Rockies Prospects: Tyler Matzek states rotation case, Wilin Rosario on his way back

The Rockies won two of their games by eight runs each and lost the other two by a 2-1 score.

AAA: Colorado Springs 8, New Orleans 0

Tyler Matzek (PuRP 14) and three relievers combined for a shutout in this one. Matzek struggled, as he often has, with the strike zone - walking four hitters and allowing four hits over 90 pitches in five innings. Still, he avoided runs and struck out six hitters in the process. Manny Corpas, Wilton Lopez, and Brooks Brown all contributed scoreless relief outings to preserve the shutout.

If Matzek is going to make an impact as a starter at the big league level, this time might be his best window of opportunity given the imminent approach of Jon Gray and Eddie Butler. The inefficiency displayed in this start is a big reason why the Rockies might be hesitant to give him that shot right now, but Matzek has the kind of strikeout stuff that will play in the majors.

The Sky Sox were efficient in this one, getting eight runs to score on just seven hits, with Rafael Ynoa being the only player to notch two hits. Two players that have been up with the Rockies this year, Flu Twins Josh Rutledge and Wilin Rosario, each got a hit as well. Rosario's hit was a double and Rutledge stole two bases.

AA: NW Arkansas 2, Tulsa 1

Tyler Anderson (PuRP 10) continued to do what he can within the five inning per start limit the organization is holding him to. The lefty went five innings and 75 pitches, allowing a run on five hits and three walks, striking out four in the process. This outing lowered his ERA this season to 2.48 over 40 innings pitched with 32 strikeouts and 13 walks.

The Drillers scored a run in the top of the first inning (coming home on a wild pitch) and were held scoreless after that point, managing just four hits on the day. Cristian Adames (PuRP 13) had two of those hits for Tulsa. It was all knotted up at one entering the bottom of the 9th inning, but Nelson Gonzalez served up a walk-off solo shot to end it.

High A: Lake Elsinore 2, Modesto 1

It was yet another tough loss for the Nuts, as the offense only was able to muster one run on eight hits to spoil a good pitching performance by Ryan Gibbard and company. Gibbard went five innings, ceding two runs on five hits while striking out three. Alving Mejias and Shane Broyles threw some scoreless relief as well for Modesto. David Kandilas was the bright spot offensively, going 3-4 with a double and Modesto's lone run, while Matt Wessinger also added two hits.

Low A: Asheville 14, Greenville 6

In the battle of the Olde English Villes, Ashe defeated Green 14-6. The Tourists put this game away early with an eight run second inning. Every starter except Jordan Patterson (PuRP 23) got in on the hit parade (though Patterson did steal two bases), with Ryan McMahon (PuRP 7) and Ashley Graeter leading the way with three apiece. McMahon had four RBI in the game and Graeter had two, while David Dahl (PuRP 3) was 2-3 with a double and two RBI.

Alex Balog (PuRP 20) was the beneficiary of this largesse, getting the win thanks to 5 1/3 innings of three run ball. Balog allowed six hits and a walk while striking out four. Balog is now 3-3 on the year with a 3.38 ERA in 48 innings and sports a 31:12 K/BB ratio. Considering his horrid season at Grand Junction last year, this is a drastic improvement for the 21 year-old.

Today's Probables

AAA: Yohan Flande

AA: Carlos Hernandez

High A: Andrew Brown

Low A: Konner Wade