I think it’s fair to say that Matt Blandino’s latest start with the Arizona League (Rookie) Reds was awesome.
Pitching on Aug. 6 against the Diamondbacks, the former Bristol Central standout fanned seven batters with no walks in three innings of work. The right-hander gave up just two hits over those three scoreless innings. Blandino dropped his ERA to a rock-solid 2.30, and his WHIP stands at 1.09.
Teammate Manny Cruz has average at .277 for the season. On Aug. 8 against the Indians, the former Wolcott and Wilby standout connected for his third home run of the season. Cruz had two hits, a run scored, a stolen base and two RBI in that game. For the year, Cruz has three homers, two triples, a double and 11 RBI.
Connor Fitzsimons, Arizona League Angels
Fitzsimons still has just one hit on the season, but he drove in his first run as a professional in a Aug. 9 game against the Athletics. Fitzsimons drove in the run on a fielder’s choice. The former Bristol Eastern standout had a throwing error in the game, but he also caught a runner trying to steal second.
Kevin Rivers, York Revolution
The former Bristol Eastern star was hitting .288 for his second team this season entering tonight’s game. Rivers had gone hitless in his last four games before last night, when he didn’t register an official at bat. That’s because he showed a good eye and walked four times.
For the season with York (37 games), Rivers has a homer, 23 RBI, 15 doubles, four triples, two stolen bases and 15 walks. He has scored 17 runs.
