NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Midland RockHounds

'Hounds Two-Hit Hooks to Open Road Trip

April 25, 2017 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release


There were multiple "headlines" from the RockHounds' 9-0 win Monday night at Corpus Christi:

The 'Hounds earned their first shutout of the season with Corey Walter and Brandon Mann combining on a two-hitter.

Richie Martin 's solo home run, which opened the scoring and would ultimately be the game-winner, was accompanied by his brilliant night in the field (and third baseman Jordan Tarsovich was outstanding defensively as well, in addition to going 2-for-4).

B.J. Boyd extended his hit streak to 12 games, matching teammate J.P. Sportman for the longest streak in the Texas League in 2017.

Sportman was front and center, too, ripping a three-run home run on a line drive to left.

But, for more than one reason, the banner headline belonged to Viosergy Rosa .

With the 'Hounds leading, 2-0, in the top of the fifth, singles from Brett Vertigan and Sportman were followed by a two-out walk to Tyler Marincov, bringing Rosa to the plate with the bases loaded. The last time that scene presented itself was in Game 3 of the 2016 South Division Championship Series, when Rosa lifted an epic walk-off grand slam, propelling the club to its historic third consecutive title.

Rosa, on a 2-2 pitch, did it again, this time lifting an opposite field slam to the left-center power alley. While not having as much significance in the history books (very few swings ever will), Rosa's second grand slam in the last three games between the 'Hounds and Hooks was stunning. Déjà vu notwithstanding, the homer was the game's biggest swing, expanding a 2-0 lead into a 6-0 advantage.

Walter, in his first game back after making a start for Triple-A Nashville, went five innings, one more than the usual four-inning limit for tandem starters (he threw just 57 pitches in five frames). He allowed two hits and three walks, striking out one and (as he often does) pitching effectively to contact. Mann, after allowing 11 runs over his last two outings (3.1 innings) slammed the door with four no-hit innings (three walks and four K's) to earn the save in the combined two-hitter.

Martin's first defensive gem of the night, taking away an RBI single up the middle in the last of the first and saving a run in the process, was followed by his solo home run on the first pitch of the top of the third.

Quick Notes:

The 'Hounds have now won three straight and are within two games of the first place Hooks (the margin was five games three days ago).

B.J. Boyd went 2-for-5, extending his hit streak to 12 games (and his on-base streak to 13). The RockHounds outfielder is hitting .404 during that span (21-for-52) and .375 for the season.

After a very slow start offensively, Richie Martin has now hit in six straight games and has reached base in nine straight.

Since giving up one run in the season opener on April 6, Corey Walter has now thrown 15.1 consecutive scoreless innings.

The RockHounds continue their eight-game road trip (and four-game series with the Hooks) on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi. The 'Hounds will then travel to San Antonio for rematch of the wild April 20-23 series with the Missions, a four-game set at Nelson Wolff Stadium (Friday, April 28 through Monday, May 1).

Right-hander Dean Deetz (2-0, 1.04) gets the start for the Hooks, with the RockHounds sending the tandem of right-handers Grant Holmes (1-1, 8.10) and James Naile (0-0, 2.30) to the hill.

The RockHounds are next at Security Bank Ballpark for an eight-game homestand, running May 2-9.

Check out the Midland RockHounds Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Texas League message board...

Texas League Stories from April 25, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Midland RockHounds Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central