Michel Baez had one of his better outings against Sugar Land. (Photo: Jorge Salgado)
Sugar Land Space Cowboys 4, Chihuahuas 3
Key Statistics: Daniel Johnson, 1-for-4, R, BB, SB (9); LF Taylor Kohlwey, 1-for-3, 2 BB, SB (15); 1B Carlos Luis, 2-for-4, 2B; 3B Lucas Dunn, 1-for-4, R, HR (1), RBI; RHP Glenn Otto, 3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K; RHP Michel Baez, 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 3 K; RHP Sean Poppen (L, 1-4) 0.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER
Taylor Kohlwey has had another strong season with El Paso. (Photo: Jorge Salgado)
Prospect Watch: El Paso had the lead in the ninth inning, but the Space Cowboys scored a pair to walk it off against the Chihuahuas. The loss dropped the Chihuahuas to 61-87. They must win one of their two remaining games to avoid finishing last in what is already destined to be the worst season in franchise history. In their eight seasons of play, El Paso has only had a losing record twice … The Chihuahuas had 10 hits in the game, with all nine starters collecting a hit. Carlos Luis, who hits minor league free agency after the season, was the only player to have a multi-hit game. … Left fielder Taylor Kohlwey doubled and drew a pair of walks as he extended his hitting streak to six games. Kohlwey made his big league debut in July, but has otherwise had a solid but not spectacular season in El Paso. The Wisconsin native has spent parts of four seasons in the Sun City, playing in 354 games for the Chihuahuas. … Lucas Dunn connected on his first homer at the Triple-A level in the loss. The 24-year-old is getting a taste of Triple-A baseball thanks to a rash of injuries. The versatile hitter produced a wRC+ of 96 with the TinCaps this season. … Organizational newcomer Glenn Otto made his third start as a Chihuahua, and once again struggled to find the zone. The righty worked three innings and allowed a pair of earned runs on two hits; however, he walked five batters. In 5.2 innings for El Paso, Otto has walked a staggering 13 batters. For context, the former Rangers farmhand walked 13 batters in 29.1 innings with Triple-A Round Rock. The Padres claimed him on waivers last month, hoping to improve the depth in the upper minors. … After Otto departed, Michel Baez gave the Chihuahuas one of his best outings of the year. The former top prospect went through three innings without allowing a run. He gave up one hit, walked two, and struck out three. In four outings for El Paso this month, Baez has a 4.26 ERA. It has otherwise been a forgettable campaign for the big righty, who owns a 7.18 ERA and a 28:30 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36.1 innings between San Antonio and El Paso
Jakob Marsee was back in the lineup for Game 3. (Photo: Rey Holguin)
Amarillo Sod Poodles 6, Missions 3 (Amarillo wins the best-of-three series, 2-1)
Key Statistics: DH Jakob Marsee, 1-for-4, RBI; 3B Graham Pauley, 1-for-2, R, 2 BB; 3B Marcos Castañon, 1-for-4, RBI; RHP Adam Mazur (L, 0-1) 4 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K; LHP Austin Krob, 2.1 IP, 2 H, ER, K
Austin Krob in his first appearance for the Missions. (Photo: Joe Alexander)
Prospect Watch: It was a heartbreaking end for the Missions. Like the TinCaps, the Missions won game one on the road and returned home with two chances to advance. Unfortunately, the Missions’ offense never got going, and the fell to end their season. Amarillo will play Arkansas for the Texas League championship. … Jakob Marsee returned to the lineup as the designated hitter and singled to drive in a run. The outfielder dealt with a hamstring injury over the final week of the regular season. Despite the late-season injury, 2023 was a resounding success for the former Central Michigan star. Between Fort Wayne and San Antonio, Marsee hit .274/.413/.428 with 16 homers and 98 walks. … Graham Pauley singled and walked twice in the loss to finish the three-game series 6-for-14. The former Duke infielder will join Marsee as part of the Padres contingent heading to the desert to participate in the Arizona Fall League next month. … Righty Adam Mazur made the start Friday and looked strong out of the gate. He struck out the side in order to start the game and held the Soddies scoreless through three innings, allowing just one walk and a hit. But then, Amarillo scored three runs in the fourth, pounding out three extra-base hits in quick succession against the righty. Mazur was pulled after the fourth inning. Despite the loss, Mazur racked up six punchouts in four innings. He finished the regular season with a 2.81 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 96 innings in his professional debut year. … Lefty Austin Krob took over for Mazur in his unofficial Double-A debut. The former TCU lefty pitched 2.1 innings, allowing a run on two hits. He struck out one and didn’t walk anyone. Between Fort Wayne and Lake Elsinore, Krob pitched to a 2.72 ERA in 109.1 innings.
