Home Run Derby featuring Crooks, Baez, Velazquez & Flores

The Cardinal Chronicle
Morning Farm Report
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

The Cardinals’ minor league affiliates split decisions on Wednesday, going 2-2 across the system. Memphis and Peoria powered their way to wins, while Springfield and Palm Beach were held in check offensively as each club continued its current series.

 
Memphis Redbirds (AAA) – #GoBirds
Memphis Redbirds 9, Norfolk Tides 7
Record: 15–8 (T-1st, International League West)

MEMPHIS — The Memphis Redbirds evened their series with the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) with a 9-7 victory Wednesday afternoon in the second game of a six-game homestand at AutoZone Park.

Memphis powered its way to victory with three home runs, including a three-run shot from Jimmy Crooks, as the offense exploded for nine runs to overcome an early deficit and snap a two-game skid.

Joshua Báez and Nelson Velázquez added solo and two-run homers, respectively. The Redbirds banged out multiple extra-base hits and capitalized on timely scoring in the middle innings.

The bullpen held firm in the late frames despite Norfolk’s late push. Memphis starter earned the win in a solid outing, while Norfolk’s bullpen took the loss after the Redbirds’ middle-inning barrage.

Explosive power hitting and capitalizing on Norfolk pitching mistakes in the middle innings proved decisive, while timely relief work preserved the lead.

Jimmy Crooks was the player of the game, delivering a three-run homer and driving in multiple runs during the offensive outburst.

Memphis dropped the series opener 7-5 Tuesday but responded immediately with a high-powered win to split the first two games. The Redbirds continue the homestand against Norfolk on Thursday.

 
Springfield Cardinals (AA) – #SPRCardinals
Midland RockHounds 7, Springfield Cardinals 1
Record: 6–11 (Last, Texas League North – 6 GB)

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Cardinals were held in check in a 7-1 day-game loss to the Midland RockHounds (Double-A, Oakland Athletics) Wednesday afternoon at Hammons Field.

Despite a strong five-inning effort from top prospect Braden Davis, who struck out eight, Springfield’s offense managed just one run as Midland pulled away.

Midland starter Causey (1-1) earned the win, while Davis (0-2) took the loss.

The Cardinals’ bats were quiet early and could not mount a comeback against Midland’s effective relief corps. Springfield’s inability to generate timely hits, combined with Davis’ high strikeout total not translating into run support, proved costly.

Braden Davis was the player of the game for Springfield, recording eight strikeouts in five innings despite taking the loss.

Springfield won a thriller 5-4 Tuesday but was shut down Wednesday, splitting the first two games of the series. The Cardinals host Midland again Thursday at 6:35 p.m. CDT.

 
Peoria Chiefs (High-A) – #PeoriaChiefs
Peoria Chiefs 5, Cedar Rapids Kernels 2
Record: ~8–9 (Midwest League)

PEORIA — The Peoria Chiefs rolled to their third straight win with a 5-2 victory over the Cedar Rapids Kernels (High-A, Minnesota Twins) Wednesday afternoon at Dozer Park.

Jalin Flores’ two-run homer highlighted a three-run fourth inning that propelled Peoria to its third consecutive victory.

The Chiefs’ middle-inning offense continued its recent trend of production, while the bullpen delivered scoreless relief after the starter.

The Peoria starter earned the win, while Cedar Rapids’ starter took the loss. Big fourth-inning production and shutdown bullpen work were the keys to the game.

Jalin Flores was the player of the game, delivering a two-run homer and key contributions in the game-turning inning.

Peoria opened the series with a 7-2 win Tuesday and followed with another solid victory Wednesday. The Chiefs host Cedar Rapids again Thursday.

 
Palm Beach Cardinals (Low-A) – #BeachBirds
St. Lucie Mets 5, Palm Beach Cardinals 2
Record: ~12–6 (1st, Florida State League East)

JUPITER — The Palm Beach Cardinals dropped a 5-2 decision to the St. Lucie Mets (Single-A, New York Mets) Wednesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, snapping their momentum after Tuesday’s blowout win.

Palm Beach was unable to replicate Tuesday’s offensive explosion, managing just two runs as St. Lucie’s pitching limited scoring opportunities.

The Mets capitalized on key hits, while Palm Beach’s bullpen kept the game close but could not overcome the deficit.

St. Lucie’s effective pitching and timely hitting against a Palm Beach staff that struggled to limit damage proved to be the difference.

Palm Beach did not have a clear standout player in the loss, with the effort marked more by a collective pitching performance in a tight game.

Palm Beach won 17-2 Tuesday but fell Wednesday, splitting the first two games of the series. The Cardinals return to action against St. Lucie on Thursday.

 
The Cardinals’ affiliates split the day, with Memphis and Peoria continuing strong offensive trends, while Springfield and Palm Beach were unable to generate consistent run production. As the series continue Thursday, the focus remains on sustaining offensive momentum and building consistency across the system.

The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports