TL Midland RockHounds

A Chip on His (Left) Shoulder; SA Wins, 3-1

August 28, 2021 - Texas League (TL)
Midland RockHounds News Release


For San Antonio pitcher Osvaldo Hernandez, facing the RockHounds had been something of a baseball "nightmare" in 2021. In four starts versus the 'Hounds, Hernandez was 0-2, with a 10.80 earned run average, so if the left-hander took the mound Friday night with a chip on his shoulder, it would be understandable.

Hernandez, escaping a couple of jams along the way, went five scoreless innings ... and gained a bit of revenge ... as the Missions captured a 3-1 win Friday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium in San Antonio.

Pitching continued to be at the forefront in the series as, for the third consecutive game, the winning team scored just three runs.

San Antonio's "hat trick" came in the fourth inning against RockHounds starter Jack Cushing. Eguy Rosario led off with a walk and, after going to second on a wild pitch, scored on Michael Curry's double to left-center. Juan Fernandez reached on an infield single (a would-be double down the left field line on which third baseman Edwin Diaz made a terrific play) and Olivier Basabe followed with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt, scoring Curry. Ethan Skender, who went 2-for-4 in his Double-A debut, then ripped an RBI triple to center field, giving the Missions a 3-0 lead.

The RockHounds got on the board in the seventh when Jake Suddleson drew a one-out walk and scored on Max Schuemann's second double of the night (see "Kibbles & Bits," below).

The 'Hounds threatened with a two-out rally in the top of the ninth against Missions closer Jose Quezada. Schuemann (who reached base in 4-of-5 plate appearances) drew a walk and Devin Foyle doubled to left field, putting the tying runs in scoring position, before Quezada responded by striking out Jonah Bride to end the game.

With the win, the Missions evened the series at two games apiece with Saturday (7:05) and Sunday (6:05) evening games remaining.

Kibbles & Bits

It may have been a bit painful, but it took Max Schuemann just five pitches to extend his (remarkable) on-base streak to 20 games.

Leading off the game, Max was hit by a pitch, the start of (another) outstanding night at the dish. He finished 2-for-3, with two doubles, and drove in the RockHounds' only run. He reached base in 4-of-5 plate appearances and stole his 49th base of the season overall ... his 15th with the 'Hounds.

*In the 20-game streak, Max is hitting .450 (36-for-80) with a .546 on-base percentage. *The streak now includes 12 walks, 12 stolen bases, 18 runs scored (and another six driven in) with four doubles.

Next Game

Saturday, August 28 vs. San Antonio Missions

Nelson Wolff Stadium San Antonio, TX

First pitch 7:05 p.m.

Fifth of a six-game series and road trip

Probable Starters

SA Tyler Viza (RH, 0-0, 3.00)

RH Ty Damron (LH, 2-4, 5.78)

Back at Rocky Town: Tuesday, August 31 through Sunday, September 5

A six-game homestand, hosting the Frisco RoughRiders. Highlights include:

Thirsty Thursday ( September 2) ... RockHounds Adult Jerseys (Friday, September 3) ... and Saturday night fireworks (September 4).

Check out the Midland RockHounds Statistics



Texas League Stories from August 28, 2021


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