Howard, Blanco Lead Hounds to Win
April 11, 2019 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Dairon Blanco's first home run at the Double-A level was not only a grand slam, it was the pivotal swing as the RockHounds defeated the Sod Poodles, 11-5, at HODGETOWN in Amarillo. The win gave the 'Hounds a 2-1 series victory and a split of six games on their season-opening road trip.
Brallan Perez' RBI single broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third against San Diego Padres prospect Adrian Morejon. The 20-year-old left-hander then hit Nate Mondou with an 0-2 pitch and walked Mikey White to load the bases. One batter later, Blanco ripped a line drive to the grass berm in deep right-center. The grand slam gave the 'Hounds a 5-0 lead that would, for all intents and purposes, be the difference in the game.
The 'Hounds added a pair of unearned runs in the eighth and four more in the ninth, three of them on Collin Theroux's monster home run to right-center, pushing the lead to 11-1 (Buddy Reed homered for Amarillo in the eighth). The Sod Poodles rallied with four in the ninth to make the final 11-5.
Brian Howard earned the win and recorded his second consecutive outstanding start. After limiting Frisco to one run in five innings on April 5, the 6-9 right-hander shut out Amarillo over five frames, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out two. He is now 1-0, with a 0.90 ERA through two starts.
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The RockHounds were out-hit, 12-8, but took advantage of almost every scoring chance, and scored seven runs on two swings (Blanco's slam and Theroux's three-run, shot).
The 'Hounds completed their season-opening road trip with a 3-3 record (the 'Hounds lead Frisco, 4-1, in the top of the 11th in a game suspended due to rain last Sunday in the Metroplex).
They will now host the same two clubs they faced on the road swing ... Frisco and Amarillo ... beginning Thursday night at Security Bank Ballpark.
Notables
Wednesday's game was played in winds gusting to near 40 miles-per-hour (and blowing out to right field).
Dairon Blanco finished 2-for-4 with the grand slam and hos fourth stolen base (in as many attempts).
The RockHounds, after committing two errors Tuesday, were errorless again in the series finale. Tuesday's miscues were the ONLY errors the club committed on the road trip.
Luis Barrera (right shoulder) was out of the lineup again Wednesday. Luis is 9-for-21 (.429) through the season's first five games, with two triples, a home run and four runs batted in.
Next Game
Thursday, April 11 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Home Opener, 2019
"Thirsty" Thursday & Magnet Schedules (first 1,000 fans)
Security Bank Ballpark 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
- First of a four-game series and of a seven-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:47 p.m.
Probable Starters
FRI: Jonathan Hernandez (RH, 0-0, 1.59, in one start)
RH: Parker Dunshee (RH, 0-1, 5.40, in one start)
Texas League Stories from April 11, 2019
- Avila to Make MLB Debut - Amarillo Sod Poodles
- Howard, Blanco Lead Hounds to Win - Midland RockHounds
- Late Crooked Number Secures Riders Series Sweep - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Eighth-Inning Rally Helps Riders Cap Sweep - Frisco RoughRiders
- Travs Finish off Sweep of Naturals - Arkansas Travelers
- Naturals Fall in the Finale, 9-6 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Sod Poodles Late Inning Rally Not Enough to Overcome Midland's Explosive Offense - Amarillo Sod Poodles
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