Minor League Recap: Valera Smokes a Homer as Four Guardians Affiliates Win
Minor League Recap for Friday, May 31st, 2024
Another three hit game for Jose Tena including a home-run and a walk and a massive home run for George Valera accompanied a two-hit and one-walk return for Angel Martinez, playing second base in his first game back from an IL stint. Will Dion went 3 and 2/3rds scoreless, striking out five, then Tanner Burns went 2 and 1/3rd striking out four. Daniel Schneemann struckout twice and walked twice, going 0 for 3.
The Rubber Ducks have had great pitching and lackluster offense so it was fun to see every hitter in Akron’s lineup involved in a win. The standout was Dayan Frias with a triple and a walk. Aaron Davenport only has a 1.87 ERA. Huh.
Cooper Ingle had two hits and pushed his OPS to .927. Tugboat Wilkinson struck out eight in five innings, but gave up a home run and two earned runs. Still, a wonderful start for him in Double-A.
Outfielder Wuilfredo Antunez had 3 hits and five RBI, including a home run to pace a torrid Hillcat offensive attack. Esteban Gonzalez, playing centerfield, also had a homer and a double going 2 for 4 with a walk. He has an .814 OPS in Low-A as a 21 year old. Wardquelin Vazquez is striking out tons of guys this season and he got 6 punchies in 3 and 2/3rds.
Second baseman Welbyn Francisca had a single and two RBI, and right-fielder Heribert Silva had two hits including a home run. Both players are 18 years old. Wow, I remember being 18. It took twelve more years for me to mature. Props to these folks