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.

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 all lose; Adam Duvall, Jake Shaffer streaking; Justin Marks gets first win

Minor League Baseball

Zack Cox; University of Arkansas photo

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Johnny Cueto‘s poor rehab start put the Louisville Bats in an early hole in a 19-3 loss to Columbus. Cueto surrendered eight runs on nine hits in one and two-third innings.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods tallied just five hits in a 9-5 loss to Lake County. Left fielder Cody Rogers slugged his second home run of the season.
  • The Savannah Sand Gnats used a four-run eighth inning to send the Lexington Legends to a 6-5 loss. Third baseman Michael Kvasnicka was 3-4 with one double, one triple, one RBI and one run scored, and designated hitter Chris Wallace slugged his league-leading sixth home run of the season.
  • Owensboro native and former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks earned his first win of the season after surrendering three runs on seven hits in five innings while striking out six batters and walking one.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall extended his hitting streak to nine games for low A Augusta with a single.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single for AA Jackson.
  • Paducah native Jonathan Roof scored two runs and drove in three in a double-header for low A Hickory.
  • Former UofL outfielder Josh Richmond scored three runs in a double-header for low A Hickory.
  • Louisville native Zack Cox was 2-4 for high A Palm Beach.

MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends all lose; Shaffer, Duvall homer; Six Ky. alumni have three hits on Wed.

Minor League Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Wednesday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats tied its game versus Columbus with a single run in the ninth inning, but Columbus scored a run in the bottom of the frame to send the Bats to a 4-3 loss. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis surrendered one run on six hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two in a no decision.
  • Dayton used a four-run fourth inning to send the Bowling Green Hot Rods to a 4-1 loss. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich tallied the Hot Rods’ only RBI, and left-handed pitcher Braulio Lara took the loss after surrendering three runs on two hits in three and one-third innings.
  • The Lexington Legends jumped out to a 4-1 lead, but surrendered four runs in the fifth inning to lose the lead in a 5-4 loss to Savannah. Catcher Roberto Pen was 2-2 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-6 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored for AA Jackson.
  • Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe surrendered two runs on four hits in six innings while striking out two batters and walking four for AAA Tacoma.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-5 with two RBI for AAA Reno.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 3-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall slugged his third home run of the season and drove in three runs for low A Augusta.
  • Former UofL outfielder Josh Richmond was 3-5 with two doubles, one RBI and one run scored.
  • One-time UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson lost his no hitter in the eighth inning but still earned a win after surrendering three runs on four hits in eight and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three.
  • Former Union College right-handed pitcher Marty Popham struck out three batters in four hitless innings in a start for high A Kinston.
  • Paducah native Jonathan Roof was 3-4 with one run scored for low A Hickory.
  • Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 3-5 with one double, one triple and two runs scored for AA Birmingham.

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.

Kentuckians highlight Baseball America draft report cards

Minor League Baseball

Chris Bisson; Photo: UK Athletics

Baseball America has released its annual draft report cards for each of the 30 MLB organization’s. Kentucky saw 57 players with some tie to the Bluegrass State drafted this season, so it is no surprise that several Kentucky players were mentioned in the draft report cards. Check out those report cards below, remembering that all links require a subscription:

 

  • John Manuel ranks PRP alum and St. Louis Cardinals’ first-round pick Zack Cox the best hitter, best power hitter and closest to the majors from the Cardinals’ draft.
  • Jim Callis ranks former UK infielder Chris Bisson the best athlete in the San Diego Padres’ draft and one of the best runners.
  • Manuel ranks former UK outfielder Lance Ray one of the three best pure hitters from the Minnesota Twins’ draft.
  • Callis lists Paducah native Jonathan Roof among Texas Rangers’ draftees with the most intriguing background, noting the Roof family’s baseball prominence.
  • Callis mentions former Morehead St. infielder and Mount Sterling native Drew Lee among the Chicago White Sox’s best professional debuts.
  • Manuel lists Campbellsville University non-drafted free agent catcher Richie Rowland in the intriguing background category of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ report card as he teamed with his brother at rookie-level Missoula.
  • Callis mentions Lexington native Jeremy Shelby among the fastest runners and most intriguing backgrounds in the Baltimore Orioles’ draft.

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: Legends win; Hot Rods lose; Jones picks up eighth win; Wilson homers; Ray perfect at plate

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Lexington Legends pounded out 15 hits en route to a 9-4 win over Hagerstown. First baseman Kody Hinze was 2-5 with two doubles, one RBI and three runs scored.
  • The Lansing Lugnuts scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to send the Bowling Green Hot Rods to a 10-9 loss. First baseman Ryan Wiegand was 2-4 with a home run, double, three RBI and one run scored.
  • The Louisville Bats were off Monday.
  • Former NKU left-handed pitcher Jarrett Casey fell to 0-4 on the season for rookie-level Bristol despite surrendering just one run on three hits in six innings. Casey struck out six and walked just one.
  • Former NKU right-handed pitcher Nathan Jones earned his eighth win of the season with a quality start for high A Winston-Salem. Jones surrendered three runs on nine hits in six innings and struck out three.
  • Former UK outfielder John Shelby was 2-4 with a double, run scored and two stolen bases for AA Birmingham.
  • Former UK first baseman Lance Ray was 3-3 with a RBI and run scored for low A Beloit.
  • Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich tallied three hits and scored one run for short-season Hudson Valley.
  • Paducah native and 2010 Rangers draftee Jonathan Roof was 3-4 with a double, RBI and run scored for low A Hickory.
  • Covington native Neil Wilson slugged his fourth home run of the season for AAA New Orleans.
  • Louisville native and 2010 Giants draftee Stephen Shackleford picked up his first professional save with two scoreless innings for the rookie-level AZL Giants.
  • Former Morehead St. shortstop and 2010 White Sox draftee Drew Lee saw his 14-game hitting streak snapped with an 0-3 performance for rookie-level Bristol.

MiLB Roundup: Bats win; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Nidiffer homers; Adcock, Chowning, Sowers pick up wins

Minor League Baseball

Nathan Adcock; Photo by mwlguide via Flickr

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats pounded out 11 hits behind recently demoted Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Micah Owings en route to an 8-3 win over Gwinnet. Owings surrendered just one run on one hit in three innings, and shortstop Zack Cozart, third baseman Juan Francisco, right fielder Daniel Dorn and catcher Corky Miller each homered for Louisville.
  • The Lexington Legends tallied seven hits but couldn’t score a run in a 3-0 loss to Savannah. Right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue took the loss despite surrendering just two runs in six innings and striking out six batters.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods pitching was no match for the Cedar Rapids offense in a 7-2 loss to the Kernels. Third baseman Julio Cedeno was 2-4 with a run scored for the Hot Rods.
  • Former UK catcher and 2010 Astros NDFA Marcus Nidiffer slugged his eighth home run of the season, drove in three runs and scored twice for rookie-level Greeneville.
  • Elizabethtown native Nathan Adcock earned his eighth win of the season after holding Dunedin scoreless for six innings on just two hits for high A Bradenton.
  • Louisville native and 2010 Astros draftee Jason Chowning picked up his first professional win with three scoreless innings of relief for short-season Tri-City.
  • Boyd County High School alum and 2010 Royals NDFA Tyler Gatrell earned his eighth save of the season for the rookie-level AZL Royals and still hasn’t surrendered an earned run in his professional career over 13 and one-third innings.
  • Former UK outfielder Antone DeJesus was 3-4 with a walk, run scored and one RBI for AA Springfield.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 3-4 with a double, run scored and RBI for low A Augusta.
  • Former EKU infielder Neil Sellers was 3-4 with a double and two RBI for AAA Lehigh Valley.
  • Ballard High School alum Jeremy Sowers earned just his second win of the season for AAA Columbus with two scoreless innings of relief Sunday.
  • Paducah native and 2010 Rangers draftee Jonathan Roof was 2-5 with three RBI and one run scored for low A Hickory.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends all lose; Wunderlich homers; Rusin loses

Minor League Baseball
Chris Rusin; Photo by UK Athletics

Chris Rusin; Photo: UK Athletics

Late highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats couldn’t muster any offense against Lehigh Valley in a 5-1 loss to the Iron Pigs. First baseman Yonder Alonso was 2-4 with a double for the Bats.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods tallied just two hits in a 5-0 shutout loss to Peoria. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Lobstein surrendered five runs in six innings to take the loss.
  • Left-handed pitcher Brad Dydalewicz surrendered 10 runs in just four innings in the Lexington Legends 15-4 loss to Hickory. Left fielder Jacob Goebbert was 3-4 with a home run, one RBI and two runs scored.
  • Paducah native Jonathan Roof was 2-5 with one RBI and one run scored for Hickory in the game.
  • Former UofL infielder and 2010 Rays draftee Phil Wunderlich was 2-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored for short-season Hudson Valley.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin fell to 3-3 on the season for high A Daytona after surrendering seven runs, two of which were earned, in four and two-third innings.
  • Lexington native Jeremy Shelby tripled and drove in three runs for rookie-level Bluefield.