The Nationals had their second Blogger Day at Nationals Park. We had the opportunity to talk with interim manager Jim Riggleman; Game Entertainment Staff Tom David, Dave Lundin & Jacqueline Coleman; a Q&A with players Collin Balester, Garrett Mock and Josh Willingham; a Washington Nationals Dream Foundation briefing by Chair Marla Lerner Tanenbaum; Assistant Director of Player Development Mark Scialabba (my favorite part); and nearly a half hour with Team President Stan Kasten and GM Mike Rizzo. Bob Cohn of the Washington Times documented the day. I have some notes at home from discussions with Scialabba that I will get transcribed this evening. Both Kasten and Scialabba raved about the group they were sending to this year’s Arizona Fall League but would not share any names yet.

Syracuse

• Friday – Split doubleheader, losing game one 7-2 (box) and winning game two 2-1 (box/gamer). RHP Andrew Kown allowed three runs on seven hits over 4IP with two strikeouts. RHP Zech Zinicola gave up four runs on four hits in just one inning. 1B Daryle Ward was 1/3 with a solo homer; SS Ian Desmond was 2/3; CF Justin Maxwell was 1/3; LF Norris Hopper was 1/3 with a run scored; and RF Kory Casto was 1/2 with a double & RBI. In the second game, four relievers combined on an eight-hitter for the Chiefs win. LHP Jack Spradlin gave up a run on four hits over 3IP; RHP Clint Everts picked up the win allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two over two scoreless innings; RHP Josh Wilkie gave up two hits and struck out two over 1 2/3IP; and RHP Zack Segovia picked up the save, striking out the final batter. Desmond was 1/2 with a double; SS/3B Pete Orr was 1/3 with a double & RBI; Maxwell was 1/3; and 3B Marco Yepez was 1/1 with a double & run scored.
• Saturday – Lost to Durham 9-2 (box/gamer). RHP Shairon Martis was battered for seven runs (six earned) on eleven hits and three walks over 5IP with three strikeouts. LHP Yunior Novoa gave up two runs on two hits & three walks over 2IP with two strikeouts. Zinicola pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a hit and walk while striking out two. Orr was 3/4 with two doubles; 2B Seth Bynum was 3/4 with a run scored; Maxwell was 2/4; and Desmond was 2/4 with one RBI.
• Sunday – Defeated Durham 3-2 (box/gamer). Molina (1/3) drove in Maxwell (0/3 with SB #33) with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Hopper was 2/5 with one RBI; DH Brad Eldred was 2/4 with a solo homer; Bynum was 1/4 with a run scored; and Desmond was 1/2 with a walk.
• Notes – RHP Andrew Kown was placed on the DL and OF Mike Vento was activated from the DL
• Today – Durham RHP Andy Sonnanstine (4-3, 4.68) at Syracuse LHP Ross Detwiler (2-2, 3.41) 7PM

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
Scranton/WB	71	54	0.568	-	-
Syracuse	69	59	0.539	3.5	15
Rochester	63	65	0.492	9.5	9
Lehigh Valley	62	66	0.484	10.5	8
Pawtucket	53	74	0.417	19.0	E
Buffalo	50	77	0.394	22.0	E

Wild Card

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
Durham	71	58	0.550	-	-
Syracuse	69	59	0.539	1.5	15
Norfolk	66	61	0.520	4.0	11
Toledo	67	62	0.519	4.0	12
Rochester	63	65	0.492	7.5	9
Indianapolis	62	66	0.484	8.5	7
Lehigh Valley	62	66	0.484	8.5	8
Charlotte	59	69	0.461	11.5	4
Pawtucket	53	74	0.417	17.0	E
Columbus	52	75	0.409	18.0	E
Buffalo	50	77	0.394	20.0	E

Harrisburg

• Friday – Game postponed by rain
• Saturday – Swept doubleheader at Portland, winning game one 5-4 (box) and game two 3-1 (box/gamer). LHP Matt Chico surrendered four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks over 4 1/3IP while striking out seven. LHP Atahualpa Severino picked up the win, giving up one hit & three walks over 1 2/3IP with two strikeouts. And, RHP Drew Storen earned his fifth save in as many opportunities, walking one and striking out one in one inning of work. 1B Chris Marrero was 2/3 with two doubles & a run scored; RF Francisco Plasencia was 2/3 with a triple, run & RBI; 2B Leonard Davis was 1/2 with two walks & a run scored; and DH Ricardo Nanita was 1/2 with double & two runs. In the second game, RHP Bradley Meyers threw a seven-inning complete game, holding Portland to one run on four hits while striking out six. Marrero was 3/3 with a run scored; LF Bill Rhinehart was 1/3 with a two-run homer; CF Mike Daniel was 1/3 with one RBI; and CA Luke Montz was 1/2 with a run scored.
• Sunday – Lost 3-2 to Portland in eleven innings (box/gamer). LHP Aaron Thompson struck out eleven over 6IP allowing a run on five hits and a walk. Daniel was 2/5 with a double, stolen base & run scored; Davis was 1/4 with a double; 3B Matt Whitney was 2/4 with a double, stolen base & run scored; and Marrero was 0/4 with one RBI.
• Notes: Geoff Morrow of the Patriot News highlights the number of former Senators on the current Syracuse roster.
• Today – Harrisburg RHP Erik Arnesen (7-5, 3.62) at Portland LHP Kris Johnson (NR) 7PM

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
Akron	77	49	0.611	-	-
Reading	67	59	0.532	10	-
Erie	66	59	0.528	10.5	16
Bowie	64	61	0.512	12.5	15
Harrisburg	60	65	0.48	16.5	11
Altoona	54	73	0.425	23.5	3

Potomac

• Friday – Defeated Salem 11-0 (box/gamer). The P-Nats broke out the lumber, hitting five homers (three in the first inning). DH Jesus Valdez was 3/5 with two homers & four RBI; 2B Michael Martinez was 2/3 with a homer & two RBI; CA Brian Peacock was 1/4 with a three run homer; SS Danny Espinosa was 2/4 with a solo homer; RF Michael Burgess was 2/4 with a double & run scored; 1B/3B Tim Pahuta was 2/4 with a run & RBI; and CF Boomer Whiting was 2/4 with a run scored. LHP Will Atwood made the start, picking up the win allowing four hits and a walk over 5IP with four strikeouts. RHP Justin Phillabaum pitched two scoreless innings of relief.
• Saturday – Postponed by rain
• Sunday – Potomac dropped game one to Salem 3-1 (box) and blasted Salem 14-2 in game two (box/gamer). RHP Adam Carr allowed three runs on five hits and four walks over 5 2/3IP with two strikeouts. Valdez was 2/3 with a double & RBI and Martinez was 1/3 with a run scored. RHP Trevor Holder picked up the win in the second game, allowingjust two hits and two walks over 5IP while striking out two. LHP Ricardo Pecina gave up a hit and two walks in his 2/3 of an inning. Espinosa was 1/4 with a two-run homer & three runs scored; Martinez was 2/4 with a run & RBI; Burgess was 0/3 with a run & RBI; DH Devin Ivany was 1/1 with a three-run homer, four total RBI & two runs scored; Peacock was 2/4 with a double & run scored; 3B Greg Veloz was 3/3 with a double, RBI & three runs scored; and Whiting was 2/4 with a double, RBI & two runs scored.
• Notes – Potomac News feature on Tim Pahuta; reports are that 3B Stephen King will be activated from the DL
• Today – Potomac LHP Tom Milone (10-4, 3.08) at Myrtle Beach 7:05PM

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
Wilmington	35	20	0.636	-	-
Potomac	34	22	0.607	1.5	14
Frederick	26	30	0.464	9.5	6
Lynchburg (won 1st half)	24	32	0.429	11.5	4

Hagerstown

• Friday – Lost to Lakewood 3-2 (box). RHP A.J. Morris struck out eight over 5IP while allowing a run on five hits and one walk. LF/1B Robby Jacobsen was 2/5 with a run scored; 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 2/3 with two walks & a stolen base; CA Derek Norris was 1/2 with three walks & a run scored; 1B Tyler Moore was 2/3 with one RBI; and RF Charlie Fermaint was 1/4 with one RBI.
• Saturday – Postponed by rain.
• Sunday – Split a doubleheader with Delmarva losing game one 2-1 (box) and winning game two 2-1 (box/gamer). In the first game, RHP Pat Lehman allowed just two hits over six shutout innings with four strikeouts but did not factor in the decision. RHP Patrick Arnold took the loss, giving up a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh. LF Valerio Heredia was 1/3 with two stolen bases; Norris was 0/3; Moore was 0/2 with a run; and Jacobsen was 3/3 with a double & triple. In the second game, RHP Paul Demny gave up a run on three hits and a walk over 5IP with four strikeouts. Four Suns relievers combined on four scoreless innings of relief with LHP Kevin Light picking up the win and RHP Chris Lugo the save. Norris was 3/3 with a double, two walks & two RBI; Moore was 1/2 with three walks; and 2B Nick Arata was 1/2 with two runs scored.
• Today – Hagerstown RHP Juan Jaime (2-0, 2.00) at Delmarva 7:05PM

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
Kannapolis	37	18	0.673	-	-
West Virginia	30	22	0.577	5.5	9
Lake County	30	24	0.556	6.5	10
Lakewood (won 1st half)	27	25	0.519	8.5	7
Delmarva	26	27	0.491	10	5
Hickory	25	30	0.455	12	4
Greensboro	20	35	0.364	17	E
Hagerstown	18	35	0.34	18	E

Vermont

• Friday – Lost to Tri-City 3-2 (box/gamer) [game two was postponed by rain].LHP Mitchell Clegg took the loss, allowing three runs (one earned) on eight hits over 5IP. 3B Jack Walker was 2/3; RF Destin Hood was 1/2 with one RBI; SS Sean Nicol was 1/2 with one RBI; and CA Dan Killian was 1/3.
• Saturday – Postponed by rain
• Sunday – Defeated Tri-City 3-0 in game one (box/gamer). RHP Matt Swynenberg allowed just one hit and three walks over 5IP with two strikeouts to pick up the win. LHP Evan Bronson threw two scoreless innings of relief, walking and striking out one to pick up the save. CA Sandy Leon was 2/2 with a double, homer & two RBI; Hood was 1/3 with a double & RBI; and LF Justin Bloxom was 1/2 with a run scored. Game two was suspended by rain with the Monsters leading 3-0; it will be resumed on 9/2.
• Today – Vermont LHP Jack McGeary (0-0, 3.88) at Brooklyn 7PM

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
Lowell	35	26	0.574	-	-
Oneonta	32	27	0.542	2	14
Vermont	28	33	0.459	7	9
Tri-City	21	38	0.356	13	3

GCL Nationals

• Friday – Swept doubleheader from GCL Marlins 6-2 (box) and 3-2 (box). LHP Graham Hicks gave up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out three. RHP Ruben De La Rosa picked up the save, striking out one over 1IP. CF Eury Perez was 2/4 with one run scored; a rehabbing 3B Stephen King was 1/2 with a double & two runs scored; CA Adrian Nieto was 1/4 with one RBI; SS Roberto Perez was 1/4 with one RBI; and LF Naoya Washiya was 1/3 with a run scored. In the second game, LHP Bobby Hansen allowed two unearned runs on four walks over 3 2/3IP. RHP Wilson Eusebio picked up the win in relief, giving up two hits & one walk over two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Washiya was 3/4 with two stolen bases, arun & RBI; Perez was 1/3 with a stolen base & run scored; 2B Justino Cuevas was 2/3 with two RBI; Perez was 0/3; Nieto was 0/4; and 3B Adrian Sanchez was 2/2 with a run scored.
• Saturday – No game scheduled
• Sunday – Postponed by rain
• Today – GCL Nationals at GCL Astros 12PM

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #
GCL Marlins	34	16	0.680	-	-
GCL Nationals	31	17	0.646	2	6
GCL Cardinals	22	27	0.449	11.5	E
GCL Mets	20	30	0.400	14	E
GCL Astros	16	33	0.327	17.5	E

DSL Nationals

• Friday – Lost to DSL Twins 5-3 (box). CF Alejandro Hodge was 3/5 with a double & run scored; 3B Paul Chacin was 2/3 with a double; RF Jose Norberto was 1/5 with a run scored; and SS Carlos Alvarez was 1/4 with a double. RHP Manuel Rivera allowed four runs on four hits and three walks over 4IP. RHP Danubio Gonzalez gave up a run on four hits and a walk over 4IP with four strikeouts. This was the final game of the DSL Nats season

Division

Club	W	L	PCT	GB
DSL Yankees2	47	23	0.671	-
DSL Twins	46	23	0.667	0.5
DSL White Sox	42	28	0.600	5
DSL Tigers	37	31	0.544	9
DSL Diamondbacks	36	33	0.522	10.5
DSL Cubs1	36	34	0.514	11
DSL Rockies	36	35	0.507	11.5
DSL Indians	32	39	0.451	15.5
DSL Reds	29	41	0.414	18
DSL Nationals	29	42	0.408	18.5
DSL Orioles	26	45	0.366	21.5
DSL Padres	24	46	0.343	23

Syracuse split a doubleheader with Buffalo, winning game one 3-0 (box/gamer) and losing game two 2-0 (box/gamer). In the first game, RHP Luis Atilano made his Triple-A debut, picking up the win with six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and a walk with four strikeouts. His sinking fastball came in handy, inducing two double plays and 12 groundouts to 2 flyouts. RHP Josh Wilkie earned his second save for the Chiefs, allowing an IF single in one inning pitched, striking out two. 2B Seth Bynum and 1B Daryle Ward were each 1/3 with a solo homer; CA Jhonthan Solano was 2/3 with a run scored; 3B Pete Orr was 1/3 with one RBI; and SS Ian Desmond was 1/3. In the second game, LHP Horacio Ramirez gave up two runs on four hits over 6IP while striking out one. LF Norris Hopper, CF Justin Maxwell, and 3B Marco Yepez had the Chiefs hits, each with one single.

Today: Syracuse RHP Andrew Kown & TBA at Buffalo 6:05PM

Harrisburg dropped a rain-shortened 2-1 game to Altoona (box/gamer). RHP Jeff Mandel gave up two runs on six hits over 7IP with five strikeouts. SS Jemel Spearman was 1/3 with a stolen base & run scored; 2B Leonard Davis was 1/3 with a stolen base; 1B Chris Marrero was 0/3; and CF Francisco Plasencia was 1/3.

Today: Harrisburg (pitcher TBA) at Portland 7PM

Potomac dropped the final game in Winston-Salem 5-4 (box). RHP Brad Peacock allowed four runs (three earned) over 7IP with four strikeouts, taking the loss. 3B Greg Veloz was 2/4 with a solo homer & three runs scored; CF Boomer Whiting was 1/2 with one RBI; SS Danny Espinosa was 1/2 with a walk; DH Michael Burgess was 1/4; and 2B Michael Martinez was 1/4 with a double & RBI.

Today: Salem RHP Stephen Fife (2-1, 3.13) at Potomac LHP Will Atwood (6-7, 4.76) 7:05PM

RHP Marcos Frias allowed two hits and a walk over 6IP while striking out seven as Hagerstown defeated Lakewood 2-0 (box/gamer). 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 2/5 with a stolen base & run scored; CA Derek Norris was 1/4 with a walk & run scored; 1B Tyler Moore was 2/4 with two doubles & one RBI; SS Steve Souza was 2/4 with a double & RBI; DH Robby Jacobsen was 2/4 with a double; and 3B Nick Arata was 2/4 with a stolen base.

Today: Hagerstown RHP A.J. Morris (0-2, 4.26) at Lakewood 7:05PM

Vermont’s Kyle Morrison & Evan Bronson combined on a two-hit shutout as the Monsters blanked Jamestown 2-0 (box/gamer). Morrison allowed just one hit over 6IP while striking out four to pick up the win and Bronson allowed a hit while striking out six in his three innings of work to earn his third save of the season. 2BFrancisco Soriano was 3/4 with a stolen base, run & RBI; SS Sean Nicol was 2/4 with a solo homer; LF J.P. Ramirez was 1/4 with a double, run & RBI; RF Destin Hood was 2/4 with a homer & two RBI; CF J.R. Higley was 2/4; and 1B Ronnie Labrie was 1/3 with a double & run scored. Notes: RHP Johan Figuereo was placed on the DL and RHP Dean Weaver was added from the GCL.

Today: Jamestown at Vermont LHP Chad Jenkins (0-1, 4.66) 7:05PM

GCL Nationals won their ninth in a row, defeating the GCL Mets 7-2 (box). RHP Taylor Jordan gave up one run on five hits over 5IP with four strikeouts to pick up the win. RHP Wanel Vasquez struck out three over two innings of relief. 2B/SS Justino Cuevas was 2/5 with two runs scored; CF Eury Perez was 1/5 with a run scored; CA Adrian Nieto was 1/3 with a run & two RBI; SS Roberto Perez was 3/3 with a run & RBI before leaving the game with an ankle injury (no word severity); and a rehabbing Stephen King  was 1/1 with a run scored.

Today: GCL Nationals at GCL Marlins 12PM

The DSL Nationals won a rain-shortened game 1-0 over the DSL Rockies (box). RHP Antonio Guzman allowed two hits over 5IP with five strikeouts. RF Jose Norberto was 0/3; SS Carlos Alvarez was 1/2; CA Andruth Ramirez was 1/1 with a double; and 1B Juan Urdaneta was 1/2 with a run scored.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Twins 10:30AM [final game of season]

had a story last night that the Nationals were close to naming their permanent GM, and that the choice will be Arizona Diamondbacks executive Jerry Dipoto over interim GM Mike Rizzo and Boston Red Sox executive Jed Hoyer.

My initial feeling is the timing of this really could not be worse (assuming a decision is imminent). Rizzo was a key part of completing the biggest contract in draft history with Stephen Strasburg. Whether or not Rizzo is going to be the full-time GM moving forward, to make an announcement on the heels of the Strasburg negotiations is another example of how tone deaf this team can be in making decisions. Making the decision now (or within the next week or so) moves the story from the feel-good of Strasburg to “Why now?” of making such an important decision.

Before we can too far ahead of ourselves, Mark Zuckerman of the Washington Times posted the following which bears watching

The GM decision can’t really be made until Stan Kasten has decided whether to remain as team president or not. There haven’t been many rumors lately about Kasten’s potential departure, and certainly there’s reason to believe he’s going to stick around here a while longer. And if he stays, [a person who knows the Nationals front office well] believes, Rizzo likely gets the GM job. If Kasten were to leave, though, then whoever the new team president was would have to have the final say on a GM.

That being said, it is the Lerners responsibility to hire the person they believe can best move this franchise forward from here out. And as I have said on numerous occasions, whoever that choice is needs to be allowed to assemble their own staff from field manager to scouting to player development.

Onto last night across the affiliates …

Back to back to back to back singles in the bottom of the ninth led Syracuse to a 1-0 victory over Buffalo (box). 2B Seth Bynum (2/4) led off the ninth with a single, followed by the same from 1B Daryle Ward (2/4 with a double) and CF Justin Maxwell (1/4). SS Ian Desmond’s third hit of the night helped the Chiefs walk off with the win. RHP Marco Estrada was strong in his eight innings of work, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out six. RHP Clint Everts picked up the win with a scoreless ninth, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Today: Buffalo (pitcher TBA) at Syracuse LHP Ross Detwiler (1-2, 3.62) 7:05PM

Harrisburg fell 7-2 at home to Altoona (box/gamer). LHP Aaron Thompson gave up five runs (one earned) on nine hits over 6IP while striking out three. RHP Adrian Alaniz allowed two runs on five hits in 2IP. 1B Chris Marrero was 1/4 with a run scored in his Double-A debut. 3B Matt Whitney was 1/3 with a double; LF Leonard Davis was 1/4; CF Mike Daniel was 1/4; and CA Luke Montz was 1/3 with a solo homer. Notes: To make room for Marrero on the roster, the Senators placed OF Marvin Lowrance on the DL.

Today: Altoona RHP Tim Alderson (8-1, 3.50) at Harrisburg RHP Erik Arnesen (7-5, 3.39) 7PM

Potomac split a doubleheader in Winston-Salem, winning the first game 3-1 (box) and losing the second 2-0 (box). In the first game, RHP Adam Carr pitched a seven-inning complete game, giving up a run on four hits while striking out two. SS Danny Espinosa was 1/3 with a run scored; RF Michael Burgess was 0/1 with two walks; 1B Tim Pahuta was 1/2 with one RBI; CA Devin Ivany was 1/3 with a double & run scored; and CF Boomer Whiting was 1/3 with a solo homer. In the second game, LHP Patrick McCoy made the spot start, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and a walk over 3IP with three strikeouts. RHP Osvaldo Rodriguez struck out three onver two scoreless innings of relief. The P-Nats managed only three hits on offense, a double by RF Jesus Valdez and singles by Whiting & 2B Michael Martinez. Notes: Not sure why RHP Trevor Holder got skipped in the rotation.

Today: Potomac LHP Tim Milone (9-4, 3.13) at Winston-Salem RHP Anthiny Carter (11-5, 3.98) 7PM

Hagerstown did not play on Tuesday.

Today: Hagerstown RHP Juan Jaime (2-0, 2.40)  at Lakewood (pitcher TBA) 7:05PM

The New York/Penn League All-Star Game saw the AL defeat the NL 4-2 (box). SS Sean Nicol was 0/2; 2B Francisco Soriano was 0/2 with a walk and strikeout; LHP Mitchell Clegg pitched one inning, allowing a hit and walk with one strikeout; and LHP Evan Bronson surrendered a solo homer in his one inning of work while striking out two.

Today: Jamestown RHP Erick Carillo (3-2, 2.72) at Vermont LHP Jack McGeary (2-3, 2.62) 7:05PM

LHP Danny Rosenbaum picked up his third win of the season as the GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Cardinals 8-1 (box). Rosenbaum allowed a run on four hits and a walk over 5IP with sevens trikeouts. RHP Dean Weaver pitched a scoreless inning of relief, walking one and striking out two. RHP Ruben De La Rosa struck out four over two scoreless innings. And, RHP Wilson Eusebio struck out one in his one inning of work. CF Eury Perez was 3/4 with two runs scored; SS Justino Cuevas was 2/5 with a stolen base, two runs & two RBI; 2B Hendry Jimenez was 3/3 with a double, stolen base, RBI and two runs scored; 1B Brett Newsome was 2/4 with a triple, run & two RBI; CA Adrian Nieto was 2/4 with a stolen base; and LF Derrick Phillips was 1/4 with a run scored.

Today: GCL Astros at GCL Nationals 12PM

The DSL Nationals fell 5-3 to the DSL Indians (box).RHP Pedro Encarnacion gave up three runs (one earend) on five hits and three walks over 4IP; RHP Wandy Guzman took the loss, surrendering two runs (one earned) on two hits over 3IP. RHP Yunior De La Rosa struck out two over 2IP. The DSL Nats managed only three hits on offense, singles by 2B Alejandro Hodge, DH Joseph Cabreja, and 3B Jairo Bernabel.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Reds 10:30AM

The Syracuse Chiefs scored 12 runs in the top of the ninth inning en route to a 16-5 pasting of Rochester (box/gamer). RHP Shairon Martis scattered five runs on ten hits and two walks over 6IP with three strikeouts. RHP Josh Wilkie picked up the win in relief, retiring all five batters he faced. 3B Pete Orr was 3/4 with a double, homer, two runs & three RBI; RF Kory Casto was 3/5 with two runs scored; 1B Mike Morse was 4/6 with a triple, three runs & three RBI; DH Brad Eldred was 1/5 with a two-run homer; CF Justin Maxwell was 1/5 with a two RBI, two stolen bases & three runs scored; SS Ian Desmond was 0/5; and 2B Marcos Yepez was 3/4 with three RBI. Notes: IF Mike Morse was added to the Washington roster replacing the DFA RHP Logan Kensing. No word yet on who will join the Chiefs to replace Morse. Additionally, OF Mike Vento was placed on the DL over the weekend and replaced by 1B Brad Eldred who activated from the DL.

Today: Buffalo (pitcher TBA) at Syracuse RHP Marco Estrada (8-4, 3.85) 7PM

Harrisburg did not play on Monday. Notes: As previously posted, 1B Chris Marrero has joined the Senators but no word yet on who he replaces though sources have suggested to me that it may be an OF.

Today: Altoona LHP Kyle Bloom (4-8, 4.09) at Harrisburg LHP Aaron Thompson (0-1, 4.22) 7PM

Potomac did not play on Monday. Notes: LHP Ricardo Pecina joined the P-Nats replacing Marrero. The P-Nats are still one player short of a full roster and it should be a bat (they have two hitters on the bench right now). Perhaps 1B Tyler Moore from the Suns?

Today: Potomac RHPs Trevor Holder (1-1, 7.11) & Adam Carr (1-4, 5.61) at Winston-Salem (pitchers TBA) 6PM

The Suns fell behind 6-0 early and could not rally, falling 7-5 to Augusta (box/gamer). RHP Paul Demny allowed six runs on three hits and five walks over 2 2/3IP while striking out three. LHP Austin Garrett struck out three over two shutout innings of relief. 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 2/4 with a double, walk,stolen base & two runs; CA Derek Norris was 1/2 with three walks & two runs scored; 1B Tyler Moore was 1/4 with one RBI; CF Charlie Fermaint was 2/4 with two RBI; RF Robby Jacobsen was 2/5; and PH/DH Steve Souza was 1/2 with one RBI. Notes: The Suns are down one player with the promotion of Pecina. Vermont LHP Evan Bronson could be the choice after the All-Star game.

Today: No game scheduled

Vermont is on the New York/Penn League All-Star break. 2B Francisco Soriano, SS Sean Nicol, LHSP Mitchell Clegg, and LHRP Evan Bronson will represent the Monsters.

Today: New York/Penn League All-Star game at State College 7:15PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Monday.

Today: GCL Nationals at GCL Cardinals 12PM

The DSL Nationals lost a rain-shortened 5-0 game to the DSL White Sox (box). RHP Manuel Rivera pitched one inning, allowing a hit and striking out one. LHP Raudy Almonte took the loss, surrendering four runs on four hits and four walks over just 1 1/3IP. The DSL Nationals managed only four hits, three by SS Carlos Alvarez and one by 1B Juan Urdaneta.

Today: DSL Indians at DSL Nationals 10:30AM

Today is the big day. Some time over the next 15 plus hours, we will find out if the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg will agree on a contract or whether the Nationals will have to settle for the 1A in 2010.

My gut feeling is that a deal will get done. Both sides have too much to lose not agreeing to a deal if the rumored numbers are to be believed (somewhere between $12 and 16 million). My personal hope is that the Nationals are willing to push the limits of their bonus to around $18-20 million. Boras’ demands of $50 million and comparisons to Daisuke Matsuzaka are silly, given that Matsuzaka was procured under a different process. But I also think using a deal from eight years ago (Mark Prior) as the baseline is also questionable, things have changed.

I understand people’s concern with that amount of money for an unproven pitcher, but the time for taking a principled stand was before Strasburg was selected. The Nationals draft and signings to date appear geared towards keeping the lion’s share of the budget available to sign Strasburg. Unlike many MLB teams, the Nationals have yet to break MLB’s slot recommended bonuses by an appreciable amount. In fact, they have made several below slot signings with all indications that they are earmarking those dollars for Strasburg. My question is if they do not sign Strasburg, where are those dollars going to go? Are they again going to make some last minute agreements with some unexpected draft picks? Or do those dollars simply go away.

At the end of today, we will know the answer but I honestly believe the Nationals cannot waste another first round selection. While the story that is being sold to us is that they’ll find value at 1A in 2010, assertions by some that the Nationals will find 90-95% of Strasburg there in 2010 are at best absurd. The expected value of the #2 player is nowhere near what the first overall player will be. Next year’s draft (if it includes Strasburg) will be Strasburg and Bryce Harper in some order at 1 & 2 and then a huge gap before the third best player. If the Nationals are hesitant to get into a large dollar negotiation with Strasburg & Boras in 2009, how can we expect them to want to wade into negotiations with Bryce Harper (& Boras) in 2010 when I believe the bonus demands are going to make the Strasburg ones look minimal?  And given the fact that I doubt Strasburg would grant the Nats the right to redraft him, the Nationals are looking at no better than the third best player in 2010. And to be honest with you, I do not foresee the Nationals selecting the third best player in the draft at 1A because that player will know the Nationals are over a barrel with that pick as it is not compensated again for being unsigned. That means the Nationals will reach for a less talented player who might be more of a #10-15 but willing to take a deal to sign at 1A. Not the ideal return on a pick that is now Strasburg.

I hope (and expect) a deal to get done and if you were ask me to guess, I’ll put the final deal at $17-18 million. The bonus will be somewhere around $8-9 million with the rest in a major league deal designed to get Strasburg to arbitration and free agency as quickly as possible.

Syracuse

• Friday – Defeated Rochester 4-3 (box). LHP Ross Detwiler won his first game of the season, holding Rochester to five hits over six scoreless innings while striking out five. RHP Josh Wilkie pitched a scoreless inning of relief, allowing one hit and striking out one. And RHP Zack Segovia earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. RF Kory Casto was 4/4 with a run & RBI; 3B Pete Orr was 1/3 with one RBI; DH Dayrle Ward was 1/4 with one RBI; SS Ian Desmond was 0/2 with a walk & run scored; and CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/2 with a walk, run & RBI.
• Saturday – Defeated Rochester 9-3 (box). LHP Horacio Ramirez gave up on run on six hits and two walks over 6IP with two strikeouts. RHP Clint Everts pitched 2/3 of an inning striking out one and LHP Jack Spradlin pitched a scoreless inning, also striking out one. CF/LF Norris Hopper was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI; Orr was 2/5 with a double, homer, three RBI & three runs scored; LF/1B Mike Morsewas 1/4 with a three-run homer; Casto was 2/5 with a run scored; and Desmond was 3/4 with a double & two runs scored.
• Sunday – Lost 8-1 to Rochester (box). RHP Andrew Kowntook the loss surrendering six runs on seven hits and two walks over 2 1/3IP. Spradlin gave up a run on three hits over 2 2/3IP with three strikeouts. Hopper was 1/3 with two stolen bases; Morse was 1/3 with a double; and Desmond was 2/3 with a double & run scored.
• Today – Syracuse RHP Shairon Martis (3-2, 4.98) at Rochester (pitcher TBA) 12:05PM

Harrisburg

• Friday – Lost to Trenton 4-3 (box/gamer). RHP Luis Atilano took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over 6 2/3IP while striking out four. LHP Cory VanAllen struck out one over 1 1/3 innings of relief. SS Freddie Bynum was 2/5 with a run scored; CF Francisco Plasencia was 1/3 with a run & RBI; 2B Leonard Davis was 1/5 with one RBI; and RF Ricardo Nanita was 2/4 with a double & run scored.
• Saturday – Defeated Trenton 2-1 (box/gamer). LHP Matt Chico threw five no-hit innings, walking one and striking out five but did not factor in the decision. LHP Justin Jones threw two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out one. LHP Atahualpa Severino allowed an unearned run on two hits and a walk over 2IP with two strikeouts but picked up the win when Joel Guzmanwas hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the tenth. Bynum was 2/3; Davis was 1/4 with a run scored; and DH Marvin Lowrance was 2/4 with a double and RBI.
• Sunday – Defeated Trenton 3-1 (box/gamer). RHPs Brad Meyers and Drew Storencombined on the six-hit victory. Meyers allowed a run on five hits over 7IP with seven strikeouts and Storen allowed one hit over 2IP with two strikeouts to earn his third save of the season. Davis was 2/3 with a double & two runs scored; 1B/LF Bill Rhinehart was 1/3 with one RBI; and CA Sean Rooney was 0/2 with a sacrifice fly.
• Notes – Geoff Morrow of the Patriot News has a feature on Storen
• Today – No game scheduled.

Potomac

• Friday – Defeated Wilmington 8-1 (box). LHP Tom Milone allowed an unearned run on four hits over 7IP while striking out six. RHP Cole Kimball and LHP Pat McCoy pitched the final two perfect innings. RF Michael Burgess was 3/4 with one RBI; 1B Chris Marrero was 0/3 with a walk & run scored; SS Danny Espinosa was 0/3 with a walk & run scored; 3B Tim Pahuta was 3/4 with a double, homer, two runs & two RBI; and 2B Michael Martinez was 1/5 with a double, run & two RBI.
• Saturday – Defeated Wilmington 3-1 (box). RHP Brad Peacock picked up his second win for Potomac, allowing an unearned run on three hits and two walks over 6IP with two strikeouts. RHP Hassan Penastruck out three and walked two over 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. And, Kimball earned his seventh save getting the final out. Burgess was 0/2 with two walks & a stolen base; Marrero was 0/4; Espinosa was 1/4 with two stolen bases; CA Devin Ivany was 2/4 with a double; and CF Boomer Whiting was 2/4 with a triple, run & RBI.
• Sunday – Defeated Wilmington 4-3 (box/gamer). LHP Will Atwood gave up two runs on five hits and three walks over 5IP with seven strikeouts, but did not figure in the decision. RHP Dan Leathermanpicked up the win with three scoreless innings of relief. Espinosa was 0/4; DH Jesus Valdezwas 2/5 with a triple & RBI; Burgess was 2/5 with one RBI; Marrero was 2/5 with one RBI; and Martinez was 3/3 with two doubles, three runs & one RBI.
• Today – No game scheduled.

Hagerstown

• Friday – Lost to Augusta 6-3 (box). RHP Marcos Frias gave up two runs on five hits over 6IP with four strikeouts. CF Chris Curran was 2/5 with two doubles, a run & RBI; 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 1/4 with a run scored; 1B Tyler Moore was 2/4 with one RBI; and LF Robby Jacobsen was 3/4 with a run scored.
• Saturday – Lost to Augusta 5-4 (box). RHP A.J. Morrissurrendered four runs on four hits and three walks over 5IP while striking out two. Lombardozzi was 2/4 with a stolen base, run & RBI; CA Derek Norris was 1/4 with a run & RBI; SS Steve Souza was 1/3 with a double & stolen base; and 3B Nick Arata was 2/4 with two doubles & a run scored.
• Sunday – Defeated Augusta 4-1 (box). The Suns snapped a seven-game losing streak as RHP Pat Lehman struck out five over 6IP, allowing a run on four hits. LHP Ricardo Pecinapicked up the win with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three. Curran was 1/2 with a stolen base & RBI; Lombardozzi was 1/3 with a double & run scored; Norris was 0/3 with a walk & run scored; Moore was 3/4 with two RBI; and Arata was 3/4 with two runs scored.
• Today – Augusta (pitcher TBA) at Hagerstown RHP Paul Demny (2-9, 4.94) 7:05PM

Vermont

• Friday – Defeated State College 5-3 (box/gamer). RHP Matt Swynenberg allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over 4 2/3IP while striking out three. LHP Clayton Dill picked up the win, striking out four over two scoreless innings of relief. 2B Francisco Soriano was 2/3 with a double & two runs scored; SS Sean Nicol was 0/2 with a run & RBI; RF J.P. Ramirez was 1/4 with a stolen base; LF Destin Hood was 1/2 with a homer & three RBI; and CF J.R. Higley was 0/2 with one RBI.
• Saturday – Defeated State College 4-3 (box/gamer). LHP Paul Applebee made his Vermont debut, allowing two runs on four hits over 5 1/3IP with two strikeouts. LHP Evan Bronson threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief and RHP Jose Pinalespicked up the win with a scoreless inning. Nicol was 2/4; Soriano was 0/3 with two walks; Ramirez was 0/4 with one RBI; Hood was 0/4; 3B Justin Bloxom was 1/2 with a run scored; and DH Yhonson Lopez was 1/4 with a triple, run & two RBI.
• Sunday – Lost to State College 10-5 (box/gamer). LHP Chad Jenkinssurrendered five runs on four hits and three walks over 2IP. Soriano was 1/5 with a run; Nicol was 1/4 with a run; Ramirez was 2/5 with two runs & one RBI; and Hood was 1/4 with a run scored.
• Today – No game scheduled. NY/Penn League All-Star break.

GCL Nationals

• Friday – Defeated GCL Astros 18-5 (box). LHP Graham Hicks gave up four runs on eight hits and a walk over 5IP whiles triking out seven. RHP Dean Weaver pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out three. CF Eury Perez was 3/5 with a double, run & two RBI; 3B Adrian Sanchez was 1/5 with a double & run scored; B hendry Jimenez was 2/3 with one RBI & three runs scored; 1B Brett Newsomewass 4/5 with a double, homer & five RBI; SS Justino Cuevas was 2/6 with a double & three runs scored; DH Yeurys Tejeda was 2/5 with a homer, three runs & five RBI; and LF Naoya Washiya was 3/5 with two runs & two RBI.
• Saturday – Defeated GCL Mets 4-3 (box). RHP Brandon Kingpicked up the win, allowing two hits over five shutout innings while striking out six. Perez was 2/4 with a run scored; Cuevas was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI; and Newsome was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI.
• Sunday – Game with GCL Marlins postponed by rain.
• Today – No game scheduled.

DSL Nationals

• Friday – Defeated DSL Cubs1 5-2 (box). RHP Manuel Rivera gave up two runs on four hits and three walks over 5 2/3IP while striking out three. LHP Raudy Almonte picked up the win with 2 1/3 shutout innings of relief and RHP Rafael Guerrero picked up the save striking out two in an inning of work. CF Jesus Morales was 2/4 with a run scored; LF Elvin Rodriguez was 3/4 with two runs scored; CA Bill Pena was 3/4 with a run & RBI; and 1B Juan Urdaneta was 2/4 with one RBI.
• Saturday – Lost to DSL Orioles 9-0 (box). LHP Gregory Baeztook the loss, allowing just an unearned run on one hit and two walks over 6IP with three strikeouts. Urdaneta had the only DSL Nats hit.
• Sunday – No game scheduled
• Today – DSL Nationals at DSL White Sox 10:30AM

Syracuse RHP Marco Estrada settled down after a rough first couple of innings and he an three relievers no-hit Toled o over the final six innings of a 4-3 win (box/gamer). Estrada finished his six-inning outing allowing three runs on five hits while strking out four. RHP Josh Wilkie struck out four and walked one over 1 2/3IP; LHP Yunior Novoa retired the one batter he faced; and RHP Zack Segovia pitched a perfect ninth to earn his fourth save of the season. The win moved the Chiefs to 61-55, 4.5 games out of first place (3.5G out of the wild card). RF Kory Casto was 1/4 with a double & run scored; 1B Mike Morse was 1/3 with a double & RBI; DH Daryle Ward was 1/3 with a solo homer; 2B Seth Bynum was 2/4 with a solo homer; CF Justin Maxwell was 1/3 with a double, stolen base & run scored; and SS Ian Desmond was 1/1 with a double.

Today: Rochester (pitcher TBA) at Syracuse LHP Ross Detwiler (0-2, 4.64) 7PM

Harrisburg extended their winning streak to five games, completing a three-game sweep of Binghamton with a 5-2 win (box/gamer). RHP Jeff Mandel moved to 3-0 for the Senators, allowing two runs on nine hits and a walk over 6IP with two strikeouts. RHP Carlos Martinez threw two scoreless innings of relief and RHP Drew Storen earned his second save in as many chances with one scoreless inning, walking one and striking out one. After opening their season 2-16 in April, the Senators have been 53-45. SS Freddie Bynum was 2/4 with a run & RBI. 2B/LF Leonard Davis was 2/3 with a double, run & two RBI; 1B Bill Rhinehart was 1/4 with one RBI; and LF Marvin Lowrance was 1/3 with a solo homer.

Today: Trenton RHP Ryan Pope (4-9, 5.06) at Harrisburg RHP Luis Atilano (7-7, 4.25) 7PM

Potomac dropped a rain-shortened game to Frederick 8-4 in six innings (box/gamer). SS Danny Espinosa was 2/3 with one RBI; 1B Chris Marrero was 1/3 with one RBI; LF Dan Nelson was 2/3 with a triple & run scored; and DH Michael Martinez was 1/2 with a double, RBI & two runs scored. RHP Adam Carr surrendered all eight runs on twelve hits and three walks over 5IP. The P-Nats are now 27-19 and 2.5 games out of first place.

Today: Potomac LHP Tom Milone (8-4, 3.32) at Wilmington (pitcher TBA) 7:05PM

Hagerstown CF Chris Curran  tied the game with a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth, but the Suns pen allowed four runs in the top of the 14th as the Suns were swept away by Rome with a 10-6 win (box/gamer). Curran finished the game 5/7 with a stolen base, three runs & four RBI, he scored or drove in all of the Suns runs. 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 1/6 with a double, CA Derek Norris was 1/5 with two walks; SS Steve Souza was 1/6 with a walk, stolen base & RBI; and 1B Tyler Moore was 1/7 with a double & RBI. RHP Juan Jaime gave up three runs on two hits and two walks over 4IP while striking out five. LHP Patrick Arnold allowed a run on three hits and a walk over 3IP with three strikeouts. RHP Carlos Peralta took the loss, surrendering four runs (three earned) on six hits in just 1 1/3IP.

Today: Augusta (pitcher TBA) at Hagerstown RHP Marcos Frias (7-4, 3.23) 7:05PM

Vermont lost their fifth straight game, falling 7-1 to Batavia (box/gamer). LHP Mitchell Clegg gave up four runs on four hits and three walks over 4 1/3IP. LF J.P. Ramirez was 2/4 with a double and DH Destin Hood was 1/4.

Today: State College (pitcher TBA) at Vermont RHP Matt Swynenberg (0-2, 8.56) 7:05PM

LHP Bobby Hansen and RHP Taylor Jordan combined on a fourhit 5-1 win over the GCL Cardinals (box). Hansen allowed three hits and one walk over five shutout innings while striking out three and Jordan picked up the win allowing a solo homer and walk over four innings while also striking out three. CF Eury Perez was 1/4; 3B Adrian Sanchez was 1/4 with a run scored; 2B Hendry Jimenez was 2/4 with two stolen bases & two runs scored; DH Wilfri Pena was 1/3 with a run & two RBI; CA Adrian Nieto was 0/4; and SS Justino Cuevas was 2/3 with a two-run homer.

Today: GCL Nationals at GCL Astros 12PM

The DSL Nationals lost 7-2 to the DSL Diamondbacks (box). RHP Antonio Guzman surrendered five runs on six hits over 6IP while striking out six. LF/CF Wander Ramos was 2/3; DH Elvin Rodriguez was 2/4 with a double & run scored; and 1B Juan Urdaneta was 2/4.

Today: DSL Cubs1 at DSL Nationals 10:30AM

Syracuse fell to Toledo 2-1 (box). LF Norris Hopper was 3/4 with one RBI; SS Pete Orr was 2/3 with a walk; 3B Mike Morse was 1/4; and CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/3 with a double & run scored. RHP Shiron Martis gave up two runs on seven hits over &IP while striking out two. LHP Yunior Novoa pitched a scoreless eighth and RHP Clint Everts mades his Triple-A debut, allowing a double and walk to start the ninth but escaping trouble with a double play and strikeout.

Today: Toledo (pitcher TBA) at Syracuse RHP Marco Estrada (7-4, 3.81) 7PM

Harrisburg got a strong start from RHP Erik Arnesen and two relievers in a 4-1 win at Binghamton (box/gamer). Arnesen allowed a run on five hits over 5 1/3IP while striking out four to earn his seventh win of the season. LHPs Justin Jones & Atahualpa Severino combined on 3 2/3 innings of one-hit shutout relief, striking out five to seal the win. 3B Joel Guzman was 1/3 with a double, two runs & two RBI; LF Marvin Lowrance was 2/4 with one RBI; 1B Bill Rhinehart was 1/4 with a double; RF Francisco Plasencia was 1/3 with one RBI; and CF Mike Daniel was 1/2 with a walk & run scored.

Today: Harrisburg RHP Jeff Mandel (2-0, 1.64) at Binghamton RHP Dylan Owen (4-7, 5.36) 7:05PM

RHP Trevor Holder was rocked in Potomac’s 7-5 loss to Frederick (box/gamer). Holder lasted only 1 2/3 innings allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits. RHP Justin Phillabaum gave the P-Nats 3 1/3 innings of two-hit shutout relief, striking out three. RHP Jesee Estrada threw three scoreless innings but allowed two runs (one earned) on the top of the ninth to take the loss. SS Danny Espinosa was 2/3 with two walks, three stolen bases & a run scored; DH Jesus Valdez was 2/5 with two RBI; RF Michael Burgess was 1/4 with a stolen base; 1B Chris Marrero was 2/3 with two walks, a double & run scored; CF Boomer Whiting was 1/4 with a run scored; and 2B Michael Martinez was 2/5 with a double, run & three RBI.

Today: Frederick LHP Nate Nery (3-5, 4.88) at Potomac RHP Adam Carr (1-3, 4.80) 7:05PM

Hagerstown was swept in their doubleheader with Rome, losing the firs game 2-1 (box) and the second game 4-2 (box/gamer). RHP Patrick Lehman threw three scoreless innings in the first game, giving up three hits and one walk while striking out one. LHP Ricardo Pecina gave up a run on three hits and a walk over 4IP with three strikeouts. RHP Carlos Peralta took the loss allowing a solo homer in his one inning of work. The Suns had only four singles of offense, two by 2B Stephen Lombardozzi and one each by LF Robby Jacobsen and 3B Nick Arata. In the second game, RHP Paul Demny surrendered four runs on seven hits and one walk over 5IP, though he did strike out eight. CF Chris Curran was 2/4 with one RBI; DH Derek Norris was 1/3 with a double & run scored; 1B Tyler Moore was 1/3; and Jacobsen was 1/3 with a double & run scored.

Today: Rome (pitcher TBA) at Hagerstown RHP Juan Jaime (2-0, 0.82) 7:05PM

Vermont rallied to tie Batavia 3-3 in the top of the eight but lost 4-3 on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth (box/gamer). RHP Kyle Morrison allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks over 4 2/3IP with two strikeouts. LHP Evan Bronson continued his strong season with 2 2/3 innings of one-hit/no run relief, striking out one. SS Sean Nicol was 2/4 with a run scored; LF J.P. Ramirez was 1/4 with a run scored; RF Destin Hood was 1/3 with a run scored; 3B Justin Bloxom was 2/3 with two RBI; and DH Ricky Nolan was 1/4 with a double.

Today: Vermont LHP Mitchell Clegg (1-2, 1.89) at Batavia (pitcher TBA) 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Wednesday.

Today: GCL Cardinals at GCL Nationals 12PM

The DSL Nationals fell 7-5 to the DSL Tigers (box). RHP Danubio Gonzlaez gave up four runs on five hits & three walks over 4IP while striking out four. CA Bill Pena was 1/2 with a two-run homer; DH Anderson Bocio was 0/2 with a run scored; Manuel Rivera, normally a pitcher, was 1/4 with a solo homer as the starting 1B; 2B Jairo Bernabel was 1/2 with a run scored; and 3B Paul Chacin was 1/3 with a run scored.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Diamondbacks 10:30AM

Syracuse split a doubleheader with Toledo, winning game one 5-0 (box) and losing game two 3-1 (box). In the first game, RHP Andrew Kown moved to 4-0 for the Chiefs, allowing just two hits and a walk over 5 2/3IP. RHP Josh Wilkie and LHP Jack Spradlin pitched the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings. LF Norris Hopper was 1/3 with a run; 3B Pete Orr was 1/3 with a solo homer; CF Justin Maxwell was 2/3 with a stolen base & run; RF Kory Casto was 2/2 with a double, two runs & two RBI; 1B Mike Morse was 1/3 with a double & RBI; 2B Seth Bynum was 2/3 with a double; and SS Ian Desmond was 0/3. In the second game, LHP Horacio Ramirez gave up a run on seven hits over 5IP with two strikeouts. RHP Zech Zinicola struck out one in 1IP and RHP Zack Segovia took the loss, surrendering two runs on a two-run homer in 2/3 of an inning. Hopper was 1/2 with a double & run scored; Orr was 2/3; Maxwell was 0/3; Casto was 1/2 with one RBI; Morse was 1/3; Bynum was 0/3; and Desmond was 1/2. Notes: The Chiefs have a full 24-man roster, I did not have Brad Eldred on the DL; Post-Standard feature on LHP Ross Detwiler

Today: Toledo (pitcher TBA) at Syracuse RHP Shairon Martis (3-1, 5.45) 7PM

RF/2B Leonard Davis hit an RBI single in the top of the ninth and RHP Drew Storen retired the B-Mets in order for his first Double-A save in a 5-4 Harrisburg win (box). Francisco Plasencia was hit by a pitch in the top of the ninth, stole second and scored the winning run on Davis’ (2/5) RBI single. 3B Joel Guzman was 2/5 with a run scored. 1B Matt Whitney was 2/4; LF Bill Rhinehart was 0/2 with a run, RBI & stolen base; and CF Mike Daniel was 1/5 with a double & run scored. LHP Aaron Thompson made his second start for the Senators, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out four. RHP Adrian Alaniz and LHP Cory VanAllen pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief with VanAllen picking up the win. Storen made his Double-A debut with one perfect inning. Notes: The Senators added Storen and OF Ricardo Nanita (from the DL) to replace IF Greg Veloz and RHP Clint Everts.

Today: Harrisburg RHP Erik Arnesen (6-5, 3.48) at Binghamton RHP Jennry Mejia (0-3, 3.74) 7:05PM

Potomac got six innings of scoreless relief and two great defensive plays by RF Michael Burgess in a 4-3 win over Frederick (box/gamer). LHP Will Atwood was a bit shaky in his start, giving up three runs on six hits and three walks in just 3IP. RHPs Hassan Pena, Cole Kimball, and Osvaldo Rodriguez pitched 3 2/3 hitless innings of relief, walking three and striking out three. Kimball picked up the win to move to 4-5 on the season. RHP Dan Leatherman pitched the final two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and walkand striking out two to earn his fourth save. Burgess was 0/4 at the plate but made two diving catches including one in the ninth. SS Danny Espinosa was 1/4 with a double; DH Jesus Valdez was 1/4 with a double; 1B Chris Marrero was 1/4 with two runs scored; CA Brian peacock was 0/2 with two RBI; and CF Boomer Whiting was 1/3 with a triple, run & RBI. Notes: Potomac is still one player short of a full roster.

Today: Frederick LHP Rick Zagone (0-3, 5.53) at Potomac RHP Trevor Holder (1-1, 4.91) 7:05PM

The game between Hagerstown and Rome was postponed by rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheadet this evening starting at 5:30PM.

Today: Rome (pitchers TBA) at Hagerstown RHPs Patrick Lehman (0-1, 7.20) & Paul Demny (2-8, 4.80) 5:30PM

Vermont allowed all ten runs over the final four innings in a 10-3 loss at Batavia (box). LHP Jack McGeary gave up four runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk over 5 1/3IP while striking out three. LF J.P. Ramirez was 0/4; RF Destin Hood was 1/3 with a walk & run scored; CF J.R. Higley was 2/4 with a solo homer; 3B Justin Bloxom was 1/3 with a double; and 1B Ronnie Labrie was 1/4 with a double.

Today: Vermont RHP Kyle Morrison (1-2, 3.77) at Batavia (pitcher TBA) 7:05PM

Update from Monday … the GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Mets 6-1 (box). LHP Danny Rosenbaum gave up a run on three hits over 5IP with two strikeouts and RHP Dean Weaver pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out one. RHP Ruben De La Rosa picked up the win, striking out five over two scoreless innings of relief. CF Eury Perez was 1/4 with a run scored; 2B Hendry Jimenez was 3/4 witht wo runs scored; CA Adrian Nieto was 3/4 with a run & RBI; SS Justino Cuevas was 1/4 with a run scored; DH Wilfri Pena was 1/4 with a double & two RBI; and LF Derrick Phillips was 1/3.

And on Tuesday, the GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Marlins 3-1 (box). LHP Josh Smoker picked up his third win with six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and striking out one. RHP Rob Wort earned his first save striking out two in two innings. Perez was 3/3 with one RBI; Nieto was 0/4; 3B Adrian Sanchez was 1/2 with a double & run scored; and RF Naoya Washiya was 1/3 with a triple, run, & two RBI. Notes: RHP Stephen Englund was suspended 50 games for violating for testing positive for amphetamines, his suspension began on Tuesday.

Today: No game scheduled

The DSL Nationals were thumped 10-0 by the DSL Padres (box).  SS Estarlin Martinez was 1/5 with two more errors in the field (28 on the season); 1B Joseph Cabreja was 1/4; CA Bill Pena was 1/4; and 2B Jairo Bernabel was 1/3. LHP Francisco Vizcaino gave up five runs (four earned) on three hits and a walk over 2 2/3IP while striking out four. LHP Raudy Almonte allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks over 2 2/3IP while striking out two. And RHP Javier Berroa surrendered two unearned runs on one hit and two walks over 2 2/3IP with four strikeouts.

Today: DSL Tigers at DSL Nationals 10:30AM

Syracuse did not play on Monday.

Today: Toledo RHP Scot Drucker (7-3, 4.74) & RHP Nate Bump (5-0, 2.40) at Syracuse RHP Andrew Kown (3-0, 3.52) & LHP Horacio Ramirez (2-5, 5.88) 5PM

Harrisburg did not play on Monday.

Today: Harrisburg LHP Aaron Thompson (0-1, 5.40) at Binghamton (TBA) 7:05PM

Potomac did not play on Monday.

Today: Frederick RHP Sean Gleason (3-5, 5.06) at Potomac LHP Will Atwood (6-7, 4.70) 12:05PM

Hagerstown got a strong start from RHP A.J. Morris but left ten men on base in a 2-1 loss to Rome (box/gamer). Morris allowed a run on six hits over 5IP with five strikeouts, but did not figure in the decision. LHP Patrick Arnold pitched two scoreless innings of relief, giving up two hits & one walk while striking out one. CF Chris Curran was 2/4 with a walk & run scored; 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 2/5 with a double & RBI; CA Derek Norris was 0/2 with a pair of walks; SS Steve Souza was 1/2 with a triple & two walsk; and RF Charlie Fermaint was 2/4.

Today: Rome (pitcher TBA) at Hagerstown RHP Patrick Lehman (0-1, 7.20) 7:05PM

Vermont did not play on Monday.

Today: Vermont LHP Jack McGeary (2-2, 2.52) at Batavia (pitcher TBA) 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals/GCL Mets box score has not been updated. Perhaps a rainout.

Today: GCL Nationals at GCL Marlins 12PM

The DSL Nationals lost 6-2 to the DSL Yankees2 (box). LHP Gregory Baez gave up one run on three hits and three walks over 5IP with six strikeouts. 2B Anderson Bocio was 2/4 with a double; LF Wander Ramos was 1/3 with a walk; 1B Joseph Cabreja was 1/4 with a double & run scored; and CF Jesus Morales was 1/4 with a triple.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Padres 10:30AM

As of 9AM today, one week and 15 hours until the draft signing deadline.

Syracuse

• Friday – Defeated Durham 9-7 (box). CF Justin Maxwell’s three-run homer in the top of the ninth provided the winning runs. Maxwell was 2/4 with four RBI. LF Norris Hopper was 1/3 with two walks, two stolen base & two runs; 1B Mike Morse was 2/3 with a two-run homer, double & four total RBI; 2B Seth Bynum was 1/4 with a solo homer; and SS Ian Desmond was 1/4 with a stolen base & run scored. RHP Shairon Martis started for the Chiefs, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over 5 1/3IP with just one strikeout. LHP Jack Spradlin gave up a run on two hits and two walks in just 1/3 of an inning; RHP Zech Zinicola allowed two runs on two hits over 2IP with three strikeouts; LHP Yunior Novoa gave up a hit and struck out a batter in his 1/3 of an inning to pick up the win; and RHP Zack Segovia earned the save with a scoreless ninth, striking out two.
• Saturday – Defeated Durham 3-2 (box/gamer). RHP Marco Estrada allowed two unearned runs over 7IP to move to 7-4 on the season. Estrada gave up two hits & one walk while striking out three. RHP Josh Wilkie earned his first Triple-A save with a scoreless ninth. 3B Pete Orr was 1/4 with a triple & run scored; Morse was 1/3 with a run scored; Maxwell was 1/3 with a stolen base; RF Kory Casto had one RBI; Bynum was 2/4 with a run scored; Desmond was 0/4; and CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/3 with two RBI.
• Sunday – Lost to Durham 11-5 (box/gamer). LHP Ross Detwiler was roughed up for six runs (five earned) on ten hits and one walk over 3 2/3IP with four strikeouts. Spradlin surrendered two runs on three hits and a walk over 1 1/3IP; Zinicola two runs on three hits over 1 2/3IP and Segovia one run on one hit and one walk over 1/3 of an inning. Novoa was the only pitcher not to surrender a run, pitching a scoreless eighth. Hopper was 3/5 with a stolen base & run scored; Orr was 1/2 with a stolen base; Maxwell was 1/5 with a stolen base; Casto was 1/3 with a double & run scored; Morse was 2/4 with a two-run homer; Desmond was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI; and Solano was 1/4 with one RBI.
• Today – No game scheduled.

Harrisburg

• Friday – Lost to Trenton 1-0 (box/gamer). RHP Jeff Mandel was spectacular over eight scoreless innings of work, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out four. RHP Carlos Martinez took the loss, giving up the lone run on two hits in 1/3 of an inning. The Senators managed only two hits of offense, a double by 1B/LF Bill Rhinehart and single by RF/CF Francisco Plasencia.
• Saturday, game one – Lost to Trenton 3-2 (box/gamer). Harrisburg made six errors and walked ten batters in the first game of the doubleheader. LHP Matt Chico was incredibly wild in his start, allowing just one run over 3 1/3IP but giving up three hits and walking seven. LHP Justin Jones took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks. SS Freddie Bynum was 2/4 with a double, run & RBI; RF Leonard Davis was 0/4 with a stolen abse; CF Mike Daniel was 1/4 with one RBI; and CA Luke Montz was 1/1 with two walks & a run scored.
• Saturday, game two – Defeated Trenton 1-0 (box/gamer). RHP Luis Atilano held the Thunder scoreless over 6 2/3IP, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out two. RHP Clint Everts picked up the save, striking out the one batter he faced. Daniel was 1/2 with a solo homer; Davis was 1/2; and Plasencia was 1/3 with a double.
• Sunday – Defeated Trenton 2-1 (box/gamer). Plasencia hit a pinch homer in the top of the eleventh, leading the Senators to the win. Bynum was 2/4 with one RBI; CA Sean Rooney was 1/4 with a run scored; and DH Bill Rhinehart was 1/5. RHP Brad Meyers gave up one run on six hits and two walks over 5IP with four strikeouts; LHP Cory VanAllen pitched two scoreless innings of relief, walking & striking out one; LHP Atahualpa Severino earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three; and Martinez got the save with a scoreless bottom of the eleventh.
• Notes – Geoff Morrow has a profile of the Senators Joel Guzman with some interesting quotes from manager John Stearns; IF Greg Veloz, recently acquired from the Mets was added to the Harrisburg roster, replacing suspended IF Ofilio Castro.
• Today – No game scheduled.

Potomac

• Friday – Lost to Wilmington 8-1 (box/gamer). The P-Nats managed only two hits, a single by SS Danny Espinosa and homer by 3B Tim Pahuta. RHP Adam Carr took the loss, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks over 6 1/3IP with three strikeouts. RHP Drew Storen gave up a run on three hits over 1IP with one strikeout.
• Saturday – Defeated Wilmington 9-0 (box/gamer). LHP Tom Milone threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up six hits and one walk while striking out six to pick up his 8th win of the season. RHPs Chris Estrada & Dan Leatherman pitched the final 2 2/3 scoreless innings. RF Michael Burgess led the was on offense, going 2/4 with a two-run double & three-run homer; Espinosa was 1/2 with a walk & run scored; 1B Chris Marrero was 0/3 with a scarifice fly; LF/2B Dan Nelson was 2/4 with a run scored; and CA Devin Ivany was 1/4 with a double & two RBI.
• Sunday – Lost to Wilmington 6-4 (box/gamer). RHP Brad Peacock gave up three runs on seven hits and one walk over 6IP with one strikeout. Leatherman took the loss, allowing a run on one hit in 1IP. Storen pitched a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit & walk. 2B Michael Mertinez was 1/3 with a triple & RBI; Espinosa was 2/3 with a triple, run & two RBI; Burgess was 2/4 with a run scored; Marrero was 0/4; and Nelson was 1/4 with one RBI.
• Today – No game scheduled.

Hagerstown

• Friday – Defeated Delmarva 6-2 (box). RHP Juan Jaime struck out eight over six scoreless innings, allowing just three baserunners (hit, walk & HBP). LHP Patrick Arnold earned his third save with two scoreless innings of relief, giving up one hit & striking out four. SS Steve Souza was 0/3 with two walks, two stolen bases & a run scored; CA Derek Norris was 0/4 with a sacrifice fly; 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 1/3 with a stolen base & two RBI; RF Charlie Fermaint was 1/5 with a solo homer; LF Robby Jacobsen was 2/4 with a stolen base & two runs scored; and 1B Tyler Moore was 1/3 with a triple.
• Saturday – Lost to Delmarva 6-3 (box). RHP Marcos Frias surrendered five runs (four earned) on eleven hits and a walk over 4 1/3IP with four strikeouts. Souza was 4/4 with a run & RBI; 3B Nick Arata was 2/4 with a double & RBI; Norris was 0/4; and Lombardozzi was 1/5 with a run scored.
• Sunday – No game scheduled
• Today – Rome RHP J.J. Hoover (4-5, 3.53) at Hagerstown RHP A.J. Morris (0-1, 4.00) 7:05PM

Vermont

• Friday – Defeated Mahoning Valley 6-2 (box/gamer). RHP Matt Swynenberg allowed two runs on four hits and a walk over 4 1/3IP with four strikeouts. RHP Gary Amato picked up the win, striking out eight over 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. LF Destin Hood was 2/3 with a walk, triple, stolen base & RBI; RF J.P. Ramirez was 1/3 with a walk & two runs scored; 1B Ronnie Labrie was 3/4 with a run scored; 2B Francisco Soriano was 1/4 with a walk, triple, RBI & two runs scored; and CF J.R. Higley was 1/3 with a walk & RBI.
• Saturday – Lost to Mahoning Valley 9-0 (box/gamer). LHP Graham Hicks surrendered four runs (two earned) on five hits & three walks over 3IP with one strikeout. The Monsters could muster only two hits, a double by Ramirez and single by Higley.
• Sunday – Lost to Mahoning Valley 7-6 (box/gamer). LHP Chad Jenkins gave up six runs (three earned) on five hits & four walks over 4 1/3IP with four strikeouts. LHP Evan Bronson pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relieg,a llowing two hits & striking out two. RHP Dustin Crane pitched a perfect inning. And, LHP Clayton Dill took the loss, allowinf just one hit in his three innings, unfortunately it was the game-winning homer. Soriano was 2/5 with two runs scored; Hood was 2/5 with one RBI; Ramirez was 1/6 with a double, run & RBI; Higley was 2/5 with two RBI; and 3B Justin Bloxom was 2/4 with a solo homer.
• Notes – Reports are that Hicks has been sent back to the GCL after Saturday’s start.
• Today – No game scheduled.

GCL Nationals

• Friday – No game scheduled
• Saturday – Lost to GCL Cardinals 4-0 (box). LHP Paul Applebee took the loss despite a solid start that saw him allow a run on three hits and two walks over 6IP with six strikeouts. The GCL Nats had five singles of offense, one each by CF Eury Perez, 2B Hendry Jimenez, DH Ricardo Nanita, 1B Brett Newsome, and SS Justino Cuevas.
• Sunday – Defeated GCL Astros 6-4 (box). RHP Brandon King gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks over 4IP. RHP Wanel Vasquez earned the win in his three innings of relief, giving up one run on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts. And, RHP John Santiago earned his fifth save with two scoreless innings, striking out two. Jimenez was 1/3 with a double & run scored; Newsome was 1/3 with a double, run & RBI; CA Adrian Nieto was 2/4 with a double & three runs scored; 3B Alex Romero was 3/3; and DH Derrick Phillips was 2/4 with two RBI.
• Today – GCL Mets at GCL Nationals 10AM

DSL Nationals

• Friday – Lost to DSL Rockies 6-5 (box). RHP Antonio Guzman allowed an unearned run on seven hits & two walks over 7IP with five strikeouts. SS Carlos Alvarez was 2/4 with a double & run scored; 1B Joseph Cabreja was 2/4 with one RBI; and CF Jesus Morales was 3/5 with two doubles & two RBI.
• Saturday – Lost to DSL Twins 8-6 (box). RHP Manuel Rivera gave up five runs (three earned) on nine hits over 4 1/3IP. LHP Francisco Vizcaino struck out one over his 1IP. LF Wander Ramos was 2/6 with a double, run & two RBI; Alvarez was 2/5 with one RBI; RF Aridio Rodriguez was 2/6; Morales was 2/6 with a double & RBI; and DH Alejandro Hodge was 1/5 with two runs scored.
• Sunday – No game scheduled
• Today – DSL Nationals at DSL Yankees2 10:30AM