Lance Ray

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: 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, 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.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Hot Rods lose; Legends split DH; Shelby has three hits; Ray homers; Wiley, Shaffer streaking

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Wednesday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored five runs in the first inning and added some late insurance in a 10-4 win over Indianapolis. One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking one. Center fielder Dave Sappelt was 3-5 with one home run, two RBI and three runs scored.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods‘ late rally fell just short in a 3-2 loss to Fort Wayne. Right-handed pitcher Eliazer Suero surrendered two hits in five scoreless innings of relief while striking out two batters and walking none.
  • The Lexington Legends split a double-header with Hagerstown with a 1-0 loss in game one and a 6-4 win in game two. In game one right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz took the loss despite surrendering just one run on five hits in six innings while striking out three batters and walking one. In game two first baseman Tyler Burnett was 2-2 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Hagerstown right fielder Bryce Harper, the 2010 No. 1 pick, slugged his first professional home run in game two.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored for AA Montgomery.
  • Richmond native and former UK outfielder Keenan Wiley extended his hitting streak to five games for low A Rome with a 2-4, one double, one walk and two runs scored performance.
  • Former UK first baseman Lance Ray slugged his first home run and scored three times for low A Beloit.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended hits hitting streak to five games with a double for AA Jackson.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took a no decision despite surrendering six runs on nine hits in four innings in a start for AA Tennessee. Rusin struck out five batters and walked one.
  • Paducah native Daniel Webb struggled in his season debut for low A Lansing and took a loss after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in three innings.

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 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.

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 Rookie MiLB Leaderboard

Minor League Baseball

Yesterday we looked at the hitting and pitching leaderboards for full-season Kentucky minor leaguers in advance of the BluGrass Baseball MiLB awards post. If you saw that post you already know former UK catcher Marcus Nidiffer was named the rookie of the year, but looking at the statistical leaders among players that made their professional debuts in 2010 is still helpful.

Batting Average (2.7 PA/team game)

  • Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – .330
  • Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – .295
  • Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – .291
  • Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .290
  • Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .289

On-base Percentage

  • Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .415
  • Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – .401
  • Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .372
  • Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – .372
  • Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – .372

Slugging Percentage

  • Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – .535
  • Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) — .478
  • Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .449
  • Drew Lee (R Bristol) – .435
  • Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .417

Runs

  • Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 40
  • Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – 34
  • Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – 32
  • Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 32
  • Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 31

HR

  • Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 14
  • Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 5
  • Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – 5
  • Adam Duvall (SS Salem-Keizer) – 4
  • Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 4
  • Jayson Langfels (SS Tri-City) – 4

RBI

  • Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – 41
  • Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 39
  • Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 36
  • Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 36
  • Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – 34

Stolen Bases

  • Cameron Conner (R Idaho Falls) – 15
  • Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 9
  • Matt Payton (R GCL Phillies) – 9
  • Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – 7
  • Chris Bisson (SS Eugene) – 5
  • Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 5

Hit the jump to see the pitching leaders.

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MiLB Roundup: Popham combines on no-no; Goebbert sets RBI record in Legends win; Bats, Hot Rods lose

Minor League Baseball

Henry Mabee; Photo by Wigstruck via Flickr

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Former Union College right-handed pitcher Marty Popham pitched the first seven innings of high A Kinston’s 10-inning combined no-hitter. Popham struck out eight and walked two.
  • The Louisville Bats suffered a 5-3 loss to Indianapolis after a former Florence Freedom pitcher Chris Jakubauskas surrendered three runs in five innings for the Indians. Third baseman Eric Eymann was 2-4 with a run scored for Louisville.
  • The Lexington Legends used a five-run third inning to record a 9-3 win over Rome. Left fielder Jacob Goebbert set the Legends single-season RBI record with a 3-4, two double, two RBI, three-run-scored performance.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods suffered their second straight loss to Great Lakes with a 5-2 defeat. No Hot Rod recorded multiple hits in the game.
  • Former UK outfielder Lance Ray reach based four times for low A Beloit with two singles, two walks and a run scored.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez slugged his 20th home run and 99th RBI for low A Augusta.
  • Former UofL catcher and 2010 Giants draftee Jeff Arnold slugged his third home run of the season for short-season Salem-Keizer.
  • Former EKU infielder Neil Sellers slugged his sixth home run of the season for AAA Lehigh Valley.
  • Former NKU right-handed pitcher Nathan Jones posted a quality start after surrendering three runs in six innings for high A Winston-Salem but still suffered a loss.
  • Former Murray St. left-handed pitcher Daniel Calhoun improved to 10-0 on the season with a win in his third straight appearance for low A Quad Cities.
  • Former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Henry Mabee improved to 4-6 on the season after pitching two and two-third scoreless innings.
  • Danville native and 2010 Diamondbacks draftee Blake Perry mad his professional debut with a scoreless inning for rookie-level Missoula.
  • Paducah native Daniel Webb earned his first win for low A Lansing after surrendering one run in six and two-third innings.

August Awards: Kentucky MiLB Alumni

Minor League Baseball

Logan Darnell; BluGrass Baseball photo

In the fourth August awards post we’ll look at the month’s best performances from alumni of Kentucky schools and those born in the state from around Minor League Baseball:

Hitter of the month: OF Jake Shaffer (High  Desert Mavericks)

  • The former NKU outfielder has been among Kentucky’s best minor leaguers all season and August was no exception. Shaffer batted .356 with three home runs, 20 RBI and 16 runs scored for the month. The Walton native boasted a 1.038 OPS for the month.
  • Honorable Mention: Tyler Kuhn, Shawn Roof, Wade Gaynor, Wes Cunningham, Phil Wunderlich, Lance Ray, Keenan Wiley, John Shelby, Jason Kipnis

Pitcher of the month: LHP Logan Darnell (Elizabethton Twins)

  • The former UK left-handed pitcher struggled as a starter in college, but has been lights out since moving to the rotation for rookie-level Elizabethton. Darnell was 2-2 with a 1.33 ERA and 25 strikeouts compared to just five walks in 27 August innings. Darnell made five starts in the month and has a 1.44 ERA as a starter on the season.
  • Honorable Mention: Chris Rusin, Justin Marks, Bart Carter, Nathan Adcock, Nathan Jones, Marty Popham