MiLB roundup: Bats, Legends win; Hot Rods split DH; Webb, Darnell earn wins; Clark, Shaffer, Ray homer

Minor League Baseball

Logan Darnell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats scored four runs in the eighth inning to earn a 6-4 win over Toledo. Left fielder Todd Frazier was 2-4 with one home run, five RBI and one run scored.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods held Lake County to just one hit in a 1-0 win over the Captains in game one of a double-header. Left-handed pitcher C. J. Riefenhauser earned the win after surrendering one hit in six and one-third scoreless innings while striking out two batters and walking three.
In game two of the double-header the Hot Rods’ pitching was not nearly as good as game one in a 14-4 loss to Lake County. Shortstop Derek Dietrich was 2-3 with one double, one RBI and one run scored.
The Lexington Legends broke a 7-7 tie with a single run in the eighth inning to earn an 8-7 win over Savannah. Shortstop Jiovanni Mier slugged his second home run of the season, and designated hitter Chris Wallace continued his hot hitting with a 3-4 performance.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to nine games with a home run for AA Jackson.
Paducah native Daniel Webb earned his first win of the season after surrendering one unearned run on four hits in seven innings while striking out two batters and walking two for low A Lansing.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark was 2-5 with one home run, four RBI and one run scored for low A Hickory.
Former UofL outfielder Josh Richmond was 3-5 with two doubles and two runs scored for Hickory.
Mt. Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 2-3 with two RBI and one run scored in his season debut for low A Kannapolis.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 2-5 with one double and one run scored for AAA Reno.
Former UK outfielder Lance Ray slugged his second home run of the season for low A Beloit.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell earned his first win of the season after surrendering two runs on three hits in five and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking one in a start for Beloit.
Lexington native and former UK infielder Michael Bertram was 2-3 with one double and one run scored for AA Erie.

MiLB Roundup: Two Legends slug three HRs in win; Bats, Hot Rods win; Shelby, Wunderlich, Roof homer; Ross wins

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Lexington Legends had a rare offensive outburst in an 18-9 win over Asheville. Both catcher Chris Wallace and designated hitter Telvin Nash each slugged three home runs. Wallace was 5-6 with nine RBI and four runs scored, and Nash was 5-6 with four RBI and four runs scored.
The Louisville Bats returned to its winning ways with a 6-4, 13-inning victory over Indianapolis. Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Homer Bailey surrendered two hits in five scoreless innings in a rehab appearance for the Bats. Second baseman Kris Negron was 3-5 with one double and two runs scored, and outfielder Brian Barton slugged a home run.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods rallied for a 7-6 win over Lake County. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 2-4 with one home run, one double, three RBI and one run scored. Left fielder Cody Rogers and second baseman Hector Guevara both homered.
LCA alum Robbie Ross earned his first win of the season after surrendering four hits in six shutout innings while striking out four batters and walking three for high A Myrtle Beach.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored for AA Montgomery.
Former UofL outfielder Josh Richmond was 2-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, one walk and one stolen base for low A Hickory.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark was 2-4 with one RBI, one walk and one run scored for low A Hickory.
Hawesville native and former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor extended his hitting streak to six games with a single and two RBI for high A Lakeland.
Paducah native Jonathan Roof slugged his first professional home run and scored twice for low A Hickory.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Legends lose; Wunderlich’s walk-off grand slam gives Hot Rods win; Dominguez slugs 2 HRs

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats won their eighth consecutive game with a 3-0 win over Indianapolis. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis earned the win after surrendering five hits in six shutout innings while striking out six batters and walking two.
Former UofL third baseman Phil Wunderlich slugged a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning to send the Bowling Green Hot Rods to an 11-7 win over Lake County. The blast was Wunderlich’s first home run of the season. Shortstop Derek Dietrich was 3-5 with one home run, three RBI and four runs scored.
The Lexington Legends dropped a 2-1 decision to Asheville in a rain-shortened five inning game. Left-handed pitcher Brad Dydalewicz took the loss after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in four and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking one.
Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez slugged two home runs and drove in four runs for high A San Jose.
Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe took a no decision after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on five hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking one for AAA Tacoma.
One-time UK outfielder turned second baseman Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St., was 3-5 with one double, one RBI and two stolen bases for AAA Columbus.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks took a no decision after surrendering four runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking two for high A Wilmington.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark was 2-4 with one double and one run scored for low A Hickory.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 2-4 with one RBI for AAA Toledo.

MiLB roundup: Sawyer Carroll, Andrew Clark, Wade Gaynor homer; Jake Shaffer streaking; In-state teams rained out

Minor League Baseball

Sawyer Carroll; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

As storms affected most of the state Monday, the Louisville Bats’, Bowling Green Hot Rods’ and Lexington Legends’ games were all canceled due to rain.
Former UK outfielder Sawyer Carroll was 4-6 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored for AA San Antonio.
Forme UofL first baseman Andrew Clark slugged his first home run of the season and drove in three runs for low A Hickory.
Hawesville native and former WKU third baseman Wade Gaynor slugged his first home run for high A Lakeland.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-5 with one double, one run scored and one stolen base for AA Jackson had has multiple hits in each of his four games played this season.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 1-2 with one double, one RBI, one run scored, one walk and one stolen base for AA Montgomery.

MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends all win; Dominguez slugs 2 home runs; Bertram tallies four hits; Carroll homers

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats won the team’s third consecutive game with a 5-1 win over Toledo. Two-time National League all–star Dontrelle Willis earned the win after surrendering three hits in six shutout innings while striking out five batter and walking one.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods used a seven-run seventh inning to earn a 12-9 win over Dayton. Second baseman Robby Price slugged his first home run, and catcher Lucas Bailey was 2-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
The Lexington Legends scored in every other inning in a 12-4 win over Charleston to earn a series split. Third baseman Michael Kvasnicka was 4-5 with three RBI and four runs scored, and right-handed pitcher Carlos Quevedo earned the win after surrendering three runs on seven hits in six innings.
Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 3-5 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored for high A San Jose.
Lexington native and former UK infielder Michael Bertram was 4-5 with one double and one run scored for AA Erie.
Former UK outfielder Sawyer Carroll slugged his first home run and drove in two runs for AA San Antonio.
Former UK infielder Chris Bisson was 2-3 with one walk and one run scored for low A Fort Wayne.
Richmond native and former UK outfielder Keenan Wiley was 2-3 with one triple, one walk and two RBI for low A Rome.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark was 2-3 with one double and one RBI for low A Hickory.
Covington native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer had his third straight multi-hit game for AA Jackson with a 2-5 performance.
Former Murray St. right-handed pitcher Mike Perconte earned his first win of the season after pitching one and one-third scoreless innings for AA Frisco.

MiLB roundup: Hot Rods win; Bats, Legends lose; Strieby, Bynum homer; Rusin gets win in Opening Day start

Minor League Baseball

Chris Rusin; Photo: UK Athletics

Check out the first daily summary of Kentucky MiLB action below. Links take you to the player’s MiLB.com page:

The Bowling Green Hot Rods opened the 2011 season with a 4-0 win over Dayton. Enny Romero surrendered one hit in five scoreless innings while striking out eight batters and walking one to earn the win. Former UofL third baseman Phil Wunderlich was 0-4 in his Hot Rods’ debut.
The Lexington Legends suffered a 6-1 loss in the team’s season opener versus Charleston. Eastern High School alum Jason Chowning struck out one batter in a scoreless inning in his Legends’ debut.
The Louisville Bats dropped their Opening Day game 11-6 to Toledo. Catcher Devin Mesoraco was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored in the game.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 1-5 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored for AAA Toledo.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin earned the win after surrendering three runs on four hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking one for AA Tennessee in his Opening Day start.
Butler High School alum Seth Bynum was 2-4 with one home run, five RBI, one run scored and one double for AAA Syracuse.
Former UK infielder Michael Bertram was 2-3 with one double for AA Erie.
Former UK outfielder Sawyer Carroll was 2-3 for AA San Antonio.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark was 2-4 with one run scored for low A Hickory.
Covington native and former NKU right-handed pitcher Nathan Jones struck out two batters in two scoreless innings for AA Birmingham.
Former Kentucky Wesleyan right-handed pitcher Cory Wade surrendered one hit in two scoreless innings for AAA Durham.
Louisville native and former Murray St. first baseman Wes Cunningham was 1-2 with one walk, one run scored and one stolen base for low A Fort Wayne.
PRP alum Zack Cox was 2-4 with one double for high A Palm Beach.

Offseason position battle: UofL First Baseman

College Baseball

In the next offseason position battle post we’ll look at the University of Louisville‘s vacant first base position:

The departed: Senior Andrew Clark and junior Phil Wunderlich started all but seven games for UofL at first base in 2010. Both players are now in organizational ball meaning the Cards have a significant void at a key defensive position and in the middle of the lineup.

The returning contenders: Four of the six starts at first base that didn’t go to Clark or Wunderlich in 2010 went to rising sophomore Cade Stallings, and the other three went to rising sophomore Zak Wasserman. Head coach Dan McDonnell appears ready to give one of those players the job in 2011 as each started in all five games of the fall scrimmage series for UofL. Neither player grabbed the job during the fall as Stallings was just 2-19 in the five-game series, while Wasserman was 3-18.

Newcomers to watch: Freshman Brian Hedden is the only newcomer listed as a first baseman on the UofL roster, but he also could be featured as a left-handed pitcher. As a senior for Roxbury High School in Succasunna, N. J., Hedden batted .425 with five home runs and eight doubles.

Wildcard: Rising sophomore Kyle Grieshaber appeared in 53 games for UofL as a freshman, mostly in the outfield. During the fall Grieshaber started each of the five games of the Pizza Bowl at third base, but might be able to move to first if neither Wasserman or Stallings steps up and takes the job.

Kentucky Rookie MiLB Leaderboard

Minor League Baseball

Yesterday we looked at the hitting and pitching leaderboards for full-season Kentucky minor leaguers in advance of the BluGrass Baseball MiLB awards post. If you saw that post you already know former UK catcher Marcus Nidiffer was named the rookie of the year, but looking at the statistical leaders among players that made their professional debuts in 2010 is still helpful.

Batting Average (2.7 PA/team game)

Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – .330
Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – .295
Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – .291
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .290
Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .289

On-base Percentage

Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .415
Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – .401
Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .372
Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – .372
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – .372

Slugging Percentage

Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – .535
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) — .478
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .449
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – .435
Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .417

Runs

Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 40
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – 34
Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – 32
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 32
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 31

Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 14
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 5
Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – 5
Adam Duvall (SS Salem-Keizer) – 4
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 4
Jayson Langfels (SS Tri-City) – 4

RBI

Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – 41
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 39
Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 36
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 36
Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – 34

Stolen Bases

Cameron Conner (R Idaho Falls) – 15
Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 9
Matt Payton (R GCL Phillies) – 9
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – 7
Chris Bisson (SS Eugene) – 5
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 5

Hit the jump to see the pitching leaders.

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MiLB Playoff Roundup: Bats eliminated in loss; Lueke gets save as Tacoma advances; Mobile, Spokane eliminated

Minor League Baseball

Sunday playoff highlights from Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats season ended with a 4-2 elimination loss to Durham in the International League playoffs. Left-handed pitcher Jeremy Horst surrendered just two unearned runs in four innings for Louisville in the start.
Former NKU right-handed pitcher Josh Lueke earned his second save of the series in AAA Tacoma’s series-clinching 4-1 win over Sacramento in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.
Former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill and catcher Sean Coughlin were a combined 0-5 in AA Mobile’s elimination loss to Jacksonville in the Southern League playoffs.
London native Jon Townsend was 1-3 with two RBI for high A Rancho Cucamonga in the team’s 7-5 win over Lake Elsinore in the California League playoffs.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark and outfielder Josh Richmond, both 2010 Rangers draftees, were a combined 1-6 in short-season Spokane’s elimination loss in the Northwest League finals.

MiLB Playoff Roundup: Bats lose to even series at 2 wins each; Nidiffer homers; Clark reaches base five times

Minor League Baseball

Marcus Nidiffer, center; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB playoff action:

Durham evened the International League playoff series with the Louisville Bats at two wins each after sending Louisville to an 8-1 loss. Left fielder Todd Frazier homered for the Bats.
Former UK catcher and 2010 Astros NDFA Marcus Nidiffer slugged a home run to help short-season Tri-City to a 5-2 win in game one of the second round of the New York-Penn League playoffs.
Former UofL first baseman and 2010 Rangers draftee Andrew Clark was 3-3 with two walks for short-season Spokane in the team’s 4-3 loss in the second round of the Northwest League playoffs.