The Undercards: German Marquez, Bowling Green Hot Rods Roll Again

After a big win or a demoralizing loss, the question is always what happens next. While the Tampa Bay Rays allowed the Toronto Blue Jays offense to have its way again, German Marquez and the Bowling Green Hot Rods offense proved that they were not going to let up against West Michigan.

Triple-A International League: Toledo Mud Hens (DET) 12, Durham Bulls 4

The good news in this game was that Kevin Kiermaier made his first start since his knee injury, going 0 for 4. It does not appear that the injury will be too much of a factor as the Rays decide whether to call up Kiermaier on Saturday. On the negative side, Enny Romero go destroyed in this game, allowing 8 runs on 6 hits in just 1.2 innings, walking 3 while striking out just 1. His ERA now stands at an ugly 6.08 on the season- he certainly is better than that, but he still has kinks to work out before he is a big league option.

Behind Romero, Doug Mathis had an interesting outing, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 4 hits in 4.1 innings,  but striking out 8 while walking 3. The 8 strikeouts surpassed his season-high by 4. Braulio Lara then finished the game in resounding fashion, tossing 2 perfect frames with 3 strikeouts. In terms of the offense, Mikie Mahtook went 2 for 4, Wilson Betemit drilled his 10th homer, and Justin Christian had a huge game, going 2 for 3 with a homer, a double, a walk, an RBI, and 3 runs scored.

Double-A Southern League Game 1: Jacksonville Suns (MIA) 4, Montgomery Biscuits 2 (7 innings)

Not much happening in the first game of the doubleheader for the Biscuits. Victor Mateo went the shortened complete game loss allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits in 6 innings, striking out 3 against 1 walk. The offense came from Willie Argo, who went 2 for 3 with a double, and Jeremy Moore, who had a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Cameron Seitzer also played third base for the third time in his pro career.

Game 2: Jacksonville Suns 6, Montgomery Biscuits 3 (7 innings)

Ryan Brett began the game with a homer, and Riccio Torrez and Alejandro Segovia also went deep before the game was through. However, Jim Patterson allowed 2 runs in his 3-inning start before Matt Lollis and Bryce Stowell allowed 4 more runs over the final 3 innings. Richie Shaffer did go 1 for 2 with a walk in the loss.

High-A Florida State League: Dunedin Blue Jays 7, Charlotte Stone Crabs 0

This was yet another tough loss. Jeff Ames wasn’t that bad, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits in 5 innings, walking 3 while striking out none. 4 unearned runs allowed by Nick Sawyer iced the game. On the offensive front, Leonardo Reginatto did go 3 for 4, but Charlotte had just one other hit.

Low-A Midwest League: Bowling Green Hot Rods 10, West Michigan Whitecaps (DET) 3

At least we’ll end on a good note. German Marquez has proved himself talented but inconsistent as a 19 year old at Low-A, but this was one of his best games. Marquez went 6 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits, striking out 6 while walking 1 and forcing a 7-2 groundout to flyout ratio. Marquez has not dominated enough to rank among the Rays’ top prospects yet, but this might be the start.

Marquez also, of course, got 10 runs of support, and it started with Johnny Field, who went 3 for 5 with a double, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Kean Wong, meanwhile, raised his average to .333 by going 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored, and Armando Ariaza and Alexander Simon both went 2 for 4.  Wong is hitting .317 in his last 10 games, continuing the incredible pure hitting that has characterized his entire career.