Fort Wayne TinCaps (26-34) vs. Clinton LumberKings (23-38)
RHP Ernesto Montas (4-4, 4.18) vs. RHP Tyler Herb (2-3, 5.72)
LHP Jose Castillo (0-1, 4.73) vs. RHP Osmer Morales (0-3, 2.95)
Sunday, June 14, 2015 — Parkview Field — First Pitch 2:05 p.m. — Games 61 and 62
ABOUT LAST GAME: After a 2 hour, 6-minute rain delay, the TinCaps beat the Kane County Cougars, 4-2, in the rubber match of their three-game series. Franmil Reyes broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the seventh inning with a two-out, two-run single. Fort Wayne overcame early deficits of 1-0 and 2-1.
HOT AT HOME: The TinCaps have won three consecutive series at Parkview Field.
RUDDY KEEPS ROLLING: Shortstop Ruddy Giron went 3-for-3 including a triple on Friday with a walk, a stolen base, and three runs scored. Since the 18-year-old debuted with the TinCaps on May 18, he’s how he ranks in the Midwest League during his time here:
.398 AVG (3rd)… 26 G (T1st w/ Franchy Cordero)… 103 AB (1st)… 26 R (1st)… 41 H (1st)… 12 XBH (T3rd)… 68 TB (1st)… 3 3B (T2nd)… 6 HR (T3rd)… 14 RBI (T18th)… 6 SB (T7th)… .451 OBP (5th)… .660 SLG (3rd)… 1.112 OPS (3rd).
REYES RIGHTING SHIP: Right fielder Franmil Reyes had a tough month of April at the plate. The 19-year-old hit just .206 in the season’s opening month with 0 HR and 6 RBI. In May, Reyes hit .257 with 3 HR and 13 RBI. Entering Saturday, he’s batting .290 in June with a .389 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage. Thursday was his second three-hit game in his last 11 games.
CHASING THE WRONG KIND OF HISTORY: Clinton enters this series on a 13-game losing streak. The Midwest League record for most consecutive losses in a season is 15. That dubious distinction is shared by three teams: the 1986 Kenosha Twins (Aug. 4-17), the 1975 Cedar Rapids Giants (July 25-Aug. 9), and the 1958 Clinton Pirates (May 11-25).
THE OTHER GUYS: Clinton’s roster features the following Top 30 Mariners prospects according to MLB.com: INF Joe DeCarlo (26)
INF Erick Mejia (28)*. *Disabled List
STARTING LINEUP – GAME 1
1. #12 Ruddy Giron SS — Youngest player in the league.
2. #22 Franchy Cordero LF* — Has not committed an error in 18 games in outfield.
3. #10 Nick Torres RF — Leads the league with 19 doubles.
4. #16 Trae Santos DH* — Tied for 4th in the league with 24 extra-base hits.
5. #34 Franmil Reyes DH — Game-winning hit on Friday night in seventh.
6. #1 Michael Gettys CF — Had Friday night off.
7. #24 Chase Jensen 3B — Has 8 RBIs in his last 11 games.
8. #21 Jose Ruiz C — Leads league in throwing runners out (29). Next is 19.
9. #9 Felipe Blanco 2B — Second on team in stolen bases (8).
* Left-Handed Batter
