AAA Colorado Springs, W 2-0 - (9-5, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
This game was in Colorado Springs, which makes the score significant. The Sky Sox had not thrown a shutout at Security Service Field yet this season. They did not accomplish that feat even once in 2011. In fact, this was the first home shutout by the Sky Sox since September 2010. The starter behind it? 29-year-old journeyman Carlos Torres (2012, MiLB FA), who struck out six and allowed four baserunners in five scoreless frames. Stephen Dodson (2008, 10th round), Dustin Molleken (2011, MiLB FA) and Zach Putnam (2012, trade) preserved the shutout over the last four frames. The humidor appears to be working. Putnam earned the save and now has thrown six shutout innings with eight punchouts and two walks in six scoreless innings with the Sky Sox.
Matt McBride doubled down on two-baggers, while #10 PuRP Charlie Blackmon (2008, 2nd round) and DJ LeMahieu (2012, trade) each had two hit nights, including 5th-inning RBI singles. #24 PuRP Jordan Pacheco (2007, 9th round) also singled twice, making him 4-for-10 since his demotion.
AA Tulsa, Off Day - (9-3, 1st)
The Drillers had an off day. They open a road series tonight at 6:08 MDT in Springfield against the Cardinals. HM PuRP Dan Houston will start for Tulsa, opposed by Trevor Rosenthal.
Low-A Asheville, Postponed - (9-4, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
It was getaway day for the Tourists, so there was no messing around with playing a long or late game. The game in West Virginia was called by 10 AM, and the Tourists headed home. Dan Winkler (2011, 20th round) gets the ball for the homestand opener against a struggling Rome Braves (2-11) team.
Modesto after the jump.
High-A Modesto, L 6-7 (11) - (3-10, 5th, 8.5 GB)
The Nuts were outhit 17-6, yet they still nearly won an extra innings road game started by one of their relievers. Leuris Gomez (2008, DR) allowed three runs in four innings to start, but a furious five run rally in the seventh gave Modesto a 5-3 lead. #15 PuRP Rafel Ortega (2009, VZ) highlighted the inning with his first hit of the season, a two-run double. #19 PurP Corey Dickerson (2009, 8th round) also doubled twice, and Modesto held a 6-3 lead with six outs to go.
Isaiah Froneberger (2007, 4th round) then loaded the bases on three straight singles and walked in a run. Chad Rose (2008, 16th round) relieved the lefty and allowed an RBI single and game-tying ground out before getting out of the inning. Nick Schnaitmann (2008, 22nd round) pitched the ninth and tenth with little trouble, but Modesto failed to threaten, a one-out 11th inning Dickerson double aside. Schnaitmann allowed walkoff home run to the first batter in the 11th.
Wacky Fact: While Corey Dickerson has been the lone consistent offensive threat in the Nuts offensive lineup, he has yet to be intentionally walked. In fact, he has only walked once in 56 plate appearances. Add in a couple sacrifice at-bats, and Dickerson has a higher batting average (.415) than OBP (.411).