AA Tulsa, Off Day - (5-7, 3rd, 3.0 GB)
The Drillers were off Wednesday. They will open a four game series in Tulsa against the Springfield Cardinals (Cardinals) tonight at 6:05 MT. Brandon Durden (0-1, 2.25) takes the hill for Tulsa and will be opposed by Gary Daley (1-0, 1.64).
High-A Modesto, Postponed - (7-4, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
Weather hasn't been kind to the Nuts' momentum. Following a four game win streak, rain postponed Tuesday game, leading to a double header yesterday. Unfortunately, both games agains the Bakersfield Blaze (Rangers) were cancelled due to "inclement weather and the threat of continued rain." Both games will be made up later this season
Weather permitting, Modesto will start a four-game series against the Stockton Ports (Athletics) tonight at 6:05 p.m. Rob Scahill (0-1, 5.63) (2009, 8th round) will try to improve on the inevitable difficulties he has experienced from a two-level jump. He'll face Anvioris Ramirez (0-2, 9.31).
Low-A Asheville, L 12-8 - (6-7, 6th, 2.5 GB)
The Tourists should really change their name, because "tourists" are usually far more competent away from home. Asheville lost for the fourth time in five road games and fifth is six games total since reeling off a five game win streak at McCormick Field. Nicholas Schnaitmann (2008, 22nd round) has gone from sterling to rocky to outright putrid in his three starts this season, culminating in allowing nine runs (eight earned) in just three innings last night. Rhett Ballard (2009, 26th round) failed to get an out in relief, walking three and allowing a runner to reach on a fielder's choice when he threw to the wrong base. He was charged with three runs after Jonathan Vargas (Venezuelan FA) gave up two hits. Leuris Gomez (Dominican FA) retired all nine batters he faced in relief.
Eliezer Mesa (Dominican FA) doubled to lead off the game, giving helping the Tourists take the lead in the top of the first for the fourth time in their five road games. Helder Velazquez (2006, 5th round) hit his second home run and drove in four on a three-hit day. Dallas Tartleton (2009, 20th round), Joseph Sanders (2009, 5th round) and Orlando Sandoval (Dominican FA) each doubled, and every other Tourists managed a single. Asheville also apparently has caught the defensive bugaboo from their parent club, as Velazquez had two errors and Mesa one. Tyler Massey (2008, 14th round), however, gunned down a runner at the plate.