Nats minor league report (5/5)

Syracuse Chiefs (AAA) 15-11, 1 game back

The Chiefs lost to Columbus last night 7-5.  Chuck James allowed 4 runs and 5 hits over 3 innings.  Ron Villone is making the case for not being on the Nats roster, pitching 2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs.  He has an ERA of 11.57.   Josh Whitesell was 2 for 2 with 2 runs and hit his 4th home run.  Seth Bynum was 2 for 4 with a double and run scored. 

Harrisburg Senators (AA)  10-15, 7.5 games back

Jeff Mandel, one of the top pitchers in the Nats system last year, has not been treated very kindly this season.  Last night was no different.  Mandel pitched 4.1 innings, got smacked for 11 hits and 4 runs.  Mandel is now 0-4 on the season with an ERA of 4.21.  The Senators didn't help Mandel either, compiling only 3 hits. 

Potomac Nationals (A)  11-14, 4 games back

The Nationals got roughed up last 9-0.  A Gulf Coast league start last year, Evan Bronson has not been treated well in advanced A ball.  Bronson got racked for 9 hits and 2 runs in 5.1 innings.  Overall he is 1-2 with an ERA over 4.50.  The Washington Nationals right field prospect Michael Burgess was 1-4 with an RBI.  He is hitting a solid .290. 

Hagerstown Suns (A) 15-10, .5 games back

The Suns defeated Rome 11-5 last night behind a strong pitching performance from starter Paul Demny.  Demny pitched 5.2 innings, allowed 5 hits, 1 run, and whiffed 5.   Francisco Soriano (.277) was 2-5 with a double and 2 runs.  Steve Souza (.274) continues to rip the ball, going 2 for 3 with a double, triple, and 2 RBis.  Justin Bloxom continues to shine going 2 for 5 with a double, triple, and 3 RBi.  He is hitting .351.  Destin Hood was 2-4 and is hitting .340.