Phillies Minor League Roundup - August 31, 2016

Today's Probables:

LHV: Anthony Vasquez
REA: Tyler Viza
CLR: Elniery Garcia
LWD: Alberto Tirado
WIL: JoJo Romero

Lehigh Valley 4, Pawtucket 3

David Buchanan - 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 9 GB, 7 FB
Cam Perkins - 2 for 4, 2B, RBI
J.P. Crawford - 0 for 4
Nick Williams - 0 for 4, 2 K
Andrew Knapp - 1 for 4, HR, 3 K
Brock Stassi - 0 for 2, R, BB, K
Darnell Sweeney - 1 for 2, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
Jesmuel Valentin - 0 for 3, K

David Buchanan out-duels Henry Owens as the IronPigs keep pace to try and secure the International League Wildcard. Andrew Knapp hit his 8th HR of the season to break the 3-3 tie in the 6th inning. The HR was his first since way back on June 5. If you didn't hear, Darin Ruf was called back up to the big league club. Maybe he will finally get his chance.

Reading 14, Portland 6

Tom Eshelman - 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 K, 10 GB, 3 FB
Joey Denato - 1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, K
Jesen Therrien - 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, K
Scott Kingery - 1 for 5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, K
Jorge Alfaro - 4 for 5, 4 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
Dylan Cozens - 3 for 4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, BB, K
Rhys Hoskins - 1 for 4, 2 R, 3B, RBI, BB, 2 K

The Reading offense of yonder (a month or so ago) made an appearance last night, torturing Portland's pitching staff. Dylan Cozens broke away from Rhys Hoskins and hit his minor league leading 38th HR. Alfaro added his 15th and Scott Kingery with his 2nd in AA (5th overall). Osmel Aguila and Christian Marrero also had bombs in the game. "Good" Tom Eshelman came out to pitch last night, which hasn't been all that often since his promotion to Reading.

Clearwater, Brevard County (cancelled due to rain)

Kannapolis 6, Lakewood 1

Tyler Gilbert - 3.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, BB, 2 K, 3 GB, 3 FB
Edgar Garcia - 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Zach Morris - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
Jacob Waguespack - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, K
Mark Laird - 0 for 4, 2 K
Cornelius Randolph - 0 for 3, BB, 2 K
Jose Pujols - 0 for 3, R, BB, K
Damek Tomscha - 2 for 4, K
Wilson Garcia - 0 for 4, K
Deivi Grullon - 1 for 4, 2B, RBI
Grenny Cumana - 1 for 4
Carlos Duran - 2 for 3, 2B, K
Emmanuel Marrero - 0 for 3, K (throwing error)

Tyler Gilbert continues to search for that consistent groove on the mound. His two starts previous to this he had gone 10 innings of 2-run ball. The offense didn't help him either, going 1 for 12 with RISP and leaving 6 on base. 

Williamsport 4, Mahoning Valley 2

Cole Irvin - 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, BB, 5 K, WP, 4 GB, 7 FB
Tyler Hallead - 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, K
Jesus Alastre - 3 for 4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 2 SB
Enmanuel Garcia - 1 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI
David Martinelli - 1 for 4, R (two outfield assists, home & 1B)
Darick Hall - 1 for 4, HR, 2 RBI, K
Lucas Williams - 1 for 3
Henri Lartigue - 0 for 3
Brett Barbier - 0 for 3, K
Chandler Hall - 0 for 3, K (fielding error)
Evan Rogers - 0 for 3, K (fielding error)

Cole Irvin has been quite impressive in his professional debut. The 2016 5th round pick has gone 5-1 with a 1.97 ERA. He also has 37 strikeouts to just 8 walks in 45.2 innings of work. Darick Hall hit his 7th HR, which is good for 3rd highest in the NY/Penn League. Jesus Alastre probably remains the team's best hitter and stole his 12th and 13th bases last night as well.

GCL Phillies, GCL Blue Jays (postponed due to rain)