Mac Lyons & Luke Wortman | July 3rd, 2024

Week 13 is in the books and there are now just 2 weeks before the MiLB All-Star break. This recap covers a pretty run of the mill week for the Rockies’ affiliates.

Albuquerque Isotopes:

Series Record: 3-3 | Season Record: 29-52

Notable Performers:

Trevor Boone: 16 PAs, .333/.333/.800 (1.133 OPS), 5 H, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 8 K, 2 SB

Greg Jones: 29 PAs, .346/.414/.692 (1.106 OPS), 9 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 13 K, 4 SB

Drew Romo: 27 PAs, .261/.370/.522 (.892 OPS), 6 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, 1 SB

Willie MacIver: 20 PAs, .278/.350/.500 (.850 OPS), 5 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K

Jimmy Herron: 26 PAs, .280/.308/.400 (.708 OPS), 7 H, 3 RBI, 3 K

Hunter Stovall: 20 PAs, .294/.400/.294 (.694 OPS), 5 H, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 SB

Noah Davis: 12.0 IP, 5.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3 BB, 17 K

Peter Lambert: 6.1 IP, 2.84 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, 2 BB, 7 K

Karl Kauffman: 5.0 IP, 0.00 ERA,  0.80 WHIP, 3 BB, 6 K

John Curtiss: 3.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 2 BB, 2 K

Ryan Rolison: 2.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 0 BB, 2 K

Recap:

This was a whirlwind week for the Isotopes, who saw plenty of transactions and change this week. To start the week, standout lefty Austin Kitchen was called up to the show. Inexplicably, the Rockies designated him for assignment the next day without letting him pitch. He was later claimed by the Marlins. A few days later, the team released infielder Coco Montes, who was leading the PCL in batting average. Montes is pursuing an opportunity to play ball in Japan’s top league. However, it is unfortunate that Montes couldn’t get playing time with the Rox, despite his great numbers. Towards the end of the week, righty Riley Pint and infielder Aaron Schunk both received well-earned call-ups.

The ‘Topes started off the series with a win, collecting 11 hits and scoring 8 runs. Aaron Schunk collected two hits with two RBI’s, while Drew Romo and Grant Lavigne each added a homer. The team was aided by a great start from Noah Davis, who tossed 6 innings only giving up 3 runs and striking out 8.

The Isotopes were able to compound their winning streak the next day, winning 6-1. The team was really helped by a 3 run bomb by Willie MacIver in the 8th. Hunter Stovall and Jimmy Herron each collected two hits in the game. Veteran righty Karl Kauffmann put together an incredible start, tossing 5 scoreless innings and striking out 6. Jeff Criswell, Evan Justice, and John Curtiss combined to close out the game only giving up 1 run.

Unfortunately, the team wasn’t able to continue their winning streak on Thursday, losing 7-8. The Salt Lake City Bees managed to score 6 runs in the 9th inning to secure the win. The Isotopes collected 12 hits, with Connor Kaiser, Greg Jones, and Hunter Stovall each collecting 2 RBI’S. Peter Lambert tossed a great 6.1 innings of 2-run ball, while striking out 7.

The squad faced another close game on Friday, but managed to come away with the win. The Isotpes outhit the Bees 16 to 12. Greg Jones and Drew Romo each collected two hits while infielder Conner Kaiser hit a walkoff 2-run double in the 11th. Veteran righty German Marquez made a rehab appearance in this game, but went just 0.2 innings while giving up 4 runs. Lefty Ryan Rolison tossed a great 2 scoreless innings while striking out 2. Chance Adams struck out 3 in 1.1 innings.

After Saturday’s game was rained out, the team played a doubleheader on Sunday. The team lost game 1, scoring 2 runs compared to the Bees’ 12. Catcher Drew Romo hit his second homerun of the series, while Trevor Boone added a home run of his own in the 8th inning. Noah Davis tossed 6 innings in relief while striking out nine.

The Isotopes got swept this doubleheader, losing the 2nd game 3-5. Julio Carreras collected two RBI’s, while Willie MacIver added a double. Jeff Criswell tossed 1.2 scoreless innings.

Call-Up Power Rankings:

1. Noah Davis – RHP: 6.00 ERA | 1.58 WHIP | 45.0 IP | 52 K
2. Drew Romo – C: .302 AVG | 10 HR | 8 BB | 3 SB
3. Willie MacIver – C: .290 AVG | 8 HR | 23 BB | 3 SB

Looking Ahead:

The Isotopes will kick off July by taking on the El Paso Chihuahuas. The Chihuahuas have a 34-47 record this season and are the affiliate of the San Diego Padres.

Hartford Yard Goats:

Series Record: 3-2 | Series Record: 41-32

Notable Performers:

Sterlin Thompson: 18 PAs, .313/.389/.875 (1.264 OPS), 5 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 SB

Braiden Ward: 17 PAs, .429/.471/.857 (1.328 OPS), 6 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 K, 3 SB

Warming Bernabel: 22 PAs, .350/.409/.450 (.859 OPS), 7 H, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K

Nic Kent: 20 PAs, .333/.368/.444 (.812 OPS), 6 H, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 SB

Bladimir Restituyo: 23 PAs, .400/.435/.400 (.835 OPS), 8 H, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 4 K, 4 SB

Ryan Ritter: 22 PAs, .211/.318/.263 (.581 OPS), 4 H, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 SB

Yanquiel Fernandez: 15 PAs, .154/.267/.308 (.575 OPS), 2 H, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K

Jarrod Cande: 5.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3 BB, 6 K

Mason Albright: 5.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 2 BB, 4 K

Anderson Bido: 3.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 0 BB, 4 K

Bryce McGowan: 3.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP, 0 BB, 2 K

Carson Palmquist: 1.0 IP, 45.00 ERA, 6.00 WHIP, 1 BB, 2 K

Connor Van Scoyoc: 7.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 0 BB, 2 K

Recap:

The Yard Goats series got off to a bad start, losing the opener 2-8. Sterlin Thompson hit a home run in the 9th inning while second baseman Nic Kent went 1 for 3. Lefty Carson Palmquist struggled this game, giving up 5 runs in 1 innings. Righty Anderson Bido put together 3 scoreless innings while striking out 4.

Luckily, the team was able to bounce back the next day, winning the game 12 to 6. Warming Bernabel collected three hits, while Sterlin Thompson and Nic Kent each had 2 hits. DH Kyle Datres hit a home run in the 5th inning while having 3 RBI’s. Righty Andrew Quezada collected the win tossing 5 innings. Relievers Zach Agnos and Brendan Hardy each tossed a scoreless inning.

The winning streak continued the next day, as the Yard Goats won 7-5. Bladimir Restituyo, Yanquiel Fernandez, and Braiden Ward each collected two hits. Mason Albright tossed 5 innings of 2 runs, while only giving up 1 hit. Juan Mejia tossed 2 innings while striking out 2. Seth Halvorsen collected his seventh save of the season.

The Yard Goats dropped the next game, losing 1-3. Bladimir Restituyo collected two hits and stole 2 bags, while Braiden Ward stole his 15th base of the season. Connor Van SCoyoc put together a great start of 7 innings while giving up 3 runs with zero walks, but still received the loss. Evan Shawyer and Angel Chivilli tossed 2 scoreless innings of relief.

Due to inclement weather on Sunday, the Goats only played 5 games this week. They closed out the series by winning with an offensive barrage, 12 to 2. Braiden Ward had a great day at the plate, collecting 2 hits with 5 RBI’s while also adding a home run. Bladimir Restituyo had 3 hits, while AJ Lewis and Nic Kent each had two hits. Sterlin Thompson hit his third homer of the contest.

Call-Up Power Rankings:

1. Andrew Quezada – RHP: 3.36 ERA | 1.27 WHIP | 75.0 IP | 53 K
2. Sterlin Thompson – INF: .233 AVG | 6 HR | 21 BB | 6 SB
3. Jaden Hill – RHP: 4.05 ERA | 1.46 WHIP | 26.2 IP | 42 K

Looking Ahead:

The Yard Goats will kick off July by taking on the Binghampton Rumble Ponies. The Rumble Ponies have a 37-35 record this season and are the affiliate of the New York Mets. Their roster contains several of the Mets’ top prospects.

Spokane Indians 

Series Record : 3-3  | Season Record: 44-29

Notable Performers (Series Stats):

Kyle Karros – 28 PA, .500/.536/.769 (1.305), 13 H, 5 R, 4 RBI, 5 SO, 1 BB, 2 SB

EJ Andrews Jr. – 27 PA, .320/.370/.600 (0.970), 8 H, 3 R, 5 RBI, 5 SO, 2 BB, 4 SB

Jose Cordova – 27 PA, .346/.370/.577 (0.947), 9 H, 5 R, 4 RBI, 3 SO, 1 BB, 0 SB

Jack Blomgren – 27 PA, .238/.407/.333 (0.741), 5 H, 3 R, 0 RBI, 5 SO, 5 BB, 0 SB

Jake Snider – 15 PA, .462/.533/.462 (0.995), 6 H, 3 R, 2 RBI, 4 SO, 2 BB, 1 SB

Chase Dollander – 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K

Luis Amoroso – W (1-1), 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Welinton Herrera – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Carson Skipper – 2 SV (6), 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Series Recap: 

Spokane took their show back on the road and headed West across the Cascades for their series against the Everett AquaSox. So far this season, the Indians are 6-6 against Everett through two separate series, but didn’t start this series on the right foot as they dropped the opening game by a touchdown, losing 14-7, followed by a 5-0 defeat on Wednesday night. Chase Dollander got the boys back into the win column on Thursday with a 4-3 victory followed by an 8-4 win on Friday night. Everett stormed back to take the series lead on Saturday with a 12-2 blowout win, but Spokane took care of business and won a wild series finale on Sunday 10-8. 

Spokane entered the series against Everett with a different look to their roster as Zach Agnos had rightfully earned his promotion to Double-A Hartford and Cole Carrigg and Sean Sullivan were transferred to the Rockies in the ACL. But, after the additions of GJ Hill Jr. and EJ Andrews Jr. the previous week, relief pitcher Welinton Herrera got the call and was brought up to join the Indians. 

However, Tuesday night was anything but a pretty game for Spokane as they let up two touchdowns worth of runs. The AquaSox hung up eight alone on starter Victor Juarez, who was credited with his fourth loss of the season and surrendered three home runs. The Indians didn’t give up so easily, as they slashed Everett’s 8-1 lead down to 8-6 after a five-run fourth inning thanks to RBIs from Andrews Jr., Hill Jr., Jean Perez, and Kyle Karros. GJ Hill Jr. would finish the night 3-4 while Karros, Jack Blomgren, and Jose Cordova would all pick up a pair of hits. After Juarez’s exit, there wasn’t much relief from Spokane’s bullpen as Caleb Franzen gave up four runs on three hits, including two more home runs, as well as Tyler Ahearn who was seeing double as he finished with a line of 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, and 2 K. 

Wednesday night wasn’t the kind of rebound the Indians were looking for, but a 5-0 loss looks a lot less ugly than 14-7. Mason Green went for six solid innings, giving up only 6 H and 3 ER while still fanning five batters, but the righty couldn’t get any run support as Indians batters tallied seven total hits on the evening and went 1-9 with RISP. Jesus Ordonez was the only Spokane batter to pick up more than one hit, while EJ Andrews Jr. secured his first double in High-A. Spokane’s best opportunity to take control of the game came in the fifth inning with Ordonez on third base and Hill Jr. on second, but, already with two outs, Dyan Jorge grounded out. The AquaSox scored two runs after that and added another pair in the seventh inning. 

Spokane looked to get back in the series and who better to lead the charge from the mound than Chase Dollander. Dollander struck out five of the first seven batters he faced before he gave up a solo home run in the third inning and managed to get himself out of a jam with runners on first and second to end the inning. The Indians responded in the fourth inning as Kyle Karros crushed a two run home run to left field to give Spokane the lead. Dollander’s night ended in the fifth inning after he gave up two more runs, including another home run which was Everett’s Andrew Miller’s second home run of the game, but Dollander’s final line was 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, and 8 K. Indians fans got their first look at Welinton Herrera who took over for Dollander and delivered two strong innings of work where he allowed only one hit and struck out two. The rest of the bullpen got the job done as Brayan Castillo picked up the win and Carson Skipped was credited with the save. EJ Andrews Jr. drove in the game-winning run in the ninth inning with two outs on a line drive to center field.

With one win under their belt the Indians were looking to add another on Friday night and the hero of Thursday night’s game would get the scoring started when EJ Andrews Jr. sent a moonshot out to right center field for a solo home run. The Spo would add another run of support in the fourth inning thanks to Jose Cordova but their lead would disappear when Blake Adams gave up a three-run home run in the fifth inning to push Everett’s lead to 4-2. Adams didn’t have his best stuff on Friday and finished with a line of 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, with 5 K. June brought some career-highs for Adams as he surpassed the highest total IP of his career with 30.0 over the course of starting four games through five total appearances. Adams is still one of the most dependable arms in Spokane’s rotation with a 5-2 record, but the month of June may have tested the second-year right-hander’s limits. Down by two, Spokane would rally back for six runs through the final three innings. Kyle Karros added a solo home run to a perfect Wendy’s 4-4 night at the plate, while Bryant Betancourt finished 4-5 with an RBI and EJ Andrews Jr. seemed to be finding his footing with the Indians as he finished 3-5 with 2 RBI and would go on to add a hits on Saturday and Sunday as well to give him a hit in every single game of the series. 

Everett wouldn’t give up so easily and reclaimed control of the series lead after a dominant win over Spokane on Saturday evening. Connor Staine was chased after only two innings of work in which he allowed 6 ER off of 5 H and 3 BB which included surrendering a grand slam to Everett center fielder Jared Sundstrom to highlight a six-run second inning for the AquaSox. The Indians responded the next inning when Dyan Jorge drove in his first run of the series but Spokane would struggle to bring anyone home throughout the rest of the game, ending the night 3-12 with RISP. Jake Snider made his return to the Indians lineup on Friday, adding two hits in the game before he followed up the performance by adding two more hits and two walks to reach base four total times on Saturday. Jack Blomgren doubled up on Saturday night, finishing 2-4 with 2 2B. Caleb Franzen navigated three innings in relief for Spokane and allowed only one hit while striking out two of the 11 batters he faced. Felix Ramires and Braiden Carmichael both allowed 3 ER in the seventh and eighth innings to pad Everett’s lead, as the AquaSox would reach double digits for the second time this series.  

The Indians battled back and eventually stole Sunday’s game—and the series—away from Everett after a wild 10-8 victory. Spokane overcame multiple three-run deficits in the game, starting when the AquaSox got to Victor Juarez for the second time this series as the young righty gave up six runs off of five hits including multiple two-run home runs. Juarez had a superb start to the month of June, through his first three starts he had 18 K through 17.1 IP while only surrendering four runs. Through two starts against Everett, Juarez was responsible for 14 ER against only 10 H, including 5 HR, all while only having 6.2 IP. Above all else, I’d call it a rough week for Victor, but not something that he and pitching coach Blaine Beatty can’t overcome. 

Bryant Betancourt opened the scoring with a solo home run and was followed by one of Jesus Bulgarin’s 3 RBI on the night. Everett stretched their lead to 5-2, but Spokane and Bugarin answered back with a two-run shot to left field. The lead went back and forth as EJ Andrews Jr. mashed his second home run of the series to bring the Indians closer, but with Everett winning by one run in the ninth inning, Jose Cordova gave Spokane the lead with a three-run jack. On the mound, Luis Amoroso and Carson Skipper got the job done. Amoroso earned the win after working through two innings where he only allowed one run while striking out three, and Carson Skipper captured his sixth save of the season, fanning three of the four Everett batters he faced to end the series in yet another tie. 

What’s Up Next Preview:

The Spokane Indians have a bit of a different look to them going into the month of July and their next series against Tri-City. The Indians will play the first three games on the road and then return home for the Fourth of July for the next three. 

Fresno Grizzlies 

Series Record : 1-5 | Season Record: 41-33

Notable Performers (Series Stats):

Braylen Wimmer – 27 PA, .333/.407/.667 (1.074), 8 H, 4 R, 2 RBI, 7 SO, 3 BB, 0 SB

Jason Hinchman – 15 PA, .286/.267/.286 (0.552), 4 H, 1 R, 2 RBI, 4 SO, 0 BB, 1 SB

Luiz Mendez – 18 PA, .333/.316/.722 (1.038), 6 H, 3 R, 3 RBI, 1 SO, 0 BB, 2 SB

Andy Perez – 26 PA, .391/.385/.652 (1.037), 9 H, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 SO, 0 BB, 0 SB

Austin Emener – 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

Jack Mahoney – 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Stu Flesland III – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Series Recap: 

The Grizzlies headed back down to San Jose to take on the Giants for their third series of the season against the San Francisco’s Single-A affiliate. Fresno didn’t get off to the best start against the Giants, dropping the first two games of the series 7-2 and 8-4 before earning a 6-1 victory on Thursday. The Grizzlies fell victim to a stellar pitching matchup on Friday and were shutout for a 1-0 loss before San Jose stole another win on Saturday in extra innings, a 7-6 final and took Sunday’s game by a score of 4-1 to give Fresno their worst single series record of the season at 1-5.

 The Grizzlies were nearly no-hit in their series opener, even though they took the lead in the first inning when Caleb Hobson scored on a passed ball by San Jose catcher Luke Shliger, and secured their first and only hit of the game in the fourth inning when Braylen Wimmer sent a ball out to left center field for his ninth home run of the season. Fresno had a 2-1 lead at this point in the game, but the Giants finally broke through during a five-run fifth inning which ended Alberto Pacheco’s night. Kannon Handy took over for Pacheco and worked through 2.1 IP, allowing only 3 H and 1 ER while getting no strikeouts. The Grizzlies however, were struck out 12 times by San Jose’s pitching staff. 

Scorned by their lack of offense on Tuesday night, Fresno looked to even the series on Wednesday by adding some more hits. Yet, Wednesday night did not start out how the Grizzlies wanted to as San Jose rolled over Bryan Perez for six runs including seven of the Giants’ nine total hits in the game. Fresno responded the next inning with runs driven in by Jason Hinchman and Darius Perry and the game slowed down after Grizzlies manager Steve Soliz was ejected for arguing a hit by pitch call. The Grizzlies offense went quiet until it was too late, when Felix Tena drove in a run followed by Jason Hinchman who knocked in his second run of the game. Only Darius Perry and Hinchman had multiple hits on the evening as the Grizzlies fell again by a final of 8-4. 

The Grizzlies solved their problems on offense and defense during Thursday’s game as Austin Emener delivered a solid start through 4.2 IP where he allowed only 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, but added 7 K. Fresno got their offense started early in what ended up being an incredible night for second baseman Luis Mendez who opened up the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning. Mendez wouldn’t be done either as he added another solo home run in the ninth inning to complement his 3-5 night at the plate, finishing with 3 RBI. Joining Mendez with a valiant effort at the plate was Braylen Wimmer who went 3-5 but couldn’t drive in a run and Andy Perez, who tacked on a pair of hits and 2 RBI. Brady Hill picked up the win and allowed no hits through 1.1 IP along with Cade Denton and Bryson Hammer who combined allowed only two hits for the rest of the game. 

The Grizzlies weren’t no-hit on Friday, but they did have to face former AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray as part of his rehab assignment. Ray lasted only 3.2 IP and allowed 3 H but handed out 4 K. And who else to face off against San Jose’s stout pitching other than one of Fresno’s hottest pitchers, Jack Mahoney, who was making his first start since the complete game shutout he dished out a week ago. Mahoney didn’t throw a CG this time around but he only worked through 5.2 innings allowing 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, while donating 5 K to the Giants batters. After Robbie Ray exited the game, things didn’t get much easier for the Grizzlies as they had to go up against Shane Rademacher who dealt for the remainder of the game, giving up just two hits while adding six strikeouts. The winning run was scored by San Jose in the seventh when Cade Denton walked catcher Drew Cavanaugh with the bases loaded. Fresno didn’t have much to answer with, as they only got on base one time following the game’s only run being scored. Andy Perez was the only Fresno batter with two hits on the evening.  

San Jose’s offense came to play on Saturday night as the Giant cruised to an early 5-0 lead after a five-run first inning surrendered by Isaiah Coupet. Coupet would settle in after the first and wouldn’t allow any more runs, ending his night with a line of 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, and 6 K. Fresno’s offense started to wake from hibernation when Tevin Tucker said goodnight to the ball with a three-run home run in the second inning. Before that, Andy Perez made some history in the first inning as he clawed his way into the Fresno history books after adding a triple to tie him for ninth all-time for most career triples (13) as a member of the Fresno Grizzlies. Fresno scratched and clawed and tied the game after Andy Perez’s sac-fly in the fifth inning and Darius Perry’s sac-fly in the sixth brought in the game-tying runs. Kannon Handy and Bryson Hammer handled business in the bullpen, Handy worked through one inning and fanned three of the five batters he faced. In extra innings, Fresno scored first when Brad Cumbest drove in his first run of the series, but the offense grew tired and were only able to take a one-run lead as Brady Hill took the mound looking for the win. But, things didn’t go as planned for Hill after a walk and a balk brought the San Jose runners into scoring position, and one hit later the Giants had a walk-off victory and a Gatorade bath to celebrate. 

The Grizzlies couldn’t muster up any more offense on Sunday after Braylen Wimmer crushed his second home run of the series to give Fresno an early 1-0 lead. Starting pitcher Jace Kaminska served up an admirable start, working through six innings while giving up 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, while adding 4 K, but was still credited with the loss after San Jose took the lead in the sixth inning. The Grizzlies were held to just six total hits but struggled to get anyone on base and in scoring position, finishing 0-3 with RISP. Andy Perez was the only Fresno batter to end their night at the plate with multiple hits, and newcomer Hunter Mann earned his first strikeouts at the Single-A level and worked through one inning while only surrendering two runs. 

What’s Up Next Preview: 

The Grizzlies offense struggled and sputtered and proved to be inconsistent throughout the course of their series against San Jose as they went a team 8-33 RISP. Fresno will look to get back on track as they head into the month of July ready to face off against the California League-leading Modesto Nuts in a split series that will see the first three games played in Modesto and the last three played back at Chukchansi Park.

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July BSB family!