Like General Sherman to the Sea
June 10, 2015 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Calin Walsh of the Midland RockHounds is Congratulated after a Home Run
(Midland RockHounds, Credit: Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds)
The Corpus Christi Hooks continued their march toward a first half title in the Texas League South with a 5-2 win over the RockHounds Tuesday night at Security Bank Ballpark. With the win, the Hooks moved 20 games over .500 (38-18) and mathematically eliminated the Frisco RoughRiders. That, in itself, would not be noteworthy, but the "math" comes with still two weeks remaining in the 70-game first half race.
The Hooks broke a 2-2 tie with an unearned run in the seventh inning. Jon Kemmer (see below) led off with a single and moved up 90 feet when Colin Walsh's throw to second pulled Wade Kirkland off the bag, putting runners at first and second. Leo Heras' sacrifice bunt attempt instead went for a hit, and the Hooks had the bases loaded with no outs. Nate Long struck out Hooks catcher Brett Booth, but Tony Kemp (the league's leading hitter at .354) greeted reliever Ryan Dull with a first-pitch, flair single to right, driving in what would be the game-winning run.
Corpus added a pair of insurance runs in the ninth, including Tyler White's pinch hit solo home run, one which just snuck inside the right field foul pole (despite the RockHounds' objections otherwise).
While his throwing error proved costly, Walsh also supplied all of the RockHounds' run production, hitting a pair of solo home runs off Hooks starter Mark Appel. Colin's first inning solo shot into the left field bullpen was followed by a game-tying homer over the wall in right.
Long pitched well (his ERA, among the top 10 in the league, stayed at 2.83) but took the loss, while Corpus Christi's designated "piggy-back" starter, Kyle Westwood, pitched four scoreless innings to earn the win.
The RockHounds
... are now 29-28 for the season (after reaching a season-best five games over .500 at 29-24) ... have dropped four straight ... are 5-8 versus the Hooks (3-2 at Security Bank Ballpark and 2-6 at Whataburger Field in Corpus) ... are 18-11 at Security Bank Ballpark and 11-17 on the road ... are 17-16 in South Division play and finished first half cross-division with a 12-12 record versus the North.
Corpus Christi could depart West Texas with the Texas League South Division first half pennant "packed away" in their luggage. The Hooks would clinch what would technically be a tie for the division title with three wins in the four-game series and would capture the crown outright with a sweep. When the series is concluded, the Hooks will have 11 games to play and the RockHounds will have ten.
Kibbles & Bits
STAT of the DAY: In games decided by three runs or fewer (including Tuesday's series opener), Corpus Christi is 19-16. In games decided by more than three runs, the Hooks are 19-2. Remarkably, at 20 games over .500, the Hooks are 8-9 in one-run games.
- Jon Kemmer continues to be among the Hooks' hottest hitters in the season series. His 2-for-4 game Tuesday pushed his average to .361 (13-36). He has played in nine of the 13 games to date, with four of his five home runs and eight of his 18 RBI coming against the 'Hounds.
- Renato Nuñez saw both his five-game hit streak and 22-game on-base streak (the third-longest in the league this season) come to an end.
- Chad Oberacker (left hamstring) was activated from the disabled list Tuesday and was replaced on the DL by (catcher) Phil Pohl. There was some other "relative" good news, as shortstop Chad Pinder (left hip) sat out for the fourth consecutive game, but was not placed on the DL.
Images from this story
 Calin Walsh of the Midland RockHounds is Congratulated after a Home Run (Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds) |
Texas League Stories from June 10, 2015
- Naturals Outlast Drillers in Wild Game - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Back-To-Back Homers by Mazara, Adams Lift Riders to Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Joining the Pack - San Antonio Missions
- Riders to Honor Fallen DFW-Area Police Officers - Frisco RoughRiders
- Hooks Roll Out Father's Day Package - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Hooks Roll out Father's Day Package - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers in Town for 12 Games June 11-20 - Tulsa Drillers
- Morris and Turner Lead Missions to 8-4 Win - San Antonio Missions
- Westwood Harnesses Hounds - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Reyes Twirls Gem for Cards in Opener - Arkansas Travelers
- Missions Ride Frisco Miscues, Turner to 8-4 Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Like General Sherman to the Sea - Midland RockHounds
- Reyes and Cards Blank Travs, 2-0 - Springfield Cardinals
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.
