'Hounds Come Out On Top in Corpus Christi
Published on June 6, 2013 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
The RockHounds earned their first win at Corpus Christi in the 2013 season Wednesday, and a "casual glance" at the 3-1 final score might not show anything "special" about the game.
A closer look, though, shows that the 'Hounds limited a lethal Hooks line-up to just one run. Winners of 11-of-13, and boasting the league's best record (by far) at 36-21, Corpus has also just received second base prospect Jose Martinez (10-for-14 since joining the Hooks), top power prospect Jonathan Singleton (coming off a 50-game suspension by Major League Baseball for substance violations) and Houston Astros' center fielder Justin Maxwell (with Corpus on a re-hab assignment). A good indicator of the depth of the line-up is George Springer, the league's top power hitter, was batting lead-off.
The RockHounds took a 2-0 lead in the second on a swinging bunt by David Freitas, a line drive single by Beau Taylor, Dusty Coleman's RBI double and Chad Oberacker's sacrifice fly (on an 0-2 count).
Singleton threatened to give the Hooks a 3-2 lead with one swing in the third, driving a ball toward the left field bullpen with two men on. Former Hook Jake Goebbert went to the four-foot high bullpen fence, reached over, and caught the potential three-run homer. Singleton would later get the Hooks on the board with a fifth inning RBI double, cutting the lead to 2-1.
In a sixth inning that would end with Corpus manager Keith Bodie being ejected for arguing balls and strikes, Freitas ripped a line drive out of the park to left field for his eighth home run of the year (see below), giving the 'Hounds a 3-1 lead.
Arnold Leon scattered seven hits over six innings, pitching out of several tight spots along the way (thanks, in part, to Goebbert's "D") and earned the win. Brett Hunter pitched two scoreless innings, striking out Martinez, Singleton and Maxwell, 1-2-3 in the eighth, and Frank Gailey retired the side in order in the ninth to earn his first save.
The 'Hounds snapped a four-game slide and ended the Hook's three-game win streak, slowing Corpus Christi's drive toward a first hall pennant. The loss was just the Hooks' ninth in 30 games at home this season (21-9).
Kibbles & Bits
- David Freitas has a modest four-game hit streak, but has also been driving the ball out of the ballpark with great frequency over the last two weeks. The 'Hounds catcher (6-for-16 in the four-game streak) hit his sixth home run in the 'Hounds' last 14 games Wednesday. He hit four in a three-game series at Tulsa (May 22-24), adding another against the Drillers at Citibank Ballpark and his laser line drive at Corpus Christi Wednesday, which provided a critical insurance run for the 'Hounds.
- "The Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx ... Texas League Style" RockHounds first baseman Anthony Aliotti was named the Topps Texas League Player of the Month for May, hitting .400 for the month, with six home runs, 24 RBI, 22 runs, 22 walks and 23 strikeouts. Since that announcement was made, "Ali" is 1-for-15 with 10 strikeouts. It should also be "mentioned" that Ali is still the league's top hitter with a .346 average.
- The RockHounds and Hooks meet in Corpus Christi Thursday and Friday nights (game time is 7:05 p.m. for each game).
- The RockHounds return home next Saturday, opening one of the season's best home stands. The eight-game stand includes two Saturday nights, one Friday, a "Thirsty Thursday" and the final afternoon game until the Labor Day weekend.
WP Arnold Leon (3-3, 3.38)
LP Nick Tropeano (1-4, 3.90)
Sv Frank Gailey (1, 1.37)
HR RockHounds David Freitas (8) Solo in the 6th (off Bobby Doran)
Next Game
vs. Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros' AA Affiliate)
Thursday, June 6 7:05 p.m. Radio at 7:00 p.m.
Whataburger Field Corpus Christi, TX
Probable Starters
Corpus Christi (RH) Ruben Alaniz (2-5, 5.04)
RockHounds (RH) Sean Murphy (2-2, 4.68)
Texas League Stories from June 6, 2013
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- 'Riders Hang on for One-Run Victory, 3-2 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Swift Lifts Travs with Ninth Inning Homer - Arkansas Travelers
- Missions Fall Just Short in 3-2 Loss to Frisco - San Antonio Missions
- Tulsa Streak Ends with Loss in Springdale - Tulsa Drillers
- Fletcher Fuels Northwest Arkansas Victory - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Chris McGuiness to Become 100th RoughRider to MLB - Frisco RoughRiders
- Three Naturals on Move in Afternoon Transactions - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Naturals "Ace" Ventura Starts Tonight for Omaha - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Padres Organization Announces Open Tryouts - San Antonio Missions
- 'Hounds Come Out On Top in Corpus Christi - Midland RockHounds
- Cardinals Unveil Stan Musial Tribute Jerseys - Springfield Cardinals
- Hounds Hold Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
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