RHP Easton McGee with a scoreless 2 IP (2 H, 2 K) in an opener role. The rehabbing Minor League FA signing from late last year is building up some arm strength as he looks to return to Triple-A ball.
He was a bit shaky early. But, by the third frame of a 5 IP stint he was really really finding a groove. The velo hung 95-96 mph the entire outing. Great sign. This is a building block by my eyes. Nothing more. But, it's nice to have a fun outing for a change.
LHP Russ Smith comes back to the hill after likely resting for a good half hour or so during the Shuckers bases loaded run fest. He walks the batter on 5 pitches to lead off his 8th frame.
I think, more importantly, perhaps, was he laid off the outside slider that was even further out of the zone. The bat control you speak of was indeed surprising and quite nice - hey, a professional hit right der!
RHP Caden Vire with a clean 1 IP, 1 BB, 0 H, 2 K inning of relief tonight for the ACL Crew who still lead 1-0 in the 4th frame. I'm not used to an ACL nailbiter. Let's hope they hold on!
Fitting that Ashby ends the night on a K looking on a slider. He gives up a second run but, really, he was done in by the misplayed grounder to 3B and a come-backer that caromed off his glovehand and died on the grass to put two aboard with nobody out.
The main thing here was: He had a much much better outing than we've seen in quite some time. You love to see it.
Likely so. I am still in the bottom of the 8th. He has sat for an incredibly long time as this inning goes on and on. Smart decision. End his outing on a sweet note and don't risk injury after he cooled off. Nope. Ashby will come back aboard. He gets a grounder to 3B to start the frame and Dorrian can't gather it - likely scored an error.
Hicklen leans into an inside breaker and takes an RBI HBP off his elbow guard. Savvy. 11-1 Sounds. Zero outs. Miller will have a chance at a five pitch evening here. What a game baby! Cubbies getting smacked. Gotta love it.
O'Rae painfully sends a run across on an inside plunk (looks fine after the HBP). The bases were juiced. It's now a 7-2 game. And, the bases are still juiced in Chattahoochie. Zero outs. AND, a WP plates another Sounds. 10-1 game.
MOaR ruNS!!!!!
AND, just like that Wiemer pokes a reach line drive single into CF. That's a 3-hit evening. 9-1 game. Bases still juiced. Nobody out. Collins to the dish.
I'm definitely not ready 'to believe'. LOL. BUT, like Wiemer I'm just really happy for him to experience a really good outing. It has to feel good. It's a small step on the path.
I am dead serious: this is far and away the most easeful Ashby has looked on the hill in 2024. I AM ABSOLUTELY HERE FOR IT. He is getting better as the outing progresses. He is making 95-96 mph on the sinker look effortless. He misses on a 96 mph sinker down and in on a full count but I liked the pitch. He gives the free pass. Two down. Man on first.
Sinker still sitting 95-96 mph. He has 10 swings and misses. 4 on sinker. 3 on slider - make that 4. 3 on the curve. He grabs his 5th K there. This is turning into his best outing in quite some time baby. Let's GO!
Ashby finally locates a curve and gets the swinging K. His 4th. One down top of the 8th. He follows with another located beauty of a curve. He is finding a groove and I am here for it!
Ho-Hum. Just another Hicklen two-run jack. 18 on the season. Off-speed outer black hanger. Crushed over the LF wall. I think it's fair to say his timing is back after the early IL return rust. Whew baby. 8-1 Sounds. Their 12th poke of the evening.