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The Grand Junction Rockies fell to the Ogden Raptors, 14-13, in 10 innings on Wednesday night as they were eliminated from contention. The Rockies’ top draft pick, Riley Pint, pitched in his final start of the season, going 3.2 innings and allowing five runs on eight hits, three walks, and five strikeouts. Grand Junction’s offense provided a huge lift, producing 13 runs on 17 hits, but it just wasn’t enough to get the win.
Pint showed a lot of promise in his first professional season. In 37 innings, Pint struck out nearly a batter per game with 36 and had a very impressive 1.64 groundball-flyball ratio, something that the Rockies have coveted in the past. That number, along with a triple-digit fastball, spells the pathway to success for Pint in Colorado.
It wasn’t all good, however. Pint walked 23 batters in those 37 innings, showing he still has to rein in his command and really dominate the strike zone. He can’t get by on blowing the ball past opponents like he likely did in high school. It’s an adjustment many high school pitchers go through, but all eyes will be on Pint to see how quickly he adjusts.
The GJ Rockies got three three-hit efforts from Colton Welker, Jonathan Piron, and Brian Serven. Welker and Serven were both high draft picks in the 2016 draft while Piron was signed out of the Dominican Republic.
Grand Junction has their season finale today against Ogden at 7:05 MT.
GJ Rockies 13, Ogden Raptors 14 (10 innings)
Riley Pint (5 PuRP): 3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R/ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 80 pitches
Colton Welker: 3/6, 2B, 2 R
Roberto Ramos: 2/5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, BB
Jose Gomez: 2/5, 3 R, SB
Jonathan Piron: 3/4, HR, 4 RBI, R, BB, 2 SB
Brian Serven: 3/5, 2 2B
Taylor Snyder: 2/5, HR, RBI, 2 R, BB
GJ Rockies’ playoff chances end with loss | GJSentinel