Saturday Pebble Report: Free Matt Murton!

Colorado Springs, W 13-3: Every starter for the Sky Sox had at least one hit, and even the pitcher had two hits and an RBI. Carlos Gonzalez (2-for-4) had the only homer in the Sky Sox's offensive outurst, a two-run blast. Eric Young, Jr. went 2-for-5 with three runs scored, an RBI, and two stolen bases (11). Matt Murton had an RBI single and a stolen base (5); Dan Ortmeier drove in two; Matt Miller had two hits; Kenny Perez went 3-for-3 but was the only starter not to drive in a run; :-C drove in two runs; and Jonathan Herrera knocked in three runs.

Alan Johnson allowed three runs on three walks and three hits in six innings. He struck out four. Two of the three runs came on a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Tulsa, L 5-6: In the top of the ninth inning, a throwing error allowed Daniel Mayora to score and tie the game at five. Andrew Johnston came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and surrendered the game-winning homer to Brett Wallace.

Esmil Rogers was outstanding last night, throwing six shutout innings,allowing five hits and striking out six. Tommy Baumgardner came in to pitch the seventh, allowed three men to reach base on two hits and a walk without recording an out. Shane Lindsay relieved him and allowed all three runners to score. He then allowed two more runs to score, finishing the night with an inning pitched and two earned runs. He walked two batters.

On the offensive sid of things, Michael McKenry had a solo homer (2) and Chris Nelson had a two-run double. Michael Paulk walked three times but never crossed the plate. Anthony Jackson stole two bases (5) and Cole Garner swiped his first of the season.

Modesto, W 9-3: Brandon Durden has done a great job since returning to the starting rotation, having been a reliever for some time. Durden threw more of that sweet six shutout innings of baseball. He allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out five. Showing his ability to get the ground ball, he had an 8-4 GO-FO. Edgmer Escalona and Matthew Reynolds allowed the three runs.

Charlie Blackmon went 2-for-5 with two RBI from leadoff position, and Wilin Rosario had the big night offensively, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a double, and three RBI. Brian Rike went 0-for-3 with 3 K.

Asheville, L 4-5 in 11 innings:  Christian Friedrich continued his trip through the Sally League with another good performance. While he did throw six innings of baseball, he allowed an unearned run on four hits and a two walks. He struck out seven and had an 8-3 GO-FO. Jonnthan Aristil had all kinds of trouble in relief, as he allowed three runs over four innings on three hits and three walks. Adam Jorgenson went the last 1 2/3 innings of the game, allowing a walk, a balk, a walk, and then a single to lose the game with two outs in the bottom of the 11th.

David Christensen went 2-for-4 with his second homer of the season. And he didn't strike out. In fact, he drew a walk and stole a base (5). Jordan Pacheco also went 2-for-4 with a homer, his fourth.