Minor League Recap - 5/28

The major league club wasn't the only one playing a wild one last night. The Scranton Yankees nearly blew an 8-0 lead and hung on for a 9-8 victory over the Pawtucket Red Sox. Dan Giese, who had been pitching lights out, was knocked around for 7 runs in 4.1 innings. But the Yankees bullpen settled things down. Billy Traber and Scott Patterson, still our pick for promotion to the majors, earned the save.

Veteran major leaguer Ben Broussard, who was signed earlier in the day, had a big night, going 3-4 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Justin Christian drove in 3 runs as well.

Scranton beat writer Chad Jennings got this update from Alan Horne, who's recovering from a bicep injury.

Texted Alan Horne (left) again today.

He made another extended spring training start today, pitching 3.2 innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. Injured Phillies outfielder Chris Snelling was also in the game on rehab and went 0-for-3 with two Ks. Horne said he once again felt great.

He also said he doesn't expect to make another extended start, but he's not sure where his next assignment will be. All he's been told is that he will pitch somewhere on Sunday. Could be Tampa, Trenton or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

It was a doubly bad night for the Trenton Thunder against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The teams resumed play for a game suspended on May 18. Trenton had a 3-1 lead in the 9th, but the Cats scored 4 times off of Steven Jackson to earn a 5-3 win. Austin Jackson and Jose Tabata had 2 hits each, with Jackson also contributing 2 RBI. Mark Melancon tossed 4 scoreless innings of relief.

Jason Jones (7-1) lost his first game of the season in the regularly scheduled game despite a strong outing. The Fisher Cats scored a run in the 5th and tacked on an insurance run in the 6th inning in their 7 inning, 4-2 win. The Thunder's runs came on an Austin Jackson 2-run double.

Thunder beat writer Mike Ashmore had a brief Q&A with pitcher Al Aceves. Aceves was just named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week.

Christian Garcia earned his 2nd victory in 3 starts in the Tampa Yankees 4-3 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Highly touted local product Rick Porcello (6 IP 10 H 4 R 3 ER 0 BB 4 K) took the loss for Lakeland. Kyle Anson hit a 2-run home run, his 3rd of the season.

Garcia spoke with the Daytona News-Journal after the game"

"It feels good to be able to actually go out there and do my job," the 22-year-old hurler said. "It's been a long while since I've been able to go out there and compete like that, and most importantly get the win for my team."

"The healthier I can stay, the better opportunity I have of being able to move up," Garcia said.

Congratulations to Tampa manager Luis Sojo and his wife Zuleima on the birth of a baby girl. Coach Mick Kelleher is filling in on while Sojo is with his family. Kelleher was impressed with Garcia's performance.

"He had command of his fastball and his breaking ball," Kelleher said. "He got ahead in the count and was able to put batters away. I hope it is a sign that he's healthy. He's been battling injuries for a couple of years, so he needs to stay healthy. It's just been on and off for the young kid because of the injuries and that's too bad. He's capable of pitching like we saw tonight. He's all smiles and that's good."

Charleston salvaged the finale of their 4-game series with the Augusta Green Jackets with a 2-0 win. Lance Pendleton allowed 4 hits, no walks, and struck out 5 over 6 innings to up his record to 4-2. Adam Olbrychowski completed the shutout for the RiverDogs with 3 innings of 1-hit ball for his first save. Jesus Montero snapped a scoreless tie in the 6th inning, with a solo home run, his 6th of the season.

The RiverDogs placed right-hander Dellin Betances and outfielder David Williams on the DL with non-specific upper body injuries. The RiverDogs have had 10 different players DL'ed this season, including current members Abe Almonte, Wady Rufino, and Brad Suttle.