Nix too much for 51s to handle

Jayson Nix is hitting the way the Colorado Rockies hoped he would as their starting second baseman. Nix had three hits and three RBIs to help Colorado Springs battle from behind twice to beat the Las Vegas 51s 10-6 before 7,028 fans Saturday at Security Service Field.

Nix, who was the Sky Sox's second baseman the past two years, won that job with the Rockies in spring training but was sent back to Triple-A on May 1. He's played superbly since, flashing his considerable defensive skills as usual while wielding a hot bat (.299). In his past 17 starts, Nix is hitting .385 with seven doubles, four homers, 16 RBIs and 20 runs.

"Jayson is going to play in the big leagues. He's going to get another chance," said Jim Johnson, the Rockies' roving hitting instructor. "He learned some things up there, came here with a good attitude and has gotten better. He's getting deeper in the count and hitting the ball in the middle of the field. He's not even trying to hit for power and he is."

Nix said he doesn't worry about returning to the big leagues.

"Hardly at all," he said. "I concern myself with being on top of my game every day. That's all I can control. If I play well, I'll get a chance with somebody."

The Sky Sox scored four times in the eighth to snap a 6-6 tie. Chris Frey and Jon Herrera lined one-out singles and Cory Sullivan, who had a two-run double in the second, walked. Doug Bernier, who had two hits, ripped an RBI single and Christian Colonel, who also doubled twice, added a run-scoring single.

After Ian Stewart - the cleanup hitter had a pair of RBI singles, two walks and two runs - struck out, Nix broke it open with a two-run single to center.

Ramon Martinez and Rene Rivera slugged home runs for Las Vegas, which tied the game 5-5 in the fifth inning on John Lindsey's two-run double. Lindsey scored in the eighth on Wilkin Ruan's RBI single to tie it 6-6.

The Sky Sox, who have won eight of their past 10 home games, and 15 of 22 overall, conclude their brief homestand today against the 51s.

Glendon Rusch, the Sky Sox's scheduled starting pitcher, was recalled by the Rockies earlier in the day, along with outfielder Seth Smith. The Rockies optioned pitcher Greg Reynolds to Colorado Springs and infielder Kenny Perez was activated from the disabled list