Latz deals, Crouse does okay, Phillips struggles

Hans Crouse took the mound for Hickory in a day game today, and had some mixed results. 5 IP for Crouse, with 6 Ks and 0 walks, but he allowed 4 singles, a double and a home run, ultimately allowing 4 runs (3 earned). Crouse did do a very good job throwing strikes — facing 21 batters, he threw 75 pitches, 55 for strikes, and his ERA on the season is now 3.35.

Hickory had another offensive explosion, as well, with Curtis Terry and Sherten Apostel each picking up 3 hits, and Pedro Gonzalez homering twice.

Tyler Phillips had his first bad outing in about a year for Frisco, getting knocked out after 1.1 IP, allowing 7 hits, including a pair of home runs, 6 runs, 2 walks and 2 Ks. This is the sort of outing the 21 year old is going to have from time to time as he moves up the ladder, and you just have to hope he learns from it and moves forward.

Jake Latz did quality work for Down East today, going 5 IP, striking out 9, walking 4, and allowing 3 hits and 1 run. The 23 year old left hander did need 96 pitches to get through those five innings, but he ended up lowering his ERA on the year to 2.86. Leody Taveras continued his quietly productive season, walking twice and picking up a single.