Baltimore Orioles Minor League Recap: May 16-21

Did you read something about Jackson Holliday last week? Well, this guy is unreal and a combined no-hitter happened too! Let's recap!

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series vs Syracuse Mets (tied 3-3)
Record: 31-13 (1st on International League East)

Game 1: SYR 7-9 NOR
Game 2: SYR 0-3 NOR
Game 3: SYR 5-4 NOR
Game 4: SYR 1-0 NOR
Game 5: SYR 7-12 NOR
Game 6: SYR 9-1 NOR

Against old friends like Dylan Bundy and DJ Stewart, the best hitter was the journeyman Josh Lester, leading the team in hits (9), Home Runs (3) and OPS (1.298). From the highly regarded prospects, Colton Cowser suffered an injury and was put on IL Thursday. Jordan Westburg finished with 8-24 on hits and a HR. Connor Norby had a 6-23 week, but had more walks (4) than strikeouts (1). In his return to Norfolk, Kyle Stowers was 3-18 with three runs scored.

On the mound, Keegan Akin had 8 strikeouts in two games (one start) with a batting average of .063. DL Hall threw only three innings (2 earned runs and 3 K's) and Drew Rom allowed eight hits in 5.2 IP (5 K's). The best performer was Chris Vallimont (5.2 IP, 4 H, BB, 7 K). After releasing Cole Uvila, Phoenix Sanders and Ryan Conroy, will we see new faces on Tides?

Next series: at Memphis Redbirds

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series vs Altoona Curve (tied 3-3)
Record: 12-25 (7.5 GB on Eastern League Southwest)

Game 1: ALT 3-4 BOW
Game 2: ALT 11-2 BOW
Game 3: ALT 13-11 BOW
Game 4: ALT 0-4 BOW
Game 5: ALT 6-4 BOW (F/6)
Game 6: ALT 2-5 BOW

Game 4 was history: the first no-hitter for Baysox in 2023. A combo of Chayce McDermott, Nolan Hoffman and Easton Lucas combined for 0 hits, 4 walks and 12 punchouts. A great effort in a gem for Bowie. Alongside this trio was Justin Armbruester, the newest top-30 Orioles' prospect per MLB Pipeline, who had a solid week (2 games, 11.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 3 K).

On offense, Cesar Prieto hits over the fence (one of five HRs from Bowie hitters) and leads the team in hits (8) and RBI (5). Jim Bowden, from The Athletic, had a piece on him in his post last week. Anyone miss a Home Run by Coby Mayo? Well...

Next series: at Akron RubberDucks

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series at Winston-Salem Dash (Birds wins 5-1)
Record: 18-19 (4.0 GB on South Atlantic League North)

Game 1: ABD 7-8 WS
Game 2: ABD 13-3 WS
Game 3: ABD 4-1 WS
Game 4: ABD 5-1 WS
Game 5: ABD 12-5 WS
Game 6: ABD 6-1 WS

We need to talk about Jackson Holliday. Player of the week in the SAL, selected to Minor League Team of the Week per MLB Pipeline, and put up absurd stats (13-21, 2 HR, 3 3B, 3 2B, 14 RBI, 9 R, 1:3 K:BB, 2 SB, 2.000 OPS). Did you know: Holliday has reached base safely in 34 games this MiLB season. He's played... 34 games! Outstanding for a 19-year-old kid. Could Mike Elias have hit a home run with that pick?

For pitchers, keep an eye on Alex Pham. The righty had another great outing for IronBirds (4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K). From the Cole Irvin trade, Kyle Virbitsky put similar numbers (4.0 IP, 3 H, 6 K) from relief. Daniel Federman leads in strikeouts (11) but he allowed 12 hits and 8 earned runs. Not ideal.

Next series: vs Jersey Shore Blue Claws

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series at Charleston RiverDogs (Dogs wins 4-2)
Record: 19-18 (2.5 GB on Carolina League North)

Game 1: DEL 1-5 CSC
Game 2: DEL 6-4 CSC
Game 3: DEL 7-11 CSC
Game 4: DEL 8-5 CSC
Game 5: DEL 2-3 CSC
Game 6: DEL 4-7 CSC

Another SS who played well was Carter Young, leads Delmarva in OPS (1.022) without a Home Run and a 3:5 K:BB ratio. Overall, Shorebirds hit only three Home Runs, but six players had 5+ hits: Adam Crampton (5), Angel Tejada (6), Douglas Hodo (6), Anderson De Los Santos (6), Young (7) and Elio Prado (8).

From bullpen, Juan De Los Santos didn't allowed a hit in five innings of work (6 K's). From starters, Edgar Portes threw four innings without a earned run (3 hits and 6 K's). Deivy Cruz, Jared Beck and Juan Nunez had at least 6+ strikeouts, but allowed a opposing batters a .360+ batting average.

Next series: vs Lynchburg Hillcats