Cristofer Torin's Big Night Helps Visalia Pummel Inland Empire

The middle infielder prospect collected four hits as Visalia turned the tables late on Inland Empire to secure an opening series sweep.

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Cristofer Torin (8) warms-up before playing against the Cleveland Guardians. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY

Sunday's top prospect performer goes to shortstop Cristofer Torin. Torin had four hits and a walk on a day that Visalia pummeled Inland Empire for 16 hits, driving in five of the 14 runs scored. The 18-year-old prospect is 6-for-11 with three walks and seven RBI in his first three games of 2024.

Triple-A: Reno Aces 6, Sacramento River Cats 4

Blake Walston followed Jordan Montgomery on the mound and struggled. Walston allowed two runs on one hit, four walks, and two strikeouts. He didn't have great command of his changeup or slider and had to rely on his 4-seamer to get through this game. He picked up the win when Reno retook the lead later in the game.

Jorge Barrosa reached base four more times today, hitting a single through the left side of the infield and walking three times. His on-base percentage with Reno sits at an impressive .483.

Justin Martinez continues to shine as Reno's closer. Handed a two-run lead, he induced a groundout then struck out the final two hitters. His 4-seamer and slider got three whiffs on three swings, continuing to show the bat missing skills the D-backs are looking for. In four appearances this season, Martinez has gotten nine strikeouts compared to two walks in 4 2/3 innings.

Double-A: Amarillo Sod Poodles 4, San Antonio Missions 9

It was a tough day for Yilber Diaz, who showcased his electric stuff but struggled to consistently command it. Diaz struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings, but also walked three and gave up six hits and four runs.

Deyvison De Los Santos picked up another extra base hit, doubling and scoring a run in the second. Kevin Graham had a 4-for-4 day and drove in a run. Wilderd Patino had two hits out of the leadoff spot. J.J. D'Orazio had two hits and a walk. A.J. Vukovich singled and scored a run.

High-A: Hillsboro Hops 4, Everett AquaSox 3

Joe Elbis allowed just one run in five innings, the lone blemish being a solo home run. Elbis allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out four. He was in line for the win until a blown save in the 9th, before the Hops won on their second consecutive walkoff.

Kevin Sim was the catalyst on offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and the walkoff hit on a line drive in the left-center gap. Jack Hurley had two hits, including a double, and a stolen base, and scored the game-winning run in the 9th on Sim's base hit. Christian Cerda walked and scored in a three-run second inning. Gino Groover went hitless, but also drew a walk and stole a base.

Low-A: Visalia Rawhide 14, Inland Empire 66ers 7

Ruben Santana, Druw Jones, Anderdson Rojas, and Cole Roberts joined Torin in the multihit club Sunday. Jones didn't necessarily hit the ball hard, with a slow chopper to third and a well-placed fly ball to right center that the center fielder nearly made a sliding catch on. He also added a sacrifice fly in the 7th inning, battling back from an 0-2 count and getting enough of a high fastball to drive it out to medium-deep center.

Santana walked twice and collected two hits. He ripped a line drive into the left field corner for a leadoff double and his other hit was an infield single deflected by the pitcher away from any possible defender.