MiLB roundup: Wunderlich HR leads Hot Rods to win; Bats, Legends lose; Arnold has three hits; Strieby, Shelby homer

Minor League Baseball

Jeff Arnold; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods scored a single run in the ninth inning to earn a 9-8 win over Lake County. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 3-5 with one home run, one RBI and three runs scored, and shortstop Derek Dietrich was 2-4 with one home run, five RBIs and two runs scored.
  • The Louisville Bats blew a ninth-inning lead in a 6-5 loss to Buffalo. Shortstop Zach Cozart was 3-4 with one home run, one RBIs and one run scored, and third baseman Todd Frazier was 3-4 with two doubles, one RBI and two runs scored.
  • The Lexington Legends and Hagerstown Suns each tallied 11 hits, but the Legends left 11 men on base in an 8-2 loss. First baseman Tyler Burnett was 3-4 with one RBI and one run scored.
  • Louisville native and former UofL catcher Jeff Arnold was 2-4 with one double, two RBI and two runs scored for low A Augusta.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby slugged his fourth home run and drove in two runs for AAA Toledo.
  • Former Kentucky Wesleyan right-handed pitcher Cory Wade earned his first win of the season with a scoreless inning of relief for AAA Durham and boasts a 1.00 ERA in 18 innings in 2011.
  • Danville native Patrick Cooper earned his first win of the season with two scoreless innings of relief for low A West Michigan
  • Former UK infielder Gunner Glad was 2-4 with one double, two RBIs and one run scored for low A Beloit.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby slugged his fourth home run of the season for AA Montgomery.
  • Former UK infielder Chris Bisson drove in three runs for low A Fort Wayne.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took a no decision after surrendering four runs on five hits in five innings while striking out six batters and walking two for AA Tennessee.
  • Louisville native and former Bellarmine right-handed pitcher Todd Wellemeyer took the loss in his season debut, surrendering four runs on eight hits in three and two-third innings for AAA Iowa.

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.

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.

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, Hot Rods win; Cooper gets victory; Shelby, Kuhn have big games; Blevins promoted

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Sunday MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats evened its series with Toledo with a 8-0 shutout win. First baseman Yonder Alonso, catcher Devin Mesoraco and right-fielder Danny Dorn each homered for Louisville.
  • Kentuckians Michael Bertram and Shawn Roof were each 1-4 in the game for Toledo.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods evened its series with Fort Wayne with a 7-5 win. Right-handed pitcher Albert Suarez earned his first win of the season after surrendering one run in five innings.
  • The Lexington Legends were off Sunday.
  • Former UK outfielder John Shelby was 3-5 with two runs scored for AA Birmingham.
  • Former Murray St. first baseman Wes Cunningham extended his hitting streak to 12 games for short-season Eugene with a 2-4 performance.
  • Danville native and 2010 Tigers draftee Patrick Cooper improved to 4-2 on the season after surrendering one run in six and two-third innings for low A West Michigan.
  • Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 4-5 with a home run, five RBI and three runs scored for AA Birmingham.
  • Louisa native Steven Blevins was promoted to AA New Britain where he pitched three and two-third scoreless innings in his debut.
  • Paducah native Michael Broadway earned his fourth win of the season for AAA Gwinnett with two scoreless innings of relief.
  • Boyd County native Tyler Gatrell picked up his 12th save of the season for the rookie-level AZL Royals.

MiLB Roundup: Legends catcher hits three HRs in loss; Cooper defeats Hot Rods; Bats lose; Rusin, Marks win

Minor League Baseball
Chris Rusin; Photo by UK Athletics

Chris Rusin; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats snapped their eight-game winning streak with a 12-4 loss to Columbus. Designated hitter Wladimir Balentien was 2-4 with a triple, home run, two RBI and two runs scored.
  • The Lexington Legends blew an 8-2 sixth inning lead in an eventual 10-8 loss to West Virginia. Catcher Ben Heath posted one of the best performances of the season, going 3-4 with three home runs, seven RBI and three runs scored.
  • Danville native and 2010 Tigers draftee Patrick Cooper held the Bowling Green Hot Rods scoreless for six and one-third innings in a 4-2 West Michigan win. Cooper surrendered just two hits in the start.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin won his second consecutive start for AA Tennessee after surrendering two unearned runs in six innings. Rusin struck out six and walked one.
  • One-time UK outfielder Jason Kipnis was 2-5 with a home run, two RBI and one run scored for AA Akron.
  • Former UK catcher and 2010 Astros NDFA Marcus Nidiffer was promoted to short-season Tri-City of the New York-Penn League where he went 1-3 in his debut.
  • Former UK outfielder Sawyer Carroll slugged his seventh home run of the season for AA San Antonio.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez slugged his 18th home run and drove in four runs for low A Augusta.
  • Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks picked up his second consecutive win after surrendering one run in six innings for high A Stockton.
  • Former NKU left-handed pitcher and 2010 White Sox draftee Jarrett Casey surrendered just five hits in 10 shutout innings but still took a no decision for rookie-level Bristol.

MiLB Roundup: Bats win 11th straight; Hot Rods, Legends lose; Rusin loses AA debut; Revere injured on HBP

Minor League Baseball
Chris Rusin; Photo by UK Athletics

Chris Rusin; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats extended their season-high winning streak to 11 games with a 4-3 victory in 12 innings over Columbus. Rehabbing Cincinnati Reds outfielder Chris Dickerson was 3-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored for the Bats.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods scored six runs in the fourth inning but still lost 9-6 to South Bend. Third baseman Julio Cedeno tallied three hits and shortstop Kyle Spraker slugged his third home run of the season.
  • The Lexington Legends outhit Hagerstown 12-7 but still suffered an 8-5 loss to the Suns. Designated hitter Kody Hinze was 3-4 with a home run, two RBI and one run scored.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere had to leave his game for AA New Britain after being hit in the face by a pitch.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took the loss in his debut with AA Tennessee despite surrendering just one unearned run in five innings. Rusin struck out four and walked three.
  • Danville native and 2010 Tigers draftee Patrick Cooper took a no decision for low A West Michigan after surrendering two runs in eight hits in five innings.
  • Former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-5 with a double and RBI for AA Mobile.
  • Former UK first baseman/outfielder Lance Ray was 2-3 with his third home run of the season, three RBI and two runs scored for low A Beloit.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez sent low A Augusta to victory with a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 15th inning.
  • Former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-3 with his seventh home run of the season, one RBI and two runs scored for high A High Desert.
  • One game after snapping his 14-game hitting streak, former Morehead St. shortstop and 2010 White Sox draftee Drew Lee was 3-3 with a walk, double, RBI and run scored for rookie-level Bristol.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods all win; Ross wins third straight; Newton, Shaffer each drive in four

Minor League Baseball

Jordan Newton; Photo by MWLguide via Flickr

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Louisville Bats right-handed pitcher Matt Maloney earned his third consecutive win in three starts after pitching seven shutout innings in Louisville’s 2-0 win over Charlotte. Maloney surrendered just two hits and struck out five batters while walking none.
  • Lexington Legends left-handed pitcher Luis Cruz struck out ten batters and surrendered just one run in seven and two-third innings to lead the Legends to a 4-1 win over Delmarva. Left fielder Jacob Goebbert was 2-4 with two doubles and three RBI in the win.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods finished the perfect night for Kentucky minor league teams with a 6-3 win over Dayton. Left fielder Cody Rogers and designated hitter Bennett Davis both homered for the Hot Rods.
  • LCA alum Robbie Ross picked up his third consecutive win for high A Baskersfield after surrendering two runs on three hits in seven innings. Ross struck out five and walked two.
  • Boyle County native and 2010 Tigers draftee Patrick Cooper was promoted to low A West Michigan where he took a no decision in his first start after surrendering one run in five innings.
  • Former UofL infielder Justin McClanahan slugged his third home run of the season for high A Dunedin.
  • Former WKU catcher Jordan Newton was 3-6 with four RBI for high A Bradenton.
  • Former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-5 with a double and four RBI for high A High Desert.
  • Former Morehead St. shortstop and 2010 White Sox draftee Drew Lee extended his hitting streak to 11 games for rookie-level Bristol.
  • Paducah native and Shawn Roof was promoted to AAA Toledo where he went 2-4 in his debut.

MiLB Action: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods win; Dominguez, Cowgill, Ray, Wunderlich, Conner homer; Royse shines

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats recorded a 3-2 win over Gwinnet behind right-handed pitcher Matt Maloney, who surrendered just two runs in six and two-third innings. First baseman Todd Frazier was 2-3 with a run scored.
  • The Lexington Legends scored three runs in the bottom of the tenth inning to earn a come-from-behind 9-8 win over Savannah. Second baseman Jose Altuve was 4-5 with a run scored, and left fielder Jacob Goebbert drove home the winning run with a single.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods held off a late Cedar Rapids rally to earn a 5-3 win. Third baseman Bennett Davis was 2-3 with a run scored and two RBI.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 3-4 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored for low A Augusta.
  • Former UofL right-handed pitcher and 2010 White Sox drafteeThomas Royse took a no decision despite surrendering just one run on two hits in six innings for rookie-level Great Falls. Royse struck out six and walked none.
  • Former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 2-4 with his eleventh home run of the season, one RBI and one run scored for AA Mobile.
  • Former UK outfielder and 2010 Twins draftee Lance Ray slugged his second home run of the season for low A Beloit.
  • Former UofL infielder and 2010 Rays draftee Phil Wunderlich slugged his third professional home run for short-season Hudson Valley.
  • Former WKU catcher Jordan Newton slugged his first home run of the season since returning to affiliated ball with high A Bradenton.
  • Former Campbellsville catcher and 2010 Diamondbacks NDFA Richie Rowland was 3-4 with a double, walk and two RBI for rookie-level Missoula.
  • Frankfort native and 2010 Royals draftee Cameron Conner slugged his first professional home run for the rookie-level AZL Royals.
  • Danville native and 2010 Tigers draftee Patrick Cooper took a no decision after surrendering four runs in six innings for short-season Connecticut.

MiLB Roundup: Bats win; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Carroll, Whiting have big nights; Cooper, Sullivan win

Minor League Baseball

Sawyer Carroll; Photo: UK Athletics

A little late today, but here are highlights from Friday MiLB action:

  • Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman pick up his sixth win of the season for the Louisville Bats in the team’s 7-3 victory over Lehigh Valley. Chapman struck out all four batters he faced. Gary Matthews Jr. and Juan Francisco each homered for the Bats.
  • The Lexington Legends couldn’t muster any more offense than a single second inning run in their 3-1 loss to Hickory. Left-handed pitcher Luis Cruz took the loss despite surrendering just three runs in six and two-third innings.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods dropped a 6-3 decision to Burlington. First baseman Ryan Wiegand was 2-3 with a double and two RBI.
  • Danville native Patrick Cooper earned his second professional win after surrendering just one run in six innings. Cooper struck out seven and walked just three.
  • Former UK outfielder Sawyer Carroll was 3-5 with a walk, two RBI and two runs scored for AA San Antonio.
  • Former UofL outfielder Boomer Whiting was 3-5 with a double, two RBI, one run scored and a stolen base for AAA Syracuse.
  • Former WKU outfielder Chad Cregar slugged his tenth home run of the season for low A Greensboro.
  • Former NKU right-handed pitcher Nathan Jones surrendered just one unearned run in five innings for high A Winston-Salem but still took a no decision.
  • Former Campbellsville University outfielder Chris Curley slugger his first home run of the season for low A Rome.
  • Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe lost his tenth game of the season for AAA Colorado Springs after surrendering six runs in five innings.
  • Paducah native Daniel Webb pitched four shutout innings for short-season Auburn but didn’t qualify for the win.
  • Paducah native and 2010 draftee Jonathan Roof was promoted to low A Hickory where he went 1-4 in his debut.
  • Hawesville native and 2010 draftee Michael Mosby was reassigned to the rookie-level GCL Orioles where he went 2-4 in his debut.
  • Louisville native Richard Sullivan earned his third win of the season for AA Mississippi with three and one-third scoreless innings of relief.
  • Lexington native and 2010 draftee Tyler Oliver slugged his first professional home run for the rookie-level GCL Nationals.