Saturday's results:
Alan Johnson's performance would have fit in well with that of the big league club recently, as he allowed a whole bunch of traffic but somehow was able to minimize the damage. Johnson worked five innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) on three hits. However, he walked five batters and threw only 42 out of 79 pitches in the strike zone. He certainly increased his already sky high trade value by picking up yet another victory, though. The offense had a lot to do with that, as Mark Bellhorn had three hits, while Eric Young Jr. (who had a tough night on the basepaths, as he was picked off AND caught stealing) and Matt Miller each contributed two. Johnson helped his own cause by hitting a two-run single in the top of the second to give Sky Sox the lead.
Ching Lung Lo made his first appearance since being promoted from Modesto, and was greeted with five runs on as many hits in three innings. He also walked three batters. Andy Graham was unable to do his best Josh Fogg impression and limit the damage despite striking out four, as he allowed two runs on four hits in three innings of work. Darin Holcomb, Brad Corley, and Danny Sandoval had two hits apiece, and Ryan Harvey hit his 21st home run of the season for the Drillers in the losing effort.
Matt Repec and Scott Beerer each homered for the Nuts, while Jason Van Kooten (2-for-4) and Warren Schaeffer (3-for-4) joined Beerer (2-for-4) in having a multi-hit game. Cory Riordan won his 10th game of the season (which seems common in the Colorado organization), throwing seven innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits while striking out seven.
While Colorado Springs had a Rockies-type game last night, Asheville closely resembled the big club's opponents as of late, as they knocked out 10 hits but were unable to turn those hits into runs. Delta Cleary and Mike Zuanich each had two hits, and every other position player not named Tyler Massey had one. All of the Tourists' hits were singles, though, which helps explain the lack of runs. Jonnathan Aristil had a rough outing, as he was knocked around for four runs (three earned) on seven hits in four innings. Two of the hits were of the high and deep variety.
Rob Scahill pitched well again (four innings, no earned runs, four strikeouts), but the defense and bullpen kept Tri-City from winning the game. Eric Frederico allowed two runs in the ninth inning, the last of which was a walkoff single, and took the loss. Ben Paulsen and Kevin Clark each had a couple of hits for the Dust Devils.
Casper: PPD (Rain)
Just like the big leagues.