Three of the four affiliates won, and it seemed like home runs were flying out of the park throughout the system.
Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 12, Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) 3
Norfolk managed to have more runs than hits thanks to five walks and two errors by Memphis. Jackson Holliday had a big night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and a walk. Connor Norby was similarly productive with a 2-for-4 game that included a long ball, two runs, and a walk. Daniel Johnson and Nick Maton also had two-hit performances and a home run each. Coby Mayo was hitless, but he did work two walks.
Connor Can HIT!! Tides up 5-2 after this home run from @norby_connor #RisingTide pic.twitter.com/n0U70DW5IO
— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) May 9, 2024
Justin Armbruester delivered a quality start on the mound. Over six innings he allowed three runs on five hits, two walks, and five strikeouts to earn the win. Jonathan Heasley tossed two shutout innings in relief. And Dillon Tate wrapped things up with a scoreless ninth inning.
Double-A: Akron RubberDucks (Guardians) 9, Bowie Baysox 2
The rehabbing Austin Hays was the majority of Bowie’s offense. As the DH, Hays went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run. There were no other extra-base hits. Samuel Basallo went 0-for-3 with a walk and was thrown out trying to steal second base. Frederick Bencosme and Jud Fabian were both 1-for-4. Collin Burns singled and stole a base.
AUSTIN HAYS (again!) https://t.co/NZrpaurBZ2 pic.twitter.com/GuLjkxD73s
— Bowie Baysox (@BowieBaysox) May 8, 2024
Five different pitchers were used by the Baysox. Ryan Long started but stuck around for just 1.2 innings as he served up four runs on six hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. Kyle Virbitsky allowed two runs over 1.1 innings. Cameron Weston quieted things down a bit in the middle innings as he made it through 3.1 innings and gave up just one run on two hits, a walk, and four strikeouts. Trey McGough coughed up a pair of runs over his 1.2 frames. Nick Richmond work a scoreless ninth inning.
High-A: Aberdeen IronBirds 6, Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) 5
Aberdeen was also the beneficiary of a rehabbing big leaguer. Terrin Vavra had three hits, including a double, and drove in a pair of runs to lead the offense. Creed Willems hit his seventh home run of the season. Enrique Bradfield Jr. was 1-for-4 with a walk, a run scored, and an RBI. Max Wagner had a hit and two walks. Mac Horvath and Douglas Hodo III both doubled.
And he’s homered again tonight. Over the shed. https://t.co/0HkGd6fPyO pic.twitter.com/AoCQt4pbyC
— The Verge- An Orioles MiLB Podcast (@TheVergePod) May 9, 2024
Juan Nuñez racked up six strikeouts over 4.1 innings while allowing three runs on three hits and three walks. Luis Sánchez and Dominic Freeberger allowed one run each across 1.2 and 1.0 innings, respectively. Yaqui Rivera earned his first save of the season with two scoreless innings, lowering his season ERA to 0.77.
Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 9, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox) 2
It’s been a tough start to the season for Delmarva, but the team has suddenly gotten hot. Over their last six games they are 5-1, which has improved their season record to 8-20. Both the offense and defense were clicking in this one.
The Shorebirds lineup combined for 15 hits and four walks. Anderson De Los Santos went 4-for-5 with a home run and two runs scored. Aron Estrada had three hits and a stolen base. Angel Tejada homered and drove in three runs. Jake Cunningham recorded a pair of hits, including a double, and stole a base. Aneudis Mordán smacked a solo homer.
On the mound, Delmarva did not allow any earned runs to score. Luis De León was the standout with four scoreless innings in which he gave up just one hit and two walks while striking out six. Brayner Sánchez did give up two unearned runs over his 1.2 innings due to a throwing error from De Los Santos. Jiorgeny Casimiri and Alejandro Méndez combined to throw 3.1 scoreless frames to finish up the winning effort.
Thursday’s Schedule
- Norfolk: at Memphis, 12:05. SP: Chayce McDermott (1-1, 2.89 ERA)
- Bowie: vs Akron, 6:35. SP: Trace Bright (0-3, 3.47 ERA)
- Aberdeen: vs Hudson Valley, 7:05. SP: Zach Fruit (0-2, 2.95 ERA)
- Delmarva: at Kannapolis, 6:30. SP: Michael Forret (2-1, 2.41 ERA)
- FCL: at Twins, 12:00, SP: TBD