Prodigal 'Hound Returns
Published on June 16, 2015 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
After missing nine games due to a sore hip, Chad Pinder rips a three-run double in the first inning of the RockHounds' 5-2 win over the Frisco RoughRiders on Monday night at Security Bank Ballpark. (Frank Longobardo / Midland RockHounds)
It escaped our notice (until pointed out by Athletic Trainer Justin Whitehouse), but the RockHounds' recent eight-game losing streak coincided with the absence of shortstop Chad Pinder, who was sidelined by soreness in his left hip from June 5-14. The "prodigal 'Hound" returned Monday and, on one pitch, made his presence felt with a first-inning swing of the bat which would decide the game.
With the bases loaded and the game tied at 1-1, Pinder drove the first pitch (and the first he had seen in more than a week) down the left field line for a bases-clearing double. The clubs would exchange runs in the fifth inning and, when the final out was in the books, Pinder's swing remained the difference in a 5-2 win.
Tim Atherton turned in a quality start (see below), going six innings and allowing two runs (earned) on five hits, walking two and striking out four. Ryan Doolittle went two scoreless innings for the hold and Ryan Dull continued his brilliant season, allowing a leadoff double in the ninth, but retiring the next three batters to earn his fifth save in as many chances. Ryan's ERA in 21 appearances is now 0.29.
The RockHounds (31-32) won their second straight after suffering through the eight-game ("Pinder-less") slide.
The RockHounds
... are now 31-32 for the season ... broke an eight-game losing streak Sunday and have now won two straight ... improved to 8-3 versus the Frisco RoughRiders (6-1 at Security Bank Ballpark and 2-2 at Dr Pepper Ballpark) ... are 20-15 at Security Bank Ballpark and 11-17 on the road ... are 19-20 in South Division play and finished first half cross-division play 12-12 versus the North.
One for the Road
The RockHounds' home schedule in June is just eight games (the June 9-16 home stand). The club concludes its stay at Rocky Town Tuesday (6:30 p.m. vs. Frisco), then opens a (season high) 12-game road trip, with two stops in San Antonio (June 17-20 and 25-28) and four games in Frisco (June 21-24). The road swing will mark the end of the Texas League first half and begin the second (June 22).
- Tuesday night, the 'Hounds will bid for a series win versus Frisco and to make a return to the .500 mark (the 'Hounds are 31-32).
- The Texas League All-Star Game (a three-day break) follows the 12-game road swing, meaning that, by the time the RockHounds next play at Security Bank Ballpark, the calendar will have turned to July (the 2nd) and the league will be a half-dozen games into the second half race.
All-Star Baseball at the Beach! Congratulations...
... to the eight members of the 'Hounds have been named to take part in the Texas League All-Star Game (June 30 at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas): Catcher Carson Blair, pitchers Ryan Dull and Nate Long, outfielder Chad Oberacker and first baseman Matt Olson were all named via the initial balloting. Joining them will be infielders Ryon Healy, Chad Pinder and Colin Walsh, who were added to the roster to replace players who have been promoted (or are otherwise unable to participate) since the voting took place.
Kibbles & Bits
STAT of the DAY: Think Chad Pinder was anxious to get back into the lineup? The 'Hounds shortstop had four at-bats Monday night and saw a total of four pitches. He finished 1-for-4, with the key three-run double, and also drove the ball deep twice. In his last 26 games (the last two games separated by 11 games due the sore hip), Chad is hitting .346, with three home runs and 18 RBI. His three ribbies Monday give him 32 for the season, tying Matt Olson for the team lead.
- Tim Atherton's quality start was, for all intents and purposes, the fourth in-a-row for the RockHounds, following strong efforts from Chris Jensen (one earned run in 7.0 innings), Jonathan Joseph (one earned run in 5.0) and Nate Long (7.2 scoreless) in the previous three games. While Joseph's outing, technically, doesn't quality, it came in his first start and was "more than enough" from the 'Hounds' perspective.
Texas League Stories from June 16, 2015
- Travs & Naturals Split Tuesday Doubleheader - Arkansas Travelers
- Drillers, De Leon Get Rain-Shortened Victory - Tulsa Drillers
- RockHounds' Late Rally Stuns Riders - Frisco RoughRiders
- Hancock Terrific as San Antonio Earns Split with Corpus Christi - San Antonio Missions
- Drillers Win Finale, 2-0, in Rain-Shortened Five Innings - Springfield Cardinals
- Northwest Arkansas Splits Doubleheader against Travelers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Jose Rondon Promoted to San Antonio - San Antonio Missions
- Six Travelers Named 2015 Mid-Season All-Stars - Arkansas Travelers
- Hooks Roll in SA Twin Bill - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Prodigal 'Hound Returns - Midland RockHounds
- Hooks Complete Doubleheader Sweep with Rout - San Antonio Missions
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