TL1 Texas League

Texas League Update

Published on July 7, 2009 under Texas League (TL1) News Release


Texas League All-Star Game: North 2, South 1

Mike Feigen, Texas League

In a mid-summer contest billed as a battle between the strong arms of the North against the big bats of the South, the pitching shut down the hitting as the North emerged with a 2-1 victory July 1 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco.

Northwest Arkansas infielder Corey Smith was named the Player of the Game for the North squad, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in the victory. His leadoff single in the second off losing pitcher Jason Fernandez of Midland started a small rally, culminating in a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch of Mark Trumbo that scored Smith with the first run of the night.

With the score still 1-0 in the eighth, the North added some insurance. Springfield's Nate Sutton, who reached base on a fielder's choice, stole second with two outs. Northwest Arkansas infielder Kurt Mertins followed by lacing a single to left-center, bringing home Sutton to increase the North's lead to 2-0. The South All-Stars countered in the bottom of the eighth with a run of their own, but would get no closer. After Josh Donaldson singled, teammate Josh Horton of Midland ripped an RBI double down the left field line, plating the South's only run of the ballgame.

A trio of Springfield hurlers, including starting and winning pitcher Trey Hearne, led the North staff with four innings pitched, allowing two hits, no runs, no walks and three strikeouts. Three Tulsa pitchers also worked in the ballgame, combining for three scoreless innings with two hits, no walks and two punchouts. Andrew Johnston, Tulsa's closer and the top fireman in the Texas League, closed out the game to earn the save. Johnston came into the break with 22 saves in 23 chances.

Local favorite Kasey Kiker of Frisco got the start for the South, working a flawless first inning in front of 10,314 hometown fans. Kiker, coming off a big week in which he tossed 13 scoreless innings, needed just 11 pitches to retire the North in order, including a strikeout of Springfield outfielder Daryl Jones to open the game.

The South staff combined for 12 strikeouts and no walks in nine innings of work, including strong performances by San Antonio gunslingers Mat Latos, Mike DeMark and Evan Scribner, who struck out six in 3 1/3 scoreless frames. The North staff also did not walk a batter, while striking out six. Despite each team using eight pitchers and 14 position players, the time of the game was just 2 hours, 15 minutes.

Prior to the game, Trumbo won the Home Run Derby over Carter, outlasting the RockHounds' slugger 4-3 in the finals. Carter, who stole the show with 10 bombs in the opening round, became a fan favorite with several moon shots, including five that completely left the ballpark. Trumbo made the finals with seven homers in the first round, while Smith had six, San Antonio's Craig Cooper had two, and Corpus Christi's Collin DeLome and Springfield's Steven Hill had one apiece.

The All-Star teams take the field for pre-game introductions.

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California Cool

Outfielder Einertson Keeps Perspective

Matt Rogers, Corpus Christi Hooks, July 5, 2009

He grew up in Oceanside, California, and "did the whole skateboarding and surfing thing."

But his heart lies with the desert, where his grandfather lives.

During the off-season, he enjoys dune buggies and trophy trucks, off-road racing and motorcycles - as a spectator. A friend is building a truck, and he looks forward to hanging out, then relaxing by a campfire.

"I have to stay off motorcycles now," Mitch Einertson said of his Astros contract. "It wouldn't be a good thing if I had to pick up the phone and call them with some bad news about an injury."

At an early age, it would've been fair to characterize the second-year Hooks outfielder as a thrill-seeker. Adventure called him, even as a toddler.

"I was all over the place when I was a kid," Einertson said. "They say I walked the walls. I was always on the move, getting into things."

Baseball at eight appealed to his interests, athleticism and sense of play. Football, basketball and wrestling came later, "but baseball was the thing that clicked with me."

So did skateboarding and motorcycling. They still do today. But three head shots, a seven-stitch chin gash and losing a battle with a bike, Mexican earth and consciousness at 15 likely changed the course of Einertson's young life.

"After my accident, the motorcycle was gone. My dad sold it.

"You can get hurt in baseball, you can get hurt doing anything. But things weren't working out well on the bike or skateboard."

Baseball was different. From his first days in the sport, Einertson performed as well as his older buddies. Yet, the thought of playing professionally didn't consume him.

"I never expected to be in pro baseball until I got in pro baseball," Einertson explained. "Sure, I dreamed about it. But, you know, I was thinking about all the games it took to get here just the other day... travel ball, fall ball, winter ball. That's a lot of games and it takes time."

Learning to value the journey has defined Einertson's stay in Corpus Christi. A second-year Hook, he arrived before last season with impressive credentials.

Fifth-round draft choice. 2007 Carolina League MVP at High-A Salem, Virginia. CL batting champion (.305/11/87). 2004 Topps Appalachian League Player-of-the-Year (.308/24/67) at Greeneville, Tennessee, in rookie ball.

In 2008, Einertson missed a month due to injury and hit .364/4/20 over his last 28 games to finish at .262/11/62. He recorded two four-hit games and a pair of two home run performances. The Hooks struggled much of the season.

"As a team it was real hard last year," Einertson recalled. "If we got any positives going, the negatives were quick to follow. When that occurs, you sometimes start trying to do too much, to make things happen.

"When I first got here, I was excited about my role, but didn't start well. I wanted to take advantage of it, but tried to do too much and almost played myself out of that role. Then, I was out and it's worse when you can't do anything about it, when you have to sit and watch."

Over time, Einertson has come to better understand the mental side of the game.

"Sometimes, you just have to clear your head, remind yourself, 'I know how to hit.' You have to make sure you don't make it more than it is. That's where Bodie (hitting coach Keith) has been helpful."

So have long-time teammates Ryan McKeller, Brad James, Wladimir Sutil and Sergio Perez, friends since the low minors.

"Sometimes I'll ask them (for advice) because they've seen me for a while. It's good for me to talk with them when I have something on my mind."

So have Hooks fans, who appreciate the time Einertson makes for them.

"The surroundings here are outstanding," he said. "So many people know what you're doing, what you've done. They want to know when my parents are coming back. I feel comfortable here. People really care about you. I've enjoyed playing in front of them for two years."

One senses Einertson runs silently, runs deeply. That, with perhaps some California cool mixed in.

"I pretty much go about my business. I'm not a talk guy, but more of an observer," he noted. "Relax and enjoy your surroundings, what you're doing, the people you're with. It doesn't matter what you do. Have a good time, be relaxed. Enjoy being at the field. You have to look at this as a job, but learn to relax. That's what I've learned in Corpus Christi.

"There's so much you can't control, but you can control how you play."

Sage wisdom from a 23-year-old.

Player of the Week, June 29 - July 5, 2009

Ed Lucas, Northwest Arkansas Naturals

.667 AVG (8-for-12), 3 doubles, 6 runs, 6 walks, 0 strikeouts

.778 on-base pct., .917 slugging pct. (1.695 OPS)

After Ed Lucas's sterling performance last week in which he easily led the league with a .667 batting average and .778 on-base percentage, the Northwest Arkansas third baseman was an easy choice for the Texas League Player of the Week award. Lucas was 8-for-12 on the week, smacking three doubles, scoring six runs and drawing six bases on balls. In a three-game weekend series with San Antonio, he reached in 11-of-12 times he stepped to the plate, an astounding .912 on-base percentage.

Lucas, a 27-year-old third baseman from Dartmouth College, is in his fifth full season in the Kansas City Royals system after being selected in the eighth round of the 2004 draft. He is batting .304 (49-for-161) in 45 games this season, his third at the Double-A level. He played 34 games for Wichita in 2007 and 79 games with the Naturals in 2008, in which he also batted .304. The 6'3", 205-pound righthanded hitter is 22-for-his-last-51 at the plate, a .431 clip, while drawing nine walks and fanning just five times since June 19.

The individual accolades continue to pile up for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals infield. In the past month, second baseman Kurt Mertins, shortstop Jeff Bianchi and Lucas have won the Player of the Week award, while first baseman Corey Smith took home the Player of the Game award at the 2009 All-Star game. Plus, when factoring in rehabbing Major Leaguer Alex Gordon's two Texas League Player of the Week awards from his time in Wichita and Smith's weekly award as a member of the Arkansas Travelers, the infield alone has seven league trophies.

Pitcher of the Week, June 29 - July 5, 2009

Ryan Kulik, Springfield Cardinals

1-0, 0.00 ERA, 7.0 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 1 strikeout

Springfield starting pitcher Ryan Kulik threw a masterful game at home against Frisco on July 3, allowing two hits and no runs in seven innings, earning the victory over the RoughRiders. For his effort, Kulik has been named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week. The award may have seemed a longshot for Kulik just two weeks ago, when he entered his June 27 start sporting a record of 1-5 with a 5.97 ERA through his first 11 starts at Double-A. Since then, the 23-year-old lefthander has fired 15 consecutive scoreless innings, winning both games while lowering his ERA to 4.73.

Kulik, a 2008 eighth-round draft choice from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, began the year at Single-A Palm Beach, where he had an ERA of 5.25 in four appearances, including two starts. At the Single-A level he struck out 17 batters and walked three in 12 innings, but has recorded just 24 strikeouts with 19 walks in 72 1/3 innings with the Cardinals. Kulik is coming off a 2008 season in which he was 5-5 with a 5.53 ERA in 12 starts for Single-A Quad Cities of the Midwest League.

Kulik becomes the second consecutive member of the Springfield Cardinals to win the Texas League's Pitcher of the Week award, following Trey Hearne from the week of June 22-28. He is the 10th Cardinal to win the award dating back to the franchise's first season back in 2005.

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North Division Notebook

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)

This week: 1-3; Second Half record: 3-6; Overall record: 31-48

4th place North, 3.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas

Monday, June 29: L, 5-2 @ Northwest Arkansas

The Travelers got off to a slow start in their final game before the All-Star break, dropping behind 3-0 after two innings and never mounting much of a threat against the Naturals. Branden Florence went 2-for-4 with a double and Wil Ortiz scored and drove in a run, while starting and losing pitcher Tommy Mendoza (5-4) threw seven innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits.

Thursday, July 2: L, 9-4 vs. Midland

Tied entering the top of the ninth against the RockHounds, the bullpen suffered a five-run meltdown, dropping the Travs to 2-5 in the second half. David Herndon (2-6) took the loss, allowing all five runs on five hits in one-third of an inning. Offensively, the Travelers were led by Hank Conger, who singled and drove in two, and Peter Bourjos, who reached three times and scored a run.

Friday, July 3: L, 6-5 vs. Midland (12 innings)

The Travelers rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the eighth and a 5-4 deficit in the 11th to extend the game, but fell by a run in 12 innings. Branden Florence singled, doubled and drove in two, while Hank Conger gave Arkansas its only lead of the game with a solo home run in the first inning. Trevor Reckling got the start for the Travs, going 5 1/3 innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) despite giving up eight hits and four walks.

Saturday, July 4: W, 8-3 vs. Midland

All nine Arkansas starters had base hits, pacing a 13-hit attack, while Tommy Mendoza (6-4) evened his record to 1-1 on the week with a strong start against the RockHounds. Shortstop Chris Gutierrez, making his first Double-A start of the season, went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI, while Peter Bourjos drilled his third home run of the season. Mendoza tossed seven innings, allowing three runs on nine hits with one walk and a pair of strikeouts.

Sunday, July 5: postponed/rain

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

DH Ben Johnson (2009) hit .393 (11-for-28) over his last eight games for the Salt Lake Bees ... OF Terry Evans (2006) had three homers and nine RBI in his last 10 games while batting .308 (12-for-39) ... 1B Chris Richard (1998-99) has hit .179 in his last six games for Durham, but has hit three home runs in that period.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)

This week: 3-2; Second Half record: 6-3; Overall record: 42-37

1st place North, 1.5 games ahead of Springfield

Monday, June 29: W, 5-2 vs. Arkansas

Recently acquired Major League veteran Chad Orvella tossed three scoreless innings in his Naturals debut, helping the Naturals cruise past the Travelers at home in Springdale. Orvella, who will throw out of the bullpen for the Naturals, got the start in the game, striking out three and allowing only one hit in his three innings of work. Chris Nicoll (6-0) earned the win, throwing three scoreless frames of his own, striking out three while allowing three hits and a walk. Cody Clark was the hitting star, belting a two-run homer in the second inning, his fourth of the season.

Thursday, July 2: L, 9-5 @ San Antonio

The Naturals got a strong night from third baseman Ed Lucas, who went 2-for-2 with two doubles, a run, an RBI and two walks. Veteran catcher Vance Wilson had two hits for the Naturals, as did leftfielder David Lough and rightfielder Cody Strait. The Naturals continued to miss outfielder Jordan Parraz, who is out indefinitely with a leg injury.

Friday, July 3: L, 4-3 @ San Antonio

The Naturals lost in heartbreaking fashion at San Antonio, allowing a walk-off, one-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jarrod Dyson and Ed Lucas each had three hits for Northwest Arkansas, which scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth on a successful suicide squeeze bunt by Jose Duarte. Chad Orvella (1-1), making his second appearance for the Naturals, served up the game-winning homer, receiving his second decision of the week.

Saturday, July 4: W, 5-2 @ San Antonio

Ed Lucas once again terrorized Missions pitching, reaching base four times and driving in a run, helping the Naturals to a come-from-behind win on the road. Lucas, who reached in 11-of-12 plate appearances for the Naturals in the series, was joined by teammates Corey Smith and David Lough, who each had two hits and a run scored. Dan Cortes (6-6) earned the win after a slow start, finishing with six innings pitched, allowing two runs on five hits with a walk and six strikeouts. In his most impressive inning, Cortes put the first two men on in the fifth before striking out the side.

Sunday, July 5: W, 14-4 @ Corpus Christi

Down 4-0 after two innings, the Naturals rallied for 14 unanswered runs to defeat the Hooks by double-digits. Alex Gordon, on a rehabilitation assignment from Kansas City, had two hits and drove in four runs, while leftfielder David Lough continued his impressive opening week in the league with a single, double and home run, a three-run shot in the third that gave Northwest Arkansas its first lead. Cody Clark also had a big game, launching a three-run bomb and scoring two other times after reaching via bases on balls.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

SS Mario Lisson (2008-09) hit .351 (13-for-37) with three homers and six RBI in his last 10 contests ... 2B Irving Falu (2008) had nine hits in 21 at-bats (.429) over his last five games ...

SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)

*First Half North Division Champion*

This week: 2-3; Second Half record: 5-5; Overall record: 43-37

2nd place North, 1.5 games behind Northwest Arkansas

Monday, June 29: L, 6-1 @ Tulsa

In the loss to Tulsa, Mark Folli's RBI groundout in the top of the second inning scored Tyler Henley with the Cardinals' only run of the night. The Cards only mustered one baserunner after the fourth inning, a one-out single by Pete Kozma in the sixth, one of two hits by the Owasso, Okla., native. Kozma is now hitting .333 (20-for-60) against Tulsa, while batting just .214 (34-for-159) against the rest of the league.

Thursday, July 2: L, 4-3 vs. Frisco (10 innings)

The Cardinals had plenty of chances to knock off the RoughRiders in the first game after the All-Star break, but saw the game slip through their grasp in extra innings. In the bottom of the ninth inning of a tie game, with runners on second and third with no out, the Cards suffered through a pop out, strikeout and fly out to end the threat, then committed a crucial fielding error in the 10th that led to the winning run for the RoughRiders. Rehabbing starter Kyle Lohse went the first 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Daniel Descalso, in his final game before being promoted to Triple-A, belted a two-run homer in the fifth inning, which gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.

Friday, July 3: W, 2-1 vs. Frisco

After struggling for most of the season, Springfield starting and winning pitcher Ryan Kulik (3-5) has come on in a big way over the past two weeks. Kulik allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings, extending his scoreless streak to 16 innings and lowering his ERA to 4.73. Tony Cruz, who got the start at third base, opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second, while Jim Rapoport's sacrifice fly in the fifth provided the Cardinals with some much-needed insurance. Francisco Samuel pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 19th save.

Saturday, July 4: L, 18-4 vs. Frisco

One night after completely stifling Frisco's offense, Cardinals pitchers allowed nine hits and 12 walks in the first three-plus innings of a humiliating loss to the RoughRiders. Brian Broderick (0-5) started for the Cards, allowing eight runs (four earned) in 2 1/3 innings, before giving way to Brad Furnish. Furnish, who has struggled all season, allowed three hits and four walks to the eight batters he faced, with four coming into score on a grand slam. Eddie Degerman came on to record the final out of the inning, but then began the fourth by walking all six men he faced before an out had been recorded. Only 10 of his 37 pitches found the strike zone. Jim Rapoport and Tyler Henley homered for the Cardinals, who collected 12 hits in the game.

Sunday, July 5: W, 7-2 vs. Midland

Starting and winning pitcher Lance Lynn (7-2) struggled with his command, but earned a gutty win over the RockHounds. Lynn, who threw just 55-of-102 pitches for strikes, went five innings, allowing two runs on three hits while walking six and striking out four. Relievers Tyler Norrick and Samuel Freeman finished off the win, allowing just one hit over the final four frames, walking three and striking out seven. Second baseman Colt Sedbrook, in his third game since replacing the promoted Daniel Descalso, went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored for the Cardinals.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

3B Brett Wallace (2008-09) boasted a .395 average (15-for-38) over his last 10 games for Memphis ... 1B Mark Hamilton (2007-09) hit .385 over five contests ... 2B Casey Rowlett (2007-08) hit just .125 (2-for-16) in his last seven games ... 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir (2006-07) led the Redbirds with 10 homers before being called up to the Major Leagues ... RHP Jess Todd (2008) recorded his 17th save Tuesday, tied for the league lead.

TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)

This week: 3-2; Second Half record: 4-5; Overall record: 42-37

3rd place North, 2.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas

Monday, June 29: W, 6-1 vs. Springfield

In a win over the Cardinals, Samuel Deduno was sharp in his return from the disabled list, firing four innings of one-run ball, while four relievers allowed just one baserunner over the final five innings. Mike Paulk went 3-for-4 with a run, an RBI and a walk, while Anthony Jackson belted a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Xavier Cedeno (3-2) earned the win, allowing one hit in two innings of scoreless relief.

Thursday, July 2: W, 2-0 @ Corpus Christi

Tulsa starting and winning pitcher Chaz Roe (3-1) had an excellent outing on the road at Corpus Christi, allowing just two hits over five innings, lowering his ERA to 2.23 in his third start since returning from the disabled list. In those three outings, Roe has thrown 15 innings, while allowing no earned runs (three unearned) on 14 hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts. On offense, Anthony Jackson went 3-for-3 in the leadoff spot for the Drillers, while Cole Garner's second-inning solo homer was the only run Tulsa would need.

Friday, July 3: L, 7-1 @ Corpus Christi

After two impressive wins to begin the week, the Drillers couldn't put much of anything together against the Hooks. After Ryan Harvey singled in a run in the top of the first to give Tulsa a 1-0 lead, starting and losing pitcher Keith Weiser (5-7) quickly gave three back in the bottom half of the frame. Weiser eventually settled down in the middle innings, allowing five runs on 10 hits in seven-plus innings of work. The lefthander struck out two and did not walk a batter. Jeff Kindel was 2-for-4 in the game, with the Drillers only extra-base hit, a double.

Saturday, July 4: W, 5-0 @ Corpus Christi

Drillers ace Esmil Rogers (8-2) turned in another fantastic pitching performance, firing seven scoreless innings in a shutout win over the Hooks. Rogers, who is 4-0 with a 0.93 ERA in his last four starts, allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out eight batters. Darin Holcomb was the hitting star for the Drillers, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, while leadoff man Anthony Jackson was 2-for-5 with three runs batted in. The victory, their second shutout of the series evened the Drillers' second half record at 4-4.

Sunday, July 5: L, 3-2 @ San Antonio

In a tough loss to the Missions, Tulsa starter Samuel Deduno continued his recent success since returning from a stint on the disabled list, but the Drillers bullpen couldn't hang on to a 2-0 lead. Deduno went the first four innings, allowing no runs on two hits, while walking three and striking out two. He was lifted after throwing 68 pitches. Anthony Jackson went 2-for-5 with a run scored, but misplayed a fly ball in the eighth that led to the winning run for San Antonio. Mike McKenry added a single, a walk and an RBI for the Drillers offense.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

RHP Brandon Hynick (2008) tossed a seven-inning perfect game Tuesday night as Colorado Springs defeated Portland, 2-0. It was the ninth perfect game in PCL history. Home plate umpire Jeff Macias (Texas League, 2005) was also calling balls and strikes for the most recent Texas League perfect game, on July 28, 2005 ... 2B Eric Young, Jr. collected eight hits in 18 at-bats (.444) over five contests ... OF Cory Sullivan (2003) has hit .395 with three RBI and nine runs scored in his last 10 games for the Buffalo Bisons ... Alvin Colina (2005-06) of the Gwinnett Braves batted .222 over his last 10 games ... C JD Closser (2003) batted .379 (11-for-29) over his last nine games for the Albuquerque Isotopes ... OF Matt Miller (1999-2000) sported a .438 average (7-for-18) over a five-game span.

South Division Notebook

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)

This week: 1-4; Second Half record: 5-5; Overall record: 36-44

T-2nd place South, 1.0 game behind Midland

Monday, June 22: L, 5-4 @ Frisco

The Hooks missed several chances to pick up a big road victory, making each of their final five outs of the game with runners in scoring position. Down by a score of 5-1 after allowing four runs in the seventh, Corpus Christi rallied with two in the eighth and one in the ninth but came up just short. Each of the Hooks' 10 hits were singles, including a two-RBI single by Jhon Florentino in the eighth and an RBI poke by Drew Locke in the ninth. Brad James pitched well in the start for the Hooks, allowing just one run on six hits in six innings of work.

Thursday, July 2: L, 2-0 vs. Tulsa

In a shutout loss to Tulsa, Sergio Perez (6-7) turned in a fine outing, going six innings, allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out five and walked one. Jason Castro was the only Hooks batter to reach base twice, drawing a walk and hitting a single in his only two plate appearances. Castro left the game after being struck by a foul tip behind the plate. Collin DeLome went 1-for-4 in the game, extending his hitting streak to 10 games.

Friday, July 3: W, 7-1 vs. Tulsa

Drew Locke went 3-for-4, Collin DeLome belted his league-leading 15th homer, and Andy Van Hekken (3-2) notched his 100th career professional victory in a 7-1 win over the Drillers. Van Hekken, who entered the game with 100 professional wins (99 in the minors, one in the Majors), went six innings, allowing one run on seven hits, while walking two and striking out one. The Hooks pounded 12 hits, including the first career Double-A home run by Nick Moresi, a solo shot in the seventh inning.

Saturday, July 4: L, 5-0 vs. Tulsa

For the second time in three nights, the Hooks were victimized by a dominant Tulsa pitching performance. Jimmy Van Ostrand and Drew Locke each went 2-for-4, while the rest of the team batted just 1-for-22. Starting pitcher Wilton Lopez (1-2) took the loss for the Hooks, allowing three runs on eight hits in seven innings. He threw 63-of-89 pitches for strikes, walking none and striking out four Drillers. Collin DeLome was 0-for-3, snapping his 11-game hitting streak.

Sunday, July 5: L, 14-4 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Jimmy Van Ostrand hit an RBI double and Collin DeLome added a two-run triple during a three-run first for the Hooks, but after Jason Castro's RBI single in the second extended the Hooks' lead to 4-0 it was lights out for Corpus Christi. Brad James (2-6) took the loss, allowing three straight two-out hits in the third, including a game-changing, three-run homer on an 0-2 pitch that made the score 5-4 in favor of the Naturals.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

1B Mark Saccomanno (2005-06) hit .438 over games for Round Rock ... C Lou Santangelo (2007-08) was just 2-for-18 over a six-game span.

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)

This week: 3-1; Second Half record: 4-5; Overall record: 37-42

4th place South, 1.5 games behind Midland

Monday, June 29: W, 5-4 vs. Corpus Christi

The RoughRiders rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, taking a 5-1 lead, then held on in the ninth for a one-run victory. Starting pitcher Tanner Roark was Frisco's most effective hurler on the day, going six innings while allowing just one run on three hits, but did not factor in the decision. Pedro Strop (1-3) got the win, allowing two runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings, while Beau Vaughan got the save despite allowing a run in the ninth and putting the potential tying and winning runs on base. Renny Osuna reached base three times for the 'Riders, scoring two runs.

Thursday, July 2: W, 4-3 @ Springfield (10 innings)

Pinch-hitter Adam Fox singled home Mitch Moreland from third base in the top of the 10th inning, leading the RoughRiders over the Cardinals in a white-knuckle affair. The 'Riders got a clutch solo home run from Manny Pina with two out in the eighth to tie the game, then held on in the bottom of the ninth in a 3-3 game despite allowing the Cards to get a runner to third with no out. Brennan Garr (2-2), who worked out of the jam, earned the victory, while Beau Vaughan notched his third save with a perfect 10th.

Friday, July 3: L, 2-1 @ Springfield

In a one-run loss to the Cardinals, the 'Riders got a solid start from young righthander Blake Beavan (0-2) but couldn't muster much offensively. Second baseman Marcus Lemon singled and doubled for the 'Riders, accounting for two of the team's four hits, while Mitch Moreland drove in the RoughRiders only run of the night with an RBI groundout in the eighth. Jose Diaz threw a perfect ninth in his return from the disabled list.

Saturday, July 4: W, 18-4 @ Springfield

Tim Smith, Johnny Wittleman and Chad Tracy combined to go 7-for-13 with five homers and 16 RBI, powering the Frisco offense to a two-touchdown win over the Cardinals. Smith, who was 2-for-5 with seven RBI, hit a grand slam in the fourth inning to give the 'Riders a 12-1 cushion. Wittleman added two homers, three walks and six RBI, while Tracy only drove in three with a pair of longballs. In all, RoughRiders batters had 13 hits and drew 12 walks, including six in a row to start the top of the fourth inning.

Sunday, July 5: postponed/rain

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

OF Brandon Boggs (2007) his .389 (7-for-18) over five games for Oklahoma City ... LHP A.J. Murray (2003, 05, '09) allowed three runs against Iowa, the first time he had been scored upon in five outings ... 3B Travis Metcalf (2006-07) batted .086 (3-for-35) in his last nine games for the Omaha Royals.

MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)

This week: 2-3; Second Half record: 6-4; Overall record: 43-37

1st place South, 1.0 game ahead of Corpus Christi and San Antonio

Monday, June 29: L, 7-4 vs. San Antonio

Down by five runs entering the bottom of the ninth, the RockHounds rallied for two runs and were in a position to stage an epic comeback. With the bases loaded and one out, the Missions doused the rally by getting Corey Brown to pop out and Matt Spencer to fly out to end the game. The loss sent the 'Hounds into the All-Star break with a 4-2 record in the second half. Chris Carter singled, doubled, walked twice and scored two runs to lead the Midland offense.

Thursday, July 2: W, 9-4 @ Arkansas

Michael Affronti's towering, three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning capped a five-run rally as the 'Hounds raced past the Travs 9-4. Archie Gilbert went 4-for-5, Matt Spencer went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while Jon Hunton and winning pitcher Steven Sharpe (1-0) held Arkansas to just one hit over the game's final four innings. Arkansas native Daniel Haigwood started for the RockHounds, going five innings while allowing four runs on five hits.

Friday, July 3: W, 6-5 @ Arkansas (12 innings)

Reliever Steven Sharpe (2-0) earned his second win in as many nights, helping Midland stave off Arkansas by one run. Josh Donaldson's bases-loaded walk in the top of the 12th won it for the 'Hounds, while Chris Carter added three hits and an RBI. Travis Banwart went the first five innings for Midland, allowing one run on two hits, while walking three and striking out two.

Saturday, July 4: L, 8-3 @ Arkansas

The 'Hounds couldn't finish off the series sweep against the Travelers, allowing eight runs in the first five innings, dropping to 6-3 in the second half. Backup catcher Raul Padron homered in the third, giving Midland the early lead, while Matt Sulentic went 3-for-4, with his 17th stolen base of the year. Starting and losing pitcher Daniel Barone (0-2) didn't have his best performance, allowing eight runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings. Three RockHounds relievers came on and allowed no runs on two hits the rest of the way.

Sunday, July 5: L, 7-2 @ Springfield

In one of their sloppiest performances of the year, the RockHounds lost a walk-fest to the Cardinals. Midland pitchers walked eight batters, while the offense drew nine walks off Springfield pitching. Unfortunately for the 'Hounds, they had just five hits in the game, all singles, and were just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Jason Fernandez (6-7), who dropped his third straight decision, allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and six walks in 4 2/3 innings pitched.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

INF Tommy Everidge (2007-09) batted .366 with two homers and nine RBI in a 10-game stretch ... RHP James Simmons (2008) has not allowed more than three runs in his last four starts, including a complete-game win over Fresno ... SS Cliff Pennington (2007-08) batted .429 (15-for-35) over his last 10 games ... OF John-Ford Griffin (2002) has a .313 average in 29 games with the Iowa Cubs after being released by the Dodgers organization ... 3B Esteban Guzman (2000-01) hit .400 in his last five games ...

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)

*First Half South Division Champion*

This week: 4-1; Second Half record: 5-5; Overall record: 44-36

T-2nd place South, 1.0 game behind Midland

Monday, June 29: W, 7-4 @ Midland

Lance Zawadzki and Brian Joynt homered, three other Missions had two hits apiece and Cory Luebke (1-0) won his Texas League debut with five innings of one-run baseball. Luebke, a 24-year-old lefthander from Ohio State, was 8-2 in 14 starts, with a California League-leading 2.34 ERA before his promotion. He scattered four hits and a walk in his five innings, striking out four. Evan Scribner earned his 13th save after escaping a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth.

Thursday, July 2: W, 9-5 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Missions All-Stars Craig Cooper and Eric Sogard each homered and drove in three runs, powering San Antonio past Northwest Arkansas 9-5. Third baseman Logan Forsythe added two hits and a walk, boosting his Double-A batting average to .476, while starting and winning pitcher Cesar Carrillo (5-4) battled through an off night to notch the victory. Carrillo finished with six innings pitched, allowing three runs on eight hits with five walks and five strikeouts. The evening's attendance of 7,718 was the Missions' largest of the 2009 season.

Friday, July 3: W, 4-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Boerne, Texas native Seth Johnston belted a line-drive two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, leading the Missions to an improbable victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Trailing 2-1 in the eighth with runners on first and third with two outs, Lance Zawadzki was caught off the bag on a third-to-first pickoff move by the Naturals' pitcher, but eluded the tag on the ensuing rundown, allowing Eric Sogard to scamper home from third to tie the game. Then, after the Missions allowed a run in the ninth, Johnston turned on a first-pitch fastball with one on and one out, sending it just over the wall in left for his sixth homer of the season.

Saturday, July 4: L, 5-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas

On a balmy 102-degree Independence Day evening, the Missions started hot at the plate but cooled off late, falling 5-2 to the Naturals. San Antonio jumped in front 2-0 after the second inning, capitalizing on the Naturals battery for four stolen bases, but could not come up with a knockout punch. In the game, the Missions were 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position, making them a dreadful 0-for-20 in the last two games of the series. Mat Latos, who started strong, faded in the fourth inning, allowing two runs in the inning before being lifted by Philip Barzilla (0-1), who received the loss. For the second time in three games the Missions hit their season-high in attendance, bringing 7,796 through the turnstyles.

Sunday, July 5: W, 3-2 vs. Tulsa

In a reversal of the night before against the Naturals, the Missions fell behind 2-0 to the Drillers before rallying to win. Cedric Hunter, who went 3-for-4, blooped a wind-blown double into shallow center field in the eighth, then scored the go-ahead run one batter later when pinch-hitter Mitch Canham laced an RBI single to left. Mike DeMark (1-2) picked up his first win of the season out of the bullpen, while Evan Scribner turned in a dominant ninth for his 14th save, striking out two of the three batters he faced.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through Sunday, July 5):

SS Sean Kazmar (2007-08) had a .389 average (7-for-18) in his last five games for the Portland Beavers ... RHP Mike Eckstrom (2007-08) pitched six scoreless innings over his last four appearances ... 2B Matt Antonelli (2007) batted .115 (3-for-26) over seven games ... RHP Jonathan Ellis had 31 appearances and a team-leading seven wins ... DH Jeff Clement (2006) hit .385 with four homers, eight RBI and 13 runs scored in 10 games for Tacoma ... Bryan LaHair (2006) has 15 home runs, plus seven RBI over his last five contests ... RHP Yorman Bazardo (2006) has a five-game winning streak for Triple-A Round Rock ... LHP Wade LeBlanc has allowed one run in six innings since returning from a two-week stint with the San Diego Padres ... OF Chris Snelling is in a 1-for-20 slump for the Indianapolis Indians ... INF Miguel Cairo (1995) has hit .344 with six RBI and three runs scored in his last nine games ... INF Travis Denker (2009) has hit just .200 in his last nine games ... UTIL Mike Morse (2004) batted .500 with three runs scored in his first action with the Syracuse Chiefs after being traded by the Mariners for Ryan Langerhans ...

Alumni Report for former Texas League teams

EL PASO DIABLOS

RHP Dustin Nippert (2004) made a rehab start for the Oklahoma City RedHawks on Tuesday, allowing one run on two hits in five innings, picking up the win against Nashville.

JACKSON GENERALS

1B Daryle Ward (1997) has batted .400 with three RBI and seven runs scored over his last nine contests.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS

SS Chris Burke (2002-03) has hit .308 with a homer, six RBI and three runs scored in his last 10 games.

WICHITA WRANGLERS

RHP Billy Buckner (2006-07) allowed one run over six innings and picked up the win Friday in his first start for Triple-A Reno ... OF Dee Brown (1999, 2004, 06) homered in consecutive games to take the team-lead at 15 ... 1B Justin Huber (2005) turned it on in June for the Rochester Red Wings, cranking seven home runs and driving home 20 runs. In July, he began with three doubles and a single in his first seven at-bats ... 2B Ruben Gotay (2004-05) was 1-for-17 (.059) during a five-game stretch for Reno ... Jorge Padilla (2007) has hit .472 with seven runs scored in his last nine games.

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Texas League Stories from July 7, 2009


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