Washington Nationals' MiLB 3 Stars of the Night - Wednesday 09/18/2024

Before they were leading the Washington Nationals back to the promised land in the big leagues, guys like Dylan Crews, James Wood, and others were once grinding through the team's minor league system waiting to get their opportunity in the show. As the 2024 season nears a close, I will continue seeking to provide daily Minor League updates by taking a page out of hockey's playbook, and award the 3 Stars of the Night for Nats minor leaguers that aren't with the big league club. This is an attempt to shine a spotlight on 3 future Nats who happen to have big time performances the night before, in hopes to give them a bit of limelight and exposure that they wouldn't normally get to experience.

In case you are unfamiliar with hockey's concept of the 3 Stars of the Game, according to Wikipedia: "The three stars in ice hockey are the three best players in a game, with the "first star" considered the best of the three players, akin to the player of the match in other sports. Media representatives of the home team choose the three stars, who are usually the top point scorers or outstanding goaltenders from either team."

I'll be brief on the summary as only the Low-A Fredericksburg Nationals and AAA Rochester Red Wings were still in action last night, with both teams securing victories. Of course, if you missed my piece recapping the FredNats' Carolina League Championship this morning, you can read that here to catch up on that.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Third Star of the Night: 1B/OF Brandon Pimentel - Low-A Fredericksburg

Wednesday's Third Star of the Night goes to the offensive hero from the Carolina League Championship game in 24-year-old 1B/OF Brandon Pimentel. After only hitting 8 homers in 111 regular season games for the FredNats this year, Pimentel came through in a big way, sending a 2-run shot into the bullpen in right-center field, and gave Travis Sykora all the cushion he would need to get the victory. What a moment this was for Pimentel, catch the video below.

⭐️⭐️ Second Star of the Night: SS Jackson Cluff - AAA Rochester

The Second Star of the Night from Wednesday's MiLB action goes to SS Jackson Cluff. The 27-year-old has had an interesting road in baseball, after starting as a freshman for BYU in 2016, he took 2 years off to serve on a mission trip in Atlanta, then started again as a senior at BYU and was drafted in the 6th round in the 2019 draft by the Nats. He has been solid in the minors, and at the very least provides solid organizational depth with a potential chance to earn a promotion next season. On Wedneday, he went 3/5 with a solo homer and a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the 8th inning, which helped propel the Red Wings to a victory.

⭐️ First Star of the Night: SP Travis Sykora - WSH #2, MLB #92 - Low-A Fredericksburg

Without a doubt, Wednesday's First Star of the Night has to go to righty and the #92 prospect in all of baseball, Travis Sykora. In the winner-take-all game on Wednesday night, he was masterful, tossing 5 shutout innings and striking out 9 while allowing just one hit, which was his only baserunner allowed. Additionally, he was named the Pitcher of the Year for the Carolina League, and should be looking at beginning next season with High-A Wilmington. His development is arguably the most important of any prospect in our system, as I truly believe he can be a true ace of the big league club likely as soon as 2026 if he keeps progressing at this rate.

Which of these 3 players are you most excited to see in Washington one day? Do you think I missed someone more deserving? As always please let me know your thoughts on X,@DCBerk.

All stats in this article were provided by MiLB.com and MLB.com.