Cabrera’s career day breaks Biscuits skid
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — R.C. Lichtenstein knew Genesis Cabrera was prime for a great performance.
It was the top of the first inning and the Biscuits’ southpaw threw changeups to Birmingham’s Luis Basabe and Ryan Brett. All were strikes. At this moment, Montgomery’s pitching coach saw his starting pitcher had something special.
“He threw two or three good changeups in the first inning and that’s when I knew he had a chance for it to be a nice night,” Lichtenstein said. “I thought this is beautiful.”
Cabrera stymied I-65 rival Birmingham on Sunday, shutting out the Barons over a career-high eight innings. The 21-year-old allowed just four hits while striking out seven, propelling Montgomery to a 5–0 win to start the Southern League second half.
“My changeup was very good tonight,” said Cabrera. “It’s like my fastball, it’s a nice pitch and I like [to throw it].”
The Tampa Bay Rays #21 prospect found a rhythm early. Cabrera struck out three of the first nine batters while keeping the Barons off the bases. Birmingham only mustered two hits through six innings and, unlike past meetings, received few free passes.
“I don’t think there is ever a doubt that — when he is in rhythm — he throws the ball where he wants to throw it,” said Lichtenstein. “He’s aggressive by nature, so if he can be aggressive and have rhythm, he is tough to deal with.”
Although the mid-season Southern League All-Star encountered back-to-back leadoff singles in the seventh, Cabrera remained composed before retiring Trey Michalczewski. Then, Biscuits first baseman Nate Lowe turned an unconventional double play, catching an infield pop-up from Danny Mendick and throwing out a runner at home.
From there, it was Cabrera’s hard work and talent on display.
“I’m working on my breaking pitches,” Cabrera said. “Every time it gets better for my starts, and I’m working and working hard every day.”
By striking out Bryant Flete to close the eighth, Cabrera left the mound with a career-high 112 pitches. Although the native of the Dominican Republic had thrown more than 105 pitches once prior, Lichtenstein said a teammate’s success led to a new pitch limit.
“When Zach Lee threw the complete game on 117 pitches, he said, ‘I want 110 pitches. I want to go more pitches. When can I throw more pitches?’” Lichtenstein recalled of Cabrera. “Our challenge to him is when you’re going good, we are going to give you a chance to throw more pitches.
“We want to continue to not only challenge him but reward him for what he’s done. The response today was fabulous.”
As Cabrera turned in a career-best performance, the Biscuits’ offense supplied an abundance of run support. Peter Maris continued his torrid stretch, extending his hitting streak to eleven games on an RBI-triple in the fifth. Ryan Boldt also set a new career mark in home runs, hitting his sixth of the season in the eighth.
However, it was the fiery left-hander who stole the show and, by no means, is he satisfied with his phenomenal outing.
“I wanted to throw nine innings, but I had 112 pitches,” said Cabrera. “Next start, it will probably be my inning, no problem.”
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Nate Lowe’s RBI-single in the opening frame put the Biscuits on the board first. Montgomery last scored first on June 17, the final game before the Southern League all-star break. The two-time Florida State League Player of the Month provided what would be all the run support needed for Cabrera.
SOUND SMART
On June 8, Nate Lowe and Peter Maris joined the Biscuits from High-A Charlotte. The duo has not missed a beat since suiting up for the Butter and Blue. The pair is responsible for 51 percent of Montgomery’s runs since June 8 as the two are batting a combined .357 with 7 home runs, 24 RBI and 17 runs scored.
HE SAID IT
“Honestly, I kind of wanted twenty to start the season. I had a setback when I was on the DL. I still think it is possible. We’ll find out.” — Maris, on his goal for home runs entering 2018.
UP NEXT
Right-hander Brandon Lawson will make his second Double-A start Monday against the Barons and Chicago White Sox #4 prospect Dylan Cease in a 6:35 p.m. CT start at Riverwalk Stadium. Lawson struggled in his last appearance, surrendering two runs in four innings out of the bullpen. Cease will be making his Double-A debut.
