Sal Fasano is nearing the end of his career while Esmil Rogers is still a promising prospect.

Both enjoyed productive outings for the Sky Sox in a 3-2 victory against Portland before 5,492 fans at Security Service Field on Tuesday.

The victory moved the Sky Sox 1 1/2 games ahead of Tacoma, which played later Tuesday, in the division.

Fasano, 38, had three hits and scored a run while Rogers enjoyed one of his better outings while rebounding from a horrible performance last Thursday when he allowed 10 earned runs and recorded just four outs.

“He’s still young and still learning,” Colorado Springs manager Stu Cole said of Rogers, who allowed two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.

The 23-year-old signed as an infielder in 2003 and converted to the mound in 2006. At Double-A Tulsa, Rogers was 8-2 with a 2.48 ERA, 83 strikeouts and 19 walks.

He hasn’t approached those numbers with the Sky Sox but showed flashes like Ubaldo Jimenez — the Rockies’ current ace — did two seasons ago in Triple-A.

“Ubaldo had some problems on his way up,” Cole said. “(Rogers) has the same stuff (as Ubaldo).”

Fasano said Rogers must learn to adjust at each level as he progresses.

“In the big leagues, you don’t get away with mistakes and they hit the fastball,” Fasano said. “He needs to pitch to contact and not go for strikeouts or he’s at 100 pitches and out of the game in five innings.”

Fasano, a veteran of 11 major league seasons, said he thought he’d get promoted by the Rockies and is a candidate for retirement.

“Unless I have a big league job next year,” he said. “I thought I played well enough to get called up. They had their chance. This is my job here. I hope to help win a championship here.”

Sky Sox second baseman Jonathan Herrera dived back into first base. Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE