Bus Leagues Express: July 20

Top stories

Brooklyn outduels Staten Island: Anyone who had tickets for a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises and attended the NYPL’s battle of New York last night was probably sweating it out. In a four hour, 12 minute affair, Brooklyn prevailed with a run in the 15th inning for the 1-0 victory. It took 12 pitchers between both teams, and they combined for 31 strikeouts. The lone run came in the 15th on Richie Rodriguez‘s sac fly to score Dimas Pounce. In the bottom half of the inning, the final out of the game was recorded in a collision at home plate when Jose Rosario tried to score from second on a ground ball up the middle. Brooklyn’s Gabriel Ynoa was the game’s most effective pitcher with six scoreless innings. Alex Smith struck out four in three innings but gave up the game’s only run to take the loss.

Yakima clinches playoff berth: It may seem hard to believe, but first half playoff berths in short-season leagues are already at stake. On Wednesday, the Yakima Bears earned their ticket with an 8-4 win over Boise. It’s the first time they’ve won a first half championship in the Northwest League. A strong pitching staff carried the Bears to their early success, led by a rotation that has four starters with a WHIP of 1.11 or below. Former Utah Ute Shaun Cooper leads the offense.

Rendon returns to field: When Anthony Rendon hurt his ankle in just his second game back in April, he expressed doubt that he would be returning this season. The start of a rehab assignment Thursday indicates he should be back to collect plenty of at-bats. He went 0/2 playing third base for the GCL Nationals in their 9-4 loss to the GCL Cardinals. It may take some time for him to return to Potomac, but they’ll be happy with whatever production they can get when the time comes. It’s a positive that he was able to play the field so soon when many players begin their assignments as a DH to ease back into action.

Mondesi takes on Mondesi: For the first time this season, Adalberto Mondesi and Raul Mondesi Jr. competed against each other in the Pioneer League. They play for Idaho Falls and Helena respectively, and it was Adalberto’s team that came out on top Thursday in a 4-3 game. Adalberto is considered to be the better prospect, and that reflects in the stats so far this season. As a 16 year old, he has a .796 OPS while Raul Jr. has a .646 OPS as a 19 year old. On this night though, it was Raul Jr. who had the superior individual performance. Each brother went 1/4, but it was Raul Jr. who hit a home run, his second of the season.

Soler hitless in debut: After months of does he or doesn’t he have residency drama and a month after signing with the Cubs, highly touted Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler finally made his pro debut Thursday. As the Arizona Cubs’ DH, he went 0/3 before being removed from the game in their extra innings 4-3 loss to the Arizona Mariners. In his three at-bats, Soler grounded out twice and lined into a double play. It would’ve been nice to see him reach base in his first game, but it’s just great to see him in a box score period. No one is really sure how ready he is for pro baseball, and the next month will be a good indication.

GCL Marlins throw perfect game: Somehow, Minor League Baseball survived three days between no-hitters. Thursday, the GCL Marlins threw a perfect game, the first in a short-season league this year. It was started by Justin Jackson, a 2012 pick from Sam Houston State. He struck out six in six innings, a career high. Patrick Merkling and Dane Stone combined to finish the game that lasted just over two hours. Third rounder Kolby Copeland had three hits and scored twice in the 6-0 win over the GCL Astros. Top Astros picks Carlos Correa and Rio Ruiz both went 0/3.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Brian Matusz takes on Syracuse

Wily Peralta looks to continue momentum

Corcino, Anderson meet in top SL matchup

Dylan Bundy takes on Winston-Salem