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 Midland RockHounds

Diesel Lag? Extra Innings? No Problem

May 25, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release


Brett Vertigan had the RockHounds' only RBI on Tuesday night, and it decided the game. Vertigan's two-out single to center field scored Matt Chapman with the tie-breaking run in the top of the 10th, as the 'Hounds won the opener of a three-game series in Springfield over the Cardinals, 3-2.

The extra innings game was the club's third in-a-row ... the sixth in their last eight games and the eighth "overtime" game in the last 12 games. In addition, the club had played a long game at home on Monday night, followed by an 11-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Springfield.

Springfield starter Andrew Morales was, for the most part, outstanding, scattering six hits over seven innings, with no walks and eight strikeouts. He did, however, have two errant throws on which the RockHounds scored a pair of runs. J.P. Sportman and Danny Oh put together back-to-back singles in the second and attempted a double-steal. Morales had time to get Sportman, going to third, but his throw went well wide, allowing Sportman to reach third and score as the ball bounded up into foul territory. In the fourth inning, Sportman reached on a fourth-inning fielder's choice and later scored from third on a Morales wild pitch, giving the 'Hounds a 2-0 lead.

Kris Hall relieved starter Corey Walter (see below) in the sixth, allowing a run on a bunt single, two walks and a sacrifice fly.

Sam Bragg was victimized when Bruce Caldwell's short porch home run (315 feet down the left field line) tied the game in the last of the eighth. Bragg then escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth to extend the game, extending the game and earned the win with a scoreless 10th inning. Since moving to the bullpen full-time, Bragg has been outstanding. In five appearances (interrupted by a three-week stay on the DL due to a right hip injury), he has allowed six hits in 10.1 innings, walking three and striking out 15. His ERA in those five games is 1.74.

The RockHounds

... are 23-21 (12-10 at Security Bank Ballpark and 11-11 on the road) ... have won three of their last five ... won the opener of their six-game road trip ...won the first meeting of the season versus Springfield ... are 8-5 versus the North Division.

... continue their six-game road trip with evening games at Springfield on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.) and Thursday (7:10 p.m.). The club then travels to Tulsa for a three-day set this weekend with the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers).

Kibbles & Bits

STAT of the DAY It's another way to say it, but the 'Hounds continue play close game after close game. Of their last 17 games, eight have been one-run games and six have been two-run decisions. Two have been decided by three runs (one of those in 15 innings) and Monday's 11-7 (10-inning) loss to Corpus Christi was the only one of the 17 games decided by more than three.

- Corey Walter continued his outstanding season on Tuesday night, lowering his ERA to a sub-two (1.96). He went five innings for the third straight start (four is, many times, his limit, but pitch count has allowed a fifth inning in his last three outings). Walter moved into the rotation when Daniel Mengden was promoted to Triple-A, and has excelled in that role. In five starts, the former West Virginia University star is 0-1, but with a 1.57 ERA. He has allowed 20 hits in 23 innings, while largely pitching to contact, walking just three and striking out 10.

- Tyler Marincov had a rough "introduction" to Double-A Baseball. Promoted from (Advanced-A) Stockton to take Ryon Healy's roster spot, he went 0-for-10 in this first three games, including an 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in a doubleheader versus Frisco in his debut. Since then, Marincov has now hit in four straight games, and is hitting .500 in that stretch (9-for-18).

- Brett Vertigan has hit in five straight games (8-for-20, .400). Perhaps more important, the last four of those games (7-for-17, .412) have been from the leadoff spot. His skill set, including excellent speed, make him a good fit, and the 'Hounds have been looking for someone to fill the role.


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Texas League Stories from May 25, 2016


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.

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