One Step Closer
Published on September 3, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
When the RockHounds arrived in San Antonio Tuesday for a 4-game series, they needed two wins to close out the Missions and clinch a berth in the 2010 Texas League playoffs. Two nights ... and a 94-minute rain delay ... into the series, the 'Hounds still needed those two wins.
Carlos Hernandez' second consecutive brilliant start ... two RBI (including the game-winner) from Val Majewski ... and another outstanding game from Petey Paramore later, the 'Hounds had taken a major step toward the post-season with a 4-2 win over the Missions at Nelson Wolff Stadium in San Antonio.
Carlos Hernandez opened the road trip pitching 7.0 shutout innings against a Frisco RoughRiders team stacked with a line-up that included three Major Leaguers (Christian Guzman, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz). While he didn't shut San Antonio out, Carlos allowed one run in his first 6.0 innings, giving up a solo home run to Matt Clark, who ripped his 25th of the season on a line drive to right in the second inning. Hernandez allowed four hits, striking out six and walking just one. Ironically, the only batter he walked was the last man he faced (James Darnell) and, when that walk turned into the tying run in the last of the 7th, Carlos' bid for a 10th win went by the boards. In two starts on the road trip, the RockHounds left-hander went 1-0, with a 1.35 ERA, two walks and 12 K's.
The RockHounds manufactured a run to tie the game at 1-1 in the 4th. With the bases empty and two out, Josh Horton was hit by a third 0-2 pitch. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch and scored on the first of Val Majewski's two RBI, narrowly avoiding Luis Martinez' tag at the plate in a bang-bang play.
Alex Valdez led off the eighth with a triple into the right field corner and Majewski drove him in with what would be the game-winning RBI, a single to left.
Petey Paramore has been the club's hottest hitter over the last 2 1/2 weeks, and was 2-for-4 with a RBI Thursday night. In his last 14 games, the 'Hounds catcher is 22-for-49 (.449), but it was glove and grit that really stood out Thursday. With the score tied at 1-1 in the sixth, San Antonio's Andy Parrino was on at second base with one out. Lance Zawadzki singled to right and, with Parrino turning for home, Majewski made a solid throw through a strong cross-wind. Paramore blocked the plate and Parrino barreled into him at full speed. Petey made the catch and tag, hitting the deck but hanging onto the ball for the out, keeping the game tied at 1-1.
Neil Wagner gave up a 3-2, 2-out single up the middle in the 7th, as San Antonuion tied the game at 2-2. On the play, Horton made made a terrific stop, but could not deny the run with runners taking off on the full count and two out. From there, Wagner struck out Parrino to end the inning and sent the Missions up-and-down in order in the 8th. Mickey Storey then pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning for his eighth save, bringing the 'Hounds one step closer to a return trip to the "Dance" and an opportunity to defend their Texas League championship.
The RockHounds play at San Antonio Friday night, then return to Citibank Ballpark for a 3-game Labor Day weekend series against Frisco, a series which could decide the second half pennant race.
The pennant race & the wild card: The RockHounds now lead first half champion Frisco by two games after t he RoughRiders defeated Corpus Christi, 8-7, in extra innings Thursday night. San Antonio is three games back with four to go, but hosts the 'Hounds Friday with a chance to draw back to within two games. Corpus Christi is now eliminated, as the Hooks are six out with four to play.
If Frisco wins the second half, the wild card race takes effect. The RockHounds' lead over San Antonio is also three games, so a win Friday would give the 'Hounds a four game lead with three to play, clinching the wild card and a playoff spot. Corpus Christi's loss Thursday also eliminated the Hooks from the wild card chase.
There are four (4) games remaining in the 2010 Texas League regular season.
Friday's Probable Starters RockHounds Matt Wright (RH, 7-2, 3.11) San Antonio Mark Hardy (LH, 0-0, 3.60)
Game time 7:05 p.m. ... Nelson Wolff Stadium ... San Antonio, TX Broadcast 6:50 p.m. on My Country 96.1-FM
Catch The 'Hounds On Air with Bob Hards on My Country 96.1-FM
Texas League Stories from September 3, 2010
- Drillers Do It Again! - Tulsa Drillers
- The Magic Number is 10 - Midland RockHounds
- Naturals broom Travelers out of town - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cardinals Squander Late Lead, Lose 4-2 - Springfield Cardinals
- Missions Extend PDC Agreement with Padres through 2012 - San Antonio Missions
- One Step Closer - Midland RockHounds
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