Baltimore Orioles Minor League Recap: April 11-17

Another great week from Orioles prospects, with a top 30 on minor team of the week per MLB Pipeline.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series at Nashville Sounds (series tied 3-3)

Game 1: NOR 5-8 NSH
Game 2: NOR 6-8 NSH
Game 3: NOR 2-5 NSH
Game 4: NOR 6-1 NSH
Game 5: NOR 11-8 NSH
Game 6: NOR 7-1 NSH

The bats came alive in Nashville. Hudson Haskin and Colton Cowser had 10 hits each. Plus, Haskin enters in the first 2023 prospect team of the week on MLB Pipeline. His .476/.542/.762 slash line with a Home Run, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. A great week for the outfielder. First baseman Lewin Diaz led the offense with 2 Home Runs. Infielder Joey Ortiz, who was scratched from Saturday lineup out of precaution with Ramon Urias in concussion protocol, had 8 hits with an .878 OPS.

On the mound, Drew Rom was great. The lefty allowed only five hits and four walks and nine strikeouts in two games. With another scoreless outing was Noah Denoyer, in five innings with six K's. The righty Chris Vallimont finished with seven strikeouts in four innings. Lefty DL Hall had a shaky appearance in Nashville (4.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, HR, HBP, 3 BB, 3 K).

Next series: vs Rochester Red Wings

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series vs Akron RubberDucks (Ducks wins 4-2)

Game 1: AKR 7-4 BOW
Game 2: AKR 1-2 BOW
Game 3: AKR 3-2 BOW
Game 4: AKR 7-5 BOW
Game 5: AKR 2-6 BOW
Game 6: AKR 4-2 BOW (F/10)

Death, taxes and Heston Kjerstad Home Runs! The lefty hit four dingers against Akron. Kjerstad was the headline from Bowie this week alongside Cesar Prieto (tied with Kjerstad with 8 hits) and John Rhodes (six hits). The offense didn't capitalize on Kjerstad performances. With more weeks like that, I can only imagine his promotion to Norfolk next month, at least.

On the other side of things, Cade Povich delivers another great outing (5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 K). RHP Garrett Stallings started this season with good performances. Last week, he threw 10.0 IP with 7 strikeouts and zero walks. Chayce McDermott appears again, with six K's in five innings. Soon-to-be active, Kyle Bradish, played on friday. He threw 5.0 IP and he seems ready to return to Baltimore in D.C.

Next series: at Altoona Curve

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series at Hudson Valley Renegades (Renegades wins 4-2)

Game 1: ABD 1-15 HV
Game 2: ABD 5-12 HV
Game 3: ABD 4-6 HV
Game 4: ABD 1-4 HV
Game 5: ABD 2-1 HV
Game 6: ABD 5-4 HV

With a two blowouts and two narrow wins, Aberdeen had a tough week. The offense had a bright spot in stolen bases, with 13. Three of them by the speed demon, Luis Valdez. Dylan Beavers hits his first High-A Home Run. He had four hits, alongside Isaac Bellony, Adam Retzbach, Noelberth Romero and Valdez.

From pitching, the only player without a run allowed this week was Ryan Long. An encouraging sign by Trace Bright, who played briliant with eight strikeouts. Jean Pinto had similar numbers (5.0 IP, 3 H, ER, HR, BB, 8 K). The leader was Alex Pham, with nine punchouts. Unfortunately, he allowed 8 runs (5 earned).

Next series: vs Jersey Shore Blue Claws

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series vs Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Ballers wins 4-2)

Game 1: KAN 2-7 DEL
Game 2: KAN 2-12 DEL
Game 3: KAN 6-5 DEL (F/10)
Game 4: KAN 14-4 DEL
Game 5: KAN 9-6 DEL
Game 6: KAN 5-4 DEL

From Delmarva is coming the best wRC+ in Orioles' system: Creed Willems. The catcher had a week to remember with 3 Home Runs and an 1.292 OPS! He regained his confidence and crushed the ball over the field. Stiven Acevedo leads the team with 11 hits. Jackson Holliday had a quiet series (5-18, two doubles, a triple, 6 walks, 4 strikeouts and 2 stolen bases).

On the mound, the trio Yaqui Rivera, Reese Sharp and Hugo Beltran combined for 13.0 IP, no earned runs and 19 strikeouts. With a rough outing, Delmarva had a position player pitching with Maryland product, Maxwell Costes, threw 0.2 innings and not allowed a baserunner.

Next series: at Fredericksburg Nationals