Farris fans 13 as Trash Pandas blank Columbus; Natera promoted

MADISON – Rocket City’s Mitch Farris continued his strikeout domination Tuesday with 13 strikeouts in a 2-0 win over Columbus.

Farris, a former Atlanta Braves farmhand, leads the Southern League with 138 strikeouts over 22 starts this season as he improved his record to 3-8.

In total, Farris also surrendered five hits and walked just one. Caden Dana holds the single-season team record for strikeouts with 147 last season.

Farris was Atlanta’s 14th-round selection in 2023 and was acquired by the Angels in December for pitcher Davis Daniel.

Over their last seven games, the Trash Pandas’ pitching staff holds a 2.34 ERA, which includes 56 strikeouts over 57.2 innings. That ERA ranks them second in the Southern League and third in all of Double-A baseball.

The Trash Pandas (17-35, 41-79) and the Clingstones (26-26, 53-65), the Braves’ Double-A affiliate, return to action 6:35 tonight for Japanese Heritage Night at Toyota Field.

Farris struck out two batters in each of the first four innings. He was handed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning thanks to a solo home run by Korey Holland down the left field line. The homer was Holland’s third for the Trash Pandas this year.

In the sixth inning, Columbus starter Lucas Braun (L, 4-5) hit Ben Gobbel with one out in the sixth inning, and then with two outs, Ryan Nicholson drove a single to right, scoring Gobbel, and it was 2-0.

Farris struck out one in the fifth, which was over a stretch of seven-straight batters retired. He finished his outing by striking out the side in the sixth, reaching 12 punch outs, which matched his career high set in 2024, while with High-A Rome.

In the seventh, he fanned Cody Milligan to start the inning, which gave him a career high of 13 strikeouts. The left-hander exited after Cal Conley reached on an error to put two runners on base in the seventh, and his 100th pitch of the evening. Kenyon Yovan got the final out of the frame, which preserved the shutout.

The bullpen held firm with Yovan giving up one hit over 1.1 innings, striking out three, and Camden Minacci gave up two hits in the ninth, but geot a timely double play ball, and preserving the shutout for Minacci’s third save.

Holland continued his hot stretch at the plate, finishing the night 3-for-4 with the home run, and has hit in five straight games and reached base safely in 12 of his last 13 games.

Natera promoted to Salt Lake

Trash Pandas reliever Samy Natera Jr. was promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday after emerging as one of the hottest arms in all of Double-A baseball.

The left-hander has allowed just one run over his last nine outings, going 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and only two walks in 9.2 innings while holding opponents to a .176 average and a 0.83 WHIP.

Overall, Natera has been a workhorse for the Trash Pandas, tied for the Southern League lead with 41 appearances and tied for eighth with eight saves.

He leaves Rocket City with a 4-1 record, 2.64 ERA, and 68 strikeouts across 47.2 innings, limiting opponents to a .183 average.

Tonight’s game:

• RHP Walbert Urena (4-8, 5.15) starting for the Trash Pandas, and RHP Drue Hackenberg (2-6, 7.16) going for Columbus.
• Fans can watch live on WAAY-TV “MORE” 31.6, Bally Sports Live, and MiLB.tv, or listen on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 HD-2.
• Tito’s Dog Days: Bring your pup and cheer on the Trash Pandas together! Fans with dogs are welcome to enjoy the game in Sections 1 and 2 or out on the grass berm. While pups don’t need a ticket, we kindly ask for a $1 donation per dog on entry, with all proceeds benefiting Rocket City Rescue. All dogs must enter through the Pepsi Gate with a completed waiver and remain on a leash throughout the game. As a special treat, every dog will receive a free Pup Cup, redeemable at Sweet Space.
• Japanese Heritage Night: Presented by Toray, experience Japanese culture with calligraphy and origami stations, traditional décor around the park, video board displays, a baseball auction on the Bill Penney Concourse, specialty drinks, and more.

Tickets cost $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com.

Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1.