Years ago, when Oakland called Kane County home, their low-A entry in the MWL had an identity-for most of manager, Aaron Nieckula’s tenure, the team played an aggressive brand of ball-especially on the basepaths. It’s hard to figure what the franchise’s identity is today-other than lousy. While it’s very early in the season, it’s also hard to tell if their starting pitchers are on a pitch count.

As I mentioned upthread, the Loons absolutely demolished the Lugnuts 12-1 in the first game yesterday. Lansing’s starter, Luis Carrasco allowed only 3 runs in 3.1 innings. However, that was more than enough support Jared Karros would need. He only allowed a first inning run, on a double by first baseman, Will Simpson. The Nuts managed four hits in five innings. He struck out 6 batters on the way to his second win of the year.

For their part, the Loons had a solid team approach, ambushing Carrasco and two relievers. They pounded out 17 hits, including 7 in the top of the 7th inning. Shortstop Noah Miller, and right fielder, Chris Newell led the barrage. Miller went 3-4, with a two-run homer, double and three runs scored. Newell added a 3-run homer, and 3 more runs on a pair of doubles.

Newell’s first home run of the season.

Miller, the Dodgers’ #26 ranked prospect circles the bases.

The 22-year-old, Simpson is the Athletics’ #29 rated prospect. While I note it here, I didn’t focus on the rankings during the games. It’s more fun to just watch the players and see who emerges. That being said, I’m sorry I missed Jackson Ferris’s start Friday and not because he’s the Dodgers’ #2, but rather, he was the dude the Cubs traded to get Michael Busch. And even though Busch has been heating up for the Cubs, fans are always curious to see what we gave up.

The Lugnuts played as if they hadn’t scouted the Loons and had no idea what was coming. I give credit to the Lugnuts’ cheer squad who tried to rev up the hometown fans as the Titanic was taking on water. From the fifth inning on, only the MSU crowd made any noise. Amazingly, they were much louder and stupider during the second game.

Mercifully, the game ended at 3:05, two hours and one minute after firt pitch.