Cardinals Minor League Notebook: 8/8/17

(photo: Austin Warner/Allison Rhoades/Peoria Chiefs)

The 4-3 Monday across the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system is highlighted by 11 strikeouts from lefty Austin Warner in Peoria’s win.

Results from games played Monday, August 7.

Omaha Storm Chasers 8 at Memphis Redbirds 4

The Storm Chasers roughed up Luke Weaver in an 8-4 win over the Redbirds in Memphis’ home stand opener, accounting for Memphis’ third loss this month.

Weaver, who took his second loss in nine decisions, was on the hook for seven runs – all earned – on a dozen hits in 5 2/3 innings. Weaver’s earned run average grew to 2.64 from 1.91.

The Redbirds’ bats couldn’t overcome the Storm Chasers’ outburst, though they did produce four runs. Designated hitter Patrick Wisdom crushed his 24th long ball of the season in the fourth, and Harrison Bader launched number 20 in the eighth. Shortstop Wilfredo Tovar and Rangel Ravelo each batted in a run as well.

Tuesday’s doubleheader: Kevin Herget (3-1, 4.14) vs. Omaha, 6:35 PM Central time – Game One; Matt Pearce (1-1, 5.21) vs. Omaha – Game Two.


Springfield Cardinals off

The Cardinals were off Monday as they traveled to San Antonio to take on the Missions. Chris Ellis (3-6, 3.71) will take the mound in the 7:05 PM Central time game.


Palm Beach Cardinals 5, Fort Myers Miracle 4

Jake Woodford (Peoria Chiefs)

The Cardinals managed to hold onto the edge created by five early runs to sneak by the Miracle, 5-4.

Palm Beach starter Jake Woodford allowed one run over five innings, with the win evening his record at 6-6 this season. Estarlin Arias served up a three-run homer in the sixth inning, but relievers Brady Bowen and Eric Carter held the Miracle quiet across the eighth and ninth.

The Cardinals defined ‘keeping the line moving’ with their five-run third inning. Three-through-six-hole hitters – Casey Grayson, Chris Chinea, Leobaldo Pina, and Casey Turgeon – each drove in a run in the crooked-number frame. Pina was the only Cardinal who did not record a hit in the game; his RBI came on a groundout.

Tuesday’s game: Ramon Santos (2-2, 4.96) vs. Fort Myers Miracle, 5:30 PM Central time.


Peoria Chiefs 3 at Clinton LumberKings 1

Austin Warner (Peoria Chiefs)

After heading into the sixth down 1-0, the Chiefs scored three unanswered runs the rest of the way to defeat the LumberKings, 3-1.

Peoria starter Austin Warner, our Player of the Day, was more than worthy of his second win as a Chief. Warner limited the LumberKings to one run on three hits and whiffed 11 batters in his 7 2/3 innings. With a pitch count of 101, the Chiefs turned to Max Almonte to close out the game, a task he did successfully.

While Warner and Almonte put in work on the mound, the bats did their part, too. First baseman Juan Yepez had three hits in four at-bats, driving in two of the Chiefs’ three runs. Catcher Brian O’Keefe went 2-for-5 with a run scored, and second baseman Stefan Trosclair had two base hits and scored as many runs.

Tuesday’s game: Anthony Shew (0-0, 4.87) at Clinton LumberKings, 6:30 PM Central time.


State College Spikes 3 at Mahoning Valley Scrappers 2

Andrew Summerville (State College Spikes)

Fueled by Andrew Summerville’s solid start and timely hitting, the Spikes were 3-2 winners over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

Summerville, now 3-0, allowed one run and struck out six batters over five innings. Steven Farinaro followed with 2 1/3 innings of one-run ball, and Spencer Trayner recorded the final five outs, resulting in his fifth save.

Though the Spikes combined to strike out 10 times, the hitting provided just enough for a victory. State College went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position, with an RBI each for designated hitter Evan Mendoza, first baseman Tyler Lancaster, catcher Joshua Lopez. Right fielder Bryce Denton went 2-for-3 with a triple and scored a run.

Tuesday’s game: Paul Balestrieri (2-1, 4.30) vs. Hudson Valley Renegades, 6:05 PM Central time.


Johnson City Cardinals 16, Kingsport Mets 1 (6 innings)

Brady Whelan (The Cardinal Nation)

Four in the first, nine in the third, and three in the fourth added up to 16 runs for the Cardinals, who enjoyed a rout of the Mets in a rain-shortened game.

Third baseman Brady Whalen was one of several notable offensive contributors in Monday’s game for Johnson City. Whalen launched two home runs – his fourth and fifth of the year – and drove in four runs. Center fielder Wadye Ynfante reached in all five trips to the plate, going 4-for-4 with a homer, three runs batted in, and a walk. Second baseman Irving Lopez and catcher Jonathan Rodriguez each drove in two, and first baseman Luis Bandes scored three runs.

Franyel Casadilla went 4 2/3 innings in his start, but reliever Juan Alvarez picked up the win. Alvarez allowed one hit and walked two as he pitched through the sixth inning, the final inning of play due to rain.

Shortstop Delvin Perez left the game after being hit on the wrist by a pitch in the second inning.

Tuesday’s game: Evan Guillory (1-1, 3.70) vs. Kingsport Mets, 6:00 PM Central time.


GCL Mets 2, GCL Cardinals 1

Noel De Jesus (St. Louis Cardinals)

Two Mets runs in the bottom of the first proved to be all they needed to knock off Noel De Jesus and the Cardinals, 2-1.

De Jesus was charged with a tough loss on Monday, after tossing seven innings on six hits, no walks and five strikeouts. The deciding score was unearned due a throwing error by first baseman Dariel Gomez. With the loss, De Jesus’ record dropped to 1-1.

On the offensive side, second baseman Luis Flores had two base hits, stole two bases, and scored the only run of the day for the Cardinals. Flores was driven in by designated hitter Andres Luna. Center fielder Terry Fuller wore the collar, hitless in three at-bats with three strikeouts, dropping his season average to .211.

Tuesday’s game: TBA vs. GCL Nationals, 11:00 AM Central time.


DSL Angels 3, DSL Cardinals 2

The Angels scored two eighth-inning runs to come from behind and knock off the Cardinals, 3-2.

Starter Jose Moreno turned in five innings of one-run ball. Next was two scoreless frames from reliever Leonardo Taveras, before Rodard Avelino allowed the Angels to take the lead. Avelino suffered his first loss of the season.

Shortstop Raffy Ozuna knocked in one of the Cardinals’ runs, going 2-for-3 with a triple. Right fielder Luis Montano and first baseman Freddy DeJesus doubled.

Tuesday’s doubleheader: TBD/TBD vs. DSL Angels, 9:30 AM Central time



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