Philadelphia Phillies Advanced-A affiliate Jersey Shore BlueClaws split a six game series with the Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees affiliate) this week to open up the 2021 Minor League Baseball season.
Pitching Prevails
BlueClaws pitching was the strong point of the series, as Claws’ pitchers struck out 82 batters, the most in the league. Right-hander Ben Brown guided the Claws’ to an Opening Day victory, going four shutout innings, striking out six and allowing only one hit. Josh Hendrickson went four shutout innings, striking out four in his start on Thursday, and Adam Leverett went three innings, allowing only one hit in his start on Friday. Braden Zarbnisky was untouchable out of the bullpen throughout the series, striking out five and allowing no runs over 4.1 innings of work in two games. Reliever Dom Pipkin allowed only two hits over his four innings on the mound, striking out six.
The Bats
Phillies 2019 first round draft pick Bryson Stott hit two home runs in the series, including a go-ahead solo blast on Friday night.
Infielder Rudy Rott had five hits and four RBI in the six games, and catcher Logan O’Hoppe also racked up four RBI, two of which came on an Opening Day home run.
Looking Ahead
The 3-3 BlueClaws will head to Wilmgington, DE for a six game set with the Blue Rocks, before heading home on May 18 when they will take on the Winston-Salem Dash.
Follow along on Jersey Sporting News all season to stay locked in on Minor League Baseball in New Jersey.
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