Tacoma Rainiers @ Las Vegas 51s, 10:05pm EST
James Paxton (3-5, 5.70 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (4-1, 4.14 ERA)
Wheeler watch is nearing it’s end; if all goes well, Zack will be making his last start in Triple-A tonight against Tacoma before getting promoted to the big leagues. The right-hander is projected to start on June 18th at Turner Field against the Atlanta Braves. Tonight’s game will be his second straight start against Tacoma, and hopes to end his Vegas tenure on a high note after throwing 4.2 innings and allowing four runs on eight hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts on June 7th. In four starts since returning from the disabled list, Wheeler has pitched into the sixth inning only once.
Binghamton Mets @ Trenton Thunder, 7:05pm EST
Cory Mazzoni (2-1, 4.06 ERA) vs. Nik Turley (5-4, 4.40 ERA)
Mazzoni will also be facing the same opponent for the second straight time, and is looking to end his three-start no-decision streak. On June 6th, the right-hander threw 6.2 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, three walks, and 11 strikeouts against Trenton. Mazzoni has struck out 20 hitters in his last two starts, spanning 12.2 innings. That’s the most strikeouts he’s had in a two-start span all season. He’s had a tougher time putting together quality appearances on the road; opponents are only hitting .226 in 23.1 innings at NYSEG Park, but .344 on the road.
St. Lucie Mets @ Clearwater Threshers, 7:00pm EST
Domingo Tapia (2-4, 3.30 ERA) vs. Ethan Stewart (0-1, 7.08 ERA)
Tapia put together his second straight decent start on June 8th against Jupiter, but once again earned the no-decision. He threw six innings and allowed one run on five hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. Since allowing six runs and four walks in 0.1 innings pitched against Bradenton on May 24th, Tapia has only allowed two runs on 10 hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts in 11 innings pitched. He will be making his 11th start of the season, and it will be the 10th time he’ll take the mound with the stadium lights on.
Greenville Drive @ Savannah Sand Gnats, 7:05pm EST
TBD vs. Jake Kuebler (1-2, 2.86 ERA)
The Sand Gnats kick off their final series of the first half tonight, sending Kuebler to the mound to get it off to a good start. The righty turned in his longest appearance as a starter in his third try, going five innings and allowing one run on three hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. That effort was good enough to get his first win of 2013 against Rome on June 8th. He’ll be making his second start in front of the home crowd at Grayson Stadium, and currently owns a 1.29 ERA in four total appearances in Savannah, spanning 14 innings.
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