Baltimore Orioles minor league recap: July 18-23

With a full week of games, and a Baby Bird hit dingers against Max Fried, let's recap another week on the Orioles farm (plus 2023 draftees).

Baltimore Orioles minor league recap: July 18-23

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series at Gwinnett Stripers (tied 3-3)
Second half record: 12-8

Game 1: NOR 12-1 GWN
Game 2: NOR 10-11 GWN
Game 3: NOR 5-1 GWN
Game 4: NOR 1-2 GWN
Game 5: NOR 6-3 GWN
Game 6: NOR 2-6 GWN

Joey Ortiz hit a Home Run against Max Fried. Birdland would love if this occurred in a hypothetical World Series, but it was at Triple A instead. The SS led Norfolk hitters in Home Runs (2) and OPS (1.185). Coby Mayo goes yard for his first AAA HR. Ryan McKenna of all people hit two dingers. If Aaron Hicks will be sidelined, he could be back.

In an uncommon week, Heston Kjerstad led in hits (9). Among the pitchers, Drew Rom had 10 K's and allowed six runs (all earned). Chayce McDermott again was so-so (5.0 IP, H, 2 ER, 6 BB, 9 K). Garrett Stallings had a scoreless outing (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K).

Next series: vs Nashville Sounds

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series vs Harrisburg Senators (Baysox wins 5-1)
Second half record: 12-9

Game 1: HBG 0-3 BOW
Game 2: HBG 3-4 BOW (F/10)
Game 3: HBG 10-3 BOW
Game 4: HBG 2-5 BOW
Game 5: HBG 5-8 BOW
Game 6: HBG 3-4 BOW

Jackson Holliday goes deep for his first Double A Home Run. The wonder kid finished 7-25 with two doubles and five runs scored. Billy Cook continued his hot stretch (8-22, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R), Jud Fabian smashed baseballs (2 Home Runs) and even Joseph Rosa had a great week (8-17, 4 XBH). For Bowie's arms, Connor Gillispie had a 10-strikeout week (two games), followed by Carlos Tavera (8). Cade Povich continue his rollercoast season (3 ER, 3 K) and Alex Pham contined to be solid, even in a short apperance (3.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 K).

Next series: at Somerset Patriots

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series vs Bowling Green Hot Rods (Birds wins 5-1)
Second half record: 16-7

Game 1: BG 3-4 ABD
Game 2: BG 1-7 ABD
Game 3: BG 2-5 ABD
Game 4: BG 1-2 ABD (F/10)
Game 5: BG 3-1 ABD
Game 6: BG 4-8 ABD

A bounce back week by Trace Bright on the mound (5.0 IP, H, BB, 9 K). Cameron Weston had similar numbers too (5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 9 K). For Kyle Brnovich, another solid rehab outing (4.0 IP, 5 H, ER, 7 K). Overall, the pitching staff was pretty good.

Honorable Mention to reliever, Carson Carter (2 G, 3.0 IP, 2 BB, 6 K). The offense was led by the Dylan Beavers' show (8-18, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 5:4 K:BB, 2 SB, 1.148 OPS). Maryland product Maxwell Costes finished with 2 round trippers and 6 RBI. Isaac Bellony and Frederick Bencosme finished with 6 hits each.

Next series: at Jersey Shore Blue Claws

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series vs Charleston RiverDogs (RiverDogs wins 5-1)
Second half record: 11-12

Game 1: CSC 9-5 DEL
Game 2: CSC 0-2 DEL
Game 3: CSC 8-4 DEL
Game 4: CSC 4-2 DEL
Game 5: CSC 5-2 DEL (F/8)
Game 6: CSC 8-4 DEL

The only affiliate without a series win. To make things worse, Samuel Basallo left early Saturday with left leg muscle spasms. Basallo and Stiven Acevedo finished leading in hits (6) and both hit a home run alongside Rolphy Cruz, Anderson De Los Santos and Brayan Hernandez. On the mound, a superb performance by Moises Chace (5.0 IP, 2 H, 8 K), followed by Deivy Cruz (5.0 IP, H, BB, 4 K) and Edgar Portes (4.0 IP, 2 BB, 4 K).

Next series: at Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Draft signings

July 26th is the deadline for draftees to sign with their organizations who picked in the last draft. For Baltimore, only three players still remain unsigned as of Tuesday morning: RHP Jackson Baumeister (CB-B, 63rd overall), RHP Michael Forret (Round 14, 421st overall) and Kollin Ritchie (Round 19, 571st overall).

Overall, 17 draftees have already signed with Baltimore. The first rounder, Enrique Bradfield Jr, was presented last week at Oriole Park. Qrey Lott and Tanner Witt announced they will return to college next year.