Thursday Pebble Report: Corpas, Smith and Speier struggle in AAA rehab appearances

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jul 9, 2009 7:30 AM MDT in Pebble Report

AAA Colorado Springs, L 1-6 - (49-37, 1st)

The Sky Sox earned their fourth straight loss, losing 6-1 at the Salt Lake Bees (Angels). Greg Smith (1-1, 3.77) earned the loss in his third start in AAA. He allowed four runs on just three hits and three walks in five innings. Smith walked the first two batters of the game, and both scored, one on a sac fly and one on a 2-run HR by Brandon Wood (17).

Perhaps of more interest were the two relievers who pitched in rehab. Neither pitched well. Ryan Speier gave up three singles and a walk in allowing a run in an inning of work. Manuel Corpas needed 21 pitches to get through one inning in his first AAA appearance, only firing 10 for strikes while walking one and allowing a hit. Sal Fasano bailed him out by throwing out a runner attempting to steal.

Eric Young Jr tripled ito lead off the game and scored on a GIDP by Matt Miller for the only Sox offense.

The two teams take the field again tonight at 7:05MDT in Salt Lake.

AA Tulsa, Off Day - (5-6, 3.0 GB)

The Drillers had their second straight Wednesday off. Tulsa will host the Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros) tonight at 6:05MDT tonight. Keith Weiser (5-7, 4.69) will be opposed by Andy van Hekken (3-2, 4.66).

High-A Modesto, L 7-10 - (4-9, 6.5 GB)

The Nuts continue to struggle in the second half, this time losing a slugfest to the Bakersfield Blaze (Rangers). Brandon Durden got roughed up in his third straight start since returning from Tulsa, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 9 hits, 3 BBs and got dinged for 2 HR. Still, the Nuts offense kept the score tied at 7-7 when Durden departed, and Randall Taylor allowed 3 runs (2 earned) over the final three innings for the loss. The Blaze scored five runs after the 5th inning, while the only Nut to reach in that time was a solo HR by Brian Rike (7).

Radames Nazario (4) also hit a HR. Jason van Kooten knocked two doubles and a single and Wilin Rosario laced a three run triple. Modesto faces the Blaze again tonight at 8:45 MDT.

Low-A Asheville, W 9-3 - (9-4, 1st)

The Tourists just keep rolling after a tough first half of the season. Despite being outhit 10-9, Asheville routed the Augusta Green Jackets (Giants) on their way to their fourth straight win and SAL best record of 9-4. Juan Nicasio (3-1, 1.91) scattered eight hits over six innings for the win, Carlos Martinez singled, doubled and drove in three, Ryan Peisel rapped two singles, scored twice and drove in one, and Kiel Roling walked three times, scoring each time on base. A five run seventh, capped by a 2RBI 2B by Martinez secured the win.

The two teams face off tonight at 5:05MDT, starting pitchers TBA.

SS A Tri-City, L 0-4 - (13-6, 1st)

The Dust Devils have run into a buzz saw. After starting the season 12-2, they have lost four of five and surrendered the NOR lead to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Giants). Tri City managed just two hits on the night against the Volcanoes' Wilber Bucardo (3-0, 0.79) and David Quinowski (0-0, 0.84). Both hits were singles by Kevin Clark. Walks by Tim Wheeler and Mike Zuanich summed up the baserunners for the DDevils. Daniel Perkins (1-1, 3.44) pitched decently but allowed two home runs, and Josh Hungerman allowed a run in three innings of work.

Tri-City will host the Everett AquaSox (Mariners) tonight at 8:15 MDT. Rex Brothers and Ben Paulsen should be joining Tri-City tomorrow.

Rookie Casper, L 5-8 - (2-10, 7 GB)

The Ghosts looked as if they might finally break through for that third win, but the bullpen blew a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Missoula Osprey (Diamondbacks). Billy Vopinek recorded two outs and gave up a single with his first three batters, then lost his mind and walked three straight. Clint McKinney came on and allowed three straight singles and tossed a wild pitch for good measure to complete the meltdown.

On the good side, Joseph Scott (1) and Nathan Hines (3) homered, and David DiNatale knocked a 2RBI triple. The Ghosts get another chance at the Osprey tonight at 7:05 MDT. 2nd round pick Nolan Arenado should join Casper tomorrow.

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