Kemmer-Kemmer Land
June 12, 2015 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Wade Kirkland rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning of the RockHounds 7-6 loss to the Corpus Christi Hooks on Thursday night at Security Bank Ballpark. (Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds) A few seasons ago, Corpus Christi's Jimmy Van Ostrand absolutely demolished the RockHounds. He was "solid" against the rest of the league, and absolutely crazy good against the 'Hounds. The latest reincarnation of Mr. Van Ostrand is the Hooks' Jon Kemmer.
Against the rest of the Texas League, Kemmer is hitting .222 (14-63). Against the 'Hounds? Kemmer becomes Ted Williams (or a reasonable facsimile), putting up a .409 average (18-44). Kemmer has six home runs in the 2015 season ... five against the RockHounds, including the decisive swing in Thursday night's Corpus Christi win, a three-run shot to right in the fifth inning. He now has 22 runs batted in for the year ... more than half (12) coming in the season series. Kemmer finished the game 4-for-4, with a double and the three-run blast.
The "script" was a virtual repeat of Wednesday night, with the Hooks building a big lead and the 'Hounds charging back.
Kemmer's home run made the score 7-1 (with all runs unearned after a Wade Kirkland error) and the RockHounds would battle back to within a run (with Kirkland then delivering a two-run home run). After struggling to earn the save Wednesday (with a near miss home run and, later, the bases loaded), Jandel Gustave retired the side in order, his fastball flirting with 100 miles-per-hour.
In another "repeat performance," the RockHounds stranded 12 base runners for the second consecutive game. The dozen runners left on base in this game included two innings in which the club loaded the bases with no outs, failing to score both times.
The Hooks, now a league-best 22 games over .500 (40-18) have clinched a tie for the South Division first half title, with a "magic number" of one to claim the pennant outright. If Corpus wins Friday, they'll pop the champagne corks at Security Bank Ballpark. A RockHounds win in the series finale would force the Hooks to pack the bubbly on the team bus and delay the celebration, at least for a day.
The RockHounds
... are now 29-30 for the season (after reaching a season-best five games over .500 at 29-24) ... have dropped six straight ... are 5-10 versus the Hooks (3-4 at Security Bank Ballpark and 2-6 at Whataburger Field in Corpus) ... are 18-13 at Security Bank Ballpark and 11-17 on the road ... are 17-18 in South Division play and finished first half cross-division play with a 12-12 record versus the North.
Texas League Stories from June 12, 2015
- Hooks Win First Half - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Avoid Sweep with Wild 15-12 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Tulsa Wins Nightcap, Splits Twin Bill - Tulsa Drillers
- Riders Cruise in Front of "Full House" - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Split Twin Bill in Tulsa - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Roughriders Set Another Attendance Record on "Full House Night" - Frisco RoughRiders
- Drake White & the Big Fire Headline BIG Country Bash Concert - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Travelers Series Highlights: June 13 - June 16 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Kemmer-Kemmer Land - Midland RockHounds
- Kemmer Drives Win No. 40 - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Ellis' Brilliant Debut Spoiled in 11th - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Outlast Travs, 1-0, in 11 Innings for Sixth Straight Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Naturals Top Drillers on National TV - Tulsa Drillers
- Riders Roll Behind Williams' Four-Hit Night - Frisco RoughRiders
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