Sunday was a day of battles for Dodgers affiliates—not just against their opponents, but against the relentless rain. While some games were washed out, others delivered standout performances that made the soggy conditions worth enduring.
Right fielder Jose Meza was the undeniable star for the Great Lakes Loons, anchoring all three of his team's scoring innings in a hard-fought win. Meza drew a bases-loaded walk in the third, smashed a two-run double in the fourth, and added another RBI double in the seventh. He wasn't done there—a single in the eighth tied his season high of three hits (matching efforts from April 5 and April 28) and his four RBIs equaled his best mark, previously set on April 21. It was a complete offensive showcase from a player finding his rhythm at the plate.
On the mound, Brooks Auger continues his smooth return from the injured list. While the Loons eased him back into action, his presence on the bump provided stability and a glimpse of the arm that could be a key piece down the stretch. The win over the Lake County Captains (Guardians) wasn't without its quirks—Great Lakes scored seven runs total, but Meza drove in only four. The other three came home on a balk and a fielding error at third base, proving that sometimes, you need a little luck with your talent.
Meanwhile, the series finale between the Comets and the Salt Lake Bees (Angels) was canceled due to inclement weather. Since the teams don't meet again in the first half of the season, Sunday's game won't be made up—a tough break for fans hoping to see more action.
Down in Tulsa, the Drillers faced a rainy road loss to the Arkansas Travelers (Mariners), undone by a five-run seventh inning from Roque Gutierrez and Christian Suarez. Trailing by three in the ninth, Tulsa mounted a late rally. Kendall George and Josue De Paula drew two-out walks, and Kyle Nevin singled to drive in one run, putting the tying runs on base. Zyhir Hope was due up to potentially complete the comeback, but the weather had other plans. The game was called with two outs in the ninth, leaving the Drillers stranded.
One bright spot for Tulsa was shortstop Elijah Hainline. If you remember him from spring training, where he made highlight-reel defensive plays as part of the high-number crew, you'll love what he did at the plate on Sunday. Hainline delivered two singles, a double, stole a base, scored two runs, and drove in another. It was his third multi-hit game of the series in Arkansas, showing he's more than just a glove man.
As the weather tries to dampen the action, these young Dodgers prospects are proving they can shine through any storm.