MiLB roundup: Bats, Legends win; Hot Rods lose; Keenan Wiley and Jonathan Roof have three hits; Townsend homers

Minor League Baseball

Chris Wallace; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats scored two runs in the first inning and rode a strong pitching performance from left-handed pitcher Tom Cochran to a 3-1 win over Buffalo. Cochran improved to 4-0 on the season after surrendering three hits in six shutout innings while striking out four batters and walking three.
The Lexington Legends held off a late rally in an 8-6 win over Hagerstown. Designated hitter Chris Wallace was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored, and center fielder Emilio King was 3-5 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored in his Legends debut.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods outhit Great Lakes 6-4 but could not avoid a 3-2 loss. Third baseman Robby Price was 2-3 with one RBI and one run scored.
Richmond native and former UK outfielder Keenan Wiley was 3-3 with one RBI for high A Lynchburg.
Paducah native Jonathan Roof was 3-4 with one double and one RBI for low A Hickory.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-4 with one double and two runs scored for AA Jackson.
Hawesville native and former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor was 2-4 with one double and one RBI for high A Lakeland.
London native Jon Townsend homered and drove in two runs in his return from the disabled list for high A Inland Empire.
Highland Heights native and former NKU right-handed pitcher Josh Lueke earned his second save since his demotion to AAA after recording the final two outs of AAA Tacoma’s win.
Former Murray St. right-handed pitcher Mike Perconte earned his third win of the season after recording one out for AA Frisco.

Cowgill, Ross win April Ky MiLB awards

Minor League Baseball

Colling Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

In the final minor league April awards post we’ll look at the best hitting and pitching performances from Kentucky alumni in MiLB:

Hitter of the month: OF Collin Cowgill

Stats: .387 (29-75), 4 HR, 13 RBI, 20 R, 5 SB
Honorable Mention: John Shelby, Ryan Strieby, Sawyer Carroll, Chris Dominguez, Jake Shaffer, Jon Townsend, Tyler Kuhn

Pitcher of the month: LHP Robbie Ross

Stats: 2-1, 2.61 ERA, 17 SO/8 BB, 20.2 IP
Honorable Mention: Andrew Albers, Logan Darnell, B. J. Rosenberg, Cory Wade, Marty Popham, Jason Chowning

MiLB roundup: Paxton posts quality start in debut; Strieby homers; Cunningham has three hits; Townsend streaking

Minor League Baseball

James Paxton; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Wednesday Kentucky MiLB action:

Each of the state’s three minor league teams’ games were rained out.
Former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton took a loss but posted a quality start in his MiLB debut. Paxton surrendered three runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in six innings while striking out six batters and walking four.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby slugged his third home run of the season and went 2-3 in game one of a double-header for AAA Toledo.
London native Jon Townsend was 2-3 with two doubles, two runs scored, one walk and one RBI for high A Inland Empire to extend hits hitting streak to six games.
Louisville native and former Murray St. infielder Wes Cunningham was 3-5 with two doubles for low A Fort Wayne.
Former UK infielder Chris Bisson was 2-5 with one double, two RBI and two runs scored for low A Fort Wayne.
Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 2-3 with one RBI, one walk and one stolen base for AAA Rochester.
Former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor was 2-4 with one double, one walk and one run scored for high A Lakeland.
One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker took a loss but surrendered just two runs on three hits in six innings while striking out four batters and walking two for AA Carolina.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks took a loss after surrendering five runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out two batters and walking one.
Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich took a loss after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in four innings while striking out four batters and walking two.
Richmond native and former UK outfielder Keenan Wiley was promoted to high A Lynchburg where he went 0-3 in his debut.

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: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends win; Friedrich wins in first start; Duvall homers; Shaffer, Townsend have 3 hits

Minor League Baseball

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Bowling Green Hot Rods improved to 2-0 on the season with a 12-5 win over Dayton. Catcher Lucas Bailey was 4-4 with one home run, one double, four RBI and two runs scored, and former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 1-4 with a double.
The Lexington Legends offense busted out for 11 runs to give the team its first win of the season, an 11-7 victory over Charleston. Catcher Chris Wallace and right fielder Adam Bailey both slugged home runs, and right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue earned the win after surrendering four runs in six innings.
The Louisville Bats earned the team’s first win of the season with a 5-3 victory over Toledo. Right-handed pitcher Matt Klinker, who attended Madisonville North-Hopkins High School, earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out six batters and walking one.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 1-4 in the game for Toledo.
Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall slugged his first home run of the season for low A Augusta.
Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich earned his first win of the season after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on three hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two for AA Tulsa.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-4 with two doubles and three runs scored for AA Jackson.
LCA alum Robbie Ross is pitching out of the bullpen to start the season for high A Myrtle Beach and struck out two batters in a scoreless inning in his season debut.
South Laurel alum Jon Townsend was 3-5 with two RBI and one walk for high A Inland Empire in his season debut.

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.

Kentucky in MiLB Playoffs

Minor League Baseball

Colling Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

League playoffs from across Minor League Baseball are set to begin this week. Last week we looked at the Kentucky alumni participating in rookie league playoffs, so I thought I’d do the same for the other minor leagues:

Pacific Coast League (AAA)

Tacoma Rainers — Josh Lueke

International League (AAA)

Louisville Bats — Matt Klinker
Columbus Clippers — Jeremy Sowers (DL)

Texas League (AA)

Springfield Cardinals — Antone DeJesus

Eastern League (AA)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats — Trystan Magnuson
Harrisburg Senators — Zach Dials

Southern League (AA)

Tennessee Smokies — Chris Rusin (DL)
Jacksonville Suns — Graham Taylor (DL)
Mobile BayBears — Collin Cowgill, Sean Coughlin, Josh Ellis

California League (High A)

Stockton Ports — Justin Marks
High Desert Mavericks — Jake Shaffer
Ranch Cucamonga Quakes — Jon Townsend

Florida State League (High A)

Dunedin Blue Jays — Justin McClanahan
Bradenton Marauders — Jordan Newton, Nathan Adcock

Carolina League (High A)

Winston-Salem Dash — Logan Johnson, Nathan Jones, Greg Paiml
Kinston Indians — Marty Popham

Midwest League (Low A)

Great Lakes Loons — J. B. Paxson
Quad City River Bandits — Dean Kiekhefer, Daniel Calhoun
Clinton Lumber Kings — Tyler Blandford (DL)
West Michigan Whitecaps — Wade Gaynor, Patrick Cooper

South Atlantic League (Low A)

Hickory Crawdads — Jonathan Roof

Northwest League (Short-Season)

Spokane Indians — Andrew Clark, Josh Richmond

Pioneer League (Rookie)

Great Falls Voyagers — Thomas Royse

MiLB Roundup: Bats win; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Langfels, Cunningham, Townsend homer; Mabee gets win

Minor League Baseball

Wes Cunningham: BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Tuesday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats opened their seven-game homestand with a 5-1 win over Indianapolis. Right fielder Wladimir Balentien was 3-4 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored.
The Lexington Legends blew a 4-0, eighth inning lead in an eventual 5-4 loss to Augusta. Right-handed pitcher Jose Cisnero took a no decision despite facing the minimum 21 batters through seven shutout innings. Cisnero surrendered one hit and struck out four.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods failed to secure a series split against South Bend with a 3-2 loss Tuesday. Center fielder Ty Morrison was 2-4 with two RBI.
Former EKU third baseman and 2010 Rockies draftee Jayson Langfels slugged his fourth home run of the season for short-season Tri-City.
Former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-5 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored for high A High Desert.
Former Murray St. first baseman and 2010 Padres draftee Wes Cunningham slugged his fourth home run of the season for short-season Eugene.
Former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Henry Mabee earned his third win of the season with two shutout innings for AA Birmingham.
London native Jon Townsend slugged his sixth home run of the season for high A Rancho Cucamonga.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Legends win; Hot Rods lose; Rusin, Holland, Ellis Win; Shaffer, Townsend homer

Minor League Baseball

Chris Rusin; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats slugged four home runs en route to an 11-7 win over Charlotte. First baseman Yonder Alonso, designated hitter Juan Francisco, outfielder Chris Dickerson and outfielder Wladimir Balentein each homered for the Bats.
Lexington Legends closer Kirk Clark set the new Legends career and single-season saves record with his 22nd save in a 3-2 win over Rome. Right-handed pitcher Jose Cisnero earned the win after surrendering two runs in six innings.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods couldn’t over come and early 5-1 deficit after two innings in a 8-7 loss to Quad Cities. First baseman Ryan Wiegand and right fielder Gabe Cohen each homered for the Hot Rods.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin earned his fourth win of the season for high A Daytona after surrendering three runs in six innings. Rusin struck out six and walked none.
Former UK right-handed pitcher Zach Dials was promoted to AA Harrisburg where he surrendered one run in two-thirds of an inning in his debut.
Former UofL right-handed pitcher and 2010 Nationals draftee Neil Holland earned his second win of the season with three scoreless innings for short-season Vermont.
Former UofL infielder and 2010 Rays draftee Phil Wunderlich was 3-5 with two doubles and a run scored for short-season Hudson Valley.
Former WKU outfielder Chad Cregar was 2-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored for low A Greensboro.
Former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer homered for the second consecutive game and drove in three runs for high A High Desert.
Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere scored three times, tallied two hits and stole a base for AA New Britain.
London native Jon Townsend slugged his fifth home run of the season, drove in two runs and scored twice for high A Rancho Cucamonga.
Lexington native Josh Ellis picked up his second win of the season after two scoreless innings of relief for AA Mobile.

MiLB Roundup: Bats win behind Klinker; Legends win; Shelby, Nidiffer, Townsend homer; Revesz wins

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Tuesday Kentucky MiLB action:

One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker picked up his fourth win of the season for the Louisville Bats in the team’s 8-4 victory over Charlotte. Center fielder Michael Griffin was 2-2 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored.
Lexington Legends right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue scattered three hits in seven shutout innings to lead the Legends to a 3-1 win over Rome. Bushue struck out five and walked just one in the game to earn his fifth win of the season.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods were off Tuesday.
Former UK outfielder John Shelby slugged his seventh home run of the season for AA Birmingham and was 2-3 with one RBI and two runs scored.
London native Jon Townsend slugged his fourth home run of the season, drove in four runs, tallied two hits and scored twice for high A Rancho Cucamonga.
Former UK catcher and 2010 Astros NDFA Marcus Nidiffer slugged his seventh home run in just 26 professional games for rookie-level Greeneville.
Former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-4 with a double, triple, one RBI and two runs scored for AA Mobile.
Former UK infielder Michael Bertram was 3-4 with a double, three RBI and one run scored for AA Erie.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher and 2010 Cardinals draftee Bob Revesz pick up his first professional win with a scoreless inning and one-third for rookie-level Johnson City.
Former UofL outfielder Boomer Whiting scored three times for AAA Syracuse and was 2-4 with a stolen base.
Former WKU infielder and 2010 Phillies draftee Matt Payton scored three times and was 2-4 with two walks and a stolen base for the rookie-level GCL Phillies.
Elizabethtown native Nathan Adcock took the loss for high A Bradenton despite allowing just three runs in six innings. He struck out six and walked just one.