Farm Report Week 3: Drew Waters, Cristian Pache leading the way

The Mississippi Braves led the way in Week 3, thanks to the performances of Drew  Waters and Christian Pache. Check out how the other Atlanta Braves prospects performed this past week.

(8-9) Gwinnett Stripers (AAA)

WEEK 3 RECORD: 2-5

CALL-UP ALERT: (4/14) The Atlanta Braves optioned lefty Sean Newcomb to Gwinnett and recalled relievers Jacob Webb and Dan Winkler.

(4/15) Monday: Won 9-8 vs. Charlotte Knights – FULL RECAP

• (P) M. Foltynewicz: 3.2 IP, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
• (DH) T. Demeritte: 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R
• (RF) R. LaMarre: 3-4, 2B, 4 RBI

Mike Foltynewicz made a third rehab start on Monday, needing 85 pitches to get through his outing (only 49 strikes). Centerfielder, Rafael Ortega, finally had a hitless game, going 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout.

Jordan Harrison picked up the win (his first), by pitching 1.1 innings and striking out one. He also gave up 2 runs and walked three. Elian Leyva converted the save (his first) as he got 4 outs, with one strikeout.

CALL-UP ALERT:  (4/16) The  Atlanta Braves recalled reliever Shane Carle from the Gwinnett Stripers.

(4/16) Tuesday: Lost 6-10 (F/11) vs. Charlotte Knights – FULL RECAP

• (P) B. Wilson: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K
• (3B) A. Riley: 1-6, 2 RBI, R, K
• (1B) S. Kazmar Jr.: 1-3, 2 RBI, BB

Bryse Wilson (#10 prospect) made a much better start on Tuesday, preventing the Knights from plating a run until the 5th inning. Wilson tallied 91 pitches in his 5.2 frames (59 strikes).

Thomas Burrows appeared in the 9th and blew the save, surrendering 2 runs from two hits. Burrows’ ERA took a hit as it’s now up to 6.75 through Tuesday night. What a coincidence … the Atlanta Braves bullpen blew a 3-run lead on Tuesday night versus the Diamondbacks.

Stripers centerfielder, Ryan LaMarre, slugged his third double of 2019. LaMarre went 2-for-5 with an RBI, a run scored, and a strikeout (.306 BA after Tuesday night).

(4/17) Wednesday: Lost 4-5 vs. Charlotte  Knights – FULL RECAP

• (P) K. Wright: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, BB, 2 K
• (CF) R. LaMarre: 2-3, 3B, RBI, BB, K
• (DH) A. Duvall: 2-4, 2B

After showing mixed results in his 3 starts for the big league club, Kyle Wright struggled in his first start of 2019 for the Stripers, allowing 5 runs and two home runs. Wright ran into trouble right off the bat when he surrendered all 5 runs in his first frame.

Gwinnett’s six hits included a double by Adam Duvall and triples from Rafael Ortega and Ryan LaMarre.

Travis Demeritte (0-for-3) and Luis Marte (0-for-4) both went hitless, but each picked up an RBI apiece. Out of the three relievers to make an appearance on Wednesday, Elian Leyva was the sharpest as he struck out 3 over two innings.

CALL-UP ALERT: (4/18) The Atlanta Braves optioned catcher Alex Jackson back to Gwinnett and recalled starting-pitcher Mike Soroka.

(4/18) Thursday: Lost 1-2 vs. Charlotte Knights – FULL RECAP

• (P) S. Newcomb: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
• (DH) A. Duvall: 2-4, 3B, RBI
• (3B) A. Riley: 2-4, 2B

In a game where the Stripers outhit their opponent 9-3 (0-for-10 with RISP), Sean Newcomb took the loss on Thursday in his first Triple-A start of 2019. Newcomb threw 96 pitches, but 59 for strikes.

Rafael Ortega got another hit, as he’s made it on base in12 of the last 13 games (yes, I like this guy). Outfielder Ryan LaMarre got himself a multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, and a strikeout.

(4/19) Friday: PPD vs. Durham Bulls

It’s April, so more rain…

(4/20) Saturday: GM 1 Lost 2-11 vs. Durham Bulls

FULL RECAP

• (P) K. Allard: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
• (RF) R. Ortega: 2-3, HR, BB
• (LF) A. Duvall: 1-3, HR, K

In the first start that Kolby Allard managed to run his pitch count into the 80s, things didn’t go too well. He surrendered 5 runs (including a home run) after facing 20 batters isn’t really a great ratio, and like several of the Braves top pitching prospects — the start of 2019 has been a battle.

Jason Creasy relieved Allard, and man did he have an even worse outing. Creasy pitched 1 inning and gave up 3 home runs (6 earned runs total). It took him 37 pitches and 9 Durham batters to get three outs.

Including Rafael Ortega and Adam Duvall‘s contributions shown above, catcher Alex Jackson went 1-for-3 as he’s struggled thus far in 2019. Scott Kazmar Jr. picked up 2 hits and Luis Marte got a knock as well.

(4/20) Saturday: GM 2 Lost 2-3 vs. Durham Bulls – FULL RECAP

• (P) E. Leyva: 2.2 IP, H, 0 ER, 4 K
• (2B) A. Blanco: 2-3, 2 2B, K
• (3B) P. Florimon: 1-2, HR, BB

After the beating the Stripers received in Game 1 on Saturday, the one-run loss in Game 2 was definitely an improvement. In Game 2, Elian Leyva got the short-start, working only 2.2 innings but pitching well. Ben Rowen relieved Leyva and struck out 1 in his strong 2.1 innings, as Gwinnett used four different pitchers in the second game Saturday.

Austin Riley had a single and 2 strikeouts in his three at-bats, while Adam Duvall went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Andres Blanco has been hot so far this season, his 2 hits bumps his OPS to 1.073 for the year. Travis Demeritte went hitless (0-for-3) in Game 2, and struck out twice.

And what do ya know … Rafael Ortega went 0-for-3 in Game 2. However, he did still manage to get on base with a walk.

CALL-UP ALERT: The Atlanta Braves optioned reliever, Shane Carle, to Gwinnett (he got recalled to pitch on 4/20 for double-header). The Braves recalled starter, Bryse Wilson, from the Stripers on Sunday.

(4/21) Sunday: Won 7-6 vs. Durham Bulls – FULL RECAP

• (P) M. Foltynewicz: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• (C) A. Jackson: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, K
• (LF) A. Duvall: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, K

The Stripers avoided the sweep, but Mike Foltynewicz‘s fourth rehab start was ugly, as the righty gave up a homer and six total runs.

The Gwinnett bats were much better Sunday night. Centerfielder Ryan LaMarre went 3-for-4 with a double and Andres Blanco picked up a double as well. Alex Jackson’s 2nd inning home run was his first of 2019.

Adam Duvall has now raised his batting average and OPS to .290 and .875, respectively. Second baseman Andres Blanco is now leading the team in batting average (.327), but Rafael Ortega is still leading in OPS (1.074).

Hitter of the Week:

Stats for Week 3 (beginning on April 15).

(OF) Ryan LaMarre:  .500 BA, 4 2B, 3B, 6 RBI, SB

Pitcher of the Week:

Stats for Week 3 (beginning on April 15).

(SP) Bryse Wilson:  5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K

If you’d like to catch up on previous reports:

Week 1 Recap
Week 2 Recap

(8-7) Mississippi Braves (AA)

WEEK 3 RECORD: 5-2

(4/15) Monday: Won 13-4 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts – FULL RECAP

• (P) J. Wentz: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, BB, 7 K
• (LF) C. Lien: 2-3, HR, 3B, 2 RBI, BB
• (3B) L. Valenzuala: 2-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI

Have yourself a day Luis Valenzuala!

Joey Wentz got the short end of the stick on Monday, pitching a great game, but missing out on the win. Despite Michael Mader‘s three earned-runs and three walks (0 strikeouts), the reliever still ended up with the win to improve to 1-2.

Reliever Jason Hursh pitched well, working 2 innings and striking out two. As you can see, the Braves’ bats broke out. Drew Waters went 3-for-6 with a run and two strikeouts, and Christian Pache had two hits and two walks with one RBI.

(4/16) Tuesday: Won 5-3 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts – FULL RECAP

• (P) T. Davidson: 5 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 7 K
• (3B) D. Lockhart: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
• (RF) C.Pache: 2-5, 3B, 2B, 2 RBI, R

The amazement continues as Drew Waters (#6 prospect) keeps hitting Double-A pitching. Waters doubled to right in the 3rd and singled to left in the 9th, also striking out once in between.

After a strong outing by Tucker Davidson, reliever Jonathan Aro came into the game in the 6th and blew the lead. Aro struck out two, but gave up a dinger, earning a blown save; but picked up the win as the Braves offense bailed him out.

Jason Creasy notched his first save, working one inning and striking out one.

(4/17) Wednesday: Won 3-2 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts – FULL RECAP

• (P) I. Anderson: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K
• (RF) C. Pache: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI
• (3B) D. Lockhart: 1-4, HR, RBI, K

It doesn’t particularly make sense why he was pulled after 4.2 innings (only 76 total pitches), but Ian Anderson was yanked with Chattanooga up by 1 (an unearned-run). Regardless, Philip Pfeifer (2 Ks) picked up the win and Jason Hursh (1 K) notched the save.

Christian Pache hit his first homer of the 2019 season, as well as infielder Daniel Lockhart — who made 2 throwing errors Wednesday. Second baseman Alejandro Salazar went 1-for-4 with a strikeout and catcher Carlos Martinez picked up a hit in 4 at-bats also, to round out the Mississippi’s hits.

(4/18) Thursday: Won 5-3 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts – FULL RECAP

• (P) C. Johnstone: 4.1 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 2 K
• (CF) D. Waters: 3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI
• (RF) C. Pache: 1-3, HR, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

It will never get old seeing both Drew Waters and Christian Pache lead their team to victory. The M-Braves won their 4th-straight, with Waters and Pache combining for 4 hits, a HR, 2 doubles and 3 RBI on Thursday.

Conner Johnstone pitched well in his spot start for Mississippi, as he was activated from Triple-A on Thursday morning.

Other offensive contributors consisted of: shortstop Luis Valenzuala (1-for-5 with a RBI), first baseman Andy Wilkins (1-for-3 with a walk), and catcher Jonathan Morales (1-for-2 with a run-scored and two walks).

(4/19) Friday: Lost 4-8 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts – FULL RECAP

• (P) K. Muller: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 4 K
• (LF) C. Lien: 2-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB
• (C) J. Morales: 1-3, 2B, R, K

In a chilly series finale versus Chattanooga, the M-Braves pitching was very reminiscent of the big league staff, as Mississippi walked a season-high 12 batters.

Conner Lien belted 2 homers, his third in 3 games, but Drew Waters and Christian Pache went hitless and combined for 8 strikeouts.

Kyle Muller (#13 prospect) needed a whopping 59 pitches (only 26 strikes) to get through 1.2 innings. He walked 6 (career-high for him). Michael Mader relieved Muller and worked around just one hit and 5 strikeouts through 3.1 innings.

(4/20) Saturday: Lost 0-5 vs. Montgomery Biscuits – FULL RECAP

• (P) P. Weigel: 2 IP, BB, 3 K
• (P) J. Walker: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, K
• (RF) D. Waters: 1-4, 2B, K

As they continue to ease starter Patrick Weigel (#21 prospect) into the mix, the stats will most likely lack in excitement until he’s a full-go pitch-count wise.

Jeremy Walker pitched well enough in his 5.1 innings of work, but Mississippi could only muster 5 hits on Saturday. Conner Lien (1-for-4 with a strikeout) and Ryan Casteel (1-for-4) added doubles along with Drew Waters, while Christian Pache picked up a single and a walk.

Catcher Carlos Martinez finished 1-for-3 with a strikeout to round out the offense on Saturday.

(4/21) Sunday: Won 7-6 (10 inn.) vs. Montgomery Biscuits – FULL RECAP

• (P) J. Wentz: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 HR
• (CF) D. Waters: 3-5, HR, 2 2B, 3 RBI, BB, K
• (SS) R. Didder: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, K

Easter Sunday was a heck of a day for the young Drew Waters, as he not only led the team in performance; but he also won the game for the Braves on Sunday.

Waters now leads the Southern League with 9 doubles, and is tied for first with 10 XBHs. Ray Patrick-Didder also had a nice game, while breaking an 0-for-20 stretch, connecting for a base-hit and a double.

Joey Wentz gave up three homers in his start on Sunday in 5.2 innings, but due to his stellar run-prevention in his other two starts, his ERA still sits at a solid 2.57. The 20-year-old Waters is now up to a .333 batting average and .904 OPS with 9 doubles and a homer this season.

Hitter(s) of the Week: 

Their stats for Week 3 (beginning April 15).

1A. (OF) Drew Waters: .375 BA, HR, 6 2B, 5 RBI

1B. (OF) Christian Pache: .304 BA, 2 HR, 2B, 3B, 6 RBI

1C. (OF) Conner Lien: .388 BA, 3 HR, 2B, 3B, 6 RBI

It’s close between these three, but Waters won the game for his team on Easter, so…

Pitcher of the Week:

Stats for Week 3 (beginning on April 15)

(SP) Tucker Davidson:  5 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 7 K

Joey Wentz would have had it in the bag with the two-start week, but his three home runs given up on Sunday knocked him out of the running.

(6-11) Florida Fire Frogs (A+)

WEEK 3 RECORD: 1-4 

(4/15) Monday: Lost 0-6 vs. Clearwater Threshers – FULL RECAP

• (P) T. Beck: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 6 K, HR
• (P) C. Dyals: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 5 K
• (RF) G. Jenista: 1-4, K

Tristan Beck struggled on Monday, but Cutter Dyals did a fine job of relieving him and keeping the Fire Frogs in the game. The Florida offense struggled, only managing 2 hits (Greyson Jenista and Brett Langhorne).

Izzy Wilson walked once and stole his second base of the season, but no one could muster an XBH. Clearwater’s Julio Garcia (10th-round pick in ‘16) was tough on the Fire Frogs, with 7 strikeouts in six innings.

(4/16) Tuesday: Lost 3-4 vs. Clearwater Threshers – FULL RECAP

• (P) F. Tarnok: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR
• (C) W. Contreras: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R
• (LF) J. Ramos: 1-3, 2B, RBI, R, K

Freddy Tarnok (#15 prospect) only gave up 3 hits, but had some control issues as he only threw 39 strikes out of 73 pitches. Daysbel Hernandez came in to relief later in the game, only to blow the lead. Hernandez worked 2 frames and gave up a homer, while striking out 4.

Greyson Jenista (#14) went 1-for-4 with a double, while trying to push his batting average back up. He’s hitting .225 after Tuesday’s game.

Centerfielder, Izzy Wilson (#24), has struggled of late. Wilson went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, dropping his average to .176 (.557 OPS). He also committed a fielding error (his 3rd of the season).

(4/17) Wednesday: Won 5-2 vs. Clearwater Threshers – FULL RECAP

• (P) H. Deal: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
• (1B) K. Josephina: 1-3, 3B, 3 RBI, K
• (C) R. Estrada: 1-3, RBI, R, K

Wednesday evening featured some excellent pitching by the Fire Frogs, as not only did stater Hayden Deal pitch a 4-hitter through six; but reliever Brandon S. White struck out 4 in his two innings of relief and picked up his second win of 2019. Sean McLaughlin also worked an inning.

Kevin Josephina produced most of the runs for Florida, but Greyson Jenista (#14 prospect) also contributed with an RBI-walk with the bases loaded. Second baseman, Riley Delgado, went 1-for-2 with 2 walks and a run-scored as well.

(4/18) Thursday: Lost 2-7 vs. Daytona Tortugas – FULL RECAP

• (P) K. Weisenberg: 4 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 5 K
• (INF) R. Delgado: 3-4, 3 singles
• (RF) I. Wilson: 0-4, R, 2 SB, 1 K

Keith Weisenberg was ineffective in his outing on Thursday, and the Fire Frog offense failed to record an XBH.

Greyson Jenista went 1-for-4 with an RBI-single and William Contreras went 1-for-4, while plating Izzy Wilson for the last Florida run.

Left fielder Jefrey Ramos picked up a hit and Brett Langhorne went 1-for-4 with a strikeout. The Florida bullpen was relatively stout, as all three relievers (Justin Kelly, Jon Kennedy and Brooks Wilson) combined for 5 innings and 7 strikeouts, with one earned-run allowed.

(4/19) Friday: PPD vs. Daytona Tortugas 

(4/20) Saturday: GM 1 Lost 2-3 vs. Daytona Tortugas – FULL RECAP

• (P) N. Kingham: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, BB, 5 K
• (LF) J. Ramos: 2-3, R
• (2B) R. Delgado: 1-4, RBI, K

The Fire Frogs played a doubleheader on Saturday, with Nolan Kingham taking the bump for Game 1. Kingham gave Florida a chance to win with an average start, but the offense didn’t produce much.

Right fielder Sean Michel produced the only XBH for the Fire Frogs, as he went 1-for-2 with a double and a run-scored. Michel also stole his second base of the season. Greyson Jenista is still battling in Advance-A ball, picking up a hit in Game 1 and striking out.

William Contreras finished 2-for-3, raising his batting average to .275.

(4/20) Saturday: GM 2 Lost 5-7 (8 inn.) vs. Daytona Tortugas – FULL RECAP

• (P) T. Bacon: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
• (SS) R. Unroe: 2-3, HR, 3 R
• (3B) R. Delgado: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, K

In a better offensive showing by the Fire Frogs, Game 2 featured another great performance by Riley Delgado, who’s now up to an .841 OPS through Saturday night (leads team).

The starter for Game 2, Troy Bacon, has yet to get into the 50s in pitch count and didn’t make it there on Saturday. Bacon pitched relatively well, despite only making 47 pitches (35 strikes and 5 strikeouts).

Greyson Jenista was hitless (0-for-3 with a strikeout) and William Contreras only had one at-bat that ended in an out. Drew Lugbauer finished 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, dropping his batting average below .100 (.098 through Saturday night).

(4/21) Sunday: OFF DAY

Hitter of the Week:

Stats for Week 3 (beginning on April 15)

(SS) Riley Delgado: .411 BA, 2B, 3 RBI

Pitcher(s) of the Week:

Their stats for Week 3 (beginning on April 15).

1A. (SP) Hayden Deal:  6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

1B. (RP) Brandon S. White: win, 3.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 K

1C. (RP) Daysbel Hernandez: 2 wins, 3 IP, ER, 5 K, BB

There just wasn’t much quality pitching for the Fire Frogs in Week 3, as several starters pitched only 40-50 pitch outings. These three guys were the only pitchers to pitch relatively well this past week.