The Suns, who have endured a long summer, had a bright spot Thursday as Deolis Guerra started a near no-hitter versus the previously hot Lakewood BlueClaws. 

            Mets.com lists Dave Williams as the starter for Saturday.  He’s been sharp in three August outings covering two starts and a relief appearance with a 1-0 record and a 1.80 ERA.  In 15 August innings, he’s struck out 12 and walked just two.  For the year in AAA he’s 2-2, 2.68.  A career 19-29 pitcher, Williams was 2-3 with a 7.20 ERA in 40.0 IP for Cincinnati earlier this year.  With an off day Monday, he’s hardly guaranteed an extra start if he bombs. 

Stars of the Day:

AAA: -

AA: JorgePadilla/Ivan Maldonado & Matt Lindstrom & Henry Owens

A+: Corey Coles

A: Deolis Guerra & Brandon Nall/Jonel Pacheco

SSA: Dustin Martin

R (APP): Emmanual Garcia & DJ Wabick
R (GCL): Richard Pena

Norfolk (AAA - International League)

@ Louisville 4, Norfolk 1

            The Bats struck Jose Lima for four runs on ten hits in seven innings.  Lima was tagged with his seventh AAA loss.

            The Tides offense mustered five hits.  Chris Basak’s double was the only extra-base hit and Sandy Martinez had Norfolk’s only RBI.  Basak (.277/.354/.422), a shortstop who’s also played second third, and left this year, lined up in right for the first time. 

Binghamton (AA - Eastern League)

@ Binghamton 7, Bowie 5

            Jorge Padilla’s three run HR in the fifth inning was part of a four run frame that helped the B-Mets come from behind and snap their losing streak at seven.  Alhaji Turay was 2-4 with two runs scored. 

            Michael Devaney lasted only 1.2 innings while walking five, and was responsible for the first two runs, while after Eddie Camacho gave up three more over the next 1.2, but after that, the bullpen was excellent.  Ivan Maldonado, Ryan Cullen, Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens all contributed nice work.  Lindstrom struck out a pair and Owens punched out one. 

St. Lucie (A+ - Florida State League)

@ St. Lucie 4, Clearwater 1

            Chuck Smith survived four walks in five innings for his third win the FSL this year.  He allowed just one run on three hits before the Mets got four innings of scoreless relief from Travis Hope. 

            Fernando Martinez doubled and his 2-5 from the top of the order was his first multi-hit game in nine tries.  Corey Coles, stayed warm with a 3-4 night that was longball shy of the cycle.  Jesus Flores and Caleb Stewart each had two hits, while Stewart added a double. 

Hagerstown (A – South Atlantic League)

Hagerstown 5, @ Lakewood 0

            The Suns pitching staff was four outs from a no-hitter which Avelino Asprillo broke up with a 25 foot dribbler along the thirdbase line.  Apparently, the official scorer wavered before making the call, but a BlueClaws’ triple in the ninth got the dude off the hook. 

            Deolis Guerra started, and if you overlook the season high six walks, was excellent, fanning six.  Brandon Nall followed with three innings, and didn’t give up a hit until the dribbler in the eighth.

            Jonel Pacheco led the offensive charge with a double, triple and two runs scored.  Rafael Arroyo drove home two with a double in the ninth as insurances. 

Brooklyn (SSA – New York Penn League)

@ Auburn 2, Brooklyn 1

            Tobi Stoner was strong over six innings, but the Cyclones couldn’t find enough offense for Stoner’s sixth win.  He allowed just two runs on six hits while striking out three. 

            Joe Holden led the Cyclones offense with a 3-4 night from the lead-off spot.  Dustin Martin, fresh off an All-Star appearance in bubblegum was 2-4.  Brooklyn had 10 hits, but left 10 runners on a frustrating evening.

Kingsport Mets (R – Appalachian League)

@ Danville 4, Kingsport 2

            Two runs on 9 hits wasn’t enough for the K-Mets.  Emmanuel Garcia (2-4) tripled and scored.  Alejandro Zuaznabar and DJ Wabick each had two hits and Wabick added a double. 

GCL Mets (R – Gulf Coast League)

GCL Dodger 15, @ GCL Mets 5

            Richard Pena doubled twice and scored two runs for the Mets who were overwhelmed by a Dodgers team which scored ten runs in the first three innings.