:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65179504/usa_today_13138437.0.jpg)
The Rangers A ball teams all started their playoff series yesterday, and the star for the Hickory Crawdads was pitcher Ricky Vanasco. Vanasco, who was promoted late in the season from Spokane to Hickory, went up against highly touted 2018 first rounder Grayson Rodriguez for Delmarva.
Vanasco allowed 2 runs in the first inning then put zeroes up the rest of the way, going 6 innings, striking out 7, and allowing 7 hits and 2 walks in the win. Kelvin Gonzalez had 2 strikeouts in a scoreless 9th for the save. Josh Jung and Miguel Aparicio each doubled, and Tyreque Reed homered.
Down East played a doubleheader in order to avoid a game today, when Hurricane Dorian is expected to cause weather issues. Down East split, with J.P. Martinez, Bubba Thompson and Sherten Apostel each picking up a pair of hits.
Spokane fell in extra innings in their playoff opener. Heriberto Hernandez had a pinch hit home run, David Garcia had a hit and two walks, and Derwin Barreto had a hit and a walk.