Astros Prospect Report: Games of July 9, 2016

Game 1: Fresno Grizzlies 5, Reno Aces 0

Game 2: Fresno Grizzlies 4, Reno Aces 3

In the first seven-inning game of the doubleheader, Brad Peacock recreated the #FreeThePea movement. Channeling his inner Clayton Kershaw, Peacock scattered three singles and walk across seven innings, striking out twelve and inducing five groundouts (to zero flyouts) during his time on the mound. This start by Peacock was an excellent recovery from his last, during which he allowed seven earned runs over five innings. The Grizzlies’ hitters did a fine job of getting to Braden Shipley, an excellent pitcher. Jon Singleton and Tyler White each doubled and drove in a pair of runs.

Game 2 was a closer affair. Eight total pitchers were used in a seven-inning affair. Max Stassi’s solo shot in the bottom of the sixth provided the Grizzlies with their game-winner. Uncharacteristically, James Hoyt allowed (gasp!) a run. It was his first since June 20, which was his first since June 9, which was his first since May 8. That’s nuts, y’all.

Corpus Christi Hooks 7, Tulsa Drillers 6

This game seemed to be over after the Hooks coughed up six runs in the first two innings, but fear not: the seventh inning was yet to happen. Kyle Smith and co. held down the fort while, after the first two batters in the seventh got out, four singles, a walk, and a bases-clearing double gave the Hooks a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The lineup’s pop is lacking–Bregman and Teoscar were some of the top power hitters in the Texas League–but the team still has excellent pitching and consistent hitting.

Aaron West, who was forced to redefine himself after a multitude of injuries, has been excellent out of the bullpen this year. In his past ten games, his ERA is 1.53, and he’s struck out twelve and walked only three. He’s been especially good against righties, with a 2.06 season ERA, 9.8 K/9, and 1.5 BB/9 versus them.

Inland Empire 66ers 6, Lancaster Jethawks 2

Unlike the above games, the JetHawks were the ones up early until the 66ers scored in the sixth, seventh, and eighth to down Lancaster. Jason Martin stayed hot and was the only JetHawk with an extra-base hit. Deetz pitched well for the first five innings before allowing two sixth-inning runs on one hit (a single) and allowing an unearned run (because of a passed ball) in the sixth.

Martin is hitting .348 in his last thirteen games, which includes three home runs as well as eight walks. His fifteen homers might be a bit of a Lancaster mirage, as he’s hit eleven at home, but he also has five triples, all of which were on the road. His ability to hit well and steal bases, plus a decent eye, have contributed to an excellent season for the twenty-year-old.

Clinton LumberKings 3, Quad Cities River Bandits 0

Tri-City ValleyCats 4, West Virginia Black Bears 3

Elizabethton Twins 4, Greeneville Astros 3