Player of the Week, July 13-19, 2009Tyler Henley, Springfield Cardinals
.360 AVG (9-for-25), 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 6 RBI, 6 runs,
walk-off game-winning hit, .800 slugging pct., 1.229 OPS
Springfield outfielder Tyler Henley capped an outstanding week by smacking a walk-off RBI single in extra-innings Sunday evening, helping him earn him the Texas League Player of the Week award.
For the week, the Colleyville, Texas, native batted .360 while leading the loop in hits (nine), home runs (three), extra-base hits (five) and slugging percentage (.800). He also led his club to a 5-1 record, good enough to pull the Cardinals to within one-half game of the North Division-leading Northwest Arkansas Naturals. In the final game of the week, Henley's single in the bottom of the 12th inning brought home the winning run. It was his second extra-inning game-winning hit of the season. He closed the previous week with consecutive three-hit games, giving him an average of .485 in his past eight games.
Henley, a 2007 eighth round pick out of Rice University, is experiencing a breakout season in his first year at the Double-A level. In 78 games, the 5-foot-10 lefty is batting .335 with 10 home runs, 22 doubles and three triples. He is getting on base at a prodigious .398 clip, while slugging an outstanding .541. Those numbers were good enough to earn him a trip to Frisco for the 2009 Texas League All-Star Game.
Henley becomes the third Cardinals hitter to win the Player of the Week award in 2009, joining teammates Steven Hill and Pete Kozma, who won for the weeks ending April 26 and June 14, respectively.
Pitcher of the Week, July 13-19, 2009
Samuel Deduno, Tulsa Drillers
1-0, complete game shutout
7 innings, 0 runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts
In game one of a doubleheader on July 18, Tulsa righthander Samuel Deduno put together one of the finest performances of his career, tossing a complete game, three-hit shutout over Arkansas. The whitewashing of the Travelers was the first in Deduno's five year professional career. For his efforts, the Dominican righthander has been named Texas League Pitcher of the Week.
Deduno has been lights out in July after suffering an injured oblique in June that landed him on the disabled list. In three July starts, Deduno is 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA, allowing just eight hits in 17 innings pitched. For the season, he is 8-2 with a 2.41 ERA, tops in the entire Texas League. On the year he has allowed only 56 hits in 78 1/3 innings.
The 26-year-old is in his first year back in baseball after sitting out the entire 2008 season following elbow surgery. Two years ago, Deduno led the Texas League in strikeouts with 121, though he was just 5-8 with a 5.44 ERA. Now, under the tutelage of former Major Leaguer Bryan Harvey, Deduno is anchoring a pitching staff ranked first in ERA (3.68) and shutouts (13) among all Texas League clubs.
Deduno has won the Pitcher of the Week award once before, claiming the honor with one of the most dominant single-week performances in recent memory. From June 11-17, 2007, Deduno went 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA, fanning 21 batters in 15 innings, including 11 over eight innings in a win at Wichita and 10 more in a seven inning complete game against Arkansas. He joins fellow staffmates Keith Weiser and Jhoulys Chacin as 2009 winners of the Pitcher of the Week award.
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North Division Notebook
ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)
This week: 1-5; Second Half record: 7-15; Overall record: 35-57
4th place North, 6.5 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, July 13: L, 9-7 @ Frisco
Starting pitcher Jordan Walden suffered an injury to his pitching arm just two batters into the bottom of the first inning, putting a damper on the Travs' early 4-0 lead. After relieving Walden, losing pitcher Bryan Rembisz (2-3) allowed six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings, plus both of Walden's inhereted runners, leaving with Arkansas trailing 7-6. On offense, Branden Florence drove in three runs, Hank Conger brought home two, while Peter Bourjos went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Bourjos added a walk and his 19th stolen base of the season. The loss was the Travelers seventh straight to the RoughRiders this season.
Tuesday, July 14: L, 10-7 @ Frisco
In yet another case of their inability to capture a one-run win, the Travelers, up 7-6 in the ninth, lost when they gave up a walk-off grand slam in the series finale against Frisco. The Travs scored runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth to go in front, led by catcher Hank Conger, who went 3-for-5 with two RBI, and Ryan Kiniry, who went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in his Double-A debut for the Travs. All nine men in the starting lineup recorded hits. Bobby Cassevah (2-5) took the loss, loading the bases with nobody out before giving way to David Herndon, who gave up the longball to his second batter.
Thursday, July 16: postponed/lightning
Friday, July 17: L, 9-0 vs. Tulsa
The Travelers struggled at the plate and in the field, collecting just four hits while committing four errors that led to six unearned runs for the Drillers. Catcher Hank Conger eclipsed the .300 mark with a single and a double, the only Travs player to reach safely more than once. Tommy Mendoza (6-5) was the hard-luck loser, going 6 2/3 innings while allowing eight runs (two earned) on nine hits, walking one and striking out six. Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins attended the game.
Saturday, July 18: L, 3-0 & L, 5-1 vs. Tulsa
In a doubleheader making up Thursday night's rainout, the Travelers were convincingly swept by the Drillers. In game one, the Travs collected just three singles, extending the team's scoreless streak to 17. Wil Ortiz had two hits for Arkansas, while Ryan Mount singled and walked in his second game back after a two-month stint on the disabled list. Losing pitcher Trevor Reckling (5-3) went the distance for the Travelers, allowing three runs on eight hits in the seven inning loss. Game two was not much better for Arkansas, as they fell to Tulsa 5-1. Mount went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, the Travelers only tally in the series. Flint Wipke, who started behind the plate in the second game, had two hits in three at-bats. The Travelers, playing in their league-high eighth doubleheader, fell to 4-12 in those contests.
Sunday, July 19: W, 3-2 vs. Tulsa
The Travelers avoided a second consecutive series sweep, scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Drillers 3-2. Chris Gutierrez' single brought home Hainley Statia with the winning run, after Tulsa had erased an early 2-0 deficit, tying the game in the top of the seventh. The walk-off single made a winner out of Bobby Cassevah (3-5), who pitched 2 2/3 perfect innings. Gutierrez finished 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, while Peter Bourjos doubled and scored a run from the leadoff spot. The Travelers improved to just 11-25 in one-run games this season.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
RHP Trevor Bell ('09) threw a complete-game shutout on July 12 against Colorado Springs, his second shutout of the Sky Sox this season ... OF Terry Evans ('06) and 2B Sean Rodriguez ('06-07) had six RBI each last week for Salt Lake ... RHP Francisco Rodriguez ('08) has a July ERA of 12.00 ... 1B Chris Richard ('97-99) has hit .344 with two homers, six RBI and nine runs scored in his last nine games.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)
This week: 2-4; Second Half record: 13-8; Overall record: 49-42
1st place North, 0.5 game ahead of Springfield
Monday, July 13: L, 8-2 vs. Corpus Christi
One week after finishing with a 5-1 record, the Naturals got off to a slow start, dropping the middle game of their three-game series with the Hooks. Starting and losing pitcher Everett Teaford (3-3) continued the hot-and-cold start to his Double-A career, allowing seven runs (five earned) in seven innings. On offense, rightfielder David Lough was 3-for-5 with a triple and a run scored, while rehabbing shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, recently acquired from Seattle, added a solo home run in the seventh. Alex Gordon, also on a rehabilitation assignment from Kansas City, singled twice and walked twice in five plate appearances.
Tuesday, July 14: W, 7-5 vs. Corpus Christi
Naturals starting and winning pitcher Matt Kniginyzky (3-7) got some much-needed run support, going into the sixth inning in his sixth straight start, coming away with his first victory in that stretch. He was boosted by Jose Duarte, who homered and scored twice, and Cody Strait, who singled, tripled, scored twice and drove in two. The Naturals got a bit of a scare when the Hooks scored three runs in the top of the ninth, but Greg Holland was able to preserve the win.
Thursday, July 16: L, 4-3 @ Springfield
In a 4-3 loss to Springfield, centerfielder Jarrod Dyson tripled and scored on an error on the opening play of the game, racing around the bases after the ball was bobbled near the wall. Rowdy Hardy (0-1) took the loss in his first start with the Naturals in 2009, allowing four runs on eight hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out five. First baseman Corey Smith hit a two-run homer in the third, giving Northwest Arkansas 3-1 lead, but the Naturals would manage just one hit over the final six innings. Dyson finished 2-for-3 with a double and a triple.
Friday, July 17: L, 4-2 @ Springfield
David Lough's two-run home run with two out in the top of the ninth prevented a shutout loss to Springfield. The homer was one of just five hits for the Naturals on the evening. Josh Johnson added a triple and a walk, also coming around to score on Lough's blast. Starting and losing pitcher Anthony Lerew (4-5) kept the Naturals close, allowing just two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. The loss narrowed the Naturals' division lead to a slim 1/2 game.
Saturday, July 18: W, 6-2 @ Springfield
In a crucial game that kept the Naturals in first place, all nine starters hit safely, part of a 14-hit attack that buried the Cardinals. Vance Wilson led the way, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Corey Smith hit his 15th home run of the year. Gilbert De La Vara (5-1) got the win in relief, allowing one run on one hit in three innings pitched. Blake Johnson got the start, leaving with a 3-1 lead just 4 1/3 innings into his outing.
Sunday, July 19: L, 4-3 @ Springfield (12 innings)
The Naturals lost a heartbreaker in the final game of a four-game set in Springfield, allowing the tying run to score in the bottom of the ninth and the winning tally in the 12th. As was the case in game one of the series, the Naturals jumped to an early 3-1 lead on home runs by David Lough and Corey Smith. Lough left the yard in the second inning for his third Double-A blast, while Smith connected for the third time this week, giving him 16 home runs this season. Lough finished 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Everett Teaford did enough to get a win for the Naturals, going the first six innings while allowing two runs on five hits. Ben Swaggerty (2-1) took the loss, allowing a run on three hits in one-third of an inning.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
OF Cory Aldridge ('08) returned from injury and smacked an RBI triple against Memphis on July 16.
SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)
*First Half North Division Champion*
This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 13-9; Overall record: 51-41
2nd place North, 0.5 game behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, July 13: L, 7-6 @ Midland
The Cardinals rallied from an early 5-0 deficit to take a 6-5 lead in the third inning, but would be held scoreless on two hits the rest of the way, falling on a walk-off home run in the ninth. Starting pitcher David Kopp struggled in his first start since being activated from the disabled list, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits in just 1 2/3 innings. Brandon Dickson (6-6) got the loss in relief, taking over in the second inning and finishing out the ballgame. Third baseman Mike Folli was the only member of the Cards to reach three times, going 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. Among the Redbirds' seven hits, none were for extra bases.
Tuesday, July 14: W, 10-5 @ Midland
Springfield earned the series win over the RockHounds, pounding 11 hits, drawing eight walks and capitalizing on six Midland errors. Jim Rapoport led the way for the Cards, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, including a leadoff homer in the first, while Tyler Henley added three hits in six trips to the plate. Ryan Kulik (4-6) bounced back from a poor start to record his fourth victory of the season, allowing three runs (one earned) over five innings. Tyler Norrick, who has formed a solid 1-2 punch with regular closer Francisco Samuel, picked up his fifth save of the season.
Thursday, July 16: W, 4-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas
Starting pitcher Scott Gorgen (1-1) won his first game at the Double-A level, overcoming an early run-scoring error and five walks in 5 2/3 innings, while Jim Rapoport and Tyler Henley provided just enough offensive pop to give the Cardinals the victory. Gorgen finished with three runs (two earned) on four hits, while striking out six batters, including three in the first inning. Rapoport was the only Redbird with two hits, scoring once and driving in a run, while Henley homered and drove in two. Three Springfield relievers combined for 3 1/3 hitless innings, including Francisco Samuel, who lit up the radar gun at 100 mph while earning his 21st save.
Friday, July 17: W, 4-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas
Righthander Lance Lynn (9-2) put together the finest start of his Double-A career, shutting down the Naturals for seven innings, earning his ninth win of the year. Lynn allowed just three hits and one walk over his seven frames, striking out seven batters. He needed just 96 pitches, 64 (two-thirds) of which he threw for strikes. On offense, Steven Hill continued his strong second half, going 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while Jim Rapoport had two hits and a run batted in. After the Naturals bullpen allowed two runs in the ninth, Francisco Samuel came on to close out the ballgame for his 22nd save.
Saturday, July 18: L, 6-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas
Needing a win to lay claim to first place in the North Division, the Cardinals turned to ace Trey Hearne (10-2), who lost for the first time since May 1. Hearne, who had won six straight starts and nine straight decisions overall, allowed five runs on 13 hits in 5 1/3 innings, bringing his ERA up to 2.89 for the season. The Cardinals were held to just five hits in the game, including Tyler Henley's ninth home run of the season, which gave the Cards an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. With the loss, Springfield fell 1 1/2 games behind the Naturals in the second half pennant race.
Sunday, July 19: W, 4-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas (12 innings)
Tyler Henley homered in the fourth inning and drove home the winning run in the 12th, capping off an excellent week and giving the Cardinals a 3-1 series win over the first-place Naturals. Mike Folli was a surprise hero for the Cards, drilling a one-out homer in the bottom of the ninth to send it to extra innings. It was just his third home run of the season. Khalil Greene, on a rehab assignment from St. Louis, also homered for Springfield. Starting pitcher David Kopp allowed three runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings, giving way to Brandon Dickson, who went six scoreless innings in relief. For the week, Kopp was touched for eight runs (seven earned) in 5 1/3 innings over two starts, while Dickson cleaned up out of the 'pen with 13 innings, allowing just two runs (one earned). Eduardo Sanchez (1-0) earned the win, going the final two innings for the Cards.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
3B Brett Wallace ('08-09) is hitting .359 in his last 10 games and now is up to .303 with Memphis ... RHP Mitchell Boggs ('07) had his second consecutive scoreless start ... 2B Daniel Descalso ('09) went 9-for-18 with 10 RBI, including a grand slam.
TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)
This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 11-10; Overall record: 49-42
3rd place North, 2.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, July 13: W, 14-1 vs. San Antonio
The Drillers crushed the Missions in the middle game of a three-game series, piling up 19 hits, including eight for extra-bases. At the plate, Cole Garner, who had been 8-for-his-last-49, went 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBI, Anthony Jackson had two triples, two runs and two RBI, while Mike Paulk went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles. In his first start since returning from Single-A Modesto, Brandon Durden (2-2) earned the victory, allowing just one run on five hits in seven innings. Durden, who replaced Esmil Rogers in the rotation, had allowed 30 hits and 16 runs in three starts while at Modesto.
Tuesday, July 14: L, 7-3 vs. San Antonio
The Drillers dropped the series finale to the Missions, allowing three home runs that accounted for five of the seven San Antonio runs. Keith Weiser (5-9) allowed five runs (four earned) in five innings of work, losing his fourth straight start. One of the lone bright spots for Tulsa was Rex Rundgren's first home run of the season, a one-out shot in the sixth that put the Drillers on the scoreboard at 5-1. Darin Holcomb also doubled, extending his hitting streak to nine games, in which he is batting .486 (16-for-35).
Thursday, July 16: postponed/lightning
Friday, July 17: W, 9-0 @ Arkansas
Tulsa starting and winning pitcher Jhoulys Chacin (8-6) came through with a brilliant pitching performance under the lights Friday night, three-hitting the Travelers over eight scoreless innings. The Drillers offense piled up 13 hits, including at least one by eight of the nine starters in the lineup. Jeff Kindel had two hits, two runs, a home run and two RBI, while Daniel Mayora was 3-for-5 with one run and one RBI. Chacin improved his ERA to 3.17 for the season, fifth best among active pitchers in the Texas League.
Saturday, July 18: W, 3-0 & W, 5-1 @ Arkansas
The Drillers made quick work of the Travelers, completing a doubleheader sweep in 3 hours, 58 minutes. In game one, Samuel Deduno (8-2) continued his magnificant month, improving to 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA in three starts since July 1, while Daniel Mayora's RBI double in the first and Ryan Harvey's two-run homer in the second provided the only scoring in the game. In the nightcap, the Drillers saw eight of their nine starters record hits, none for extra bases, while each of the first five hitters in the lineup had exactly one run scored. Andy Graham got the spot start for Tulsa, allowing one run in three innings, while three other relievers finished the final four frames. Mike Paulk had two hits for the Drillers, while Cole Garner added two RBI. Edgmer Escalona (1-1) got the win in relief, entering with the score already 5-1 in the fourth.
Sunday, July 19: L, 3-2 @ Arkansas
In a ninth-inning walk-off loss to the Travelers, the Drillers mounted a rally from down 2-0 to tie it at 2-2 in the seventh, only to fall a run short. Jeff Kindel went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in the third to get the Drillers on the board, while Mike McKenry launched his 10th home run of the season to tie the game. Brandon Durden turned in his second straight quality start, allowing just two runs on four hits in seven innings. Al Alburquerque (1-1) took the loss, allowing a run on two hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
LF Matt Miller ('06-08) hit .455 (5-for-11), including a four-hit game against Fresno on July 18 ... 2B Eric Young, Jr. ('08) got a few days off after participating in the All-Star Game, going 2-for-8 during the week ... RHP Brandon Hynick ('08) is looking to rebound from a tough start to July, in which he has allowed nine runs in 10 2/3 innings.
South Division Notebook
CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)
This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 9-13; Overall record: 40-52
T-3rd place South, 5.0 games behind Frisco
Monday, July 13: W, 8-2 @ Northwest Arkansas
In a big win over the Naturals, the bottom third of the Hooks' order proved to be the difference in the game. Mark Ori, Collin DeLome and Mitch Einertson combined to go 7-for-12 with three doubles, five runs scored and four RBI in the contest. Starting and winning pitcher Sergio Perez (7-8) earned the win, allowing two runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He walked five and struck out three. Second baseman Drew Meyer walked, singled, doubled, scored once and drove in two baserunners from the second spot in the lineup. The 3-4-5 hitters for the Hooks were just 1-for-12 with no extra base hits.
Tuesday, July 14: L, 7-5 @ Northwest Arkansas
Following two impressive wins over Tulsa, Hooks starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken (4-3) had a rough outing against the Naturals in the final game of a three-game series. Van Hekken was touched for seven runs (five earned) over 5 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and two walks while striking out three batters. Jhon Florentino singled, doubled and homered for the Hooks, while Collin DeLome hit a pair of doubles, scored once and drove in a run. Charles Weatherby III and Chia-Jen Lo combined for 2 2/3 perfect innings with three strikeouts.
Thursday, July 16: W, 3-2 vs. Frisco
In a stunning win over Frisco, Mitch Einertson's walk-off, ninth inning single capped a comeback in which the Hooks were down 2-0 with just four outs remaining. In the bottom of the eighth, consecutive two-out, RBI singles by Drew Locke and Jason Castro tied the game, before Einertson drove home Collin DeLome with the game-winner in the ninth. Erick Abreu (3-0) earned another win out of the bullpen, tossing three, one-hit innings of relief. Wilton Lopez was the starter for Corpus Christi, going five scoreless innings before hitting a rough patch in the sixth, during which both Frisco runs crossed the plate.
Friday, July 17: W, 6-5 vs. Frisco
Shortstop Wladimir Sutil, 3-for-5 on the night, keyed a big sixth inning rally, lacing a two-out, two-run double to tie the game at 4-4. One batter later, second baseman Drew Meyer drove in Sutil, giving the Hooks a lead they would never relinquish. Daniel Meszaros (3-2) picked up the win, recording the final two outs in the top of the sixth, while T.J. Burton came on to earn his 12th save. Jhon Florentino and Mitch Einertson each went 2-for-4, part of a 13-hit effort by Corpus Christi.
Saturday, July 18: L, 4-3 vs. Frisco
Drew Locke singled, doubled and homered for the Hooks, giving them a 3-1 lead through six innings, but a two-out error in the seventh opened the door for a Frisco comeback victory. The Hooks had plenty of chances to put the game away, but batted just 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Wladimir Sutil and Drew Meyer combined to go 3-for-7 with two doubles, a run and an RBI.
Sunday, July 19: L, 9-6 vs. Frisco
In spite of rightfielder Drew Locke's hot hitting, the RoughRiders earned the series split with their second straight win over the Hooks. Locke, who now leads the minor leagues with 83 RBI, connected for his 13th home run of the season in the first inning to tie the game at 2-2. That was the closest the Hooks would ever get to taking a lead. The Hooks scored their six runs on just five hits, taking advantage of six walks from Frisco pitchers. Sergio Perez (7-9) lasted just an inning-plus, allowing six runs (four earned), allowing four hits and four walks.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
LHP Polin Trinidad ('08-09) has won two starts in a row, allowing just four runs in three starts at the Triple-A level ... C J.R. Towles ('07) went 1-for-7 with two strikeouts in a marathon 14-inning game ... 1B Mark Saccomanno ('05-06) ended his five-game hitting streak with an 0-for-4 day July 18.
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)
This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 14-8; Overall record: 47-45
1st place South, 3.0 games ahead of San Antonio
Monday, July 13: W, 9-7 vs. Arkansas
In a wild affair, the RoughRiders scored four runs in the first inning and four more in the third, then hung on to defeat the Travelers. Johnny Whittleman started the scoring barrage with a three-run homer in the first, his fifth of the month, while Adam Fox was 3-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI. Designated hitter Tim Smith added a solo homer in the third, while Chad Tracy doubled and drove home his 19th and 20th RBI over a nine-game span. Pedro Strop (2-3) was credited with the win in relief, striking out three, while allowing just two baserunners in 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Reliever Zach Phillips threw three innings of one-run (unearned) ball, extending his unearned-runs streak to 25 innings (13 1/3 with Single-A Bakersfield, 11 2/3 with Frisco).
Tuesday, July 14: W, 10-7 vs. Arkansas
Third baseman Johnny Whittleman continued his outstanding July, belting a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning, leading Frisco past Arkansas. Whittleman, who now has six home runs and 18 RBI in his last nine games, unloaded with one out in the ninth. The win completed a series sweep over Arkansas while giving Frisco its eighth straight win over the Travelers. Craig Gentry was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three runs scored, Dustin Majewski was 4-for-5 with two RBI, while Mitch Moreland added three hits for the 'Riders.
Thursday, July 16: L, 3-2 @ Corpus Christi
With a 2-0 lead in hand and starting pitcher Omar Poveda cruising into the eighth inning, another victory appeared to be in the works for the red-hot RoughRiders. The win was not to be, however, as the Hooks rallied for two, two-out runs in the eighth and one in the ninth to steal the win. Poveda, who was lifted after 7 2/3 innings, left two men on base, both of whom came around to score on run-scoring singles off reliever Beau Vaughan. Chad Tracy drove home a run for the 'Riders, his 22nd RBI of the month.
Friday, July 17: L, 6-5 @ Corpus Christi
For the second straight night, a two-run lead was not safe in the hands of the Frisco bullpen, as the 'Riders fell to the Hooks 6-5. This time, losing pitcher Brennan Garr (2-3) came in to maintain the lead, but a two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning tied the score at 4-4. One batter later it was 5-4, and an insurance run off Garr in the eighth gave Corpus Christi a two-run cushion. Home runs by Johnny Whittleman and Adam Fox tied the game at 2-2 early on, while Craig Gentry's solo shot in the ninth brought the RoughRiders to within one. Whittleman now has seven home runs and 20 RBI since July 4.
Saturday, July 18: W, 4-3 @ Corpus Christi
The RoughRiders gave the Hooks a taste of their own medicine in their third game of a four game series, rallying from to take a one-run lead in the late-stages of the ballgame. Marcus Lemon's two-run single capped a three-run rally in the top of the seventh, one batter after an error kept the inning alive for Frisco. Kasey Kiker (6-5) was the beneficiary of the good fortune, securing the victory in his lone start as the defending Texas League Pitcher of the Week. Kiker allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings, walking two while striking out five. Pedro Strop came on for his first save of the year, finishing off the Hooks in the eighth and ninth. Chad Tracy belted his 15th homer of the season for the 'Riders.
Sunday, July 19: W, 9-6 @ Corpus Christi
Mitch Moreland doubled, homered and drove in five runs, leading the explosive RoughRiders to a 9-6 win over the Hooks. The 'Riders capitalized on eight Hooks walks and a key throwing error, scoring twice in the first, four times in the second and three more times in the seventh. Starting and winning pitcher Michael Kirkman (3-4) did not have his finest stuff, allowing five runs on three hits and five walks in six innings, striking out four. On offense, Chad Tracy added to his prodigious July totals, belting his 16th home run of the year, tying the Hooks' Collin DeLome and Naturals' Corey Smith for the league lead.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
RHP Guillermo Moscoso ('09) struck out 15 in two starts this past week, earning one win ... RHP Clayton Hamilton ('08) allowed five runs in three innings over two appearances ... 1B Chris Davis ('07-'08) went 9-for-19 with five RBI and four runs scored during the week ... RHP Neftali Feliz has an 0.84 ERA in eight relief appearances since being put in the bullpen.
MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)
This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 9-13; Overall record: 46-46
T-3rd place South, 5.0 games behind Frisco
Monday, July 13: W, 7-6 vs. Springfield
After broadcaster Bob Hards ceremoniously disposed of an unlucky stuffed cow, Midland disposed of their eight-game losing streak in dramatic fashion. First baseman Chris Carter launched a two-out, solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending the RockHounds past the Cardinals. Earlier, Midland erased a 60-inning streak in which they had not led, scoring twice in the first and three times in the second to build a 5-0 cushion. However, recently-acquired starter Justin Souza ran into trouble in the third, allowing six runs to give back the lead. After that, the 'Hounds pitchers buckled down, allowing no runs, two hits and one walk in the final six innings. Corey Wimberly was 4-for-5 in the leadoff spot, while Adrian Cardenas singled, doubled and homered for the victors.
Tuesday, July 14: L, 10-5 vs. Springfield
In a loss to Springfield, the RockHounds committed six errors, five of the throwing variety, which led to three unearned runs. Travis Banwart (6-4) took the loss, lasting four innings while throwing just 41 of his 82 pitches for strikes. The Midland pitching staff combined for eight walks and 11 hits, continuing a recent troublesome stretch in which they have lost 9-of-10 games. On offense, Matt Sulentic drove in three runs for the 'Hounds, while Corey Wimberly and Adrian Cardenas recorded two hits apiece.
Thursday, July 16: W, 4-3 @ San Antonio
One game after a lax display of defense helped cost the 'Hounds a chance at victory, Midland took advantage of five San Antonio miscues, winning 4-3. Alex Valdez' RBI groundout in the top of the ninth inning scored Corey Wimberly, who had reached on a fielding error and advanced to third on another error. The run gave relief pitcher Steven Sharpe (4-0) his second win of the week. Adrian Cardenas was 2-for-4 with a run scored for the 'Hounds, while Valdez finished 0-for-5 with two runs batted in.
Friday, July 17: W, 1-0 @ San Antonio
Graham Godfrey (8-6) continued his complete dominance of the Missions, blanking San Antonio 1-0 with some help from Bobby Cramer and Jared Lansford. Godfrey, a Houston native, went 6 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out eight batters. In five starts against the Missions, Godfrey is now 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA, including a stunning 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium. In those three turns, Godfrey has allowed just 10 hits in 18 1/3 innings, striking out 18 Missions. Chris Carter provided the only run of the game with a towering home run to left-center in the fourth, while Corey Wimberly added a pair of doubles.
Saturday, July 18: L, 8-6 @ San Antonio
After piling up five runs on seven hits in the first inning of their game against San Antonio, the RockHounds scored just one run the rest of the night, dropping a tough 8-6 decision to the Missions. Josh Horton belted a three-run homer in the top of the first, capping the five-run outburst, while Matt Spencer went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Justin Souza allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings, allowing the Missions back into the game. Rocky Roquet (1-3) was saddled with the loss, allowing two runs on four hits in one inning of work.
Sunday, July 19: L, 7-1 @ San Antonio
Eager to earn a series win over the first-half champion Missions, the 'Hounds instead fell behind 7-0 in the fourth inning, settling for a 2-2 split. Righthander Travis Banwart (6-5), once the ace of the Midland staff, was throttled for seven runs in three innings, allowing eight hits and three walks while seeing his ERA balloon to 5.07. Corey Wimberly was 1-for-4 with an RBI single in the fifth, his first RBI in eight games since being activated from the disabled list. Wimberly is batting .278 (10-for-36) since his return, after hitting .348 (24-for-69) at the beginning of the season. Chris Carter raised his average to .301 with a pair of singles.
ALUMNI REPORT (through games of July 19):
SS Cliff Pennington ('07-08) has six strikeouts in four games since the All-Star break ... C Anthony Recker ('07-08) batted .125 last week ... OF-DH Jon Weber ('04) is hitting .390 in July, raising his average from .273 to .288 for the Durham Bulls.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)
*First Half South Division Champion*
This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 11-11; Overall record: 50-42
2nd place South, 3.0 games behind Frisco
Monday, July 13: L, 14-1 @ Tulsa
Cha Seung Baek's (0-1) rehabilitation start for the Missions was a forgettable one, as he was touched for six runs (two earned) in 2 2/3 innings. San Antonio pitchers did not fare much better from there, including backup middle infielder Anthony Contreras, who allowed three runs on three hits in the eighth inning. On offense, Logan Forsythe was 3-for-4 with the Missions' lone RBI, while Eric Sogard singled and walked, the only other player to reach safely twice. Contreras's appearance was his second this season, both coming in blowout losses.
Tuesday, July 14: W, 7-3 vs. Tulsa
Middle-of-the-order boppers Lance Zawadzki, Logan Forsythe and Brian Joynt each homered, helping the Missions win their three-game series with the Drillers. Zawadzki reached base three times, scored three times and added two stolen bases for the Missions, while Joynt, a former Oklahoma City University star, hit a two-run shot in the fifth to give the Missions a 5-0 lead. Forsythe's seventh inning homer, his first in Double-A, put the game away after Tulsa had rallied to pull within 5-2. Cesar Carrillo (7-4) earned a win in his fifth straight start, moving three games above .500 despite a 4.54 ERA. He faced the minimum 16 batters through 5 1/3 before allowing a home run, his only run and one of just four hits allowed in seven innings of work.
Thursday, July 16: L, 4-3 vs. Midland
In the opening game of a big four-game set with the rival RockHounds, the Missions were their own worst enemy on defense, committing a season-high five errors. After rallying to tie the game at 3-3 in the seventh on a Cedric Hunter RBI triple, San Antonio committed four errors in the final two innings, including a pair of miscues in the top of the ninth to gift-wrap the go-ahead run for Midland. Evan Scribner (6-3) took the loss for the Missions, going one inning and allowing one run (unearned) on no hits, while committing a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt attempt. On offense, Luis Durango was 2-for-3 with his 29th stolen base of the season, while Craig Cooper homered on "Craig Cooper T-Shirt Jersey Giveaway" night.
Friday, July 17: L, 1-0 vs. Midland
In a 1-0 shutout loss to the RockHounds, the Missions managed just two hits, dropping the first two games of the series. Only Brian Joynt's roller off the glove of the shortstop and Seth Johnston's 125-foot bloop over second base saved the Missions from being no-hit in the ballgame. Ernesto Frieri (7-5) took the loss for the Missions, who were just 2-4 in six games without Manager Terry Kennedy, who was attending to family business during the week. Frieri finished five innings, allowing one run on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Saturday, July 18: W, 8-6 vs. Midland
After spotting the 'Hounds a 5-0 lead after one inning, the Missions chipped away, eventually taking control of the game in the late innings. Logan Forsythe went 3-for-4 with a triple and three runs scored, while eight and nine hitters Cedric Hunter and Jesus Lopez had two hits and two RBI apiece. The Missions also ran wild against Midland, racking up four stolen bases without being caught. Forsythe, who leads all minor leaguers in on-base percentage, boosted his average to .343 with San Antonio after batting .322 for Single-A Lake Elsinore. In his second rehab start for San Antonio Cha Seung Baek allowed five runs on seven hits in the first inning, allowing just one more run and one more hit after the first inning, completing 4 1/3 innings. Stephen Faris (4-10) earned the win in relief, his first victory since June 8.
Sunday, July 19: W, 7-1 vs. Midland
Craig Cooper smacked a two-run double in the first, Logan Forsythe added a three-run, tape-measure bomb in the third, and Cesar Carrillo (8-4) won his second start of the week and sixth straight start overall for the Missions. Seldom-used infielder Anthony Contreras, who actually pitched in a game on Monday, went 3-for-4 with two doubles as the designated hitter, while Lance Zawadzki reached base three times. Carrillo, who had Tommy John surgery in 2007, allowed six hits and a run over seven strong innings, walking one.
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