Angry Birds & Deja Vu
May 27, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
The last half of the first inning on Thursday night must have brought a very unpleasant sense of déjà vu for RockHounds starter Raul Alcantara. In his April 25 start at Corpus Christi, the right-hander was victimized for seven runs in the first two innings (the RockHounds rallied back to win that game, 8-7, in 14 innings). In the April game at "the beach," a home run to left field that was pushed the last few feet (and over the wall) by a strong wind was the "ignition" to the Hooks' early outburst.
With one on and one out Thursday, Harrison Bader, one of the league's top hitters, lifted a fly ball to left. The high drive landed, almost gently, in the left field bullpen, clearing the wall by roughly 10 feet. Luke Voit followed with a solo blast to right-center (cutting through the wind) and Springfield went on to bat around, scoring four runs, and taking early command of the game.
After dropping the first two games of the series to the 'Hounds, the Cardinals used a 15-hit attack to run away with the finale. Eight of Springfield's nine batters had at least one hit, led by Carson Kelly, who went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and three runs driven in.
Alcantara's counterpart, Mike Mayers, gave up a leadoff double to Brett Vertigan, then (for all intents and purposes) retired 16 consecutive batters. The only two RockHounds to reach base the first two times through the order were Vertigan and J.P Sportman, who reached on a passed ball third strike in the second (he later collected the last of the club's four hits). Mayers pitched into the eighth, allowing just four hits (three to Vertigan, including his first home run of the season), striking out 10 without walking a batter.
The RockHounds
... are 24-22 (12-10 at Security Bank Ballpark and 12-12 on the road) ... have won four of their last six ... won the three-game series versus Springfield, 2-1 ... are 9-6 versus the North Division.
... remain six games behind Frisco (30-16) in the Texas League South Division. The RoughRiders were swept in their three-game series at Tulsa (Frisco now travels to Springfield with the RockHounds taking on the Drillers in Tulsa). The second-place Corpus Christi Hooks (28-18) took two-of-three at home from Arkansas, falling Thursday (8-4) but are still just two games behind the division-leading RoughRiders.
... continue their six-game road trip with a three-game weekend series with the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers) at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma. First pitch each evening (including Sunday) is at 7:05 p.m.
... return to Security Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, May 31 to host Springfield (May 31-June 2) and Tulsa (June 3-6) for a six-game homestand. The six home dates include "Thirsty" Thursday (June 2) ... Cap Night (Friday, June 3) and postgame fireworks (Saturday, June 4). The homestand finale on Sunday afternoon, June 5 (2:00 p.m.), will feature the amazing Cowboy Monkey Rodeo.
Kibbles & Bits
STAT of the DAY The RockHounds were involved in a game decided by more than four runs for the first time since May 5 (19 games). 14 of the club's last 19 games have been decided by one or two runs, with eight going to extra innings.
- Brett Vertigan went 3-for-4 (double, solo home run) and has now hit in six of his last seven games (11-for-29, .379).
Texas League Stories from May 27, 2016
- Travs Shut Down Missions in Opener - San Antonio Missions
- Mendez Shuts Down Cards, But Riders Fall 1-0 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Hooks Nick Naturals - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Bader Blasts Cardinals by RoughRiders, 1-0 - Springfield Cardinals
- Arkansas Takes Opener Behind Season-High Seven Doubles - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Hooked, 4-2, in Opener at Corpus Christi - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Winning Streak Comes to End with 2-1 Loss - Tulsa Drillers
- Riders Game Notes - 7:05 p.m. at Springfield Cardinals - May 27, 2016 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Group Outings and Summer Picnics at Arvest Ballpark - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Angry Birds & Deja Vu - Midland RockHounds
- Morrow and Schulz Help Missions Take Series - San Antonio Missions
- Every Trav Gets a Hit in Finale Win at CC - Arkansas Travelers
- Travelers Take Series Finale - Corpus Christi Hooks
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