Jackson Stephens looks to extend is dominant stretch of play to three starts as he takes the mound for the Stripers
(37-43) St. Paul Saints @ (32-50) Gwinnett Stripers – 7:05 PM ET
Pitching Probables
STP: José Ureña (0-1, 2.89 ERA)
GWI: Jackson Stephens (3-0, 3.21 ERA)
After last night’s loss to the Saints, the Stripers turn to Jackson Stephens who has been a menace in the rotation since being thrust into it. Since being slotted into the position, due to Didier Fuentes being promoted, Jackson has pitched 9 combined innings and has allowed one hit, three walks, and has struck out 12. He faces off against Braves nemesis José Ureña. The Stripers offense takes a huge hit as Jurickson Profar is set to return to Atlanta, so expect Jarred Kelenic and his .686 OPS to take over the leadoff spot. Carlos Rodríguez has hit a bit of a lil I the season and has seen his batting average drop to .293 – a necessary skill for him as he does not have much power so as a result his OPS is down to .705 on the season. Luke Waddell is the other player of note as he went 1-for-3 and is ow hitting .293 on the season with a .746 OPS.
(28-44) Columbus Clingstones @ (44-31) Montgomery Biscuits – 5:00 PM ET
Pitching Probables
COL: TBD
MNT: TBD
The Clingstones will be playing a double header after being rained out yesterday. They haven’t won since June 26th, so hopefully some double header fun will get them back in the win column today. While the pitching has been really solid, the offensive production has left a lot to be desired as they are the leagues worst offense in the second half and overall the worst offense in the entire league in runs scored. They have few options to follow outside of David McCabe, Ethan Workinger, and Drew Compton with Geraldo Quintero also an option.
(28-44) Columbus Clingstones @ (44-31) Montgomery Biscuits – Game 2
Pitching Probables
COL: TBD
MNT: TBD
(40-34) Bowling Green Hot Rods @ (33-41) Rome Emperors – 7:00 PM ET
Pitching Probables
BLG: TBD
ROM: Herick Hernandez (1-4, 4.84 ERA)
Rome look to build off of yesterday’s shutout win over the Hot Rods and turn to Herick Hernandez who has pitched well of late. His last three starts have all been two earned runs or less, including his last start on June 24th – six innings of one hit baseball. The big bats got it done for Rome yesterday and will need to get it done again for the Emperors to be successful in the second half. Patrick Clohisy (.685 OPS) went 4-for-4, Mason Guerra (.638 OPS) went 1-for-4 with 2 RBI, and Will Verdung (.707 OPS) went 2-for-4 with an RBI in their win. The Emperors need these guys, along with a healthy Ambioris and Justin Janas to turn the season around.
(39-37) Columbia Fireflies @ (37-37) Augusta GreenJackets – 7:05 PM ET
Pitching Probables
COL: David Shields (2-1, 2.43 ERA)
AUG: David Rodriguez (3-2, 3.44 ERA)
The GreenJackets will be out for revenge after yesterday’s 6-2 loss to the Fireflies. They turn to David Rodriguez who will hopefully provide some length after Jeremy Reyes went 4.1 innings yesterday (which is one of his longer starts of the season). The offense is struggling despite the talent so if you tune in make sure to judge the quality of the at bats versus the production. John Gil, Owen Carey, Luis Guanipa, Isaiah Drake, and Nick Montgomery are some of the bigger names in the lineup while Colby Jones and Douglas Glod have provided some thump in the lineup.