Lodise and fellow newcomers production was the story pf the day on Sunday.
The Atlanta Braves system had a pair of games rained out on Sunday, but the games that did get played saw a bunch of recent promotions and draftees continue to produce. From Alex Lodise and Cooper McMurray, to Isaiah Drake and Patrick Clohisy, the young bats were the story of the day – well along with a 20 whiff game from Cedric De Grandpre.
Gwinnett Stripers vs Durham Bulls – PPD, Rain
Gwinnett’s game was rained out. The game will be played next month, with a September 4th date on it.
Columbus Clingstones 6, Montgomery Biscuits 2
- Jim Jarvis, DH: 2-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB, .286/.286/.357
- Lizandro Espinoza, SS: 2-4, BB, R, RBI, SB, .200/.429/.200
- Patrick Clohisy, CF: 3-5, 2B, 2 R, RBI, SB, .308/.357/.462
- Brett Sears, SP: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K, 3.71 ERA
Brett Sears got the start and turned in a solid outing. Sears went five innings, giving up one run on four hits and a pair of walks with two strikeouts. While he didn’t pick up a ton of strikeouts, Sears was efficient and did a good job of keeping the ball on the ground. Rolddy Munoz went the next two innings, giving up a run and striking out one while collecting eight whiffs. Tyler LaPorte and Elison Joseph each threw scoreless innings of relief to finish this game off.
The newcomers did the heavy lifting in this win. Patrick Clohisy was three for five with a double, two runs, one batted in, and a stolen base. Jim Jarvis was two for five, scoring a run, batting in two, and stealing a base. Lizandro Espinoza went two for four with a walk, run, RBI, and also a steal. Geraldo Quintero also had a big game, hitting a single and drawing two walks, while stealing a base. Ethan Workinger singled and walked, while David McCabe singled.
Swing and Misses
Brett Sears – 10
Rolddy Munoz – 8
Tyler LaPorte – 3
Greensboro Grasshoppers 6, Rome Emperors 3
- Isaiah Drake, CF: 2-5, R, .267/.313/.267
- Alex Lodise, SS: 1-5, 2B, R, .444/.444/.889
- Cooper McMurray, 1B: 2-4, 2B, BB, 2 RBI, .333/.500/.500
- Cedric De Grandpre, SP: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 7 K, 3.05 ERA
This game wasn’t as close as the final score indicated, as Rome scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to make it look closer. This one was all Greensboro from early on, as they got to Cedric De Grandpre for three runs in the top of the second. Cedric settled in and only allowed one more run as he made it through five innings, allowing six hits and a walk with the four runs.
However he did strike out seven hitters and picked up 20 swings and misses, showcasing the kind of stuff that gives you hope that he can become a big league piece. Justin Long and Isaac Gallegos each pitched an inning, and both of them ended up striking out the side. Ryan Bourassa and Jacob Gomez each went an inning and allowed a run, though Gomez added two more strikeouts. In total the Rome pitching staff struck out 15 on the day.
The newcomers powered the offense in this one. Undrafted free agent and former Auburn star Cooper McMurray led the way, going two for four with a double, walk, and two of the three Emperors runs batted in. Second round pick Alex Lodise went one for five, but collected his third extra-base hit with a double. The recently promoted Isaiah Drake went two for five and scored a run, with Luis Sanchez also having a two-hit day. Mason Guerra drew a pair of walks and Mac Guscette singled and walked in the loss. Ambioris Tavarez was hitless in five at bats with a pair of strikeouts.
Swing and Misses
Cedric De Grandpre – 20
Isaac Gallegos – 4
Augusta GreenJackets vs Carolina Mudcats – PPD, Rain
The Augusta game was rained out. Unlike Gwinnett’s game, this one was cancelled with no makeup date to come.