Texas League

Newsletter

Vol. XXI, No. 10

June 10-June 16, 2013

Skin cancer loses its at-bat against Missions' Geer

By John Whisler/San Antonio Express-News 6/17/13

The first pitch was still three hours away, but one by one, Missions players marched into the dugout, gear in hand.

There, under the scorching South Texas sun, several of them stopped in mid-stride on their way to the cage for batting practice.

Out came a can of sunscreen, ready to be applied. Liberally.

“It makes me feel good to see that,” Missions pitcher Josh Geer said. “I guess some of them know my story, what I've been through. We all have to be more aware now.”

Geer certainly is. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma. What started out as an innocent-looking lump on his neck, near his throwing shoulder, turned into the scare of his life.

Today, the 30-year-old Geer is cancer-free and relieved to be concentrating on regaining the form that brought him to the major leagues with the San Diego Padres in 2008 and '09.

Instead of having to undergo chemotherapy treatments.

Geer says he never considered the alternative — that cancer could have ended his career. Or worse.

“I never wanted to think that way,” he said. “I love the game. I love playing. Baseball is what kept me going.”

Geer grew up in Forney, near Dallas, “always playing baseball, always in the sun.”

“You just never thought about it,” he said. “You just went out and played. There's no history of melanoma in my family.”

'Gets your attention'

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed annually, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

For full article, go to:

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/missions/article/Skin-cancer-loses-its-at-bat-against-Missions-4603862.php

Ryan family inspired by young one's drive

By Jose De Jesus Ortiz/Houston Chronicle 6/17/13

HOUSTON — Almost five years after he was released from the minor leagues, Reid Ryan eagerly anticipated the birth of his first son.

As far back as he could remember, he wanted to be a father, a husband, a coach.

The son of one of the most dominant pitchers in major league history allowed himself to wonder if his boy would inherit some of Nolan Ryan's talent. Those fantasies were tempered rapidly as nurses and doctors rushed the baby out of the delivery room immediately after Jackson Ryan was born.

“When he came out, he was white like a ghost, like a sheet,” said Reid, the Astros' president. “Seeing people around — the doctors and nurses — get nervous and grab him and run away with him, it went from the ultimate high to the ultimate low. It was a very traumatic day.”

Jackson was born with cerebral palsy, which affected the muscle tone and posture on his right side. Soon after his birth, a doctor prepared Reid and Nicole Ryan with a list of possibilities.

He may never walk, the doctor told the young couple. He may never talk.

Suddenly, baseball seemed like an impossible dream far down the altered list of goals for the baby. Reid, 41, was 28 at the time. Nicole was 24.

“In an instant, all those thoughts were completely out of my head of him being a super athlete,” Reid says.

Jackson Ryan pitches and fields with the same hand, using a special glove.

In time, Jackson, 13, overcame several of the potential complications associated with cerebral palsy. He slept normally. He could walk. He was 100 percent left-handed.

For full article, go to:

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/mlb/article/Ryan-family-inspired-by-young-one-s-drive-4604201.php

Texas South Loaded With Talent

By Paul Nielsen/NWA Online 6/17/13

SPRINGDALE — The South will look to use a few Hooks against the North at the 77th annual Texas League All-Star Game June 25 in Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

The game will feature the best players from the North and South divisions of the Texas League and it is the first time the Northwest Arkansas Naturals have been the host team. A Home Run Derby will precede the scheduled first pitch at 6 p.m.

A limited number of tickets are still available at the Naturals ticket office. Naturals manager Brian Poldberg is the North manager.

The South squad will be led by the Corpus Christi Hooks trio of outfielder George Springer and pitchers Jake Buchanan and David Martinez

Springer is one of the home run leaders in all of Minor League Baseball with 18 and he entered the weekend batting .301 with 50 RBIs. Springer was taken by Houston in the first round (11th) of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft out of Connecticut.

Buchanan entered the weekend with a 7-0 record and a 1.39 ERA. Buchanan has given up just seven walks in 71 innings of work and was drafted by the Astros in the eighth round of the 2010 draft after playing at North Carolina St.

Martinez entered the weekend and a 9-0 record with a 2.20 ERA.

Naturals broadcaster Steven Davis said all three Corpus Christi players have bright futures.

“Springer is the closest five tool guy that will be out here,” Davis said. “Buchanan is a big-time strike thrower. He doesn’t make mistakes and he is really consistent. Martinez has some decent velocity and a good breaking ball. Martinez has a lot of things that the scouts like.”

For full article, go to:

http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2013/jun/17/texas-south-loaded-talent/?sports-prosports

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Former RockHound Hart

back on baseball field as a coach

By Jordan Mason/Midland Reporter-Telegram 6/11/13

The same Jason Hart who towered over the plate while leading the Texas League in hits and RBI in 2000 was now responsible for ensuring the wrapper on each Kraft single was smoothly applied before it was packaged.

Just eight years after blossoming into one of the rising stars in minor league baseball, Hart was a 6-foot-4, 237-pound factory worker at Kraft Foods.

That Hart is, today, a hitting coach for the Frisco RoughRiders is an amazing story until you learn why Hart was smoothing over cheese wrappers in 2008 in a Springfield, Mo., food plant.

This is the second time the 35-year-old Hart has made a miraculous return to the diamond -- the first came from a hospital bed.

Hart, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 1998 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics, still fondly remembers his first Double-A season with the Midland RockHounds in 2000.

"I just remember just having having fun and confidence," Hart said. "We had a good team, good teammates, and the ballpark (Christensen Stadium) wasn't the nicest one in the league, but we went to that park, and that was a stress-free year."

Hart played like someone with no worries as he hit .326 for the RockHounds with 44 doubles, 30 home runs and a league-leading 121 RBI.

Baseball America named him the second-best prospect in the Athletics' organization in 2001, and even after a modest season by his standards (.247 BA with 19 home runs and 75 RBI), Baseball America named him the 10th-best prospect in the Rangers' organization in 2002 following a trade to Texas as part of a six-player deal.

For full article, go to:

http://www.mywesttexas.com/sports/article_76260f4c-a764-5469-b354-cfa716f22d4d.html

TEXAS LEAGUE BASEBALL: Perez one of the young

veterans

By Adam Zuvanich/Odessa American 6/15/13

MIDLAND Darwin Perez is one of the youngest players on the Midland RockHounds’ roster.

The 23-year-old middle infielder also has had a longer professional baseball career than most of his teammates.

Perez, in his first year with the Oakland Athletics’ organization, spent the last seven seasons with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They signed the native Venezuelan when he was 16 years old, and Perez played at every level of the Angels’ organization except the major league level.

“Yeah, they tell me that I’m an old guy,” Perez said with a chuckle. “But I don’t feel like an old guy, because I’m the same age as everybody. I just got an earlier start.”

The career path of Perez, who was released by the Angels after last season and signed by the A’s in December, has hit a bit of a snag. He first played in the Texas League in 2010, when he briefly played at the Triple-A level as well, but is in his third full season at the Double-A outpost.

Perez said he’s mostly pleased with how his career has progressed, but he’s also anxious to graduate from the Texas League. He batted .257 with 61 runs scored and 23 stolen bases for the Arkansas Travelers in 2011, and saw all those numbers drop last year, but this year he’s having a bit of a resurgence.

Perez is hitting .241 with 31 runs scored and 13 extra-base hits, including two home runs, in 59 games this season. He also leads the RockHounds with 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts.

“You get tired of being in Double-A and facing the same cities, all the same trips,” Perez said. “I want to be in Triple-A this year and then the big leagues. I know I can be.”

So does RockHounds hitting coach Brian McArn, who said the diminutive Perez is a versatile offensive weapon who handles the bat well. He’s the only switch hitter on the team, having homered from each side of the plate this year, and mostly is a contact-hitting speedster who sprays the ball to all fields and is a proficient bunter.

For full article, go to:

http://www.oaoa.com/sports/local/franchise/rockhounds/article_0e6c8f08-d633-11e2-a493-

0019bb30f31a.html

Mike Foltynewicz evolving into Astros’ best pitching

prospect

By Brian T. Smith/Houston Chronicle 6/12/13

SAN ANTONIO – Mike Foltynewicz’s left arm is clean, devoid of marks and color.

His right arm – the limb that can crack 100 mph and has turned the 21-year-old into the most

promising pitching prospect the rebuilding Astros possess – is loaded with the images, script and

stories.

Add in the long, wavy hair and imposing 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame, and the eye-catching

numbers Foltynewicz has produced this season (3-0, 2.38 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 64 1/3 combined

innings at Class high A and AA) are becoming part of his everyday story.

“The first two months have been pretty exciting for me. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a great team to be

on,” said Foltynewicz, who moved to 2-0 with a 1.41 ERA for Corpus Christi during the Hooks’

6-2 victory against the San Antonio Missions on Tuesday at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium.

“These guys are awesome to pitch with. I’ve got great defense, great offense. It’s really exciting.

I just try to go out here and prove myself; why I should be here and to prove to a lot of people

why I can do what I can – that I got drafted in the first round for a reason.”

The No. 19 overall pick of the 2010 MLB amateur draft entered the 2013 season as the No. 5

prospect in the Astros’ farm system, according to Baseball America. Since spring training began,

Foltynewicz has only added to his buzz. He wowed the club in Florida, then hurled four innings

of one-hit, no-run ball March 30 while striking out seven Chicago Cubs during an exhibition

contest at Minute Maid Park.

Foltynewicz was returned to high A Lancaster to begin the regular season. He turned the brief

disappointment into fuel, striking out 29 in 26 innings while recording a 3.81 ERA during seven

games in the hitter-friendly California League. A promotion to Corpus Christi followed and the

native of Minooka, Ill., has responded by striking out 38 and walking just 18 in 38 1/3 innings,

while holding opponents to a .157 batting average.

For full article, go to:

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/06/12/mike-foltynewicz-evolving-into-astros-best-

pitching-prospect/

Texas notes: Springer still scorching

Hooks slugger has no trouble with rising Texas temperatures

By Todd Traub/Special to MLB.com 6/11/13

Corpus Christi's George Springer is not one to complain about the searing temperatures he's

experienced in the Texas League. Why should he? The way things are going, he may never want

to cool off again.

The No. 3 prospect in the Astros system charged into the season with a hot bat that has lifted him to the top of the hitting charts. He leads the Minors with 18 home runs and is first in the Texas League with 50 RBIs, 35 extra-base hits, a .633 slugging percentage, 50 runs scored and 138 total bases.

"You just have to stay short and -- I know this going to sound dumb -- stay really simple," the right-handed Springer said of his power to all fields. "Hit the ball wherever it presents itself."

It's safe to say Springer's native Connecticut, and its dicey weather, is in his rear view

mirror -- at least as far as playing baseball is concerned.

"It was always cold. It would rain or snow. I love it here," said Springer, a native of New Britain who became the University of Connecticut's highest-drafted player when the Astros took him in the first round (11th overall) in 2011.

While Springer was the one who made UConn history, nine of his Huskies teammates were also drafted that year to represent a team that reached an NCAA Super Regional for the first time.

"For me it's an honor just to represent my state, especially to represent my hometown," Springer said, forgiving the region for its sometimes unforgiving weather. "It's a great place to be from. I love it."

Springer's Huskies teammates included current pros Mike Olt with Triple-A Round Rock (Rangers), Matt Barnes with Double-A Portland (Red Sox) and Nick Ahmed with Double-A Mobile (D-backs).

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50198488&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

Springfield's Musial jerseys a fitting honor

By Matt Schoch/Springfield News-Leader 6/15/13

For decades, baseball fans throughout Missouri have wanted to be more like “Stan the Man.”

On Sunday, the Springfield Cardinals — and then those in attendance — will have a chance to at least dress like the famed St. Louis Cardinals slugger.

The Double-A club will honor the beloved Stan Musial by wearing replica jerseys, with the No. 6 emblazoned on the back of each, during Sunday’s homestand opener against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field. Musial died in January at age 92.

The cream-colored jerseys are replicas of those worn by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1941, Musial’s rookie year and also the year he played on Springfield’s Class C Western Association club.

There will be a silent auction during Sunday’s game for a handful of the jerseys, and also about 20 sold at the “buy-it-now” cost of $195.

The auction begins at 5:09 p.m., when the gates open an hour ahead of game time against the Tulsa Drillers. It’s also the same day that the club is giving away 1,250 Allen Craig wood bats — 28 inches in length — to children 15 and younger.

All the proceeds from jersey sales will benefit the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.

Dan Reiter, sales and marketing director for the Springfield Cardinals, said the process started quickly upon Musial’s death about ways to honor him in Springfield, where he hit .379 with 26 home runs as a 20-year-old in 1941.

“Stan was the greatest Cardinal ever and the fact that his breakthrough season came in Springfield is very special for our town,” Springfield Cardinals General Manager Matt Gifford said in an email. “The historical significance of arguably the best living baseball player passing this year along with a timely tribute is why we are wearing these uniforms on Sunday.”

For full article, go to:

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20130615/SPORTS02/306150030/Stan-Musial-Springfield-Cardinals

Player of the Week, June 10-June 16

3B Alex Buchholz, Frisco RoughRiders

.478 AVG (11-for-23) 5 RBI, 2 HR, 2 2B, 4 extra base hits, 19 TB, .538 OBP, 1.365 OPS

Frisco third baseman Alex Buchholz earned Texas League Player of the Week honors after a

very productive week, during which he hit safely in five of the RoughRiders' six games, batting a

league best .478, while leading the league in slugging (.826) and on-base percentage (.538). In

addition, the right-handed slugger finished the week second in three important categories,

homers (2), doubles (2) and total bases (19).

Buchholz started the week off on the right foot, going 4-for-4 with two runs scored at Midland

on June 11, but was just warming up. As the week wore on, Buchholz' continued to fill up the

box score. In a game against Corpus Christi on June 12, Buchholz went 3-for-5 with a double

and two RBIs, before popping a solo homer against the Hooks the next night. The 25-year-old

finished the week in style, cracking a homer and scoring twice in a game against Midland on

Sunday evening.

Selected by the Reds in the sixth round of the June, 2008 First-Year Player Draft, the University

of Delaware product is in the midst of his second trip to the Texas League. Buccholz spent his

first professional season dominating the Pioneer League, where he posted a slash line of

.396/.471/.604, before playing 90 games in the Florida State League in 2009. The third baseman

spent 2010 and 2011 on Cincinatti's High-A affiliate before the Rangers acquired him in the

minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft in 2011. In 2012, Buchholz played in 84 games for

Frisco in the Texas League, where he hit .247, with seven homeruns and 41 RBIs. This is

Buchholz first time winning a Player of the Week Award.

Pitcher of the Week, June 10-June 16

RHP Roy Oswalt, Tulsa Drillers

1-0(W-L), 0.00 ERA, 8.1 innings pitched, 5 hits, 7 strikeouts, 1 walks, opponents AVG-.179

Roy Oswalt became the first Tulsa player to win the Pitcher of the Week award this season, after

a phenomenal outing on June 14, in which he led the Drillers to a 2-0 win at Arkansas. Oswalt

earned his third win of the season after tossing eight and one third shut out innings, allowing just

five hits and one walk, while striking out seven. Since joining Tulsa on May 24, Oswalt has

posted a 2.16 ERA in five starts, with a record of 3-2, while striking out 25 hitters in a Texas

League high 33.1 innings pitched. The veteran right hander who had been inactive until signing

with Colorado in May did not need long to return to form, allowing fewer than two earned runs

in three of his five starts on the season.

Selected by Houston in the 23rd round of the 1996 First Year Player Draft,. Oswalt spent his first

two professional seasons in the Gulf Coast and the New York-Penn Leagues, before spending all

of the 1999 season with Michigan in the Midwest League, where he was 13-4, with a 4.46 ERA

in 22 starts. In 2000, Oswalt opened the season with Kissimmee in the Florida State League,

needing just eight starts to earn a promotion to then Double-A Round Rock.

The young right-hander owned the Texas League for the remainder of the 2000 season, going 11-

4 in 18 starts with a 1.94 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 129.2 innings pitched. Oswalt reached

Houston in 2001, where he pitched until a midseason trade in 2010 sent him to Philadelphia.

Following an injury shortened 2012 with the Rangers, Oswalt signed with the Rockies on May 9,

2013. A three-time NL All-Star, and winner of the NL Pitcher of the Week award on June 27,

2004, Oswalt also won Texas League Pitcher of the Week twice during the 2000 season.

Oswalt's 12-year gap between Pitcher of the Week awards in the Texas League is easily the

largest in the leagues history.

North Division Notes

6/10-6/16

Arkansas Travelers Los Angeles Angels Affiliate

This Week: 3-5; Overall Record: 33-35 T-2nd Place North Division

Monday, June 10: L, 6-5 @ Northwest Arkansas In a 6-5 loss at Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas second baseman Taylor Lindsey belted a homerun and two triples, factoring in all three Travelers rallies. Lindsey's first impact on the game came in the top of the first, when he shot an RBI triple to right, scoring shortstop Jimmy Swift, who had poked a one-out single to center. With the game tied at one, Arkansas plated three in the top of the third, taking a 4-1 lead. Lindsey swatted a solo homer, his tenth of the season, with two outs in the inning, before right fielder Randal Grichuk drew a walk and first baseman Robbie Widlansky reached on an error, setting up designated hitter C.J. Cron's two-run double to centerfield. The final Travelers run came in the top of the ninth, when Grichuk singled home Lindsey, who had poked a two-out triple to right. On the mound, starter Mike Piazza (L, 2-2) labored through five and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks, before Ryan Chaffee pitched through the seventh. Finally reliever Kevin Johnson worked a clean eighth inning, striking out a batter. After the loss, Arkansas fell below .500 (30-31) for the first time since May 10, when they were 16-17.

Tuesday, June 11: W, 3-2 @ Northwest Arkansas

After a 3-2 win at Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas were perched in first place in the North Division with a half-game lead. The Travs used a three-run eighth inning rally to break a scoreless tie, then withstood a pair of Northwest Arkansas comeback attempts over the final two innings. The three-run eighth was fueled by a trio of walks, including a free pass with the bases loeaded drawn by right fielder Randal Grichuk that plated the first run. Following Grichuk's RBI base-on-balls, first baseman C.J. Cron lined a run-scoring single to right, before third baseman Kaleb Cowart lifted a sac-fly to center that pushed the Arkansas lead to 3-0. On the mound, starter Brandon Hynick (W, 5-3) allowed just one hit through seven shut out innings, before surrendering a lead off double in the eighth to Naturals' first baseman Mitch Canham. Hynick was relieved by Kevin Johnson, who allowed the inherited runner to score on a sacrifice fly, while working a one-two-three inning. Following Johnson, closer Josh Judy (S, 5)

allowed a lead off single and a one-out double in the ninth, that led to Northwest Arkansas' second run, before retiring the final two batters of the game.

Wednesday, June 12: L, 3-2 vs. Tulsa

With their 3-2 loss to Tulsa, Arkansas has lost five of their last six games, falling a half-game behind the Drillers in the North Division's first-half title race. Arkansas designated hitter Robbie Widlansky broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth when he launched his fourth homerun of the season, a solo shot to right. The Trav's extended their lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth, when shortstop Jimmy Swift, second baseman Taylor Lindsey, and right fielder Randal Grichuk cracked consecutive singles. Arkansas starter Michael Roth put up zeros in the first five innings, before running into trouble in the sixth, when he allowed the tying runs to score. Reliever Buddy Boshers (1-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the eighth. Following Boshers, relievers Elvin Ramirez and Nick Maronde combined to shut out the Drillers over the final one and two-thirds innings.

Thursday, June 13 (Game One): W, 5-2 vs. Tulsa Arkansas used a three-run sixth inning to top Tulsa 5-2 in the first game of a double header with the Drillers. With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth, right fielder Randal Grichuk drew a lead off walk and second baseman Taylor Lindsey smacked a single, before first baseman C.J. Cron’s run-producing sacrifice fly gave Arkansas a 3-2 lead. Centerfielder Travis Witherspoon followed Cron’s productive out with a single. After he stole second, putting runners on second and third, left fielder Drew Heid singled to left, driving in two and pushing the score to 5-2 in favor of the Travelers. On the mound, starter Manny Correa did not factor in the decision, despite a good outing in which he tossed five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, while striking out four. Following Correa, Caleb Graham (2-1) earned his second win of the season after a scoreless sixth, before Buddy Boshers worked a perfect ninth to earn his first save of the campaign.

Thursday, June 13 (Game Two): L, 2-1 vs. Tulsa

Arkansas lost 2-1 in game two of their twin billing with Tulsa, managing just two hits in the low scoring affair. Starter Matt Oye (4-5) was tagged with the loss, despite doing everything in his power to keep the Travelers in the game. Oye tossed five strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out five and walking one. Following Oye, reliever Ryan Chaffee surrendered a run in the sixth that ended up being the difference in the contest. Arkansas scored their lone run of the game in the sixth inning, when first baseman C.J. Cron lifted a sacrifice fly to right, allowing shortstop Jimmy Swift to scamper home. Second baseman Taylor Lindsey and left fielder Drew Heid had the only hits for the Travelers, both singles.

Friday, June 14: L, 2-0 vs. Tulsa

In a 2-0 loss to Tulsa, Arkansas could not get their bats going, managing just five hits in the game, all singles. The lone bright spot for the Travelers was shortstop Rolando Gomez, who went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, reaching base a third time when he drew a lead-off walk in the ninth. On the mound, starter Lay Batista (3-6) was tagged with the loss despite a good outing, allowing two runs (just one earned) in six and two-thirds innings, striking out seven and walking two. Following Batista, Nick Maronde shut out the Drillers through one and two-thirds innings, before Kevin Johnson retired the last two hitters in the ninth.

Saturday, June 15: W, 1-0 vs. Tulsa

Randal Grichuk’s eighth inning homer gave Arkansas a 1-0 win over Tulsa, moving the Travelers to within a half game of the lead in the Texas League’s North Division. Grichuk, who broke up the pitcher’s duel with his 10th homer of the season, contributed two of Arkansas’ five hits in the contest. First baseman C.J. Cron also had two hits, both singles, while shortstop Jimmy Swift accounted for the remaining Travelers hit with a first innings single. On the mound, starter Mike Piazza did not factor in the decision, despite tossing six shut out innings in which he allowed just two hits and three walks, while striking out six. Following Piazza, Michael Cisco struck out two in one and one third perfect innings, before Buddy Boshers (W, 2-2) wrapped up the eighth. Closer Josh Judy closed the game, earning his sixth save of the season after a scoreless ninth.

Sunday, June 16: L, 3-2 vs. Northwest Arkansas (13)

Arkansas fell to Northwest Arkansas 3-2 after a 13th inning homer gave the Naturals a lead the Travelers could not answer. After Northwest Arkansas scored a run in the fourth and fifth to take a 2-0 lead, Arkansas tied the game with a two-run rally in the seventh, highlighted by left fielder Drew Heid’s RBI single, and catcher Jett Bandy’s game tying sacrifice fly to left. On the mound, starter Brandon Hynick was solid through five and one third innings, allowing two runs on a pair of solo dingers, before Elvin Ramirez worked through the eighth inning, retiring each of the eight hitters he faced. Following Ramirez, Kevin Johnson shut out the Naturals in the ninth and tenth innings, allowing just two hits. Reliever Ryan Chaffee worked two scoreless innings, before Josh Judy (1-1) dropped his first decision of the season, allowing the winning run in the top of the 13th.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Kansas City Royals Affiliate

This Week: 5-4; Overall Record: 24-45

4th Place North Division

Monday, June 10: W, 6-5 vs. Arkansas Northwest Arkansas topped Arkansas 6-5, winning their third in a row for the first time this season, coming from behind to top the Travelers in each of the victories. After Arkansas took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Northwest Arkansas tied the game in teh bottom of the frame without the benefit of a hit when second baseman Whit Merrifield drew a lead off walk and stole second, before scoring on consecutive wild pitches. Naturals starter Andy Ferguson allowed three more Arkansas runs in the top of the third, his final inning, before a two-out, four-run rally put Northwest Arkansas in front 5-4 in their half of the inning. With runners on the corners and two outs, designated hitter Matt Fields lined a single to left, scoring the first run, before centerfielder Yem Prades poked a single to right, scoring another and putting runners on second and third, setting up first baseman Mitch Canham's two-run double that finished the rally. In the bottom of the seventh, the Naturals plated an insurance run when Fields lined a run-scoring single to centerfield. The beneficiary of the Northwest rally was reliever J.C. Sulbaran (2-3), who earned his second win of the season after tossing four scoreless innings, striking out three, while yielding just two hits and a walk. Following Sulbaran, Jon Keck worked a scoreless eighth, before Zach Jackson earned his third save in as many days, allowing one run and striking out two in the ninth. After nine professional seasons without recording a save, Jackson became the first Texas League pitcher to earn three saves in three days since Arkansas reliever Rafael Rodriguez accomplished the rare feat from August 7-9, 2008.

Tuesday, June 11: L, 3-2 vs. Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas dropped the final game of their four-game set with Arkansas 3-2 after the Trav's broke a scoreless tie in the eighth with a three-run burst that the Naturals could not overcome. Major League rehabber Felipe Paulino started for Northwest Arkansas. He allowed just two hits and two walks over five innings, while striking out six. Following Paulino, Noel Arguelles (L, 1-8) worked a pair of clean innings before surrendering the decisive three runs in the eighth, retiring just one hitter in the inning before reliever Santiago Garrido got out of the jam, then tossed a scoreless ninth. Offensively, the Naturals responded to the Travelers' rally with a run of their own in the bottom of the eighth when third baseman Rey Navarro's sac-fly plated first baseman Mitch Canham, who had led off the inning with a double. Northwest Arkansas did not go quietly in the ninth, scoring a run when shortstop Orlando Calixte doubled home Angel Franco, who led off the inning with a single. Unfortunately for the home fans, the game tying run died at second base.

Wednesday, June 12: L, 9-5 vs. Springfield

The Northwest Arkansas pitching staff could not deter a relentless Springfield attack, surrendering 15 hits in a 9-5 loss before a Wednesday afternoon crowd of 4,385 at Arvest Ballpark. Starter Jason Adam (1-8) was tagged with the loss after a five-inning outing, in which he allowed five runs (just two earned) on nine hits, while striking out five. Reliever Edwin Carl entered the game in the sixth, allowing two runs in three innings, before Matt Ridings surrendered two more in the ninth. The Naturals offense touched Springfield pitching for 10 hits, including strong performances by Angel Franco, who went 2-for-4 with a triple, double and three RBIs, and left fielder Roman Hernandez, who went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI after entering the game in the fifth inning as a defensive replacement. Designated hitter Matt Fields and third baseman Rey Navarro each added a double in the losing effort.

Thursday, June 13 (Game One): W, 8-1 vs. Springfield Northwest Arkansas topped Springfield 8-1 in the first game of a double header, using a three-run first inning to gain a lead they kept throughout the ball game. The first two runs in the first inning came via Matt Fields’ 15th homer of the season, a two-run blast to left center. Following Fields, right fielder Yem Prades smoked a double to center, before third baseman Rey Navarro’s run-scoring single capped the Naturals’ opening rally. Starter Sugar Ray Marimon (3-8) earned the win with an outstanding start. The right-hander allowed just one run in his second complete game of the season, striking out eight, while yielding just five hits and a walk over seven innings. After Springfield’s one-run fourth narrowed the score to 3-1, the Naturals’ bats exploded for five runs in the fourth inning to ice the game. Northwest Arkansas’ rally was highlighted by Fields’ two-run single, and a run-producing infield single by shortstop Orlando Calixte. In the Naturals’ win, Fields fathered four RBIs, raising his total to a team-best 42 for the season.

Thursday, June 13 (Game Two): W, 3-2 vs. Springfield

In their 3-2 win over Springfield, Northwest Arkansas did all their damage with two outs and no one on in the third inning. Second baseman Whit Merrifield started the rally with a single to right, before centerfielder Brett Eibner smoked his third triple of the season to right field, giving the Naturals a 1-0 lead. Following Eibner, shortstop Orlando Calixte crushed a homer to left, his second of the campaign, pushing the Northwest Arkansas lead to three. On the mound, starter Aaron Brooks (W, 2-0) held the Springfield hitters at bay, allowing just one run on seven hits, while striking out three over his six innings. Following Brooks, reliever Zach Jackson survived a three-hit, one-run seventh inning to earn his fourth save of the season.

Friday, June 14: L, 8-4 vs. Springfield

In an 8-4 loss to Springfield, a pair of Northwest Arkansas relievers each surrendered three runs over the final two innings. Starter Brooks Pounders delivered a quality start, tossing seven innings and allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out four, leaving the game with a 3-2 lead. Following Pounders, Jon Keck allowed three runs on two hits and a walk, retiring just one hitter before Santiago Garrido finished the eighth, then allowed three more runs in the ninth. Offensively, two of the Naturals four runs came via the long ball. Shortstop Orlando Calixte poked a solo dinger in the seventh, his third of the season, and centerfielder Brett Eibner added a solo homer of his own in the ninth, his sixth of the campaign. Designated hitter Brian Fletcher contributed three singles, while first baseman Matt Fields and left fielder Roman Hernandez each poked two hits in the losing effort.

Saturday, June 15 (Game One): L, 8-2 vs. Springfield Northwest Arkansas dropped the first game of a double header with Springfield 8-2, after falling behind 8-0 through six innings. Starter Andy Ferguson (1-1) was tagged with the loss, his first of the season, after allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over his five innings. Following Ferguson, reliever Noel Arguelles surrendered five runs over the final two innings. Offensively, the Naturals were led by designated hitter Yem Prades, who went 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored, and third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert, who went 1-for-3 with a double, his first hit at the Double-A level.

Saturday, June 15 (Game Two): W, 6-1 vs. Springfield Game two of the Naturals double header with Springfield went better for the home fans, as Northwest Arkansas overwhelmed the Cardinals 6-1, scoring in each of the final four innings. The Naturals offense was fueled by catcher Manny Pina, who went 2-for-2 with a homerun, a double and three RBIs, and designated hitter Matt Fields, who belted his 16th homer of the season, a solo shot in the fourth inning. On the mound, Edwin Carl made his first start of the season, shutting out the Cardinals for four innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three. Reliever Scott

Alexander (1-0) earned the win in his first appearance at Double-A, allowing one run in the fifth, before Zach Jackson wrapped up the game, striking out two in two perfect innings, earning his fifth save of the season.

Sunday, June 16: W, 3-2 @ Arkansas (13)

Northwest Arkansas used three homeruns, including two by shortstop Rey Navarro, to beat Arkansas 3-2 in a 13 inning affair Sunday night. Navarro got the scoring started in the top of the fourth, when he led off the inning with a solo homer that put the Naturals in front 1-0. In the fifth, catcher Manny Pina cracked his fifth homer of the season, a solo homer that pushed the Northwest Arkansas lead to two runs. After Arkansas scored a pair of runs in the seventh, Navarro struck again with a one-out homer in the 13th that was the game winner. On the mound, Northwest Arkansas survived the extra-inning tilt using five pitchers. Starter Sam Runion shut out the Travelers for three and two-thirds innings, before Jon Keck struck out four, allowing just one hit and pitching through the sixth. Reliever J.C. Sulbaran allowed the tying runs in the seventh, before pitching through the tenth. Amazingly, it was first baseman Mitch Canham (1-0) who earned the win, after he tossed two scoreless innings, while outfielder Whit Merrifield earned the save with a perfect 13th inning.

Springfield Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals Affiliate

This Week 3-5; Overall Record: 33-35

T-2nd Place North Division

Monday, June 10: L, 5-3 @ Tulsa

Though they out hit Tulsa, 11 to 8, Springfield dropped a 5-3 decision to the Drillers, largely due to Cardinals hitters going 1-for-8 with men in scoring position. Ruben Gotay led the Springfield offense with three singles, while James Ramsey and Xavier Scruggs posted doubles in the game. The cardinals scored in variety of ways, taking a 1-0 lead in the second when a wild pitch and a wild throw allowed Luis Mateo to score. Trailing 3-1 in the fifth, the Cards got their second run when Chris Swauger's sac-fly brought home Ramsey, following his two base hit. Springfield's final tally came in the eighth, following Mateo's run producing ground out. On the mound, starter Nick Greenwood (1-4) was tagged with the loss despite a solid five inning outing in which he allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits. Following Greenwood, Justin Wright struggled in the sixth, allowing two runs on four hits, before Jose Almarante retired the final hitter in the inning. After Almarante worked a perfect seventh, Lee Stoppelman struck out a hitter in a 1-2-3 eighth.

Tuesday, June 11: L, 4-3 @ Tulsa

Springfield lost a 4-3 nailbiter at Tulsa, allowing a three-run eighth inning to spoil a fine outing by starter Ryan Sherriff. Sherriff did not factor in the decision, though he allowed just one run through seven innings and exited in the eighth with a man on first and a 3-1 lead. Relievers Kevin Thomas (L, 2-3) and Deryk Hooker could not hold on to the lead, allowing the inherited runner to score in addition to the two runs that cost the Cardinals the game. Offensively, Springfield was led by left fielder Mike O'Neill, who went 2-for-5 in the contest, scoring the Cardinals' first run in the top of the first. Springfield pushed their lead to 3-0 in the top of the fourth with a two-run rally that was highlighted by a run-scoring single by shortstop Vance Albitz, and pitcher Ryan Sherriff's first professional hit, an RBI single to left.

Wednesday, June 12: W, 9-5 @ Northwest Arkansas

In their 9-5 win at Arkansas, Springfield used 15 hits and four late runs to put away the Travelers and stay within a half-game of first place in the North Division. The Cardinals offense was led by shortstop Jake Lemmerman, who went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored, and right fielder Chris Swauger, who went 3-for-5 with a double, one RBI and a run scored. Springfield benefited from homeruns by a pair of unlikely sources, centerfielder James Ramsey, whose two-run homer in the fourth gave Springfield a 5-0 lead, and left fielder Mike O'Neill, who

lifted a solo dinger to right in the eighth inning pushing the Cards' lead to 7-2. For Ramsey, the homer was his third of the season and the fifth in 386 career at bats, while O'Neill's homer was his second of the season and just the third of his three-plus year pro career. Contributing to the Springfield barrage, catcher Cody Stanley smacked a double and two singles, while designated hitter Ruben Gotay had a pair of singles and a run scored. On the mound, starter Anthony Ferrara (W, 5-3) tossed five good innings, yielding just two runs on five hits, while striking out four. Following Ferrara, Justin Wright worked into the seventh without allowing a run, before Heath Wyatt, Lee Stoppelman and Jose Almaronte combined to allow three runs over the final two and two-thirds innings of the Cardinals big win.

Thursday, June 13 (Game One): L, 8-1 @ Northwest Arkansas In an 8-1 loss at Northwest Arkansas, Springfield fell behind 3-0 in the first inning and was not able to recover. Starter Tim Cooney (3-4) suffered his fourth loss of the season after getting touched for seven runs over three and two-thirds innings. Following Cooney, Travis Miller worked the final two and one third innings, allowing one run (unearned) on one hit, while striking out two. Offensively, the Cardinals lone run came in the top of the fourth, when centerfielder James Ramsey led off with his first triple of the season before scoring on third baseman Ruben Gotay’s run-producing ground out. In the loss, shortstop Jake Lemmerman cracked a double, while Mike O’Neill and Chris Swauger each contributed a single.

Thursday, June 13 (Game Two): L, 3-2 @ Northwest Arkansas Springfield lost 3-2 in the nightcap of their double header at Northwest Arkansas, after a three-run Naturals rally in the third put the visiting Cardinals behind the eight-ball. Starter Jonathan Cornelius (0-1) was tagged with the loss in his first Texas League start, after allowing the big inning to break up an otherwise strong performance. Through the first two innings, Cornelius faced the minimum and retired the first two hitters in the third, before yielding four consecutive hits and three runs. After the big inning, Cornelius worked a perfect fourth and retired the only batter he faced in the fifth, before Heath Wyatt shut out the Naturals for the final one and two-thirds innings. Springfield bounced back from the Northwest Arkansas rally with a run in the top of the fourth when right fielder Chris Swauger smacked an RBI single to right. In the seventh, the Cardinals rallied and threatened to tie the game after shortstop Jake Lemmerman poked a two-out, run-producing single to right that cut the Northwest Arkansas lead to one and advanced the tying run to second base. Unfortunately for Springfield, their rally was cut short when left fielder Mike O'Neill, who had a pair of singles in the loss, grounded out to end the game.

Friday, June 14: W, 8-4 @ Northwest Arkansas

Ruben Gotay belted a pair of homers, leading Springfield to an 8-4 win at Northwest Arkansas. Gotay’s first homer of the night came in the top of the eighth, when his two-run shot put Springfield in front 4-3. In the ninth, Gotay homered again, cracking another two-run shot that extended the Cardinals lead to 8-3. Also contributing to the Springfield attack were left fielder Mike O’Neill, who went 3-for-3 with a double and four runs scored, and catcher Cody Stanley, who poked a two-run double in the eighth. On the mound, starter Seth Blair scattered 10 hits over six innings, allowing just two runs, while striking out six. Following Blair, reliever Kevin Thomas (3-3) earned his third win of the season, allowing one run through the eighth and striking out four, before Deryk Hooker finished the game, surrendering one run on two hits in the ninth.

Saturday, June 15 (Game One): W, 8-2 @ Northwest Arkansas In their 8-2 win at Northwest Arkansas, Springfield used three homeruns to overpower the Naturals. The Cardinals started their homerun binge in the first, taking a 3-0 lead after centerfielder James Ramsey’s two-run homer, his fourth of the season, and right fielder Chris Swauger’s solo bomb to center, his sixth of the campaign. Springfield added to their lead with a pair of runs in the sixth, when first baseman Xavier Scruggs cranked his 17th homer of the season, a two-run shot that put the Cards ahead 5-0. In the top of the seventh, Springfield added three runs with a rally highlighted by left fielder Mike O’Neill’s RBI double to center. On the mound, starter Nick Greenwood (2-4) earned his second win of the season with his first complete game, allowing just two hits through the first six innings, before giving up two runs on three hits in the seventh.

Saturday, June 15 (Game Two): L, 6-1 @ Northwest Arkansas

Springfield lost the night cap of their twin bill at Northwest Arkansas 6-1, managing just four hits in the contest. The Cardinals lone run of the evening came in the fifth inning, when left fielder Mike O’Neill’s run producing ground out cut the Naturals lead to 2-1. In the loss, three of Springfield’s four hits were singles. Catcher Audry Perez had the other, a fifth-inning double. On the mound, starter Corey Baker (0-1) took the loss in his Double-A debut,

allowing four runs (three earned) in four and one third innings. Following Baker, Justin Wright allowed two runs (both unearned) over the final one and two-thirds innings.

Tulsa Drillers Colorado Rockies Affiliate

This Week: 5-2; Overall Record: 34-34

1st Place North Division

Monday, June 10: W, 5-3 vs. Springfield

With their 5-3 win over Springfield, Tulsa moved to within a half game of first place in the Texas League first half race. Second baseman Angelys Nina led a well-rounded Drillers offense, smacking a two-run homer and scoring twice in the contest, while seven other Tulsa hitters recorded a hit in the contest. Only shortstop Cristhian Adames managed more than one hit, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in the contest, while catcher Jose Gonzalez joined Nina with the only other extra-base hit for the Drillers, a sixth-inning double that sparked a two-run rally. On the mound, starter Tyler Matzek (3-5) earned his second win in as many starts, after tossing six innings of two-run ball, yielding eight hits and two walks, while striking out three. Wrapping up the win, reliever Dan Houston allowed one run in his two innings, before Cole White earned his third save of the season with a perfect ninth.

Tuesday, June 11: W, 4-3 vs. Springfield

With a 4-3 win over Springfield, Tulsa has ridden an 8-2 record in the month of June to climb to within a half game of the lead in the North Division. In the win, left fielder Delta Cleary Jr. was clearly the star. On defense, he took a homerun from Chris Swauger in the first inning. On offense, Cleary poked a two-out single that drove in the winning run in the eighth. Tulsa's eighth-inning rally began when shortstop Cristhian Adames lined a single to left, before scoring on first baseman Kiel Roling's double to centerfield that cut Springfield's lead to 3-2. Right fielder Kent Matthes drew a one-out walk, before third baseman Jayson Langfels blooped a single to right, scoring Roling and knotting the game at three, setting up Cleary's heroics. On the mound, starter Christian Bergman delivered a quality outing, allowing three runs (two earned) over seven innings, while striking out two and walking one. Reliever Isaiah Froneberger (1-2) shut out the Cardinals in the eighth, earning the win, before Juan Gonzalez, who spent his first six professional seasons as a starter, notched his first career save, surviving two hits in a scoreless ninth.

Wednesday, June 12: W, 3-2 @ Arkansas

With a 3-2 win at Arkansas, Tulsa took a half-game lead in the North Division's first-half title race. The Drillers trailed 2-0 entering the sixth, but shortstop Cristhian Adames' ground out drove in Delta Cleary, who had drawn a lead off walk and stolen second, before right fielder Kent Matthes tied the game with a two-out infield single. Tulsa plated the game winner in the eighth, when catcher Dustin Garneau blooped a two-out single into left, scoring centerfielder Rafael Ortega, who had drawn a lead off walk before advancing to third on a wild pitch. On the mound, starter Sean Gallagher did not factor in the decision despite a fine start in which he allowed just two runs over six innings, striking out six, while allowing seven hits and a pair of walks. The bullpen was lights out for Tulsa, as reliever Leuris Gomez tossed a pair of scoreless innings, before closer Cole White retired the Trav's in order in the ninth, earning his fourth save of the season.

Thursday, June 13 (Game One): L, 5-2 @ Arkansas Tulsa lost 5-2 in the first game of a double header at Arkansas after a three-run Travelers spurt in the sixth iced the game. Drillers starter Tim Gustafson (4-5) took the loss, allowing four runs on six hits over his five innings. Following Gustafson, Mike Marbry allowed a run in his inning of work. After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, Tulsa evened the score in the top of the second when catcher Dustin Garneau led off with a solo dinger, his fourth of the season. The Drillers took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth on another lead off homer, this time by first baseman Kiel Roling who went deep for the 16th time this season.

Thursday, June 13 (Game Two): W, 2-1 @ Arkansas

With a 2-1 win, Tulsa earned a split of their double header at Arkansas and finished the evening where they began it, a half-game in front of the Travelers. The Drillers used five pitchers to stymie an Arkansas lineup that managed just two hits in the contest. Starter Dan Houston tossed four scoreless innings, allowing three walks and no hits, while striking out two, before reliever Josh Mueller (W, 2-0) struck out two in a scoreless fifth. Following Mueller, Juan Gonzalez allowed one run in the sixth before lefty Isaiah Froneberger struck out the only batter he faced to end the inning. Closer Cole White earned his fifth save of the season, striking out one in a perfect seventh. The Drillers first run of the contest came in the top of the fourth, when third baseman Jayson Langfels raked a two-out double that scored first baseman Kiel Roling, who had opened the inning with a walk. Tulsa pushed their advantage to two runs in the top of the sixth. After shortstop Cristhian Adames hit a ground-rule double to lead off the inning, he advanced to third on a fly out, then scored on designated hitter Dustin Garneau's sac-fly to center.

Friday, June 14: W, 2-0 @ Arkansas

Starter Roy Oswalt led Tulsa to a 2-0 win at Arkansas, extending their lead in the North Division to 1.5 games with three games to play. Oswalt (3-2) earned the win with a dominant performance, tossing eight and one third shut out innings, striking out seven and allowing just five hits and one walk. Reliever Leuris Gomez earned his first save of the season, retiring both of the batters he faced in the ninth. The Drillers scored their first run of the game in the top of the second, when catcher Dustin Garneau blasted a homerun leading off the inning. In the fourth, right fielder Delta Cleary Jr. cracked an RBI single to centerfield, pushing the Tulsa lead to two runs. In the win, centerfielder Rafael Ortega and shortstop Cristhian Adames each poked a pair of singles.

Saturday, June 15: L, 1-0 @ Arkansas

After Tulsa dropped a pitcher’s duel 1-0 at Arkansas, the Drillers were clinging to a half-game lead in the North Division race for the first half title. Starter Tyler Matzek, who did not receive a decision, was splendid for six shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out six and walking three. Reliever Isaiah Froneberger tossed a scoreless seventh, before Juan Gonzalez (L, 1-1) allowed the game winner in the eighth. Offensively, the Drillers managed just four hits, all singles. Catcher Dustin Garneau extended his hitting streak to seven games, going 1-for-4 in the loss.

South Division Notes

6/10-6/16

Corpus Christi Hooks Houston Astros Affiliate

This Week: 4-3; Overall Record 42-27

1st Place South Division

Monday, June 10: L, 10-4 @ San Antonio

After a 10-4 loss at San Antonio, Corpus Christi's lead for the First Half title in the South Division dwindled to just one game. Hooks starter Ruben Alaniz could not get out of a nightmarish second inning, retiring one batter, while allowing six runs on six hits and a walk, before Matt Heidenreich finished the inning, yielding one more run, allowing San Antonio to take a 7-0 lead. Heidenreich worked through the fourth, allowing a total of two runs on five hits, before Andrew Robinson allowed an unearned run in his two innings of relief. Trailing 9-3, Gonzalo Sanudo

worked a clean seventh before allowing a run in the eighth, retiring two hitters before Pat Urckfitz got the final out for the Hooks. Offensively, Corpus Christi was led by first baseman Jonathan Singleton, who went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Also contributing was third baseman Jonathan Meyer, who blasted his second homer in as many games, a two-run big fly over the left field wall in the sixth inning. In 11 games against San Antonio this season, Meyer has hit .355, with four of his six homers and 13 of his 33 RBIs.

Tuesday, June 11: W, 6-2 @ San Antonio

Corpus Christi earned a series split with a 6-2 win at San Antonio, rattling off six unanswered runs after falling behind 2-0 in the second inning. Starter Mike Foltynewicz (2-0) earned the win despite a second inning hiccup in which he allowed two runs on a triple and three walks. In the other four innings of his five-inning appearance, Foltynewicz struck out five, while allowing just a pair of singles. Following Folty, David Martinez, who leads the minors with nine wins, earned his first save of the season with four scoreless innings, striking out four and allowing just two hits. Offensively, the Hooks were led by second baseman Enrique Hernandez, who finished the game a single shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a solo dinger, a triple and a double. Also contributing the Corpus Christi offensive array was right fielder Domingo Santana, who clubbed a solo homer to right, his 12th long ball of the season, and first baseman Jonathan Singleton, who went 2-for-4 with a two-run triple and a run scored.

Wednesday, June 12: W, 8-5 @ Frisco

In their 8-5 win at Frisco, Corpus Christi used catcher Rene Garcia's three-run fourth inning blast to overcome a 14-hit performance by the RoughRiders. After a pair of Frisco runs in the first, the Hooks jumped in front with a three-run rally in the top of the third, highlighted by designated hitter Erik Castro's two-run single. The 'Riders tied the game in the bottom of the third, before a one-out walk by Jiovanni Mier and a single by centerfielder George Springer set up the Garcia four-bagger that put the Hooks in front 6-3. On the mound, Corpus Christi ace Jake Buchanan suffered his first rough start of the season, allowing five runs on nine hits in his four innings. Buchanan, whose 1.39 ERA still leads the Texas League, had not allowed more than one earned run since a start on April 13 at Springfield, when he allowed two. Reliever Sergio Escalona (1-1) earned his first win of the season, tossing three innings of shut out ball, yielding just four hits and striking out three, before Pat Urckfitz wrapped up the game with two scoreless innings, earning earn his second save of the campaign. In the win, right fielder Domingo Santana went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while third baseman Jonathan Meyer went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Thursday, June 13: W, 7-1 @ Frisco

Corpus Christi beat Frisco 7-1 in the second of a four-game set at Dr Pepper Ballpark, using four homeruns, including two by first baseman Jonathan Singleton to overpower the RoughRiders. The Hooks scored their first six runs via the long ball, beginning with left fielder Michael Burgess' two-run dinger in the second inning, his eighth of the season. After Frisco scored their only run of the contest in the bottom of the second, Jonathan Singleton blasted a lead off homer in the top of the third, his first since joining the Hooks on June 5. Later in the inning, designated hitter Erik Castro cranked his seventh homer of the season to centerfield, a solo shot that pushed Corpus Christi's lead to 4-1. In the fourth inning, Singleton provided an encore performance, this time lifting a two-run homer to left field. The Hooks scored their final run in the top of the fifth, when second baseman Enrique Hernandez poked a single to left, driving in Castro, who had led off the inning with a double. Overshadowed by the fireworks provided by the Hooks hitters were the strong pitching performances by starter Nick Tropeano and piggy-backer Bobby Doran. Tropeano (2-4) earned his second win of the season, allowing just one run on five hits in his five innings, striking out three without issuing a walk. Following Tropeano, Doran earned his second save of the campaign with four nearly perfect innings, his only blemish coming in the ninth inning, when he allowed a lead off single before retiring the next three in order to end the game.

Friday, June 14: W, 3-2 @ Frisco (11)

Right fielder Domingo Santana smashed a solo homer in the top of the 11th, leading Corpus Christi to a 3-2 win at Frisco, and the South Division first half title. The Hooks tied the game at two in the top of the seventh when designated hitter Erik Castro belted his second homerun in as many days, a two-run shot to right. Santana and Castro led the Corpus Christi offense, each going 2-for-5 and combining to score and drive in all three runs in the game. On the mound, starter Jorge De Leon tossed five good innings, allowing two run on three hits, while striking out three. Following De Leon, Ruben Alaniz tossed four shut out innings, striking out four and allowing two hits, before reliever Andrew Robinson (2-2) earned his second win of the season with a perfect tenth. Pat Urckfitz earned his third save of the season with a scoreless eleventh.

Saturday, June 15: L, 3-0 @ Frisco

Corpus Christi struggled offensively in a 3-0 loss at Frisco, managing just three hits in the game. Catcher Max Stassi’s fifth inning double was the only extra-base hit for the Hooks, while third baseman Raoul Torrez and right fielder Domingo Santana each poked a single. On the mound, starter David Martinez (9-1) was tagged with his first loss of the season after allowing one run on three hits, while striking out four in five innings. Following Martinez, Michael Foltynewicz struggled through two and one third innings, allowing two runs on three hits, while walking three and striking out two. Reliever Gonzalo Sanudo retired the final two hitters in the loss.

Sunday, June 16: L, 7-2 vs. San Antonio

In Corpus Christi’s 7-2 loss to San Antonio, Hooks’ ace Jake Buchanan struggled for the second outing in a row. Buchanan, (L, 7-1) tossed five and two-thirds innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits and a walk, after allowing five runs in four innings in his previous outing on June 12. Following Buchanan, Matt Heidenreich pitched through the eighth, allowing one run on four hits, before Kenny Long worked a scoreless ninth. Offensively, Corpus Christi was led by first baseman Erik Castro, who went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, his ninth of the season, and shortstop Jiovanni Mier, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI. In the loss, left fielder Drew Muren smoked his first triple of the season and scored a run in the fifth.

Frisco RoughRiders

Texas Rangers Affiliate

This Week: 2-5; Overall Record 38-31

2nd Place South Division

Monday, June 10: W, 6-3 @ Midland

In a 6-3 win at Midland, Frisco struck for five runs and eight hits over the first three innings, effectively deciding the contest. The RoughRiders used 12 singles and a solo homer by catcher Tomas Telis, his second of the season, to outpace the RockHounds. In the top of the first, Frisco rallied for three runs on five singles, including RBI knocks by Telis and second baseman Odubel Herrera, who finished the game with three singles and two stolen bases. After Midland scored a run in the bottom of the first, the 'Riders plated one of their own, extending their lead to 4-1 on first baseman Brett Nicholas' run-scoring single. Again, Midland scored in their half of the inning, and again Frisco responded with a run in the top of the third, using Telis' homer to preserve a three-run lead. Designated hitter Chih-Hsien Chiang's seventh inning single drove in the final run for the RoughRiders. On the mound, starter Neil Ramirez (7-2) earned the win after five decent innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks, while striking out three. Following Ramirez, Phil Klein tossed one and two-thirds shut out innings, walking one and striking out one, before Richard Bleier retired the final batter in the seventh. After Major League rehabber Justin Miller allowed a run in the eighth, Ben Rowen earned his ninth save of the season and third in the last five days, striking out one in a perfect ninth. After his three-K performance, Ramirez moved back into the lead in the Texas League with 81 strikeouts, just one ahead of fellow 'Rider starter, Carlos Pimentel.

Tuesday, June 11: L, 4-3 @ Midland

After a disappointing 4-3 loss at Midland, Frisco fell two games back of the South Division lead with just five games left in the first half. The RoughRiders poked 11 hits in the contest, all singles, but could not get the big hit in the ninth, when they loaded the bases with one out. The 'Riders had already plated one run in the ninth, cutting Midland's lead to 4-3, after third baseman Alex Buchholz, who went 4-for-4 in the contest, right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang and catcher Tomas Telis cracked consecutive singles to start the inning. Following Telis' run-scoring base hit, second baseman Odubel Herrera's sac-bunt moved Chiang and Telis to second and third, before Ryan Strausborger drew an intentional walk. Unfortunately for Frisco, Hanser Alberto popped out to first and Teodoro Martinez grounded out, ending the rally and the game. After falling behind 2-0 in the third, Frisco tied the game in

the top of the fourth when Telis poked a two-run single into centerfield. On the mound, starter Kevin Pucetas (7-5) was tagged with his fifth loss of the season after a Jekkyl and Hyde performance in which he tossed six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks. Pucetas allowed two runs in the each of the third and fifth innings, surrendering five hits and two walks in the two innings. In his other four innings on the hill, the Frisco right-hander allowed just two hits and a walk, while holding Midland scoreless. Following Pucetas, reliever Jimmy Reyes tossed the final two innings, blemished only by a two-out walk in the seventh. In the loss, Tomas Telis drove in all three Frisco runs and extended his hitting streak to six games. Telis has cracked two hits in five of the six games during the streak, racking up 11 hits, including two homers (his only dingers this season), seven RBIs and four runs scored.

Wednesday, June 12: L, 8-5 vs. Corpus Christi

With their 8-5 loss to Corpus Christi, Frisco fell three games behind the Hooks in the South Division's first-half race. The RoughRiders took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but back-to-back three-run innings by Corpus was too much for Frisco to overcome. The two-run first inning rally began with a single by left fielder Teodoro Martinez, who advanced to third on a double by second baseman Guilder Rodriguez, then scored on a Brett Nicholas sac-fly. Third baseman Alex Buchholz, who went 3-for-5 in the contest, capped the rally with a double to centerfield that scored Rodriguez from second. Frisco tied the game at three in the third inning after Buchholz poked a single to left that drove in Martinez, who had led off the inning with a double. Following a three-run fourth inning by the Hooks, the 'Riders narrowed the deficit to 6-5 with a two-run rally in their half of the frame, highlighted by second baseman Odubel Herrera's one-out triple and catcher Zach Zaneski's RBI double. On the mound, starter Nick McBride, who did not factor in the decision, was pulled after three innings, having allowed three runs (all unearned), while striking out five. Reliever Arlett Mavare (1-2) took the loss after allowing three runs over his two innings, before Richard Bleier pitched through the eighth, surrendering two more runs. On a bright note, the only 'Rider not to allow a run in the game was Wilmer Font, who retired three in a row in the ninth.

Thursday, June 13: L, 7-1 vs. Corpus Christi

In a 7-1 loss to Corpus Christi, Frisco starter Carlos Pimentel had a truly "rough" go of it, allowing all seven runs in his five innings of work. Pimentel (L, 7-3), suffered his worst outing of the season, surrendering 10 hits, including four homeruns and three doubles, before reliever Phil Klein entered in the sixth inning to stop the bleeding. Klein worked a pair of scoreless innings, followed by Randy Henry and Ben Rowen, who combined to toss the final two innings of the contest. Offensively, Frisco's lone run of the contest came on third baseman Alex Buchholz' lead off homer in the second inning, his fifth of the campaign. The RoughRiders managed just six hits in the contest, two of which belonged to right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang, who doubled in the fourth inning. In the loss, Pimentel struck out four hitters, reclaiming the top spot in the Texas League with 84 on the season, three ahead of teammate and runner-up Neil Ramirez.

Friday, June 14: L, 3-2 vs. Corpus Christi (11)

With their 3-2 loss to Corpus Christi, Frisco was eliminated from the South Division first half title race. Starter Tyler Tufts was marvelous through five innings, striking out four while yielding just two hits. Reliever Justin Miller worked a scoreless sixth, before allowing two game-tying runs in the seventh. Following Miller, Jimmy Reyes shut out the Hooks for two innings, striking out four and allowing just one hit and one walk. Closer Wilmer Font (L, 1-2) missed bats, striking out four over one and two-thirds innings, but he also allowed the winning run when he gave up a solo homer in the eleventh. The RoughRiders took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth, when third baseman Alex Buchholz cracked a run-scoring double to right. Catcher Tomas Telis led off the top of the fifth with a solo homerun that pushed Frisco’s lead to 2-0.

Saturday, June 15: W, 3-0 vs. Corpus Christi

Neil Ramirez’ dazzling start led Frisco to a 3-0 victory over Corpus Christi. In six innings, Ramirez (8-2) allowed just two hits and two walks, while striking out 10, earning his eighth win of the season. With his 10 Ks, Ramirez reclaimed his spot atop the Texas League leaderboard with 91 this season. Following Ramirez, Richard Bleier struck out two in a pair of perfect innings, before Ben Rowen earned his 10th save of the season in a one-hit ninth. Offensively, the RoughRiders were led by second baseman Odubel Herrera, who went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, and centerfielder Ryan Strausborger, who also went 2-for-3. Shortstop Hanser Alberto chimed in with a triple in the bottom of the fifth.

Sunday, June 16: L, 16-4 vs. Midland

In a 16-4 loss to Midland, Frisco’s pitching staff struggled, allowing 15 runs over the first five innings. Starter Kevin Pucetas (7-6) took the loss after surrendering 8 runs (just three earned) in his four innings, before Arlett Mavare suffered through a six-run fifth in which he retired just two hitters. Reliever Phil Klein finished the fifth, tossing two and one third innings, allowing a run in the seventh, before Randy Henry tossed a scoreless eighth. Infielder Guilder Rodriguez pitched in the ninth, allowing a solo homer in his first pitching appearance of the season. Offensively, the RoughRiders were led by third baseman Alex Buchholz, who poked a solo homer, his sixth of the season, and scored two runs in the contest. Right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang contributed a pair of hits, including a two-run double in the fourth inning.

Midland RockHounds Oakland Athletics Affiliate

This Week: 4-3; Overall Record 33-36

4th Place South Division

Monday, June 10: L, 6-3 vs. Frisco

Midland starter Arnold Leon was roughed up in a 6-3 loss to Frisco, allowing all six runs on 12 hits over six and two-thirds innings. Leon allowed five runs over the first three innings before settling down, yielding just one run on four hits from the fourth inning into the seventh, when he was relieved by Gary Daley, who finished the game with two and one third shut out innings. Offensively, the RockHounds were led by first baseman Anthony Aliotti, who went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI. Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the first, Midland got their first run when Aliotti singled home left fielder D'Arby Myers, who had smoked a one-out triple to right. After yielding a run in the top of the second, the 'Hounds cut the 'Riders' lead to 4-2 when right fielder Chad Oberacker cranked a run-scoring double to right. Midland's final run came in the bottom of the ninth, when Myers grounded into a double play with the bases loaded, cutting the Frisco lead to 6-3.

Tuesday, June 11: W, 4-3 vs. Frisco

Midland eeked out a 4-3 win over Frisco, using a pair of two-run innings and a clutch two-inning save by Kyler Newby to the delight of the sellout crowd of 7,818 at Citibank Ballpark. The RockHounds took a 2-0 lead in the third when left fielder D'Arby Myers skied a sac-fly to center, scoring right fielder Chad Oberacker who had led off the inning with a single, before first baseman Anthony Aliotti poked an RBI single to center. After Frisco answered with two runs in the top of the fourth, the 'Hounds took a 4-2 lead with a two-run rally in the bottom of the fifth, highlighted by designated hitter Jake Goebbert's two-run single. Starter Sean Murphy (W, 3-2) made a quality start, allowing just two runs on seven hits in his six innings, while striking out five, before Jeff Urlaub worked a perfect seventh in relief. Closer Kyler Newby allowed a lead off single in the eighth, before inducing a pop out and a pair of strikeouts to carry the two-run lead into the ninth. After surrendering three consecutive singles to start the inning, the Midland lead was down to one run with runners on first and second. Newby got the first out of the ninth when a sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, leading Newby to issue an intentional walk before he induced a pop out and a ground out to wrap up the Midland victory, earning his sixth save of the season in the process.

Wednesday, June 12: W, 9-1 vs. San Antonio

In a 9-1 win over San Antonio, Midland starter Carlos Hernandez (3-5) earned his 28th career victory as a RockHound, tying him for third in franchise history with Midland Cubs hurler Herman Segelke ('78-'80). Hernandez tossed six strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits, while striking out four. Following Hernandez, reliever Carlos Fisher worked two scoreless innings, striking out four, before Mike DeMark worked a perfect ninth. The RockHounds offense was led by first baseman Jake Goebbert, who went 2-for-5 with a triple, a double, two RBIs and a run scored, and left fielder Conner Crumbliss, who went 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Also contributing to the Midland outburst was catcher David Freitas, who went 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI and a run scored, and shortstop Darwin Perez, who went 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. In the lopsided victory, third baseman Vinnie Catricala, who was acquired by the Athletics in a trade on June 9, logged his first hit as a member of the 'Hounds as part of a 2-for-3 performance that included an RBI and a run scored.

Friday, June 14 (Suspended Game): L, 6-2 vs. San Antonio (10)

Midland lost to San Antonio 6-2 in the second of a four-game set at Citibank Ballpark after the Thursday night game was suspended in the top of the sixth due to rain with the score tied 2-2. Starter Murphy Smith allowed single runs in the first and third, but had settled into a groove by the time the rain came. Smith needed just 62 pitches to get through the fifth. Reliever Frank Gailey tossed a pair of scoreless innings when the game resumed the next evening. Following Gailey, Pedro Viola shut out the Missions through the ninth, before Gary Daley (0-1) allowed four runs in a nightmarish tenth inning. Offensively, Midland pounded 14 hits in the contest. The RockHounds one-through-five hitters each cracked a pair of hits, including doubles by centerfielder D’Arby Myers, first baseman Anthony Aliotti and second baseman Dusty Coleman. Catcher David Freitas contributed three base knocks and an RBI in the loss.

Friday, June 14 (Game Two): L, 3-0 vs. San Antonio

In a 3-0 loss to San Antonio, Midland could not get any offense going in the contest, managing just six hits, while leaving nine runners on base. Starter Zach Neal (5-4) was tagged with the hard luck loss, allowing three runs (just one earned) over eight innings, striking out four and surrendering just four hits. Reliever Jeff Urlaub shut the Missions out in the ninth. Offensively, the ‘Hounds were led by centerfielder D’Arby Myers, who poked a pair of singles, while left fielder Chad Oberacker contributed a double in the second inning.

Saturday, June 15: W, 6-2 vs. San Antonio

Midland used a trio of two-run innings to top San Antonio 6-2 in the last of a four-game series at Citibank Ballpark. The RockHounds took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth, when left fielder Jake Goebbert cracked a run-scoring triple, before scoring on catcher David Freitas’ RBI single. After San Antonio tied the game in the top of the fifth, Midland reclaimed a two-run lead in the bottom of the inning. Right fielder Chad Oberacker started off the inning with a triple, before designated hitter Miles Head smoked a run-scoring double to center and scored on a wild pitch later in the inning. In the bottom of the eighth, the RockHounds pushed their lead to four runs with a two-run rally, highlighted by Head’s two-run single. On the mound, starter Arnold Leon (4-4) was fantastic for eight innings, earning his fourth win of the season after allowing two runs on six hits, while striking out four without issuing a walk. Following Leon, reliever Mike DeMark wrapped up the game with a scoreless ninth.

Sunday, June 16: W, 16-4 @ Frisco

Six different Midland players homered, powering the RockHounds to a 16-4 blowout win at Frisco. Every member of the Midland lineup had at least one hit, while each of their two-through-seven hitters homered in one-sided decision. Second baseman Dusty Coleman was the first to homer, blasting a three-run shot that capped a five-run RockHounds rally in the first inning. Midland extended their lead to 8-0 in the top of the second with a three-run rally, highlighted by third baseman Vinnie Catricala’s first dinger of the season, a solo roundtripper. After Frisco scored two runs in the fourth, cutting the 'Hounds lead to 8-2, Midland answered with a six-run outburst that including back-to-back-to-back homers by Darwin Perez, Anthony Aliotti and Jake Goebbert. Midland’s final homer came in the top of the ninth, when Chad Oberacker cracked his second of the season, a solo shot that scored the ‘Hounds 16th run. On the mound, starter Sean Murphy (4-2) earned fourth win of the season, despite allowing four runs on seven hits over his six inning. Following Murphy, Carlos Fisher struck out three over a pair of scoreless innings, before Nate Long struck one out in a perfect ninth.

San Antonio Missions San Diego Padres Affiliate

This Week: 4-3; Overall Record 37-31

3rd Place South Division

Monday, June 10: W, 10-4 vs. Corpus Christi

San Antonio used 16 hits and a seven-run second inning to beat Corpus Christi 10-4 before a home crowd of 3,542. The top of the Missions lineup paced their attack, as Rico Noel, Reymond Fuentes, Yeison Asencio and Johan Limonta, hitting one-through-four, combined to go 10-for-17 in the win, with a homerun, three doubles, seven RBIs and six runs scored between them. Limonta, playing first base, capped San Antonio's big second inning with a three-run homer, his second of the season, while Asencio went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored. In the one-sided victory, Noel went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored, while Fuentes extended his Texas League best on-base streak to 32 games with a trio of singles. On the mound, starter Matt Wisler (3-2) earned his third win of the season, after tossing five innings of one-run ball, striking out six and walking three. Following Wisler, Chris Rearick allowed two runs in his two innings of relief, before Matt Lollis tossed a perfect eighth and Jeremy McBryde duplicated the effort with a clean ninth to wrap up the win.

Tuesday, June 11: L, 6-2 vs. Corpus Christi In San Antonio's 6-2 loss to Corpus Christi, the Missions took a 2-0 lead in the second inning, before the Hooks rattled off six unanswered runs over the final seven innings. Catcher Eddy Rodriguez plated San Antonio's runs with a two-run triple in the second inning, scoring first baseman Johan Limonta and left fielder Everett Williams, both of whom had drawn a walk earlier in the inning. The Missions managed just four more hits in the contest, three of which came from left fielder Reymond Fuentes, who extended his Texas League best on-base streak to 33 games in the loss. Right fielder Yeison Asencio contributed the remaining San Antonio hit when he singled in the third inning. Since being called up to Double-A on June 7, Asencio has hit safely in each of his five games with the Missions, going 8-for-20 with three doubles. On the mound, starter Donn Roach (4-6) was tagged with the loss after allowing five runs on 10 hits in six innings. Following Roach, Ryan Kelly worked a scoreless seventh, striking out two and walking one, before reliever Josh Geer surrendered the Hooks final run in the eighth. Matt Stites finished the game for the Missions, working a perfect ninth, striking out two.

Wednesday, June 12: L, 9-1 @ Midland

With their 9-1 loss at Midland, San Antonio was eliminated from the South Division's first-half title race. San Antonio starter Jose De Paula (L, 4-6) kept the Missions in the game through six innings, yielding just three runs on five hits, while striking out six. San Antonio's lone run came in the top of the fourth, when they cut the Midland lead to 2-1 when shortstop Jeudy Valdez stroked an RBI single to centerfield. After De Paula allowed a run in his sixth and final inning, reliever Matt Lollis was stung for six runs in one and one third innings, before Chris Rearick induced an inning-ending double play to stop the bleeding and get out of the eighth. In the loss, third baseman Jake Blackwood went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while left fielder Reymond Fuentes extended his on-base streak to 34 games with a bunt single in the first inning.

Friday, June 14 (Suspended Game): W, 6-2 @ Midland (10) After rain forced the game to be suspended after five innings on Thursday with the game tied two all, San Antonio used a four-run 10th inning the following evening to beat Midland 6-2. Despite being out hit in the game by the RockHounds 14 to seven, Missions second baseman Corey Spangenberg cracked a bases-loaded, two-run single in the top of the tenth inning, when it mattered most. Spangenberg led the San Antonio offense with three singles and three RBIs, while shortstop Jeudy Valdez cracked a triple and scored two runs in the contest. While right fielder

Yeison Asencio endured his first game at the Double-A level without a hit, he still managed a pair of RBIs. On the mound, starter Matt Andriese was solid up to the postponement, allowing just two runs on seven hits, while striking out six over five innings. The next day Andriese, Josh Geer, Kevin Quackenbush (W, 2-0) and Jeremy McBryde combined to shut out the ‘Hounds for the final five innings of the contest.

Friday, June 14 (Game Two): W, 3-0 @ Midland Four San Antonio pitchers combined to toss a six-hit shutout in the Missions 3-0 win at Midland. Starter Keyvius Sampson (4-4) earned his fourth win of the season after allowing five hits and three walks, while striking out four in five and two-thirds innings. Jeff Ibarra relieved Sampson in the sixth, pitching through the seventh before Ryan Kelly and Matt Stites (S, 3) each struck out one in a perfect inning to wrap up the game. Offensively, San Antonio managed just five hits in the game, but a pair of timely hits plated three runs in the fourth inning. First, right fielder Yeison Asencio belted a two-run triple to centerfield, scoring centerfielder Rico Noel and second baseman Cory Spangenberg. With two outs, designated hitter Everett Williams legged out an infield single, scoring Asencio and pushing San Antonio’s lead to three runs.

Saturday, June 15: L, 6-2 @ Midland

San Antonio struggled offensively in a 6-2 loss at Midland, managing just one extra-base hit in the game. Centerfielder Rico Noel cracked an RBI double in the top of the fifth, when the Missions rallied to tie the game at two. Unfortunately for San Antonio fans, the Missions wouldn’t score again in the contest. On the mound, starter Matt Wisler (3-3) was tagged with his third loss of the season after surrendering four runs on six hits, while striking out six in six innings. Following Wisler, Chris Rearick tossed a scoreless seventh, before Matt Lollis allowed two runs in the eighth. In the loss, left fielder Everett Williams and designated hitter A.J. Kirby-Jones each singled and scored a run, while Noel was the only Mission to poke multiple hits, adding a single to his RBI double.

Sunday, June 16: W, 7-2 @ Corpus Christi

In a 7-2 win at Corpus Christi, San Antonio’s hitters smacked 15 hits, while their pitchers combined to strike out 10 Hooks batters. Offensively, the Missions were led by right fielder Yeison Asencio, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI, while smacking his first homerun at the Double-A level. Designated hitter Johan Limonta contributed a 2-for-4 effort that included a pair of doubles, while catcher Eddy Rodriguez poked a trio of singles. On the mound, starter Donn Roach (5-6) earned his fifth win of the season, allowing just two runs in six innings, while striking out five and walking two. Following Roach, Ryan Kelly struck out two over one and two-thirds perfect innings, before Jeff Ibarra got the final out in the eighth. In the ninth, Ibarra got into trouble, putting two runners on before inducing a pop-out, then hitting a batter to load the bases. Closer Kevin Quackenbush followed Ibarra, stranding all the runners with back-to-back strikeouts that cinched the victory.

This Week in the Texas League June 17 – June 23

June 17, 1923 Houston lead-off hitter Ed “Dutch” Sperber had a career day, hitting for the cycle

and driving in seven runs in the Buffaloes 14-0 whitewash of Wichita Falls.

Sperber, who was 4-for-5, participated in all three Houston rallies in the game,

driving in a run in the second with a single, two more in the sixth with a triple

and four more in the seventh with a grand slam.

June 18, 1967 Jim Spencer clubbed a pair of home runs and drove in five, helping to lead El

Paso to an 11-6 win at Albuquerque. Spencer’s bombs were the least of the

fireworks in the game, however. In the eighth, after being ejected, Albuquerque

manager Duke Snider got into a tussle with home plate umpire Frank Walsh. The

pair pushed each other and took some wild swings, but were prevented from

landing any blows when players from both teams intervened, separating the duo.

Snider and Walsh had had a couple of run-ins earlier in the season, but the root of

their feud dated back to 1963 when both were in the National League and had an

animated disagreement over a foul ball call. Snider was suspended after the

incident, while both he and Walsh were fined by league president Hugh Finnerty.

June 19, 1962 Overcoming a three-homer run, four RBI effort by El Paso’s Chuck Teuscher,

Albuquerque pushed across a run in the 10th inning, taking a hard won 8-7

decision. With the three long flies, Teuscher became the third player El Paso

player to hit three homers in a single game, thus far, in their debut season in the

loop.

June 20, 1964 Albuquerque center fielder Brack Bailey slugged three home runs and drove in

four runs in the Dukes game versus Austin. Unfortunately for the Dukes, Bailey’s

efforts were trumped by Austin second baseman Glenn Clark who slugged a two-

run homer in the top of the 11th that led to the Senators winning the game 7-5.

June 21, 1942 Tulsa got past Shreveport 2-1 after they pushed across a run in the bottom of the

15th inning. The Sports missed numerous opportunities to win the game, but were

unable to get timely hits after scoring their only rune in the first inning, leaving

15 men on base over the course of the tilt. To add insult to injury, the Sports set

up Tulsa’s winning tally by allowing Rock Stroud to reach base when a third

strike got past catcher Herb Compton. Stroud scored after advancing to third on

Doyle Lade’s single and a long fly ball by Marvin Rickert, which should have

been the third out in the inning.

June 22, 2006 Midland catcher Kurt Suzuki helped the RockHounds take a wild 15-10 win at

Tulsa after driving in eight runs with a single, three-run double and a grand slam

in the eighth inning that gave the winners a 9-6 lead. Suzuki’s three-run triple

came in Midland’s six-run ninth that finally put the game out of the Drillers’

reach.

June 23, 1949 A pair of Dallas batters had a grand slam and knocked in five runs, yet the Rabels

still lost to Houston 14-12. Dallas built a 12-6 lead midway through the game

after slugger Jerry Witte pounded his grand slam in the second and Buck Frierson

another in the fourth. However, Dallas pitching was unable to hold back the

Buff’s, who roared back, overtaking the Reb’s with a six-run rally in the seventh.

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