AAA - Colorado Springs: L 7-2, W 13-4 (33-37)
On Saturday, outside of Matt Miller and Omar Quintanilla's two-hit performances, nothing good happened to the Sky Sox or any of their players. Dexter Fowler went 0-for-4, Michael McKenry was 0-for-3, and Huston Street allowed three runs on three hits and a walk in 1.1 innings before being ejected for arguing balls and strikes.
In Sunday's contest, both facets of the game went a whole lot better for the Springs. Dexter Fowler led the offense by hitting for the cycle in a 5-for-6 performance. He also scored five runs and drove in three, and raised his average to a healthy .373. In addition, the Sky Sox got a three-hit game out of Mike Paulk, as well as two hits apiece from Jay Payton, Paul Phillips, and Eider Torres, who just joined the club after Chris Nelson was promoted. On the pitching side, Esmil Rogers wasn't terrific by any stretch, but did last seven innings and limited the damage to four runs. It could have been worse, as he walked three batters and gave up a homer, but we'll look at this as progress made. Andrew Johnston pitched a scoreless eighth, followed by yet another shutout frame by Matt Reynolds, who should be getting a serious look from the big league club sooner rather than later.
AA - Tulsa: L 4-2, L 7-2 (29-38)
Nothing doing on Saturday for Tulsa, as they were kept in check to the tune of only five hits. Charlie Blackmon, Wilin Rosario, and Scott Beerer each wore the collar for the Drillers. The long ball was the death of starter Brandon Durden, as he allowed three of them on his way to the loss.
Sunday wasn't a whole lot better, though the prospects showed a little more fight as Rosario and Blackmon each had a couple of hits. Bruce Billings twirled a quality start, going six innings and allowing two runs on nine hits and three walks, while striking out five. However, the bullpen combination of Chris Malone and Stuart Pomeranz was bad, as they combined to allow five runs in three innings and didn't miss any bats.
A-ball recaps after the jump...
High-A: Modesto: L 1-0, W 5-2 (37-33)
The Nuts played a doubleheader on Saturday and had Sunday off. They lost a heck of a pitchers duel in Game 1, as the two teams combined for just five hits - two of which came off the bat of Modesto's James Cesario. However, that's all the Nuts could muster up, as Juan Nicasio's seven-inning complete game was wasted. Nicasio allowed a run on just three hits, while striking out eight and walking four.
In Game 2, the Nuts got two hits apiece from Ryan Peisel, Scott Robinson, and Ben Paulsen. Tim Wheeler added a two-run homer (7) as part of a four-run third inning that put Modesto on top for good. Stephen Dodson lasted three innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out four. Michael Marbry did a nice job in middle relief, as he gave up one hit in three innings and struck out two. Rex Brothers earned the save by punching out two in the final inning.
A - Asheville: W 3-2, L 2-1 (29-40)
Nicholas Schnaitmann turned in a quality start on Saturday, going six innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He was aided by a little bit of luck, as he didn't strike anybody out, but he did maintain a 9-to-5 GO/FO ratio. Avery Barnes led the offense with two hits, as the Tourists made the most out of their very few opportunities (they only had four hits - all of which were singles).
On Sunday, the Tourists gave themselves quite a few more opportunities to get runs across the plate, but couldn't take advantage like they did the previous day. Eliezer Mesa had two hits, as did Nolan Arenado - one of which was a double. Joey Wong also doubled and scored a run. Daniel Perkins went five innings and didn't allow an earned run, didn't walk anybody, and allowed just three hits while striking three. The bullpen did a pretty nice job as well, despite Chad Rose giving up the deciding run.
A (Short Season) - Tri-City: W 9-5 (2-0)
The Dust Devils racked up 16 hits on Saturday, led by Dominican shortstop Carlos Martinez, who went 5-for-5 with a double. Nathan Hines added three hits, while Jim Tracy's boy Mark had a couple of singles and Leonardo Reyes had two doubles and three RBIs. Last but not least, Joseph Scott walked twice and hit his first homer of the year. Josh Sullivan, who is trying to make his way back to prospect status, had a nice 2010 debut as he struck out three and allowed just one hit in four scoreless innings.
Sunday's series finale in Spokane was postponed, and will be made up at a later date.
Rookie - Casper
The Pioneer League starts their season tonight, as the Ghosts take on the Ogden Raptors (Dodgers) in Casper at 7:05 PM.