Pebble Star of the Night
Catcher Lars Davis became the first Nut to drive in 5 runs in a game this season in Modesto's 8-2 win over Stockton. Davis got the start behind the dish with Christian Friedrich on the hill, pushing Wilin Rosario to the DH role. The 2007 3rd round pick fell a triple shy of the cycle but hit a 2-run double in the first inning and a 3-run HR (1) in the third inning. Despite a fairly strong BABip of .333, Davis is only managing a .282 wOBA for Modesto.
AAA Colorado Springs, Off Day - (34-24, 1st)
The Sky Sox got an off day in traveling back from Sacramento to Colorado Springs. They'll take on the Las Vegas 51's (Blue Jays) tonight at Security Service Field at 7:05 MDT. Franklin Morales (0-0, 2.03) will get his third rehab start and will face Fabio Castro. You can vote for AAA All-Stars now.
AA Tulsa, L 6-8 - (29-27, 3.0 GB)
Brandon Durden had tossed 14 consecutive scoreless innings to start his AA career, but that streak ended in a big way. The Drillers gave Durden a 4-0 lead early, but he allowed two runs in the third and was charged with four (three earned) in the fifth despite getting just one out. Jon George compounded the problem by allowing two home runs in the inning for a 8-4 deficit Tulsa could not drill its way out of.
Anthony Jackson, Cole Garner and Mike Paulk each had three hits, and the latter two recorded two doubles each. Paulk had 4 RBIs. Mike McKenry had hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games but went 0-for-5.
Jhoulys Chacin (4-4, 3.18) will take the ball against Springfield Cardinals' Trey Hearne at 5:05 MDT in Missouri. Chacin has allowed two or less runs in 6 of his past 7 starts.
High-A Modesto, W 8-2 - (35-24, 1.5 GB)
The Nuts continued their domination of the Stockton Ports by beating them 8-2 Wednesday night. Modesto is now 7-1 against the A's affiliate, and with 4 more matchups in the next 7 days, the Nuts could use them to catch Visalia.
Christian Friedrich got his first California League win by pitching seven impressive innings, allowing both runs while striking out six. He retired the first 14 Ports he faced. Perhaps due to fatigue or a Stockton adjustment, the Ports scored a run in each of his last two innings. One scored on a single followed by a double, and another scored via a walk and eventual wild pitch. I can't wait to see that Friedrich curveball at Coors Field.
Lars Davis led the offensive charge, but the whole lineup contributed to the 14 hits, sans Wilin Rosario, who was hitless after consecutive three-hit games. Jason van Kooten hit his second home run of the season.
Cory Riordan (1-5, 5.55) will take on Mathieu LeBlanc Poirier (0-1, 5.18) as Modesto attempts to complete the series sweep.
Low-A Asheville, W 5-0 - (23-36, 12.0 GB)
Tourist pitchers continued their dominance of the Lexington Legends by shutting out the Astros' affiliate for the second straight day. Dan Houston (2-4, 4.39) wasn't as good as Juan Nicasio and Co.'s one hit shutout Tuesday, but he was still very impressive, limiting the Legends to just four hits and no runs with seven strikeouts.
Every Tourist notched one hit except Delta Cleary, Beau Seabury (who struck out three times) and Carlos Martinez, who singled and doubled.
Joe Mikulik's club tries to continue their own streak at Greenville (Red Sox) tonight at 5:00MDT. Ethan Hollingsworth (3-4, 3.99) gets the call.