Norge Luis Ruiz from Camaguey launches a mountain gem in Double-A

Right-hander Norge Luis Ruiz achieved his first victory at the Double-A level after defeating the Springfield Cardinals, a branch of St. Louis, and limiting them to five scoreless innings.

The man from Camaguey was beaten in his debut with eight runs in 1.2 innings, until last night he pitched at his best level, with five innings, only one hit conceded and three strikeouts. Now Ruiz is 1-1, with a 10.80 ERA and must continue to improve if he wants to seek a promotion to the Major Leagues this year, when the rosters expand in September.

Ruiz signed in December 2016 with the Oakland Athletics for a $2 million bonus and in 2017, his first year in professional baseball, he went 5-2, 4.37 ERA, 42 strikeouts in 57.1 innings, among advanced Class-A and Rookie League.