Minor League Recap: Velazquez, Schubart and Caceres all go yard

Columbus jumped out to an early 4-0 lead then held on to preserve the victory Tuesday. Leading the way was Ralphy Velazquez, who snapped out of a short funk by going 2-fo-4 with a massive 415-foot three-run home run in the first inning while also doubling.

In his first game back in Columbus, Daniel Schneemann was perfect at the plate, going 1-for-1 with three walks. Cooper Ingle went 2-for-5 and Angel Genao went 1-for-3 with a walk while Kody Huff homered and George Valera doubled.

Starting pitcher Rorik Maltrud danced around four walks to toss 4.1 innings while allowing one run on three hits with four strikeouts.

All three relievers Steven Perez, Carlos Hernandez and Cody Heuer allowed one run in their appearances.

Akron’s offense erupted on Tuesday, scoring 12 runs on a whopping 19 hits with everyone getting in on the action.

Nolan Schubart led the way, going 2-for-5 with a mammoth home run, a double and a walk.

Also homering was Ryan Cesarini, who went 2-for-5 with a walk; and Maick Collado, who went 2-for-5.

Jaison Chourio went 2-for-6 with a double, Dean Curley went 3-for-5 with two doubles, Aaron Walton went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk and Alex Mooney went 2-for-5.

The terrific offense backed up the pitching staff in a semi-bullpen game. Sean Matson allowed three runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings. Jack Jasiak was perfect in 1.2 frames with three strikeouts. Dylan DeLucia tossed 2.0 scoreless, hitless innings, Kendeglys Virguez’s Double-A debut saw him strike out the side in a perfect inning and Zane Morehouse closed out the win with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

The bottom of the batting order did most of the damage in this one, but people definitely will be talking about Juneiker Caceres’ first High-A homer, a majestic shot in the third inning. He might be the team’s top overall prospect soon if he keeps this up.

Jeffrey Mercedes had a great game, going 3-for-4 with a double while Esteban Gonzalez was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two walks.

Welby Francisca went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a hit by pitch and Anthony Martinez went 1-for-2 with two walks.

Starting pitcher Jacob Zibin allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits with six strikeouts and two walks in 5.0 innings.Logan McGuire picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Catching prospect Reiner Herrera had a sensational game, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and a walk. Also standing out was Jonathan Martinez, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases. No one else reached base safely twice, although Alejandro Blasco had a hit in one of his two plate appearances before leaving the game in his full-season debut.

Starting pitcher Alejandro Rivera allowed five runs on five hits with one walk and no strikeouts in 5.0 innings in what also was his full-season debut.