Mooneyham and Johansen fall in debuts at higher levels

Left-hander Brett Mooneyham had some control issues in his initial start for high Single-A Potomac. Mooneyham walked six batters in three innings, allowing five hits, six runs and one strikeout in taking a 6-2 loss against Winston-Salem on Thursday. He allowed a two-run shot in the first inning by Kevan Smith. It was only his fourth setback in 14 decisions this season. He had come in 10-3 in 17 starts with low Single-A Hagerstown, sporting a 1.94 ERA. These next few weeks will be a great experience for Mooneyham, his chance to play for a P-Nats squad going for a Carolina League title. Mooneyham had allowed on average of just 2.4 walks per start for the Suns. I would expect that number to go down as he settles in with his new team and an upgrade in competition. * Right-hander Jake Johansen took the loss in 4 2/3 innings of his debut for low Single-A Hagerstown in a 9-1 loss to Greensboro on Friday. The Nationals' 2013 top selection, Johansen allowed six hits, five runs, four earned runs, one home run, two walks and had three strikeouts. Johansen was 1-1 with a 1.06 ERA for short-season Single-A Auburn in 10 starts. As is the case with Mooneyham, this is a great opportunity for Johansen to face stiffer competition in low Single-A than he did at Auburn. Auburn manager Gary Cathcart said Johansen did a very nice job of mixing his pitches and will need to continue to do that for Hagerstown in his next two starts. Johansen will likely report to instructional league in Florida after the season.