Matt Klinker

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: 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: 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, Legends lose; Jones, Albers credited with wins; Shaffer, Strieby homer; Kuhn has 3 hits

Minor League Baseball

Ryan Strieby; Photo via Flickr by mwlguide

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Indianapolis scored seven runs over the final two innings to send the Louisville Bats to a 10-4 loss. One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker took the loss for the Bats after surrendering seven runs on five hits in two innings.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods tallied just three hits in an 8-2 loss to Dayton. Left-handed pitcher Enny Romero took the loss after surrendering five runs on five hits in three and two-third innings.
  • One day after two players each hit three home runs, the Lexington Legends also tallied just three hits in a 4-1 loss to Asheville. Right-handed pitcher Michael Foltynewicz took the loss despite surrendering three runs on six hits in six innings while striking out three batters and walking three.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-4 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored for AA Jackson and is batting .400 on the season.
  • Covington native and former NKU right-handed pitcher Nathan Jones earned his first win of the season after pitching a scoreless inning of relief for AA Birmingham.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored for AAA Toledo.
  • Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 3-5 with one double, one triple, three RBI and one run scored for AA Birmingham.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers eared his first win since 2008 after surrendering one run in one and one-third innings of relief for high A Fort Meyers.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took a no decision after surrendering two runs on six hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking one in a start for AA Tennessee.
  • Former UK infielder Chris Bisson was 2-5 with two stolen bases for low A Fort Wayne.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-4 with two doubles and one run scored for low A Augusta.
  • Louisville native and former Murray St. first baseman Wes Cunningham was 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored for low A Fort Wayne.

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.

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.

Top Reds’ prospects highlight Bats Opening Day roster

Minor League Baseball

The Louisville Bats have unveiled the team’s Opening Day roster, which is highlighted by five of the Cincinnati Reds’ top 10 prospects according to Baseball America. The Bats will also feature right-handed pitcher Matt Klinker, who spent some time at Madisonville North Hopkins High School before moving to Ohio. Check out the full roster below:

Pitchers

  • RHP — Scott Carroll — Kansas City, Mo. — 3rd Round (2007)
  • LHP — Tom Cochran — Wilmington, Del. — 20th round, Red Sox (2003)
  • RHP — Carlos Fisher — West Covina, Cal. — 11th round (2005)
  • RHP — Jerry Gil — San Pedro de Macoris, DR — FA, D’Backs (1999)
  • LHP — Daniel Ray Herrera — Odessa, Tex. — 45th round (2006)
  • LHP — Jeremy Horst — Cheyenne, Wyo. — 21st round (2007)
  • RHP — David Johnson — Los Angeles, Cal. — 15th round, Brewers (2004)
  • RHP — Matt Klinker — Peru, Ind. (Madisonville, Ky.) — 15th round (2007)
  • LHP — Joseph Krebs — Denton, Tex. — 14th round (2007)
  • RHP — Kyle McCulloch — Houston, Tex. — 1st round, White Sox (2006)
  • RHP — Chad Reineke — Defiance, Ohio — 13th round, Astros (2004)
  • LHP — Dontrelle Willis — Oakland, Cal. — 8th round, Cubs (2000)

Catchers

  • Devin Mesoraco — Dubois, Penn. — 1st round (2007)
  • Corky Miller — Yucaipa, Cal. — NDFA (1998)

Infielders

  • 1B — Yonder Alonso –Havana, Cuba — 1st round (2008)
  • SS — Zack Cozart — Memphis, Tenn. — 2nd round (2007)
  • 1B — Daniel Dorn — San Dimas, Cal. — 32nd round (2006)
  • 1B — Michael Griffin — Corpus Christi, Tex. — 14th round (2005)
  • SS — Kris Negron — Willingboro, N. J. — 7th round, Red Sox (2006)
  • 2B — Chris Valaika — Santa Monica, Cal. — 3rd Round (2006)

Outfielders

  • Brian Barton — Los Angeles, Cal. — NDFA (2004)
  • Todd Frazier — Point Pleasant, N. J. — 1st supp. round (2007)
  • Jeremy Hermida — Atlanta, Ga. — 1st round, Marlins (2002)
  • Dave Sappelt — Graham, N. C. — 9th round (2008)

Spring roundup: Todd Wellemeyer, Josh Lueke get wins

Uncategorized

Todd Wellemeyer; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Highlights and stats from Tuesday Kentucky Spring Training action:

  • Louisville native and former Bellarmine right-handed pitcher Todd Wellemeyer was credited with the win after throwing two scoreless innings for the Chicago Cubs. Wellemeyer struck out two batters and surrendered just one hit.
  • Highland Heights native and former NKU right-handed pitcher Josh Lueke was credited with the win after surrendering one hit in one scoreless inning for the Seattle Mariners.
  • On the same day that news broke of his February DUI arrest, Lexington native Austin Kearns was 2-3 with one run scored for the Cleveland Indians.
  • In that same game PLD alum A. J. Ellis struck out in his only at-bat for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Washington Nationals right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard, who was born in Lexington, struck out two batters in one scoreless inning.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 1-4 with one run scored while starting as the designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers.
  • Louisville native Zack Cox walked in his only plate appearance for the St. Louis Cardinals.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere walked in his only plate appearance for the Minnesota Twins.
  • One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker surrendered three runs in two innings of relief for the Cincinnati Reds.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 0-1 for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • Baltimore Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds, who was born in Pikeville, was 0-3 with two strikeouts.
  • Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, who was born in Louisville, was 0-2 with one strikeout.
  • In that same game Braves left-handed pitcher Jonny Venters, who was born in Pikeville, walked one batter in a scoreless inning.

Kentuckians on MLB Spring Training rosters

Major League Baseball

MLB graphic

Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training camps across Florida and Arizona. In addition to the 17 Kentuckians who appeared in the major leagues last season, several Kentucky minor leaguers are also in MLB camps this Spring. Check out the full list below, remembering that some other minor leaguers will see time during split squad games this Spring.

National League

  • RHP Michael Broadway — Born in Paducah, Ky. — Atlanta Braves*
  • 2B Dan Uggla — Born in Louisville, Ky. — Atlanta Braves
  • LHP Jonny Venters — Born in Pikeville, Ky. — Atlanta Braves
  • OF Corey Hart — Greenwood HS — Milwaukee Brewers
  • RHP Sean Green — Male HS, UofL — Milwaukee Brewers
  • 3B Zack Cox — PRP — St. Louis Cardinals
  • LHP Trever Miller — Trinity HS — St. Louis Cardinals
  • RHP Todd Wellemeyer — Eastern HS, Bellarmine — Chicago Cubs
  • OF Collin Cowgill — Henry Clay HS, UK — Arizona Diamondbacks*
  • C A. J. Ellis — PLD — Los Angeles Dodgers
  • RHP Tyler Clippard — Born in Lexington, Ky. — Washington Nationals
  • RHP Joe Blanton — Franklin Simpson HS, UK — Philadelphia Phillies
  • RHP Matt Anderson — St. X — Philadelphia Phillies*
  • RHP Matt Klinker — Madisonville, Ky. — Cincinnati Reds*
  • LHP Christian Friedrich — EKU — Colorado Rockies*
  • LHP Aaron Cook — Born in Fort Campbell, Ky. — Colorado Rockies

American League

  • LHP Scott Downs — PRP, UK — Los Angeles Angels
  • RHP Trystan Magnuson — UofL — Oakland Athletics
  • RHP Jon Rauch — Oldham Co. HS, Morehead St. — Toronto Blue Jays
  • 2B Jason Kipnis — UK — Cleveland Indians*
  • OF Austin Kearns — Lafayette HS — Cleveland Indians
  • RHP Josh Lueke — Scott HS, NKU — Seattle Mariners
  • RHP Shawn Kelley — Ballard HS — Seattle Mariners
  • RHP Chaz Roe — Lafayette HS — Seattle Mariners
  • 3B Mark Reynolds — Born in Pikeville, Ky. — Baltimore Orioles
  • RHP Brandon Webb — Boyd Co. HS, UK — Texas Rangers
  • RHP Cory Wade — Ky. Wesleyan — Tampa Bay Rays*
  • RHP Nathan Adcock — North Hardin HS — Kansas City Royals
  • 1B Ryan Strieby — UK — Detroit Tigers
  • OF Ben Revere — Lexington Catholic HS — Minnesota Twins
  • RHP Nathan Jones — Pendelton Co. HS, NKU — Chicago White Sox

* — Denotes a non-roster invitee.

Final Kentucky winter league statistics

Minor League Baseball

Juan Francisco; Photo by mwlguide via Flickr

Earlier this offseason we brought you the final statistics from the prestigious Arizona Fall League. With the Caribbean Winter Leagues wrapping up their season I thought we’d bring you a rundown of Kentucky performances from those leagues:

  • Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports Louisville Bats third baseman Juan Francisco was named the MVP of the Dominican Winter League for the second consecutive season.
  • Francisco batted .322 with eight home runs, 30 RBI, 29 runs scored for Gigantes del Cibao.
  • PLD alum Josh Ellis, a right-handed pitcher and Diamondbacks’ farmhand, pitched two scoreless innings for Gigantes.
  • One-time Madisonville resident and 2010 Louisville Bat Matt Klinker was 2-2 with an 8.40 ERA in four starts for Yaquis de Obregon of the Mexican Winter League.
  • Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez batted .357 with seven RBI, six runs scored and a stolen base in 10 games for Leones de Ponce of the Puerto Rican Winter Baseball League.
  • Former UK outfielder Antone DeJesus batted .343 with three RBI, six runs scored and a stolen base in 25 games for Indios de Mayaguez of the Puerto Rican Winter League.