Padres’ Minor League Roundup For April 28th

Casey McElroy had a pair of hits Monday night. Mandatory Credit: MiLB.com.

For the second day in a row, the San Diego Padres’ minor league affiliates finished the day even, with a 2-2 record. A transaction resulted in the call-up of first baseman Tommy Medica to the big club as Jedd Gyorko hit the paternity list as his wife gave birth to twins. How long Medica will remain with San Diego remains to be seen. Without further adieu, let’s get to the Padres’ Minor League Roundup for Monday, April 28th!

Triple-A

The El Paso Chihuahuas (9-15) fell to the Fresno Grizzlies (9-16) by a score of 2-1.

In a pitcher’s duel the Chihuahuas returned home to host the Grizzlies, and they left their bats on the road, falling by a score of 2-1 Monday night. The lone run on the night for El Paso came by way of the long ball, as outfielder Travis Buck his a solo shot, and finished the night 1-for-3. Chihuahuas’ starter Jason Lane pitched well, scattering 7 hits over 6 innings of 1-run baseball, and didn’t factor into the decision. Grizzlies’ starter Chris Heston matched Lane pitch for pitch, fanning 5, and also allowing 1 earned run in 6 innings.

The game-winning run for Fresno game in extra innings, as Tyler Colvin doubled home what ended up being the difference off of reliever Tim Sexton, who had held the Grizzlies at bay for four innings until the final run came home. The two teams return to the field Tuesday night, as Fresno sends Mike Kickham (1-3, 3.00) to the hill as El Paso counters with Branch Kloess (2-1, 7.20).

Here’s last night’s Fresno/El Paso Official Box Score

Double-A

The San Antonio Missions (9-14) defeated the Midland RockHounds (14-9) by a score of 6-4.

The Missions got into the win column, and started the scoring off in their half of the second inning, as Austin Hedges grounded into a double play, scoring Rymer Liriano. Midland tied the score at 1 in the top of the 4th, when Jefty Marte hit a sac fly, scoring Colin Walsh. San Antonio answered right back, scoring two runs in the bottom of the frame, and held that lead until the top of the 7th. Dusty Coleman homered to notch the score once more at 4.

The Missions put the winning runs across in their half of the 8th inning, as a double, a single, and a ground out, the lead was back to 2 runs. For the Missions, three players-Casey McElroy, Jason Hagerty, and Yeison Asencio each had three knocks to do the damage. A hodgepodge of pitchers pieces enough innings together to keep the win intact, as Frank Garces tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to even up his record at 1-1.

The Midland starter, Chris Jenson tossed 6 innings, allowing 4 earned runs, and striking out 2. Ryan Doolittle took the loss for the RockHounds, as he went 1 2/3 innings, and allowed the Missions final two runs of the ball game.

The Missions welcome Frisco into San Antonio to open up a new series on Tuesday evening at 8:05 p.m.CST, as Edwar Cabrera (1-0, 1.76) takes the bump for Frisco, as San Antonio counters with Devin Jones (3-1, 4.29).

Here’s last night’s Midland/San Antonio Official Box Score

Single-A Advanced

The Lake Elsinore Storm (14-11) defeated the Visalia Rawhide (17-8) by a score of 4-3.

Storm DH Corey Adamson provided most of the offense Monday night, driving in three of the Storm’s four runs on one swing, a three-run shot in a 1-for-3 night, as he carried the Storm to a 4-3 win. Alberth Martinez drove in the other single run for Lake Elsinore. The Storm had to use four different arms to hold off Visalia, with starter Bryan Rodriquez doing most of the heavy lifting. He tossed 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs, and striking out 6. Trevor Gott came on in the 9th for a clean inning to get his first victory of 2014.

Visalia’s starter, Jesse Darrah, pitched well in a losing effort. He went 7 innings, allowing the one mistake-the three-run blast, and struck out three hitters. Reliever Seth Simmons allowed the winning run in the 9th, on a sac fly to put Lake Elsinore over the top.

The two teams square off once again on Tuesday, at 9:05 p.m. PST. Visalia is starting Brandon Sinnery (1-0, 5.40) and he’ll take on the Storm’s Joe Ross (1-2, 2.39).

Here’s last night’s Visalia/Lake Elsinore Official Box Score

Single-A

The Fort Wayne TinCaps (9-14) lose to the Great Lakes Loons (14-10) by a score of 7-3.

The struggles continue for the TinCaps against their nemesis, Great Lake, as the Loons improved to 7-2 on the young season. The ‘Caps bats continued their cold spell, as they were only able to piece together two hits after the conclusion of the second inning. The bullpen for Fort Wayne didn’t help matters either, allowing as many runs last night (5), as they had in their previous five games combined.

The TinCaps got off to a good enough start, taking an early 3-0 lead after 2 innings, but Great Lakes came roaring back, chipping away at the Fort Wayne lead with 2 runs in the 4th inning, and taking the lead for good with 4 more runs in the 6th inning. The ‘Caps had a pair of hitters with multiple knocks, Jake Bauers and Fernando Perez, while the rest of the lineup was ice cold.

‘Caps starter Bryan Verbitsky pitched well enough to win, going 5 innings, and only allowing the 2 earned runs in the 4th. His bullpen failed him miserably, as Justin Livengood completely fell apart, giving up 4 earned runs in one single inning of work, followed by Genison Reyes giving up one additional run. Victor Arano pitched 5 innings, allowing the TinCaps 3 earned runs on the evening to get his second win of the year. Dillon Moyer led the Loons offensive attack, with the big triple that cut the deficit and turned the tide for Great Lakes.

The two teams return to action Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. CST. Great Lakes starts Luis Chirinos (2-1, 5.23) and Fort Wayne sends Payton Baskette  (0-0, 2.50) to the hill for the ‘Caps.

Here’s last night’s Great Lakes/Fort Wayne Official Box Score