Player of the WeekJuly 27-August 3, 2009
Chris Carter, Midland RockHounds
Led Texas League in batting average (.516), hits (16),
RBI (9), runs (10) extra-base hits (7) and on base pct. (.583)
Co-Pitchers of the Week
July 27-August 3, 2009
Arnold Leon and Jason Fernandez, Midland RockHounds
No-hitter in 5-0 win vs. Corpus Christi on August 1:
7 innings (CG), 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts
RockHounds Sweep Weekly Awards
Greg Bergman, Midland RockHounds, August 3, 2009
The Texas League announced that Chris Carter, Jason Fernandez and Arnold Leon were named the Texas League Player and Co-Pitchers of the Week for games spanning July 27th through August 2nd.
Carter continued his second half assault on Texas League pitching this past week, with a .516 average, a pair of home runs and nine RBI. Carter's performance led the RockHounds to a 6-2 record for the week, propelling him into a tie for the league lead in home runs (18), second in RBI (80) as well as a top five rating in batting average (.322). Carter had 10 hits in a three-game stretch from July 29-31, recording two RBI in each of the three contests. He closed out the week by scoring three runs in each of the final two weekend games.
Fernandez was named Co-Pitcher of the Week, along with Leon, after their 7-inning no-hitter against Corpus Christi on Saturday night. Fernandez went the final four innings of the game adding to an impressive week in which he fired three scoreless innings at Frisco on July 28. Since moving into the bullpen, Fernandez has thrown 10 scoreless innings, while allowing just six hits and one walk. Fernandez was an All-Star representative as a starter earlier this season. He won the Pitcher of the Week award following a nine-inning complete game win on June 4.
Making his first start of the 2009 season, Leon threw three hitless innings on Saturday to combine with Fernandez for the first no-hitter ever at Citibank Ballpark. Leon's start was just a spot start due to the double header and make up of the Thursday, July 23rd rainout.
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North Division Notebook
ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)
This week: 5-1; Second Half record: 14-21; Overall record: 42-63
4th place North, 7.5 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, July 27: W, 7-4 vs. Tulsa
The Travelers, mired in a season-long slump, showed signs of second-half life with a victory over the Drillers. Starting and winning pitcher Tommy Mendoza (7-6) pitched a solid game, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings, while the offense knocked out 11 hits in support of the young righthander. Peter Bourjos and Coby Smith formed an excellent one-two punch at the top of the order, going 5-for-9 with a double, triple, three runs scored and two RBI. Smith also swiped his 31st base of the season. During the game, Travelers fan Justin Pierce was recognized as the one millionth person to walk through the gates at Dickey-Stephen's Park.
Tuesday, July 28: W, 8-0 vs. Springfield
Lefthander Trevor Reckling (7-3) and two relievers combined on a one-hit shutout, dominating the Cardinals' potent lineup. Reckling went the first seven innings, allowing one hit and four walks while striking out nine. The 20-year-old exited after tossing 95 pitches, giving way to David Herndon and Fernando Rodriguez, each of whom pitched one inning. Mark Trumbo gave Reckling and company all the support they would need with a no out, first-inning grand slam, making it 4-0. The only Springfield hit was a long double to centerfield in the second inning that deflected off the glove of Peter Bourjos, who was attempting a running basket catch.
Wednesday, July 29: L, 9-0 vs. Springfield
One night after shutting out Springfield, the Travelers were blanked by the Cardinals, despite outhitting the Cards 8-7. The damage was done quickly, as the Travs were down 9-0 after three innings, thanks to a rough outing for Michael Anton (2-8). After relieving Anton after the second inning, Barrett Browning allowed four runs in his first inning of work, then tossed three scoreless innings. That was followed by three more scoreless frames from Bryan Rembisz, who did not allow a hit. Hank Conger and Nate Sutton each went 2-for-4 in the game.
Thursday, July 30: postponed/rain
Friday, July 31: W, 12-4 @ Tulsa
The Travelers jumped all over the Drillers, scoring nine runs in the top of the first inning before coasting to victory. Coby Smith was the hitting star for the Travs, belting two, two-run home runs in the first inning, amazingly both off the same pitcher. Hainley Statia went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI from the ninth spot in the order, Chris Gutierrez had three hits and scored twice. Tim Kiely (3-1) worked with a lead throughout the game, giving up four runs on nine hits in seven innings, while walking two and striking out three.
Saturday, August 1: W, 6-1 @ Tulsa
The upstart Travelers won their fourth game of the week, upending the playoff-minded Drillers for the second straight night. Hank Conger led the way with a single, double, three RBI and a run scored, while second baseman Wil Ortiz drove in a run and scored once. Marco Albano (2-5) had his finest outing of the year, firing six shutout innings, allowing just three hits and one walk, while striking out six batters.
Sunday, August 2: W, 5-4 @ Tulsa (16 innings)
Peter Bourjos made two game-saving catches up against the centerfield fence in the bottom of the 16th inning, the second with two outs and the bases loaded, helping the Travelers to their third straight win and fifth in six games during the week. Wil Ortiz' sacrifice fly in the top half of the inning proved to be the game-winner, while Hank Conger's sac fly in the ninth sent the game into extra innings. Five relievers, including Amalio Diaz (2-6) combined to throw nine scoreless innings, allowing just six hits. Diaz earned the win, going five full innings to close out the game.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)
This week: 3-5; Second Half record: 22-14; Overall record: 58-48
1st place North, 2.0 games ahead of Tulsa
Monday, July 27: W, 4-3 @ Springfield
The Naturals completed a big four-game road sweep of the Cardinals, getting a strong performance from starting and winning pitcher Anthony Lerew (6-5). Lerew tossed seven innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on just five hits, while striking out two and walking one. He handed the ball off to Federico Castaneda, who fired two perfect innings, striking out three batters, earning his first save with the Naturals. Jose Duarte's two-run double capped a three-run fourth inning rally, while Corey Smith's seventh-inning sacrifice fly gave the Naturals an important insurance run, making the score 4-1.
Tuesday, July 28: L, 3-2 @ Tulsa
In a loss to the Drillers, Jarrod Dyson went 4-for-5 with his 14th stolen base. The Naturals were just 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and were nabbed twice on outfield assists. Blake Johnson (6-7) took the loss, working the first 6 1/3 innings while allowing three runs on six hits, striking out seven, while Ben Swaggerty struck out four in 1 2/3. David Lough was 2-for-4 with an RBI. The loss snapped Northwest Arkansas' four-game winning streak.
Wednesday, July 29: L, 2-1 & W, 5-1 @ Tulsa
The Naturals split a doubleheader with the Drillers, nearly getting shut out in game one before delivering a solid all-around performance in the nightcap. In the first game, a seventh-inning RBI single by Vance Wilson accounted for the only Naturals run. Wilson's hit was one of just four collected by Northwest Arkansas in the game. Everett Teaford (3-4) was the losing pitcher, tossing a six-inning complete game, allowing two runs on four hits, while walking three and striking out two. Game two belonged to the Naturals, as Vance Wilson homered, Corey Smith doubled and David Lough homered as part of a three-run first inning. Starter Jason Godin and winning pitcher Aaron Hartsock (1-1) each fired three scoreless innings, while Tony Abreu notched his second save, recording the final two outs.
Thursday, July 30: L, 8-1 @ Tulsa
In a sloppy performance, the first-place Naturals committed four errors, leading to three unearned runs, batted just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, and had two runners thrown out at third base from the outfield. Kurt Mertins went 2-for-3 with the lone Northwest Arkansas RBI, while Jarrod Dyson went 2-for-4 with a run and a pair of stolen bases. Matt Kniginyzky (4-8) took the loss, allowing just one earned run (four total) in 6 2/3 innings. The Naturals trailed just 2-1 going into the bottom of the seventh before unraveling, allowing four runs in the inning and two more in the eighth.
Friday, July 31: L, 5-3 vs. Springfield
The Naturals suffered through their second-straight four-error game, committing a series of mistakes during a three-run Cardinal eighth in which there was a throwing error, a catcher interference, a wild pitch, a run-scoring passed ball and three walks. On offense, David Lough hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning, giving the Naturals a 3-2 lead, while Jose Duarte singled, tripled, drove in a run and scored a run. Starting pitcher Rowdy Hardy allowed two runs on seven hits in seven innings, while striking out six and walking none. Tony Abreu (0-1) took the loss, allowing all three eighth inning runs (two earned).
Saturday, August 1: L, 2-1 vs. Springfield
The Naturals struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-11, dropping a one-run decision to the Cardinals despite outhitting Springfield 8-5. Ed Lucas went 2-for-4 with a double, while Corey Smith went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Anthony Lerew got the start for the Naturals, going six innings, while allowing five hits, three walks and striking out seven. He was relieved by an even more effective Ben Swaggerty, who pitched three perfect innings, striking out five.
Sunday, August 2: W, 5-4 vs. Springfield
Trailing 4-1 in the ninth inning and facing a fourth-straight loss, the Naturals scored four times on just one hit, stunning the Cardinals. After the first three men in the ninth drew walks, a David Lough RBI single, a passed ball and two RBI fielder's choice ground balls served as the game-winners. The win erased the sting of another poor defensive effort, in which starting pitcher Blake Johnson allowed three runs (all unearned) in seven innings pitched. Aaron Hartsock (2-1) received the win, tossing the final two innings, allowing a run on two hits.
SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)
*First Half North Division Champion*
This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 16-19; Overall record: 54-51
3rd place North, 5.5 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, July 27: L, 4-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas
In his second straight start, righthander Lance Lynn (9-4) took the loss despite engineering a quality start. Lynn, who allowed three runs in six innings, gave up seven hits, three walks and struck out four. On offense, the Cards only mustered five hits, including an RBI double from catcher Nick Derba. Pete Kozma was 1-for-4 on the evening, scoring two runs. Trey Hearne, one of the top pitchers in the Texas League, was promoted to Triple-A Memphis. Hearne had 10 wins and an ERA of 3.06. The Cardinals also announced the release of reliever Eddie Degerman.
Tuesday, July 28: L, 8-0 @ Arkansas
In their ninth consecutive loss, the Cardinals were one-hit by the Arkansas Travelers. Andrew Brown's leadoff double in the second inning would be the only base hit of the night for the Cards, who fell behind 5-0 in the first inning. Starting and losing pitcher Nick Additon (0-1) struggled in his Double-A debut, giving up a grand slam, then reloaded the bases before recording his first out. Additon went 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on four hits, while walking nine and striking out two.
Wednesday, July 29: W, 9-0 @ Arkansas
In a fitting end to their nine-game losing streak, the Cardinals blanked the Travelers, scoring one run for each of the losses in their skid. Brandon Dickson (7-6) returned to the starting rotation, firing eight shutout innings, while Jim Rapoport and David Freese drove in four runs apiece. Freese, rehabbing from an injury, doubled and homered in five at-bats, including a two-run shot to open the scoring in the top of the first. Donovan Solano was 0-for-2 in the game, but walked three times and scored twice. Tyler Norrick finished off the shutout with a hitless ninth.
Thursday, July 30: postponed/rain
Friday, July 31: W, 5-3 @ Northwest Arkansas
The Cardinals took advantage of four Northwest Arkansas errors, scoring three times in the top of the eighth inning to take the lead. Steven Hill homered and doubled, while Jim Rapoport went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Starting pitcher Ryan Kulik went the first 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, while walking two and striking out two. Fernando Salas (1-0) got the win despite facing just one batter, striking out the final batter in the seventh inning.
Saturday, August 1: W, 2-1 @ Northwest Arkansas
In a close, one-run ballgame, the Cardinals picked up the go-ahead run on a Pete Kozma RBI groundout in the top of the fourth inning and hung on to beat the Naturals. Scott Gorgen (2-3) earned the win, allowing one one on four hits over five innings, while three relievers pitched around four hits and a walk over the next four frames. Second baseman Colt Sedbrook went 2-for-4 with an RBI, raising his batting average to .190.
Sunday, August 2: L, 5-4 @ Northwest Arkansas
Three outs away from taking a 3-0 series lead over the Naturals, Springfield suffered a bullpen collapse, losing on a walk-off infield grounder. Francisco Samuel started the ninth with a 4-1 lead, but was removed after walking the bases loaded on 18 pitches. He was replaced by youngster Chuckie Fick (0-1), who was making his Texas League debut. After a strikeout, Fick allowed a base hit to cut the lead to 4-2. After a passed ball made the score 4-3, the infield had two shots to either win the game or send it to extra innings, but on consecutive ground balls, throws to the plate by shortstop Pete Kozma and third baseman Donovan Solano were off the mark, ending the game. Steven Hill belted his 18th homer in the eighth inning, giving the Cards an apparent insurance run, though it wouldn't prove to be enough.
TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)
This week: 3-5; Second Half record: 20-16; Overall record: 58-48
2nd place North, 2.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, July 27: L, 7-4 @ Arkansas
In a loss to the Travelers, the Drillers managed only five hits, committed two errors and allowed five runs over the final two innings. Third baseman Darin Holcomb hit a third-inning home run, his ninth of the year, while Brad Corley hit an RBI double and added a single. Kurt Birkins made his first start with the Drillers after pitching seven games with Colorado Springs. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up four hits and two runs.
Tuesday, July 28: W, 3-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas
Starting pitcher Samuel Deduno (10-2) concluded a brilliant month of July, winning his fourth straight start, as the Drillers captured their fifth straight home win with a win over the Naturals. Deduno was a bit off with his command, walking five, but allowed just one run on seven hits, while striking out eight in six innings. He finished the month of July a perfect 4-0 with a miniscule 1.20 ERA. On offense, Mike McKenry was 3-for-4, while Ryan Harvey ripped a two-run double off the center field wall.
Wednesday, July 29: W, 2-1 & L, 5-1 vs. Northwest Arkansas
In the first game of a twin bill, Brandon Durden (4-2) allowed just five baserunners in six-plus innings, earning his third straight victory since returning from Single-A. Cole Garner's second-inning, two-run home run was the difference in the game, which lasted a cool 1 hour, 40 minutes. In game two, the Drillers were handcuffed in similar fashion, scoring their lone run in the bottom of the seventh. Jeff Kindel singled, walked twice and drove in the only Naturals run of the game, while Daniel Mayora singled and doubled, scoring Rex Rundgren.
Thursday, July 30: W, 8-1 vs. Northwest Arkansas
Chaz Roe (4-2) and two relievers combined on a six-hitter, allowing just one run, as the Drillers climbed to within a single game of the first-place Naturals in the North Division standings. All nine Drillers reached base, four had multi-hit games, and seven scored runs. Daniel Mayora went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI in the leadoff spot, while Cole Garner went 1-for-3 with two runs batted in and a stolen base. Each of the three Drillers outfielders had one assist in the game. The Drillers won the game without an extra-base hit, as all 12 of their hits were singles.
Friday, July 31: L, 12-4 vs. Arkansas
In a blowout loss to the Travelers, Ryan Harvey belted a pair of two-run homers, accounting for all four Drillers runs. Starting and losing pitcher Keith Weiser (7-10), coming off a dominant win over the Travelers a week ago, was blasted for 10 runs on 12 hits in just two innings of work, which included a nine-run first. In addition to Harvey, three other Drillers had two hits each, including Mike McKenry, who went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Saturday, August 1: L, 6-1 vs. Arkansas
Over the course of two games, the Drillers have never led and Ryan Harvey's home runs have provided the only Tulsa scoring. In Saturday's loss, the Travelers jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning, while the Drillers' inability to get runners on base crippled their comeback chances. Harvey's seventh-inning home run, his 15th of the season, was the only damage done by the Tulsa offense. Four other Tulsa batters had singles, but all were stranded. Kurt Berkins (0-1) took the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) in 4 1/3 innings.
Sunday, August 2: L, 5-4 vs. Arkansas (16 innings)
In a third straight loss to the Travelers, the Drillers blew a ninth inning lead, stranded 14 baserunners and committed three errors. Cole Garner's two-run homer in the seventh looked to be the game-winner, as Tulsa rallied to grab a 4-3 lead. However, the Drillers - a perfect 53-for-53 when leading after eight innings - allowed a run in the top of the ninth, sending the game into extra innings. Then, with the bases loaded and two outs, a would-be game-winning double by Jeff Kindel was snared by the Travelers centerfielder up against the fence, ending the ballgame. Reliever Andy Graham tossed five, one-hit innings from the 10th through the 14th.
South Division Notebook
CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)
This week: 3-5; Second Half record: 16-20; Overall record: 47-59
3rd place South, 4.0 games behind Frisco & Midland
Monday, July 27: L, 7-2 vs. Frisco
The Hooks struggled from the opening batter, allowing three runs in the first and two more in the third, falling in the series finale to the RoughRiders. Drew Meyer smacked a solo home run in the eighth, breaking up the shutout, while Collin DeLome's RBI triple in the ninth accounted for the Hooks' final tally. Catcher Jason Castro, recently added to the Team USA roster, extended his hitting streak to seven games with a double.
Tuesday, July 28: L, 5-4 vs. San Antonio
The Hooks rallied to tie the game 4-4, but could not produce another run. Collin DeLome gave the Hooks an early 2-1 advantage with a two-run home run, his 17th of the year, while Drew Meyer added a single and a double in four trips to the plate. It was Meyer's 11th consecutive game with a base hit. The Hooks, who walked the leadoff batter for the Missions in the seventh inning which led to the winning run, have walked 75 leadoff batters this season, 31 (41 percent) of which have come around to score.
Wednesday, July 29: W, 8-1 vs. San Antonio
Texas League RBI leader Drew Locke blasted two home runs and drove in five runs, powering the Hooks to an 8-1 win over the Missions. Locke got the scoring started early, belting a solo shot in the bottom of the first inning, then piled in the sixth with a grand slam, his 15th longball of the year. Winning pitcher Kenny Baugh (2-1) and reliever Daniel Meszaros combined on a three-hitter, with San Antonio's only run being unearned. Meszaros earned his first save, going the final three innings without allowing a baserunner.
Thursday, July 30: W, 5-3 vs. San Antonio
Drew Locke continued his offensive assault against San Antonio with a first-inning homer and an RBI ground-rule double, while Jason Castro went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored, leading the Hooks over the Missions. The Hooks also capitalized on a key miscue by the Missions, scoring the tying runs on a third-inning throwing error. Reliever Tyler Lumsden (1-1) picked up the win, going 1 2/3 innings, while Evan Englebrook notched his third save.
Friday, July 31: L, 4-1 @ Midland
In a loss to the 'Hounds, former Corpus Christi pitcher Kyle Middleton stifled the Hooks offense for eight innings. Wladimir Sutil went 2-for-4 with a run scored, coming around on a Drew Locke RBI single, his 95th run batted in of the season. Locke is now tied for the Corpus Christi franchise single-season RBI mark, with 37 games remaining in the season. Hooks starter Andy Van Hekken (5-4) took the loss, allowing four runs over the first two innings before settling down. Jimmy Van Ostrand snapped a 12-game hitting streak at Citibank Ballpark, going 0-for-4.
Saturday, August 1: W, 4-0 & L, 5-0 @ Midland
Starting and winning pitcher Wilton Lopez (3-3) tossed a complete game, four-hit shutout in the first game of a doubleheader against the RockHounds, but his effort was quickly outdone by the 'Hounds, who no-hit the Hooks in the nightcap. Game one featured a two-run homer by Jimmy Van Ostrand, his eighth in Midland and 12th on the season, and 2-for-3 nights from Drew Locke and Jason Castro. In game two, Charles Weatherby III (0-1) got the spot start, allowing four runs on five hits over four innings. On offense, Wladimir Sutil reached on a pair of walks, while Van Ostrand also drew a free pass. It was the second no-hitter against the Hooks in team history.
Sunday, August 2: L, 13-5 @ Midland
The Hooks couldn't capitalize on an early 3-0 lead, allowing 13 runs in the first three innings before the pitching staff put the clamps on the Midland offense. Ryan McKeller was particularly sharp for Corpus Christi, allowing one hit in three scoreless innings. Brad James (2-9) allowed seven runs in one-plus inning of work, while on offense Mitch Einertson went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Jimmy Van Ostrand was his usual Midland-loving self, collecting two hits and an RBI, giving him a batting average of .426 with 25 RBI in 15 games at Citibank Ballpark this season.
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)
This week: 4-3; Second Half record: 20-16; Overall record: 53-53
T-1st place South with Midland
Monday, July 27: W, 7-2 @ Corpus Christi
Dustin Majewski and Adam Fox belted first-inning homers to give the 'Riders an early 3-0 lead, giving Michael Ballard (3-5) enough run support to beat the Hooks. Ballard went the distance for Frisco, allowing two runs on six hits in nine innings of work. He struck out six and walked two, using 120 pitches in the game. Majewski added a double and a walk in addition to his two-run homer.
Tuesday, July 28: L, 5-4 vs. Midland
In a loss to the RockHounds, the 'Riders scored three runs in the first and another in the second, but were held scoreless over the game's final seven innings. Chad Tracy went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, while Craig Gentry lined an inside-the-park home run to center field. Starting pitcher Kasey Kiker went five innings, allowing three runs on just two hits, while walking four batters and striking out seven. He also picked off two base runners. Pedro Strop (3-4) took the loss in relief when he allowed one run in the eighth and one in the ninth.
Wednesday, July 29: W, 9-8 vs. Midland
The 'Riders capitalized on an eight-run fifth and an unearned run in the sixth to take a 9-3 lead, just enough to hold off the late-charging RockHounds. Adam Fox and Chad Tracy slugged two-run homers during the eight-run inning, while Manny Pina went 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Jose Diaz secured the final three outs of the game, putting a halt to a rally which saw the 'Hounds score three runs in the ninth inning.
Thursday, July 30: L, 10-9 vs. Midland
Leading 7-5 heading into the top of the ninth, the RoughRiders coughed up a five-spot to Midland, eventually losing a crucial game in the South Division standings. On offense, Chad Tracy doubled, tripled and drove in two, while Adam Fox reached base five times, scored three runs, and hit a two-run homer in the ninth to pull the 'Riders back within a run. Pedro Strop (3-5) recorded just one out in the ninth, allowing four runs (three earned) on just one hit, walking three.
Friday, July 31: W, 6-5 @ San Antonio (11 innings)
The 'Riders bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to Midland by stealing a win from the Missions. Johnny Whittleman's RBI single in the ninth tied the score 5-5, before Chad Tracy's RBI base hit plated the game-winning run. Four Frisco relievers combined to throw 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. Adam Fox singled, doubled and homered in six trips to the plate, while Tracy finished with two hits and two RBI.
Saturday, August 1: W, 10-3 @ San Antonio
In a blowout victory over the Missions, the RoughRiders pounded eight extra-base hits, while all nine Frisco batters had at least one hit. Dustin Majewski went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI, Chad Tracy doubled, homered and drove in two, while Mitch Moreland singled, doubled and drove in a pair. Michael Ballard (4-5) followed up his complete game effort with a solid outing, going 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, while walking two and striking out five.
Sunday, August 2: L, 6-5 @ San Antonio (11 innings)
Mitch Moreland hit a game-tying solo home run with two outs in the top of the ninth, but the 'Riders dropped an extra-inning affair to the Missions. Moreland was 4-for-5, recording half of the RoughRiders eight hits in the game, while Johnny Whittleman added two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Starting pitcher Kasey Kiker lasted just two-thirds of an inning, allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits, three walks and one hit batter. Brennan Garr, Pedro Strop and Zach Phillips went the next 8 1/3, allowing no runs on six hits, before John Bannister (3-3) came on for the final 1 1/3, taking the loss.
MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)
This week: 6-2; Second Half record: 20-16; Overall record: 57-49
T-1st place South with Frisco
Monday, July 27: W, 10-1 vs. San Antonio
With a blowout victory over the Missions, the 'Hounds' run of four straight extra-inning wins came to an end. Leadoff hitter Corey Wimberly was a one-man wrecking crew at the top of the order, going 3-for-4 with a walk, two stolen bases, a run and three RBI. Starting and winning pitcher Tyson Ross (1-0), making his Texas League debut, allowed just one run on four hits in six innings of work, walking one and striking out four. Amazingly, the RockHounds got their leadoff hitter on base in all nine innings.
Tuesday, July 28: W, 5-4 @ Frisco
The RockHounds rallied for the tying run in the eighth and winning run in the ninth, extending their winning streak to six games. Matt Sulentic drove home the game-winning run, scoring Josh Donaldson, who had earlier belted a three-run home run. Winning pitcher Jon Hunton (3-0) and closer Jared Lansford worked a perfect eighth and ninth, each striking out a batter. Lansford earned his fourth save of the year after taking over the closing duties during the previous road trip. Former 'Hound Tommy Everidge drilled an RBI double off Jonathan Papelbon, helping Oakland force extra innings, to the delight of his former Midland teammates watching a video replay following the game.
Wednesday, July 29: L, 9-8 @ Frisco
In a one-run loss to Frisco, the RockHounds staged a big comeback with five runs over the final two innings. However, it wasn't enough to overcome Frisco's eight-run fifth and a seemingly harmless run the RoughRiders scored in the sixth. Chris Carter continued his hot hitting with a double and a homer, while Corey Wimberly had three hits and scored three times. Justin Souza (0-1) took his first loss of the season, allowing seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings. On offense, Matt Spencer extended his hitting streak to 10 games, Matt Sulentic extended his to 11, while Carter hit safely in his 12th straight contest.
Thursday, July 30: W, 10-9 @ Frisco
The RockHounds scored five runs in the top half of the ninth inning, then hung on to defeat Frisco, pulling just 1/2 game back of the 'Riders in the South Division standings. Chris Carter had four hits and two RBI, part of a top-of-the-lineup quartet that drove in nine runs. Josh Horton was among that foursome, going 3-for-5 with a triple, three runs scored and two runs batted in. Steven Sharpe (6-0) earned yet another relief win, his sixth of the month, while Jared Lansford earned his fifth save despite allowing a two-run homer in the ninth.
Friday, July 31: W, 4-1 vs. Corpus Christi
Chris Carter continued to tear the cover off the ball, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, while three other 'Hounds recorded multi-hit games. Starting pitcher Kyle Middleton (1-0) threw his second brilliant game in as many starts, earning the win with eight stellar innings. He lowered his ERA to 0.60 in two Double-A games this season, allowing just one run on four hits, while walking two and striking out six. Middleton was signed from the independent Pensacola Pelicans, after pitching for the Hooks in each of the past two seasons. Shane Peterson added two doubles for the 'Hounds.
Saturday, August 1: L, 4-0 & W, 5-0 vs. Corpus Christi
After a forgettable game one in which the 'Hounds recorded just two hits, pitchers Arnold Leon and Jason Fernandez (7-8) combined on a no-hitter, whitewashing the Hooks with just three walks. Leon went the first three hitless innings, striking out two while walking two, followed by Fernandez, who completed four innings while giving up just one walk. With two outs in the top of the seventh, third baseman Alex Valdez made a diving stop and throw to first, finishing off the no-hitter in dramatic fashion. Chris Carter went 2-for-2 with a triple, homer, walk and three runs scored in the game for the RockHounds.
Sunday, August 2: W, 13-5 vs. Corpus Christi
The 'Hounds roared out of the gates in the fourth game of their extended five-game series with the Hooks, erasing a 3-0 lead with five runs in the first, two in the second and six more in the third, taking a 13-4 lead. Matt Spencer, the hero in the 'Hounds lineup the previous weekend, sprang to life with two doubles, a triple, three runs scored and four runs batted in, while Josh Donaldson went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and three RBI.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)
*First Half South Division Champion*
This week: 2-5; Second Half record: 15-21; Overall record: 54-52
4th place South, 5.0 games behind Frisco & Midland
Monday, July 27: L, 10-1 vs. Midland
After three consecutive extra-inning losses to the RockHounds, the Missions were blown out in the final contest of the four-game series. Defending Texas League Pitcher of the Week Ernesto Frieri (8-6) suffered the loss, walking a career-high six batters, while allowing four runs on four hits. On offense, Cedric Hunter singled, tripled and drove in a run, while Mitch Canham was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Tuesday, July 28: W, 5-4 @ Corpus Christi
Lance Zawadzki's two-out, RBI single in the seventh snapped a 4-4 tie, sending the Missions to a one-run win over the Hooks. Closer Evan Scribner bounced back from two blown saves in the previous series, striking out five batters in two innings, earning his 18th save of the year. He protected the lead for winning pitcher Matt Buschmann (1-1), who made his second Double-A start of the season.
Wednesday, July 29: L, 8-1 @ Corpus Christi
One day after ending a four-game losing streak, the Missions were dominated by Corpus Christi pitching. San Antonio collected just three hits in the game, including a double by Lance Zawadzki, while starting pitcher Stephen Faris (4-11) lost his league-worst 11th game of the year. Brandon Gomes fired two innings of relief, allowing no runs and one hit, while walking none and striking out three.
Thursday, July 30: L, 5-3 @ Corpus Christi
The Missions lost for the seventh time in eight tries, coughing up an early 3-1 lead. Luis Durango was 3-for-5 with a run and two stolen bases, while Mitch Canham singled, doubled and drove in a run. Starting pitcher Corey Kluber struggled with his control, walking five batters in 4 2/3 innings, while striking out two. He allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits, leaving after tossing 96 pitches. Losing pitcher Gabe DeHoyos (0-1), added to the roster the day before after the promotion of Cesar Carrillo, allowed two runs on five hits in his first game with the Missions in 2009. Former Missions Mat Latos and Seth Johnston have been enjoying success at higher levels. Latos won his second straight start for the San Diego Padres, allowing just one run on one hit in seven innings against the Reds, while Johnston was 10-for-20 with four home runs for the Triple-A Portland Beavers.
Friday, July 31: L, 6-5 vs. Frisco (11 innings)
The Missions suffered their fourth extra-inning loss in their last five home games, blowing a ninth-inning save for the third time in that span. The Missions failed to hold leads of 4-2 and 5-4, with closer Evan Scribner blowing his fifth save of the second half. Mitch Canham and Brian Joynt homered for the Missions, while each picked up a single as well. Starting pitcher Nathan Culp allowed two runs on six hits in six innings of work. Scott Rice (0-4) took his fourth loss of the season. He has now lost three times in the past eight days. The Missions stole four bases in the game without being caught.
Saturday, August 1: L, 10-3 vs. Frisco
After yet another extra-inning loss, the Missions were blown out at home by the RoughRiders. The loss was the Missions fourth in a row, ninth out of 10, and 21st in 35 second half games. Lance Zawadzki went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, but as a team San Antonio recorded only six hits and struck out 11 times at the plate. Ernesto Frieri (8-7) dropped his second straight start, going only two innings before being removed due to disciplinary reasons. Second baseman Eric Sogard left the game after being hit in the hand by a pitch.
Sunday, August 2: W, 6-5 vs. Frisco (11 innings)
In the bottom of the 11th, Luis Durango missed a suicide squeeze sign from Manager/third base coach Terry Kennedy, but hit the ball in play anyway, scoring Mitch Canham from third with the winning run. The win was the Missions first extra-inning victory in their last five tries, each of which have taken place in the past 10 days. Durango was 1-for-4 with three walks and two RBI, while Craig Cooper went 3-for-5. The Missions batted around in the first inning, scoring five runs, but did not take advantage of numerous other run scoring opportunities until the 11th. In all, the Missions were 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position and stranded 18 men on base, one off their season high.
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This Week in Texas League History
August 3, 1895...Sherman used 23 hits and 10 walks to crush Austin 26-4. Six Sherman batters had at least three hits in the game, including Klondike Douglas, who had four, and who scored a league record seven runs. Sherman blew the game open in the fourth inning when they scored 13 runs, taking an 18-0 lead.
August 4, 1941...In the opening game of a double header at Fort Worth, Oklahoma City scored twice in the top of the 15th inning, taking a 5-3 decision from the Cats. Eddie Marleau tossed the final 9.2 innings for the Indians, limiting Fort Worth to just three hits and no runs. Marleau started the winning rally in the 15th, singling, then after advancing to third, stealing home with the winning tally. In the second game, another OKC hurler used both his rarm and his bat to win the game. Pitcher Stan Goletz led the Indians to 5-2 win in the seven-inning tilt, limiting the Cats to seven hits. Goletz won the game for himself when he poked a three-run triple in the sixth inning that broke a 1-1 tie.
August 5, 1905...After Paris disbanded on August 4th, Ardmore joined the league on the 5th. Their debut was less than a success, as they committed 10 errors in a 4-2 loss to Dallas.
August 6, 1993...Wichita southpaw Nate Cromwell tossed a three-hit, 1-0 shutout at San Antonio. Hit third-inning home run produced the game's only tally.
August 7, 1991... In Midland's 15-5 win over Wichita, Kevin Flora and Tim Salmon both drove in five runs. Flora did his damage with a home run and a pair of doubles, while Salmon used three doubles to drive in his five markers.
August 8, 1951...Omar Tolson's fifth hit of the evening, a two-out line drive to center in the bottom of the 15th, gave San Antonio a 5-4 win over Oklahoma City. Tolson was a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, reaching base safely all seven times he batted in the game as he also drew a pair of walks. In addition to driving in the game-winning tally, Tolson drove in two other runs with a fifth inning home run.
August 9, 1917...Fort Worth swept a double header from Houston by identical scores of 4-0, allowing the Buffaloes just five hits over 16 innings. Pol Perritt opened the twin-bill by holding Houston to just one hit, a two-out single by Hub Northen in the eighth inning. It was the second no-hit bid spoiled by Northen in the past three weeks. He had the Buffs only hit in a 1-0 loss to Fort Worth on July 22.
August 10, 1909...Dallas beat Waco 2-1 even though their only hit of the contest was a triple in the top of the first inning, by manager Curley Maloney leading off the game. Dallas managed to score twice in the first without benefit of another hit, then held on, eking out a one-run win. The tough luck loser for Waco was Earl Herbert, who pitched nine innings of no-hit ball after Maloney's triple. Herbert, however, contributed to the heart-breaking loss, uncorking a wild pitch in the first that allowed both Dallas runs to score. After that, Herbert was untouchable, striking out 13, while walking just two. Dallas starter Gene Moore had quite a day himself, limiting Waco to just three hits, while striking out nine.
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