Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Big Day in the FCL For Esmerlyn Valdez, Jack Brannigan's 1st High-A HR, & More

Esmerlyn Valdez had a four-hit day in the FCL, Jack Brannigan hit his first home run at High-A, and more in today's Pittsburgh Pirates minor league roundup

Thursday night's Pittsburgh Pirates minor league action saw the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians fall to the Louisville Bats 9-6. With the loss, the Indians are now 46-52 on the season. This game was supposed to include the start of a rehab assignment for Ke'Bryan Hayes, however, shortly before first pitch he was scratched from the lineup.

Rodolfo Castro served as the team's designated hitter, going 1-for-5 with two runs scored. Chris Owings started in center field going 1-for-5 with a run scored and a RBI, shortstop Vinny Capra was 1-for-4.

Miguel Andújar started in left field going 3-for-5. Andújar hit his 12th home run of the season, scored twice and drove in a pair of runs. Domingo Leyba was 2-for-5 with a double and a RBI, Jason Delay also had a pair of hits including a double.

Andre Jackson started for Indy, allowing 2 runs while striking out five in 4 innings pitched. Lefty Kent Emanuel allowed 3 runs on four hits, a home run, a walk, and three strikeouts in 2 innings pitched. Travis MacGregor allowed 3 runs on four hits and a alk while getting the first two outs of the 7th inning, John O'Reilly then struck out two while retiring all four batters he faced. Hunter Stratton allowed a run in the 9th inning.

Another strong Anthony Solometo start in an Altoona victory

The Double-A Altoona Curve improved to 44-45 on the season with a 5-3 victory over the Harrisburg Senators. The win was driven by another strong start from the best pitcher on Altoona's roster, as the Curve are now a win away from being back to .500 on the season.

Anthony Solometo started for Altoona and allowed 2 runs in the 1st inning. The 20 year old lefty then settled in to turn in another strong start. Solometo allowed those 2 runs on five hits, a walk, and five strikeouts in 5 innings pitched. In 18 starts between High-A and Double-A this season Solometo owns a 2.58 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 87.1 innings pitched.

Tahnaj Thomas allowed a hit in a scoreless 6th inning. Justin Meis pitched the final 3 innings of the game to pick up his 1st save of the season. Meis allowed a run on a solo home run, two hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.

Chavez Young was 1-for-4 with a run scored, Tsung-Che Cheng was 1-for-4 with a double and a RBI, and Mason Martin was 0-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Jackson Glenn went 1-for-3 with a 3-run home run, his 2nd of the season. Mike Jarvis as 3-for-4.

Greensboro hangs on in the 9th inning

It wasn't easy, but the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Winston-Salem Dash. The win came despite the Grasshoppers allowing runs in both the 8th and 9th inning. With the win, Greensboro is now 47-43 on the season.

Jack Carey worked as an opener for Greensboro. Carey allowed two hits, walked a pair, and struck a batter out in 2 scoreless innings pitched. Joshua Loeschorn followed Carey, allowing 3 runs on five hits, a walk, a home run, and four strikeouts in 2.2 innings pitched.

Yunior Thibo was next up. Thibo allowed a hit in 1.1 scoreless innings pitched. Michell Miliano pitched the 7th inning and got the first two outs of the 8th. Miliano allowed a hit, walked two, and struck out three on his way to allowing a run in the 8th. Cy Nielson got the final out of the 8th inning. A lead off walk and a wild pitch led to Nielson allowing a run in the 9th inning, but he was able to close the door for his 8th save of the season.

Jack Brannigan went 2-for-4 with his 1st home run at the High-A level. Tres Gonzalez was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, two runs scored, and his 5th home run of the season. Will Matthiessen started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a double, his 12th home run of the season, and four RBI. Singles by Sammy Siani and Josiah Sightler were the other two hits of the night for the Grasshoppers.

FCL Pirates keep winning

Thursday afternoon the FCL Pirates defeated the FCL Red Sox 9-2. With the win, the FCL Pirates are now 26-10 on the season.

Center field Jhonson Pena hit lead off, going 2-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored. Javier Rivas was 2-for-5 with a walk and a RBI. First baseman Eddy Rodriguez was 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, and three runs scored.

It was a monster game for outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez. Valdez was 4-for-4 with a double, walk, three RBI, and a run scored. Valdez now owns a 1.068 OPS this season. Braylon Bishop was 0-for-3 but drew a pair of walks and scored a run.

Luigi Hernandez started for the FCL Pirates. In 2 hitless, scoreless innings pitched, Hernandez walked three batters and struck out two. Antwone Kelly followed Hernandez and was the bulk guy, allowing 1 unearned run on two hits, a walk, and five strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched. In 27 innings pitched this season Kelly now owns a 2.33 ERA and 33 strikeouts.

Enmanuel De Los Santos followed Kelly. De Los Santos walked a batter and struck a batter out in 1.1 hitless, scoreless innings pitched. Roelmy Garcia walked two batters, struck a batter out, and allowed an unearned run in the 9th inning.