Tuesday Pebble Report: Few Walks But Many Hits Allowed as Wheeler Keeps on Turning, Matthes Keeps on Burning

AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox: L 8-3

The Sky Sox outhit the opposing Fresno Grizzlies 14-9, but 13 of those hits were singles, making run production more difficult. The only extra base hit was a double from third baseman Matt Macri as part of a three hit night. Alfredo Amezaga, who played center field for Colorado Springs in the game, also had three hits. Shortstop Ryan Rohlinger had two hits and two walks, while first baseman Mike Jacobs batted in two of the three runs on two hits of his own. Every player in the starting lineup except the pitcher's spot had at least one single.

Starter Greg Reynolds gave up seven earned runs on seven hits and four walks over just four innings pitched. He did not strike out a batter. Reliever Andy Graham allowed a run in the fifth inning on two walks and a hit. Sean White and Andrew Johnston pitched the final third of the game cleanly. Reynolds falls to 5-4 with the Springs this year (8-4 including his MLB starts).

AA Tulsa Drillers: L 5-2

Center fielder Tim Wheeler's 29th home run of the year and a RBI single from designated hitter Brian Rike were the only runs produced by the Drillers on six hits. Wheeler (who also hit a double) and shortstop Hector Gomez (a double and a single) each had two hits. The final hit came from right fielder Bronson Sardinha, who was also the only Driller to earn a walk.

Starter Cory Riordan was stuck with his tenth loss of the year to just one win. He was hittable, allowing nine hits (including two home runs) over his six innings pitched, though he did not allow any walks. He struck out one Arkansas Traveler. Relievers Dustin Molleken (two innings pitched) and Joe Torres (one inning) each allowed another run.

Both the Nuts and the opposing High Desert Mavericks had double digit hit totals and multiple errors. First baseman Jared Clark hit his third home run of the year as part of a four hit night. Catcher Beau Seabury also had a four hit outing, including a double. Designated hitter Kiel Roling hit his 12th home run as one of two hits, while scorching hot right fielder Kent Matthes' only hit of the game was his 21st homer.

Starter Chad Bettis demonstrated sharp control, striking out seven while walking just one, but was also hittable, allowing nine hits over his seven and two thirds innings pitched. He allowed five runs (four earned). Kurt Yacko recorded the final out of the eighth inning, while Mike Marbry finished the game. Marbry allowed a run, but it was unearned. Fielding errors by Clark and second baseman Angelys Nina accounted for the two unearned runs. Bettis improves to 8-5 on the year.

A Asheville Tourists: Postponed

A- Tri-City Dust Devils: W 9-3

Another hit parade for the Dust Devils, who knocked 13 against the Yakima Bears. The offense was led by a three hit, three RBI night from catcher Richard Pirkle. Multi-hit games also came from left fielder Leonardo Reyes, right fielder Juan Crousset, shortstop Taylor Featherston and first baseman Blake McDade. Reyes and McDade each had a triple. The team produced despite 12 strikeouts against Yakima pitching.

Starter Ricardo Ferrer got his first win of the season to go with his six losses (three came with Asheville in the first half of the season). He allowed three runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out one. Rhett Ballard struck out five of the eight batters he faced over two innings. Nelson Gonalez, who has excelled in both starting and long relief this season, pitched a clean eighth and ninth.

RK Casper Ghosts: L 7-3

Right fielder Julian Yan hit his second home run of the year and also doubled. He knocked in two runs and also scored one. Center fielder David Kandilas doubled twice, but was not brought around to score. Third baseman Samuel Mende has cooled down a bit after a crazy start to his pro career. He went 0-3 with three strikeouts.

Following the pattern for starting pitchers on the night, Geoff Parker demonstrated good control (no walks, three strikeouts), but was hittable, allowing 11 hits to the Helena Brewers over six innings pitched. Five earned runs crossed under his watch. Kyle Roliard allowed two more earned runs over two innings of relief. Parker fell to 1-5 on the year.

DSL Rockies: W 5-3

The Rockies beat the Orioles DSL affiliate behind a 9 inning complete game performance from pitching prospect Jayson Aquino, now 5-1. He allowed three runs, two earned, on seven hits and no walks with six strikeouts. Aquino committed an error himself, but it was an error from catcher Jose Briceno that would result in the unearned run. Luckily, Briceno more than made up for the mistake by going 3 for 4, including a double that would count as the only extra base hit of the ball game for the DSL Rockies, while scoring three of their five runs. Only two of the runs scored by the team were credited as runs batted in, thanks to further defensive gaffs from the Orioles. Second baseman Miguel Dilone was also productive, batting in a run and scoring another while going 2 for 4.