TL1 Midland RockHounds

Murphy & Smith Shutout Naturals

Published on July 7, 2014 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release


Sean Murphy pitched seven scoreless innings, combining with Murphy Smith on a four-hit shutout, as the RockHounds won their second straight game over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 6-0. The victory gave the 'Hounds a 2-games-to-1 series win.

The RockHounds backed Murphy's outstanding start (he allowed three hits and one walk while striking out nine) with a 14-hit hit attack.

Hiro Nakajima continued his hot streak with a four-hit game, finishing 4-for-5 with three runs batted in and a stolen base. He opened the scoring with a tremendous at bat - - - a two-out, two-run line drive single to left in the third. The "AB" began with an 0-2 count, after which Hiro fouled off three, two-strike pitches before lining the ball off the glove of third baseman Hunter Dozier. The hit scored Jefry Marte and Kent Matthes, who had walked and doubled, respectively, with two out and the bases empty. Nakajima, since breaking out of an 0-for-20 slump, has now hit in 7-of-8 games. He is hitting .387 (12-for-31) over those eight games with seven RBI and a .487 on-base percentage.

Max Muncy's RBI single in the fourth made the lead 3-0, and Blake Forsythe's two-run double in the fifth gave the 'Hounds a 5-0 advantage. Forsythe finished with three hits (3-for-5) and two RBI. The RockHounds catcher has a four-game hit streak (7-for-16, .438) and has now hit in 10-of-his-last-11 games (15-for-43, .349).

Addison Russell & Dan Straily? Meet Wrigley Field

Addison Russell and (former RockHound) pitcher Dan Straily have been traded to the Chicago Cubs in the deal that brings pitcher Jeff Samardzija to Oakland. Texas native Billy McKinney and a player to be named later were also included in the deal, which brings Samardzija and (pitcher) Jason Hammel to the A's. "Addy" was rated Oakland's # 1 prospect by Baseball America (and is widely considered one of the top prospects in all of minor league baseball), while McKinney (from Plano West High School) is rated the A's # 2 prospect by the same publication.

WP:Sean Murphy (3-0, 2.19)

LP:Sam Selmen (3-6, 4.36)

Kibbles & Bits

- The Texas League standings stayed "status quo," as the South Division swept all four of the cross-division games played on the Fourth of July. San Antonio (10-5) leads Frisco (8-6) by a game-and-a-half ... the RockHounds (7-7) by two-and-a-half and Corpus Christi (7-8) by three.

- The shutout was the eighth of the season for the RockHounds, who have been shut out just three times ... the 'Hounds and Naturals combined for 23 strikeouts - - - Northwest Arkansas whiffed 13 with five walks and the 'Hounds struck out 10 while walking just one batter.

- Murphy Smith opened the season with a 0.42 earned run average in his first seven appearances of the season, then struggled to a 7.25 ERA over his next 10. "Murph" pitched 4.0 shutout innings (one hit, four strikeouts) June 30 against Arkansas and followed that performance with two scoreless innings (one hit, one K) Friday.

- Jefry Marte (0-3, two walks, run) has reached base in 14-of-15 games (13-49, .265 with a .410 OBP) ... D'Arby Myers (2-5, triple, run, three strikeouts) has hit in six straight games (8-for-23, .348) ... Billy Burns (2-5, double, sacrifice, two strikeouts) broke out of a 2-for-18 slump Thursday night and finished the NW Arkansas series going 5-for-his-last-10, with a double, three runs and two stolen bases.

- The RockHounds continue their six-game road trip, traveling to North Little Rock, Arkansas, for a three-game set with the Arkansas Travelers (Saturday, Sunday and Monday). The 'Hounds return home July 9-12, hosting division rival (and current South Division leader) San Antonio. The quick, four-game stand includes a Thirsty Thursday (July 10), Cap Night (Friday the 11th) and post-game fireworks (Saturday the 12th).

Next Game

vs. Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels' AA Affiliate)

Saturday, July 5 - 7:10 p.m. (Radio at 7:00 p.m.)

Dickey-Stephens Park - North Little Rock, C2

Probable Starters

RockHounds: Nate Long (RH, 7-4, 3.50)

Arkansas: Michael Roth (LH, 7-4, 2.40)

Check out the Midland RockHounds Statistics

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Texas League Stories from July 7, 2014


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