Owen Caissie – Picture by Todd Johnson

It sure seemed like most of tonight’s action happened while I was on a walk. Owen Caissie cranked one out, Kevin Alcântara hit a granny, and Yonathan Perlaza went yard. When I checked the Gameday feed for each game, I had a hard time believing it. But that really was not the end of the action as other players would hit home runs and they would be plenty of runs tonight.

Fact of the Day

Web Gem of the Day

Love how Caissie tracks it down and then tosses the ball to PCA to throw it back.

Originally tweeted by Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) on July 28, 2022.

On the other hand, it was a rough day to be a pitcher in the system.

Starting Pitcher of the Day

This award goes out to Tyler Schlaffer of South Bend who made his High-A debut today. He went five innings and threw 68 pitches, 44 of them were for strikes. That was pretty impressive as the youngster from Homewood-Flossmoor scattered five hits and struck out 2. He gave up his only two runs on one pitch.

Reliever of the Day

2025 fifth round pick Koen Moreno made his first start in Myrtle Beach. He was on a strict pitch count and with two outs in the third, Chase Watkins came in and did an unbelievable job going for 3.1 innings on just 46 pitches. Mr. Efficiency also struck out three and gave up one hit but did not allow any runs as he kept the Pelicans in the game after they fell behind 3 to 0. When Watkins left the game, they were up 5 to 4 and would go on to win 10 to 5.

Honorable mention – Jeremiah Estrada only pitched one inning tonight. He struck out all three guys. I think it’s time he heads to Iowa, His ERA at Tennessee is now 1.62 after two months. Promote him. This has been your nightly Jeremiah Estrada Public Service Announcement.

Hitter of the Day: The Contenders 

Owen Caissie went 3-for-4 and was a double short of the cycle. He drove in two runs on the night and scored one run. It’s hard to believe he just turned 20 and he’s doing so well for the third straight month. I could see him in Tennessee for the last few weeks of the year. I doubt if the Cubs want to move him up, though, as he has been integral to their affiliate’s second half success. It might just be best if he just stays in South Bend all year. Let him win in Indiana with PCA and that group.

Kevin Alcântara only went 1-for-5 on the day but hiss grand slam gave Myrtle Beach a lead after being down 3 to 0.

Ethan Hearn hit a solo shot tonight as he went 2-for-5 and he also drove in two more runs with a single on the night.

This is a tough decision as they’re all worthy in their own way. But Caissie just punished the ball every time he was up tonight. I’m rolling with him.