Toledo 0, Columbus 1 (Indians)
In the first game of a double header, Columbus somehow managed to beat the Hens with a solo shot from Grady Sizemore in the top of the third. Toledo couldn’t turn 8 hits into a single run and Thad Weber (RHP) took the loss. Although he lost, Weber had a solid night with 6k over 6 IP and a sub-1 WHIP on the night.
Three Mud Hens had a two-hit game (Sizemore, Thorman, and Santos).
Toledo 3, Columbus 7 (Indians)
Although the Mud Hens took a 3-1 lead into the 4th inning, they gave up 6 runs in 4 innings to complete the sweep of the day. Scott Sizemore added another hit and a run in the 2nd game of the day. Sizemore is hitting .421 at AAA. Although we all know that doesn’t necessarily translate to MLB success with him, it’s still good to see him producing at a high level.
Clay Timpner (CF) and John Murrian (C) both went 2-3. 1 RBI each on the night for Perez, Dirks, and Murrian.
Robbie Weinhardt didn’t waste any time on the bench and pitched an inning in relief. He gave up 3 runs (only 1 earned). Chris Oxspring (RHP) takes the loss after going 3 innings and giving up 3 ER on 2 hits and 3 BBs.
Erie 1, Bowie 2 (Orioles)
L.J. Gagnier (RHP) started and lasted 6 IP while giving up 3 H, 2 ER. He managed to K 8 while only walking 2. Jared Gayhart (RHP) came on in relief and looked good striking out 2 and allowing only one base runner by way of a single.
The Sea Wolves’ hitters were stymied by a platoon of pitchers trotted out by Bowie. No notable offensive production (5 o-fer’s Bertram, Pounds, Holaday, Martinez, and Scram). The lone RBI went to Francisco Martinez (3B) on a sac fly.
Lakeland 4, Daytona 3 (Cubs)
Lakeland had a 3-0 lead going into the 4th before a 3-run Daytona rally tied the ball game. The game remained deadlocked at 3 until a 9th inning walk-off walk! The most exciting play in baseball….
Lakeland’s starter, Cole Nelson (LHP) went 4 innings giving up 5 hits, 3 ER, and walking 1. Teufel, Morrsion, and Faulk combined to pitch 5 innings of scoreless relief. Faulk picked up the win.
With the exception of Jones (2B), every Flying Tiger picked up at least one hit. Tony Plagman (1B) had the most notable night, going 3-4 with an RBI and a walk. His average for the year is now at .375.
West Michigan 1, Great Lakes 3 (Dodgers)
Great Lakes scored one run in the 5th, 6th, and 8th before the Whitecaps scored one in the bottom of the 8th. For West Michigan, mediocrity ruled the day from the pitching slab. Each Whitecaps pitcher (Carreno, Torrealba, and Rondon) was on pace for 9BB/9IP.
Brace yourselves Tiger fans…. a catcher had a great night swinging the bat! Robert Brantly went 2-4 with a 2B and had the only RBI of the night for West Michigan. He’s hitting .438 through 2011. Keep an eye on this guy, he’s in his 2nd year at West Michigan but only played in 52 games last season. Through the first 4 games this year, he had a hit in every game (including hitting .500 in 3 of 4) and has picked up 4 RBI with an OBP of .526.
Good to hear good news about Scott Sizemore. It looks like he has nothing to else to prove with his bat at AAA. I’d think that they’d promote him before he cools down.
Yeah it is. He’s tearing up Toledo so far ( I know small sample size). I wonder if this is the year he produces in Detroit…
Hi Nick D: Thanks for the minor updates as it’s a great way to keep up on the up-and-coming! I’ve been chatting with Justin Henry’s (Erie Sea Wolves) Dad on his progress. His Dad has become a devoted Tiger fan and similar to last year, I hope that Justin gets up to AAA this year to show his wares at the much discussed 2nd base.
What I like about Henry is that he’s shown an ability to get on base. He’s posted the following OBP: 2007 .421, 2008 .356, 2009 .331, and 2010 .360. His .360 OBP last year included .345 during his first crack with AAA Toledo.
I think his dip in 2008/2009 was due in large part to promotion up the ranks and the necessary adjustment to pitchers who throw breaking balls for strikes. If he can adjust to better pitching and hone his natural ability to get on base – he could be an asset.
During 2010 and 2011 the Tigers have had 4 players at 2nd: Worth, Sizemore, Guillen, and Rhymes. Those players have posted the following, respective OBP: .295, .296, .327, and .340. While Rhymes leads the ’10/’11 second sackers with a .340 OBP he has only managed to get on base 29.3% of the time this year.
That’s not to say I’m sure Henry can continue to get on, but, in the spirit of Moneyball, I like players at that position who can set the table for hitters like V-Mart, Cabby, etc.
Thanks for the comment – I’ll keep posting!