Fresno 4, Colorado Springs 9 (Play Completed from 7/30)
Nick Schmidt took over for Rob Scahill as play resumed on Monday's suspended game, and demonstrated atrocious control, walking seven batters over three innings. Despite the control problems and three hits, Schmidt only allowed three runs to cross. Will Harris and Edgmer Escalona finished the final four innings, with only one unearned run crossing for Fresno in that time frame.
Chad Tracy and Wil Nieves each had three singles, but their only scoring production was one run scored each. Brendan Harris replaced Jonathan Herrera in the lineup (he had been activated from the disabled list and recalled to the Rockies before play resumed), and got two hits in that time. Matt McBride continued his monster season with another two hits. Charlie Blackmon walked three times. Despite all of these deep offensive performances, the big moment came from Brandon Wood, who used his only productive plate appearance to hit a grand slam, his eighth home run of the year for the Sky Sox.
Fresno 7, Colorado Springs 3 (Shortened 7-inning Game)
Several of the best players from Game #1 were also the best in game two. Charlie Blackmon walked two more times and also hit his fourth home run for the Sky Sox. Brendan Harris got another three hits and scored a run., while Chad Tracy got a pinch hit single. Only Matt McBride fell off, going 0-5 in the second affair. Tim Wheeler got two hits in the game, including a triple. Chris Nelson was hitless with a run batted in his first three at bats on the rehab assignment, while Charlie Culberson was 1-4 in his Rockies organization debut against his former team.
Cory Riordan lasted four innings in the spot start, allowing five hits, two of which were home runs. In total, he allowed four runs to Fresno. Jason Bergmann, who has not fared well since joining our organization, allowed another two runs in his two innings, and despite striking out the side in the seventh, Coty Woods allowed the final opponent run on two hits and a walk. Riordan got the loss, his first decision at the AAA level this year.
The Drillers continue to struggle offensively. Mike Zuanich's two singles accounted for a third of Tulsa's total hits. Angelys Nina batted in the only Tulsa run with his single, and both Michael Mitchell and Jose Gonzalez walked in addition to their singles. The Drillers did not manage a single extra base hit. Interestingly, a Driller (Corey Dickerson) struck out just once despite the lack of offense.
Parker Frazier (4-12 on the year with the loss) turned in a poor effort,allowing 11 hits over 6 innings pitched, despite striking out seven opponents. All seven NW Arkansas runs crossed under his watch, six of which were earned. Tim Sexton, Joey Williamson and Joe Torres were all effective in relief.
Kyle Parker's 13th home run of the season, a Dallas Tarleton sacrifice fly and two singles from Timothy Smalling were the only notable performances on the Modesto offense. Parker also stole his first base of the year. Dustin Garneau doubled, while Jared Clark struck out three times.
As scary as Tyler Matzek's lines can sometimes be, there is no denying that his ability to put up more "normal" pitching lines is far better this season, even if it isn't all there yet. Matzek looked okay last night, despite allowing eight hits over six innings, he struck out seven while walking just one, a victory in any Matzek start. Two runs, one earned, crossed the plate while he was on the mound. It was Isaiah Froneberger who allowed the difference-maker to Visalia for their walk-off win, on a walk and three hits over an inning and two thirds. With the loss, he is now 5-2 on the year, all out of relief.'
Despite the Asheville offense putting up great hit numbers, they were unable to score runs with just two exceptions, a two run third and a four run seventh. Harold Riggins led the Tourists offense, with three hits, including his 17th home run. He batted in four of the six Tourists runs. Also with three hits were Samuel Mende, who knocked in another run and scored twice, and Tyler Massey, who doubled and scored twice.
With the offense unable to capitalize on more opportunities to score, there was little chance of pulling out a win with the pitching the way it was. Things got started off on a rotten note as starter Daniel Winkler allowed three home runs over his six innings pitched, which accounted for half of all hits he allowed., and six total runs crossed the plate, leading to his tenth 2012 loss. Neither Rafael Suarez nor Kenneth Roberts were able to keep their relief appearances clean. With Suarez allowing two runs over two innings and Roberts allowing one over one, all three Asheville pitchers had exactly an ERA of 9.00 in the game.
Kyle Von Tunglen had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs. Rosell Herrera and Tom Murphy each had two hits, and three runs batted in apiece. Despite allowing four hits and three walks over five innings, only one unearned run crossed the plate. Michael Wolford struggled in relief, allowing three runs over two thirds of the ninth inning, Chris Dennis recorded the final out for his first save.
David Dahl is good at baseball. Another multi-hit game, including a home run for the 2012 #1 draft pick, with Ryan Garvey also with two knocks, including a triple. Starter Ryan Warner allowed two hits and two walks over three innings, but wasn't helped by his defense, as only one of his three runs was earned. Alving Mejias was the best of the Grand Junction pitchers, but was saddled with the loss as his one run allowed made the difference. Jesse Meaux struggled through the final innings, allowing three more runs.
DSL Rockies.... I have no idea. They didn't post Tuesday's game line until after I went to bed. Check here in the morning to see if a box score for the 31st has been posted.