Minor league notes: Ramsey, den Dekker, Kieboom, Ward and more

Right fielder Caleb Ramsey had two hits including a home run, but Double-A Harrisburg could not hold a lead in a 4-3 loss to New Britain.

Ramsey went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and cranked his first homer of the season. He had two of the three hits for Harrisburg.

Starter Joe Ross allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings, but Gilberto Mendez and Brian Dupra came on to pitch 3 2/3 scoreless innings the rest of the way, allowing no hits and striking out four batters. Ross had six strikeouts and no walks, but surrendered two homers.

* Triple-A Syracuse has lost seven straight games following Saturday's 5-4 defeat at home. Matt den Dekker hit a two-run shot, his first homer of the season. Indians infielder and former National Steve Lombardozzi had a double and a run scored to open the scoring. Reliever Evan Meek allowed three runs in the top of the ninth.

* High Single-A Potomac got knocked around in a 7-3 loss to Myrtle Beach. Right-hander Jake Johansen (1-3) allowed six runs in the fourth inning. He gave up seven hits in two innings, two walks, one homer and struck out three.

A scout told me that he has been very impressed with former Clemson catcher Spencer Kieboom, who has done a nice job recovering from Tommy John surgery a couple of years ago. Kieboom has shown well in calling games and controlling the breaking pitches from top prospects Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito. He has picked the right times to block the plate and has done a nice job of guiding the pitchers through each game.

The major league scout also had good things to say about third baseman Drew Ward. Despite not getting a hit during the series the scout watched, Ward has a solid approach and swing, shows an ability to control inside pitches and gets the barrel to the ball well. Ward also did a nice job fielding his position and has marketable range. The scout told me Ward could project as an average to above average slugger in the majors and has a nice upside, considering the kid is only 20 and is already in high Single-A.

Ward has six hits and four runs with two RBIs in his last four games. He has struck out six times during that run, but that is something most every high Single-A player battles with. Just ask current Nationals outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

Kieboom is batting .265 with seven doubles, one triple, one homer and 15 RBIs in 31 games. He has 20 walks and only 15 strikeouts and his on-base percentage is .379. His career fielding percentage is .997 and his range factor is 8.27.

Right-hander Taylor Jordan was called up today, and right-hander A.J. Cole was optioned to Triple-A to make room.

* I will have an extra hour on 106.7 The Fan today, broadcasting from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. prior to the Nationals series finale against the Phillies. "Nats Insider" goes from noon-1 p.m. We will be inside the Red Box left field concourse near section 106 at Nationals Park. My guests include MASNsports.com's Chris Johnson, MLB.com's Bill Ladson and the Nationals chief revenue and marking officer Valerie Camillo.