Colorado Springs: W 3-2
Dan Ortmeier's two doubles and two RBI and Adam Eaton's strong pitching were the difference-makers for the Sky Sox in their win over Fresno.
Tulsa: W 6-5
Tulsa's win puts the Drillers into a tie for first, which is very important as the first-half playoff picture is winding down in the minor leagues. Daniel Mayora had four hits and three RBI and Cole Garner continued his recent tear by adding two more hits. Over his last ten games Garner is batting .571/.600/.929, and has been the key offensive component to Tulsa's winning six of their last seven games to get into this playoff picture. The other part has been strong pitching, and Esmil Rogers' outing wasn't his best, but continued that string as he went six innings allowing four runs (two earned) and the bullpen held firm for the last three frames.
Modesto: L 10-8
The Nuts missed an opportunity to do the same as the Drillers and get into a first place tie by losing a slugfest with Lancaster. Nuts pitchers (Kenny Durst and three relievers) allowed nineteen hits to the Astros affiliate, and if you know the Astros system, you'll know that can't ever be a good thing. As is, Modesto remains one game behind Charlie Blackmon hit a bases clearing triple and had four RBI. Matt Repec, Michael Mitchell and Jay Cox each had a multi-hit game for the Nuts offense.
Tri-City:
Kent Matthes is getting some early hype among the Tri-City area media, and in case you missed it from the signing diary on the right, Oregon State's Joey Wong has signed. Being thrown right into the mix, he will start in Saturday's opener for the Dust Devils at shortstop and is excited about playing somewhat locally. He's an interesting player. I get the sense sometimes that the Rockies are trying to re-find the magic formula they struck gold with in Clint Barmes, a player that's capable of pushing his abilities well beyond what scouts see, and Wong seems to fall into this category. Asheville's Thomas Field seems to be another.