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TL1 Texas League

Texas League notes

May 30, 2005 - Texas League (TL1) News Release


EAST NOTES

Arkansas Travelers

May 23...Greg Porter had a three-run homer and added an RBI single to lead Arkansas past Frisco in a 9-5 slugfest. The game featured 27 total hits and six walks. Porter, a third baseman/first baseman filling in at right field, hit a moon shot over the 55-foot right field wall for his homerun. Mike Napoli, David Gates, Alberto Callaspo and Erick Aybar all added two hits for the Travs. Delvin James earned the win by throwing six innings in which he allowed nine hits and three earned runs...May 25...Erick Aybar atoned for two fielding errors by hitting two homeruns, while going 3-for-5, as Arkansas mauled Frisco pitching in a 10-3 win over the ‘Riders. The Travs compiled 16 hits, including six players who had multi-hit games, led by Aybar with three and Greg Porter, who was 4-for-5. Arkansas hitters benefited from Frisco starter Nick Masset's mistake-ridden outing. Masset walked four, had a balk, two wild pitches and one hit batter, to go along with two homeruns he gave up to Aybar and Tommy Murphy. On the mound, Daniel Davidson earned the win, improving to 5-1, while relievers Matt Wilhite, Von Stertzbach and Jon Rouwenhurst combined on 3.1 no-hit innings to close out the win... May 26...Midland scored 11 runs on 11 hits in the first three innings as the RockHounds outslugged Arkansas 12-7 in front of 2,834 Travelers fans. Greg Porter kept up his hot streak at the plate by going 3-for-4 with three doubles and three RBI, while Alberto Callaspo, Mike Napolim Mike Eylward and Ryan Leahy each added two hits. Starter Steven Shell lasted just two innings, allowing nine hits and seven earned runs in that span...May 27...Mike Napoli hit a three-run homer off of Midland starter Dallas Braden in a four-run first inning that led to a 4-2 Arkansas win over the ‘Hounds. David Gates added an RBI single in the first to finish up the scoring for the Travs. Starter Joe Saunders earned the win, allowing two earned runs on seven hits in six innings, improving to 4-2 this year. In relief of Shell, Jon Rouwenhurst struck out three in 1.2 perfect innings...May 28...Mike Napoli hit his second homer in as many days, while Erick Aybar and Ryan Leahy added two hits apiece, but Arkansas still fell to Midland 4-3. Midland native Aaron Pullin made his first appearance as a professional in Midland, giving up the go-ahead run and taking the loss..May 29...Mike Napoli hit his third homerun in three games, but a five-run Midland fourth inning doomed Arkansas in an 8-5 loss. Starter Tim Bittner gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits and 1 walk in 4 1 /3 innings as he fell to 1-4. Napoli and Greg Porter each drove in two runs to pace the offense in the loss.

Springfield Cardinals

May 23...Starter Randy Leek allowed just six hits and two earned runs in seven innings, while Papo Bolivar was 2-for-4 with three RBI in leading Springfield to a 6-2 win over the West-leading Midland RockHounds. Kevin Estrada added three singles to the offensive cause...May 24...Springfield greeted Midland starter Stephen Obenchain with nine runs on nine hits in 1.1 innings, including a three-run homer by Tyler Minges in the first before he retired a batter, as the Cardinals routed the ‘Hounds 11-6. Minges also doubled and tripled in the rout. Reid Gorecki, Travis Hanson, Juan Diaz and Minges all had three hits to lead the offensive attack. Evan Rust picked up his first win of the year, allowing just one hit in two shutout innings of relief. Stuart Pomeranz, 20, the fifth-rated prospect in the St. Louis system making his first Double-A start, allowed three earned runs on six hits, while striking out six in four innings...May 25...Midland put up a 10-spot in the third inning that put away Springfield early in a 16-7 RockHounds' romp. The Cards were down 16-1 before scoring six runs in the final two frames to make their effort more respectable. Tyler Minges was 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI, while Aaron Herr also drove in a pair of runs to lead the Springfield offense. Starter Jeremy Cook took the loss, allowing 13 hits and 10 earned runs in just 2.2 innings. His ERA ballooned from 3.08 to 4.64 during the disaster. Catcher Dan Moylan, who was 1-for-1 with a run scored, pitched the only Springfield scoreless inning...May 26...Robinson Cancel hit a solo homerun in the fourth and Aaron Herr added one of his own in the seventh, each giving Springfield a lead, but the Cards fell to Frisco, 3-2, in a battle of solo homeruns. In the bottom of the 10th, the RoughRiders' Mike Nickeas connected on the final solo homerun of the game, off of an Anthony Rawson offering, that sent Springfield to the showers with a loss. Oscar Alvarez pitched seven innings and allowed only two earned runs on seven hits, while striking out four in the loss...May 27... Shaun Boyd was 3-for-5, while Aaron Herr added a solo homerun as Springfield beat Frisco 4-2. Jordan Pals was strong in earning his second Double-A win, allowing just one earned run on seven hits in seven innings, while striking out five. Evan Rust threw two perfect innings of relief, striking out three, for his first save of the year...May 29 (DH 1)...Starter Randy Leek gave the bullpen another game of rest, pitching a complete game shutout, in a 2-0 win over Frisco. Leek allowed just three hits and struck out five as he improved to 5-2. Robinson Cancel and Shaun Boyd each had two hits, while Papo Bolivar added an RBI double off of former New York Yankee Steve Karsay, who was making his first appearance for Frisco...May 29 (DH 2)...A Kevin Estrada throwing error in the ninth allowed two runs to score, giving Frisco a come-from-behind 7-6 win over Springfield. Milko Jaramillo was 3-for-5 with a double, while Shaun Boyd added two hits and scored twice to pace the Cards in the loss.

Tulsa Drillers

May 23...Starter Jon Asahina was touched up for the first time in a month, allowing six runs (three earned) on nine hits and three walks, as Tulsa fell to San Antonio 7-2. Ryan Spilborghs drove in both Driller runs, while Alvin Colina and Jeff Salazar added two hits apiece...May 24...Tulsa didn't get a hit from the second inning until the 10th, but a wild ninth allowed the Drillers to extend their game with San Antonio into extra frames. Tulsa won it, 6-5, on a Sean Barker two-out, RBI single in the top of the 10th. In the Tulsa ninth, San Antonio closer Sean Green threw two wild pitches and 3B Jesus Guzman threw a ball into the stands, allowing Tulsa to score two unearned runs on no hits, forcing the game into extra frames after the Missions came up empty in the bottom half. Jentry Beckstead pitched three shutout innings, allowing only one hit, to pick up his third win of the year during the improbable comeback. Corey Slavik had two RBI, while Jayson Nix scored twice to lead the Drillers' offense...May 25...A 55-mph pitch from closer P.J. Bevis induced San Antonio's Jon Nelson into popping out with two runners on in the bottom of the ninth, before he struck out Jaime Bubela to end the game in an 8-5 Tulsa win. Ryan Spilborghs was 3-for-5 and scored twice, while Doug Bernier added three hits of his own to lead the offense in the winning cause. Starter Scott Randall earned the win, allowing only one earned run on six hits in 6.2 innings. Jeff Salazar was hitless in four at bats, ending his hitting streak at 11 games...May 26...Tony Miller was 2-for-5 with a two-run triple as Tulsa knocked off Corpus Christi 5-2. Starter Zack Parker allowed eight hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out five Hooks batters, as he improved to 6-2. Bobby Seay, on rehab assignment from the parent Colorado Rockies, pitched a perfect ninth to lock up his first save for the Drillers... May 27...Christian Parker was brilliant, allowing just three hits through seven shutout innings, while Jeff Salazar hit a first-inning solo homerun in Tulsa's 2-1 win over Corpus Christi. Parker, who improved to 4-1, saw his ERA drop to a league-leading 1.19 after the outing. Tony Miller was 2-for-3 with an RBI double, while Salazar added two hits of his own to lead the offense in the win...May 28...The first four batters in the Tulsa lineup had an RBI, while Sandy Nin allowed just two earned runs on one hit through five innings, but the Drillers still lost to Corpus Christi 7-4. Jeff Salazar, Tony Miller, Corey Slavik and Sean Barker had the RBI singles for the Drillers in the loss...May 29...A misplayed fly ball by Corpus Christi left fielder Charlton Jimerson gave Tulsa new hope, then, a batter later, Sean Barker hit a two-run, walk-off homerun that gave the Drillers a 3-2 win over the Hooks. Jon Asahina hurled a complete game gem to improve to 6-2. He allowed two runs (one earned) on just five hits, while striking out five in the win. Heading into the ninth, Corpus Christi starter Fernando Nieve had shut down the Tulsa bats all night, allowing just two hits, while striking out nine, before giving way to closer Roberto Giron who gave up the big blast.

Wichita Wranglers

May 23...Kyle Middleton was stellar, pitching a complete game three-hitter, as Wichita knocked off Corpus Christi 5-1. Middleton, who pitched the first Wichita complete game of the year, improved his record to 5-4 on the season as the Wranglers improved to .500 for the first time since they were 1-1 on April 8. Shane Costa was 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Justin Huber and Adam Keim each had a homerun and two RBI to lead the Wranglers offense...May 24...Wilkin Ruan was 2-for-3 and scored the only run in a 2-1 home loss to Corpus Christi. Starter Derrin Ebert was solid in defeat, allowing just six hits and two earned runs in seven innings. Trae McGill pitched two perfect innings in relief of Ebert to keep the Wranglers in the game. Cory Aldridge was 0-3, ending his 11-game hitting streak...May 25...Wichita had the worst team ERA in the league, while Corpus Christi had the best coming in, but the Wranglers still swept the three-game set with a 6-3 win. Wichita starter Brian Bass gave the Wranglers a third consecutive strong outing, giving up just six hits and on earned run in seven innings, as he improved to 5-2. Wichita's top three relievers, Barry Armitage, Jonah Bayliss and Shawn Sonnier, didn't appear in the series due to the good outings by the Wranglers' starters. The trio has combined for the two of three lowest ERAs in the Wichita ‘pen to go along with 85 strikeouts in just 75 innings...May 26...Despite Cory Aldridge's league-leading 12th homerun of the year, Wichita fell to San Antonio 3-1. Starter Mike Stodolka's record fell to 1-4, as he allowed three earned runs on just four hits in six innings, while striking out five. After Aldridge's first inning blast, 24 of the next 28 Wranglers batters were retired... May 27...In just his second start in Double-A, J.P. Howell stymied the San Antonio offense all night, allowing just three hits, while striking out seven, in 6.2 shutout innings of a 6-2 Wichita win over the Missions. Howell, drafted in the first round of the 2004 draft out of the University of Texas, improved to 2-0 while his ERA dropped to 2.25. Mike Aviles was 2-for-3 with three runs scored, while Adam Keim was 3-for-4 with two RBI to lead the offensive assault...May 28...Kyle Middleton shut down the San Antonio bats, allowing just five hits and an unearned run through seven innings, in a 6-1 Wichita win. Middleton, who pitched a complete game three-hitter in his last start, improved to 6-4. At the plate, Brett Groves led the offense with a 3-for-5 performance, while six different Wranglers had an RBI in the win. Jonah Bayliss and Colt Griffin pitched two perfect innings in relief of Middleton to close out the win...May 29...Mike Aviles was 2-for-4 with a two-RBI double, while Derrin Ebert allowed just five hits in six innings of work in Wichita's 4-3 win over San Antonio. Closer Shawn Sonnier pitched two shutout innings to close out the game and earn his third save of the year.

WEST NOTES

Corpus Christi Hooks

May 23...Wichita starter Kyle Middleton baffled Corpus Christi all night long, allowing only three hits, in a 5-1 Hooks loss to the Wranglers. In the fifth, after a Dax Norris double, Mark Saccomanno drove in Norris with a single for Corpus' only run. Fernando Rijo was solid in relief of starter Tim McClaskey, allowing three hits and an unearned run in three innings, while striking out three Wichita batters...May 24...With an unconventional managing move and a solid start by Fernando Nieve, Corpus Christi ended an eight-game slide by beating Wichita 2-1. In the bottom of the ninth, Wichita had runners on first and third with two outs when manager Dave Clark elected to walk Matt Tupman to have a force out at any base, putting Wichita's fastest runner, Mel Stocker, on second with the winning run. Jailen Peguero made Clark's move pay off, striking out Adam Keim, after falling behind 2-0 in the count. "We definitely didn't want Tupman to beat us there, so we took our chances on the other guy," Clark explained after the win. Nieve pitched six solid innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run, while striking out six, to pick up his third win of the year. Josh Anderson, Mark Saccomanno and Hector Giminez combined for all of Corpus Christi's six hits...May 25...Corpus Christi outhit Wichita 7-5, but three errors did the Hooks in during a 6-3 loss to the Wranglers. Charlton Jimerson was 2-for-4, while Eric Riggs was 2-for-3 with a homerun and two RBI to lead the Hooks. Through this game, Corpus Christi had scored only 149 runs, about 50 fewer than Springfield, which had the second lowest total...May 26...Tulsa tallied four unearned runs in the second inning of a 5-2 Corpus Christi loss. Starter Mark McLemore was taken out of the game in the second after being hit by a Ryan Spilborghs line drive just under his pitching elbow. It was the shortest outing of the year for a Hooks starter. Carlos Rodriguez led the Corpus offensive attack in the loss, going 2-for-4 with a double and a homer. The Hooks have lost 13 of their past 15 games, while going 5-20 so far in May... May 27...Corpus Christi was held to four hits by Tulsa starter Christian Parker in a 2-1 loss to the Drillers. Charlton Jimerson, who had half of Corpus Christi's total hits, drove in the only Hooks run with a single in the ninth off of Tulsa closer P.J. Bevis. Starter Chris Sampson was solid in seven innings of work, allowing just six hits and two earned runs, while striking out six, in the loss. Sampson fell to 1-7 overall despite a respectable 4.07 ERA...May 28...Starter Tim McClaskey didn't give up a hit until the fifth inning, while Carlos Rodriguez hit a first-inning, two-run homer in a 7-4 win over Tulsa. McClaskey struck out six, while allowing only two hits in seven shutout innings, as he improved to 2-4 with a 2.92 ERA. Josh Anderson helped pace the offense by scoring four runs, stealing three bags and going 3-for-4, while Brooks Conrad was 2-for-4 with two steals and three RBI in the win...May 29...Fernando Nieve allowed just two hits in eight innings, giving the Hooks a shot at their first winning streak in nearly a month only to see the Tulsa Drillers score three times in a wild ninth inning for a stunning 3-2 victory at Drillers Stadium. Charlton Jimerson lost a ball in the sun that allowed Jeff Salazar to score. The next batter, Sean Barker hit a two-run homer to end the game, giving Tulsa a 3-2 win. Nieve also struck out nine in gathering another no decision. Josh Anderson was 2-for-4 to lead the offense in the loss.

Frisco RoughRiders

May 23...Frisco pounded out 15 hits against Arkansas pitching, but still managed to lose to the Travelers 9-5. Ruddy Yan, Drew Meyer, Seth Taylor, Joaquin Arias, Jared Abruzzo and Mike Nickeas all had multiple hits in the losing cause. Starter C.J. Wilson was chased after the third inning as he allowed nine runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks. Wilson's record fell to 0-2. Shane Bazzell was strong in relief of Wilson, striking out three, while allowing just three hits and a walk over four shutout innings...May 25...Starter Nick Masset struggled through four walks, a balk, two wild pitches and a hit batter, while giving up two homeruns in 3.1 innings of a 10-3 Arkansas win over Frisco. Joaquin Arias was 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Jace Brewer scored twice to lead the ‘Riders offensive attack in the loss...May 26...Mike Nickeas belted a walk-off homerun to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning, lifting Frisco to a dramatic 3-2 win over Springfield. It was Nickeas' first homerun since April 12. Starter Josh Rupe was solid, striking out nine Cardinals, but took a no decision after allowing two earned runs on only three hits in seven innings. Juan Dominguez earned the win in relief of Rupe, pitching three perfect innings and striking out four. Solo homeruns accounted for all of the scoring in the game as Nickeas, Seth Taylor and Joaquin Arias all had solo shots for Frisco, while Robinson Cancel and Aaron Herr had solo shots for Springfield in the 3-2 game...May 27...Ruddy Yan and Juan Senreiso each had two hits but Frisco fell to Springfield 4-2. In relief of starter Matt Lorenzo, Shane Bazzell threw three perfect innings, while Scott Feldman struck out every batter he faced over the final two innings...May 29 (DH 1)...After a layoff due to rain in the Frisco area on the 28th, the RoughRiders were three-hit by Springfield starter Randy Leek in a 2-0 loss to the Cards. Jason Hart had two of the three Frisco hits to lead the offense in defeat. Former New York Yankee reliever Steve Karsay, who signed a minor league contract with Texas on May 21, struck out the side in the fifth, but allowed three hits, including an RBI double to Papo Bolivar...May 29 (DH 2)... After falling behind 6-5, Frisco scored twice in the bottom of the 11th inning to rally past Springfield, 7-6, and gain a split of a doubleheader Sunday before 7,557 Frisco fans. After a Jeremy Cleveland single, Springfield's Kevin Estrada fired home to try to get Juan Senreiso, but the ball bounced past the catcher allowing Joaquin Arias to race around third to score the winning run on the error. Senreiso was 3-for-5 with two RBI, while Ruddy Yan, Jason Hart and Cleveland all added two hits apiece. Juan Dominguez earned the win in relief of starter Wilfredo Rodriguez, allowing one earned run on five hits in five innings of work in the victory.

Midland RockHounds

May 23...Starter Steven Bondurant faced control problems for the first time this year that led to a 6-2 loss to Springfield. Bondurant came into the game having walked only 10 in 48.2 innings, but left after 4.1 having walked five. Brant Colamarino provided the run production with a two-run blast off Springfield starter Randy Leek, which scored Andre Ethier, who added three singles...May 24...Springfield jumped on starter Stephen Obenchain for nine runs on nine hits and a walk in the first two innings of an 11-6 win over Midland. Brad Weis came on in relief of Obenchain, but left in the third after being hit in the jaw with a line drive. Weis had surgery the morning of May 25 to repair his fractured jaw. Offensively, Jason Perry was the Midland leader, driving in three runs on two monstrous homeruns...May 25...In the 10-run third inning, Midland sent 15 hitters to the plate, who ripped 11 of their 22 hits on the night, during a 16-7 rout of Springfield. Leadoff man Steven Stanley scored four runs and had three RBI, while going 5-for-6, and Brian Stavisky, Brant Colamarino and Casey Myers all drove in three runs in the slugfest to lead the offense. Seven Midland hitters had multiple hit games in the win. Lost in all of the offensive fireworks was starter Drew Dickinson who improved to 2-5. In his second start since being re-called from Single-A (after a brief demotion), he allowed just four hits and an earned run in six innings...May 26...The first five batters in the Midland lineup had 14 of the Hounds' 16 total hits, while Brant Colamarino was 2-for-4 with a three-run triple and a three-run homer in a 12-7 win over Arkansas. Steve Stanley, fresh off a 5-for-6 night, was 4-for-5 and scored three runs, while Andre Ethier and Jason Perry added three hits apiece to help Colamarino lead the Hounds' offense in the win. The ‘Hounds have exploded for 28 runs on 38 hits in their past two games. Starter Matt Lynch earned the win as the Hounds offense scored 11 runs on 11 hits in the first three innings. Lynch allowed seven runs (three earned) on 10 hits through five innings as he improved to 5-2 this year... May 27...Starter Dallas Braden gave up a three-run homer to Arkansas' Mike Napoli in a four-run first that led to a 4-2 Midland loss. Braden settled down after the fateful first, allowing just four hits the rest of the way. Backup catcher Casey Myers, hitting .347 on the year, was 3-for-4 with an RBI double to lead the Hounds offense in the loss...May 28...Andre Ethier was 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and three runs scored, while Brian Stavisky reached base all four times up in Midland's 4-3 win over Arkansas. Evan Fahrner earned the win in relief of starter Steven Bondurant, pitching 1.2 shutout innings, as he improved to 5-0 this year. Alex Santos pitched a perfect ninth for his third save of the year...May 29... The Midland RockHounds scored five runs in the fourth inning Sunday to erase an early deficit, then went on to defeat the Arkansas Travelers 8-5 at Citibank Ballpark. In that inning, Midland sent nine batters to the plate in the fourth. Jeremy Brown and Steve Stanley had RBI singles, Lloyd Turner hit a two-run double and another Midland run scored on a groundout as the RockHounds took a 7-3 lead. Steve Stanley and Lloyd Turner each drove in three runs for the winners.

San Antonio Missions

May 23...Gary Harris doubled twice and scored two runs, while Jon Nelson homered and was 2-for-4 in leading San Antonio to a 7-2 win over the East-leading Tulsa Drillers. Yuniesky Betancourt and Nate Espy each drove in two run to help reliever Emiliano Fruto earn his first win of the year. Fruto pitched three shutout innings of no-hit baseball in relief of starter Thomas Oldham, who allowed two earned runs on four hits and five walks and two hit batsmen (the first two batters he faced in the game) in four innings...May 24...A wild Tulsa top half of the ninth inning extended the game to extra innings, before the Drillers eaked out a 6-5 win in 10 innings. In the Tulsa ninth, closer Sean Green had two wild pitches and 3B Jesus Guzman threw a ball into the stands after fielding a grounder, leading to the two unearned Driller runs that extended the game. After allowing three earned runs on seven hits in the first 1.2 innings, Ryan Rowland-Smith retired 13 of the next 14 he faced, striking out seven. After the second inning, Tulsa didn't have a hit against Rowland-Smith, Rene Cortez or Green until a leadoff single in the 10th, a span of 7.1 innings. Yuniesky Betancourt was 3-for-4 with a double and a homerun, while Jon Nelson added a two-run homer to pace the Missions in the losing cause...May 25...Yuniesky Betancourt was 3-for-4, while Gary Harris was 2-for-3, but San Antonio fell to Tulsa 8-5. Starter Jon Huber, in his first game back since strep throat, allowed 11 hits (10 singles) and eight runs (seven earned) in just four innings in taking the loss. Reliever Phillip Wilson spelled Huber and kept the Missions in the game, allowing just three hits, while striking out five, in four shutout innings...May 26...Bobby Livingston, in a groove and pitching as well as he has all season, gave up one run and three hits in eight innings as the Missions beat Wichita 3-1. After giving up a Cory Aldridge wind-aided homer in the first, Livingston (5-2) retired 21 of the final 23 batters he faced, including a streak of 15 straight. Rene Rivera was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI to lead the Missions' offense in the victory. The game was played in two hours, nine minutes... May 27...San Antonio fell into an early 5-0 hole and couldn't fight back against Wichita starter J.P. Howell in a 6-2 loss to the Wranglers. Jesus Guzman was 2-for-3, while Jaime Bubela was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI to lead the offense in defeat. In relief of starter Juan Sandoval, Tim Rall struck out three in three hitless innings...May 28...T.J. Bohn was 2-for-4, but the rest of the San Antonio offense could muster only three more hits as the Missions fell to Wichita 6-1. Starter Thomas Oldham was cruising until the fifth when he gave up a Josh Pressley solo homer, then three more runs in the sixth that put the game away for Wichita...May 29...Jesse Hoorelbeke was 2-for-4, while T.J. Bohn and Ismael Castro each added a double in San Antonio's 4-3 loss to Wichita. Starter Ryan Rowland-Smith took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on just four hits in 5.1 innings of work. Relievers Cesar Jiminez and Sean Green pitched 3.2 innings of two hit ball that allowed the Missions to stay in the game.

TEXAS LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK, May 23 - May 29, 2005

Arkansas catcher Mike Napoli has been named the Texas League Player of the Week for May 23 – 29, 2005. During the past week, Napoli hit .476 with three homeruns and eight RBI, while compiling a 1.000 slugging percentage and .560 on-base percentage. He had multiple hits in four straight games against Frisco and Midland, going 8-for-16 during that span. Over his final three games of the week, Napoli had a power surge, hitting a homerun in three straight games against Midland and driving in six runs. The week also saw him raise his average from .274 to .296. For the year, Napoli has seven homeruns and 32 RBI to go along with 13 doubles and five stolen bases. The 23-year-old Hollywood, Florida native was drafted in the 17th round of the 2000 MLB draft out of Cooper City, Florida's Charles Flanagan High School. In four professional seasons, Napoli has batted .262 with 49 homeruns and 219 RBI in 345 games. Last season at Rancho Cucamonga, Napoli hit .282 with 29 homeruns and 118 RBI to lead the Quakes. Other nominees for the award were Arkansas' Greg Porter (.500, 4 2B, HR, 10 RBI), and Midland's Jason Perry (.545, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and Steve Stanley (.438, 4 2B, 6R, 6 RBI, including a four-hit and a five-hit game). May 23 – 29 Stats .476 avg., 1.000 slg., 21 AB, 10 H, 6 R, 2 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 BB

TEXAS LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK, May 23 - May 29, 2005

Wichita starting pitcher Kyle Middleton is the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for May 23 – 29, 2005. Middleton threw a complete game, three-hitter against Corpus Christi on May 23, allowing only six total baserunners in the Wranglers' 5-1 win. On May 28 in San Antonio, he was almost as good, allowing one unearned run on five hits in seven innings, while striking out six and walking only one in a 6-2 Wichita win over the Missions. He was 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA in 16 innings, while allowing only eight hits in earning the honor. For the season, the 6-foot-4 right hander is 6-4 with a 2.59 ERA, while giving up just 64 hits in 73 innings and striking out 38. The 24-year-old Pensacola, Florida native was drafted in the 49th round of the 1999 Major League draft out of Jefferson-Davis Community College in Pensacola. In five professional seasons since, Middleton has a career record of 36-29 with a 4.18 ERA in 115 games of which he has started 86. In 2004 at Wichita, he was 8-8 with a 4.78 ERA. Other nominees for the award were Randy Leek (2-0, CG, 14 IP, 9 H, 2ER, 0 BB, 8 SO) and Corpus Christi's Fernando Nieve (1-0, 0.64 ERA, 14 IP, 5 H, 6 BB, 15 SO). May 23 – 29 Stats 2-0 W-L, 16 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO

TEXAS LEAGUE ALUMNI REPORT

Arkansas Travelers

On May 19, Sacramento's Tom Gregorio (‘01-'02) re-injured his right calf while headed to second base. Traded earlier that day to Oakland from Los Angeles (AL), Gregorio played only that one game with Sacramento after it was revealed that his injury was diagnosed before the trade, leading to Oakland's void of the trade....Nick Gorneault ('04) hit .324 in nine games through May 23 for Salt Lake with four homers, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored to lead the Stingers offense. In that same span, Casey Smith (‘03-'04) and Jeff Mathis ('04) have hit .188 and .148, respectively...Alfredo Amezaga ('03) was sent down by Pittsburgh to Indianapolis on May 14...Bobby Jenks (‘01-'03) has been hit hard a few times, but there still isn't anyone that Birmingham would want on the hill when the game is on the line. Through May 23, Jenks led the Southern League with 10 saves despite a relatively high ERA of 4.35.

El Paso Diablos

Tucson's Conor Jackson ('04) led the PCL with a .526 average in six games through May 23, rapping 10 hits in 19 at bats. Jackson ranked third in the league with a .393 mark and was tied for the top spot in the PCL with 39 RBI...Phil Stockman ('03) recently moved to the bullpen for Tucson to aid in preventing blisters on his throwing hand that have plagued him during his career. This season, blisters haven't been Stockman's problem; control has been his pitfall. In 23.2 innings through May 23, he had walked 19 batters, a big reason why he had allowed 19 runs in that span...Ottawa released Horacio Estrada (‘97-'98) on May 18.

Frisco RoughRiders

Oklahoma's Marshall MacDougal (‘03-'04) struggled in his first four games back since coming off the DL on May 19, notching just two hits in 16 at bats that saw his average fall to an even .300...On May 22, Sacramento activated Billy Sylvester ('04) from the DL.

Jackson Generals

Roberto Petagine (‘92-'93) joined Pawtucket on May 13. Through May 23, he was batting just .237, but hit four homeruns, 11 RBI and nine runs scored in nine games with the Paw Sox.

Midland RockHounds

Omaha's Aaron Guiel (‘96-'97) hit .325 in 10 games through May 23, with five homeruns, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored...Sacramento's Dan Johnson ('03) was a productive part of the RiverCats offense in 10 games through May 23, batting .375 with two homers, 11 RBI and 11 runs...Sacramento reliever Jairo Garcia ('04-'05) earned three saves in his first three appearances from May 11 – 14. He was saddled with back-to-back losses in his next two appearances, though, giving up four unearned runs to New Orleans on May 16, then a run to Omaha on May 20...Sacramento's Freddie Bynum (‘03-'04) injured a hamstring while taking second base on May 20. That same day, catcher John Baker ('04) had to leave the game when a wild pitch hit the dirt then struck him in the throat...Mike Ziegler (‘04-'05) was returned to Sacramento on May 20 after a trade between Oakland and Los Angeles (AL) was voided when the Athletics learned of an injury to Tom Gregorio, who was part of the trade. Ziegler had already reported to Arkansas, which was playing in Springfield...On May 22, Sacramento activated Chris Mabeus ('02-‘03) from the DL...Indianapolis activated Chris Enochs (‘99-'00, '02) from the DL on May 15.

Round Rock Express

Round Rock's Luke Scott ('04) hit an unassuming .267 in his last 10 games through May 23, but he also posted an impressive four homeruns and 15 RBI in that span.

San Antonio Missions

Chris Snelling (‘02-'03) of Tacoma, whose career has been marred by injuries, was hit by a pitch in the right hand in a May 21 game against Nashville and was forced out of the game. At the time, Snelling, who reached the Major Leagues with Seattle at age 20 in 2002, was leading the PCL in batting with a .404 clip...Scranton – Wilkes Barre's John Castellano (‘02-'03) was tossed from a game against Rochester on May 15 when he struck out after a controversial ball four. Players on both sides – and a video replay showed – confirmed that there had been a ball four; but home plate umpire Mike Fichter called the press box, which said it was 3-2, the same count as on the scoreboard. Castellano struck out on a check swing on the next pitch. IL president Randy Mobley said Castellano would still be fined despite being robbed of the walk...Josue Matos (‘02-'03) was promoted to Syracuse on May 16...At the end of the week of May 10 – 16, Bowie signed veteran Peter Bergeron ('98) and he made a major impact through his first seven games through May 23, hitting .370 with four runs scored and two RBI.

Shreveport SwampDragons

Fresno's Todd Linden ('02) had nine RBI for the Grizzlies during the week of May 17 – 23, while Doug Clark ('99-'02) has hit just .216 and was in the middle of a 2-for-15 skid during the same span.

Tulsa Drillers

Albuquerque's Joe Dillon and Mark Little ('96) have hit nearly as many homeruns in Albuquerque as the entire team has on the road through May 23. Dillon has 10 homers at home, while Little has nine. Albuquerque has hit just 21 homeruns in 20 games on the road through May 23...Iowa left-hander Darren Oliver (‘92-'93, ‘00-'01) retired during the week of May 17 – 23. The 34-year-old was 0-3 with a 10.50 ERA with Iowa this year...Buffalo signed Mike Bell (‘96-97) to be a player/coach the week of May 17 – 23. Bell played briefly with Memphis this year before retiring in late April. He's listed as a player in case Buffalo has an emergency need, until then he will remain on the disabled list...Atlanta signed Steve Kent ('04) as a free agent and assigned him to Mississippi on May 22. Kent was 1-0 with a 19.22 ERA with Colorado Springs before being released earlier this season. He pitched with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2002 and was 0-2 with a 5.65 ERA in 34 games.

Wichita Wranglers

Albuquerque's Joe Dillon (‘00-'01) and Mark Little have hit nearly as many homeruns in Albuquerque as the entire team has on the road through May 23. Dillon has 10 homers at home, while Little has nine. Albuquerque has hit just 21 homeruns in 20 games on the road through May 23...Raul Gonzalez (‘95-'98) hit .524 for Memphis through six games ending on May 23, with four RBI and six runs scored. The .524 mark was the second best in the PCL that week...Memphis released Shawn Sedlacek (‘00-'03) on May 19. He was 1-2 with a 10.80 ERA in five appearances for the Redbirds this year...Justin Gemoll (‘03-'04) was the hottest Omaha batter in games from May 17 – 23, hitting .514 in that span with eight RBI and seven runs scored...Ryan Baerlocher (‘01-'04), who has spent this season pitching in extended Spring Training, was added to Omaha's roster on May 23...Omaha's Danny Tamayo (‘03-'04) retired the first 12 Sacramento batters he faced in pitching the Royals to a 15-3 win. "I'm not that kind of guy. I don't have the stuff to do that. That's the last thing on my mind, especially with my approach of going after guys and pitching to contact. They're going to get hits. If a no-hitter happens, it'll be an act of God," Tamayo said after bing asked if a no-hitter was on his mind after retiring the first 12 batters...New York (AL) signed Kris Wilson (‘99-'00, '02) to a minor league contract and assigned him to Columbus on May 17. Wilson has a career 14-9 record in the big leagues...Norris Hopper's (‘03-'04) hitting streak ended at 21 games for Chattanooga when he was held hitless on May 19. In the 21 games, Hopper hit .414 and scored 20 runs. He struck out only six times and had an on-base percentage of .485.

THIS WEEK IN TEXAS LEAGUE HISTORY

May 30, 1895...It was a painful day for the visiting Houston Magnolias as they dropped a pair of games at Shreveport by scores of 19-6 and 26-10. In the first game, Shreveport collected 19 hits and six walks, while benefiting from seven Houston errors as they crafted the one-sided win. As bad as Houston played in the first game, they were worse in the second as they committed nine more errors, while pitcher Claud Hardy gave up 21 hits and six walks. Outfielder Jordan, who's first name is lost to history, was the chief culprit in the field for the visitors, committing two errors in the first game and three more in the second. Shreveport second baseman Rosie Weber had quite a day for the Grays, going 8-for-12 with nine runs scored, six of which came in the second game. May 31, 1949...Tulsa got third inning home runs from Joe Adcock, Russ Burns and Dewey Williams to help power the Oilers to a 10-3 win over Fort Worth. Adcock had a second homer in the game and drove in five of his team's 10 runs. June 1, 1937...Oklahoma City slugger Paul Easterling and player/manager Jim Keesey bunched a pair of hits to score the deciding run of the game, giving the Indians a 17-inning, 7-6 win at Dallas. Easterling, who was 5-for-6 in the contest, hit his third double of the game to open the 17th inning. He then scored when Keesey followed with a clean single to center field. June 2, 1966...Dallas-Fort Worth scored two runs in the top of the 17th inning, topping Arkansas 4-2. The Travelers missed a golden opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the 16th when Roy Majtyka missed a suicide-squeeze bunt that led to Floyd Wicker being easily retired at the plate. June 3, 1929...Slick-fielding Houston third baseman Eddie Hock put on a hitting display, stroking a single and three triples in the Buffalos' 10-1 win over Waco. June 4, 1922... Over 2,400 fans showed up to see a ballgame in the remains of the Wichita Falls ballpark which had burned the previous afternoon. Seated in temporary bleachers, the loyal fans watched their heroes pound Shreveport 17-8, as every player in the Spudders line-up had at least one hit. June 5, 1977...Continuing where they left off the night before, Tulsa and El Paso staged another West Texas slugfest. Just hours after the Drillers completed a 19-18 win at El Paso, Tulsa pounded out a 16-14 win over the Diablos in the first game of a double header. Billy Sample paced the Tulsa attack, going 4-for-5 at the plate. Carney Lansford led the El Paso offense with six RBI's, four coming on a grand slam in the Diablos' seven-run, sixth inning. The Diablos earned a split in the DH with a relatively quiet 8-7 win in the night cap.



Texas League Stories from May 30, 2005


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