Pitching and Defense Solid in Matamoscas Win
May 30, 2019 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
In the second inning Wednesday night, Dairon Blanco used his exceptional speed to beat out an infield single (despite a terrific play by Corpus Christi third baseman Abraham Toro). Moments later he broke for second too soon and was caught stealing. Trust us, that was the only thing Dairon did wrong, leading the Matamoscas de Midessa (RockHounds) to a 4-2 win over Corpus Christi at Security Bank Ballpark.
The RockHounds left fielder went 2-for-2, drew two walks, ripped a two-run double that provided the winning margin and made a sensational throw from the left field corner to throw out Seth Beer at third base (the play saved at least one run).
Blanco's big night ... and some outstanding defense all around ... backed an excellent pitching performance from Matt Milburn and Zack Erwin as the 'Hounds won for the second straight night tom open a six-game homestand.
Milburn, who pitched into the seventh, gave up a leadoff infield single to Osvaldo Duarte to start the game, then retired the next 14 Corpus Christi hitters. He gave up single runs in the sixth and seventh before Erwin entered the game and slammed the door. The left-hander earned an "old school" save (his second of the season and his career), going 21/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out five.
The Matamoscas never trailed in the game. Collin Theroux's towering home run to the walkway beyond the grass berm in right field opened the scoring in the first and Blanco walked and scored Edwin Diaz's line drive double to the gap in left-center in the fifth. After the Hooks got on the board in the top of the sixth, Blanco's two-run laser to the left field wall in the home half of the inning pushed the advantage to 4-1.
Texas League "Meteorological Scoreboard"
RockHounds 4 ... Mother Nature 3 ... Hooks 2.
The 'Hounds and Hooks (Matamoscas and Raspas) had the Texas League's stage all to themselves Wednesday as the other three games on the TL docket were rained out (at Frisco ... Springdale, Arkansas ... and Springfield, Missouri).
Frisco gained a bit more ground with the Corpus Christi loss and are now three games clear in the Texas League South Division. The RoughRiders (27-23) lead both the Hooks (25-26) and Amarillo (24-25) by three games and the RockHounds (24-27) by four.
The Riders and Sod Poodles will try to play a double-header Thursday at Frisco. If weather again intervenes, the clubs would be forced to make up the rainout(s) at Amarillo next week.
Notable
Dairon Blanco (2-for-2, double, two RBI, run, walk, stolen base) has hits in seven straight games ... and it's a heck of a streak. Dairon is 14-for-26 (.539) in the seven-gamer with a double, two triples, two HR, seven RBI and two stolen bases. He has also reached base safely in 20-of-22 games (.289).
Collin Theroux (1-for-2, HR, walk, HBP) has hits in five straight (including a two-HR game last Friday at Amarillo). Collin is 8-for-18 (.444), with a double, three HR and six RBI.
Jonah Heim (0-for-3, walk) has reached in base in nine straight games (8-27, .296) ... 21-of-23 (.284) ... and in 35-of-39 (.293).
Next Game
Thursday, May 30 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks
Security Bank Ballpark 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 6:00)
"Thirsty Thursday"
- Final of a three-game series and third of a four-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:47 p.m.
Probable Starters
CC: Carson LaRue (RH, 1-2, 6.00)
RH: James Naile (RH, 3-4, 6.54)
Texas League Stories from May 30, 2019
- Fraley Led Offense Helps Travs Sweep Twinbill - Arkansas Travelers
- Riders Edged in Doubleheader - Frisco RoughRiders
- Three Game Weekend Series against Drillers - Arkansas Travelers
- Tulsa to Face Springfield and Arkansas in Seven-Game Homestand - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks Announce Conservation Weekend to Support Coastal Bend - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Sod Poodles to Host Three-Game Series with Texas Rangers Affiliate - Amarillo Sod Poodles
- Pitching and Defense Solid in Matamoscas Win - Midland RockHounds
- Hounds Take Series - Corpus Christi Hooks
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