The Undercards: Encouraging Pitching Performances Abound

8 runs allowed, 7 earned- that’s across all four games in the Rays organization on Tuesday night. Hard to do much better than a 1.75 ERA. Add in 40 strikeouts and it was quite a night.

Triple-A International League: Indianapolis Indians 3, Durham Bulls 1

Chris Archer took the loss in this one, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, on 6 hits in 6 innings. You almost have to disregard the hits and runs allowed bases on his other stats in this game. Coming off a 12-strikeout performance, Archer struck out 8 while walking just 1 and posting a ridiculous 8-0 groundout to flyout ratio. But he may not have been the story in this game. No, it wasn’t Hideki Matsui, he’s in the big leagues now. It was Reid Brignac. Yes, Reid Brignac. Brignac went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. He didn’t manage a single RBI or run scored, but those are his first extra-base hits since… I can’t remember. Actually, it was only since… May 11th. Brignac upped his minor league line to .198/.282/.308. He’s going to need a whole lot more where this came from if he’s ever going to get another legitimate chance in the big leagues.

Double-A Southern League: Montgomery Biscuits 4, Mississippi Braves 1

Matt Buschmann remains ridiculously inconsistent. But when he’s on, he looks pretty darn good. Maybe not as good as his buddy David Price, but still very impressive. In this game he earned the win with 7 one-run innings, allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. His groundout to flyout ratio was a great 10-2. Tyler Bortnick and Greg Sexton each went 2 for 4 with an RBI to help provide some run support and Ty Morrison provided the running support with a 1 for 2 day with 2 walks and 3 steals.

High-A Florida State League: Charlotte Stone Crabs 4, Jupiter Hammerheads (MIA) 2

C.J. Riefenhauser was the only starter in the Rays system who didn’t turn in a quality start on Tuesday night. But he was still impressive, going 5 innings allowing 1 run on 5 hits, striking out 7 while walking 3 although his groundout to flyout ratio was just 1-4. On offense, Mikie Mahtook had a go-ahead 2-run homer in 8th inning as part of a 1 for 3 day that also included a walk. It was just Mahtook’s second homer of the year, but he picked a great time, and hopefully we’ll start seeing a little more power in coming games.

Low-A Midwest League: Bowling Green Hot Rods 8, Fort Wayne Tincaps (SDP) 2

For a complete effort, look no further than the Hot Rods. Felipe Rivero continued the night’s theme with another sparkling start, going 6 one-run innings allowing just 4 hits, striking out 7 while walking none. His groundout to flyout ratio was a solid 7-3. On offense, Jake Hager followed up his 5 RBI game with a homer and 2 RBI in 5 at-bats, and Ryan Brett continues to be on fire from the leadoff spot, going 2 for 5 with a triple, an RBI, a run scored, and his 14th stolen base of the season. The Rays can’t get enough of his skill-set. Matt Rice also homered, and Juniel Querecuto went 3 for 4. Tyler Goeddel had an RBI double ins 4 at-bats.