Texas League Update
Published on August 18, 2009 under Texas League (TL1) News Release
Player of the Week
August 10-16, 2009
Adam Fox, Frisco RoughRiders
.538 average (14-for-26), nine runs, four home runs, six RBI
five walks, .613 on-base pct., 1.038 slugging pct.
Lost in the shuffle of Frisco's strong July and August has been the production of Adam Fox, a 27-year-old veteran in his seventh year in the Texas Rangers organization. Batting just .217 with four home runs at the All-Star break, Fox has been a second half revelation, hitting .368 with 14 home runs and 27 RBI in 129 at-bats, giving him more home runs in the second half of 2009 than he had in 595 at-bats during the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the RoughRiders.
During the week, Fox hit in all six games, had multi-hit games in five of the six, stroked three or more hits in three of the six and scored multiple runs four times. On August 13 at Tulsa, Fox belted two home runs in an 8-6 'Riders victory, part of a three-hit game for the 5' 11" righthanded hitter. Fox added five walks and three stolen bases during the week, doubling his season total in steals.
Fox, riding an eight-game hitting streak, is in the midst of an 18-game tear in which he is hitting .443 (31-for-70) with 10 home runs, 16 RBI and 20 runs scored. Fox and teammate Chad Tracy have combined to hit 40 home runs, the first Texas League duo to reach the mark in 2009, while his 36 career home runs with Frisco are two shy of teammate Steve Murphy's club record 38.
Fox becomes the fourth Frisco hitter to win the Player of the Week award this season, following Marcus Lemon, Craig Gentry and Tracy.
Pitcher of the Week
August 10-16, 2009
Kyle Middleton, Midland RockHounds
2 starts, 2-0 record, 1.80 ERA, 11 strikeouts, four walks
15 innings pitched, 10 hits, four runs, three earned runs
For the fourth time in three weeks, a Midland pitcher has been awarded the Texas League Pitcher of the Week award. Following in the footsteps of Arnold Leon, Jason Fernandez and Travis Banwart, Kyle Middleton had the finest pitching performance in the league this past week.
Middleton had two strong starts, earning a 4-3 victory over Corpus Christi on August 10 and a 10-5 victory over Tulsa on August 16. Against Corpus Christi, for whom he pitched in 2007 and 2008, Middleton carried a three-hit shutout into the eighth before running into trouble. In all, he tossed eight-plus innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits, walking one while striking out six. Five days later, Middleton handcuffed the Drillers, allowing one run on three hits in seven innings, while walking three and striking out six.
The 29-year-old righthander is no stranger to the Texas League, having pitched in the league in each of the past five seasons, including 2005 and 2006 with Wichita. Middleton started this year with the independent Pensacola Pelicans, before signing with Midland in mid-July. In five starts since his signing, Middleton is 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA, allowing just 23 hits in 36 innings pitched. He is holding opposing hitters to a .178 batting average.
This is Middleton's second Texas League Pitcher of the Week award. His previous honor was for his efforts during the week ending May 29, 2005, when he was 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA in two starts for the Wichita Wranglers.
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North Division Notebook
ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)
This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 20-28; Overall record: 48-70
4th place North, 7.5 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, August 10: W, 5-4 vs. Northwest Arkansas
The Travs rallied for a rare one-run victory, scoring twice in the bottom of the eighth inning. Mark Trumbo started the rally with a game-tying home run, his 13th of the year, then watched as Ivan Contreras' bases-loaded walk brought home the winning run. Fernando Rodriguez (3-0) pitched a scoreless eighth inning, earning the win, while Bobby Cassevah pitched the ninth, notching his third save. Catcher Hank Conger went 2-for-3 with a walk, single, double and a run scored.
Wednesday, August 12: W, 3-1 @ Corpus Christi
The Travelers scored twice in the top of the ninth without the benefit of a hit, defeating the Hooks in the first game of a three-game set. Shortstop Wil Ortiz scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch, while a Hank Conger groundout brought home an insurance tally. Starting pitcher Marcus Albano started for the Travs, allowing one run on just four hits in six innings, striking out eight, while David Herndon (3-6) picked up the win with two scoreless frames. Bobby Cassevah closed out the ninth for his fourth save of the year, escaping a two-out, bases-loaded jam.
Thursday, August 13: L, 4-3 @ Corpus Christi (10 innings)
In an extra-inning loss to the Hooks, the Travelers rallied from down 2-0, taking a 3-2 lead, but were shut down over the final four frames of an extra-inning affair. Jay Caligiuri got the rally started with a solo home run in the fifth, while Hank Conger's two-run single an inning later put the Travs on top for the first time in the ballgame. The Travs would only get one more baserunner over the next four innings, however, while allowing one run in the seventh and the game-winner in the 10th. Barret Browning (0-9) took the loss in relief, his last win coming more than a year ago on July 20, 2008. Flint Wipke went 2-for-4, the only Arkansas hitter with a multi-hit game.
Friday, August 14: L, 6-2 @ Corpus Christi
The Travs dropped the rubber match of their three-game series with the Hooks, unable to get a quality start from ace starter Trevor Reckling (7-5). Reckling allowed six runs (four earned) in five innings, giving up six hits and four walks while striking out five. The young lefthander's ERA went up to 2.72 after the performance, still the top mark in the league. Centerfielder Peter Bourjos went 2-for-5 with a double, a run and a stolen base, while Coby Smith and Nate Sutton stole two bags apiece. Sutton stole home in the first, part of a double-steal executed with Mark Trumbo. In all, Arkansas stole seven bases in the game.
Saturday, August 15: W, 12-0 @ San Antonio
The Travelers took advantage of a tired San Antonio squad, recording their largest shutout win of the season. Twenty-one year-old lefthander Alexander Torres (2-1) had his most impressive outing since joining the Travs on August 4, allowing just four hits and two walks in six innings, striking out four. On offense, Wil Ortiz went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, Coby Smith went 3-for-6 with two runs and two RBI as well, while Jay Caligiuri doubled twice, scored twice and drove in two. Torres retired six of the last seven San Antonio batters to complete his outing.
Sunday, August 16: L, 9-3 @ San Antonio
Locked in a 3-3 eighth-inning tie with the Missions, the Travelers handed the ball to their best reliever, Bobby Cassevah, who brought a 12-appearance scoreless string into the game. Unfortunately for the Travs, Cassevah did not retire any of the six men he faced, allowing all of them to score. In the top of the inning, the Travs rallied to tie the game when Ivan Contreras was drilled in the knee with a pitch while attempting a bases-loaded suicide squeeze bunt. Peter Bourjos went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a pair of stolen bases, while Mark Trumbo doubled in a run. Bourjos committed his first error of the season, allowing a run to score when a hard single got under his glove, but later redeemed himself with a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch at the warning track in deep right-centerfield.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)
This week: 2-4; Second Half record: 28-21; Overall record: 64-55
1st place North, 2.0 games ahead of Tulsa
Monday, August 10: L, 5-4 @ Arkansas
The Naturals jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but still managed to drop a heartbreaker to Arkansas. With one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, losing pitcher Federico Castaneda (0-1) allowed a game-tying home run, followed by a double that put the go-ahead run in scoring position. Aaron Hartsock then came into the game, walking three of the next four batters to force home the game-winning run. On offense, David Lough went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Jose Duarte singled, doubled, walked, scored once and drove in a run in four plate appearances.
Wednesday, August 12: W, 8-1 vs. Midland
Leadoff man David Lough and starting pitcher Anthony Lerew (8-6) have been two of the Texas League's best second-half surprises, helping the Naturals to the North Division lead. Against the RockHounds, Lough went 3-for-5 with a double, home run and three RBI, while Lerew fired seven strong innings, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out seven and walking none. Lerew, signed after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2007 and being cut by the Braves this spring, has won four of his past five starts, while Lough is now hitting .346 since his promotion from Single-A on July 2nd.
Thursday, August 13: W, 3-2 vs. Midland
In a possible Texas League Championship preview, the first-place Naturals knocked off the first-place 'Hounds in a nailbiter. In the top of the eighth of a 2-2 ballgame, Juan Abreu (1-1) struck out Midland's cleanup hitter with the bases loaded, then picked up the victory when Ed Lucas snapped a 1-for-16 slide with an RBI single with two out in the bottom of the inning. Kurt Mertins went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run, Jeff Bianchi was 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a run scored, while Corey Smith went 2-for-4 with a double and a run batted in. Kyle Farnsworth worked two-thirds of an inning on a rehab assignment, allowing one hit and one walk.
Friday, August 14: L, 7-6 vs. Midland
The Naturals erased a 6-0 deficit, tying the game in the bottom of the eighth inning, but couldn't complete the big comeback. Five batters after David Lough's leadoff homer trimmed the margin to 6-2 in the sixth, Vance Wilson belted a two-out, two-run shot to bring the Naturals within a run at 6-5. Then, after Ed Lucas raced home on a wild pitch in the eighth, Federico Castaneda (0-2) allowed a run in the top of the ninth, one the Naturals could not answer. The Naturals scored six runs on seven hits. Jarrod Dyson went 1-for-4 with a walk and stole his team-leading 22nd base.
Saturday, August 15: L, 11-6 vs. Frisco
In a game featuring 31 hits, eight walks and two hit-batters, the Naturals came out on the short end against the RoughRiders. Jeff Bianchi went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored, Ed Lucas was 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Kurt Mertins singled twice, driving in two. Starting pitcher Matt Kniginyzky did not complete the fourth inning, allowing six runs on eight hits with three walks in 3 2/3 frames. Despite the poor line, he was not saddled with a decision. The Naturals had a chance to stay in the ballgame, but failed to score after loading the bases with nobody out in the seventh.
Sunday, August 16: L, 7-4 vs. Frisco
Starting and losing pitcher Rowdy Hardy's error on the first play of the game led to four unearned runs, a key play in a three-run loss to the RoughRiders. Hardy (3-2) completed six innings, allowing five runs (one earned) on eight hits, walking three while striking out four. On offense, leadoff man David Lough finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 4-for-5 with a homer, improving his batting average to .353. Lough has just 164 Texas League plate appearances, well short of the 322 necessary to qualify for the league batting title. Corey Smith has appeared in all 119 Naturals games this season.
SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)
*First Half North Division Champion*
This week: 2-4; Second Half record: 21-27; Overall record: 59-59
3rd place North, 6.5 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, August 10: W, 13-5 vs. Tulsa
Springfield used an impressive offensive onslaught to run past the Drillers in the final game of a four-game series. Each of the eight Cardinals starting position players recorded two hits (Steven Hill had four), seven of the eight had one of their hits go for extra-bases, while all eight scored at least one run. In addition, each of the two pinch hitters used by manager Pop Warner hit safely. In all, the Cards racked up 20 hits on the night. Winning pitcher Ryan Kulik (5-8) allowed just one run in six innings, while striking out eight.`
Wednesday, August 12: postponed/rain
Thursday, August 13: L, 2-1 @ San Antonio (13 innings)
One pitch away from being no-hit by the Missions, Colt Sebrook looped a two-strike, two-out, game-tying base-hit into shallow left-center field, helping the Cardinals stay alive. From there, Springfield would tally just three more hits in six innings, all singles, in a marathon road loss. In all, the Cards went just 4-for-43 at the plate (.093), striking out 18 times. On the mound, starting pitcher Scott Gorgen allowed just one run on two hits in five innings, walking four while striking out three. Tyler Norrick (2-1) took the loss, failing to record an out in the bottom of the 13th inning.
Friday, August 14: W, 6-3 & L, 3-2 (10 innings) @ San Antonio
After their doubleheader was pushed back due to the length of Thursday's contest, the Cards and Missions split a pair on getaway day. In game one, Andrew Brown went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a run and two RBI, while Donovan Solano had two hits and two runs batted in. Starting pitcher Lance Lynn didn't go long enough to qualify for the win, lasting 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking five. Tyler Norrick (3-1) picked up the win, facing just one batter in completing the fifth. In the nightcap, the Cards tied the game with two outs in the seventh on a wild pitch, only to lose again in extra frames. Nick Derba singled, doubled and scored a run, while Steven Hill kept the game alive with an outfield assist at the plate, ending the seventh inning. Starting pitcher Nick Additon pitched well, allowing two runs (one earned) in five innings, striking out five.
Saturday, August 15: L, 5-2 @ Corpus Christi
In a loss to the Hooks, catcher Steven Hill tried to carry the Cardinals on his back, but could only bring home two runs. Hill finished 3-for-4 with a solo home run and sacrifice fly, driving in his 56th and 57th runs of the season. No other Cardinals player had more than one hit, while defensively the Cards committed three errors. Starting and losing pitcher Brandon Dickson (7-9) allowed five runs on 11 hits in 6 2/3 innings, walking one while striking out three. The first half champions fell to just one game above .500 for the season, including five under in the second half.
Sunday, August 16: L, 8-1 @ Corpus Christi
Andrew Brown doubled home Jim Rapoport in the top of the first inning, but that would be the only run of the ballgame for the Cardinals, who dropped their third straight game. Ryan Kulik (5-9) had one of his roughest outings of the year, allowing seven runs (all earned) in 1 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and four walks without striking out a batter. Former closer Francisco Samuel continued to improve in the bullpen, striking out two and walking one in a hitless ninth inning.
TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)
This week: 2-4; Second Half record: 26-23; Overall record: 64-55
2nd place North, 2.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas
Monday, August 10: L, 13-5 @ Springfield
In an ugly loss to the Cardinals, just about everything went wrong for Tulsa. In addition to being out-hit 20-6, the Drillers committed three errors in the field and were just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. First baseman Jeff Kindel also suffered an injury during the game, when a broken bat barrel struck him in the right leg, requiring medical attention. He remained in the game, reaching base three times and scoring a run. Catcher Mike McKenry went 2-for-3 with two walks and two RBI on the night.
Wednesday, August 12: W, 10-9 vs. Frisco
Ryan Harvey and Jeff Kindel each singled, doubled and homered, powering an explosive 15-hit Drillers attack. Harvey finished 3-for-5 for two runs and four RBI, while Kindel went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two runs batted in. Samuel Deduno (11-2) improved to 5-0 in eight second half starts, allowing three runs on six hits in five innings of work. Deduno was not sharp with his control, walking four batters, giving him a total of 18 bases on balls over his past four starts. In the five outings prior to that, Deduno issued just eight free passes. Closer Andrew Johnston, protecting a six-run lead in a non-save situation, allowed five runs in the ninth.
Thursday, August 13: L, 8-6 vs. Frisco (10 innings)
The Drillers scored all six of their runs via the longball, but a five-run eighth by the RoughRiders spoiled what looked to be an easy victory. Darin Holcomb drilled a solo shot in the first, Cole Garner hit a two-run bomb in the third and Ryan Harvey belted a three-run dinger in the fifth. Holcomb also singled twice and was aboard for both Garner and Harvey's homers. The late collapse spoiled another strong start for Brandon Durden, who was gunning for his fifth win in as many starts. The lefty allowed just one run on two hits through six innings, walking one while striking out three.
Friday, August 14: W, 8-4 vs. Frisco (12 innings)
Darin Holcomb drilled a two-out grand slam in the bottom of the 12th inning, giving Tulsa a dramatic win over the RoughRiders. The slam, Tulsa's first of the season, marked the third time this year the Drillers had won on a game-ending longball. Ryan Harvey's 20th home run, his third in as many nights, started the scoring for the Drillers. Four relievers, including winning pitcher Tommy Baumgardner (2-2) combined for 6 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out seven. Rex Rundgren, who reached four times, was hit in the head with a pitch in the 12th inning. He stayed in the game, coming around on Holcomb's home run one batter later.
Saturday, August 15: L, 7-4 vs. Midland
The 2009 debut of 6' 6" Taiwanese righthander Ching Lung Lo (0-1) did not go according to plan, as the 23-year-old allowed five runs in five innings of work against the potent Midland lineup. Lo allowed five hits and three walks, while striking out two. On offense, Ryan Harvey hit his fourth home run of the week, while Darin Holcomb had two hits and an RBI. The Drillers failed to capitalize on a Northwest Arkansas loss, staying two games behind the Naturals in the North Division standings.
Sunday, August 16: L, 10-5 vs. Midland
In a second consecutive loss to the RockHounds, leftfielder Cole Garner went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs, his 14th and 15th blasts of the season. Mike Paulk added two hits and an RBI, while Jeff Kindel added a run-scoring double. Starting and losing pitcher Keith Weiser (7-13) lost his fourth straight start and eighth in his last 10, allowing six runs on 11 hits in six innings pitched. Weiser had a rough week, allowing a total of 15 runs (14 earned) on 21 hits in 10 1/3 innings. The Drillers finished the week 2-4, entering their fourth straight Monday exactly two games out of first place.
South Division Notebook
CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)
This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 23-26; Overall record: 54-65
3rd place South, 6.0 games behind Midland
Monday, August 10: L, 4-3 vs. Midland
The emotional return of Aaron Boone to baseball was not enough to help the Hooks, who were swept four straight by the RockHounds. Boone, playing in his first game since undergoing open heart surgery on March 27, went 0-for-2 in two trips to the plate. Nick Moresi was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while Drew Locke and Wladimir Sutil also added doubles for the Hooks. Andy Van Hekken (6-5) took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits over seven innings, striking out seven without walking a batter.
Wednesday, August 12: L, 3-1 vs. Arkansas
The Hooks' lost their sixth straight game, allowing two runs in the ninth inning without allowing a hit. Losing pitcher Chia-Jen Lo (0-2) walked the first two batters he faced on eight pitches, before being pulled in favor of Evan Englebrook. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position, Englebrook uncorked a wild pitch, sending home the go-ahead run. That was followed by a hard groundball to second that was bobbled by Drew Meyer, who was able to recover to get the out at first, but not before another runner had scampered home. Drew Locke provided all the offense for the Hooks, launching a solo homer in the sixth. Starter Wilton Lopez did not factor in the decision, though he pitched brilliantly, allowing just one run on three hits in eight innings, striking out six without walking a batter.
Thursday, August 13: W, 4-3 vs. Arkansas (10 innings)
Jimmy Van Ostrand hit a solo home run in the second and a walk-off RBI single in the 10th, leading the Hooks past the Travelers. Drew Locke chipped in with four hits in four at-bats, while Nick Moresi went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, his fourth of the season. Starting pitcher Douglas Arguello, making his first start since injuring his pitching arm on June 1, allowed just one run on three hits in five innings, while striking out three and walking none. Winning pitcher Ryan McKeller (2-3) tossed the final three frames, allowing no runs and one hit while striking out four.
Friday, August 14: W, 6-2 vs. Arkansas
Kenny Baugh (4-2) pitched around an error, four hits, two walks and seven Arkansas stolen bases, earning the victory in the final game of a three-game series. Baugh completed 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out six. On offense, catcher Jonathan Fixler went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, helping to make up for his tough day behind the plate. Jason Castro, who was serving as the designated hitter, singled and drew a bases-loaded walk during a three-run fifth.
Saturday, August 15: W, 5-2 vs. Springfield
In the opening game of a three-game set against the Cards, Corpus Christi got strong pitching performances from four different hurlers. Starting and winning pitcher Sergio Perez (9-10) got the win, allowing two runs (one earned) in six innings, Daniel Meszaros and Chia-Jen Lo pitched scoreless, one-hit innings, while Evan Englebrook earned his fifth save with a perfect ninth, striking out two. On offense, Collin DeLome snapped a 2-for-18 slump, drilling a two-run double and RBI triple, while Drew Meyer went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs and an RBI.
Sunday, August 16: W, 8-1 vs. Springfield
The Hooks won their fourth straight game, cruising past the Cardinals after allowing a first-inning run. Jimmy Van Ostrand, Ray Sadler and Nick Moresi belted home runs and combined for all eight RBI, while Andy Van Hekken rebounded from his loss on Monday. Van Hekken (7-5) did not allow another run after the first, completing seven innings of one-run ball, allowing seven hits and one walk while striking out four. German Duran, rehabbing with the Hooks, went 2-for-3 and reached via a hit-by-pitch. The Hooks did not take batting practice, then sent 10 men to the plate in a four-run first inning.
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)
This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 26-23; Overall record: 59-60
2nd place South, 3.0 games behind Midland
Monday, August 10: L, 14-0 vs. San Antonio
Not much went right for the RoughRiders, who failed to keep pace with the South Division-leading RockHounds. Starting and losing pitcher Omar Poveda (8-5) was touched for nine runs (all earned) in 2 2/3 innings pitched, allowing eight hits and three walks. On offense, Chad Tracy and Adam Fox chipped in with two-hit nights, with Fox contributing a double, the only Frisco extra-base hit of the night.
Wednesday, August 12: L, 10-9 @ Tulsa
The 'Riders scored five times in the top of the ninth inning against the Drillers, but their late rally fell just a run short. Earlier, 18-year-old Venezuelan pitching sensation Martin Perez (0-1) made his first Texas League start for the 'Riders, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched. On offense, Mitch Moreland went 2-for-4 with a double, homer, two runs and two RBI, while Adam Fox went 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI and a home run of his own, his 15th longball of the season. Half of Frisco's 12 hits went for extra bases. Texas Rangers' second baseman Ian Kinsler, in town on a rehab assignment, walked and scored the first run of the ballgame in the top of the first inning.
Thursday, August 13: W, 8-6 @ Tulsa (10 innings)
Chad Tracy and Adam Fox belted two home runs each, leading the 'Riders all the way back from a 6-1 eighth-inning deficit. Tracy followed up his three-run blast in the eighth with a two-run, game-winner in the 10th, giving him five RBI in the last three innings of the game. Fox's second homer, a solo shot, tied the game at 6-6 one batter after Tracy had trimmed the lead to one. Fox had earlier tied the game at 1-1 with a second-inning longball. Starting pitcher Kasey Kiker struggled, allowing six runs on five hits with four walks in five innings, while three relievers combined to work five innings of no-run, no-walk, three hit ball after the lefty exited. Ian Kinsler went 0-for-5 with a strikeout in the leadoff spot.
Friday, August 14: L, 8-4 @ Tulsa (12 innings)
In a 4 hour, 4 minute contest, the RoughRiders doubled the Tulsa hit output 14-7 but could not capitalize on the scoreboard. Thomas Diamond (0-2) took the loss, allowing a walk-off grand slam after an error, walk and hit-batter loaded the bases with two out in the inning. Six 'Riders had multi-hit games, including Craig Gentry, who went 3-for-6 with a run and an RBI, and Adam Fox, who went 2-for-5 with a walk and a run scored. The slam was the first hit of any sort off Frisco relief pitching in 4 1/3 innings.
Saturday, August 15: W, 11-6 @ Northwest Arkansas
In a Texas League first this season, all nine players in the Frisco starting lineup had at least one hit and drove in at least one run. Johnny Whittleman went 3-for-3 with two walks, a double, two runs and two RBI, while Chad Tracy went 2-for-5 with a double and two runs batted in. The RoughRiders reached base 24 times, recording 16 hits, 7 walks and one hit-batter. While the 'Riders were breaking the game open with runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth, the Frisco bullpen managed to toss four shutout innings, allowing five hits. Corey Young (1-0) earned the victory, pitching through a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the seventh.
Sunday, August 16: W, 7-4 @ Northwest Arkansas
The Frisco offense continued to click against the Naturals, pounding 12 hits, five for extra-bases. Chad Tracy and Adam Fox continued their week-long assault on the North Division, as Tracy went 2-for-4 with a double, homer and two RBI, while Fox was 3-for-4 with a solo shot. Each scored twice, while Fox added a stolen base. Omar Poveda (9-5) earned the victory, despite allowing four runs, 10 hits and three walks in six innings of work. Pedro Strop closed out the game, earning his fourth save with a pair of strikeouts in one inning. Frisco catchers Manny Pina and Chris Gradoville combined to go 4-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored. Tracy's 96 RBI are eight shy of the Frisco single-season record.
MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)
This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 29-20; Overall record: 66-53
1st place South, 3.0 games ahead of Frisco
Monday, August 10: W, 4-3 @ Corpus Christi
The 'Hounds completed a four-game sweep of Corpus Christi, getting eight strong innings from Kyle Middleton (2-0), who pitched mostly in relief for the Hooks the past two seasons. Middleton allowed three runs (two earned), scattering seven hits and a walk, while striking out five. On offense, Chris Carter blasted a two-run homer in the first, later adding an RBI single, while Matt Spencer went 2-for-4 with a double. Jared Lansford tossed a scoreless ninth for his eighth save of the year. Carter is now hitting .336 with 21 home runs and 90 RBI, placing him first, first and second in the league in each of the Triple Crown categories. Second baseman Jemile Weeks made an incredible over-the-shoulder catch in shallow right to end the game, preventing the possible tying run from crossing the plate.
Wednesday, August 12: L, 8-1 @ Northwest Arkansas
In a series-opening loss to the Naturals, the biggest news was that Chris Carter's 25-game hitting streak came to an end with an 0-for-4 night. The normally patient 'Hounds were unable to get much of anything going, failing to draw a walk while striking out seven times. Matt Spencer went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for the 'Hounds, while Shane Peterson doubled home Spencer in the fourth inning. Starting and losing pitcher Tyson Ross (2-2) allowed seven runs on seven hits in five innings of work.
Thursday, August 13: L, 3-2 @ Northwest Arkansas
Chris Carter started a new hitting streak with a long, solo homer and Matt Spencer added a single, double and run scored, but the 'Hounds couldn't deliver in the clutch against the Naturals. After his home run sparked the game-tying rally in the seventh, Carter walked to load the bases with two down in the eighth, bringing up Spencer. The powerful lefty went down swinging, however, leaving the game tied. Reliever Jon Hunton (3-4) put two on with two out in the eighth, then allowed an RBI single which turned out to be the game-winner.
Friday, August 14: W, 7-6 @ Northwest Arkansas
Midland first baseman Chris Carter ripped a game-winning RBI double in the top of the ninth, leading the 'Hounds to a win over the Naturals, avoiding the sweep in the process. The dramatic hit was made necessary after the RockHounds failed to hold a 6-0 lead, with the Naturals' tying run coming in to score on a wild pitch by Steven Sharpe (7-1), who later picked up the victory. Carter's double was his 39th two-bagger of the season, tops in the league. Reliever Justin Friend, making his Double-A debut, wriggled out of a one-out, bases loaded jam in the seventh, ending the frame by retiring the No. 3 and 4 hitters in the Naturals' lineup. Friend replaces Mike Benacka, who was promoted to Triple-A.
Saturday, August 15: W, 7-4 @ Tulsa
In his first trip back to Tulsa after two years as a player for the Drillers, Corey Wimberly went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI, leading the 'Hounds to a win in the first game of a three-game series. Third baseman Alex Valdez chipped in with a single, double and two RBI, while Matt Sulentic added a double and two RBI as well. The big inning for Midland was a five-run fourth, erasing a 2-0 hole and giving the lead to Travis Banwart, who won his third straight start. Banwart (9-5) tossed six innings of two-run ball, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out one. Rocky Roquet earned his first save of the season, recording the final two outs of the game.
Sunday, August 16: W, 10-5 @ Tulsa
The RockHounds put together five two-run innings, had six players record multi-hit games, and got yet another dominant turn from reclamation project Kyle Middleton (3-0). On offense, Josh Horton went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three runs scored and an RBI, Matt Spencer went 3-for-5 with a double, homer and four RBI, while Alex Valdez was 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and three runs scored. Middleton allowed just one run in seven innings, allowing just three hits and three walks while striking out six. Now in his sixth Texas League campaign, Middleton lowered his ERA to 1.50 in five starts. On a less promising note, Steven Sharpe allowed two runs, giving him 10 earned runs in his last five appearances, with at least one earned run allowed in each. Since July 24 his ERA has gone from 1.06 to 4.55.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)
*First Half South Division Champion*
This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 22-27; Overall record: 61-58
4th place South, 7.0 games behind Midland
Monday, August 10: W, 14-0 @ Frisco
The Missions stopped a two-game slide with a big blowout win over the RoughRiders. Nathan Culp (6-7) and four relievers combined on the eight-hitter, while all nine members of the starting lineup scored runs. Craig Cooper was 2-for-5 with a double, a homer and three RBI, Lance Zawadzki was 3-for-5 with two runs, a triple and two runs batted in, while utility man Anthony Contreras belted his first homer of the season. Rightfielder Sawyer Carroll, who joined the team at the beginning of the series, doubled, tripled and scored twice.
Wednesday, August 12: postponed/rain
Thursday, August 13: W, 2-1 vs. Springfield (13 innings)
In what was originally scheduled as game one of a twin bill, starting pitcher Ernesto Frieri came within a strike of a no-hitter, only to allow a game-tying hit with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. Six innings later, an RBI triple by Anthony Contreras drove home Cedric Hunter for the game-winning run, giving the Missions a remarkable extra-inning win that took 4 hours, 18 minutes to complete. Immediately following the game, the umpiring crew announced that game two would be rescheduled for the following day. Frieri tossed 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit, walking five while striking out a season-high nine batters. In attempting to complete the no-no he threw 119 pitches, 74 for strikes. The Missions left 16 on base, going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
Friday, August 14: L, 6-3 & W, 3-2 (10 innings) vs. Springfield
The Missions and Cardinals split a pair, with the second game going to extra innings. In the opener, starting and losing pitcher Cory Luebke (2-1) was perfect through three innings, but allowed five runs on five hits in 5-plus innings. Anthony Contreras went 2-for-4 with a double, the only extra-base hit of the game for the Missions. In game two, Contreras was again the star, pitching a perfect 10th inning for the win. Contreras (1-0) was making his fifth appearance out of the bullpen, compiling a 5.40 ERA. Cedric Hunter drove home the game-winner with a line-drive single with two out in the bottom half of the inning, while Logan Forsythe went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Forsythe walked and reached on an error, putting him on base after all five trips to the plate.
Saturday, August 15: L, 12-0 vs. Arkansas
After playing 30 innings in the span of about 28 hours in the previous two days, the Missions were whitewashed by the Travelers. In a play most indicative of the type of game the Missions had, reliever Stephen Faris booted an easy three-hopper back to the mound, then fired a late, off-balance throw wide of first base into the rightfield corner, leading to a three-run inning. Regular first baseman Craig Cooper pitched the ninth, allowing three runs on two hits with two walks, striking out one. Logan Forsythe went 2-for-4, including a leadoff triple in the fourth, but was stranded on third base.
Sunday, August 16: W, 9-3 vs. Arkansas
The Missions came alive for six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, turning a close game into a rout of the Travelers. Lance Zawadzki went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored, Logan Forsythe and Anthony Contreras each went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI, while Seth Johnston continued his remarkable hitting with the bases loaded, driving in the go-ahead run. Mike DeMark (2-3) vultured a win in relief, allowing the tying run in the top of the eighth inning on a bases-loaded hit-batter, while Evan Scribner fired a scoreless ninth, striking out two.
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This Week in Texas League History
August 18, 1907...Making just his second start after having been plucked from the amateur ranks, 21-year-old Gene Moore pitched Dallas to a one-hit, 2-0 win over the first place Austin Senators. Moore, who was never in trouble in the game, struck out eight, walked one and hit a batter. He did not allow a hit until Austin second baseman Earl Gardner broke up the no-hit bid with a single in the seventh inning.
August 19, 1902...Lefty Hamilton pitched Dallas to a 1-0, one-hit win over Fort Worth.
August 20, 1946...In an 11-2 win over Oklahoma City, San Antonio scored all their runs in the middle three innings, including seven in the sixth. Cleanup hitter Rueben Naranjo was the Missions' hitting star, swatting a double and a triple, while driving in five runs.
August 21, 1926...Houston and Fort Worth battled for 15 innings before darkness halted play with the score knotted 3-3. Hurler Frank Barnes went the distance for Houston, limiting Fort Worth to just eight hits.
August 22, 1972...Led by Bill Huisman and Pete LaCock, who each had four hits, Midland pounded San Antonio 15-5. The Cubs used a total of 23 hits, including 11 extra-base hits, to score at least one run in each of the eight innings the batted.
August 23, 1915...Harry Gouliat had no trouble leading Dallas to a 6-0 win over Waco, just missing a no-hitter in the process. An eighth inning single by Waco's Ed Conwell was just one of two base runners allowed by Gouliat, who had walked a batter earlier in the game.
August 24, 1929...Scoring seven runs over the final two innings, the Dallas Steers staged a stunning come-back, beating San Antonio 13-12. Outfielder Jim Moore, who drove in six runs in the game, capped the Dallas come-back with a two-run home run in the ninth inning.
Texas League Stories from August 18, 2009
- Joe Mather Back with Springfield - Springfield Cardinals
- Texas League Update - TL1
- Missions to Give Season Ticket Holders Free Playoff Tickets - San Antonio Missions
- Hounds Return To Citibank Ballpark in First Place - Midland RockHounds
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