A 16-3 Tie
April 21, 2015 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Midland RockHounds Pitcher Zach Neal
(Midland RockHounds, Credit: Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds)
The great sports cliché' says "you have to play them one at a time." The combined score of Monday's Texas League double-header between the RockHounds and Arkansas was 16-3, in favor of the Travelers. But, since you really DO have to play them one at a time, the 'Hounds gained a split of the twin bill, exchanging shutout wins. Arkansas won the opener, 16-0, and the RockHounds took the nightcap, 3-0.
A seven-run second inning blew the first game wide open, with Arkansas taking a 10-0 lead after two frames and never looking back.
The loss was the RockHounds' seventh in eight games, and the club turned to Zach Neal to be its "stopper" in game two. Neal gave the club exactly what it needed, going six innings (with terrific defensive support when he needed it), and Bobby Wahl closed the door for his second save of the year in the seventh. The offense was supplied by Matt Olson (1-2, double, walk, run, RBI) and Jaycob Brugman. The former BYU star entered the double-header 2-for-25 in his first Double-A season, but went a combined 3-for-6, including a key RBI double in game two.
Kibbles & Bits
- Quick Hits: Arkansas sent 36 batters to the plate in the first four innings of game one, going through the batting order exactly four times ... the win was the RockHounds' first in five tries against Arkansas in 2015 ... before the game two win the RockHounds had been shut out in back-to-back games (5-0 Saturday at NW Arkansas) ... on a night that began with a 16-run loss, the 'Hounds finished the night gaining a half-game on first-place Corpus Christi (now trailing the Hooks by three games).
- In his last eight starts as a RockHound (2014-2015), Zach Neal is 5-0, with a 2.07 ERA.
- Colin Walsh saw his 34-game (over two seasons) on-base streak come to an end at 34 games after going 0-for-4 in game one.
- Road Trip: The RockHounds and Travelers wrap up their series, and the 'Hounds conclude their six-game road trip, Tuesday evening (7:10) at Dickey-Stephens park in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Wednesday is a league-wide off/travel day, with the 'Hounds then opening an eight-game home stand, taking on the San Antonio Missions (April 23-26) and Corpus Christi Hooks (April 27-30). The homestand begins and ends with "Thirsty Thursdays," and includes keychain and adult jersey giveaway nights, along with two day games (Sunday, April 26 and Tuesday, April 28). Check www.midlandrockhounds.org for more information.
Tuesday's Series Finale (7:10 p.m.)
RockHounds RHP Chris Jensen (2-0, 3.86) vs Arkansas RHP Albert Suarez (1-1, 2.45)
Images from this story
 Midland RockHounds Pitcher Zach Neal (Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds) |
Texas League Stories from April 21, 2015
- Cardinals Outlast Missions, 3-2, in 10 Innings - Springfield Cardinals
- Missions Fall in Extras to Cards in Homestand Finale - San Antonio Missions
- Hooks Top Drillers, Urias - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Crush RoughRiders in Series Finale - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Strike Early in Series Finale Win against Frisco - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- A 16-3 Tie - Midland RockHounds
- Anderson, Hoenecke Twist Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Edge Cardinals with 4-3 Walk-Off Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Prospects Fuel Naturals to Shutout Victory over Frisco - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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.
