Louisville came oh-so-close to tying the game up with a 4-run rally in the 9th, but fell short and lost 6-5 to the Chiefs. A bullpen meltdown in the 8th is what ultimately led to the Bats' demise, as Nick Christiani and Zack Duke couldn't hold on after Chad Reineke's 6 inning, 2 run, 5 K, 1 BB effort. Cool Papa Billy has had bit of a stew going lately, slashing .275/.370/.350 with 9 steals in his last 10 games. He went 2-5 last night and knocked in 3 runs on a pair of doubles. The rest of the team, not so much. Up Next: The Bats continue their series in Syracuse at 7. Chad Rogers (2-2, 6.04 ERA) gets the start.
Pensacola lost an ugly one, falling 8-3 to the Mississippi Braves. Try as they might, Tucker Barnhardt (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB) and Yorman Rodriguez (2-4) couldn't single-handedly carry the team on their backs. Shaun "Duddy" Ellis put Pensacola in an early hole, giving up 6 runs (4 earned) in the first 3 innings, and with the state of this offense, that's like getting thrown into The Pit from The Dark Knight Rises. Up Next: Danny Renken (3-7, 3.77 ERA) faces off against the Barves at 8.
Bakersfield unclutch-ily lost 5-1 in a game where they outhit Modesto 8-5. James Allen tossed 6 perfectly cromulent innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits, fanning 5 and walking 3. The Blaze bats got 'em on, but they couldn't get 'em over or get'em in. Kyle Waldrop was the only standout, going 2-4 with 2 doubles. Up Next: Bob Steve (0-1, 3.00 ERA) takes the hill in his second start for the Blaze at 10:05 ET.
Dayton had the day off. They face Lansing tonight at 7:05, with Ismael Guillon (4-6, 5.91 ERA) getting the start.
Billings got 4-hit and lozt 6-3 to the Owlz. Pedro Diaz gave up 4 runs (3 earned) in 5 innings, striking out 3 and walking 1. Phil Ervin went 1-5 with a 3-run wanger and a steal after reaching base on a fielder's choice. Up Next: The Mustangs head to Helena as Luke Moran (2-1, 4.31 ERA) takes on the Brewers at 9:05.
The AZL Reds got shutout by Ryan Vogelsong and the AZL Giants 6-0. The Reds managed 10 hits in the contest, but couldn't push even one run across. Jeremy Kivel got the start, and struck out 4 in 3.1 IP, but gave up 3 ER on 6 hits and 2 walks. Kevin Franklin, the Reds' 2nd Round pick from this year, has been absolutely dreadful to start his professional career. His line in his first 21 games is .173/.253/.222, with a 4/1 K/BB and 10 errors. Yikes. Up Next: Jr. Reds v. Jr. A's at 10.