Logan Darnell

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.

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: 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: 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, 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 closer

College Baseball

Braden Kapteyn; Photo: UK Athletics

In the next-to-last post in the “offseason position battle” series we will look at the vacant University of Kentucky closer position.

The departed — Right-handed pitcher Matt Little posted a strong season as UK’s closer in 2010 during his only season with the Cats. Little, who was a junior-college transfer, was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 31st round of the 2010 draft. The Virginia native was 2-2 with a 4.93 ERA and seven saves in 2010. Little struck out 52 batters and walked 24 in 42 innings. He led the Cats with 24 appearances in 2010…Left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell, a 2010 junior and Minnesota Twins draftee, was UK’s primary closer in 2009 but served as a starter for most of the 2010 season. After returning to the bullpen late in conference play last season, Darnell saved one game in three relief appearances.

Returning candidates — The 2011 closer job is likely junior right-handed pitcher and first baseman Braden Kapteyn‘s job to lose after serving as one of UK’s top relievers last season. Kapteyn was 2-0 with a 4.09 ERA and 22 strikeouts to go with 15 walks in 22 innings last season. He saved two games last season. The slugger will also likely serve as UK’s primary designated hitter, giving him the flexibility to warm up in the bullpen during the late innings. During the summer 2010 Kapteyn was 3-1 with a 0.69 ERA in 15 relief appearances for the Harwich Mariners en route to being named a Cape Cod League all-star…Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Nick Kennedy has struggled to stay healthy during his UK career but offers the Cats a deceptive submarine look out of the pen. In his UK career Kennedy is 4-1 with a 4.21 ERA and two saves. He has struck out 42 and walked just 15 in 40 career innings.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell, freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott and freshman infielder and right-handed pitcher J. T. Riddle were all named first-team all-state by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association as seniors in high school and could serve as valuable relievers for UK in 2011…Freshman right-handed pitcher Jonathan Paquet was the 22nd round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010 and was highlighted by Gary Henderson in a recent interview with College Baseball Daily as a freshman who could be an earlier contributor for the Cats…Junior left-handed pitcher Alex Phillips struck out 83 and walked just seven batters in 71 innings for Lower Columbia College in 2010.

Wildcard — Returning middle relievers Walter Wijas and Mike Kaczmarek were both valuable weapons out of the UK bullpen in 2010. Wijas, a sophomore right-handed pitcher, was 0-0 with a 3.60 ERA in 14 games, including one start, last season. Kaczmarek, a senior left-handed pitcher, was 1-0 with a 5.32 ERA last season. Kaczmarek will likely see some time in the outfield for UK in 2011, but will be a left-handed specialist out of the pen. Either Wijas or Kaczmarek could work their way into a more pressurized role in 2011.

Offseason position battle: UK midweek starting pitcher

College Baseball

In the sixth University of Kentucky post in the “offseason position battle” series we will look at the vacant midweek starting pitcher positions:

The departed — UK returns each of its three weekend starting pitchers, but head coach Gary Henderson needs to fix a problem from the last two seasons by finding a suitable starting pitcher for midweek matchups to provide much-needed depth. Left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell, a 2010 senior, made 11 weekend starts for UK in 2010 before moving to the bullpen at the end of the season…Right-handed pitcher Sean Bouthilette, a 2010 sophomore, started seven games for the Cats in two years before transferring to Campbellsville University…Right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper was UK’s primary midweek starter early in the 2010 but cemented himself as the Cats’ Saturday starting pitcher during conference play and will reprise that role in 2011…Right-handed pitcher Joe Devine started three midweek games for UK in 2010 but transferred to Georgetown College prior to this season.

Returning candidates — Sophomore right-handed pitcher and outfielder Sam Kidd started five games for UK last season and finished the year 1-2 with an 8.89 ERA in 12 total appearances. Kidd didn’t last longer than four innings in any of his 12 appearances…Sophomore right-handed pitcher Walter Wijas excelled in a bullpen role for UK in 2010 but also pitched well in his one start on the season, earning a no decision after surrendering one run in three and one-third innings against Florida. Wijas also pitched four and one-third scoreless innings of relief in a UK win against LSU.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell was the 43rd round pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 MLB draft and a first-team all-state selection by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association as a senior at Trinity High School. Littrell was considered the top high school draft prospect in Kentucky and was the Louisville Slugger Kentucky High School Player of the Year. As a senior at Trinity, Littrell was 8-3 with a 1.90 ERA…Freshman right-handed pitcher Jonathan Paquet was the 36th round selection of the New York Yankees in the 2010 draft, even though his high school did not field a baseball team. Paquet made two starts for Quebec during the Baseball Canada Cup…Junior college transfer Alex Phillips started 12 games for Lower Columbia College in 2010, finishing the season 9-1 with a 1.52 ERA in 71 innings pitched.

Wildcard — Freshman infielder and right-handed pitcher J. T. Riddle, 2010 Mr. Kentucky Baseball, will likely push for early playing time on offense but could also serve a valuable role as a midweek starter or reliever. Riddle was 8-0 with a 1.26 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 60 innings as a senior at Western Hill High School en route to a first-team all-state selection by the KHSBCA. Riddle walked just 12 batters as senior in high school.

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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