Simmons Sizzles Against Travs
Published on July 3, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Citibank Ballpark, Midland, Texas - Midland RHP James Simmons (3-4) put together the finest performance of his short professional career pitching eight shutout innings leading the Midland RockHounds to a 4-0 victory over the Travs on Thursday night. Oakland's first-round draft choice from 2007 held the Travs to four base hits with only one walk and five strikeouts to earn his first win since April 28. Travs RHP Dan Denham (6-7) took the loss surrendering three runs over six innings.
Midland scored their first three runs all with two outs against Denham. In the first inning, Aaron Cunningham reached first base when his dribbler was bobbled by Adam Morrissey for a single. Tommy Everidge followed with a drive off the left-center field wall to knock in Cunningham from first base.
Midland RF Javier Herrera blasted a long solo homer (2) in the third giving Midland a 2-0 lead. Once again with two outs in the fourth, John Zeringue singled with two outs, then Denham hit a batter and Mike Affronti singled to left bringing in Zeringue just ahead of Cody Fuller's throw.
Simmons set down the first eight Travs batters until Fuller singled in the third inning before being caught stealing. Morrissey doubled to begin the fourth and got to third base on a passed ball. But as luck would have it, even though the next two batters smacked liners both were right at infielders. Brian Stavisky lined out to second base, then Ben Johnson shot a ball right back towards Simmons's head. But the pitcher ducked and reached up to grab the ball to end the inning.
Denham worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth and held the Hounds off the scoreboard in the sixth, but Midland managed to add to their lead against RHP Francisco Rodriguez in the seventh.
Time of game was 2:15 and the paid attendance was 6,275.
BOXSCORE
The Travs and Hounds return for the second game of this three-game series on Friday night. Arkansas has RHP Anthony Ortega (8-4, 3.58) pitching against Midland RHP Trevor Cahill (2-0, 3.27). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
Texas League Stories from July 3, 2008
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- Statia Disabled Again, Ortiz Returns - Arkansas Travelers
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