Tigers Minor League Baseball Blog

Armando Galarraga had a nice start go to waste as the Hens lost to the Bats 7-1.  Galarraga took the loss and fell to 0-1 despite giving up just a run on three hits with six strikeouts in five innings.  Casey Fien and Robbie Weinhardt were both hit hard were both touched up for three runs in their relief appearances.

Ryan Strieby had a big day at the plate.  He went three for four with a pair of doubles and he drove in the lone run for the Hens.  Danny Worth doubled in three at bats.

The Hens rallied for two runs in the ninth inning but it wasn’t enough in their 4-2 loss to Lehigh Valley.  Clete Thomas drove in both of those runs and he was the lone Hens hitter with two hits.  He also had the only extra base hit with a double.

Ruddy Lugo took the loss and he fell to 2-1 on the season.  He gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts in six innings.  Casey Fien had a nice outing and he gave up just one hit with three strikeouts in two shutout frames.

Clete Thomas had a big day at the plate in the Hens 9-6 win over the Clippers.  He went three for four and all three hits were for extra bases.  He had two doubles, a home run, two RBIs and two runs.  Don Kelly also had a nice game and he went three for four with a double and a run.

Eddie Bonine pitched three innings and he gave up two runs on five hits.  Ron Chiavacci improved to 1-0 and he gave up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts in five innings.

Chris Lambert fell to 1-1 on the season with a rough start in the Hens 7-5 loss to Columbus.  He gave up five runs on nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings. 

Don Kelly went one for two with a solo homer, two walks and two runs.  Will Rhymes tripled, drove in a pair and scored once.

The Mud Hens picked up a win at the first every game at Huntington Park in Columbus this afternoon.  Ruddy Lugo had a nice start and he improved to 2-0.  He gave up one run on four hits and three walks with one strikeout in five innings.  Joel Zumaya continued his rehab with two shutout innings and Casey Fien pitched two shutout innings to close things out for his second save of the season.

Mike Hessman doubled and drove in two runs in the 3-1 win.  Danny Worth was a perfect four for four with a walk, an RBI and a run.

Lucas French looked solid on the mound as he picked up the win in the Hens 5-3 win over the Clippers.  He gave up just three hits and he struck out eight in six shutout innings.  Freddy Dolsi got the final four batters out in order and he picked up his first save of the season.

Ryan Raburn was the hitting star in the game.  He went three for three with a walk, a double, a homerun and two RBIs.  Brent Clevlen went two for four with a double, a run and an RBI.

The Mud Hens continued their winning ways with a close one against the Bats.  The Hens jumped out to a 4-0 lead but two in the eighth and one in the ninth by the Bats made this one a close one.  Scott Drucker looked very good and he improved to 1-0.  He gave up just three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in six shutout innings. Not a bad couple of starts for someone who wasn’t really on the Tigers propect radar.

Casey Fien gave up a run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings to pick up save number one.  Mike Hessman went three for five with an RBI in the 4-3 win while Ryan Raburn drew three walks, stole a base and scored twice.

I like the Hens chances this year because of the guys on this team could have made the Tigers under the right circumstances.  Mike Hessman and Brent Clevlen’s fate both went right down to the wire and top hitting prospect Wilkin Ramirez will get his first extended look at International League pitching.  Throw in guys like Dusty Ryan and Clete Thomas, both of whom had success with the big league club in 2008, and the Hens should get right back to contending for Governors Cup.

Pitching and defense could be a problem though.  I’ve always like Chris Lambert and I think he’ll shine this year, but after that, it gets a little spotty. There’s some solid arms like Clay Rapada and Casey Fien in the pen though so that should help.

I’m heading down to Columbus in a couple of weeks to check out their new ballpark.  I was hoping to see the Hens play, but that’s Huntington Park’s opening day so I’m going to the following week.  One place I want to stop at while I’m down there is Rampage Sports.  They have an awesome facility and excellent selection.  My boy has had his eye on a Demarini bat and a new Rawlings glove.  I just have to make sure I leave the place with my wallet intact.