Farmers Only: Billy's Been Three-Basing

Louisville lost 4-2 to the Paw Sox, despite the efforts of Billy the Quick. The fleet-footed centerfielder, stretched out not one, but two triples last night, going 2-4 with a run scored. With the near certain loss of Mr. Choo next season, most of us were worried about Billy's struggles in AAA this season. Fortunately, the Sultan of Steal has turned it on in the second half, and in 107 plate appearances since the All-Star break, he's sporting a snack-tastic .318/.360/.430 line with 17 steals in 19 tries. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action when the rosters expand in September, which may end up tuning in to an audition for the playoff roster. Greg Reynolds tossed 7 innings of 2-run ball, striking out 5 and walking none. Felix Perez went 1-4 with a wanger, and Derrick Robinson was 0-4 with a golden sombrero. Up Next: Daniel Corcino (6-12, 5.62 ERA) and the Bats wrap up their series in Pawtucket at 7:05.

Pensacola got beat by the Braves 4-3. Yorman Rodriguez had the only multi-hit game for the Wahoos and was responsible for all 3 runs, going 2-3 with a 3-run honk job. Josh Smith struck out 8 in 7 innings, but gave up all 4 runs on 10 hits (2 HR) and a walk. Up Next: Robert Stephenson makes his AA debut in Pensacola tonight at 8.

Bakersfield had the day off. They start a series against the Nuts in Modesto tonight at 10:05. No starters announced yet.

Dayton was the only affiliate to win a game yesterday, as they blanked Great Lakes 6-0. Nick Travieso was slicin' up eyeballs, allowing only 2 hits in 6 innings, striking out 6 and walking none. This was one of, if not the best performances in Naughty Nick's young career. He sat down the first 8 Loons he faced before allowing an infield hit, and after allowing a double in the 4th, he retired the next 8 batters before getting the hook. Seth Mejias-Brean drove in 2 runs and scored twice on a 1-3 night with a double and a walk. Up Next: Amir Garrett (0-2, 6.30 ERA) looks to keep the streak of quality pitching alive tonight 7.

Billings got 3-hit by the Idaho Falls Chukars and lost 6-1. Luke Moran needs to get a brain. He gave up all 6 runs on 11 hits in 3 innings. The Mustangs offense didn't manage an extra-base hit, and Ty Washington drove in the only run on a sac fly. Up Next: The Stangs try to forget about this one, as Zack "Berlinner" Weiss (1-3, 3.95 ERA) takes the hill at 9:15.

The AZL Reds lost to the Royal Babies 5-4. Aristides Aquino launched a pair of St. Thomases, driving in 3 runs on a 2-4 night. Chadwick Tromp "Le Monde" had the only other multi-hit game, going 2-3 with 2 singles, but had a terrible time on the basepaths, getting picked off at first and caught trying to steal second. He coupled the TOOTBLAN'ing with a passed ball and a throwing error. Yikes. Last year's 16th round pick, Nick Routt, struck out 7 in 3 innings, allowing 5 hits, a walk, and an unearned run. Up Next: Same teams, same time.