In what has become an unfortunate trend of late, the minor league affiliates went 1-5 on the day.
AAA -- Colorado Springs (54-64, 7 GB) was off last night
AA -- Midland 7, Tulsa 4
The Drillers (25-21 2nd half, 4 GB) banged out 13 hits, including a solo shot by 2B Jason Van Kooten (15), but only scored four runs. Top PuRP Christian Friedrich got roughed up a bit in the game, giving up nine hits and four runs on the day, but it was Bruce Billings who got the loss (7-6). Billings gave up three runs on three hits in 1.2 IP.
High A -- Visalia 8, Modesto 2
The Nuts (20-26 2nd, 9 GB) got a 3-3 night from 1B Ben Paulsen, but that was about it in terms of good news. Rob Scahill (9-6) lasted only four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.
Low A -- Asheville 7, Greenville 2
The Tourists (27-18 2nd, T-1st) not only kept the organization from having an all-losing day, they also beat first place Greenville to take a share of the division lead. SS Carlos Martinez led the way with a three run bomb (3) and my personal prospect mancrush Nolan Arenado went 3-4 to lead the offensive charge.
On the mound, Christian Balcom-Miller (4-6, 3.20) continued his strong season (though not in W-L record) with five innings in which he allowed two runs on three hits. CBM was a little wild, walking three men and tossing two wild pitches, but his GB/FB ratio was a healthy 6:2.
Short A -- Boise 6, Tri-City 3
Catcher Dustin Garneau provided a bright spot for Tri-City (5-10 2nd, 4 GB), smacking a solo shot (2) in the second inning. 2010 13th round pick Josh Mueller took the loss (2-1, 2.90), lasting only three innings and giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits. Josh Hungerman was great in relief, allowing just one hit in three innings and striking out five men.
Rookie -- Idaho Falls 7, Casper 5
The Ghosts (6-5 2nd, 1.5 GB) took a 5-4 lead into the eighth, but the bullpen couldn't hold it, allowing a walk-off two run shot to Idaho Falls. 2010 10th rounder 3B Brett Tanos led Casper with a 3-4 night and CF Rafael Ortega continued his hot season, going 2-5 to push his average to .364. Tyler Gagnon went six innings on the start, giving up four runs on seven hits, but also striking out seven men.
DSL -- DSL Orioles 7, DSL Rockies 3
The Rockies' DSL affiliate (32-30, 13.5) continued their late season collapse -- they've lost 10 of 11 to fall out of playoff contention.