SB Nation - Adam Bright

Sunday Pebble Report: Tri-City Saves Organization From Being Swept, Giambi Homers

theoldgrizzlybear — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:35:41 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jason Giambi's mustache hit an opposite-field homer for the Sky Sox last night.

Colorado Springs: L 14-2
Jhoulys Chacin's struggles continued as he allowed three hits (including a homer) and three walks in three innings, and threw just 33 out of 62 pitches for strikes. Things obviously got a whole lot worse for the Sky Sox from that point on, as Alan Johnson and Damian Moss were successively hammered in their appearances. The good news? Well, Chris Frey - yes, THAT Chris Frey - pitched a scoreless ninth and Jason Giambi hit his first home run as a member of the Rockies organization, a two-run shot off of Shane Loux in the bottom of the eighth inning. Giambi also walked twice. Paul Phillips was 2-for-4 in the losing effort.

Tulsa: L 13-2
Brandon Durden, who had previously been very good, was absolutely torched by NW Arkansas. He was victimized for 12 runs (10 earned) on 10 hits (two of which were home runs) in just 4.1 innings. The bullpen was able to stop the bleeding for the most part, as Tommy Baumgardner allowed just a run in 1.2 innings, and Adam Bright and Edgmer Escalona (who notched two K's) followed that up with a scoreless innning apiece. Anthony Jackson had two hits, and so did Brad Corley and Rex Rundgren, but both of theirs were doubles.

Modesto: L 8-5 (in 13 innings)
Ethan Hollingsworth had a pretty solid outing, going 6.1 innings and allowing two earned runs while striking out five. However, the Nuts' defense failed their pitching staff by commiting FIVE errors, and eventually lost the game, thanks in large part to the shabby D. Brian Rike had two hits (including an RBI double), and Scott Beerer hit a solo home run for Modesto. Joey Williamson (3.1 IP, 0 R, 4 K's) and Craig Baker (1 IP, 0 R, 1 K) pitched well out of the pen.

Asheville: L 4-3
Juan Nicasio recovered well after two shaky innings in which his defense (two errors) didn't do much to help him. He finished allowing just one earned run on eight hits in seven innings, while punching out eight. He did, however, allow a two-run homer that hurt his chances of winning. Kiel Roling hit his 19th home run of the season, and James Cesario had a couple of hits including a triple. Michael Marbry pitched a scoreless inning of relief, notching two K's.

Tri-City: W 3-1
The Dust Devils' pitching staff did an excellent job in this game. Starter Josh Hungerman struck out eight in 5.2 innings of one-run ball (the run was unearned), and relievers Paul Bargas, Aaron Weatherford, and Charles Ruiz each struck out two batters in their innings of work. Bo Bowman had a couple of hits for Tri-City, while Jeremiah Sammy drove in two. Kent Matthes doubled and scored a run, as well.

Casper: L 5-2
Casper's offense managed only two hits against Ogden pitching, and struck out 12 times. In the continuing theme of defensive failure hurting teams in the organization, the Ghosts made three errors, resulting in all five runs that were allowed being unearned. However, that doesn't mean the pitching doesn't deserve some of the blame; starter Jonathan Vargas allowed eight hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. The bullpen does deserve some credit, though, as they pitched 4.1 combined innings and allowed just one run while punching out five.

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.

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.

Browse more photos »

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.

Saturday Pebble Report: Minor league system hogs runs as big league team loses

Russ Oates — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:37:36 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Brad Hawpe wasn't happy that the guys in the minors took away all the runs he could have had.

Browse more photos »

Colorado Springs, W 19-0
Too bad the Sky Sox couldn't give some of their runs to the Rockies last night. Their were innings of two runs, four runs, and seven runs. Every starter had at least one hit, and Mark Bellhorn made the most of his with two homers (three RBI). Christian Colonel drove in three and Matt Murton added four more RBI on the season.

Brandon Hynick threw seven strong innings, allowed no runs on five hits, and struck out nine.

Tulsa, W 12-3
The Drillers had two four-run innings last night on their way to this victory. Dayton Buller drove in three runs on a sac fly and a two-run homer, and Mike Paulk went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored. Ryan Harvey banged out an RBI triple.

Brandon Durden went six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits. Jon George and Adam Bright held things down on their end to finish the game.

Modesto, L 5-6
Whoa, boy! Christian Friedrich dominated the Ports last night. He threw five innings of two-hit ball and struck out 11. Chris Malone . . . didn't. He allowed three runs in the sixth inning. And then Austin Chambliss and Sean Jarrett combined to allow three more runs. Having a five run lead entering the bottom of the sixth, the Nuts wound up losing.

Hector Gomez went 3-for-3 with a single, double, and triple. Matt Repec hit a two-run homer.

Asheville, L 1-8
Good news: Parker Frazier struck out five. Bad news: He allowed six runs on 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Good news: Of the 12 non-strikeouts, nine were ground outs. The offense had six hits, but there isn't anything worth noting.

Tri-City, W 8-5
Rex Brothers made his professional debut last night after Daniel Perkins allowed four runs in eight innings. Brothers struck out two in one inning and pick up the win.

Ben Paulsen, Bo Bowman, and Kevin Clark led the offensive charge last night. Paulsen had three hits and two RBI, Bowman hit a two-run homer (6), and Kevin Clark had two hits (one for a two-run homer) and four RBI. Tim Wheeler stole two bases to reach six on the season.

Casper, L 3-5
Clint Tilford had a night he'd like to forget: 2 IP, 2 H, 4 R/ER, 5 BB. He allowed all five walks and all four runs in the second inning. Edwar Cabrera held things down for the next three innings, allowing only a run and striking out four. Steve Junker and Jonathan Vargas held Ogden scoreless over the last eight innings.

Jared Clark hit a solo home run, his third of the season.

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.

Saturday Pebble Report: Tri-City roster assignments

Russ Oates — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:00:43 -0000

Colorado Springs, W 11-9
Dan Ortmeier led the 13-hit parade with four of them, scoring twice. Matt Miller knocked in three runs on his way to a 2-for-5 performance. Matt Murton knocked out two doubles, and Mike McCoy had no hits, drove in two, and walked three times.

Alan Johnson allowed five runs on 11 hits and a walk in six innings. Damian Moss was the offending party in allowing the other four runs to score.

Tulsa, W 10-2
The heart of the Tulsa lineup let loose last night. Mike McKenry, Darin Holcomb, and Cole Garner each had multi-hit games involving homers. McKenry went 2-for-3, scored twice, and drove in two runs (one on the solo shot). Holcomb scored twice and had a solo shot. Cole Garner collected three hits (one of which was a two-run homer) and scored three times. Daniel Mayora also had three hits and drove in two runs.

Keith Weiser went six innings and scattered ten hits that led to two runs crossing home plate. He struck out three. Adam Bright, Austin Chambliss, and Andrew Johnston each struck out one in their innings of work.

Modesto, L 2-5
Radames Nazario and Matt Repec each hit their second home runs of the season in the loss. Connor Graham went four scoreless innings before encountering trouble in the next two frames. He allowed five runs over the fifth and six innings and ended up with three walks and four strikeouts.

Asheville, L 3-11
Jonnathan Aristil was roughed in the third inning, watching five of the six Greenville runs he allowed to score then. His exit paved the way for Alan Deratt in the fourth and fifth innings. Deratt surrendered a three-run homer.

Ryan Peisel hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning, his first of the season. The Tourists struck out 13 times last night.

Tri-City Dust Devils
Roster announcements

Rockies set to assign first-round pick to NWL | The News Tribune
2009 draft picks Tim Wheeler, Rex Brothers, Ben Paulsen, Kent Matthes, and Joe Sanders will all head to Tri-City once they sign. It also mentions that Tyler Matzek would head to Casper, not surprisingly, but I doubt Matzek signs in time to pitch this year.

Sunday Pebble Report: Eric Young Jr. continues to hit, Tulsa and Modesto get strong pitching performances, more.

theoldgrizzlybear — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:00:13 -0000

Colorado Springs: W 7-4 (32-22)

Chris Frey hit a three-run home run, and Matt Murton had two hits in his first game back with the Sky Sox. In addition, Eric Young Jr. had three hits and a stolen base to raise his total to 37. Chris Iannetta went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and a passed ball, as his rehab assignment nears the end. Alan Johnson pitched 6 strong innings to earn the victory as the bullpen, led by Juan Rincon - who picked up the final five outs of the game (four via the strikeout) - was able to hold on.

Tulsa: L 2-1 (29-24)

The Drillers' offense wasted a solid pitching performance by Samuel Deduno and two relievers. Deduno lasted 5 innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking three. John George and Adam Bright combined for three scoreless innings, but the bats stayed quiet, so Deduno took the loss. Tulsa's only run was scored on an RBI single by Brad Corley in the top of the fifth inning. No Driller had more than one hit.

Modesto: W 3-1 (32-23)

Jay Cox had three hits including a double, and Matt Repec hit his first home run of the year. Charlie Blackmon and Jason Van Kooten each added an RBI double for good measure. Connor Graham worked 6.2 innings, allowing a run on six hits while punching out five. Edgmer Escalona inherited some of Graham's traffic in the top of the seventh, but struck out Visalia's Manuel Ferrer to end the inning. After that, Matt hew Reynolds struck out the side in the eighth and Craig Baker pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his 18^th save.

Asheville: L 10-2 (20-35)

Asheville continued their losing ways, this time getting spanked by the Bowling Green Hot Rods. The Tourists were only able to muster up two hits in the game, one being a two-run triple off the bat of Delta Cleary in the bottom of the eighth with the Tourists already down by double digits. Carlos Martinez had the only other hit for Asheville. Ethan Hollingsworth, who had been pretty solid before tonight, was absolutely hammered - giving up 9 runs on 10 hits (two of which were home runs) in five innings of work. Two previously struggling relievers in Alan Deratt and Isaiah Froneberger (who had five K's in two innings) combined for four innings of scoreless relief in the losing effort.

Wednesday Pebble Report: Modesto outlasts opponent in 14 innings

Russ Oates — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:43:18 -0000

Colorado Springs, L 3-6: Brandon Hynick surrendered six runs in five innings and struck out one. Of the nine hits allowed, Hynick served up three homers for four runs. Carlos Gonzalez went 1-for-4 with two RBI and a stolen base.

Tulsa, L 1-2: In the top of the ninth, Adam Bright walked two with a sac bunt in between. On the second walk, the runner on second moved to third on a wild pitch. Tommy Baumgardner came in and allowed the go-ahead sac fly. In the bottom of the ninth, Darin Holcomb reached third base, but he was stranded there when Daniel Carte grounded out to end the game.

Mike Paulk went 2-for-4 with two doubles and Darin Holcomb went 2-for-4 with a double. Keith Weiser turned in an outstanding effort of 6 2/3 innings, one run allowed, and six strikeouts.

The Tulsa World reports that Bright's shoulder issues led to what happened in the top of the ninth.

Modesto, W 4-3 in 14 innings: Jeff Cunningham, who entered the game in the 12th inning, played hero last night, hitting his first homer of the season to put the Nuts ahead 4-3 in the top of the 14th. Craig Baker then closed the game out for his eighth save.

Charlie Blackmon went 3-for-6 with a triple and a run scored. Lars Davis had two hits and an RBI. Cory Riordan went five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks. He also struck out three. Austin Chambliss and and Matthew Reynolds each threw three innings of work. Reynolds struck out five in the process.

Asheville, W 7-6: Down 5-6 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Tourists mounted a comeback to win the game, but it was done in such an interesting way. Pat Venditte came in for Charleston to pitch. Venditte, for those who don't know, is an ambidextrous pitcher. Anyway, Tyler Massey and Ryan Peisel each recorded an out. Carlos Martinez and Scott Robinson each singled to keep the game alive. Then Delta Cleary stepped to the plate, but stood near by at the game's conclusion. A throwing error by the catcher and then the center fielder allowed both runners to score. The Tourists won!

Oh, Delta Cleary did go 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and a stolen base (1). Jimmy Cesario collect two hits, one being his first homer, and two RBI. Robinson Fabian went 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out seven. Kurt Yacko threw 1 2/3 innings and struck out three.