SB Nation - Dan Ortmeier

The Giants and Minor League Evaluation

Grant — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:57:18 -0000

Not much time for a ton of writing today, so I'll just ask your help for possible posts down the road. I'm trying to make a list of examples of the Giants ignoring minor league performance in their hitter evaluation process in the Brian Sabean era.

Rich Aurilia -- Fine numbers for a AAA shortstop, blocked by Jose Vizcaino because he was the "get one free" part of the Jeff Kent trade.
Todd Linden -- Stellar numbers in AAA, never given a chance (note: this is a list of examples for better or for worse. It was almost assuredly a good thing that Linden didn't get a chance as a starter.)
Dan Ortmeier -- Very little power, contact, or on-base skills in the minors, fluked his way into a .497 slugging percentage in 157 major league at-bats, taken seriously as a candidate for a starting 1B job in the majors
Kevin Frandsen -- Career .317/.380/.452 hitter in the minors, blocked by vets and rooks alike. Also a career .241/.306/.342 hitter in the majors in over 450 at-bats, so this might be more of a Linden situation rather than a crime against player evaluation.
Nate Schierholtz -- Career .308/.355/.516 hitter in the minors, blocked by vets and rooks alike. Also a career .287/.318/.408 hitter in the majors in over 450 at-bats, so...hey, that reads familiar.
Brian Bocock -- A year after hitting .220 in A-ball, he was the Opening Day shortstop. Seriously.
Emmanuel Burriss -- Two years after hitting .165 in A-ball, he was the Opening Day second baseman. Seriously.
John Bowker -- Hit .342/.451/.596 with a reworked approach in AAA. The player standing in the way of a starting job in the majors hasn't hit a home run since April.
Buster Posey -- Isn't likely to have an on-base percentage below .300, which makes him a special offensive catcher in this organization's history. Needs to prove his worth to get a single start; won't get a single start until he proves his worth.
Eugenio Velez -- Nothing in his minor league career, other than a fine age-24 season in low-A, suggests he'll be more than a fine bench player. Because he had a ridiculously hot 80 at-bats when he was called up, though, he's a starting outfielder. And he's done just fine, mind you. But he also starts against left-handers, against whom he's hit .241/.288/.353 over his minor league career and .212/.287/.260 in his major league career.

No thesis, really. I'm just trying to figure out why the Giants completely ignore minor league statistics when they evaluate hitters. Actually, I guess I'm trying to figure out if they ignore minor league stats, and if that's even helped the team on a few occassions. Please help me fill in any gaps or omissions. Also let me know if I'm cherry-picking and/or making too much out of nothing. Also, feel free to ignore baseball entirely and talk about lunch, as that's what you're going to do anyways.

Sunday Pebble Report: Sky Sox relinquish first place, McKenry hits walk-off home run, more

theoldgrizzlybear — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:00:47 -0000

Tacoma 6, Colorado Springs 4
Adam Eaton allowed four runs on six hits and three walks in six innings, and Scott Munter failed to minimize the damage in just under two innings of work and as a result, the Sky Sox fell to Tacoma and also fell into a tie with the Rainiers for first place in the Pacific Coast League's Pacific North division. Eaton struck out six batters in the game, but allowed a big two run homer in a rough first inning, making things tough on himself. Dan Ortmeier had three hits for the Springs in the losing effort.

Tulsa 4, NW Arkansas 3
Michael McKenry hit a walk-off three run home run for the Drillers, who struggled all day offensively and were trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth despite good pitching from the starter and bullpen. Andy Graham lasted five innings and was pretty solid, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out six batters. Shane Lindsay was terrific out of the pen, striking out three in two innings. Al Alburquerque followed Lindsay's success with some of his own, as he struck out a batter in a scoreless eighth. Matt Reynolds allowed a home run in the top of the ninth, but recovered to retire the Naturals without any further damage and picked up the win.

High Desert 9, Modesto 8
The Nuts received multi-hit games from Charlie Blackmon, Maikol Gonzalez, and Jeff Cunningham, and Cunningham and Scott Beerer each went yard but none of that was enough to earn Modesto a victory. Kenneth Durst got roughed up a bit, allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks in six innings, and the bullpen was unable to hold a slim lead.

Greenville 9, Asheville 1
The Tourists managed only four hits, one of which was a solo home run by David Christensen. Meanwhile, Greenville had nine hits and had two guys with a multi-hit game. Jonnathan Aristil had another head-scratching outing, as he struck out eight batters in just four innings, but allowed five runs on four hits and a walk. He also allowed two long balls, which produced four of the runs. The good news from this one? Rex Brothers struck out the side in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Tri-City 3, Boise 2
The Dust Devils scored all three of their runs via the long ball, as Tim Wheeler connected on a solo shot in the first inning, and three batters later Kevin Clark hit a two-run blast to put Tri-City up 3-0. Boise tacked on two more against starter Rob Scahill, who lasted five innings and gave up two runs on five hits and struck out six, but Scahill was able to stay out of trouble. The bullpen pitched four scoreless innings, including Aaron Weatherford's two-inning, four-strikeout effort.

Casper 4, Idaho Falls 3 (Game 1)
Ricardo Ferrer threw four innings of baseball and gave up two runs on seven hits. He struck out six. Avery Barnes had a couple of hits and a run scored for the Ghosts. Nolan Arenado went 0-for-2 with two walks.

Idaho Falls 2, Casper 0 (Game 2)
The Ghosts were held to just three hits in the second game of the doubleheader, and one of them was by the suddenly-hot Avery Barnes. Juan Gonzalez struck out seven batters in four innings, but also walked three and gave up four hits. Ricky Testa struck out three batters in two innings, as well.

Wednesday Pebble Report: Victories for everyone last night

Russ Oates — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:47:15 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 12-10
The Sky Sox needed a four-run ninth inning to win this game. Eric Young Jr.'s two-run triple started the scoring that led to the win. Junior also walked three times. Dan Ortmeier drove in four runs, and Matt Miller and Matt Murton had two RBI each. Mike McCoy walked five times.

Alan Johnson allowed eight runs (four earned) in 4 2/3 innings on eight hits and six walks. Jonathan Herrera committed two fielding errors in the six-run second inning. Matt Herges picked up the win after pitching two scoreless innings.

Tulsa, W 11-3
It was a night for the long ball by the Drillers. Darin Holcomb hit his tenth of the season in the first inning. Ryan Harvey and Danny Sandoval each hit one in the seventh, Harvey's a three-run shot. Harvey went 3-for-5 with five RBI and fell a triple short of the cycle. Jeff Kindel had three hits and three RBI. Cole Garner also had three hits.Daniel Mayora committed three errors, a missed catch and two fielding ones.

Chaz Roe threw a complete game, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out three. He threw 108 pitches, 67 for strikes, and had an 8-15 GO-FO.

Modesto, W 12-5
It was a glorious sixth inning for the Nuts, as they scored seven runs to take the lead in the game. The Mod Bee has a good recap of what happened in the inning:

With one out and the Nuts trailing 3-2, Jason Van Kooten singled, Scott Beerer walked and Matt Repec doubled to tie the game.
Bakersfield walked Maikol Gonzalez intentionally so their lefty starter Tim Murphy (7-9) could face the lefty Davis, but Modesto's catcher responded with a line drive off the wall in center for a three-run double and a 6-3 lead.

Reliever Glenn Swanson was greeted by Warren Schaeffer's single, and Rike followed with a majestic three-run homer to right field.

Repec went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a homer, and Lars Davis finished with four RBI.

Cory Riordan allowed three-run homer in the first inning, but settled down after that. He finished with six innings pitched, four runs allowed, and four strikeouts.

Asheville, W 7-0
Jonnathan Aristil turned in a great start, allowing no runs in 6 2/3 innings and striking out six. The bullpen combo of Alan Deratt, Shane Lindsay, Isaiah Froneberger, and Adam Jorgenson held Bowling Green off the bases for the last three innings.

Scott Robinson, Jordan Pacheco, and Thomas Field each had two hits. David Christensen (20) and Delta Cleary (25) each stole a base. Mike Zuanich doubled and drove in a run.

Tri-City, W 5-3
Tri-City also liked the ninth inning to take the lead. Joe Sanders drove in the first run on a single; the second run scored on a force attempt/fielding error; and finally, Tim Wheeler had a two-run double to center.

Dan Perkins allowed a run in five innings and struck out three. Rex Brothers threw 1 2/3 innings and struck out four. Paul Bargas picked up the win and Charlie Ruiz struck out three on the way to his 11th save.

Casper, W 9-8
Jonathan Vargas allowed one run on five hits in five innings. He struck out five and had a 6-2 GO-FO. But the bullpen almost ruined Vargas's nice start. Clint Tilford pitched the next three innings and allowed three runs in the eighth inning. Tyler Gagnon didn't have any better success since he allowed four runs in the bottom of the ninth. However, Leuris Gomez allowed three of those runs after he inherited the runners.

Jared Clark hit his sixth homer, a solo shot in the second inning. Nolan Arendao went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Avery Barnes collected four hits, drove in two runs, and stole his 16th base.

Saturday Pebble Report: Modesto barely avoids being on the wrong end of a perfect game

Russ Oates — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:17:16 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 6-4
Matt Herges threw a clean 1 2/3 innings, striking out one and throwing 32 of his 45 pitches for strikes. Eric Young Jr. went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in the sixth, his sixth of the season. Matt Murton and Dan Ortmeier each had two hits and an RBI.

Tulsa, L 4-12
Something tells me that if you allow nine runs in the top of the first inning, it's going to be hard to come back from that. And Keith Weiser allowed nine runs in the first inning last night. Four runs scored on two two-run homers, and the others on a combination of singles, doubles, and force outs. Weiser allowed another run in the second before leaving the game. Adam Bright and Tommy Baumgardner each pitched three innings with much better success than Weiser had last night, holding Arkansas to only one run. Edgmer Escalona allowed an unearned run in the ninth.

Fittingly enough, Ryan Harvey hit two two-run homers to score all of the Drillers' runs.

Modesto, L 1-7
So, Daniel Haigwood had a chance for a perfect game until Hector Gomez hit a home run in the seventh, his sixth of the season. But that was the only hit for the Nuts, as Haigwood left after the seventh with that blemish and Derrick Gordon held the Nuts in check for the last two innings.

Joey Williamson allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings, walking five and striking out four.

Asheville, W 6-2
Juan Nicasio turned in seven quality innings last night, allowing only two runs on four hits and striking out five. Shane Lindsay walked two and struck out three in an inning of work.

Jimmy Cesario went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI, and Kiel Roling went 2-for-5 with a double, a homer (11), and three RBI. Scott Robinson collected two hits and his 36th stolen base.

Tri-City, L 1-16
This was a disaster after the third inning, and even Rex Brothers took part in it. Umm, Joey Wong walked three times and scored the only run! Tri-City Herald story.

Casper, W 9-5
Mike Timlin started the game and threw a perfect inning. Ricardo Ferrer allowed two runs (one earned) over the nex five innings and struck out five. He also made successful pickoffs at first base.

Eliezer Mesa went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI, and Jeffrey Squier went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Chandler Laurent and Brandon Whitby each added two RBI on one hit.

Friday Pebble Report: Friedrich continues to dominate, and to get let down by Nuts bullpen

Rox Girl — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:47:13 -0000

Colorado Springs: L 3-5

Dan Ortmeier had two hits, including a double and a pair of RBI, but the Sky Sox were mostly shut down by Ramon Ortiz and the Grizzlies.

Tulsa: W 8-1

Chaz Roe pitched pretty well. He's had a high walk rate this season but has been more effective at preventing runs. Is it just luck? Since 2007, his ERA has been better than his FIP, so even though he appears to be somewhat lucky this season, I'm doubting that he's been the one and a half runs of ERA (3.30 vs. 4.74 in 2009) lucky the difference between the two would indicate. Daniel Mayora had a pair of hits, and raised his average to .309 for the year. Mayora hits well, a lot of singles some walks, not much power, at home and on the road, against RHP's and LHP's. He is a Texas League version of Freddy Sanchez, only probably less of an asset on defense.

Modesto: L 6-7

Christian Friedrich is number one on Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet this week, and another dominating performance last night at Rancho Cucamonga is part of the reason. What separates Friedrich right now from Brian Matusz is mainly the lack of a quality changeup.

Matt Repec, Jeff Cunningham and Jason Van Kooten homered in the loss. Scott Beerer, after starting slow, has really started heating up at the plate with three more hits last night.

Asheville: W 8-4

The two quick promotions from Tri-City this season, Beerer and Mike Zuanich, have both thrived with their new teams, and give the Rockies a pair of interesting polished bats that are still old for where they're currently assigned but seemingly talented enough not to write off. As the younger of the two, Zuanich intrigues me a bit more right now. He's been murder on left handed pitching and an extremely tough out against RHP's. He already has three HBP's at Asheville in just 40 PA's, meaning right handed pitchers are trying to bust him inside to little success so far. Zuanich is just four months younger than Modesto's Cunningham, both are a couple of years or so younger than Paulk and Kindel at Tulsa.

Tri-City: L 5-9

We don't talk enough about Tim Wheeler or Ben Paulsen. Nice work at Tri-City by both so far. Rob Scahill threw four solid innings yesterday, striking out seven and giving up two runs. He's had two terrible appearances and six great ones so far, the inconsistency is a little frustrating, but that's definitely the ratio you would rather see than the other way around. He's probably had the fourth or fifth best debut of our 2009 draftees, although now that I think of it, how would I rate that? Keep in mind that this isn't a ranking of these guys as prospects, or Nolan Arenado would be listed, just a ranking of how their 2009 professional debuts have impacted their status as prospects:

Chris Balcom-Miller
Rex Brothers
Rob Scahill
Tim Wheeler
Ben Paulsen
Jared Clark
Charlie Ruiz
Rhett Ballard
Dan Perkins
Avery Barnes

Am I forgetting anybody? Maybe Dustin Garneau, and Paul Bargas has pitched alright. Kent Matthes started out well, but fizzled, Joe Sanders hasn't been able to translate to wood that well thus far. Matt Sanders and Joey Wong haven't had much success yet, either. Anyway, I'm curious how other people see our 2009 draftees performing so far.

Casper: W 5-4, L 0-5

Brandon Whitby hit a bases clearing triple as the Ghosts scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh for the walk off win in the first game. They got shut out in the second game, but Edwar Cabrera does look like he might finally be pitching like he did in the Dominican as he came on with 2.2 innings, striking out five and just walking one in relief of Clint Tilford. I might actually have the order of these games reversed. I'm tired and just want to make sure I publish something Pebble Report-esque today.

Sunday Pebble Report: Deduno and Riordan turn in gems, Roling explodes offensively

theoldgrizzlybear — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:44:27 -0000

Colorado Springs: L 6-4 (51-42, 1st place)

Matt Miller went 4-for-5, but the inability of the players hitting in front him to get on base resulted in Miller not getting any RBI's. Dan Ortmeier and Christian Colonel had two hits each as well, but it was not enough to lead the Sky Sox to victory. Adam Eaton had another quality start for the Springs, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings - a very respectable outing considering the park in which he was pitching. However, Ben Julianel was unable to hold serve, as he allowed two runs on three hits in the seventh inning. Ryan Speier pitched a scoreless inning of relief. The Sky Sox have lost eight of their last ten, and they're seeing their lead over Salt Lake shrink more and more by the day.

Tulsa: W 3-0, W 5-1 (11-9, 2.0 GB)

Samuel Deduno continues to mow over the competition. He outdueled Angels' prospect Trevor Reckling, as both starters tossed seven-inning complete games. Deduno allowed only five baserunners (three hits, two walks) and struck out five. He also posted a 12-4 GO/FO ratio. Ryan Harvey hit a two-run homer off of Reckling in the second inning to finish off the scoring for the day; Daniel Mayora drove in the other run for the Drillers.

The bullpen was the highlight of the second game, as Matt Baumgardner, Edgmer Escalona, and Matthew Reynolds combined to pitch four scoreless innings to preserve the win. Mike Paulk had two hits, and every other Driller had one hit with the exception of Brad Corley, who was 0-for-3.

Modesto: L 1-0 (9-14, 9.0 GB)

Cory Riordan was brilliant for the Nuts, but he did not get any help whatsoever from the offense, who only had four hits. Riordan pitched all eight innings and gave up just a run on five hits and a walk, and struck out nine batters. However, he was outdueled by San Jose's Scott Barnes. Mike Repec hit a double, while Wilin Rosario, Maikol Gonzalez, and Michael Mitchell each had hits for Modesto.

Asheville: W 9-5 (16-6, 1st place)

Kiel Roling had a two-home run game - one of the three-run variety and the other scoring two - to lead the Tourists' offense in an explosion of sorts...well, for them, at least. Delta Cleary and Ryan Peisel each had a multi-hit game as well. Back to Roling - he is now hitting .348 with 9 home runs and 38 RBI and is having a heck of a second half so far. He is certainly climbing his way up the ladder in terms of Rockies' prospects. Parker Frazier pitched pretty well in six innings - at least, as well as you need to when given nine runs in the first two innings. All of Frazier's runs were allowed in the first two innings as well, and he really settled in after that and ended up striking out five against no walks.

Tri-City: L 4-3 (18-10, 1st place)

Kent Matthes and Orlando Sandoval each had two hits for the Dust Devils, but they weren't able to do a whole lot else offensively as they took the loss. Starting pitcher Bradley McAtee allowed all four of his runs in a disastrous third inning in which he allowed a leadoff walk, two singles, and two doubles before he could even record an out. A double play helped him get out of the inning, but by then the damage had already been done.

Casper: L 9-4 (7-15, 7.0 GB)

Clint Tilford allowed three earned runs in four innings, and the bullpen got lit up as the Ghosts fell again in Pioneer League play. Chad Jacobsen had two hits, and Jared Clark drove in a couple of runs for Casper in the loss.

Saturday Pebble Report: Mike Zuanich promoted to Asheville

Russ Oates — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:43:12 -0000

Colorado Springs, L 3-5
Alan Johnson's been mulling around after a hot start to the year. Last night was a pedestrian outing as he allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Ryan Speier was charged with the blown save after allowing an inherited runner to score and walking on a run. Dan Ortmeier went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.

Tulsa, W 7-5
Andy Graham made a spot start last night, pitching three scoreless innings and striking out four. Xavier Cedeno and Al Alburquerque allowed the five runs over five innings. Edgmer Escalona picked up his third save.

Jeff Kindel, Daniel Mayora, and Darin Holcomb led the offense with three homers (two two-run, one solo).

The Tulsa World has a good recap.

Modesto, W 2-0
Connor Graham had a fine performance last night. He struck out nine in fove innings and allowed no runs on two hits. Ethan Hollingsworth allowed two hits and struck out three in 2 2/3 innings.

All the scoring took place in the second inning when Hector Gomez started the inning with a double. Scott Beerer tripled in Gomez and Jeff Cunningham hit a sac fly to score Beerer. The Modesto Bee has more on Beerer.

The Nuts also stopped some guys 45-game hitting streak.

Asheville, W 6-5 (7 innings)
In the first game of the double header, Isaiah Froneberger started the game and allowed three runs on three hits and three walks. The three runs scored on a home run by Andy D'Alessio in the third. But Kiel Roling and Delta Cleary countered with homers of their own. Roling hit his fifth in the second inning and Cleary had a three-run dinger, his fifth, in the sixth inning. The center fielder also stole his 19th base.

Asheville, L 6-8 (7 innings)
The pitching really fell through big time in this one, allowing seven runs in the seventh inning. A bunch of singles, doubles, and one home run scored the runs charged to Mike Marbry and Kurt Yacko (five to the former, but two inherited by the latter). Kiel Roling hit his sixth homer, a three-run shot, as part of a 4-for-4, four RBI night.

Tri-City, W 10-7
Scott Beerer wasn't the only Dust Devil to receive a promotion. Mike Zuanich moved up to Asheville, though he did not play in either end of the double header.

Bo Bowman went 4-for-4 with two RBI, and Jeremiah Sammy hit his third homer of the season, a two-run shot in the fourth. Kent Matthes also drove in a run. There were six stolen bases, two by Sammy and one each by Joey Wong, Austin Rauch, Kevin Clark, and Orlando Sandoval.

Sheng-An Kuo took a beating last night by allowing seven runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. He did, however, strike out six. Eric Fedrico, Rhett Ballard, and Charlie Ruiz held Everett to one single over the last 4 1/3 innings of the game.

Casper, W 8-6
Nathan Hines hit his fourth homer, a two-run blast in the third inning. Angelys Nina and Jared Clark each hit their first home run of the season. Nina went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, his fourth stolen base, and a walk. Juan Gonzalez allowed six runs in three innings, striking out five in the process. The bullpen did a stupendous job by not allowing a run over the last six innings. Paul Bargas picked up his first win.

Sunday Pebble Report: Rogers dominates (again), Alburquerque makes his organizational debut, Williamson keeps on winning, more...

theoldgrizzlybear — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:05:41 -0000

Colorado Springs: W 4-2 (49-33, 1st place)

Alan Johnson allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings, and the Sky Sox bullpen pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief to allow the Springs to hold on for the victory. The pitching staff held Portland to just four hits. Dan Ortmeier led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Mike McCoy was also instrumental in the victory, as he was 2-for-2 with 2 walks and also scored 2 runs.

Tulsa: W 5-0 (4-4, 1.0 GB)

Esmil Rogers turned in yet another terrific start, going 7 innings and allowing no runs on just 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 8. Al Alburquerque, in his first appearance in the Rockies organization since being acquired from the Cubs in the Jeff Baker trade, pitched a scoreless 8th, despite allowing a walk, to earn his first hold. Edgmer Escalona held serve in the ninth, as he as become accustomed to doing. Darin Holcomb had 3 hits for the Drillers, while Anthony Jackson (who also had 3 RBI), Mike Paulk, and Daniel Mayora added 2 hits apiece.

Modesto: W 5-4 (4-6, 3.0 GB)

Joey Williamson improved to 9-0 despite not having the greatest outing, as he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits (and 3 walks) in 5 innings. He was helped out immensely by the Nuts' offense, who scored four times in the first inning. Jason Van Kooten hit a three-run home run in that first inning, and Charlie Blackmon added 3 hits for Modesto. Brian Rike picked up a couple of hits as well, and Craig Baker was the highlight of the bullpen as he struck out the side in the ninth to earn his 21st save.

Asheville: L 4-14 (5-4, 1.5 GB)

Robinson Fabian was smacked around for 7 runs on 9 hits in just two innings, and the bullpen didn't exactly stop the bleeding, as Alan Deratt allowed 6 runs on 6 hits in three innings. Ryan Piesel homered, and catcher Beau Seabury had a couple of hits for the Tourists, but that was about it.

Tri-City: L 3-4 (12-3, 1st place)

The Dust Devils suffered a rare loss, this one in walk-off fashion as Rhett Ballard allowed a game-deciding single. Starting pitcher Rob Scahill allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in 4 innings. Scott Beerer went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer to ~~raise~~ lower his average to .588 on his 27th birthday.

Casper: L 7-14 (2-8, 6.0 GB)

Not a lot of positives in this one for the Ghosts, especially from a pitching standpoint - though Chad Rose DID strike out 6 batters in 2.1 innings (despite allowing a couple of runs). Starting pitcher Juan Gonzalez was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits in 4.1 innings. He walked 3 and struck out only one. Offensively, Chad Jacobsen hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, while Angelys Nina and Jeffrey Squier each added two hits.

Saturday Pebble Report: Jhoulys Chacin struggles in loss

Russ Oates — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:37:50 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 3-2
Ah, we meet again, Shawn Chacon. He's biding his time in Sacramento for now. He took the loss, though he struck out eight Sky Sox batters. In the fifth, Chris Frey drove in a run after Dan Ortmeier reached base on a double. In the ninth, Matt Murton doubled in a run and then scored on two consecutive wild pitches. Jason Hirsh went 6 2/3 innings and allowed three hits.

Tulsa, L 2-10
Jhoulys Chacin was knocked around for six runs over 5 1/3 innings. He walked three, struck out five, and allowed two homers. Daniel Mayora had a homer (4). Tommy Baumgardner struck out four in 1 2/3 innings.

As a result, Tulsa lost the first-half title for the North Division.

Modesto, L 2-4
Charlie Blackmon had a two-run double in the second, and Jay Cox had three hits to raise his average to .300. Kenny Durst allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks in six innings. Randall Taylor and Matt Reynolds held Visalia hitless over the last two innings.

Asheville, L 0-3
Scott Robinson had a hit and stole two bases (24). Jonnathan Aristil allowed those runs, but the relief pitching did well. Alan Deratt, Kurt Yacko, Tyler Trice, and Michael Marbry held Greenville scoreless for the last 4 2/3 innings.

Tri-City, W 8-3
Matt Baugh struck eight out in four innings. The other four outs were of the ground ball variety. Mike Zuanich hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning off of Juston Street, Huston's brother. Scott Beerer and Matt Sanders each had two hits and an RBI. Shane Lowe stole two bases and scored twice.

Casper did not play due to rain.

Wednesday Pebble Report: Tulsa needs playoff game to win 1st half title; Casper starts season with a dud

Russ Oates — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:56:23 -0000

Colorado Springs, L 2-4
Matt Miller had a sac fly to score Colorado Springs' only run and Edwin Bellorin drove in Dan Ortmeier in the ninth. Eric Young Jr. stole his 43rd base. Alan Johnson allowed four runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Tulsa, W 13-1
Anthony Jackson surprisingly hit a three-run homer as part of the offensive onslaught by the Drillers last night. Cole Garner had a solo homer (6). Michael McKenry went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI. Brad Corley and Rex Rundgren had two hits each and drove in two and three runs, respectively.

Esmil Rogers allowed a run on eight hits in eight innings. He struck out seven. Seventy-six of his 111 pitches went for strikes.

There will be a one-game playoff on Friday to decide the North Division title between Tulsa and Springfield.

Modesto had the day off due to the California League-Carolina League All-Star Game.

SAL All-Star Game
Scott Robinson went 0-for-5 with 3 strikeouts, and Jimmy Cesario and Jordan Pacheco went hitless in their lone ABs.

Tri-City, W 3-2
Kent Matthes hit a two-run double in the first inning and was thrown out at third on the play while trying to stretch it to a triple. He then had a sac fly in the sixth. Scott Beerer went 0-for-4.

Daniel Perkins started and allowed one run on three hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five before leaving as a result of his 75-pitch count. Charlie Ruiz picked up his first save, and Joey Wong went 2-for-3.

Tim Wheeler will make his debut tonight.

Casper, L 1-10
Kyle Hancock probably wants a mulligan after last night's start. He went 4 1/3 innings, allowed eight runs on ten hits, and threw a WP. His GO-FO was 5-5. Chad Rose struck out three in 1 2/3 innings. Juan Rodriguez had a problem with the strike zone, walking five batters.

2B Angelys Nina had a double and RG Chandler Laurent hit a triple. The team went 0-for-11 with RISP.