Texas League Newsletter

Transcription

1 Texas League Newsletter Vol. XXII, No. 2 4/3-4/13

2 Springfield shortstop Aledmys Diaz bridges path from Cuba to the Cardinals By John Harris Texas League 4/14/14 In the top of the 14th inning in their first road game of the season, the Springfield Cardinals were leading by one run over the home San Antonio Missions. The Missions had already come back from a run down on three different occasions in the evening. At bat was Aledmys Diaz, making just his second start of the season at shortstop. Diaz had a runner on third with one out and four plus hours of play already in the books. On a 1-2 count, Diaz drilled a ball over the left-center field wall, a two-run shot that gave Springfield an 8-5 win. Diaz finished the game 4-for-7 with three RBIs introducing himself to the baseball world with a flourish. In this Information Age where one can gather seemingly endless details on a person s background, Diaz is certainly an exception. As is often the case with Cuban-born baseball players, little is known about Diaz prior to his current stop with St. Louis Texas League affiliate. Every four years, baseball fans in the United States have been able to catch the occasional glimpse of Cuba s best during the World Baseball Classic. By the time the 2013 installment of the competition rolled around, however, Diaz had already defected from Cuba. After waiting to be cleared by the U.S. Government and Major League Baseball to be able to sign a contract, more than a year had passed since his defection. While many athletes would use one-year away from the sport as a crutch or excuse, Diaz used his 2013 season of ineligibility to his advantage. Working with trainers in Mexico, he began to build himself up to play 120 to 140 games in a season. He also understood then, as he does now, that in the states, (the level of play) is more competitive, so he had to train at a high level throughout the time off. It appears that the training has paid big dividends, netting the Cuban a multi-million dollar contract with St. Louis. Even still, Diaz believes the year away from the game he loves would not be easy for anybody. Speaking through his translator and Springfield teammate, Jonathan Rodriguez, Diaz said he believes that it was the way it should have been, thanking God for the way (this past year) fell into place. After just one month in the Cardinals organization, it appears as if his patience will be rewarded for the twenty-three year old and for Cards fans at all levels. Signing with the St. Louis organization has been everything Diaz has expected, as it was important to sign with a great organization that focuses on the details and doing everything right. After just 10 games, Diaz holds a spot in the top five in doubles, RBIs, and total bases, even though he has started in only six of Springfield s contests. Fans now have now been able to observe first-hand the level of excitement and knowledge of the game he brings when he steps on the field. Cardinals center fielder James Ramsey, the Texas League leader in hits, homeruns and RBIs hitting one spot ahead of Diaz in the lineup, has certainly noticed the benefit he and his teammates receive from having a like-minded presence on the team. He wants to win and wants to play the right way. Ramsey also notes that the language barrier does not hinder their play together. The two players

3 both think the same way as the game is going, and he flows with it. Rodriguez, who has had the benefit of hitting behind Diaz, replicates Ramsey s statement stating that he knows how to play the game. One of the things that Springfield manager Mike Shildt is quick to mention regarding his young shortstop is his ability to adjust to the game here. He has a nice set of tools and stays through the middle with good hands, going on to state that the future is bright for AD. While A.D., as he is known throughout the Cardinals dugout, spends time in the St. Louis organization, he will continue to develop as a hitter and fielder. Diaz knows that the path to St. Louis will be competitive, but believes that anything can happen. He certainly has the talent and baseball acumen, noting that it s baseball anywhere (you play), something both his teammates and manager echo. In the meantime, fans throughout the Texas League can finally witness the previously unknown Cuban shortstop suiting up for the Springfield Cardinals where anything can happen, including a 14 th inning two-run shot that clinches the win in his first professional road game in the United States.

4 Booher: Cardinals' Calton could be a sound of summer By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 4/12/14 This is life in the minor leagues: A week ago today, a 68-year-old guy by the name of Larry Calton was broadcasting the Springfield Cardinals and telling a good story when he interrupted himself. "The batter's now in the hole," Calton said without hesitation, "with two balls, no strikes." Which of course he got backward, making for a good laugh later when we caught up. "You caught that? Hahahaha," the Springfield native said, and then he proceeded to tell me a story from his days broadcasting the Minnesota Twins in the mid-1970s, about a radio partner named Halsey Hall. "The guy was really sharp, 81 years old. We were doing a game one night out in Oakland Alameda Coliseum. It was probably 2 o'clock in the morning back home. And they turn a double play," Calton said, setting up his delivery, "And he says, 'That goes as a if you're back home scoring in bed." Ah, funny stuff. And hopefully Calton keeps spinning other tales like that this summer. Baseball is best on radio, and some of the better stories are told in the minor leagues, by guys cooped up in cubby holes in locales such as Little Rock, Peoria, Midland or Jackson. This summer, listeners of the Double-A Cardinals could be in for an additional treat. Now alongside second-year prospect Andrew Buchbinder for home games is Calton, whose resume apparently was typed up by Rand McNally. Some may remember him from way back when. Calton played second base for Dick Birmingham's first Hillcrest High School baseball teams in the early 1960s before going on to play five seasons in the minor leagues, mostly in the Detroit farm system. From there, well, that's where it gets interesting. For the full article, go to:

5 Still Plenty To Enjoy At Arvest Ballpark By Rick Fires -- nwaonline.com -- 4/11/14 SPRINGDALE Quickly, do you remember where you were on the night of April 10, 2008? Many of you were among the packed crowd of 7,820 at Arvest Ballpark to watch the inaugural home game for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. A formation of A-10 Thunderbolts flew over the stadium to mark the occasion and Gov. Mike Beebe threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Hardly anyone cared the Naturals lost the game, 7-1, to the San Antonio Missions. The excitement was back exactly seven years later Thursday when Northwest Arkansas held its home opener against the Frisco RoughRiders. It was a comfortable night for baseball and a welcomed sight following a particularly harsh winter. "You've got the sunshine, the grass, the game, and a lot of stuff going on in between innings," said Dean Hejl of Fayetteville, who attended Opening Night while wearing a Naturals T-Shirt. "But it's the park itself I like most. I'm a big baseball fan and this is a great place to watch a game." Much has changed since Opening Night seven years ago, when baseball fans welcomed professional sports to Northwest Arkansas. Kila Ka'ihue, an early fan favorite of the Naturals, is now 30 years old and playing with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan. Former manager Brian Poldberg and former general manager Eric Edelstein are both in AAA and broadcaster Steven Davis, who for six years was the voice of the Naturals, is calling college baseball games for his alma mater, the Kansas Jayhawks. Even that lovable black lab, Ruby, who was as much a part of the scene as Strike, the Naturals' mascot, grew old and was put to sleep last month. They will all be missed. Still, it is those things that haven't change that keeps fans coming back to Arvest Ballpark. The biggest attraction is a beautiful stadium located in a pastoral setting and with easy access from Interstate 540. Cows grazing in the background reminds us of simpler times, when each town had its own team and Sunday afternoons were spent leisurely at the park. For full article, go to:

6 McCollum's Column: A new meaning for playing possum By David McCollum -- The Log Cabin Democrat -- 4/12/14 NORTH LITTLE ROCK A beautiful weekend greeted the Arkansas Travelers on opening weekend. Wafting through Dickey Stephens were that wonderful merger of aromas that characterize baseball hot dogs, popcorn, corn dogs, nachos, barbecue, funnel cakes. Blending with the magic from a new kiosk are those roasting, cinnamon-coated, almonds and nuts that have that automatic smell magneticism. The Arkansas Travelers, one of the least-expensive forms of entertainment in the area, are back with new uniforms, new games between innings and a new mascots (two of them). Also new to the ballpark this season is an enlarged souvenir area, situated where the old restaurant used to be along the third-base line. It s too early to get a gauge of the Angels AA minor league team (it is daring on the basepaths and seems to have good pitching), but fans regularly flock to Dickey-Stephens for fellowship, entertainment and ballpark fare, unconcerned about stats and standings. It s interesting that a regular ad on the video board is for St. Louis Cardinal baseball. The Texas League Cardinal affiliate is Springdale, Mo., a division rival. It s still Cardinal country, but the Travelers are an entity all their own. The most controversial issue so far has been the two new mascots, who have replaced Shelly, a horse that many thought was a dog. The Travelers still have a horse, Ace. He s bulked-up and arrives at the ballpark in a motorized chariot and appears in a few videos as sort of a super horse. But his presence, at least from this one-game experience was a cameo. The real target has been Otey, who is a cartoonist, hillbilly, Arkansas swamp possum. But a gentleman hillbilly swamp possum, I reckon, from his dress, complete with derby. Some initial observations have that Otey, named for R.C. Otey, the longtime Travelers groundskeeper, is just weird, ugly and makes fun of an Arkansas stereotype. For full article, go to:

7 The perfect night Moviegoers wouldn t buy this Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Editorial -- 4/12/14 Nobody, and I mean nobody, puts ketchup on a hot dog. -Dirty Harry WHAT DOES somebody like Dirty Harry know about hot dogs, anyway? He lived in San Francisco. Better he should opine about Rice-A-Roni. The perfect dog was sold at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock the other night. Specifically, last Thursday night-at the Arkansas Travelers opener. Said dog was slathered with ketchup, and, just to further outrage the Dirty Harrys among us, a little barbecue sauce was dripped on top. We saw somebody down the way put mustard on their hot dog. Then again, we ve heard stories about people putting jelly on their morning eggs. Go figure. The game had already started before we were able to get all of our drinks, provisions and various fixin s, and adjourn to a seat behind home plate. First things first and all that. The night was perfect. Absolutely perfect. The moon rose behind left-center field. Just before dark set in for the night, flocks of geese flew past the moon, silhouetted against the lunar light. It was a Carroll Cloar painting. And we thought: That d make a perfect shot for a movie. Second thought: Nah, no movie audience would ever buy it as realistic. They say left-handed pitchers are the crafty ones. Whereas right-handers have to turn around quick and throw the ball hard to pick off a base-runner at first, southpaws are already facing first base. So during the wind-up, they try to look as if they re taking dead aim for home plate, but at the last second, the last half-second, they hum the ball to first. All the while being careful not to cross their feet or lean toward home, lest the umpire decide they d balked. Yes, crafty. The lefty on the mound for the Travs, a young man named Michael Roth, was no slouch at the art. In fact, the first play we saw of the game was a sweet pick-off, hanging up the runner between first and second before he was run down. Bee-you-tiful. The home crowd cheered. Baseball is back, fellow Arkansans, winter is officially gone, the geese are flying, and there s still no baseball like minor-league baseball. The same way high school and college baseball is real baseball. Baseball in which young men run out infield hits. This night a Trav hit a shot down the first-base line that the fielder knocked down just behind the bag. The runner beat the ball to the base. Yeah! How many times will you see that this season in the majors? Try approximately none. For full article, go to:

8 Player of the Week, April 3-13 CF James Ramsey, Springfield Cardinals.410 AVG (16-for-39), 10 runs, 11 RBI, 4 HR, 3 2B, 8 extra base hits, 33 TB,.477 OBP, OPS James Ramsey earned Texas League Player of the Week honors after a scorching start to the 2014 season. Through the first 10 games, Ramsey led the league in homeruns, RBIs, hits, extrabase hits, total bases, slugging percentage, and OPS. Ramsey opened the season hitting safely in nine out of 10 games, with five multi-hit outings. Ramsey s biggest performance came in Springfield s April 10 th outing at San Antonio. James went 3-for-7 with a triple and a homerun, missing the cycle by just a double. He had four RBIs in the game sparking his team to an extra innings win. The 2012 First Round Draft Pick out of Florida State is the 8 th ranked player in the St. Louis Cardinals organization according to Baseball America. Ramsey, entering his second season with the Springfield club, looks to build off of his 2013 season in which he hit 16 HRs and 51 RBIs over through levels of play. Ramsey was the first player to ever wear the Captain s C on his jersey under legendary FSU manager Mike Martin. The Alpharetta, Georgia native is currently ranked as the top center fielder prospect in the Cardinals organization.

9 Pitcher of the Week, April 3-13 RHP Raul Alcantara, Midland RockHounds 2-0 (W-L), 1.23 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 14.2 Innings Pitched, 8 Strikeouts, 2 Walks Raul Alcantara earned Texas League Pitcher of the Week honors after starting the season 2-0, with quality starts in each of his first two outings. Alcantara led the league in innings pitched through the first ten games of the season, compiling a remarkable 1.23 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. Alcantara s first start came on April 6 th against Northwest Arkansas, and he tossed eight innings giving up just one run. His second appearance of the season came in a start in North Little Rock against the Arkansas Travelers on April 12th, in which he threw 6.2 innings, while striking out seven batters. Through his two starts, he has shown remarkable command, issuing just two walks in his 14.2 innings of work. The Dominican-born right-hander was signed out of his native country in 2009 by the Boston Red Sox. After pitching in rookie and short-season baseball during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, Alcantara was traded in December of 2011 to the Oakland Athletics, where he has shot up the Athletics organizational depth chart, with Baseball America ranking him the A s top pitching prospect in 2014.

10 North Division Notes 4/3-4/13 Arkansas Travelers Los Angeles Angels Affiliate This Week: 6-3; Overall Record: 6-3 1st Place North Division Thursday, April 3: W, Midland In blustery Midland, Arkansas used 22 hits to overwhelm the RockHounds 20-7 on Opening Night at Security Bank Ballpark. The third of April is the earliest day of the year a Texas League team has put up 20 or more runs, breaking the previous record of April 7, Each of the Travs nine batters recorded a hit, with six having multi-hit games. Kaleb Cowart, the top ranked Angels prospect according to mlb.com, led the way, going 5-for-6 with a homerun, five RBI's, three runs, and a walk. Arkansas took a commanding lead to start with a seven-run second inning. Rightfielder Drew Heid had four hits, followed by three hits apiece from Alex Yarbrough and Michael Snyder. After the RockHounds scored four in the third to make the score 8-6, the Travelers blew the game open in the top of the fourth posting nine runs to put the visitors up The 22 hits were the most for the RockHounds in one game since the 22nd of July in Mark Sappington, who got the Opening Day start, went just three innings, giving up six runs in the process. Ryan Chafee (1-0), Orangel Arias, and Carmine Giardina came in for relief of Sappington throwing a solid six innings of three-hit ball. The 20 runs are believed to be the most runs scored by a Texas League club on Opening Day. Friday April 4: L, Midland After a record-breaking Opening Day, the Arkansas Travelers were held scoreless in the second game of the series in Midland, taking a 6-0 loss. Over the nine innings of play, only eight Arkansas batters reached first base. Middle infielders, second baseman Alex Yarbrough and shortstop Eric Stamets both went 2-for-4 at the plate providing the majority of the offense for the Travs in the loss. Arkansas lefty Michael Roth (0-1) got the nod on the mound but struggled through his four innings, giving up all six runs on eight hits, three walks and a two homeruns. Saturday, April 5: W, Midland Led by starter Drew Rucinski s (1-0) six strikeout, one-run performance through five innings, the Travelers took the rubber match versus Midland 3-1. Thirty-one year old veteran Dane De La Rosa, Brandon Sisk, Michael Brady and Mike Morin each pitched one inning of relief, allowing only one baserunner, completing the work started by Rucinski. Morin was credited with his first save of the season after his ninth. The Travs were led on offense by first baseman Michael Snyder, who had two hits and an RBI, and left fielder Zach Borenstein, who scored two of his teams three runs, while collecting a hit and a walk.

11 Sunday, April 6: Postponed by Frisco Monday, April 7 (Game One): W, Frisco (Seven innings) Kramer Sneed (1-0) was dominant for Arkansas in the series opener at Frisco, leading the Travelers to an 8-1 win. Sneed went six of the seven innings on the mound in the first game of the doubleheader giving up just three hits. The left hander had help from the Travelers batters once they reached base as they swiped seven bases, led by the cleanup hitter Zach Borenstein. The left fielder stole four bases in the game including a rare steal of home. He was solid in the batter s box as well going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, in addition to his three runs scored. While the RoughRiders bats were held in check, the game remained close until the visitors plated five runs in the top of the seventh and final inning. Alex Yarbrough and Kaleb Cowart led off the inning with back-to-back doubles. Borenstein drove in Cowart for one of his two RBIs before stealing second and third later in the inning. Drew Heid, who also went 3-for-4 in the game, scored the eighth and final run for the Travelers. Monday, April 7 (Game Two): W, Frisco (Seven innings) The visiting Travelers won for the fourth time in five tries this season sweeping the twin-bill at Frisco with a 3-1 win in the second contest. The Travs were outhit in game two, but once again the Arkansas pitching staff limited the Riders to just one run. Starting pitcher Yeiper Castillo (1-0) threw five innings, allowing one run, while Mike Morin escaped trouble in the seventh to earn his second save of the season. Rightfielder Drew Heid continued his red-hot start to the season at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs. Fellow outfielder Andy Workman went 2- for-3 and drove in all three Arkansas runs. Only two other Travs batters hit safely in the game, but their offensive contributions were more than enough for Castillo and the bullpen. Morin allowed two baserunners in the bottom of the seventh and final inning of the game, but left both stranded as he wrapped up the win. Tuesday, April 8: L, Frisco Arkansas could not complete the sweep in the series finale, losing to Frisco 4-2. Travs starter Mark Sappington (0-1) gave up four runs, all earned, on eight hits. A three-run sixth inning would spell the end for Sappington. The former first round pick issued a walk and two hits to left field, both of which were assisted by the windy conditions, as outfielder Zach Borenstein could not get a read on either fly ball. Ryan Chaffee came in for relief of Sappington to give up two more runs with each credited to the starter. The Travelers scored once in the eighth inning on a Kaleb Cowart RBI single that brought the Travs within two of Frisco. However, the Riders Edwar Cabrera retired the side with no further damage in the eighth, and worked a ninth, earning his first professional save. Thursday, April 10: W, 3-2 vs Arkansas In their home opener at Dickey-Stephens Park, Arkansas won 3-2 with a run in the bottom of the ninth. With oneout in the bottom of the final frame, Alex Yarbrough drove in Eric Stamets with their winning run when he lofted a sacrifice fly ball to right field. In the win, the Travelers got eight hits and six walks, and stole six bases. Going 2-for- 9 with runners in scoring position, the Travs, unable to produce a big inning, scored one run each in the third, seventh, and ninth innings. The Arkansas pitching staff kept the Hounds off the board until the sixth inning. Starter Michael Roth and Orangel Arenas surrendered two runs in the top of the sixth, before Travs catcher Jett Bandy gunned out a RockHounds runner at second base to end the inning and prevent any more harm. From there, the Arkansas bullpen was spectacular giving up just one hit in three innings. Reliever Mike Morin (1-0) pitched the scoreless ninth to set up the Yarbrough sacrifice. Kyle Hudson and Kaleb Cowart each stole two bases in the win, with Cowart going 2-for-4 with a run scored.

12 Friday, April 11: W, 2-1 vs Midland Arkansas won the second game of its opening series at home against the Midland RockHounds, 2-1. In a tight pitcher s duel, Travs starting pitcher Drew Rucinksi (2-0) and four other Arkansas hurlers combined to hold the Hounds to one run on six total hits. The Travelers, who were held to just five hits, produced just enough offense to take the win. After the Hounds hit a solo homerun in the top of the first, the Travs responded in the second inning when catcher Jett Bandy drove in Zach Borenstein with a sacrifice fly. Bandy scored the Travs second and final run of the game in the fifth on a Hounds fielding error. Bandy also had a double in the game, going 2-for-2 in addition to his run and RBI. Mike Morin shut down Midland in the ninth for his third save of the season. Saturday, April 12: L, 3-2 vs Midland The Travelers fell behind 3-0 then were unable to complete their comeback, losing to Midland 3-2. Travs starting pitcher Kramer Sneed (1-1) gave up single runs in the first and second innings, and allowed five hits and four walks in four innings. Arkansas cut into the 2-0 lead with a run in the bottom of the third on Kaleb Cowart s run scoring fielder s choice. After Midland scored another run in the seventh, the Travelers rallied, scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth. Trailing 3-1, shortstop Eric Stamets hit a two-out single that plated Jett Bandy. However, the next batter struck out, ending the rally and the game. Stamets went 2-for-4 with a run scored and RBI leading the RockHounds efforts at the plate. Sunday, April 13: Postponed by Rain vs Frisco Arkansas series opener against Frisco was postponed due to rain. Thursday, April 3: Postponed by Frisco Northwest Arkansas Naturals Kansas City Royals Affiliate This Week: 2-8; Overall Record: 2-8 4th Place North Division NW Arkansas' Opening Day in Frisco was postponed in the third inning due to rain.

13 Friday, April 4 (Game One): W, Frisco (Seven innings) The Northwest Arkansas Naturals had to wait a day, but it was worth the delay, gaining a 3-1 win in a tight pitcher s duel to open the season. Andy Ferguson opened for the Naturals, tossing 3.2 shutout innings. Andrew Triggs (1-0) followed and got the win after throwing 2.1 innings, and Scott Alexander finished the game for the Naturals earning the save. The three hurlers combined to give up only four hits in seven innings. Northwest had a tough time plating a run in the opener, but their three runs in the top of the seventh and final inning were enough for the win. Shortstop Angel Franco led off the seventh with a double. After a Parker Morin sacrifice bunt, Franco scored on Justin Trapp s single to right field. The Naturals put two more runs across the plate on a throwing error and a wild pitch to adding some much needed insurance. Alexander would give up an unearned run in the bottom frame, but got the final two outs after the run-scoring throwing error to end the Frisco comeback attempt. Whit Merrifield led the game in hits with three while also scoring a run. Third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert also had a multi-hit day for the Northwest club going 2-for-3. Friday, April 4 (Game Two): L, Frisco (Seven innings) Northwest Arkansas was not able to claim a sweep of the storm-induced doubleheader, falling to the RoughRiders 4-2. The bottom half of the fourth would prove to be the decisive frame for the visitors. Two errors, by Northwest pitcher Noel Arguellas failed pickoff attempt and rightfielder Jorge Bonifacio s two-out dropped pop fly in the inning gave the home side all four of the runs they would score in the contest. Northwest Arkansas was able to match the Riders on four hits, but the two errors were too costly to overcome. Cheslor Cuthbert and Mark Threkeld each went 1-for-3, plating a run each. Although two of his runs were unearned, reliever Arguellas (0-1) took the loss after giving up all four Frisco runs in his one-third inning of work. Starter Tim Melville threw four shutout innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out three batters. Saturday April 5: W, Frisco Parker Morin s two-run single to center in the second inning and a Cheslor Cuthbert third inning solo homerun was all the offense necessary to produce a 3-2 win at Frisco s Dr. Pepper Ballpark. Naturals starter Greg Billo struggled on the mound in three innings of work, allowing two runs (one earned) on a hit and five walks. However, the Naturals bullpen tossed six magnificient innings, leading to the victory. Right hander Hassan Pena (1-0) came on in the fourth and earned the win after throwing three innings of no-hit ball. Cody Fassold followed with two more scoreless innings, while Malcom Culver earned his first save of the season finishing off the ninth inning for the winning club. Joining Cuthbert and Morin with a hit apiece for the Naturals were shortstop Angel Franco, designated hitter Mark Threlkeld, first baseman Jared Schlehuber, and center fielder Lane Adams. Sunday April 6: L, Midland In a 2-1 loss at Midland, Naturals starter Sugar Ray Marimon was stellar on the mound, but unfortunately for Northwest Arkansas, so was his RockHounds counterpart Raul Alcantar. Marimon pitched six shutout innings, giving up only three hits. An eighth inning walk followed by a two-run Hounds homerun given up by Naturals reliever Scott Alexander spoiled Marimon s effort. Northwest shortstop Whit Merrifield doubled in the top of the ninth inning in his efforts to spark a Naturals rally, but the Midland bullpen would close the game three batters later. The Naturals got their only run in the top of the second when Justin Trapp ripped an RBI single.

14 Monday, April 7: L, Midland The Northwest Arkansas Naturals blew a three run lead late in the game at Midland, then could not put the tying run across the plate in the ninth, losing by a score of 8-7. Noel Arguelles entered the game in the sixth inning, retiring the side in order. In the seventh, the Naturals were not so fortunate. Arguellas and Angel Baez (0-1) allowed five runs on four hits, a walk, three wild pitches and an infield throwing error, giving way to an 8-6 Midland lead. The Naturals fought back to score one run in the ninth on a Mark Threlkeld single, but in an attempt to tie the game on the same play, pinch runner Ethan Chapman was gunned at home plate for the third and final out of the contest. Threlkeld and second baseman Justin Trapp both had two hits on the day, with Trapp batting in two other Naturals runs. Tuesday April 8: L, Midland Five different Naturals pitchers gave up at least one run in a 20-8 blowout loss in Midland. The Northwest Arkansas bats scored a respectable eight runs on 13 hits, led by Justin Trapp s 3-for-5 day and right fielder Jorge Bonifacio s sixth inning grand slam. Angel Franco and Ethan Chapman both went 2-for-4. However, before the Bonifacio slam in the Naturals big sixth inning, the Naturals pitching staff had the team in a 14-1 hole. Returning NW Arkansas starter Jason Adam (0-1) began the game for the visitors and gave up eight runs, six of which were earned, through three innings. Andy Ferguson, who replaced Adam in the fourth inning did not fare any better, being pulled in the fifth after giving up five earned runs. Over the eight innings they faced Midland hitters, Naturals pitching was battered for 20 runs, 18 earned, 23 hits, eight walks and two homeruns. Thursday, April 10: L, 11-7 vs Frisco With 5,765 in attendance, three NWA pitchers allowed a total of four two-run homeruns in an 11-7 loss to Frisco in the Naturals home opener. Tim Melville, Angel Baez (0-2), and Scott Alexander gave up all eleven earned runs on nine hits in their eight innings of work. The Naturals chased Frisco starter Luke Jackson after four innings, ahead 7-4. In the first 3.1 innings, the Naturals came out strong, scoring seven runs using two walks and seven hits including four in the first, taking a 4-0 lead. Jared Schlehuber knocked in the first run with a sacrifice fly in the top of the first and followed with a solo shot in the third. However, the bats went cold against the RoughRiders bullpen, getting just one hit and no runs over the final 5.2 innings of the game. Friday, April 11: L, 2-1 vs Frisco Northwest Arkansas lost 2-1 at Arvest Ballpark thanks in large part to three Naturals errors. Both of the runs Frisco scored in the game were unearned to the result of NWA defensive miscues. NW Arkansas starter Sam Selman gave up a run in the second, when a two-out error allowed a runner to score from third. The Naturals responded with their lone run in the bottom of the third when Lane Adams trotted home after Jared Schlehuber s bases loaded walk, but the home side was shut out through the next six innings of the night. Malcom Culver (0-1) took the loss after allowing the winning run in the ninth inning. Saturday, April 12: L, 15-2 vs Frisco The Naturals were swept at home after a 15-2 drubbing by the Frisco RoughRiders. Northwest Arkansas was dominated from the first pitch, giving up ten runs through the first three innings. Naturals starter Greg Billo (0-1) was removed from the game in the third inning after giving up hits to the first three batters of the inning. In threeplus innings, Billo gave up eight earned runs on eight hits and two walks. The bullpen was not much better, throwing seven innings and giving up seven more runs. Catcher Parker Morin went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored, but rest of the NWA was ineffective striking out 12 times in the game.

15 Sunday, April 13: L, 11-6 vs Midland With an 11-6 loss to Midland, Northwest Arkansas lost their seventh straight game. The visitors got to Naturals starter J.C. Shulbaran early, tagging the right hander for six runs (two earned) on six hits, two walks and a hit batsman over the first three innings of the game. Northwest Arkansas got three runs back to make the score 7-3 through five innings of play. However, relievers Cody Fassold and Angel Baez combined to give up four unanswered runs in the next three innings, effectively putting the win out of reach. The home side responded for three more runs in the final two frames, but could not complete the comeback. Outfielder Emilio Bonifacio drove in three runs on the afternoon for the Naturals, while first baseman Mark Threlkeld had two hits, two runs and a solo homerun. Thursday, April 3: L, 7-4 vs San Antonio Springfield Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals Affiliate This Week 3-7; Overall Record: rd Place North Division Springfield opened their 10th Texas League season on Thursday, taking a 7-4 loss at the hand of the defending Texas League Champion San Antonio Missions. With 1955 Rookie of the Year and former St. Louis Cardinal Bill Virdon in attendance, Springfield fans had to wait over an hour to begin the game as rain pelted Hammons Field. Once the storm passed, Kurt Heyer (0-1) took the mound to begin the 2014 season, and immediately gave up three runs. The Cards would respond with two runs in the bottom of the third inning on a Jonathan Rodriguez double, that scored outfielders Mike O'Neill and James Ramsey. Heyer would be pulled from the game after surrendering three more runs in the fifth. Springfield offense rallied for two runs more in the bottom of the eighth on a Rodriguez solo homerun and a Patrick Wisdom-scoring RBI hit by starting shortstop Matt Williams. However, the scoring would end there as the Cardinals were held in the check in the bottom of the ninth. Rodriguez led the way at the plate for the Springfield club going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. O'Neill and Ramsey collected three and two hits, respectively. Friday April 4: W, 1-0 vs San Antonio Springfield put just one run across the plate, however a stellar outing from the Cardinals pitching staff made sure that would be enough in a 1-0 victory. The win was a true team effort, as five different Cards pitchers combined for the four-hitter, including starting pitcher Zach Petrick (1-0), who struck out eight Missions batters in five innings. The Cardinals combined to strike out fifteen Missions batters in the contest. On offense, Rafael Ortega s two-out RBI in the fourth inning helped lead the Springfield club to their first victory of the 2014 campaign.

16 Saturday, April 5: L, 6-3 vs San Antonio The Cardinals lost the opening series of the season after losing Saturday 6-3 to San Antonio. After successfully coming on in for relief of Springfield starter Seth Blair in the fifth inning, Logan Billbrough (0-1) took the loss after giving up three of the Missions four runs in the sixth. Although he was held hitless in the game, Cards second baseman Greg Miclat had two walks and a stolen base which lead to two runs scored, the second of which tied the game at two apiece in the third inning. Third baseman Patrick Wisdom was the only Springfield player to have more than one hit, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Sunday April 6: L, 5-3 vs Corpus Christi Down 5-0 in the eighth, Springfield scored three runs, but would get no closer, losing to the Hooks 5-3. Cardinals starter Sam Gaviglio (0-1) gave up four runs on five hits and four walks in his four innings on the mound. Through the next five innings the bullpen would allow just one more run. Newly signed Cuban-shortstop Aledmys Diaz, held hitless in only pinch-hit spot appearances, made the most of his first start at designated hitter going 2-for-5. His two- RBI double began the scoring in the eighth inning and he later scored on a pinch-hit single by outfielder James Ramsey. Reliever Anthony Ferrara came on for Gaviglio in the fifth and threw three scoreless innings. At the plate, nine different Springfield batters had a hit, with Diaz the only Cardinal with two. Monday, April 7: L, 8-5 vs Corpus Christi Corpus Christi handed Springfield an 8-5 loss, their fourth loss in five games. Getting the start on the mound, Jonathan Cornelius (0-1) made his first appearance for the Cardinals and gave up five runs, all earned on five hits in five innings of work. The Cards bullpen then gave up three more runs in the next four innings. Springfield batters did their best to bring home a win, as all nine starters in the lineup had a hit in the game. Leading the way for the Cardinals, outfielders James Ramsey and Rafael Ortega each had homeruns. Ortega pulled his homerun over the right field wall plating Patrick Wisdom and giving the home team a 4-3 lead after four innings. However, Corpus Christi responded in the top of the fifth by scoring two runs off Cornelius to re-take the lead for good, finishing the game scoring single runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The Cardinals were 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Tuesday April 8: L, 7-6 vs Corpus Christi (11 innings) Springfield dropped the finale of its season opening homestand in eleven innings to Corpus Christi, 7-6. After the Hooks exploded for five-runs in the ninth taking a one-run lead, the Cards bounced right back, tying the game. Mike O Neill drew a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on throwing error before an Aledmys Diaz RBI single to center field sent the game into extra innings. However, in the 11 th, defensive replacement Jiovanni Mier struck a leadoff homerun in his first at-bat of the game against Ryan Sherriff (0-1) that proved to be the game winner. In the bottom half of the 11 th, Springfield s hitters were shut down by Hooks closer Travis Ballew completing the visitors comeback win and a series sweep. Kurt Heyer got the nod on the mound for the Cards and threw seven marvelous innings of four-hit baseball, giving up just one run. Relief pitcher Ronnie Shaban was charged with all five of the Hooks ninth inning runs. Diaz and rightfielder James Ramsey combined to go 7-for-11 in the game for Springfield with a combined three doubles, three runs, and three RBIs. The Cardinals took a 3-1 lead after one inning thanks to a Ramsey double and a Diaz RBI triple, and a Jonathan Rodriguez two-run homer over the left field wall.

17 Thursday, April 10: W, San Antonio (14 innings) A triple by James Ramsey and a two-run blast by Aledmys Diaz plated three runs in the top of the 14 th inning, leading the Cardinals to an 8-5 win over San Antonio. Seven Springfield pitchers combined to give up only two earned runs out of five allowed in the game, as the Cardinals were plagued by a franchise-record six errors in the field. Trailing 3-1 in the eighth, Ramsey, the Cardinals center fielder bailed out his defense and starting pitcher Petrick, when he lined a three-run homerun over the left field wall, giving his team a 4-3 lead. Unfortunately, Cards reliever Joey Donofrio promptly gave up a game-tying double in the bottom of the inning. After three more scoreless innings of play, Cards shortstop Aledmys Diaz doubled in O Neill in the twelfth, giving the Cards their third lead of the game. Once again, the Missions responded in the bottom half of the inning to tie the contest at five apiece. In the 14 th, Ramsey and Diaz finished off the four and a half hour game with their extra-base hits, and Logan Billbrough (1-1) shut down the bottom half of the inning for the win. Diaz led the way for Cardinals going 4-for-7 with three RBIs, two runs, two doubles, and a homerun, while Ramsey hit safely three times driving in four. Friday, April 11: W, San Antonio Springfield clinched their first series win of the season with an 8-5 win at San Antonio s Nelson Wolff Stadium. Leading by only two runs in the top of the seventh inning, the Cardinals took advantage of two Missions errors, scoring twice for an 8-4 lead. In his six innings on the mound, Springfield starter Seth Blair (1-0) gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks. One night after committing six errors, the Springfield defense turned six double plays, helping prevent a San Antonio comeback. Coming in with two on and one out, closer Dean Kiekhefer got the final double play, ending the game and earning his first save of the season. James Ramsey, the Texas League leader in most major statistical categories, continued his torrid start to the season, going 2-for-3 with a homerun, two RBIs, three runs and a walk. Saturday, April 12: L, San Antonio Springfield was unable to complete the road sweep, falling to the San Antonio Missions, 3-2 at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Cardinals took an early 2-0 lead, scoring one in the second on a Patrick Wisdom RBI double and one more in the third inning when James Ramsey grounded into an RBI fielder s choice. Springfield starter Sam Gaviglio (0-1) gave up all three Missions runs in the fourth after having retired the first nine batters of the game. Sunday, April 13: L, Corpus Christi Springfield was shut out for the first eight innings en-route to a 9-1 defeat at Whataburger Field. Cards starter Jonathan Cornelius (0-2), who gave up eight runs, five earned, on eleven hitswas unable to finish the four-run, fifth inning. Springfield was outhit 14-4 in the contest. James Ramsey produced the only run for the visitors when he hit his league-leading fourth homerun of the season in the ninth inning.

18 Tulsa Drillers Colorado Rockies Affiliate This Week: 4-6; Overall Record: nd Place North Division Thursday, April 3: W, 5-4 vs. Corpus Christi (11 innings) Tulsa came back from one run down in both the ninth and eleventh innings to begin the season at ONEOK Field with a thrilling 5-4 extra innings victory. Shortstop Christian Adames hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game for the home team at 4-4. After the Hooks plated a run in the top of the eleventh to take the lead again, Tulsa catcher Tom Murphy began the Drillers comeback when he drove in Christian Adams, with a one-out grounder. With the next batter Dustin Garneau in the box for the Drillers, a wild pitch allowed second baseman Taylor Featherston to cross the plate ending the game 5-4 in an uncommon walkoff fashion. Highly rated Rockies prospect, Eddie Butler took the mound for the Tulsa squad and pitched five innings of outstanding baseball, giving up three hits and only one run. The bullpen would give up four more runs, but the offense kept the Drillers in the game with the late inning heroics led by Adames shot. Two other Drillers stroked solo homeruns, Murphy in the fourth and Garneau in the seventh both to left field. Ken Roberts (1-0) took the good luck win after ending his one inning of relief in the eleventh on a sacrifice fly double play that produced the go-ahead run for the visiting club. Friday April 4: L, 2-1 vs Corpus Christi Drillers leftfielder Tim Smalling had an excellent game at the plate going 3-for-4, including three doubles and an RBI, but his costly error in the ninth led to both Hooks' runs an a 2-1 loss to Corpus Christi. Dan Winkler, who led all of Minor League Baseball in strikeouts a season ago, got the start and was spectacular. Winkler threw 5.1 innings of two-hit baseball with five strikeouts to add to his line. Tulsa reliever Bruce Kern (0-1) took the hard-luck loss after giving up the lead on two unearned runs in the ninth. Saturday, April 5: L, 7-4 vs Corpus Christi Taking his first loss as a professional pitcher, Colorado Rockies top prospect Jon Gray (0-1) gave up four runs in a 7-4 defeat to close out the opening series of the season for the Drillers. Gray threw five strikeouts through six innings on the mound, but also gave up four runs that were set up by a homerun and a hit batsman. Eight different Tulsa batters had a hit in the loss. Down 7-2, the home side attempted a comeback, when first baseman Ryan Casteel stroked a two run homerun in the bottom of the eighth but could get no closer. Casteel went 2-for-4 in his two-rbi game. Tulsa catcher Dustin Garneau also had a solid day, scoring two of the Drillers four runs. Gray, an Oklahoma native made his first appearance for his home state club. Of the four runs Gray gave up, all came in the first three innings, with three of them earned. The powerful right-handed pitcher would calm down through the next three innings, holding the Hooks scoreless the rest of his time on the mound. Ryan Arrowood came on in relief for Gray, but could not continue the scoreless streak giving up three runs, all earned, on four hits in only one-third of an inning.

19 Sunday April 6: W, 5-1 vs San Antonio In a 5-1 Drillers victory, Tyler Anderson (1-0), the top lefthanded pitcher in the Rockies organization struck out six in five innings, while giving up one hit and one unearned run. Anderson s outing had an uneven start in the first inning when he issued a double, a walk, and uncorked a wild pitch. After his battery mate, Tom Murphy was charged with a run-scoring throwing error in the inning, Anderson calmed down through his next four, allowing only one baserunner during the rest of the way. The Tulsa bullpen was just as sharp as their starter, not giving up another hit until a Missions single in the top of the ninth inning with two outs. The Drillers bats quickly took care of the early deficit by putting two men across home in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead, one they would never relinquish. Left fielder Brian Humphries had an excellent game at the plate going 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a walk. Humphries drove in Joey Wong for what would be the decisive second run in the bottom of the first. Wong, the Drillers shortstop went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double in addition to the run. Catcher Tom Murphy and Ryan Casteel, who got the start at first, both had two-hit games. Murphy also added two runs, two RBIs, and a walk to his stat line. Christian Adames did not record a hit, but took advantage of his two times reaching first base, scoring both times. Monday, April 7: L, 5-4 vs San Antonio (11 innings) The Drillers fell to the defending Texas League champion San Antonio Missions, 5-4 in a disappointing eleven inning contest. One night removed from a two-hit masterpiece, Tulsa was looking for its second straight dominant performance from its starting pitcher and Richard Castillo did not disappoint the home fans. Castillo threw six innings of two-hit baseball, but the Missions batters would not be held to the same fate two nights in a row. Handing the ball to Kraig Sitton in the top of the seventh inning, the reliever gave up the lead when he surrendered a homerun in the eighth to tie the game at two all. The next two Drillers relievers, Nelson Gonzalez and Ken Roberts could not finish the game off, even with a resilient Tulsa lineup at the plate. After a scoreless ninth inning, San Antonio scored a run off Gonzales to take a 3-2 lead. First baseman Ryan Casteel would respond for the home team with a leadoff solo homerun to left field, tying the game once again, but his costly error in the top half of the eleventh would lead to the decisive Missions second run of the inning. Tom Murphy led off the bottom of the eleventh with his own homerun to left field. This time, though the Missions closer Johnny Barbato shut down the next three batters, handing the Tulsa club their third loss of the season. Tuesday April 8: L, 5-3 vs San Antonio A three run ninth inning bby San Antonio spoiled an excellent effort from Tulsa starting pitcher Eddie Butler as the Drillers closed out their homestead with a 5-3 loss. In the top of the final inning, reliever Scott Oberg (0-1) gave up a solo homerun to Missions first baseman Lee Orr, only his second hit surrendered in three appearances for the season. Obert would continue to struggle, giving up two runs on three hits and a wild pitch, finishing the inning with a 5-2 deficit. The Drillers hit safely three times in the bottom half of the ninth, scoring a run, but that would be all of the runs for the home team as they lost a second straight home series to open the season. Butler was outstanding, tossing seven innings with seven strikeouts. The Drillers, who scored three runs on ten hits, were led by first baseman Dustin Garneau and catcher Tom Murphy, who each had solo homeruns. Thursday, April 10: L, Corpus Christi Dan Winkler had a no-hitter through six innings, but the Drillers still fell to the Hooks, 6-0 in their road opener at Whataburger Field. Winkler (0-1), the 2013 California League Pitcher of the Year, had three strikeouts, but gave up a walk and the first Corpus Christi hit at the start of the seventh before being replaced by Carlos Hernandez. Hernandez and fellow reliever Nate Striz could not build off Winkler s success as they combined to allow four runs on five hits and two walks through two innings. While the Drillers offense was able to muster 10 hits in the game, they also struck out twelve times, including a bases-loaded strikeout that ended the top of the eighth.

20 Friday, April 11: W, Corpus Christi Tulsa erased a seven run deficit against the Corpus Christi Hooks to win Making his second start of the season, Jon Gray was chased from the game in the bottom of the first after giving up six runs and seven hits. Facing an 8-1 deficit, Tulsa rebounded with a six-run inning. Eight different Drillers reached first in the inning, including Dustin Garneau with a two-run double that plated the six and seventh runs of the game for the visitors. The Drillers finished the comeback two innings later with a three-run sixth, led by two more Garneau RBIs. After the home team scored one run to make it a one-run game, Kraig Sitton and Scott Oberg combined to throw 2.2 scoreless innings to close out the big comeback. Hitting in front of Garneau, Christian Adames went 4-for-5 with two runs scored. Saturday, April 12: L, Corpus Christi Tulsa dropped the third and final game of its series in Corpus Christi, 3-2. In his second inning of work, Tulsa reliever Cole White (0-1) took the loss when he gave up a walkoff, run-scoring single with one out in the bottom of the tenth inning. Tulsa did not record a hit until there were two outs in the sixth inning. Meanwhile, Drillers starter Tyler Anderson threw the first six innings, giving up two runs (one earned). The Drillers evened the score at two in the top of the seventh inning. In the frame, Ryan Casteel hit a sacrifice fly, plating Christian Adames for the visitor s first run, and Tyler Featherston stroked a pinch-hit single that scored Dustin Garneau with Tulsa s second and final run of the night. Sunday, April 13: W, San Antonio After surrendering three runs to san Antonio in the bottom of the first, Tulsa starter Richard Castillo (1-0) and the Drillers bullpen buckled down, shutting out the Missions over the final eight innings, while the offense chipped away until they had produced enough runs for a 4-3 win. In the top of the second, center fielder Delta Cleary, Jr. coaxed a bases loaded walk to score Ryan Casteel to cut the deficit to 3-1. Tim Smalling and Casteel then had backto-back RBI hits in the fifth that produced three runs that gave Tulsa their winning margin. Scott Oberg, who entered the game in the ninth inning, shut down the Missions, earning his second save of the season. Casteel led the Drillers comeback with two hits, a run and two RBIs.

21 South Division Notes 4/3-4/13 Thursday, April 3: L, Tulsa (11 innings) Corpus Christi Hooks Houston Astros Affiliate This Week: 8-2; Overall Record st Place South Division After taking the lead twice late in the game, the Corpus Christi Hooks took a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in a wild season opener at the Drillers' ONEOK Field. Hooks relief pitcher Travis Ballew (0-1) took the loss after giving up two runs in the bottom of the eleventh inning, including the final run on a walkoff wild pitch. Jorge De Leon blew a save opportunity in the ninth inning when he surrendered a homerun to leadoff batter Christian Adames that tied the contest at four all. The Hooks took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on left fielder Leo Heras' RBI triple to centerfield. Right fielder Andrew Aplin went 2-for-5 at the plate, with stolen bases at second and third in the sixth inning that set up Preston Tucker s RBI single that gave the visitors their second lead of the evening. Corpus Christi took their third and penultimate lead in the eighth inning when Aplin scored center fielder Delino DeShields, Jr. with a line drive to right field. Jiovanni Mier had a pinch hit, go-ahead RBI in the top of the eleventh with a sacrifice fly to center field. Friday April 4: W, Tulsa A trio of pitches limited Tulsa to just four hits, while the Hooks offense produced just enough runs for Corpus Christi to take a 2-1 win at ONEOK Field, evening the season's opening series at one apiece. Starter David Rollins, AAron West (1-0) and Alex Sogard were outstanding, holding the Drillers to a lone run and just six hits. The Hooks scored both of their runs in the top of the ninth, their rally added by a crucial dropped fly ball by Tulsa outfielder Tim Smalling.

22 Saturday, April 5: W, Tulsa Delino DeShields, Jr. paced the Hooks at the plate in a 7-4 victory, winning the rubber match of the season s opening series in Tulsa. DeShields had a monster game for the Hooks, going 2-for-3 with three runs and two stolen bases. He also reached base in two other plate appearances after being hit by twice by Jon Gray. DeShields, serving as the Hooks designated hitter in the leadoff spot, used his opportunities to his team s advantage, scoring two of his three runs after the HBP s. Leading the game 4-2 going into the seventh inning, the Hooks put the game out of reach with a three run frame. Catcher Rene Garcia started the scoring with a two-run homerun. Nolan Fontana then plated DeShields, who was on third after a stolen base and a throwing error, to put the visitors up 7-2. Luis Cruz (1-0) took the win tossing five innings while giving up the two early Tulsa runs. After the Drillers scored two more in the eighth to close within three runs, Hooks manager Keith Bodie called upon Andrew Robinson to finish the game. The bases were loaded when Robinson entered the game, but he would strike out the final Tulsa batter to end the game, earning his first save of the season. DeShields, Garcia, and Fontana all had multi-hit games and were joined by two other Hooks players who had at least two hits, right fielder Preston Tucker and first baseman MP Cokinos. Sunday April 6: W, Springfield Corpus Christi jumped out to a quick lead behind starter Thomas Shirley (1-0), and held on to win 5-3 thanks to the inning-plus save effort of Travis Ballew. The Cardinals made an attempt to comeback from a 5-0 deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning, when Hooks reliever Matt Heidenreich, who was working his third inning of relief in the game, gave up three runs to the home side. Even after Ballew took the ball, Corpus Christi still had to fight yet another rally in the bottom of the ninth. With the winning run at the plate, the closer induced a popout into foul territory to seal the series opener for the visiting Hooks. Shirley was electric in his five innings, striking out seven, while giving up just a pair of hits and one walk. He was backed by a consistent Corpus Christi offense, led by first baseman MP Cokinos and shortstop Jiovanni Meir s four combined runs batted in. Although he did not score drive in a run, third baseman Ryan Duffy collected three hits in five at-bats. The scoring for the Hooks got underway with two runs in the second inning, followed by two more runs an inning later. Cokinos had an RBI in each of the two innings, including the game s first run when he plated designated hitter Preston Tucker, who was 2-for-5, with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored in the win. Monday, April 7: W, Springfield An-all around effort from Corpus Christi gave the visiting Hooks an 8-5 win at Springfield s Hammons Field. The Cardinals took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, chasing Hooks starter Colton Cain from the game. Entering the game in relief of Cain with two outs and a runner on third, Andrew Robinson (1-0) struck out Cards batter Aledmys Diaz to escape any further damage. The Corpus bats responded to the big inning with a two-run fifth, taking a lead that they would not relinquish. Joe Sclafani got the scoring started on a bases loaded fielder s choice RBI that saw all four runners advance safely, thanks to Delino DeShields, Jr beating the throw to second. The next hitter, outfielder Andrew Aplin, grounded out, but drove in Jiovanni Meir with the go-ahead run. Including a DeShields homerun, the visitors scored a run in each of the seventh, eighth and ninth innings to give Hooks reliever Brady Rogers room to work during his four inning save. Eight different batters drove in the eight runs for Corpus Christi, while all eighteen batters in the Corpus Christi and Springfield lineups had a hit or an RBI. The difference in the game was timely hitting as the Hooks hit.300 with runners in scoring position.

23 Tuesday April 8: W, Springfield (11 innings) Corpus Christi won a wild 7-6 contest at Springfield, after scoring five in the ninth and another in the 11 th inning. Enrique Hernandez, who led the team with three hits, started the scoring in the ninth with a two-rbi ground rule double. After MP Cokinos and Joe Sclafani followed with run-scoring singles for the Hooks, the Cardinals brought in Ryan Sherriff, in an attempt to preserve the 5-5 tie. The next Corpus Christi batter, Delino DeShields Jr pushed a cheeky bunt up the first base side to score Cokinos, giving the Hooks a 6-5 lead. However, the game did not end there as Hooks reliever Jorge De Leon (1-0) allowed an Aledmys Diaz RBI single to tie the game, 6-6. After no-hits from either side in the tenth inning, Hooks third baseman Jiovanni Mier, who had come in as a defensive replacement for Sclafani, took the batter s box for his first at-bat of the day. Mier took advantage of the opportunity by launching a ball over the left-center field wall on his first pitch putting the visitors up by a run. In the bottom of the eleventh Travis Ballew gave up a leadoff single, but then shut down the Cards hitters earning his second save of the season. Thursday, April 10: W, 6-0 vs Tulsa No-hit through six innings, Corpus Christi exploded for four runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth, winning their home opener The Hooks were held hitless by Tulsa starter Dan Winkler through the first six innings. In the bottom of the seventh, the South Division leaders ended the no-hitter when outfielder Andrew Aplin drove a ball to right field ending Winkler s night. Three more Hooks hit safely in the inning, leading to four runs. The Corpus Christi pitching staff gave up ten hits and five walks in nine innings, but still managed to hold the Drillers runless. Luis Cruz (2-0) got the win after entering the game in the sixth and throwing four strikeouts through three innings. First baseman Matt Duffy led the Hooks at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a run and driving in Nolan Fontana twice for his two RBIs. Friday, April 11: L, 10-9 vs Tulsa Corpus Christi squandered a seven run lead to the Tulsa Drillers, snapping their six game winning streak when they lost to the Drillers 10-9 in front of more than 6,000 fans. The Hooks chased Drillers starter Jon Gray from the game in the bottom of the first after a Matt Duffy three-run double and Enrique Rodriguez two-run blast over the left field wall that made the score 6-0. After adding two more runs in the bottom of the third that made the score 8-1, the Hooks big lead began to evaporate. In the fourth, starter Matt Heidenreich and Andrew Robinson combined to give up six runs. Thomas Shirley replaced Robinson in the top of the sixth clinging to an 8-7 lead. Shirley (1-1) promptly gave up three decisive runs and the lead. The Hooks cut the lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth, but were held scoreless through the final three innings, taking a disappointing 10-9 loss. All nine starters hit safely in the game as part of the twelve hit affair. Saturday, April 12: W, 3-2 vs Tulsa Corpus Christi won the rubber match of its series against Tulsa in walkoff fashion, 3-2, in the bottom of the tenth inning, after Preston Tucker s single to right field scored Nolan Fontana. The Hooks had twelve hits in the game, but scored just runs in the first nine innings, leaving eleven men on base through the contest. Corpus Christi starter Brady Rogers threw five outstanding innings of no-hit baseball with five strikeouts, before exiting the game after throwing 59 pitches. Colton Cain, who followed, gave up two game-tying runs in the top of the seventh inning. After being shut out for four innings going into the bottom of the tenth, Fontana led off the Hooks inning with a double. Three batters later, Tucker struck with his game-winning hit. Alex Sogard (1-1) got the win for the home team after shutting down the Drillers lineup in order in the top of the tenth.

24 Sunday, April 13: W, 9-1 vs Springfield With their 9-1 victory, Corpus Christi got off to its best start in Hooks franchise history, a league best 8-2. Corpus Christi starter David Rollins left the game in the first inning with an injury after throwing to just one batter, however the bullpen was outstanding, limiting Springfield to just four hits over nine innings. The Hooks bats, that produced 14 hits, were just as strong, scoring early and often. Preston Tucker and Delino DeShields, Jr. each had three hits and a homerun in the win. Three other Corpus Christi batters had a multi-hit game, including Jiovanni Mier who had a three run shot over the left field wall to put the home team ahead, 8-1 in the eighth. Aaron West (2-0) earned his second win of the season, throwing five innings of one-hit ball. Thursday, April 3: Postponed vs Northwest Arkansas Frisco RoughRiders Texas Rangers Affiliate This Week: 5-4; Overall Record 5-4 3rd Place South Division After Matt Harrison threw two innings in a rehab start for his Texas Rangers' AA affiliate, lightning and tornadoes reported in the metro Dallas area ended the contest. Friday, April 4 (Game One): L, 3-1 vs Northwest Arkansas (Seven innings) After storms postponed Thursday s opener after two innings, the 2014 season officially got underway for the Frisco RoughRiders losing their opening game to the NW Arkansas Naturals, 3-1. In a pitcher s duel that saw only three hits through the first five frames, Jon Edwards (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs in the seventh and final inning of the doubleheader s first game. Luke Jackson got the nod for the RoughRiders in his return to the Frisco squad after finishing the 2013 season there. Jackson, one of the Texas Rangers top prospects did not disappoint either, throwing five innings of two-hit ball with three strikeouts. However, the visitors arms were able to match Jackson through six, keeping Frisco scoreless until the final frame. Entering the bottom of the seventh inning trailing 3-0, the Riders were able to plate a run on a NW Arkansas throwing error, were unable to do any further damage.

25 Friday, April 4 (Game Two): W, 4-2 vs Northwest Arkansas (Seven innings) Frisco was able to split the second game of the doubleheader, taking the nightcap from the Naturals, 4-2. The RoughRiders took advantage of two NW Arkansas errors to score all four of their runs in the fourth inning. After centerfielder Chris Grayson and third baseman Guilder Rodriguez led the inning off with a single and walk respectively, a botched pickoff attempt of Rodriguez at first allowed both runners to advance a base. Luis Sardinas single off the glove of Naturals pitcher Noel Arguellas and Jordan Brown s sacrifice fly brought home both base runners tying the game up at two apiece. Later in the inning, Riders rightfielder Drew Robinson reached base when Jorge Bonifacio dropped his pop fly to right, allowing Sardinas and Rougned Odor to score the game's final two runs. Frisco pitchers combined to hold the Naturals to four hits the seven innings of action. Relief pitcher Matt West (1-0) grabbed the win, while Wilmer Font earned the save after shutting down the Naturals in the seventh. Saturday April 5: L, 3-2 vs Northwest Arkansas Frisco scored a run in both the first and second innings, but fell 3-2 after being scoreless over the final seven innings. Held to just three hits in the game, Frisco failed to capitalize on opportunities in the first two innings when one more hit could have produced a few more runs versus Naturals starter Greg Billo, who issued five walks in three innings. Frisco managed just two hits after the third, being stymied by four very effective Northwest Arkansas relievers. Right hander Alec Asher (0-1) got the start for the home side, throwing 4.2 innings and taking the credit for all three earned runs. Center fielder Jake Skole had a run and a double, one of the three Riders hits. Sunday, April 6: Postponed by Rain vs Arkansas Monday, April 7 (Game One): L, 8-1 vs Arkansas (Seven innings) In the opening game of their second double header in four days, the RoughRiders were held to three hits and one run in an 8-1 loss. The Texas Rangers top overall prospect, Rougned Odor belted his first homerun of the season in the third inning to even the score at one apiece. That would be last run of the game for Frisco, as Arkansas starter Kramer Sneed frustrated the home side for six innings. The RoughRiders pitching kept the game close until the top of the seventh and final inning when the Travelers exploded for five runs. Arkansas righthander Jerad Eickoff got the ball for his first start of the 2014 season, but only pitched through three innings giving way to the bullpen which gave up seven runs on 10 hits in four innings. Jimmy Reyes (0-1) took the loss on one inning of work which included four of the seven Travs stolen bases, one of which was a double steal at home for an earned run. Monday, April 7 (Game Two): L, 3-1 vs Arkansas (Seven innings) The Riders were held to just one run for the second time on Monday, losing again to the Travelers, 3-1. The home side out hit the Travs 7-6, and the pitching staff held the visitors to only three runs after giving up eight in the first game of the doubleheader. However, Frisco could not capitalize on its opportunities, leaving seven men stranded throughout the seven innings of play. Rougned Odor scored the lone run for the RoughRiders, which came on an Arkansas wild pitch. Kyle Lotzkar (0-1) got the start for Frisco. The Canadian-born righty gave up all three runs in his four innings on the mound. While the bullpen shutout the Travelers through the next three innings, multiple baserunning blunders and the lack of timely hitting prevented any chance at a comeback rally.

26 Tuesday April 8: W, 4-2 vs Arkansas The RoughRiders were able to avoid being swept at home by Arkansas topping the Travelers, 4-2 in the final game otheir season opening homestand. After his first start was rained out after only two innings, Matt Harrison took the mound for the second time this season to continue his Texas Rangers rehab assignment. Before giving way to fellow lefthander Martire Garcia (1-0) in the fifth inning, Harrison tossed 4.2 innings with three strike outs and one run. Harrison and Garcia combined with a third southpaw, Edwar Cabrera, who threw the final 2.1 innings, to toss nine innings of six-hit baseball with nine strikeouts. While Frisco pitchers excelled, Arkansas pitchers were plagued by the blustery conditions that led to a wind-aided three-run Riders sixth. Facing Travs starter Mark Sappington, Rougned Odor began the inning with a single that dropped safely in left-field. After a fielder s choice and a walk, Frisco right fielder Drew Robinson drove in Odor when he poked a ball to left field that the wind helped push just out of reach of Travs outfielder Zach Borenstein. Three batters later, Ryan Rua singled in two more runs, giving the Riders a 4-1 advantage. Arkansas would score one more run in the eighth but Cabrera was able to prevent any more damage and closed out the ninth inning, 1-2-3, earning his first professional save. At the plate, Frisco was led by Robinson and Rua who both collected two hits in the game and combined for three of the RoughRiders RBIs. Thursday, April 10: W, NW Arkansas Powered by four two-run homers, Frisco romped to an 11-7 win over Northwest Arkansas. Drew Robinson (third inning), Jordan Brown (fifth), Ryan Rua (sixth), and Trever Adams (seventh) hit the quartet of two-run blasts helping to take starter Luke Jackson off the hook after he gave up seven earned runs in only 3.1 innings of work. Down 7-4, Phil Klein (1-0) came in to relieve the Riders starter, and was able to escape any further damage. Klein and the Frisco bullpen held the Naturals scoreless the rest of the way, throwing 5.2 innings of one-hit ball with six Ks. Still down 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Ryan Rua s two-run blast gave the visitors their first lead of the game. Robinson paved the way for Frisco by going 2-for-4 with two runs, a double, a homerun and three RBIs, while eight different RoughRiders scored in the contest. Friday, April 11: W, NW Arkansas Frisco broke a one-all tie in the top of the ninth inning to win 2-1 in Springdale, Arkansas. The RoughRiders took advantage of three NW Arkansas errors to score both runs in the game. Frisco was able to muster just four hits in the game, a tight pitcher s duel. Riders starting pitcher Nick Martinez threw five innings and gave up the only Naturals run in the bottom of the third. The bullpen shut out the home team through the final four innings on only two hits and one walk. The winning run came on a one-out sacrifice fly from starting center fielder Jake Skole that scored Trever Adams, who had reached first base earlier in the inning on a fielding error. Ryan Rua had three of Frisco s four hits in the game, while Jimmy Reyes (1-1) earned the win after throwing a scoreless eighth inning. Saturday, April 12: W, NW Arkansas Frisco took a one-sided 15-2 win at Arvest Ballpark, completing a three-game sweep of the Naturals. The RoughRiders jumped to a 10-1 lead after three innings, controlling the game from start to finish. The 15 runs are the most runs scored for the Riders since July of Winning pitcher Alec Asher (1-1) threw six innings, notching six strikeouts, while holding the Naturals to just two runs. Each RoughRider batter had at least one hit in the game and seven had an RBI. Rougned Odor led the offense with four hits in six at-bats, with four runs, a double, two homeruns and three RBIs. Chris Grayson and Ryan Rua each collected three hits, and Luis Sardinas drove three runners in to score. In addition to Odor s two homeruns, Jake Smolinski and Jordan both hit solo shots as part of the four homerun night for RoughRiders. As a team, Frisco hit 17-for-45 with five doubles, fourteen RBIs and seven walks.

27 Sunday, April 13: Postponed by Arkansas Frisco s game was postponed due to rain for the third time in ten days. Thursday, April 3: L, 20-7 vs Arkansas Midland RockHounds Oakland Athletics Affiliate This Week: 6-4; Overall Record: nd Place South Division The RockHounds began their 2014 campaign in windy conditions losing a blowout, After falling behind 8-2 after two and a half innings, Midland scored four in the their half of the third to make it an 8-6 contest. However, Arkansas exploded in the fourth scoring nine more to put the game away. Former first round draft pick Addison Russell made his Midland debut and did not disappoint the home fans. Russell collected three hits in five at-bats with a run and a stolen base. Third baseman Jefry Marte and Dusty Coleman, the Hounds second baseman, joined their fellow infielder with multi-hit games, registering two and three respectively. Righthander Drew Granier (0-1), who got the Opening Day nod for the RockHounds, was chased from the game in the second inning after surrendering the first seven runs of the contest. Nate Long and Blake Hassebrock would come on in relief for the starter. However, they would not be able to stop the bleeding giving up a combined 10 runs in 2.1 innings of work. The 20 runs are believed to be the most runs given up by a team on Opening Day. Friday April 4: W: 6-0 vs Arkansas The Midland offense continued to be productive in the second night of action, while the RockHounds pitching staff stepped up, allowing the Hounds to even their series with the Arkansas Travelers with a 6-0 win over the visitors. Zach Neal (1-0), Jeff Urlaub, and Jesus Castillo combined for the nine inning shutout while giving up only six hits and tossing eleven strikeouts. While the 'Hounds arms held the Arkansas offense in check, the Midland bats were able to chase the Travs starter Michael Roth (0-1) from the game by the third inning. Addison Russell continued his hot streak at the plate going 2-for-2 with a homerun, before being pulled from the game with a hamstring injury. Designated hitter Miles Head also drove a ball over the outfield wall, plating three runs in the game.

28 Saturday, April 5: L, 3-1 vs Arkansas The RockHounds dropped their opening series at home after losing the rubber match of a wild three games, 3-1. Two nights after their staff gave up 20 runs to Arkansas, the Midland mound staff held the Travelers to only three runs in the game, but lost due to a punchless offense. Midland starting pitcher Tanner Peters (0-1) gave up all three runs, one each in the first, fourth and sixth innings. RockHounds right hander Murphy Smith came on in relief in the sixth after Peters gave up his third and final run. Smith was spectacular through the next 3.2 innings of work, striking out six Traveler batters, while not allowing a baserunner. Billy Burns, the speedy Midland center fielder, led the way at the plate for the home side with a walk, two stolen bases and his team s lone run, which came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Addison Russell did not play a night after being placed on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Sunday April 6: W, 2-1 vs Northwest Arkansas Midland starter Raul Alcantara (1-0) threw eight marvelous innings, giving up just one run, paving the way to a 2-1 victory. The Midland bats were fairly quiet in the contest, only able to muster five hits versus two excellent Northwest Arkansas arms. One of the RockHounds handful of hits, though, was a game-deciding two-run homerun in the bottom of the eighth inning by shortstop Dusty Coleman, who is filling in for the injured Addison Russell. After the homer, Alcantara gave way in the ninth to Seth Frankoff, who got his first save of the season for Midland. Alcantara, the Oakland Athletics top rated pitcher according to Baseball America, gave up six hits and only one walk in his eight innings. Frankoff had a scare in the ninth inning, giving up a double and walk, but was able to catch the final Northwest Arkansas batter looking for the final out. Only four Midland batters, Coleman, right fielder Josh Whitaker, third baseman Jefry Marte and center fielder Chad Oberacker, who also had a double, hit safely on the afternoon. Monday, April 7: W, 8-7 vs Northwest Arkansas Midland won a close, but sloppy game at Security Bank Ballpark, 8-7 to secure the series win over the visiting Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The RockHounds pitchers gave up seven runs, but only two of them were earned in large part due to six Midland errors. Chris Jensen tossed six innings in his start for the home team, but was plagued by three errors and control issues which resulted in four Naturals runs. Ryan Dull (1-0) replaced Jensen in the seventh and gave up two more unearned runs to Northwest Arkansas, the result of a pair of errors by first baseman Max Muncy that lead to a 6-3 deficit. However, the home side would score five runs in the bottom half of the seventh to take the lead 8-6. The RockHounds scored their first two runs of the inning thanks to two errors and two wild pitches, before rightfielder Josh Whitaker doubled in the tying and go-ahead runs. Catcher Beau Taylor then drove in Whitaker to make the score 8-6. The extra run would prove to be crucial when the Naturals rallied in the ninth when the inning was extended on another Midland error, this time with two outs. A single to right field scored one run and the visitors attempted to tie the score when pinch runner Ethan Chapman streaked for home, but was gunned out at the plate, ending the game and preserving the save for Jesus Castillo. Five RockHounds had multi-hit games including Whitaker, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, a walk, two runs, solo homerun in the fourth inning in addition to the game-tying and leading double and game-saving outfield assist.

29 Tuesday April 8: W, 20-8 vs Northwest Arkansas Midland s entire lineup had a multi-hit game leading to a 20-8 thrashing of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Five days after the Hounds gave up 20 runs in their season opener to the Arkansas Travelers, they were able to reverse the number to put up 20 runs of their own. Midland struck quickly for four runs in the first and had an 8-1 lead after three innings. Midland sent 54 batters to the plate in the rout, collecting 28 hits. Josh Whitaker had four of those hits to go with four RBIs, including a two-run homerun in the bottom of the third. Beau Taylor, Miles Head, and Conner Crumblis, who was hitless coming into the contest, had three base knocks apiece. As part of his six RBI night, Max Muncy, the top rated first baseman in the Oakland Athletics organization, cranked a three-run homerun over the right field wall in the bottom of the eighth inning that concluded the RockHounds scoring. While the offense put up 20 runs, the Midland pitchers struggled throughout the night giving up eight runs on 13 hits. After taking the loss in the home opener, giving up seven runs in less than two innings, Drew Granier fared much better this time around, throwing four innings and giving up just one run. Blake Hassebrock, who relieved Granier in the top of the fifth, gave up six runs (two earned) in the sixth inning. Nate Long (1-0) took the mound in the seventh preventing any further Naturals outbursts. Thursday, April 10: L, Arkansas Midland suffered a 3-2 loss in their road opener at Arkansas after allowing a walkoff run in the bottom of the ninth. RockHounds pitching gave up eight hits and six walks in the game, but prevented any big innings by the Travs. Midland starting pitcher Zach Neal threw five innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run with five strikeouts. Neal was able to escape the first three innings allowing only one run, even though he surrendered three hits, two walks and five stolen bases, while his defense committed three errors behind him. However, the Hounds bats were quiet for most of the night, as they managed just six hits in the game. Midland shortstop Dusty Coleman continued his excellent stretch at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and a stolen base. Friday, April 11: L, Arkansas Midland fell to Arkansas, 2-1 at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. Midland got their only run of the contest when second baseman Conner Crumbliss poked a solo homerun to right field in the top of the first. Hounds starter Tanner Peters (0-2) and Jeff Urlaub combined to allow just five hits in the game, but the Midland bats were unable to back up their outstanding effort. Saturday, April 12: W, Arkansas Led by starter Raul Alcantara s (2-0) second consecutive quality start, Midland avoided a sweep at Arkansas when they crafted a 3-2 win after scoring single runs in the first, second and seventh innings. Leading 3-1, Seth Frankoff gave up a two-out run in the bottom of the ninth, but struck out the next batter, ending the game while earning his second save of the year. RockHounds hurlers combined to strike out twelve men in the game. Outfielder D Arby Meyers led the Hounds going 3-for-5, while Jefry Marte put Midland up 2-0 in the second with a homer to left. Sunday, April 13: W, NW Arkansas Midland scored seven runs in the first four innings, then held on for an 11-6 victory at Arvest Ballpark. Holding a seven-run lead going into the bottom of the third, Midland allowed the Naturals to close the gap with three runs over the next two innings. However, the RockHounds struck for four unanswered runs through the three frames to put the game out of reach. Starter Chris Jensen (1-0) earned the win after he threw 5.2 innings, giving up three runs (one earned run). At the plate, designated hitter D Arby Meyers went 4-for-4 with a triple and a homerun. In addition to his long hits, Meyers also scored three runs, had two RBIs, a walk and a stolen base. Leadoff hitter Billy Burns also swiped his league leading seventh stolen base of the season. The Hounds scored a run in six different innings, including a four-run second. Five Midland batters had multi-hit games, including Meyers four-hit afternoon.

30 Thursday, April 3: W, Springfield San Antonio Missions San Diego Padres Affiliate This Week: 5-5; Overall Record: th Place South Division The San Antonio Missions began their defense of the Texas League title in successful albeit late fashion, beating the home Cardinals 7-4 at Hammons Field. Jace Peterson led the Missions with three hits, three runs and three RBIs, while the San Antonio bullpen threw six innings of three hit ball in a rain-soaked game. After an hour and eighteen minute delay, Rymer Liriano (LF), Yeison Asencio (RF) and Austin Hedges (C) struck for consecutive two-out RBI hits in the first inning to put San Antonio up 3-0. Returning Missions starter Matt Wisler took the mound for the visitors, throwing three innings and giving up two runs. The Missions would take a commanding 6-2 lead in the top of the fifth on Peterson's three-run homerun to right-center field. After the home team struck for two runs in the eighth inning to make the contest 6-4, the Missions sent in the explosive Johnny Barbato to the hill to shut down the Cardinals in the ninth, earning his first Double-A save in the process. Asencio had two hits in the winning effort, while the San Diego Padres top overall prospect Hedges collected three. Friday April 4: L, Springfield An outstanding day from the San Antonio pitching staff was wasted when the Missions offense was shutout on just four hits. The reigning Texas League champions handed San Antonio veteran Josh Geer (0-1) the ball, however, he took the loss after allowing four runs of three hit baseball. The bullpen was a bright spot for the visitors. Justin Hancock, Matt Branham and Adys Portillo combined for four innings of two-hit relief of Geer. Saturday, April 5: W, Springfield The Missions rebounded from their loss a night earlier to take the series in Springfield with a 6-3 win. The Missions raced ahead in the top of the fourth when they rallied for four runs, scoring all four with two outs. Three Missions batters had multi-hit games, and even though he allowed 10 baserunners in his five innings of work, Devin Jones (1-0) pitche well to earn the win. The Missions offense was led by first baseman Bridger Hunt s three-hit game that included a double and run scored. Right fielder Kyle Gaedele also had a big game, collecting a pair of hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning that started the scoring. Shortstop Jace Peterson continued his stellar start to the season, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a run, an RBI, and two walks. Cory Spangenburg had a hit that pushed his hitting streak to eighteen games dating back to After losing the lead in the bottom of the fifth, the Missions offense exploded for the four runs that would cap the game s scoring. Relievers Luis De La Cruz, Jerry Sullivan, and Johnny Barbato held the lead, combining for four innings of no-hit baseball with four strikeouts. Barbato was credited with his second save in as many tries.

31 Sunday April 6: L, Tulsa The Missions Jace Peterson, one of the hottest hitters in the Texas League stroked a one-out double in the first, eventually scoring and giving the Missions a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for the Missions, that was their only hit until the top of the ninth inning, being shut down by an outstanding Drillers pitching staff, losing 5-1. Righty Justin Hancock (0-1), who got the nod on the mound for the Missions, gave up two runs on seven hits and two walks in four innings. The Drillers plated three more runs over their final four innings at the plate against the Missions bullpen. Cory Spangenberg s 18-game hitting streak, compiled over two seasons came to a close when he unsuccessfully pinch-hit in the eighth inning. Monday, April 7: W, Tulsa (11 innings) San Antonio evened the series against Tulsa with a wild eleven inning 5-4 win. One day after putting up only to two hits, San Antonio scored in the tenth and eleventh innings, then held on for the victory. After scoring a run in the top of the first, the Missions appeared to be heading towards the same fate as the night before. Drillers starter Richard Castillo settled down and did not allow a San Antonio batter to get another hit through his remaining five innings of work. The next hit, first baseman Lee Orr s homerun in the top of the eighth tied the game 2-2 for the visitors. After a scoreless ninth inning, Kyle Gaedele s double plated catcher Robert Kral to put the Missions up 3-2 in the top half of the tenth inning. San Antonio closer Johnny Barbato (1-0) blew the save opportunity when he gave up a leadoff homerun in the bottom of the tenth. However, the Missions would strike again in the eleventh by manufacturing two runs. Leadoff batter Travis Jankowski singled to left field, followed by Cory Spangenburg s sacrifice bunt. Rhymer Liriano, who drove in the game s opening run during the top of the first, then knocked in Jankowski on a groundrule double to right field giving the Missions the lead for a second time in as many innings. Liriano would score one batter later, the result of a Tulsa error, scoring what would prove to be the decisive run. Barbato returned in the eleventh, looking again to close out the game. Once again, he started the inning with a leadoff homerun, but still clinging to a one-run lead would get the next three batters out to earn his first win of the season. Tuesday April 8: W, Tulsa San Antonio topped the Drillers, 5-3, after scoring three runs in the top of the ninth, breaking open a tight pitcher s duel at Tulsa. Matt Wisler got the start for the Missions in the rubber match of the series. Wisler, the number two prospect in the San Diego Padres threw five innings, struck out seven, while only giving up just one run. San Antonio plated a run in the third and fifth innings to take a 2-1 lead. Shortstop Jace Peterson drove in Travis Jankowski for the first run, and Jared Simon scored the Missions second run when Cory Spangenberg poked a ground ball through the infield to right. With the game tied 2-2, San Antonio first baseman Lee Orr broke the tie when he blasted a homerun over the left field wall in the top of the ninth inning. The blast was the start of a threerun frame that included a pinch hit RBI double by Kyle Gaedele that scored third baseman Bridger Hunt. Reliever Dennis O Grady struggled in the bottom of the ninth, giving up three hits and a run, but closed the game and earned the save. Spangenberg and Jankowski had three hits apiece for the Missions, while Orr and Hunt hit safely twice, with Hunt scoring two times.

32 Thursday April 10: L, 8-5 vs Springfield (14 innings) San Antonio lost their home opener 8-5 to Springfield after giving up three runs in the top of the 14 th inning. San Antonio was outhit in the game, 18-9, but took advantage of six Springfield errors to take a 3-1 lead after six innings. In the top of the eighth inning, San Antonio reliever Chris Rearick gave up a three-run line-drive homerun over the left field wall that gave the Cardinals a 4-3 lead. San Antonio responded in the bottom of the inning, when first baseman Lee Orr doubled in Austin Hedges to tie the game at four apiece. After both teams were held scoreless through the next three frames, Springfield took their third lead of the game in the top of the 12 th inning when Cards shortstop Aledmys Diaz hit a run-scoring double off the Missions seventh pitcher of the night, Dennis O Grady. Once again, the home team responded, tying the game in the bottom frame on an Austin Hedges fielder s choice that scored Cory Spangenberg. In the top of the 14 th, Matt Branham (0-1) allowed the winning runs on a series of long Springfield hits, which the Missions could not replicate in the bottom half of the 14 th. Missions starting pitcher Josh Geer threw five innings and gave up just one run on four hits. San Antonio pitchers combined to notch 13 strikeouts in 14 innings. Friday, April 11: L, 8-4 vs Springfield Sloppy fielding, baserunning miscues and an offense that grounded into six doubleplays all contributed to the Missions 8-5 loss to Springfield. After Missions starter Devin Jones (0-1) gave up three runs in the first two innings for a 3-0 deficit, the home team responded with two runs of their own over the next three innings, including a Kyle Gaedele solo homerun in the third. However, the Cardinals would respond with five runs over the next three innings, then held on to top their hosts. Jace Peterson was one of the few bright spots for San Antonio, going 2-for-2 with two runs, a double, an RBI and a walk. Saturday, April 12: W, 3-2 vs Springfield San Antonio won 3-2 avoiding a sweep by Springfield in their opening series at home. Justin Hancock (1-1), who got the nod on the mound for the Missions, gave up one run in each of the second and third innings, but along with the bullpen held the Cardinals scoreless the rest of the way. San Antonio clinched the game when they scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Cory Spangenberg hit a run scoring triple, the Missions first three-bagger of the season, driving in the first San Antonio run of the game. One batter later, Shortstop Jace Peterson hit a line drive up the middle, scoring Spangenberg. Later in the inning, a wild pitch allowed Peterson to cross home with the final run in the frame. Springfield threatened in the eighth inning when they loaded the bases. However, Dennis O Grady entered the game and got a strikeout to end the threat. Johnny Barbato closed the game in the ninth, earning his league-leading third save of the season. Peterson paced the Missions at the plate going 3-for-4. Sunday, April 13: L, 4-3 vs Tulsa San Antonio fell to the Tulsa Drillers 4-3 at Nelson Wolff Stadium, losing three out of their first four home games. The Missions put three runs across the plate in the bottom of the first thanks to doubles from Cory Spangenberg, Rymer Liriano, and Austin Hedges. Unfortunately for the home side, they would not score again the rest of the afternoon, hitting just 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position through the next eight innings. San Antonio starting pitcher James Needy (0-1) was unable to make it through the fifth inning, giving up all four Tulsa runs on seven hits and two walks.

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