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TL1 Texas League

Texas League update

May 23, 2005 - Texas League (TL1) News Release


EAST NOTES

Arkansas Travelers

May 16...Starter Steven Shell struck out 11 over six innings, but Tulsa's Ryan Spilborghs hit for the cycle in the Drillers' 5-2 win over Arkansas. Shell allowed five earned runs on nine hits and two walks. Greg Porter was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored to lead the Arkansas offense. After the game, Arkansas manager Tom Gamboa had this to say: "I'm just glad the Kids' Day games are over. I raised five, it's just too much noise."...May 17...Joe Saunders allowed a three-run homer to Tulsa's Alvin Colina that proved to be the difference in a 5-4 Arkansas loss to the Drillers. Saunders ended up going six-plus innings, allowing all five runs on eight hits, in falling to 3-2 this year. Ryan Leahy scored twice and was 2-for-4 to lead the Travs...May 18...After hitting just six homeruns on the road all year, Arkansas broke out with five bombs in a 12-1 win over Springfield. Alberto Callaspo smacked two homers – including a fifth-inning grand slam off of the roof of the training facility past the right-field fence – and drove in five runs as the Travelers improved to 5-0 against Springfield this year. Callaspo homered from both sides of the plate for the second time in five games. Tommy Murphy was 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBI to help Callaspo with the offensive attack. Starter Delvin James earned the win pitching seven innings of three-hit ball, allowing one earned run, to improve to 2-2...May 19...Mike Napoli had a three-run homer and Mike Eylward added a solo shot, but Arkansas still fell to Springfield 7-5. David Gates added a 2-for-5 night in defeat...May 20...Arkansas issued two intentional walks in the ninth hoping Springfield's Aaron Herr would ground into a double play, but it backfired when Herr came through with a single that scored Tyler Minges from third with the winning run in a 4-3 Travelers loss to the Cards. Starter Daniel Davidson was strong, allowing just four hits and three runs (two earned) but received a no decision after Matt Wilhite came on in relief and blew the save in addition to taking the loss. Reggie Willits and Tommy Murphy each had two hits to lead the Travs' offense...May 21...Arkansas capitalized on Springfield OF Papo Bolivar's first error of the season. As a result of his miscue, Arkansas scored two runs in the top of the 12th that led to a 7-5 Travelers win over the Cards. The Travs broke a 5-5 tie after Erick Aybar doubled to lead off the 12th inning, while David Gates was intentionally walked to set up the double play. Tommy Murphy, up next, hit a sharp single to left that rolled under Bolivar's glove and allowed both runners to score and give the Travs the win. Aaron Pullin, Von Stertzbach, Mark O'Sullivan (1-0) and Matt Wilhite combined to allow one unearned run on just five hits in the final 6.2 innings to help the Travelers pull it off. Erick Aybar was 2-for-4 and scored three times, while Brent Del Chiaro was 2-for-3 with a two-run homer...May 22...With the scored tied 4-4 in the top of the eighth, Arkansas' Tommy Murphy slapped a hit into right field off of Springfield's Anthony Rawson where Springfield's Tyler Minges slipped as he charged in, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Mike Napoli then greeted Evan Rust with a run-scoring single to center that proved to be the winning run in a 6-5 win over Springfield. Murphy and Napoli each had three hits and two RBI to pace the Travelers' bats. Kasey Olenberger picked up the win in relief of starter Joe Saunders, allowing one unearned run on two hits in 2.1 innings.

Springfield Cardinals

May 16...Springfield sent 12 batters to the plate in an eight-run seventh inning to break open a tight game and give the Cardinals a 10-1 win over Wichita. Tyler Minges went 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run homer, while Robinson Cancel went 2-for-2, scoring three runs to go along with three walks. Starter Oscar Alvarez improved to 3-2 this year after allowing an earned run on just five hits in six innings of work...May 17...Wichita's Corey Aldridge hit a game-tying homer in the ninth off Springfield closer Josh Kinney to force extra innings before the Cardinals self destructed in the 12th in a 10-6 loss to the Wranglers. Aaron Herr was 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while Robinson Cancel was 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI to lead the Cards...May 18...Starter Buddy Blair was pounded for 10 earned runs on 10 hits in just four innings that led to a 12-1 defeat at the hands of Arkansas. Kevin Estrada scored the lone Cardinal run and was 2-for-4 with a double to pace the offense...May 19...Coming into the game, closer Josh Kinney had only walked three batters in 24 innings, but issued free passes to the first two Travs he faced before retiring the next three batters to earn his 10th save of the year in a 7-5 win over Arkansas. Travis Hanson and Robinson Cancel were both 2-for-3 with a homerun in the win. Starter Randy Leek earned the win, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and a walk in six innings, to improve his record to 3-2....May 20... Aaron Herr singled in Tyler Minges with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth that gave Springfield a 4-3 win over Arkansas. "I told Reid Gorecki in the dugout, ‘If I get up, I'm going to win it for us," Herr said. Herr was 3-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 13 games, while Papo Bolivar was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a double. Starter Jeremy Cook threw eight solid innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits, before turning the ball over to closer Josh Kinney, who pitched a perfect ninth to get the win and improve to 4-1...May 21...Springfield left fielder papo Bolivar committed his first error of the season on a single in the top of the 12th that allowed Arkansas to score twice and steal a 7-5 win over the Cardinals. Travis Hanson was 3-for-5, at the plate, with a pair of doubles, while Dan Moylan was 2-for-4 to help lead the Springfield offensive attack...May 22...With the game deadlocked at four, Anthony Rawson issued a leadoff walk in the eighth, then Arkansas' Tommy Murphy slapped a hit into right field, where Tyler Minges slipped as he was charged the ball, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Arkansas' Mike Napoli then greeted Springfield's Evan Rust with an RBI single that proved to be the game winner in a 6-5 loss to the Travelers. Rawson (1-1) was pitching going into his second inning of work for the first time this year after Springfield's bullpen pitched eight innings in a 7-5, 12-inning loss to Arkansas on May 21. Aaron Herr was 2-for-4 in extending his hitting streak to 15 games.

Tulsa Drillers

May 16...With more than 5,000 schoolchildren watching on Kids' Day at Ray Winder, Ryan Spilborghs was the story of the game, hitting for the cycle and driving in four runs, in Tulsa's 5-2 win over Arkansas. Spilborghs hit a three-run triple in the first, a single in the third, a two-run homer in the fifth, then completed the cycle with a two-out double in the seventh. Spilborghs has now hit for the cycle three times – once in high school, once in college at University of California at Santa Barbara and now once in the professional ranks. Zack Parker picked up his fourth win of the year, allowing only two earned runs on seven hits in seven innings...May 17...Alvin Colina's three-run homer in the sixth proved to be the difference in the Drillers' 5-4 win over Arkansas. Colina went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored in addition to the three-run blast. Starter Sandy Nin struck out seven, while giving up three earned runs on six hits in six innings, to earn his first Double-A win. P.J. Bevis pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save of the campaign. ..May 18...Jon Asahina threw his second complete game in a row in leading Tulsa to a 7-3 win over Wichita, in a game that lasted just two hours and seven minutes. Asahina used only 91 pitches to dispose of the Wranglers, allowing just seven hits and three earned runs, improving his record to 5-1. Jayson Nix led the Drillers' attack by going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Dan Conway hit a two-run homer in the second that gave the Drillers a 4-0 lead...May 19...Tulsa dug an early, deep 8-1 hole through three innings, before exploding for five runs in the fourth inning to cut the lead to 8-6, but Wichita would end up holding on to win 10-8. Starter Keith Ramsey hit the showers early, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits and four walks in just 2.1 innings, as he fell to 1-3 on the year. Doug Bernier hit a homerun and drove in four runs to lead the offense in defeat. The loss snapped a five-game Tulsa winning streak...May 20...Sean Barker hit a solo homerun, while Ryan Spilborghs was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles but Tulsa still lost to Wichita 6-3. Judd Songster and P.J. Bevis combined for 3.2 innings of one-hit relief to keep the Drillers in the ballgame...May 21...Starter Zack Parker threw seven strong innings, while Jeff Salazar added a second-inning, two-out grand slam in Tulsa's 8-4 win over Wichita. Parker allowed seven hits and three earned runs, while striking out three, over seven innings. He improved his record to 5-2 on the season. Salazar was 2-for-4 with four RBI from the leadoff spot in the lineup, while Corey Slavik was 3-for-4 with two runs scored to help pace the Drillers' attack...May 22...Tony Miller and Ryan Spilborghs each hit homeruns but Tulsa fell 9-3 to Wichita. Starter Sandy Nin took the loss after being pounded for seven earned runs on seven hits in just 3.2 innings.

Wichita Wranglers

May 16...Reliever Barry Armitage allowed seven earned runs on six hits and a walk in the Springfield eight-run seventh-inning outburst that led to a 10-1 Wichita loss to the Cards. Wilkin Ruan was 2-for-3 to lead the Wichita offense...May 17...It had been a day Corey Aldridge would love to forget until he hit a game-tying solo homerun in the ninth that led to a 10-6 Wichita win over Springfield in 12 innings. Prior to the homerun, Aldridge had been 0-6 with four strikeouts. Justin Huber's two-run double and two Springfield errors added up to a four-run 12th for the Wranglers. Mike Aviles was 2-for-6 with two doubles and two runs scored, while Matt Tupman was 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored to pace the offense. Relievers Jonah Bayliss, Nate Hoelscher, Colt Griffin and Shawn Sonnier (1-0) combined to strike out 11 Springfield batters, while allowing just four hits – and no runs – in the final 9.1 innings...May 18...Corey Aldridge hit a double and a two-run homer, but it wasn't enough as Tulsa starter Jon Asahina turned in a masterful, complete game performance to turn away Wichita, 7-3. Adam Keim scored twice and was 2-for-4 with a homer in the losing cause. Barry Armitage, in relief of starter Kyle Middleton, pitched the final two innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three...May 19...Corey Aldridge hit a three-run homer in the first inning, his 10th of the year, while Shawn Sonnier picked up a win, in relief of starter Derrin Ebert, as Wichita beat Tulsa 10-8 to break up the Drillers' five-game winning streak.. Sonnier struck out six in 3.2 innings of one-hit ball to improve to 2-0 this year. Aldridge was 3-for-5 with two runs scored, including his three-run blast...May 20...Shane Costa was 1-for-2 with two RBI and a stolen base in contributing to all three Wichita scoring rallies in a 6-3 decision over Tulsa. Mel Stocker was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a triple to lead the Wichita bats. Starter Brian Bass struck out eight over 6.2 solid innings. He allowed three earned runs on eight hits, to improve to 4-2. Trae McGill struck out four over the final 2.1 innings for his first save of the year...May 21...Cleanup man Corey Aldridge was 3-for-4 with two doubles, while the first three in the batting order (John Draper, Rudy Gomez and Justin Huber) combined to go 6-for-14 with two runs scored, but Wichita was still beaten by Tulsa, 8-4 due to a second inning, two-out grand slam by Tulsa's Jeff Salazar. Starter Mike Stodolka allowed all eight runs (all earned) on eight hits and two walks in falling to 1-3 this year...May 22...Wichita scored seven runs in the fourth inning, with Adam Keim and Shane Costa each contributing a three-run double, as the Wranglers pounded Tulsa 9-3. Starter J.P. Howell, a 2004 first-round selection making his first Double-A start, picked up the win allowing three earned runs on just four hits, while striking out five and walking three in 5.1 innings. Shawn Sonnier struck out five Tulsa batters in two perfect innings of relief work. Costa, Keim, Mike Aviles and Cory Aldridge each had two hits for the Wranglers.

WEST NOTES

Corpus Christi Hooks

May 16 (DH 1)...Brooks Conrad doubled twice and scored two runs, while starter Mark McLemore won his fourth straight start, hurling a complete game seven-hitter, in Corpus Christi's 5-2 win over Midland. Corpus Christi turned its first triple play in Texas League play since 1959, while turning two other double plays that snuffed out Midland rallies. Carlos Rodriguez drove in four runs and went 2-for-4 to aid Conrad in the offensive attack. All five Hooks' runs came on two out hits...May 16 (DH 2)...Corpus Christi was limited to four hits against Midland pitching in a 4-1 loss to the RockHounds. Phillip Barzilla and Roberto Giron shutout Midland over the final two innings to keep the game within reach...May 17...In a 5-3 loss to Midland, Corpus Christi was handcuffed at the plate all night long by RockHounds' starter Dallas Braden, who was making his first Double-A start. Carlos Rodriguez was 3-for-5, while Mark Saccomanno was 3-for-4 with two doubles to lead the Hooks offense. Reliever Monte Mansfield finished the contest for the Hooks with two perfect innings, striking out three. Josh Anderson was 0-3, ending a Hooks-best 14-game hitting streak...May 18...Corpus Christi lost to San Antonio 3-2 in 10 innings, dropping the Hooks to 1-10 in one-run contests and 1-5 in extra-inning games. Starter Tim McClaskey was solid, giving up seven hits and two earned runs in seven innings, but didn't pick up a decision. Brooks Conrad and Ray Navarette each had solo homeruns for the Hooks...May 19...Starter Fernando Nieve was strong, allowing two earned runs on six hits in six innings while striking out eight San Antonio batters. However, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead as Corpus Christi lost to the Missions 6-4. Kevin Hodge had his second blown save of the season, allowing four earned runs on three hits and a walk in 0.1 innings. He took the loss as well...May 20...Carlos Rodriguez was 2-for-4 but the rest of the Corpus Christi offense combined for a 2-for-27 showing in a 4-0 loss to San Antonio. Starter Jason Hirsh had another strong outing, allowing four earned runs on just four hits in six innings, while striking out seven, but took the loss and fell to 4-4 on the year...May 21...San Antonio smacked around Corpus Christi pitching for 12 hits, including six for extra bases, in a 9-3 drubbing of the Hooks. Starter Mark McLemore pitched only four innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on just three hits and five walks, to take the loss. Hector Giminez, Junior Zamora and Dax Norris each had two hits. Norris added a two-run homer that provided most of the Hooks' run production...May 22...One strike away from their first win over San Antonio this year, reliever Jailen Peguero allowed a two-out, two-run triple to Jaime Bubela that sealed Corpus Christi's fate in a 2-1 loss to the Missions. Starter Chris Sampson threw only 85 pitches through 8.2 innings in which he allowed just six hits. The two runs that were charge to Sampson were on the Bubela triple. Josh Anderson, who was 2-for-4, drove in the only Corpus Christi run in the eighth. The Hooks are 4-16 this month and have lost 10 of its last 11 games.

Frisco RoughRiders

May 16...Frisco scored two runs in the sixth, while starter Josh Rupe allowed an earned run on just seven hits in seven innings of a 2-1 win over San Antonio. Rupe (3-2) struck out seven while walking only two. Jace Brewer was 2-for-4 with a run scored, raising his average to .357. Joaquin Arias was hitless, ending his hitting streak at seven games...May 17...The top two spots in the lineup (Drew Meyer and Ruddy Yan) produced six hits and five runs that led to an 11-7 Frisco win over San Antonio. Meyer and Yan were both 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Yan scored twice and stole three bags, while Meyer scored three runs. Jason Hart hit his league-leading 10th homer of the year, while Joaquin Arias and Seth Taylor each added a two-run shot. Starter Matt Lorenzo improved to 3-3 despite allowing six earned runs on eight hits in six innings of work. Shane Bazzell worked the ninth for his second save of the year...May 18...Starter C.J. Wilson struck out eight Midland batters over five innings of one-hit ball, but Agustin Montero blew his fifth save of the season that led to a 4-3 loss to the ‘Hounds. Montero allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. Drew Meyer, Jason Hart, Seth Taylor and Jeremy Cleveland each had two hits in the losing cause...May 19...Frisco turned a triple play, while Juan Senreiso tripled and homered to lead the ‘Riders to an 8-4 win over Midland. On the triple play, Drew Meyer instinctively dropped a soft line drive that forced the runners at first and second to freeze, and the result was the first triple play in Frisco history. Meyer flipped the ball to Arias who threw to Jason Hart at first for the second out. Jason Hart threw back to Meyer at second who tagged out a confused Jeremy Brown who was retreating back to second for the third out. Midland also hit into a triple play in Corpus Christi on May 16. Meyer added a 2-for-3 performance at the plate to aid the ‘Riders offensively...May 20...Frisco welcomed Brandon Larson back and he responded with a two-homer, six-RBI night to lead the ‘Riders to a 9-6 win over Midland in front of 10,868 Frisco fans. Larson's three-run homer in the fifth snapped a 3-3 tie, while his two-run blast in the seventh gave the ‘Riders an 8-3 lead. Jason Hart added a perfect 4-for-4 night, scoring three runs, helping Larson lead the Frisco offense. Starter Nick Masset allowed three earned runs on eight hits through six innings of work, as he earned his first win of the year. Justin Thompson struck out three Midland batters over the final 1.2 innings to earn his second save of the year...May 21...Starter Josh Rupe was spectacular over seven innings, allowing eight hits and two earned runs, while striking out seven, and the offense collected 15 hits in a 9-2 trouncing of Midland. Ruddy Yan, Jason Hart and Brandon Larson each had three hits to lead the offense, while Larson added a two-run homer, his third in two games back from the DL, and four RBI...May 22...Frisco fell into an early hole after starter Matt Lorenzo was roughed up for seven runs on seven hits in just 2.1 innings of a 9-4 loss to Midland. Luis Marcano pitched 4.2 innings of two-hit, shutout relief to keep the game from becoming a blowout. Jeremy Cleveland was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while Ruddy Yan was 4-for-5, extending his hitting streak to 10 games.

Midland RockHounds

May 16 (DH 1)...Steve Stanley doubled in both Midland runs in the second inning in a 5-2 Midland loss to Corpus Christi. Starter Matt Lynch threw six innings, allowing eight hits and five earned runs, dropping to 4-1 on the year. The Hooks turned a triple play, in addition to two double plays, halting Midland in its quest to come back...May 16 (DH 2)...Steve Stanley was 2-for-3, scoring twice, while Brian Stavisky was 2-for-3 with two RBI in Midland's 4-1 win over Corpus Christi. Starter Drew Dickinson threw four innings, allowing four hits and one earned run, in his first start back in Midland since his brief demotion to Single-A. Shawn Kohn got the win in relief of Dickinson, while new closer Alex Santos earned his first Double-A save, striking out the side to finish off the Hooks...May 17...Dallas Braden made quite a first impression in his first start in Double-A, leading Midland to a 5-3 win over Corpus Christi. Braden, 22, was a member of the 2004 Texas Tech baseball squad and was 6-0 with a 2.89 ERA at Stockton before being called up Monday. He threw 6.2 shutout innings, scattering seven hits and striking out five for his first win. Brant Colamarino was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored to pace the Hounds' offensive attack...May 18... Midland scored two in the top of the ninth to tie the game and send it to extra frames before Jeremy Brown's solo homer in the 10th won it for the ‘Hounds, 4-3. Although he didn't figure in the decision, starter Steven Bondurant pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two earned runs on eight hits. Brad Weis got his first win of the year, striking out the only batter he faced in the ninth...May 19...Andre Ethier hit a two-run homer, while both Jeremy Brown and Brian Stavisky were 3-for-4 with a double, but Midland still lost to Frisco on the road 8-4. Starter Stephen Obenchain was ripped in his first start since being named Pitcher of the Week, allowing six earned runs on eight hits in five innings, in taking the loss to drop to 3-2 on the year. The RockHounds hit into their second triple play in five games. They hit into the other in the first game of a doubleheader at Corpus Christi on May 16...May 20...Brian Stavisky was a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, while Lloyd Turner scored twice and was 2-for-4, but Frisco's offense was too much for Midland in a 9-6 loss to the ‘Riders. The ‘Hounds fell in an early hole after starter Drew Dickinson was ineffective over four innings of work, allowing five earned runs on nine hits, as he fell to 1-5 on the year...May 21...In relief of starter Matt Lynch, Evan Fahrner was blasted for six earned runs on seven hits and a walk in just one inning that allowed Frisco to pull away with a 9-2 win over Midland. Lynch was solid, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits in 6.1 innings, but took the loss as he fell to 4-2 on the year. The loss ensured the first series loss of the year for the RockHounds...May 22...Starter Dallas Braden picked up his second win in as many Double-A starts, while Brant Colamarino and Jeremy Brown each hit a homerun to lead Midland to a 9-4 win over Frisco. Braden allowed two earned runs on five walks and just four hits in six innings. Shawn Kohn earned his second save of the year, allowing just one hit while striking out three in 2.2 innings.

San Antonio Missions

May 16...Starter Bobby Livingston had his fifth solid outing of the year, but this time lost 2-1 to Frisco starter Josh Rupe in a classic pitchers' duel. Livingston struck out seven, while allowing two earned runs on just four hits and three walks, in falling to 3-2 this year. Gary Harris, Jaime Bubela and Brian Moon had two hits apiece, but the rest of the Missions offense went 1-for-20. Catcher Luis Oliveros joined the Missions after being late to Spring Training due to visa problems. He had been in Arizona the past few weeks getting into shape...May 17...After falling behind 4-0 in the first, San Antonio could never catch up, losing to Frisco 11-7. Starter Juan Sandoval (2-2) was touched for twelve hits and eight earned runs in just five innings in the loss. Yuniesky Betancourt was 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored, while Jesus Guzman was 2-for-5 with a homerun and two RBI...May 18...Gary Harris hit his first homer of the season, a solo shot with one out in the 10th inning, lifting the Missions to a 3-2 win over Corpus Christi. Emiliano Fruto, Jeff Harris (4-0) and Sean Green combined to throw four innings of one-hit, shutout baseball. Green picked up his league-leading 11th save. The win gave the Missions a 5-0 record against Corpus this year...May 19...Jesus Guzman led San Antonio at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three RBI, in the Missions' 6-4 win over Corpus Christi. Renee Cortez, in relief of starter Ryan Rowland-Smith, picked up the win, striking out five in two no-hit innings. Sean Green pitched a hitless ninth for his 12th save of the year...May 20...Starting in place of Jon Huber who was out with strep throat, Jeff Harris and reliever Emiliano Fruto allowed only four hits in a 4-0 San Antonio win over Corpus Christi. Harris allowed only four hits (all singles) through seven innings of work, while striking out seven Hooks batters in moving to 5-0 this year. Fruto struck out two over two hitless innings to close out the game for the Missions. Jesse Hoorelbeke was 2-for-3 with two RBI to lead the winners' offensive cause...May 21...San Antonio ran its record over Corpus Christi to 8-0 on the year, pounding out 12 hits in a 9-3 rout of the Hooks. Jesse Hoorelbeke and Yuniesky Betancourt were both 2-for-4 with a homer to aid starter Bobby Livingston (4-2), who allowed eight hits and three earned runs in seven innings for the winners...May 22...Corpus Christi starter Chris Sampson baffled San Antonio hitters for 8.2 innings before giving way to Jailen Peguero, who allowed a two-strike, two-run triple to Jaime Bubela that gave the Missions a 2-1 win over the Hooks. Gary Harris, Jon Nelson and Bubela each had two hits but the rest of the offense had just one total hit. Starter Juan Sandoval took a no decision despite allowing just one earned run on six hits through seven innings. Rene Cortez earned the win while Sean Green notched his 13th save with a perfect ninth.

TEXAS LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK, May 17 - May 23, 2005

Cory Aldridge, Wichita Wranglers

Cory Alridge has been named the Texas League Player of the Week for May 16 – 22, 2005.Over the past week, Aldridge hit .333 in seven games, raising his average 20 points to .305, to go along with four homeruns and nine RBI. In addition, Aldridge also scored six runs and collected 29 total bases, seven more than his nearest competitor, last week. For the year, he is batting .305 (53-for-174) with 12 doubles, 11 homeruns and 35 RBI and 29 runs scored. The 25-year-old native of Abilene, Texas was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 1997 draft out of Abilene Cooper High School. Aldridge, an eight-year veteran of professional baseball, earned a call-up from the Braves in 2001. In eight Major League games, he is 0-for-5 at the plate with a run scored. In his minor league career, he has hit .251 with 91 homers and 375 RBI in 734 career games. Other nominees for the award were Frisco's Brandon Larson, who, in three games after being activated from the disabled list, batted.545 with three homeruns and 10 RBI; Springfield's Robinson Cancel (.500 avg., 2 HR, 5 RBI); and Frisco's Jason Hart (.458 avg., 2 HR, 8 RBI).

May 16 – 22, 2005 Stats .333 avg., 39 AB, 13 H, 6 R, 4 2B, 4 HR, 9 RBI

TEXAS LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK, May 17 - May 23, 2005

Shawn Sonnier, Wichita Wranglers

Shawn Sonnier was named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for May 16 – 22, 2005. Sonnier was 2-0 in three games spanning 7.2 innings of work in which he allowed only an unearned run for a 0.00 ERA. He struck out 14 batters, while walking only two and allowing just two hits. Sonnier picked up his second win of the past week in a May 19 game against Tulsa, allowing only a hit and two walks in 3.2 innings, while striking out five Drillers. For the season, the 6-fooot-5 right hander is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA. In 17 innings of work, he has allowed just 12 hits, while striking out 23 batters against only six walks. The 28-year-old native of Louisiana was drafted out of Louisiana Tech in the 14th round of the 196 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. In six professional seasons, Sonnier is 9-14 with a 3.50 ERA in 214 games. He has struck out 337 batters and allowed just 268 hits and 121 walks in 314 professional innings. Other nominees for the award were San Antonio's Jeff Harris (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 7 SO) and Frisco's Josh Rupe (2-0, 14 IP, 13 H, 3 ER, 14 SO).

May 16 – 22, 2005 Stats 2-0 W-L, 0.00 ERA, 7.2 IP, 2 H, 1R 0ER, 2 BB, 14 SO

TEXAS LEAGUE ALUMNI REPORT

Arkansas Travelers

Portland (PCL) OF Kerry Robinson ('97) had a six-game stolen base streak ended against Round Rock on May 15. Robinson had 21 steals through May 15, more than double the next highest total in the league... Salt Lake's Casey Kotchman ('04), one of the top prospects in the minors, hit .632 the week of May 9, making him the only PCL hitter above the .500 mark. He was 12-for-19 with five RBI and six runs scored...Corey Lee ('04) made seven starts for Salt Lake through May 16, and in all seven of those starts, he allowed three runs or fewer. On May 8, he allowed an unearned run in 5.2 innings but suffered a 1-0 loss...Birmingham relievers Bobby Jenks (‘01-'03) and Paulino Reynoso have combined to give the Barons a tough one-two option in the late innings. Together, the two have gone1-1 with a 1.97 ERA, earning saves in 11 of Birmingham's 17 wins.

El Paso Diablos

In a May 14 game against Omaha, Colorado Springs' Tim Olson ('01, '03) won the game, 7-6, with an RBI single in the seventh...Fresno's Brian Dallimore (‘00-'01) was mired in a 1-for-14 slump from May 12-16...Tucson's Carlos Quentin ('04) continued his red-hot hitting for the Sidewinders, hitting .400 in 10 games through May 16 with six RBI and seven runs scored. The streak has lifted his average from .301 to .324...In his first two starts for Tucson, Bill Murphy ('03) allowed 11 hits and eight earned runs in nine innings.

Frisco RoughRiders

Oklahoma's Ian Kinsler ('04) went into a 1-for-17 skid spanning four games ending on May 16.

Midland RockHounds

Charlotte's Jamie Burke (‘96-'98) hit .158 in his last five games through May 16...Omaha's Aaron Guiel ('00) hit .400 in nine games spanning from May 8-16, slamming four homers to go along with six RBI and seven runs scored...Sacramento's Chris Mabeus (‘03-'04) was put on the Disabled List by a sore lower back on May 10...Oakland signed Steve Sparks ('98) and sent him to Sacramento where, in his first start, he was rocked for seven runs in five innings in a 12-7 loss to New Orleans...On May 12, Sacramento's Steve Smyth ('04) was suspended 15 games for violating the Minor League drug prevention and treatment program...Sacramento lefty John Rheinecker (‘02-'03) led the PCL through May 16 with a 1.77 ERA, and his four wins were one off the league lead. He hasn't pitched since May 8 due to an inflamed tendon sheath in his left middle finger.

Round Rock Express

Las Vegas' Henri Stanley ('02) was activated from the Disabled List on May 12...Round Rock's Jared Gothreaux ('04) won both starts in the second week of May, allowing just 12 hits and one earned run in 13.1 innings. He also struck out eight, including five in a win over Portland on May 14...Round Rock 2B Chris Burke ('02-'03) batted .241, while SS Tommy Whiteman (‘01-'04) had a .161 average in 10 games ending on May 16...On May 11, Burke and Luke Scott ('04) hit back-to-back homers in a four-run sixth inning against Tacoma, exactly a week after both were sent down from the parent Houston Astros...Dave Matranga (‘00-'01, '04) was 1-for-17 in six games through May 16 for Salt Lake.

San Antonio Missions

The St.Louis Cardinals signed 1B Juan Diaz (‘98-‘99) and assigned him to Springfield...Louisville's Kenny Kelly ('01) was riding a 15-game hitting streak through May 16 that has seen his average raise from .241 to .322. Kelly has also scored 11 of his 18 runs during that span...Fresno's Todd Linden ('02) was mired in a 2-for-19 slump from May 12-16...Chin-Feng Chen ('00) hit .350 in five games from May 12-16, with a pair of homeruns and nine RBI...Jamal Strong ('00) made his return from his suspension with a vengeance for Tacoma, hitting .417 in his first six games back through May 16. He has hit a homer, scored five runs and drove in three runs...Tacoma activated Greg Jacobs (‘03-'04) and Cha-Seung Baek (‘03-'04) on May 9. Jacobs served a 30-game suspension for failing a drug test, while Baek was activated from the Disabled List. The moves forced the Rainiers to release Dustin Dellucchi ('04)...Tim Rall (‘04-'05) was promoted to Triple-A Tacoma to replace George Sherrill ('03) who was recalled by parent Seattle. Rall allowed four runs on four hits and two walks in one inning of work on May 15 at Albuquerque.

Shreveport SwampDragons

The Fresno Grizzlies offense struggled, scoring just 11 runs in five games from May 12-16. Tony Turcato (‘00-'01) hit .278 during that span, driving in four runs while scoring three...Iowa's Calvin Murray (‘93-'98) batted .409 from May 10-16.

Tulsa Drillers

On May 11, the Toronto Blue Jays sent Matt Whiteside ('92) to Syracuse...Colorado Springs' Ryan Shealy ('04) hit .448 in nine mid-May games to continue a torrid streak that began with a 5-for-7 showing in a twinbill on April 28 against Portland. He has hit .420 in 15 games through May 16, raising his average from .281 to .342...Colorado Springs' Mike Esposito ('04) had won three straight starts before losing to Omaha on May 15. Even in the three previous wins, he allowed 18 hits and 10 runs in 16 innings for a 5.63 ERA during that span. Omaha touched up Esposito for six runs on eight hits in 2.2 innings...Iowa's Darren Oliver (‘92-'93, '01) allowed 18 hits and 15 earned runs in 8.1 innings for an 0-2 record and a 16.20 ERA through May 16. Opponents have hit .439 against Oliver.

Wichita Wranglers

Charlotte waived Jeremy Giambi ('97) on May 11...On May 11, Ottawa's Sal Fasano ('95, '97) was promoted to the parent Baltimore Orioles... Toledo OF Alexis Gomez (‘01-'02) hit at a .400 clip from May 12-16...Toledo's Byron Gettis ('03) left the team on May 15 to be with his wife, who was about to deliver their first child. He was expected back for the beginning of a homestand on May 17...Memphis OF Brandon Berger (‘95-'98) hit .360 in six games from May 10-16.

THIS WEEK IN TEXAS LEAGUE HISTORY

May 23, 1951...Tulsa used a little pitching and some timely hitting to sweep a doubleheader from Oklahoma City. In the seven-inning opener, Bud Zeiser gave up a first inning single to Frank Kellert, then cruised to a 5-0 win without allowing another hit. In the second game, a 14-8 Tulsa thumping of the Indians, Bob Nieman drove in six runs with a pair of homers. Pinch hitting in the fourth, Nieman capped a seven-run Tulsa scoring binge with a grand slam. The next inning, Nieman homered again with one man on base. May 24, 1966...Big Don Wilson struck out 14 El Paso batters as he pitched and batted Amarillo to a 6-0 win over the Sun Kings. Wilson scattered six hits as he tossed his fourth shutout of the season. He also had a two-run double in the third inning, which gave Amarillo a 3-0 lead. May 25, 1954...Raymond Cucchiarini, 23, an outfielder who had just been purchased by Houston from Fort Worth, was killed in an auto accident near Huntsville, Texas, while on the way to Houston to join his new team. May 26, 2002...El Paso's Luis Terraro was a perfect 5-for-5, hitting for the cycle and driving in six runs. However, his hitting heroics were not enough to propel the Diablos past Round Rock. The Express used a 22-hit attack to produce a 15-11 win. Outfielder Henri Stanley was 5-for-6 for the winners, lacking only a home run for a cycle of his own. May 27, 1999...Tony Mota and Eric Gagne teamed to help San Antonio pound Shreveport 16-0. Mota led a 23-hit San Antonio attack by going 5-for-6 with five RBI's. Gagne pitched the first seven innings of the shutout, striking out 12 Shreveport batters. May 28, 1911...After a disputed call in the seventh inning, enraged San Antonio players attacked umpire Floyd Atkinson. The disputed play allowed Dallas to score what would prove to be the winning run in their 2-1 win over the Bronchos. News reports indicated that several San Antonio players battered Atkinson in front of the grandstand. Further reports stated that no one was seriously injured as the result of the incident and that the game resumed, being played to completion. May 29, 1984...Tulsa right-hander Steve Kordish was nearly perfect as he tossed a no-hitter versus Midland in the opening game of a doubleheader Allowing just a single base runner, a walk to Dan Norman in the second inning, Kordish breezed to a 6-0 win in the seven inning contest.



Texas League Stories from May 23, 2005


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