The affiliates went 4-3 on the day yesterday.
AAA: Colorado Springs 5, Omaha 2
Making his first start in a Sky Sox uniform since signing a minor league deal with the Rockies, Chris Capuano pitched four scoreless innings for Colorado Springs, allowing two hits and striking out two in the process. The 35 year-old Capuano, a veteran lefty who has pitched in parts of ten MLB seasons, is the prime candidate to become starter number 14 this year. Capuano, like recent acquisition Jair Jurrjens, was an All-Star (in 2006 with Milwaukee) and was a league average starter as recently as 2012. Though he had performed as a reliever for Boston this year, it's tough to argue that Capuano wouldn't be an upgrade right now on the majority of Colorado's rotation.
On offense, the Sky Sox scored all five of their runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Angelys Nina led the team with three hits (including a double), while Tim Wheeler (PuRP 27), Tim Smalling, and Drew Garcia each had multi-hit games for Colorado Springs. Pedro Hernandez relieved Capuano and got the win by throwing 3 1/3 innings of two run, four hit relief. Greg Burke threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings to get his first save of the year.
AA: Corpus Christi 7, Tulsa 2
Tulsa had nine hits in this one, but were only able to muster two runs in a losing effort. On the pitching front, Ryan Kulik allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings of work to take the loss. Tyler Massey led the team offensively with three knocks, while Cristhian Adames (PuRP 13) added two more and Taylor Featherston (PuRP 22) knocked in both runs with a two-run homer (11). Both Adames (.288/.339/.367) and Featherston (.277/.343/.459) have quietly been very effective in the middle infield for the Drillers. Adames's 40 man roster status might lead the Rockies to give him a call-up to the big league squad this September.
High A: Bakersfield 3, Modesto 2
The Nuts lost on a walk-off in this one to the recently traded Harold Riggins (1 for 4) and company. That's a shame, because Devin Burke was excellent for the Nuts in this one. Burke threw into the ninth inning, allowing three runs (two earned) on nine hits while striking out eight in the process. Modesto got a home run from Michael Tauchman (his third in eight games with the team) and multi-hit nights from Will Swanner (PuRP 24) and Derek Jones.
Low A: Asheville 9, Lexington 2
Antonio Senzatela (PuRP 29) improved to 9-1 on the year with a five inning, one run on two hits with two strikeouts effort. The 19 year-old right-hander has a 4.27 ERA this season in 86 1/3 innings pitched. Matt Carasiti relieved him, allowing a run in two innings while striking out four, then Trent Daniel and Carlos Estevez mopped up with scoreless innings of relief. The Tourists pounded out 12 hits in this one, led by two apiece by David Dahl (PuRP 3), Jordan Patterson (PuRP 23), and Max White (PuRP 25).
Short Season A: Tri-City 3, Everett 2
Both teams had seven hits in this one, while Tri-City even committed two errors, but the Dust Devils emerged victorious. Roberto Ramos was the star, delivering three hits and two RBI, including a solo homer (1). Cesar Galvez added three hits and a steal for Tri-City. Blake Shouse went five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks, striking out three. Dylan Thompson got the win in relief, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Rookie: Orem 9, Grand Junction 7
The GJ Rockies got off to a nice start, plating five runs early to take a 5-1 lead, but their opponents scored seven runs in the third-sixth innings to take control. There were nine errors in the game, including three by Grand Junction and two by shortstop Max George (Colorado's sixth round pick), who already has 11 miscues in 13 games. Henry Garcia led the way on offense with a three hit night, Wesley Jones was 2-2, and Nate Causey hit a three run homer (1). Third round pick Sam Howard struggled in his start, lasting three innings and allowing three runs on six hits while punching out three.
Dominican Summer League: DSL Rockies 6, DSL Reds 1
Anderson Jimenez had the rarest of events - a homer in the Dominican Summer League - a three run shot in the first inning, which was actually his second on the year. Jonathan Piron and Daniel Suero both had multi-hit games for the DSL Rockies. Meanwhile, a cadre of six Rockies pitchers held their opponents to three hits and one run despite walking seven in the game.
Today's Probables
AAA: Juan Nicasio
AA: Tyler Anderson
High A: Jayson Aquino
Low A: Alex Balog
Short Season A: Tyler Gagnon
Rookie: TBD