What a night. The big league club blew another lead in horrendous fashion, but it was a lot of fun on the farm if you decided to tune in.

AAA Omaha (1-0): W 8-2

Omaha won 8-2 in their season opener last night on the back of 5.1 shutout innings from RHP Jackson Kowar. Kowar gave up 2 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 9 batters on the night. Edward Olivares homered and tripled in his first two PA and Kelvin Gutierrez had two hits on the night, including a double. Gabriel Cancel and Ryan McBroom were each 1-4 with a HR on the night. RHP Carlos Hernandez will take the mound for Omaha today at 12:05 pm.

AA Northwest Arkansas (1-0): W 7-4

Northwest Arkansas won their season opener 7-4 as MJ Melendez hit his first two HR of the year on opening night. 1B Nick Pratto also homered last night. Naturals starter Jon Heasley (RHP) struck out 5 in 3.1 IP, giving up 2 earned runs, and the bullpen would only allow one run in the remaining 5.2 innings. Bobby Witt Jr. went 0-5 with 2 K in his AA debut. Big Jon Bowlan will take the mound for NWA tomorrow night at 7:10 pm.

High-A Quad Cities (0-1): L 4-7

The River Bandits couldn’t cash in on Angel Zerpa’s (LHP) impressive start and Vinnie Pasquantino’s first HR of 2021 last night. Zerpa finished with 7 K and 1 ER in 5 IP, but the bullpen was less good in the loss. Tyler Gentry picked up his first two professional hits and Jeison Guzman rocked a double to deep RF in his second AB. There were also some extracurriculars of sorts.

Low-A Columbia (0-0): PPD

Weather caused a postponement of last night’s season opener for Columbia. They’ll make it up with a DH on Thursday.

Photo Credits: Ryan Griffith (@ryanrgriffith)