Ball 16
Published on June 23, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Midland RockHounds Designated Hitter Viosergy Rosa
(Midland RockHounds, Credit: Richard A. Acosta)
DISCLAIMER: Our headline ("Ball 16") is not meant, in any way, to be unkind or disrespectful. It is simply a succinct way to indicate that the tenth inning of Wednesday night's game between the RockHounds and the Frisco RoughRiders was, to say the least, unusual. Yes, the 'Hounds scored the game-winning run without (for all intents and purposes) taking the bat of their collective shoulder and drawing four walks. And, yes, the four free passes came on a total of 17 pitches, but the Riders didn't go away without a remarkable effort and some managerial creativity.
Frisco's Ryne Slack entered the game in the 10th and struggled with his command. The left-hander walked leadoff batter Brett Vertigan on four pitches and Tyler Marincov on five. After going 2-0 to Beau Taylor, Slack threw back to second base in a pickoff attempt and the throw sailed into center field for an error, putting runners at second and third. Taylor then walked on the next two pitches, loading the bases with no outs.
RoughRiders manager Joe Mikulik went back to the bullpen for lefty Jason Richman and set up a "desperation defense." He brought right fielder Preston Beck in to become a fifth infielder, stationed on the right side, with second baseman Andy Ibanez playing up the middle. Mikulik also took left fielder Joe Jackson out and replaced him with Chris Garia, an outfielder with remarkable speed, positioning him in left-center and moving Ryan Cordell to right-center. This would all be nothing more than a sidebar, except it worked ... initially anyway. Cordell made a terrific, sliding catch on a fly ball to right off the bat of Matt Chapman. While his ensuing throw home sailed up the first base line, the 'Hounds couldn't have anticipated the wide toss, and Vertigan was held at third with one out. Richman, however, then walked Josh Rodriguez on four pitches, a "walk-off walk" that gave the RockHounds a split of the four-game series and of the first two games of the Texas League second half.
Ronald Guzman's solo home run in the fourth provided Frisco's only run and back-to-back-to-back singles from Franklin Barreto, J.P. Sportman and Viosergy Rosa in the fifth forged a tie that stood until "overtime."
The RockHounds
... are 1-1 in the second half and 34-38 overall ... are 18-19 at Security Bank Ballpark and 16-19 on the road ... are 6-10 versus Frisco (2-6 at Rocky Town and 4-4 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco) ... are 4-5 through the first nine games of their 13-game (12-day) homestand ... are 7-6 in extra-inning games ... are 22-26 versus the South Division.
... now host San Antonio for a return visit (the clubs played last Wednesday through Saturday) in a four-game weekend series. The set will include "Thirsty" Thursday ... a Rocky & Juice Salt & Pepper Shaker giveaway night (Friday) and postgame fireworks on Saturday. Game time for each of those evenings is 7:00 p.m., with the series (and homestand) finale set for Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
Kibbles & Bits
STAT of the DAY Each of the four games in the series between the RockHounds and Frisco was decided by one run, two going extra innings.
- Viosergy Rosa has a 13-game on-base streak (18-for-44, .409, with a .544 on-base percentage) and has hit in 20 of 23 games (25-for-75, .346).
- Since a nightmarish start to the season (a 29.08 ERA after two outings), reliever Sam Bragg has been exceptional for the RockHounds - - the right-hander has not allowed a run in his last seven appearances (11 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 13 K). Since those first two appearances in April, Bragg's ERA in his last 13 outings is 1.57.
- In two "spot starts," Ben Bracewell has gone nine innings, allowing one run (earned) on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts (a 1.00 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP). He has pitched in virtually every role for the 'Hounds from spot starter to closer, all with an ERA of 1.88.
Images from this story
 Midland RockHounds Designated Hitter Viosergy Rosa (Richard A. Acosta) |
Texas League Stories from June 23, 2016
- Big Night Capped by Another Comeback Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Thursday's Game at Hammons Field Postponed - Springfield Cardinals
- Naturals Build Early Lead, Fall Late in Tulsa - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Riders Game Notes - 7:05 p.m. vs. Corpus Christi Hooks - June 23, 2016 - Frisco RoughRiders
- St. Louis C Brayan Pena Rejoins Springfield on Rehab Assignment - Springfield Cardinals
- Ball 16 - Midland RockHounds
- Drillers Rally Again, Win on Garlick's Blast - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Split Series with 8-6 Win in 10 Innings - Springfield Cardinals
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.
