It's All Part of the Healy-Ing Process
Published on July 17, 2015 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Chad Pinder slides into home plate in the seventh inning to score what ended up being the deciding run in the RockHounds 5-4 win over the San Antonio Missions on Thursday night at Security Bank Ballpark. Pinder went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. (Saydee Bailey)
Most of the country celebrated the Fourth of July with picnics, family gatherings, fireworks and perhaps even a baseball game. Ryon Healy's Fourth ended on a bad-hop ground ball, one which struck him directly in the face and sidelined the RockHounds' third baseman for nearly two weeks. Back in the lineup ... and back at third base ... Thursday, Ryon held a little "belated" Independence Day celebration with a pair of RBI singles, the second of them the game-winner, in a 5-4 win over the San Antonio Missions at Security Bank Ballpark.
The first two games of the (four-game) series have been closely contested, with neither team leading by more than two runs at any point, and with both contests going back-and-forth. Wednesday the RockHounds erased a deficit three times to tie the game (before breaking a 4-4 tie and winning, 6-4) and Thursday's game saw three lead changes.
The 'Hounds took a 2- 1 lead in the third on back-to-back doubles from Renato Nuñez and Chad Pinder (the latter driving in the 'Hounds' first run) and the first of Healy's RBI singles. The Missions then scored twice in the sixth to regain a 3-2 edge.
In the seventh, Colin Walsh led off with a single and Rangel Ravelo drew a walk. After Nuñez lined out sharply to short, the Missions brought in Adam Cimber. The submariner got ahead of Pinder, 0-2, but Chad ripped the next pitch up the middle to tie the game. Matt Olson followed with an RBI single to left and Healy capped the three-run rally with his second ribbie, one which would prove to be the game-winner.
Seth Frankoff relieved Kris Hall with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth. After Duanel Jones lifted a sacrifice fly to left to cut the lead to 5-4, Frankoff retired the next four batters, three by strikeout, to earn his fifth save (see below).
The RockHounds
... are 13-7 in the second half and 48-42 overall (matching a season high at six games over .500) ... have won 4-of-their-last-5 ... lead the season series with the Missions, 14-8 (9-5 at home and 5-3 at Nelson Wolff Stadium) ... are 28-16 at Security Bank Ballpark and 20-26 on the road ... are 29-25 vs. the South Division and 19-17 vs. the North.
- Texas League South: The RockHounds lead Frisco (12-7) by a half-game after the RoughRiders defeated Corpus Christi, 7-0, on a combined one-hitter in the Metroplex (the Riders also issued eight walks). The Hooks (10-10) trail by three games and San Antonio (8-12) is five back.
Kibbles & Bits
PEER PRESSURE
When Colin Walsh was caught trying to steal second base in the third inning, it was just the second time he has been thrown out in 10 attempts this season. If you're thinking about blaming the first base coach, don't do it - - - it was Rickey Henderson. Major League Baseball's all-time base-stealer and a Hall of Famer, Rickey is here as part of his role as a special roving instructor for the Oakland A's.
- Chad Pinder extended his hit streak to 10 games, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI (in an odd night at the dish, he also grounded into a pair of double plays). Chad is hitting .349 (15-43) in the 10-gamer, pushing his season average to .302, fourth in the Texas League. His two RBI bring his season total to 49, tops on the club and fifth in the league.
- Seth Frankoff became one of just 13 pitchers to earn 20 or more career saves in franchise history. Seth had 15 saves (in 16 opportunities) in 2014 and has added five this season. He joins Ron Watson, Mike Schooler and Bryan Harvey (all during the Angels era) with 20 saves. Schooler was the closer on the '95 Texas League West championship club (and had been the Seattle Mariners closer prior to signing a minor league deal with the Angels), while Harvey went to on collect 177 saves (and was a two-time All-Star) in a nine-year Major League career.
Texas League Stories from July 17, 2015
- 11,612 Fans Witness Riders Walk-Off Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Edge Cardinals, 4-2, on Friday - Springfield Cardinals
- Anderson's Complete Game Bests Travelers - Arkansas Travelers
- Adams, Binford Lead Naturals to 4-2 Win - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Chris Anderson Makes ONEOK Field History in 2-1 Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Cardinals LHP Marco Gonzales Set to Start for Springfield Tonight - Springfield Cardinals
- 4 Game Series against the Cardinals Starts Sunday - Arkansas Travelers
- Homestand Highlights: July 19 - July 22 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Stamets a Ninth Inning Hero in Thursday Win - Arkansas Travelers
- It's All Part of the Healy-Ing Process - Midland RockHounds
- Frisco Shuts Down Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
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