AAA Colorado Springs, W 5-4 - (54-64, 3rd, 7.0 GB)
The Sky Sox came from behind to win 5-4 after trailing 4-1 entering the bottom of the seventh. Chris Nelson (2004, 1st round) doubled and scored on a groundout in the seventh. Brad Eldred (2010, MiLB FA) drove in a run on a fielder's choice and two runs scored when Nelson reached on an error.
Chaz Roe (2005, sandwich pick) labored through four innings, allowing three runs, but the bullpen held on. Andy Graham (2006, 21st round) and Edgmer Escalona (2006, VZ) eached tossed two scoreless innings. Escalona is doing his best to get noticed in a last push for a September call-up. He has completed 15 of 18 scoreless outings, including five straight. Most importantly, he has struck out 18 and walked just two in 15 IP since July 19.
AA Tulsa, W 9-4 - (25-20, 2nd, 3.0 GB)
Greg Reynolds (2006, 1st round) broke his July trend of great start/horrible start by following up a good one with an even better one. He tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just two singles. Even better, he had an 8/4 GO/FO ratio. Aided by a Hector Gomez (2006, DR) error, Midland scored four runs off Jonnathan Aristil (2005, DR), but the Drillers' offense was more than enough last night.
Anthony Jackson (2006, 16th round) singled four times, walked, stole a base and drove in four runs. Charlie Blackmon (2008, 2nd round), Hector Gomez, Jordan Pacheco (2007, 9th round) and Jeff Kindel (2006, 14th round) each had two hit games and scored twice.
High-A Modesto, L 10-11 - (20-25, t-4th, 8.0 GB)
It was a nutty game in Visalia. Ethan Hollingsworth (2008 4th round) allowed four runs in six innings, and that four run deficit stared at Modesto until the top of the sixth. At that point, the Nuts took a 6-4 lead with a 6-run 6th on four singles, a double and a walk. Alan DeRatt (2008, 17th round) walked the only two he faced in relief, and Isaiah Froneberger (2007, 4th round) allowed both to score in relief to tie the game.
Froneberger then surrendered a three run home run and two run home run in the eighth to turn a 6-all tie into an 11-6 deficit. Hardly deflated, the Nuts fought back in the ninth. After Beau Seabury (2007, 13th round) and David Christensen (2006, 2nd round) struck out to lead off the inning, James Cesario (2008, 46th round) walked ahead of a Scott Robinson (2006, 30th round) double and Thomas Field (2008, 24th round) single. Then, a three run home run from Ben Paulsen (2009, 3rd round) pulled the Nuts within one run of tying the game.
Low-A Asheville, Off Day - (26-18, 2nd, 1 GB)
The South Atlantic League had an off day yesterday. The Tourists traveled back from Augusta to Asheville to open a series tonight against the first-place Greenville Drive. Chris Balcom-Miller (2009, 6th round) should be the man to take the ball.
Short-A Tri-City, L 3-4 - (5-9, 3rd, 3.5 GB)
Chad Bettis (2010, 2nd round) had his worst start of his professional career, but it wasn't really all his fault. Bettis allowed four runs (only one was earned) in five innings on eight singles and one walk. He struck out just two in his first pro loss but did a good job of keeping the ball on the ground. Chad Jacobsen (2008, 18th round) hit a solo home run and Mark Tracy (2010, 22nd round) added a two-run shot to account for the Dust Devils' runs. It was Tri-City's seventh consecutive loss.
Rookie Casper, W 3-0 - (6-4, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
Albert Campos (2008, VZ) came into Wednesday having allowed 2 or less runs in 8 of his 9 starts, yet he had yet to post a scoreless outing. He left little doubt last night, as he worked eight shutout innings, allowing just four hits and one walk, striking out six. The 19-year-old now has an ERA of a pretty 2.33 while inducing 57% ground balls. Corey Dickerson (2010, 8th round) hit a two run home run (his team-leading 8th) and walked twice. Christian Adames (2008, DR) drove in a run with a single and also walked twice.
DSL Rockies, L 3-9 - (32-29, 3rd, 12.5 GB)
The Rockies were eliminated from division contention after losing for the ninth time in 10 games. Gustavo Brazoban (2008, DR) saw his ERA rise to 1.83 after allowing 4 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings to the White Sox. Julio Sanchez (2010, VZ) ensured the game would be out of reach by coughing up four runs while retiring two batters.