Hounds Win Finale, Split Series with Hooks
Published on July 23, 2018 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Three pitches into Sunday's game, there had been one hit, a double-play and one ejection. You got the feeling this might be an unusual afternoon at the ballpark.
The RockHounds broke a 1-1 tie with a three-run sixth inning and went on to defeat the Corpus Christi Hooks, 8-4, Sunday afternoon at Security Bank Ballpark, gaining a split of the four-game series with the Texas League's top club.
The clubs combined for 17 hits, 16 walks (plus one hit batsman) and 17 strikeouts, with the bases on balls playing a major role. Hooks pitchers were responsible for nine of the 16 free passes, leading to five of the RockHounds eight runs.
Walks to Eli White and Nate Mondou to open the sixth were followed by a Richie Martin infield single and a sacrifice fly from Seth Brown for the first of his three RBI (see below). Tyler Marincov followed with a two-run line drive single to left to give the 'Hounds a 4-1 lead.
Carmen Benedetti's fly ball to right field in the seventh narrowly reached the bullpen for a two-run (short-porch) home run, drawing the Hooks to within 4-3. The 'Hounds shut down the rally on an around the horn double play, then built the lead back up with two runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth (see below).
Kyle Finnegan entered the game in the eighth after the Hooks drew to within 6-4, earning the save with one-and-two-thirds scoreless innings.
Notables
Seth Brown led the RockHounds with three RBI, bringing his season total to 62, tied for fourth in the Texas League.
Eli White (1-for-2, two runs, double two walks, RBI, sac fly) has reached base in 19-of-20 games. In that span, Eli is hitting .411 (30-for-73), seven doubles, two triples, two HR and 10 RBI, adding 17 walks and a hit by pitch for a .516 on-base percentage.
Tyler Marincov left the game after colliding with the right field bullpen fence in pursuit of Carmen Benedetti's short-porch home run in the seventh.
In the eighth, the 'Hounds sent eight men to the plate scoring two runs with benefit of a hot OR an error (four walks, one hit batsman and a sac fly).
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
In the first 27 innings of the series, the RockHounds and Hooks combined for 13 runs, 36 hits and five errors.
In the last nine-and-a-half innings (the 10th on Saturday and Sunday's game) ... 21 runs, 21 hits, seven errors.
Next Game
Monday, July 23 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Dr Pepper Ballpark Frisco, Texas
First pitch 7:05 p.m. NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 7:00 p.m.
- First of a three-game series and of a seven-game road trip
- July 23-25 at Frisco; July 26-29 at Corpus Christi
Probable Starters
FRI: Ariel Jurado (RH, 4-3, 3.42)
RH: Ben Bracewell (RH, 3-5, 3.60)
Texas League Stories from July 23, 2018
- Naturals Nip Travs, 4-2 - Arkansas Travelers
- Warner, Cards Blank Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Jurado Tames 'Hounds in 3-1 Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Open Series with Win over Travs - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Missions Nix Hooks in Opener - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Nix Shines in Series-Opening Win over Hooks - San Antonio Missions
- Shew Named Texas League Pitcher of the Week - Springfield Cardinals
- Travelers Series Highlights: July 23 - July 25 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Hounds Win Finale, Split Series with Hooks - Midland RockHounds
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