Colorado Springs, W 11-4 - With Ian Stewart and Seth Smith gone, the Springs' offense didn't slow down last night. Joe Koshansky hit for the cycle last night, and he hit the triple he needed in the eighth inning. He drove in four runs. Christian Colonel also had a big night, having all three of his hits go for doubles. Sean Barker hit a triple also and drove in three. Edwin Bellorin had three hits and three RBI.
John Koronka picked up his fifth win after going six innings. He allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks. Juan Morillo pitched the ninth and struck out three.
Tulsa, W 7-3 - Ching Lung Lo went six innings and allowed three runs (two on a first inning homer and the other on a solo shot in the third). He limited Midland to five hits and struck out three. Edward Valdez picked up a "save" by pitching a scoreless two innings. He allowed only two hits and struck out two.
Six of seven runs came via the home run. As part of his 3-for-4 night, Matt Miller hit his fifth homer. In the fourth inning, Jeff Kindel hit a two-run shot for his third, and Justin Nelson hit his sixth. In the sixth, Tony Blanco hit a two-run homer for his seventh. Dexter Fowler had a double (8) and an RBI.
Modesto, W 4-1 - Keith Weiser was one out away from throwing a shutout, but it was not to be. Weiser wound up with this line: 8 2/3 IP, 7 H, 1 R/ER, 4 K. Andrew Johnston recorded the last out for his 11th save.
The Nuts scored all four runs in the bottom of the third. Geoff Strickland doubled in Jay Cox and Matt Repec to start the scoring. Mike Paulk's sixth double scored Strickland, and Mike McKenry's single scored Paulk.
Brian VanderBeek sat down with Nick Haley recently, discussing Haley's Crohn's disease.
Asheville, W 4-2 - Entering the bottom of the eighth, the Tourists were tied 1-1 with the Catfish. In the bottom of the second, Brian Rike (batting sixth now) singled in Darin Holcomb (who reached base on the first of two doubles last night). So, Helder Velazquez stepped to the plate to start the eighth. He unloaded his fourth homer to break the tie. After Beau Seabury reached on a missed catch error and Everth Cabrera singled, Mike Mitchell sac bunted the two over to second and third. Kevin Clark struck out for the second inning, which gave way to Darin Holcomb. Holcomb then singled in Seabury and Cabrera to give Asheville a 4-1 lead. Cabrera also stole his 30th base.
Bruce Billings allowed one hit in seven inning on six hits and two walks. He struck out five. He did not, however factor into the decision. Craig Baker picked up the win after pitching a scoreless eighth. Randall Taylor allowed a run on two hits and a sac fly, but picked up his 14th save.