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2022 Cardinals Arizona Fall League Recap – Hitters

photo: Mike Antico, Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The St. Louis Cardinals sent four position players and briefly, one Major League rehabber to the Arizona Fall League this year to play for the Salt River Rafters. As mentioned in the Pitchers’ Recap, the 2021 AFL Cardinals made significant impacts on the big league club during the course of the 2022 season.

Overview

Jordan Walker

In the AFL this fall, Jordan Walker continued his upward trajectory. TCN’s no. 1 prospect had spent the entire regular season with Double-A Springfield and hit 19 home runs, stole 22 bags and had a .898 OPS. Walker was the top MLB prospect (number 6) in the desert according to MLB.com.

With the Rafters, the 20-year-old played in 21 games and recorded a .286 average with five home runs, six doubles and 16 RBI. The majority of his time defensively was spent in right field but he played eight games in center as well. These stats earned him a spot on the Fall-Stars Game and the 12-player All-AFL Team with fellow Cardinal Connor Thomas.

In the Fall Stars game, Walker went 1-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Walker will have to make a big impression in spring training to make the Cardinals squad. He will most likely start 2023 with Triple-A Memphis but given how talented he is, there is a chance he could reach the big leagues at age 20.

Masyn Winn

Playing primarily at shortstop but also appearing at second base in the AFL, Masyn Winn performed at a comparable level to his summer at High-A and Double-A. Winn hit .283 and had a .364 OBP between the two levels. He walked 63 times and drove 63 runs across. His 43 steals were second in the Cardinals system.

In the desert, TCN’s no. 2 prospect recorded a .294 average with an impressive .407 OBP in 20 games. He also went 9-for-10 in stolen base attempts. With only one double and a home run, Winn had a .760 OPS but still performed with nine RBI.

Winn was named to the Fall Stars Game during which he went 0-for-2 but made an amazing play at shortstop.

Winn will most likely move up to Memphis for the 2023 season.

Pedro Pagés

Pedro Pages was the only catcher selected by the Cardinals for the AFL. In the regular season, he split time between Springfield and Memphis and recorded 10 home runs, 15 doubles and a .227 average. The 2019 draftee is Rule 5 eligible this December.

TCN’s no. 40 prospect had a slow start for the Rafters but picked up his game. He slashed .279/.333/.442/.775 in 13 games. He hit four doubles and drove in seven runs in his time in the desert.

Mike Antico

After stealing 67 bases between Peoria and Springfield, Mike Antico continued the trend in the AFL. The 2021 draftee had a .739 OPS between High-A and Double-A in 2022.

For the Rafters, Antico only had 40 at-bats but hit three home runs and stole eight bags. TCN’s no. 33 prospect had a .347 OBP and a .797 OPS. If he has a good spring, Antico has a chance to compete for a spot in Memphis to open 2023.

Tyler O’Neill

Tyler O’Neill only recorded three at-bats in the AFL when the Cardinals were in the Wild Card Series. In his lone rehab game, the outfielder singled, scored and struck out twice.

Related article

Cardinals 2022 Arizona Fall League Recap – Pitchers

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2022/2023 Cardinals Winter League Report – November 17

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Cardinals 2022 Arizona Fall League Recap – Pitchers

photo: Connor Thomas (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Overview

The St. Louis Cardinals sent four pitchers to the Arizona Fall League this year, all of whom competed for the Salt River Rafters. As we learned from the 2021 AFL with Andre Pallante, Brendan Donovan and others, players who performed in the AFL made an impact on the Cardinals the next season.

Our review of the Cardinals in the 2022 AFL begins with the pitchers. The hitters will follow in the next article.

Connor Thomas

Connor Thomas exceeded all expectations in his stint with the Salt River Rafters. After a solid 2021, Thomas’ ERA grew to 5.47 in the 2022 season in Triple-A. In 135 innings, the left-hander struck out 110 and had a .307 average against.

In the desert, however, Thomas added a new strikeout pitch – a cutter.

With this new pitch added to his arsenal, the southpaw finished the AFL with the league high in strikeouts (34). He finished second in ERA (1.75) and innings (25 2/3). TCN’s no. 29 prospect had a batting average of .224 against, a big improvement from his regular season with Memphis.

With his performance, Thomas earned the starting role for the NL in the Fall Stars Game. In that game, he tossed a 1-2-3 first inning on eight pitches.

The 24-year-old earned a place on the exclusive 12-player All-AFL Team, was named AFL Pitcher of the Year, and on Tuesday, received a coveted spot on the Cardinals 40-man roster.

Tink Hence

Tink Hence went from Low-A Palm Beach to pitching against top minor league talent in the AFL Fall Stars Game this season. With the Beach Birds, the right-hander logged a 1.38 ERA in 52 1/3 innings.

In the desert, the 20-year-old only threw 8 1/3 relief innings but was effective for the Rafters. TCN’s no. 7 prospect recorded a 2.16 ERA with two runs surrendered in his AFL stint. He fanned nine and crafted a 0.96 WHIP.

With Salt River, his velocity was down in the mid-nineties, most likely due to his extended season. Hence is definitely positioned to move up to High-A Peoria come 2023.

Ryan Loutos

After an eventful 2022 season, Ryan Loutos continued development in the AFL. He had moved through three different levels this year after stints with Peoria, Springfield and Memphis. In Triple-A, he logged a concerning 6.33 ERA but settled down with only one run given up in his last four appearances.

With the Rafters, Loutos pitched 14 innings, all in relief, and produced a 2.57 ERA. He fanned 13 batters and walked four. TCN’s no. 47 prospect will likely return to the Memphis Redbirds to open 2023.

Kyle Leahy

Kyle Leahy spent most of his 2022 starting in Double-A, where he went 10-7 with a 5.23 ERA. He made one appearance in Memphis and surrendered three runs in 3 2/3 innings. Unfortunately for Leahy, he had a rough stint in the desert.

In the AFL, the 25-year-old was touched for 17 runs in 14 1/3 innings of relief for a 10.67 ERA. Leahy had a 2.02 WHIP and a .311 average against. However, he did strike out 21 batters in the desert but that came with 10 walks. Leahy is Rule 5 eligible this offseason.

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Cardinals 2022 Arizona Fall League Images – Part 3

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – November 11, 2022

photo: Masyn Winn (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

In their final Arizona Fall League game, the Salt River Rafters fell to the Glendale Desert Dogs on Thursday. Masyn Winn singled, doubled and drove in a run and Jordan Walker singled. Mike Antico struck out twice and Tink Hence surrendered a run.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Thursday, November 10th.

Salt River 2 at Glendale 5 (7 innings)

The Salt River Rafters (12-18) were defeated by the Glendale Desert Dogs (15-13) in seven innings at Camelback Ranch. Four of the eight AFL Cardinals appeared in the Rafters’ final game of 2022.

Masyn Winn hit leadoff for the Rafters and went 2-for-4. The shortstop doubled in the third inning to bring a run across. TCN’s no. 2 prospect singled in the seventh. He ends the AFL with a .294 average and nine RBI.

Masyn Winn

In center field and the two spot was Mike Antico. The 24-year-old went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a hit by pitch. He attempted to steal second in the fifth but was caught. TCN’s no. 33 prospect was 8-for-10 in stolen base attempts in the desert.

Mike Antico

Jordan Walker hit third for Salt River and singled in the fifth inning. The right fielder also grounded out, flied out and popped out. Walker finished his AFL campaign with a .286/.367/.558/.925 slash line.

Jordan Walker

TCN’s no. 7 prospect, Tink Hence, relieved in the sixth inning with two men on and no outs. The right-hander was charged with a run on one hit and a hit by pitch. Hence finished the 2022 AFL with a 2.16 ERA due to two earned runs in 8 1/3 innings.

Tink Hence

The Rafters had their best chance of the afternoon in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and two out but Detroit’s Parker Meadows flied out. The Rafters left eight runners on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

With the loss, Salt River’s season is over as the top three teams qualify for the AFL playoffs. The Rafters finished in last place and six wins below .500 after a tough opening stretch of the season. They fell 7.5 games behind the first place Surprise Saguaros.

A recap of every Cardinals hitter and pitcher in the Arizona Fall League will come out in the upcoming days.

Related interview exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

Masyn Winn in His Own Words

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – November 4, 2022

photo: Mike Antico, Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The Salt River Rafters were walked off by the Mesa Solar Sox on Thursday night. Mike Antico blasted his third AFL home run, walked twice and stole a base. Jordan Walker (RBI) and Masyn Winn (steal) had two hits apiece and Ryan Loutos pitched a perfect inning with three strikeouts.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Thursday, November 11th.

Salt River 3 at Mesa 4 (10 innings)

The Salt River Rafters (11-15) were defeated by the Mesa Solar Sox (12-12) in extra innings at Sloan Park. Five of the eight AFL Cardinals appeared.

Leadoff man Masyn Winn started at shortstop and singled in the fifth and seventh innings. TCN’s no. 2 prospect stole his eighth bag of the year and came across to score. He is hitting .327 in the AFL.

Masyn Winn

In right field was TCN’s no. 1 prospect, Jordan Walker. The number three batter doubled in the first inning and added an RBI single in the fifth. Walker has a .961 OPS and 15 RBI in the desert. He also made a great catch at the wall in right-center in the first inning.

Jordan Walker

Mike Antico recorded the start in center field and went 1-for-2 with two walks. The number seven hitter walked in the second and fourth innings and blasted a solo shot in the sixth to tie the game 3-3. The 24-year-old stole his seventh base for the Rafters, drawing a bad throw at second that enabled him to take third.

Mike Antico

In the third inning, Kyle Leahy took over in relief. The 25-year-old was charged with a run on a hit and two walks in two innings. Leahy touched 94-95 mph with the fastball and garnered one strikeout on a big-breaking 80 mph curveball. He fanned four batters but has a 12.41 ERA in the AFL.

Ryan Loutos tossed the seventh inning and went 1-2-3 with three strikeouts. TCN’s no. 46 prospect lowered his ERA to 2.77 and has 12 Ks in 13 AFL innings.

Ryan Loutos

The Solar Sox won the game after a wild pitch from Toronto’s Troy Watson. Rafters pitching fanned 14 batters but surrendered four hits and seven walks. The lineup went 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position and struck out 11 times.

Friday’s game: at Surprise, RHP Chad Patrick (ARI) vs. TBA 2:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – November 1, 2022

photo: Connor Thomas (Arizona Fall League)

The Salt River Rafters beat the Scottsdale Scorpions on Monday afternoon. Connor Thomas struck out seven, Jordan Walker doubled and homered and Mike Antico drove in a run and stole three bags. Masyn Winn had two hits and Ryan Loutos added a clean relief inning.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Monday, October 31st.

Salt River 5 at Scottsdale 3

The Salt River Rafters (11-13) defeated the Scottsdale Scorpions (11-12) at Scottsdale Stadium on Monday. Five of the eight AFL Cardinals appeared.

Starter Connor Thomas tossed five innings and surrendered two runs, one earned, on five hits. The left-hander fanned seven and walked none. He threw 51 of his 72 pitches for strikes.

Connor Thomas

Masyn Winn started at second base and went 2-for-5. TCN’s no. 2 prospect singled in the third and seventh innings. The 20-year-old has a .320 average in the desert.

TCN’s no. 1 prospect, Jordan Walker, blasted a solo shot in the second inning, his fifth in the AFL. He also doubled in the fourth and came across to score. Walker went 2-for-4 with a stolen base.

Jordan Walker

Center fielder Mike Antico recorded two hits. He doubled in the fourth inning to score a run and singled in the seventh. The 24-year-old stole three bases in the contest.

Ryan Loutos came in relief in the eighth inning and pitched a scoreless frame. TCN’s no. 47 prospect surrendered a hit but struck out a batter.

The Rafters had seven hits, four walks and six stolen bases. They went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position but the pitching held the Scorpions to three runs. The Rafters have won their last two games.

Wednesday’s game: at Peoria, RHP Anders Tolhurst (TOR) vs. RHP Bryan Woo (SEA) 2:35 CT (The Rafters are off Tuesday)

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 30, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

The Salt River Rafters destroyed the Peoria Javelinas on Saturday night. Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker recorded three RBI each. Mike Antico singled and Pedro Pages doubled. Tink Hence tossed a scoreless inning in relief.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Saturday, October 29th.

Salt River 15 at Peoria 4

The Salt River Rafters (10-13) topped the Peoria Javelinas (11-11) at Peoria Stadium. Five of the eight AFL Cardinals appeared.

In the second inning, Masyn Winn singled to score a run. He also stole second base, his seventh in the AFL. After a 10-pitch at-bat in the third, TCN’s no. 2 prospect drove in two more runs via single. He went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored.

Masyn Winn

Jordan Walker blasted a three-run home run in the sixth inning to make the score 10-2. TCN’s no. 1 prospect played in center field and went 1-for-4.

Jordan Walker

Mike Antico replaced Walker in center field in the sixth inning. The 24-year-old grounded out and recorded a single in the eighth.

Starting behind the plate, Pedro Pages went 1-for-6 with an RBI. He doubled in the seventh inning to extend the Rafters lead to 14-2.

Tink Hence relieved in the seventh inning and walked the first batter. He then struck out a batter and induced a double play. TCN’s no. 7 prospect has a 1.42 ERA in the desert.

The Rafters went 10-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Winn, Walker and two other Rafters players all recorded three RBI. The Javelinas struck out 12 times.

Monday’s game: at Scottsdale, TBA vs. TBA 2:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 28, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker (Springfield Cardinals Fanatic Photos)

On Thursday night, the Salt River Rafters defeated the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League. Jordan Walker recorded a hit, a walk and a run scored. Kyle Leahy yielded three runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Thursday, October 28th.

Salt River 9 at Glendale 6

The Salt River Rafters (9-12) topped the Glendale Desert Dogs (9-10) at Camelback Ranch. Only two of the eight AFL Cardinals appeared.

Jordan Walker walked in the first inning on four pitches. The center fielder scored on a double to make the score 4-0. TCN’s no. 1 prospect struck out in the second, fourth and sixth innings but recorded a single in the eighth.

Jordan Walker

Kyle Leahy came in relief in the fourth and struck out a batter. The right-hander surrendered three runs on three hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings. He has a 13.94 ERA in the AFL.

Diamondbacks catcher Cooper Hummel had a home run and brought four runs across in the contest.

The Rafters recorded nine hits and 12 walks. They have won seven of their last 10 games.

Friday’s game: at Peoria, RHP Chad Patrick (ARI) vs. LHP Tim Cate (WAS) 5:05 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 25, 2022

photo: Connor Thomas (Memphis Redbirds)

The Salt River Rafters were defeated by the Mesa Solar Sox on Monday night. Cardinals left-handewd prospect Connor Thomas tossed five one-run innings with seven strikeouts and Jordan Walker homered. Masyn Winn, Pedro Pages and Ryan Loutos also played.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Monday, October 24th.

Salt River 1 at Mesa 3

The Salt River Rafters (7-12) fell to the Mesa Solar Sox (9-8) at Sloan Park. Five of the eight AFL Cardinals appeared.

Starter Connor Thomas tossed five innings and surrendered one run on two hits. He was again sharp, not allowing a baserunner until two out in the fifth. The left-hander fanned seven and has a 1.53 ERA in the AFL.

Connor Thomas

Masyn Winn started at second base and hit in the second spot in the lineup. He went 0-for-3 with a walk, two strikeouts and a pop out. TCN’s no. 2 prospect stole his sixth bag in Arizona.

Batting cleanup was TCN’s no. 1 prospect, Jordan Walker. He blasted a solo shot in the fourth inning, his third of the AFL. Walker went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and left two men on base.

Jordan Walker

Pedro Pages started behind the plate and went 0-for-4. The 24-year-old has a .214 average in the desert.

In the seventh, Ryan Loutos appeared in relief. He pitched a perfect 1-2-3 inning with three groundouts.

The Rafters recorded six hits and three walks but went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. The lineup struck out 10 times.

Tuesday’s game: at Scottsdale, TBA vs. TBA 8:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 23, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker (Springfield Cardinals Fanatic Photos)

The Salt River Rafters blanked the Peoria Javelinas on Saturday afternoon. Cardinal prospect Jordan Walker drew a walk in three plate appearances and Mike Antico went 0-for-2.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Saturday, October 22nd.

Salt River 3, Peoria 0 (7 innings)

In a seven-inning contest, the Salt River Rafters (7-11) shut out the Peoria Javelinas (8-10) at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Two of the eight AFL Cardinals played.

Walker started in right field and flew out, struck out but walked in the fifth inning. TCN’s no. 1 prospect left one runner on base and is batting .286 in the desert.

Jordan Walker

Antico played in center field and batted ninth. He went 0-for-2. The 24-year-old popped out and flew out as his AFL batting average fell to .105.

The Rafters pitching staff tossed seven scoreless innings while surrendering only two hits and two walks. Salt River left fielder Zach Britton of Toronto recorded two hits and has a 1.303 OPS in the AFL.

Salt River recorded six hits and three walks but went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Monday’s game: at Mesa, TBA vs. TBA 8:35 CT (The Rafters are off Sunday)

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 21, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

The Salt River Rafters beat the Mesa Solar Sox on Thursday afternoon. Masyn Winn, Jordan Walker and Mike Antico appeared for the Rafters. Walker had three hits and two RBI and Winn stole a bag and drove in three.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Thursday, October 20th.

Salt River 10, Mesa 6 (7 innings)

In a seven-inning game, the Salt River Rafters (6-10) topped the Mesa Solar Sox (7-7) at Salt River Fields. Three of the eight AFL Cardinals played.

In the third, Masyn Winn grounded out to score a run. He brought two runs across to tie the game in the sixth inning via single. TCN’s no. 2 prospect went 1-for-4 with a run and three RBI. The second baseman stole his fifth bag of the AFL.

Masyn Winn

Jordan Walker recorded three hits, two RBI and a run scored. He doubled in the fifth to bring a run across and singled in the sixth to plate two more. TCN’s no. 1 prospect stole his first bag in the AFL in the sixth.

Jordan Walker

Mike Antico pinch ran in the sixth inning and came across after Winn singled.

Winn has a .345 average and Walker is hitting .300 in the AFL. The Rafters stole four bags and went 6-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Friday’s game: vs. Scottsdale, LHP Matt Walker (DET) vs. TBA 2:35 CT

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TCN’s 2022 Cardinals Minors Comeback Pitcher of the Year

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 18, 2022

photo: Connor Thomas (Memphis Redbirds)

The Salt River Rafters topped the Surprise Saguaros on Monday night. Connor Thomas surrendered a run and struck out 10 in four innings. Jordan Walker, Pedro Pages, Masyn Winn, Mike Antico and Ryan Loutos also played.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Monday, October 17th.

Salt River 3 at Surprise 2

Powered by a three-run first inning, the Salt River Rafters (4-9) edged the Surprise Saguaros (7-5) at Surprise Stadium Monday evening. Six Cardinals appeared in the contest.

Starter Connor Thomas yielded a run in four innings on three hits and one walk. TCN’s no. 29 prospect earned his first AFL win after securing 10 of his 12 outs via the strikeout. After a difficult regular season for Memphis, Thomas has a 1.42 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings in the AFL.

Connor Thomas

The Rafters scored all three runs in the first inning. Jordan Walker drove in the first run via sacrifice fly. He went 1-for-4 with a single but left four runners on base.

Pedro Pages started behind the plate and recorded a single in the ninth inning. He went 1-for-4 with a strikeout, groundout and pop out.

In the ninth spot and at second base was TCN’s no. 2 prospect, Masyn Winn. He had two singles and a walk. The 20-year-old is hitting .333 in the AFL.

Mike Antico pinch ran for the designated hitter in the eighth inning but did not come across.

Ryan Loutos followed Thomas in relief and pitched two scoreless innings. Improving his AFL ERA to 3.60, TCN’s no. 47 prospect fanned one and was charged with two hits and a walk.

Ryan Loutos

The Rafters recorded seven hits and six walks in the contest. Rockies first baseman Grant Lavigne recorded two of the three RBI. Surprise had the tying run on second base in the ninth but failed to bring him across.

Salt River has won four of their last five games.

Tuesday’s game: vs. Scottsdale, Peter Lambert (COL) vs. Allan Winans (ATL) 8:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 16, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker (Palm Beach Cardinals)

In Saturday Arizona Fall League action, The Salt River Rafters beat the Surprise Saguaros. Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker doubled and Tink Hence tossed a scoreless inning.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Saturday, October 15th.

Salt River 4 at Surprise 1 (7 innings)

In a seven-inning contest, the Salt River Rafters (3-9) topped the Surprise Saguaros (7-4) at Arizona’s Chase Field Saturday evening. Two of the eight Arizona Fall League Cardinals played.

In the first inning, Jordan Walker reached on an error. TCN’s no. 1 prospect doubled in the fifth. He also grounded out, struck out and left three runners on base.

Jordan Walker

Tink Hence pitched in relief in the fifth inning and gave up no runs. The Cardinal Nation’s no. 7 prospect surrendered one walk in his 15-pitch outing.

Tink Hence

Rockies left fielder Zac Veen went 3-for-4 with two RBI for the winners. He has a 1.292 OPS in the AFL this season.

Salt River had seven hits and brought four runs across. The pitching held the Saguaros to three hits. The Rafters have won three of their last four games.

Monday’s game: at Surprise, TBA vs. TBA 7:35 CT (The Rafters are off Sunday)

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 14, 2022

photo: Mike Antico (Springfield Cardinals)

The Salt River Rafters win streak is two as they topped the Peoria Javelinas on Thursday afternoon. Cardinal Mike Antico stole a bag and scored and Masyn Winn was the winning run. Kyle Leahy struggled on the mound.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Thursday, October 13th.

Salt River 7, Peoria 6 (7 innings)

In a seven-inning contest, the Salt River Rafters (2-8) walked off the Peoria Javelinas (6-4) at Salt River Fields. Three of the eight Cardinals played.

Kyle Leahy entered in relief in the fourth inning and surrendered four runs. The right-hander yielded four hits, three walks and three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings, raising his AFL ERA to 19.50.

In the sixth, Mike Antico pinch ran. TCN’s no. 33 prospect stole second base, his first in the AFL. He scored after a single from Colorado’s Zac Veen and took over defensively in center field.

Mike Antico

Masyn Winn was brought in to pinch run as well and came across as the walk off run on a double in the seventh inning.

Rockies catcher Braxton Fulford recorded the game-winning hit.

The Rafters went 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stole four bases. They are on a two-game winning streak after eight consecutive losses to start the AFL schedule.

Friday’s game: vs. Peoria, Mike Vasil (NYM) vs. Matt Walker (DET) 8:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 11, 2022

photo: Connor Thomas (Memphis Redbirds)

The Salt River Rafters fell to the Glendale Desert Dogs on Monday afternoon. Cardinals Jordan Walker, Pedro Pages, Masyn Winn, Mike Antico, Connor Thomas and Kyle Leahy all saw action. Walker homered, Winn had two hits and Thomas tossed five scoreless innings.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Monday, October 10th.

Salt River 3, Glendale 8

The Salt River Rafters (0-7) were defeated by the Glendale Desert Dogs (4-3) at Salt River Fields. Six of the eight AFL Cardinals played.

Starter Connor Thomas had a great outing with five scoreless innings and five strikeouts. The left-hander has a 1.04 ERA in two AFL starts.

Connor Thomas

Jordan Walker played in left field and hit third. TCN’s no. 1 prospect blasted a solo homer 434 feet in the fourth inning. Walker also singled and came across in the eighth. From the outfield, he threw a runner out at second base.

Jordan Walker

Pedro Pages started at catcher and went 1-for-3 with a single in the seventh. The Desert Dogs stole a base with Pages behind the plate.

At second base for the Rafters was TCN’s no. 2 prospect, Masyn Winn. He went 2-for-3 with a walk and two singles. The 20-year-old was caught stealing for the first time in the AFL.

Reliever Kyle Leahy had a rough outing with three runs surrendered in 2/3 of an inning. The right-hander was charged with two hits and one walk and they all scored.

Mike Antico pinch ran in the sixth inning and stayed in center field. He went 0-for-1, striking out.

Former Cardinal minor leaguer Moises Castillo recorded two doubles and three RBI against the Rafters on Monday. The 23-year-old moved to the White Sox in the 2021 Rule 5 draft.

Salt River is off to a rough start in the AFL with an 0-7 record. The pitching surrendered 16 hits while the hitting went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position on Monday.

Tuesday’s game: vs. Glendale, Peter Lambert (COL) vs. Christian Roa (CIN) 8:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 9, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker (Springfield Cardinals Fanatic Photos)

The Salt River Rafters were defeated by the Surprise Saguaros on Saturday night. Cardinals Tyler O’Neill, Jordan Walker, Mike Antico and Masyn Winn all received playing time. Walker blasted a homer in the fourth inning.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Saturday, October 8th.

Salt River 3, Surprise 6

The Salt River Rafters (0-6) fell to the Surprise Saguaros (5-1) at Salt River Fields. Two Cardinals started the game and two came in to pinch-run.

Tyler O’Neill made his first rehab start of the AFL in left field on Saturday and singled in the fourth inning. Jordan Walker then blasted a baseball 423 feet. His two-run home run created a 2-0 lead for the Rafters.

Jordan Walker

Appearing to protect his injured hamstring, O’Neill struck out twice in his other plate appearances. Walker flied out, grounded out and struck out.

Mike Antico came in for O’Neill in the seventh and popped out in the eighth. Masyn Winn pinch ran in the ninth inning.

Diamondbacks catcher Cooper Hummel had an RBI and the only multi-hit game with two.

The Rafters have yet to win a game this season after the bullpen blew a lead in late innings. Walker is 2-for-12 with three walks in five games in the AFL.

Monday’s game: vs. Glendale, Connor Thomas (STL) vs. Emmet Sheehan (LAD), 12:35 p.m.  (The AFL is off Sunday)

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 7, 2022

photo: Pedro Pages (Springfield Cardinals Fanatic Photos)

The Salt River Rafters lost to the Surprise Saguaros Thursday afternoon. Masyn Winn, Jordan Walker and Pedro Pages started and Kyle Leahy and Tink Hence pitched in relief. Pages homered and Hence tossed a scoreless inning.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played Thursday, October 6th.

Salt River 6, Surprise 8 (7 innings)

In a seven-inning contest on Thursday afternoon, the Salt River Rafters (0-4) fell to the Surprise Saguaros (3-1) at Salt River Fields. Six Cardinals received playing time.

Designated hitter Masyn Winn was in the leadoff spot. He went 0-for-4 and left four runners on base. The 20-year-old grounded out twice, flied out and popped out.

Jordan Walker started in center field and also went 0-for-4. TCN’s no. 1 prospect struck out twice and left three runners on base.

Kyle Leahy tossed 1 2/3 innings of relief and surrendered two runs in the fourth inning. The right-hander fanned three batters.

Tink Hence

In his AFL debut, Tink Hence threw a 1-2-3 fifth inning. The right-hander threw both his fastball and sinker at 97 mph.

In the second inning, Pedro Pages doubled to score a run but was stranded on third. The catcher blasted a solo homer in the sixth inning, his first in AFL play.

Pedro Pagés

Mike Antico pinch ran in the seventh inning but was stranded on first.

Kansas City right fielder Tyler Gentry blasted two home runs and drove in three of the eight Saguaros runs. The Rafters attempted to come back in the ninth but Pages lined out to center field to end the club’s fourth consecutive loss.

Friday’s game: vs. Mesa, LHP Matt Walker (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP J.T. Ginn (0-0, 0.00) 8:35 CT

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Cardinals Arizona Fall League Notebook – October 4, 2022

photo: Jordan Walker (Springfield Cardinals Fanatic Photos)

In Monday’s Arizona Fall League opener, the Salt River Rafters were defeated by the Surprise Saguaros. Four Cardinals played. Jordan Walker walked and drove in a run for the Rafters.

Results from the Arizona Fall League game played on Monday, October 3rd.

Salt River 6, Surprise 11

The Salt River Rafters (0-1) fell to the Surprise Saguaros (1-0) at Salt River Fields on Monday afternoon. St. Louis Cardinals prospects Connor Thomas, Jordan Walker, Pedro Pages and Kyle Leahy all saw action.

Starter Thomas tossed 3 2/3 innings and gave up three runs, one earned, on four hits and two walks. The left-hander fanned two batters. Two errors on the second baseman in the second inning hurt Thomas, who was taken out in the fourth with 72 pitches thrown.

At the plate, Walker hit cleanup for the Rafters. The right fielder walked in the first and drove in a run via sacrifice fly in the third inning to tie the game 3-3. In the seventh, Walker was victimized by a great diving catch by the center fielder.

Jordan Walker

Pages started behind the dish, batting ninth,. He recorded a walk in the seventh inning but went 0-for-3. Pages also committed a throwing error.

Working out of the bullpen, Leahy had a rough debut, charged with four runs in two innings. The 25-year-old yielded a walk and four hits, including two home runs.

Arizona shortstop Jordan Lawlar had a big game for the Rafters with three runs and three RBI. The Saguaros took the lead in the fifth inning with four runs off Diamondbacks pitcher Jackson Goddard.

An interesting note is that Pedro Pages is the first AFL player to successfully appeal the automated ball-strike system .

Tuesday’s game: vs. Glendale, TBA vs. TBA 2:35 CT

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 27, 2022

photo: Scott Hurst (St. Louis Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 0-1 on Monday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis center fielder Scott Hurst, had three hits, a walk, one run, an RBI and a stolen base. Other standouts include Garrett Williams and Kramer Robertson.

Results from game played Monday, September 26th.

Memphis 5 at Nashville 6 (11 innings)

Opening the final series of 2022, the Memphis Redbirds (72-76) were walked off by the Nashville Sounds (MIL, 90-57) in an extra-inning road defeat on Monday.

Starter Garrett Williams tossed five scoreless innings and struck out two batters. Zach McAllister gave up four runs, two earned, in the sixth inning.

Garrett Williams

In the third, Kramer Robertson blasted a two-run homer, his 11th of the year. Cory Spangenberg singled in Ivan Herrera to make the score 3-0. Spangenberg came across in the sixth but the Sounds answered with four runs in the home half.

Kramer Robertson

Johan Quezada pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and Freddy Pacheco fanned two in 1 1/3 scoreless innings. T.J. McFarland yielded two runs, one earned, in an inning and recorded his second Triple-A loss.

In the 11th, Scott Hurst brought across a run to make the score 5-4. The Sounds scored two runs in the bottom half to win the game.

Scott Hurst

Hurst recorded three hits, a walk, an RBI and one run. Spangenberg and Roberto Baldoquin had two hits apiece. The lineup went 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left 12 runners on base.

Spangenberg and Hurst both stole a bag. The defense turned three double plays.

The Redbirds are 18.5 games behind the Sounds and are eliminated from playoff contention in the International League West. Two games remain in the 2022 season.

Tuesday’s game: at Nashville, LHP Matthew Liberatore (7-8, 5.12) vs. RHP Jason Alexander (8-2, 2.72) 7:05 CT

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 26, 2022

photo: Clint Coulter (Memphis Redbirds)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 0-1 on Sunday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis left fielder Clint Coulter, was a home run short of a cycle, drove in two and recorded an outfield assist. Other standouts: Kramer Robertson and Chase Pinder.

Results from games played Sunday, September 25th.

Memphis 5, Gwinnett 6

In their final home game of 2022, the Memphis Redbirds (72-75) were edged by the Gwinnett Stripers (ATL, 68-77) at AutoZone Park.

Starter Connor Thomas tossed 5 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on 10 hits and two walks. The left-hander fanned three and took his 12th loss of the season. James Naile recorded a scoreless 1 1/3 innings.

In the third, Chase Pinder blasted a solo homer, his first for Memphis. Nolan Gorman came across on a wild pitch in the sixth and Clint Coulter drove in a run to make the score 4-3.

Chase Pinder

Ljay Newsome surrendered two runs, one earned, in the eighth. Kodi Whitley pitched a scoreless ninth with one strikeout.

After the Stripers scored two in the eighth, the Redbirds answered with two in the home half. Coulter doubled to score a run and Luken Baker plated one via sacrifice fly. With the Redbirds down by a run in the ninth, the Stripers closer struck out the side.

Clint Coulter

Coulter went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and two RBI. Kramer Robertson had the only other multi-hit game with two. The Redbirds struck out 12 times and went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Coulter recorded an outfield assist and the defense turned three double plays.

The Redbirds split their home set with Gwinnett and begin their final series of 2022 on Monday at first-place Nashville (MIL, 89-57). Memphis needs to sweep the three games in Nashville to finish 2022 at .500.

The Redbirds are in fifth place, 17.5 games back of the Sounds and are eliminated from playoff consideration.

Monday’s game: at Nashville, LHP Garrett Williams (1-9, 6.13) vs RHP Victor Castaneda 7:05 CT

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 25, 2022

photo: Moises Gomez (Springfield Cardinals Fanatic Photos)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 1-0 on Friday. For the second day in a row, The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day is Memphis RF Moisés Gómez, who recorded a hit, two RBI, a stolen base, a run and an outfield assist. Other standouts include Scott Hurst and Nolan Gorman.

Results from games played Thursday, September 24th.

Memphis 7, Gwinnett 4

The Memphis Redbirds (72-74) beat the Gwinnett Stripers (ATL, 67-77) on Saturday at AutoZone Park.

In the bullpen game, Grant Black tossed the first four innings and surrendered two runs on three hits, a walk and one strikeout. Ryan Loutos gave up a run in two innings.

Nolan Gorman blasted a solo shot in the second, his 30th of the year between Memphis and St. Louis. Cory Spangenberg tripled to bring a run across. Scott Hurst drove in Justin Toerner in the fifth as Memphis took a 3-2 lead.

Nolan Gorman

Johan Quezada earned his first win of 2022 after a scoreless seventh inning. T.J. McFarland was charged with a run in one inning. Génesis Cabrera saved his second Triple-A game with a scoreless ninth.

With a tie game in the seventh, the Redbirds scored four runs. Gorman plated a run via sacrifice fly. Moisés Gómez singled in two and Austin Allen singled in another to increase the lead to 7-3.

Moisés Gómez

Spangenberg recorded the only multi-hit game with two. Hurst had a hit, two walks, one run and an RBI.  Gorman plated two. With seven hits and seven walks, every player in the lineup was on base at least once.

The Redbirds were running on the base paths on Saturday afternoon. Hurst, Spangenberg, Gómez and Kramer Robertson all stole a bag. Gómez recorded an outfield assist.

Sunday’s game: vs. Gwinnett, LHP Connor Thomas (6-11, 5.43) vs. TBA, 2:05 CT

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 23, 2022

photo: Matthew Liberatore (Memphis Redbirds)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 1-0 on Thursday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Memphis’ Matthew Liberatore, threw six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Other standouts include Roberto Baldoquin and Clint Coulter.

Results from games played Thursday, September 22nd.

Memphis 6, Gwinnett 1

The Memphis Redbirds (71-73) topped the Gwinnett Stripers (ATL, 66-76) at AutoZone Park on Thursday.

TCN’s no. 6 prospect, Matthew Liberatore, tossed six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. The left-hander earned his seventh win of the season.

Matthew Liberatore

In the second, Cory Spangenberg tripled to bring a run across. Austin Allen scored Roberto Baldoquin in the third to make the score 2-0. Clint Coulter walked with the bases loaded in the fifth.

Clint Coulter

T.J. McFarland recorded a scoreless seventh inning. James Naile threw an inning and surrendered a run. In the ninth, Freddy Pacheco struck out three batters with no runs.

After the Stripers scored a run in the eighth, the Redbirds responded with three in the bottom half. Delvin Pérez singled to plate two. Scott Hurst brought Pérez across to make the score 6-1.

Roberto Baldoquín

Baldoquin recorded three hits and two runs. Coulter had a hit, three walks, one RBI and two runs scored. The lineup struck out 11 times but walked six times and had nine hits.

Hurst threw a runner out at home.

Friday’s game: vs. Gwinnett, TBA vs. LHP Jared Shuster (0-2, 3.96) 7:05 CT

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 19, 2022

photo: Moises Gomez (Memphis Redbirds)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 3-0 on Sunday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Moisés Gómez, recorded two home runs for Memphis, totaling 36 for the season. Other standouts include Juan Yepez, Domingo Robles and Jordan Walker.

Results from games played Sunday, September 18th.

Memphis 8 at Iowa 4 (completion of 9/17 contest)

The Memphis Redbirds (68-72) topped the Iowa Cubs (CHC, 64-76) in the completion of Saturday’s suspended contest.

In the bullpen game, Ryan Loutos tossed two scoreless innings and Johan Quezada pitched one. James Naile surrendered an unearned run in 1 2/3 innings on four hits and two strikeouts.

After the Cubs scored a run in the fifth, the Cardinals responded with five in the sixth. Iván Herrera tied the game with a single. Juan Yepez doubled to drive in two and Moisés Gómez blasted a two-run homer.

Moisés Gómez

Génesis Cabrera earned his first Triple-A win of the year after a scoreless 1 1/3 innings with two strikeouts. T.J. McFarland was charged with two runs in an inning. Kodi Whitley yielded one run in two innings but still received his third save of 2022.

The Redbirds added insurance in the ninth inning. Gómez hit his 36th homer of the year and second in the game to make the score 6-3. Clint Coulter blasted a two-run shot, his seventh.

Yepez, Gómez, Austin Allen and Cory Spangenberg had two hits apiece. Gómez recorded two home runs and three RBI. The lineup went 3-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Memphis 3 at Iowa 1 (7 innings, Game 2)

The Memphis Redbirds (69-72) beat the Iowa Cubs (CHC, 64-77) in Sunday’s regularly scheduled game at Principal Park.

Starter Tommy Parsons tossed 4 2/3 innings and surrendered a run on five hits and two walks. The right-hander fanned eight batters and brought his season total to 100.

Tommy Parsons

In the first, Herrera singled to bring Kramer Robertson across. Scott Hurst homered in the third, his 10th of 2022. Pedro Pages blasted a solo shot in the fourth for a 3-0 lead.

Zach McAllister recorded 1 1/3 scoreless innings and earned his fifth win of the year. Freddy Pacheco saved his fourth Triple-A game after a scoreless inning.

Hurst, Herrera and Pages had the only hits for Memphis. The lineup had four walks and went 1-for-3 with runners in scoring position.

Robertson and Delvin Pérez both stole a bag.

The Redbirds are eliminated from playoff contention in the International League West. They are in sixth place, 16.5 games behind Nashville.

Tuesday’s game: vs. Gwinnett, TBA vs. TBA 6:45 CT (The Redbirds are off Monday)

Springfield 7 at Tulsa 2

In their final game of the regular season, the Springfield Cardinals (37-32) beat the Tulsa Drillers (LAD, 29-40) on Sunday evening at ONEOK Field.

In his final start of 2022, Michael McGreevy threw four innings with one run surrendered. TCN’s no. 5 prospect ended the 2022 season with a 9-5 record and 3.99 ERA between High-A and Double-A.

After the Drillers scored a run in the second inning, Jordan Walker blasted a three-run homer in the third, his 19th of the season.

Jordan Walker

Domingo Robles, who was the originally named starter, pitched the remaining five innings and was charged with one run on three hits. The left-hander earned his fifth win of the year.

Domingo Robles

In the fifth, Julio Rodriguez and Nick Dunn each brought in a run via sacrifice fly. Jacob Buchberger doubled in the seventh to plate two and make the score 7-2.

Buchberger recorded three hits and Dunn had two. Errol Robinson walked three times and Masyn Winn twice. The lineup had seven hits and 10 walks.

Robinson stole a bag. Buchberger was picked off and caught stealing twice. Walker recorded an outfield assist from right field.

The Double-A Cardinals ended the season with a 68-70 overall record. Their 37-32 mark in the second half left them six wins short of playoff qualification.

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 18, 2022

photo: Masyn Winn (Palm Beach Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 0-1 on Saturday as rain suspended Memphis’ contest. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Springfield shortstop Masyn Winn, recorded two hits, one walk, two runs and a stolen base. Another standout is DH Nick Dunn.

Results from games played Saturday, September 17th.

Memphis 0 at Iowa 0 (suspended in the fourth inning)

The Memphis Redbirds (67-72) and Iowa Cubs (CHC, 64-75) contest was suspended in the top of the fourth inning with no score due to rain. It will be completed on Sunday as the opener of a doubleheader.

In the bullpen game, Ryan Loutos tossed two scoreless innings and Johan Quezada pitched one. Austin Allen and Cory Spangenberg had the only hits for the Redbirds through three innings.

Sunday’s games:
at Iowa, completion of 9/17 contest 12:08 CT (Game 1)
at Iowa, RHP Tommy Parsons (11-3, 4.28) vs. RHP Anderson Espinoza (0-4, 9.18) Time TBA (Game 2)

Springfield 3 at Tulsa 7

The Springfield Cardinals (36-32) fell to the Tulsa Drillers (LAD, 29-39) on Saturday night at ONEOK Field.

Starter Edgar Escobar tossed six innings and surrendered four runs on eight hits and a walk. The right-hander fanned three and ended 2022 with a 7-12 record.

After the Drillers scored four runs in the first, the Cardinals did not answer until the sixth inning. Nick Dunn doubled to bring Masyn Winn across. In the eighth, Jordan Walker drove in Winn via double and Dunn plated another run.

Masyn Winn

Michael YaSenka yielded three runs, two earned, in an inning. Michael Brettell recorded a scoreless inning.

Dunn and Winn had two hits apiece. Walker, Dunn and Winn doubled. The lineup went 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Nick Dunn

Winn stole his 28th bag for Springfield. TCN’s no. 2 prospect has 43 between High-A and Double-A.

The Cardinals have been eliminated from playoff contention in the Texas League North. They play their final game of the season on Sunday.

Sunday’s game: at Tulsa, LHP Domingo Robles (4-5, 6.50) vs. TBA 6:05 CT

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Memphis Redbirds Notebook – 2022 Week 24

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 16, 2022

photo: Gordon Graceffo (Springfield Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 1-2 on Thursday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Gordon Graceffo, recorded six scoreless innings and nine strikeouts for Springfield. Other standouts include Clint Coulter, Masyn Winn, Tink Hence and Alfredo Ruiz.

Results from games played Thursday, September 15th.

Memphis 5 at Iowa 8

The Memphis Redbirds (67-71) fell to the Iowa Cubs (CHC, 63-75) on Thursday at Principal Park.

Garret Williams tossed 2 2/3 innings and was charged with seven runs on six hits and three walks. The left-hander fanned three and is 0-7 in Triple-A this season. Johan Quezada yielded a run in 1 1/3 innings.

In his continuing rehab assignment, St. Louis’ Steven Matz tossed an inning with two strikeouts. The left-hander threw eight of his nine pitches for strikes.

In the fourth, Pedro Pages drove in Iván Herrera via sacrifice fly. Juan Yepez blasted a two-run homer in the fifth, his 30th between Memphis and St. Louis. Moisés Gómez hit his 34th home run of the year (between the two levels)  in the seventh, a two-run shot.

Génesis Cabrera, Ljay Newsome and Kodi Whitley all recorded a scoreless inning. Each reliever had one strikeout.

Clint Coulter

Clint Coulter had two doubles and three of the eight Redbirds hits. Yepez and Gómez both had a two-run home run. The lineup went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position even with five extra-base hits.

The Redbirds are eliminated from playoff contention in the International League West.

Friday’s game: at Iowa, LHP Matthew Liberatore (6-7, 5.10) vs. TBA 7:08 CT

Springfield 8 at Tulsa 0

The Springfield Cardinals (35-31) blanked the Tulsa Drillers (LAD, 28-38) at ONEOK Field on Thursday.

Gordon Graceffo pitched six scoreless innings with only one hit given up. The 22-year-old tied his career high with nine strikeouts and he earned his seventh Double-A win.

Gordon Graceffo

The Cardinals took the early lead with two runs in the first inning. Brady Whalen and Nick Raposo each hit an RBI single.

In the fourth, Todd Lott doubled to bring in a run and Jordan Walker plated two runs. As Walker stole second base, Masyn Winn took home to make the score 6-0.

Andre Granillo recorded a scoreless inning with three strikeouts. Gianluca Dalatri and Dalton Roach both had hitless innings.

Springfield added two more runs in the eighth. Mike Antico grounded into a double play and Irving Lopez came across. Winn doubled to score Lott.

Masyn Winn

Walker and Lott both had two hits. Winn had a hit, three walks, an RBI and two runs scored. In his Double-A return, Jacob Buchberger walked three times and had a hit. The lineup had nine hits and eight walks.

Winn stole two bags. Lott, Buchberger and Walker all took one.

In the Texas League North, the Cardinals are eliminated from playoff contention.

Friday’s game: at Tulsa, RHP Kyle Leahy (10-7, 5.33) vs. TBA 7:05 CT

Palm Beach 2 at St. Lucie 3

In Game 2 of the Florida State League East Division title series, the Palm Beach Cardinals were edged by the St. Lucie Mets at Clover Park. With losses in Games 1 and 2, the Beach Birds’ season has concluded.

TCN’s no. 7 prospect, Tink Hence, tossed four scoreless innings with three strikeouts. The 20-year-old finished the 2022 season with a 1.38 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.

Tink Hence

The Beach Birds only scoring came in the second inning off the bat of Victor Scott II. TCN’s no. 34 prospect doubled to plate two..

The Mets scored all three runs in the sixth against reliever Roy Garcia. The right-hander yielded three hits and two walks. Alfredo Ruiz recorded three perfect innings with five strikeouts.

Alfredo Ruiz

Palm Beach recorded five hits and four walks but struck out 16 times. The lineup went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base.

Michael Curialle stole a bag and Chris Rotondo recorded an outfield assist.

The Class-A Cardinals finished the 2022 season with an overall record of 67-61 and 0-2 in the playoffs.

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Springfield Cardinals Notebook – 2022 Week 23

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 12, 2022

photo: Tommy Jew (Palm Beach Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 0-3 on Sunday after Palm Beach was canceled. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Peoria outfielder Tommy Jew, went 3-for-5 including a solo homer, two stolen bases and three runs scored. Other standouts include Delvin Pérez, Domingo Robles and L.J. Jones.

Results from games played Sunday, September 11th.

Memphis 2, Norfolk 9

The Memphis Redbirds (66-69) fell to the Norfolk Tides (BAL, 66-69) on Sunday afternoon at AutoZone Park.

Dakota Hudson tossed 7 1/3 innings and gave up six runs, three earned, on seven hits and three walks. The right-hander struck out five and took his first Triple-A loss this year.

The first Redbirds run came off the bat of Scott Hurst in the third. The center fielder doubled to score Delvin Pérez. Kramer Robertson brought Pérez across in the fifth via double.

Delvin Perez

Génesis Cabrera was charged with three runs in 1 2/3 innings on five hits, one walk and two strikeouts.

Robertson and Pérez both had two hits. Hurst and Moisés Gómez each recorded one. The lineup left six runners on base.

Pérez stole his sixth bag of the season.

Memphis went 2-4 against Norfolk this week and is one game from elimination in the International League West.

Tuesday’s game: at Iowa, TBA vs. TBA 6:38 CT (The Redbirds are off Monday)

Springfield 1, San Antonio 4

In the final home game of the season, the Springfield Cardinals (33-30) were defeated by the San Antonio Missions (SD, 29-34) at Hammons Field.

Starter Edgar Escobar tossed five innings and was charged with three runs on six hits, three walks and one strikeout. The 25-year-old took his 11th loss of the season.

The only Cardinals run came in the sixth inning. Chandler Redmond singled to bring Matt Koperniak across.

Domingo Robles fanned seven batters over four innings. The right-hander surrendered a solo home run.

Domingo Robles

Redmond had the only multi-hit game with two. The lineup left 10 runners on base and struck out 15 times. Justin Toerner wore the golden sombrero (four strikeouts in four at-bats).

Masyn Winn took his 24th bag in Double-A. Toerner recorded an outfield assist.

The Cardinals split the series 3-3 with the Missions this week. They are one game from elimination in the Texas League North.

Tuesday’s game: at Tulsa, RHP Michael McGreevy (6-4, 4.65) vs. TBA 6:05 CT (The Cardinals are off Monday)

Peoria 11 at Quad Cities 12

The Peoria Chiefs (28-38) were walked off by the Quad Cities River Bandits (KC, 28-38) in the final game of the season on Sunday.

In the slugfest matinee, every Chiefs pitcher surrendered at least two runs. Starter Dionys Rodriguez was charged with six runs in only two innings. Chris Gerard gave up two runs on two hits, two walks and five strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.

After the River Bandits scored six runs in the first two innings, the Chiefs answered back with eight runs over the third and fourth. Luis Rodriguez hit a solo homer and Wade Stauss came across on a wild pitch. L.J. Jones and Francisco Hernandez both brought in a run to make the score 6-4.

Patrick Romeri doubled to tie the game and Ramon Mendoza made the score 7-6 with an RBI triple. In the fourth, Tommy Jew blasted a solo home run, his seventh of the season.

Tommy Jew

Chris Roycroft yielded two runs over two innings on three hits and two strikeouts. Quad Cities took the lead in the seventh but the Chiefs answered again.

In the eighth, Jones hit an RBI double and Noah Mendlinger came across on a wild pitch. Tyler Reichenborn brought in Jones to take the lead 11-10.

With a one-run lead in the ninth, Levi Prater surrendered two runs and took his second loss of the season.

LJ Jones IV

The Chiefs recorded 17 hits but went 6-for-16 with runners in scoring position. Jew, Jones and Reichenborn all had three hits. Every starter was on base at least once. The pitching gave up 12 runs on 12 hits and six walks.

Jew took two bags and Reichenborn stole one. Jew finished 2022 with 31 and Reichenborn had 21 between Single-A and High-A.

The Chiefs went 3-3 in the final series of the season in Quad Cities. They finished with a 56-76 overall record.

Palm Beach Cardinals at Dunedin Blue Jays – Canceled

Due to inclement weather, the Palm Beach Cardinals and Dunedin Blue Jays contest was canceled. The Beach Birds finished the regular season with an overall record of 67-61. Their playoff series begins on Tuesday at Roger Dean Stadium.

Tuesday’s playoff game: vs. St. Lucie, TBA vs. TBA 5:30 CT (The Cardinals are off Monday)

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Memphis Redbirds Notebook – 2022 Week 23

On Closeout – 2022 Prospect Guide

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 11, 2022

photo: Matthew Liberatore (Memphis Redbirds)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 3-1 on Saturday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Matthew Liberatore, tossed six scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Other standouts include Justin Toerner, Kyle Leahy and Nick Trogrilc-Iverson.

Results from games played Saturday, September 10th.

Memphis 4, Norfolk 1

The Memphis Redbirds (66-68) topped the Norfolk Tides (BAL, 65-69) on Saturday at AutoZone Park.

TCN’s no. 6 prospect, Matthew Liberatore, struck out five batters over six scoreless innings. The left-hander earned his sixth Triple-A win.

Matthew Liberatore

In the fourth, Scott Hurst opened the scoring with a solo homer, his eighth of 2022. The center fielder plated another run in the fifth. Clint Coulter blasted a two-run shot in the sixth inning to make the score 4-0.

Zach McAllister recorded two hitless innings with two strikeouts. Kodi Whitley surrendered a run in the ninth inning.

The lineup had 12 hits and three walks. Hurst, Moisés Gómez, Luken Baker and Roberto Balqouin each had two hits. The pitching held the Tides to only six hits and two walks.

The Redbirds are two games from elimination in the International League West and are 15.5 games behind Nashville.

Sunday’s game: vs. Norfolk, RHP Thomas Parsons (10-3, 4.46) vs. LHP Bruce Zimmermann (4-2, 3.64) 2:05 CT

Springfield 8, San Antonio 6

The Springfield Cardinals (33-29) beat the San Antonio Missions (SD, 28-34) at Hammons Field on Saturday night.

In his second rehab start, St. Louis lefty Steven Matz tossed an inning and gave up two runs on three hits and one walk. Regular starter Kyle Leahy pitched six scoreless innings on five hits, three walks and one strikeout. The right-hander earned his 10th win of the season.

Kyle Leahy

The Cardinals scored all eight runs in the third through sixth innings. Justin Toerner hit a three-run homer in the third, his sixth of the year. Brady Whalen came across in the fourth and tripled in the fifth to score two.

In the sixth, Irvin Lopez drove in a run via sacrifice fly. Toerner added one more after he doubled to make the score 8-2.

Justin Toerner

John Beller was charged with three runs in 1 1/3 innings on one hit and two walks. Dalton Roach surrendered a run in 2/3 of an inning.

Toerner went 2-for-4 with two walks, four RBI and two runs scored. Whalen and Errol Robinson each had two hits. The lineup had eight hits and four walks.

Robinson, Lopez and Whalen all stole a bag. The defense turned three double plays.

Springfield is three games from elimination in the Texas League North. They are five games behind first-place Wichita.

Sunday’s game: vs. San Antonio, RHP Edgar Escobar (7-10, 6.83) vs. RHP Nolan Watson (4-6, 6.07) 4:35 CT

Peoria 4 at Quad Cities 3

The Peoria Chiefs (28-37) edged the Quad Cities River Bandits (KC, 27-38) on Saturday at Modern Woodmen Park.

In his final start of 2022, Austin Love tossed four innings and was charged with three runs on seven hits, four walks and five strikeouts. TCN’s no. 30 prospect struck out 151 batters in 125 2/3 innings this season.

Osvaldo Tovalin recorded an RBI single in the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Noah Mendlinger tripled in the third to score Todd Lott. Tovalin drove in Mendlinger with a single.

Nick Trogrlic-Iverson

Nick Trogrilc-Iverson pitched the last five innings and only gave up a hit and a walk. The right-hander struck out five and earned his fourth win of the year.

After the River Bandits tied the game in the third, there was no further scoring until the eighth inning. Mack Chambers came across on a wild pitch to make the score 4-3.

Mendlinger and Tovalin both had three hits. Every starter was on base at least once for the Chiefs. Even with 10 hits and six walks, Peoria struck out 16 times.

Mendlinger, Tovalin and Chambers all stole a bag.

The Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs in the Midwest League West and play their final game of the season on Sunday.

Sunday’s game: at Quad Cities, RHP Dionys Rodriguez (3-11, 4.21) vs. RHP Chandler Champlain (1-3, 8.69) 1:00 CT

Palm Beach 3 at Dunedin 9

The Palm Beach Cardinals (37-27) fell to the Dunedin Blue Jays (TOR, 38-25) at TD Ballpark on Saturday.

Starter Jose Davila tossed 2 1/3 innings and gave up five runs on seven hits and two walks. The 19-year-old took his second Single-A loss. Alfredo Ruiz recorded 2 2/3 scoreless innings and fanned four batters.

Alfredo Ruiz

In the first, Nathan Church singled to bring Chris Rotondo across. The Blue Jays answered with five runs in the next three innings. Jeremy Rivas scored Church in the fourth to make the score 5-2.

Nelfri Contreras and Matt Hickey both had scoreless innings. Roy Garcia was charged with four runs in one inning.

The Beach Birds tried to come back in the ninth and managed to have the bases loaded with two out. Thomas Francisco walked with the bases loaded but Church popped out to end the game.

Every player except Michael Curialle had a hit. The lineup struck out 14 times and left 11 runners on base.

Church recorded an outfield assist.

Palm Beach has clinched the second half title in the Florida State League East. They wrap up their final regular season series on Sunday.

Sunday’s game: at Dunedin, RHP Trent Baker (9-7, 3.14) vs. TBA 11:00 CT

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Friday St. Louis Cardinals Minors Pitching Moves

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Cardinals Minor League Notebook – September 9, 2022

photo: Hancel Rincon (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The St. Louis Cardinals system went 1-4 on Thursday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, Hancel Rincon, tossed six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts for Palm Beach. Other standouts include Logan Gragg, Aaron Antonini and Levi Prater.

Results from games played Thursday, September 8th.

Memphis 2, Norfolk 7 (7 innings, completion of 9/7 Game 2)

The Memphis Redbirds (65-66) fell to the Norfolk Tides (BAL, 63-68) on Thursday night at AutoZone Park. This was the resumption of the second game Wednesday night suspended in the bottom of the first inning.

In a bullpen game, Garrett Williams and Johan Quezada each tossed one inning. Williams recorded a scoreless frame and Quezada took his first loss of the season after two runs were surrendered. Freddy Pacheco was charged with an unearned run in two innings.

The first Redbirds run came in the second inning. Cory Spangenberg singled to score Iván Herrera. Pedro Pages plated Scott Hurst in the sixth via single.

Génesis Cabrera pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters. Ryan Loutos gave up four runs on six hits in 2/3 of an inning. T.J. McFarland recorded the last out in the seventh.

Evan Mendoza recorded the only multi-hit performance with two. The Redbirds had seven hits, all singles, two walks and went 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Herrera stole his fifth bag of the year.

Memphis 0, Norfolk 5 (7 innings, Game 2)

In Game 2 of the doubleheader, the Memphis Redbirds (65-67) were blanked by the Norfolk Tides (BAL, 64-68) at AutoZone Park.

Connor Thomas pitched 5 1/3 innings and gave up four runs, three earned, on 11 hits and two walks. The left-hander took his ninth loss of 2022. Kodi Whitley fanned three but surrendered a solo homer in 1 2/3 innings.

Juan Yepez, Moisés Gómez and Clint Coulter (double) had the only Redbirds hits. The lineup went 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

Kramer Robertson and Coulter both committed an error. Yepez threw a runner out at home.

Memphis is four games from elimination in the International League West. They are 15.5 games behind Nashville.

Friday’s game: vs. Norfolk, TBA vs LHP Alexander Wells 7:05 CT

Springfield 6, San Antonio 3

The Springfield Cardinals (31-29) topped the San Antonio Missions (SD, 28-32) at Hammons Field on Thursday night.

Starter Logan Gragg tossed six innings and yielded an unearned run on six hits, one walk and three strikeouts.

Logan Gragg

In the second inning, Aaron Antonini grounded out and Brady Whalen came across. Jordan Walker plated Mike Antico on a single and Whalen scored Walker on a groundout to make the score 3-1 in the third.

Michael Brettell gave up two unearned runs in 1 2/3 innings. Dalton Roach won his sixth game of the season after a scoreless 1 1/3 innings.

After the Missions tied the game in the eighth, the Cardinals took the lead in the home half as Errol Robinson drove in Whalen. Antonini added some insurance with a two-run homer, his first for Springfield.

Aaron Antonini

Every player in the lineup was on base at least once. Antonini drove in three and Whalen went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. There could have been more scoring, but the lineup went just 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Mike Antico, Walker and Robinson all stole a bag. Antico has 61 stolen bases between Peoria and Springfield. Robinson had a rough defensive night with three errors.

The Cardinals are five games behind Wichita and five games from elimination in the Texas League North.

Friday’s game: vs. San Antonio, RHP Gordon Graceffo (5-4, 4.52) vs. RHP Thomas Eshelman (3-4, 4.68) 6:35 CT

Peoria 2 at Quad Cities 6

The Peoria Chiefs (26-37) were defeated by the Quad Cities River Bandits (KC, 27-36) at Modern Woodmen Park on Thursday.

Starter Wilfredo Pereira tossed 5 2/3 innings and was charged with six runs, five earned, on seven hits and three walks. The right-hander struck out four and took his eighth loss of the season.

The only Chiefs runs came at the end. In the eighth, Noah Mendlinger grounded out and Todd Lott came across. Patrick Romeri doubled in the ninth to score Mack Chambers.

Levi Prater

Levi Prater recorded a scoreless 2 1/3 innings of relief with three strikeouts.

L.J. Jones had two hits. Lott, Romeri and Wade Stauss each had one hit. The lineup went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Jacob Buchberger took two bags. Lott and Chambers both stole one.

The Chiefs are eliminated from playoff contention and sit in last place in the Midwest League West.

Friday’s game: at Quad Cities, RHP Zane Mills (4-6, 3.88) vs. LHP Rylan Kaufman (1-7, 5.30) 6:30 CT

Palm Beach 3 at Dunedin 4 (10 innings)

The Palm Beach Cardinals (36-26) fell to the Dunedin Blue Jays (TOR, 37-24) in extra innings at TD Ballpark on Thursday.

Starter Hancel Rincon tossed six scoreless innings on three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. Alfredo Ruiz surrendered two runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Hancel Rincón

R.J. Yeager plated the first run of the game on a single in the first. Elijah Cabell blasted a solo homer in the seventh, his eighth of the season. Cabell scored the go-ahead run in the ninth via sacrifice fly but the Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom half.

In 1 1/3 innings, Andrew Marrero yielded an unearned run on three hits and two walks. Bryan Pope took his fourth loss of 2022 after he gave up an unearned run in the 10th inning.

The Beach Birds could not advance the runner at second in the 10th inning. The Blue Jays walked off Palm Beach in the home half.

Victor Scott II and Jeremy Rivas each had two hits. The lineup went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left seven runners on base.

Nathan Church recorded an outfield assist.

The Cardinals have clinched first place in the Florida State League East.

Friday’s game: at Dunedin, LHP Alex Cornwell (4-3, 5.54) vs. TBA 5:30 CT

Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation

Cardinals Shelve Minor League Pitching Trio

On Closeout – 2022 Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation 2022 Prospect Guide is back for a fifth year. It includes 276 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of color photos. Order your PDF or printed book copy today! The latter is now 20% off.

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