Saturday Pebble Report: Modesto Wins in a Walk-off

Colorado's minor league affiliates went 5-2 yesterday, with two wins coming in the last inning.

Colorado Springs 6, Fresno 3

The Sky Sox (46-54) scored the last five runs of the game, including three in the ninth to pull ahead. RF Joe Mather had a solo HR (5) and two hits, while 2B PuRP 13 Chris Nelson continued his strong season (.336/.377/.560), collecting two hits and two RBIs. PuRP 29 Edgmer Escalona got the win (3-1) in relief and Jim Miller the save (15).

Tulsa 4, Arkansas 1

The Drillers (14-13 2nd Half, 47-50 overall) got a strong pitching performance from honorable mention PuRP Rob Scahill, who went 7 innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out five to get the win (8-7). Offensively, both RF Bronson Sardinha and 3B/C James Cesario had multi-hit efforts for Tulsa.

Modesto 6, Stockton 5 (F-12)

The Nuts (13-15 2nd Half, 46-52 overall) jumped out to an early 5-1 lead, only to see it evaporate in the 7th. Interestingly enough, this occurred despite the fact that the Nuts didn't give up any earned runs in the game. That's what happens when you commit three errors as Modesto did.

Alan DeRatt and Leuris Gomez were the two pitchers that had runs score on their watch. Fortunately, the bullpen was able to hold it together long enough for Kiel Roling to drive in PuRP 24 SS Josh Rutledge to end the game. Rutledge added a solo HR (2) earlier in the game to boost his hitting line to .311/.388/.422, while PuRP 23 LF Eliezer Mesa (hitting 9th) and RF Kent Matthes both also had two hits.

Kannapolis 8, Asheville 6

The Tourists (15-13 2nd Half, 46-51 overall) got a bit of a rough outing from PuRP 6 Peter Tago (2-3), who lasted only five innings, striking out six but allowing seven runs on six hits -- including five runs off of three homers. Offensively, PuRP 12 CF Rafael Ortega and LF Avery Barnes both had multi-hit games, while PuRP 3 RF Kyle Parker added a solo HR (13).

Short season ball after the fold.

Tri-City 4, Spokane 2

The Dust Devils (19-16) pulled into a tie for the division lead with a win against the previous leader last night. SS Timothy Smalling hit his first professional HR, a solo shot, while CF Brian Humpries went 5-5, part of a 15 hit night for Tri-City. On the mound, Roberto Padillo picked up his first professional win (1-0) in relief

Missoula 4, Casper 3

The Ghosts (9-22) suffered another tough loss in a tough season last night. Converted SS Jeremiah Sammy took the loss (1-1) on the mound in relief. Offensively, both PuRP 17 C Will Swanner and 1B Harold Riggins had multi-hit nights for Casper.

DSL Rockies 3, DSL White Sox 1

Colorado's Dominican Summer League affiliate (28-19) has been the system's most successful this year, especially their fine young pitching staff. Yesterday it was 17 year-old Angel Lezama's time to shine. Lezama (3-2, 2.35) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, punching out four. When your pitching is that good, three runs on five hits can be enough.