Chris Clarke – picture by Todd Johnson

My wife and I spent most of today entertaining a 10-year-old and a two-year-old from 8:30 this morning till about 7:30 tonight. Needless to say, I am exhausted and looking forward to heading to Davenport tomorrow to see a day baseball game, which is always perfect for taking pictures.

As for tonight, outside of Myrtle Beach it was a rough night. Only the Pelicans/Mermen came away with a win but there were a couple of really positive signs.

1. Kohl Franklin made it through a first inning unscathed as he did not allow a run. He actually made it through two innings in a little over 30 pitches and he pitched another inning on top of that. He only allowed three base runners and struck out two. The only runs come on a double steal. We are closing in on regaining the Kohl we all knew in 2019. Good for him!

2. The other good sign today was that Tennessee pitcher Scott Kobos threw two scoreless innings in relief. He did not allow run or hit, but he walked two and struck out two. It’s his first semi-clean performance in quite a while as he’s been struggling with some minor ailments this spring.

Dinger of the Day

Today’s dinger of the day was not a majestic one, but it was an inside the park home run. It’s really hard to top that as I find that play more exciting than a triple. Today’s inside the parker was by Juan Mora of Myrtle Beach.

Hitter of the Day/Web Gem of the Day

Kevin Alcantara is back in the news as he went 3-for-4 and was a triple short of the cycle. In addition, he had a majestic moon shot over the left centerfield wall, his 10th homer of the year. He also drove in two on the day. His average has now risen to .286 on the year. In addition, Alcantara is really good in the outfield. Check out his diving catch and dart to second base below.

Reliever of the Day

Chris Clarke pitched his best game today for Tennessee. He entered the game with one out in the first inning and managed to go 5.2 innings with eight strikeouts. He scattered five hits and did not allow run and kept Tennessee in the game. His ERA at Tennessee is now under five. I’m really digging that as he got 9off to a rough start when he was promoted.

Starting Pitcher of the Day

This award goes to Tyler Schlaffer of Myrtle Beach who pitched five innings, gave up four hits, walked one, allowed one run, and struck out six. Considering that Myrtle Beach is fighting for a playoff spot, that’s a big-time performance. The Pelicans, who were playing for the final time as “The Mermen,” kept their small 2-game lead over Charleston with 4 games to go.


I will be back in the morning with the usual “Weekly” news report as I discuss some things I saw this week watching South Bend along with some things other people are writing about Cubs prospects. I’ll also be back at noon tomorrow with the “Rookie League Recap.” And I’ll have the “Players of the Day” tomorrow night which should have some pictures that I will capture tomorrow in Davenport.