George Valera goes yard, Ralphy Valazquez hits two homers as Guardians affiliates sweep

Cleveland Guardians minor league recap for Monday, May 6, 2024

Columbus Clippers 5, Toledo Mud Hens 3

Box Score · Clippers improve to 13-19

With the game tied 3-3, the Columbus Clippers got a clutch two-run home run from outfield prospect George Valera, his first of the season. Valera went 1-for-4 on the day, but his opposite-field bomb was a sight for sore eyes.

Veteran catcher Dom Nunez also homered, going 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. Other offensive standouts included Daniel Schneemann, who went 2-for-4 with his seventh home run of the season, and Johnathan Rodriguez, who went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base.

Starting pitcher Will Dion lasted just three innings, giving up two runs on one hit with three walks and four strikeouts.

Of note, former top bullpen prospect Nick Mikolajchak returned from Tommy John surgery to throw a scoreless inning, although he skirted around two hits and a walk.

John Doxakis, Franco Aleman and Anthony Gose combined for four scoreless innings to close out the game, with Aleman earning the win and Gose earning the save.

Akron RubberDucks 2, Richmond Flying Squirrels 1

Box Score · RubberDucks improve to 18-9

Petey Halpin played hero in this one, going 2-for-5 with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to break a 1-1 tie.

Khalil Watson had a strong game, going 1-for-2 with a triple and two walks. Aaron Bracho went 1-for-3 with a walk, as did Dayan Frias.

Doug Nikhazy returned from the injured list and pitched a scoreless first inning, allowing one hit. Tommy Mace followed with seven dominant innings, allowing one run on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

Hanner earned the win with a scoreless ninth inning.

Lake County Captains 6, Fort Wayne TinCaps 0

Box Score · Captains improve to 16-11

Lake County got a tremendous pitching performance from Austin Peterson, who continues to dominate the High-A level. Peterson tossed six shutout innings on three hits with three strikeouts and no walks.

Steve Hajjar returned for the first time in three weeks, pitching two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts and two walks.

Zane Morehouse closed out the victory with a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts to complete the shutout.

Offensively, Justin Boyd led the way, going 1-for-2 with a double, two walks and a stolen base, also scoring two runs. Guy Lipscomb went 1-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs, Jake Fox went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk, CJ Kayfus went 1-for-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch, Cooper Ingle walked twice, Tyresse Turner walked and was hit by a pitch and Nate Furman went 1-for-3 with a walk.

Lynchburg Hillcats 5, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 3

Box Score · Hillcats improve to 15-12

This was the Ralphy Velazquez show. The Guardians No. 1 pick in 2023 blasted two home runs on Sunday, both solo shots.

Jaison Chourio also had a monster game, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases, including a steal of home. Esteban Gonzalez went 2-for-4, also stealing a base.

Starting pitcher Alex Clemmey had his best appearance of his young career, allowing one run on four hits in four innings while striking out two and walking three.

Artiles added three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three.