D-backs Farm Rumblings: Jackson’s streak ends and Duplantier’s dealing
Apr 30, 2018, 7:35 AM
Another week in the books, and finally the Jackson Generals suffered a loss. They’re still comfortably in first place in the North Division of the Southern League, and they’ve been bolstered by the return of D-backs pitching prospect Jon Duplantier, who continues to baffle opposing hitters.
Here’s a look at what went on in the D-backs farm system this past week:
| Team | League | Week/Overall | Standing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Reno Aces | Pacific Coast League (Triple-A) | 2-4 / 7-17 | 4th place in Pacific Northern Division (9.0 games back) |
 |
Jackson Generals | Southern League (Double-A) | 4-4 / 17-6 | 1st place in North Division (5.0 games up) |
 |
Visalia Rawhide | California League (High-A) | 4-2 / 15-9 | Tied for 1st place with Stockton in North Division (1.0 game up) |
 |
Kane County Cougars | Midwest League (Single-A) | 2-5 / 10-11 | Tied for 5th place in Western Division (4.5 games back) |
Marzilli’s back…again – Evan Marzilli, who hadn’t seen action yet in 2018, returned to the top of the lineup for the Aces, going 6-for-10 with four runs scored, a home run and three RBI in weekend games against Sacramento. Marzilli, originally an eighth-round pick by the D-backs out of South Carolina in 2012, has now played parts of four seasons with Reno.
#AcesWin!!!!!
Evan Marzilli returns from the DL to spark our offense in Sacramento 😁
1⃣0⃣-7⃣ ♠️
📓: https://t.co/wR9Xhl0Lto … … pic.twitter.com/2ExcwWt6fv
— Reno Aces (@Aces) April 29, 2018
Generals finally cool off – It looked like the Jackson Generals might not ever lose again. Monday, they swept a 7-inning twin bill over Chattanooga 7-0 and 7-6. In the opener, lefty Alex Young threw 6.0 shutout innings, striking out eight while Kevin Medrano went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. In the nightcap, Marty Herum delivered a one-out, two-run single that scored Medrano and Jamie Westbrook for a walk-off win in the seventh inning. With that win, Jackson won its ninth straight and pushed its record to 15-2. However, the fun ended the next night in a 2-1 loss to Chattanooga.
Dup, there he is – Duplantier was dominant in his latest start Thursday night, going 5.0 innings, allowing just four hits (all singles), one unearned run and walking one while striking out eight in a 6-1 win over Mississippi. Duplantier also added a base hit and scored a run. He’s 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA. He threw just 72 pitches (50 strikes) during his mound work.
Final line for @jacksongenerals starter @dup_thereitis (@Dbacks no. 1 prospect)
5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
72 Pitches, 50 Strikes pic.twitter.com/oF8ruXmpHt
— The Southern League (@SLeagueBaseball) April 27, 2018
You’ll get nothing, and like it – Left-handed reliever Colin Poche has been unhittable this season in the Southern League. The 24-year-old, who was a 14th-round draft pick out of Dallas Baptist by the D-backs in 2016, has appeared in eight games, logged 10 innings and has yet to allow a run. In fact, Poche has allowed only three hits and two walks while striking out 21. Over 60 appearances in his minor league career, Poche has posted a 1.77 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.
Takahashi keeps on rolling – Right-hander Bo Takahashi, 21, is not considered one of Arizona’s top pitching prospects, but he’s been one of the organization’s best performers early in 2018. In his latest start Friday night, Takahashi pitched 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out eight in a 5-1 win over Inland Empire. Takahashi is now 3-0 with a 1.73 ERA, 30 strikeouts and four walks in 26 innings.
Bo Takahashi dealt 6 strong innings to lead the way as the #Rawhide won 5-1! Marcus Wilson homered and Manny Jefferson added a three-run triple.#BoKnows pic.twitter.com/28GHhHcztt
— Visalia Rawhide (@VisaliaRawhide) April 28, 2018
Solid Silverio – Luis Silverio, a 22-year-old outfielder whom the D-backs drafted out of Florida State in the 33rd round in 2015, had a good week at the dish at Kane County. Silverio hit .308 (8-for-26) with a homer and eight RBI in seven games last week. His 16 RBI are the most on the club by a wide margin (Ernie De La Trinidad is second with 9) and he’s got one of only four round-trippers hit by the Cougars this season.
QUICK HITS
• Reno infielder Jack Reinheimer hit a milestone this weekend.
With a single in the 8th inning, Jack Reinheimer became the 4th player in franchise history to reach 300 hits. #Aces10 @MiLB pic.twitter.com/w33AN01k0C
— Reno Aces (@Aces) April 30, 2018
• D-backs top prospect Pavin Smith had two more homers last week for Visalia and put together a stretch of six games in which he went deep three times.
• Visalia outfield prospect Marcus Wilson had homers in back-to-back games against Lancaster and Inland Empire Thursday and Friday.
• Rawhide right-hander Sam McWilliams struck out a career-high 12 in just 5.2 innings of work Thursday against Lancaster, but Visalia lost 3-1. His 32 strikeouts are tied with teammate Emilio Vargas for the second-most in the California League.
• Visalia’s Connor Grey started the week by picking up an award.
No surprise here: @Connor7Grey has been named the California League Pitcher of the Week after striking out a career-high 12 hitters in 7 shutout innings last Thursday!
FULL STORY: https://t.co/7dpR6Lfkmb pic.twitter.com/UzqtRP41zv— Visalia Rawhide (@VisaliaRawhide) April 23, 2018
• Cool piece on Kane County infielder Luis Alejandro Basabe and his twin brother, Luis Alexander Basabe.
• Kane County infielder Jasrado Chisholm, one of Arizona’s top prospects, is back on the field after missing some time with a hamstring injury. In three games back, Chisholm is hitting .417 (5-for-12).
