John Nagel writes as the Prospect Preacher and is the owner of CardinalsFarm.com where he covers the Cardinals minor league system on a daily basis.
The Baby Birds had a successful night going 3-1 as Peoria lost in the bottom of the ninth. Top prospects were on display for Memphis as Carlos Martinez, Oscar Taveras, Ryan Jackson, and Kolten Wong each played big roles in the Memphis win. David Popkins and Colin Walsh have been part of the reason the Palm Beach Cardinals have made a huge turnaround. Jacob Wilson continues to have a really good season and seems to be slipping under the radar of a team that has some big name prospects on it.
Here are the results for Wednesday’s action:
New Orleans 3, Memphis (35-32) 9
The Memphis Redbirds offense did not have a hard time scoring on Wednesday. Rob Johnson led the way for the Redbirds with 3 hits, 2 doubles, 3 RBI’s, and a run scored. Justin Christian and Ryan Jackson also had 3 hits with Christian scoring twice. Kolten Wong, Oscar Taveras, and Brock Peterson had 2 hits and Jamie Romak drove in 2 runs. The offense pounded out 17 hits.
Carlos Martinez was solid for 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and striking out 5. Eric Fornataro allowed a run in an inning of work and Sam Freeman pitched 2 scoreless innings while striking out 4.
Player of the Game: Rob Johnson
Springfield (31-32) 9 NW Arkansas 5
The Springfield Cardinals offense was rolling as well on Wednesday. Jake Lemmerman led the way with 2 hits and 3 RBI’s. Cody Stanley also added 3 hits, a double, and an RBI. Ruben Gotay and Luis Mateo had 2 hits while Chris Swauger had 3 hits, a double, and an RBI. Mike O’Neill hit his 2nd home run of the season in the 8th, while James Ramsey hit his 3rd Double-A home run in the 4th. Ramsey’s was a 2-run home run.
Anthony Ferrara picked up his fifth win while allowing 2 runs on 5 hits over 5 innings. Justin Wright went 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings while Heath Wyatt, Lee Stoppleman, and Jose Almarante each allowed a run in their relief appearances.
Player of the Game: Jake Lemmerman
Dunedin 3, Palm Beach (28-36) 5
The Palm Beach Cardinals become the first team to win three from the Blue Jays on the season. Jonathan Rodriguez and Stephen Piscotty provided a huge spark from the middle of the lineup. In the 3 spot, Piscotty went 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and Rodriguez followed Piscotty going 2-for-3 with a double, his 4th home run, and 4 RBI’s. David Popkins extended his hitting streak to 11 games.
Tyler Melling was outstanding for 7 innings. Melling allowed 3 runs on 4 hits and struck out 2. Ronnie SHaban pitched 2 scoreless innings for his 8th save and he also lowered his ERA to 1.05.
Player of the Game: Jonathan Rodriguez
Peoria (34-29) 2, Clinton 3
The Peoria Chiefs could not hold the lead in the 8th and would lose it in walk-off fashion in the 9th. Jacob Wilson, new to CardinalsFarm’s top 20 prospects this month, led they way with 3 hits including his 9th home run. Wilson also has 50 RBI, which is the most by a Chief in the first half since 2004. Jordan Walton, Ildemaro Vargas, and Jimmy Parque each added 3 hits as well.
Corey Jones was awesome again for Peoria. In 7 innings, Jones allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits and struck out 2. Michael Aldrete couldn’t hold the lead in the 8th allowing a run on 3 hits and walking 2. Dixon Llorens took the loss as he allowed a run in the 9th.
Player of the Game: Jacob Wilson
