AAA Colorado Springs: L 8-2 (40-42, 3rd, 8 GB)
The difficult transition from facing AA bats to facing big league-capable bats was evident yesterday for Nick Schmidt, who allowed six runs on seven hits (including two homers) in his first AAA start. In addition to getting knocked around a bit, Schmidt did not possess the command that led him to success in Tulsa, as he walked four batters in six innings of work. Jared Wells did not fare much better in relief, as he allowed a couple of runs and walked three batters in two frames.
The Sky Sox offense managed only five hits, all singles, against Sacramento, as Rivercats' starter Daniel Straily struck out ten hitters in six innings. Chad Tracy and Brendan Harris each had two hits, while Tim Wheeler drove in two runs despite going 0-for-4 with a walk.
Low-A Asheville: L 10-7 (52-29, 1st)
Several big-name Asheville prospects had big days at the plate, led by shortstop Trevor Story, who went 3-for-4 with two homers. Will Swanner homered as part of a two-hit day, and Harold Riggins went deep as well for one of his two hits. Brian Humphries and Taylor Featherston each had two hits of their own, while Chandler Laurent hit a solo shot - his first since joining the Tourists. It's worth noting that this game wasn't played in Asheville, so the homer barrage shouldn't be taken as lightly.
Daniel Winkler allowed six runs (four earned in 5.2 innings of work, but he also struck out eight batters while walking only two. Geoff Parker picked up the win in relief, as he tossed 2.1 innings of one-run ball.
More recaps after the jump...
High-A Modesto: L 3-1 (42-39, 3rd, 5.5 GB)
Leuris Gomez turned in a rare great start, as he tossed seven innings of two-run ball, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out nine. However, the Nuts' inability to hit Lancaster starter Nicholas Tropeano prevented Gomez from earning a victory.
Brett Tanos led Modesto's offense with two singles. All of the Nuts' hits were singles, in fact, and they even outhit Lancaster 5 to 4. However, the lack of a big hit doomed Modesto, who scored their only run on an error in the fourth inning.
Short-Season A Tri-City: W 2-1 (6-11, t-3rd, 3 GB)
The Dust Devils continued their offensive struggles, but were able to score just enough to win behind a brilliant effort from Josh Slaats. Slaats went seven innings and allowed one run (on a solo homer) on six hits and a walk while striking out six. Meanwhile, Brook Hart continued his excellent start to the season as he struck out four in two scoreless innings, bringing his streak to 11 scoreless frames to start the year. At 23 years old, Hart is obviously pretty old for the league. However, the 2011 23rd-rounder hasn't walked a batter yet while striking out eight.
Charlie Blackmon remains mired in a bit of a slump, as his 0-for-4 day dropped his batting average to .241. Francisco Sosa led the Dust Devils with two hits (including a double) and an RBI.
Rookie Grand Junction: L 12-2 (6-8, 3rd, 4 GB)
It was not a good day for the GJ Rockies, neither on the mound nor at the plate. Two high draft picks (Eddie Butler and Ryan Warner) combined to allow ten runs (nine earned) on 12 hits in 5.1 innings. Offensively, the Rockies only tallied three hits, but one was a solo shot off the bat of David Dahl, which marked his first professional home run.
AA Tulsa had their game postponed.