Minor League Recap, 8/28

Written by Greg Fertel | 28 August 2007

Scranton Edges Ottawa, 5 to 4.

The start went to Jeff Karstens, who only lasted 5 innings. He allowed just two runs, but didn't manage to strike out a batter, and posted a 3/12 GO/AO ratio. In other words, it wasn't his best night, but he didn't get punished for it.
Ross Ohlendorf did get punished, allowing two runs in two innings. He struck out one and walked none. Ohlendorf was coming off two straight scoreless outings.
Jose Veras came on and pitched two shutout innings for the win, striking out two and walking one.
Kevin Thompson was 2 for 3 with a walk, a double, and a home run. He scored the winning run, and stole his 22nd base of the year. The Yankees would be making a mistake if they DFAed their replacement-level outfielder. In any non-Melky year, Thompson is in the major leagues.
Brett Gardner was 1 for 3.
Andy Cannizaro, acting as the team's designated hitter, was 2 for 4. He had the big hit in the 8th inning to knock in Kevin Thompson and give Scranton the lead. Cannizaro is hitting .306/.383/.417 on the season and deserves a shot as a major league backup somewhere.
Alberto Gonzalez was 0 for 4. He started at 2nd base.
Wil Nieves was 1 for 4.
Doug Mientkiewicz, playing out his rehab while waiting for the rosters to expand, was 1 for 4 with a double. He'll fight for his spot on the playoff roster against Andy Phillips heading into the playoffs.

Trenton won Game 1 of the Doubleheader against Portland, 7 to 3.

Jeff Marquez pitched all seven innings, allowing three unearned runs. The sequence of the runs allowed was Double - Fly Out - Reach on Error - Ground out - Single - Double. Marquez struck out 1 and walked 1.
Reegie Corona was 2 for 4, both doubles. He also stole third base.
Colin Curtis was 2 for 4 with a double. He is hitting .359/.384/.435 in his last ten games. Curtis struggled to start his AA career, but he's finishing the year strong.
Juan Miranda was 1 for 4 with a home run.
Cody Ehlers was 2 for 4 with a double.

Trenton dropped game 2 to Portland, 9 to 0.

Jason Jones got hammered, allowing 5 runs in 5 innings. He allowed 4 doubles and a home run, but did not walk anyone.
The Thunder managed just one hit, a single by Reegie Corona.

Tampa did not play. Charleston's game was postponed. Staten Island narrowly beat Aberdeen 1 to 0.

Jason Stephens shut out Aberdeen through 6 innings, allowing just 5 hits and one walk while striking out 6. The only thing that I know about Stephens is that he throws in the high 80s, which doesn't bode well for a major league future, but he's pretty much unbeatable right now.
Damon Sublett was 1 for 3 with a walk. He scored the winning run on an error.
D.J. Hollingsworth was 1 for 3.
Frank LoNigro was 2 for 3.
Jose Gil was 2 for 3.
Everyone else was hitless.

The GCL Yankees advanced to the GCL Finals, beating the Twins 6 to 4.

Noel Castillo got the start, allowing three unearned runs in four innings.
Wilkens De La Rosa relieved him, allowing 1 run on 2 walks and no strikeouts in two innings.
Josue Selenes gutted it out, pitching 3 perfect innings to earn the win, striking out 4.
Abe Almonte was 2 for 5.
Prilys Cuello was 1 for 4.
Zoilo Almonte was 0 for 3 with a HBP.
Jesus Montero hit a solo home run and took a walk in 3 abs.
Walter Ibarra was the hero, going 2 for 2 after pinch hitting for Brad Suttle (0 for 2, still without a professional hit). He knocked in 2 runs.
Melky Mesa was 2 for 4 with a triple.
Gerardo Rodriguez, pinch hitting for Austin Romine (0 for 2), hit a big triple following Montero's home run.
Kelvin Castro was 0 for 3 with a walk.
Wady Rufino was 2 for 4 with a double.