Knock, Knock; 'Hounds Fall in Extras
August 15, 2021 - Texas League (TL)
Midland RockHounds News Release
That "tapping" sound you may have heard last night was "opportunity knocking" at the RockHounds' door. Alas, the door was locked, as the 'Hounds fell to the San Antonio Missions, 7-4 in 10 innings, Saturday night at Momentum Bank Ballpark.
While San Antonio never trailed, the RockHounds evened the score twice and had multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead that went by the boards (see "Kibbles & Bits," below).
The Missions took a 1-0 lead in the second (a leadoff bunt single by clean-up batter Allen Cordoba started the rally) but the 'Hounds forged their first tie when Edwin Diaz doubled to open the fifth inning and scored on Kyle McCann's sacrifice fly.
With the bases empty in the sixth, RockHounds starter Matt Milburn thought he had an inning-ending strikeout on an excruciatingly close 2-2 pitch to Cordoba. Instead, the count went to 3-2 and the Missions went on to score three runs (all with two out) for a 4-1 lead.
The RockHounds got two runs back in the home half of the inning on Jake Suddleson's RBI double and a bases-loaded walk to Chase Calabuig but left the bases full to end the frame.
The 'Hounds loaded the bases again (this time with no outs) in the ninth but scored just one run ... and the single tally came on a double play) ... leaving the game tied at 4-4 and headed for extra innings.
In extras, Ben Ruta ripped a line drive into the right field bullpen, a two-run home run that would be the game-winner for the Missions. Juan Fernandez added a solo homer, this one of the classic "short porch" variety, for the final margin.
After surrendering Devin Foyle's grand slam home run on Thursday night and the game-tying run in the ninth Saturday, Missions reliever Nick Kuzia got a measure of revenge, striking out the side in the 10th to slam the door and earn the win.
The clubs wrap up the six-game series Sunday afternoon (first pitch at 2:00).
Kibbles & Bits
Trailing by one run, or with the score tied, the Rockhounds left seven men on base (six in scoring position) and grounded into a double play.
Jake Suddleson had a pair of doubles and an RBI and has reached base in 16 straight games (20-57, .351).
Jhonny Santos had a single and a walk to extend his on-base streak to 15 games (20-64, .313).
Devin Foyle dropped down a "work of art" bunt in the seventh inning to extend his hit streak to 11 games (15-50, .300).
Max Schuemann's on-base streak is now at 10 games, and it has been remarkable. Max is hitting .447 (and a .551 on-base percentage) ... with nine walks, eight stolen bases (in eight attempts), and has scored 12 runs in the 10-gamer.
Next Game: Sunday, August 15
RockHounds vs. San Antonio Missions
Final of a six-game series and sixth of a 12-game homestand
First Pitch at 2:00
Family Day ... five tickets for $25 with a coupon from the Sunday edition of the Midland Reporter-Telegram
Sponsored by All-American Chevrolet of Midland
Probable Starters
SA Osvaldo Hernandez (LH, 3-6, 4.28)
RH Kyle Friedrichs (LH, 2-2, 5.46)
Coming Up at Rocky Town!
The Amarillo Sod Poodles come to town next week for a six-game series (August 17-22) at Momentum Bank Ballpark.
Texas League Stories from August 15, 2021
- Canzone's 8th Inning Homer Secures Series Win - Amarillo Sod Poodles
- 8th Inning Rally Edges Naturals Past Frisco for Series Win - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Naturals Take Series Finale in Springdale - Frisco RoughRiders
- Whale of a Game for Jonah; 'Hounds Win, 5-3 - Midland RockHounds
- Stoudt Stellar in Debut as Travs Roll Cardinals - Arkansas Travelers
- Noodlers Drop Finale on Seven Homers from the Surge - Tulsa Drillers
- Wichita Drills Tulsa with 7 Home Runs in Comeback Win - Wichita Wind Surge
- Cordoba Continues Hot Streak, Missions Drop Sunday Series Finale in Midland - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Spin Second Doubleheader Shutout in Franchise History over Frisco - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Knock, Knock; 'Hounds Fall in Extras - Midland RockHounds
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