The Sky Sox played fairly well the first five innings. Tyler Chatwood's line up through the fifth inning was an encouraging one. To begin the sixth, Chatwood allowed two singles to Reno, which would lead to his removal. What followed was a meltdown from relievers Stephen Dodson, Tyler Johnson and Kennil Gomez that resulted in a ten run inning, making the 6-2 Sky Sox lead going into the inning a distant memory. Johnson was credited with the loss, his first decision of the 2012 season. Chatwood allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over the five innings to which he was credited.
Andrew Brown hit his eighth home run of the season, a three run shot in the fifth. Hernan Iribarren had a pair of doubles in addition to a pair of walks. Brendan Harris and Brandon Wood also had two-hit outings with another double (and fielding error) for each. Chad Tracy also doubled for his only hit on the night.
Finally, the umpires caught Edgmer Escalona attempting to apply a substance to the ball while on the mound. The pitcher was ejected, and is likely to be suspended.
Continuing the theme of big sixth innings, this time it was the good guys put up a crooked number. Up 2-0 after Lars Davis hit a two run single in the fourth, seven straight batters would reach base before the second out of the sixth inning was recorded for Northwest Arkansas: two walks, two singles, two doubles (including a bases clearing double from Josh Rutledge, aided by the opposing defense who made two throwing errors on the play), and capping the action was Nolan Arenado's sixth home run of the year. Seven runs scored in the inning. Rutledge with three hits and Arenado and Davis with two led the offensive performance. Only Michael Mitchell failed to get a hit in the game, though Kent Matthes continues to struggle, striking out three times.
Starter Nick Schmidt was excellent, striking out eight over six innings, and allowing just three hits and a walk plus no runs. Though Joey Williamson struggled in his inning of work, Will Harris and Michael Marbry were excellent behind him. The Rockies were opposed by former Rockies prospect Ethan Hollingsworth in the game.
Modesto, Asheville and the DSL Rockies after the jump.
This time the game's big inning was only five runs, but that's still fairly significant. Starter Juan Gonzalez (2-9 with the loss today), whose season as quickly gone to blazes after a great start, last just four innings, whereupon he allowed 9 earned runs on 13 hits and two walks. Kurt Yacko didn't look much better behind him, allowing another three runs over two and a third, but Kraig Sitton and Chad Rose continued good seasons of relief for the Nuts this year.
The games biggest offensive star was Dallas Tarleton, back in Modesto for the first time in nearly a month after being promoted to help the Colorado Springs catching corps after Wil Nieves was promoted to the Rockies. Tarleton went 3 for 5 with a double and his second home run of the year. Outfield prospects Rafael Ortega and Kyle Parker also had two hit games, and each player also hit their third home run of the season. Jared Clark also produced two hits. Every Nut struck out at least once, helping Visalia pitching to a 12 strikeout game.
While Delta Cleary Jr.'s hot start has cooled off (0 for 5 last night and hitting .135 in June), at least one slow-developing minor leaguer is still getting the job done. Tyler Massey, in his fourth straight season with the Tourists, hit his third triple of the season and knocked in two runs. Jared Simon reached base three times with two hits and a walk, including a double and a RBI. Taylor Featherston continued his hot streak since returning from injury. The infielder hit his fourth home run of the season and also walked twice, scoring both times.
Starter Tyler Anderson (5-0 with this win) put up his second good start after a couple of ugly ones. Anderson did not allow a run until his final inning when he gave up a two run home run. He allowed only five hits and no walks while striking out three. He also induced 13 ground ball outs to just 3 in the air. Nelson Gonzalez allowed an unearned run in the eighth after he allowed a double that scored on a Trevor Story error, but was otherwise effective in the final two innings.
Emerson Jimenez and Denzel Richardson each had two hit games. Wilson Soriano and Luis Jean each doubled. Most impressive offensively was that the young lineup struck out only once in the game, a rarity among lower levels in the minors.
Starter Angel Lezama only lasted four innings, but struck out five while allowing two runs (one earned) on just two hits and a walk. Manuel Montilla picked up his first win of the season and Andres Medrano secured his third save. Neither pitcher has allowed an earned run in their appearances so far in the young DSL season.