So it's clear that we have been remiss in writing the Pebble Reports this week. We'd like to take a moment and apologize for missing out on these, because there are always things happening in the minors that we like to keep track of.
So without further ado, here are the missing Pebble Reports from Monday and Tuesday.
Monday:
AAA Colorado Springs, W 11-5 - (12-11)
The win on Monday split the 4-game series with the Las Vegas 51's. Tim Redding pitched very effectively, going 2 outs into the 6th with a 3-1 lead. Shane Lindsay cleaned up the 6th and pitched a scoreless 7th. Matt Wilhite made things interesting by allowing 4 runs on 5 hits (2HR), but Alan Johnson stepped in and restored order by getting Jesus Merchan to ground into a 5-3 Fielder's Choice to end the game (after allowing a single, but come on, it's Alan Johnson, he's awesome).
Of course, most of this was meaningless, given the 7 runs that Marty McLeary gave up between the 8th and 9th.
Along with 3 3-hit performances for the Sky Sox, from Johnny Herrera, Chris Frey, and Travis Metcalf, Cole Garner turned a double play in the first on sac fly. After LV SS Jesus Merchan reached 3B with 1 out, Brett Wallace flew out to left, and Garner successfully threw him out. Excellent play by both Garner and Mike Mckenry.
AA Tulsa, W 8-4 - (9-14)
After 6 runs total were scored before the 2nd inning, everyone in Tulsa was bracing themselves for a bigtime shootout. Brandon Durden went 5.2 innings, allowing all 4 of the Cards' runs, while Andy Graham, Stuart Pomeranz, and Nick Bierbrodt combined for 3.1 innings of scoreless relief. Ryan Harvey had 3 hits (including a solo shot), and 6 different batters knocked runs in up and down the lineup, including Scott Beerer who went 2-for-5 with a double.
This game also featured its own awesome double play, with Right Fielder James Rapoport catching a fly ball and doubling off 3B Kenny Perez.
A+ Modesto, W 8-1 - (14-8)
Rob Scahill, Stephen Dodson, and Isaiah Froneburger allowed 8 hits and 1 run over the course of the game, punching out 6 to 2 walks. Froneburger gave up a solo shot in the 9th. The only position player not to record a hit was amusingly enough DH Jordan Pacheco, but Pacheco did take a free pass in the first via HBP. That said, all members of the lineup reached base for Modesto.
Tim Wheeler gunned down James Simmons in the 3rd with a little help from his friends by means of the 8-2-5 double play.
A Asheville, Off
5/4 after the jump.
Tuesday:
AAA Colorado Springs, L 4-14 - (12-12)
Ugly game for Sky Sox pitching. Kirt Birkins made it into the 4th but failed to retire a man there, allowing 6 overall runs. Damian Moss allowed another 3 over a 2.2 inning mopup appearance and Edgmer Escalona allowed 5 in his 1 inning of work. Matt Wilhite and Juan Rincon pitched scoreless innings. All said and done, the Sox allowed 18 hits. Omar Quintanilla burst onto the scene in his first game back, going 2-for-4 with 2 doubles. Chris Iannetta failed to do much of anything, going 0-for-3 on the day. Mike McKenry had a PH single in the 7th.
AA Tulsa, L 0-7 - (9-15)
Tulsa starter Bruce Billings posted 5 runs in 4 innings, walking 4 and not striking a single man out. The 6th and 7th runs came off of Chris Malone. The Tulsa offense failed to get much of anything going, spraying 5 hits, from Anthony Jackson, Daniel Mayora, Wil Rosario, Jason Van Kooten, and Radames Nazario. Springfield starter Scott Gorgen went 7 innings, striking out 8, walking 2.
A+ Modesto, Off
A Asheville, L 1-6 - (9-14)
Tough game for Tourists' starter Nicholas Schnaitmann. While he did make it through 6 innings, he also allowed 5 runs. 3B Joseph Sanders had 3 of the Tourists', although amusingly enough, 2B Avery Barnes had the only RBI. The Tourists struck out 10 times, 9 of those during Hickory starter Neil Ramirez' 6 innings of work. Asheville DID turn a 5-2-3 DP though, those are usually pretty cool. Except for the whole bases-loaded part.