Dbacks Minor League Round-Up 4/23: Skaggs Getting In a Groove

Tyler Skaggs is starting to get into a serious groove now with another terrific start last night. Through 6 innings he had only allowed 2 hits, 1 walk and no runs. In the 7th he ran out of gas as he walked the bases loaded sandwiched around a strikeout. Evan Marshall followed and let in 2 of those runners to flatten out Skaggs' line for the night. If you throw out the really bad game against Sacramento when he allowed 9 runs in 1+ inning, the numbers look really, really good, and especially so in the PCL. We're talking about 19.1 innings, 12 hits, 6 walks, 17 Ks, 4 earned runs. In other words, Skaggs is saying, "I want to go back to the show!"

Skaggs' effort led Reno to a much needed 6-2 victory with some offensive help by hot-hitting Kila Ka'aihue. Chris Owings played second base again. They are definitely working to get him ready for a role on the big club should they need another middle infielder. Mobile got crushed 10-0 as Anthony Meo struggled to find the plate and the offense was yet again non-existent. And Visalia did just the opposite with a 12-1 mauling of Stockton.

Snake Stars
3 Stars: Kila Ka'aihue, Reno 3 for 4, 2 R, 1 DBL, 1 HR (4), 3 RBI
2 Stars: Tom Belza, Visalia 3 for 4, 2 R, 1 DBL, 1 HR (2), 3 RBI
1 Star: Tyler Skaggs, Reno 6 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 5 K, 2 ER, W (2-2)
0 Stars: Anthony Meo, Mobile 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 BB, 3 K, 3 ER, L (0-1)

Triple A: Reno 6 @ Sacramento 2. Tyler Skaggs atoned for getting belted by Sacramento 10 days ago with a sterling effort that just got a little sloppy in the 7th when he walked the bases full. Kila Ka'aihue continued to rake with another 3 for 4 night and his 4th homer of the year. Chris Owings went 2 for 5 with 3 runs scored in another start at second base. Brad Snyder was perfect going 4 for 4 with 2 stolen bases, including one of home as part of a double steal.

Double A: Mobile 0 Mississippi 10. Anthony Meo couldn't get out of the 3rd inning as he walked 5 and allowed 3 hits and 3 runs. The bullpen was just as bad as they surrendered 7 more runs. The offense could only muster 3 hits and 1 walk as they continue to scuffle.

High A: Visalia 12 Stockton 1. Hats off to Kyle Winkler who has really been struggling so far this year in an attempt to get his career back on track. He tossed 6 solid innings allowing one run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. His only run allowed was on a solo home run in the 5th. The offense went gaga with 15 hits as every starter had at least one hit. Tom Belza delivered the biggest blows with a double, a home run and 3 RBI. Yazy Arbelo hit his 2nd home run and Kerry Jenkins added 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Seth Simmons contributed 2 more shutout innings in relief and is sporting a 0.77 ERA.