The affiliates were 2-5 yesterday, with two of the losses coming by one run.
Colorado Springs 7, Salt Lake 6
The Sky Sox (39-49) used a five run sixth to burst ahead of the Bees, then hung on late for a one run win. In an encouraging sight, both Eric Young Jr. and Dexter Fowler hit back-to-back solo homers in that big inning (the 1st for both), while catcher Jordan Pacheco (PuRP 14) added a 2-run shot in the same inning (his 2nd). Esmil Rogers got the start and lasted only 3.1 IP, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits. Alan Johnson got the win (2-2) despite allowing Salt Lake to creep closer, while Jim Miller closed them out in the ninth for his 13th save.
Corpus Christi 3, Tulsa 2 (F-10)
The Drillers (40-44) got both of their runs in the 4th inning on a 2-run shot by 1B Ben Paulsen (PuRP 19), his 11th. However, they couldn't score any more then that and eventually Tulsa's pitching blinked first. No Driller had more than one hit on the game, and only two of the seven went for extra bases. Dan Houston got a hard-luck no decision, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits in 8 innings of work, while erstwhile closer Adam Jorgenson's tough year continued as he took the loss (1-5).
Much like the Drillers, the Nuts (41-45, 8-8 second half) wasted a fine pitching performance in a one-run loss. In this case, it was PuRP 11 Chad Bettis, who went seven strong innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out 11 batters. And yet, he took the loss (6-5). The only offense for Modesto came on a fifth inning solo shot by OF Kent Matthes (14). The pitcher's duel was played in a tidy 1:51.
Unlike the two above games, the Tourists (40-45, 9-7 second half) were never really in it. The pitching staff allowed 16 hits, with Alan DeRatt taking the loss (0-1). The lone bright spot offensively was PuRP 15 OF Corey Dickerson, who went 2-4 with a double and a solo HR (19). Dickerson is hitting .295/.383/.654 this year with 38 XBHs.
Short-season ball after the fold.
Salem-Keizer 4, Tri-City 2 (F-11)
In the battle of the hyphenated team names, the home team came out on top. The Dust Devils (11-11) fought back from an early 2-0 deficit with runs in the sixth and eighth, but couldn't push across another, while their opponents got a two-run walk-off HR in the 11th off of Craig Bennigson (0-2). Vianney Mayo got the start, going six innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits, striking out four.
The Ghosts' tough season continued (7-12) with a five-run loss last night. 3B Samuel Mende led the Ghosts offensively with a two-run shot (his 4th) that staked them to an early 2-0 lead. Catcher Will Swanner (PuRP 17) continued his offensive assault on the Pioneer League (.279/.313/.689, 11 XBHs) with a 3-4 night, but ultimately the pitching just wasn't there for Casper.
The DSL Rockies affiliate (17-17) got a run in the 5th and three in the sixth to get the victory. 17 year-old Joel Payamps started and went 5.1 IP for the Rockies, allowing only one unearned run on 4 hits. Offensively, the team was led by catcher Jose Briceno's 3-4 day.