Minor League Roundup - 4/13

Rain continued to be a problem for the organization on Friday, as two of the team's affiliates were washed out once again. Rangers Insider looks at Friday's action in the minor leagues.

AAA: Oklahoma – Memphis – PPD (Rain)

Friday night’s home opener was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a Sunday doubleheader that will begin at 2 p.m. CST.

Alfredo Simon is scheduled to take the hill for the RedHawks on Saturday.

AA: Frisco – (@) Arkansas – PPD (Rain)

The ‘Riders were also washed out on Friday evening. Frisco and Arkansas will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A+: Bakersfield 7 – Modesto 16
L – Ramsey (0-2)
HR – Davis (2, 3)

With a team ERA of 9.43 through the first nine games of the season, it is safe to say that the Bakersfield pitching staff has struggled. One of the key factors in the Blaze’s ugly ERA would be their home runs allowed. In just nine games, Bakersfield pitchers have coughed up 21 gopher balls. Unfortunately, Friday night was no different, as the visiting Modesto Nuts slugged six home runs.

Starting pitcher Keith Ramsey yielded eight runs – four earned – on six hits in just 1.2 innings. Ramsey allowed a pair of long balls.

In relief of Ramsey, struggling southpaw Patrick Donovan allowed six runs – three earned – on five hits in two innings of work. Four of Donovan’s five hits allowed cleared the fences.

Taylor Teagarden (.391/.588/.652) saw his on base percentage drop for the second consecutive day, as he was 2-for-5 with a stolen base.

Third baseman Chris Davis (.226/.297/.645) was 2-for-4 with two home runs and seven runs batted in. After launching a three-run bomb in the bottom of the sixth, the native Texan added a grand slam in the ninth inning.

After doubling his RBI total overnight, Davis now rates second in the California League in runs batted in. The third baseman also tops the league in strikeouts.

Outfielder Brandon Boggs (.385/.556/.731) singled, doubled, and walked in four plate appearances.

Catcher Brian Valichka singled three times in five at-bats.

Right-handed pitcher Ivan Izquierdo, who was signed as a non-drafted free agent last season, worked a perfect inning with one strikeout. Izquierdo was added to the Bakersfield roster on Friday.

Player of the game: 3B Chris Davis

AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
4	2	2	0	2	7	1	2	.226

A: Clinton 5 – Beloit 3
W – Poveda (2-0)
SV – Haar (2)

Allowing just one run on three hits in six innings, righty Omar Poveda (1.64 ERA/.150 BAA) was in control throughout his second start of the season. The native Venezuelan walked two and fanned seven.

While Poveda’s first two starts have been impressive, a closer look reveals that he has been even more dominant than the box score shows.

In his first start, Poveda retired two batters via strikeout, three on the ground, and eight through infield popups. Only two outs were recorded in the outfield.

In the right-hander’s second start, he retired seven via strikeout, five on the ground, and two on infield popups. Only one of his three hits allowed – a home run – left the infield.

Catcher Manuel Pina, known for his defensive abilities, was 2-for-2 with two walks. Pina also flashed his strong arm behind the plate, as he gunned down a potential base stealer in the game’s first inning.

Chad Tracy, playing in left field, had two singles in four at-bats.

Player of the game: RHP Omar Poveda

IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	ERA
6.0	3	1	1	2	7	1	1.64