TL1 Midland RockHounds

RockHounds Slide Continues

Published on July 3, 2014 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release


In 51 games prior to his promotion to Triple-A, Josh Whitaker drove in 42 runs in 51 games for the RockHounds. In six games since his call-up, the 'Hounds are 0-6, and had not scored more than four runs in any of the first five of those games. Wednesday night at Springdale, Arkansas, the 'Hounds took some steps toward filling the run production void left by Whitaker's (well-deserved) departure, rallying late.

The RockHounds, though, were left with a new question - - - who would fill the spots at the back end of the bullpen in the wake of both Seth Frankoff and Tucker Healy being called up to Sacramento (both were promoted on July1)? That question remains unanswered.

The RockHounds rallied from a 4-1 deficit Wednesday, capped by a three-run rally in the top of the ninth, to take a 5-4 lead into the last of the ninth. Northwest Arkansas, though, rallied right back to score twice, winning the game (6-5) on Lane Adams' walk-off "Pittsburgh Chop," a high bouncer just over the glove of third baseman Jefry Marte.

Both starting pitchers ... the Naturals' Andy Ferguson and the 'Hounds' Shawn Haviland ... were outstanding. Ferguson allowed one run (earned) on three hits over six innings, walking two and striking out seven. "Havi" pitched into the seventh, giving up two runs on two hits and three walks, while whiffing (a personal season best) eight batters.

The Naturals broke a 1-1 tie (forged by Conner Crumbliss' solo home run in the fifth) with a three-run seventh. With one out, Haviland walked Hunter Dozier and was relieved by Deryk Hooker. The Naturals got to Hooker for three consecutive hits, including back-to-back doubles by Angel Franco and Edinson Rincon, the first driving in one run and the second driving in a pair.

The 'Hounds loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth, but scored only one run (on a fielder's choice off the bat of Marte) ... then loaded the bases again in the ninth (and again with no outs). This time, the RockHounds got a key pair of swings - - - Addison Russell tied the game with a two-run single and Max Muncy drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly.

Jose Flores (assigned to the RockHounds with Hooker from Sacramento) pitched a scoreless eighth, but gave up back-to-back singles with one out in the ninth. Marcus Walden came in with two on and one out, but walked Rincon before giving up a game-tying sacrifice fly to Ethan Chapman and Adams' walk-off chop.

WP:Andrew Triggs (BS, W) (4-1, 2.11)

LP:Jose Flores (0-1, 13.50)

HR:RockHounds - Conner Crumbliss (4) Solo in the fifth (off Andy Ferguson)

Kibbles & Bits

- The RockHounds (5-7) dropped their season-high sixth straight game and now trail the San Antonio Missions (9-4) by three-and-a-half games.

- Relievers Seth Frankoff and Tucker Healy have been promoted to the (Triple-A) Sacramento RiverCats. Frankoff is tied for second in the Texas League with 15 saves (2.41 ERA), while Healy posted a 2.33 ERA (with four saves) in 12 games for the 'Hounds. Jose Flores (2-1, with a 4.20 ERA, in 24 games with Sacramento) and Deryk Hooker (0-4, 4.25 in 22 games) have been reassigned to the RockHounds from the (AAA) RiverCats. Infielder Miles Head is no longer on the RockHounds roster. He has been reassigned within the Oakland organization.

- NW Arkansas' Angel Franco is on an incredible run against the RockHounds. In the last four games between the clubs, Franco is 12-for-17 ... a .706 average, with four runs, a double and three RBI.

- Addison Russell went 3-for-5 (two RBI, stolen base) and has hit in seven straight games (9-for-26, .346) ... Jefry Marte (1-4, RBI, walk, steal) has reached base in 12-of-13 games (12-42, .286 with a .412 OBP) ... Conner Crumbliss (2-3, HR, three runs, RBI, walk) is 5-for-11 in his last three games ... D'Arby Myers (1-4, run) has hit in four straight (5-for-14, .357) ... Hiro Nakajima (0-4) lost a six-game hit streak, but is 8-for-26 (.308) in his last seven ... Dusty Coleman (0-4, 4 K) is hitless in his last six games (0-20 with 14 strikeouts).

Next Game

vs. NW Arkansas Naturals (Los Angeles Angels' AA Affiliate)

Thursday, July 3 - 7:05 p.m. (Radio at 7:00 p.m.)

Arvest Ballpark - Springdale, C2

Probable Starters

RockHounds: Chris Jensen (RH, 4-7, 4.05)

NW Arkansas: J.C. Sulbaran (RH, 5-5, 3.02)

Check out the Midland RockHounds Statistics

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Texas League Stories from July 3, 2014


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.

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