Pipeline preview: Kilome, Soroka square off in Sally finals

September 11th, 2016

Here's a look at top prospects to watch in Monday's Minor League action:
Hitter to watch: Tyler O'Neill (Mariners' No. 2)
Jackson vs. Mississippi, Game 1 of Southern League championship (7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
O'Neill, No. 63 on the Top 100, paced Double-A Jackson to a 3-1 series win over Montgomery in the Southern League semifinals, hitting .467 with three home runs and six RBIs. The 21-year-old outfielder was named Southern League MVP in 2016 after he batted .293/.374/.508 and ranked among the top two on the circuit with 24 home runs (second), 102 RBIs (first) and 250 total bases (first).

Duel of the day: Franklyn Kilmone (Phillies' No. 9), vs. Mike Soroka (Braves' No. 7)
Lakewood at Rome, Game 1 of the South Atlantic League championship (7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB TV)
Kilome's final regular-season start for Class A Lakewood was an absolute gem, as he yielded two hits over six innings in his second straight scoreless performance. The 6-foot-6 right-hander notched 10 strikeouts against zero walks and retired the final 17 hitters he faced. He finished the season with a 3.85 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 114 2/3 innings (23 starts) for the BlueClaws.

Soroka, meanwhile, allowed just one run in his past start for Class A Rome, striking out four in a playoff victory for the Braves. The 2015 first-rounder has been impressive in his first full season of pro ball, posting a 3.02 ERA and striking out 125 batters in 143 innings this season.
More top prospect probables
• Sandy Baez (Tigers' No. 16), West Michigan vs. Great Lakes, Game 2 of Class A Midwest League semifinals (Great Lakes leads best of 3 series, 1-0)
• Andrew Moore (Mariners' No. 10), Jackson vs. Mississippi, Game 1 of Double-A Southern League finals
• Brandon Miller (Mariners' No. 28), Eugene vs. Everett, Game 2 of Short Season Midwest League finals (Eugene leads best of 3 series, 1-0)
• Nick Neidert (Mariners' No. 4), Clinton vs. Cedar Rapids, Game 3 of Class A Midwest League semifinals (Best of 3 series tied, 1-1)