Nationals Farm Authority

RHP Shairon Martis (no word on the corresponding roster move) returned to the active roster, but Columbus relievers Mike Hinckley and Brian Sanches allowed three runs in the eighth as the Clippers fell 4-3 in Toledo (box/gamer). The 21-year old Martisheld Toledo ton only one run on six hits and two walks over 6IP with six strikeouts. 30-year old RHP Chris Schroder pitched a scoreless seventh, striking out a pair but Hinckley and Sanches allowed three runs on four hits in the decisive eighth inning. 24-year old LF Leonard Davis was 2/4 with a solo homer; 25-year old CA Luke Montz was 2/4 with a stolen base; and a rehabbing SS Alberto Gonzalez was 2/5 with a solo home run and two RBI.

Record: Columbus 67-71, 3rd place IL West (18GB with four games left) [eliminated]

Today: Columbus LHP Mike Bacsik (7-5, 4.68) at Toledo RHP Jeremy Johnson (4-3, 5.42), 7:00PM

Harrisburg rallied from an early deficit but in the end was eliminated from the playoffs, falling 11-9 in Erie  (box/gamer). 23-year old LHP Justin Jones was torched for seven runs on eight hits and a walk over just 1 2/3IP with four strikeouts. 24-year old RHP Carlos Martinez pitched 5 1/3 innings of relief, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with three strikeouts. 23-year old RF/CF Edgardo Baez was 3/4 with a double, solo home run, three runs & three RBI. 26-year old CA Javi Herrrera was 2/3 with a double, run & two RBI. 22-year old SS Ian Desmond was 1/3 with a solo homer & two runs scored. 24-year old LF Marvin Lowrance was 2/2 with a walk & run scored.

Record: Harrisburg 71-67, 3rd place EL South (11GB with four games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Jordan Zimmermann (6-2, 3.28) versus Bowie RHP Brad Bergesen (15-5, 3.11), 6:35PM

Potomac reduced its magic number to 2 for the second half crown as 25-year old LF Dee Brown was 3/4 with five RBI in an 8-4 win over Salem (box/gamer). Brown came within a home run of hitting for the cycle. 25-year old 2B Matt Rogelstad was 2/3 with a double and two RBI. 23-year old RF Aaron Seuss was 2/4 with a run scored. 23-year old CA Jhonathan Solano was 2/4 with a solo homer & two runs scored. And, 19-year old DH Michael Burgess was 0/2 with a pair of walks. This was more than enough offense for 24-year old RHP Erik Arnesen who picked up his fourth win, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits over 5IP with two strikeouts.

Record: Potomac 35-31, 1st place Carolina North (3 games ahead with four games left) [1st half champs]

Today: LHP Ross Detwiler (7-8, 5.03) at Wilmington (pitcher TBA), 7:05PM

Hagerstown got another strong start from 24-year old RHP Osvaldo Rodriguez, but dropped a 2-1 decision in Lakewood (box/gamer). Rodriguez allowed only one run on six hits over 6IP while striking out three. 25-yar old 1B Tim Pahuta was 2/2 with two walks. 22-year old 3B Valerio Heredia was 1/4 with his 25th stolen base of the season. 24-year old DH Garrett Bass was 2/4 with the lone RBI.

Record: Hagerstown 24-42, 6th place Sally North (19.5GB with four games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Cole Kimball (6-8, 5.27) at Lakewood (pitcher TBA), 7:05PM

21-year old Vermont LHP Will Atwood and two relievers combined on a five hit 5-0 shutout of Aberdeen (box/gamer). Atwood allowed only four hits over 6IP with eight strikeouts and no walks. 23-year old RHP Carlos Peralta and 21-year old LHP Kevin Light combined on threee innings of one-hit relief, striking out two. 19-year old CA Derek Norris was 2/4 with a home run and three RBI. 19-year old 2B Jake Smolinski was 3/3 with a stolen base, triple & two runs scored. 21-year old SS Danny Espinosa was 1/3 with two RBI. 21-year old CF Marcus Jones was 1/4 with a double and run scored.

Record: Vermont 28-37, 3rd place NYP Stedler (9GB with ten games left)

Today: LHP Pat McCoy (1-5, 5.79) at Aberdeen (pitcher TBA), 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals moved into the best-of-three GCL championship series against the GCL Phillies with a 10-5 victory over the GCL Twins (box/gamer).

Record: GCL Nationals 33-22, 1st place GCL East [Clinched playoffs]

Today: LHP Josh Smoker (2-1, 1.37) versus GCL Phillies (pitcher TBA), 12:00PM

The DSL regular season has ended. The playoffs began this week. The DSL Nationals1 and the DSL Giants both received first round byes. The DSL Angels defeated the DSL Rangers1 two games to none and the DSL Mariners defeated the DSL Twins two games to one.

Record: DSL Nationals1 55-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West; DSL Nationals2 29-43, 4th place DSL S.D. West [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

This Week: DSL Nationals1 versus DSL Angels, 10:30AM [best-of-five series]

23-year old RHPs Tyler Clippard and Zech Zinicola combined to allow eleven runs (ten earned) on twelve hits and six walks over just six innings in a 11-8 loss by Columbus (box/gamer). Clippard has now allowed fourteen earned runs on seventeen hits and eight walks over his last two outings (9IP) while Zinicola has surrendered eight runs on ten hits and two walks over his last two appearances (4IP). 25-year old LHP Mike Hinckley threw a scoreless inning of relief, striking out a pair. In his seventeen relief appearances for the Clippers, Hinckley has a 2.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 12 strikeouts over 18IP; lefthanders are hitting 0.238 overall against him. 29-year old LF Jorge Padilla was 4/5 with a solo homer, two runs & two RBI and is now hitting 309/382/396 in 79 games for Columbus. 25-year old CA Luke Montz was 3/5 with two runs scored. 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 2/5 with a run scored and 26-year old RF Kory Casto was 0/3 with two walks and a run scored. A rehabbing Alberto Gonzalez was 1/5 with a double and two RBI as the DH.

Record: Columbus 67-70, 3rd place IL West (18GB with five games left) [eliminated]

Today: Columbus (pitcher TBA) at Toledo RHP Freddy Garcia (NR), 7:00PM

Harrisburg kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a 7-2 win in Erie (box/gamer). The next Senators loss or Akron Aeros win will end Harrisburg’s playoff chances. 25-year old RHP Zack Segovia made his strongest start in weeks, holding the SeaWolves to two runs on seven hits and one walk over 6IP with two strikeouts. 26-year old RHP Josh Perrault and 24-year old RHP Adam Carr combined on the final three shutout innings of relief, allowing three hits and striking out three. 27-year old 2B Seth Bynum provided Harrisburg with all the offense it would need with a first inning three-run home run. Bynum was 2/4 with two runs scored and is now hitting 270/336/508 with 14 home runs and 47 RBI in 78 Double-A games. 26-year old CA Devin Ivany was 3/5 with a stolen base, RBI and two runs scored. 23-year old RF Edgardo Baez was 2/4 with a pair of doubles and 22-year old SS Ian Desmond was 2/4 with a walk and two runs scored.

Record: Harrisburg 71-66, 3rd place EL South (11GB with five games left) [five and a half games behind Akron for wild card … Akron has six games left]

Today: LHP Justin Jones (2-4, 4.17) at Erie LHP Luke French (8-11, 3.82), 7:05PM

23-year old RHP Luis Atilano ran into trouble in the fifth inning as Potomac dropped a 3-2 decision to Salem (box/gamer). Atilano allowed four hits and all three runs in the top of the fifth, he finished the game giving up three runs on six hits and two walks over 4 1/3IP while striking out four. 23-year old RHP Kyle Gunderson pitched 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief (although he allowed one of his inherited runners to score) allowing three hits while striking out four. Gunderson now has an 1.74 ERA and 0.87 WHIP over 10 1/3IP for Potomac with eight strikeouts. 25-year old DH Dee Brown was 2/4 with a double & runs scored and is now hitting 324/413/474 with four homers and thirty-three RBI since the Carolina League All-Star break. 19-year old RF Michael Burgess (0/3) and 20-year old 3B Stephen King (1/3) each had one RBI for the P-Nats.

Record: Potomac 34-31, 1st place Carolina North (2.5 games ahead with five games left) [1st half champs]

Today: RHP Erik Arnesen (3-3, 4.21) versus Salem LHP Sergio Severino (1-5, 7.11), 7:05PM

21-year old RHP Chris Lugo allowed an eighth inning solo home run as Hagerstown fell 5-4 at Lake County (box/gamer). 22-year old RHP Terrence Engles started for the Suns, allowing four runs on nine hits over 6IP while striking out three. Unfortunately for Lugo, the only baserunner he allowed was the solo homer; over two innings of relief, he struck out four of the seven batters he faced. 22-year old SS Jose Lozada was 3/4 with two doubles, two runs and one RBI. 22-year old 2B Blake Stouffer was 2/4 with a double and run scored.

Record: Hagerstown 24-41, 6th place Sally North (19GB with five games left) [eliminated]

Today: Hagerstown at Lakewood, 7:05PM [pitchers TBA]

20-year old RHP Brad Peacock took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and one walk over 5IP in a 5-1 Vermont defeat in Aberdeen (box/gamer). 21-year old LHP Austin Garrett pitched the final inning, allowing only one walk while striking out a pair; over his last ten appearances, Garret is 1-1 with one save, 1.77 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 20 strikeouts and six walks over 20 1/3IP. 21-year old CF Marcus Jones was 2/5 with a run scored while 21-year old SS Danny Espinosa was 2/4. The two late signs from the 2008 draft are hitting 333/474/400 and 480/649/560, respectively, in their brief stays in Vermont.

Record: Vermont 27-37, 3rd place NYP Stedler (10GB with eleven games left)

Today: LHP Will Atwood (1-1, 2.98) at Aberdeen (pitcher TBA), 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals finished off their regular season with a 5-4 loss to the GCL Marlins (box). 21-year old RHP Jorge Urena allowed two runs on four hits and one walk over 3 1/3IP while striking out three. 18-year old SS Smiley Gonzalez locked up the GCL batting title going 2/2 with a double and two RBI, finishing the season batting 0.350. 20-year old RF J.R. Higley was 2/4 with two doubles, two stolen bases and two runs scored; he batted 340/482/447 in 34 GCL games. 18-year old Adrian Nieto made his first appearance behind the plate, going 0/4 and making a pair of throwing errors. Neither Destin Hood nor J.P. Ramirez played in the game.

Record: GCL Nationals 33-22, 1st place GCL East (2.5 games ahead; season completed) [Clinched playoffs]

Today: One game playoff - GCL Nationals versus GCL Twins, 12:00PM [pitchers TBA]

The DSL regular season has ended. The playoffs began this week.

Record: DSL Nationals1 55-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West (finished 25 games ahead); DSL Nationals2 29-43, 4th place DSL S.D. West (finished 26GB) [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

This Week: The DSL Nationals1 and the DSL Giants both received first round byes. The DSL Angels defeated the DSL Rangers1 two games to none, the DSL Angels will face the DSL Giants. The DSL Twins and Mariners are tied at one game to one, the decisive third game is this morning with the winner facing the DSL Nationals1.

Note: A bit of navel-gazing, but for those interested, I am scheduled to call into the Nationals pre-game show this evening to discuss the 2008 minor league season and other prospect-related stuff. 

On Monday, September 1st, the Washington Nationals will be able to expand their roster beyond the standard 25 to include anyone on their 40-man roster. With the placement of OF Austin Kearns on the disabled list and the activation of OF Elijah Dukes, the Nationals have 25-active players. The remaining 15 players on the 40-man roster are as follows:

• 15-day DL (5): Kearns, IF Alberto Gonzalez, RHP Shawn Hill, 1B Dmitri Young, and OF Wily Mo Pena
• Columbus (8): 1B/OF Kory Casto, OF Roger Bernadina, RHP Tyler Clippard, RHP Brian Sanches, RHP Chris Schroder, RHP Ryan Wagner, LHP Mike O’Connor [injured, unsure if it’s season-ending], and LHP Matt Chico [on the DL, likely out for the season]
• Harrisburg (1): OF Justin Maxwell [on the DL, likely out for the season]
• Potomac (1): LHP Ross Detwiler

I’d imagine the Nationals will recall seven or eight players.

One choices is simple, Gonzalez will be activated from the DL right around September 1st.

Young and Hill have rumored returns for later in September (along with Kearns), so I’ll not include them in any analysis.

That leaves seven spots.

Bernadina and Casto seem likely given their presence on the 40-man and their performances in Columbus. Through Monday’s games, Bernadina is hitting 350/411/509 over 41 games for the Clippers with four homers and fourteen stolen bases. He can fill in at any of the outfield spots and serve as a late inning pinch runner or defensive replacement. Casto was recently optioned to Columbus, but should get a call back up to serve as a lefthanded pinch-hitter and backup at 1B, 3B, and corner OF.

Clippard could possibly get a shot to work out of the bullpen as a long reliever for the Nationals but he has been spotty since his return to Columbus. Over his last ten starts, he has had mixed results with 2-5 record, a 4.79 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts to 24 walks over 56 1/3IP. Additionally, I believe Sanches will merit consideration out of the bullpen. Sanches had a couple of rough outing in the middle of the month but has still managed a WHIP of 1.00 and 10 strikeouts to only one walk over his last six appearances (6IP). Like Bernadina & Casto, the 40-man spot are in their favor for roster expansion.

That brings the count down to three players.

• You can cross Maxwell and Chico off of the list due to their injuries. O’Connor broke his nose/orbital bone and it appears his 2008 season is over.
• Detwiler’s inconsistent performance in 2008 certainly does not warrant a late season promotion.
• RHRPs Schroder and Wagner … Schroder has all but fallen off of the Nationals radar this season so I’m not sure he’s a consideration while Wagner’s stats have not been too impressive since his arrival in Columbus (0-3, 6.61 ERA, 2.14 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts to 11 walks over 16 1/3IP).

I believe the players we are most likely to see join that list are not presently on the 40-man roster but could be added with a few manuevers. Pena, Chico, and Maxwell can all be moved to the 60-day DL to open up a spot on the 40-man (in the case of Chico and Maxwell, I believe the Nationals can recall them and place them on the 60-day). Additionally, space can be cleared by placing players like Schroder, O’Connor, or Wagner on waivers. Out of those players, I’m not sure that any would be claimed by a team in September, allowing the Nationals to hang onto them if they want. I don’t believe the Nationals will make all six moves, but it would not surprise me to see them make at least three of them to open up spots for a few of the following players.

• CA Luke Montz - Many teams will call up a third catcher when rosters expand and if the Nats choose to do so, Montz is the most likely candidate. He has hit only 236/300/345 since his promotion to Columbus but might earn a promotion based upon his overall results between Harrisburg and Columbus, where he has hit a slightly better 264/339/458 with 16 homers and 71 RBI. The 25-year old Montz would need to be added to the 40-man in the off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, for what it’s worth.
• 1B Larry Broadway - A long shot, the 27-year old was a former top prospect for the Expos. He’s enjoyed a solid season for the Clippers, hitting 269/358/414 with nine home runs. He also has a reputation for solid defense at 1B where Triple-A managers ranked him the top defensive 1B in the International League
• 2B/3B/OF Leonard Davis - Of the bats, Davis has had the most meteoric rise (sorry Rhinehart fans). Between Potomac, Harrisburg and Columbus, the 24-year old Davis has hit a combined 305/364/549 with 22 homers and 70 RBI. Like Montz, Davis is Rule 5 eligible this offseason so the Nationals would have to protect him or lose him in the December draft. 
• LHP Mike Hinckley - There have been reports from Jim Bowden himself that the 25-year old Hinckley is a consideration for a September call-up. Since the Triple-A All Star break, he is 0-1 in 16 relief appearances with a 2.65 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. The reports are his velocity is back in the low-90s and he could serve as a LOOGy out of the Nats pen
• RHP Levale Speigner - The 27-year old Speigner has been lights out over the second half of the International League season, going 1-0 over 12 appearances (23IP) without allowing an earned run and striking out 19 batters to only four walks. The main thing working against Speigner is whether he is better than the RHRP options already on the 40-man (Sanches, Schroder or Wagner)
• LHP Justin Jones - The 23-year old Jones was added to the Nats 40-man roster last offseason before a knee injury cost him the spot and what was thought to be the season. But Jones has slowly worked his way back up the organization with stops in Hagerstown, Potomac and now Harrisburg where he is 2-4 with a 4.17 ERA over 10 starts (49 2/3IP) for the Senators with 39 strikeouts. Another longshot.
• RHP Craig Stammen - The 24-year old Stammen has had a solid season between Potomac and Harrisburg but has struggled since his promotion to Columbus. Yet another longshot. 
• LHP Yunior Novoa - The 23-year old Novoa has quietly had a solid season out of the bullpen in both Potomac and Harrisburg where he is a combined 4-2 with 4 saves over 43 appearances (74 2/3IP) with a 1.93 ERA and 75 strikeouts to 25 walks. If my count is right, he is another 2008 Rule 5 eligible which could make him a consideration for a September call-up.

At the end of the day, I do not see any more than three of these guys getting September call-ups. And I don’t see guys like Jordan Zimmermann or Bill Rhinehart getting added to the roster before they have to be. Since I have already suggested three bats (Gonzalez, Casto & Bernadina), I’m only going to add Montz as a third catcher. My wild card is Davis, whose assignment to the Arizona Fall League might warrant a September cup of coffee. Joining Clippard and Sanches, will be Hinckley and Novoa.

25-year old Andrew Kown had another solid start for Columbus, allowing two runs on seven hits over 5IP while striking out seven and not walking a batter in a 3-2 Clippers win (box/gamer). RHPs Jim Ed Warden, Ryan Wagner, and Brian Sanches pitched the final four scoreless innings allowing only one hit. 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 2/4 with a run, RBI & stolen base (his 15th in Columbus). 24-year old 2B Leonard Davis was 3/4 with a solo home run (his 5th for the Clippers). The rehabbing duo of SS Alberto Gonzalez and LF Elijah Dukes were 1/4 with a double & RBI and 0/3 with three strikeouts, respectively.

Record: Columbus 67-69, 3rd place IL West (17GB with six games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Tyler Clippard (6-11, 4.43) at Toledo RHP Virgil Vazquez (10-12, 4.90), 7:00PM

28-year old RHP Steve Schmoll allowed three runs in the bottom of the ninth as Harrisburg fell 4-3 in Erie (box/gamer). 27-year old RHP Bobby Brownlie held the SeaWolves to one run on four hits and two walks over 5IP with four strikeouts, but did not figure in the decision. 23-year old RF Edgardo Baez  was 2/2 with a walk, double, RBI & run scored. 24-year old LF Marvin Lowrance and 25-year old DH Garrett Guzman each had a hit & RBI for the Senators.

Record: Harrisburg 70-66, 3rd place EL South (11GB with six games left) [six games behind Akron for wild card]

Today: RHP Zack Segovia (2-1, 7.22) at Erie LHP Danny Christensen (7-8, 3.95), 7:05PM

Potomac ran into solid Salem pitching as they dropped a 4-2 decision on Tuesday night (box/gamer). 23-year old RHP Jeff Mandel took the loss, allowing four runs (though only one was earned) on seven hits and one walk over 7IP. 19-year old RF Michael Burgess was 1/2 with a walk, solo homer & two RBI. 24-year old CF Francisco Plasencia was 2/4 with a stolen base.

Record: Potomac 34-30, 1st place Carolina North (3.5 games ahead with six games left) [1st half champs]

Today: RHP Luis Atilano (5-1, 2.03) versus Salem RHP Chad Wagler (4-4, 3.83), 7:05PM

Hagerstown managed only four singles on offense as they lost 8-1 in Lake County (box/gamer). DH Jesus Valdez, DH Garrett Bass, CA Travis Reagan, & 1B Robby Jacobsen (all 23) had the four Suns hits. 22-year old RHP Bradley Meyers surrendered seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and one walk over 3IP with two strikeouts.

Record: Hagerstown 24-40, 6th place Sally North (18.5GB with six games left) [eliminated]

Today: LHP Ricardo Pecina (0-1, 6.14) at Lake County (pitcher TBA), 7:05PM

23-year old LF Jake Dugger hit a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth as Vermont defeated Hudson Valley 7-5 (box/gamer). Dugger was 3/4 with the home run, a double, two runs scored & three RBI. 21-year old CF Marcus Jones was 1/4 with a walk, run & two RBI. 19-year old 2B Jake Smolinski was 4/5 with two double, one run & one RBI. 22-year old RHP Jose Pinales made the spot start, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over 3IP with three strikeouts. 22-year old RHP David Slovak gave up one run on five hits over 3IP with five strikeouts. And, 22-year old RHP Steven Stewart picked up the win with three innings of relief, allowing a run on two hits with three strikeouts.

Record: Vermont 27-36, 3rd place NYP Stedler (9GB with twelve games left)

Today: RHP Brad Peacock (3-5, 3.32) at Aberdeen (pitcher TBA), 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals clinched the GCL East title with a four-hit 2-0 blanking of the GCL Mets (box). 18-year old LHP Graham Hicks made his professional debut as the starting pitcher, allowing only one hit over 2IP with two strikeouts. 19-year old RHP Paul Demny picked up the win with his six innings of relief, giving up three hits while striking out eight. And, 22-year old RHP Federico Tanco picked up the save, striking out a pair over his one inning of work. 18-year old SS Smiley Gonzalez was 1/3 with a run scored. 18-year old LF Destin Hood was 1/3 with a double & run scored. 18-year old RF J.P. Ramirez  was 1/3. And, 18-year old DH Adrian Nieto was 1/3 with a double.

Record: GCL Nationals 33-21, 1st place GCL East (3.5 games ahead of the GCL Dodgers with one or two games left) [Clinched playoffs]

Today: LHP Patrick Arnold (NR) at GCL Marlins, 10:00AM [could be a doubleheader; pitchers in 2nd game TBA]

The DSL regular season has ended. The playoffs began this week.

Record: DSL Nationals1 55-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West (finished 25 games ahead); DSL Nationals2 29-43, 4th place DSL S.D. West (finished 26GB) [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

This Week: The DSL Nationals1 and the DSL Giants both received first round byes. The DSL Angels lead the DSL Rangers1 one game to none and the DSL Twins lead the DSL Mariners one game to none. Both of Tuesdays games were postponed by rain. Game two will take place today.

UPDATE (6:30PM): From the Nationals, the GCL Nats clinched with a win today

In today’s division-clinching victory, LHP Graham Hicks, RHP Paul Demny and RHP Frederico Tanco combined to pitch 9.0 scoreless innings, striking out 12 and walking none. The 18 year-old Hicks, who was making his pro debut, allowed one hit and struck out two in 2.0 innings. Hicks was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 Draft. Demny, 19, struck out eight in 6.0 innings of relief. Demny, Washington’s sixth-round selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, is 4-0 with a 2.50 ERA in 11 GCL appearances (six starts) this season. Tanco struck out two in his lone inning of work to notch the save.

Hat tip to J. Cole who pointed out that the GCL Nationals have been tagged as the GCL Eastern Division champions.

The four teams in the GCL playoffs are the Pirates, Nationals, Phillies and Twins (wild card). If the current records hold, I believe the GCL Nationals will face off with the GCL Twins in the first round of the playoffs (basing match-ups on records).

With this, the Nationals organization has three of their affiliates in the post-season. The Potomac Nationals clinched the first half of the Carolina League (and are on their way to the second half as well) while the DSL Nationals1 return to the playoffs to defend their 2007 title.

There could be a fourth as the Harrisburg Senators are battling for a wild card spot in the Eastern League (five games behind Akron with seven games to play).

Columbus fell behind early 6-0 and could not rally back, falling 6-3 in Louisville (box/gamer). 24-year old RHP Craig Stammen surrendered all six runs on six hits and four walks over 4 1/3IP with three strikeouts. The Clippers bullpen was solid as 25-year old LHP Mike Hinckley, 27-year old RHP Levale Speigner, and 30-year old RHP Chris Schroder combined on 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and one walk with three combined strikeouts. Hinckley is now 0-1 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 16 appearances (17IP)  since the All-Star break; while Speigner is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.65 WHIP over eight August appearances (15 1/3IP) with 12 strikeouts and 2 walks. 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 3/5 with a pair of doubles and is now hitting 350/403/487 in his time with Columbus. 26-year old RF Kory Casto was 2/5 with a double & two RBI; he now has 6 RBI in his five games back in Columbus. The two rehabbing players were SS Alberto Gonzalez who was 1/4 with a double & RBI and LF Elijah Dukes who was 0/3 with a walk & strikeout.

Record: Columbus 66-69, 3rd place IL West (18GB with seven games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Andrew Kown (1-0, 1.50) at Louisville LHP Adam Pettyjohn (14-5, 4.66), 7:05PM

Harrisburg did not play on Monday.

Record: Harrisburg 70-65, 3rd place EL South (10GB with seven games left) [five games behind Akron for wild card]

Today: RHP Bobby Brownlie (8-3, 3.87) versus Erie RHP Guillermo Moscoso (2-1, 3.13), 7:05PM

Potomac got strong pitching from 23-year old RHP Hassan Pena and three RBI each from 24-year old 1B Andrew Lefave and 24-year old SS Dan Lyons as the P-Nats slammed Salem 10-0 (box/gamer). Pena allowed only four hits over 7 2/3IP with nine strikeouts. Lefave was 3/5 with a double, two runs & three RBI while Lyons was 1/3 with a triple, two runs & three RBI. 25-year old LF Dee Brown was 2/4 with two RBI; since the All-Star break, Brown is hitting 325/415/476 with four homers and thirty-three RBI. 19-year old RF Michael Burgess was 2/4 with a run scored. And, 23-year old DH Aaron Seuss was 2/4 with two runs scored.

Record: Potomac 34-29, 1st place Carolina North (3 games ahead with seven games left) [1st half champs]

Today: RHP Jeff Mandel (6-4, 3.94) versus Salem RHP Erick Abreu (6-6, 4.10), 7:05PM

21-year old LHP Tom Milone allowed six runs (five earned) over four innings of work as Hagerstown fell 6-3 to Lake County (box/gamer). Milone fell to 0-3 on the season, giving up the six runs on eight hits and two walks over 4IP with five strikeouts. 21-year old LHP Ryan Buchter pitched two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit while striking out three. 22-year old LF Valerio Heredia was 2/5; 22-year old RF Bryan Miller was 2/4 with a double & RBI; and 22-year old CA Sean Rooney was 1/3 with a walk & run scored.

Record: Hagerstown 24-39, 6th place Sally North (17.5GB with seven games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Bradley Meyers (9-6, 4.41) at Lake County LHP Ryan Morris (8-5, 3.64), 7:00PM

21-year old CF Marcus Jones got his first professional hit and RBI as Vermont defeated Hudson Valley 8-5 (box/gamer). Jones was 2/3 with a double, stolen base, walk, run & two RBI.19-year old 2B Jake Smolinski was 2/5 with a double & RBI. CA Derek Norris was 1/2 with a double, two walks, and two runs scored. 23-year old LF Jake Dugger (1/4), 21-year old RF Michael Guerrero (1/3), and 21-year old 1B Tyler Moore (1/4) each had one RBI for the Monsters. 19-year old RHP P.J. Dean picked up his fourth win of the season despite giving up four runs on five hits (including two homers) and two walks over 5IP. 20-year old LHP Kevin Light was solid in his three innings of shutout relief, allowing only one hit while striking out five; Light, an undrafted free agent from 2008, is now 0-0 with a 0.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over six August appearances (16 2/3IP) with 22 strikeouts and only three walks.

Record: Vermont 26-36, 3rd place NYP Stedler (10GB with thirteen games left)

Today: RHP Jose Pinales (1-1, 3.77) versus Hudson Valley, 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals swept two big games from the GCL Dodgers on Monday with 19-year old LHP Jack McGeary blanking them 1-0 in the first game (box) and 19-year old RHP Marcos Frias throwing a shutout of his own, winning 7-0 in the second game (box).

In the first game, McGeary came within one batter of the seven inning complete game shutout. Over 6 2/3IP, he allowed five hits and one walk while striking out eight. He is 2-2 in 2008 with a 4.07 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 12 starts (59 2/3IP) with 64 strikeouts and only 13 walks. 20-year old CF Chris Curran, 19-year old 2B Steve Lombardozzi, and 22-year old 1B Brett Newsome had the only GCL Nats hits. Lombardozzi scored the lone run while Newsome drove it in. 18-year old LF Destin Hood was 0/1 with a walk; 18-year old RF J.P. Ramirez was 0/2; 18-year old DH Adrian Nieto was 0/2; and 18-year old SS Smiley Gonzalez was 0/3.

In the second game, Frias allowed three hits and two walks over the seven-inning game complete game shutout while striking out two. Gonzalez was 2/3 with a stolen base, walk, RBI & two runs scored. Hood was 1/3 with a double, walk, & run scored. Ramirez was 1/3 with a walk, run, & two RBI.

Record: GCL Nationals 32-21, 1st place GCL East (2.5 games ahead of the GCL Dodgers with two or three games left … depending upon completion of a makeup game with the GCL Marlins on 8/27; GCL Dodgers have two games left. If the GCL Nationals only have two games left, they have clinched their division. However, the GCL Nationals magic number is 1 if they have three games left)

Today: LHP Graham Hicks (professional debut) versus GCL Mets, 12:00PM

The DSL regular season has ended. The playoffs will begin this week.

Record: DSL Nationals1 55-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West (finished 25 games ahead); DSL Nationals2 29-43, 4th place DSL S.D. West (finished 26GB) [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

This Week: The DSL Nationals1 and the DSL Giants both received first round byes. The DSL Angels will take on the DSL Rangers1 and the DSL Mariners will take on the DSL Twins in best-of-three series on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (if necessary).

Just out from the P-Nats …

The Potomac Nationals announced today that IF Matt Rogelstad has rejoined the team after appearing in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and making a brief stint with Double-A Harrisburg. To create room on the active roster for Rogelstad, RHP Edulin Abreu has been placed on the disabled list.

23-year old RHP Zech Zinicola allowed four runs on four hits and a walk in the seventh inning as Columbus lost 8-5 in Louisville (box/gamer). 30-year old LHP Mike Bacsik made the start for Columbus allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk over 5IP with two strikeouts. A rehabbing Elijah Dukes  was ejected in the first inning for arguing balls and strikes. Also rehabbing, SS Alberto Gonzalez was 2/4. 24-year old 3B/2B Leonard Davis was 2/4 with a double & three-run home run; Davis is hitting 0.355 with two home runs and fourteen RBI over his last ten games. 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 2/5; since arriving in Columbus, he is hitting 342/406/494 with four home runs and fourteen stolen bases. 25-year old CA Luke Montz was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI.

Record: Columbus 66-68, 3rd place IL West (17GB with eight games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Craig Stammen (1-2, 7.11) at Louisville RHP Ramon Ramirez (3-5, 3.28), 7:05PM

Harrisburg got five shutout innings of relief from LHPs Yunior Novoa & Tim Bittner as the Senators defeated Portland 5-2 (box/gamer). 23-year old LHP Cory VanAllen started for the Senators, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk over 4IP with two strikeouts. Novoa & Bittner combined to allow only two walks over the final five innings with five combined strikeouts; Novoa picked up his second win and Bittner his fourth save. Novoa is now 2-1 in 30 games for Harrisburg (48 2/3IP) with a 2.22 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and 23 walks. 25-year old 3B Ofilio Castro was 1/4 with a double, run & two RBI; he is hitting 342/367/487 in 22 August games for Harrisburg. 26-year old DH Marco Yepez was 2/3 with a double, run & RBI.

Record: Harrisburg 70-65, 3rd place EL South (10GB with seven games left) [five games behind Akron for wild card]

Today: No game scheduled

Potomac was swept for the first time this season, falling 8-5 to Lynchburg on Sunday (box/gamer). 22-year old LHP Ross Detwiler surrendered five runs on nine hits and three walks over 4 2/3IP with three strikeouts. 24-year old RHP Clint Everts took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits over 3 1/3IP while striking out five. 24-year old SS Dan Lyons was 1/4 with a triple, run & two RBI. 20-year old 3B Stephen King was 2/4. 23-year old LF Aaron Seuss was 3/4 with a double & two runs scored. 23-year old CA Jhonathan Solano was 2/4 with a run & RBI. And, 19-year old RF Michael Burgess was 1/4 with one RBI.

Record: Potomac 33-29, 1st place Carolina North (2.5 games ahead with eight games left) [1st half champs]

Today: RHP Hassan Pena (1-1, 4.99) versus Salem RHP Corey Bass (4-13, 6.52), 7:05PM

Hagerstown got solid pitching from 23-year old RHP Cole Kimball and two relievers as the Suns won 4-2 over Delmarva, taking three out the five-game series (box/gamer). Kimball allowed one run on three hits and three walks over 5IP while striking out seven. RHPs Ryan Harrison & Chris Lugo held Delmarva to one run on two hits and one walk over the final 2IP. 22-year old CA Sean Rooney was 2/4 with a double & RBI; he is hitting 0.387 over his last eight games. 22-year old LF Valerio Heredia was 2/4 and 24-year old 3B Jake Rogers, 23-year old DH Garrett Bass, & 22-year old CF Mark Gildea each had one RBI for the Suns.

Record: Hagerstown 24-38, 6th place Sally North (16.5GB with eight games left) [eliminated]

Today: LHP Tom Milone (0-2, 2.00) at Lake County RHP Chris Archer (4-8, 4.47), 7:05PM

23-year old LF Jake Dugger’s RBI double in the seventh put Vermont ahead to stay in a 7-6 win over Hudson Valley (box/gamer). Dugger was 2/3 with two doubles. 21-year old CF Marcus Jones made his professional debut, going 0/3 with a hit-by-pitch, walk & run scored. 21-year old SS Danny Espinosa was 1/4 with a walk & RBI. 19-year old 3B Steve Souza was 2/4 with a walk, run & RBI. 19-year old 2B Jake Smolinski was 2/5 with a double, run & RBI. And, 20-year old CF Stephen Englund & 19-year old DH Yhonson Lopez each scored twice. 20-year old LHP Pat McCoy started for the Monsters, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks over 5IP with one strikeout.23-year old RHP Carlos Peralta picked up the win with three perfect innings of relief, striking out a pair.  

Record: Vermont 25-36, tied for 3rd place NYP Stedler (10GB with fourteen games left)

Today: RHP P.J. Dean (3-1, 0.88) versus Hudson Valley, 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals split a doubleheader with the GCL Cardinals, losing the first game 9-8 (box) before winning game two 7-4 (box). 19-year old LHP Josh Smoker started the first game, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk over 3 2/3IP while striking out two. 18-year old J.P. Ramirez made his professional debut as a pinch hitter/designated hitter, walking twice and delivering a two-run single. 18-year DH Adrian Nieto was 0/2. 18-year old LF Destin Hood was 2/4 with a triple, run & RBI. 20-year old CF Chris Curran was 2/4 with a double & run scored. 18-year old SS Smiley Gonzalez scored three runs but made three errors.

In the second game, 18-year old LHP Bobby Hansen made a brief start, allowing a hit and two walks over 1IP with one strikeout. 23-year old RHP Chris Kelley picked up the win giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits and two walks over 5 1/3IP with five strikeouts. Gonzalez scored twice; Hood was 1/4 with a double & two runs scored; Ramirez made his first start in RF, going 1/2 with a walk, run & three RBI (six in just two games); Nieto was 0/2 with a walk; and 1B Brett Newsome was 1/2 with two RBI.

Record: GCL Nationals 30-21, 1st place GCL East (0.5 games ahead of the GCL Dodgers with four or five games left … depending upon completion of a makeup game with the GCL Marlins on 8/27)

Today: RHP Marcos Frias (2-4, 3.59) & LHP Jack McGeary (1-2, 4.58) versus GCL Dodgers, 12:00PM

The DSL regular season has ended. The playoffs will begin this week.

Record: DSL Nationals1 55-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West (finished 25 games ahead); DSL Nationals2 29-43, 4th place DSL S.D. West (finished 26GB) [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

This Week: The DSL Nationals1 and the DSL Giants both received first round byes. The DSL Angels will take on the DSL Rangers1 and the DSL Mariners will take on the DSL Twins in best-of-three series on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (if necessary).

Columbus dropped an 8-6 decision in Louisville (box/gamer). RHP Dennis Tankersley allowed five runs on six hits and five walks over 4 1/3IP with four strikeouts. RHP Ryan Wagner gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits over 2IP with four strikeouts. CF Roger Bernadina was 3/4 with a double, solo homer, & two runs scored. RF/3B Kory Casto was 2/3 with a grand slam home run. CA Luke Montz was 2/4. The Nationals had two players rehabbing with the Clippers, SS Alberto Gonzalez was 1/3 and LF Elijah Dukes was 0/1 with two walks & a run scored.

Record: Columbus 66-67, 3rd place IL West (16GB with nine games left) [eliminated]

Today: LHP Mike Bacsik (7-5, 4.50 ERA) at Louisville LHP Matt Maloney (10-4, 4.23), 6:15PM

RHP Adam Carr allowed three late runs, blowing his sixth save of the season in a 5-2 loss to Portland (box/gamer). LHP Justin Jones started for the Senators allowed only one run on four hits and three walks over 6IP with six strikeouts. Carr allowed three runs on five hits over 1 1/3IP. DH Garrett Guzman was 2/4 with two doubles and a run scored. CF Mike Daniel was 2/4 with a double & RBI.

Record: Harrisburg 69-65, 3rd place EL South (10GB with eight games left)

Today: LHP Cory VanAllen (3-2, 4.99) versus Portland LHP Kris Johnson (8-8, 3.58), 1:05PM

Potomac was blasted 13-5 by Lynchburg (box/gamer). RHP Erik Arnesen allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk over 5IP while striking out seven. RHPs Martin Beno & Edulin Abreu surrendered a combined eight runs on only one hit, one hit batter and seven walks over just 1 2/3IP. LF Aaron Seuss was 1/4 with a two-run homer; CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/3 with a solo homer; RF Michale Burgess was 1/4 with a double, run & RBI.

Record: Potomac 33-28, 1st place Carolina North (2.5 games ahead with nine games left) [1st half champs]

Today: LHP Ross Detwiler (7-8, 4.84) versus Lynchburg LHP Brian Holliday (5-10, 5.23), 6:05PM

Hagerstown held off a late rally by Delmarva, hanging on for a 4-3 win (box/gamer). RHP Osvaldo Rodriguez picked up his first win for the Suns, not allowing a run over 5IP. He gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five. RHP Justin Phillabaum allowed two runs on three hits over 2IP with five strikeouts. RHP Dan Leatherman picked up his fifth save with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out three. RF Robby Jacobsen was 2/4 with a double, solo homer & two runs scored; 2B Jake Rogers was 2/4 with a double & RBI; and 1B Tim Pahuta was 2/4 with a double & RBI.

Record: Hagerstown 23-38, 6th place Sally North (17.5GB with nine games left) [eliminated]

Today: RHP Cole Kimball (5-8, 5.42) versus Delmarva [pitcher TBA], 2:05PM

Vermont managed just three hits in a 7-4 loss to Staten Island (box/gamer). LHP Will Atwood struck out nine over 5IP allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. RHP Randy Matias took the loss allowing four runs on nine hits over 4IP. DH Derek Norris was 1/2 with a three-run home run. 3B Steve Souza and CF Stephen Englund had the other two hits, both singles. SS Danny Espinosa had his first game withe Vermont without a hit, though he did walk twice and scored a run.

Record: Vermont 24-36, 4th place NYP Stedler (10GB with 15 games left)

Today: LHP Pat McCoy (1-5, 5.44) versus Hudson Valley [pitcher TBA], 5:05PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Saturday.

Record: GCL Nationals 29-20, 1st place GCL East (0.5 games ahead with six or seven games left … depending upon completing makeup games)

Today: GCL Nationals at GCL Cardinals, 12:00PM [could be a doubleheader to make up 7/19 game]

The DSL Nationals1 wrapped up their regular season with a 6-2 win over the DSL Padres (box). RHP Juan Martinez allowed an unearned run on four hits and one walk over 6IP with three strikeouts. RHP Wilson Eusebio blew the save, but picked up the win, giving up one run on two hits and two walks over 2IP while striking out four. 2B Hendry Jimenez was 2/5 with a double & RBI; 3B Adrian Sanchez was 1/3 with a stolen base and run. PR/CF Eury Perez was 1/1 with a stolen base & two runs scored; DH Anderson Bocio was 1/4 with one run & two RBI; and CA Yan Carlos Hiciano was 2/3.

The DSL Nationals2 ended their season with a 7-2 loss to the DSL Tigers (box). RHP Luis Jimenez allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk over 4IP with five strikeouts. DH Jose Altuve was 1/4 with two RBI.

Record: DSL Nationals1 55-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West (finished 25 games ahead); DSL Nationals2 29-43, 4th place DSL S.D. West (finished 26GB) [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

Today: Regular season completed [playoffs begin this week]

Columbus dropped an 8-4 decision to Richmond (box/gamer). RHP Tyler Clippard was torched for all eight runs on ten hits and three walks over 5IP. RHPs Levale Speigner & Chris Schroder pitched the final four scoreless innings of relief, allowing acombined four hits. A rehabbing Elijah Dukes was 1/3 with a solo home run. CF Roger Bernadina was 1/3 with two walks and his 14th stolen base. 3B Leonard Davis was 1/4 with a double, run & two RBI.

Record: Columbus 66-66, 3rd place IL West (15GB with ten games left) [eliminated]

Tonight: RHP Dennis Tankersley (4-4, 4.86 ERA) at Louisville RHP Homer Bailey (4-7, 4.58), 6:15PM

Harrisburg got strong pitching from RHPs Jordan Zimmermann, Steve Schmoll, and Adam Carr as they defeated Portland 2-1 (box/gamer). Zimmermann, throwing to a pitch count, allowed a run on three hits and three walks over 4IP with four strikeouts. Schmoll picked up the win with 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, giving up five hts and striking out three. Carr got his 11th save of the season with 1 1/3 shutout innings. 3B Ofilio Castro was 2/3 with a double & RBI. CA Devin Ivany was 2/3. And, RF Edgardo Baez  was 1/3 with one RBI.

Record: Harrisburg 69-64, 3rd place EL South (10GB with nine games left) [eliminated]

Tonight: LHP Jusstin Jones (2-4, 4.53) versus Portland RHP Adam Mills (0-4, 4.53), 6:05PM

Potomac lost a 2-1 pitcher’s duel with Lynchburg (box/gamer). RHP Luis Atilano returned from the DL to allow a run on five hits and two walks over 5IP with five strikeouts. LHP Jack Spradlin allowed a run on two hits over 3IP bt took the loss. The P-Nats managed only three hits on offense, singles by 2B Michael Martinez & Francisco Plasencia and a double by 1B Trevor Lawhorn.

Record: Potomac 33-27, 1st place Carolina North (3.5 games ahead with ten games left) [1st half champs]

Tonight: RHP Erik Arnesen (3-2, 3.73) versus Lynchburg Mat McSwain (0-2, 6.66), 6:35PM

Hagerstown managed only four hits in a 6-1 loss to Delmarva (box/gamer). The Suns got four singles, one each by 3B Valerio Heredia, SS Jose Lozada, CA Sean Rooney, and DH Jake Rogers. LHP Ricardo Pecina took the loss, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks over 4 2/3IP with four strikeouts.

Record: Hagerstown 22-38, 6th place Sally North (17.5GB with ten games left) [eliminated]

Tonight: RHP Osvaldo Rodriguez (0-1, 1.50) versus Delmarva [pitcher TBA], 7:05PM

SS Danny Espinosa scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch as Vermont walked off with a 7-6 win over Staten Island, snapping their six-game losing streak (box/gamer). Espinosa was 2/2 with two walks and three runs scored and is now batting 0.818 for the Monsters. CA Derek Norris was 1/4 with a run & RBI. LF Jake Dugger was 2/3 with a triple, run & two RBI. RHP Brad Peacock started for Vermont, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk over 5IP with four strkeouts. RHPs Johan Figureo & David Slovak and LHP Kevin Light combined on four innings pitched allowing only an unearned run on three hits and four walks with nine strikeouts.

Record: Vermont 24-35, 4th place NYP Stedler (9GB with 16 games left)

Tonight: LHP Will Atwood (1-1, 2.65) versus Staten Island [pitcher TBA], 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals were once again impacted by the storms in Florida as their game with the GCL Marlins was postponed by rain. The GCL Nationals will likely make the game up as part of a doubleheader on 8/27, the last day of the regular season.

Record: GCL Nationals 29-20, 2nd place GCL East (0.5GB with six games left)

Today: No game scheduled.

The DSL Nationals1 were edged out by the DSL Tigers 2-1 (box). RHP Julio Perez allowed two runs on three hits and two walks over 3IP with six strikeouts. CA Ricardo Martinez was 3/4 with two doubles and SS Justino Cuevas was 2/3 with a stolen base.

The DSL Nationals2 defeated the DSL Padres 8-7 in a rain-shortened game (box). LHP Fransisco Vizcaino started for the Nats2, allowing four unearned runs on four hits and three walks over 3IP with seven strikeouts. RHP Jesse Caraballo picked up the win with four innings of relief, giving up three unearned runs on two hits an one walk with six strikeouts. CF Eleazar Cuevas was 2/3 with a run & two RBI. SS Francisco Frias was 2/3 with a double, triple, RBI & two runs scored. Both LF Weesley Hernandez and 2B Angelito Concepcion scored twice for the Nats2.

Record: DSL Nationals1 54-17, 1st place DSL S.D. West (24 games ahead with one game left); DSL Nationals2 29-42, tied for 3rd place DSL S.D. West (25GB with one game left) [Nats1 in the playoffs; Nats2 eliminated]

Today: DSL Nationals1 at DSL Padres; DSL Nationals2 at DSL Tigers; both games at 10:30AM [last day of regular season]