Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 9, Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) 2
Jud Fabian had a big night with a solo shot in the first and a two-run blast in the sixth inning. Fabian finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs. Even his double play in the third inning led to a run.
Creed Willems recorded a pair of hits and scored twice while serving as the DH. Payton Eeles tallied a single and a double in four trips, and José Barrero added a double. Enrique Bradfield Jr. singled, walked and scored a run from the leadoff spot.
Norfolk’s bullpen held the Redbirds in check all day. Dietrich Enns started and tossed three innings of one-run ball.
Félix Bautista tossed another scoreless inning in his extended rehab assignment. He now holds a 1.59 ERA (1 ER, 5.2 IP) during his rehab stint with seven strikeouts. Is he going to pitch in Baltimore this season? If so, the Orioles should probably get him up there soon. His velocity topped out at 97.9 MPH last night.
Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox 8, Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants) 2
Anthony Eyanson limited Richmond to one solo home run over four innings. Eyanson allowed five hits, struck out six, and walked one. The top pitching prospect did not return after a rain delay in the fifth inning, but he still managed to impress in his final outing of the season. The 21-year-old was as advertised after coming over in the Rutschman deal, and fans should be incredibly excited to see how he fares in 2027.
Frederick Bencosme finished 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and three runs scored.
High-A: Greensboro Grasshoppers (Pirates) 5, Frederick Keys 3
Frederick scored three in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally fell short. The two teams will play this evening to decide the South Atlantic League North Division Championship series.
Greensboro starter Levi Sterling—the 37th overall pick in the 2024 draft—held the Keys to just one hit over the first five frames. Randal Diaz finally broke through with a three-run double in the bottom of the ninth. Unfortunately, Leandro Arias lined out and Braylin Tavera grounded out to end the game.
Frederick starter Stephen Still allowed three runs over 2.2 innings. The bullpen allowed two more, but the Keys only tallied three hits on the day. The offense will look to return to form tonight in a pivotal Game 3.
Friday’s schedule
Norfolk: at Memphis, 8:05. Starter: TBD
Chesapeake: at Richmond, 7:05 pm. Starter: JT Quinn (2-0, 2.50 ERA)
Frederick: vs. Greensboro, 7:00. Starter: TBD
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