Colorado Springs, W 7-6 in 12 innings - Greg Reynolds allowed one run on two hits and two walks in five innings, but Alberto Arias allowed four runs in the sixth inning. Jayson Nix went 3-for-4, hit the game-winning homer in the 12th and drove in a total of three runs. Cory Sullivan had a triple.

Tulsa, L 8-11 - Adam Bright took the loss in this contest since the runner he allowed on base in the eighth scored, but that runner crossed home plate while Casey Weathers was on the mound. Weathers allowed two runs himself and walked two. Of course, Chaz Roe takes a lot of the blame in this game, as he allowed eight runs over 5 2/3 innings. He walked five and allowed two homers.

Jeff Kindel drove in four runs, two on his ninth homer. Matt Miller and Neil Wilson (back from a broken finger) also hit homers. Corey Wimberly stole his 46th base and Dexter Fowler his 18th.

Modesto, W 9-5 - Jhoulys Chacin, on a pitch count, went five innings, allowed one hit, and struck out four. Someone sees a debut by the end of 2009 for him.

Chris Nelson hit his first homer since for Modesto, a two-run shot in the third. Nelson's had only two at-bats in each of his two games, being replaced by Cole Garner at DH last night. Nick Haley and Jay Cox each had two hits, but Haley had three RBI to Cox's lone one. Daniel Mayora and Mike Paulk had both had three hits and combined to score three times. Mayora, however, committed two errors (31 on the season).

Those two errors came in a three-run seventh inning for Visalia. Andy Graham allowed those three unearned runs. David Patton struck out four over the last two innings.

Asheville, W 6-5 in 12 innings - Brian Rike struck out thre more times last night, but he also singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 12th. David Christensen went 3-for-5 and hit his 10th homer. Mike Mitchell also had three hits, two for doubles, and stole his 42nd base; not to be out done, Everth Cabrera swiped his 60th base in the 12th before scoring the winning run. Helder Velazquez hit his seventh homer.

Sheng-An Kuo allowd four runs in six innings, walking five and striking out four. Edgmer Escalona allowed a homer in the seventh to blow the 5-4 lead. He went three innings before Craig Baker pitched the 10th and 11th innings, striking out three.

Tri-City, L 5-6 in 10 innings - Bobby Paschal must want the last inning of this game back. David Parker walked two and recorded two outs before Paschal came in to finish the inning. Paschall attempted to throw out the runner at second, but committed a throwing error. He walked the next batter and then delivered the pitch that turned into the game-winning single. Tri-City used seven pitchers in the game.

Austin Rauch, Thomas Field, and Leonardo Reyes each had solo homers and drove in two runs as part of their two-hit nights.

Casper, W 3-2 in 10 innings - Marco Duarte struck out six over five innings while allowing one run on three hits. Brandon Walker allowed a run in the sixth to tie the game at two, but the relievers after that did what they had to do. Over the last four innings, Isaiah Froneberger, Adam Jorgenson, and Kurt Yacko allowed no hits and struck out a combined five batters.

Wilin Rosario, Nick Valdez, and Kane Simmons drove in the runs. Carlos Martinez, who had two hits, scored two of the runs.

Yorvit Torrealba thinks he'd be better off Elsewhere, but the problem is that Elsewhere doesn't really feel the same way about him. Elsewhere likes that Torrealba's just a friend and would feel smothered and awkward with Yorvit moving in all of the sudden. Elsewhere needs its space. Which is bad for us, because we were really hoping that things would work out with Elsewhere and Yorvit, because he's been eating all of our Cap'n Crunch and we really think things could heat up with our dreamy new guy, Chris if this mopey third wheel wasn't always hanging around.

Other notes mentioned there are the bad news of Greg Reynolds' arm soreness and the likelihood that Joe Koshansky will get sent back to AAA tomorrow when Tulo returns.

Jayson Nix is brushing up on his Mandarin, as the one team that really wants him right now is America's team. The U.S. is hoping the visit goes well enough for John Adams to wirte an operatic sequel to this event.

Colorado Springs, W 10-6 - The Sky Sox win this without hitting a home run. It was a multi-RBI night for several players: Cory Sullivan and Ian Stewart (two hits) drove in two and Jayson Nix (three hits) drove in three. Two of Christian Colonel's hits were doubles. He, Doug Bernier, and Chris Frey each drove in a run. Bernier, Colonel, and Nix drove in four of those runs in the eight inning to break a 6-6 tie.

Valerio De Los Santos allowed five runs over 4 2/3 innings, and Steven Register allowed a run in the top of the 8th to blow the save. He picked up the win after the already-mentioned four-run eighth by the Sky Sox.

Tulsa, L 2-4 - Tony Blanco hit his 17th homer last night and Dexter Fowler had two hits, but, with men on second and third in the bottom of the ninth, Fowler grounded out on the first pitch he saw. Xavier Cedeno allowed one run (on a homer) in five innings. He also struck out five before leaving the game as a result of back spasms. Adam Bright was charged with two runs, but they scored when Ryan Mattheus took his place on the mound. Mattheus allowed one additional run.

Modesto, L 7-10 - Six of Modesto's seven runs came by way of the home run. Daniel Mayora had two, his first two of the season, Michael McKenry had a two-run shot for his ninth, and Jason Van Kooten had one in the ninth for his second. Van Kooten and Anthony Jackson each had three hits. Modesto native Jackson sat down with Brian VanderBeek for this Sunday's interview.

Esmil Rogers allowed 10 runs (five earned) in 3 2/3 innings. Daniel Mayora had two fielding errors during those innings. Brandon Durden allowed one hit and struck out five over the next 4 1/3 innings.

Asheville, W 13-6 - It was a good night for Warren Schaeffer as he went 2-for-3 with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored, and two walks. Kevin Clark hit his 13th homer, a two-run shot (and put a big dent in the hood of his car after hitting hitting a homer during BP). Mike Mitchell and David Christensen drove in two each. Christian stole his 10th base, and Everth Cabrera his 54th.

Sheng-An Kuo allowed a grand slam in the third inning and failed to make it out of that inning. Edgmer Escalona allowed two runs over the next 4 1/3 innings, striking out five. Matt Reynolds struck out four over the final two innings.

Tri-City, W 4-1 - Parker Frazier had a no-hitter going through five innings before allowing a leadoff single to start the sixth. His line for the night: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, 1 HBP. Ethan Katz allowed a run in the eighth, but Austin Chambliss struck out two on his way to his seventh save in the ninth.

Leonardo Reyes hit a home run in the seventh to give the Dust Devils the lead, and Thomas Field drove in two on a single the next inning. Patrick Rose scored from second earlier in the eighth on a throwing error by the pitcher on Johnny Bowden's sac bunt.

Casper, L 2-13 - Casper hitters combined for four hits. Wilin Rosario, who had one of the hits, walked twice. Marco Duarte allowed seven runs in the first two innings of the game, only two earned. Carlos Martinez and Orlando Sandoval had errors in the five-run first inning. Brandon Walker allowed two unearned runs, Andres Marrero put three across home plate, and Juan Rodriguez allowed the other run.

Colorado Springs, W 5-3 - The Sky Sox scored all five runs in the fifth inning. Cory Sullivan drove one run in on a ground out; Jayson Nix hit a two-run homer (14); Ian Stewart singled and Seth Smith scored on that play after an error; and Edwin Bellorin doubled in Stewart.

Franklin Morales allowed only two runs (on a homer) over 6 2/3 innings, walked four, and struck out four. Ryan Speier allowed the other run on the way to his second save.

Tulsa, W 8-1 - Brandon Hynick went eight innings, allowed one run on five hits, walked two, and struck out one. He also drove in a run. Jeff Kindel went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Daniel Carte drove in two runs, and Dexter Fowler collected two hits and an RBI.

Modesto, W 5-2 - Aneury Rodriguez threw eight shutout innings last night for the Nuts. He allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out six. David Patton allowed two runs on four hits.

Jay Cox led the offense last night with a double and a homer to drive in two runs. Daniel Mayora and Mike Paulk drove in the other runs. Anthony Jackson stole his 21st base.

Asheville, W 4-3 - Despite allowing two runs in the top of the ninth, Randall Taylor saved his 24th game. Connor Graham started the game, went seven innings, and allowed one run on three hits and four walks. He struck out five.

Darin Holcomb drove in two runs on his 11th homer to reach base for the 30th consecutive game, and Brian Rike drove in a run. Everth Cabrera and Kevin Clark each walked twice, the former scoring once and the latter twice. Cabrera stole his 52nd base. Jeff Cunningham had three hits.

Tri-City, L 5-12 - Juan Nicasio was knocked around for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings, all scored in the third. Five runs of them scored on three consecutive singles. Andy Groves allowed four runs over the next three outs.

Charlie Blackmon had a two-run triple in the fifth and drove in a total of three runs. Johnny Bowden had a double and an RBI. Thomas Field went 2-for-2 with two walks.

I received some photos from someone who attended Wednesday's Tri-City game. You can check them out by clicking on the link at the bottom of this post.

Christian Friedrich should make his debut on Wednesday. It also mentions that Hector Gomez had TJ surgery earlier in the week.

Casper, W 5-2 - Wilin Rosario had two doubles, one of which drove in two runs in the fifth. A run scored earlier that inning on an error. In the top of the ninth, back-to-back wild pitches scored two more runs. James Sims went 2-for-2 with two doubles, two runs scored, and two walks. He also stole his second base.

Dan Houston struck out eight  and allowed one run on his way to a three-hit, six-inning performance. Isaiah Froneberger struck out three, as did Kurt Yacko in the bottom of the ninth.

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Colorado Springs: W 9-2

Ian Stewart, Seth Smith and Jayson Nix all homered and had a pair of hits for the Sky Sox to help drive some uncharacteristic high scoring at Tacoma. Sean Smith pitched six and two thirds, allowing two runs to pick up the win. Would he be a better option than Mark Redman? I'd say probably not, while Smith has an advantage in run prevention, he's done it by avoiding good hitters, which won't be as effective a strategy with the quality of the MLB. While this is exactly the strategy that Redman depoys, Mark's got the added advantages of experience and his left arm. Still the differences between the two might not amount to much. Since Redman isn't likely to factor into the team's 2009 plans, but Smith most likely is, the decision to call up Redman to replace Francis might be lacking foresight. Since 2008 is pretty much a total wash out, I'd rather the team spend its efforts on prepping for 2009, including giving guys like Smith some needed big league experience when the opportunity arises.

Instead, the Rockies moves seem to have a lot to do with replacing one defective part with the part that's most similar to that part. Never mind that because of the similarities the parts may well be defective in exactly the same way. Of course, going to a Cook, Jimenez, JDLR, Reynolds, Smith rotation for a few weeks would be a PR hit (Cook and the uncooked?) but let's face it, replacing Smith with Redman in that five doesn't make it look any prettier.

Tulsa: Off

Modesto: W 5-3

Andrew Johnston had such a horrendous year in 2007 that I've probably been subconciously avoiding talking about his 2008, but it's hard not to notice the 0.83 ERA and the seventeen saves and the 65% GB rate which has allowed him to post one of the lowest H/9 rates in the California League despite a defense that doesn't have the best range behind him. I think I'm okay allowing him back into my prospect radar right now.

Keith Weiser started the game that Johnston saved, and started it well, pitching seven innings while allowing just five hits and a walk. Matt Repec hit a three run homer as part of a four run fourth, and a Victor Ferrante triple in the ninth plated the last run for the Nuts.

Asheville: Off

Tri-City: W 13-0

Despite a .226 average, 24th round pick Thomas Field had the second best OBP on the team heading into yesterday's game, but perhaps somewhat surprisingly he also was the team's second best RBI producer. That meant that either he had been remarkable clutch or was really good at drawing the bases loaded walk. If you've been watching the box scores you'll know it's more of that first category, and as if to emphasize the point he came through with six more RBI yesterday, including two off a first inning, two out double and three more off a bases loaded double in the fourth. With 14 RBI on the season now, he's no longer the Dust Devils second best in that category.

In his two prior appearances in relief, Brad McAtee was probably not as good as his sparkilng ERA would have you believe, but he was just as good yesterday as the five scoreless innings, four hits (all singles), one walk, three strikeout appearance looks. Jeffrey Murphy, on the other hand, has probably been better than his 4.26 ERA, yesterday he pitched three scoreless in relief, also struck out three and allowed just one hit. In all, opposing batters are hitting just .095 off of him this season.

Casper: L 4-12

Matt Baugh handed Casper's bullpen a 4-2 lead, and Chad Rose and Eric Schaler took a hammer to it. Rose had his initiation to what sort of pain can be inflicted on pitchers in the Pioneer League if they make too many mistakes, giving up six in the seventh inning. Schaler, who's no virgin to that pain, gave up four more in the eighth. The shell shocked Ghosts offense didn't recover. Nick Valdez hit his second homerun as part of a two hit day.

Colorado Springs: W 12-2

I'm liking what I've been seeing of Sean Smith. He's keeping the ball down and not giving up a whole lot of damage. He didn't quite make it a full six innings yesterday, giving up the two runs in that frame and showing signs of weakness after shutting out Portland to that point, but he did pick up and deserve the win. The Sky Sox part of the score indicates that runs probably could have been given up a lot more easily with less effective pitching last night. On that offensive side, Ian Stewart hit his fourteenth AAA homerun of the season and Jayson Nix (3 hits) and Christian Colonel (4 hits) each had big nights.

Tulsa: L 0-5

The Drillers were shutout and limited to three hits, one by starter Brandon Hynick, who also happened to meet the quality start threshold with three runs allowed in six innings.

Modesto: L 2-6

Daniel Mayora went two for four and is batting .421 for the month of June after starting the season miserably. He's still showing little power, but the contact skills are looking much better. Esmil Rogers took the loss after going five innings and allowing four runs.

UPDATE: according to the comments Jhoulys Chacin has finally been promoted from Asheville and will join the Nuts this weekend.

Asheville: L 3-9

Connor Graham had one of his least effective outings of late, allowing five runs in as many innings including two off of a homerun in a three inning third. Everth Cabrera had a pair of hits and a pair of stolen bases (49 out of 56 on the season now) as well as his twentieth error of the year in the loss.

Tri-City: W 2-1

There was no scoring in this contest until Bo Bowman and Johnny Bowden broke through in the top of the ninth, and then Austin Chambliss bended a little, but didn't break in the bottom half for the save in the Dust Devils win. Juan Nicasio pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and a walk and struck out nine with five of the six outs he got off of contact coming on groundballs.

Casper: W 3-2

Kane Simmons went four for four with two doubles and a homerun, while Dan Houston, Chad Rose, Brandon Walker and Kurt Yacko put in a sparkling effort on the mound in this Ghosts victory. With four more strikeouts in an inning and a third yesterday (notching his fourth save of the season already), Yacko has been perfect in four and two thirds innings this season, striking out nine of the fourteen batters he's faced. Rose also has nine K's in four and two thirds innings this season, albeit a few more baserunners, and Houston also looked sharp in five innings, allowing the two Idaho Falls runs, but only on three hits and he struck out seven.

Colorado Springs, L 4-5 in 10 innings - Ian Stewart's home run (13) in the sixth and Jayson Nix's home run (12) in the seventh game the Sky Sox a 4-2 lead, but Jason Hirsh couldn't hold the lead. Hirsh, pitching in relief of Kip Wells, allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and then allowed the winning run the next inning. In 4 1/3 innings, Hirsh walked four and struck out five.

Kip Wells went five innings, allowed two runs, and struck out four. In addition to their homers, Nix and Stewart each had a double as part of their three-hit nights.

Tulsa, L 3-4 - Tony Blanco hit a solo homer (13) and Justin Nelson had a two-run shot (8) in the seventh to give the Drillers a 3-0 lead, but two runs in the bottom of the seventh and two more in the bottom of the ninth gave Corpus Christi the victory.

Alan Johnson allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings. Darren Clarke threw 1 1/3 innings of relief, but allowed a walk to the first batter in the ninth. Adam Bright relieved Clarke and committed a throwing error on a sac bunt. Edward Valdez came in and allowed a two-run single to blow the  save and give Bright the loss.

Modesto, L 4-6 in 11 innings - Brian VanderBeek sums up the game for you:

The Nuts made the final out of the ninth inning at home and all three outs in the 10th at the plate, giving the Giants the chance to win the game when two runs scored on a bases-loaded error in the 11th. San Jose tied the game in the ninth by scoring off Andrew Johnson, who blew his first save opportunity this season in 15 chances. The Nuts had 14 hits, including four by Daniel Mayora, but stranded 12 runners.

Mike Paulk's two hits were both doubles and Jay Cox drove in two. Keith Weiser started the game, went seven innings, and allowed three runs. Tommy Baumgardner pitched a clean eighth inning. David Patton allowed the final two runs (one earned).

Asheville, W 7-1 - Bruce Billings went seven innings, allowed one run, and struck out five. He had 10 ground outs and six fly outs. Edgmer Escalona pitched the final two innings and struck out two (1.88 ERA/.199 BAA on the season).

Kevin Clark had a big night with the bat, as he hit a two-run homer (his ninth) and drove in a total of four. Mike Mitchell and Everth Cabrera both had two hits and each scored a run. Brian Rike and Darin Holcomb each drove in a run.

Tri-City, L 3-5 - Josh Sullivan took the mound again, allowed no runs in four innings, walked two, and struck out three. Brad McAtee didn't fare as well in his four innings. He allowed  four runs (one earned), walked three, and struck out four. Three of the four runs scored in the eighth on a passed ball by Jordan Pacheco and a throwing error by Patrick Rose.

Charlie Blackmon went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, a run scored, and two walks. Pacheco drove in two on a single in the eighth.

Casper, W 4-2 - Over his five innings, Matt Baugh allowed two runs, which scored on a two-run homer in the fifth. He struck out five. The four relievers that followed allowed only one hit. Juan Rodriguez struck out one, Isaiah Froneberger allowed the hit and struck out two, Adam Jorgenson struck out three, and Kurt Yacko struck out two on his way to his third save.

Carlos Martinez scored twice and hit a double and a triple.

Colorado Springs. L 2-3 - Jayson Nix had his eighth homer and Dustan Mohr hit an RBI double to score the runs.

Glendon Rusch made the start for the Sky Sox and picked up the loss. He allowed three runs over seven innings. Micah Bowie pitched the other inning and allowed two hits.

Tulsa, W 12-3 - In the bottom of the first, the Drillers countered NW Arkansas' sac fly with five runs. Matt Miller and Jeff Kindel had RBI singles before Daniel Carte hot a three-run homer (7). In the bottom of the fourth Miller had another RBI, and Kindel had a sac fly. No, Daniel Carte did not have another home run. Jeff Dragicevich hit a grand slam (9) instead. Kindel (4) homered in the sixth to score the twelfth run. Dexter Fowler had three hits, Eric Young Jr. stole his 14th base, and Corey Wimberly swiped his 28th base.

Brandon Hynick allowed all three runs (two earned) in seven innings. The last two came in his final inning. He walked two and struck out three.

Modesto. L 3-4 in 11 innings - In regulation innings, this game was tied at one. Travis Becktel had an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the 10th, Nick Haley's RBI single put the game into another inning of baseball, but Stockton scored two in the top half of the inning. With two outs, Anthony Jackson scored in the bottom of the 11th on a fielding error by the center fielder, followed by a Victor Ferrante strikeout to end the game.

Simon Ferrer made the start and did well. In five innings, he held the Ports to only a run on five hits and a walk. Chris Malone and Will Harris each had two innings of no-run ball before giving way to other pitchers in extra innings. Andrew Johnston allowed one run on three hits in the 10th, and Andy Graham allowed two runs in the 11th on a three hits (the runs scoring on a double and a single).

News and notes from Brian VanderBeek's latest blog entry: Aneury Rodriguez received a five-game suspension, and the others three games; Troy Tulowitzki is rehabbing with the Nuts; Geoff Strickland was released; Todd Ritchie starts for the Nuts tonight.

Asheville - No game scheduled. The Tourists can clinch a spot in the playoffs this week.

Colorado Springs, W 8-4 - Franklin Morales went up against the Angels' Nick Adenhart and both came up short. Adenhart allowed eight runs in 4 2/3 IP and Morales saw four runs in four innings. Morales walked four. Cedrick Bowers (3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB), Josh Newman (1 IP), and Matt Daley (1 IP, 1 H) held Salt Lake scoreless after Morales left the game. Salt Lake's bullpen also did the same once Adenhart exited.

Jayson Nix hit his seventh home run to start the bottom of the first inning. Three more runs scored on a bunch of singles and a ground out. One of those singles was by Matt Holliday, who went 4-for-4 with a two-run double in the fourth inning. Christian Colonel had an RBI double (16) an inning earlier, scoring Matt Holliday.

Tulsa, L 5-8 - Chaz Roe had mixed results in his first start for Tulsa. He went six innings and struck out seven. He allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks. Half of the hits went for doubles. The first three frames saw only one opposing batter reach base (on a walk). Roe, however, did not factor into the decision. Aaron Fultz came up empty again after entering a 5-5 game in the eighth. He allowed a homer to the first batter he faced. Casey Weathers allowed two runs in the top of the ninth.

Dexter Fowler (6) and Matt Miller (7) both had solo shots as part of their 2-for-4, two RBI night. They both scored twice, and Fowler had an RBI triple (5). Eric Young Jr. stole his 13th base. Daniel Carte received an outfield assist on a throw to home plate, but Neil Wilson erred on the catch.

Modesto, L 5-10 - Brian VanderBeek narrates the brawl that erupted between the Nuts and the Ports last night (plus news that Modesto will be part of the Rockies organization through 2010). Before that, it wasn't a good night for Aneury Rodriguez. The Ports' five-run second inning was quite troublesome. The damage was done only by singles, a couple of walks, and a fielding error. Rodriguez allowed four more runs over the next three innings before hitting Matt Sulentic and the start of the brawl. Tommy Baumgardner allowed one run and walked three in the next three innings. Andy Graham and Simon Ferrer had clean innings in the eighth and ninth to end the game.

Victor Ferrante had a three-run homer (5).

Brian VanderBeek's interview with Shane Lindsay is up.

Asheville, L 3-7 - Things started off well for the Tourists with three runs in the first. Jeff Cunningham hit a two-run homer, his twelfth of  the season, and Helder Velazquez doubled in Darin Holcomb. Holcomb (24) and Mitchell (15) both had doubles that inning also. Five more hits came but no runs. Kevin Clark also had a double (14). Velazquez had a fielding and throwing error, Cunningham only a fielding one.

Cory Riordan took his fourth loss after pitching three batters into the seventh inning without recording an out. He allowed seven runs (three earned) on seven hits (one being a three-run homer) and two walks. He struck out five.

Colorado Springs: L 2-5

Jayson Nix hit his sixth homerun and Juan Morillo bounced back from a terrible appearance his last time with a perfect frame, striking out two. Chris Frey chipped in two hits and an outfield assist, but other than that there wasn't a whole lot of note in this game.

Tulsa: Off

My latest blog entry at the Rocky Mountain News checks in on Dexter Fowler's progression, with additional notes from around the system.

Modesto: W 9-5

The California League's funky scheduling is going to leave a lot of people with mistaken impressions about the strength (or lack thereof) of their prospects this year. Rockies fans might have to be included in that camp if they're not careful when it comes to the Nuts.

44% of Modesto's games thus far have been against Stockton or San Jose, the league leaders when it comes to run prevention. 43 of 59 games for the Nuts in 2008 have been against the North Division, and you'll note that the five teams from the North (including Modesto, #3 in Cal League pitching this year) just happen to be the five teams in the league to be giving up less than five runs per game. How much of this is attributable to good pitching versus how much is attributable to poor hitting? This series with High Desert shows me that while Modesto's offense is still relatively poor, it's probably not quite as bad as it looks on the stat pages unless strength of schedule is taken into account. Modesto's league lagging offense has busted out for eighteen runs against the Mavericks league lagging pitching staff, so I take heart knowing that the Rockies advanced A level hitting woes aren't nearly as bad as Seattle's advanced A level pitching woes.

Jason Van Kooten went four for four with a homerun and triple, Victor Ferrante three for three with two doubles, and Daniel Mayora three for five with a double.

Asheville: L 4-1

Connor Graham lasted just two innings on a wet pitching mound before having to give way for Robinson Fabian for what I was told was a right groin tweak. It seems to be more grounds related and not serious enough to keep Graham out of his next start. It was Fabian's debut with the team, but an unsuccessful one as the Tourists wound up losing to Hickory to snap their nine game winning streak. The lone Tourists run came from a Darin Holcomb solo shot, his ninth homer of the season. Brian Rike had a pair of hits but other than those two, there wasn't much offense for the T's. The final score could have been worse if it weren't for the strong arm of left fielder Kevin Clark, who twice gunned down runners at the plate trying to score on sac flies.