Nationals Farm Authority

Columbus was outslugged by Pawtucket dropping an 11-6 decision in the final day game in Cooper Stadium (box/gamer). 25-year old RHP Marco Estrada allowed five runs on six hits and three walks over 6IP while striking out six. A rehabbing Ryan Wagner was torched for five runs on six hits and one walk in just one plus inning of work. 26-year old RHP Josh Perrault made his Columbus debut, pitching out of trouble in the seventh. He walked two but didn’t allow a run and struck out a pair. 23-year old RHP Zech Zinicola allowed a solo homer in his one inning of relief. Newly acquired 23-year old 2B Emilio Bonifacio was 2/5 with a run scored; 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 1/4 with a stolen base & RBI; 24-year old LF Leonard Davis was 2/4 with two doubles, two runs & one RBI; 27-year old 1B Larry Broadway was 3/4 with a run scored; and 25-year old SS William Bergolla was 2/3 with two doubles & two RBI.

Record: Columbus 56-48, 3rd place IL West (5GB)

Tonight: RHP Craig Stammen (0-0, 4.50) makes his first start for Columbus in Norfolk against LHP Chris Waters (3-5, 6.08) 7:15PM

Harrisburg took an an 8-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth before 24-year old RHP Adam Carr made it too interesting for the Senators liking, holding on for an 8-7 win (box/gamer). 25-year old RHP Zack Segovia made it back to Double-A in 2008, this time for the Senators (he had four appearances for the Phillies earlier this season). Segovia scattered eight hits and three runs over 5 2/3IP with three strikeouts. In the ninth, Carr recorded the first two outs, before a walk double, and walk loaded the bases for top Orioles prospect Matt Wieters who deposited Carr’s first offering over the fence for a grand slam cutting the lead to one. Fortunately for Carr and the Senators, he got the final out avoiding any further damage. 25-year old DH Matt Rogelstad was 3/5 with two RBI; 27-year old 2B Seth Bynum was 1/5 with a three-run home run; 24-year old LF Marvin Lowrance was 2/4 with two RBI; 23-year old CF Mike Daniel was 3/6; and 22-year old SS Ian Desmond was 2/5 with a stolen base and two runs scored.

Record: Harrisburg 57-46, 3rd place EL South (5GB)

Tonight: RHP Jordan Zimmermann (4-2, 3.50) versus Altoona LHP Kyle Bloom (2-4, 4.09) 6:35PM

Potomac saw one former first rounder continue to flounder while another showed flashes of what made him an early selection in their 7-5 loss at home to Kinston (box/gamer). 2008 first rounder, 22-year old LHP Ross Detwiler, struggled through 4 2/3 innings surrendering seven runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks with just one strikeout. Meanwhile, 2002 first rounder, 23-year old RHP Clint Everts struck out eight over 3 1/3 one-hit shutout innings of relief, including the first seven outs he recorded. 23-year old RF Aaron Seuss was 1/4 with a triple, run & two RBI; 24-year old 1B Andrew Lefave was 2/4 with a run scored; and 25-year old 3B Trevor Lawhorn was 2/3 with a double & RBI.

Record: Potomac 18-14, 1st place Carolina North (1.5 games ahead)

Tonight: Potomac travels to Frederick for tonight’s 7:00PM … pitchers TBD, it’s likely to be someone called up from Hagerstown, RHPs Bradley Meyers or Hassan Pena

Hagerstown did not play on Thursday.

Record: Hagerstown 15-18, 4th place Sally North (9GB)

Tonight: It’s RHP Bradley Meyers (6-4, 4.61) turn in the rotation as the Suns welcome Greensboro to Hagerstown 7:05PM

Vermont struck out an alarming eighteen times in an 8-1 loss in Brooklyn (box/gamer). 19-year old RHP Patrick Arnold’s debut was inauspicious as he allowed six runs on five hits and three walks over only 2 1/3IP. 22-year old RHP Johan Figuereo had the strongest pitching performance for the Monsters allowing only two hits and striking out three in two shutout innings of relief. 21-year old CF Michael Guerrero was 2/3 with a solo homer, 22-year old DH Chris Solis was 1/3 with a double, and 20-year old SS Dani Arias was 1/2 … accounting for all four Vermont hits.

Record: Vermont 18-16, 1st place NYP Stedler (1 game ahead)

Tonight: LHP Ricardo Pecina (0-2, 4.22) takes the mound as the Monsters host Lowell 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Thursday

Record: GCL Nats 16-12, 2nd place GCL East (1.5GB)

Today: GCL Nats at GCL Cardinals 12:00PM

The DSL Nationals1 defeated their Nationals2 counterparts 4-2 in a rain-shortened seven-inning game (box). 20-year old RHP Antonio Guzman picked up the win for the Nats1, with six shutout innings allowing three hits and one walk while striking out eleven. 23-year old LHP Jose Santana allowed both runs (one earned) on three hits over 1IP, striking out two. For the Nats2, 19-year old RHP Victor Mota allowed only one hit and one walk over 5IP with five strikeouts. 19-year old LHP Raudy Almonte took the loss allowing four runs on four hits and one walk in just one inning of work.

For the Nats1: 18-year old LF Jesus Morales was 1/2 with a walk, RBI, run & two stolen bases; 19-year old RF Angelberth Montilla was 1/3 with a double, run & RBI; and 17-year old 2B Adrian Sanchez was 1/3 with a run scored. For the Nats2: 21-year old CF Isidro Montesino was 2/3 with a triple and 21-year old SS Francisco Frias was 2/3 with a run scored.

Notes: The DSL All-Star game is scheduled for Sunday. Representing the Nationals will be 21-year old RHP Ruben De La Rosa, 18-year old OF Eury Perez, and Montilla.

Record: DSL Nats1 40-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (20 games ahead); DSL Nats2 18-29, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (22.5GB)

Today: DSL Nats1 versus DSL Tigers; DSL Nats2 versus DSL Padres; both games 10:30AM

From the Senators …

Bowie, MD – With Thursday’s 8-7 win at Bowie, Harrisburg Senators manager John Stearns notched his 500th career win. Stearns reached the milestone in his 8th season as a professional manager.

The win didn’t come easy for Stearns and the Senators. Harrisburg entered the bottom of the 9th with an 8-3 lead, but Matt Wieters drilled a grand slam to make it a one-run game. RHP Adam Carr induced an inning-ending groundout by Lou Montanez to finish it out.

Stearns is currently in his second stint as a manager in Harrisburg; he led the Senators to a 67-75 record in 2006. He began his managerial career in 1990 with the Knoxville Blue Jays, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and stayed for two seasons. Stearns was a scout for the Cincinnati Reds in 1992 and worked as a broadcaster for ESPN in 1993. After a one-year stopover as a manager for Appalachian League champion Princeton in 1994, Stearns worked in the Baltimore Orioles organization in several capacities from 1996-98. He rejoined the Mets in 1999 and was the bench coach when New York won the National League pennant in 2000. He has twice managed at Triple-A: in 2004 with the Norfolk Tides (Mets) and in 2007 with the Columbus Clippers (Nationals).

On May 23rd this year, Stearns filled in as a third-base coach for the Washington Nationals while regular third-base coach Tim Tolman attended his daughter’s high-school graduation. The Nationals topped the Milwaukee Brewers that night, 5-1.

Stearns also was a coach for the World Team at this year’s Futures Game at Yankee Stadium. The World Team prevailed, 3-0 and former Senator RHP Shairon Martis fired a scoreless 9th inning to collect the save.

Prior to his professional career, the Denver native was a standout both in baseball and football at the University of Colorado. He was selected second overall by the Phillies in the 1973 draft and was also drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the NFL as a defensive back, but chose to play baseball. Stearns played one game with Philadelphia in 1974 and was traded to the Mets in December of 1974. The trade involved six players, including reliever Tug McGraw, who went to the Phillies. All told, Stearns played 11 years in the major leagues and was a four-time National League All-Star catcher.

The Senators return to Commerce Bank Park for a seven-day, eight-game homestand against the Altoona Curve (Double-A Pittsburgh Pirates) and Reading Phillies (Double-A Philadelphia Phillies). Game time Friday against Altoona is set for 6:35 PM. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (4-2, 3.50 ERA) goes to the mound for Harrisburg against Altoona LHP Kyle Bloom (2-4, 4.09 ERA).

Columbus rallied to tie the game 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth but lost the lead and the game 3-2 in ten (box/gamer). 23-year old RHP Tyler Clippard allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over 7IP with four strikeouts but did not factor in the decision. 24-year old RF Roger Bernadina was 2/4 with a double, stolen base & two runs scored; 26-year old DH Luis Jimenez was 2/5 with a double & RBI; and rehabbing CF Lastings Milledge was 0/5 with two strikeouts & one RBI.

Record: Columbus 56-47, 3rd place IL West (4GB)

Today: RHP Marco Estrada (2-1, 4.89) versus Pawtucket RHP Charlie Zink (11-2, 2.22) 12:05PM

Harrisburg was blanked by Bowie 3-0 in a rain-shortened five inning game (box/gamer). 23-year old CF Mike Daniel and 21-year old SS Ian Desmond had the only Senators hits, both singles. 23-year old LHP Justin Jones took the loss allowing three runs on five hits and three walks over 4 2/3IP with four strikeouts.

Record: Harrisburg 56-46, 3rd place EL South (6GB)

Today: RHP Zack Segovia (NR) at Bowie RHP David Hernandez (5-3, 2.65) 11:05AM

Potomac called on 25-year old RHP Joe Norrito for the last minute spot start (Segovia was promoted to Harrisburg) in a 6-4 loss to Kinston (box/gamer). Norrito allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks over 4IP. 23-year old LHP Jack Spradlin threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, giving up three hits. 23-year old RF Aaron Seuss was 2/4 with a pair of doubles, two runs & two RBI. 26-year old 1B Brian Finegan was 2/3 with two RBI for the P-Nats.  Notes: The Nats have three roster spots to address for the P-Nats. They likely need a starter, reliever, and bat off of the bench. Likely candidates are RHSP Brad Meyers, RHRP Kyle Gunderson, and maybe CI Tim Pahuta.

Record: Potomac 18-12, 1st place Carolina North (2 games ahead)

Tonight: LHP Ross Detwiler (5-6, 5.32) versus Kinston RHP Carlton Smith (7-5, 4.45) 7:05PM

22-year old RHP Cole Kimball allowed one-hit over seven innings and an eighth inning solo homer by 24-year old 2B Jake Rogers broke a 1-1 tie as the Suns defeated Greenville 4-2 on Wednesday afternoon. (box/gamer). Kimball allowed one run on one hit, three walks & one hit batter over 7IP while striking out seven. 23-year old RHP Edulin Abreu was shaky in his inning plus of work, allowing only one run but four hits and one walk. 23-year old Kyle Gunderson picked up the save, shutting down the Drive in the ninth. Rogers was 1/4 with the solo home run that put the Suns ahead to stay. 22-year old CF Mark Gildea was 1/3 with a walk, double & two runs scored. 23-year old LF Jesus Valdez was 1/4 with two RBI.

Record: Columbus 56-47, 3rd place IL West (4GB)

Today: No game scheduled

Vermont managed only four hits as they were shutout by Brooklyn 4-0 (box/gamer). 19-year old RHP P.J. Dean made the start, going two perfect innings. Dean missed his last turn in rotation with a tight shoulder so the Monsters/Nats were being cautious. 21-year old LHP Tommy Milone took the loss allowing two runs on six hits over four innings of relief, striking out three. The Monsters had four singles, two by 21-year old 1B Tyler Moore and one each by 19-year old CA Derek Norris and 19-year old LF Yhonson Lopez.

Record: Vermont 18-15, 1st place NYP Stedler (1.5 games ahead)

Tonight: RHP Patrick Arnold (NR) makes his once delayed NYP debut versus Brooklyn 7:00PM

The GCL Nationals edged the GCL Marlins 4-3 in 10 innings (box). 19-year old RHP Marcos Frias allowed only one run on two hits and two walks over 6IP while striking out two. 23-year old RHP Danny Gil picked up the win despite blowing the save in his 2IP, allowing two runs on three hits. 22-year old LHP Clayton Dill made his first appearance in over two weeks, holding the Marlins scoreless on one hit over 1IP for the save. 21-year old 3B Ronnie Labrie was 2/5 with a double, RBI & run scored. 20-year old CF Chris Curran was 2/5. And, 21-year old DH Francisco Soriano and 19-year old CA Dan Killian each had one RBI for the GCL Nats.

Record: GCL Nats 15-12, 2nd place GCL East (1.5 games back)

Today: No game scheduled

The DSL Nationals1 rallied to tie the game 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth, eventually walking off with a 3-2 win over the DSL Padres (box). 22-year old RHP Armado De Los Santos started for the Nats1, allowing two runs on four hits over 6IP with nine strikeouts. 19-year old RHP Wilson Eusebio picked up the win with four solid innings of shutout relief, giving up only one hit while striking out six batters. 21-year old DH Danny Taveras was 1/3 with a double, run scored and his 32nd stolen base of the season. 18-year old 3B Alexander Romero and 19-year old SS Justino Cuevas were each 1/3 with a run scored.

The DSL Nationals2 also rallied to tie their game in the bottom of the ninth, walking off with a 5-4 win over the DSL Tigers (box). 19-year old LHP Francisco Vizcaino allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over 5IP with six strikeouts. 20-year old RHP Javier Berroa struck out five over his 3IP though he gave up two runs on two hits and four walks. 18-year old LHP Gabriel Santos picked up the win in relief with two shutout innings allowing one hit and striking out two. 19-year old 1B Juan Urdaneta was 2/5 with a run & stolen base. 18-year old LF Joseph Cabreja was 1/5 with a solo home run.

Record: DSL Nats1 39-46, 1st place DSL S.D. West (19 games ahead); DSL Nats2 18-28, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (21.5GB)

Today: DSL Nats2 versus DSL Nats1 10:30AM

Update: We have the answer of who Harrisburg will get to replace Stammen in the rotation, 25-year old RHP Zack Segovia was promoted from Potomac to Harrisburg today. Originally slated to start today, I got the news from listening to the P-Nats game this afternoon. Still TBD is who Potomac will get to replace Segovia. Columbus and Harrisburg have full rosters while Potomac is down two players.

And here are your roster moves to clean things up …

• IF Jemel Spearman optioned from Columbus to Harrisburg
• RHP Craig Stammen recalled from Harrisburg to Columbus
• RHP Josh Perrault recalled from Harrisburg to Columbus

The 27-year old Spearman batted 260/345/400 in 25 games for the Clippers. The acquisition of Emilio Bonafacio likely precipitated this move. He was signed as minor league free agent this past off-season.

The 24-year old Stammen returns to Columbus after a brief one game stopover earlier this season. In six appearances for the Senators, Stammen was 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA over 38 1/3IP with 31K and 11BB. He’ll take Mock’s place in the rotation. He was a 2005 12th round draft pick out of Dayton.

The 26-year old Perrault was 4-2 over 36 games in Harrisburg with a 4.78 ERA over 49IP with 38 strkieouts and 12 walks. He’ll join the Clippers bullpen. Perrault was originally signed by the Nationals as a minor league free agent. He was originally signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It was a good day for the Columbus and the Netherlands, 21-year old RHP Shairon Martis struck out 12 over 5 2/3IP, 24-year old Roger Bernadina was 1/2 with a pair of walks, run & stolen base and 28-year old 3B Yurendell de Caster’s second inning two-run home run put the Clippers ahead to stay in a 4-1 victory over Pawtucket (box/gamer). Martis allowed one run on five hits and two walks to pick up his first Triple-A victory. A rehabbing Lastings Milledge was 1/4 with one RBI.

Record: Columbus 56-46, 3rd place IL West (3GB)

Tonight: RHP Tyler Clippard (6-7, 4.30) versus Pawtucket RHP Devern Hansack (4-9, 4.45) 7:05PM

Harrisburg could muster only three hits on offense and Senators pitching allowed three home runs in a 4-1 loss in Bowie (box/gamer). 23-year old 1B Bill Rhinehart was 2/4 with a double and 25-year old CA Devin Ivany was 1/4 with a single accounting for all of the Senators hits. 24-year old RHP Adrian Alaniz fell to 0-3 allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits an one walk over six innings.

Record: Harrisburg 56-45, 3rd place IL West (3GB)

Tonight: LHP Justin Jones (2-0, 5.56) at Bowie RHP Brad Bergesen (11-3, 3.05) 7:05PM

23-year old RHP Luis Atilano and three relievers combined on a three-hit shutout as Potomac blanked Kinston 8-0 (box/gamer). Atilano allowed only one hit and one walk over five innings of work, striking out one. 23-year old LHP Atahaulpa Severino provided two innings of one hit relief, striking out three. The P-Nats were led on offense by 25-year old 3B Trevor Lawhorn who was 1/4 with a three-run home run. 24-year old 1B Andrew Lefave was 3/5 with a double & two runs; 25-year old DH Dee Brown was 2/2 wityh a walk, double, two RBI & three runs scored; 23-year old RF Aaron Seuss was 2/4 with a double & RBI; 24-year old CF Francisco Plasencia was 2/4 with a double & run scored; and 22-year old CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/4 with a double & two RBI.

Record: Potomac 18-12, 1st place Carolina North (3 games ahead)

Today: RHP Zack Segovia (2-1, 3.25) versus Kinston LHP Kelvin De La Cruz (NR) 12:05PM

Hagerstown’s offense continues to struggle as they could manage only one run on five hits in a 7-1 loss to Greenville (box/gamer). 19-year old RHP Colton Willems scattered seven hits, one walk and four runs (two earned) over 5IP with five strikeouts. 22-year old CF Mark Gildea was 1/3 with a walk & run scored and 23-year old LF Jesus Valdez was 1/4 with the lone RBI.

Record: Hagerstown 14-18, 4th place Sally North (9GB)

Today: RHP Cole Kimball (3-6, 6.24) at Greenville RHP Ryne Lawson (4-2, 3.53) 11:05AM

19-year old LHP Patrick McCoy and 21-year old RHP Randy Matias held the Cyclones scoreless through seven as Vermont beat Brooklyn 6-1 in their series opener (box/gamer). McCoy allowed three hits and four walks over 4 1/3IP while striking out three and Matias picked up the win with 2 2/3 one-hit innings of relief, striking out three. 22-year old RHP David Slovak picked up his fifth save, pitching the final 1 1/3 innings. 22-year old 2B Blake Stouffer was 3/5 with a double & RBI; 19-year old DH Derek Norris was 2/3 with two runs & one RBI; 21-year old RF Michael Guerrero was 2/4 with one RBI; and 21-year old 1B Tyler Moore was 2/4 with a double & three RBI.

Record: Vermont 18-14, 1st place NYP Stedler (1.5 games ahead)

Tonight: RHP P.J. Dean (2-0, 0.41) versus Brooklyn 7:00PM

The GCL Nationals split a doubleheader with the GCL Mets, scoring five unearned runs in an 8-7 win in game one (box) before losing game two 3-2 (box). A rehabbing Mike O’Connor made the start in game one, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits and on one walk over 5 1/3IP with six strikeouts. 21-year old 1B Ronnie Labrie was 2/2 with his first professional home run, a solo shot. 20-year old CF Chris Curran was 1/4 with two runs scored. And 20-year old DH J.R. Higley, 22-year old 1B J.P. Padron, and 19-year old CA Dan Killian each had one RBI for the Nats.

Three products of the Nats effort in the DR, 21-year old 2B Francisco Soriano, 18-year old SS Smiley Gonzalez, and 20-year old 3B Yeurys Tejeda, each had a hit for the GCL Nats in the loss. 22-year old RHP Chris Kelley allowed two runs on nine hits over 5 2/3IP with three strikeouts.

Record: GCL Nats 14-12, 2nd place GCL East (2.5GB)

Today: GCL Nats at GCL Marlins 12:00PM

The DSL Nationals1 scored five early runs and held on for a 5-2 victory over the DSL Tigers (box). 22-year old RHP Juan Martinez moved to 7-0 on the season allowed only an unearned run on five hits over 7IP while striing out four. 20-year old 1B Eduardo Urbina was 2/5 with a double, triple, RBI & two runs; 18-year old CF Eury Perez was 2/4 with two stolen bases & a run; 19-year old RF Angelberth Montilla was 3/4 with a run & two RBI; 17-year old 2B Adrian Sanchez was 2/5 with a double & run scored; and 19-year old SS Justino Cuevas was 2/4 with a double.

The DSL Nationals2 won a 7-6 see-saw game with the DSL Padres (box). 19-year old RHP Luis Jimenez started for the Nats2, allowing two runs on one hit and five walks over 2 2/3IP. 21-year old RHP Wanel Vasquez picked up the win in relief despite blowing the save, giving up a run on one hit and two walks over 2IP and 20-year old RHP Rafael Castillo picked up the save, allowing a run on no hits & two walks over 2IP with three strikeouts. The DSL Nats2 were 8/10 in stolen bases for the game … 18-year old 2B Hendry Jimenez (1/4 with a double & two runs) stole one base; 19-year old CA Andruth Ramirez (1/3 with one RBI) stole a base; 21-year old LF Isidro Montesino (1/4 with a run) stole three bases; 19-year old RF Weeseley Hernandez (0/1 with four walks & two runs) stole one base; 20-year old 3B Earving Fernandez (2/4 with one RBI) stole a base; and 19-year old 1B Juan Urdaneta (0/4) stole a base. 20-year old DH Jose Altuve was 2/5 with two runs & three RBI.

Record: DSL Nats1 38-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (18 games ahead); DSL Nats2 17-28, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (21.5GB)

Today: DSL Nats1 versus DSL Padres; DSL Nats2 versus DSL Tigers; both games at 10:30AM

RHP Garrett Mock outpitched top Red Sox prospect Michael Bowden as Columbus defeated Pawtucket 4-1 (box/gamer). The 25-year old Mock allowed only an unearned run on five hits and one walk over seven innings pitched while striking out seven. This month, Mock is 2-1 over four starts (25IP) with a 2.52 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 6 walks. A rehabbing RHP Ryan Wagner made his first appearance for Columbus walking three in a shutout inning of relief. 29-year RHP Chris Schroder picked up his eighth save with a scoreless ninth, striking out a pair. 24-year old LF Leonard Davis was 2/4 with a double & run scored; 28-year old RF Jorge Padilla was 3/4 with a double & run scored; CF Roger Bernadina was 2/2 with a double & run scored; and 26-year old DH Luis Jimenez was 1/2 with a double, two walks and one RBI. 

Record: Columbus 55-46, 3rd place IL West (3GB)

Tonight: RHP Shairon Martis (0-2, 3.60) versus Pawtucket RHP Edgar Martinez (4-1, 3.96) 7:05PM

Harrisburg’s bullpen faltered, allowing four runs in the bottom of the seventh in a 5-3 loss in Bowie (box/gamer). 27-year old RHP Bobby Brownlie threw six solid innings, allowing only one run on three hits and three walks with three strikeouts. 28-year old LHP Tim Bittner and 26-year old RHP Beltran Perez were the undoing for Harrisburg, allowing a combined four runs on six hits over just two combined innings of work. 22-year old SS Ian Desmond was 2/3 with a bases-clearing double in his return to the Senators lineup.

Record: Harrisburg 56-44, 3rd place EL South (5GB)

Tonight: RHP Adrian Alaniz (0-2, 4.05) at Bowie RHP Jason Berken (7-3, 3.83) 7:05PM

Potomac rallied for six runs in their final three innings to defeat Kinston 7-4 (box/gamer). 24-year old CF Francisco Plasencia led the way on offense, going 2/4 with a double, run & three RBI. 23-year old SS Dan Lyons was 3/4 with a double, triple & RBI. Lyons is now hitting 351/473/561 over his first 19 games with Potomac with 10 runs scored and 13 RBI. 23-year old DH Aaron Seuss was 2/5 with a double, stolen base & run scored. 25-year old LF Boomer Whiting was 2/5 with a run & stolen base. 25-year old RF Dee Brown  was 2/4 with one run & RBI, he is now hitting 316/391/456 in 15 games since the All-Star break.

Record: Potomac 17-12, 1st place Carolina North (2.5 games ahead)

Tonight: RHP Luis Atilano (2-0, 3.25) versus Kinston RHP Josh Tomlin (7-4, 3.38) 7:05PM

Hagerstown faltered late, allowing a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, dropping a 5-2 decision in Greenville (box/gamer). 22-year old RHP Terrence Engles started for the Suns allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over 5IP with six strikeouts. 24-year old RHP Erik Arnesen took the loss allowing the game-winning home run among his five hits over 3IP. 22-year old 2B Valerio Heredia was 0/4 but stole two bases and scored once for Hagerstown. 22-year old CF Mark Gildea was 1/2 with a double & run scored.

Record: Hagerstown 14-17, 4th place Sally North (8GB)

Tonight: RHP Colton Willems (5-6, 3.40) versus Greenville RHP Chad Povich (6-3, 3.42) 7:00PM

After being rained out for three straight days, Vermont finally got back on the field, sweeping a doubleheader in Oneonta 4-1 (box) and 4-2 (box/gamer) to move back into first place in the NYP Stedler division.

In game one, 20-year old RHP Brad Peacock allowed only an unearned run in the seven-inning complete game victory. Peacock held the Tigers to four hits while striking out four and not walking a batter. Peacock is now 3-1 on the season for Vermont with a 2.36 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over six starts (34 1/3IP). 22-year old 2B Blake Stouffer was 2/3 with a solo homer & two RBI. 19-year old CA Derek Norris was 2/3 with a run and his fourth stolen base of the season. 21-year old DH Michael Guerrero was 1/3 with a double and his 20th RBI.

21-year old LHP Will Atwood started game two, striking out seven over four innings of work but not factoring in the deceision. He allowed two runs (one earend) on three hits and one walk. 22-year old RHP Carlos Peralta picked up his second win of the season with two scoreless innings of relief, walking one and striking out two. 22-year old Steve Stewart got his second save of the season with a scoreless seventh. 21-year old 2B Nick Arata was 2/3 with a triple, stolen base, two runs & one RBI. 23-year old LF Jake Dugger was 1/2 with a triple, RBI & run. 19-year old 3B Steve Souza was 1/2 with a stolen base & RBI.

Record: Vermont 17-14, 1st place NYP Stedler (1.5 games ahead)

Tonight: RHP Patrick Arnold (NR) makes his Vermont debut in Brooklyn against RHP Jeffrey Kaplan (1-0, 2.70) 7:00PM

The GCL Nationals swept a doubleheader from the division-leading GCL Dodgers 3-2 (box) and 2-0 (box).

Game one saw the return of 19-year old LHP Josh Smoker. Smoker, pitching for the first time in over a month, allowed three hits and three walks over 3 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out a pair. 20-year old RHP Juan Jaime picked up the win in relief despite allowing a pair of unearned runs on two hits and two walks over 1 1/3IP, though he did strike out three. 22-year old RHP Mason Smith picked up his third save with two shut out innings. A rehabbing Lastings Milledge was 1/3 with a solo home run for the GCL Nats. 19-year old 2B Steve Lombardozzi was 3/3 with a run scored. 20-year old RF J.R. Higley was 1/4 with a double & run scored and is now batting 353/477/500 in his first 17 professional games.

18-year old LHP Bobby Hansen started the second game, allowing only one hit and one walk over four shutout innings. Hansen is now 1-1 over his first four professional appearances with a 1.69 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 10 2/3IP. 21-year old LHP Ryan Buchter picked up the win with two shutout innings in relief, striking out three. And 23-year old RHP Danny Gil picked up his second save with one inning of relief, walking and striking out two. 19-year old DH Dan Killian was 0/1 but drove in both runs. Higley was 2/3 with a run scored. 20-year old CF Chris Curran was 1/2 with a walk & run scored.

Record: GCL Nats 13-11, 2nd place GCL East (2.5GB)

Today: The GCL Nats play another doubleheader this morning against the GCL Mets 11:00AM

The DSL Nationals1 blasted their Nationals2 10-1 (box). 24-year old LHP Osvaldo Rodriguez is now 10-0 on the season after allowing only one run on five hits and one walk over 6IP with six strikeouts. Rodriguez is now 5-0 in five starts against his Nats2 counterparts (27 2/3IP) with a 0.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and thirteen walks. 23-year old LHP Jose Santana picked up the three-inning save without allowing a hit or walk and striking out three.

20-year old RHP Luis Ortega was charged with the loss allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks over 3IP for the Nats2.

For the Nats1 on offense … 21-year old DH Danny Taveras was 0/3 with two walks, two runs & his 31st stolen base of the season. 18-year old CF Eury Perez was 0/1 but walked four times, drove in one and scored three times. 21-year old CA Yan Carlos Hiciano was 3/4 with a double and RBI. 20-year old 1B Eduardo Urbina was 1/2 with two runs & two RBI.

For the Nats2 on offense … 19-year old 1B Juan Urdaneta was 1/3 with a double. 20-year old 3B Earving Fernandez was 1/4. 21-year old 2B Manuelysis Peralta was 1/4 with a run scored.

Record: DSL Nats1 37-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (17 games ahead); DSL Nats2 16-28, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (21.5GB)

Today: DSL Nats1 at DSL Tigers; DSL Nats2 at DSL Padres 10:30AM

SS Ian Desmond was activated from the DL for the Harrisburg Senators. Desmond was placed on the DL with a wrist injury on 6/4. Desmond was hitting 246/304/377 in 52 games for the Senators.

With his activation, the Senators have a full 24-man roster.

Columbus was blasted by Indianapolis 11-2 (box/gamer). LF Jorge Padilla was 1/3 with a double and run scored while a rehabbing Ryan Zimmerman was 2/4 with a two-run home run for the Clippers. RHP Dennis Tankersley started for Columbus, allowing four runs on nine hits over 5IP with six strikeouts. RHP Zech Zinicola was rocked for five runs on five hits (including three home runs) in just one inning of work. Notes: Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Ryan Wagner are slated to join the Clippers on rehab assignments this week; Clippers outfielder Roger Bernadina waited until the last minute to make his decision regarding the Olympics in Beijing. The Netherlands national team offered Roger a spot on their roster, but gave him a deadline to decide. “I had to let them know today and I’m not going.” he said.

Record: Columbus 54-46, 3rd place IL West (4GB)

Tonight: RHP Garrett Mock (5-3, 3.28) versus Pawtucket RHP Michael Bowden (NR) 7:05PM

Harrisburg dropped a 10-inning 4-3 decision to Altoona, splitting their four-game series (box/gamer/blog). RHP Jordan Zimmermann allowed three runs on six hits and one walk over 6 2/3IP while striking out nine. LHP Yunior Novoa and RHP Jhonny Nunez pitched the next combined 2 1/3 innings allowing no runs on two hits with one strikeout. 2B Matt Rogelstad was 2/5 with a double & RBI; CA/LF Devin Ivany was 1/3 with a walk, run & RBI; LF Marvin Lowrance was 2/4 with a pair of doubles; and 1B Bill RHinehart was 2/3 with two walks and a run scored.

Record: Harrisburg 56-43, 2nd place EL South (5.5GB)

Tonight: RHP Bobby Brownlie (8-0, 3.38) at Bowie RHP Zach Clark (1-0, 0.00) 7:05PM

Potomac did not play on Sunday.

Record: Potomac 16-12, 1st place Carolina North (2 games ahead)

Tonight: RHP Jeff Mandel (4-2, 2.83) versus Kinston RHP Jeanmar Gomez (3-8, 5.89) 7:05PM

Hagerstown got another strong pitching performance as they defeated Greenville 4-1 (box/gamer). RHP Hassan Pena and three relievers combined on the seven-hitter. Pena picked up the win with six shutout innings allowing four hits and no walks while striking out three. RHPs Chris Lugo, Jamie Lehman, and Dan Leatherman each provided an inning of relief with Leatherman getting his second save of the season. LF Jesus Valdez was 3/3 with a walk and solo home run; SS Jose Lozada was 2/4 with a walk, RBI & run; RF Michael Burgess was 2/3 with one RBI; and CF Mark Gildea was 1/4 with a double & run scored.

Record: Hagerstown 14-16, 4th place Sally North (7GB)

Tonight: RHP Erik Arnesen (6-3, 3.78) at Greenville 7:00PM

The Lake Monsters New York-Penn League doubleheader at Oneonta on Sunday evening was postponed due to rain, marking the first time in Vermont’s 15-year history that the team has been rained out three straight days. The Lake Monsters and Tigers will try and play a doubleheader on Monday beginning at 6:00 pm, while the two teams will now also play a doubleheader on September 1st when Vermont returns to Oneonta for a three-game series.

Record: Vermont 15-14, 2nd place NYP Stedler (0.5GB)

Tonight: RHP Brad Peacock (2-1, 2.96) & LHP Will Atwood (0-1, 4.72) at Oneonta 5:00PM

The GCL Nationals beat the GCL Cardinals 9-6 in a rain-shortened 8-inning game (box). RF J.R. Higley was 3/3 with two walks, two doubles, a run, stolen base and two RBI; DH Smiley Gonzalez was 1/4 with a walk, triple, run and RBI; 3 LF Brett Sellers was 1/3 with a walk, double, stolen base and run scored; and 3B Yeurys Tejeda was 1/3 with a double and two RBI. There were two players making rehab appearances, CF Lastings Milledge was 0/1, no official word why he played so briefly, but I’m assuming it had something to do with the rain and subsequently the field conditions. SS Ian Desmond was 3/5 with a stolen base, run, and RBI. LHP Jack McGeary started for the Nats, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 4IP with seven strikeouts. RHP Paul Demny picked up the win despite allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks over 2IP with two strikeouts. RHP Federico Tanco got the save with two perfect innings, striking out one.

Record: GCL Nats 11-11, 2nd place GCL East (4.5GB)

Today: GCL Nats at GCL Dodgers in a doubleheader 11:00AM

The DSL Nationals1 and Nationals2 did not play on Sunday.

Record: DSL Nats1 36-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (17GB); DSL Nats2 16-27, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (20.5GB)

Today: DSL Nats1 versus DSL Nats2 10:30AM

2B Pokey Reese was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth as the Clippers edged the Indianapolis Indians 6-5 (box/gamer). RHP Marco Estrada’s start was pushed up a day, he allowed all five runs on six hits and three walks over only 3IP. RHPs Levale Speigner, Jim Ed Warden, and Chris Schroder combined on the final six shut out innings of relief, allowing four hits, two walks and striking out five. A rehabbing Ryan Zimmerman was 0/4 with two runs scored. RF Larry Broadway was 2/4 with a walk & three RBI. Notes: Yurendell de Caster and Shairon Martis have both been selected to the Netherlands Olympic team and will compete in China. They are expected to remain with the Clippers through the current homestand.

Record: Columbus 54-45, 3rd place IL West (3GB)

Today: RHP Dennis Tankersley (2-2, 4.96) versus Indianapolis LHP Tom Gorzelanny (0-1, 3.00) 5:05PM

Harrisburg defeated Altoona 5-1 (box/gamer). RHP Craig Stammen had yet another solid start for Harrisburg, giving up only one run on three hits and one walk over 6IP while striking out six. 3B Ofilio Castro was 3/5 with a home run and two RBI; 1B Bill Rhinehart was 1/4 with a double; LF Marvin Lowrance was 1/2 with three walks & a run scored; and 2B Matt Rogelstad was 2/4 with two RBI. Notes: Patriot News has two interesting articles today: first on the large number of roster moves by the Senators in 2008 and second on the attendance issues faced by Harrisburg.

Record: Harrisburg 56-42, 2nd place EL South (5.5GB)

Today: RHP Jordan Zimmermann (4-2, 3.45) at Altoona LHP Kyle Bloom (2-4, 4.24) 6:05PM

Potomac was blanked by Lynchburg 2-0 (box/gamer). The P-Nats managed only two hits on offense, a single by RF Aaron Seuss and a double by CA Pat Nichols. LHP Ross Detwiler took the loss allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over 5IP with four strikeouts. A rehabbing Ryan Wagner pitched a scoreless inning of relief, striking out two. RHPs  Joe Norrito & Josh Wilkie along with LHP Atahaulpa Severino each chipped in with a scoreless inning of relief.

Record: Potomac 16-12, 1st place Carolina North (1.5 games ahead)

Today: No game scheduled

Hagerstown RHPs Brad Meyers and Edulin Abreu combined on a five-hit1-0 shutout of Augusta (box/gamer). Meyers allowed five hits and two walks over 6 1/3IP with five strikeouts. He is now 2-2 with a 1.69ERA and 1.17WHIP over four July starts (21 1/3IP) with 16 strikeouts. Abreu pitched the final 2 2/3 perfect innings of relief for his sixth save. CA Travis Reagan provided all of the offense with a solo home run. 1B Tim Pahuta had a single, the only othe Suns hit.

Record: Hagerstown 13-16, 4th place Sally North (8GB)

Today: RHP Hassan Pena (1-2, 2.70) at Greenville 4:00PM

From the Monsters … “Mother Nature beat the Lake Monsters for the second straight night as Vermont’s New York-Penn League game at the Oneonta Tigers on Saturday night was postponed due to wet grounds following a huge thunderstorm at Damaschke Field. The two teams, seperated by one-half game for first-place in the Stedler Division, will play a doubleheader at Oneonta on Sunday evening beginning at 6:00 pm. Brad Peacock and Will Atwood are scheduled to be the starting pitchers for the Lake Monsters in the twinbill.”

Record: Vermont 15-14, 2nd place NYP Stedler (0.5GB)

Today: RHP Brad Peacock (2-1, 2.96) & LHP Will Atwood (0-1, 4.72) at Oneonta 4:00PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Saturday.

Record: GCL Nats 10-11, 2nd place GCL East (5GB)

Today: GCL Nats versus GCL Cardinals 12:00PM

The DSL Nationals1 outslugged the DSL Padres 10-6 (box). CF Eury Perez was 2/3 with two walks, two runs & three stolen bases; 3B Alexander Romero was 4/4 with a double, RBI & run; RF Angelberth Montilla was 1/5 with a triple, run & three RBI; SS Justino Cuevas was 2/6 with a double, stolen base & two runs; and DH Danny Taveras was 2/6 with a home run & two RBI. LHP Jose Taveras started for the Nats1 allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over three innings. RHP Wilson Eusebio picked up the win with 3 1/3 shutout innings of relief, giving up only two hits and two walks while striking out seven.

The DSL Nationals2 doubled up the DSL Tigers 4-2 (box). RHP Wanel Vasquez allowed only an unearned run on four hits and four walks over 5IP with six strikeouts. LHP Gabriel Santos picked up the win with one inning of relief, allowing an unearned run on two hits and striking out two. RHP Rafael Castillo picked up his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. 3B Earving Fernandez  was 2/4 with one run & one RBI; CF Eleazar Cuevas was 1/5 with one RBI; and SS Hendry Jimenez was 1/4 with a run scored.

Record: DSL Nats1 36-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (17 games ahead); DSL Nats2 16-27, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (20.5GB)

Today: No games scheduled

Columbus blasted Indianapolis 10-2 (box/gamer). 23-year old RHP Tyler Clippard allowed only one run on three hits and two walks over 6 1/3IP with three strikeouts. 23-year old RHP Zech Zinicola threw 1 2/3 scoreless & hitless innings of relief. 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 4/5 with a triple, stolen base & RBI; 26-year old 1B Luis Jimenez was 2/4 in his Columbus debut; 35-year old 2B Pokey Reese was 2/3 with a double & three RBI; and 27-year old SS/3B Jemel Spearman was 1/4 with a double & two RBI. A rehabbing Ryan Zimmerman was 1/4 with a walk and run scored.

Record: Columbus 53-45, 3rd place IL West (3GB)

Tonight: RHP Garrett Mock (5-3, 3.28) versus Indianapolis RHP Jimmy Barthmaier (3-1, 3.02) 7:05PM

Harrisburg defeated Altoona 7-3 (box/gamer). 23-year old LHP Justin Jones moved to 2-0 allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 5 2/3IP with three strikeouts. Recently promoted 22-year old RHP Jhonny Nunez made his Harrisburg debut with 2 1/3 innings of one-hit shutout relief, striking out three. 24-year old LF Marvin Lowrance was 3/4 with his first Double-A home run; 23-year old 1B Bill Rhinehart was 2/5 with a two-run homer; 25-year old CA Devin Ivany was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI; and 23-year old CF Mike Daniel was 1/3 with two walks and a stolen base.

Record: Harrisburg 55-42, 2nd place EL South (5.5GB)

Tonight: RHP Craig Stammen (2-1, 1.67) at Altoona RHP Dan Reichert (0-0, 0.00) 7:05PM

Potomac rocked Lynchburg 13-5 (box/gamer). 25-year old RHP Zach Segovia picked up his second win for the P-Nats allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over 6IP with six strikeouts. A rehabbing Ryan Wagner pitched a scoreless seventh. 24-year old 1B Andrew Lefave was 2/4 with a double, triple, two runs & five RBI; 25-year old LF Boomer Whiting was 2/3 with two walks, two stolen bases & three runs; 25-year old DH Dee Brown was 5/5 with a triple & two RBI; 23-year old RF Aaron Seuss was 1/5 with a homer & two RBI; and 25-year old 2B Michael Martinez was 1/3 with two walks, a stolen base & three runs scored.

Record: Potomac 16-11, 1st place Carolina North (2.5 games ahead)

Tonight: LHP Ross Detwiler (5-5, 5.42) versus Lynchburg LHP Tony Watson (5-9, 3.63) 6:35PM

Hagerstown outlasted Augusta 5-4 in 12 innings (box/gamer). 23-year old LF/RF Jesus Vladez was 1/5 with two RBI, including the game-winner in the top of the 12th. 20-year old 3B Stephen King was 4/6 with a double & run scored. 24-year old 2B Jake Rogers was 2/5 with a double & RBI. 22-year old RHP Cole Kimball started, allowing two runs on two hits and six walks over 5 2/3IP while striking out three. 22-year old RHP Justin Phillabaum and 23-year old RHP Kyle Gunderson combined on 4 1/3 innings of three hit/three walk shut out relief with seven strikeouts.

Record: Hagerstown 12-16, tied for 4th place Sally North (9GB)

Tonight: RHP Brad Meyers (5-4, 5.06) versus Augusta LHP Craig Clark (6-3, 4.37) 7:05PM

Vermont’s game with Williamsport was canceled by rain, it will not be made up.

Record: Vermont 15-14, 2nd place NYP Stedler (0.5 game back)

Tonight: RHP Brad Peacock (2-1, 2.96) at Oneonta 7:00PM

The GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Marlins 8-5 (box). 20-year old CF Chris Curran led the way with five RBI as part of his 3/5 day. 21-year old 1B Brett Newsome was 2/3 with two runs. And a rehabbing Ian Desmond was 2/5 with a double & RBI. 19-year old RHP Marcos Frias started for the GCL Nats, scattering ten hits and one walk over 4 1/3IP, allowing three runs. 21-year old LHP Ryan Buchter threw 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief, giving up only one hit and one walk while striking out two.

Record: GCL Nationals 10-11, 2nd place GCL East (5.5GB)

Today: No game scheduled

The DSL Nationals1 walked off with a5-, 10-inning win over the DSL Tigers (box). 21-year old RHP Derbin Reyes threw five hitless/shutout innings as the starting pitcher with three walks and five strikeouts. 22-year old RHP Jonathan Molina picked up the win despite blowing a save. Over 3 1/3IP, he allowed no runs on two hits with four strikeouts. 19-year old SS Justino Cuevas was 1/5 with one RBI; 18-year old CF Eury Perez was 0/3 with one RBI; and 19-year old CA Anderson Bocio was 1/4 with a double & run scored.

The DSL Nationals2beat the the DSL Padres 6-4 (box). 21-year old RHP Manuel Rivera made the start allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over 4 1/3IP with three strikeouts. 20-year old RHP Derlyn Tejada picked up the win, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits over 2 1/3IP. 20-year old RHP Javier Berroa picked up the save with two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts. 21-year old CF Eleazar Cuevas was 2/5 with a run scored; 18-year old RF Joseph Cabreja was 3/5 with two runs scored; 18-year old SS Hendry Jimenez was 3/5 with two runs & two RBI; and 20-year old DH Jose Altuve was 2/3 with a double & two RBI.

Record: DSL Nats1 35-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (16 games ahead); DSL Nats2 15-27, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (20.5GB)

Today: DSL Nats1 at DSL Padres; DSL Nats2 at DSL Tigers; both games at 10:30AM