Rookie

Billings 10, Ogden 6

The entire offense deserves to be highlighted, but I only have time for two.  21 year-old Anthony Esquer (Reds #24 – 2006) went 3 for 5 with a 2B, and 2 RBI.  The backstop is now hitting .315/.364/.359.

21 year-old Chris Valaika (Reds #3 – 2006) went 2 for 5 extending his hitting streak to 27 games.  Valaika, the infielder from UC-Santa Barbara, is now hitting a robust .321/.388/.522

GCL Reds DNP

LOW A

Dayton 8, Wisconsin 7

19 year-old Jay Bruce (Reds #1 – 2005) back in his familiar RF for the Dragons went 1 for 5 with a solo homer, his 17th of the year.  Bruce is now hitting .293/.360/.525. 

HIGH A

Sarasota 9, Clearwater 1

20 year-old Johnny Cueto (undrafted free agent) continues to bring down his ERA with the Sarasota Reds after a couple of rough starts at the beginning of his promotion.  Cueto pitched 5.2 innings giving up 4 H and 2 BB while striking out 7.  The Dominican’s ERA is now 4.20 with 50 K, 22 BB, and 41 H in 49.1 IP since being promoted to Sarasota.

AA

Birmingham 4, Chattanooga 3

23 year-old Joey Votto (Reds #2 – 2002) went 3 for 3 with a 2B and a BB.  Votto is now hitting .314/.402./.548.  Votto, leads the Southern League in 2B, HR, OBP, SLG, BB, OPS.  I would say one more year like this at Louisville next year, and you could be seeing your 1B of the future.

AAA

Louisville 2, Durham 0

25 year-old Michael Gosling (D’Backs #2 – 2001) pitched 6.1 innings giving 5 H, 0 ER, and 1 BB while striking out 6.  Gosling is clearly pitching much better lately has lowered his ERA to 3.93 with 91 K, 50 BB, 104 H in 110 IP.

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