Colorado Springs: Mike Esposito started the year with two wins, but has since lost five straight decisions. Four of those (including last night) were by shutout, however, so you can probably sense some of Espo's frustration with the lack of run support he's getting. That said, last night was probably his best start in that run as Esposito allowed only four Tacoma hits and one run in seven innings but still took the loss. Sean Barker got the golden sombrero, striking out in all four at bats.
Tulsa: Ubaldo Jimenez has at times this season been the benificiary of the flip side of the run support dial from Esposito, and was the beneficiary of the flip side of a one to nothing victory last night, allowing only two hits and a walk in six innings of work, while K'ing eight. It was U-ball's best performance in a little while, hopefully he'll throw like this a little more consistently going forward. Tulsa's staff is quietly making some serious strides this season, and it's looking like some quality pitching help from the minors might be closer to the Rockies than it appeared to start the year. Joe Gaetti provided all the offense that mattered in this game, with a solo homerun off Chad Fillinger in the sixth as Tulsa won its sixth straight and regained a tie for the lead in their division.
Modesto: Another low scoring contest, Modesto lost two to one in the eleventh inning to San Jose. Jake Postlewait started for the Nuts and went six strong innings, allowing only one run on three hits and two walks. The offense was largely absent, however, the only run for Modesto came after a Chris Frey double and Matt Miller single (RBI #51!) combo in the third. I forgot to link this yesterday, but help for the Nuts O is on the way as Corey Wimberly could be back for the team as early as tomorrow and Dustin Hahn's elbow injury wasn't as bad (season ending) as initially thought. Dustin will be back in extended Spring Training soon.
Asheville: Chaz Roe got a bit more backing from his offense, but he pitched as solid a game as any of these other starters anyway, throwing five innings, striking out six and allowing a run on five hits and two walks. His eight to one GB to FB ratio was pretty nifty as well. The teenager's poise was also quite impressive, Roe got out of a bases loaded none out jam in the fifth with no damage by striking out a batter, fielding a grounder back up the middle for a force out at home, and inducing one more grounder to retire the side. For the Tourists offense, Daniel Carte is finally showing signs of being worthy of his high draft position. He hit his third homerun of the season and the last ten days and also doubled with three RBI. Jason Van Kooten had three hits, and Cole Garner two plus an HBP to help the Tourists get to their seven runs.