Brotherly Love: The Solano’s Face-Off in Syracuse

By Steven Cardona
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Updated: June 30, 2016

Usually, we refer to Philadelphia as the city of Brotherly Love, but the name has been handed over to Syracuse for a few days. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees Triple-A Affiliate) spent the last three days battling it out with theSyracuse Chiefs (Nationals Triple-A Affiliate). Going into the series, Scranton Wilkes/Barre were tied for first place in the North Division of the International League making them a team to watch as the season progresses.

Donovan Solano / Gabe Rodriguez -LOD

As if that wasn’t a story enough, the Solano brothers squared off. Donovan Solano and Jhonatan Solano have been battling it out before they were even signed to professional clubs. From Barranquilla, Colombia, the Solano’s have been on a journey not too many brothers can share.

Donovan, the younger brother, was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005 as an international non-drafted free agent. Jhonatan was signed by Washington Nationals before the 2006 season. Since then both have been high quality ballplayers through all levels of Minor League Baseball. Donovan hasn’t had a definitive position, he can really play all over the infield and Jhonatan has stayed behind the dish as a catcher. Both would make their debuts in May of 2012. Donovan made his debut first with the Miami Marlins. Jhonatan followed just a week later, making his debut with the Nationals. Ironically, Jhonatan’s first game in the bigs would be against his brother. It was a historic day for the Solano family.

Since then, both have gotten plenty of playing time in Triple-A’s International League. Donovan has had a productive season thus far batting .287 with 4 home runs and 29 RBIs. He hopes to continue his season and build on it, in order to one day reach the Majors again. Jhonatan has the same goal in mind and it isn’t far fetched. He has proven himself to be a great defensive catcher with a productive bat. He’s batting .262 and has only committed two errors all season.

Jhonatan Solano/ Gabe Rodriguez – LOD

Regardless of what level they face-off, the love and friendly competition will always be there. Whether it be in game or just overall stats, it’s good family fun. And after a three game series, we saw which brother took bragging rights back home.

Game 1 was dominated by Donovan Solano his two RBI doubles would lead the RailRiders to a win. Game 2 was a hard fought contest as well; it was one where the Chiefs would fall just short dropping two straight. As for Game 3, nothing changed. It was another RailRider win. The RailRiders showcased their offense this series outscoring the Chiefs 22-6.

Donovan and the RailRiders may have taken the series, but the family competition is long from over. The Chiefs visit the RailRiders for another three game set August 5th, 6th, and 7th, followed by another two games in Syracuse, August 24th and 25th.

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Steven Cardona currently works for the Tampa Bay Rays in their baseball operations department. Much of his past experience focused on player personnel, departmental administration, research and development. Prior to joining the Rays, Steven worked for the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets. The Naples, Florida native graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s of science in Business Management.