text:
A couple of top prospects had milestone nights in Monday's low Class A action.
South Atlantic League
Prospect Of The Day
With only two games to choose from in the SAL last night, the award goes to Asheville (Rockies) shortstop Helder Velazquez. The 19-year-old Puerto Rican native is known more for his glove than his bat, and he's still hitting only .211/.260/.367 on the season, but he had a strong night at the dish. He went 3-for-5 with five RBIs as Asheville beat Augusta (Giants) 6-3. His highlight of the night came in the top of the seventh when he hit a grand slam off Augusta's Daniel Turpen, breaking a 2-2 tie.
Prospect Nuggets
Augusta second baseman Nick Noonan went 0-for-2 with two walks, breaking his seven-game hitting-streak … Greenville (Red Sox) right fielder Ryan Kalish went 0-for-4 against Hickory (Pirates), and is now 3-for-17 since arriving in Greenville from extended spring training … Hickory catcher Ronald Pena went 2-for-4 with a triple, a home run, and three RBIs … Greenville first baseman Michael Jones went 3-for-4 with three doubles and two RBIs, and is currently working on a 19-game hitting-streak.
What To Watch For Today
Angel Villalona and the rest of Augusta's prospect-laden lineup travel to Charleston (Yankees), where they'll face hot righthander Zach McAllister, who's allowed only three earned runs over 24 innings pitched on the season … Michael Burgess and Hagerstown (Nationals) return home after sweeping three games from Greensboro. They'll face West Virginia (Brewers) … Asheville, who is only 1 1/2 games behind Charleston in the SAL's Southern Division despite the RiverDogs' 19-5 start, travels to Columbus (Rays).
Midwest League
Prospect Of The Day
South Bend (Diamondbacks) righthander Jarrod Parker picked up his first professional win as South Bend knocked off Beloit (Twins) 7-1. The ninth overall pick in last June's draft, Parker signed too late to play last summer and is making his pro debut with South Bend this season. Parker allowed nine runs over his first three starts, but seven of them were unearned. Things finally came together for Parker and the Silver Hawks last night, as the righthander worked five innings and allowed only one run on two hits. Although he had only two strikeouts last night, Parker has a 13-2 K-BB ratio through 14 2/3 innings pitched this season.
Prospect Nuggets
Burlington (Royals) shortstop Mike Moustakas, the highest-rated prospect in all of low Class A entering the season, hit his first professional home run … Lansing (Blue Jays) second baseman John Tolisano went 3-for-4 with a double and his first stolen base of the year … In that same game, Quad Cities (Cardinals) rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to overcome a 3-2 deficit and beat Lansing. Right fielder Justin Roberson's infield single won the game … Beloit center fielder Joe Benson went 1-for-4, collecting one of Beloit's two hits against Parker.
What To Watch For Today
Flooding of the Mississippi River has forced Quad Cities to scramble for places to play, as their home field, Modern Woodman Park, has been surrounded by water, although it is well protected. Last night's game against Lansing was played in Cedar Rapids, and tonight's will take place in Clinton … Fort Wayne (Padres) and Kane County (Athletics) will play a doubleheader … Cedar Rapids (Angels) righthander Mason Tobin retuns to the mound for the first time since April 20, when he left his start against South Bend after two innings due to a blister on his pitching hand. Tobin hasn't allowed a run in 15 innings pitched on the season. He'll face Burlington.