*Photo courtesy of Mike Ashmore
Jose Molina (pictured) appeared in a rehab start today for Trenton due to the unplayable field conditions at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The second oldest Molina brother (Bengie is the oldest, Yadier the youngest) went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts in his seven innings of work. The plan is for Molina to catch seven more innings tomorrow (sidenote…can’t wait to see McAllister throw to Molina tomorrow night). Anyways the game was kind of a snoozefest as New Britain took an early lead and never looked back en route to a 5-0 victory. Even though Jeremy Bleich was tagged with the loss (he falls to 0-2), I thought he pitched rather well as he gave up five runs (three earned) and nine hits in six innings of work. However, the southpaw did strike out seven and showed some solid command with his curveball. All-in-all, the first round draft pick from 2008 is quickly becoming one of the top pitching prospect in the Yankees organization and I expect him to continue to grow as the season continues. Here are some of the highlights…
TOP 1st – After the first wto men of the game reached base safely, Brian Dinkleman laid down a sac bunt followed by a Juan Portes RBI groundout which put New Britain ahead
Juan Portes RBI groundout
TOP 3rd – Juan Portes with a clutch two-out RBI double down the left-field line. The hit plated Danny Lehmann and Rene Tosoni as New Britain takes a 3-0 lead. The next batter, Whit Robbins, singled to center but Austin Krum made a perfect throw to the plate and Molina applied the tag on Portes to end the inning and prevent any further damage.
Juan Portes RBI double
Krum outfield assist
TOP 4th – The first three men of the inning reached base safely as Danny Lehmann slapped an RBI single which plated Erik Lis and put New Britain on top 4-0.
Danny Lehmann RBI single
TOP 5th – With the bases loaded and nobody out, Danny Berg drew a walk which allowed Brian Dinkleman to score, giving the Rock Cats a 5-0 lead.
Danny Berg bases loaded walk
….back with more tomorrow as New Britain and Trenton play the rubber match of the three-game series.
thunderpodcast.wordpress.com 