Rick Sweet deserves a raise. That guy consistently manages successful teams, but this year is challenging him more that usual. Assuming that Wladimir Balentien and Matt Maloney join the Reds today, that will mean that in last few weeks Sweet will have lost his starting C, 1B, 2B, 3B, LF, 2 starters, and a few key members of his bullpen. That's a tough thing to overcome, and hopefully the Bats hold on and get into the playoffs.
Also, a couple of congratulations are in order. Dave Sappelt was named the Southern League (AA) MVP, and Jordan Hotchkiss was named pitcher of the year in the Carolina (A+) league. Congrats, gentlemen!
- Louisville lost 7-5. Daniel Dorn and Dave Sappelt each had 2 hits, including Dorn's 13th homer. The Bats loaded the based with 1 out in the 9th inning, but Devin Mesoraco hit into a game-ending double play. Daniel Ray Herrera pitched 1.1 perfect innings, striking out 3.
- Carolina got spanked 8-0. Felix Perez and Jake Kahaulelio each had 2 hits.
- Lynchburg was embarrassed, 11-0. There's not much good to mention from this game, except Abe Woody pitched a scoreless inning of relief. I have no idea who he is, but he's got a cool name.
- Dayton lost 5-1. Frank Pfister hit his 8th homer of the year, accounting for the only Dragons run.
- Billings played another double-header, losing the first game 7-6 and winning the second 2-1. In the first game Jonathan Correa pitched 3 shutout innings, striking out 6. In the second, shortened, game, Kyle Lotzkar threw a complete game (7 innings), giving up just 1 run and striking out 11. Man, I would love to see a comeback from him. Offense in the first game was led by Yorman Rodriguez, Donald Lutz, Trey Manz, Cristobal Rodriguez, and Theodis Bowe, who all had 2 hits. The second game featured much less offense, but Billy Hamilton and Chris Berset each doubled.