Express imitate Astros, blow game

Don't forget to watch the Futures game at 3:00 on ESPN2 today. Jason Hirsh and Hunter Pence will represent the Astros for the US team.

AAA: Brandon Puffer and Travis Driskill did their best to emulate a 2006 Astros' big league relief pitcher, blowing a 4-1 lead in the ninth inning and costing Chris Sampson a win. Sampson pitched into the seventh and allowed only a single run. Luke Scott had three hits, including his 20th home run, for the Astros. Driskill has been effective as the Express' closer this season, but since no one is possibly thinking that Driskill has a future as a closer on the big club, maybe it's time for the club to consider moving newly promoted Jailen Pegeuro into the closer's role? He's gotten a few appearances under his belt, so the newness of AAA is less of a factor. Let's see if Pegeuro can repeat his success at Corpus on the AAA level.

AA: Frisco's Thomas Diamond, a top Rangers' pitching prospect, blanked the Hooks 4-0 Saturday night in Corpus. Mitch Talbot pitched well enough to win, allowing two runs (one earned) in six innings, but Steve Kent allowed the Highlanders to tack on two insurance runs during his relief stint. JR House was the only Hook with more than one hit, going 2-4 with a pair of singles.

High-A: Salem was shut down 5-1 by Potomac. Beau Torbert and Michael Thompson had three hits apiece, and Frankie Caraballo hit his eighth homer for the Avalanche.

Low-A: Lexington extended its winning streak to three with a 1-0 nailbiter over West Virginia. Raymar Diaz was the star, following up Brad James' lead from Friday night with seven innings of shutout work, and closer Samuel Gervacio (1.84 ERA) closed it out for his eighth save. Diaz , who the Astros' list as 6'7", 190 pounds, struck out the first six batters of the game.

Short Season A: Eric Taylor's two-run single rallied the Valley Cats over Williamsport. Cesar Mayora, recently promoted from Greenville, earned the win with four shutout innings of relief.

Rookie: Greenville pounded out ten hits and took advantageof four Bluefield errors in a 10-5 victory. SS Ronnie Ramirez had another 2-4 night, running his average to .375.