Modesto starting pitcher Chad Bettis pitched another gem, striking out 11 in seven shutout innings, while third baseman Nolan Arenado became the first minor leaguer with 100 RBI this season.
Triple-A Colorado Springs left-hander Josh Muecke was released, and first baseman Jared Clark and outfielder David Christsensen went to high Class A Modesto from the the just-concluded extended spring program.
Center fielder Tim Wheeler was 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs and four RBI for Double-A Tulsa on Thursday. Wheeler is now hitting .330 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI.
Modesto’s Tyler Matzek allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings but had a shutout through 4 1/3 before giving up a double and triple in the fifth. Matzek allowed five hits, walked five and struck out four.
Peter Tago, a supplemental first-round pick in 2010, allowed two runs in seven innings to pick up a win in his professional debut. Tago allowed four hits, walked one and struck out five and retired the first nine batters he faced.
Chad Bettis pitched his longest outing of the season for high Class A Modesto, giving up two runs and striking out seven in seven innings.
Juan Nicasio struck out seven in seven innings on his way to his fifth win for Double-A Tulsa, backed by 15 runs including a three-run run home run from Tim Wheeler.
Alan Johnson, who made his major-league debut with the Colorado Rockies earlier this season and was designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he started Wednesday.
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox scored 17 runs Tuesday, a scoring barrage that began with a three-run home run from Ian Stewart. Charlie Blackmon added two home runs and Jordan Pacheco was 5-for-5.
