Sports stats



TL1 Texas League

Texas League Update

September 1, 2009 - Texas League (TL1) News Release


Texas League post-season

All-Stars announced

1B Chris Carter, Midland

2B Daniel Descalso, Springfield

3B Darin Holcomb, Tulsa

SS Wladimir Sutil, Corpus Christi

UTL Adrian Cardenas, Midland

C Hank Conger, Arkansas

OF Craig Gentry, Frisco

OF Tyler Henley, Springfield

OF Drew Locke, Corpus Christi

DH Chad Tracy, Frisco

P Jhoulys Chacin, Tulsa

P Samuel Deduno, Tulsa

P Graham Godfrey, Midland

P Trey Hearne, Springfield

P Andrew Johnston, Tulsa

P Lance Lynn, Springfield

P Trevor Reckling, Arkansas

Manager of the Year: Darren Bush, Midland

Pitcher of the Year: Samuel Deduno, Tulsa

Player of the Year: Chris Carter, Midland

Mike Coolbaugh Texas League Coach of the Year: Ken Patterson, Arkansas

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

Five current, six former Texas Leaguers

selected to join Team USA World Cup roster

(DURHAM, N.C.) - USA Baseball announced Thursday 23 players who will represent the United States at the 2009 International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Baseball World Cup in Europe from Sept. 9-27. Players eligible for selection were those not currently on 25-man Major League Baseball (MLB) rosters. The 2009 World Cup is the 38th installment of the IBAF's biennial world championships.

Current Texas League players chosen:

Jason Castro, Corpus Christi

Kasey Kiker, Frisco

Cory Luebke, San Antonio

Mike McKenry, Tulsa

Trevor Reckling, Arkansas

Former Texas League players chosen:

Daniel Descalso, Springfield (2008-09)

Nate Field, Wichita (2001, 2003)

Tug Hulett, Frisco (2006)

Josh Kroeger, El Paso (2003-04)

Justin Smoak, Frisco (2009)

Jon Weber, Midland (2004)

In addition, Bob Watson, USA Baseball General Manager of Professional Baseball Operations, played for the Amarillo Sonics of the Texas League in 1967.

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

Player of the Week

August 24-30, 2009

Andrew Brown, Springfield Cardinals

.464 average (13-for-28), five home runs, six runs, 10 RBI

hit safely in all eight games, .545 on-base pct., 1.036 slugging pct.

With the Texas League season completing its penultimate week, Springfield first baseman Andrew Brown accomplished something nobody else in the league had done all year: he homered five times in a single week. Along with leading the league in batting average, runs batted in, slugging and on-base percentage, Brown was an easy selection for Player of the Week.

Brown, who will turn 25 on September 10, clubbed all five of his home runs in the first four games of the week, then went out and hit safely in the remaining four ballgames as well. The righthanded slugger started the week by clubbing a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning to beat Corpus Christi, while on August 25 at Northwest Arkansas he went 3-for-5 with a pair of bombs and four runs batted in. His .464 batting average during the week boosted his season mark from .269 to .289, while his five homers doubled his season total to 10.

Now in his second year in the Texas League, the former Nebraska star is heating up just in time to help his team make a run at the Texas League Championship. He is featured in the middle of a young lineup that has lost much of its production due to call-ups to Triple-A, so his veteran leadership will be counted on down the stretch.

Pitcher of the Week

August 24-30, 2009

Kyle Middleton, Midland RockHounds

one start, 1-0 record, 0.00 ERA, seven strikeouts,

complete game shutout, four hits, one walk

For the second time in three weeks, Kyle Middleton of the Midland RockHounds has been named Texas League Pitcher of the Week. This week he turned in a dominant performance against his old team, the Corpus Christi Hooks, firing a nine-inning complete game shutout in which he used just 97 pitches.

In the game on August 27, Middleton allowed just four hits, expertly working around a pair of leadoff doubles, while walking just one and striking out seven. With the RockHounds in control much of the game, which they eventually won 10-0, Middleton was able to work quickly, attacking the strike zone with precision. The 29-year-old righthander needed just 2 hours, 36 minutes to dispose of the Hooks, improving his record to 4-1 while lowering his ERA to 2.16 on the season.

This is Middleton's third Texas League Pitcher of the Week award in his career, after being named August 10-16, 2009 as well as May 23-29, 2005, when he was a starter for the Wichita Wranglers. He spent the past two seasons in the bullpen for Corpus Christi, for whom he owns the single-season saves record with 23.

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

North Division Notebook

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)

This week: 5-3; Second Half: 29-33; Overall record: 57-75

3rd place North, 5.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas

Monday, August 24: L, 6-4 vs. San Antonio

Starting and losing pitcher Trevor Reckling (8-6) was in control most of the night, but a one-out grand slam by San Antonio in the seventh inning quickly erased a two-run Travelers lead. Nate Sutton got the Travs on the board in the first with a two-run home run, while Coby Smith went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Reckling went 6 1/3 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits, while striking out two and walking two.

Tuesday, August 25: W, 6-0 @ Tulsa

In what would turn out to be his final start in the Angels' organization, Alex Torres and two teammates shutout the Drillers on just three hits. In the win, Torres (3-1) allowed two hits through six shutout innings, striking out eight, while six members of the Travs starting lineup recorded multi-hit games. The 13-hit barrage was led by Hank Conger, who went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, while Mark Trumbo was also 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored. Torres, 21, became the centerpiece of the Angels' 29 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in which they received Scott Kazmir.

Wednesday, August 26: L, 7-6 @ Tulsa

The Travelers lost a heartbreaker to the Drillers, blowing an early five-run lead. The 6-7-8 hitters in the Arkansas lineup provided nearly all the offense, combining to go 7-for-11, scoring all six runs. Ryan Mount went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs, Wil Ortiz went 2-for-3 with a double, triple, two runs and an RBI, while Hainley Statia went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and two runs batted in. The Travs committed a costly error in the fifth, which led to three unearned runs in a five-run Tulsa inning.

Thursday, August 27: W, 16-7 @ Tulsa

The Travelers made sure there would be no late-game comeback by the Drillers, racing out to an 11-0 lead before cruising to a blowout win. All nine Arkansas batters scored at least one run and recorded at least one hit, part of a 20-hit attack. Wil Ortiz led the way, going 5-for-5 with three runs and three RBI, while Peter Bourjos went 4-for-5 with a double, three RBI and two runs. Rightfielder Mark Trumbo tripled, homered, drove in two runs and scored three times, while Jay Caliguiri finished off the Travelers scoring with a three-run homer in the ninth.

Friday, August 28: W, 4-1 @ Tulsa

The Travelers took three-of-four from the suddenly reeling Drillers, winning the final game thanks to a two-hitter in the series finale. Amalio Diaz (3-6) got the win, allowing just one run on two hits in six innings, striking out three while walking one. Fernando Rodriguez earned his third save, striking out five batters in 2 2/3 hitless innings.

Saturday, August 29: L, 6-0 & W, 3-2 vs. Springfield

The Travelers and Cardinals split a pair on Saturday, making up a game postponed by rain on July 30. In game one, the Travs were victims of a four-hit shutout, stranding all eight runners that reached base. Ryan Mount went 2-for-3, Coby Smith went 1-for-3 with a walk, while Hainley Statia went 1-for-3 as well. On the mound, starting and losing pitcher Trevor Reckling (8-7) allowed just two runs on five hits in five innings pitched, but walked five while striking out three. In the nightcap, the Travelers rallied for two runs in the bottom of the fifth, picking up an RBI single by Coby Smith and a sacrifice fly by Nate Sutton. Barret Browning (2-10) earned the win in relief, while David Herndon notched his ninth save.

Sunday, August 30: W, 4-3 vs. Springfield (10 innings)

The Travelers rallied from a 3-0 deficit, eventually winning on a walk-off hit-batsmen in the bottom of the 10th inning. Hank Conger, serving as the designated hitter in the game, launched a solo home run in the eighth, tying the game at 3-3, then drew a leadoff walk in the 10th. After Ivan Contreras pinch-ran, Ryan Mount also walked, followed by a sacrifice bunt by Wil Ortiz in which everyone was safe. Backup catcher Brian Walker, making his first plate appearance, was then drilled in the foot on an 0-2 pitch, giving the Travs the victory. Arkansas starting pitcher Jeremy Thorne made his Texas League debut, allowing three runs on six hits in five innings. Thorne walked one and struck out three.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

For the Salt Lake Bees, SS Sean Rodriguez (2006-07) had 10 hits in his last 17 at-bats, a .588 mark ... 3B Freddy Sandoval (2007) batted .395 over his last 10 games ... RHP Sean O'Sullivan (2009) took the loss in his first Triple-A start since his no-hitter against Sacramento on July 28 ... RHP Francisco Rodriguez (2008) was 0-2 with an ERA of 12.71 over his last five appearances ... 1B Chris Richard (1997-99) has batted .364 in his last six contests for the Durham Bulls.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)

This week: 5-2; Second Half: 34-28; Overall record: 70-62

1st place North, 2.0 games ahead of Tulsa

Monday, August 24: L, 4-2 @ Frisco

In its sixth straight loss, the Naturals allowed three runs in the seventh inning, falling to the RoughRiders. Starting pitcher Blake Johnson allowed just one run in six innings, before reliever Blake Wood (2-7) allowed three runs on four hits in one inning of work. Ed Lucas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, while Vance Wilson went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. The loss dropped the Naturals two games behind the North Division-leading Tulsa Drillers.

Tuesday, August 25: L, 5-1 vs. Springfield

The Naturals jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, getting a double and RBI single in the frame, but recorded just two more hits the rest of the game. Everett Teaford (3-7) went five innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking four and walking none. On offense, Jarrod Dyson reached three times and scored the only Northwest Arkansas run. The Naturals remained two back of the Drillers, who were shut out 6-0 by Arkansas.

Wednesday, August 26: W, 8-7 vs. Springfield

Catcher Jeff Howell delivered a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning, snapping the Naturals' seven-game losing streak. The Naturals were forced to rally from a 7-5 deficit, after the Naturals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in a game featuring three ties and four lead-changes. David Lough, Jose Duarte and Ed Lucas each homered for the Naturals, who still trail Tulsa by two games in the North Division. Aaron Hartsock (3-1) earned the win, giving up a leadoff homer in the seventh but recovering to toss 3 2/3 one-hit, no-walk innings.

Thursday, August 27: postponed/rain

Friday, August 28: W, 3-2 & W, 5-2 vs. Springfield

The Naturals, a game and a half behind Tulsa when play began, finished the day in a first-place tie after sweeping a twi-night doubleheader from the Cardinals. In game one, starting and winning pitcher Rowdy Hardy (4-3) pitched six innings, but left trailing 2-1. Happily, his offense scored twice in the bottom of the sixth - on a balk and a wild pitch - giving him the victory. Ed Lucas went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while Jarrod Dyson went 2-for-3 with a trio of stolen bases. In the nightcap, the Naturals again rallied in the sixth, scoring five times to erase a 1-0 deficit. Jeff Bianchi delivered the big blow, a three-run homer, giving the win to Anthony Lerew (9-6), who allowed a run on seven hits in six innings of work.

Saturday, August 29: W, 13-2 vs. Tulsa

In a game every bit the blowout the final score indicated, the Naturals reclaimed first place in the North Division of the Texas League. Ed Lucas reached five times, going 3-for-3 with a double, homer and two RBI, while Marc Maddox went 2-for-5 with a two-out, three-run homer in the third, which pushed the Naturals lead to 7-0. The Naturals tacked on three runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth, making life easy for starting and winning pitcher Blake Johnson (8-8). Johnson allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings, while walking two and striking out four.

Sunday, August 30: W, 2-1 vs. Tulsa (12 innings)

Corey Smith singled home Jeff Bianchi with the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 12th, sending 5,344 fans home happy on Sunday afternoon. Bianchi started the rally with a one-out double, scoring two batters later when Smith lined a single to centerfield, picking up his 82nd RBI of the season. Bianchi scored both runs, the first coming on an RBI triple by David Lough in the fourth inning. Ben Swaggerty (4-1) got the win in relief, working the final three innings. Juan Abreu blew his fifth save of the year in the eighth, walking home a run to knot the score 1-1.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

SS Mario Lisson (2008-09) batted .462 with six RBI in his last four games for Omaha ... 2B Irving Falu was 18-for-38 (.474) over a nine-game stretch ... Cory Aldridge (2008-09) hit four home runs in a four-game span last week.

SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)

*First Half North Division Champion*

This week: 3-5; Second Half: 28-34; Overall record: 66-66

4th place North, 6.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas

Monday, August 24: W, 5-3 vs. Corpus Christi (11 innings)

First baseman Andrew Brown launched a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning, leading the Cardinals to a three-game sweep over the Hooks. Chuckie Fick (1-1) earned the victory, throwing a perfect 11th inning, after three other relievers had fired six shutout innings, allowing just three hits. Trey Hearne returned to the Springfield rotation, lasting just four innings, allowing three runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Mike Folli also homered for the Cards, his fourth longball of the year.

Tuesday, August 25: W, 5-1 @ Northwest Arkansas

Andrew Brown followed up his game-winning two run homer from the previous night with a two-run blast in his first at-bat on Tuesday, giving the Cards a lead they would never relinquish. Colt Sedbrook and Joe Mather also homered for Springfield, which recorded five extra-base hits in the game. Lance Lynn (11-4) allowed just one run on three hits over six innings, while walking four and striking out three.

Wednesday, August 26: L, 8-7 @ Northwest Arkansas

The Cardinals rallied from down 4-0 to take a 7-5 lead, but lost a heartbreaker to Northwest Arkansas. Andrew Brown continued to pummel Texas League pitching, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI, while Joe Mather reached three times, scoring twice. Francisco Samuel (3-4) got the final out in the eighth with two men on base, but took the loss for the Cardinals after allowing two hits in the ninth. He was removed after appearing to injure his knee with two on and one out in the ninth inning, after which Chuckie Fick allowed the walk-off hit.

Thursday, August 27: postponed/rain

Friday, August 28: L, 3-2 & L, 5-2 @ Northwest Arkansas

The Cardinals blew late leads in both games of their doubleheader with the Naturals, dropping the four-game series 3-1. In the first contest, Andrew Brown's fifth homer of the week tied the game in the second, while Tony Cruz' longball in the fifth gave the Cards a 2-1 lead. However, Eduardo Sanchez blew his first save of the year in the sixth, balking in the tying run and allowing the winning run with a wild pitch, giving the loss to Brandon Dickson (8-10). Starting and losing pitcher Nick Additon (2-3), who tossed game two of the twin bill for the Cardinals, allowed four runs in the sixth, including a back-breaking three-run homer. Steven Hill went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Andrew Brown continued his scalding week with a pair of basehits.

Saturday, August 29: W, 6-0 & L, 3-2 @ Arkansas

Playing a doubleheader for the second straight day, the Cardinals got an excellent pitching performance from Trey Hearne in the opener before falling in the nightcap. Hearne (11-3) fired a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits and two walks in seven strong innings, while striking out three. The righthander, who spent the past month in Triple-A, improved his ERA to 3.01 with the victory. Peter Kozma's three-run homer in the sixth inning capped the scoring for the Cards. In game two, Chuckie Fick (1-2) got the spot start, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings pitched. Fick, who had gone four appearances without allowing an earned run, saw his ERA rise to 1.89 following the performance. Tony Cruz singled, doubled and scored a run, while Andrew Brown capped a memorable week with an RBI single, his 10th RBI in seven games.

Sunday, August 30: L, 4-3 @ Arkansas (10 innings)

Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn pitched well enough to win, but was let down by a wild bullpen. Lynn, sporting an ERA of 2.92, struck out seven batters in six strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks. He left with his team up 3-2, but Eduardo Sanchez allowed a solo home run in the eighth to tie the game. Then, in the 10th, Gary Daley (0-1) loaded the bases with no outs before hitting the next Arkansas batter on an 0-2 count, ending the ballgame. On offense, Pete Kozma homered for the second straight day, while Tony Cruz drove in a pair of runs.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

For the Memphis Redbirds, OF Allen Craig (2007-08) batted .405 (17-for-42) with 12 runs scored over his last 10 games ... 3B David Freese (2009) had a .379 average, three homers and nine RBI over an eight-game stretch ... Also with Memphis, C Matt Pagnozzi (2005, 07-08) had three hits in his last 21 at-bats ... Troy Glaus (2009) connected on a home run against former Major Leaguer Armando Benitez, the first of four straight homers by Redbirds hitters. Allen Craig followed by going deep, as did Mark Hamilton (2007-09) and Daniel Descalso (2008-09) ... OF Nick Stavinoha (2006) suffered a broken hand after being hit by a pitch ... RHP Adam Ottavino (2008) suffered the loss, his 11th of the season for Memphis.

TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)

This week: 2-5; Second Half: 32-30; Overall record: 70-62

2nd place North, 2.0 games behind Northwest Arkansas

Monday, August 24: W, 5-1 @ Midland

Starting and winning pitcher Brandon Durden (7-2) won his sixth straight start, cruising past the RockHounds. Durden allowed just one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings, while Matt Reynolds and Andrew Johnston closed out the victory with 2 2/3 perfect frames. On offense, Anthony Jackson went 3-for-5, Mike Paulk went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while Brad Corley doubled in a pair of runs. The Drillers allowed just seven runs in the three game series with Midland.

Tuesday, August 25: L, 6-0 vs. Arkansas

The Drillers were held to three hits in a shutout loss, failing to take advantage of a chance to extend their North Division lead to three games. Brad Corley went 2-for-4 with a double, while Mike McKenry doubled for the only other Drillers hit. Tulsa failed to capitalize on six walks by Travelers pitching, leaving 10 men on base in the game. The Drillers have now been a part of 26 shutouts this season, going 17-9 in those contests.

Wednesday, August 26: W, 7-6 vs. Arkansas

Tulsa rallied from a 5-0 deficit, then scored runs in the eighth and ninth inning to earn a key victory over the Travelers. Jeff Kindel's walk-off sacrifice fly was the game-winner for the Drillers, who scored five runs on six singles and an error in the bottom of the fifth inning. Andy Graham came on in relief, working three perfect innings, while Andrew Johnston (2-3) earned the win despite allowing the tying run in the top of the ninth. With the win, the Drillers remain two ahead of the Naturals in the North Division.

Thursday, August 27: L, 16-7 vs. Arkansas

Keith Weiser (8-14) struggled in his first outing since his Player of the Week performance last week, allowing nine runs (three earned) on 10 hits in just three innings pitched. In all, Drillers pitchers allowed 20 hits, four walks, two hit batters and a wild pitch, while being stung by four errors in the field. All nine Tulsa batters hit safely, including Mike Paulk, who went 2-for-5 with a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, momentarily staving off defeat. All 18 batters for each team recorded hits. The 16 runs allowed were the most by a Tulsa opponent all season.

Friday, August 28: L, 4-1 vs. Arkansas

In need of a win to stay in first place in the North Division, the Drillers lost a sloppy affair to the Travelers, recording just two hits. Starting and losing pitcher Samuel Deduno (12-4) allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, but walked six and threw three wild pitches while striking out seven. On offense, Mike Paulk singled and scored on a Mike McKenry ground out for the only Tulsa run of the ballgame. The Drillers fell into a first-place tie with Northwest Arkansas heading into their three game series in Springdale.

Saturday, August 29: L, 13-2 @ NW Arkansas

With first place on the line and the Texas League's hottest pitcher on the hill, the Drillers were blown out for the second time in three games. Starting pitcher Brandon Durden (7-3), who had been 6-0 since July 1st, allowed a whopping 12 runs (10 earned) in 4 1/3 innings, giving up 10 hits and two walks, while striking out two. On offense, Brad Corley and Rex Rundgren each went 2-for-4 with two doubles, the only four extra-base hits the Drillers could muster. In all, the team batted just 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position.

Sunday, August 30: L, 2-1 @ NW Arkansas (12 innings)

The Drillers got a baker's dozen worth of chances to win game two of their series with the Naturals, but instead suffered another painful defeat, their fourth in a row. Tulsa batters collected seven hits, walked eight times, reached base on two of the Naturals' three errors and got on via a hit-batter. Unfortunately, Tulsa went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, stranding 15 runners on base. Mike Paulk and Daniel Mayora each singled and walked twice, while Darin Holcomb doubled, the only extra-base hit for the Drillers on the night. Tulsa now stands two back of the Naturals with eight games remaining, four of which are head-to-head.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

RHP Jhoulys Chacin (2009) allowed five runs on three hits in two innings, taking the loss last Sunday against Reno ... RHP Esmil Rogers (2009) went 0-2 with a 14.30 ERA over his last three starts ... SS Jonathan Herrera batter .400 over his last five games for Colorado Springs ... INF Mike Lamb (1999) has hit just .216 in his last 10 games for the Buffalo Bisons of the International League ... 1B Andy Tracy (2003) has batted just .182 in his last 10 contests for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

South Division Notebook

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)

This week: 3-4; Second Half: 28-34; Overall record: 59-73

3rd place South, 8.0 games behind Midland

Monday, August 24: L, 5-3 @ Springfield (11 innings)

The Hooks were swept aside by the Cardinals, allowing a walk-off homer to end the ballgame. Drew Locke provided all the offense for Corpus Christi, belting a three-run homer in the third inning which gave the Hooks a 3-2 lead at the time. It was the rightfielder's 20th homer of the season, while the three runs batted in gave him a league-leading 106 for the year.

Tuesday, August 25: L, 11-6 vs. Midland

The Hooks scored the final six runs of the game in their blowout loss to Midland, one of the few bright spots during a tough night. The Hooks committed four errors, leading to five unearned runs, while the pitching staff walked 10 batters and hit another. On offense, Drew Locke went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, while Jason Castro went 2-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in. Second baseman Felix Molina added his fifth home run, a two-run shot in the seventh.

Wednesday, August 26: W, 6-5 vs. Midland

Collin DeLome hit a solo home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Hooks a walk-off victory over the RockHounds. DeLome reached three times in the game, driving in two and scoring twice, while Jonathan Fixler and Jimmy Van Ostrand also added home runs. Evan Englebrook (2-0) picked up the win in relief, after he allowed the tying run to score on a misplayed grounder back to the mound with two outs in the top of the ninth. In 27 games against the RockHounds, Van Ostrand now has 10 of his 15 homers and 34 of his 67 RBI.

Thursday, August 27: L, 10-0 vs. Midland

In a shutout loss to the 'Hounds, the Hooks managed just four hits against former teammate Kyle Middleton. Jason Castro and Nick Moresi each hit leadoff doubles during the game, but both were stranded in scoring position. Tyler Lumsden (1-3) took the loss, allowing six runs (only one earned) in six innings, while Charlie Weatherby went the final three innings, allowing four runs (two earned).

Friday, August 28: L, 4-0 vs. Midland

The Hooks failed to score for the second straight night, once again picking up just four hits. The Hooks also managed to strand a runner on third with nobody out for the second straight evening, failing to capitalize on a leadoff triple by backup catcher Jonathan Fixler. Starting and losing pitcher Fernando Abad (0-1) dropped his first start at the Double-A level, allowing a three-run homer three batters into the game before settling down, retiring 12 of the next 15 without allowing another run. Chia-Jen Lo allowed no runs and one hit in three innings of relief, striking out five.

Saturday, August 29: W, 4-3 @ San Antonio

Held scoreless for two straight nights, San Antonio pitching proved to be the perfect tonic for the Hooks' ailing offense. Wladimir Sutil led off the game with a ringing double and scored two batters later on a Drew Locke single, giving the Hooks the lead for good. Douglas Arguello (3-4) pitched well, allowing just two runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out six without a walk. Locke reached base three times, recording two of the Hooks seven hits on the night. The Hooks played flawless defense after committing 12 errors in their previous four games.

Sunday, August 30: W, 11-10 @ San Antonio

The Hooks rallied from deficits of 5-0 and 8-6 to take leads over the Missions, eventually snapping a 10-10 tie with a run in the top of the eighth inning. Jimmy Van Ostrand went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and one of the Hooks' three sacrifice flies, while the Hooks dodged bullet after bullet as the game progressed, allowing just one run over the final five innings. Evan Englebrook was the only pitcher in the game to record a 1-2-3 inning, closing out the bottom of the ninth for his eighth save of the season.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

LHP Josh Muecke (2006-07) was 1-1 with an ERA of 0.00 over his last two starts for the Round Rock Express ... Meanwhile, LHP Polin Trinidad lasted 6 1/3 innings against Memphis last Sunday, snapping a string of four straight seven-inning starts ... Gwinnett Braves 2B Brooks Conrad (2005) has hit .300 with a homer, nine RBI and five runs scored in his last 10 games.

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)

This week: 6-1; Second Half: 35-27; Overall record: 68-64

2nd place South, 1.0 game behind Midland

Monday, August 24: W, 4-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Starting and winning pitcher Michael Ballard (5-6) turned in one of his finest Texas League performances, downing the Naturals with eight strong innings. Ballard allowed just one run on five hits, while striking out five and walking none. On offense, Craig Gentry went 2-for-3 with a run and a pair of runs batted in, while Chad Tracy chipped in with a single and two RBI, giving him 101 on the year. Beau Vaughan earned his sixth save. Frisco earned its third sweep of the season, its second at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Tuesday, August 25: W, 5-1 @ San Antonio

Eighteen-year-old lefthander Martin Perez (1-1) stymied the Missions, earning his first Texas League victory. The Venezuelan product completed five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and no walks, while striking out three. On offense, Jonathan Greene carried the 'Riders, blasting two home runs and driving in five runs, just his third and fourth hits in 24 Double-A at-bats.

Wednesday, August 26: W, 4-3 @ San Antonio

Rightfielder Steven Murphy, batting just .197 entering the game, hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning against the Missions. Chad Tracy brought home the 'Riders first two runs with a double in the fourth, tying the game 2-2. Murphy, who went 2-for-4 in the game, took advantage of a powerful wind blowing out to right, which preceded a storm that caused a 36-minute rain delay in the bottom of the seventh. Brennan Garr (3-3) earned the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings. Clayton Hamilton picked up his third save, retiring the only batter he faced in the ninth.

Thursday, August 27: L, 8-3 @ San Antonio

In game three of their series with the Missions, the 'Riders had their five-game winning streak snapped. Steve Murphy homered for the second night in a row, giving the lefthanded slugger nine home runs on the season, six of which have come against the Missions. Also on offense, Chad Tracy belted a solo homer in the ninth, giving him the Frisco franchise record with 104 runs batted in. Tracy passes Nate Gold, who drove in 103 in 2006. He is now first in the Texas League with 25 home runs and second in RBI.

Friday, August 28: W, 9-5 @ San Antonio

Backup catcher Chris Gradoville's lumbering, inside-the-park home run was the highlight of Frisco's victory over the Missions, in which they jumped out to a 9-0 lead before allowing five runs in the ninth. Gradoville, who had not connected on a home run all season, launched a deep fly ball off the right-centerfield wall in the fourth, then chugged around the bases as the Missions failed to get the ball back in to the infield. Steve Murphy added a single, two doubles, an RBI and three runs scored for the 'Riders. Starting and winning pitcher Blake Beavan (4-4) fired seven innings of scoreless, five-hit baseball, striking out four, while walking one. Beau Vaughan notched his seventh save, facing just one batter in relief.

Saturday, August 29: W, 4-2 vs. Midland

In game one of a huge three-game series, the 'Riders doubled up the 'Hounds despite being out-hit 12-4. A four-run third was all Frisco would need, sparked by a two-run triple by Craig Gentry, a bloop RBI double by Dustin Majewski and an RBI groundout by Steve Murphy. Omar Poveda (10-5) earned the win, allowing two runs on eight hits in six innings, striking out seven while walking two. The 'Riders bullpen also worked out of its share of jams, with Beau Jones managing to earn his second save despite putting five runners on base in 1 1/3 innings.

Sunday, August 30: W, 7-0 vs. Midland

The 'Riders continued to roll on Sunday, inching to within one game of the South Division-leading RockHounds. Michael Ballard (6-6) had another terrific outing, scattering four hits without a walk in 7 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out seven batters. Zach Phillips closed things out with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, earning his second save, as the 'Riders broke the game open with five runs in the bottom of the eighth, capped by a Johnny Whittleman three-run homer. Frisco will go for the sweep and the first place tie Monday, then play host to the Missions for four games before traveling to Midland to end the season.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

3B Chris Davis (2007-08) batted .348 in six games before being recalled by the Rangers from Triple-A Oklahoma City ... C Kevin Richardson (2005-07) went 3-for-19 (.158) over his last six games ... RHP Luis Mendoza (2006-08) has gone 0-3 in three starts since firing a no-hitter for OKC, though one loss was in a complete-game, one-run effort against Omaha ... For Round Rock, 2B Jose Vallejo (2008) went 6-for-12 in his last four games.

MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)

This week: 3-4; Second Half: 36-26; Overall record: 73-59

1st place South, 1.0 game ahead of Frisco

Monday, August 24: L, 5-1 vs. Tulsa

Midland hung around for seven innings, trailing just 2-1, but the bullpen allowed two runs in the eighth and one in the ninth. The 'Hounds tallied just four hits in the game, none for extra bases, with a Corey Wimberly sacrifice fly bringing home their only run. Graham Godfrey (11-7) took the loss, allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings, striking out five without walking a batter.

Tuesday, August 25: W, 11-6 @ Corpus Christi

Chris Carter singled, doubled, homered, scored twice and recorded three RBI, but the biggest Carter news came after the game, when it was announced that he would be leaving the team for Triple-A Sacramento. On the mound, Arnold Leon (2-1) continued his excellent transition into the starting rotation, firing five shutout innings, allowing three hits and three walks, while striking out three. Other offensive stars included Corey Wimberly, who doubled and tripled, while shortstop Josh Horton scored three times. Carter left Midland batting .337 with 24 home runs and 101 RBI on the season.

Wednesday, August 26: L, 6-5 @ Corpus Christi

The 'Hounds rallied from deficits of 4-1 and 5-4 to tie the game in the ninth, but a walk-off home run by the Hooks in the bottom of the ninth ended their hopes of a second straight victory in the series. Shane Peterson, playing first base in place of the promoted Chris Carter, homered for the third time this season, while Corey Wimberly added two hits, a run, an RBI and his 18th stolen base. Jared Lansford (1-2) took the loss, allowing the winning home run in 1 1/3 innings of relief.

Thursday, August 27: W, 10-0 @ Corpus Christi

Former Corpus Christi reliever Kyle Middleton fired a complete game shutout against his former club, using just 97 pitches to record 27 outs. Middleton (4-1), tossed a four-hit gem, striking out seven while walking one. He escaped two jams in which the Hooks left a runner on third with less than two outs, lowering his ERA to 2.16 on the season. Jemile Weeks provided some early offense, drilling a three-run home run in the fourth, capping a four-run inning. Josh Donaldson went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Friday, August 28: W, 4-0 @ Corpus Christi

The 'Hounds blanked the Hooks on four hits for the second straight night, maintaining their three-game lead entering their crucial three game series at second-place Frisco. Starting and winning pitcher Tyson Ross (4-3) allowed just two hits and a walk in six scoreless innings, striking out five. Jon Hunton and Jared Lansford went the rest of the way, allowing just a pair of singles between them. Josh Donaldson got the offense started quickly, belting a three-run homer three batters into the game in the top of the first inning.

Saturday, August 29: L, 4-2 @ Frisco

With a chance to extend its South Division lead to four over the RoughRiders, the 'Hounds instead saw their margin trimmed to two. Despite collecting 12 hits, four walks, a hit batter and benefiting from two Frisco errors, Midland could only push across two sixth-inning runs, stranding 14 runners in the process. Josh Horton went 3-for-5, Matt Spencer went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk, while Matt Sulentic reached three times as well. Graham Godfrey (11-8) took the loss, allowing four runs on four hits in five innings pitched. Two relievers did not allow a base-hit in three innings of work.

Sunday, August 30: L, 7-0 @ Frisco

Locked in a scoreless pitchers duel, Arnold Leon (2-2) blinked first, allowing a two-out run in the sixth inning, as the 'Hounds were shut out on five hits by the RoughRiders. Leon was brilliant in defeat, allowing just three hits and no walks in 5 2/3 innings, while striking out nine batters. The bullpen proceeded to allow six more runs over the next two innings, contributing to the whitewash. On offense, Jemile Weeks went 2-for-3, while Josh Donaldson and Corey Brown each doubled. The RockHounds now lead the 'Riders by just one game with eight contests remaining in the regular season.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

SS Gregorio Petit (2007) had a .412 average over four games for Sacramento ... OF Aaron Cunningham (2008) batted .429 in a five-game span ... OF Danny Putnam (2006-09) had two hits in 14 at-bats over a five-game stretch for the Portland Beavers ... Playing for the Fresno Grizzlies, 1B Jesus Guzman (2008) had a .400 average in his last five games.

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)

*First Half South Division Champion*

This week: 2-5; Second Half: 26-36; Overall record: 65-67

4th place South, 10.0 games behind Midland

Monday, August 24: W, 6-4 @ Arkansas

Second baseman Eric Sogard belted a grand slam home run in the top of the seventh inning, turning a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead with one swing of the bat. The slam made a winner of Evan Scribner (8-4), who struck out three in two perfect innings of relief, while Brandon Gomes nailed down his third save. In addition to Sogard's heroics, Lance Zawadzki went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while Luis Durango went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs.

Tuesday, August 25: L, 5-1 vs. Frisco

Starting and losing pitcher Cory Luebke (3-2) was nearly flawless, but a two-run home run in the fourth inning was enough to saddle him with the loss. As the Missions offense was being stifled, Luebke went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out nine and walked just one. On offense, Craig Cooper doubled, walked twice and scored the only Missions run, while Mitch Canham went 1-for-1 with a pinch RBI double in the ninth.

Wednesday, August 26: L, 4-3 vs. Frisco

The Missions failed to hold leads of 2-0 and 3-2, dropping game two of their series with the RockHounds. Seth Johnston hit a two-out, two-run single in the first inning, while Craig Cooper had an RBI base-hit in the fifth. On the mound, Will Inman allowed two runs on four hits in six innings, while Brandon Gomes recorded six strikeouts in just two innings. The loss went to Gabe DeHoyos (0-2), who gave up a two-run home run in the seventh, his only inning of work.

Thursday, August 27: W, 8-3 vs. Frisco

After scoring just four runs in their first two games against Frisco, the Missions pushed across eight runs in game three of the series. Logan Forsythe was just 1-for-4 on the night, but drove in three, while Jesus Lopez went 3-for-4 with two doubles and Craig Cooper went 3-for-5 with a two-bagger. Starting pitcher Nathan Culp (7-8) got the win, allowing two runs on five hits in six innings of work, while three relievers allowed just one run on one hit.

Friday, August 28: L, 9-5 vs. Frisco

The Missions scored all five of their runs in the bottom of the ninth, falling well short of an epic comeback. Anthony Contreras went 3-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI, while Lance Zawadzki singled, tripled in a run and scored once. Losing pitcher Corey Kluber (2-3) lasted just three innings, allowing five runs on six hits, while walking three and striking out two. The big blow was an inside-the-park home run by Frisco's backup catcher, the second inside-the-park round tripper by a Missions opponent in the past week.

Saturday, August 29: L, 4-3 vs. Corpus Christi

In the first game of a three-game set with the Hooks, the Missions rallied in the ninth, but could not push across the game-tying run. Logan Forsythe, Craig Cooper and Michael Collins each went 2-for-4 in the game, while Eric Sogard made the most of a pinch-hit appearance with an RBI double. On the mound, losing pitcher Ernesto Frieri (9-9) continued to struggle since his near no-hitter, allowing four runs (three earned) in 5 1/3, giving up five hits and four walks, while striking out four. Brandon Gomes struck out the side in the ninth, his third straight inning with three punchouts.

Sunday, August 30: L, 11-10 vs. Corpus Christi

The Missions jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, but couldn't maintain their lead, eventually losing a one-run contest to the visiting Hooks. Sawyer Carroll provided the early pop, launching a first-inning, three-run homer well beyond the wall in deep right field, his first longball in the Texas League. Lance Zawadzki and Cedric Hunter each collected three hits for the Missions, part of a 14-hit attack, while Craig Cooper went 2-for-4 and scored twice. Starting pitcher Cory Luebke allowed six runs in three innings, leaving with an 8-6 lead but unable to factor in the decision. Gabe DeHoyos (0-3) suffered the loss, allowing an unearned run in the top of the eighth.

ALUMNI REPORT (Through games of Saturday, 8/29):

OF Chad Huffman (2007-08) had a .400 average over his last five games for the Portland Beavers ... 3B Peter Ciofrone (2007-08) was in a 4-for-46 (.087) slide at the plate, continuing a season-long funk ... RHP Mike Ekstrom (2007-08) has allowed one run in his last 13 innings over eight games for the Beavers.



Texas League Stories from September 1, 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