Colorado Springs: With the rotation in Denver being converted into a makeshift infirmary lately, Franklin Morales' performances in the Springs become more important as holding our hope for reinforcements. Yesterday Morales' game wasn't pretty, but it was effective. Our next big thing went six and two thirds innings sccattering seven hits and four walks. He was helped in keeping most of these runners from scoring by three double plays and a pick-off and left with a three to two lead that proved to be the final score.
Chris Iannetta homered as he tries to work out his swing, and Jayson Nix hit his third homerun in two days. Omar Quintanilla had three hits, including two doubles. Looking at our current forty man roster which includes both Q and Nix as well as Clint Barmes, it appears we will have no shortage of middle infielders come the roster expansion in September.
Tulsa: Ryan Mattheus had one of his better starts, going seven innings and striking out ten and allowing only four hits and three walks. One of the hits allowed was a two run homerun for all of the scoring against Ryan. Aaron Rifkin had three hits and drove in two, and Rick Guarno also had two RBI to lead Tulsa to a five to three win.
Modesto: Chaz Roe also had a great start, going six and a third innings, allowing six hits and striking out seven and walking one. Just in Nelson hit two homeruns and Travis Becktel had a triple and a homerun to drive the offense to nine runs in support of Roe who left with a nine to one lead. The bullpen, however, allowed seven runs in the final two innings to make the nine-eight final score a little too close for anybody's comfort.
Asheville: Strong starting pitching was a theme throughout the system yesterday, Simon Ferrer was the Asheville rep in the parade. Ferrer went six innings, allowing four hits and striking out seven and walking one for his seventh win of the year in a six to nothing Asheville shutout. Ferrer's now five and two at home, two and six on the road. Casey Weathers struck out four batters in two innings, he also walked two, but he's been having a sensational debut since his first appearance. Zach Simons closed out the win with a perfect ninth and two more K's. On offense, Mike McKenry got back into the groove (returning home that should be no surprise) with two hits and two RBI, and daniel Mayora also drove in two.
Tri-City: Brian Rike doubled and scored on one of Darin Holcomb's three hits for the only score of the game in the Dust Devils' one to nothing win. Bruce Billings had another strong start, going five and two thirds innings, allowing four hits and a walk. He got some very solid bullpen support from John Rodriguez, Agustin Arias, and Riquy Pena.
Casper: There were no Pioneer League games yesterday.