Kent Kwik
July 19, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
A timely substitution and seven shutout innings from a left-hander coming back from Tommy John surgery helped Corpus Christi defeat the RockHounds, 3-2 on Monday night at Security Bank Ballpark.
Kent Emanuel tossed seven shutout innings to lead the Hooks, who built an early 2-0 lead before adding what would be the game-winning run in the eighth, to back Emanuel's outstanding effort.
J.D. Davis singled in the second for Corpus Christi, the first of his three hits on the night, and scored on James Ramsay's two-out single up the middle. Ramsay stole second base and advanced to third when the throw from RockHounds catcher Andy Paz went into center field. Ramsay then came home on a wild pitch by Daniel Gossett, and the Hooks had a 2-0 advantage.
Still leading, 2-0, in the top of the eighth, Corpus Christi got a leadoff double from designated hitter Chase McDonald. Hooks manager Rodney Linares inserted pinch runner Chan-Jong Moon for the power-hitting McDonald, and the move would pay off. After moving to third base on J.D. Davis' productive out, a ground ball to second, Moon tagged and scored on Conrad Gregor's sacrifice fly down the left field line, pushing Corpus Christi's lead to 3-0 and scoring what would be the game-winning run (the RockHounds rallied to score twice in the last of the eighth).
Emanuel, the Houston Astros' third round draft choice in 2013 out of the University of North Carolina, opened the 2015 season with Corpus Christi, but was sidelined in late May and would undergo subsequent Tommy John surgery in June. He returned to the mound this May and his seven shutout innings Monday night were both a season high and, almost certainly, his best performance to date since returning.
The RockHounds got to reliever Aaron West for two runs in the eighth before Chris Cotton closed the door in the ninth for this first save.
The RockHounds
... are 16-8 in the second half and 49-45 overall ... have won six of their last nine ... are 26-23 at Security Bank Ballpark and 23-22 on the road ... are 10-8 in the (32-game) season series with the Corpus Christi Hooks (5-5 at Security Bank Ballpark and 5-3 at Whataburger Field) ... are 1-1 in their four-game series (and homestand) ... are 28-30 versus the South Division.
... saw their lead over Corpus Christi (12-12) drop to four games in the TL South. San Antonio rallied for a 4-3 win at Frisco, snapping the RoughRiders' four-game win streak. The Missions move to within five games of the RockHounds with Frisco remaining six games back.
... face the Corpus Christi Hooks on Tuesday and Wednesday at Security Bank Ballpark. Game time both evenings is at 6:30 p.m. With weekend and other key dates "slim" in July, the 'Hounds are presenting a special edition "Thirsty Wednesday" this week (July 20), with half-price beverages.
Kibbles & Bits
STAT of the DAY: The Corpus Christi Hooks make Mad Max, the "Road Warrior" look like Mad Max, "the Road Wimp." While just three games over .500 at their home ballpark (Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi), the Hooks are 21 games over on the road (35-14).
- Jake Sanchez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning, extending his scoreless innings streak to 13 innings over his last eight appearances.
- Brett Vertigan (2-for-4, two strikeouts) has now hit in six straight games, a streak in which he's hitting .524 (11-for-21).
- Yairo Munoz (1-for-4) has also hit in six straight games, going 8-for-21 (.381) in that span
- J.P. Sportman (1-for-2, double, two walks) has hit in 9 of 10 games (17-for-44, .386) ... 11 of 13 games (21-for-57, .368) ... and is hitting .326 (31-for-95), with eight doubles, three triples, one home run and 12 RBI in his last 23 games. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
Texas League Stories from July 19, 2016
- RockHounds Blowout Hooks 14-2 - Midland RockHounds
- Pair of Home Runs Help Riders Erase Early Deficit in 4-2 Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Voit and Cardinals Power Past Travelers, 9-6 - Springfield Cardinals
- Ugly Start Wrecks Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers Bats Break out for 7-1 Victory - Tulsa Drillers
- See-Saw Stops with Springfield on Top 9-6 - Arkansas Travelers
- Drillers Take Game 3, 7-1 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Kent Kwik - Midland RockHounds
- Bo's Blast Leads to Doubleheader Sweep - Arkansas Travelers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
