Big Games for Former G-Stros

Normally I post the highlights for former Greeneville Astros box scores on twitter.  Just highlighting the best performances of the night.  However, last night, there are several that are worth mentioning and giving a little more attention to.

In the Majors, Brandon Barnes hitting his first home run of the year for the Astros and Jose Altuve raising his average to .371 with a 2 for 3 night were some of the only highlights for the big league club.  In the minors, it was a different story. 

Delino DeSheilds went 3 for 3 with two triples, two RBI, three runs scored and one walk in Lancaster's win over Bakersfield.  He also stole two bases in the game.  Since returning from a five day layoff with a bum finger.  DDJ is 4 for 6 with a double, two triples and three walks.  Exactly what you want from a lead off guy.

Luis Cruz continued his solid start to the 2013 season in Lancaster.  He pitched five inning shut out innings, giving up just one hit, one walk and striking out five batters.  Cruz even earned the prestigious Morgan Ensberg "He's a really good player" award. Cruz has been working in the tandem starting role in Lancaster this season.  He has appeared in four games.  In 16 2/3 IP, he has allowed just nine hits, eight walks, four runs and has struck out 22 batters.

But the biggest night belonged to David Martinez of Corpus Christi. He pitched five perfect innings against Frisco in AA last night.  He threw just 60 pitches in five innings.  With the current tandem pitching rotation in the Astros minor league system, the starting pitcher for the day throws five innings or 75 pitches and the second reliever comes in to throw the last four or 60 pitches.  His ERA for the year is 1.88.  However in the two games he has been the starting pitcher, he has allowed just two hits and two walks in 10 innings pitched.  The plan according to the Astros is for the cream to rise to the top over time and the best five will be starting by mid season.  If Martinez and Cruz keep up what they are doing, they will be among those who continue starting.