The Undercards: Matt Buschmann Dominates Pensacola in Victory

Some days, everything seems to go your way, no matter what else is happening around you. Despite the struggles for the rest of the farm teams, Matt Buschmann was absolutely dominant in his start for the Montgomery Biscuits, as he hopes to earn a promotion up to Durham and get one step closer to finally reaching the majors.

Pawtucket Red Sox 10, Durham Bulls 1

The Bulls caught the PawSox in time for Alfredo Aceves‘ first minor league start after he was demoted earlier in the week. Despite his major league struggles, he performed well last night. Pawtucket got on the board against Alex Torres in the bottom of the third, loading the bases with two outs. Ryan Lavarnway singled to drive in the first run of the game, and was followed by a two-run double by Bryce Brentz. The Bulls loaded the bases with two out in the top of the fourth, but were unable to push a run across. The Sox got another run in the bottom of the fifth, courtesy of some sloppy play. Jackie Bradley Jr singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and went to third on a passed ball before coming in to score on a sacrifice fly. After two more runs scored in the sixth to give the PawSox a 6-0 lead, Durham finally got on the board in the top of the eighth when Chris Gimenez drove in Wil Myers. However, Pawtucket scored four more in the bottom of the inning, sealing a 10-1 victory. Torres took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, on five hits and three walks in five innings of work. Myers and Rich Thompson each had two hits in the loss.

Montgomery Biscuits 6, Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Reds) 1

Scoreless through the first three innings, the Biscuits finally broke through in the top of the fourth inning. With one out, Mikie Mahtook walked, and was followed by a base hit from Cameron Seitzer. Todd Glaesmann homered, driving in the first runs of the game and put the Biscuits on top 3-0. Montgomery extended the lead in the next inning, as Mahtook hit a two-run home run with two outs. Shawn O’Malley drove home another run in the top of the sixth, and the Biscuits had an opportunity to further extend the lead after a base hit by Kevin Kiermaier, but Mayo Acosta was thrown out at home to end the inning. Meanwhile, Matt Buschmann was cruising along, holding Pensacola scoreless until the seventh inning when Brodie Green drove in a run with a two out single. Buschmann pitched an excellent game, allowing just that one run on five hits and a walk, striking out eight in his eight innings of work. Kiermaier and O’Malley each had two hits in the victory.

Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) 10, Charlotte Stone Crabs 6

The Stone Crabs have had issues allowing big innings, and last night’s game was no exception. Jupiter jumped out quickly on starter Parker Markel, scoring two runs in the top of the first. Three consecutive singles to open the game led to the first run, and the second scored on a double play with the bases loaded. Charlotte came back in the bottom of the inning, scoring four runs highlighted by a Richie Shaffer two run double. Markel settled in, allowing only one hit over the next two innings, and appeared to have righted himself. Unfortunately, that hope vanished in the fourth, when the Hammerheads scored seven runs, sending twelve batters to the plate. Back to back singles opened the inning, with a run scoring on a two-base error by Drew Vettleson. Ryan Goetz doubled to drive in the second run, and came around to score on a triple by Isaac Galloway. After a walk, Markel was pulled in favor of Bruedlin Suero, but he did not fare much better. Jeff Mathis and Ryan Fisher greeted him with back to back RBI singles before Suero could record an out. After two more runs scored, Suero was finally able to end the inning, but the damage had been done. Charlotte got two more runs back in the bottom of the fifth, as Vettleson had an RBI double and scored on a groundout, but they were unable to come all the way back in the 10-6 loss. Markel was roughed up, taking the defeat as he allowed seven runs on eight hits and three walks in 3.1 innings of work. He fell to 0-4 on the year, with a 9.91 ERA, as he has struggled mightily to start the season. Steven Tinoco, Jake Hager, and Vettleson each had two hits in the loss.

Bowling Green Hot Rods v Kane County Cougars (Cubs) – postponed

Due to rain, the game between the Hot Rods and the Cougars was postponed last night. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader later on today, with the first game starting at 4:00 CST.