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Midland RockHounds

7-7-7...Let's Go to Vegas

July 22, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release


The 2016 Texas League second half pennant race isn't yet to its midway point, so this isn't intended to "put the baseball cart before the horse." It is worth noting, however, that with both the RockHounds and Frisco posting come from behind wins on Thursday night, the 'Hounds' now lead each of their three South Division rivals (the RoughRiders, Corpus Christi and San Antonio) by seven games.

Trailing, 2-0, after seven innings, the RockHounds scored four runs in the eighth, all against San Antonio closer Jason Jester (who recorded just his second blown save in 15 chances). Wade Kirkland reached on an error to open the inning and Brett Vertigan followed with a walk. With one out, Beau Taylor took an 0-2 pitch the opposite way, singling to left. Kirkland beat the throw home with a head first diving slide, putting the 'Hounds on the board and Tyler Marincov's opposite field single to right scored Vertigan with the game-tying run. With two out, Viosergy Rosa ripped a line drive to deep right-center, driving in Taylor and Marincov with what would prove to be the game-winning runs.

San Antonio threatened in the ninth with a leadoff double from Nick Schulz and a hit batsman (Gabriel Quintana). When River Stevens tried to push the runners into scoring position, Taylor came up big again, this time on defense. The RockHounds catcher got to Stevens' bunt attempt in time to get Schulz with a string throw to third base, denying the sacrifice attempt. Luis Tejada then grounded up the middle, with Kirkland making an outstanding play on the ball, turning it into a 6-3, game-ending double play.

Missions starter Seth Simmons was, again, tough on the RockHounds, going 6.1 scoreless innings before taking a no decision (in four starts in the season series, the right-hander is 1-2, with a 0.84 earned run average). Heath Fillmyer was strong in his Double-A debut with the RockHounds (see "personnel," below), allowing two runs on four hits over five innings, walking one and striking out four. Corey Walter went the final four innings in a "tandem start," shutting out the Missions on three hits and two hit batsmen (one strikeout), for the win.

The RockHounds

... are 19-8 in the second half and 52-45 overall ... have won nine of their last 12 ... are 28-23 at Security Bank Ballpark and 24-22 on the road ... are 13-12 in the season series with the Missions (8-5 at Security Bank Ballpark and 5-7 at Nelson Wolff Stadium) ... are 31-30 vs. the South.

... now lead Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Frisco (each 12-15) by seven games in the Texas League South second half pennant race.

... continue their four-game series with the Missions in San Antonio with games Friday and Saturday (both 7:05 p.m.) and Sunday at 6:05 p.m.

Kibbles & Bits

STAT of the DAY: The RockHounds are 52-45 for the season, matching their high-water mark of seven games over .500. The last time the club reached that mark was May 12 (20-13), following a 5-4 win in 11 innings against the Missions in San Antonio.

PERSONNEL: Chris Jensen was called up, literally minutes before his scheduled start with the RockHounds on Wednesday, to (AAA) Nashville and earned the win for the Sounds on Thursday afternoon at Albuquerque, New Mexico ... Raul Alcantara has also been called up to Nashville and is scheduled to start for the Sounds on Friday night ... Heath Fillmyer was promoted to the RockHounds from (Advanced-A Stockton) and was the club's starting pitcher on Thursday night ... reliever Lou Trivino has also been promoted from Stockton and is expected to be available in the bullpen Friday ... Brandon Mann has re-joined the 'Hounds after making one start for Nashville and is scheduled to start Sunday's series finale.

- Yairo Munoz (1-for-4) extended his hitting streak to nine games (13-for-33, .394). This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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