The Undercards: Ryne Stanek Stellar In Hot Rods Win

All of our focus the past few days has been on the 2014 draft- but let’s not forget about past ones. A first round pick in 2013, Ryne Stanek has dominated Low-A in limited time this season. He even was named a Midwest League All-Start despite only having started 5 games at that point. Stanek would start Sunday’s game, and once again he was stellar.

Triple-A International League: Norfolk Tides (BAL) 9, Durham Bulls 2

Nate Karns had been outstanding as of late, as he had not allowed more than 2 runs in each of his last starts coming into this game. However, every pitcher will have rough outings, and that’s what Karns experienced in this one. He would go just 3.0 innings, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. The Bulls then hoped Braulio Lara could provide some length out of the ‘pen, but he only got two outs while giving up 4 runs and walking 4 hitters. The good news is that Doug Mathis, Jake Thompson, and Adam Liberatore would combine to throw 5.1 scoreless innings.

Jayson Nix would have a solid day at the plate, going 3-4 with a double, a home run, and 2 runs scored. Hak-Ju Lee added a double of his own, though that would be his only hit. Outside of Nix the Bulls got just 3 hits, which isn’t going to get the job done. Overall a poor day on both sides of the ball.

Double-A Montgomery was postponed

High-A Florida State League: Bradenton Marauders (PIT) 5, Port Charlotte Stone Crabs 4

Brudelin Suero was the starter for Port Charlotte, but he was not at his best. He would go just 4.0 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks. Marcus Jensen had a solid relief outing, going 4.0 innings and giving up just 1 run on 2 hits. Offensively the Stone Crabs would garner 10 hits and 4 walks, however they came up just short of getting the win. Leonardo Reginatto would go 2-5, and Justin O’Conner went 2-4 with a double. Both Kes Carter and Patrick Leonard would double as well, though neither would get any more hits. It was a close game, but neither the pitching or offense could do quite enough to win the game.

Low-A Midwest League: Bowling Green Hot Rods 7, Fort Wayne Tincaps (SDP) 1

Sitting in the press box for this game was well worth it, as the Hot Rods had an outstanding game on both sides of the ball. Ryne Stanek would start for the Hot Rods and he dominated, going 6.0 innings and allowing just 1 unearned run while striking out 5 and walking 3. The command of his fastball was iffy, but he located his slider and changeup well, which led to an 8-0 groundout-flyout ratio. The changeup was especially impressive, as it induced multiple poor swings and was unhittable almost the entire game. Behind him, William Gabay would fire 3.0 scoreless innings while allowing just 1 walk and 1 hit.

On offense just about everyone contributed, as only Kean Wong would go hitless. Ty Young had a solid day, going 2-4 with a triple, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. Granden Goetzman also had 2 hits with a double on top of a run scored and an RBI. Yet another solid performer was Alexander Simon, who went 2-3 with a double and a walk. Yoel Araujo added a monster opposite-field home run, though that was his only hit. Araujo has incredible raw power, but his swing is erratic and he has significant work to do if he wants to hit for any sort of contact. All-in-all it was a great day from the Rays Low-A affiliate.