Rockies Class A Teams Fail In First Two Games of Playoffs

High-A Spokane and Low-A Fresno were both shut out in Game 2 of their playoff series on Wednesday, leaving both of them facing elimination in the best-of-five series.

Spokane (0-2) suffered a 3-0 loss against Giants affiliate Eugene, which scored all three runs in the ninth inning against reliever Dugan Darnell. Darnell was unscored upon in his eight previous appearances in the month of September. Darnell converted 15 of 16 save opportunities during the regular season, when he compiled a 1.95 ERA in 44 appearances, nine starts, with Spokane after an in-season promotion from Fresno.

Spokane’s loss was only the second time this season the Indians were shut out at home. They also lost 6-0 to Angels affiliate Tri-City on June 3. Chris McMahon started the game and worked 6 1/3 shutout innings, giving up four hits, walking two and striking out seven. First baseman Grant Lavigne had two of the six Spokane hits.

Fresno (0-2) dropped a 4-2 decision to Giants affiliate San Jose. Fresno was limited to four hits, including RBI singles by Warming Bernabel and Bladimir Restituyo. San Jose hit four solo home runs, three off Fresno starting pitcher Tony Locey (0-1). Locey struck out six.

AAA Albuquerque (52-68), the Rockies only affiliate still playing in a regular season, was off on Wednesday. The Isotopes open a series against D-backs affiliate Reno (69-49) Thursday night in Albuquerque.