Rockies 2014 first-round draft pick Kyle Freeland made his third start of the season on Sunday as he continues to gradually work into his professional career. The 21-year-old left-hander came through with his best performance yet, tossing four scoreless innings in Rookie-level Grand Junction's 4-2 loss at Helena.
Freeland allowed only two hits and struck out three batters without issuing a walk. In nine pro innings, Freeland has allowed only one run on nine hits and has yet to walk a batter while punching out seven. The Colorado native has now gone two, three and four innings in his first three outings. If all goes well, Freeland should be allowed to go five innings in his next start, which is tentatively slated for Saturday in Grand Junction.
Omar Carrizales, Henry Garcia and Dom Nunez had two hits apiece for the Rockies, who fell to 18-15 on the season.
Asheville sweeps doubleheader, extends streak
Behind strong pitching from starters Johendi Jiminian and Zach Jemiola and bullpen that didn't allow a run 3⅓ combined innings, Low-A Asheville swept a doubleheader in Greenville on Sunday, winning 3-1 and 3-2 to extend its road winning streak to 15 games and improve to 66-34 overall.
Jiminian started Game 1 and didn't allow an earned run in 6⅔ innings while allowing only four hits and two walks and striking out three. The 21-year-old right-hander was saddled with a no decision as a result of the Tourists' inability to score in regulation, which was shortened to seven innings, but catcher Jose Briceno's two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning propelled them to victory. Matt Carasiti played a large part, as well, by striking out four batters in 2⅓ scoreless frames.
Jemiola got the nod in Game 2 and came through with six strong innings, allowing only four hits -- though two were solo home runs -- and two walks while striking out five. This time, Asheville got its starting pitcher the win after Ashley Graeter hit a one-out double, advanced to third on a fly ball and scored on a wild pitch.
Graeter and Raimel Tapia had two hits apiece in the second game. Tapia also had a hit in Game 1 and reached base a total of four times on the day.
Other games
Colorado Springs 4, Memphis 0: Jackson Williams had two hits, including a two-run homer in the ninth inning that gave the Sky Sox insurance runs they didn't need thanks to Juan Nicasio, who worked 1⅔ scoreless innings for his first career save at any professional level. Starter Brett Tomko worked five scoreless frames, allowing only three hits while striking out five. Reliever Nick Masset made his first rehab appearance, tossing a scoreless sixth while working around a hit.
Arkansas 9, Tulsa 8: Ryan Casteel went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI and Trevor Story hit his second Double-A home run, but Kraig Sitton allowed four runs on four hits and three walks, giving Arkansas a come-from-behind win. Brian Humphries added three hits for the Drillers. Delta Cleary and Jayson Langfels finished with two apiece.
Lancaster 5, Modesto 2: Juan Ciriaco, Francisco Sosa and Derek Jones had two hits apiece in the Nuts' loss, their 69th of 2014. Jones homered, his seventh of the season. Rosell Herrera went 1-for-4 with a double. Matt Flemer allowed only two earned runs in six innings, striking out three batters without issuing a free pass.
Vancouver 9, Tri-City 0: Ryan Castellani struggled in the first inning of his third pro start, allowing three runs -- two on a two-out, two-run homer -- on three hits before settling in during his final 2⅔ frames. Castellani struck out three and didn't walk a batter while surrendering only a ground-ball single after the treacherous opening inning. Sean Dwyer and Robbie Perkins had two hits apiece to lead the Dust Devils' offense.