In short postseason series, you never know who will respond well to challenges. For Harrisburg so far, staff ace Tom Milone has answered the call, rebounding well after a rough first inning in Game 1. But we're as interested in progress and process as much as results in the extra games. Steve Lombardozzi has been consistent all year. He's risen to the challenge, hitting 4-13 with six walks so far. But the biggest position player prospects on Harrisburg are Michael Burgess in right field and the oft debated Chris Marrero at first base. So far, both have struggled. Chris Marrero is hitting .250 right now. Of greater concern he has shown no power against the top talent of the Eastern League and has no extra base hits. Michael Burgess questions are about can he have consistent contact. So far, he's 0-10, with 3BB and 4 stikeouts.
In Potomac, top position prospect Derek Norris and Carolina League MVP (and probably Nats minor league Player of the Year) Tyler Moore came up big. Norris went 1-4 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and an RBI. Much like he has all season, Derek Norris leads the Carolina League playoffs with five walks. More than any other of our position player prospects, including those serving as DC callups, Norris has the "walk tool". Moore busted out the big stick, hitting a solo homer as part of 2-4 day.
Late season addition from Harrisburg Bill Rhinehart was the hitting star, going 2-3 with a three run homer for Potomac. Potomac won 7-1 over Frederick behind a dominant 5 2/3 from Jimmy Barthmaier (W, 1-0), who gave up no runs and struck out seven batters. Solid relief work from AJ Morris, who allowed just one run in two innings and Pat McCoy, who finished the game pitching a scoreless 1 1/3 sealed the deal. Potomac is now up 2-1 in the series with games at 6:35 tonight and 1:05 tomorrow as they try to finish Frederick in front of their home frames.
Links on hold since I'm heading to Nats Park in a little bit. Harrisburg summary and prospect performances after the jump:
Harrisburg lost to Altoona 7-2 last night. Ryan Tatusko (L, 0-1) battled hard to give a decent effort in his start. He scattered 8 hits and 2 walks, while just striking out two batters and giving up three runs. Behind him, the bullpen struggled with Hassan Pena giving up two earned runs in an inning and Garate gave up two unearned runs after a Josh Johnson error. Offensively, only pinch hitter Adam Fox managed a clutch hit, a two run HR in the ninth inning after Harrisburg was pretty much out of the game. The team couldn't take advantage of six walks from Altoona and hit just 1-10 with runners in scoring position. Harrisburg is now down 1-2 in the series and must win today at 4:00 to extend their season.
AA Harrisburg:
- Ryan Tatusko, RSP: 6IP, 8H, 3ER, 2BB, 2K, WP
- Stephen Lombardozzi, 2B: 2-4, BB
- Josh Johnson, SS: 1-1, 3BB, fielding error
- Chris Marrero, 1B: 0-3, BB, 3K
- Michael Burgess, RF: 0-3, BB, 2K
- Adam Fox, PH: 1-1, R, 2RBI, 2R, HR
High A Potomac:
- Jimmy Barthmaier, SP: 5.2 IP, 2H, 0R, BB, 7K
- Sean Nicol, 2B: 2-3, R, RBI, sac bunt
- Derek Norris, DH: 1-4, 2R, RBI, BB, 3K
- Tyler Moore, 1B: 2-4, R, RBI, HR
- Bill Rhinehart, RF: 2-3, R, 3RBI, 3R HR, BB
- Chris Curran, CF: 2-3, R, sac bunt