Nationals Farm Authority

RHP Lus Atilano had a rough return to Triple-A, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks over 2 1/3IP as Syracuse fell 8-2 to Pawtucket (box/gamer). LF Leonard Davis was 3/4 with a double & RBI; 2B Seth Bynum was 2/5 with a double & run scored; and 1B Jason Botts was1/3 with a double & run scored.

Weekend Starters:

• Friday: Pawtucket RHP Clay Buchholz (rehab start) at Syracuse RHP Jason Jones (1-3, 4.07) 7PM
• Saturday: Pawtucket RHP Josh Beckett (rehab start) at Syracuse RHP Shairon Martis (6-5, 3.75) 7PM
• Sunday: Pawtucket at Syracuse 2PM [pitchers TBA]

RF Jesus Valdez hit a walk-off three-run homer as Harrisburg defeated Altoona 9-7 (box/gamer). Valdez finished the game 3/5 with the two homers & six total RBI; LF Marvin Lowrance was2/3 with two walks & three runs scored; SS Danny Espinosa was 1/4 with a triple, run & two RBI; and 1B Chris Marrero, who originally was scheduled for a day off, entered the game late, going 0/1 with a walk, strikeout & run scored. LHP Aaron Thompson was the starter, giving up three runs on five hits and one walk with three strikeouts. RHP Zech Zinicola picked up the win, striking out two in a scoreless ninth.

Weekend Starters:

• Friday: Altoona LHP Justin Wilson (7-4, 2.85) at Harrisburg LHP Ross Detwiler (1-1, 3.48) 7PM
• Saturday: Altoona RHP Bryan Morris (4-4, 4.19) at Harrisburg LHP John Lannan (1-2, 4.50) 7PM
• Sunday: Altoona LHP Rudy Owens (8-3, 3.00) at Harrisburg RHP Andrew Kown (3-4, 4.45) 2PM

RHP A.J. Morris returned from the DL blanking Kinston over 5IP in a 6-1 Potomac victory (box/gamer). Morris allowed two hits and struck out five in picking up his second win of the season. RHP Dan Leatherman recorded the final four outs, getting out a bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth and pitching a perfect ninth for his 9th save of the season. 1B Tyler Moore was 2/3 with a double, solo homer & two runs scored; SS Josh Johnson was 2/4 with two doubles, a run & RBI; 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 1/4 with a run scored; and DH Derek Norris was 0/3 with one RBI. Notes: CA Brian Peacock suffered a compound fracture of his hand/arm when he was stepped on sliding into second on a stolen base attempt. No word on his replacement. LHP Evan Bronson was placed on the DL opening a spot for Morris; RF Mike Burgess was placed on bereavement leave; and IF Wilberto Ortiz was activated from the DL.

Weekend Starters:

• Friday: Kinston LHP T.J. McFarland (9-2, 1.99) at Potomac RHP Marcos Frias (3-4, 6.29) 7:03PM
• Saturday: Kinston RHP Joseph Mahalic (3-4, 4.15) at Potomac RHP Trevor Holder (0-1, 4.18) 6:35PM
• Sunday: No game scheduled

RHP Paul Demny was knocked around for six runs on six hits and two walks over 4 1/3IP in a 9-6 Hagerstown loss to Rome (box/gamer). 2B Jeff Kobernus was 2/4 with a stolen base and two runs scored; 1B Justin Bloxom was 3/4 with a run & RBI; DH Brett Newsome was 2/4 with two RBI; CA Sandy Leon was 2/4; and RF Destin Hood and LF J.P. Ramirez were each 1/4 with a run scored. Notes: OF J.R. Higley and 3B Steve Souza were both suspended 50 games for testing positive for PEDs; both players are injured (likely out for the season) but I’ve been told that their suspensions start immediately.

Weekend Starters:

• Friday: Rome RHP Caleb brewer (2-1, 3.86) at Hagerstown LHP Graham Hicks (1-1, 2.96) 7:05PM
• Saturday: Rome LHP Chris Masters (1-4, 2.93) at Hagerstown LHP Scott Olsen (rehab start) 7:05PM
• Sunday: Rome (pitcher TBA) at Hagerstown LHP Josh Smoker (2-9, 7.16) 2:05PM

Vermont rallied back twice late in the game, winning 7-6 on a throwing error by Aberdeen (box/gamer). RHP Chris McKenzie allowed five runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out five. RHP Aaron Barrett pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out four. RHP Neil Holland picked up the win in relief despite blowing the save in the top if the ninth. CA David Freitas was 3/5 with a double, run & RBI extending his hit streak to 12 games. RF Chad Moore was 2/4 with a stolen base, two runs & one RBI; SS Jason Martinson was 2/3 with a stolen base & RBI; 1B Ronnie Labrie was 2/3 with a run & RBI; and DH Russell Moldenhauer was 2/3 with two RBI.

Weekend Starters:

• Friday: Aberdeen LHP Tyler Sexton (0-2, 10.06) at Vermont RHP Taylor Jordan (1-0, 2.62) 7:05PM
• Saturday: Staten Island RHP Michael O’Brien (4-0, 2.15) at Vermont LHP Chad Jenkins (1-3, 3.00) 6:05PM
• Sunday: Staten Island LHP Nik Turley (0-0, 2.70) at Vermont RHP Matt Swynenberg (2-1, 2.62) 1:05PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Thursday.

Weekend Starters (pitchers TBA):

• Friday: GCL Nationals at GCL Cardinals 12PM
• Saturday: GCL Mets at GCL Nationals 12PM
• Sunday: GCL Nationals at GCL Astros 12PM

The DSL Mets1 defeated the DSL Nationals 11-3 (box).

Weekend Starters:

• Friday: DSL Nationals at DSL Phillies 10:30AM
• Saturday: No game scheduled
• Sunday: DSL All-Star Game

SS Danny Espinosa activated (inactive for Futures Game) and IF Ofilio Castro was placed on the DL

I have my comprehensive exam for my Masters this morning, so Across the Affiliates is going to take the day off.

Here are the quick hits

• Syracuse IF Chase Lambin won the MVP of the Triple-A All-Star Game, driving in the tying run and scoring the winning run
• Harrisburg RHRP Rafael Martin picked up the win in the Western Division victory in the Eastern League All-Star Game. LHSP Tom Milone started, striking out one over two scoreless/hitless innings. SS Danny Espinosa and 1B Chris Marrero each scored a run
• RHSP Jordan Zimmermann made his third rehab start for the P-Nats, taking the loss, allowing an unearned run on six hits over 4IP with four strikeouts
• Hagerstown & the DSL Nationals won while the GCL Nationals lost

AtA will return tomorrow

Nationals 1st round pick Bryce Harper won the Golden Spikes, awarded to the best amateur baseball player in the country.

Syracuse is on the Triple-A All-Star break. The Pacific Coast League All-Stars will take on the International League All-Stars at 7PM this evening at Lehigh Valley. Representing the Chiefs will be 2B Chase Lambin.

Harrisburg is on the Double-A All-Star break. The Eastern division will hold their game in Harrisburg tonight at 7:05PM with the East and West Divisions facing off. Representing the Senators are: CA Jhonathan Solano, 1B Chris Marrero, 2B Michael Martinez, SS Danny Espinosa, LHSP Tom Milone, RHRP Rafael Martin, and RHP Adam Carr. Marrero and Martinez will be participating in the home run derby at 5PM … Marrero is considered one of the favorites. All-Star preview from Geoff Morrow.

Potomac was off on Tuesday.

Today: Kinston RHP Joseph Gardner (6-4, 2.86) at Potomac RHP Jordan Zimmermann (0-0, 0.00) [rehabbing] 7:03PM

Hagerstown was off on Tuesday. Notes: The Suns will reportedly add IF Stephen King to the roster, replacing the injured Steve Souza.

Today: Rome RHP Cory Rasmus (6-4, 3.27) at Hagerstown LHP Dan Rosebaum (1-5, 2.27) 7:05PM

Vermont defeated State College 3-1 (box/gamer). RHP Colin Bates made the start, allowing three hits and one walk over 4IP while striking out three. RHP Shane McCatty picked up the win, giving up a run on four hits over 4IP with one strikeout and RHP Neil Holland earned his second save with a scoreless ninth. DH Russell Moldenhauer was 1/4 with a double & two RBI; CA David Freitas was 2/4 with a double; and 1B Ronnie Labrie was 2/3 with a stolen base.

Today: Aberdeen RHP Scott Copeland (0-2, 4.50) at Vermont LHP Bobby Hansen (2-1, 3.60) 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Astros 9-2 (box). RHP Kelvin Lopez picked up the win, allowing two unearened runs on one hit and one walk over 5IP with one strikeout. DH Rick Hague made his professional debut, going 0/3 with two walks, one stolen base & one run scored; 3B Adrian Sanchez was 2/5 with a double, run & two RBI; RF Derrick Phillips was 2/3 with a double, RBI & two runs; and 2B Roberto Perez was 2/3 with a double & three RBI.

Today: GCL Nationals at GCL Marlins 12PM

The DSL Nationals shutout the DSL Marlins 4-0 (box). RHP Wirkin Estevez allowed two hits over 7IP while striking out nine. 1B Jose Arismendy was 2/4; DH Victor Chavez was 1/2 with a walk & two runs scored; CA Adderling Ruiz was 1/3 with a double, run & two RBI; and LF Aladin Reyes was 1/3 with a triple & RBI.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Yankees1 10:30AM

Syracuse is off for the All-Star break.

A four-run eighth inning led Harrisburg to a  5-3 win over Reading (box). RF Jesus Valdez (1/3 with three RBI) provided the big blow with a two-run double; LF Marvin Lowrance was 3/4 with a run & RBI; SS Michael Martinez was 2/4 with a double & two runs scored; and 1B Chris Marrero was 1/4 with one RBI. RHP Andrew Kown started for the Senators, allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk over 5IP with a pair of strikeouts. RHP Joe Bisenius picked up the win with just 1/3 of an inning of work; RHP Rafael Martin gave up two hits and struck out two over 1 2/3IP; and LHP Chuck James earned his second save, striking out one. Harrisburg is now off for the All-Star break.

Potomac split a doubleheader in Salem, losing the first game 4-1 (box) before taking the nightcap 8-5 (box). LHP Evan Bronson took the loss in game one, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over 4IP while striking out four. CA Brian Peacock was 2/2 with a walk, double, stolen base & solo homer; 2B Steve Lombardozzi was 2/3 with one double; and CA Derek Norris was 0/3. In the second game, RHP Trevor Holder gave up five runs (two earned) on three hits and three walks over 3IP while striking out three. LHP Clayton Dill earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. And, RHP Dan Leatherman earned his eighth save with a scoreless seventh. Lombardozzi was 3/4 with two double & four RBI; Norris was 1/3 with a walk & RBI; DH Dan Lyons was 2/2 with two walks, a stolen base & two runs scored; and 3B Wilberto Ortiz was 3/3 with a double, two runs & three RBI.

Today: No game scheduled

Hagerstown split a doubleheader in Greenville, losing the first game 4-0 (box) before taking the second game 5-4 (box). The first game was the completion of a suspended game. LHP Graham Hicks started, allowing two hits and striking out two over three scoreless innings. RHP Luis Garcia took the mound in the resumption of the game, allowing a run on three hits over 3IP with three strikeouts. 2B Jeff Kobernus was 1/3; 1B Justin Bloxom was 1/4; RF Destin Hood was 1/4; LF J.P. Ramirez was 2/4 with a triple; and CF Marcus Jones was 1/3 with a triple. In the second game, LHP Josh Smoker earend the win allowing three runs on six hits over 5IP with five strikeouts and RHP Rob Wort picked up the save giving up one run on two hits over 2IP while striking out three. The Suns scored all of their runs via the home run with two-run homers from Bloxom (2/3) and CA Adrian Nieto (1/3) along with a solo homer from Jones (1/3). Kobernus was 1/4 with a double & run scored and Ramirez was 1/3 with a run scored. Notes: Reports are that Suns 3B Steve Souza broke his thumb in a game over the weekend.

Today: No game scheduled

Vermont pitching was roughed up in a 13-2 loss at State College (box). RHP Matt Swynenberg was knocked around for six runs on nine hits and a walk over 2IP. 2B Blake Kelso was 2/5 with a run scored; DH David Freitas was 2/4 with a double; SS Jason Martinson was 1/2 with two walks, a run & RBI; and LF Brandon Miller was 1/4 with one RBI.

Today: Vermont RHP Shane McCatty (1-1, 3.12) at State College RHP Tyler Waldron (0-1, 4.76) 12PM

The GCL Nationals doubled up the GCL Mets 8-4 (box). LHP Scott Olsen made a rehab start, allowing a run on one hit and one walk over 3IP while striking out two. RHP Pat Lehhman also made a rehab appearance, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits over 2IP and RHP Billy Ott earned a four inning save, giving up three hits & striking out two over four scoreless innings. CF Angelberth Montilla was 2/3 with two walks & two runs scored; 3B Mills Rogers was 3/5 with two runs & two RBI; SS Adrian Sanchez was 2/5 with two doubles, one RBI & one run; LF Randolph Oduber was 2/4 with one RBI; CA Jeremy Mayo was 2/4 with a walk & RBI; and 2B Michael Taylor was 2/4 with a triple & run scored.

Today: GCL Astros at GCL Nationals 10AM [pitchers TBA]

The DSL Nationals game with the DSL Cubs2 was postponed by rain.

Today: DSL Marlins at DSL Nationals 10:30AM [pitchers TBA]

After a week off, I’m back on Prime Sports Network for Nats Weekly at 5:45PM tonight

Syracuse

• Friday: Game with Lehigh Valley postponed by rain
• Saturday: Defeated Pawtucket 1-0 (box). LHP Matt Chico picked up the win, shutting the PawSox out on three hits and on walk over 7IP while striking out four. RHP Josh Wilkie earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. CF Boomer Whiting was 2/4 with a double, stolen base & the lone run and 2B Chase Lambin was 1/3 with one RBI.
• Sunday: Lost 2-1 to Pawtucket (box). RHP Jeff Mandel gave up two runs on five hits and three walks over 5IP while striking out five. DH Jason Botts was 1/4 with a solo homer.
• Syracuse is on the All-Star break. Lambin is the lone representative from the Chiefs.

Harrisburg

• Friday: Lost 2-0 to Reading (box). LHP Tom Milone was outdueled by Reading’s Vance Worley. Milone allowed an unearned run on seven hits over 6IP, striking out nine and not walking a batter. The Senators managed only three singles of offense, one each by 1B Chris Marrero, 2B Michael Martinez, and PH Jesus Valdez.
• Saturday: Defeated Reading 3-2 (box). LHP John Lannan gave up two runs on five hits and one walk over 6IP while striking out six and RHP Zech Zinicola earned his tenth save with a scoreless ninth. Martinez was 1/3 with one RBI; Marrero was 1/4 with one RBI; Valdez was 1/4 with a solo homer; and CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/4.
• Sunday: Defeated Reading 7-3 (box). LHP Ross Detwiler allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk over 5IP to earn his first Double-A win of the season. RHP Adam Carr picked up his third save with a scoreless 1 1/3 innings of relief. Martinez was 1/5 with a solo homer; LF Marvin Lowrance was 3/5 with two double & two runs scored; Marrero was 2/5 with a double, run & RBI; 2B Ofilio Castro was 1/3 with a solo homer; and Detwiler had a bases-clearing double.
• Today: Harrisburg RHP Andrew Kown (3-4, 4.36) at Reading LHP Yohan Flande (6-6, 4.35) 12PM
• Futures Game: SS Danny Espinosa was 0/2 with one strikeout, but turned a nice double play in the field.
• Notes: RHRP Adam Carr has been added to the Eastern League All-Star Game; IF Adam Fox was activated from the DL replacing Espinosa while he attended the Futures Game.

Potomac

• Friday: Defeated Frederick 3-2 (box). RHP Marcos Frias picked up his first win in nearly two months, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 6IP with three strikeouts. RHP Dan Leatherman earned his seventh save, striking out two in the ninth. RF Mike Burgess was 2/3 with a two-run homer and two stolen bases; CA Derek Norris was 0/3 with a walk & run scored; and 3B Robby Jacobsen was 1/4 with a double.
• Saturday: Game at Fenway was (disappointingly) rained out. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader in Woodbridge the next time Salem comes to town. I did not get a chance to see the P-Nats play in Boston but did get a chance to finally meet Freda and her husband (from Vermont).
• Sunday: No game scheduled
• Today: Potomac RHP Brad Peacock (3-9, 4.09) & LHP Evan Bronson (3-6, 3.83) at Salem [pitchers TBA] 5:30PM

Hagerstown

• Friday: Lost 4-3 to Greenville (box). RHP Paul Demny allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk over 5IP with three strikeouts. 2B Jeff Kobernus was 2/5; SS Francisco Soriano was 1/4 with a run & RBI; 3B Justino Cuevas was 1/4 with a solo homer; and DH J.P. Ramirez was 1/4.
• Saturday: Lost 8-6 to Greenville (box). LHP Paul Applebee gave u four runs on six hits over 5 2/3IP with four strikeouts adn RHP Dean Weaver took the loss allowing four runs on four hits and one walk over 2/3 of an inning. Kobernus was 3/4 with a double, run & two RBI; Soriano was 2/5 with a double & two RBI; RF Destin Hood was 2/5 with a solo homer; Ramirez was 2/4; and Cuevas was 1/4 with two runs scored.
• Sunday: Game with Greenville suspended by rain in third inning (box). Game will be completed at 11AM this morning prior to the regularly scheduled game.
• Today: Hagerstown (pitcher TBA for suspended game) & LHP Josh Smoker (1-9, 7.30) at Greenville (pitcher TBA for suspended game) & RHP Kendal Volz (5-2, 3.79) 12PM
• Futures Game: Eury Perez was 2/2 as the PH/RF for the Worls Team with one caught stealing.

Vermont

• Friday: Defeated Mahoning Valley 10-5 (box). RHP Chris McKenzie surrendered five runs on six hits and one walk over 4 2/3IP and RHP Colin Bates picked up the win with 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, striking out four and giving up three hits. CF Chad Mozingo was 2/3 with two RBI; 2B Blake Kelso was 1/3 with a run & two RBI; 3B Stephen King was 2/4 with one RBI & two runs scored; RF Kevin Keyes was 1/4 with a run & two RBI; and LF Brandon Miller was 3/4 with three doubles & three runs scored.
• Saturday: Defeated Mahoning Valley 10-4 (box). RHP Taylor Jordan allowed three runs on four hits and one walk over 4IP with six strikeouts and RHP Mark Herrera earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out five. RHP Aaron Barrett made his professional debut with a scoreless inning of relief, walking & striking out one. SS Jason Martinson was 2/6 with a run & RBI; King was 2/4 with two runs & two RBI; DH Russell Moldenhauer was 1/6 with a run & two RBI; and Keyes, RF Chad Moore, & 1B Jack Walker each had one RBI.
• Sunday: Lost 3-0 to State College (box). LHP Chad Jenkins allowed a run on two hits and four walks over 2 2/3IP. Mozingo, Kelso, and 1B Ronnie Labrie each had one single and Martinson had a double.
• Today: Vermont RHP Matt Swynenberg (2-0, 0.41) at State College HP Zach Fuesser (0-0, 3.18) 7:05PM

GCL Nationals

• Friday: Defeated GCL Marlins 7-6 (box). Rehabbing Pat Lehman made the start, pitching a scoreless inning and RHP Manuel Rivera picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief. CF Angelberth Montilla was 2/5 with a double, run & RBI; 2B Roberto Perez was 2/4; LF Randolph Oduber was 3/4 with two triples, a run & RBI; and SS Johan Rodirguez was 2/5 with a run scored.
• Saturday: No game scheduled
• Sunday: Lost 4-3 to the GCL Cardinals (box). RHP Jimmy Barthmaier made his second rehab appearance for the Nats, allowing one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings while striking out five. RHP Tyler Hanks pitched the next 4 1/3 innings, allowing a run on six hits while striking out two. Montilla was 1/2 with two walks & two runs scored; CA Hector Taveras was 3/4 with one RBI; Oduber was 1/4 with one RBI; and 1B Jeremy Mayo was 1/4 with a double.
• Today: GCL Nationals RHP Kelvin Lopez (1-0, 3.50) at GCL Mets 12PM

DSL Nationals

• Friday: Game with DSL Orioles2 was postponed by rain
• Saturday: Defeated DSL Giants 3-1 (box). RHP Adalberto Mieses picked up the win allowing one hit and three walks over 5 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out three. 3B Bienvenido Valdez was 2/3 with a double & RBI; Smiley was 2/3 with two runs scored; CA Bill Pena was 2/4 with one RBI; and LF Jose Arismendy was 3/4 with one RBI.
• Sunday: No game scheduled
• Tody: DSL Cubs2 at DSL Nationals RHP Antonio Guzman (2-2, 2.70) 10:30AM