SB Nation - Jonathan Herrera

Monday Rockpile: Contract Watch for Dan O'Dowd and Jim Tracy

Russ Oates — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:14:05 -0000

Saunders: Rockies' offseason has numerous numbers challenges - The Denver Post
Patrick Saunders believes Dan O'Dowd and Jim Tracy will receive new contracts this week, and then he provides them three numbers to work on: RISP, # of K's, and team ERA. One needs to go up, one needs to go down, and the last one can hopefully stay in the same ballpark.

Answers?

Inside the Colorado Rockies " Time To Look Ahead | Major League Baseball in Denver
The coaching staff will return.

Inside the Colorado Rockies " Hawpe Not On Market | Major League Baseball in Denver

Winter League Updates

AFL
Darin Holcomb: .455/.500/.727, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 K
Wilin Rosario: 1 HR, 5K

Dominican Baseball League
Michael McKenry (Leones del Escogido): 2-for-8, 1 2B, 2 RBI
Shane Lindsay (Leones del Escogido): 0-1, 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 2 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Al Albuquerque (Aguilas Cibaenas): 1 IP, 1 K

Venezuela Baseball League
Daniel Mayora (Leones del Caracas): 6-for-30, 6 R, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 3 BB
Jonathan Herrera (Caribes de Anzoategui): 3-for-25, 8 K

Wednesday Pebble Report: Tri-City and Casper have trouble playing defense

Russ Oates — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:43:08 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 3-2
A Jonathan Herrera two-run single and a Matt Miller RBI force out in the bottom of the fifth provided all the runs for the Sky Sox last night. And it was all nearly undone in the top of the sixth when Esmil Rogers allowed back-to-back sac flies. Rogers was uneven, having allowed those two runs and also allowing five hits, walking four, and striking out four.

Tulsa, W 4-2
Darin Holcomb hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the second as part of a four-run inning. He also hit his 25th double of the season in this game. Daniel Carte hit a solo homer, his fifth, in the fifth inning.

Keith Weiser allowed two unearned runs on a homer in the sixth inning, but other than that he was pretty good. He went seven innings, saw two hits, and struck out nine.

Modesto, W 9-4
The Nuts scored at least one run in each of the first four innings and none after. Score early and often worked here. Jeff Cunningham went 2-for-2 with a double, a three-run homer (8), three runs scored, and three walks. Jay Cox hit a two-run homer earlier in the second inning. Charlie Blackmon, Hector Gomez, and Scott Beerer each had two hits, and the latter two drove in a run each.

Cory Riordan went five innings, allowed all four runs, walked two, and struck out four. Xavier Cedeno and Austin Chambliss each pitched two innings of effective relief.

Asheville, L 1-3
Alan Deratt, Kurt Yacko, and Rex Brothers each allowed a run, but depending on how you see things Brothers had the worst of it. Deratt allowed his run on a double play with no outs and Yacko served his up on a homer. Brothers, though, walked the first batter he faced and then hit the next two to load the bases. After a strike out, Lexington hit into a sacrifice double play to score a run before the third out was recorded.

Mike Zuanich had two hits, one for a double.

Tri-City, W 9-5
Sheng-An Kuo wanted some better defense behind him in the bottom of the second when he allowed five runs. Joe Sanders committed back-to-back errors (throwing then fielding), and the second one plated the first run. Singles and a sac fly scored the rest. Other than that, Kuo went a full four innings and struck out five. Aaron Weatherford struck out three over the next two innings.

Leonardo Reyes drove in three runs as aprt for his 2-for-3, 2 BB night. Ben Paulsen went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI. Joe Sanders, who committed a total of three errors in the game, collected two hits and scored a run.

Casper, L 2-11
Jared Clark hits his 10th homer of the season in this dismal outcome for Casper. The biggest culprit on the pitching staff last night was Clint Tilford who allowed six runs in 1 1/3 innings. Nicholas Schnaitmann started and allowed four runs, one earned. The Casper defense committed a fielding error, two pickoffs gone awry, and a throwing error.

Thursday Pebble Report: Hollingsworth impressive, Dust Devils toss 12 scoreless innings in only organizational loss

Poseidon's Fist — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:05:32 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

After his first MLB start, Jhoulys Chacin walked off the Coors mound straight to AAA for the first time in his career.

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AAA Colorado Springs, W 7-5 - (62-56, 1st)

The Sky Sox held on late to snap their four game losing streak, winning 7-5 over the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals). Damian Moss threw five scoreless innings in the start, and Mike Timlin tossed a scoreless inning, allowing a hit and a walk but striking out two. Scott Munter and Matt Belisle nearly blew the 7-0 lead by allowing 5 runs on 5 hits in the last two innings.

Sal Fasano drove in two with two doubles, scoring twice. Jonathan Herrera, Mike McCoy and Matt Miller each had two hits. Every starter reached base except Eric Young Jr., who was 0-for-4, ending an 8-game hitting streak.

The Sky Sox have an off day today as the travel to New Orleans to play the Zephyrs (Marlins) Friday night. Brandon Hynick will face Luis Ayala. Jhoulys Chacin was optioned to AAA yesterday, so the Rockies top prospect will have a Sky Sox uni for the first time in his career.

AA Tulsa, W 10-9 - (25-20, 2 GB)

The Drillers looked to be easing to victory after building a 10-3 lead against the Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers), but closer Andrew Johnston went Huston Street on Tulsa, allowing five runs on four hits and a walk in a non-save situation in the ninth. Adam Bright came in to get the last out for his first save. Matt Reynolds pitched a scoreless inning, and Edgmer Escalona served up a solo home run in his inning of work. Samuel Deduno (11-2, 2.72) got the start and win, though he wasn't particularly effective, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks in 5 innings, needing 89 pitches. He has allowed 3 runs in his past two outings after tossing 12 straight with less than three.

Ryan Harvey and Jeff Kindel were both a triple shy of the cycle, scoring five runs and driving in six between them. Cole Garner laced a couple doubles as well.

The two teams face off again tonight at 6:05MDT.

High-A Modesto, W 6-1 - (24-23, 8.5 GB)

Ethan Hollingsworth (1-2, 4.95) turned in a dominating effort for the Nuts in against the Inland Empire 66ers (Dodgers), getting his first win since being promoted from Asheville. The 22-year-old struck out 7 against no walks in 7 scoreless innings, allowing just one run on three hits, one a solo homer.

Modesto exploded for a 4-run first inning with the help of an error and three walks and just two hits. One was a leadoff double by Charlie Blackmon and the other was a 2-out 2-run single from Scott Beerer, who had three hits on the day to break a double-digit hitless AB slide.

The Nuts get an offday today before facing the Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) Friday at 8:05 MDT.

Low-A Asheville, Off Day - (28-15, 1st)

The Tourists had an off day, allowing them to travel from Lexington backhome to Asheville to start a weekend series against the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox).

SS A Tri-City, L 0-1 - (32-22, 1st)

Low level minor league games can get squirrely. Four straight Dust Devil games have been shutouts - unfortunately, Tri City has been the victims in three of them. A day after shutting out the last-place Yakima Bears, the Diamondbacks affiliate returned the favor last night. Wes Musick, Sheng-An Kuo, Aaron Weatherford and Eric Federico combined for 12 scoreless innings before the Bears rallied for the walk-off win against Kyle Walker, only the second run he's allowed in his last 23.1 IP. The DDevils could only manage seven singles on offense.

Tri-City closes their series against the Bears tonight at 8:05MDT. Josh Hungerman (0-0, 2.86) gets the start for the Dust Devils.

Rookie Casper, W 8-7 - (2-1, 1st)

Th Ghosts snapped a five game losing streak in a hard fought win over the Great Falls Voyagers (White Sox).

Nolan Arenado (2) hit a HR for the second straight Wednesday, Chandler Laurent (two hits) and Eliezer Mesa (three) each doubled and catcher Brandon Whitby saw his average drop to .390 with a 1-for-4 day, including a triple.

Alejandro Barraza was credited with the win by throwing two perfect innings, striking out four in relief of Juan Gonzalez. Steve Junker nearly blew the lead but held the Voyagers to two runs despite allowing four hits and an error in the eighth.

The Ghosts close the series tonight at 7:05MDT.

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.

Thursday Pebble Report: Cory Riordan and Brandon Durden dealing again, Joe Mikulik instituting Grand Theft Baseball

Poseidon's Fist — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:09:40 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Dex is fast, but he hasn't tried to steal home yet. Two Tourists technically attempted last night. One of them was successful. One of them was a catcher. Joe Mikulik - you're crazy, man.

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AAA Colorado Springs, L 4-5 - (56-48, 1st)

Brandon Hynick (8-7, 3.68) worked a semi-quality start, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings, striking out four and walking one against the Fresno Grizzlies (Giants). The unearned run was due to Eric Young Jr's 14th error, an errant throw. Hynick was outdueled by Joe Martinez, who allowed two runs, neither earned on just four hits and no walks in seven innings.

Trailing 4-2 in the eighth, the Sox strung together singles by EY2 and Mike McCoy, a double by Matt Miller and a sac fly from Daniel Ortmeier to tie the game. The score remained even until Ryan Rohlinger notched his third RBI by getting hit by a 2-out pitch with the bases loaded by Scott Munter (4-3, 3.79) Mc Coy had three singles on the night, while Miller, Matt Murton and Jonathan Herrera doubled. Matt Herges, Randy Flores and Joel Peralta combined for 3 scoreless innings.

The Sky Sox take on the Grizz again tonight at 7:00MDT.

AA Tulsa, W 2-1 & L 1-5 - (19-13, 2 GB)

NW Arkansas (Royals) locked up the Drillers' bats, allowing just 3 runs in the doubleheader. Luckily for Tulsa, they managed to win one.

Game 1: Brandon Durden (4-2, 3.31) outdueled lefty Everett Teaford (3-4, 4.99) by yielding just one run on three hits in six-plus innings. Andrew Johnston worked through a nervous final seventh for his 27th save but allowed an inherited runner to score and required a Jeff Kindel assist at home to protect the lead. Cole Garner's 2-run HR in the second provided all the necessary offense. Daniel Mayora doubled, while Michael McKenry and Jeff Kindel notched singles. Durden is now 3-0 with a 2.43 ERA in his last five starts since being promoted to Tulsa. He has 7 solid starts out of 9 total in AA for the season

Game 2: The Naturals ambushed Andy Graham (2-4, 5.40) for three runs in the first inning on two home runs, and the stagnant Drillers' offense couldn't catch up. Adam Bright allowed two runs in his inning to faciliate the loss, and Tommy Baumgardner worked two trafficked yet scoreless innings. An RBI single by Jeff Kindel in the 7th was all the scoring Tulsa could do. Moyora collected another double in addition to a single.

Chaz Roe (3-2, 3.50 ERA) will face Matt Kniginyzky (4-7, 5.20 ERA) in the final game of the series tonight at 6:05MDT.

High-A Modesto, W 6-3 - (17-17, 9 GB)

The first seven Nuts that came up in the first reached on a hit, and the eighth man was hit by a pitch. Charles Blackmon, Hector Gomez, Jay Cox and Scott Beerer singled before a Jeffrey Cunningham double and Jason van Kooten home run (8) to give Cory Riordan (7-6, 4.16) a five run lead before even stepping on the field. Blackmon also hit his sixth HR later in the game.

Riordan allowed just two runs in 7 innings, striking out nine of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Angels) he faced. After three rough starts earlier this month, he is 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA over 32 IP in his last four starts.

The teams square off again tonight at 8:05 MDT.

Low-A Asheville, W 7-5 & W 5-4 - (20-12, 1st)

The Tourists claimed the best record in the Sally League with two come-from-behing wins, sweeping double header from the Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles).

Game 1: Jonathan Aristil allowed the Shorebirds to score one run each in all five of his innings, but his ability to limit the damage was critical to the Tourist comeback. Trailing 5-1 in the 6th, Asheville posted a 6-run rally, highlighted by three doubles (David Christensen, Kiel Roling and Jordan Pacheco) and three stolen bases (Christensen, Scott Robinson and Delta Cleary). Christensen and Robinson's thefts came on a double steal, with Christensen stealing home, one of two bases he swiped in the game. The Tourists had five doubles and six stolen bases total. Even Mike Zuanich stole third.

Game 2: Michael Marbry blew a 3-2 lead in the 7th for a blown save, then proceeded to give Delmarva a 4-3 lead in the eighth. Beau Seabury was caught attempting to steal home for a walk off win - geeze, what was in Joe Mikulik's breakfast? Tyler Massey tripled in Scott Robinson with two outs in the eighth to stave off defeat and Jimmy Cesario sealed the win with a walk-off single in the tenth. Alan Deratt allowed two runs on four innings in his start.

Asheville travels to Rome to open a series with the Braves tonight at 5:00 MDT.

SS A Tri-City, L 3-4 - (20-12, 1st)

The Dust Devils lost a game they shouldn't have to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Giants). Carlos Luna allowed three runs in relief without getting an out that facilitated the game going to extras, and Ryan Bargas allowed the winning run to score in the tenth despite striking out the side and allowing no hits or walks. A two base error by Kent Matthes and two wild pitches, all with two outs, was the losing recipe. Daniel Perkins pitched six scoreless innings, and Kyle Walker tossed three of his own without allowing a hit.

Kent Matthes doubled and tripled. Tim Wheeler, Ben Paulsen, Leonardo Reyes, Joseph Sanders and Alexander Feinberg each singled once.

Tri-City plays the middle game of their five gme set with the Volcanoes tonight at 8:15MDT.

Rookie Casper, Rain Out - (9-22, 11 GB)

Last night's game vs the Ogden Raptors (Dodgers) was postponed. It will be made up as a double-header today with the first game a t 4:35 MDT in Casper.

Sunday Pebble Report: Matt Murton continues his hitting streak, Tri-City debuts, more.

theoldgrizzlybear — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:17:31 -0000

Colorado Springs: L 8-7 (39-30)

Fresno's Jesus Guzman hit an infield single off of Damian Moss in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game for the Grizzlies. Guzman was one of four baserunners allowed by Moss in just two-thirds of an inning. This came after a poor start by Jason Hirsh, in which he lasted five innings while giving up seven runs on seven hits - three of which were home runs.

Matt Murton extended his hitting streak to a Sky Sox franchise record-tying 28 games, as he went 2-for-4 with a homer. Matt Miller added a home run as well, while Murton, Eric Young, Mike McCoy, Daniel Ortmeier, Christian Colonel, and Jonathan Herrera each added two hits. Still, it was not enough for the Springs to overcome.

Tulsa: L 6-4 (36-31)

Brandon Durden was effective for 7.1 innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out a batter, but the bullpen cost him a win, as Jarrett Grube and Adam Bright were roughed up for four runs on four hits and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning. Anthony Jackson and Darin Holcomb each had two hits, and Ryan Harvey hit his 10th home run of the season in the losing effort.

Modesto: W 7-3 (39-30)

The Nuts scored four runs in their last two sets of at-bats to break a tie that had been going on since the fourth inning. Charlie Blackmon pounded out three htis, while Rhadames Nazario and Wilin Rosario each contributed two. The bullpen, led by the nasty duo of Edgmer Escalona and Matt Reynolds, threw 4.1 innings of hitless ball to pick up starter Joey Williamson, who allowed three runs on six hits in 4+ innings.

Asheville: L 7-6 in 12 innings (26-42)

David Christensen hit his 10th home run of the season and he, along with Jordan Pacheco, James Cesario, Ryan Piesel, and Tyler Massey each had a multi-hit game, but it was not enough to give the Tourists the victory. That last part is unfortunate for Juan Ncasio, who pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing six hits while striking out eight, as Kurt Yacko and Adam Jorgenson fell apart over the next couple of innings. They combined to give up five runs on five hits and three walks to effectively prevent Asheville from winning.

Tri-City: W 14-8 (1-0)

The Dust Devils won their first game of the 2009 season in convincing fastion over Boise. Brand new draft pick Kent Matthes (an OF taken in the fourth round out of Alabama) looked GOOD in his first pro game, as he went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a couple of runs scored. Pitcher Sheng An-Kuo pitched four innings of sub-par ball, but a couple of guys out of the bullpen were able to seal it off for Tri-City.

Thursday Pebble Report: Esmil Rogers twirls yet another gem

Poseidon's Fist — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:45:58 -0000

Pebble Star of the Night

Esmil Rogers (4-1, 2.56) allowed three singles, one double and two walks in eight shutout innings in the Tulsa's 4-0 win at Frisco. He also recorded 5 strikeouts in lowering his ERA to a season low 2.56.

Esmil Rogers

#61 / Pitcher / Colorado Rockies

Height: 6-1

Weight: 150

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Aug 14, 1985

Rogers has been a man possessed of late - he has been unscored upon in four of his last six outings and has allowed just four runs covering 40.1 IP (good for a 0.89 ERA) in that span. He has allowed just one HR this season and is also tied for the Texas League lead in strikeouts with 55 (against just 14 BBs), matched by Frisco's Kasey Kiker, whom Rogers has faced in consecutive starts, both Sky Sox wins.

AAA Colorado Springs, L 1-3 - (31-21, 1st)

The Twilight Zone visited Colorado Springs last night - Carlos Gonzalez failed to notch a hit, and it was a pitcher's duel at Security Service Field, as the Fresno Grizzlies (Giants) beat the Sky Sox 3-1. Matt Belisle scattered seven hits and a walk over six shutout innings, and Matt Daley pitched another scoreless inning. In the eighth, Damian Moss allowed a single, and after a fielding error by Jonathan Herrera, permitted a double and single for the Grizzlies' three runs of the night. Only one was earned.

The Springs managed just four hits on the night and two came in the second. Dan Ortmeier doubled, and new Sky Sox catcher ~~Alan~~ Austin Rauch singled him home. Matt Miller singled and Chris Frey doubled. Gonzalez flied out and grounded out twice each, making him hitless for just the second time in 12 games. Box Score

Colorado Springs locks horns with Fresno again tonight at 7:05 MDT.

AA Tulsa, W 4-0 - (27-23, 2.0 GB)

Esmil Rogers' gem was plenty for Ron Gideon's Drillers to beat the Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers). Rex Rundgren cashed in a Michael McKenry walk and Darin Holcomb single by doubling off of Andrew Laughter (can't help but...chuckle...at the poor guy's name). Daniel Carte drove in a run with a walk and scored on a wild pitch. Tulsa is now a season-high four games above .500 Box Score

~~Tyler~~ Brandon Durden (1-0, 0.00) will take the hill for his second time with Tulsa against Frisco's Michael Ballard tonight at 6:00MDT.

High-A Modesto, W 8-3 - (31-22, 2.0 GB)

Radames Nazario and Matt Repec each collected four hits in helping Modesto defeat the last-place Lancaster JetHawks (Astros) 8-3. The game was never in question after a 7-run second inning gave starter Bruce Billings (4-5, 4.33) an 8-0 lead. The inning featured three singles, two doubles, a triple and a two walks as Modesto cracked JetHawk starter Leandro Cespedes. Repec is now six for his last eight and has 5 RBIs in his last two games. Billings struck out nine in five innings, allowing two runs. Box Score

Modesto opens a four game set at home against the Cal North leading Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) tonight at 8:05MDT. The Nuts can earn at least a share of the division lead with a series win.

Low-A Asheville, L 4-7 - (20-32, 10.0 GB)

Parker Frazier (1-5, 6.48) got knocked around for his second straight start in the Tourists' 7-4 loss to the Greenville Drive (Red Sox). He allowed 7 runs on 11 hits with two K's in just 4.1 IP. Hitters are hitting .357 off of him this year, helped by a .388 BABip. He checks in with a career BABip of .362, so that's a tiny part of it - note that his FIP is just 4.05.

Jordan Pacheco homered in the top of the first for a short lived lead, and Scott Robinson hit a practically meaningless 2-run shot while down 6 in the 9th. Delta Cleary was hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored on a James Cesario single for the final run. Asheville is now a half game out of last place in the entire South Atlantic League. Box Score

Joe Mikulik's club tries to avoid the sweep at Greenville tonight at 5:00MDT.

Sunday Pebble Report: Hynick stymies Omaha while Rogers does the same to Arkansas, Ryan Speier has a rough inning of rehab, more.

theoldgrizzlybear — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:12:44 -0000

Colorado Springs: W 9-3 (21-14)

Brandon Hynick threw 6 2/3 innings of solid work, giving up 2 runs and six hits, while walking four and striking out five. Former Salt Lake Bee Matt Wilhite tossed a scoreless inning of relief for the Sky Sox as well, and the bats did their part to make sure the pitching performance wasn't spoiled. Mike McCoy had four hits and four RBI's, Dan Ortmeier contributed three singles, and Matt Miller and Jon Herrera had two hits apiece.

Tulsa: W 3-2 (19-16)

Esmil Rogers did his best to one-up his AAA counterpart, tossing 6 2/3 effective innings of his own, allowing two runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 4 K's. Andrew Johnston notched his 11th save after throwing a scoreless ninth in which he walked a batter and struck one out. Career minor leaguer Rex Rundgren had two hits for the Drillers, raising his batting average to .173, and Tulsa got RBI doubles out of Anthony Jackson and Daniel Mayora for good measure.

Modesto: L 3-1 (21-15)

Maikol Gonzalez tripled with one out in the bottom of the first (one of his three hits in the game), then scored on an RBI ground out by Hector Gomez, and it was about all the offense the Nuts had in this game. San Jose's Angel Villalona hit a two-run homer off of Brandon Durden in the fourth, and a rehabbing Ryan Speier was lucky to escape with only one run scored against him after allowing three hits and a walk in the 8th inning.

Asheville: Suspended due to rain; ahead 3-1 in the 4th inning (14-20)

Scott Robinson was 2-2 with a triple, RBI, and a run scored, and Thomas Field added an RBI single as well. Parker Frazier gave up a run on 4 hits, with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts, before the game was called. Their game today was postponed as well, so both games are scheduled to be made up tomorrow.

Saturday Pebble Report: Free Matt Murton!

Russ Oates — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:11:48 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 13-3: Every starter for the Sky Sox had at least one hit, and even the pitcher had two hits and an RBI. Carlos Gonzalez (2-for-4) had the only homer in the Sky Sox's offensive outurst, a two-run blast. Eric Young, Jr. went 2-for-5 with three runs scored, an RBI, and two stolen bases (11). Matt Murton had an RBI single and a stolen base (5); Dan Ortmeier drove in two; Matt Miller had two hits; Kenny Perez went 3-for-3 but was the only starter not to drive in a run; :-C drove in two runs; and Jonathan Herrera knocked in three runs.

Alan Johnson allowed three runs on three walks and three hits in six innings. He struck out four. Two of the three runs came on a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Tulsa, L 5-6: In the top of the ninth inning, a throwing error allowed Daniel Mayora to score and tie the game at five. Andrew Johnston came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and surrendered the game-winning homer to Brett Wallace.

Esmil Rogers was outstanding last night, throwing six shutout innings,allowing five hits and striking out six. Tommy Baumgardner came in to pitch the seventh, allowed three men to reach base on two hits and a walk without recording an out. Shane Lindsay relieved him and allowed all three runners to score. He then allowed two more runs to score, finishing the night with an inning pitched and two earned runs. He walked two batters.

On the offensive sid of things, Michael McKenry had a solo homer (2) and Chris Nelson had a two-run double. Michael Paulk walked three times but never crossed the plate. Anthony Jackson stole two bases (5) and Cole Garner swiped his first of the season.

Modesto, W 9-3: Brandon Durden has done a great job since returning to the starting rotation, having been a reliever for some time. Durden threw more of that sweet six shutout innings of baseball. He allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out five. Showing his ability to get the ground ball, he had an 8-4 GO-FO. Edgmer Escalona and Matthew Reynolds allowed the three runs.

Charlie Blackmon went 2-for-5 with two RBI from leadoff position, and Wilin Rosario had the big night offensively, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a double, and three RBI. Brian Rike went 0-for-3 with 3 K.

Asheville, L 4-5 in 11 innings: Christian Friedrich continued his trip through the Sally League with another good performance. While he did throw six innings of baseball, he allowed an unearned run on four hits and a two walks. He struck out seven and had an 8-3 GO-FO. Jonnthan Aristil had all kinds of trouble in relief, as he allowed three runs over four innings on three hits and three walks. Adam Jorgenson went the last 1 2/3 innings of the game, allowing a walk, a balk, a walk, and then a single to lose the game with two outs in the bottom of the 11th.

David Christensen went 2-for-4 with his second homer of the season. And he didn't strike out. In fact, he drew a walk and stole a base (5). Jordan Pacheco also went 2-for-4 with a homer, his fourth.

Saturday Pebble Report: Opposing batters able to hit in the Fogg

Russ Oates — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:04:15 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 5-4 (2-0): In 4 1/3 innings, Josh Fogg didn't do terribly, but he didn't do that great, either. He allowed three runs on eight hits. Scott Munter picked up with win after pitching the next 2 2/3 innings flawlessly. Steven Register picked up the save.

The Sky Sox did the majority of their damage in the first inning. Mike McCoy, 3-for-3 with two doubles, led the game off with a double and eventually scored on a play that saw Jonathan Herrera lay down a sac bunt and make it safely to second after a throwing error by the catcher. Herrera touched home on a Matt Murton RBI ground out, and Christian Colonel drove in Carlos Gonzalez, who reached on a walk, to finish the scoring that inning. Gonzalez came back in the fifth with his own RBI, a ground out that scored McCoy. Edwin Bellorin drove in Kenny Perez in the sixth.

Tulsa, W 4-2 (1-1): One, the number of home runs Anthony Jackson hit in 2008 with the Modesto Nuts. Two, the number of home runs Anthony Jackson hit last night in Tulsa's win. Jackson began the game with a first-pitch leadoff solo homer and then came back in the fifth with a two-run shot. Cole Garner drove in his first RBI of the season in the sixth with a single to score Jeff Kindel. Chris Nelson struck out twice, had a hit, and stole a base.

The pitching was outstanding last night. Samuel Deduno picked up the win after pitching six scoreless innings. He limited Corpus Christi to three hits, struck out six batters, and had a 9-3 GO-FO. Shane Lindsay pitched two scoreless innings and struck out two. Well, the pitching was outstanding until the ninth. Andrew Johnston pitched the ninth and allowed two runs. He also hit two batters.

Modesto, W 7-5, W 6-5 (2-0): In the first game, Connor Graham picked up his first win of the 2009 season by pitching five innings of four-hit, one-run ball. He walked two, struck out four, and had a 8-3 GO-FO. Austin Chambliss ran into some problems in the seventh, allowing four runs that inning. Edgmer Escalona relieved him with two men on and recorded two outs. Craig Baker allowed a a two-run single (runs charged to Chambliss) and threw a wild pitch, but then struck out the next batter to pick up his first save.

Matt Repec,1B, and Jason Van Kooten, 2B, both repeating Modesto, lead the offense with two RBI each. Charlie Blackmon had a single, an RBI, and scored twice. One of those runs scored by Blackmon came on a Brian Rike RBI ground out. Rike went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout.

In the second game, the pitching struggled a bit. Kenny Durst started and allowed three runs in three innings. He did strike out five but also walked three. Joey Williamson pitched the next three innings and allowed two runs on three hits. He struck out three. Four of the five runs came in the fourth inning when Williamson relieved Durst. Matthew Reynolds struck out one on his way to his first save.

The Nuts had a four-run second inning, which included a Radames Nazario RBI single, a Mike Mitchell RBI single, and a two run single by Charlie Blackmon. Mitchell, who wound up driving in three runs, and Blackmon each stole their first base of the season.

Brian VanderBeek reports that the crowd for the double header was disappointing due to what must be bad weather out in California.

Asheville (1-0): The game was postoponed due to rain.