Sunday Pebble Report: Rogers dominates (again), Alburquerque makes his organizational debut, Williamson keeps on winning, more...

Colorado Springs: W 4-2 (49-33, 1st place)

Alan Johnson allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings, and the Sky Sox bullpen pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief to allow the Springs to hold on for the victory. The pitching staff held Portland to just four hits. Dan Ortmeier led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Mike McCoy was also instrumental in the victory, as he was 2-for-2 with 2 walks and also scored 2 runs.

Tulsa: W 5-0 (4-4, 1.0 GB)

Esmil Rogers turned in yet another terrific start, going 7 innings and allowing no runs on just 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 8. Al Alburquerque, in his first appearance in the Rockies organization since being acquired from the Cubs in the Jeff Baker trade, pitched a scoreless 8th, despite allowing a walk, to earn his first hold. Edgmer Escalona held serve in the ninth, as he as become accustomed to doing. Darin Holcomb had 3 hits for the Drillers, while Anthony Jackson (who also had 3 RBI), Mike Paulk, and Daniel Mayora added 2 hits apiece.

Modesto: W 5-4 (4-6, 3.0 GB)

Joey Williamson improved to 9-0 despite not having the greatest outing, as he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits (and 3 walks) in 5 innings. He was helped out immensely by the Nuts' offense, who scored four times in the first inning. Jason Van Kooten hit a three-run home run in that first inning, and Charlie Blackmon added 3 hits for Modesto. Brian Rike picked up a couple of hits as well, and Craig Baker was the highlight of the bullpen as he struck out the side in the ninth to earn his 21st save.

Asheville: L 4-14 (5-4, 1.5 GB)

Robinson Fabian was smacked around for 7 runs on 9 hits in just two innings, and the bullpen didn't exactly stop the bleeding, as Alan Deratt allowed 6 runs on 6 hits in three innings. Ryan Piesel homered, and catcher Beau Seabury had a couple of hits for the Tourists, but that was about it.

Tri-City: L 3-4 (12-3, 1st place)

The Dust Devils suffered a rare loss, this one in walk-off fashion as Rhett Ballard allowed a game-deciding single. Starting pitcher Rob Scahill allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in 4 innings. Scott Beerer went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer to raise lower his average to .588 on his 27th birthday.

Casper: L 7-14  (2-8, 6.0 GB)

Not a lot of positives in this one for the Ghosts, especially from a pitching standpoint - though Chad Rose DID strike out 6 batters in 2.1 innings (despite allowing a couple of runs). Starting pitcher Juan Gonzalez was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits in 4.1 innings. He walked 3 and struck out only one. Offensively, Chad Jacobsen hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, while Angelys Nina and Jeffrey Squier each added two hits.