Welcome to the Thursday edition of the MadFriars daily, with on-site coverage of the Storm’s game in Rancho Cucamonga and Missions in action in San Antonio. The Chihuahuas’ game in Tacoma was rained out, meaning your humble author will be providing updates on one game. To paraphrase the late, great Meatloaf, one out of four ain’t bad though, right?
Chihuahuas rained out
The bad weather in Tacoma continued and El Paso’s road game was rained out. The clubs will make it up with a double-header Friday.
Wichita Wind Surge 9, Missions 2
John Conniff was in San Antonio for the world’s finest chicken fried steak at Tip Top Cafe. In his spare time, he made it to Nelson Wolff Stadium to cover the game.
Devin Ortiz had a solid night at the plate as well as in the field. (Photo: Jeff Nycz)
Great Lakes Loons 5, TinCaps 1
Key Statistics: RHP Joan Gonzalez, 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K; 3B Devin Ortiz, 2-for-4, R; CF Homer Bush Jr., 0-for-2, 2 BB, SB; C Ethan Salas, 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Prospect Watch: The only TinCaps run scored on a wild pitch, so it wasn’t exactly a banner night for Fort Wayne, but a few performances stood out. The biggest pitching performance belonged to Joan Gonzalez, who went three-plus scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and a walk while striking out three. The 25-year-old righty originally from the Dominican Republic is 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA and 11 strikeouts to kick off the season. He is returning to the level where he began his pro career at last year after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Bethune Cookman University. His debut was up-and-down as he posted a 5.21 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 19 innings pitched last season. … Another 25-year-old Fort Wayne returnee having a solid night was Devin Ortiz, who managed both TinCaps hits and scored the only Fort Wayne run. A 2022 undrafted free agent who played his college ball at Virignia, Ortiz is batting .327 with a .941 OPS in 49 at-bats in 2024, a hot start after posting a .094/.231/.125 slash line in 32 at-bats in his first stint with the TinCaps last year. … Homer Bush Jr. did not get a hit, but he worked a pair of walks and stole a base, showcasing his ability to get on base and cause a bit of chaos once he does so. The fleet-footed Grand Canyon University product has struggled to the tune of a .184/.286/.184 line to begin the season but has swiped eight bases in nine attempts. Despite impressive advances during his draft season last year, the 22-year-old outfielder was seen as a project at the plate when the Padres selected him in the fourth round last year. … While he did work a walk, Ethan Salas went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts to continue something of a struggle to start off the 2024 season. The 17-year-old catcher is batting .204 with a .601 OPS, although he has walked 10 times against 17 strikeouts in his second season of professional action.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 12, Storm 10
David Jay ventured into the heart of the Inland Empire to bring us updates on the Padres’ Low-A affiliate in a battle against San Diego’s former Low-A affiliate.
