Padres’ Minor League Roundup for May 9th

Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday night the Padres announced the organization’s minor league award for the month of April. Lake Elsinore’s Alberth Martinez was named Hitter of the Month, and the Storm’s RHP Zach Eflin was named Pitcher of the Month. The other two awards went to members of the Fort Wayne TinCaps; Outfielder Mallex Smith won  Baserunner of the month while Frenando Perez won Defensive Player of the Month respectively.

Triple-A

Box Score

Last night the El Paso Chihuahuas (15-20) lost to the Fresno Grizzlies (18-18) 8-1.

Fresno’s Chris Heston (3-2, 3.40 ERA) kept the Chihuahua’s hitters in check pitching 6 strong innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 3 walks with 6 strikeouts.

Carlos Quentin was the lone bright spot offensively for El Paso. After being held hitless since he began his rehab assignment, Quentin went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Reports have Quentin returning to the Padres on their next road trip.

Jason Lane the outfielder-converted pitcher had a start he would like to forget; Lane allowed 8 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks giving up 3 home runs. Chihuahua’s manager Pat Murphy, not wanting to use a valuable bullpen arm during a lopsided lost, sent OF Jeff Francoeur to pitch the 9^th inning; he struck out one in the process.

Tonight’s game features Fresno’s Stephen Fife (1-2, 7.08 ERA) against the Chihuahua who’s starter is TBD at the publishing of this article. First pitch is at 9:05 ET.

Double-A

Box Score

The San Antonio Missions (15-18) defeated the Midland RockHounds (19-14) 4-1.

Missions’ starter James Needy navigated through 8 hits and 1 walk to allow only 1 run to earn his first win on the season; His one earned run was scored on a solo home run by Midland’s C Beau Taylor. Johnny Barbato earned his 9^th save on the season after giving up a lead off single in the 9^th.

The Missions and RockHounds play a doubleheader. In game one, San Antonio’s John Hussey (1-1. 3.95 ERA) to face the Midland’s Murphy Smith (1-0, 1.11 ERA). First pitch is at 6:00 ET. Game two will showcase Devin Jones (4-1, 5.59) of the Missions against RockHounds’ Andrew Werner (1-2, 8.16 ERA).

Single-A Advanced

Box Score

The Lake Elsinore Storm (21-15) defeated the Rancho Cucumonga Quakes (14-22) 6-5.

The Storm began the game scoring 5 runs in the first inning. Diego Goris continued his hot streak with his 11^th double while adding 2 RBIs; Goris’ batting average is now at .336 on the season. Chase Headley went 2-for-4 while celebrating his 30^th birthday. In four rehab games Headley is hitting 333, lets hope when his is back with the Padres he will add a much need offensive jolt.

Trevor Gott earned his 10^th save in support of starter Matthew Shepard.

Tonight’s game Storm’s pitcher Joe Ross (3-2, 2.58 ERA), Tyson Ross’ little brother, Julio Urias (0-2, 5.60 ERA). First pitch is at 9:05 ET.

Single-A Low

Box Score

The Fort Wayne TinCaps (14-20) defeated the Dayton Lugnuts (20-14) 5-2.

Five TinCaps had multi-hit games on the night. Frenando Perez started the fun with a solo home run in the first inning and a single in third to raise his average to .333 on the season.

Tony Wieber pitched 3 solid innings for his first win of the season. Tayron Guerrero added a hold while closer Nick Mutz notching his 4^th save of the season.

Tonight’s game will feature Dayton’s Nick Travieso (3-1 1.32 ERA) against Fort Wayne whose starter is TBD, First pitch is at 7:00 ET.

Keep the Faith.