Drew Lee

MiLB roundup: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods lose; Duvall homers; Lee has big night versus hometown team again

Minor League Baseball

Adam Duvall; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored six runs through eight innings but did not score again in a 7-6, 18-inning loss to Rochester. Left Fielder Yonder Alonso, batting leadoff, was 3-8 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods left 10 men on base in a 2-1 loss to Great Lakes. Left-handed pitcher C. J. Riefenhauser took the loss after surrendering two runs on four hits in four innings while striking out seven batters and walking two.
  • The Lexington Legends at one point trailed Kannapolis by seven runs but could not finish the comeback in a 9-6 loss. Right fielder Adam Bailey was 3-3 with two doubles, two walks and two runs scored.
  • Mount Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 2-4 with one triple, one RBI and one run scored in the game for Kannapolis.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored for low A Augusta.
  • Former UK outfielder Lance Ray was 2-5 with two runs scored for low A Beloit.
  • Paducah native Daniel Webb took a loss after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in five and two-third innings in a start for low A Lansing.
  • Former Madisonville resident Matt Klinker took a no decision after surrendering five runs on eight hits in five innings in a start for AA Carolina.

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.

MiLB roundup: Bats sweep DH; Legends split DH; Hot Rods lose; Lee, Ray homer; Cowgill slugs two HRs

Minor League Baseball

Drew Lee; BluGrass Baseball photos

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats swept a double-header from Durham with a 3-2 win in game one and an 11-5 win in game two. Offseason Louisville resident Matt Maloney surrendered one run on three hits in his first start of the season for the Bats in game one. Center fielder Dave Sappelt was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored in game two.
  • The Lexington Legends split a double-header with Kannapolis with a 3-2 win in game one and a 3-1 loss in a rain-shortened game two. Right-handed pitcher Carlos Quevedo surrendered two runs on five hits in five innings while striking out eight batters and walking none in game one. Right-handed pitcher Ruben Alaniz took the loss in game two after surrendering two runs in three innings.
  • Mt. Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 3-6 with one home run, one double, one RBI and two runs scored for Kannapolis in the double-header.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods never overcame a five-run first inning from Great Lakes in a 12-5 loss. Third baseman Robi Estrada was 3-4 with one home run, one double, two RBI and two runs scored.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 4-7 with two home runs, two RBI and four runs scored for AAA Reno.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a 1-5 performance for AA Jackson.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 4-4 with one run scored for AAA Rochester.
  • Former UK outfielder Lance Ray was 2-4 with one home run, one double, one RBI and one run scored for low A Beloit.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 3-4 with one RBI for AA Montgomery.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell took a no decision after surrendering two runs on two hits in six and one-third innings while striking out four batters and walking one.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 2-5 with one run scored for AAA Toledo.
  • Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez was 2-4 with two runs scored for high A San Jose.
  • Former UofL outfielder Boomer Whiting was 2-5 with one run scored for AAA Syracuse.
  • Hawesville native and former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor was 2-5 for high A Lakeland.
  • Louisville native Zack Cox extended his hitting streak to five games with a 2-4 performance for high A Palm Beach.
  • Trinity alum Tyler Kuhn was 2-3 with one RBI for AA Birmingham and his hits in four consecutive games.
  • Lexington native Robbie Ross took a loss for high A Myrtle Beach after surrendering six runs on eight hits in four innings.
  • Danville native Patrick Cooper took a loss in his first start of the season for low A West Michigan after surrendering three runs on one hit in three and one-third innings.

MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods win; Legends lose to Lee, Kannapolis; Townsend has four hits; Shelby, Kipnis homer

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Tuesday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats held Durham scoreless through the first seven innings and held on for an 8-3 win over the Bulls. Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Johnny Cueto surrendered three hits in four and two-third innings in a rehab start. Right fielder Fred Lewis was 3-3 with one home run, three RBI and three runs scored.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods rallied from a two-run deficit with three runs in the ninth inning to earn a 5-4 walk-off win over South Bend. Catcher Lucas Bailey slugged a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Hot Rods the win.
  • The Lexington Legends scored six runs over the first two innings and could not finish the rally in a 13-6 loss to Kannapolis. Second baseman Ben Orloff was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored, and center fielder Daniel Adamson was 3-4 with one double, two RBI and one run scored.
  • Mt. Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 2-4 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored for Kannapolis in the game.
  • London native Jon Townsend was 4-4 with one double, one run scored and one stolen base for high A Inland Empire.
  • Paducah native Jonathan Roof was 2-4 with one home run, five RBI and two runs scored for low A Hickory.
  • St. Mary’s alum Shawn Roof was 2-2 with one walk and one run scored for AA Erie.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored for AA Birmingham.
  • Louisville native and former Murray St. first baseman Wes Cunningham was 2-4 with one double, one triple, one RBI and one run scored for low A Fort Wayne.
  • One-time UK infielder turned outfielder Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St., was 2-5 with one triple, one home run, two RBI and one run scored for AAA Columbus.

MiLB Roundup: Legends, Hot Rods win; Bats lose; Lee, Dominguez, Bynum, Kuhn homer; Roe takes no decision

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats‘ blew a two-run ninth inning lead in a 6-5 loss to Toledo. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis took a no decision despite surrendering just three runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out four batters and walking two.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods used a strong pitching performance from right-handed pitcher Victor Mateo in a 2-1 win over South Bend. Mateo earned his first win after surrendering one run on four hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking two.
  • The Lexington Legends scored a single run in the bottom of the 10th inning to earn a 7-6 win over Kannapolis in game one of the team’s homestand. Shortstop Jiovanni Mier and third baseman Michael Kvasnicka both homered for the Legends.
  • Mt. Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 3-4 with his first home run of the season, three RBI and one run scored for Kannapolis in the game.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a 2-5 performance for AA Jackson. Shaffer is batting .370 on the season.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-4 with one double, two RBI and one run scored f0r AAA Reno. Cowgill has multiple hits in gour consecutive games.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-5 with two RBI for low A Augusta.
  • Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez slugged his fifth home run of the season for high A San Jose.
  • Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe took a no decision after surrendering three runs on seven hits in five and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking none for AAA Tacoma.
  • Louisville native Seth Bynum homered for the second straight game and third time this season for AAA Syracuse.
  • Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored for AA Birmingham.

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.

UofL loses pitcher until midseason; NCBWA ranks Cards No. 22; Paxton negotiations at impasse; Legends host caravan

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Marcus Nidiffer, center; Photo: UK Athletics

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Brian Foley of College Baseball Daily reports University of Louisville sophomore left-handed pitcher Keith Landers is out until midseason after undergoing a second surgery on his throwing arm during the fall.
  • The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has released its preseason poll with UofL at No. 22.
  • The Lexington Legends annual caravan will begin Wednesday in Danville. The Caravan will also make stops in Cynthiana, Lexington, Somerset, Columbia and Jackson. Kentucky minor leaguers Marcus Nidiffer, Ben Revere, Chaz Roe, Jeremy Shelby and John Shelby III will attend the Lexington event on Thursday. Former Kentucky major leaguers Willie Blair, Andy Green, John Shelby Jr., Jeff Parrett and Josh Anderson will also appear at one of the caravan stops.
  • Larry Stone of The Seattle Times catches up with Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik about his negotiations with former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton. In summary, Zduriencik doesn’t sound very optimistic about Paxton signing before Spring Training.
  • T. R. Sullivan of MLB.com recaps the Texas Rangers’ offseason, pointing to the team’s acquisition of Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb as one of the moves that will define the success of the offseason.
  • In examining the Atlanta Braves’ offseason Steven Henson of Yahoo! Sports concludes second baseman Dan Uggla, who was born in Louisville, is the new face of the team.
  • As noted by the Legends, Andy Green has retired and will serve as the hitting coach for the rookie-level Missoula Osprey in 2011.
  • We’ve removed the Morehead State University lineup projection post after learning several of the choices were inaccurate. It appears Cody Gibson and Garrick Whittle are competing for a weekend rotation spot with Matthew Robertson being a midweek starting pitcher for the Eagles. Junior Matt Cartwright will likely replace Gibson as the Eagles closer. Senior Jeff Arnold may miss some time with an injury. Sophomore Austin Haney is the leading candidate to replace All-OVC shortstop Drew Lee, and freshman outfielder Duran Elmore appears unlikely to see early playing time. (I’ve decided to try the series again but remember the projections are just speculation on my part)

Yahoo! Sports picks UofL 2nd in Big East; Coastal Carolina to count on Witten; Philly writers differ on Blanton’s future

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Joe Blanton; Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Kendall Rogers of Yahoo Sports! and Rivals.com picks the University of Louisville to finish second in the Big East in his conference preview. Rogers named UofL second baseman Ryan Wright, outfielder Stewart Ijames and right-handed reliever Tony Zych to his preseason all-Big East team. Rogers reports right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold will fill one of the weekend starter slots.
  • Rogers also breaks down his No. 19 college team in his preseason poll: Coastal Carolina. Among the key contributors for the Chaticleers in 2011 will be Danville native Rich Witten, Rogers reports.
  • Jim Callis of Baseball America runs down the prospect scouting reports that were pushed out of the magazine’s “Prospect Handbook” due to new acquisitions including former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee. BA calls Lee a “smart hitter with surprising pop for his size,” and notes the White Sox could have found a bargain in Lee if he continues to hit at higher levels.
  • Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer lays out the case for the Phillies trading former UK right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton.
  • Todd Zolecki of MLB.com thinks it makes sense for the Phillies to keep Blanton according to his latest mailbag and reports it’s unlikely the team would ask Blanton to defer some of his 2011 salary to later years.
  • Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun reports the Oriole have shown little interest in Blanton despite their need for a starting pitcher.

Offseason position battle: Morehead St. shortstop

College Baseball

Drew Lee; Morehead St. photo

In the next offseason position battle post we’ll look at the vacant Morehead State University shortstop position:

The departed: Senior shortstop Drew Lee left Morehead with one of the most prolific careers in Eagles’ history after being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB draft. Lee batted .412 with 17 home runs, 66 RBI, 60 runs scored and 156 total bases in 2011. The 2010 All-American batted over .400 for two straight seasons for Morehead and finished his collegiate career with several school records, including the career hits and RBI records. The Mount Sterling native was named an Appalachian League all-star during his first professional season in 2010.

Returning candidates: Lee started 47 of Morehead St.’s 50 games at shortstop in 2010 with the other three starts going to rising sophomore Austin Haney. Haney was just 2-22 (.091) in 15 games for the Eagles last season but is the only shortstop listed on Morehead St.’s 2011 roster. Rising senior utility man Casey Branham recorded one start at second base in 2010, but could conceivably move over to shortstop if head coach Jay Sorg is confident in his defense. Branham slugged two home runs in game three of the Eagles’ fall blood bowl series.

Newcomers to watch: Freshman infielder Bud Morton batted .395 with a .487 on-base percentage as a junior at West Jessamine High School while primarily playing shortstop. Morton excelled during the fall blood bowl series, highlighted by a three-hit game in game three. Morton stole 36 bases as a senior in high school.

Wildcard: Rising senior Travis Redmon had a strong summer for the Lexington Hustlers after making 46 starts at second base for Morehead St. in 2010. Head coach Jay Sorg could conceivably move Redmon to shortstop if he feels the standout of the Haney, Branham, Morton trio would be better suited defensively at second base.