Cannonballs coming: Mitch Keller bounces back

In case you missed it in the other thread, pitching prospect Gage Hinsz had successful open heart surgery to correct a defective valve. He’s expected to be able to return next spring. As noted at the link, there’s a Gofundme set up to help with the post-surgical expenses, which aren’t covered by insurance.

West Virginia was rained out.

— Indianapolis (19-16) scored ten runs in the second inning, then managed to hang on for a 10-8 win over Norfolk. Wyatt Mathisen and Pablo Reyes, both promoted from Altoona recently, led the offense. Mathisen was 3-5 with a double and three RBIs, and is 6-for-12 with Indy. Reyes was 2-4 and is batting .333 in 20 AAA games. Chris Bostick and Kevin Newman were both 2-4. Starter Alex McRae failed to take advantage of the offensive bounty, lasting only three innings despite seven strikeouts. He gave up four runs. Josh Smoker also had a rough time, allowing three runs in one inning of work.

Austin Meadows: 1-5
Jordan Luplow: 0-4, BB
Kevin Kramer: 1-4, 2B, BB
Jacob Stallings: 0-4, BB
Johnny Hellweg: IP, H, K, Sv (ERA remains 0.00)

— Mitch Keller rebounded from a rough stretch, giving up one run over seven innings as Altoona (19-16) beat Richmond, 5-1. Keller had been having trouble with his control, but in this one he threw 63 of 95 pitches for strikes. He allowed four hit and two walks, and fanned seven. Will Craig, obviously concerned about what sort of grade the 2016 draft will get, had a double, a walk and his fifth home run in three ABs. He drove in three runs. Jesus Liranzo remained unscored-upon since the Pirates acquired him, allowing two hits in two innings and striking out three.

Cole Tucker: 0-4
Ke’ Bryan Hayes: 1-3, BB
Jason Martin: 1-3, BB
Christian Kelley: 1-3
Stephen Alemais: 0-2

— Bradenton (19-18) lost the first game of its doubleheader to Daytona, 4-3. Eduardo Vera had an uncharacteristically rough start, giving up four runs and nine hits, but he still lasted six innings. He walked two and struck out four. Jared Oliva went 2-4 with his fourth home run. After a slow start, he’s up to 254/338/447. Jason Delay was 1-3 with his second home run. I mentioned the other day that the regular catchers with all of the full-season teams are hitting well. Delay is the backup at Bradenton and profiles as a glove-first backstop, but he has his OPS up to .737.

Adrian Valerio: 1-4
Bligh Madris: 1-3

The second game was rained out.