By Jesse Geleynse
Herald Writer
EVERETT – You might have missed it, but the Everett AquaSox had a unique doubleheader of sorts Sunday afternoon.
Following an 8-7 loss to the visiting Hillsboro Hops, the AquaSox took time to sign autographs before they returned to the Everett Memorial Stadium infield to participate in the annual Challenger League-Miracle League Game.
Both baseball leagues are for youth athletes with special needs. Sunday was a chance for them to play alongside the AquaSox players and coaches.
“We had a bunch of the guys come out here and help,” Everett manager Rob Mummau said. “It’s something that we as the AquaSox, but also the Mariners put an emphasis on, is getting out in the community and helping and trying to make a small impact and sometimes a big impact.”
Mummau served as the pitcher, while hitting coach Brian Hunter jovially escorted a number of wheelchairs around the bases.
“(Hunter) gets into it and is a joy to watch,” Mummau said.
Miller pleased with progress of offspeed pitches
Everett AquaSox right-hander Brandon Miller will get the start Tuesday when the Sox travel north to face the Vancouver Canadians. It’s Miller’s first outing since last Tuesday’s start in the Northwest League-Pioneer League All-Star Game in Ogden, Utah.
“He threw a lot of innings in college and he threw three right before the All-Star break so that he could throw in the All-Star game,” Mummau said. “We just gave him a little extra rest to make sure that we had ready to go at the end of the season.”
Miller, who was Seattle’s sixth-round pick out of Millersville University in this year’s draft, has a 1-2 record and a 3.48 ERA in nine appearances, including eight starts. He’s allowed more than two runs in only two starts this season.
“Definitely developing my changeup and being able to throw that in all counts when I need to,” Miller said. “That’s been a huge benefit for me to get these batters out: being able to throw the offspeed harder and for more strikes.”
Added Mummau: “The consistency of his offspeed stuff has been progressively better. He’s always had the fastball control since he was in college. That’s one of the reasons we drafted him. It won’t light up a radar gun – he isn’t going to throw 96 – but he mixes all three pitches for strikes and is a real good competitor and a great worker.”
Brentz promoted to Clinton
Left-handed pitcher Jake Brentz was promoted to Class A Clinton of the Midwest Game prior to Sunday’s game.
Brentz was 1-1 with a 5.08 ERA in 10 games, including seven starts for the AquaSox. He struck out 37 in 31 ⅓ innings, but also walked 28 hitters. Brenz also made two appearances with Class Triple-A Tacoma where he fashioned a 16.20 ERA in 1 ⅔ innings.
Lewis still with the club
Kyle Lewis, the Seattle Mariners’ first-round draft pick in this year’s draft has remained with his Everett AquaSox teammates since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, and medial and lateral meniscus in his right knee in a home-plate collision July 19.
Lewis is currently off crutches and has been working with the AquaSox training staff to get his range of motion back prior to undergoing surgery.
Lewis said he still isn’t sure when the surgery will take place, but he and the organization are hopeful it will be soon – perhaps as early as this week.
Notes: Outfielder Eric Filia entered Monday’s game with a 24-game on-base streak and third in the league in hitting with an average of .320. Filia also leads the league with 32 RBI… Infielder Nick Zammarelli, who missed games Sunday and Monday due to illness, is fourth in hitting at .315. Zammarelli leads the league with 51 hits… First baseman Kristian Brito is tied for second with 31 RBI.
For the latest AquaSox news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter @jessegeleynse.
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