MiLB roundup: Bats win; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Carroll has three hits; Glad, Dominguez homer; Ross earns win

Minor League Baseball

Delino Deshields Jr.; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

Offseason Louisville resident Matt Maloney earned his first AAA win of the season in leading the Louisville Bats to an 8-0 victory over Buffalo. Maloney surrendered four hits in seven shutout innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Third baseman Todd Frazier was 3-4 with two home runs, four RBI and three runs scored.
The Lexington Legends slugged three home runs and tallied 13 hits but still couldn’t avoid a 12-11 loss to Hagerstown. Second baseman Delino DeShields Jr. was 3-4 with one home run, one RBI and three runs scored. Right fielder Adam Bailey and left fielder Emilio King also homered. King has two home runs in two games for Lexington.
Louisville native Jason Chowning surrendered one run, his first of the season, on two hits in three innings of relief while striking out four batters and walking two for the Legends.
Great Lakes scored a single run in the bottom of the ninth inning to send the Bowling Green Hot Rods to a 3-2 loss. Right-handed pitcher George Jensen took a no decision after surrendering two runs on three hits in five innings while striking out three batters and walking two.
Lexington native Robbie Ross earned his fourth win of the season after surrendering one run on four hits in six innings while striking out six batters and walking two.
Former UK outfielder Sawyer Carroll was 3-4 with two doubles, one RBI and two runs scored for AA San Antonio.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks took a no decision after surrendering two runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out one batter and walking four.
Making his second start in affiliated ball, former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton took a no decision after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in five innings while striking out three batters and walking four for low A Clinton.
Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich took a no decision after surrendering three runs on six hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking one.
Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez slugged his seventh home run of the season for high A San Jose.
Former UK infielder Gunner Glad slugged his second home run of the season for low A Beloit.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell took a loss after surrendering five runs on six hits in four and two-third innings in a start for low A Beloit.
Former UK outfielder turned second baseman Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St. before the draft, was 3-4 with one double, one RBI and one run scored for AAA Columbus.

MiLB roundup: Legends, Hot Rods sweep DHs; Bats lose two; Darnell, Friedrich, Ross, Klinker earn wins

Minor League Baseball

Delino Deshields Jr. slugs home run Tuesday; KyForward photo by Jon Hale

Highlights from Tuesday Kentucky MiLB action:

In the completion of a game suspended in the third inning on Monday the Lexington Legends exploded for 11 runs over four innings in a 15-2 win over Augusta. First baseman Tyler Burnett, designated hitter Delino Deshields Jr. and right fielder Adam Bailey each homered in the game for Lexington.
The Legends continued their hot hitting with a five-run first inning in game two of the double-header and held on for an 8-4 win over the GreenJackets to move into first place in the South Atlantic League South. Deshields was 2-3 with one triple and two runs scored in game two.
Louisville natives and former UofL catcher Jeff Arnold slugged his second home run of the season in game two for Augusta. Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-4 with one double and one run scored in game one for the GreenJackets.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods used two three-run innings to earn a 6-2 win over Dayton in game one of a double-header. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 3-3 with one home run, one RBI and three runs scored for the Hot Rods.
In game two of the double-header Hot Rods pitchers held Dayton to just two hits in a 6-0 win. Right-handed pitcher George Jensen earned the win after surrendering two hits in five scoreless innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Shortstop Derek Dietrich was 3-3 with one double, one home run, three RBI and two runs scored.
In game one of a double-header the Louisville Bats tallied just four hits in a 4-0 loss to Norfolk. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis surrendered suffered his first loss of the season after surrendering four runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out 10 batters and walking one.
The Bats broke through on the scoreboard in the second game of the double-header but still dropped a 2-1 decision to the Tides. Offseason Louisville resident Matt Maloney surrendered one run on six hits in five and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking none but had to settle for a no decision.
Mount Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee slugged his fourth home run of the season for low A Kannapolis.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-3 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored for AA Jackson.
Richmond native and former UK outfielder Keenan Wiley was 2-4 with one RBI, two runs scored and one stolen base for high A Lynchburg.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell improved to 2-1 on the season after surrendering three runs on six hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking one for low A Beloit.
Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich improved to 2-2 on the season after surrendering one run on five hits in five and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking one for AA Tulsa.
Louisville native Tyler Kuhn was 2-4 with one double, one RBI and one run scored for AA Birmingham.
Former Madisonville resident Matt Klinker earned his first AA win after surrendering two hits in five shutout innings while striking out four batters and walking two for AA Carolina.
One-time UK outfielder turned second baseman Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St. before being drafted, was 2-4 with one double, three RBI and one run scored for AAA Columbus.
Lexington native Robbie Ross posted his second straight poor start but still earned a win after surrendering five runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out four batters and walking none for high A Myrtle Beach.
PLD alum A. J. Ellis was 2-4 with one double and one RBI for AAA Albuquerque.

MiLB roundup: Legends, Hot Rods win; Bats lose; Lee homers again; Cowgill on fire for Reno; Shelby, Kipnis homer

Uncategorized

Delino Deshields Jr; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

Despite another excellent performance from Mt. Sterling native Drew Lee the Lexington Legends earned a 10-9 win over Kannapolis on a walk-off home run from catcher Roberto Pena. Right fielder Adam Bailey, first baseman Telvin Nash and second baseman Delino Deshields Jr. also homered for the Legends.
Former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 3-5 with one home run, two RBI and three runs scored for Kannapolis. He is batting .591 in six games this season and was 8-15 with two home runs, five RBI and six runs scored during the Lexington series.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods tallied 12 hits in a 5-2 win over Great Lakes. Catcher Lucas Bailey was 3-4 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored. Left-handed pitcher C. J. Riefenhauser earned the win after surrendering one run on four hits in six innings while striking out 11 batters and walking one. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 2-4 with one double and two RBI.
The Louisville Bats scored two runs in the second inning but could not muster any more offense in a 3-2 loss to Durham. Right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke took a no decision after surrendering two runs on nine hits in five innings.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill extended his hitting streak to eight games with a 3-3 performance for AAA Reno. Cowgill is 19-34 (.559) with four home runs, nine RBI and 11 runs scored during the streak.
Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 2-4 with one run scored and one stolen base for AAA Rochester.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 2-4 with one home run, four RBI and one run scored for AA Montgomery.
One-time UK infielder turned outfielder Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St., was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and three runs scored for AAA Columbus.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a 1-5 performance for AA Jackson.
Paducah native Daniel Webb earned his second consecutive win despite surrendering six runs on 10 hits in five and two-third innings in a start for low A Lansing.

Mesoraco headlines top Kentucky MiLB team prospects

Minor League Baseball

Throughout the minor league season BluGrass Baseball maintains a list of the top 10 prospects on the three Kentucky minor league teams and the top 10 prospects among Kentucky alumni. With the 2011 season underway it is time to update the top 10 prospects list for the three minor league teams. Check out the list below, remembering that the top prospect list is always available on the “Top Prospects” page on the left sidebar here.

C Devin Mesoraco — Louisville Bats
1B Yonder Alonso — Louisville Bats
2B Delino Deshields Jr. — Lexington Legends
RHP Mike Foltynewicz — Lexington Legends
LHP Enny Romero — Bowling Green Hot Rods
SS Zach Cozart — Louisville Bats
3B/LF Todd Frazier — Louisville Bats
RHP Tanner Bushue — Lexington Legends
LHP Braulio Lara — Bowling Green Hot Rods
OF Dave Sappelt — Louisville Bats

UofL, WKU projected as NCAA teams; Downs nearing return

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Scott Downs; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

Aaron Fitt of Baseball America includes the University of Louisville at a No. 3 seed in his midseason field of 65 projection.
Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA has Western Kentucky University as a No. 3 seed and UofL as a No. 3 seed in his midseason field of 65 projection.
Allan Simpson of PG USA breaks down some of the top college right-handed pitching prospects, including University of Kentucky junior starting pitcher Alex Meyer.
Danny Wild of MLB.com lists former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich among the 10 prospects to watch in the AAA Pacific Coast League.
Robert Emrich of MLB.com lists Lexington Legends outfielder Delino Deshields Jr. among the 10 prospects to watch in the low A South Atlantic League.
Kevin Baxter of The Los Angeles Times reports Louisville native and former UK left-handed pitcher Scott Downs threw 15 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday and could be back with the Angels by next week.

Chowning, three first rounders highlight Legends 2011 roster

Minor League Baseball

The Lexington Legends have released the team’s Opening Day roster, which is highlighted by three former first-round picks and an Eastern High School alum. Louisville native Jason Chowning will become the second Kentucky native to play for the team when the season begins, joining Lexington Legends Hall of Famer Josh Anderson. Check out the full roster below with each player’s hometown and acquisition info listed.

Pitchers

RHP Jason Chowning — Louisville, Ky. — 28th round (2010)
RHP Ruben Alaniz — La Grulla, Tex. — NDFA (2008)
RHP Tanner Bushue — Kinmundy, Ill. — 2nd round (2009)
RHP Jorge DeLeon — La Cega Azua, DR — FA (2006)
LHP Brad Dydalewicz — Spicewood, Tex. — 8th round (2008)
RHP Mike Foltynewicz — Minooka, Ill. — 1st round (2010)
LHP Gabriel Garcia — Charallave, VZ — FA (2007)
RHP Murilo Gouvea — Sau Paulo, Brazil — FA (2010)
RHP David Martinez — Cumana, VZ — FA (2005)
RHP Juan Minaya — Maimon, DR — FA (2008)
RHP Carlos Quevedo — Valencia, VZ — FA (2006)
LHP Alexander Sogard — Austin, Tex. — 26th round (2010)
RHP Brian Streilein — Point Pleasant, N. J. — 37th round (2010)

Catchers

Roberto Pena — Caguas, PR — 7th round (2010)
Chris Wallace — Cypress, Tex. — 16th round (2010)

Infielders

Telvin Nash — Belleview, Fla. — 3rd round (2010)
Jhonny Medrano — Tucupita, VZ — FA (2005)
Delino Deshields Jr. — Ocala, Fla. — 1st round (2010)
Enrique Hernandez — Toa Baja, PR — 6th round (2009)
Jiovanni Mier — Las Vegas, Nev. — 1st round (2009)
Mike Kvasnicka — Lakeville, Minn. — 1st supplemental round (2010)
Tyler Burnett — Murfreesboro, Tenn. — 17th round (2010)
Ben Orloff — Simi Valley, Cal. — 9th round (2009)

Outfielders

Adam Bailey — Monument, Colo. — 23rd round (2010)
Daniel Adamson — Spring, Ala. — 20th round (2010)
Bryce Lane — Phoenix City, Ala. — 41st round (2010)

Legends among Astros’ top prospects; Webb wants to throw in game situation; Finwood, players shave heads for charity

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Jimmy Paredes; BluGrass Baseball photo

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com ranks 2010 Lexington Legends shortstop Jiovanni Mier, outfielder J. D. Martinez, right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue and second baseman Jimmy Paredes among the top 10 prospects in the Astros’ organization. Likely 2011 Legends Delino DeShields Jr., Mike Foltynewicz and Austin Wates also are included on the list.
Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com reports Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb feels he is ready to pitch in a game situation, but the Rangers have not decided what his next step will be.
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez will start the season with a left-handed pitcher Jonny Venters, who was born in Pikeville, sharing the closer role with right-handed pitcher Craig Kimbrel.
Mike Rutsey of the Toronto Sun reports Louisville native and former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch has been a key mentor for some of the Blue Jays young pitchers this spring.
Nick Baumgardner of the Bowling Green Daily News reports Western Kentucky University head coach Chris Finwood and 11 player shaved their heads following their Friday win versus Middle Tennessee to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation that supports the fight against childhood cancer.

Albers to work out for MLB teams; Probable 2011 Legend arrested; Louisville finalizes plan for youth baseball complex

Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Youth Baseball

Anderew Albers; Photo: UK Athletics

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

Toronto Sun columnist Bob Elliot reports former UK left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers will throw bullpen sessions for the Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies after a strong season for Quebec of the independent Can-Am League.
Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle reports Houston Astros 2010 first-round pick Delino DeShields Jr., a likely 2011 Lexington Legend, was arrested Sunday morning in Georgia and charged with driving under the influence.
Last week we linked a report about Louisville’s planned state-of-the-art youth baseball complex. Now Sheldon S. Shafer of the Courier-Journal has more details about the Nations Park project, reporting it will include 25 baseball fields and 25 softball fields.
In the online chat accompanying the Arizona Diamondbacks’ top 10 prospects list, Bill Mitchell of Baseball America comments on a few Kentucky prospects including Danville native right-handed pitcher Blake Perry. (subscription required)
Adam Revelette of Examiner.com finishes out his five-year anniversary Kentucky Baseball Club team.

Lexington Legends among Astros top prospects; Dan McDonnell highlights fall practice standouts

College Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Jordan Lyles; Photo: Lexington Legends

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

John Manuel of Baseball America has published the magazine’s top 10 Houston Astros’ prospect list with several current, former and future Legends included in the rankings. The list is headlined by 2009 Legend Jordan Lyles, who is followed by 2010 Legends Jiovanni Mier (No. 5), J. D. Martinez (No. 6), Jimmy Paredes (No. 7) and Tanner Bushue (No. 8). Three players on the list, Delino Deshields Jr. (No. 2), Mike Foltynewicz (No. 4) and Austin Wates (No. 9), could open 2011 in Lexington.
University of Louisville head coach Dan McDonnell recently completed an interview with College Baseball Daily in which he touches on a number of topics including newcomer standouts from fall practice.
The University of Illinois has announced it will play a three-game series at Western Kentucky University on March 11-13 to replace its scheduled appearance in the Metrodome Tournament. The Metrodome suffered a roof collapse on Dec. 12 an officials have announced the facility will not be ready to host previously scheduled college baseball games this spring.
UofL assistant coach Xan Barksdale will speak at the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention this weekend about preparing catchers for success.
Nick Evans of the Louisville Bats media relations department notes the Cincinnati Reds Caravan will stop at Louisville Slugger Field on Jan. 27.