RubberDucks continue hitting revolution and Francisco Mejia breaks through slump

The Indians minor league system posted won all but one game last night, powered by an impressive night at the plate every except Lake County. That’s not to say that they hit badly, but three runs looks silly next to what Akron is doing right now.

Columbus Clippers 7, Charlotte Knights 5

Box Score · Clippers improve to 14-12

Francisco Mejia is the kind of prospect you know about without paying any attention to prospects. The switch-hitting backstop has struggled early on this season, but last night put up the kind of performance that might prove to be a slumpbreaker. With a single, double, and home run, Mejia powered the Clipper’s offense on a night when it needed a steady hand — they grounded into five double plays on the night.

If donking one off of the scoreboard doesn’t break a slump, nothing will. Ryan Merritt struggle with the start for the Clippers, allowing four in 4.1 innings on eight hits. Cole Sulser picked up his first win after tossing 2.1 innings of scoreless relief while the Clippers rallied.

Akron RubberDucks 18, Bowie Baysox 2

Box Score · RubberDucks improve to 16-11

Brian called the RubberDucks’ explosion a result of pent up frustration yesterday. If that’s true, I hope they stay frustrated for a long, long time. Six Akron hitters tallied multiple hits last night, led by three hits and a walk from Daniel Salters and two hits and three walks for Sicnarf Loopstok. Both homered.

The RubberDucks also drew ten walks in last night’s game, which is either a testament to their patience or a cry for help from the Baysox. Aaron Civale pitched four innings, allowing two runs, though the scorers awarded the win to Nick Pasquale for three innings of scoreless relief.

Lynchburg Hillcats 7, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 3

Box Score · Hillcats improve to 13-14

DHin from the leadoff spot didn’t phase Mitch Longo as he contributed three hits and a walk in the Hillcat’s win. Longo raised his average on the season to .322. Most of the damage came in a six-run sixth, as the Hillcats apparently wanted to emulate the Indians by doing all of their damage at once. Unlike the Indians, they actually ended up winning the game instead of immediately surrendering the lead.

Continuing a theme from the day of baseball, Kieran Lovegrove earned the win in relief duty, as he happened to be the pitcher of record during the rally.

Lake County Captains 3, Beloit Snappers 5

Box Score · Captains drop to 12-14

Juan Hillman dropped to 0-4 on the 2018 campaign, though it isn’t fair to say that the loss is his fault. Going 6 innings and earning only two runs, Hillman posted his second consecutive quality start, providing some much-needed momentum for the maybe-still-a-prospect. Two more scored thanks to an error, and the Captains bats couldn’t pick up the slack.

Jorma Rodriguez and Jose Vicente tallied three hits apiece, but with 12 runners left on base, too many chances slipped away from the captains.