Wednesday Pebble Report: Sky Sox Come From Behind With Ten Run Ninth

by Andrew T. Fisher on May 25, 2011 6:00 AM MDT in Pebble Report

Eye On - Ben Paulsen - AA 1B

If catcher Jordan Pacheco impressed the most in Spring Training, first basemen #23 PuRP Ben Paulsen (2009, 3rd round) was second. The left-handed hitter went 11-for-24 with four triples, a home run, four walks and just four strikeouts. This came after a solid season in Modesto in 2010: .313/.354/.476 with 12 home runs. Many wanted to tab him as Todd Helton's heir just two months ago, but he hasn't created any buzz after heading east to Tulsa.

In 40 games for the Drillers, Paulsen is hitting just .235/.299/.370 with five home runs. His numbers aren't deflated by a recent slump either - quite the contracy. The left-handed slugger has just eight multi-hit games this year, and three of them came in his last three games, capped with a 3-for-5 performance Monday with a home run. Hopefully, it is a sign of things to come.

AAA Colorado Springs - W 15-6 (19-27, 4th, 8.0 GB)

Monday night, the Sky Sox rallied late and came up one run short against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Tuesday, they would leave no doubt in their comeback. Down one run in the ninth inning with Merkin Valdez (he of SpillySlam fame) on the hill, the Sky Sox put TEN runs on eight hits on the board. At one point, ten consecutive batters reached base. Here is how it happened.

Eric Young singles to second base.

Charlie Blackmon pops out.

Chris Nelson hit by pitch.

Matt Macri doubles to right field. Score tied 6-6.

Josh Fields intentionally walks .

Eliezer Alfonzo singles to left field. Sky Sox lead 7-6.

Jordan Pacheco singles to center felder. Sky Sox lead 8-6.

Willy Taveras doubles right field. Sky Sox lead 10-6.

Matt Pagnozzi singles to center field. Sky Sox lead 12-6.

Eric Young singles to center field.

Charlie Blackmon homers to right field. Sky Sox lead 15-6.

Chris Nelson walks.

Matt Macri grounds into double play.

Ian Stewart went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, dropping him to just 4-for-17 with NINE strikeouts since his demotion. I haven't discovered why he was replaced after just two plate appearances. #12 PuRP Rex Brothers (2009, sandwich) worked a hitless eighth inning for the win. Eric Young Jr. (2003, 30th round) reached base in all six of his plate appearances, while #7 PuRP Charlie Blackmon (2008, 2nd round) went 3-for-5 with 4 RBI and that ninth inning big fly.

The rest of the minor league system had the day off. According to Tulsa pitchers Rob Scahill and Christian Friedrich, the air conditioning in the team hotel in Midland, Texas broke last night, leaving Scahill coming up with creative ways to stay cool.

AA Tulsa Off Day (22-16, 1st)

The Drillers were one of three Rockies affiliates to have an off day yesterday. #2 PuRP Wilin Rosario (2008, DR FA) and his teammates traveled from Tulsa to Midland for a three game series against the Rock Hounds (Athletics). #3 PuRP Christian Friedrich (2008, 1st round) will get the start, looking to build on his steadily decent performances of late. Hopefully Friedrich got enough sleep in his hot hotel room.

High-A Modesto Off Day (21-24, t-4th, 6.0 GB)

The Nuts got a travel day to head out to High Desert to commence a 4-game set against the Mavericks (Mariners). The starting pitchers have not been decided for either side.

Low-A Asheville Off Day (20-25, 4th, 2.5 GB)

The Tourists had an off day and traveled to Hagerstown to open a four game series at the Suns (Nationals), whose 28-16 record is best in the South Atlantic League. Asheville's starter has yet to be determined.

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Comments

Paulsen's struggles have largely resulted from swing mechanics issues.

He had gotten to where he would really wrap his bat on his load to the point he couldn’t get his swing started on time to drive the ball. The result was a lot of foul balls or weak hits to the left side on pitches that should have been driven pull side. He’s worked to cut that down, and the bat wrap is more or less gone of late, but he does need to still quiet his hands some in his load. Bat speed isn’t the issue, it’s his trigger that’s been misfiring. Tools are still there to recover once he gets this issue resolved.

by David OhNo on May 25, 2011 6:53 AM MDT reply actions

And that 9th inning could have been even worse if it wasn't for that inning ending DP

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on May 25, 2011 8:32 AM MDT reply actions

I was at the Sky Sox / Isotopes game last night

Here’s a recap of my evening:

First they ignore you.
They then laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then, you win.
--Gandhi

by Santa Fe Bronc on May 25, 2011 9:54 AM MDT reply actions

Or maybe it's here

First they ignore you.
They then laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then, you win.
--Gandhi

by Santa Fe Bronc on May 25, 2011 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions

Or maybe I don't know how to post a link

Please visit the fan posts page to read it. I give up!

First they ignore you.
They then laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then, you win.
--Gandhi

by Santa Fe Bronc on May 25, 2011 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions

Here ya go man.

If you want to link, highlight what you want people to click on, clink on the chain button just the left of the tree in your toolbar, and post the link there. Be sure to click “open in a new window” before submitting so others don’t lose the page they are on.

Also, you can’t link in the subject line. (Not sure if that’s what you tried to do on the second attempt.)

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on May 25, 2011 10:13 AM MDT up reply actions