Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; USA pitcher
Eddie Butlerthrows a pitch during the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. USA defeated World 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Lots of noteworthy home runs and pitching performances from around baseball on this Memorial Day weekend.
In Class A Hickory, Charleston DH Max Ford Launched four home runs and drove in five en route to a bloody 17-10 Riverdogs victory. The four home runs matched Ford’s total through the first forty three games of the season. An undrafted free agent after his senior year at Princeton, Ford was not expected mount to much. The Yankees organization may have found themselves an overlooked gem, though as the 21 year old Ford has hit well, posting a .318/.418/.522 line in 185 plate appearances. The four home runs in a game tied a South Atlantic League record, making Ford the third player to accomplish the feat.
In Triple-A, Iowa Cubs Shortstop Javier Baez continued his hot streak with a grand slam as Iowa defeated Colorada Springs 7-3. The Cubs top prospect got off to a slow start but has been on fire of late. Over his last ten games Baez has hit .390 with four home runs and an .829, yes .829, slugging percentage. With major league second baseman Darwin Barney struggling to hit with any consistency, Baez could potentially carry this hot streak to Wrigley Field.
Continuing a hot streak of his own was Eddie Butler, who led the Tulsa Drillers to a 2-1 victory over Midland with seven scoreless frames. Butler, the Rockies second best prospect according to Baseball America, has now failed to let up a run in three straight starts and 22 2/3 consecutive innings. The recent success has lowered Butler’s ERA to a sparkling 2.39, although as was the case Sunday when he induced only three whiffs, Butler has struck out remarkably few batters. After striking out nearly a batter per inning throughout his minor league career, the 23 year old owns a K/9 of just 5.03 in Double-A.
Having no trouble striking out batters was Class A Greensboro’s Ryan Newell, who struck out seven as he held the Rome Braves hitless over six shutout innings. Newell left with his no-hitter intact but Cody Crabaugh coughed it up in the eighth. Greensboro would go on to win 12-2, Crabaugh earned a three inning save.