While last night was Brock Holt's AAA debut, it was McEffect McFavorite Kyle McPherson's turn to shine in his first turn for the Indians. McPherson went six innings, allowed just three hits, one run, no walks and six strikeouts. McPherson actually pitched into the seventh inning and allowed a bunt single to lead off the frame and was immediately removed. Daniel McCutchen then gave up a double that sent the run across and was the only run charged to McPherson. Doug Slaten gave up the losing run in the top of the eighth. Holt had a successful second day as an Indian, narrowly missing his first home run and instead settling for a double while going 2-for-4. Jeff Clement went 1-for-2 with two walks, Jose Tabata doubled and Matt Hague singled and drove in a run.
AA Altoona | Altoona 7 Bowie 4
As a trickle-down effect from McPherson's promotion to Indianapolis, Tyler Waldron moved up to Altoona from single-A and recorded the win in a so-so outing. He lasted 5.2 innings, and gave up four hits, three runs, one walk and three strikeouts. All three of the runs came on solo home runs, including one by Bowie top-prospect Manny Machado who was promoted to the big leagues during the game. Nathan Baker picked up the save by giving up one run, which was unearned, in 3.1 innings despite walking four and fanning no one. Quincy Latimore continued a recent surge by going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Drew Maggi had his second straight productive day out of the leadoff spot, going 2-for-3 with a double, triple and two walks. Oscar Tejeda had two hits and a double and Evan Chambers produced a rare good game this year with two singles.
A West Virginia | Lexington 6 West Virginia 3
Zack Von Rosenberg pitched like it was 2011 with a very up-and-down performance in a loss against Lexington. He had a strong 7:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio on the day, but he allowed six hits and six runs in his five innings to suffer the loss. The Power couldn't overcome the six-run deficit, and managed just three runs on seven hits. Willy Garcia had the only multi-hit night with two singles and Chris Lashmet had the only extra-base hit with a double and three RBIs. Gregory Polanco went 1-for-2 with a walk. Alen Hanson had an 0-for-4 day and his average lowered to .312.
A Bradenton | Bradenton 2 Charlotte 1 (11 innings)
Elevys Gonzalez hit his fourth single-A home run in the top of the 11th to push the Marauders to an extra-inning victory. Gonzalez went 2-for-4 to up his average to .226 in his season-long struggle at both Bradenton and Altoona, but this was a nice reprieve. Alex Dickerson went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .304. The Marauders struck out 12 times, but luckily spot starter Kenn Kasparek and the pitchers also held Charlotte in check all game long. Kasaparek went six innings for his best game of the year and allowed five hits, one walk, one run and struck out four. Tampa Bay's Jeff Niemann was rehabbing and his expertise showed against the naive Bradenton hitters. Jason Townsend hurled 3.1 scoreless innings to earn his fifth win of 2012.
A State College | Batavia 6 State College 3
Batavia jumped out to an early lead on Jason Creasy and the Spikes and despite putting three runs on the board they couldn't come back the whole way. Creasy allowed five runs and seven hits in only three innings of work. He walked one and struck out one. Thomas Harlan gave up an unearned run in the following three innings and struck out three. Lance Breedlove finished the game by striking out two in two innings. Jacob Stallings, Yhonathan Barrios and Alex Fuselier each collected two hits and a double, while D.J. Crumlich doubled for his only hit. The Spikes had 10 hits overall but didn't walk one time.