Sunday Pebble Report: Miller homers twice, Nicasio pitches well in loss while Reynolds does not in win, more

AAA - Colorado Springs: W 7-6, W 12-7 (41-48)
In Game 1 of the doubleheader, Matt Miller had a couple of hits including a home run. In addition, Omar Quintanilla, Travis Metcalf, and Mike Paulk each contributed two hits as the Sky Sox outlasted the 51s. Chaz Roe picked up the victory after allowing a rather pedestrian six runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. He struck out six

In Game 2, Miller replicated his performance from the first game by homering as part of his two-hit day. Chris Nelson, Eider Torres, and Chris Frey each had two hits as well, and Michael McKenry doubled.and drove in two. Alan Johnson got the win after giving up two runs on five hits in five innings. Taylor Buchholz was roughed up for for three runs in an inning of work, including a two-run homer surrendered to the scrappy Ryan Roberts.

AA - Tulsa: W 12-6 (39-43)
The Drillers jumped out to a 12-0 lead before Craig Baker allowed six runs in the bottom of the ninth inning while only recording two outs. Rex Brothers came on and finished things off by inducing a game-ending ground out. Anthony Jackson had three hits, and four others - including Charlie Blackmon - had two apiece. Greg Reynolds didn't really have good peripherals in this game - he only struck out one, walked three, and induced just six ground outs compared to ten fly outs. However, he only allowed three hits in six innings, and helped himself by drawing three walks at the plate and scoring two runs.

A-ball, Rookie, and Dominican League recaps after the jump...

High-A - Modesto: L 4-2 (45-42)
Juan Nicasio ran into some trouble in the second inning and ultimately ended up surrendering a two-run homer, but he was pretty good aside from that. He lasted seven innings and gave up four runs on eight hits, but struck out eight batters and didn't walk anybody. Kurt Yacko and Adam Jorgenson combined for two scoreless innings of relief. Ben Paulsen and Mike Zuanich each had two hits to pace the Nuts' offense, but that was about it.

A - Asheville: L 5-3 in 10 innings (38-48)
The Tourists were held to just five hits - two of which came of the bat of Angelys Nina. Eliezer Mesa had a triple and an RBI, as well. Glen Perkins started the game and gave up three runs on seven hits (two of which were home runs) in five innings. He was relieved by Leuris Gomez, who tossed three perfect innings which included two strikeouts. Paul Bargas got through the ninth unscathed, but then allowed two runs (only one of which was earned) on two hits in the top of the tenth and ultimately took the loss.

A (Short Season) - Tri-City: W 1-0 (9-12)
Josh Hungerman went 6.1 innings and allowed just five hits, while striking out four against only one walk. From there, Bradley McAtee, Eric Federico, and Craig Benningson provided 2.2 innings of shutdown relief to ensure victory for the Dust Devils. Nathan Hines had two hits for Tri-City, while Chandler Laurent singled, walked, and drove in the only run of the game.

Rookie - Casper: L 5-1 (8-12)
Corey Dickerson doubled, and Rafael Ortega was responsible for the Ghosts' only run on a sixth inning solo home run. Casper only had five hits in the ballgame, which generally does not get it done in the Pioneer League. Starting pitcher Bruce Kern lasted just three innings and gave up one earned run on five hits while punching out two. Christian Bergman gave up two runs on four hits in four innings, and Nelson Gonzalez tossed a perfect eighth, striking out a batter in the process.

Dominican Summer League - DSL Rockies: W 5-4
Miguel De Leon led the Rockies' offense with three hits, while Rosell Herrera, Juan Morales, and Jose Briceno each had two. Amin Acosta started for the Rockies and gave up just a run on four hits while racking up four Ks. Jose Franco pitched three scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win.