Matt Pierpont is back for his third year at Double-A Hartford. A middle reliever the first two years, the 27-year-old Pierpont, a 26th-round draft choice out of Winthrop in 2013, is closing for the Yard Goats this season and excelling.

Pierpont has been named the only relief pitcher on the Eastern League post-season All-Star team. 

Pierpont, who had only two saves in his two previous seasons, leads the Eastern League with a Hartford record 29 saves in Hartford's 60 victories, to go with a 2.10 ERA. He has struck out 70 batters in 55 2/3 innings. His composite ERA for three seasons at Hartford is 2.37.

Pierpont will be a six-year free agent this off-season if he is not added to the Rockies' 40-man roster.

In Thursday's Games

AAA Albuquerque (59-70) lost 14-2 at El Paso. Peter Lambert (2-5, 6.29) allowed six runs on five hits and three walks, striking out three, in four innings. Pat Valaika (.230) hit his seventh home run, and in four games since being sent down by the Rockies is 7-for-18 with two home runs.

AA Hartford (60-66)  won 2-1 against Binghamton. Ryan Castellani (7-8, 5.44) allowed one run on four hits and three walks, striking out three, in five innings for his first win this month. Nelson Molina (.232) doubled home the Yard Goats two runs in the fourth.

High A Lancaster (32-27 2nd half; 65-63) lost 5-4 at Rancho Cucamonga. Jairo Diaz (0-1, 4.50) allowed one run on one hit and a walk in one inning, suffering the loss. Matt Dennis (5.79) started and allowed four runs, three earned, on nine hits, striking out two, in six innings. Tyler Nevin (.322) was 3-=for-4 with two RBI.

Low A Asheville (31-26 2nd half; 58-68) lost 8-5 at Columbia. Nick Kennedy (4-13, 7.54) allowed five runs on five hits and two walks, striking out two, in three innings. Sean Bouchard (.264) was 3-for-4 with a run scored and RBI. Todd Czinege (.309) was 2-for-4 with a run scored, three RBI and his 10th home run.

Short-Season A Boise (10-18 2nd half; 31-35) won 3-2 against Vancouver. Daniel Jipping (.298) provided the offense with a three-run home run, his ninth of the season. Justin Valdespina (3-2, 2.57) allowed two runs on three hits and five walks, striking out two, in five innings. Jefry Valdez (6.93) struck out two in the ninth inning for his second save.

Rookie Grand Junction (16-10 2nd half; 36-28) won 10-7 at Missoula. Michael Agis (6-3, 2.60) earned the win in relief, allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits, striking out one, in two innings. Alexander Martinez (3.28) earned his 16th save. Trent Fennell (4.97) started and allowed four runs on three hits and a walk, striking out three, in four innings. The Rockies hit four home runs -- Coco Montes (.348), No. 8; John Cresto (,260), No. 3; Hunter Stovall (.300), No. 7, and Niko Decolati (.327) No. 9.

Dominican Summer League South (22-48) lost 15-3 to St. Louis. Stalyn Sanchez (0-3, 9.82) allowed six runs on nine hits and a walk, striking out six, in five innings.

Dominican Summer League Northeast (51-19) won 6-3 at the Mariners. Juan Mejia (3-5, 5.43) worked five shutout innings for the win, giving up three hits and three walks, and striking out six. Raymells Rosa (2.37) earned his 19th save. Walking Cabrera (.274) was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI.