Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs advanced to the Florida State League championship series for the second straight season with a 9-4 win over the Dunedin Blue Jays. The D-Cubs win the best-of-three series two games to none.
The Cubs spotted Tayler Scott an 8-0 lead after an inning and a half, but he left the game after he gave up three runs in the second inning and back-to-back doubles to lead off the third inning. Scott's final line was 2+ innings, allowing four runs on four hits, including a three-run home run in the second inning. Scott walked three and struck out two.
Nathan Dorris on the other hand, was impressive with three innings of relief of Scott. He allowed only one baserunner, a one-out walk in the fifth inning, and then he erased that runner with an inning-ending double play.
Then the rains came and there was a 1:57 delay. Austin Kirk took over for Dorris and threw three scoreless innings. He allowed three hits. He walked two and struck out one.
Daytona got off to a fast start as they scored three runs in the first inning. The first run scored on a Daniel Vogelbach sacrifice fly and then a two-run home run by left fielder Bijan Rademacher.
Vogelbach would have RBI singles in the second and ninth innings. He finished the game 2 for 4 with three RBI. Rademacher went 2 for 4 with the home run and a walk. He also had an outfield assist.
The Cubs took an 8-0 lead when they scored five times in the top of the second inning. Center fielder Jacob Hannemann and second baseman Gioskar Amaya both singled and scored in that inning. Hannemann was 3 for 5 with a stolen base and two runs scored. Amaya was 3 for 5 with a double and he scored three times.
The Daytona Cubs now take on the Twins' affiliate, the Ft. Myers Miracle, in a best-of-five championship series starting tomorrow night in Ft. Myers. The games will be played not at the Miracle's normal home park, Hammond Stadium, because it's undergoing renovations. Instead, the game will be played at JetBlue Park, the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox.
Daytona will try to win their second straight Florida State League title and their fourth in seven years.
Kane County Cougars
The Kane County Cougars won the first game of their best-of-three playoff series, 7-3 over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers).
Jen-Ho Tseng started and picked up the win. Tseng allowed two runs on only two hits over six innings. He struck out four and walked one.
Tyler Ihrig pitched the final three innings and got the save. He gave up one run in the ninth. He allowed three total hits. He walked one and struck out four.
Third baseman Mike Olt was on a rehab assignment and hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning. Olt was 2 for 3.
DH Mark Zagunis was 3 for 5 and scored on the Olt home run. Catcher Cael Brockmeyer was 2 for 4 and scored a run. Center fielder Trey Martin was 2 for 4 with a double and a two-run single.
Duane Underwood will take the mound at 6 pm tomorrow night in Geneva as the Cougars try to wrap up the best-of-three series. Tickets are still available.
Boise Hawks
The news wasn't all good tonight as the Boise Hawks lost to the HIllsboro Hops (Diamondbacks), 5-2. The Hops win the best-of-three series two games to none. The Hawks season is now over.
Jeremy Null started this game and allowed three runs on six hits over 4.2 innings. He struck out six and walked only one.
DH Justin Marra hit a two-run home run in the second inning to account for all of Boise's runs. Marra was 1 for 4.
Center fielder Rashad Crawford was 3 for 4 with a double.