Clippers pitchers were battered for fifteen hits in a 13-4 loss to the Louisville Bats (box). RHP Collin Balester allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks. LHP Arnie Muñoz was knocked around for six runs on three hits and five walks in just 1 2/3 innings of work. RHP Joe Norrito made his debut for Columbus, allowing two runs on five hits over 2 1/3 innings. 3B Yurendell de Caster, CF Ryan Langerhans, and LF Jason Dubois each had three hits for Columbus. Notes: RHP Chris Booker placed on the DL (groin) to open up a spot for Norrito.
Tonight: RHP Tyler Clippard (0-3, 7.32) wraps up the series in Louisville against LHP Adam Pettyjohn (2-0, 5.11) at 7:05PM
Harrisburg’s offense was again MIA as they repeatedly left runners in scoring position, dropping a 4-2 decision to Akron (box/gamer). LF Mike Daniel was 2/5 with his first Double-A home run. CF Roger Bernadina and 1B Andrew Lefave were each 2/4 and CA Luke Montz and DH Luis Jimenez each had a double. RHP Josh Hall allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks in his five innings of work in the loss.
Harrisburg has an off-day on Monday
Potomac dropped their series in Frederick with a 6-2 defeat to the Keys (box/gamer). RHP Jhonny Nuñez allowed six runs on eight hits and a walk over four innings. He was hurt by two home runs which accounted for four of his runs allowed. RHP Carlos Martinez threw three perfect innings with two strikeouts. RHP Adam Carr pitched a scoreless eighth, striking out one. 2B Matt Rogelstad and RF Edgardo Baez were both 1/4 with a solo home run. 1B Chris Marrero was 1/2 with a pair of walks. And, a rehabbing Elijah Dukes played left field and finished 0/2 with a pair of walks.
Tonight: The P-Nats return home tonight with LHP Cory VanAllen (3-0, 0.89) takes the mound against Winston-Salem at 7:05PM
The game between Hagerstown and Greensboro was suspended by rain after five innings with game tied 2-2 (box/gamer). The game will resume at a day to be determined during one of Greensboro’s two remaining visits to Hagerstown. RHP Cole Kimball was nearly untouchable through the first four innings allowing only a walk, two hits and a hit batter while striking out seven. His final line was 4 2/3 innings allowing two runs on four hits and three walks. 1B Bill Rhinehart was 2/3 with one RBI, CF Francisco Plasencia was 1/3 with a double & run scored, and LF Aaron Seuss was 1/2 with a double and run scored.
Hagerstown has an off-day on Monday
Tofu Dog | 28-Apr-08 at 9:26 am | Permalink
What is Harrisburg going to do with both Lafave and Jimenez. They both seem capable and need playing time. It seems Jimenez has proven he can hit Double-A pitching but he is blocked by Larry Broadway. What is going to play out with him?
Brian Oliver | 28-Apr-08 at 9:37 am | Permalink
TD - My guess is that Jimenez will continue to split time with Lefave at 1B/DH in Harrisburg. In all honesty, there is little difference between what Broadway and Jimenez might deliver at the major league level.
TB | 28-Apr-08 at 9:48 am | Permalink
This is Luis Jimenez’s fourth different organization in the last four years. And this is his fourth consecutive year in the AA Eastern League. Some guys, are just guys that can pound a certain level but are likely not going to pound a higher level.
Bob L. Head | 28-Apr-08 at 10:28 am | Permalink
Wow, Bernadina plays first and cf at the same time?
Pilchard | 28-Apr-08 at 11:23 am | Permalink
Balester may have just pitched himself out of a call up this week. With Matt Chico totally lost right now, there was a strong opening for Balester to exploit. Now, he may need to wait awhile (not long) before getting the call.
e | 28-Apr-08 at 12:55 pm | Permalink
I see that Eude Brito pitched for Harrisburg this weekend. I thought he was released by Columbus. Did he re-sign with the organization and get assigned to Harrisburg again?
Nats fan in NJ | 28-Apr-08 at 12:58 pm | Permalink
I’m just as happy with Balester remaining in Columbus. Let him get some more experience b/f going to the wolves. The kid is only, what, 21? I’d hate to get him up to the majors and have his confidence shot by a struggling big league team.
Brian Oliver | 28-Apr-08 at 1:17 pm | Permalink
Balester is likely the first option if/when the Nationals need a starter regardless of his last outing
e - Brito is pitching for the Binghamton Mets
Dick | 28-Apr-08 at 1:30 pm | Permalink
Brian: You think Balester before O’Connor? I would expect O’Connor to start and Schroeder to be called back up. I know that leaves them all right-handed in the ‘pen. . .
Shroeder and O’Connor have been just a little bit better than Balester by my reckoning. Having said all that, it is becoming crystal clear to me that seeing Balester this year is a case of ‘when’, not ‘if’. He will at least get his first ‘cup of coffee’.
Brian Oliver | 28-Apr-08 at 1:55 pm | Permalink
O’Connor is already up. I was referring to SP options currently in Columbus. O’Connor might get the nod in place of Chico with Schroder coming up for the bullpen. My thought was if the Nationals needed a minor leaguer for a SP, Balester would be my choice.
TB | 28-Apr-08 at 8:19 pm | Permalink
Brito didn’t pitch for Harrisburg this weekend, hasn’t pitched for Harrisburg since April 3rd. And Roger Bernadina hasn’t played first base for Harrisburg this year or last year.