Pebble Report - Weekend Recap: Francis and Daley solid in rehab, Matzek struggles, more

I've been having all sorts of problems accessing the internet on a computer this weekend. My apologies. Here's the better-late-than-never edition of the Pebble Report Weekend Recap.

AAA - Colorado Springs: L 16-9, L 3-2
Five different Sky Sox players - led by 1B Brad Eldred, who hit his 30th home run of the season - had two hits on Saturday. However, Josh Muecke dug the team in a deep hole, giving up eight runs on eight hits while recording just one out, and they were unable to catch up.

Jeff Francis had a solid rehab appearance on Sunday, going three scoreless innings while notching three strikeouts. He allowed a hit and a walk. Also on the rehab front, Matt Daley provided a scoreless inning out of the bullpen with a K as well. OF Matt Miller, OF Chris Frey, and 1B Mike Paulk each had two hits.

AA - Tulsa: W 5-2, L 4-3
Saturday's game saw Cory Riordan provide a great start, as he went seven innings and gave up just one run on six hits while striking out five. Rex Brothers got two outs in the ninth to earn the save. OF Scott Beerer had two hits while SS Jason Van Kooten contributed three - two of which were doubles.

The Drillers lost in walk-off fashion on Sunday, as Chris Malone gave up a walk and a double in the ninth to blow the save. Keith Weiser threw a quality start, allowing two earned runs in six innings. Bruce Billings was solid in relief, striking out three in two scoreless innings. Beerer added two more hits to his total.

A (Advanced) - Modesto: W 9-5, W 10-3
The Nuts used a six-run third inning to help them win on Saturday. 3B Joseph Sanders (3-for-5, HR) and OF Tim Wheeler (2-for-5, HR) led the way for the offense, while Josh Sullivan picked up the win after allowing two earned runs in five innings. He gave up just three hits, but walked three while striking out one.

Parker Frazier won on Sunday, as he lasted five innings and allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while punching out four. Wheeler added two more hits, while 1B Mike Zuanich had three hits (including a double and triple) and OF David Christensen went 2-for-4 with a homer.

More recaps after the jump...

A - Asheville: W 6-2, L 5-1
3B Nolan Arenado and OF Avery Barnes each had three hits on Saturday for the Tourists. One of Barnes' hits was a homer, while Arenado included a double in his arsenal of knocks. Wes Musick went seven innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts in earning the win. Coty Woods struck out four in two scoreless relief frames.

Arenado added two more hits on Sunday, and the Tourists outhit Savannah 9 to 5, but they were still unable to come away with the victory. Tyler Matzek battled some control issues, as he walked four batters in four innings of work while striking out just two.

A (Short Season) - Tri-City: L 5-3, L 3-1
Edwar Cabrera dropped to 1-8 on the season despite striking out seven batters in four inning on Saturday. His major downfall was the four walks he allowed. 3B Dominic Altobelli had two hits and two RBIs to lead the Dust Devils' offense.

Tri-City closed out their season with another loss on Sunday, as they were held to just four hits. Joshua Slaats struck out six in four innings of work in which he allowed one earned run on four hits and three walks.

Rookie - Casper: L 15-4, L 11-7
OF Corey Dickerson and C Ryan Casteel each had two hits in Saturday's blowout loss. One of Casteel's hits was a homer, as was the lone hit off the bat of 3B Jordan Ballard. There isn't much to say about any of the individual pitching performances.

The Ghosts were tagged for entirely too many runs on Sunday as well. Bruce Kern was arguably the only bright spot, as he struck out three batters in two scoreless innings of work. Dickerson added two more hits, as did C Will Swanner - one of which was a solo homer. 1B Blake McDade and 2B Yafistel Roja had two hits apiece as well.