AAA - Colorado Springs: L 9-8, L 5-4 (37-46)
In Saturday's game, Jorge De La Rosa started for the Sky Sox and struggled through 4.2 innings at home against Salt Lake, as he allowed eight runs (seven earned) on ten hits, while striking out five and walking three. Five of the runs he gave up came in he first inning, while the remaining three were in the second. Offensively, seven Sky Sox hitters had at least two hits, including Brad Eldred, who hit his 21st home run of the year; and Michael McKenry, who had four hits - two of which were doubles.
On Sunday, the Sky Sox hit the road to face Fresno, but may have left their offense back in Colorado Springs. They had just six hits, two of which were doubles. One was an RBI double off the bat of McKenry, while Chris Nelson also picked up a two-bagger. Chaz Roe struggled for the second straight start, just when it looked like he was finally starting to figure things out. He again failed to maintain a 1-to-1 GO/AO ratio, and he wasn't able to get out of the fifth inning, allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits. He certainly wasn't helped by the defense, judging by the three errors they committed. Franklin Morales made his first appearance for the Sky Sox since his recent demotion, and he pitched two scoreless/hitless innings, striking out one and walking one.
AA - Tulsa: W 7-5 (35-42)
Saturday's game was postponed, so the Drillers saved their fireworks for Sunday - particularly, in the seventh inning, in which they scored five runs. Three of those runs scored on a bases-loaded double off the bat of Jason Van Kooten. Daniel Mayora homered in the game for Tulsa, while Warren Schaeffer had two hits and two RBIs. Wilin Rosario finished 1-for-4 with a run scored. Brandon Durden started and tossed a quality start, allowing two runs on just four hits in six innings. Ching-Lung Lo pitched a scoreless inning of relief and picked up the victory, and Rex Brothers notched the save by going 1.2 scoreless/hitless innings, striking out two and walking one.
A-ball and Rookie League recaps after the jump...
High-A - Modesto: L 3-1 (13 innings), L 7-5 (12 innings) (42-39)Jordan Pacheco had a monster game on Saturday. Unfortunately, he was about the only one. Pacheco went 5-for-6 with two doubles and an RBI, but the rest of the Nuts combined for just four singles. Kenneth Durst had a nice outing, lasting seven innings and allowing just a run on six hits while striking out five. Kurt Yacko and Adam Jorgenson held the lead, but Stephen Dodson couldn't do so in his third inning of work as he allowed two runs on three hits and a walk, while striking out two.
The Nuts played extra frames again on Sunday with the same result, this time falling to Stockton. Pacheco added two more hits and had more help this time, as three other Nuts - Thomas Field, Scott Robinson, and Radames Nazario - had at least two hits. Nazario and David Christensen each homered, but ultimately it wasn't enough as Jonnathan Aristil allowed a walk-off two-run homer. Rob Scahill started and allowed three earned runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings, striking out five. Alan DeRatt did a nice job in relief, going 2.2 scoreless innings and punching out three.
A - Asheville: L 4-3, W 6-4 (37-43)
First of all, you must check out Silverblood's piece from last night which details the Asheville baseball experience. It is a crucial read.
Chris Balcom-Miller took the mound for the Tourists on Saturday, and was very effective in six innings of work. He gave up one earned run on seven hits and struck out five. He also induced eight groundouts, compared to just three flyouts. Unfortunately, Leuris Gomez was unable to hold the lead and the offense wasn't able to muster up anything late in the game. Avery Barnes had three hits (including a homer), while Angelys Nina had a couple of knocks. That was about it.
On Sunday, Tyler Matzek earned his second straight victory after going six innings and allowing two runs on five hits and striking out eight, compared to just one walk. The only inning where he had any sort of trouble was the second, in which both runs were scored on three hits and a sacrifice fly. Carlos Martinez and Helder Velasquez each had three hits to pace the Asheville offense, while Orlando Sandoval added two knocks and Tyler Massey homered.
A (Short Season) - Tri-City: L 6-3, L 5-4 (8-8)
On the rehab front, Casey Weathers allowed an unearned run and a walk (although no hits) in an inning of work , and struck out two. Other than that, Tri-City managed just six hits (five singles) and Josh Hungerman took the loss after allowing three runs in 2.1 innings to start the game.
Weathers tossed another perfect inning and two-thirds on Sunday, and struck out a batter. He now has 17 strikeouts and just four walks in 9.1 innings so far. He has yet to allow an earned run and has only given up two hits. 2010 draft pick Chad Bettis interestingly started another game and allowed two runs on five hits and a couple of walks. He struck out two. Nathan Hines led the Dust Devils' offense with three hits, including a double and a run scored. Tri-City was only credited with one RBI despite scoring four runs.
Rookie - Casper: W 6-2, L 8-6 (15 innings) (7-7)
Albert Campos started Saturday's game and picked up the victory, as he allowed one earned run on five hits while striking out four. The bullpen was good too, as they combined for four scoreless innings, capped off by Juan Perez striking out the side in the ninth. Rafael Ortega and Anthony Aguilera each had two hits, while Corey Dickerson and Robert De La Cruz each had a hit and two RBIs.
Not to be outdone by their big league counterparts, the Ghosts also went 15 innings on Sunday but couldn't come away on the winning end. Brett Tanos was Casper's offensive star of the game, as he went 6-for-7 with three RBIs. All six hits were singles. He's now hitting .375/.455/.563. Blake McDade and Juan Crousset each had two hits, as well. Tyler Gagnon started the game and lasted just four innings. He was hit around a little bit, giving up three runs on five hits, but he also struck out eight batters. Upon Gagnon's exit, the Casper bullpen went ten straight innings without allowing an earned run. The streak was highlighted by Coty Woods, who racked up six Ks in four innings. Orem finally broke through in the top of the 15th against Nelson Gonzalez, and the Ghosts weren't able to match the two runs put up by the Owlz.
Dominican Summer League - DSL Rockies: W 15-3
Julian Yan homered as part of his two-hit day and drove in two to pace the DSL Rockies, while Rosell Herrera went 3-for-4 with a double and a couple of RBIs. Three others had two-hit ballgames. Carlos Leon picked up the victory by tossing two scoreless innings in which he walked two and struck out two. Julio Sanchez pitched a scoreless ninth, including two Ks, to close things out. They did not play on Sunday.