Fifth Period Math
April 28, 2015 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Making his first ever appearance at the Double-A level, RockHounds starting pitcher Joey Wagman allowed one run on three hits in five innings of work to earn the win in the team's 8-4 victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks on Tuesday afternoon at Security Bank Ballpark. (Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds)
Tuesday was "Safety Awareness Day" (a.k.a. Kid's Day) at Security Bank Ballpark which means (a) an 11 o'clock start and (b) an exuberant, although "somewhat aware" crowd, a bit more enthralled with just being at a baseball game instead of inside a classroom.
Here's what the kids probably missed:
-Â Â Â Â The RockHounds handed Corpus Christi an 8-4 defeat, making it two in-a-row over the first-place Hooks.
-Â Â Â Â The 'Hounds scored four times in the fifth period (inning), highlighted by Matt Olson's two-run double. A three-run seventh and a towering solo home run in the eighth off the bat of Colin Walsh capped the scoring.
-Â Â Â Â Joey Wagman, making his first start above the Single-A level, was outstanding. The right-hander earned the win, going five innings and allowing just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out three. With recent roster shuffling at the Major League, Triple-A and Double-A levels, Wagman was assigned to the 'Hounds (from extended spring training) specifically for this start. His status remains to be seen, but there's no question he made a terrific "first impression."
-Â Â Â Â Carlos Correa, Houston's # 1 prospect (and one of the top prospects in all of baseball), went 2-for-2 with two walks. His first-inning triple (on a very close fair/foul call down the left field line) drove in the game's first run, and the 20-year-old ripped a solo home run in the eighth. The school kids were probably unaware they were watching a young man who will, in all likelihood, be the Astros' shortstop ... very soon.
Kibbles & Bits
-Â Â Â Â OBIE:Â Chad Oberacker was held without a hit for just the third time in 17 games, "dropping" his average to .383, but the RockHounds' designated hitter drew a walk to open the home half of the first, extending his on-base streak to 17 games.
-Â Â Â Â 180-DEGREE ANGLE:Â Before being assigned to the RockHounds in the first week of the 2015 season, Matt Angle had last played at the Double-A level in 2010. Since then, he has been at Triple-A and also played 31 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2011. Matt struggled after his assignment to the 'Hounds, going 2-for-his-first-35. He busted out Monday, going 3-for-3 plus a walk, and followed that performance with a 2-for-3 game, including two doubles, a walk, a run and an RBI Tuesday. Matt is now 5-for-his-last-6 (and on-base in 7-of-8 trips to the plate).
-Â Â Â Â THANKS, AFLAC! THANKS, KIDS! Mother Nature wasn't fully on board, so the "in-house" count was down a bit, but combined paid attendance for the Monday night and Tuesday morning games at Security Bank Ballpark was more than 13,000. The first of two "Safety Awareness Days" (with the 'Hounds hosting school kids from across the area) drew nearly six thousand (5,928), and Monday's annual AFLAC Night posted a paid attendance of 7,190, the 28th-largest crowd in franchise history. The two-game total was 13,118.
-Â Â Â Â The RockHounds have now won three straight games ... and 7-of-their-last-8 outings. Tuesday's win over Corpus Christi brings the 'Hounds (10-8) to within two games of the first place Hooks (12-6) in the Texas League South Division.
-Â Â Â Â ON DECK:Â The RockHounds and Hooks meet Wednesday evening at 6:30 and "Thirsty Thursday" night at seven. The 'Hounds then hit the road for an eight-game trip to San Antonio (May 1-4) and Corpus Christi (May 5-8).
Probables for Corpus Christi Series
Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. - Corpus Christi RHP Mark Appel (2-0, 1.93) vs RockHounds RHP Jake Sanchez (1-2, 5.51)
Thursday at 7:00 p.m. - Corpus Christi LHP Josh Hader (0-1, 5.40) / RHP Chris Devenski (2-0, 0.00) vs RockHounds TBA
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