Gunner Glad

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: Wunderlich HR leads Hot Rods to win; Bats, Legends lose; Arnold has three hits; Strieby, Shelby homer

Minor League Baseball

Jeff Arnold; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods scored a single run in the ninth inning to earn a 9-8 win over Lake County. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 3-5 with one home run, one RBI and three runs scored, and shortstop Derek Dietrich was 2-4 with one home run, five RBIs and two runs scored.
  • The Louisville Bats blew a ninth-inning lead in a 6-5 loss to Buffalo. Shortstop Zach Cozart was 3-4 with one home run, one RBIs and one run scored, and third baseman Todd Frazier was 3-4 with two doubles, one RBI and two runs scored.
  • The Lexington Legends and Hagerstown Suns each tallied 11 hits, but the Legends left 11 men on base in an 8-2 loss. First baseman Tyler Burnett was 3-4 with one RBI and one run scored.
  • Louisville native and former UofL catcher Jeff Arnold was 2-4 with one double, two RBI and two runs scored for low A Augusta.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby slugged his fourth home run and drove in two runs for AAA Toledo.
  • Former Kentucky Wesleyan right-handed pitcher Cory Wade earned his first win of the season with a scoreless inning of relief for AAA Durham and boasts a 1.00 ERA in 18 innings in 2011.
  • Danville native Patrick Cooper earned his first win of the season with two scoreless innings of relief for low A West Michigan
  • Former UK infielder Gunner Glad was 2-4 with one double, two RBIs and one run scored for low A Beloit.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby slugged his fourth home run of the season for AA Montgomery.
  • Former UK infielder Chris Bisson drove in three runs for low A Fort Wayne.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took a no decision after surrendering four runs on five hits in five innings while striking out six batters and walking two for AA Tennessee.
  • Louisville native and former Bellarmine right-handed pitcher Todd Wellemeyer took the loss in his season debut, surrendering four runs on eight hits in three and two-third innings for AAA Iowa.

MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends win; Kuhn has four hits; Glad has three hits in support of Darnell’s stellar start

Minor League Baseball

Logan Darnell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats w0n their seventh consecutive game with a 5-2 victory over Indianapolis. Right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke improved to 2-0 after surrendering two runs on six hits in six and two-third innings. Left fielder Dave Sappelt, third baseman Todd Frazier and center fielder Kris Negron all homered for Louisville.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods used a three-run fifth inning to earn a 4-1 win over Fort Wayne. Left-handed pitcher Braulio Lara earned the win after surrendering one run on two hits in five innings, and left-handed pitcher Chris Rearick earned the save after surrendering one hit in four shutout innings.
  • The Lexington Legends held 2010 No. 1 pick Bryce Harper to just one hit in a 7-0 shutout win over Hagerstown. Right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue improved to 2-0 after surrendering five hits in eight shutout inning while striking out four and walking two. Designated hitter Telvin Nash and center fielder Daniel Adamson each homered for Lexington.
  • Louisville native Tyler Kuhn was 4-4 with one stolen base for AA Birmingham.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-6 with one RBI, two runs scored and one stolen base.
  • Former UK third baseman Gunner Glad was 3-6 with one double for low A Beloit.
  • Glad’s performance backed a stellar pitching performance from former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell, who took a no decision despite surrendering just two hits in eight shutout innings while striking out six batters and walking none for Beloit.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich took a loss after surrendering seven runs on eight hits in six innings in a start for AA Tulsa.
  • One-time UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson, who transferred to Texas A&M from UofL, took a no decision after surrendering five runs on nine hits in seven innings while striking out four batters and walking none.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Hot Rods, Legends lose; Glad homer is not enough for Darnell; Revere steals two bases

Minor League Baseball

Gunner Glad, left; UK Athletics photo

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored two runs in the first inning then held on for a 2-1 win over Toledo. Center fielder Dave Sappelt was 3-4 with one run scored and is batting .500 on the young season. Right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke earned the win after surrendering one run on four hits in five innings while striking out five batters and walking one.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods dropped their first game of the season with a 5-4 loss to Dayton. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich had a double, and third baseman Steven Tinoco was 2-4 with one run scored.
  • Charleston scored four runs in the eighth inning to break open a 3-3 tie and send the Lexington Legends to a 7-3 loss. Left-handed pitcher Brad Dydalewicz took a no decision after surrendering two runs on three hits in five innings.
  • Former UK infielder Gunner Glad was 2-3 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored for low A Beloit.
  • Glad’s home run was not enough to get his former UK teammate Logan Darnell a win. Darnell took the loss for Beloit after surrendering five runs on five hits in three innings while striking out four batters and walking one in his first start of the season.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 2-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for high A San Jose.
  • One-time UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson earned the win for AAA Round Rock after surrendering four runs on nine hits in five and one-third innings in his first start of the season.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-5 with one RBI for AA Jackson and is 5-9 (.556) on the young season.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 2-5 with one walk, one RBI and two stolen bases for AAA Rochester.

Offseason position battle: UK outfielder

College Baseball

Chad Wright; Photo: UK Athletics

In the fourth University of Kentucky post in out “offseason position battle” series we will look at the vacant outfield position.

The departed — Center fielder Keenan Wiley started all 56 games for UK in 2010, batting .324 with four home runs, 37 RBI, 40 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in 19 attempts. Wiley signed a non-drafted free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves following the season. The Richmond native also provided a steady hand on defense, committing just one error on the season…Outfielder and first baseman Lance Ray did not see much playing time early in the season but worked his way into the everyday lineup with much of his playing time coming in right field. Ray was UK’s best hitter by the end of the season, finishing the year with a .356 batting average, 10 home runs, 34 RBI and 29 runs scored…Utility man Gunner Glad, a 2010 senior, saw extended playing time in the outfield in 2010…Outfielder Cory Farris, a 2010 sophomore, is not listed on the 2011 UK roster.

Returning candidates — Junior outfielder Chad Wright returns to anchor the UK outfield after spending each of his first two seasons at UK as an everyday starter at the corner outfield positions. Wright, who was named a Cape Cod League all-star this summer, could move to center field after Wiley’s graduation…Sophomore Brian Adams started the final eight games of the season in left field, batting .483 with three doubles, one triple, one home run and seven RBI. Adams, a wide receiver on the football team, suffered a hamstring injury toward the end of football season but that injury is not expected to affect his baseball availability…Sophomore outfielder and pitcher Sam Kidd appeared in 10 games as a freshman, mostly as a late-inning defensive replacement.

Newcomers to watch — Lexington Christian Academy alum Lucas Witt comes to UK after being named first-team all state by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association as a senior. In a recent interview with College Baseball Daily UK head coach Gary Henderson singled Witt out as a freshman outfielder who had performed well enough during fall practice to earn early playing time. Witt recorded hits in two of the three Fall World Series games…UK also lists freshman outfielders Damon Sanders, Steven Hoagland, and Ryan Mossakowski on the roster.

Wildcard — Senior left-handed pitcher Mike Kaczmarek has only appeared on the mound during his three-year UK career but began the transition to becoming a two-way player during the fall. Kaczmarek will appear in the outfield for UK some this season, and after experiencing moderate success with the bat during fall practice could push for regular playing time. Henderson could also try freshman infielder Dallen Reber in the outfield if needed.

This post has been updated after UK released its 2011 roster without outfielder Cory Farris, Gavin Patton and Navarro Hall on it.

Offseason position battle: UK third baseman

College Baseball

UK Athletics Wallpaper

We will begin our second lap in the “Offseason position battle” series with a look at the vacant University of Kentucky third base position:

The departed — This season was supposed to be the year that Colorado native Andy Burns, arguably the highest ranked high school position player to ever sign with Kentucky, rode his immense talent to an early MLB draft selection. Burns batted .279 with 18 home runs and 63 RBI over two seasons at UK before deciding to transfer to Arizona following the 2010 season. The only other Cat to appear at third base during the 2010 season was since departed senior utility man Gunner Glad.

Returning candidates — The only returning infielders who didn’t start in 2010 on the roster are redshirt senior Neiko Johnson and redshirt freshman Tyler Townsend.  Johnson batted just .171 in 33 games as a junior but is better suited for second base, where he filled in for an injured Chris Bisson in 2010. Townsend redshirted during the 2010 season.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman infielder Dallen Reber belted a three-run home run in game two of the Fall World Series. In an interview with College Baseball Daily head coach Gary Henderson listed freshman infielders Paul McConkey, J. T. Riddle and Matt Reida as standouts in fall camp. Henderson noted Reida was the most advanced defensive infielder of the group, though he probably profiles as a second baseman or shortstop. Junior college transfer Thomas McCarthy slugged two home runs and a double during game one of the Fall World Series. McCarthy batted .415 with three home runs and 36 RBI in 36 games for Feather River College in 2010.

Wildcard — We listed UK redshirt freshman football quarterback Ryan Mossakowski as the wildcard in UK’s first base race after The Cat’s Pause reported he would play baseball this spring, but his quarterback’s arm could also fit at third base. Mossakowski is unlikely to contribute early in the 2011 season after missing two years following shoulder surgery in high school, but could fit in later in the season as wide receiver Brian Adams did in the outfield at the end of the 2010 season.

Offseason position battle: UK First Baseman

College Baseball

Braden Kapteyn; Photo: UK Athletics

The start of the 2011 college baseball season is less than two months away, so it’s time to start looking at what Kentucky players need to step up for their respective schools. In the coming weeks we’ll look at an almost-daily series that examines offseason position battles at each of the state’s five division one baseball programs. We’ll begin the series with a look at the University of Kentucky‘s first base slot.

The departed: Senior Gunner Glad and junior Lance Ray were UK’s primary first baseman during the 2010 season. Rising junior Braden Kapteyn is the only returning Cat with significant playing time at first base, but head coach Gary Henderson would probably prefer to keep him at designated hitter for the added flexibility not fielding provides in bringing Kapteyn in on the mound. With Ray and Glad moving on to the professional ranks, finding a new first baseman will be among the most important tasks for Henderson and his staff this Spring.

The returning candidates: In addition to Kapteyn catchers T. J. Daugherty, Luke Maile, Michael Thomas and Michael Williams could each conceivably spend some time at first base, though the group will probably see most of its playing time come behind the plate. Rising sophomore Tyler Townsend is the only returning infielder on the roster with the height one usually relates to a first baseman.

Newcomers to watch: Reports out of UK’s fall camp had freshmen infielders Dallen Reber, Matt Reida, Paul McConkey, and J. T. Riddle pushing for early playing time. Reida and Riddle figure to be primarily middle infielders leaving Reber as probably the leading newcomer candidate at both the vacant corner infield positions. Reber blasted a three-run home run in game two of UK’s fall World Series while playing first base but did have a fielding error in the game.

Wildcard: Matt May of The Cat’s Pause recently reported redshirt freshman football quarterback Ryan Mossakowski would suit up for the Bat Cats this spring. At 6-4 Mossakowski looks the part of a first baseman but will probably need significant time adjusting to SEC baseball after sitting out two years following shoulder surgery as a senior in high school. Mossakowski was named All-District in baseball for his Texas high school twice before the injury.

Kentucky rookie league playoff participants

Minor League Baseball
Matt Payton bats against UK: BluGrass Baseball photo

Matt Payton: BluGrass Baseball photo

The 2010 MiLB season is winding down with league playoffs set to start over the next week. The three rookie-level leagues have finalized their playoff participants with four Kentucky minor leaguers qualifying for postseason play. Check out a quick break down of each below:

Gulf Coast League

  • Matt Payton — The former Western Kentucky University infielder and 2010 Phillies draftee batted leadoff for the GCL Phillies in the team’s semifinal victory. Payton didn’t record a hit but scored twice. The Phillies face the GCL Rays in a best-of-three series starting tonight.

Appalachian League

  • Logan Darnell, Gunner Glad — Former University of Kentucky teammates Darnell and Glad will look to lead the Elizabethton Twins to victory in the Appalachian League playoffs. Glad is batting .240 with two home runs and 14 RBI for the Twins, and Darnell is 2-3 with a 2.20 ERA in 10 games. Since moving to the starting rotation, Darnell is 2-2 with a 1.44 ERA in five games. The Twins face the Pulaski Mariners in the first round.
  • Bob Revesz — The former University of Louisville left-handed reliever and 2010 Cardinals draftee is 4-2 with a 4.84 ERA in 16 appearances for the Johnson City Cardinals. Revesz will look to be a valuable southpaw out of the Cardinals’ bullpen during the team’s first round series against the Burlington Royals.

Two teams still haven’t qualified for the rookie Pioneer League playoffs.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods win; Cunningham streaking; Bertram, Glad, Kuhn homer; Darnell gets win

Minor League Baseball

Logan Darnell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Second baseman Wilkin Castillo drove home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to send the Louisville Bats to a 2-1 victory over Columbus. Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth inning for the win and reportedly hit 105 mph on the radar gun.
  • The Lexington Legends scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to earn a 5-3 win over Kannapolis. Center fielder Grant Hogue was 4-5 with a double and two runs scored.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods pitching staff struck out a club-record 18 batters in a 12-6 win over Lake County. Right fielder Brett Nommensen drove in four run in the win.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher and 2010 Twins draftee Logan Darnell earned the win for rookie-level Elizabethton after pitching six shutout innings.
  • Former UK infielder and 2010 Twins NDFA Gunner Glad supported Darnell with his second home run of the season for rookie-level Elizabethton.
  • Former UK infielder Michael Bertram slugged his 11th home run of the season for AAA Toledo.
  • Former Murray St. first baseman and 2010 Padres draftee Wes Cunningham extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a 1-2, two walk performance for short-season Eugene.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere returned from his DL stint for AA New Britain with an 0-3 performance.
  • Trinity alum Tyler Kuhn was 3-4 with a home run and double for AA Birmingham.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Legends win; Hot Rods almost no-hit; Dominguez slugs 17th HR; Nidiffer, Cregar also go deep

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats opened their road trip with a 6-5 win over Toledo. Right fielder Daniel Dorn homered and drove in three runs, and first baseman Yonder Alonso was 2-4 with two double, RBI and run scored.
  • The Lexington Legends held off a late Delmarva rally to record a 6-4 win over the Shorebirds. Second baseman Jimmy Paredes was 3-5 with a double, run scored, RBI and his 42nd stolen base of the season. Right-handed pitcher Zachary Grimmett improved to 5-2 on the season after surrendering one run in seven innings.
  • Bowling Green Hot Rods center fielder Ty Morrison singled with two outs in the ninth inning to break up a no-hitter, but was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double to end the game in the Hot Rods’ 2-0 loss to Fort Wayne. Right-handed pitcher Jason McEachern took the loss despite surrendering just two runs in five innings.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 3-4 with his 17th home run of the season, four RBI and two runs scored for low A Augusta.
  • Former UK infielder and 2010 Twins NDFA Gunner Glad was 3-5 with a double, RBI and two runs scored for rookie-level Elizabethton.
  • Former UK catcher and 2010 Astros NDFA Marcus Nidiffer slugged his third home run in four games and 11th home run of the season for rookie-level Greeneville.
  • Former UofL outfielder and 2010 Rangers draftee Josh Richmond slugged his third home run of the season for short-season Spokane.
  • Former WKU outfielder Chad Cregar homered for the second consecutive game and 16th time this season for low A Greensboro.
  • Former Murray St. left-handed pitcher Daniel Calhoun moved to 7-0 on the season after picking up the win with two and two-thirds innings on one-run relief for low A Quad Cities.
  • Former Morehead St. shortstop and 2010 White Sox draftee Drew Lee was 3-5 with a double and three RBI for rookie-level Bristol.
  • One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker took the loss for AA Carolina after surrendering five runs in seven innings.
  • Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 3-3 with two runs scored and one RBI for AA Birmingham.
  • Former UK outfielder and 2010 Braves NDFA Keenan Wiley made his professional debut with a 1-2 performance for rookie-level Danville.