Tigers Minor League Recap – 8/26

Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A)

Final: Toledo 4 – St. Paul 2

Top Performer(s):

Trei Cruz, CF – 2-for-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B

Max Anderson, 2B – 2-for-4, R, 2 RBI, HR, BB

Austin Gomber – 4.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Brant Hurter (REHAB) – 1 IP, H, 0 ER, BB, 2 K

Game notes:

The recently acquired Austin Gomber took the hill for the Mud Hens in St. Paul. He benefited early-on in the third inning, thanks to a Trei Cruz RBI double and a Max Anderson two-run home run, his 14th of the year for Toledo. Later on in the sixth inning, Twins No. 1 prospect, Walker Jenkins, hit a solo shot to cut the lead in half. In the eighth, Trei Cruz added on with an additional run-scoring double to extend the lead for the Mud Hens, ultimately leading to their victory. Toledo is back at it in St. Paul tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s projected starters: Carl Edwards Jr. (4-10, 6.62 ERA) vs Ricky Castro (3-2, 4.71 ERA)

Erie SeaWolves (Double-A)

Final: Erie 1 – Altoona 6

Top Performer(s):

Woody Hadeen, SS – 1-for-4

Zyhir Hope, CF – 1-for-4

E.J. Exposito, 3B – 1-for-3, 2B, R

Lucas Elissalt – 1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, BB, K

Colin Fields – 3 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, BB, 2 K

Game notes:

Lucas Elissalt took the mound for his third career start with the SeaWolves. 33 pitches in the first inning kept Elissalt out for the remainder of the game, although his damage control prevented more than one run coming across the scoreboard. Yoniel Curet struggled, although he was thrown into the fire. Colin Fields covered innings four through six, although the offense remained absent all game. A last-second double by E.J. Exposito in the eighth, later followed by a groundout from Luke Shliger provided the only run of support from Erie. The SeaWolves now sit at 71-50 in the standings.

Tomorrow’s projected starters: Max Alba (2-4, 5.65 ERA) vs Connor Oliver (2-6, 6.71 ERA)

West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A)

Final: Peoria 5 – West Michigan 4

Top Performer(s):

Edian Espinal, C – 2-for-4, R

Carson Rucker, 3B – 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR, BB

Ben Jacobs – 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, BB, 7 K

Jalen Evans – 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 K

Game notes:

Ben Jacobs has been on a heater over the last month, tossing another five scoreless frames. He’s given up just two earned runs in five starts since the 29th of July. Jacobs made strike-throwing a priority tonight, throwing a 71.2% strike rate tonight. Carson Rucker, who was called up to High-A West Michigan just over two weeks ago, put a dent in the Peoria pitching staff. Rucker showed great opposite field power, hitting both big flies to right-center field. His second of the night cut the lead down to a one-run deficit, but wasn’t enough for the Whitecaps to salvage the victory.

Tomorrow’s projected starters: Brandon Clarke (0-0, 4.35 ERA) vs Maddox Long (0-0, 6.00 ERA)

Lakeland Flying Tigers (Single-A)

SUSPENDED: Clearwater 0 – Lakeland 4

Game notes:

Inclement weather in Lakeland will push the conclusion of this game back to tomorrow, but the damage made by Tigers first-rounder Cameron Flukey is final. His fastball rose like hot air, averaging 20 inches of IVB which led to his seven whiffs on the night, five on the fastball. Cris Rodriguez, who made his Lakeland debut last night hit a 2-run double in the first inning to catapult the Flying Tigers to the front which will give them a nice head start to complete this game tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s projected starters: Cole Gilley (7-1, 3.47 ERA) vs TBD

Hey Detroit Tigers fans! If you enjoy Tigers Minor League Report and want to help us keep bringing you the latest updates and in-depth analysis, consider contributing to our efforts. We operate entirely on a volunteer basis, and every bit of support goes a long way. You can donate to us directly via our GoFundMe or become a valued member by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Or take your fandom to the next level by joining our Patreon community. Additionally, you can shop for some awesome gear at our TMLR store. Your support helps us continue our mission to provide you with quality content on all things Tigers Minor League. Thank you!