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TL1 Texas League

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July 16, 2007 - Texas League (TL1) News Release


NORTH NOTES

Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) 10-13, second place, North Division

July 9... Arkansas collected just two hits as they lost a 10-1 decision to Midland. Starter Chris Saenz remained winless in his last 16 appearances after surrendering six runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 frames. Michael Collins and Aaron Peel collected the only two hits for the Travelers. July 11... Miguel Gonzalez hurled a three-hitter for his first career complete game of his career as Arkansas blanked Tulsa, 7-0. Gonzalez improved to 4-0 on the road, while he has 1-3 record at home. The 23-year-old right-hander from Mexico allowed only two Drillers to get past first base and retired 10 consecutive batters before Tulsa's Jordan Czarniecki and Chris Frey singled with one out in the seventh inning. Corey Myers went 2-for-4 with three RBIs for the Travs. He smacked his first Texas League homer in the fifth, a two-run shot. Matt Pali also had two hits, including a two-run double in Arkansas' three-run first. July 12... Sean Rodriguez went 3-for-4 and scored the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, in a back-and-forth, 7-6 win over Tulsa. Rodriguez also doubled and scored in the second and slapped an RBI single and came home in the sixth. Rodriguez entered the game with only one hit in his previous 25 at-bats. Freddy Sandoval went 2-for-5 with an RBI and Corey Myers knocked in a pair of runs for the Travs. Reliever Darren O'Day picked up his first Texas League win, with 1 2/3 perfect innings. July 13... The Travs could only collect four hits off Tulsa's starter Franklin Morales, falling to Tulsa 2-1. Starter Nick Adenhart suffered his first loss since May 10th, after giving up two runs on 10 hits in six innings. At the plate, Coby Smith led off the fourth inning with his first Texas League homer. July 14... Adam Morrissey went 3-for-5, with two homers and three RBIs, as Arkansas beat Tulsa, 8-3. Morrissey belted a fifth inning two-run shot and then a lead-off homer in third inning, his seventh and eighth of the season. Matt Pali went 3-for-4 with three RBI's and a homer, his fifth of the year, while Corey Myers drove in a pair of runs for the Travs, who took three of four from the Drillers. Starter Fernando Rodriguez Jr. earned the victory, pitching six effective innings. July 15... Arkansas could not hold a late lead for starter Brok Butcher, who made his Texas League debut, falling 5-3 to Wichita. Butcher, the 23-year-old right-hander, who went 5-7 with a 2.69 ERA in 18 outings (15 starts) for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, allowed two unearned runs on four hits, while fanning four over six innings, leaving the game with a 3-2 lead. Reliever Aaron Pullin took the loss after retiring only one batter and surrendering three runs, two earned, on two hits. At the plate, catcher Corey Myers went 3-for-4 with two RBI's for the Travelers.

Springfield Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals) 16-7, first place, North Division

July 9... Sean Danielson went 3-for-5 with two RBIs as Springfield beat Frisco, 8-3. In the third innings, Juan Richardson belted a three-run homer, his 13th of the season. Mark Hamilton went 2-for-3 and two runs scored for the Cards, who have won six straight. Starter Eric Haberer pitched well, in six innings, he yielded three runs, two earned, on six hits. NOTE: Colby Rasmus and Bryan Anderson missed Monday's game because of a flight delay in Dallas. Rasmus and Anderson had participated in the Futures Game in San Francisco over the weekend. July 11... The Cardinals had their six game winning streak come to a halt, falling 5-2 to Wichita. Starter Adam Daniels, suffered the loss, yielding four runs on six hits over six innings. Catcher Bryan Anderson collected two of the five total hits for the Cards in the game. July 12... Mark Hamilton blasted a three-run homer, his second in the Texas League, to lead Springfield past Wichita, 6-3. Hamilton went 3-for-5, with two runs scored in the game. Sean Danielson went 2-for-4 with a two-run single and Bryan Anderson, Mark Shorey and Juan Richardson collected two hits apiece for the Cards. Starter Mitchell Boggs allowed two unearned runs on four hits, with five strikeouts over six innings for his third straight win and 7th straight decision. July 13... The Cards pounded out 20 hits, as Springfield crushed Wichita, 13-2. The offense was led by Juan Lucena, who went 3-for-5 and matched a career high with five RBIs in the game. Jose Martinez homered and drove in three runs. Juan Richardson also had three RBIs for the Cards, who have won eight of their last nine. All nine Cardinals batters collected a base hit in the game. Starter Jaime Garcia eared his fifth win of the season, allowing just one run in seven innings, allowing six hits ans striking out five. July 14... Springfield may have used all their hits yesterday, as they could only collect six hits in an 8-2 loss to Wichita. Starter Cory Rauschenberger surrendered three runs on eight hits in five innings to take the loss. At the plate for Springfield, Mark Hamilton lined an RBI base hit in the first inning and catcher Bryan Anderson went 2-for-4. July 15... Eric Haberer hurled seven strong innings and Jose Martinez singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth as Springfield beat Tulsa, 3-2. Haberer allowed two runs on six hits to win his fourth straight start and eighth this year. Chris Perez fanned two batters in a hitless ninth for his 24th save of the season, bringing him within three of Tulsa's Steven Register for the Texas League lead. Colby Rasmus was hit in the helmet in the first inning and was taken out of the game for precautionary reasons.

Tulsa Drillers (Colorado Rockies) 9-13, third place, North Division

July 9... Tulsa starter Samuel Deduno struggled in the first inning, giving up five first inning runs, as Tulsa fell 8-2 to Corpus Christi. Duduno surrendered six runs on 10 hits in six innings. Tomas Duenas accounted for all the Drillers runs, with two solo home runs, his second and third of the year. July 11... The Drillers could only eek out three hits in a 7-0 loss to Arkansas. Jordan Czarniecki and Chris Frey singled with one out in the seventh inning to break up Miguel Gonzalez bid at a no hitter. Matt Miller had the other hit for the Drillers, who have lost six of their last eight games. Starter Ryan Mattheus took the loss, as he surrendered seven runs on seven hits in six frames. July 12... Tulsa reliever Steven Register suffered the 7-6 loss to Arkansas. Register allowed one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth. Starter Ching Lung Lo yielded four runs on seven hits over six innings. Aaron Rifkin went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, his team-high 11th of the season, while Christian Colonel, Chris Frey, Jordan Czarniecki and Rick Guarno each drove in a run for the Drillers. July 13... Franklin Morales pitched 7 1/3 strong innings, ending a season-opening, 13-start winless streak, as Tulsa edged Arkansas, 2-1. Morales allowed a run on four hits, with six strikeouts for his first victory since August 28th, when he was with Single-A Modesto. Steven Register worked around a hit in the ninth for his Texas League-leading 27th save of the year. The Drillers scored their two runs in the seventh inning, as Corey Wimberly ripped an RBI single and Aaron Rifkin delivered a run-scoring groundout. The win ended a three-game losing streak for Tulsa. July 14... Tulsa's starter Samuel Deduno surrendered eight runs on nine hits in 7 1/3 frames to take the 8-3 loss to Arkansas. Jordan Czarniecki went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Tino Sanchez and Rick Guarno plated the other runs for the Drillers. July 15... Drillers reliever Juan Morillo suffered the 3-2 loss to Springfield when he gave up a game winning, RBI single to Cardinals Jose Martinez in the eighth inning. Starter Zack Parker yielded two runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings and drove in both Tulsa runs with a two-run single in the second inning. Jordan Czarniecki went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in the loss.

Wichita Wranglers (Kansas City Royals) 9-14, fourth place, North Division

July 9... Wichita lost a 13-1 game to San Antonio. Tim Bausher, making his first start in three appearances this season for the Wranglers, gave up seven runs on six hits in four innings. Wichita collected seven hits in the game, four being doubles. July 11... Mike Stodolka went 2-for-3 with two RBIs as Wichita topped Springfield 5-2. With the win, the Wranglers snapped a seven-game losing streak. Adam Greenberg had two hits and scored twice, while Kila Kaaihue ripped an RBI single for the Wranglers. Starter Greg Atencio picked up the win, allowing two runs on four hits over 5 2/3 frames. Gabe DeHoyos tossed 1 1/3 hitless innings, while Jarod Plummer tossed the final two innings, earning his eighth save of the year. July 12... The Wranglers had their five-game home winning streak snapped, falling 6-3 to Springfield. Reliever Gilbert de la Vara took the loss after yielding three runs, on four hits, in two innings. At the plate, Adam Greenberg drove in two runs and Geraldo Valentin went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Jorge Padilla saw his 12-game hitting streak snapped when he went 0-for-3. July 13... The Wranglers were out-hit 20-to-9 and out scored 13-2 in their loss to Springfield. Jeff Nettles and Mike Stodolka each drove in the two runs for the Wranglers. Geraldo Valentin and Kila Kaaihue each collected two hits in the game. Starter Danny Christensen suffered his ninth loss of the season, as he surrendered seven runs, on 11 hits, over 3 1/3 frames. July 14... Mike Stodolka homered and drove in three runs as Wichita topped Springfield, 8-2. Stodolka went 3-for-4 with a first inning solo shot, his 10th of the season. The 26-year-old first baseman also ripped a two-run double in the fifth, then walked and scored in a five-run sixth inning. Adam Greenberg had two hits, including a sixth inning RBI double. Jorge Padilla lined a two-run single and Onil Joseph collected three hits. Starter Dusty Hughes won for the first time since May 10th, allowing two runs on three hits, with six strikeouts in five frames. July 15... Mike Stodolka went 3-for-4 and scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning as Wichita rallied past Arkansas, 5-3. Starter D.J. Mattox yielded three runs in six innings. In relief of Mattox, Tim Bausher picked up his first Texas League win, as he allowed only one hit in two frames. Jarod Plummer worked around a hit in the ninth for his ninth save of the season. NOTE: Wranglers Announce All-Time Team: The all-time Wranglers team, as voted on by the fans, was released Saturday. It includes Justin Huber (1B), Carlos Febles (2B), Jose Valentin (SS), Alex Gordon (3B), Carlos Beltran (OF), Billy Butler (OF), Johnny Damon (OF), Andy Benes (P), Frank Seminara (P), Zack Greinke (P), Mike Sweeney (C), Brandon Berger (DH), John Mizerock (manager).

SOUTH NOTES

Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros) 11-12, third place, South Division

July 9... Corpus Christi scored five times in the first inning, while Josh Muecke tossed six scoreless innings as the Hooks cruised to an 8-2 win over Tulsa. Muecke allowed five hits, struck out four for his second straight win of the season. The Hooks sent 10 men to plate in the first inning. Josh Flores snapped an 0-for-15 slide with a leadoff single to left. Two batters later, Todd Self lined a two-run double, then scored on Jonny Ash's two-bagger. Francisco Caraballo hit the Hooks fourth double of the inning, driving in two runs, to cap the scoring. Self and Ash each finished with three hits. July 11... The Hooks were in the game until the bullpen gave up the lead, falling 5-2 to Frisco. Thomas Manzella did all he could for the Hooks, going 3-for-3, including a two-run single in the seventh. Hooks reliever Brian Gordon gave up three runs on a hit and two walks in 1 1/3 innings, suffering his first loss of the season. Making a rehab appearance, Brad Lidge started the game for the Hooks and pitched a 1-2-3 opening frame. Lidge appeared in his first game since injuring his left oblique on June 15. He rejoined the Houston Astros later in the week. July 12... J.R. Towles' three-run homer sparked a six-run third inning, in Corpus Christi 's 10-4 defeat of Frisco, 10-4. Towles deposited rehab starter Vicente Padilla's offering over the left-field wall to give the Hooks an early 3-0 lead. After Todd Self and Noochie Varner walked, Jonny Ash stroked a run-scoring double and Ray Sadler delivered a two-run single to cap the big inning. Towles, who also drew two walks and scored a run, is hitting .405 (17-for-42), with four homers and 17 RBIs over his last 12 games. Third baseman Drew Sutton drew four walks, scoring three times in one official at-bat. Corpus Christi reliever Ronnie Martinez notched the win after giving up a just one run on one hit in five innings. Starter Felipe Paulino allowed two runs on two hits in three frames. This win was just the seventh for the Hooks over Frisco in 22 tries this year. July 13... Frisco's Luis Mendoza shut down Corpus Christi's bats posting a 4-0 win over the Hooks. Todd Self got the first of three hits off Mendoza in the fifth inning. Hooks starter James Barthmaier surrendered four runs, three earned, on three hits, with six walks in four innings, losing his six straight decision. Thomas Manzella went 2-for-3 for the Hooks. July 14... The Hooks were overmatched by the ‘Riders Edinson Volquez and his 10 K's, as they fell 3-1 to Frisco. Starter German Melendez suffered the loss, as he gave up two runs on four hits in 4 2/3 frames. The lone Hooks run came off the bat of Lou Santangelo, when he slugged his first homer of the season in the fifth inning. July 15... Hooks starter Josh Muecke suffered the 6-1 loss to Midland. Muecke allowed two runs on three hits over six innings. Neil Sellers singled and scored on pinch-hitter Todd Self's sacrifice fly in the eighth, breaking up the Frisco shutout attempt.

Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers) 14-9, first place, South Division

July 9... Fresh off his complete game one-hitter, starter Armando Galarraga allowed four runs, three earned, on five hits over six frames, taking the 8-3 loss to Springield. At the plate, Adam Fox went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, his fifth of the year and Kevin Richardson and Emerson Frostad added RBI singles for the ‘Riders. July 11... John Mayberry ripped two homers, including a go-ahead three-run shot in the eighth inning, as Frisco defeated Corpus Christi, 5-2. Mayberry finished the game with four RBIs, thanks to his fifth and sixth round trippers of the year. Steve Murphy finished the game 3-for-4. Texas Rangers First baseman Mark Teixeira, on a rehab assignment after straining his left quadriceps muscle on June 8, went 0-for-2 with two walks. Reliever Daniel Herrera notched the win after inducing an inning-ending double play in the eighth. In the ninth, Jesse Ingram struck out the side in order for his 18th save of the year. July 12... Frisco gave up six runs in the third inning en-route to a 10-4 loss to Corpus Christi. Texas Rangers Vicente Padilla, making his first rehab appearance since landing on the disabled list with triceps inflammation behind his right elbow on June 24, yielded four runs on two hits, but struck out four in 2 2/3 innings. Five ‘Riders pitchers gave up 11 walks in the game. At the plate, Brandon Boggs smacked a solo homer, his 12th of the season. German Duran, Steve Murphy and Adam Fox each knocked in a run for Frisco. July 13... Luis Mendoza and two relievers combined on a five-hitter as Frisco blanked Corpus Christi, 4-0. Mendoza became one of two Texas League's pitcher of the day to notch their 10th win of the season after allowing three hits over seven innings. The 23-year-old right-hander had his personal nine-game winning streak snapped in his last outing on July 6. Mendoza carried a perfect game into the fifth before Corpus Christi's Todd Self led off the fifth inning with a single. Reliever Paul Kometani retired all four batters he faced to earn his sixth save of the season. Casey Benjamin collected two RBI's without a base hit by lifting a sacrifice fly and drawing a bases-loaded walk, while Adam Fox and Emerson Frostad delivered RBI singles for the ‘Riders. As a team, the ‘Riders stole a season-high five bases. July 14... Edinson Volquez matched a season high with 10 strikeouts in seven innings, as Frisco topped Corpus Christi, 3-1. Volquez, who also fanned 10 on June 18th, allowed a run on four hits, lowering his ERA to 3.55. The 24-year-old right-hander had a personal eight-game winning streak snapped in his last outing on July 7th, his only loss of the season. Jesse Ingram pitched a scoreless ninth for his 19th save. At the plate, German Duran finished the game 2-for-4, with a two-run triple in the fifth inning, then doubled and scored on John Mayberry's single in the seventh inning. July 15... Steve Murphy's RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted Frisco over San Antonio, 4-3. Murphy, who had struck out in each of his first three at-bats, followed German Duran's double with a two-bagger of his own, sending the RoughRiders on the way to their third straight win. Anthony Webster went 2-for-4 with an RBI and John Mayberry slugged a second inning solo homer, his seventh of the season. Daniel Herrera picked up the win in relief, despite allowing two runs and two hits in one inning of work. Jesse Ingram fanned two in a perfect ninth to record his 20th save of the year. Starter Armando Galarraga worked seven innings and allowed a run on three hits, while tying a career high with nine strikeouts.

Midland RockHounds (Oakland Athletics) 9-14, fourth place, South Division

July 9... Danny Borrell pitched five hitless innings in his first start of the season, as Midland pounded Arkansas, 10-1. Borrell, who posted a 3.86 ERA in 10 relief appearances for the ‘Hounds, struck out seven batters in his longest outing of the year. Midland pitchers struck out 16 Arkansas batters, while holding the Travs to just two hits. Richie Robnett, Luke Appert and Vince Faison all homered for Midland, which won for only the second time in its last 10 road games. Faison finished the game 3-for-4 with two doubles. July 11... Midland fell 14-3 to a red hot San Antonio ball club. Starter Ben Fritz was charged with eight runs on 10 hits in 3 2/3 frames. In his Citibank Ballpark debut, Javier Herrera went 3-for-5 with a run scored. The ‘Hounds got RBIs from Vasili Spanos, Richie Robnett and Brad Snyder. July 12... Brian Snyder and Vasili Spanos homered as Midland topped San Antonio, 5-2. In the first inning, Snyder sent a drive over the left-field fence with one out. It was his seventh homer of the year. Spanos sparked a four-run sixth inning with a three-run shot, his ninth of the year. In the same inning, Luke Appert added an RBI triple to give the ‘Hounds a 5-0 lead. Reliever Bobby Cramer, earned his first Double-A win, as he gave up one hit over 2 2/3 scoreless innings in his second appearance since being promoted from Single-A Stockton. Starter Mario Ramos allowed three hits and struck out one in 3 1/3 scoreless frames, before exiting the game due to a two hour rain delay. NOTE: Since being released by Tampa Bay in '05, Bobby Cramer has been out of professional baseball, spending time as a substitute school teacher. He signed with Oakland in May, He showed no signs of "rust" with Single-A Stockton. With the Ports, Cramer went 4-1, with a 3.80 ERA in eight games, eight starts, earning a July 3 promotion to the 'Hounds. July 13... Midland fell to San Antonio 7-6 after being unable to produce a late inning rally. Eddie Cornejo, Anthony Recker and Cliff Pennington hit RBI singles in the fourth inning, while Vasili Spanos lined a run-scoring double in the seventh for the RockHounds. Starter Andy Shipman surrendered six runs on 11 hits over 4 2/3 frames to take the loss. July 14... Javier Herrera homered and drove in five runs to pace a season-high 20-hit attack, as Midland rolled past San Antonio, 16-8. Playing his 10th game since a promotion from Single-A Stockton, Herrara smacked a fourth inning grand slam, his second Texas League homer. Later, he ripped RBI double in the fifth inning. Eight of the RockHounds' nine starters had more than one hit, all nine scored at least once and seven had at least one RBI. Cliff Pennington went 4-for-5 and scored three times, while Brian Snyder homered and scored four runs and Casey Myers collected three hits and two RBIs. Eddie Cornejo went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and Richie Robnett, Vasili Spanos and Luke Appert had two hits apiece for the ‘Hounds. Starter Trent Peterson picked up his first Texas League win, despite yielding six runs over five innings on the hill. Herrera, the 22-year-old right fielder, also drove in five runs on May 15th for Stockton, where he batted .274 with nine homers and 39 RBIs in 62 games. The 20 hits eclipsed Midland's previous season high of 18, accomplished most recently on June 10th against Frisco. July 15... Danny Borrell allowed three hits over a season-high six innings, leading Midland to a 6-1 win over Corpus Christi. Borrell struck out seven without a walk in his second start and 12th appearance this season. It was the second consecutive win for the 28-year-old left-hander, who has allowed just one run and struck out 14 in his last 11 innings of work. Cliff Pennington and Casey Myers cranked solo homers and Luke Appert drove in two RBIs in the game. Javier Herrera hit a two-run single in the ninth inning, giving him seven RBIs in his last two games for the ‘Hounds. NOTE: HAPPY HOMECOMING - Midland shortstop Cliff Pennington, the former Corpus Christi Carroll and Texas A&M standout, likely won't forget his first pro game in his hometown on the 15th. He led off the fourth inning with his first home run since being promoted to Class AA, with the estimated 200 friends and family members on hand cheering lustily. Pennington was so popular in his return that he was a guest on the Corpus Christi postgame radio show, a first for a visiting player.

San Antonio Missions (San Diego Padres) 13-9, second place, South Division

July 9... Manny Ayala hurled five solid innings, leading San Antonio to a 13-1 victory over Wichita. Earning his first Double-A victory, Ayala gave up just one run on three hits. It was his 12th win of the season for the 22-year-old right-hander, who was 11-3 with Class A Lake Elsinore. Brett Bonvechio plated four runs in the game, three on a homer in the eighth, his fifth of the season. Chase Headley went 3-for-5 with three RBIs for the winners. The Missions scored in every inning but two, the 3rd and the 7th. July 11... Brett Bonvechio matched a career high with five RBIs as San Antonio trounced Midland, 14-3, for their season best sixth straight win. During their hot streak, the Missions have outscored their opponents 52-13. Bonvechio, who went 3-for-3 with three walks, smacked a three-run double to cap a seven-run fourth inning. He also drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh and cracked a run-scoring double in the ninth, raising his batting average to .457 in 12 games with the Missions. In the sixth inning, Michael Johnson hit a three-run homer, his ninth of the year, while Peter Ciofrone collected three hits, drove in two runs and scored twice in his final game as a Mission. Ciofrone was called up to Triple-A Portland after the game. Starter Cesar Ramos got the win after allowing three runs in five frames. The 23-year-old southpaw is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last four outings. July 12... Starter Wade LeBlanc suffered the hard-luck 5-2 loss to Midland. LeBlanc had yielded a run on two hits over three innings, when a two-hour rain delay ended the day for the southpaw. It was his second start for San Antonio after going 6-5 with a 2.64 ERA with Class-A Lake Elsinore. At the plate for the Missions, catcher Nick Hundley hit a two-run homer, his 13th of the year, with two outs in the ninth for the Missions. Matt Antonelli doubled in his first at-bat as a Mission after being called up from Lake Elsinore. July 13... Starter Josh Geer became the Texas League's second 10-game winner of the day even after allowing four runs and 10 hits in six innings during San Antonio's 7-6 win at Midland. Kyle Stutes recorded the final two outs for his first save, despite allowing one hit and one walk. Geer benefited from a potent San Antonio offence. In the seconf inning, Michael Johnson, lifted a solo homer, his 10th of the season. Later, Johnson singled and scored in the fourth inning. Chase Headley extended his road on-base streak to 39 games with an RBI single in the second inning. July 14... The Missions got a taste of their own medicine, falling to Midland16-8, as they were out slugged 20-to-10. At the plate, Will Venable smacked a two-run homer, his third of the season, while driving in four runs. Luis Cruz also hit a solo shot, his first of the season for the Missions. Reliever Bobby Basham suffered the loss, as he surrendered nine runs, in just two innings of work. Starter Mike Ekstrom did not fair much better, as he pitched 3 1/3 frames and was charged with six runs on eight hits. July 15... The Missions took the late lead on Chase Headley's two-run triple in the top of the eighth, but could not hold the lead in the bottom of the eighth, falling 4-3 to Frisco. Reliever Neil Jamison took the loss after he allowed a run on two hits in the eighth inning. Starter Manny Ayala, who shares the Minor League lead with 12 wins, allowed three runs on five hits, with seven strikeouts over seven frames in his third start with San Antonio. Matt Antonelli ripped his first Texas League homer, a solo shot in the first inning. In four games with the Missions, Antonelli is batting .563 (9-for-16) with five runs scored.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Mark Hamilton - Springfield

6 G, 24 AB, 11 H (.458), 5 R, 3 2Bs, 1 HR, 7 RBI

It has not taken Mark Hamilton long to get in a groove in Double-A. Promoted to the Texas League after Joe Mather was sent to Memphis, Hamilton has played just 17 Texas League games before going on a tear last week hitting a lusty .458, raising his batting average 70 points to .270. Hamilton, for the week had a .708 slugging percentage and a .536 on-base percentage, both good for third in the Texas League. The 6'3 first baseman collected at least one base hit in all six games that the Cards played last week, including three multi-hit games. Hamilton started off the week going 2-for-3, with a double and two runs scored. Then, on the 12th and 13th, he collected two three-hit games, going a combined 6-for-10, with five RBI's, three runs scored, two doubles and a homer. The Tulane University product was batting .290, with 13 home runs and 49 RBI's at Single-A Palm Beach before his call-up to Springfield.

PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Miguel Gonzalez - Arkansas

1 CG, 1 SO, 1 W, 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 K

Miguel Gonzalez is the third Travelers hurler to earn Pitcher of the Week honors this year. The 6'1 right-hander twirled a three-hit, 7-0, complete game win at Tulsa on the July 11. It was his first complete game as a professional. The 23-year-old from Mexico allowed only two Drillers to get past first base, holding the Drillers to just one hit before Jordan Czarniecki and Chris Frey singled with one out in the seventh inning. With this impressive start, Gonzalez has lowered his ERA to a Texas League-best 2.80. Gonzalez improved to 4-0 on the road, with a microscopic 0.82 ERA, while he has 1-3 record at home, with a 4.95 ERA. Gonzalez started the year in the bullpen, but has been a nice addition to the Travs starting rotation, going 4-2, with a 2.77 ERA in 11 starts. Overall, Gonzalez is 5-3 with a save and a 2.80 ERA in 22 appearances.

This Week in the Texas League History

July 16, 1980... Arkansas scored 10 times in the ninth inning, putting the icing on a 19-3 win over San Antonio. Arkansas, who sent 13 men to the plate in the ninth, also batted around in the second and sixth innings, scoring four runs in each of those frames.

July 17, 1998... DH Tyrone Horne, left fielder Mike Harge and first baseman Chris Richards combined for eight hits and 15 RBI's as they led Arkansas to an 18-6 thrashing of Wichita. Horne led the way with six RBI', while Harge plated five runs. Both had three hits, including a home run. Richards drove in four runs with a pair of doubles. Center Fielder J. D. Drew, who was a perfect 2-for-2, also walked four times and scored five runs.

July 18, 1922... Shreveport catcher Joe Burns capped a 5-for-7 day with a two-run double in the top of the 14th inning. His clutch extra-base hit led the Gassers to an 8-6 win over Fort Worth.

July 19, 1991... Damion Easley drove in six runs with a 3-for-4 night, leading Midland in a 12-4 pounding of Shreveport. The winning pitcher for the Angels was Fernando Valenzuela, who allowed just one run on three hits in six innings of work. A total of 6,788 fans, a new single-game attendance record for Midland, were on hand to see Valenzuela, who was making his final rehabilitation start before returning to the Major Leagues.

July 20, 1933... Appearing before a Tulsa magistrate, Billy Webb, the peppery manager of the Galveston Buccaneers, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery charges stemming from a post-game incident the night before. Webb was accused of roughing up 29-year-old Gorham Gibbs, a concessionaire at the Tulsa ball park. The alleged ruckus was reportedly brought on by verbal abuse heaped on Webb by Gibbs after Galveston had blown a big ninth inning lead to the Oilers.

July 21, 1977... Arkansas gained a double header split, the hard way, when they needed 17-innings to down El Paso 2-1 in the second game of the twin-bill. After issuing 15 hits and being pounded 10-2 in the opener, three Arkansas hurlers held the Diablos to just 10 hits in the marathon night-cap, holding El Paso scoreless over the final 13 innings.

July 22, 1950... Houston and Dallas battled for 19 innings, playing for over four hours, six minutes, all to no result, as their game was called due to a midnight curfew with the score knotted 1-1. Both starters went beyond the call of duty as Houston's Fred McGaha went twelve innings for his club, while Dallas starter Bob Malloy toed the slab for the first 14 innings of the contest.

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