Sports stats



TL1 Texas League

Texas League Update

August 25, 2009 - Texas League (TL1) News Release


Player of the Week

August 17-23, 2009

Chris Carter, Midland RockHounds

.474 average (9-for-19), three runs, four RBI

four multi-hit games, .615 on-base pct., .631 slugging pct.

After a one-week hiatus, Chris Carter of the Midland RockHounds has once again been named Texas League Player of the Week. This is Carter's third honor in the past four weeks, in addition to his selection as the Topps Texas League Player of the Month for July. During the week, Carter reached at least twice in each of the six games in which he played, drove in all four runs during Midland wins, and finished the week with an astounding 1.246 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).

Carter's accomplishment comes at a time in which the Athletics organization is moving him around defensively, including several appearances in both left and right field. During that time, Carter has not slowed down at the plate, reaching this season's high-water mark of .434 on-base percentage as of the end of the week. The 6' 4", 225 pound slugger was on base 16 times in six games this past week, including four times on August 19, when he was 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in an 8-0 shutout over Northwest Arkansas.

At week's end, Carter was tied for first in the Texas League with a .335 batting average, second with 23 home runs and third with 98 RBI. In fact, Carter trails the leaders by just one home run and four RBI, putting him in reach of the Triple Crown, a feat that has been accomplished just twice in the 113 seasons since the Texas League was created in 1888. He also ranks first in the league in hits (161), runs (106), doubles (40), on-base percentage (.434) and slugging (.570).

Pitcher of the Week

August 17-23, 2009

Keith Weiser, Tulsa Drillers

one start, 1-0 record, 0.00 ERA, one strikeout, one walk

seven innings pitched, three hits, no runs, retired 20 straight

Heading into his start on August 22, Tulsa Drillers lefthander Keith Weiser was not the hottest pitcher in the Texas League. In fact, Weiser had an ERA of 13.75 over his last four starts, with a record of 0-4.

That's why they play the games.

Facing the league's most potent offense in Midland on August 22, Weiser loaded the bases with no outs in the first, then calmly set down 20 RockHounds in a row, allowing just one more baserunner before exiting after seven innings. He used just 82 pitches, 58 for strikes, inducing 14 fly ball outs. His masterpiece earned him his second pitcher of the week award this season, and, with a 6-1 victory, moved the Drillers into sole possession of first place in the Texas League North Division for the first time in the second half.

Weiser got off to a hot start at the beginning of the season, allowing just one run in his first 11 1/3 innings, while striking out 14. The Hamilton, Ohio native also had a terrific pair of starts in late July, allowing just eight hits and two walks in 15 innings, defeating Springfield and Arkansas. He has walked just 22 batters in 140 2/3 innings, demonstrating the type of command that suggests he could be on the verge of major improvement. Whether that is in the cards or not remains to be seen, but he promises to be a key figure in determining Tulsa's playoff fate over the next four weeks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

North Division Notebook

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)

This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 24-30; Overall record: 52-72

4th place North, 5.5 games behind Tulsa

Monday, August 17: W, 3-2 @ San Antonio

In the rubber match of their three game series with San Antonio, the Travelers scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning, stunning the Missions. Nate Sutton's RBI triple tied the game, then Jay Caliguiri's sacrifice fly brought home Sutton with the game winner. David Herndon (4-6) picked up the win in relief, while Fernando Rodriguez escaped a first-and-third, no-out jam in the ninth, earning his second save.

Wednesday, August 19: W, 7-1 vs. Corpus Christi

Wil Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, Peter Bourjos added two RBI of his own, and Ryan Mount belted a two-out, three-run homer in the sixth inning, helping the Travelers over the Hooks in the first game of their three-game series. Starting pitcher Trevor Reckling (8-5) earned the victory for Arkansas, allowing one run on five hits in five innings pitched, walking three while striking out six. The 20-year-old now is second in the Texas League in ERA at 2.69.

Thursday, August 20: W, 2-1 vs. Corpus Christi (12 innings)

Mark Trumbo's game-winning RBI single brought home Nate Sutton in the bottom of the 12th inning, giving the Travelers a 3-0 start to their week. The win went in relief to Barret Browning (1-9), who had not claimed victory in a game since July 20, 2008. Browning fired three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out four. Starting pitcher Alex Torres allowed just one run in five innings, though he allowed six hits and four walks. Hank Conger went 2-for-4 with a double, elevating his average to .300 for the season.

Friday, August 21: L, 7-5 vs. Corpus Christi

The Travelers had their mini three-game winning streak snapped, dropping the final game of their series with the Hooks. Mark Trumbo went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI, Nate Sutton went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, while the rest of the team produced just one extra base hit and did not drive in a run. After cruising through three innings, starting and losing pitcher Tim Kiely (4-2) allowed seven runs in the next two frames. Even with the loss, the Travs still managed to win the season series with Corpus Christi 8-4.

Saturday, August 22: W, 8-1 vs. San Antonio

Peter Bourjos' three-run, inside-the-park home run capped a five-run fifth inning, sparking the Travelers to their fourth win in five games. Two batters after Hainley Statia brought home two runs with a single to make the score 4-1 in favor of the Travs, Bourjos lined a drive to right centerfield, which got beyond the diving attempt of the Missions centerfielder, allowing the speedy Bourjos to circle the bases. Marco Albano (3-6) earned the victory, allowing just one run on four hits in six innings pitched, walking three while striking out six. Despite the poor record, Albano's ERA is a respectable 3.66 for the season. He set down 10 of the final 11 batters he faced.

Sunday, August 23: L, 3-2 vs. San Antonio

The Travelers looked like they could run away with this game early, going up 2-0 in the first and loading the bases with nobody out in the third. Unfortunately, the Travs let the Missions wriggle free, failing to score in the third and allowing three unearned runs in the fourth. Barret Browning (1-10) pitched the first four innings for Arkansas, allowing three runs (all unearned) on three hits in four innings, walking four while striking out five. Amalio Diaz, Bobby Cassevah and Fernando Rodriguez fired five scoreless innings after Browning's departure, allowing just two hits and one walk, while striking out five. On offense, Nate Sutton was 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, while Hank Conger drove in the other Travelers run, his 61st RBI of the season.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

2B Sean Rodriguez (2006-07) had a .409 average, three home runs and eight RBI over a seven-game span for the Salt Lake Bees ... 3B Freddy Sandoval (2007) was hitting .400 in his last five games ... OF Bradley Coon (2007) had two hits in hits last 20 at-bats for the Salt Lake ... 1B Matthew Brown (2006) is one of four Bees with at least 10 homers this season, but has not hit one since June 17.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)

This week: 1-5; Second Half record: 29-26; Overall record: 65-60

2nd place North, 1.0 game behind Tulsa

Monday, August 17: W, 2-1 vs. Frisco

Vance Wilson stroked a one-out, solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the Naturals over the RoughRiders 2-1. Wilson's longball gave the win to Juan Abreu (2-1), who coughed up a 1-0 lead with two outs in the ninth when he gave up a home run. Anthony Lerew pitched brilliantly for the Naturals, allowing just four hits and one walk in six shutout innings, striking out seven. On offense, Wilson went 2-for-4, while Kurt Mertins went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in the bottom of the seventh, the first run of the game for either side. Kyle Farnsworth faced the minimum six batters in the seventh and eighth innings, striking out two.

Wednesday, August 19: L, 8-0 @ Midland

In the first game of a three-game series, the Naturals were blanked on three hits by the RockHounds. Contributing to the loss, the Naturals failed to have a runner reach base after the third inning. Leadoff man David Lough was the only Northwest Arkansas hitter to reach base twice, rapping a single and drawing a walk. Starting pitcher Blake Johnson (7-8) dropped a game under .500, allowing seven runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, walking four while striking out three. The Naturals also committed three errors in the loss.

Thursday, August 20: L, 3-2 @ Midland

The Naturals struggled to handle RockHounds pitching, striking out 12 times while going just 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Cody Clark went 2-for-3 with a double and a run, while Ed Lucas had two hits and a walk for the Naturals. Starting and losing pitcher Everett Teaford (3-6) lasted five innings, allowing three runs on eight hits, while Aaron Hartsock fired three scoreless frames. On offense, David Lough stroked an RBI double in the fifth, giving the Naturals a brief 1-0 lead in the game.

Friday, August 21: L, 7-5 @ Midland

Leads of 4-0 in the second and 5-4 in the eighth weren't enough for the Naturals, as they were swept aside in three straight games by the RockHounds. Jarrod Dyson went 3-for-5 with a triple, a run scored, two RBI and a stolen base, while Corey Smith singled, doubled, walked and scored a run. Juan Abreu (2-2) allowed a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, turning a 5-4 lead into a 7-5 deficit. The loss dropped the Naturals into a first-place tie with Tulsa atop the North Division.

Saturday, August 22: L, 3-2 @ Frisco

Following another disappointing loss, the Naturals found themsleves a full game behind the Drillers in the Texas League North Division. In the series opener against Frisco, Northwest Arkansas out-hit the 'Riders 5-4, failed to record a base-hit with runners in scoring position, and suffered through a bout of wildness by starting and losing pitcher Rowdy Hardy (3-3). Hardy went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits. He struck out four, walked two, threw two wild pitches and hit four batters.

Sunday, August 23: L, 6-4 @ Frisco

Just when it seemed as if Northwest Arkansas would rediscover their winning ways, the RoughRiders erupted for three runs in the bottom of the eighth, stealing another victory from the Naturals' grasp. Jarrod Dyson went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, a run and two stolen bases, while Ed Lucas singled, walked twice, scored, drove in a run and stole two bases as well. Juan Abreu suffered his third blown save of the week, allowing two inherited runners to cross the plate, including one on a bases-loaded walk.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

Omaha Royals 1B Kila Ka'aihue (2008) had a .353 average with five RBI in his last five games, with 17 home runs on the season. Also hitting 17 homers this year is OF Cory Aldridge (2008).

SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)

*First Half North Division Champion*

This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 25-29; Overall record: 63-61

3rd place North, 4.5 games behind Tulsa

Monday, August 17: L, 2-0 @ Corpus Christi

Righthander Chuckie Fick had an excellent first Double-A start, but the Cardinals were shut out on five hits by the Hooks. Leaving after tossing five innings, Fick allowed no runs, just one hit, walked one and struck out one. Marco Gonzalez (0-5) took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in 1 2/3 innings. On offense, second baseman Donovan Solano went 2-for-4 with a double, the only extra-base hit of the night for the Cards.

Wednesday, August 19: W, 4-3 vs. San Antonio

The Cardinals survived a late scare, allowing two runs and stranding two San Antonio runners in scoring position with two outs in the ninth. Lance Lynn (10-4) worked around five walks, allowing one run (unearned) on three hits in six innings, while Eduardo Sanchez hung on in the ninth for his seventh save. Eight of the nine Springfield position players recorded hits, including Pete Kozma, who went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run. With the victory, Lynn became the fourth Texas League pitcher to reach the 10-win plateau.

Thursday, August 20: L, 8-3 vs. San Antonio

Leftfielder Steven Hill ripped two doubles and scored twice, but the Cardinals were knocked off by San Antonio. Starting and losing pitcher Scott Gorgen (3-4) got off to a rough start, giving up five runs in the top of the first and lasting just 1 2/3 innings. Gorgen's previous outing was a gem against the same Missions squad, in which he allowed just one run on two hits in five innings. Andrew Brown belted his fifth home run of the year in the bottom of the seventh. Joe Mather was 1-for-4 in his first Double-A game in 2009, after sitting out for two months following wrist surgery.

Friday, August 21: W, 3-1 vs. San Antonio

Pushing across single runs in the first, second and fourth innings, the Cardinals took the rubber match of their three-game set with the Missions. Starting and winning pitcher Ryan Kulik (6-9) bounced back from a seven-run outing, allowing just one run on five hits in 7 2/3 innings of work. Francisco Samuel struck out the only batter he faced, closing out the eighth, while Eduardo Sanchez fired a perfect ninth, striking out two. On offense, the Cardinals recorded just five hits, though four were for extra bases. Tyler Henley and Nick Derba belted solo home runs, Mike Folli tripled, while Steven Hill doubled in a run.

Saturday, August 22: W, 3-1 vs. Corpus Christi

Aaron Luna drove in all three Springfield runs in support of starting and winning pitcher Brandon Dickson (8-9), as the Cards rolled past the Hooks. Luna got the Cardinals on the board with a two-run homer in the second, giving Springfield a 2-1 advantage. Then, with two outs in the seventh, Luna drew a bases-loaded walk, giving Dickson some added insurance. Dickson went seven strong innings, allowing one run on four hits, while walking two and striking out nine. Chuckie Fick tossed the final two innings, allowing no hits and a walk while earning his first save. In two outings this week, Fick allowed just one hit in seven innings.

Sunday, August 23: W, 3-1 vs. Corpus Christi

The Cardinals finished off a 4-2 week with a third-straight 3-1 victory, this time getting a strong performance by Nick Additon (2-2) and three relievers. Additon allowed just one run on two hits in 5 1/3 innings, lowering his ERA to 3.29. On offense, only Jim Rapoport had a multi-hit game, as he went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Tyler Henley and Pete Kozma each doubled and scored a run, while Mike Folli singled in a run. After Francisco Samuel completed a scoreless eighth, closer Eduardo Sanchez closed out the ninth, earning his ninth save.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

A key piece of the Matt Holliday trade, RHP Clayton Mortensen (2008) earned his first victory with Sacramento, allowing one run in seven innings against Nashville ... OF Jon Jay (2007-08) batted .385 over his last nine games for the Memphis Redbirds ... OF Shane Robinson (2008) had a .063 average (1-for-16) over five games for the Redbirds ... On the mound for Memphis, RHP P.J. Walters (2007-08) had a five-game winning streak snapped, allowing 13 runs in 4 2/3 innings over two starts ... RHP Adam Ottovino (2008) ranked in the top five in the Pacific Coast League in walks (76) and strikeouts (110).

TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)

This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 30-25; Overall record: 68-57

1st place North, 1.0 game ahead of Northwest Arkansas

Monday, August 17: W, 3-0 vs. Midland

Drillers ace Samuel Deduno fired seven dominant innings, leading Tulsa over Midland in a combined five-hit shutout. Deduno (12-2) became the league's first 12-game winner, allowing just three hits and two walks, striking out seven. Andrew Johnston earned his 29th save, escaping the ninth unscathed despite allowing two hits and a walk in the frame. On offense, the Drillers managed just five hits, with Cole Garner going 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored, extending his hitting streak to 18 games. Tulsa now has 16 shutouts on the season, a franchise record and most in the Texas League this season.

Wednesday, August 19: L, 7-6 @ Frisco

In a wild, back-and-forth ballgame, the Drillers allowed two runs in the eighth, battled back to tie the game in the ninth, only to lose on a walk-off single in the bottom of the inning. Cole Garner quickly extended his hitting streak to 19 games with a two-run homer in the first, ripping a pair of doubles for good measure. Jeff Kindel had two hits and two RBI, including the game-tying single with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Matt Reynolds (0-1) suffered the loss in relief, allowing one run in one inning. His ERA jumped to 2.04 following the performance.

Thursday, August 20: W, 4-2 @ Frisco

The Drillers got a big pitching performance by Chaz Roe (7-2), who held the potent 'Riders offense to just one run and five hits over seven innings. Roe lowered his ERA to 3.10 for the year, walking one while striking out six batters. On offense, Mike McKenry went 2-for-2 with a run, an RBI and two walks, while Daniel Carte singled, doubled and scored a run. Andrew Johnston became the first pitcher in the Texas League to record 30 saves this season, closing out the ninth. The victory brought Tulsa within a game of North Division-leading Northwest Arkansas.

Friday, August 21: W, 3-0 @ Frisco

The Drillers pitched yet another shutout, their 17th of the year, getting a five-hit effort from four hurlers. Ching-Lung Lo got things started with 4 2/3 innings of four-hit ball, giving way to Tommy Baumgardner, who closed out the fifth in just six pitches. From there, winning pitcher Andy Graham (3-4) took care of business, allowing one hit and no walks in three scoreless innings, while Andrew Johnston slammed the door for his 31st save. On offense, Mike Paulk went 2-for-3 with an RBI single in the ninth, bringing home the first run of the night for either side. Johnston is now just six saves behind the Tulsa club record of 37, shared by Ryan Speier (2004) and Steven Register (2007) and seven saves away from the Texas League record of 38 held by Sean Maloney of El Paso (1996).

Saturday, August 22: W, 6-1 @ Midland

In the first game of a three-game series, starting and winning pitcher Keith Weiser (8-13) had one of his finest outings of an up-and-down season, shutting down the RockHounds. Weiser fired seven innings of shutout ball, allowing just three hits and one walk. After loading the bases with no outs in the first, Weiser escaped the jam, part of a stretch of 20 hitters in a row the lefthander would retire. On offense, Tulsa used three-run outbursts in the top of the first and fifth innings to put the game away. Jeff Kindel went 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI, while Daniel Carte drove in three RBI for the Drillers. The win put Tulsa alone in first place in the North Division with just 16 games to play.

Sunday, August 23: L, 5-0 @ Midland

With ace righthander Samuel Deduno heading to the hill to face the same team he shut out on Monday, the Drillers had reason to be optimistic. However, Deduno (12-3) lost for the first time since June 6, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings. He also walked five batters, giving him 25 bases on balls over his last six starts. The Drillers were held to three hits, all singles, drew two walks and committed a pair of errors in the field. Daniel Carte finished 1-for-1 at the plate with two bases on balls. Deduno's ERA went up to 2.68, still tops in the Texas League.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

Colorado Springs RHP Jhoulys Chacin (2009), making his first start since being sent down from the Rockies, pitched the first 5 1/3 innings of a combined no-hitter. The no-no was the second of the year for the SkySox, after Brandon Hynick (2008) threw a seven-inning perfect game on June 30 ... 2B Eric Young, Jr. (2008) batted just .167 over his last five games ... OF Matt Miller (2006-08) was second in the PCL in hitting for Colorado Springs, batting .330 ... INF Matt Macri (2005-07) has just one hit in his last 17 at-bats for the Rochester Red Wings ... 1B Andy Tracy (2003) has hit .469 with six homers, 17 RBI and 12 runs scored in his last 10 games ... INF Mike Lamb (1999) has batted .370 in his last nine contests for the Buffalo Bisons, the Mets Triple-A affiliate in the International League.

South Division Notebook

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)

This week: 2-4; Second Half record: 25-30; Overall record: 56-69

3rd place South, 8.0 games behind Midland

Monday, August 17: W, 2-0 vs. Springfield

The Hooks finished off a three-game sweep of the Cardinals, getting an excellent night of pitching from Wilton Lopez and Chia-Jen Lo, who combined on a five-hitter. Lopez (4-4) went the first 7 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and one walk, while striking out six. Lo then closed things out in a perfect 1 1/3 frames, fanning two. Collin DeLome tripled in a run in the seventh, while German Duran's double one batter later completed the scoring. Lopez has allowed just two runs in his last 29 2/3 innings, good for a 0.61 ERA.

Wednesday, August 19: L, 7-1 @ Arkansas

The Hooks struggled at the plate against the Travelers, recording just seven hits, none for extra-bases. Rightfielder Drew Locke went 2-for-3 with a walk, raising his batting average to .328, while Jimmy Van Ostrand had two hits in four trips to the plate. Douglas Arguello (2-4) took the loss for Corpus Christi, allowing four runs (three earned) over 5 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out three. The Hooks were attempting to win their sixth straight game for the first time since the 2007 campaign. Ryan McKeller gave up three runs in relief, snapping a string of 13 2/3 scoreless innings by the bullpen.

Thursday, August 20: L, 2-1 @ Arkansas (12 innings)

In a 12-inning affair, the Hooks left 17 men on base, dropping their second straight game to the Travelers. Kenny Baugh got the start, allowing one run on three hits in six innings pitched, leaving without walking or striking out a batter. Danny Meszaros threw the next three innings for the Hooks, facing just two over the minimum while striking out six, while Charlie Weatherby (0-2) got the loss, allowing the walk-off game-winning single. Third baseman Aaron Boone concluded his rehab stint with Corpus Christi, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Friday, August 21: W, 7-5 @ Arkansas

Collin DeLome, Drew Locke and Jason Castro led the Hooks past the Travelers as they fueled a pair of big innings, a two-run fourth and a five-run fifth. DeLome went 2-for-5 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored, Locke went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two runs, while Castro went 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs batted in and one run scored. The outburst helped Sergio Perez (10-10) even his record on the season, though he struggled, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings. The Hooks won for the sixth time in eight games.

Saturday, August 22: L, 3-1 @ Springfield

In a lackluster offensive performance, the Hooks managed just four hits, while going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Wladimir Sutil went 2-for-4 with a double and a run, Mark Ori doubled and walked twice, while the rest of the team was a combined 1-for-24 at the plate, with one walk. Tyler Lumsden (1-2) took the loss for the Hooks, allowing two runs on seven hits in five innings, walking four while striking out one. Charlie Weatherby allowed the third Cardinals run in the eighth, walking four batters in the inning.

Sunday, August 23: L, 3-1 @ Springfield

In an encore performance from the previous night, the Hooks dropped a 3-1 game to the Cardinals, this time recording just three hits. Second baseman Felix Molina clubbed a solo home run in the third inning, accounting for Corpus Christi's only run, while Drew Locke went 2-for-4. The Hooks drew six walks, but grounded into two double plays and were caught stealing twice, smothering many of their scoring opportunities. Wilton Lopez (4-5) allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings, walking none while striking out four.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

LHP Polin Trinidad (2008-09) pitched exactly seven innings for the fourth straight start for Round Rock, improving to 5-3 with a 4.52 ERA ... SS Tommy Manzella (2007-08) batted .405 (15-for-37) with eight RBI over his last 10 games for the Express ... Also in Round Rock, 3B Chris Johnson (2008) had a .359 average (14-for-39) with three homers and nine RBI in a 10-game span ... C Lou Santangelo (2007-08) was 2-for-18 (.111) over his last five games ... OF Tim Raines (2007) had seven hits in 15 at-bats over five games ... INF Brooks Conrad (2005) has hit .410 with two homers, 14 RBI and eight runs scored in his last 10 games for the Gwinnett Braves.

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)

This week: 3-3; Second Half record: 29-26; Overall record: 62-63

2nd place South, 4.0 games behind Midland

Monday, August 17: L, 2-1 @ Northwest Arkansas

Chad Tracy smacked a two-out, game-tying solo home run with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but the RoughRiders gave up a walk-off homer in the bottom of the frame, losing to the Naturals. Tracy's home run, his league-leading 23rd, also gave him 97 RBI on the season, good for second in the Texas League. Michael Ballard tossed 7 1/3 innings, allowing one run on seven hits, while Thomas Diamond (0-3) was handed the loss on the game-ending homer. Craig Gentry stole his league-best 45th base of the season.

Wednesday, August 19: W, 7-6 vs. Tulsa

The 'Riders rallied from deficits of 3-0 and 5-3 to take the lead, gave up the tying run with two outs in the top of the ninth, then won it on a walk-off single with two outs in the bottom of the inning. Dustin Majewski's single brought home Renny Osuna with the winning run, making a winner out of Clayton Hamilton (1-2), who faced just one batter. Designated hitter Jonathan Greene, making his first Double-A appearance, went 2-for-3 with a double, home run and game-high four RBI. Chad Tracy also homered, his third straight game with a longball.

Thursday, August 20: L, 4-2 vs. Tulsa

Despite two doubles from Chad Tracy and two RBI from Johnny Whittleman, the RoughRiders lost ground in the standings to the RockHounds. Major League pitcher Jason Grilli threw a scoreless rehab inning to start the game, followed by regular pitcher Kasey Kiker (7-7), who took the loss. Kiker struck out seven and walked two in seven innings, but allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits before exiting. Kiker's seven strikeouts gave him a Texas League-leading 118 on the season.

Friday, August 21: L, 3-0 vs. Tulsa

The RoughRiders were shut out on five hits by the Drillers, who scored all three of their runs in the top of the ninth inning. Centerfielder Craig Gentry went 3-for-4 with a pair of stolen bases, providing nearly all of the offense. Michael Kirkman started for Frisco, allowing no runs on two hits in six innings, while walking three and striking out five. Losing pitcher Clayton Hamilton (0-1) was less effective, allowing three runs on five hits in the ninth.

Saturday, August 22: W, 3-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Starting and winning pitcher Blake Beavan (3-4) had one of his finest Texas League starts of the year, allowing no runs on five hits over seven innings, helping the 'Riders to a low-scoring victory over the Naturals. Renny Osuna had the big hit of the night for Frisco, lining a two-run double in the second inning, helping the RoughRiders to an early 3-0 lead. Craig Gentry chipped in with a single and a run, while stealing his 48th base in 53 attempts. The RoughRiders managed to hang on despite four fielding errors, which equaled the number of hits they collected in the game.

Sunday, August 23: W, 6-4 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, the 'Riders came storming back to beat the Naturals. Renny Osuna stayed hot, going 3-for-4 with a walk, a run and an RBI, while Chad Tracy was 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a run batted in. Thomas Diamond (1-3) picked up the win in relief, despite allowing the go-ahead run in the top half of the inning, while Beau Jones needed just one pitch to record his first save of the season. Six RoughRiders scored runs and six drove in runs on the evening.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

3B Chris Davis (2007-08) batted .357 with two homers and eight RBI in his last nine games for Oklahoma City ... C Emerson Frostad (2007-09) had one hit in 16 at-bats ... RHP Brian Gordon (2008) has seven wins in relief for the RedHawks ... RHP Luis Mendoza (2006-08), after throwing a no-hitter on August 14, gave up six runs on 12 hits over 4 1/3 innings in his next start ... RHP Warner Madrigal (2008) has converted each of his last six save chances.

MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)

This week: 4-2; Second Half record: 33-22; Overall record: 70-55

1st place South, 4.0 games ahead of Frisco

Monday, August 17: L, 3-0 @ Tulsa

The 'Hounds wrapped up their 10-game road trip with a five-hit, shutout loss to the Drillers. Chris Carter and Matt Spencer each had two hits, with Corey Wimberly notching the only other base hit for the RockHounds on the night. Starting and losing pitcher Tyson Ross (2-3) struggled with his command, allowing three runs on three hits in four innings, walking four without striking out a batter. The game was played in a brisk 2 hours, 28 minutes, the longest of the four games on the schedule, in which the eight Texas League teams combined for just 13 runs.

Wednesday, August 19: W, 8-0 vs. Northwest Arkansas

In a potential Texas League title matchup, Chris Carter, Josh Donaldson, Graham Godfrey and the 'Hounds made quick worth of the North-division leaders. Carter went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, including a two-run home run in the first, while Donaldson pasted a three-run shot in the fourth inning. Godfrey (11-6) tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks, striking out four. The Houston native retired the last 15 batters he faced, lowering his ERA to 3.54 on the year.

Thursday, August 20: W, 3-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Converted relief pitcher Arnold Leon has been one of the 'Hounds most impressive players in the second half, continuing his dominance despite being held to strict pitch counts. Against the Naturals, Leon used 71 pitches to fire 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out six. The win went to Justin Friend in relief (1-0), while Jared Lansford picked up his 10th save of the season. On the offensive side, Corey Wimberly went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI, while Jemile Weeks added a two-run single. Matt Spencer had his 16-game hitting streak snapped.

Friday, August 21: W, 7-5 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Corey Brown belted two home runs, including a go-ahead three-run shot in the bottom of the eighth inning, leading the RockHounds to a series sweep of the Naturals. Brown's first home run came in the 'Hounds three-run second, when Matt Spencer and Jemile Weeks also added solo shots. Starting pitcher Travis Banwart completed just three innings, allowing four runs on eight hits. Four Midland relievers, including winning pitcher Steven Sharpe (8-1) finished off the final six innings, allowing a total of six hits.

Saturday, August 22: L, 6-1 vs. Tulsa

In a loss to Tulsa, defending Texas League Pitcher of the Week Kyle Middleton (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season, allowing six runs on eight hits in five innings. On offense, the 'Hounds had trouble with situational hitting throughout the game, finishing just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position, while leaving nine men on base. In a scoreless first, Midland loaded the bases with nobody out, but the RockHounds could not score, part of a stretch of 20 straight batters that failed to reach base. Three 'Hounds relievers fired four innings of two hit shutout baseball, walking two while striking out six.

Sunday, August 23: W, 5-0 vs. Tulsa

Tyson Ross (3-3) had his finest game at the Double-A level, bouncing back from a poor start on Monday against the Drillers. Ross fired seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and two walks, while striking out four batters. Shortstop Josh Horton reached base five times, going 2-for-2 with three walks, two runs and two RBI, while Chris Carter went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in. The 'Hounds clogged the basepaths all evening, collecting nine hits to go with eight bases on balls. Jon Hunton completed the shutout, tossing two scoreless, one-hit innings.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

RHP Mike Benacka (2009) has pitched four scoreless innings in three appearances since being called up from Midland to Sacramento ... 1B Jesus Guzman (2008) of the Fresno Grizzlies batted .125 (2-for-16) in a four game stretch ... C Anthony Recker (2007-09) collected 10 hits in 16 at-bats over five games for the Sacramento River Cats ... 2B Adrian Cardenas (2008-09), also with Sacramento, batted .457 (16-for-35) over his last nine games ... OF Jon Weber (2004) is hitting .394 with two homers, seven RBI and eight runs scored in his last eight games for the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays ... Rehabbing with the Memphis Redbirds, 3B Troy Glaus (1998) was batting .105 (2-for-19) with a home run through seven games.

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)

*First Half South Division Champion*

This week: 2-4; Second Half record: 24-31; Overall record: 63-62

4th place South, 9.0 games behind Midland

Monday, August 17: L, 3-2 vs. Arkansas

The Missions couldn't hang onto another late lead, dropping a heartbreaker to the Travelers. Closer Evan Scribner (7-4) blew his ninth save of the year, allowing two runs in the top of the ninth inning. It was his fifth blown save in his last seven attempts. The Missions put runners on first and third with no outs in the ninth, but failed to score. First baseman Craig Cooper belted his 10th home run of the season, the first Missions player to reach double figures in 2009.

Wednesday, August 19: L, 4-3 @ Springfield

The Missions lost a close battle with the Cardinals, after Sawyer Carroll's ground-rule double with two outs in the ninth inning forced Mitch Canham - the potential tying run - to return to third base. Starting and losing pitcher Ernesto Frieri (9-8) lasted just four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out four. He also allowed two homers. Carroll went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Eric Sogard had two hits and a run scored. The Missions dropped to 61-60 on the season.

Thursday, August 20: W, 8-3 @ Springfield

Batting in the leadoff spot for just the second time all season, Missions second baseman Eric Sogard led a 15-hit San Antonio attack, going 4-for-6 with two homers, a double and two runs scored. He led off the game with a homer in the top of the first, then belted another solo shot in the ninth. Logan Forsythe reached five times, stroking three singles and drawing two walks. Cory Luebke (3-1) pitched a terrific game, allowing just one run on three hits in six innings, while walking none and striking out five.

Friday, August 21: L, 3-1 @ Springfield

The Missions collected just five singles in their loss to Springfield, getting a fourth-inning sacrifice fly from Seth Johnston for their only run. Logan Forsythe reached base three times, twice via the walk, the only two issued by Cardinals pitching. Will Inman suffered the defeat, allowing three runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings, walking three while striking out five. Matt Buschmann and Brandon Gomes faced a total of five batters, striking out four. The Missions dropped their 30th game of the second half and 61st overall.

Saturday, August 22: L, 8-1 @ Arkansas

In the first of three games with the Travelers, the Missions failed to take advantage of three bases-loaded situations, including two that ended in double plays. Lefthander Nathan Culp (6-8), pushed up a day by manager Terry Kennedy to set the playoff rotation, kept San Antonio in the game through the first five innings, but a five-run Travelers sixth ended the Missions' chances. On offense, Cedric Hunter went 2-for-4 with a run, scoring on Craig Cooper's bases-loaded walk, while Eric Sogard and Jesus Lopez collected doubles.

Sunday, August 23: W, 3-2 @ Arkansas

The Missions allowed two runs in the first inning, then scored three unearned runs in the fourth, coasting to a win over the Travelers. Corey Kluber shook off some early jitters, completing five innings of two-run ball, allowing seven hits, two walks and two hit batters, while striking out four. Kluber escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the third, which was followed by the three-run Missions outburst. In that inning, the 7-8-9 hitters, Michael Collins, Cedric Hunter and Jesus Lopez, each came around to score. Four San Antonio relievers allowed just one total baserunner over the final four innings, including Mike DeMark, who notched his first save of the season.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Sunday, 8/23):

For Triple-A Portland, LHP Wade LeBlanc (2007) went six one-run innings to beat Omaha, fanning five and walking one ... 3B Peter Ciofrone (2007-08) had one hit in his last 19 at-bats (.053) over eight games for the Beavers ... SS Oswaldo Navarro (2006) was just 1-for-13 (.077) in his last four games for the Tacoma Rainiers ... Also with Tacoma, Bryan LaHair (2006) has nine home runs since the All-Star break, giving him 25 for the season ... Playing for the Indianapolis Indians, 1B Jeff Clement (2006) has just one hit in his last 21 at-bats, but has still driven in 10 runs in his last nine games overall ... Travis Denker (2009) has the worst August batting average among all International League regulars, topping out at .138 this month for the Pawtucket Red Sox.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alumni Report for former Texas League teams

EL PASO DIABLOS

1B Kevin Barker (1997-98) was called up to the Cincinnati Reds, after batting .284 with 22 homers and 68 RBI in 100 games for the Louisville Bats.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS

2B Keith Ginter (2000) has hit .333 with four RBI and four runs scored over his last 10 games for the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

WICHITA WRANGLERS

3B Ruben Gotay (2004-05) hit .360 with three homers and eight RBI in his last nine games for the Reno Aces of the Pacific Coast League ... Playing outfield and DH for the Rochester Red Wings, Justin Huber (2005) has hit .353 with three homers, six RBI and eight runs scored in his last nine games.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Week in Texas League History

August 24, 1929...Scoring seven runs over the final two innings, the Dallas Steers staged a stunning comeback, beating San Antonio 13-12. Outfielder Jim Moore, who drove in six runs in the game, capped the Dallas rally with a two-run home run in the ninth inning.

August 25, 1968...Memphis left-hander Rich Folkers tossed a two-hit, 4-0 shutout over Dallas Fort-Worth.

August 26, 1990...Shreveport rightfielder Elenis Westbrooks stroked two homers and drove in six runs in the Captains 13-7 win at Tulsa.

August 27, 1988...In the first game of two at Arkansas, Shreveport took a thrilling, come-from-behind 13-7 win when they scored nine runs in the top of the seventh and final inning. The Captains got all their runs in the inning on three big hits, a trio of three-run homers. The first, by Romy Cucjen, the third batter of the inning, tied the game 7-7. Still with none out, Mike Wishnevski belted the next three-run shot. Dee Brown, who had a perfect 5-for-5 game and scored four times in the wild game, finished the fireworks, belting the final three-run shot of the frame.

August 28, 1957...The Houston Buffs used 16 hits to craft a 16-0 white wash of San Antonio, using a 10-run outburst in the third inning to put the game out of reach. Benny Valenzuela led the Houston offense with four hits in five at-bats. Valenzuela drove in four runs in the game, all in the 10-run inning, with a two-run homer and a two-run single. Houston infielders Keith Little and Ruben Amaro both had three-run homers in the big inning. Amazingly, all of Houston's runs in the 10-run inning were scored after two were out. Additionally, all the runs were unearned due to an error by the San Antonio shortstop leading off the frame. Winning pitcher Tommy Hughes breezed through the San Antonio lineup, allowing the Missions just four hits as he completed the one-sided shutout win.

August 29, 1896...San Antonio clinched a 16-2 win over Houston when they scored 10 times in the sixth inning. Mike Lawrence doubled twice in the big frame, while Matt Stanley and Charlie Weber both had a pair of singles. The Bronchos, who had 11 hits in the sixth inning, had a total of 25 hits in the game. Every San Antonio batter hit safely in the one-sided win, with every batter collecting three hits, except Stanley and pitcher Red Herbert, the eighth and ninth hitters in the Bronchos order.

August 30, 1908...George Wisterzill, a 20-year-old San Antonio native, was a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, helping San Antonio pound Houston 14-1. Playing centerfield for ailing manager Cap Leidy, Wisterzill stroked four singles and a home run, by far the youngster's best day in his first professional season.

August 31, 1962...Tulsa matched their season high, pounding 20 hits on the way to a 13-7 win over El Paso. Jeoff Long hit his 29th home run of the season in the sixth inning, tying a Tulsa club record set by Paul Easterling in 1934 and again by Joe Macko in 1954. Chris Krug paced the Oilers with five RBI, four coming in when he belted a first inning grand slam.



Texas League Stories from August 25, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central