Bus Leagues Express: September 5

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MiLB recognizes Player of the Week recipients: Yesterday, MiLB announces the final Player of the Week winners of the season. The final honorees included New Britain’s Oswaldo Arcia. The Twins outfield prospect is enjoying a breakout year with a .955 OPS in 69 Eastern League games. Also included was Domingo Santana of Lancaster. The power hitting right fielder wrapped up the best season of his career, batting .300 or better on the home and road with a career high of 23 home runs. Other recipients include Wilkin Ramirez (ROC), Matt Long (TL), Hunter Morris (SL), Nolan Arenado (TL), Tommy La Stella (Car), Mike Walker (FSL), Daniel Paolini (MWL), Maikel Franco (SAL), Shawn Pleffner (NYPL), Stephen Bruno (NWL), Jeffrey Diehl (APP) and Jake Lamb (PIO).

MiLB recognizes Pitcher of the Week recipients: Yesterday, MiLB announces the final Pitcher of the Week winners of the season. The final honorees included Zach Lee representing the Southern League. After a rough transition to AA, the Dodgers righty settled down and allowed no more than one run in his final four starts. Frisco’s Cody Buckel was also honored. Buckel finished with 23 strikeouts and no walks in his final three starts of the year. Other recipients include Nelson Figueroa (IL), Hiram Burgos (PCL), Brett Brach (EL), Andrew Smith (Cal), Tyler Wilson (Car), Chris Corrigan (FSL), Marcelo Carreno (MWL), Chris Devenski (SAL), Andres Avila (NYPL), Taylor Cole (NWL), Robert Gsellman (APP) and Lindsey Caughel (PIO).

Collins homer lifts Flying Tigers: Dunedin’s offense was probably head and shoulders above the rest of the Florida State League in 2012, but Lakeland silenced them in their playoff opening 1-0 victory over the Blue Jays. Despite J.P. Arencibia and David Cooper making rehab appearances, Dunedin couldn’t get a hit with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base. Although starter Luis Angel Sanz wasn’t sharp, allowing three hits and walking four in 4.2 innings, the bullpen picked him up. Three relievers combined to strike out five in 4.1 scoreless inings to wrap up the game. The only run of the game happened three batters into the bottom of the 1st when breakout outfielder Tyler Collins smacked a solo home run. That run stood for the remainder of the game. Across the state, Jupiter withstood a lengthy rain delay and made a late rally to defeat St. Lucie 3-1.

Boise explodes late to even series: While Vancouver pretty easily swept Everett with their 7-4 win last night in the other semi-final, the Boise Hawks had to fight to survive. They did just that with a seven run 9th inning to defeat Yakima and force a deciding game three. First rounder Albert Almora was a key factor for Boise in that inning and the entire game. His 9th inning double scored two, and it capped off a three hit night that also included a triple. Leadoff man Gioskar Amaya got their scoring started in the 3rd with a two run homer, but Yakima quickly tied it and eventually took the lead. Tonight’s game has special significance to Yakima. It could be their last game in town as they are expected to relocate to Oregon for 2013.

Marte hitless in rehab: Although his brief ML career cooled off a bit after homering in his first at-bat, Starling Marte is still one of the three best outfield options Pittsburgh has down the stretch if they want to keep contending. He hasn’t played since August 18th with an oblique injury, but he took his first step back Tuesday in a rehab appearance with State College. As their DH, he went 0/5 with three strikeouts before being replaced late in the game. Obviously the results weren’t what the Pirates were hoping for, but he’ll head to Indianapolis to continue his rehab assignment and assist in their postseason run.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Eight teams begin hunt for AAA Championship

Eastern League, Texas League begin postseason

California and Carolina Leagues join FSL in postseason play

Midwest League, South Atlantic League kick off low-A playoffs

New York Penn League wraps up regular season with much to be decided