Carolina League Pitcher of the Year Triston McKenzie dominant again in Lynchburg win

The Indians made a significant amount of moves in the minor league organization yesterday, beginning with the trade of veteran catcher Erik Kratz (who was with Triple-A Columbus) to the New York Yankees for cash considerations. The Yankees will be losing two catchers shortly to suspension (Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine) due to last week’s brawl against the Tigers.

Here’s where everyone has gone so far, and I’m sure it won’t be the last of the moves today with roster expansions beginning and both Columbus and Akron out of playoff contention:

1. C Eric Haase promoted from Double-A Akron to Triple-A Columbus (well-deserved)
2. RHP Cameron Hill promoted from Double-A Akron to Triple-A Columbus
3. C Daniel Salters promoted from High-A Lynchburg to Double-A Akron
4. OF Mitch Longo promoted from Single-A Lake County to High-A Lynchburg

Columbus Clippers 14, Toledo Mud Hens 3

Box Score · Clippers improve to 69-69

Every Columbus Clipper had at least one hit and all but two had two hits in a rout of the Toledo Mud Hens yesterday.

Eric Stamets and a resurgent Nellie Rodriguez both went deep with three-run home runs while both Mike Papi and Michael Martinez reached base safely four times in five plate appearances.

Tanner Tully made his Triple-A debut in spot start duty and after a rough first inning where he gave up three runs, he settled down and shut down Toledo for the next six frames, finishing the day with seven innings pitched, three runs allowed on eight hits while striking out three and walking one to earn the win.

Akron RubberDucks 6, Harrisburg Senators 5

Box Score · RubberDucks improve to 66-70

This was the Bobby Bradley show.

The number three Indians prospect went 3-4 at the plate with two doubles, knocked in two runs and scored two runs to account for two thirds of the RubberDuck offensive output as Akron scored five runs in the eighth inning to come back and defeat Harrisburg.

Todd Hankins and Joe Sever also had multi-hit games while scoring a run apiece.

Pitcher Matt Esparza tossed a quality start, giving up two runs in six innings on three hits while walking two and striking out one.

Reliever Jacob Lee was activated and added a scoreless inning.

Lynchburg Hillcats 5, Potomac Nationals 1

Box Score · Hillcats improve to 83-52

Triston McKenzie was named Carolina League Pitcher of the Year yesterday and he responded with a tremendous outing as the Hillcats prepare for the playoffs.

McKenzie threw seven innings, giving up just one run on five hits while striking out 10 and walking zero. He still leads all pitchers in minor league baseball with 186 on the season.

Outfielder Mitch Longo was promoted to High-A yesterday and he made an amazing debut with Lynchburg, going with a run and an RBI.

Longo was joined by Sicnarf Loopstok, Ka’ai Tom, Claudio Baustista and Anthony Miller, who all had multi-hit games in the victory.

Lake County Captains 4, Lansing Lugnuts 7

Box Score · Captains fall to 52-83

Luis Jimenez was battered for five runs in five innings and Lake County never recovered from the deficit.

Of note, Li Jen Chu went 3-4 at the plate, hitting his 16th home run of the season.

Mahoning Valley Scrappers 3, State College Spikes 4

Box Score · Scrappers fall to 39-29

The Scrappers jumped out to a 3-0 lead but starting pitcher Francisco Perez couldn’t hold it, giving up three runs in the fifth inning himself.

The game would remain tied until the ninth where State College put across one run and Mahoning Valley could not respond in the bottom of the frame.

Jess Berardi had three hits while both Ernie Clement and Nolan Jones had multi-hit efforts. Both of Clement’s hits were doubles.

Will Benson also reached base safely three times, going 1-3 with two walks on the day.

The AZL Indians had a scheduled day off.