TL1 Texas League

Texas League Update

Published on June 16, 2009 under Texas League (TL1) News Release


Texas League All-Star Rosters Announced

North Division All-Stars

Starters

First Base - Mark Hamilton, Springfield

Second Base - Daniel Descalso, Springfield

Third Base - Corey Smith, Northwest Arkansas

Shortstop - Daniel Mayora, Tulsa

Catcher - Hank Conger, Arkansas

Designated Hitter - Jeff Kindel, Tulsa

Outfield - Peter Bourjos, Arkansas

Outfield - Tyler Henley, Springfield

Outfield - Jordan Parraz, Northwest Arkansas

Reserves

Infield - Pete Kozma, Springfield

Infield - Kurt Mertins, Northwest Arkansas

Infield - Nate Sutton, Arkansas

Catcher - Steven Hill, Springfield

Outfield - Daryl Jones, Springfield

Pitchers

RHP - Trevor Bell, Arkansas

LHP - Jhoulys Chacin, Tulsa

RHP - Samuel Deduno, Tulsa

RHP - Trey Hearne, Springfield

RHP - Andrew Johnston, Tulsa

RHP - Lance Lynn, Springfield

RHP - Bobby Mosebach, Arkansas

LHP - Trevor Reckling, Arkansas

RHP - Esmil Rogers, Tulsa

RHP - Francisco Samuel, Springfield

Staff

Manager - Bobby Magallanes, Arkansas

Coach - Francisco Matos, Arkansas

Coach - Larry Carter, Northwest Arkansas

Trainer - Eric Munson, Arkansas

Strength Coach - Josh Field, Arkansas

South Division All-Stars

Starters

First Base - Justin Smoak, Frisco

Second Base - Adrian Cardenas, Midland

Third Base - Tommy Everidge, Midland

Shortstop - Wladimir Sutil, Corpus Christi

Catcher - Manny Pina, Frisco

Designated Hitter - Craig Cooper, San Antonio

Outfield - Mike Baxter, San Antonio (1)

Outfield - Luis Durango, San Antonio

Outfield - Drew Locke, Corpus Christi

Reserves

Infield - Chris Carter, Midland

Infield - Eric Sogard, San Antonio

Infield - Josh Horton, Midland

Catcher - Josh Donaldson, Midland

Outfield - Corey Brown, Midland*

Outfield - Collin DeLome, Corpus Christi

Pitchers

LHP - Douglas Arguello, Corpus Christi (2)

RHP - Travis Banwart, Midland

RHP - Sam Demel, Midland

RHP - Jason Fernandez, Midland

RHP - Ernesto Frieri, San Antonio

RHP - Graham Godfrey, Midland

LHP - Kasey Kiker, Frisco

RHP - Mat Latos, San Antonio*

RHP - Omar Poveda, Frisco

RHP - Evan Scribner, San Antonio

LHP - Polin Trinidad, Corpus Christi

Staff

Manager - Mike Micucci, Frisco

Coach - Jeff Andrews, Frisco

Coach - Brant Brown, Frisco

Trainer - Chris Gorosics, Frisco

Strength Coach - Luke Chichetto, Frisco

(1) Baxter promoted to Triple-A. He is replaced by Corey Brown, Midland.

(2) Arguello on the disabled list. He is replaced by Mat Latos, San Antonio.

* Replacement player

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Player of the Week, June 8-14, 2009

Pete Kozma, Springfield Cardinals

.455 (10-for-22), 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R,

.864 slugging, hit safely in all six starts

Springfield Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma has been named Texas League Player of the Week for his performance last week, during which he led the league with 10 hits, six extra-base hits and an .864 slugging percentage. He boosted his average by 40 points from .205 to .245, showing off the offensive skills that made him a first round pick in 2007.

Kozma, a 22-year-old from Owasso, Okla., entered his start on June 10 with just three extra-base hits all season, but doubled that total in his first three at-bats. In the game he belted a double, triple and grand slam home run, finishing just a single shy of the cycle. Kozma's breakout performance coincided with the opening game of a five-game series at Drillers Stadium, which is located less than 15 miles down the road from where he attended high school. In fact, Kozma batted .529 (9-for-17) and slugged 1.059 during his hometown swing, collecting six extra-base hits in the series.

The St. Louis Cardinals' 10th-ranked prospect and top shortstop according to the Baseball America 2009 Prospect Handbook still has plenty of work to do before he is ready for a shot at the big-leagues, including improving his stroke when behind in the count. Kozma is batting .444 (16-for-36) when ahead in the count, .250 (15-for-60) in even counts and just .070 (3-for-43) when falling behind.

Kozma joins Steven Hill as the only members of the Springfield team to win the Player of the Week award in 2009. The last Cardinals pitcher to win a weekly award was Justin Fiske for the week ending August 3, 2008.

Pitcher of the Week, June 8-14, 2009

Polin Trinidad, Corpus Christi Hooks

1 start, 1 win, 7 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strikeouts, 74 pitches

Polin Trinidad of the Corpus Christi Hooks had one of the most impressive outings of the 2009 season, earning his second Pitcher of the Week award of the year. On June 10, in an 8-1 victory over Midland, Trinidad allowed just one baserunner, a first-inning single, before retiring 20 consecutive Midland RockHounds to finish his outing. He did not allow a run, did not walk a batter and struck out five, needing just 74 pitches to complete seven innings of work. He earned the victory after the Hooks bullpen recorded the final six outs of the game.

Trinidad, a 6'3" lefthander from El Seibo, Dominican Republic, started 18 games for Corpus Christi a year ago, compiling a 6-5 record with a 3.61 ERA. This season he has been slightly less effective with a record of 5-4 with a 4.01 ERA, but is the Texas League's best pitcher in terms of strikeout-to-walk ratio. In 58 1/3 innings, Trinidad has struck out 41 and walked six, nearly a 7-to-1 ratio. The 25-year-old was a more-human 3.6-to-1 a year ago.

Trinidad becomes the third pitcher in Hooks history to win multiple awards in the same season, accomplished most recently by Chance Douglass, who won twice in 2007. It was Trinidad's first outright win after sharing the award with teammate Casey Hudspeth during the week of May 11-17.

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North Division Notebook

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)

This week: 1-6; Overall record: 24-37

4th place North, 10.0 games behind Springfield

Monday, June 8: L, 4-2 vs. San Antonio

Coby Smith and Nate Sutton combined to go 5-for-10 with a homer, two runs and five stolen bases, but their efforts went for naught when the Travelers left 11 men on base and coughed up three unearned runs in the loss to San Antonio. Smith, who belted a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first and had three of the steals, continued to shine in the leadoff spot replacing the injured Peter Bourjos, out indefinitely with a wrist injury. Trevor Bell (4-3) took the loss, allowing four runs (one earned) with three walks and six strikeouts. He retired the final seven Missions batters he faced, lowering his ERA to 2.23.

Wednesday, June 10: postponed/rain.

Thursday, June 11: L, 2-1 (8 innings) and L, 5-3 @ Northwest Arkansas

Three outs away from victory, the Travelers saw a win slip away to upstate rival Northwest Arkansas. After starting pitcher Jordan Walden exited after six brilliant innings, David Herndon (2-5) gave up an RBI double in the seventh and a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth to end it. Nate Sutton's hot streak continued with a 2-for-3 effort, raising his average to a season-high .326, while Mark Trumbo knocked in the Travs' only run and stole a base. Walden fired six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out seven in 95 pitches ... In game two of the doubleheader, the Travelers fell behind 4-1 early and couldn't play catch-up, falling to the Naturals in another close contest. Dustin Majewski belted his first home run of the season in the top of the second to give the Travs an early 1-0 lead. Barrett Browning (0-4), remained winless after tossing five innings, though he has maintained a respectable 3.03 ERA, mostly out of the bullpen. It was Browning's second start of the year, both in the second game of doubleheaders.

Friday, June 12: L, 6-0 and L, 3-2 @ Northwest Arkansas

Thursday's troubles continued into Friday for the Travelers, as once again they were swept aside by the Naturals. Game one was not a pretty affair for Arkansas, as they fell behind in the middle innings and never mounted a comeback in a three-hit shutout loss. The Travelers put three of their four baserunners on in the top of the first with two outs, but a tapper back to the mound ended the threat. The Travs' only other baserunner was a leadoff single in the third, after which they were retired in order for the rest of the game. Trevor Reckling (3-2) took the loss, allowing his first Double-A round tripper after 51 1/3 homerless innings ... In the second game, Arkansas waited until the top of the seventh to mount any sort of offensive attack. Mark Trumbo's one-out, two-run double cut the deficit to one run, then the Travs loaded the bases with two out for the team's leading hitter, Nate Sutton, who grounded out to second base to end the ballgame. The loss, which dropped the Travs to 13 games below the .500 mark, eliminated the club from first half championship contention.

Saturday, June 13: L, 16-6 @ Northwest Arkansas

The Travelers first half woes were punctuated with a five-game sweep at the hands of the Naturals, who punished a depleted Arkansas pitching staff for five multi-run innings in the final game of the series. The Travelers, who lost by 10 runs, actually outhit Northwest Arkansas 16-to-14, but walked eight batters and committed four errors in the field. Hainley Statia went 4-for-5, while Coby Smith doubled in a run in four at-bats. The Travs left 12 men on base in the game, batting 5-for-17 with runners in scoring position.

Sunday, June 14: W, 7-3 vs. Springfield

The Travs got a long-awaited win on Sunday, beating first-place Springfield behind a well-balanced effort by the offense and pitching staff. Four Travelers had multi-hit games, while recent independent league-signee Jay Caligiuri doubled and drove in his first three runs of the year. The Travelers picked up the victory without the help of Peter Bourjos, still on the shelf with a wrist injury, and Coby Smith, given a routine day off.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)

This week: 6-1; Overall record: 32-29

T-2nd place North, 2.0 games behind Springfield

Monday, June 8: W, 7-6 vs. Frisco

All nine starters recorded exactly one hit, while a shaky Naturals pitching staff hung on to close out a one-run win over the RoughRiders. Jordan Parraz and Corey Smith smashed back-to-back first-inning home runs to give the Naturals an early 3-0 lead, while Matt Kniginyzky (2-6) picked up a rare win despite walking five and allowing four earned runs in five innings. Leadoff man Jose Duarte, recently back after a one-month stint in Triple-A, tripled and scored two runs for Northwest Arkansas.

Wednesday, June 10: postponed/rain.

Thursday, June 11: W, 2-1 (8 innings) and W, 5-3 vs. Arkansas

In game one of a twin-bill, Jordan Parraz connected on the first walk-off home run in franchise history, leading the Naturals over the Travelers in extra innings. Parraz, who leads the team in batting with a .358 average, drove a 2-2 hanging slider over the centerfield wall, capping a late-game rally that saw the Naturals erase a 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the seventh. Chris Nicoll (5-0) picked up the win after a scoreless top of the eighth, while starter Blake Wood got no decision despite going seven strong innings ... In the nightcap, the Naturals earned the sweep, pulling one game above the .500 mark on the season at 29-28. After sitting out the first game, third baseman Ed Lucas went 3-for-3 with two RBI, while first baseman Corey Smith homered and drove in two as well.

Friday, June 12: W, 6-0 and W, 3-2 vs. Arkansas

For the second straight night, the Naturals swept aside the struggling Travelers, inching closer in the standings to the first-place Springfield Cardinals. In game one, Anthony Lerew (4-3) dazzled the 6,192 in attendance, firing a complete game, three-hit shutout, walking just one and striking out five. Corey Smith and Ed Lucas continued their fine series, combining for two doubles, a triple, three runs and three RBI for the Naturals. Smith also stole his eighth base of the season ... In the nightcap, the Naturals held off a furious Travelers charge to hang on to a one-run win. Gilbert De La Vara (2-1) got the win, allowing one hit and one walk in three scoreless innings of relief, while Aaron Hartsock pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the ninth to earn a hard-fought save. Cody Strait hit his fourth home run of the year, in the fifth, which would eventually represent the game-winning run in the ballgame.

Saturday, June 13: W, 16-6 vs. Arkansas

Ed Lucas homered and drove in six runs, and all nine Naturals scored at least one run in a blowout victory over the Travelers, finishing off a five-game series sweep. Blake Johnson (4-5) went the first 5 1/3 for the victory, while Carlos Sencion earned his first save by finishing the final 3 2/3 innings. Lucas finished the five-game set with six hits and 11 RBI, helping the Naturals move within two games of the North Division-leading Cardinals.

Sunday, June 14: L, 8-0 vs. Tulsa

The Naturals saw their perfect week come to an end Sunday, though they did not lose ground in the standings and remain two games out of first place with nine games to go. Jordan Parraz and Cody Clark singled, the only two hits of the night for the Naturals, while Kurt Mertins walked twice. Matt Kniginyzky allowed six runs (five earned) in 6 1/3 innings of relief, while Robinson Tejeda (0-1), making a rehabilitation start, gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings and picked up the loss.

SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)

This week: 3-4; Overall record: 34-27

1st place North, 2.0 games ahead of Northwest Arkansas and Tulsa

Monday, June 8: L, 6-3 vs. Corpus Christi

The Cardinals were able to muster only four hits in the final game of a three-game series with the Hooks. Their division lead remained at two games as they enter a big five-game series at second place Tulsa. Antonio DeJesus and Mark Folli each recorded their first home runs of the season, while the Cards combined to go 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Starting and losing pitcher David Kopp (1-1) who allowed three runs (one earned) in six innings, experienced pain in his surgically-repaired right shoulder and is facing the possibility of a trip to the disabled list.

Wednesday, June 10: W, 8-6 @ Tulsa

Owasso, Okla., native Pete Kozma, returning to the stadium in which he hit a state championship-winning homer in high school, had the best game of his professional career in a win over the hometown Drillers. Kozma doubled, tripled and hit a go-ahead grand slam, helping the Cardinals to a series-opening win in a critical five-game series against Tulsa, the second-place club in the North Division. One batter after Kozma's slam gave Springfield a 7-4 lead, Matt Arburr came off the bench and belted his fourth home run to push the lead to 8-4. Francisco Samuel slammed the door in the ninth for his 14th save. Entering the game, Kozma had totaled just one double, one triple and one homer all season.

Thursday, June 11: W, 2-1 and W, 4-1 @ Tulsa

The Cardinals earned a big doubleheader sweep of the Drillers on Thursday, increasing their lead in the North Division from three to five games over their rivals to the west. In game one, Trey Hearne (5-1) and two relievers shut down the Tulsa bats, allowing just one run on two hits with nine strikeouts. Hearne, who lowered his ERA to 3.05, struck out five in five innings of work, while setup man Tyler Norrick and closer Francisco Samuel each whiffed a pair in their one inning of work, respectively. Mark Hamilton's first-inning two-run single did all the damage the Cardinals would need ... Game two featured yet another dominant effort by Springfield pitchers, as Brandon Dickson (3-4) and Eduardo Sanchez combined to allow just one run on four hits in the game, striking out seven Drillers. Daniel Descalso and Pete Kozma each had two doubles in four trips to the plate, while Tyler Henley drove in a pair of runs. Dickson, who earned the win, started for the first time since May 22 after four appearances out of the bullpen.

Friday, June 12: L, 10-2 @ Tulsa

Springfield's mastery of Tulsa was put on hold Friday night as the Cards were roughed up by the Drillers. Despite their low run production, the Cardinals managed 11 hits, including two apiece by Daryl Jones, Daniel Descalso, Tony Cruz and Pete Kozma, who ripped his fourth double and sixth extra-base hit of the series. Springfield lost a game on both Tulsa and resurgent Northwest Arkansas, who pulled off a doubleheader sweep to move into second place in the North.

Saturday, June 13: L, 3-0 @ Tulsa

The Cardinals' 3-2 series win over the Drillers came to a sour end on Saturday, as they were blanked in a five-hit shutout loss. Tony Cruz doubled for the only Cards extra-base hit, while Mark Folli was 2-for-3 out of the eight hole in the lineup. Starting and losing pitcher Lance Lynn (5-2) allowed just three hits in six innings, but walked five and struck out four. He allowed three runs, all earned. Springfield's lead in the North shrunk to three games over Tulsa and just two over Northwest Arkansas, which won its sixth straight game. Sam Freeman made his Double-A debut, tossing two scoreless innings of relief.

Sunday, June 14: L, 7-3 @ Arkansas

In his Texas-League debut, Brian Broderick (0-1) allowed nine hits and six runs (four earned) in six innings, while the offense managed only four hits. Daryl Jones and Daniel Descalso each singled in runs during a three-run sixth, the only inning in which Springfield would score. The Cardinals maintained a two game lead in the division, now over both Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas after the Drillers win on Sunday.

TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)

This week: 3-4; Overall record: 32-29

T-2nd place North, 2.0 games behind Springfield

Monday, June 8: L, 8-2 @ Midland

Tulsa starter Esmil Rogers (4-2) was touched for six runs and 13 hits in hitter-friendly Midland, picking up his first loss since April 12. Despite the low run total, eight of the nine Drillers had base hits, including a triple by Cole Garner. As a team, Tulsa stranded 11 men on base.

Wednesday, June 10: L, 8-6 vs. Springfield

In the first game of a huge five game series against division-leading Springfield, the Drillers raced out to a 4-0 second inning cushion, then saw the lead evaporate in front of 5,720 disappointed hometown fans. Cole Garner and Mike Paulk reached nine times in 10 trips to the plate from the first two positions in the batting order, while Anthony Jackson went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Garner finished 3-for-3 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch, two doubles, one RBI and three runs scored, while Paulk went 3-for-4 with a walk, two doubles and four RBI. The rest of the team combined, however, was just 1-for-22 with no runs batted in. The loss left the Drillers three games back in the Texas League's North Division.

Thursday, June 11: L, 2-1 and L, 4-1 vs. Springfield

With a chance to climb within one game of the first-place Cardinals, the Drillers instead finished the day five games out with just 12 games to play in the first half. In game one of a doubleheader, losing pitcher Jhoulys Chacin (4-5) tossed a complete game, surrendering eight hits and two runs, but the Drillers offense managed just two hits. Daniel Carte's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning provided the only scoring for Tulsa, which was 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in the game ... In game two of the twin bill, it was more of the same for the Drillers offense. This time the lone Tulsa run was pushed across on a double by Daniel Mayora. Five Tulsa pitchers shared the workload, allowing eight hits and six walks while striking out 10 Cardinals. Joey Williamson got the start after going 7-0 at Single-A Modesto, mostly in relief, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings thanks to a strict 50-pitch limit.

Friday, June 12: W, 10-2 vs. Springfield

After being pushed around in the first three games of their five-game set against Springfield, Tulsa finally awoke, just in time to thrash the Cardinals. Mike McKenry, Darin Holcomb and Cole Garner each homered and recorded multi-hit games, while Daniel Mayora added three hits and two RBI for the winners. Keith Weiser (4-3) was steady with the lead, scattering 10 hits over six innings to record the victory. Garner finished the game 3-for-4, with three runs scored and three RBI, including his second-inning homer. The win snapped a six-game losing streak for Tulsa, who had fallen from within a game of first into third place in the hotly-contested North Division.

Saturday, June 13: W, 3-0 vs. Springfield

Needing another win against the Cardinals to maintain contact in the North, the Drillers handed the ball to their ace, Esmil Rogers. He did not disappoint. Rogers (5-2) blazed right through the Cards' lineup for eight innings, scattering five hits, walking none and striking out 10. Daniel Mayora led the offense with a double, walk and two runs scored, while Mike McKenry reached all four times to the plate with three walks and a single. In three starts against Springfield, Rogers is now 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, with 24 strikeouts and one walk in 21 innings.

Sunday, June 14: W, 8-0 @ Northwest Arkansas

Four Drillers pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout, finishing up a rollercoaster week that began with a six-game losing streak and finished with a dominant three-game winning streak in which they outscored opponents 21-2. Joey Williamson pitched the first four innings in his second Double-A appearance, allowing just one hit, while Xavier Cedeno (2-2) followed with two hitless innings to earn the victory in relief. Mike Paulk went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and four RBI, while Daniel Mayora added two hits, a run and an RBI. Tulsa now has a 23-inning scoreless streak going back to their game on Friday against Springfield. The Drillers finished the week in the same situation they were in prior to their big five-game set with Springfield, just two games back in the standings.

South Division Notebook

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)

This week: 5-1; Overall record: 28-31

3rd place South, 4.0 games behind Midland and San Antonio

Monday, June 8: W, 6-3 @ Springfield

The Hooks capitalized on ninth-inning wildness by the Cardinals bullpen, scoring three runs to notch a victory in the final game of a three-game road set. Drew Meyer's bases-loaded walk extended the Corpus Christi lead to 4-2, then Drew Locke's two-run single pushed the lead to four. T.J. Burton allowed a two-out solo home run in the ninth, but retired each of the other seven batters he faced, picking up his fifth save. Wladimir Sutil, settling into the leadoff spot, singled, doubled, drove in a run and scored another.

Wednesday, June 10: W, 8-1 vs. Midland

The long-awaited debut of No. 1 prospect Jason Castro was a successful one for the Hooks, who also welcomed Major Leaguers Kaz Matsui and Jose Valverde to town on rehabilitation assignments. Castro went 1-for-4 with a run scored, Matsui reached twice and scored twice, while Valverde pitched a perfect eighth inning in relief of Polin Trinidad (5-4). Trinidad was dominant, needing just 74 pitches to record 21 outs, allowing one hit and no walks, with five strikeouts in his seven innings of work. He allowed a one-out single in the first inning, then mowed down 20 in a row before giving way to Valverde, who walked two and struck out two in a scoreless frame. Jimmy Van Ostrand belted a three-run homer with two out in the fifth to break open a 1-0 game, while Collin DeLome rocked a two-run blast in the seventh to put the game away at 8-0.

Thursday, June 11: W, 5-0 vs. Midland

For the second straight night, the Hooks pitchers handcuffed the 'Hounds, holding the Texas League's most potent offense to no runs and just five hits. Wladimir Sutil went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI, Drew Locke went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .350, while Collin DeLome added some insurance with a two-run homer in the eighth, his league-leading 13th longball of the season. Starting and winning pitcher Sergio Perez (4-5) allowed four hits over six innings, none for extra bases, while Jose Valverde threw a perfect seventh out of the bullpen, the first of three scoreless innings by the Hooks' bullpen. The Hooks, who have now won 5-of-6, have now limited the 'Hounds to one run in two games after allowing 53 in a four-game series at Midland in late May.

Friday, June 12: W, 4-3 vs. Midland

Tied 3-3 with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Corpus Christi's Mitch Einertson ripped go-ahead, RBI single to complete a comeback from a 3-0 deficit. Shortstop Wladimir Sutil finished off the ballgame by robbing Midland of a sure game-tying hit with a brilliant play deep in the hole, firing a strike to second base to force the runner for the third out. Reliever Ryan McKeller (1-0) got the final out in the top of the inning, earning his first win of the season for the Hooks, while T.J. Burton escaped the ninth-inning jam to earn his sixth save. It was the Hooks' third win in a row over the RockHounds, moving them within five games of the division lead.

Saturday, June 13: W, 5-4 vs. Midland (10 innings)

Facing a three-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning with the bases loaded, Jimmy Van Ostrand lined a bases-clearing double into the leftfield corner, knotting the game at 4-4 in dramatic fashion. With two on and one out in the bottom of the 10th, Brian Esposito's game-winning walk-off single gave the Hooks the four-game sweep and cut their deficit in the standings in half. Evan Englebrook (1-0), who had come on in relief in the top of the eighth with his team down 4-1, stayed in the game through the 10th, eventually earning the win. The win was also Corpus Christi's fifth in a row and seventh out of eight.

Sunday, June 14: L, 11-5 @ San Antonio

Corpus Christi saw its five-game winning streak snapped on the road in San Antonio. It was the Hooks' sixth straight loss to the Missions and their eighth out of 10 in the season series. The turning point of the game took place in the seventh, when Wladimir Sutil was gunned down at the plate to end the inning, after the Hooks had rallied to tie the game at 5-5. From there, it was all Missions, who proceeded to score six unanswered runs off Daniel Meszaros and Chris Salamida. New centerfielder Nick Moresi, who batted .244 in 45 games for Single-A Lancaster, went 3-for-4 in his Texas League debut, scoring a run and driving in another. Moresi replaces the injured Josh Flores, lost for the season with a serious knee injury suffered during Monday's game against Springfield.

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)

This week: 1-5; Overall record: 26-33

4th place South, 6.0 games behind Midland and San Antonio

Monday, June 8: L, 7-6 vs. Northwest Arkansas

The RoughRiders lost for the fifth time in six games, this time despite out-hitting the Naturals 11-9 and drawing six walks. Leftfielder Tim Smith went 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, while three teammates had two hits apiece. Craig Gentry added a triple and two walks in five trips to the plate, scoring twice, while the team went just 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Starting and losing pitcher Kasey Kiker (3-4) continued his hot-and-cold season, allowing six runs (four earned) in 3 1/3 innings but still sported a respectable 3.40 ERA after the ballgame. Kiker leads all of professional baseball with 12 hit batters.

Wednesday, June 10: L, 8-4 @ San Antonio

Frisco's June swoon continued with a sloppy performance in San Antonio. The 'Riders managed nine hits and drew four walks, but committed two errors and allowed six walks of their own. Mitch Moreland got Frisco on the board with a two-out RBI triple in the fifth to cut the deficit to 6-1, while Chad Tracy's two-run blast in the seventh narrowed the score to 6-4. The bullpen couldn't hold the line, however, giving up single runs in the seventh and eighth to put the game out of reach. Craig Gentry stole his 21st base in 21 attempts, bringing him within three of the league lead.

Thursday, June 11: L, 4-1 @ San Antonio

Craig Gentry was once again unstoppable on the basepaths, reaching three times and recording three steals, giving him 24 successful thefts in 24 attempts. He also was credited with an outfield assist. Leftfielder Tim Smith singled and doubled in four trips, while Renny Osuna singled and scored the only run of the game for Frisco. Texas Rangers' rehabbing righthander Matt Harrison allowed one run on three hits in four innings, finishing with 74 pitches. Frisco was 0-for-14 in the game with men in scoring position.

Friday, June 12: L, 4-0 @ San Antonio

Frisco lost its fourth game in as many tries during the week, this time being held to four singles in a shutout loss in San Antonio. No Frisco batter reached base more than once, including middle-of-the-order sluggers Mitch Moreland and Chad Tracy, who went 0-for-8. Without Justin Smoak, arguably the top hitting prospect in the league, the 'Riders fell to 2-11, including 1-9 in June. Remarkably, Friday's game saw only two batters come to the plate with runners in scoring position, both with two out.

Saturday, June 13: L, 4-0 @ San Antonio

The 'Riders offense continued to be missing in action, failing to score and recording just four hits for the second straight night against the Missions. Craig Gentry singled, doubled and stole his 25th base, but the rest of the team managed just two singles in 27 at bats. At the end of the day Saturday, no Frisco regulars were batting above .300, save for the injured Justin Smoak, on the shelf with a .325 mark. Kasey Kiker (3-5) allowed two runs (one earned) in 5 1/3 innings, picking up his second loss of the week. He began the night by hitting San Antonio's leadoff batter, his professional baseball-leading 13th hit batsman of the year.

Sunday, June 14: W, 9-4 @ Midland

After enduring a 1-10 slide to start the month, the 'Riders bats finally came alive in a big win over Midland. Each of the first six men in the lineup recorded multi-hit games, including Manny Pina and Chad Tracy, who went 3-for-5 with two RBI apiece. The decision to move Pina into the three-hole paid off for the Frisco catcher, while Mitch Moreland scored three times from the second spot in the lineup. The 'Riders offense only recorded two extra-base hits, both doubles, ripping 14 singles and drawing five walks, clogging the bases all evening. Jared Hyatt (1-4) earned the victory in relief for the RoughRiders, who got six innings from their bullpen to seal the victory.

MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)

This week: 1-5; Overall record: 33-28

T-1st place South with San Antonio

Monday, June 8: W, 8-2 vs. Tulsa

Midland third baseman Tommy Everidge went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two runs and an RBI, leading the RockHounds to a series sweep over the previously red-hot Drillers. Chris Carter tacked on three hits in five at-bats, including his eighth homer, while Matt Spencer added three hits and three RBI of his own. The league's top hitter, Adrian Cardenas, boosted his average to .388 with a 2-for-4 effort, while Archie Gilbert extended his hitting streak to 12 and his on-base streak to 24 games. Everidge, last year's Texas League RBI champ, was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento following the game.

Wednesday, June 10: L, 8-1 @ Corpus Christi

The RockHounds ran into a buzzsaw on the beach in Corpus Christi, putting on just one baserunner through seven innings in their loss to the Hooks. Josh Horton's third home run of the year, a solo shot with one out in the ninth, accounted for the only run the 'Hounds could score on the night. It was the first hit Midland recorded since Horton singled with one out in the top of the first inning. Jason Fernandez (6-5), the defending Texas League Pitcher of the Week, gave up four runs (one earned) in 4 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and three walks. Chris Carter followed Horton's homer with a single, giving the 'Hounds their third and final basehit of the game.

Thursday, June 11: L, 5-0 @ Corpus Christi

Archie Gilbert and Matt Spencer had two hits each for the 'Hounds, but the other seven men in the lineup combined to go just 1-for-24 (.042), leaving seven men on base in the shutout. Starting pitcher Bobby Cramer (3-4) took the loss, allowing two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out seven, while three relievers gave up a run apiece to end Midland's hopes of a comeback. The 'Hounds also committed two fielding errors, one of which came around to score in a two-run eighth inning. Midland dropped to 0-2 without cleanup hitter Tommy Everidge, who drove in 53 runs in 55 games with the RockHounds this season.

Friday, June 12: L, 4-3 @ Corpus Christi

Midland got off to a quick start, getting a two-run homer by Alex Valdez in the second and a solo blast by Chris Carter in the fourth, giving starter Graham Godfrey a 3-0 lead to work with. However, the 'Hounds failed to score again, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. In the bottom of the eighth, clinging to a one-run lead, Midland elected to turn a double play with runners on first and third and one out, clearing off the bases but allowing the game-tying run in exchange for the two outs. Three singles later, the 'Hounds found themselves down a run, one they were not able to get back in the top of the ninth. The loss allowed San Antonio to move within two games of the 'Hounds' first-place lead in the South Division.

Saturday, June 13: L, 5-4 @ Corpus Christi (10 innings)

For the second straight night, the RockHounds couldn't hold a three-run lead, this time giving up three in the eighth and one more in the 10th to hand the Hooks a four-game sweep. The Hounds, who recorded 16 hits, were just 4-for-16 with runners in scoring position, squandering several chances to put the game away early. Adrian Cardenas and Chris Carter each went 3-for-5 in the middle of the Midland order, but neither scored or drove in a run in the game. Starting pitcher Travis Banwart was impressive, regaining his early-season form with six innings, one run, five hits, one walk and four strikeouts, but did not receive a decision.

Sunday, June 14: L, 9-4 vs. Frisco

Flying high after a three-game sweep of Tulsa at the beginning of the week, the RockHounds hit rock bottom Sunday with their fifth consecutive loss, leaving them in a first-place tie with the San Antonio Missions in the South Division. Starting and losing pitcher Carlos Hernandez (4-1), who had won each of his first four starts at the Double-A level, struggled to get outs, allowing 12 of the 23 hitters he faced to reach base. Alex Valdez continued his red-hot week after replacing Tommy Everidge in the lineup, collecting two hits in his third straight game. Relief pitcher Angel Garcia suffered an injury while warming up before the top of the ninth inning.

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)

This week: 6-0; Overall record: 33-28

T-1st place South with Midland

Monday, June 8: W, 4-2 @ Arkansas

The Missions capitalized on shoddy Arkansas defense during a four-run fourth inning, taking the rubber match of a three-game road series and staying within five games of division-leading Midland. The Missions bullpen was solid, with four pitchers combining to toss four scoreless innings in relief of winning pitcher Stephen Faris (3-7). Evan Scribner threw a perfect ninth, nailing down his 10th save. Faris snapped a personal six-game losing streak, scattering eight hits and two walks in five innings.

Wednesday, June 10: W, 8-4 vs. Frisco

Young pitching phenom Mat Latos (3-0) continued his near-perfect 2009, tossing five innings of one-run ball to remain undefeated in six decisions at two minor league levels, helping the Missions to double up the RoughRiders. Luis Durango was the consummate leadoff man, drawing three walks, while each of his teammates recorded at least one hit in the game. Second baseman Eric Sogard singled, doubled, walked and scored three runs, while Craig Cooper and Brian Joynt smacked the Missions' other two doubles in the game. John Hudgins recorded his first save, going the final two innings without allowing a baserunner.

Thursday, June 11: W, 4-1 vs. Frisco

In the win over Frisco, the San Antonio Missions bullpen, much-maligned after a terrible April and early May, continued its stellar play with four innings of no-run, one-hit ball. For the second straight day, four pitchers threw a scoreless inning apiece, including Tim Stauffer (1-0) who picked up the victory after throwing a scoreless sixth. Lance Zawadzki's RBI double scored first baseman Craig Cooper to provide the go-ahead run in the bottom of the inning, while Cooper went 2-for-2 with a run, an RBI, a walk and a hit-by-pitch, raising his average to .362 on the year. Luis Durango walked three more times - his second straight three walk game - to take the league lead in the category. Starting pitcher Cesar Carrillo allowed one run and five hits in five innings but did not factor in the decision. The attendance of 7,394 was a season-high for the Missions at home.

Friday, June 12: W, 4-0 vs. Frisco

The Missions got another strong start by the resurgent Nathan Culp (4-5) who threw seven innings of four-hit, one-walk ball, lowering his ERA to 4.09 on the year. Mike DeMark and Evan Scribner each threw perfect innings in relief, lowering their marks to 1.45 and 2.02, respectively. On the offensive side, Eric Sogard, Craig Cooper and Cedric Hunter provided nearly all the offense, accounting for two hits apiece, all four runs batted in and three of the four runs scored. Culp, who now owns a 14-inning scoreless streak, induced 13 groundball outs in the ballgame, his second win in a row. DeMark has now run up 18 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

Saturday, June 13: W, 4-0 vs. Frisco

For the second straight night, the Missions tossed a four-hit shutout, climbing within one game of division-leading Midland after sweeping four straight from Frisco. Winning pitcher Ernesto Frieri (6-3) threw a gem of a ballgame, allowing just three hits and a walk in seven scoreless innings, striking out seven 'Riders. Tim Stauffer closed things out for the first save of his career, staying in the ballgame in the ninth inning after the Missions picked up two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. Lance Zawadzki, who has settled into the cleanup spot following the promotion of Mike Baxter, doubled in a run in the first inning and later scored on an error, giving the Missions all the runs they would need. With Stauffer's performance, the Missions finished the series with 12 scoreless innings by the bullpen in a total of 11 appearances. Meanwhile, the starters have compiled an ERA of 1.66 over their last 54 1/3 innings. As a whole, the Missions staff ended the series by tossing 24 straight scoreless frames.

Sunday, June 14: 11-5 vs. Corpus Christi

The Missions finished off a perfect 6-0 week with a Sunday afternoon win over the Hooks, climbing into a first-place tie in the Texas League's South Division with suddenly floundering Midland. The 2-through-6 hitters in the Missions order were as hot as the 98-degree weather, each recording two or more hits and driving in eight runs. Outfielders Kellen Kulbacki and Cedric Hunter, each a part of the middle of the lineup production, also threw out runners at the plate in crucial situations, the latter of which preserved a tie ballgame in the seventh. Brandon Gomes (4-0) threw just two pitches, including Hunter's catch and throw to the plate for an inning-ending double play, earning the win when Craig Cooper scored from second base on an infield single by Hunter with two outs in the bottom of the inning. The Missions then added five insurance runs in the eighth, giving them a season-high 11 runs in the game. They failed to homer for the eighth straight game, a season-high, while improving to 7-1 over that stretch. The Missions added five stolen bases, including one by starting pitcher Stephen Faris.

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This Week in Texas League History

June 15, 1920...In the eighth inning of a game versus Fort Worth, Houston's Izzy Glenn lost a no-hit bid and a shutout with one swing of the bat. After a Houston error, Fort Worth shortstop Bobby Stow socked a two-out, run scoring double. That hit, however, was the only one Glenn would allow in the game as he completed the one-hit, 3-1 win over the Panthers.

June 16, 1962...In the second game of a twin-bill, Austin topped Amarillo 12-5. In the contest, Austin infielder Ron Hunt set a new league mark for most assists in a nine-inning game by a second baseman with 12. He broke the previous mark of 10, which had been accomplished four times, the last by George Myers of Dallas in 1937. Hunt's 15 total chances in the game just missed the league record of 16.

June 17, 1914...It was quite a day for a trio of pitchers in the Texas League. At Galveston, Lindy Heitt opened a double header with a four-hit, 4-0 win over Waco. In the second game, Roy Allen pitched all 14 innings, shutting out Waco 1-0, allowing just six hits in the process. At San Antonio, Emmett Munsell battled Fort Worth for 14 innings, but came away with no decision as the game ended due to darkness with the game tied 3-3. Munsell struck out 14, while limiting the Panthers to just six hits.

June 18, 1966...One day after losing to Amarillo 3-2, Arkansas saw the loss wiped away when league President Hugh Finnerty upheld a protest lodged by Trav's manager Vern Rapp in the bottom of the second inning. In that inning, with two out and Arkansas runners on first and third, Amarillo pitcher Paul Doyle bounced a pitch off of home plate that caromed past the catcher and hitting a photographer, who touched the ball with his hand. The umpires ruled interference and waved the runners back to their bases. Finnerty ruled that the runner on third would have scored regardless of the photographer's actions, ordering a replay of the game from the point of the protest. The contest was resumed on July 20 with Arkansas prevailing 9-2.

June 19, 1961...Larry Maxie took his first loss of the season in tough fashion. Just five days after pitching a no-hitter, Maxie lost to Victoria 2-1, pitching all 11 innings of the game. Maxie limited Victoria to just five hits, but walked eight, which contributed to his loss in the overtime game.

June 20, 1910...Just two days after losing to Dallas 2-1, Galveston hurler George Hinricksen beat the Giants 1-0, nearly throwing a perfect game. In a contest shortened to seven innings by blowing dust and rain, Hinricksen allowed Dallas no hits. The only batter to reach base for Galveston in the abbreviated contest was Tony Thebo, who walked in the fourth inning.

June 21, 1924...One day after Steer's Park burned, along with most of their equipment, Dallas swept a double header from Wichita Falls 20-9 and 11-4, while wearing the visitors extra uniforms. The games were played at Riverside Park, the home field of the Dallas Black Giants, the new home of the Texas League club for the immediate future. Pitcher Herb Thormahlen led his club to victory in the first game when he limited the Spudders to just one run through the first six innings, while going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. Center fielder Ermie Vache provided the power for the Steers in the opener, driving in seven runs with a double, two triples and a home run. Vache was nearly as good in the second contest, collecting three more hits, one of which was a homer, and two more RBI. On the day, Vache was 7-for-9, with nine RBI and six runs scored.

June 22, 1919...A pair of Houston hurlers held Galveston to just two hits over 10 innings on the way to a controversial 1-0 win over the Pirates. After making an unpopular safe call in the top of the 10th inning that allowed Houston's winning run to score, umpire Lewis had to be escorted off the field by Galveston players and local police following the final out of the game.

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Texas League Stories from June 16, 2009


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