Baltimore Orioles Minor League Recap: April 25-30

With a masterpiece from Cade Povich and the Tides offense put another show on the road, let's recap.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series at Charlotte Knights (Tides win 4-2)
Record: 19-7 (1st in International League)

Game 1: NOR 9-5 CLT
Game 2: NOR 1-2 CLT
Game 3: NOR 3-6 CLT
Game 4: NOR 8-4 CLT
Game 5: NOR 20-1 CLT
Game 6: NOR 6-3 CLT

This 2023 Tides loves hitting. From a three Home Run week (and lately a promotion back to Baltimore), Kyle Stowers showed why he deserves to play in the majors. Other high-regard prospect, Jordan Westburg, finished with 11 hits (two HRs) with a .423/.444/.692 slash line. Colton Cowser (6-19, HR, 7 RBI, 6:7 K:BB, 2 SB) played well. The only prospect with a bad week was Connor Norby (5-27).

On the mound, Ryan Watson was okay (8.0 IP, 5 H, ER, HR, 6 BB, 5 K) and an old friend had his best outing in this season: Cole Irvin (6.0 IP, 7 H, ER, HR, BB, 5 K). Baltimore's own Bruce Zimmermann continued his solid outings in AAA (6.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 BB, 5 K). Chris Vallimont, Noah Denoyer and Drew Rom were the opposite (15 ER overall).

Next series: vs Durham Bulls

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series vs Richmond Flying Squirrels (Squirrels wins 4-1)
Record: 6-13 (6.5 GB in Eastern League Southwest)

Game 1: RIC 4-2 BOW
Game 2: RIC 9-3 BOW
Game 3: RIC 7-2 BOW
Game 4: RIC 0-1 BOW
Game 5: RIC 6-4 BOW
Game 6: Postponed (makeup on June 14th)

In Bowie, they had the pitcher of the week on Eastern League with a brilliant game by Cade Povich (5.0 IP, H, 2 BB, 10 K) in the lone victory against Richmond. Only Justin Armbruester had a solid outing (5.0 IP, 2 H, ER, HR, HB, BB, 5 K) from starters.

The offense was quiet, again. Only two Home Runs (Heston Kjerstad and Zach Watson) in a 28-114 (.194 average). Kjerstad and Coby Mayo had five hits each, alongside Cesar Prieto, John Rhodes and Jacob Teter, with four. At least, Donta' Williams continues to show his fielding skills.

Next series: vs Erie SeaWolves

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series at Wilmington Blue Rocks (Blue Rocks wins 3-2)
Record: 7-12 (6.0 GB in South Atlantic League North)

Game 1: ABD 3-7 WIL
Game 2: ABD 9-1 WIL

Game 3: ABD 7-2 WIL

Game 4: ABD 2-4 WIL
Game 5: ABD 2-3 WIL
Game 6: Postponed (makeup on June 21st)

It was the Jackson Hollday debut on High-A and he delivered (4-17, HR, 3B, 4:4 BB:K, SB). He will be better each game. His colleagues from 2022 draft had great performances with Dylan Beavers (7-19, HR, 3B, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 4 R, 1.189 OPS) and Jud Fabian (6-15, HR, 2 RBI, SB). The best OPS is from Frederick Bencosme (1.280) because his three doubles on four hits in three games (0 strikeouts in 11 at-bats). The offense will have a newcomer with a promotion from Delmarva: Maxwell Costes.

The pitching staff had another solid outing by Jean Pinto (4.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 6 K) and won't be surprised if he got promoted soon. Daniel Federman had similar numbers (4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 K). A surprise was Cooper Chandler (3.0 IP, BB, 6 K from relief) and Trace Bright had a disastrous performance (3 ER in 0.2 IP, 40.20 ERA). Veteran righty Dillon Tate made his first rehab assignment and threw one full inning with an earned run with two strikeouts.

Next series: at Brooklyn Cyclones

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series vs Salem Red Sox (Birds wins 4-1)
Record: 12-7 (1st in Carolina League North)

Game 1: SAL 5-0 DEL
Game 2: SAL 1-3 DEL
Game 3: SAL 5-8 DEL
Game 4: SAL 3-5 DEL
Game 5: SAL 2-4 DEL
Game 6: Postponed

Delmarva won four in-a-row and they hit only one Home Run the entire series. It's a contrast from what we saw in the first weeks. Anyway, the team still produces without Holliday and Creed Willems continues his great start (.895 OPS). The other catcher, Samuel Basallo, leads Delmarva in RBI, with five.

The pitching staff was great, headlined by Moises Chace (6 K in 4.0 IP) and Juan Nunez (7 K in 5.0 IP). Their combine for one hit allowed and six walks. This core needed that.

Next series: vs Carolina Mudcats