Texas League Update

September 9, 2009 - Texas League (TL1) News Release

Texas League Playoff Notes

Northwest Arkansas Naturals ... All-time post-season record of 0-3 (.000) ... Second season in Texas League, second playoff appearance ... lost Division Series 3-0 to Arkansas in 2008.

Springfield Cardinals ... All-time post-season record of 4-3 (.571) ... Second post-season appearance in franchise history ... Faced San Antonio in championship series in 2007, losing 3-1.

Midland RockHounds ... All-time post-season record of 13-20 (.394) ... Most recent championship in 2005, defeating Arkansas 3-1 ... Sixth playoff appearance in team history, with appearances in 1975, 1979, 1995, 2005, 2006 ... Tied Lafayette for Texas League title in 1975, when rain ended the championship series 2-2 ... Lost championship series 4-1 to Shreveport in 1995.

San Antonio Missions ... All-time post-season record of 100-103 (.493) ... Most post-season wins in Texas League history ... 204 playoff games is second most to Tulsa's 205 games ... 32nd post-season for San Antonio, 15th since returning to the Texas League in 1968 ... Seventh trip to playoffs this decade, making playoffs in 2001, '02, '03, '05, '07 and '08 ... Missions championship seasons (opponent): 1897 (no playoffs), 1908 (no playoffs), 1933 (Galveston), 1950 (Tulsa), 1961 (Austin), 1963 (declared co-champions; lost in playoffs), 1964 (Tulsa), 1997 (Shreveport), 2002 (Tulsa), 2003 (Frisco) and 2007 (Springfield).

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North Division Notebook

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (Los Angeles Angels)

This week: 4-4; Second Half: 33-37; Overall record: 61-79

Monday, August 31: L, 2-1 vs. Springfield

In the final game of their series with Springfield, the Travelers had several chances to tie the game but came up empty. Nate Sutton went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI, Coby Smith had a double and a run scored, while Hank Conger doubled in four trips to the plate. The Travs were just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, however, stranding eight men in the game. Starting and losing pitcher Tim Kiely (4-3) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched.

Tuesday, September 1: W, 6-5 vs. Northwest Arkansas

The Travelers got a winning performance from Marco Albano, playing spoiler for the playoff-seeking Naturals. Albano (5-6) won his third straight decision, firing seven innings of one-run, four-hit ball. He allowed a triple and double to two of the first three batters he faced, then settled down, allowing just one walk while striking out three. On offense, Mark Trumbo went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run, while Peter Bourjos reached twice, scored twice and stole his 32nd base of the season. Fernando Rodriguez went the final two-thirds of an inning, recording his fourth save.

Wednesday, September 2: L, 8-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas

The Travelers gave up four Naturals runs in the top of the ninth for the second straight night, but this time they did not hold a lead entering the inning. Starting and losing pitcher Amalio Diaz (3-7) allowed four runs (three earned) in seven innings, while Barret Browning coughed up four more runs in the ninth. On offense, Hank Conger went 2-for-4 with a solo home run to cut the Travs' deficit to 4-2, while Wil Ortiz added a pair of singles.

Thursday, September 3: W, 9-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas

All nine Travelers hitters recorded base-hits against the Naturals, contributing to a blowout victory. Peter Bourjos went 3-for-5 with two triples, an RBI and two runs, while Wil Ortiz added two hits, two walks and two RBI. Starting and winning pitcher Michael Anton (3-8) fired one of his finest games of the year, allowing just one run on five hits in seven innings, while striking out nine. The Travelers turned three double plays in the game.

Friday, September 4: L, 5-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas (11 innings)

The Travelers collected 13 hits and walked four times, but could only muster two runs in the ballgame. Coby Smith went 3-for-6 with both runs scored for the Travs, who went just 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Jeremy Thorne was masterful in his second Texas League start, allowing just two hits, no runs and no walks in six innings, while striking out a pair. Fernando Rodriguez was nearly as impressive, striking out four in 2 2/3 innings of relief, before Francis Cabrera ran into trouble in the 11th, giving up three runs without recording an out in his Travelers debut.

Saturday, September 5: W, 9-7 @ Springfield

The Travelers had nine players hit safely for the second time in three games, part of a 16-hit attack. Arkansas used the offensive outburst to rally from a 7-1 deficit, with the big blow coming on a two-run, go-ahead home run by Mark Trumbo in the top of the ninth. Trumbo finished 2-for-5 with three RBI, while Hank Conger went 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Barret Browning (3-10) earned his third win since August 1st, while David Herndon struck out the final batter of the game, earning his 10th save.

Sunday, September 6: W, 5-3 @ Springfield

Coby Smith went 2-for-5 with a homer and three runs batted in, Peter Bourjos tripled for the third time in four games, and the Travelers won their second straight game over the Cardinals. Marco Albano (6-6) won his second start of the week and fourth in a row, allowing three runs (two earned) in five inning pitched. David Herndon worked the final two innings for his 11th save, lowering his ERA to 3.03 for the season.

Monday, September 7: L, 3-2 @ Springfield

The Travelers were bitten once again by the one-run game bug, losing a 2-0 lead by allowing one run in the sixth, one in the eighth and one in the ninth. Amalio Diaz threw an excellent ballgame, allowing one run on six hits in seven innings, while striking out seven and walking just one. On offense, Coby Smith went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Mark Trumbo went 2-for-4 with two RBI. The Travelers finished the year 61-79, including 19-32 in one-run games.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (Kansas City Royals)

*Second Half North Division Champion*

This week: 3-5; Second Half: 37-33; Overall record: 73-67

Monday, August 31: L, 8-4 vs. Tulsa

The Naturals stumbled in the final game of their series with the Drillers, recording only six hits in the game. Corey Smith went 0-for-3 with two RBI, while .190-hitting Marc Maddox smacked his fourth home run of the year. Catcher Cody Clark, in an attempt to rest a depleted bullpen, tossed a scoreless inning in relief and collected two hits and an RBI. Earlier, apparently bored on his off-day, pitcher Anthony Lerew donned the uniform of Strike, the Naturals mascot, entertaining the crowd of 4,864 in Springdale.

Tuesday, September 1: L, 6-5 @ Arkansas

The Naturals put together a hot start and a furious finish against Arkansas, but were dominated in the middle innings. Jarrod Dyson led off the game with a triple and scored on Jeff Bianchi's double two batters later, but the Naturals did not score again until the ninth. Bianchi finished 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored, while Corey Smith doubled in two in the ninth, before being stranded in scoring position. Matt Kniginyzky (5-10) took the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits in six innings of work. The loss dropped the Naturals into a first-place tie with Tulsa.

Wednesday, September 2: W, 8-2 @ Arkansas

Corey Smith hit a two-run homer in the first, Ed Lucas hit a grand slam in the ninth, and the Naturals re-claimed first place in the North Division with a big win over the Travelers. Lucas was the star for the Naturals, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, a stolen base and six runs batted in. The grand slam marked his 10th home run of the season, while the steal marked his 17th theft. Starting pitcher Anthony Lerew (10-6) got the win, allowing two runs (one earned) in six innings, striking out six without walking a batter. Aaron Hartsock notched a three-inning save, allowing just one hit without a walk.

Thursday, September 3: L, 9-3 @ Arkansas

Normally reliable starter Rowdy Hardy had an off-night, as the Naturals were blown out by the Travelers. Hardy (4-4) allowed six runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, walking three while striking out three. On offense, the Naturals scored first and last for the third straight night, including a two-run homer by Vance Wilson in the ninth. First baseman Corey Smith went 2-for-4 with his 29th double of the season. The Naturals remain a game up on Tulsa with just four games remaining.

Friday, September 4: W, 5-2 @ Arkansas (11 innings)

The Naturals dodged a big bullet in the final game of their four-game series with the Travelers, escaping jam after jam while Tulsa was busy losing a one-run game to Springfield. As a result, the Naturals magic number to clinch the North Division was reduced to one game with three to play. Kurt Mertins was the hitting star for the Naturals, belting a solo home run in the seventh and delivering a two-run triple in the 11th. The third basemen finished 2-for-5 on the night, with two runs scored and three RBI. Chad Orvella (1-1) got the win in relief, while Aaron Hartsock picked up his seventh save.

Saturday, September 5: L, 4-3 @ Tulsa

Leading by two runs and needing just three outs to clinch the North Division title, the Naturals allowed a three-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Drillers new life. Starting pitcher Everett Teaford allowed just one hit in six scoreless innings, though he issued five walks while striking out five. From there it was Blake Wood's (2-8) ballgame to finish, and the struggling righthander allowed four runs on five hits in two-plus innings, including the game-ending longball. On offense, Cody Clark went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the top of the ninth, giving the Naturals what appeared to be a big insurance run.

Sunday, September 6: W, 6-3 @ Tulsa

The Naturals wasted no time in erasing the painful memory of the previous night, clinching the division with a victory over the Drillers. Vance Wilson tied the game early with a solo homer leading off the third, while Cody Clark homered twice and drove in three runs. Jeff Bianchi also ripped a two-run single, helping the Drillers to a 6-1 lead after four innings. Closer Aaron Hartsock returned after a day off, finishing off the Division championship with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, earning his eighth save.

Monday, September 7: L, 18-4 @ Tulsa

In a meaningless game as far as the standings were concerned, the Naturals were pummeled by the Drillers. Jason Godin (0-2) allowed 10 runs (eight earned) on nine hits in just 2 1/3 innings, while Ben Swaggerty allowed five runs on seven hits in just 1 1/3 innings of work. In all, Naturals pitchers set season highs in runs allowed (18) and hits (22), while walking six batters as well. On offense, Jeff Bianchi went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored, the only Naturals player to record a multi-hit game. Northwest Arkansas will travel to Springfield to open up the North Division Playoffs, beginning September 9 and 10.

SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (St. Louis Cardinals)

*First Half North Division Champion*

This week: 5-3; Second Half: 33-37; Overall record: 71-69

Monday, August 31: W, 2-1 @ Arkansas

On getaway day, both teams combined for 10 hits in a ballgame lasting just 2 hours, 36 minutes. Starting and winning pitcher Scott Gorgen (4-4) fired six innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and three walks, while striking out five. Casey Mulligan earned his first save, striking out the final two batters with a runner in scoring position to end it. On offense, Tony Cruz hit his 10th homer of the year in the fifth, while Colt Sedbrook scored the Cardinals second run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Tuesday, September 1: L, 10-2 vs. Tulsa

In the first game of a four-game series, the Cardinals struggled offensively, managing just four hits against the Drillers. Andrew Brown connected on a two-run homer, his sixth long ball in his past eight games, while Tony Cruz walked and singled. Ryan Kulik (6-10) was ineffective, allowing six runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings, while walking one and striking out two. Mike Folli, normally a utility infielder, tossed a scoreless ninth, though he issued two of the nine free passes handed out by Springfield pitchers in the game.

Wednesday, September 2: W, 7-2 vs. Tulsa

The Cardinals stole game two of their four-game set with the Drillers, tallying seven runs in their final three at-bats after being no-hit for 5 2/3 innings. Steven Hill and Joe Mather connected on back-to-back two-run doubles in the sixth, the Cards' first two hits of the game, while Mather tacked on a game-tying two-run single in the eighth. Two batters later, pinch-hitter Donovan Solano singled home Mather with the winning run, handing a win to Eduardo Sanchez (2-0), who had allowed three runs in the top of the eighth. Casey Mulligan earned his second save of the week, striking out a pair. The Cards survived despite committing four errors in the field.

Thursday, September 3: W, 2-0 vs. Tulsa

Starting pitcher Trey Hearne fired his second straight masterful pitching performance, shutting out the Drillers through eight innings. Hearne (12-3) also matched Tulsa ace Samuel Deduno for the league-lead in wins, allowing just five hits and one walk, while striking out three. Eduardo Sanchez earned the save in the ninth, notching his 10th save. On offense, Andrew Brown homered for the seventh time in 10 games, his 12th blast of the year, while Hearne helped his own cause with an RBI double in the seventh. Hearne is expected to start game one of the postseason at home next Wednesday against either Tulsa or Northwest Arkansas.

Friday, September 4: W, 3-2 vs. Tulsa

Daryl Jones' one-out, RBI ground-rule double in the bottom of the ninth sent the Cards past the Drillers in dramatic fashion, giving the Cards a 3-1 series win. Jones, who has missed most of the second half due to injury, finished 2-for-5 on the night, while Andrew Brown stayed hot with two hits and a run scored. Joe Mather also collected a single, double and an RBI, his seventh on the year in the Texas League. Casey Mulligan (2-0), already with two saves on the week, earned the victory by pitching a scoreless ninth.

Saturday, September 5: L, 9-7 vs. Arkansas

The Cardinals failed to hold a 7-1 lead against the Travelers, dropping a heartbreaker in front of 7,516 fans. Joe Mather started the scoring with a three-run homer in the first, while Andrew Brown added a two-run single and a two-run homer in the second and fourth, respectively. Brown has now homered in 8-of-11 and 10-of-18 games, giving him a total of 13 homers and 41 RBI on the season. Pete Kozma went 0-for-4 in the game, the only player on either side without a base-hit. Gary Daley (0-2) took the loss, allowing a two-run homer in the top of the ninth.

Sunday, September 6: L 5-3 vs. Arkansas

Daryl Jones homered to lead off the bottom of the first inning for the Cardinals, but that would be their only lead of the game. Starting and losing pitcher Scott Gorgen (4-5) allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings pitched, while three relievers pitched four shutout innings. Justin Fiske was particularly impressive out of the bullpen, striking out four of the seven batters he faced in two shutout innings.

Monday, September 7: W, 3-2 vs. Arkansas

The Cardinals closed out the regular season on a high note, as Pete Kozma drove home Tyler Henley with a sacrifice fly with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, ending the ballgame. Nick Additon completed eight innings, scattering nine hits, while allowing just two runs (one earned). Casey Mulligan (3-0) earned his second win of the week out of the bullpen, striking out a batter in a scoreless ninth. The Cardinals will face the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in games one and two of the Division Series at home on September 9th and 10th.

TULSA DRILLERS (Colorado Rockies)

This week: 4-4; Second Half: 36-34; Overall record: 74-66

Monday, August 31: W, 8-4 @ Northwest Arkansas

In the final game of a three-game series, the Drillers avoided a sweep, doubling up the Naturals while pulling within one game in the North Division standings. Jeff Kindel went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored, while Darin Holcomb went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs. Converted reliever Andy Graham (4-4) picked up the win in just his ninth start in 32 appearances this season, using just 59 pitches to complete five innings, allowing just two runs on three hits, while striking out one.

Tuesday, September 1: W, 10-2 @ Springfield

Starting and winning pitcher Keith Weiser (9-14) delivered an excellent performance, allowing just two hits in seven innings pitched. Weiser allowed two unearned runs, walked two batters and struck out a season-high nine. His only runs came on a two-out, two-run home run following a Tulsa fielding error. Third baseman Darin Holcomb homered and drove in four, while Daniel Carte went 2-for-4 with a double, homer, two RBI and two runs scored. Weiser, a .318 hitter, added a pair of hits as well. The win earned Tulsa a first-place tie with Northwest Arkansas, who lost their series opener with Arkansas.

Wednesday, September 2: L, 7-6 @ Springfield

Samuel Deduno carried a no-hitter and a 3-0 lead for 5 2/3 innings, but allowed consecutive two-run doubles following an error and two walks in the sixth. Deduno completed six innings, allowing two hits, four runs (none earned), three walks and seven strikeouts. The Drillers would rally for three runs in the eighth on a bases-clearing double by Daniel Mayora, but losing pitcher Matt Reynolds (0-2) gave the lead right back, allowing three Cardinals runs in the bottom of the inning.

Thursday, September 3: L, 2-0 @ Springfield

The Drillers got an excellent performance out of starting and losing pitcher Brandon Durden (7-4), but failed to support him with any runs. Durden allowed two runs (one earned) in seven innings, giving up just six hits and one walk, while striking out four. The Drillers mustered just six singles in the game, grounding into three double plays and going 0-for-1 in stolen base attempts. The loss kept the Drillers one back in the division entering the season's final four games.

Friday, September 4: L, 3-2 @ Springfield

The Drillers failed to take advantage of a Northwest Arkansas loss, losing on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. Closer Andrew Johnston (2-4) came in to hold the score at 2-2, but hit the leadoff man who eventually scored the decisive run. On offense, Danny Sandoval went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Jeff Kindel singled twice and scored a run. The loss dropped the Drillers two back of Northwest Arkansas, forcing them to sweep their final three game to win the division.

Saturday, September 5: W, 4-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas

Down to their final three outs before being eliminated from post-season play, the Drillers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to keep their season alive. After singles by Mike Paulk and Ryan Harvey put the tying runs on base, Mike McKenry launched a three-run homer high into the netting beyond the left-centerfield wall, capping the thrilling comeback. Matt Reynolds (1-2) picked up the win in relief, his first victory in the Texas League. McKenry was a surprise hero, returning to the team after leaving Team USA following an injury and subsequent seizure. The win brought the Drillers to within one game of first-place in the North Division with two games remaining in the season.

Sunday, September 6: L, 6-3 vs. Northwest Arkansas

The Drillers hopes of making the playoffs were put to bed, as the Naturals jumped out to a 6-1 lead after four innings. The Drillers mounted a comeback effort in the seventh, scoring a pair of runs on a Daniel Mayora homer, but could get no closer. Starting and losing pitcher Keith Weiser (9-15) finished his up-and-down season by allowing six runs on six hits in six innings, while walking four and striking out four. The lefthander also allowed three homers in the game.

Monday, September 7: W, 18-4 vs. Northwest Arkansas

One day after being eliminated from playoff contention, Tulsa closed down Drillers Stadium with an 18-4 victory over Northwest Arkansas. Ryan Harvey capped a memorable evening with two home runs and six RBI, while Dexter Fowler and Danny Sandoval collected four hits apiece, part of a 22-hit attack. The hit and run output were both season highs. Tulsa finished the season 74-66, the best overall mark in the North Division, but failed to make the playoffs after finishing second in both halves. The Drillers turned out the lights for the final time, as fans counted down from 29, signifying each of the 29 years the team had played at the corner of 15th and Yale. Tulsa will open the 2010 season on April 8 in brand-new ONEOK Field.

South Division Notebook

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (Houston Astros)

This week: 2-6; Second Half: 30-40; Overall record: 61-79

Monday, August 31: L, 7-2 @ San Antonio

In the final game of a three-game series, the Hooks fell behind 7-1 after four innings, leading to a loss. Jimmy Van Ostrand doubled in a run, Felix Molina tripled and scored, while Jason Castro went 1-for-4 in his final tune-up before joining Team USA for the Baseball World Cup. The Hooks also received some bad news prior to the game, learning that Drew Locke, the league's leader in RBI and batting average, would miss the rest of the season due to a broken hand suffered in the previous night's loss.

Tuesday, September 1: W, 6-1 @ Frisco

Backup catcher Jonathan Fixler and fill-in starter Tyler Lumsden provided a solid one-two punch for the Hooks, giving them a series-opening win over Frisco. Fixler went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and four RBI, while Lumsden (2-3) picked up the win, allowing one run (unearned) in five innings. Lumsden allowed five hits and four walks, while striking out two. Chia-Jen Lo picked up his second save in relief, tossing four shutout, three-hit innings, strilking out five without walking a batter.

Wednesday, September 2: L, 1-0 @ Frisco (11 innings)

The Hooks offense could not come up with much of anything against the RoughRiders, scratching together just three singles in their extra-inning loss. Collin DeLome and Jhon Florentino had tough nights at the plate, striking out four times each, though DeLome did collect one of the three Corpus Christi hits in the game. Fernando Abad, making just his second Double-A appearance, carried a no-hitter into the sixth, leaving with just one hit and one walk in six innings, while striking out five. Erick Abreu went the next four scoreless frames, striking out seven, before Ryan McKeller (2-4) took the loss.

Thursday, September 3: L, 3-2 @ Frisco

Collin DeLome and Nick Moresi each hit solo home runs, but the Hooks dropped game three of their series with the RoughRiders. DeLome finished 2-for-4 in the game, while Mark Ori also went 2-for-4. Douglas Arguello started for the Hooks, but completed just three innings before an electrical storm caused a 1 hour, 27 minute delay. Charlie Weatherby (1-4) took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits in four innings, while walking three and striking out four.

Friday, September 4: L, 4-1 @ Frisco

The struggling Hooks offense once again struggled to score runs, getting an RBI double by Felix Molina in the sixth inning for their only tally of the ballgame. Collin DeLome went 2-for-4 with a double and came around to score on the play, while Chad Spann collected a double as well. Kenny Baugh (4-4) took the loss, allowing three runs on six hits in six innings pitched. The Hooks, missing slugger Drew Locke in the lineup, have scored just 11 runs in the five games since he was lost for the season with a broken hand.

Saturday, September 5: W, 3-1 vs. San Antonio

The Hooks snapped a three-game losing skid, knocking off the Missions thanks to starting and winning pitcher Sergio Perez and some late, timely hitting. Perez (11-11) allowed just one run on three hits over seven strong innings, lasting long enough to see the Hooks tie the game in the sixth, then take the lead in the seventh. Perez helped his own cause in the sixth with a double, later coming around to score on a Felix Molina single. The next inning, with two on and two out, manager Luis Pujols opted to bat .105-hitting Chad Spann in favor of the .250-hitting Perez. The move paid off, as Spann dropped a go-ahead RBI single into shallow right field, giving the Hooks their first lead of the game.

Sunday, September 6: L, 6-3 vs. San Antonio

The Hooks fell behind 6-0 early, cut the deficit in half with three runs in the fourth, but failed to bring the tying run to the plate thereafter. Mark Ori went 2-for-4 with an RBI, Chad Spann hit an RBI single for the second straight night, while Collin DeLome reached three times and scored a run. Tyler Lumsden (2-4) took the loss, allowing all six Missions runs on five hits and a walk in four innings pitched. Erick Abreu pitched three more scoreless innings, giving him seven on the week, though he did not strike out a batter.

Monday, September 7: L, 8-5 vs. San Antonio

The Hooks finished off their season with a tough loss to the Missions, scoring five times in the first but failing to collect a hit after that. Nick Moresi and Brandon Barnes connected on back-to-back homers to cap the first-inning outburst. Reliever Charlie Weatherby (1-5) took the loss, allowing the tying run in the fifth and another in the sixth. The Hooks finish their season 61-79, with a pair of fourth-place finishes in the Texas League South Division.

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (Texas Rangers)

This week: 4-4; Second Half: 39-31; Overall record: 72-68

Monday, August 31: L, 5-2 vs. Midland

Lefthanded phenom Martin Perez (1-2) couldn't pitch around a critical dropped fly ball in the top of the fourth inning, which aided a three-run rally by division-leading Midland. Perez, 18, went 3 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits, walking two while striking out two. On offense, Dustin Majewski went 2-for-4 with a double, the only Frisco player with a multi-hit game or an extra-base hit. Andruw Jones, on a rehab assignment from the Rangers, went 1-for-4 in the contest. The 'Riders entered the game with a chance to move into a first-place tie with Midland, but instead fell two off the pace.

Tuesday, September 1: L, 6-1 vs. Corpus Christi

The 'Riders, still very much alive in the playoff chase, dropped the opening contest of a three-game home series with Corpus Christi. Chad Tracy, Johnny Whittleman and Guilder Rodriguez collected two hits apiece, while rehabbing Major Leaguer Andruw Jones singled and walked twice. Losing pitcher Andrew Laughter (3-2) was removed after four innings of three-run, three-hit baseball, while Beau Jones tossed two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Wednesday, September 2: W, 1-0 (11 innings)

In an epic, controversial ballgame, the RoughRiders broke a scoreless tie with a walk-off home run by Chad Tracy in the bottom of the 11th inning. Two innings earlier, Tracy appeared to win the game with a two-run blast down the line, but after a conference, umpires reversed the initial fair ball ruling. His second attempt at a walk-off homer was a blast deep to left-center field, his league-leading 26th home run of the year. Three Frisco pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout, including a scoreless 11th by winning pitcher Beau Vaughan (3-0). Starter Michael Kirkman allowed two hits and two walks in seven innings, while striking out six. The win brought the RoughRiders to within two games of first-place Midland.

Thursday, September 3: W, 3-2 vs. Corpus Christi

Johnny Whittleman belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning, erasing a 2-1 deficit, as the RoughRiders stayed within two games of the first-place RockHounds. Whittleman's homer gave the win to reliever Beau Jones (3-4), who worked 2 2/3 innings of one-hit, one-run ball, before Beau Vaughan earned his eighth save with a perfect ninth. Centerfielder Dustin Majewski went 1-for-3 with an RBI, while third baseman Jonathan Greene went 2-for-4 with a double. Blake Beavan started for the RoughRiders, but lasted just 3 1/3 innings before an electrical storm forced a 1 hour, 27 minute delay, which ended his evening.

Friday, September 4: W, 4-1 vs. Corpus Christi

Needing a win to assure themselves a chance in the South Division, the 'Riders got a complete game, one-run victory from starter Omar Poveda (11-5). Poveda allowed one run on six hits in nine innings, while striking out seven. He used 106 pitches to complete the game, his league-best second nine-inning complete game on the year. On offense, Marcus Lemon went 3-for-4 with a triple, while Chad Tracy went 1-for-1 with a double, two walks and a sacrifice fly. To earn a trip to post-season play, the 'Riders now must sweep the RockHounds in Midland.

Saturday, September 5: L, 4-3 @ Midland

The RoughRiders hopes of making the playoffs ended on one swing, as Midland got a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game and the half. The 'Riders lost leads of 2-1 and 3-2 in the game, which lasted just 2 hours, 29 minutes. Steve Murphy went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in the fourth, giving the 'Riders a 2-1 advantage, while Jonathan Greene went 2-for-4 with a solo blast, giving Frisco a 3-2 lead. The RockHounds tied things up in the sixth, after which the RoughRiders managed just one baserunner the rest of the way. Clayton Hamilton (1-4) took the loss, striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

Sunday, September 6: W, 6-2 @ Midland

Starting and winning pitcher Michael Ballard (7-6) cruised through seven innings, as the 'Riders beat the 'Hounds a day after being eliminated from the playoff chase. Ballard allowed just one run on seven hits in his seven innings of work, walking one while striking out four. On offense, second baseman Guilder Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBI, while backup catcher Chris Gradoville added a pair of doubles and a run batted in.

Monday, September 7: L, 3-0 @ Midland

The 'Riders were held to just four hits in a season-ending shutout loss to the RockHounds, finishing the second half two back of first-place Midland. Chad Tracy went 2-for-4, finishing his season with a .279 batting average, while Dustin Majewski was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Starting and losing pitcher Martin Perez (1-3) threw 68 pitches in his final appearance of the year, in which the 18-year-old southpaw jumped from Low-A to the Texas League in just his second professional season. He allowed three runs on five hits in six innings, striking out two without a walk.

MIDLAND ROCKHOUNDS (Oakland Athletics)

*Second Half South Division Champion*

This week: 5-3; Second Half: 41-29; Overall record: 78-62

Monday, August 31: W, 5-2 @ Frisco

The 'Hounds overcame an early 2-0 deficit, rallying and pulling away from the RoughRiders. Travis Banwart (10-5) fired six solid innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits, while walking one and striking out six. Jared Lansford picked up his 12 save in relief, tossing a perfect ninth. On offense, Matt Sulentic went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI, part of a 10-hit RockHounds attack. In the series, the 'Hounds out-hit the 'Riders 27-15, but were outscored 13-7 on the scoreboard, losing two of three. The win gave Midland a two-game lead over Frisco in the South Division. Righthander Angel Garcia will be joining Team Puerto Rico for the Baseball World Cup. He will be replaced on the roster by Carlos Hernandez, a lefthanded pitcher.

Tuesday, September 1: W, 8-4 vs. San Antonio

Third baseman Alex Valdez hit a pair of two-run triples, leading the RockHounds over the Missions. Valdez led a 12-hit attack, which included a 3-for-3, two run effort by Archie Gilbert and a 2-for-4, two run game by Corey Brown. On the hill, starting pitcher Kyle Middleton (5-1) did just enough to get the win, allowing four runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Jon Hunton earned his third save, striking out one in two innings pitched. Corey Wimberly added an RBI triple for the 'Hounds.

Wednesday, September 2: L, 9-5 vs. San Antonio

The top three batters in the Midland order collected nine hits, three runs and all five RBI, but the 'Hounds allowed at least one run in the third through seventh innings. Corey Wimberly went 4-for-4 with three runs and one RBI, Jemile Weeks went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Josh Donaldson went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI for Midland. Starting and losing pitcher Tyson Ross (4-4) allowed three runs in five innings, giving up four hits and four walks, while striking out two. The 'Hounds' lead in the South Division was reduced to two games with the loss.

Thursday, September 3: W, 3-1 vs. San Antonio

Starting pitcher Graham Godfrey continued his mastery of the Missions, while a three-run seventh broke the game open for the RockHounds. Godfrey went the first six innings, allowing just four hits, his fourth start against San Antonio this season in which he did not allow a run. With one out in the seventh of a scoreless tie, Archie Gilbert doubled, Corey Brown hit an RBI single, and Josh Horton followed with a two-run homer, providing Mickey Storey (1-0) with the relief victory. Jon Hunton collected his fourth save, despite allowing a run in the ninth.

Friday, September 4: L, 16-2 vs. San Antonio

The 'Hounds had a night to forget against the Missions, allowing 10 runs in the ninth, including eight by Dewon Day and two more by backup catcher Raul Padron. In all, Midland gave up 20 hits, while collecting just eight of their own. Corey Wimberly went 2-for-4 with a run and two stolen bases, while Matt Sulentic went 2-for-2 with two walks, a run and a steal. Arnold Leon took the loss in the game, allowing four runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings. He came into the game with an ERA of 0.66 since becoming a starter in late July. The loss cut the Midland lead to just one game in the South Division, though the 'Hounds hold all tie-breakers with second-place Frisco.

Saturday, September 5: W, 4-3 vs. Frisco

The RockHounds won the second half South Division in style, getting a two-out, solo, walk-off homer by Matt Sulentic to clinch the title. Sulentic lifted a 2-0 offering just over the wall in right, sending the crowd of 4,512 into bedlam. It was the third Midland home run of the game, following Shane Peterson's leadoff homer in the fourth and Josh Donaldson's leadoff shot in the sixth. Donaldson also added an RBI single in the first, scoring Corey Wimberly with the first run of the game. Jon Hunton (4-4) pitched a perfect ninth, earning the win.

Sunday, September 6: L, 6-2 vs. Frisco

The 'Hounds, fresh off a Division-clinching win the night before, fell flat in a loss to the RoughRiders. Backup catcher Raul Padron went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run, while Michael Affronti went 2-for-4 with a double. Starting and losing pitcher Kyle Middleton (5-2) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits in five innings, striking out one. He will likely be the 'Hounds game three starter in the Division Series against San Antonio.

Monday, September 7: W, 3-0 vs. Frisco

Tyson Ross, Jason Fernandez and Justin Friend combined on a four-hit shutout on the final day of the regular season. Ross (5-4) went the first five innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out five. Fernandez came on in relief, striking out five in three one-hit innings, while Friend notched his first save, striking out the side in the ninth. Corey Brown contributed to all three runs in the game, lacing a two-run triple and scoring on a Raul Padron sacrifice fly in the second inning. The RockHounds scored 811 runs in 140 games, 108 more than the second-highest scoring team, Northwest Arkansas.

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS (San Diego Padres)

*First Half South Division Champion*

This week: 5-3; Second Half: 31-39; Overall record: 70-70

Monday, August 31: W, 7-2 vs. Corpus Christi

Starting and winning pitcher Will Inman cruised through seven strong innings, helping the Missions avoid a three-game sweep. Inman (6-4) allowed two runs on four hits, striking out six while walking one. The victory was his first since August 3, snapping a three-game losing streak. Logan Forsythe, Craig Cooper and Seth Johnston each drove in two runs, with Johnston's coming on a two-run homer in the second-inning. Eric Sogard reached four times, scoring twice. The Missions drew 4,111 fans, clearing the 300,000 mark by 669 in their final home game of the regular season.

Tuesday, September 1: L, 8-4 @ Midland

In a loss to Midland, Sawyer Carroll doubled and tripled, while Lance Zawadzki and Anthony Contreras hit home runs for the Missions. Starting and losing pitcher Nathan Culp was banged up in the game, taking a line drive off the back of his pitching hand. He was removed as a precaution, completing 3 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and five runs.

Wednesday, September 2: W, 9-5 @ Midland

The top six batters in the lineup contributed all 12 Missions hits, as San Antonio rolled past Midland. Lance Zawadzki went 3-for-4 with a triple, Eric Sogard singled, doubled and scored twice, while Logan Forsythe went 2-for-2 with two walks, two runs and two RBI. Steve Garrison (1-0), pitching for the Missions for the first time since an arm injury shelved him last August, went five solid innings, facing just three over the minimum. He allowed just one run on four hits in the game. Brandon Gomes fired 1 2/3 perfect innings, striking out three.

Thursday, September 3: L, 3-1 @ Midland

In a loss to Midland, the Missions were just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, leaving 10 men on base. Sawyer Carroll went 2-for-4 with a leadoff triple in the fourth, failing to score, while Michael Collins added two hits in three at-bats. Losing pitcher Corey Kluber (2-4) was electric, before running into trouble with one out in the seventh. After retiring 19 of the first 23 batters he faced, including eight by strike out, Kluber allowed a double, single and homer to consecutive batters in the seventh, ending his evening.

Friday, September 4: W, 16-2 @ Midland

The Missions offense blasted Midland for 20 hits and 16 runs, including 10 in the ninth inning, a Texas League-high for most runs in one inning this season. Eight different Missions collected multi-hit games, eight players scored, while seven had runs batted in. Craig Cooper went 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBI and three runs, Anthony Contreras went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBI and one run, while Cedric Hunter went 3-for-6 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored. Only Mitch Canham failed to record at least two hits, going 0-for-5, though he was intentionally walked and came around to score during the 10-run ninth. Ernesto Frieri (10-9) picked up the win, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits in five innings, while walking five and striking out five.

Saturday, September 5: L, 3-1 @ Corpus Christi

Starting and losing pitcher Will Inman (6-5) allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings, all with two outs, as the Missions dropped game one of a three-game, season-ending series to the Hooks. The Missions collected just three hits in the game, two by Craig Cooper and one by Anthony Contreras, who scored the only San Antonio run on a Michael Collins sacrifice fly.

Sunday, September 6: W, 6-3 @ Corpus Christi

The Missions rallied for five runs in the top of the fourth, jumping out to a 6-0 lead and coasting to a victory over Corpus Christi. Nathan Culp (8-9) returned after suffering a hand injury in his previous start, allowing three runs (two earned) in five innings pitched. Four relievers combined to throw four shutout innings, allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out five. Brandon Gomes continued his remarkable finish to the season, striking out two in a perfect eighth. He has a 0.00 ERA since August 7th, including 14 strikeouts and no walks in his last 5 2/3 innings pitched. Cedric Hunter was the offensive star, finishing a home run shy of the cycle while driving in two and scoring twice.

Monday, September 7: W, 8-5 @ Corpus Christi

The Missions survived a five-run first by the Hooks, rallying for an 8-5 victory on the final day of the regular season. Starting pitcher Steve Garrison was lifted after allowing five runs on five hits in one inning, after which the Missions bullpen fired eight no-hit innings. Matt Buschmann (2-1) was given credit for the win, while Evan Scribner earned his 21st save. The Missions 'pen has allowed just one hit in its last 13 1/3 innings, and no runs on just four hits in its last 19 frames. On offense, Cedric Hunter went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Eric Sogard went 1-for-4 with three runs batted in. The Missions return home to host the Midland RockHounds in the first two games of a best-of-five Division Series matchup.

Texas League Stories from September 9, 2009

• Naturals Take 1-0 Lead - Springfield Cardinals
• Lerew completes gem; Naturals take Game 1 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
• Series Preview: Naturals and Cards - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
• Texas League Update - TL1

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