The Undercards: Leonel Santiago Strong, But Charlotte Loses

It was quite a trying day for the Tampa Bay Rays organization on Wednesday. First,the big league club would drop a close game to lose their 9th straight. Then, all three affiliates to finish their games (Bowling Green’s was suspended) would receive poor pitching performances and would lose despite plenty of offense. However, all of that barely mattered, as the worst news of the day was the passing of baseball icon and Rays advisor Don Zimmer.

Triple-A International League: Pawtucket Red Sox (BOS) 8, Durham Bulls 7 in 11 innings

Mike Montgomery had a so-so start for the Bulls, going 5.1 innings and letting up 4 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits and no walks. Brandon Gomes would then throw 1.2 scoreless innings, and has now thrown 4 scoreless outings in a row. Jeff Beliveau‘s outing turned out to be a costly one, as he let up 3 runs over 1.2 innings of work. However, you can hardly complain about that, as those were the FIRST runs Beliveau has given up all season. Jake Thompson would come on to get an out, but he could not do so, ceding the game to Braulio Lara. He would preserve an inherited tie that he was given in the 9th, but allowed a walk-off home run to Mookie Betts in the 11th inning.

On offense, a 6 run 7th inning should have been enough to get the job done, but it would not be thanks to the pitching staff’s poor performance. Vince Belnome led the way, going 2-6 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Ray Olmedo also had a nice 3-5 day and a pair of RBIs. Mikie Mahtook added to the barrage with his 21st double of the season. Overall a nice day from the offense, but a poor day from the pitching staff.

Double-A Southern League: Mississippi Braves 8, Montgomery Biscuits 5

From a pitching standpoint, this was a miserable day. Mike Colla would go 6.0 innings, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits. Then Matt Lollis continued recent struggles by allowing a run in 2.0 innings. Bryce Stowell also allowed 2 runs in 2.0 innings, though both unearned thanks to a Jake Hager error.

The offense had a solid night, led by Cameron Seitzer‘s 2-5 performance that included a 2-run homer. Both Hager and Richie Shaffer would also have multi-hit games, and Alejandro Segovia hit his 3rd long ball of the season. But, the offense still could not overcome the poor pitching.

High-A Florida State League: Tampa Yankees 7, Port Charlotte Stone Crabs 6

Leonel Santiago had a great start for Charlotte, going 7.2 innings while allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on just 3 hits and 2 walks. But, Jose Molina would be the Stone Crabs downfall, as he gave up 2 runs in the 8th and 3 in the 9th to blow a 4 run lead and allow the Yankees to win in walk-off fashion.

Marty Gantt had a nice day at the plate, going 2-3 with 2 runs scored and hitting his 2nd homer in as many days. Leonardo Reginatto also had a nice 2-5 day. He doesn’t get much credit, but Reginatto has put up a solid .316/.386/.367 line, showcasing nice contact rates and on base ability, though little power. Julian Ridings had a nice 2-3 day with 2 RBIs and a double in just his second game with a full season affiliate. Even more interesting was who Ridings was replacing in center field- Andrew Toles. Toles still hasn’t played since being removed mid-game for lazy outfield play on May 25th. However, he has apparently been away from the team dealing with a “personal matter”, though it is unsure exactly what he is dealing with and how long he will be away from the team.

Low-A Midwest League: Game suspended during the 2nd inning, Bowling Green Hot Rods 0, Dayton Dragons (CIN) 0

This game was suspended in the 2nd inning and will be resumed on Thursday in the bottom of the inning. Up to this point, Jaime Shultz had threw 2.0 scoreless innings and Kean Wong had the sole hit for the Hot Rods.