bumbry added an RBI single.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy retired the side in order during the ninth inning for his fourth save since being promoted to the IronBirds last month.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Game 1 score: Pulaski Mariners 4, Bluefield Orioles 1 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Designated hitter Lance West hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, but the Orioles lost, 4-1, to Pulaski in the completion of yesterday's suspended game at Bowen Field.

Bluefield starting pitcher Bobby Bundy (2-5) gave up three runs (one earned) and four hits in four innings. The 19-year-old right-hander collected three strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

Orioles relief pitcher Michael Mechaw, who was selected in the 26th round of this year's MLB draft, allowed one run, one hit and one walk in five innings.

Game 2 score: Bluefield Orioles 10, Pulaski Mariners 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Center fielder Michael Planeta was 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored in the Orioles' 10-2 victory over Pulaski in the nightcap.

Bluefield left fielder Kipp Schutz was 3-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored, while second baseman Gary Helmick was 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored.

Orioles designated hitter Joel Polanco contributed two doubles and two RBIs, and third baseman Omar Casamayor added a single, two RBIs and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Justin Moore (3-2) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings for the Orioles. The 20-year-old right-hander issued one walk, hit a batter and didn't collect any strikeouts.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Red Sox 3, GCL Orioles 2, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Grolmann Gonzalez was 1-for-2 with a double, two walks, a stolen base and a run scored in the Orioles' 3-2 loss to the Red Sox in 10 innings.

Orioles catcher Xavier Lopez contributed a double, and left fielder David Rivera walked and scored a run.

Starting pitcher Chorye Spoone gave up one run and two hits in an injury rehabilitation assignment for the Orioles. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out three batters and issued one walk.

Orioles relief pitcher Joshua Goodin (1-1) suffered the loss after allowing one unearned run and three hits in two innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Game recaps
        

According to Jim Callis on Baseball America's The Draft Blog, the Orioles agreed to terms with three draft picks today -- left-hander Ashur Tolliver (fifth round) and right-handers Randy Henry (fourth round) and Ryan Berry (ninth round).

The Orioles are going to pay each player over Major League Baseball's recommendation for projected draft slot, according to Callis.

Callis says Berry is expected to sign for $417,600, which is the same amount as Orioles third-round draft pick Tyler Townsend. MLB sets the guideline for $150,000 for picks after the fifth round, so the Orioles are really stretching past that mark.

Still, I've seen Berry pitch in the past, and he is a player who could be the best sleeper of this year's draft for the Orioles. The 21-year-old starting pitcher was 7-2 with a 2.42 ERA in 14 games for Rice in 2009.

Injury concerns caused him to drop from a potential first-round pick to the ninth round, according to Callis. Berry could move quickly through the Orioles' minor league system, in my opinion, if he remains healthy.

I haven't seen Henry or Tolliver pitch, so I'm not comfortable making any bold predictions yet.

Here is Callis' description about Henry, who has only thrown 11 innings in the past two seasons:

A freshman righthander at South Mountain (Ariz.) C.C., Henry flashed a mid-90s fastball and plus breaking ball late in the JuCo season. He missed all of 2008 following Tommy John surgery and worked just 11 innings this spring.

Here is Callis' description about Tolliver, who agreed to a $200,000 deal depending on physical results:

After transferring from Arkansas-Little Rock to NAIA-power Oklahoma City this year, the left-handed Tolliver caught the attention of scouts when his fastball topped out at 96 mph early in the spring. He’s not big at 6 feet and 170 pounds, and he wore down, with his fastball sitting at 88-92 mph as the draft approached. His changeup is his best secondary pitch, ahead of his curveball.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox return to Prince George's Stadium to play the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Single-A Frederick Keys hit the road to take on the Potomac Nationals this afternoon, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds face the Charleston RiverDogs.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds meet the Williamsport Crosscutters at Ripken Stadium, while the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles play against the Pulaski Mariners at Bowen Field.

Bluefield and Pulaski will complete last night's suspended game before tonight's originally scheduled contest. The Orioles are trailing, 3-0, in the top of the fourth inning.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (62-53)

Opponent

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: David Pauley (8-9, 4.24 ERA)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Russ Ortiz (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (60-54)

Opponent

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Pedro Beato (0-1, 7.20 ERA)
New Hampshire: Kenny Rodriguez (2-3, 4.21 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (22-21 in second half, 53-59 overall)

Opponent

at Potomac Nationals (12:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Sean Gleason (3-5, 5.06 ERA)
Potomac: Will Atwood (6-7, 4.70 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-20 in second half, 58-53 overall)

Opponent

at Charleston RiverDogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Chris Salberg (2-1, 3.65 ERA)
Charleston: Jairo Heredia (0-1, 2.77 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (22-28)

Opponent

Williamsport Crosscutters (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: TBA
Williamsport: TBA

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (24-21)

Opponent

Pulaski Mariners (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: TBA
Pulaski: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Charleston RiverDogs.

The Rookie-level GCL Orioles were edged by the GCL Rays, and the game between the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles and the Pulaski Mariners was suspended.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox, Single-A Frederick Keys and short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were idle.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 6, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Justin Turner collected a double, two singles and an RBI as the Tides lost, 6-1, to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Harbor Park.

Norfolk third baseman Melvin Dorta, catcher Guillermo Rodriguez and left fielder Freddy Guzman each added a single, while center fielder Joey Gathright contributed a stolen base and a run scored.

Tides starting pitcher Andy Mitchell (9-4) gave up five runs (four earned) and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old right-hander collected seven strikeouts and walked five batters.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Charleston RiverDogs 6, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in the Shorebirds' 6-3 loss to Charleston.

Delmarva right fielder Ronnie Welty contributed two hits, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored, while designated hitter Elvin Polanco added a sacrifice fly.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Oliver Drake (7-7) allowed five runs and 10 hits in six innings. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued two walks.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

The Orioles were losing, 3-0, to Pulaski in the top of the fourth inning when the game was suspended.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Rays 4, GCL Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman David Anderson was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored, but the Orioles suffered a 4-3 loss to the Rays.

Orioles left fielder David Rivera and shortstop Anyi Tejeda each contributed two hits and a run scored, while second baseman Moises Ciriaco was 2-for-4.

Starting pitcher Zachary Petersime gave up four runs, four hits and three walks in four innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Tony Butler allowed one hit in one scoreless inning during his latest injury rehabilitation appearance.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides return to Harbor Park to host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds travel to play the Charleston RiverDogs.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles play the Pulaski Mariners at Bowen Field, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox, Single-A Frederick Keys and short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds are idle.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (62-52)

Opponent

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Andy Mitchell (9-3, 5.00 ERA)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Anthony Claggett (4-6, 3.02 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-19 in second half, 58-52 overall)

Opponent

at Charleston RiverDogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Oliver Drake (7-6, 3.47 ERA)
Charleston: Brandon Braboy (2-5, 4.48 ERA)

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Record: (24-21)

Opponent

Pulaski Mariners (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bluefield: Bobby Bundy (2-4, 5.05 ERA)
Pulaski: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Game previews
        

Triple-A Norfolk Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder was named the International League's Batter of the Week for Aug. 3-9, the league announced in a news release.

The 22-year-old infielder batted .500 (12-for-24) with four RBIs and five runs scored in six games during the week. Snyder struggled initially after being promoted to the Tides in June, but he is hitting .421 with nine RBIs in his past 10 games.

Snyder is now hitting .280 with two home runs, eight doubles and 33 RBIs in 48 games at the Triple-A level. The Orioles' 2005 first-round selection batted .343 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs in 58 games with the Double-A Bowie Baysox before his promotion.

Snyder is the second Tides player to earn the weekly award. Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold was honored from April 13-19 when he was still in Norfolk.

UPDATE: Two other players in the Orioles' minor league system received a weekly award from their respective leagues.

Baysox starting pitcher Brandon Erbe was named Pitcher of the Week by the Eastern League after tossing eight no-hit innings against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Aug. 6. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued three walks, but he wasn't given an opportunity to return for the ninth to attempt to finish the no-hitter.

The Carolina League named Single-A Frederick Keys first baseman Robbie Widlansky as the Batter of the Week. The 24-year-old utility player batted .586 (17-for-29) with two home runs and nine RBIs from Aug. 3-9, and he had six games with at least two hits during the week.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

First, I'd like to apologize for the lack of game recaps over the past week.

There have been major technical issues with the Internet at my new house -- we can all thank Comcast for that -- and I haven't been in the office since I was on vacation for the entire week.

My vacation ends today, however, so look forward to more frequent updates to resume tomorrow.

Now, let's get to the important stuff.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox fell to the Portland Sea Dogs, but the Single-A Frederick Keys pounded the Winston-Salem Dash.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles topped the Elizabethton Twins, while the game between the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds and Auburn Doubledays was postponed due to rain.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and Rookie-level GCL Orioles were all idle.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Portland Sea Dogs 8, Bowie Baysox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Josh Bell was 2-for-3 with his first home run as a member of the Baysox in an 8-2 loss to Portland.

Bowie left fielder Dave Krynzel contributed an RBI double, and third baseman Paco Figueroa walked and scored a run in the eighth inning.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (2-2) gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander struck out seven batters and issued three walks.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 9, Winston-Salem Dash 2 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys hit three home runs in a 9-2 victory over Winston-Salem.

Frederick designated hitter Wally Crancer was 3-for-4 with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored, and first baseman Robbie Widlansky added a solo home run, a double and two runs scored.

Keys third baseman Brandon Waring hit his 20th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the seventh inning, but he also committed three errors in the game.

Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (3-0) remained perfect for the Keys after allowing two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander collected five strikeouts and walked one batter.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Tonight's game between the IronBirds and Auburn was postponed due to rain. No makeup date was immediately announced.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 6, Elizabethton Twins 5 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kipp Schutz collected two hits, including a double, an RBI and a run scored in the Orioles' 6-5 victory over Elizabethton.

Bluefield shortstop Gary Helmick was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and first baseman Corey Thomas added two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Orioles designated hitter Edinho Meyer and second baseman Omar Casamayor each contributed two hits.

Starting pitcher Vito Frabizio (3-3) earned the win after giving up three runs (two earned) and four hits in 5 2/3 innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Ryan Palsha earned his second save of the season after allowing one run and five hits in two innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Game recaps
        

After two nights of staying in an Ocean City hotel room without Internet access, I'm back with the game recaps for all of the teams in the Orioles' minor league system.

The quick beach vacation was a lot of fun, but now it's back to business.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Pawtucket Red Sox, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox cruised past the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Single-A Frederick Keys pounded the Winston-Salem Dash, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds edged the Hagerstown Suns.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds fell to the State College Spikes.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles beat the Greeneville Astros, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles won against the GCL Red Sox.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Pawtucket Red Sox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Joey Gathright was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the Tides' 5-3 victory over Pawtucket.

Norfolk first baseman Brandon Snyder raised his batting average at Triple-A to .278 with two hits and an RBI, and catcher Robby Hammock was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Tides right fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI, and left fielder Michael Aubrey added two hits.

Starting pitcher David Pauley (8-9) allowed three runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings for the Tides, and relief pitcher Alberto Castillo tossed a scoreless inning to pick up his 10th save of the season.

Former Orioles pitcher Randor Bierd started the game for Pawtucket. The 25-year-old right-hander gave up one run and six hits in five innings. Bierd is 1-1 with a 4.78 ERA in 19 games (two starts) with Pawtucket in 2009.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 7, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brandon Erbe (3-3) didn't allow any hits in eight innings for the Baysox in a 7-1 victory over New Hampshire.

The 21-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued three walks in the game. Since returning from the disabled list last month, Erbe is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four starts for Bowie.

Baysox first baseman Eric Crozier contributed three RBIs, and center fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-3 with two walks and three runs scored.

Bowie left fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and third baseman Paco Figueroa added two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 15, Winston-Salem Dash 3 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys erased an early one-run deficit by clubbing 22 hits in a 15-3 rout over Winston-Salem. Eight different players produced multi-hit games for Frederick, led by left fielder Tyler Henson's four-hit performance.

Frederick first baseman Robbie Widlansky was 3-for-3 with two doubles, three walks, two RBIs and two runs scored, and third baseman Brandon Waring added a home run and four RBIs.

Center fielder Matt Angle collected three hits, an RBI and three runs scored for the Keys, and shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Zach Britton (8-5) gave up three runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 21-year-old left-hander struck out five batters and issued three walks.

Right fielder Billy Rowell contributed at least two hits for the third consecutive night for the Keys. The 20-year-old outfielder was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in tonight's victory. Over the past three games, Rowell is 8-for-13 with one home run, two RBIs and four runs scored.

The Keys turned a triple play in the seventh inning against Winston-Salem.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 5, Hagerstown Suns 4, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: The Shorebirds allowed three runs in the top of the 10th inning, but they scored four times in the bottom of the frame to take a 5-4 win over Hagerstown at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while center fielder Xavier Avery contributed two hits, a stolen base and an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Cole McCurry collected eight strikeouts in six scoreless innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. Relief pitcher Brett Bordes (2-1) earned the victory for Delmarva despite being charged with three runs, two hits and two walks in one inning.

Second baseman L.J. Hoes was 2-for-4 with a run scored for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: State College Spikes 9, Aberdeen IronBirds 5 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Tyler Kelly was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in the IronBirds' 9-5 loss to State College.

Aberdeen center fielder Steve Bumbry and left fielder Arthur Bonevacia each hit a triple in the game, and catcher Justin Dalles was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI.

IronBirds starting pitcher Colin Allen (0-5) gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. The 22-year-old right-hander collected five strikeouts and walked two batters.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 7, Greeneville Astros 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Mike Flacco was 2-for-4 with a home run, a stolen base and three RBIs as the Orioles beat Greeneville, 7-4.

Bluefield catcher Dashenko Ricardo was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, and center fielder Michael Planeta added three hits and a run scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Jesse Beal gave up four runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings, and relief pitcher Justin Anderson (2-0) struck out six batters in 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

Relief pitcher Sam Taveras recorded the final six outs of the game to pick up his second save of the season for Bluefield.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 4, GCL Red Sox 3, 11 innings (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Anyi Tejeda was 3-for-5 with two doubles and three runs scored in the Orioles' 4-3 win over the Red Sox in 11 innings.

Orioles third baseman Tyler Stampone contributed three hits, and catcher Xavier Lopez picked up three stolen bases in the victory.

Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes gave up three runs and four hits in five innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Christopher Schmitt (3-0) tossed two scoreless innings for the win.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost to the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Single-A Frederick Keys were beaten by the Potomac Nationals.

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds swept a doubleheader from the Greensboro Grasshoppers, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds edged the Staten Island Yankees in extra innings.

The Rookie-level GCL Orioles fell to the GCL Twins.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox and Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles were idle.

Earlier today, there were several roster moves in the Orioles' minor league system.

Starting pitcher Pedro Beato was promoted from Frederick to the Baysox.

Relief pitcher Brandon Cooney joined the Keys from Delmarva, and starting pitcher Kenny Moreland returns to Frederick from the IronBirds.

Infielder Buck Britton was transferred from the Keys to Aberdeen, and relief pitcher Mick Mattaliano headed to the Shorebirds from the IronBirds.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Syracuse Chiefs 8, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Brandon Snyder was 3-for-4 with an RBI in the Tides' 8-2 loss to Syracuse at Harbor Park.

Norfolk third baseman Brandon Pinckney contributed two hits and a run scored, and center fielder Joey Gathright was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Tides starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (3-5) allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out four batters and issued two walks.

Orioles relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate retired all three batters he faced in his latest injury rehabilitation assignment for the Tides.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 5, Frederick Keys 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Robbie Widlansky collected a pair of doubles and a single in the Keys' 5-3 loss to Potomac at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick third baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-4 with a double and a walk, while right fielder Matthew Tucker contributed two hits and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (3-5) gave up five runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out two batters and didn't walk anyone.

Center fielder Matt Angle hit a double and scored two runs for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Greensboro Grasshoppers 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: The Shorebirds managed only two hits in the first game of the doubleheader, but they beat Greensboro, 4-2, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva catcher Luis Bernardo hit a three-run double in the fourth inning, and shortstop Rodolfo Cardona picked up an RBI on a bases-loaded walk.

Starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea gave up two runs and six hits in four innings for the Shorebirds, but he didn't factor in the decision. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out four batters and issued two walks.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Shane Mathews (1-3) retired all six batters he faced to earn the victory, and closer Cliff Flagello tossed one scoreless inning to pick up his third save of the season.

Right fielder Ronnie Welty collected the Shorebirds' other hit.

Game 2 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 3, Greensboro Grasshoppers 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in the Shorebirds' 3-1 win over Greensboro during the nightcap.

Welty added a double and an RBI for Delmarva, and second baseman L.J. Hoes contributed a single and an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Oliver Drake (7-6) allowed one run and four hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old right-hander collected seven strikeouts and walked one batter.

Delmarva relief pitcher Brett Bordes recorded the final two outs of the game to pick up his second save of the season.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 1, Staten Island Yankees 0, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Tyler Kelly hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the IronBirds to a 1-0 victory over Staten Island at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen catcher Brian Ward was 2-for-4, and left fielder Richard D'Oleo added a triple.

IronBirds starting pitcher Tyler Sexton tossed seven scoreless innings. The 24-year-old left-hander collected eight strikeouts, allowed four hits and hit a batter.

Relief pitcher Jose Barajas (3-2) earned the win for Aberdeen after retiring all three batters he faced.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Twins 3, GCL Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Dennis Perez was 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in the Orioles' 3-2 loss to the Twins.

Orioles second baseman Anderson Childers added two hits, including a double, and designated hitter Tyler Stampone picked up an RBI.

Starting pitcher Zachary Petersime allowed two runs, four hits and three walks in four innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Dustin Carder (2-1) suffered the loss after giving up one unearned run and two hits in four innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides couldn't score against the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox lost to the New Britain Rock Cats.

The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were pounded by the Staten Island Yankees.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles dropped another game against the Johnson City Cardinals, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles topped the GCL Reds.

The game between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and Greensboro Grasshoppers was rained out.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Syracuse Chiefs 3, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Melvin Dorta collected three of the Tides' five hits, but they were blanked, 3-0, by Syracuse at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Radhames Liz (0-3) gave up three runs (two earned) and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old right-hander threw 72 of his 107 pitches for strikes.

Tides relief pitchers Bob McCrory and Alberto Castillo combined to hold Syracuse hitless for the final 2 2/3 innings.

First baseman Brandon Snyder was 0-for-4 with a fielding error for the Tides. The 22-year-old infielder is still batting .378 with 10 RBIs in his past 10 games.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: New Britain Rock Cats 6, Bowie Baysox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Steve Johnson (0-1) made his debut as a member of the Orioles' minor league system in Bowie's 6-2 loss to New Britain.

The 21-year-old right-hander allowed two runs and four hits in four innings. Johnson struck out one batter and issued one walk for the Baysox in the defeat.

Bowie left fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two runs scored, while center fielder Danny Figueroa added an RBI.

Baysox third baseman Josh Bell also made his debut with the team. The 22-year-old infielder was 1-for-4 with two strikeouts while batting third in the lineup.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Lynchburg Hillcats 5, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Ryan Adams was 4-for-4 with a double in the Keys' 5-2 loss to Lynchburg.

Frederick third baseman Brandon Waring contributed a solo home run, and left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Rick Zagone (0-3) is still searching for his first victory since being promoted from Delmarva in June. The 22-year-old left-hander allowed five runs and six hits in five innings.

Relief pitcher Pat Egan tossed three scoreless innings, lowering his ERA to 0.36 in 25 1/3 innings since joining the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

The matchup between the Shorebirds and Greensboro was postponed due to rain on the Eastern Shore. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Monday at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The first game is expected to begin at 5:35 p.m., and both games are scheduled for seven innings.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Staten Island Yankees 11, Aberdeen IronBirds 4 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in the leadoff spot, but the IronBirds fell, 11-4, to Staten Island at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen first baseman Tom Edwards was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, and designated hitter Justin Dalles added two hits.

IronBirds shortstop Garabez Rosa contributed a triple, a single, an RBI and a run scored, and third baseman Tyler Kelly collected a double and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (2-3) allowed five runs (four earned) and six hits in four innings for the IronBirds, while relief pitcher Brian Sisk gave up four runs and four hits in three innings.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Johnson City Cardinals 6, Bluefield Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Mike Flacco was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Orioles' 6-2 loss to Johnson City, while center fielder Michael Planeta added two hits, a stolen base and an RBI.

Bluefield third baseman Omar Casamayor collected a double and a run scored, and second baseman Gary Helmick also scored a run.

Orioles starting pitcher Vito Frabizio (2-3) gave up six runs, five hits and one walk in 4 1/3 innings. The 20-year-old right-hander struck out seven batters and surrendered two home runs.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 9, GCL Reds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Anyi Tejeda was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a run scored in the Orioles' 9-3 victory over the Reds.

Orioles first baseman David Anderson collected three hits and an RBI, and right fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano was 2-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Catcher Freuny Parra was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored for the Orioles, while center fielder Edwin Cintron added two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Jario De La Cruz (3-2) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Tony Butler retired all three batters he faced in his second injury rehabilitation appearance.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Game recaps
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides won against the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox split a doubleheader with the New Britain Rock Cats.

The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds won one of their two games against the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds lost to the Hudson Valley Renegades.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles topped the Johnson City Cardinals, and the GCL Orioles beat the GCL Red Sox.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 8, Syracuse Chiefs 6 (Box score)

Recap: The Tides rallied to beat Syracuse, 8-6, by scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning at Harbor Park.

Norfolk center fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and three runs scored, while shortstop Blake Davis collected three hits and scored three runs.

Tides designated hitter Brandon Snyder added a double, two RBIs and a run scored, and first baseman Michael Aubrey contributed a double and an RBI.

Starting pitcher David Pauley allowed six runs (five earned), eight hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings for the Tides, but he didn't factor in the decision.

Norfolk relief pitcher Jim Miller (3-3) gave up one hit in 1 1/3 innings, and closer Alberto Castillo retired all three batters he faced for his eighth save of the season.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Bowie Baysox 7, New Britain Rock Cats 4, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: The Baysox topped New Britain, 7-4, in the first game of the doubleheader.

Starting pitcher Brian Matusz allowed one hit, one walk and struck out one batter in one inning for the Baysox before being removed from the game. It's rumored that he could be pitching for the Orioles on Tuesday night against the Detroit Tigers.

Bowie second baseman Paco Figueroa was 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored, while left fielder Jonathan Tucker added two hits, an RBI and two runs scored.

Baysox relief pitcher Zach Clark (1-1) gave up two runs and six hits in four innings to pick up the win, and left-hander Chad Thall retired the side in order during the seventh to earn his first save of the season.

Baysox first baseman Eric Crozier was 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored.

Game 2 score: New Britain Rock Cats 3, Bowie Baysox 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Third baseman Jason White contributed a triple, an RBI and a run scored, but the Baysox fell, 3-2, to New Britain in the nightcap.

Bowie shortstop Robert Valido was 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored, and designated hitter Paco Figueroa also added a double.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-4) gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out four batters and issued two walks.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Lynchburg Hillcats 6, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys committed five errors, including two by third baseman Brandon Waring in a 6-2 loss to Lynchburg. Offensively, Waring was 3-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored.

Frederick starting pitcher Zach Britton (7-5) gave up five runs (one earned) and six hits in five innings. The 21-year-old left-hander struck out two batters, issued two walks and tossed two wild pitches.

Keys catcher Caleb Joseph, right fielder Billy Rowell and relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa each committed one defensive miscue.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Greensboro Grasshoppers 2, Delmarva Shorebirds 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Cole McCurry struck out 13 batters, but the Shorebirds fell, 2-0, to Greensboro in the first game of the doubleheader at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The 23-year-old left-hander allowed three hits and two walks.

Delmarva designated hitter Elvin Polanco collected two hits, and shortstop Greg Miclat committed his 21st error of the season.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Brandon Cooney (2-5) suffered the loss after giving up two runs, two hits and two walks in one inning.

Game 2 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Greensboro Grasshoppers 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs as the Shorebirds salvaged a split with a 4-1 win over Greensboro.

Delmarva center fielder Xavier Avery collected two singles, two stolen bases and a run scored, and second baseman Rodolfo Cardona was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Brent Allar allowed one run and two hits in four innings. The 24-year-old right-hander collected five strikeouts and walked one batter.

Relief pitcher Scott Mueller (2-0) gave up one hit in 1 1/3 innings for the Shorebirds, and Brett Bordes recorded the final five outs for his first save of the season.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Hudson Valley Renegades 7, Aberdeen IronBirds 4 (Box score)

Recap: The IronBirds blew an early four-run lead in a 7-4 loss to Hudson Valley at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen first baseman Tom Edwards was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and catcher Justin Dalles contributed a single and two runs scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Colin Allen gave up three runs (one earned) and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. The 22-year-old right-hander picked up three strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

Relief pitcher Jake Smith (1-1) allowed two unearned runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings for the IronBirds.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 8, Johnson City Cardinals 4 (Box score)

Recap: The Orioles scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning to cruise to an 8-4 victory over Johnson City.

Bluefield starting pitcher Matt Hobgood allowed three runs (two earned) and six hits in two innings. The 18-year-old right-hander struck out three batters, and his ERA climbed to 7.20 after three starts this season.

Orioles designated hitter Edinho Meyer hit a three-run home run in the ninth, and third baseman Corey Thomas added a solo shot.

Relief pitcher Chase Phillips (1-0) tossed the final two innings for the Orioles.

Bluefield left fielder Kipp Schutz was 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored, and first baseman Mike Flacco added two hits, including a double, and a run scored.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 4, GCL Red Sox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder David Rivera hit a single and collected two RBIs in the Orioles' 4-3 victory over the Red Sox.

Orioles catcher Xavier Lopez was 2-for-3 with a double, and second baseman Anderson Childers contributed a single, two walks and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher Eiri Ramirez gave up two runs and three hits in two innings for the Orioles, while relief pitcher Aaron Wirsch (1-0) -- the team's seventh-round selection in this year's MLB draft -- picked up the win after tossing two scoreless innings.

Orioles relief pitcher Joshua Goodin retired all six batters he faced for his second save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Game recaps