Perhaps the Nationals affiliates should avoid day games.
One inning was his undoing as RHP Tyler Clippard’s rough first inning where he gave up three runs on two hits and two walks was all the Mud Hens needed in their 4-1 defeat of the Clippers (box/gamer). Clippard allowed only surrendered one additional hit and one walk with four strikeouts over his other five innings of work. Columbus managed only five hits, led by 2B Pete Orr (2/3) and RF Tommy Murphy (1/2 with a double).
Tonight: The Clippers continue their series in Toledo with RHP Jason Bergmann (0-1, 12.00) facing Mud Hens RHP Eddie Bonine (3-0, 2.79) at 7:05PM
Harrisburg could manage only three hits in a 7-0 shutout loss to the Erie SeaWolves (box/gamer). CF Roger Bernadina, LF Jorge Padilla, and DH Luke Montz each singled for the Senators, accounting for all of their offense. RHP Marco Estrada took the loss allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings of work. He struck out five.
Tonight: Harrisburg opens a series in Akron at 7:05PM. The Senators pitchers is TBD (the game notes list RHP Ismael Ramirez as the SP but he worked in relief Wednesday). On the mound for Akron will be RHP Kevin Dixon (0-2, 4.32)
LHP Ross Detwiler was not sharp on Wednesday, lasting only 2/3 of an inning of a 7-5 Potomac 7-5 loss to Winston-Salem (box/gamer). Detwiler threw 40 pitches to the only six hitters he faced. He had three-ball counts on many of the hitters and had numerous pitches fouled off. His final line was two runs on three hits and one walk and one strikeout. 3B Leonard Davis had a solid day at the plate for the P-Nats going 2/3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. CF Frank Diaz was 2/4 with a stolen base and a run scored.
The P-Nats are off today before opening a home series against Frederick on Friday
The Suns dropped the rubber match to Lakewood 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon (box/gamer). RHP Colton Willems took the loss though he was strong over his five innings of work. He allowed three runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. The Suns could manage only four hits on the morning, a double by 2B Jake Smolinski and singles by DH Aaron Seuss, 1B Tim Pahuta, & CF Stephen Englund.
Tonight: RHP Brad Peacock (0-1, 8.36) opens a Hagerstown series in Greensboro at 7:00PM
Kyle | 24-Apr-08 at 11:44 am | Permalink
Brian,
I was at a P-Nats game a couple of weeks ago against Kinston. Their hitters were making very solid contact against Detwiler. My eye was not sharp enough to see if he was grooving his pitches or if his velocity was off, but I wonder what you are hearing about him, as this is his third straight rough outing.
Brian Oliver | 24-Apr-08 at 11:56 am | Permalink
I have been told by folks who have seen him pitch that his delivery looks a bit different this season. If he has made a mechanical change (usually done to prevent future injury) that might explain some of his struggles as he adapts to new arm action, release point, etc.
Chris | 24-Apr-08 at 12:34 pm | Permalink
I understand he was struggling, but 40 pitches? Lets see him work through trouble
Brian Oliver | 24-Apr-08 at 1:57 pm | Permalink
Chris - Barry Svrluga had some additional information this AM. Nats minor league pitchers not only have pitch counts for games, they also have pitch counts for innings. I would imagine that they rarely have to be enforced but to me 40 pitches, specifically 40 pitches like Detwiler had thrown yesterday prompted the move.