AAA: Colorado Springs 3, Tacoma 1
Recently outrighted off the 40 man roster, Greg Smith threw six innings, allowing only one unearned run on four hits while striking out six and getting the win (2-5, 6.12). Andrew Johnston and Edgmer Escalona, the #30 and #26 PuRPs respectively, had scoreless relief outings to preserve a tenuous 2-1 lead, with Escalona getting his first save of the year. The Sky Sox (63-76, 9 GB) acquired the lead via a two run Matt Miller double in the first.
Other PuRPs in action: #23 Cole Garner (2-4, RBI, .307/.376/.525)
Starter Johnathan Aristil was roughed up for seven runs on five hits in three innings, but the Tulsa bullpen kept Springfield quiet the rest of the way, allowing the Drillers to hang in the game. Tulsa finally pushed ahead with a four run eighth inning. Converted relief prospect Bruce Billings struck out the side in his inning to record the win (11-6, 3.34). In all, Tulsa (38-28, 3 GB) banged out 11 hits, with three players recording multi-hit games.
PuRPs in action: #22 Jordan Pacheco (1-4, 2 RBI, .324/.403/.446), #28 Scott Beerer (2-5, RBI, .253/.291/.311)
High A: Modesto 6, Stockton 5
The Nuts got three runs in the bottom of the ninth to win in dramatic fashion. #8 PuRP Tim Wheeler (1-5, RBI) and Mike Zuanich had the tying and game-winning singles in succession with two outs in the inning. Wheeler has had a disappointing campaign in Modesto this year (.243/.336/.375) but still has the tools and youth to turn the corner next year. Joe Sanders provided a big hit for the Nuts (32-34, 8 GB) with a two run shot (6) in the fourth.
On the mound, Rob Scahill went 6.1 IP, giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out seven. Alan DeRatt got the win in relief (3-1, 5.13).
Other PuRPs in action: #29 Ben Paulsen (0-4, 3 Ks, .309/.352/.470)
Low A: Asheville 13, Hickory 0
Chad Bettis continued to raise his stock with another dominant outing for the Tourists (39-27, 1.5 GB), who are in a dogfight for the second half division title. Bettis (2-0, 0.96 at Asheville, 6-1, 1.07 overall) tossed six shutout innings, allowing only three hits and punching out four. By this point, Bettis has made the Rockies look smart by allowing him to remain a starter. He should be on everyone's prospect radar when they make their Fall PuRPs lists soon.
There was also plenty of offensive good news, as four Tourists had multi-hit nights, led by PuRPs Eliezer Mesa and Nolan Arenado.
PuRPs in action: #13 Arenado (3-4, .304/.335/.524), #20 Delta Cleary (1-4, .252/.299/.359), #24 Mesa (.303/.359/.424)
Short Season A: Yakima 9, Tri-City 1
The Dust Devils (12-23, 11 GB) were limited to just three hits (a continuing trend of offensive ineptitude), while Josh Mueller gave up six runs in 4.1 IP. Now that Bettis has been promoted and Russell Wilson is headed back to football, Joshua Slaats is the brightest spot on this club, while all the other young prospects seem to be clustered on Casper.
Rookie: Orem 1, Casper 0
After scoring like a billion runs in their last five games, the Ghosts (17-14, 1.5 GB) were shut down by Angels prospect Aaron Tullo and company, only mustering six hits in the process. Soon-to-be top 10 PuRP Rafael Ortega (.368/.418/.521) and fellow future PuRP Corey Dickerson (.337/.404/.585) both had two hits to pace Casper. Ortega added two stolen bases (21) while Dickerson also swiped a bag (12).
The Ghosts wasted a great outing by another great prospect, pitcher Albert Campos (4-4, 1.87). The 19 year old went seven strong innings, allowing only an unearned run on four hits while striking out six men. It's impossible to predict, but in the void left by the Chris Balcom-Miller trade, Campos very well may have the opportunity to be able to contribute late in the Rockies' window of contention (2014-2015).