Texas League Newsletter

Transcription

1 Texas League Newsletter Vol. XXII, No. 18 7/28-8/3

2 Change in focus helps former top overall pick Mark Appel get set for Hooks debut By George Vondracek -- Corpus Christi Caller-Times -- 7/29/14 CORPUS CHRISTI - Mark Appel has been in a fight for most of the season, and it is one in which he has taken more than his share of blows. The Astros No. 1 draft pick out of Stanford in 2013, Appel s anticipated arrival in Corpus Christi was delayed by a bout with appendicitis before spring training. Then there was a return trip to Houston s spring training facility in Florida for refinement and treatment of tendinitis in his throwing (right) wrist, with a veritable rough 11 starts thrown in between for High-A Lancaster in the hitter-happy California League. After an adjustment in focus, though, Appel was rewarded with his best start with the JetHawks last Thursday. With it, the 23-year-old earned an almost immediate promotion to the Hooks, for whom he will start Wednesday s game against San Antonio. It was just kind of almost a surrender, Appel said Tuesday. I think I was trying to fight a lot of things. It was all personal, fight the circumstance that I was in, fight the struggles that I was having. I think once I surrendered that and said, You know what, it s happened, I can t change that. The only thing I can do is move forward. I think that s really when things started to turn around. It was a quick turnaround. The 6-foot-5 Appel limited Stockton to two runs on five hits in six innings with seven strikeouts. By far, it was his best High-A outing and illustrated why Houston took him first overall last June and gave him a $6.35 million signing bonus. And despite his 9.74 ERA and 2-5 record, the Astros moved him to Double-A on Saturday. Obviously, not having the results you re looking for is disappointing, Appel said. I m not someone to shy away from that. I have high expectations for myself and expect to go out and give the team a chance to win every single time I take the mound. I didn t do that much in Lancaster. But I think over the last couple of weeks I ve really been putting my focus in the right places. Whatever happened in the past happened. I can t control that anymore. Really, I m moving forward. I m doing the things that I feel confident will help me be successful here at this level and going forward. For full article, go to:

3 Switch-hitting Trav makes switch By Troy Schulte -- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette -- 7/30/14 By some measures, Kaleb Cowart has done well in his second season at Class AA. The Arkansas Travelers' third baseman is among the team leaders in runs, RBI and stolen bases, but his batting average has been a cause for concern for Cowart and Travs coaches, which has led to a recent experiment. Cowart entered Tuesday's game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals hitting.229 through 100 games, and he is hitting.224 in his two seasons at Class AA. The 848 at-bats since arriving in Arkansas last year is a large enough sample size to realize something had to change, Arkansas Manager Phillip Wellman said. In an attempt to redirect a career that was trending the wrong direction, Cowart has abandoned hitting right-handed and has concentrated solely on hitting left-handed for the past 11 games. "Something had to change," Cowart said Tuesday. "It wasn't going well. I had some success, but not the success I wanted for the entire year. It was just really inconsistent." Cowart entered the Los Angeles Angels organization in 2010 as a first-round draft pick, highly touted as a switch -hitting third baseman with speed and solid defense. He was ranked in 2013 as the organization's No. 1 prospect by Baseball America and started this season ranked third. Cowart hasn't found his rhythm as a switch hitter at Class AA, and after consultation with Wellman, Angels field coordinator Mike Micucci and assistant general manager Scott Servais, he began hitting strictly left-handed July 18 when the Travs opened a series at Tulsa. The decision relieves Cowart of a mental burden, and although he is a natural right-hander who started switch-hitting when he was 12, Wellman said Cowart is a more valuable prospect as a left-handed-hitting third baseman than as a right-handed-hitting third baseman. "If you keep hitting.220, the end's going to come," Wellman said. "At some point in time guys are going to pass you up. It's just the business and the nature of the game. You hit.220 two or three years in a row, the next thing you know you're a utility player." Since making the switch, Cowart is batting.321 with 8 RBI over 11 games. He went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and hit a three-run triple in the eighth inning Monday night. For full article, go to:

4 Casteel comes back strong Tulsa slugger on a tear since returning from fractured cheekbone By Todd Traub -- Special to MiLB.com -- 7/29/14 Opposing pitchers may be regretting Ryan Casteel's injury more than he is. Since suffering a fractured cheekbone July 11 and returning just eight days later, the Tulsa catcher/first baseman has been on a tear. "I'd like to think every night I'm focused just to try to help the team," said Casteel, among the Teaxas League leaders with a.282 average, 14 home runs and 46 RBIs. "Maybe I'm a little more focused now, but I'd like to think I'm focused every night." Casteel was injured while sliding into second base on a fourth-inning double against Arkansas. The throw from outfielder Maikol Gonzalez skipped past the middle infielder and hit Casteel in the right cheek. Casteel stayed in the game after being examined, but it wasn't easy. "It was painful," Casteel said. "I knew we were limited with our catching -- if something happened to the catcher, I would have had to [take over] -- so I had to stay in. I had no choice." As the pain continued to set in after the game, Casteel went to the hospital and was there until early morning getting X-rayed. He was diagnosed with damage to the sinus cavity and told he would miss four to six weeks. But Casteel sought a specialist, who told him the damage wasn't as bad as originally thought and that he could do no further harm by playing. With that information, Casteel returned from the DL and began an eight-game stretch in which he went 12-for-33 with three home runs -- including two in one game -- and eight RBIs. "It was a big relief," Casteel said. "Any time you get hurt it's disappointing, so it was good to get back." Casteel could have signed with the University of Tennessee but had second thoughts and opted instead for Cleveland (Tenn.) State Junior College, in the same town where he played for Bradley Central High School. For full article, go to: =news_l109&sid=l109

5 Naturals Spotlight: RHP Christian Binford By Northwest Arkansas Naturals PR Department -- 7/31/14 SPRINGDALE, AR - Naturals' starting pitcher Christian Binford is a 6'6" 217 lb. right-hander who has burst upon the scene in the Kansas City Royals organization. The 21-year-old born in Hagerstown, Maryland is having a fantastic 2014 season and is on the fast track to the big leagues. Binford was drafted by the Royals in the 30 th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania, where he stood out as a high school pitcher. As a freshman, the intimidating righty threw a no-hitter in his first high school start back in And after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2009, he pitched to a 0.64 ERA in an impressive senior campaign. After weighing his options, Binford decided to sign with the Royals and pass on the opportunity to play at the University of Virginia. Since then, Binford has thrown more like a 1 st round draft pick throughout the minors. In 2012, he made eight rookie ball starts for the Burlington Royals of the Appalachian League, compiling a 2.03 ERA over 40 innings pitched. Last season, he went 8-7 for low-a Lexington with a 2.67 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 135 innings. He began the 2014 season in high-a Wilmington, going 5-4 over 14 starts with a 2.40 ERA and 92 strikeouts over 82.2 innings pitched. The late-round stand out was called up to Northwest Arkansas in early July, making his first start for the Double-A club on July 5 th and earning the win. He has made 5 starts for the Naturals, going 3-1 with an outstanding 2.15 ERA over the first 29.1 innings with the team. Upon arriving with the Naturals, Binford was rewarded for his outstanding efforts when he was selected to represent the Royals at the MLB Futures Game taking place during the MLB All-Star break at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Not surprisingly, the right-hander cruised through a perfect inning in the third, striking out a batter in the process. For full article, go to: =news_t1350&sid=t1350

6 Shift work: Defensive moves changing the minor leagues By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 7/30/14 He was a teammate of Stan Musial's, won a World Series against the Mickey Mantle-led Yankees and later managed Nolan Ryan. So what does Springfield's Bill Virdon, 83, make of baseball employing defensive shifts, including the Springfield Cardinals' odd-ball looking one? Because, from his seat behind the backstop at Hammons Field, it's nothing he faced in his 18 years playing or 13 seasons as a big-league manager: Springfield's second baseman more regularly plays on the shortstop side of the bag, hoping to ward off singles up the middle. "I'm not sure it's right, and I'm not sure it's wrong," Virdon said before chuckling. "I guess if you win, that's good." Overall, call it Shift Work these days as defensive shifts have migrated to the minor leagues, with the Cardinals and a few other teams employing the strategy in the Texas League. The strategy is simple: Take away hits. In the big leagues over the past two years mainly, to thwart left-handed pull hitters managers position the second baseman shallow in right field, move the shortstop across the bag and station a third baseman in the shortstop's regular spot or at the bag. That strategy hasn't been seen at Hammons Field this season. But it's a different story when it comes to the Springfield club. Over the past month, manager Mike Shildt often directed his second basemen to within 10 to 15 feet of shortstop Alex Mejia. It's robbed right-handed batters of hits. It's also influenced from technology. Computer-driven data now carries each hitter's spray chart, which shows tendencies. For full article, go to:

7 Ramsey leaves behind a rare legacy for Double-A Cards By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 7/30/14 All he wanted was to leave Springfield the Double-A Cardinals and the community a better place. That was prospect outfielder James Ramsey's goal even before opening day. Saying in April that, "Not playing in the playoffs is something that's really gotten under my skin," he went on a personal mission to try to make it happen, even crashing into an outfield wall in trying to make a specatcular catch. Along the way, he volunteered for almost anything and everything in the club's community outreach. In fact, he once took lead in wrangling teammates for an early season trip to the Miracle League Field, a baseball field designed for disabled children. However, Ramsey cleaned out his Springfield Cardinals locker for the final time Wednesday night at Hammons Field, hours after St. Louis traded him to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a big-league starting pitcher, right-hander Justin Masterson. "I felt like I wasn't going to have that much longer here, a month or so, but you always have that in mind what you're leaving outside the white lines or inside the clubhouse," Ramsey said. "You can say this about the whole Cardinals organization in my time here. You're going to be left with the relationships most of all. "And all the stuff that happens on the field is great, but the more impactful life lessons and friends you gain are going to be the toughest to leave." Masterson, scheduled to start Saturday for St. Louis, fits the Cardinals mold: He's a veteran ground-ball pitcher. Plus, if his addition is the only deadline deal for the Cardinals, it's clear St. Louis will soldier on with a Jekyll-and-Hyde offense and retool after the season. Ramsey, who returned here this season and became.300 hitter with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs, became expendable because St. Louis is flush in outfielders, from Double-A to St. Louis. For full article, go to:

8 Matthes a hitting machine for RockHounds By Adam Zuvanich -- Odessa American -- 7/31/14 MIDLAND Scores of great hitters have come through the Texas League, which has been part of minor league baseball since Only 21 men have put on a hitting display like the one Kent Matthes put on last weekend in Corpus Christi. Matthes, a 27-year-old outfielder for the Double-A Midland RockHounds, drove in nine runs in Saturday s 10-4 win against the Hooks. It was the most RBIs in a Texas League game since 2008, and left Matthes one RBI shy of the single-game team record and seven shy of the league record set in The stars have to align, Texas League president Tom Kayser said Thursday at Security Bank Ballpark, where the RockHounds started a season-long 10-game homestand with a 6-1 win against the Hooks. We ve had a ton of good players in this league Hank Greenberg and Paul Konerko and Mike Trout, either guys in the Hall of Fame or will probably be in the Hall of Fame. And they haven t done it. Matthes rare feat wasn t enough to earn him the league hitter of the week award selected by Kayser that honor went to Frisco slugger Joey Gallo but it started a stretch that was even more rare in the 43-year-old history of the Midland franchise. Matthes homered twice in his nine-rbi game and also went deep in each of the next three games, becoming the first Midland player to homer in four consecutive games. Matthes smacked a grand slam in Thursday s win, giving him six homers and 19 RBIs in his last six games. It s all a product of Matthes finally finding his groove after a season full of struggles and slumps and a nagging lower back injury that led to two stints on the disabled list. Matthes said he s now healthy and has gotten my swing back after making some minor adjustments at the plate with RockHounds hitting coach Webster Garrison. I think it s kind of coming together, Matthes said. I m hoping to obviously stay healthy for the remainder of the season, and also continue to get better each day and keep progressing. For full article, go to:

9 Maxwell looking to make his mark in Midland By Justin Lee Odessa American -- 8/2/14 Just a handful of baseball players have ever made it from the Division III collegiate level up to the major leagues. One of the RockHounds' newest additions, catcher Bruce Maxwell, is trying to make that tremendous climb right through Midland. So far, Maxwell has been steady in his ascension, arriving in Midland on July 23 after starting the season in Advanced-A Stockton, and having spent no more than a season at any previous stop within the Oakland A's farm system. "It's just a drive," Maxwell said Saturday before Midland's game against Corpus Christi at Security Bank Ballpark. "Regardless of what level you play baseball at, if you're good enough, they'll find you." That held true for Maxwell, as A's scouts were able to find him coming out of Birmingham Southern and draft him the second round of the 2012 MLB draft. "I go out there every day with my last name on my back but also the label of my school on my back as well," Maxwell said. "Whenever there's days I don't want to do it myself, I think about all the people that supported me back there in D-III and what I used to do. It kind of keeps me in drive because I know I'm capable of conquering this game." But in order to do it, Maxwell will have to improve his play behind the plate. Maxwell says he has been playing catcher for just three years, after moving there during his final season in college. In Midland, that will be the 23-year-old's primary goal. And the RockHounds will provide all the tools he needs to make it happen, says manager Aaron Nieckula a former catcher himself. "I'm looking forward to working with him, just like I do anybody else, but being a catcher, I was a former catcher, that's kind of my area of expertise," Nieckula said. "We're just going to try to get him in, get him better, and hopefully finish the season strong. He's done some good things up to this point from what I've observed so far." For full article, go to: 001a4bcf6878.html

10 Rangers rookie Jake Smolinski savors big leagues after seven years in minors By Stefan Stevenson -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram -- 8/2/14 The life of a major league baseball player is, of course, as glamorous and cool as you d expect. But a move to the majors doesn t magically change a minor leaguer s lifestyle overnight. Texas Rangers rookie Jake Smolinski can attest to that. He s been living out of a hotel room since he was called up from Double A Frisco on July 7. And we re not talking the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, to name two of the high-end hotels the team stays at on the road. No, Smolinski, the 25-year-old outfielder who is experiencing his first taste of the big leagues after seven years in the minors, has been staying at the Fairfield Inn when the team is in town. Most of his worldly possessions are still packed in his 2007 Chevy Silverado that he drives to Globe Life Park every day. Not that Smolinski is complaining. Far from it. He s living a childhood dream since growing up playing baseball (and most other sports, including high school quarterback) in Rockford, Ill., which is about 86 miles northwest of Chicago. But the life isn t easy for young players trying to find their way in the big leagues. For the 2014 Rangers, who ve been hit with an unprecedented rash of injuries, there has been a steady stream of wide-eyed minor leaguers joining the team to help fill out the depleted roster. If there s one silver lining during this disappointing season, it s the long look and big league experience that players such as Smolinski, Daniel Robertson and Roman Mendez have been afforded. Smolinski has been on the disabled list since July 25 (retroactive to July 22) since fouling a ball off his left foot, which caused a small crack and bone bruise. But he was impressive in 11 games before the injury. He was batting.389 with 14 hits and five RBIs. He set a club record with eight hits in his first four games, including three doubles. He also made several diving catches in left field. For full article, go to:

11 Bedrosian's son dominating Texas League By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 8/2/14 The beard isn't much different than his dad's. You may remember him Steve Bedrosian, a feared big-league closer of the 1980s who won the 1987 National League Cy Young award. "That's pretty much what I was going for," Cam Bedrosian said late Saturday night at Hammons Field, rubbing his beard. "I've seen it since I was growing up. I'm trying to imitate him." Actually, he's doing a pretty good job of imitating his dad on the mound, too. At least as a Double-A Texas League version of his dad. Bedrosian is in town this weekend working in relief for the Arkansas Travelers, whose bullpen has foiled the Springfield Cardinals in the first three games of a four-game set. Saturday, Arkansas sent Springfield to an 8-5 loss before 6,658 but gave Bedrosian, their closer, a breather. Then again, he's a menace to more than only the Cardinals. Of the 134 minor league batters Bedrosian has faced this season including an early season stint in the high Class A California League the right-hander has struck out 72 of them. That's almost an astounding 54 percent. Want more? Some 44 batters have struck out against him in the past 23 innings, missing his 97 mph fastball or wicked slider. "In my opinion, and most people's opinion, he's big-league ready," said Arkansas manager Phillip Wellman, a longtime manager and coach in the minors. "He just needs a spot." Added Wellman, "Raised right. I think his dad had a very big influence on him." An older generation likely remembers Steve Bedrosian. He pitched 14 seasons in the big leagues through 1995 and was on three playoff teams the 1982 Braves, the NL pennant-winning Giants in 1989 and the World Series champion Twins in "Since I was a little kid, he's been there teaching me everything he knows," said Cam, a 2010 first-round selection of the Angels. "He's my teacher, mentor. I talk to him every other day and what I'm working on and what he can help with. He's always got some pointer." For full article, go to:

12 Texas League Player of the Month, July CF/2B Cory Spangenberg, San Antonio Missions.385 AVG (47-for-122), 20 runs, 8 RBI, 1 HR, 11 2B, 2 3B, 8 SB, 14 XBH, 63 TB,.419 OBP,.533 SLG,.951 OPS San Antonio utility man Cory Spangenberg returned from a nearly three-month stint on the DL in a big way, earning Texas League Player of the Month awards for a consistent July in which he led Double-A with 47 hits, 11 doubles and a.385 batting average. In 28 games last month, Spangenberg also paced the Texas League with 20 runs, 14 extra-base hits, and 65 total bases. The Clarks Summit, Pennyslvania, native also posted two triples, eight stolen bases, a.419 onbase percentage, a.533 slugging percentage, and an OPS of.951 in his impressive and productive month. Rotating between centerfield and second base, Spangenberg hit safely in 24 of his 28 games. He led the league with 18 multi-hit games and 11 games with an extra-base hit. Spangenberg produced a remarkable 14-game hitting streak from July 15th through the 29th. During that 14- game stretch, the left-handed batter also manufactured a streak of six games in which he had more than one hit, leading San Antonio to a 5-1 record in those contests. With consistent success throughout July, Spangenberg raised his batting average 82 points to.353 this season.

13 The Padres selected Spangenberg with their first round pick of the 2011 draft out of Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida where he was the Florida Junior College Player of the Year. After a successful 2011 season, both Topps and Baseball America selected him as a Short- Season All-Star. In 2012 and 2013, Spangenberg was selected to play in two straight California League All-star games. Prior to the 2014 season, Baseball America rated Spangenberg as the Padres number-11 prospect.

14 Player of the Week, July 28-August 3 OF Kent Matthes, Midland RockHounds.375 AVG (9-for-24), 5 runs, 11 RBI, 4 HR, 2 2B, 6 XBH, 4 BB, 23 TB,.464 OBP,.958 SLG, OPS After an incredible week in which he hit four homeruns, one of which was his fourth grandslam of the season, Kent Matthes earned Texas League Player of the Week honors. In addition to his four homers, Matthes led the league with 11 RBIs, a.958 slugging percentage and OPS of In seven games played last week, the Florence, South Carolina native went 9-for-24, adding two doubles, while scoring five times. Six of his nine hits last week were for extra-bases. Hitting safely in five games, Matthes improved his batting average 17 points to.240. His biggest output came in the 'Hounds 8-6 win over Frisco. Matthes went 3-for-4 with a double, homerun, two runs scored and three RBIs. His biggest moment, though, came a few nights later on July 31st during Midland's 6-1 win against Corpus Christi. In the fifth inning, with the RockHounds clinging to a 2-1 lead, Matthes put the game out of reach when he blasted a grandslam to left field. The slam was third in 14 days, and his 12th homerun in only 54 games this season. This is Matthes' first career Player of the Week award. After five seasons with the Colorado Rockies organization and two previous stints in the Texas League, the Oakland Athletics claimed Matthes off waivers on March 20th of this year. While in the Rockies organization, he was named the 2011 California League MVP.

15 Pitcher of the Week, July 28-August 3 RHP James Needy, San Antonio Missions 1-0 (W-L), 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 7 Innings Pitched, 0 run, 0 earned run, 0 hits, 0 walks, 7 K's,.000 BAA San Antonio right-hander James Needy tossed the first seven innings of the Missions no-hit win over Corpus Christi on July 30th, earning Texas League Pitcher of the Week honors. In the Missions' 6-0 victory, the San Diego native did not give up a base hit or issue a walk, while striking out seven. There was just one baserunner during Needy's nearly perfect outing, the result a throwing error in the sixth. The play was initially ruled a base hit, but it was reviewed after the game and changed to an error after a discussion with the first base umpire. A pair of Missions relievers, Frank Garces and R.J. Alvarez, preserved the no-hit win with two innings of perfect baseball. The no-no was San Antonio s first since June of 1984 when another trio of Alamo City pitchers, Vance Lovelace, Brian Piper and Steve Martin tossed a no-hitter in a San Antonio Dodgers 1-0 win over Beaumont. Coincidentally, Needy's pitching coach Jimmy Jones was a member of that 1984 Beaumont club. The Padres selected Needy with their sixth round pick of the 2009 Draft out of Santana High School in San Diego, California. This is Needy's second award after he earned TL Pitcher of the Week honors for the week ending June 30th of this year. The righty was also selected to this season's Texas League All-Star game in Little Rock.

16 North Division Notes 7/28-8/3 Monday, July 28: W, 9-3 vs Northwest Arkansas Arkansas Travelers Los Angeles Angels Affiliate This Week: 5-1; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 1 st Place South Division With a 9-3 victory over Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas third baseman Kaleb Cowart and the Travs offense provided Angels rehabber C.J. Wilson enough run support to win his first MiLB appearance in eight years. Cowart, with three hits and four RBIs, led the Travelers' 15-hit, nine-run explosion. In 5.1 innings, Wilson (1-0) gave up two runs on four hits, while striking out seven. Arkansas produced single runs in the first and second, then added a pair in the third. In the first, Maikol Gonzalez stroked a leadoff single, stole second, advanced to third on a walk, then came home when Jett Bandy grounded into a double play. Cowart led off the second with a base hit to right, then came home when Michael Snyder followed with an RBI double to left. In the third, with the game tied 2-2, Brian Hernandez, Bandy, and Matt Long loaded the bases with consecutive singles to lead off the frame. Cowart followed with a sacrifice fly to center that brought home Hernandez with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Bandy gave the Travs a 4-2 advantage when he scored from second after Adam Melker reached on a fielding error. The Travelers continued their onslaught with single runs in the fifth and seventh. In the fifth, Long poked a leadoff double, moved to third on a passed ball, then came home after Snyder lofted a sac fly to right. In the seventh, Eric Stamets extended the Travs lead to 6-2 when he stroked an RBI double to right. In the bottom of the eighth, Arkansas plated their final three runs when Kaleb Cowart cleared the bases with a three-run triple to right field. Long and Cowart led the Arkansas attack with three hits, while Cowart led the winners in run production, scoring twice and knocking in four. Tuesday, July 30: L, 3-1 vs Northwest Arkansas After Arkansas plated a run on two hits in the first, the Travelers were held to just three hits through the remaining eight innings, falling to Northwest Arkansas, 3-1. In the first, Drew Heid singled, advanced to second on a groundout, then crossed home when Matt Long stroked an RBI double to right field. Travelers starting pitcher Kramer Sneed (6-9) was unable to hold the slim lead in his five innings, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks. Buddy Boshers followed with a scoreless sixth, ahead of Jairo Diaz, who kept the Naturals off the board in the seventh and eighth. Michael Brady finished for the Travs with a perfect ninth. Unfortunately for the home club, the outstanding relief was for naught as the offense put just one more runner in scoring position after the first. At the plate, Heid led the Travs with two of their five hits in the game. Wednesday, July 30: Postponed by Rain vs Northwest Arkansas Wednesday's game versus Northwest Arkansas was postponed due to rain. It will be rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on August 24th.

17 Thursday, July 31: W, Springfield Entering the seventh, trailing 2-0, Arkansas exploded, scoring six runs over the final three innings, blowing past Springfield 6-2. After Travelers starting pitcher Orangel Arenas gave up two runs on six hits in six innings of work, Arkansas began their comeback in the seventh. Jett Bandy led off the frame with a walk ahead of Michael Snyder, who tied the game 2-2 with a two-run homerun to left field, his third of the season. One inning later, Mike Bianucci brought home Brian Hernandez with the go-ahead run when he poked an RBI triple to center. In the ninth, Arkansas pulled away with three more runs. With one out, Eric Stamets doubled to right, then came home when Adam Melker followed with an RBI single. With two outs in the inning, Kaleb Cowart put the finishing touch on the comeback win when he stroked a pinch-hit, two-run single to left. On the mound, Kevin Johnson (3-3) earned the win with a perfect seventh. After Cam Bedrosian held the Cards off the board in the eighth, Trevor Gott closed out the win with a scoreless ninth. Cowart and Snyder led the Travs with two RBIs apiece, while Stamets had two of Arkansas' nine hits in the win. Friday, August 1: W, Springfield Although Arkansas was outhit 9-8 by Springfield, the Travelers used clutch hitting and four double plays to produce a 4-1 win at Hammons Field. Arkansas built a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and third. Maikol Gonzalez led off the game with a single. After consecutive singles advanced him to third, he crossed home with the first run of the game when Mike Bianucci lofted a sacrifice fly to center. In the third, Alex Yarbrough gave the Travs their two-run lead when he stroked an RBI single to right. Entering the eighth, ahead 2-1, Arkansas plated one run in both of the final two frames. In the eighth, Yarbrough brought home his second run of the contest when he drilled an RBI triple to left. One inning later, Bianucci produced the final run of the game when he poked a leadoff homerun to center field. Travelers starting pitcher Drew Rucinski (10-4), who gave up just one unearned run on seven hits in his six innings of work, becoming just the second TL pitcher this year to earn his 10 th win. After Danny Reynolds tossed an inning and two-thirds of scoreless ball, Jairo Diaz recorded the final out of the eighth. Cam Bedrosian then preserved the win with a spotless ninth, earning his 15 th save of the season. Yarbrough, who had a pair of RBIs, led Arkansas with three of their eight hits. Saturday, August 2: W, Springfield In the Travs 8-5 win at Springfield, Arkansas scored four runs in the second and three more in the fifth, building a 7-2 lead they would not relinquish. In the four-run fourth, Matt Long stroked a leadoff single, stole second, moved to third on a flyout, then crossed home with the tying run when Drew Heid reached on a fielder s choice. Later in the inning, Maikol Gonzalez broke the stalemate with a two-run double to left, then came home with the final run of the frame when Alex Yarbrough followed with an RBI single to left. In the fifth, Matt Long gave the Travelers a 7-2 lead when he poked a three-run homerun to right field, his second this season. One inning later, Arkansas continued their onslaught when Brian Hernandez brought home Eric Stamets with the Travs final run when he lifted a sacrifice fly to center. On the mound, Buddy Boshers (1-3) earned his first Double-A win after allowing two runs on three hits in five innings, while striking out six. After Carmine Giardina gave up two more runs in 2.1 innings, Michael Brady gave up an unearned run in the eighth before getting the final four outs that sewed up the win. Gonzalez, Hernandez, Long, Stamets and Mike Bianucci each had a pair of the Travs 12 hits in the game.

18 Sunday, August 3: W, Springfield In his Double-A debut, Arkansas starter Tyler DeLoach and a pair of relievers combined to toss a 5-0 shutout win at Springfield. DeLoach (1-0) was outstanding for the Travs, giving up just two hits in his five innings. After Kevin Johnson pitched two scoreless frames, Jairo Diaz closed out the win with two spotless innings in the eighth and ninth. In the fourth, Mike Bianucci drove in Alex Yarbrough with the first run of the game with a single to right. With two outs in the frame, Jett Bandy gave Arkansas a 4-0 lead when he belted a three-run homerun to left field, his 10 th of the season. One inning later, Eric Stamets singled to right, advanced to third on a base hit, then came home with the final run of the game when Yarbrough singled to right. Northwest Arkansas Naturals Kansas City Royals Affiliate This Week: 3-3; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 2 nd Place South Division Monday, July 28: L, Arkansas In a 9-3 loss to the Travelers, Arkansas had their way with Northwest Arkansas pitching, battering five Naturals hurlers for 15 hits, while scoring runs in six different innings. Starter Matthew Murray (0-4) was touched for four runs on six hits in just three innings followed by Angel Baez, who allowed another run in two frames. After Ali Williams stopped the bleeding with a scoreless sixth, Blake Wood then gave up the Travs final four runs in the seventh and eighth. Northwest center fielder Justin Trapp scored the Naturals first two runs, crossing the plate in the first and third. In the first, Trapp singled, moved to second on a walk, then scored when Cheslor Cuthbert singled to center. In the third, trailing 2-1, Trapp knotted the score when he poked a leadoff homerun to left, his fourth of the season. The Naturals would not score again until the eighth inning when Parker Morin walked, moved to third on consecutive singles, then came home with their final run after Orlando Calixte lifted a sac fly to center field. Trapp, Cuthbert and Jorge Bonifacio paced the Naturals, each with two of their eight hits.

19 Tuesday, July 30: W, Arkansas After allowing a run on two hits in the first inning, Northwest starting pitcher Andy Ferguson and a pair of relievers combined to limit the Travs to just three hits the rest of the way, pacing the Naturals to a 3-1 win at Arkansas. Ferguson (8-9) tossed six total innings, allowing just one hit after the first, while striking out six. In the third inning, the Naturals took a 2-1 lead when Orlando Calixte drilled a two-run single to left. Two innings later, Mitch Maier scored the Naturals final run of the game when he coaxed a one-out walk, moved to second on another walk, then crossed home when Hunter Dozier singled to center. In relief, Sam Selman, who did not allow a run in the seventh and eighth, was followed by Andrew Triggs (S, 17), who earned his TL-leading 17th save of the season with a spotless ninth. Maier scored a pair of Northwest's runs, while drove in two of the Naturals three runs. Wednesday, July 30: Postponed by Arkansas Wednesday's game at Arkansas was postponed due to rain. It will be rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on August 24th. Thursday, July 31: L, Tulsa In Northwest Arkansas' 6-3 loss at Tulsa, Naturals starting pitcher J.C. Sulbaran (7-8) gave up all six Drillers runs on 10 hits in just three innings of work. At the plate, the Naturals were held scoreless until Cheslor Cuthbert stroked a three-run homerun in the eighth inning, the only runs that Northwest would plate in the game. The homer was the 10th of the season for Cuthbert, who also had two of Northwest Arkansas' six hits in the game. On the mound, Malcom Culver, Mark Peterson and Blake Wood followed Sulbaran and tossed a combined five innings of scoreless baseball, while striking out seven. Friday, August 1: W, Tulsa Northwest Arkansas third baseman Orlando Calixte paced the Naturals to a 4-3 win over Tulsa with two hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Northwest starting pitcher Christian Binford registered mixed results in his six innings, giving up three runs on five hits. In the fifth inning, trailing 2-0, Calixte broke up the Drillers no-hit bid when he poked a leadoff homerun to left, his ninth of the season. One inning later, the Naturals took the lead, scoring a pair of runs on two hits, three walks and a wild pitch. Mark Threlkeld led off the sixth with a single to right, moved to second when Parkin Morin walked, advanced to third on a sac bunt, then dashed home on a wild pitch. Later in the inning, Cheslor Cuthbert knotted the score, 3-3, when he stroked an RBI single to center. In the eighth, Calixte completed the comeback when he brought home the go-ahead run with an RBI single to center. On the mound, Sam Selman (4-6) followed Binford with a perfect seventh inning. After Matthew Murray held Tulsa off the board in the eighth, Andrew Triggs tossed a scoreless ninth, preserving the win, while earning his league-leading 18 th save of the season. At the plate, Calixte and Threlkeld paced Northwest Arkansas, each with two of their seven hits. Saturday, August 2: L, Tulsa After Northwest Arkansas had knotted the score 3-3 with a pair of runs in the top of the eighth, Blake Wood (0-1) gave up a leadoff homerun in the bottom of the frame that sent the Naturals to a 4-3 loss at Tulsa. The Naturals took a 1-0 lead with a run in the first when Cheslor Cuthbert brought home Angel Franco with an RBI single to center. After Northwest Arkansas starting pitcher Sam Selman gave up two runs on three hits in five innings, Ali Williams gave up a run in the seventh that put the Naturals in a 3-1 hole. In the top of the eighth, Jorge Bonifacio tied the game when he ripped a two-run single to right. Unfortunately for the Naturals, Wood was unable to keep Tulsa off the board in the bottom of the inning, and NWA hitters were unable to tie the score in their final efforts in the top of the ninth.

20 Sunday, August 3: W, Tulsa Northwest Arkansas starting pitcher Alex Ferguson and a trio of relievers paced the Naturals to a three-hit, 3-0 shutout win at Tulsa. Ferguson (9-9) tossed the first six shutout innings, allowing just two hits, while striking out five. Angel Baez, in the seventh, Sam Selman, in the eighth, and Andrew Triggs (S, 19), in the ninth completed the win with three spotless innings of relief. In the sixth, Ethan Chapman gave the Naturals a 1-0 lead when he poked a leadoff homerun to right, his first of the season. In the ninth, Orlando Calixte gave the pitching staff breathing room when he drilled a two-run homer to left, his tenth this year. Cheslor Cuthbert paced the Naturals with three of their seven hits, while Calixte collected a pair. Springfield Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals Affiliate This Week: 2-4; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 4 th Place South Division Monday, July 28: W, Tulsa Springfield cruised to a 9-4 win at Tulsa after all eight position players in the Cards lineup recorded at least one hit. In the first, James Ramsey gave Springfield a 2-0 lead when he stroked an RBI double to right, moved to third on a passed ball, then crossed home after Rafael Ortega lined out to center field. The Cardinals continued the onslaught with single runs in the fourth and fifth. In the fourth, Patrick Wisdom gave Springfield a 3-1 lead when he poked a solo homerun to left field, his 12 th of the season. One inning later, Charlie Tilson added to the Cards tally when he drilled a solo shot over the right field fence, his first Double-A homerun. Springfield pulled away with two runs in both the seventh and eighth and their final run in the ninth. In the seventh, Breyvic Valera brought home the first run of the frame with an infield single. With the bases loaded and none out, Charlie Tilson, who had singled ahead of Valera then moved to third on a walk, came home when Jonathan Rodriguez hit into a run-producing double play. One inning later, Travis Tartamella stroked an RBI double, advanced to third on base hit, then scored on a Tilson groundout. In the ninth, Rodriguez produced the Cardinals final run of the game when he stroked a solo homerun to left field, his ninth homer of the year. Valera, Wisdom, Mike O Neill and Tilson, who led the Cards with two RBIs, each had a pair of Springfield s 13 hits in the win. On the mound, Jimmy Reed (1-0) earned the win in his Double-A debut after he allowed just one run on three hits in six innings. Ryan Sheriff followed in the seventh and eighth, allowing just one hit in two scoreless innings. In the ninth, Mitch Harris struggled, allowing three runs on three hits before finally retiring the side.

21 Tuesday, July 29: W, Tulsa Springfield scored five times in the final two frames, highlighted by Pat Wisdom s three-run triple in the ninth, to pull away with a 7-2 win at Tulsa. In the first inning, the Cardinals used a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead. James Ramsey opened the scoring in the game with an RBI double, a throwing error on the play allowing him to advance to third. Ramsey then came home with the second run of the inning when Jonathan Rodriguez followed with an infield single. Springfield starting pitcher Mike Mayers was unable to hold the lead, giving up two runs on six hits in his six innings of work. In the eight, with the score tied 2-2, Rodriguez scored the Cards go-ahead run when he singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then came home on Rafael Ortega s base hit to left. In the ninth, Wisdom put the game out of reach when he stroked a bases-clearing triple to left, then came home when Ortega followed with an RBI double. After Lee Stoppelman recorded the first out of the seventh, Samuel Tuivailala (1-0) earned his first Double-A win after he retired the final two batters in the frame. Joey Donofrio (S, 7) then closed out the win after tossing scoreless ball in the eighth and ninth. Wisdom paced the Springfield offense with three RBIs, while Ortega had three of their 10 hits. Wednesday, July 30: Postponed by Tulsa Wednesday's game at Tulsa was postponed due to rain. It will be rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on August 30th. Thursday, July 31: L, 6-2 vs Arkansas In Springfield's 6-2 loss to Arkansas, the Cardinals let a late 2-0 lead slip away when a trio of pitchers gave up six runs over the final three frames. Springfield built their two-run lead with a pair of runs in the fourth. After Breyvic Valera gave the Cards a 1-0 lead with an RBI single to center, Jonathan Rodriguez scored on the front end of a successful double-steal of second and home. Springfield starting pitcher Jonathan Cornelius held the Travs scoreless through six innings, but gave up a two-run homerun to the second batter in the seventh, exiting with score tied 2-2. After Ryan Sheriff followed with an inning and a third of perfect baseball, Seth Blair (4-7) gave up the go-ahead run in the eighth. In the ninth, Samuel Tuivailala allowed the Travs to pull away with their final three runs of the game. At the plate, Rodriguez had two of the Cards six hits in the game. Friday, August 1: L, 4-1 vs Arkansas Springfield lost 4-1 to Arkansas despite outhitting the Travelers nine to eight. Springfield starting pitcher Kurt Heyer (3-10) was pegged with the loss after he gave up two runs on six hits in seven innings. In relief, Lee Stoppleman, in the eighth, and Jeremy Berg, in the ninth, gave up the Travs final two runs. In the fourth, trailing 2-0, the Cards plated their lone run when Breyvic Valera reached on a fielder s choice, moved to third when Patrick Wisdom doubled, then crossed home on a passed ball. Patrick Wisdom led Springfield with three of their nine hits, while Charlie Tilson and Cody Stanley each had a pair. Saturday, August 2: L, 8-5 vs Arkansas Springfield fell 8-5 to Arkansas after Cards starting pitcher Kyle Hald (8-4) gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings. Springfield took a 1-0 lead with a run in the first inning when Breyvic Valera singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, then came home when Cody Stanley stroked an RBI base hit to center. In the third, trailing 4-1, Valera walked, moved to second and third on a pair of wild pitches, then crossed home when Cody Stanley lofted a sacrifice fly to center. After Christopher Thomas gave up an unearned run in the sixth, Springfield scored twice in the seventh and their final run in the ninth. In the seventh, trailing 8-2, Valera cut the deficit in half when he stroked a two-run double to left. In the ninth, Mike O Neill hit a leadoff single, moved to second on a passed ball, then came home on a fielding error. Valera led Springfield with two of their seven hits, two RBIs and scored twice.

22 Sunday, August 3: L, 5-0 vs Arkansas In Springfield s 5-0 loss to Arkansas, the Cardinals were held to just six hits. In five innings, Springfield starting pitcher Jimmy Reed (1-1) was tagged for five runs on seven hits. In relief, Ryan Sheriff, Jeremy Berg and Joey Donofrio were a few bright spots for the Cards, tossing a combined four innings of scoreless baseball. Springfield went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, stranding 11 men on base. Tulsa Drillers Colorado Rockies Affiliate This Week: 2-4; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 3 rd Place South Division Monday, July 28: L, 9-4 vs Springfield Tulsa was battered 9-4 by Springfield after the Drillers were outhit Tulsa starting pitcher Eddie Butler (4-6) suffered his second consecutive loss since his return from Colorado, allowing four runs on five hits in five innings. In relief, Ryan Arrowood gave up two runs in both the seventh and eighth, ahead of Cole White, who gave up Springfield s final run in the ninth. In the third, trailing 2-0, Tulsa cut the deficit to one run after Will Swanner hit a leadoff single, moved to second a walk, advanced to third on a sac bunt, then came home when Trevor Story stroked an RBI single to left. In the bottom of the ninth, trailing 9-1, Jayson Langfels brought the Drillers final three runs home on his homerun to right field, his third of the season. Story and Ryan Casteel each had a pair of Tulsa s seven hits in the loss. Tuesday, July 29: L, 7-2 vs Springfield Tulsa fell to Springfield 7-2 after a pair of Drillers relievers gave up five runs in the final two innings. Tulsa starting pitcher and Colorado Rockies starter Christian Bergman, making a rehab appearance at ONEOK Field, struggled in his three innings, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks. Mike Piazza followed with four innings of onehit baseball. The outstanding relief appearance gave the offense an opportunity to knot the score with single runs in the fourth and sixth. In the fourth, Jayson Langfels cut the deficit to one run when he coaxed a bases loaded walk. Two innings later, after Trevor Story stroked a leadoff double, Langfels tied the game when he followed with an RBI single to center. Unfortunately for the Drillers, Kraig Sitton (3-5) gave up the Cards go-ahead run in the eighth, followed by Nelson Gonzalez, who let the visitors pull away with four runs in the ninth. Story and Langfels, who drove in both Tulsa runs each had a pair of the Drillers' six hits in the loss.

23 Wednesday, July 30: Postponed by Rain vs Springfield Wednesday's game versus Springfield was postponed due to rain. It will be rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on August 30th. Thursday, July 31: W, 6-3 vs Northwest Arkansas Behind a balanced offense and another excellent start by Tyler Anderson, Tulsa took a 6-3 win from Northwest Arkansas. Anderson (4-4) extended his scoreless streak to 23 innings after he tossed six spotless frames of three-hit, eight-strikeout baseball. At the plate, the Drillers built a 6-0 lead with one run in the third, two more in the fourth, and their final three runs in the fifth. In the second, with two outs, Tyler Massey singled to left, stole second, then came home when Will Swanner stroked an RBI single to right. One inning later, Brian Humphries brought home Ryan Casteel with an RBI single to right, then scored one batter later when Jayson Langfels tripled to center. In the fourth, Will Swanner and Jared Simon led off the inning with back-to-back homeruns that gave Tulsa a 5-0 lead. The homers were their first and 11th of the season, respectively. After Chris O'Dowd singled, he came home with Tulsa's final run, moving to second a wild pitch, then scoring from second when Casteel reached on a fielding error. Scott Oberg followed Anderson with a perfect seventh inning, while Nate Striz struggled in the eighth, giving up a three-run homerun. Ken Roberts replaced Striz and preserved the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball. O'Dowd, Casteel, Swanner and Simon each had a pair of the Drillers 12 hits, while Swanner led the team in run production with a pair of RBIs. Friday, August 1: L, 4-3 vs Northwest Arkansas Tulsa lost 4-3 to the Naturals, unable to hold a 3-0 lead built through the fourth inning. The Drillers built their threerun advantage with two runs in the first and another in the fourth. Chris O Dowd led off the first with a double that was followed by a Delta Cleary base hit to center. After Taylor Featherston singled home O'Dowd, Cleary darted home with the second run of the frame following a wild pitch. Trevor Story then completed the Drillers scoring in the game when he led off the fourth with his third Texas League homerun. On the hill, Tulsa starting pitcher Richard Castillo was perfect until he surrendered a leadoff homerun in the fifth. After Castillo gave up two more runs in the sixth, Josh Mueller held the Naturals in check, retiring four in a row. Unfortunately for the Drillers, Kraig Sitton (3-6) gave up the Naturals game-winning run in the eighth. At the plate, Story paced Tulsa with two of their seven hits in the loss. Saturday, August 2: W, 4-3 vs Northwest Arkansas With the score tied at three all in the eighth inning, Trevor Story poked a leadoff homer to right field that gave Tulsa a 4-3 win over Northwest Arkansas. Drillers starting pitcher Jon Gray tossed seven innings of two-hit baseball, allowing just one run in the first, while striking out six. Tulsa responded in the bottom of the first when Taylor Featherston brought home Delta Cleary with an RBI single to center. Tulsa then built a 3-1 lead with single runs in the fourth and seventh. In the fourth, Joey Wong put the Drillers ahead when he coaxed a bases loaded walk. In the seventh, Cleary walked, stole second, then came home when Tyler Massey followed with a double to right. Nelson Gonzalez (5-3) was unable to hold the lead, giving up two runs in the top of the eighth. Cole White (S, 10) preserved the win with a perfect ninth inning, earning his 10 th save of the season. Massey had two of Tulsa s five hits, while Cleary scored twice. Sunday, August 3: L, 3-0 vs Northwest Arkansas Tulsa fell 3-0 to Northwest Arkansas after the Drillers were limited to just three hits. Injured Colorado Rockies pitcher and Naturals starter Christian Bergman (0-1) pitched well in his six innings, allowing just one run on five hits. After Ryan Arrowood, in the seventh, and Scott Oberg, in the eighth, tossed a pair of scoreless innings, Ken Roberts gave up a two-run homerun in the ninth.

24 South Division Notes 7/28-8/3 Monday, July 28: W, 5-4 vs San Antonio (10 innings) Corpus Christi Hooks Houston Astros Affiliate This Week: 2-5; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 4 th Place South Division Delino DeShields put a quick end to the Hooks contest with San Antonio when his 10th inning lead-off homer to left gave Corpus Christi a 5-4 walkoff win. Trailing 4-3 in the eighth, the Hooks knotted the score when M.P. Cokinos stroked a two-out RBI double to left that would eventually send the game into extras. In the fourth inning, trailing 1-0, Corpus plated their first three runs on two hits, a walk, a hit batsman, three stolen bases and a trio of San Antonio errors. Ruben Sosa started the fun when he coaxed a leadoff walk, stole second and advanced to third on the play thanks to a throwing error. After DeShields was then plunked by a pitch, Andrew Aplin brought Sosa home with a single to right. A flyout advanced DeShields to third, before a two-base throwing error on Aplin's steal of second allowed DeShields to trot home with the Hooks second run of the inning and Aplin to move to third. Aplin then came home after the Missions third throwing error in the inning. Corpus starting pitcher Luis Cruz struggled in his 5.2 innings, giving up all four Missions runs on eight hits. In relief, Mitchell Lambson tossed 2.1 innings of one-hit baseball, followed by Tyson Perez (3-0), who pitched a pair of scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th that set up DeShields' heroics. Tuesday, July 29: L, 10-4 vs San Antonio In Corpus Christi's 10-4 loss to San Antonio, a trio of Hooks pitchers were battered for 10 runs on 18 hits, including 10 for extra-bases. In the third, trailing 2-0, Corpus Christi flipped the lead when MP Cokinos drilled a three-run homerun to left, his first longball of the season. One inning later, with the game tied 3-3, Corpus took their final lead when Tony Kemp singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, advanced to third on a base hit, then came home when Delino DeShields lofted a sac fly to right. Hooks starting pitcher Brady Rodgers struggled in his five innings of work, allowing four runs on 10 hits. In relief, Colton Cain (0-1) fared little better in his three innings, giving up two more runs on three hits and three walks. In the ninth, Kyle Weiland surrendered four more runs, three coming on consecutive homers. At the plate, Kemp paced the Hooks with two of their six hits.

25 Wednesday, July 30: L, 6-0 vs San Antonio At Corpus Christi, a no-hit, 6-0 loss to San Antonio overshadowed the Double-A debut of Mark Appel, Houston's first overall pick in the 2013 draft. The Hooks had just one baserunner in the game, courtesy of a throwing error. It was just the second time in franchise history that Corpus Christi was held hitless in a nine-inning game. In the sixth inning, with one out, Rene Garcia hit a groundball to the middle of the field that was fielded cleanly by the Missions shortstop. The throw, though, pulled the Missions first baseman off the bag, with Garcia initially credited with a single. After the game, though, the Hooks official scorer reviewed the play and changed the call to an error. On the mound, Appel did not disappoint in his Hooks debut, allowing just two hits in five innings, while striking out four. Unfortunately for the home club, Chris Devenski (2-3) allowed four runs in the sixth, before David Rollins gave up two unearned runs in the ninth. Thursday, July 31: L, Midland Limited to just three hits, Corpus Christi fell 6-1 at Midland after Hooks pitchers Mike Hauschild and Jordan Jankowski gave up five runs in the fifth inning. After Hauschild (2-7) allowed the first run of the game in the second, Corpus responded with the tying run in the fourth. Delino DeShields, who reached on a fielding error, was followed Andrew Aplin, who stroked an RBI double to center. In the ill-fated fifth, with the score tied 1-1, Hauschild gave up the 'Hounds go-ahead run, before he exited with the bases loaded. Jankowski got the second out in the inning when he induced a popup. Unfortunately for the visitors, the next batter, Kent Matthes, sent Jankowski's first pitch to him over the left field fence, hitting his third grand slam in 14 days. Hauschild was charged with five runs on five hits and three walks in 4.1 innings. Jankowski settled in after the fifth, tossing three scoreless frames in the sixth, seventh and eighth, but the Hooks were unable to produce any more offense. Leo Heras was one of the lone bright spots in Corpus Christi's lineup, collecting two of the Hooks three hits. Friday, August 1: L, Midland Corpus Christi was edged 7-4 by Midland, the Hooks absorbing their12 th loss in their last 13 games. In the fifth, Corpus took the first lead of the game with two runs. With one out, Conrad Gregor began the scoring with an RBI double to center, then came home later in the frame when Delino DeShields coaxed a bases loaded walk. Corpus starting pitcher Kyle Smith (4-4) promptly surrendered the lead, giving up four runs in the fifth. In relief, Ruben Alaniz allowed two more runs in the seventh, while Kyle Weiland gave up the Hounds final run in the eighth. In the top of the eighth, trailing 6-2, the Hooks cut the deficit in half with their final two runs of the game. After Leo Heras walked and Rene Garcia singled to right, Conrad Gregor drilled an RBI base hit to left. Garcia then dashed home on a wild pitch with the Hooks final run. Garcia and Gregor paced the Hooks offense, each with two of their seven hits in the loss. Saturday, August 2: W, Midland Corpus Christi scored three runs in the ninth inning to overtake Midland, 4-2. The Hooks took a 1-0 lead in the fourth when Tony Kemp stroked a leadoff double, moved to third on a base hit, then crossed home on Colin Moran s run-producing groundout. Corpus Christi starting pitcher Luis Cruz tossed six innings, allowing one run in the fifth inning on just three hits, while striking out five. Mitchell Lambson (1-0) followed with a pair of scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth that set up the Hooks three-run ninth. Conrad Gregor began the scoring in the final frame with an RBI double, then came home when MP Cokinos followed with a two-run single to center. Tyson Perez (S, 8) earned the save after getting through the ninth having allowed an unearned run. Cokinos led the Hooks with two of their seven hits and a pair of RBIs.

26 Sunday, August 3: L, Midland Corpus Christi fell 6-3 at Midland after a trio of Hooks pitchers gave up six runs on 12 hits over the first seven innings. Starter Colton Cain (0-2) alowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in just 3.2 innings. After Ruben Alaniz surrendered a run on two hits in 2.1 innings, David Rollins allowed two more runs in the seventh. At the dish, Corpus Christi plated single runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings. In the third, Carlos Perdomo came home with the Hooks first run of the game after Leo Heras drew a bases loaded walk. In the fifth, Tony Kemp tripled down the right field line, then dashed home after Delino DeShields lofted a sacrifice fly to right. One inning later, Perdomo's infield single plated Colin Moran with the Hooks final run. Kemp and Moran led the Hooks offense, each collecting a pair of the Hooks seven hits. Frisco RoughRiders Texas Rangers Affiliate This Week: 5-2; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 2 nd Place South Division Monday, July 28: L, 8-6 vs Midland Frisco let a pair of three-run leads go to waste, falling 8-6 to Midland. In their three-run third inning, Jake Skole hammered a two-run homerun to right field that gave Frisco a 2-0 lead. Later in the inning, J.T. Wise doubled home Trever Adams with the third 'Riders run. Frisco starting pitcher Andrew Faulker, who was making his Double-A debut, allowed the 'Hounds to tie the game after he gave up two runs in the fourth and another run in the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Frisco built a 6-3 lead with their second three-run rally of the game. Odubel Herrera began the scoring with an RBI base hit, that was followed by a walk to J.T. Wise. With two outs in the frame, both baserunners came home when Drew Robinson drilled a triple to right field, his fifth three-bagger of the season. In the sixth, Faulker's relief, Ryan Rodebaugh and Joseph Ortiz allowed Midland to flip the lead after the pair gave up a total of four runs. Adams, who also scored twice, paced Frisco with three of their nine hits, while Robinson and Skole each had a pair of RBIs in the loss.

27 Tuesday, July 29: W, 6-2 vs Midland In the bottom of the eighth of a 2-2 game, TL Player of the Week Joey Gallo added a Double-A grandslam to his already-impressive resume, a go-ahead shot that propelled Frisco to a thrilling 6-2 win over Midland. The longball was Gallo s 16 th Texas League homer this year, which places him two behind the league-leader, all coming in just 43 games. The RoughRiders recorded just four hits in the contest, driving in five of their six runs via the longball, while the pitching staff held Midland to just three hits. In the third, Guilder Rodriguez gave the RoughRiders a 1-0 lead when he drove in Drew Robinson with an RBI single to left. In his first TL start, Frisco pitcher Jake Thompson gave up two runs on two hits and three walks in four innings. Alex Claudio (2-2) followed Thompson with four innings of one-hit ball, paving the way for the RoughRiders comeback. In the seventh, trailing 2-1, Frisco tied the game when J.T. Wise belted a solo homerun to left field, his third of the year. One inning later, Jake Skole drew a leadoff walk, Pat Cantwell was plunked by a pitch, then a walk to Odubel Herrera loaded the bases. After a lineout brought Gallo to the plate with two outs, the MiLB homerun leader gave the RoughRiders a 6-2 lead when he smoked the first pitch of his at-bat over the right field fence. Keone Kela then closed out the win with a perfect ninth inning. Wednesday, July 30: W, 3-0 vs Midland A trio of RoughRiders pitchers, Rangers rehabber Derek Holland, Martire Garcia and Alex Gonzalez combined to toss a one-hit shutout, pacing Frisco to a 3-0 win over Midland. Holland, making his first TL appearance since 2008, tossed the first two innings of shutout ball, allowing just two baserunners on a pair of walks, while striking out four. Garcia then followed with a perfect third. Alex Gonzalez (4-3), who earned the win after he struck out seven batters over the final six scoreless innings, gave up Midland s first and only hit of the game with two outs in the seventh. On offense, Trever Adams gave the RoughRiders a 1-0 lead in the second inning when he hit an inside-the-park homerun to right field, his 12 th homer of the season. One inning later, Frisco built their final 3-0 advantage with a pair of runs when Jake Skole stroked an RBI single, moved to third on consecutive base hits, then came home on Odubel Herrera s run producing groundout. Pat Cantwell, Teo Martinez and Hanser Alberto each had a pair of the RoughRiders 10 hits in the win. Thursday, July 31: L, San Antonio In Frisco's 6-3 loss at San Antonio, the RoughRiders were unable to mount a comeback after starting pitcher Alec Asher (8-10) gave up five runs in the first three innings, four coming in the first. Frisco got one run back in the second after Trever Adams drilled a leadoff double to center, then came home when J.T. Wise followed with an RBI single up the middle. In the eighth, trailing 6-1, Adams cut the deficit to three when he plated the RoughRiders final two runs of the game with a ground rule double to right. Adams led Frisco with three of their seven hits, two doubles and a pair of RBIs. Friday, August 1: W, San Antonio Behind three-hit pitching and a four-run sixth inning, Frisco earned a 4-0 win at San Antonio. On the mound, RoughRiders starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff (9-7), who struck out seven batters in his six innings of work, allowed San Antonio's lone run in the fifth. In the sixth, Frisco answered with four runs on five hits. Odubel Herrera led off the frame with a single, moved to third on Trever Adams ground-rule double, then crossed home when Joey Gallo skied a double to shallow center field. The next batter, J.T. Wise gave Frisco a 2-1 lead when he stroked an RBI single to left. After Teodoro Martinez extended the Riders to 3-1 with a run-scoring base hit to left, Guilder Rodriguez completed the rally when he brought home Wise with a sacrifice fly to center. In relief, Francisco Mendoza followed Eickhoff with a perfect inning and a third. After Will Lamb retired the final two batters in the eighth, Keone Kela picked up his third save of the season with a perfect ninth. Gallo led Frisco with three of their 12 hits, while Herrera, Adams, Martinez and Chris Grayson each had a pair.

28 Saturday, August 2: W, San Antonio In Frisco s 3-1 win at San Antonio, RoughRiders starting pitcher Andrew Faulker (1-0) earned his first Double-A win after the lefty gave up just one run on four hits, while striking out eight in six innings on the hill. In the third inning, J.T. Wise gave the RoughRiders a 1-0 advantage when he pulled a one-out, solo homerun just inside the left field foul pole. Frisco extended their lead to 3-0 with a pair of runs in the seventh. Odubel Herrera highlighted the frame with an RBI triple down the right field line, then dashed home on a wild pitch. After Joseph Ortiz, in the seventh, and Martire Garcia, in the eighth, each tossed a scoreless inning, Keone Kela (S, 4) pitched a perfect ninth, earning his fourth save of the season. Wise had a huge day at the plate with three of Frisco s eight hits. Sunday, August 3: W, San Antonio Behind an outstanding pitching performance by Frisco starter Jake Thompson, the RoughRiders shutout San Antonio 3-0. In 6.2 innings of scoreless baseball, Thompson (1-0) gave up just four hits and struck out nine. In the first inning, Trever Adams gave Frisco a 1-0 lead when he drilled an RBI double to center field. In the fifth, Odubel Herrera extended the Riders advantage when he followed base hits from Pat Cantwell and Guilder Rodriguez with a two-run double to right. On the mound, after Alex Claudio followed Thompson with a perfect inning and a third, Francisco Mendoza completed the shutout win with a spotless ninth, earning his seventh save of the year. Cantwell, Herrera, Adams and Hanser Alberto each had a pair of Frisco s 10 hits, Herrera and Adams both hitting a pair of doubles.

29 Monday, July 28: W, Frisco Midland RockHounds Oakland Athletics Affiliate This Week: 4-3; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 1 st Place South Division Midland scored seven times in the middle innings en route to a come-from-behind, 8-6 win at Frisco. RockHounds starting pitcher Shawn Haviland struggled in his 4.1 innings, giving up six runs on seven hits and three walks, before he exited trailing 6-3. With Frisco leading 3-0, the RockHounds fought back with two runs in the fourth, then knotted the score with another run in the fifth. In the fourth, Kent Matthes continued his recent power surge when he stroked a two-run double to center field. One inning later, with two outs, D'Arby Myers reached on an infield single, stole second, then came home when Niro Nakajima lined an RBI single to center. After Haviland gave up Frisco's final three runs in the bottom of the fifth, the RockHounds responded taking a 7-6 lead in the top of the sixth after rallying for four runs. Dusty Coleman had the big hit in the winning, a two-run double. Coleman later moved to third on a passed ball, then crossed home when Bruce Maxwell singled to right. With two outs in the frame, Nakajima closed the outburst, driving in Maxwell with another one base hit. In the ninth, Matthes added the 'Hounds final run of the game when he poked a solo homerun to left field, his ninth of the season. On the mound, Deryk Hooker (1-0) earned the win after tossing three innings of one-hit ball in the sixth through eighth innings. Jose Flores (S, 5) earned his fifth save of the season after tossing a scoreless ninth. At the plate, Matthes led the 'Hounds, going 3-for-4 with a single, double and a homerun, three RBIs, while scoring twice. Tuesday, July 29: L, Frisco Limited to just three hits in the game, Midland was clinging to a 2-2 tie in the eighth when Omar Duran, in just his second TL appearance, gave up a grand slam to Joey Gallo that led to their 6-2 loss at Frisco. In the fourth, trailing 1-0, Midland took a 2-1 lead when Kent Matthes brought home both of the Hounds runs in the game with a two-run homer to left field. It was Matthes' fifth homerun and 15 th RBI in the past four games. RockHounds starting pitcher Chris Jensen, who also gave up an unearned run in the third, was unable to hold the slim lead when he surrendered a game-tying homerun in the seventh. Walden (1-2) walked a pair and plunked a batter, setting up Duran for the Riders go-ahead grandslam. Wednesday, July 30: L, Frisco In Midland s 3-0 loss at Frisco, the RockHounds were limited to just one-hit by a trio of Riders pitchers. Although he struck out eight batters in his seven innings, Midland starting pitcher Sean Murphy (4-2) was saddled with the loss after he allowed three runs on eight hits. RockHounds batters drew four walks, but were unable to record a base hit until Dusty Coleman stroked a two-out single in the seventh.

30 Thursday, July 31: W, 6-1 vs Corpus Christi RockHounds left fielder Kent Matthes' fourth grandslam of the season, and his third in 14 days, helped push Midland past Corpus Christi, 6-1. The slam capped a five-run fifth inning that broke up a tied ball game. On the mound, 'Hounds starting pitcher Nate Long (10-6), who became the first TL pitcher this season to reach 10 wins, cruised in his seven innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits, while striking out a career-high 10 batters. In the second inning, Midland took a 1-0 lead when Bruce Maxwell walked, moved to third on a base hit, then came home when Blake Forysthe singled to left. In the five-run fifth, with the score knotted 1-1, D'Arby Myers gave Midland a 2-1 lead when he stroked an RBI double to center field. With two outs and the bases loaded, Matthes connected on the first pitch of his at-bat, sending the ball deep to left field, giving Midland their final 6-1 margin. In relief, Frank Gailey, in the eighth, and Ryan Dull, in the ninth, followed Long with a pair of perfect innings. Forsythe and Conner Crumbliss paced the RockHounds, each with two of their seven hits. Friday, August 1: W, 7-4 vs Corpus Christi Behind clutch hitting, Midland took a 7-4 win over Corpus Christi, the RockHounds 21 st win in their last 30 games. Hounds starting pitcher Drew Granier (7-4) produced mixed results in his 5.2 innings, giving up two fifth-inning runs on four hits and five walks, while striking out five. In the bottom of the fifth, trailing 2-0, the RockHounds responded with four runs, taking a 4-2 lead. Kenny Wilson, in his Texas League debut, knotted the score with a tworun double to left. Conner Crumbliss, who followed, gave Midland a two-run advantage when he blasted a homerun to right field. In the seventh, the RockHounds added two more runs when D Arby Myers stroked an RBI double to left, then came home when Jefry Marte followed with a single to center. In the eighth, Dusty Coleman scored the final run of the game after he walked, moved to third on a stolen base and a throwing error, then crossed home on Chad Oberacker s double to right. On the mound, Murphy Smith followed Granier with a perfect inning and third of baseball. Jose Flores struggled in the eighth, giving up two runs on three hits, before Marcus Walden came on and retired the final five batters of the game, earning his second save of the season. Marte and Oberacker each had three of the Hounds 12 hits, while Crumbliss and Wilson led the way with two RBIs apiece. Saturday, August 2: L, 4-2 vs Corpus Christi Limited to just four hits, Midland fell 4-2 to Corpus Christi after RockHounds reliever Ryan Dull gave up three runs in the ninth inning. Starting pitcher Shawn Haviland preceded Dull with 7.1 innings of one-run, four-hit baseball. In the fifth, trailing 1-0, Midland knotted the score when Dusty Coleman drilled a leadoff homerun to right, his 15 th of the season. After Dull allowed the Hooks to take a 4-1 lead in the top of the ninth, the RockHounds plated their final run of the game in the bottom of the inning. Jefry Marte reached on a leadoff fielding error, advanced to third on a base hit, then came home when Coleman hit into an RBI fielder s choice. Coleman led the way with two RBIs, while Kent Matthes had a pair of Midland s four hits.

31 Sunday, August 3: W, 6-3 vs Corpus Christi Jefry Marte poked a two-run homerun and Kent Matthes drove in a pair with a double and a homerun, pacing Midland to a 6-3 win over Corpus Christi. In the first inning, Marte gave Midland a 2-0 lead with his blast to left field, his ninth homer of the season. The RockHounds added single runs in the fourth and fifth. In the fourth, Dusty Coleman gave Midland a 3-1 lead when he came home on D Arby Myers RBI forceout. One inning later, Matthes drilled a solo homerun to left, his 12 th longball of the year. In the seventh, ahead 4-3, the RockHounds pulled away, scoring their final two runs of the game. After Conner Crumbliss and Myers led off the frame with consecutive singles, Matthes began the scoring with an RBI double. Myers crossed home with the second run of the inning after Hiro Nakajima lofted a sacrifice fly to right field. On the mound, Midland starting pitcher Chris Jensen (10-7), who gave up three runs on five hits in 5.1 innings, became just the third TL pitcher to record his 10 th win of the season. Deryk Hooker, Omar Duran, Ryan Doolittle and Jose Flores (S, 6) preserved the win with a combined 3.2 innings of scoreless ball. Myers paced the RockHounds with three hits and two runs, while Marte, Matthes, Coleman and Bruce Maxwell each had a pair of base knocks in the win. San Antonio Missions San Diego Padres Affiliate This Week: 3-4; Second Half Record: Overall Record: Second Half: 3 rd Place South Division Monday, July 28: L, Corpus Christi (10 innings) In San Antonio's 5-4 loss at Corpus Christi, sloppy pitching and defense kept Corpus Christi in the game, before Missions pitcher Josh Geer (5-10) surrendered a walkoff homerun to the first batter of the 10th inning. In the second inning, San Antonio took a 1-0 lead when Cody Overbeck poked a solo homerun to left-center field, his eighth of the season. In the fourth inning, Missions starting pitcher Justin Hancock gave up three runs, one earned, on two hits, a walk, a hit batsman and three throwing errors. San Antonio responded with three runs in the sixth, taking a 4-3 lead. Diego Goris, Yeison Asencio and Alex Dickerson loaded the bases with consecutive singles to lead off the inning. Hunter Renfroe then brought Goris home with a sacrifice fly to right. With two outs, Overbeck continued his big day at the plate, his two-run triple to center field giving the Missions a one-run lead. Unfortunately for San Antonio, in the eighth, reliever Luis De La Cruz gave up the tying run that sent the game into extras where the Missions would falter. Asencio paced the Missions with three of their 10 hits, while Overbeck drove in three runs on two hits.

32 Tuesday, July 29: W, Corpus Christi In the ninth inning of San Antonio's 10-4 win at Corpus Christi, Austin Hedges, Cody Overbeck and Diego Goris hit back-to-back-to-back homeruns as part of the Missions' 18-hit explosion. All nine Missions hit safely in the game, while eight different players scored a run. San Antonio recorded 10 extra base hits, seven doubles and three homeruns, while seven different batters had more than one base knock in the blowout. On the mound, starting pitcher Leonel Campos struggled in 3.2 innings, giving up all four Corpus runs on four hits and four walks. In relief, winning pitcher Josh Geer (6-10) bounced back after two rough appearances, tossing 3.1 innings of one-hit, fivestrikeout baseball. In the second inning, Austin Hedges gave the Missions a 2-0 lead when he stroked an RBI double, then came home on Brian Bixler's single to left. After Campos gave up three runs in the bottom of the frame, San Antonio answered in the third with the tying run when Yeison Asencio hit a one-out double that was followed by Alex Dickerson's RBI double to right. Entering the fifth, trailing 4-3, San Antonio began to pull away, scoring single runs in each of the next three frames. In the fifth, Dickerson drove in the tying run with another two-base hit double to center. One inning later, Cody Overbeck reached second on a throwing error, moved to third on a sac bunt, then came home when Cory Spangenberg poked an RBI single to center. In the seventh, Overbeck extended the Missions lead to 6-4 when he drilled an RBI double to left. In the ninth, with one out, Hedges, Overbeck and Goris put the game out of reach with their consecutive homeruns. The longballs were their sixth, ninth, and first of the season, respectively. Spangenberg added the Missions final run of the game when he doubled to left, then came home on Adam Buschini's RBI single to right. In relief, Adys Portillo, in the eighth, and Jeff Ibarra, in the ninth, closed out the win with a pair of scoreless innings. Spangenberg and Dickerson paced the Missions, each with three of their 18 hits. Dickerson, Hedges and Overbeck each had a pair of RBIs, while Hedges and Overbeck scored twice. Wednesday, July 30: W, Corpus Christi At Corpus Christi, James Needy and a pair of relievers combined to toss a 6-0, no-hit win that was just one sixth inning error away from a being a perfect game. Needy (8-3) tossed the first seven no-hit innings, striking out seven, the Hooks only baserunner of the game coming during his outing on an errant throw in the sixth inning. The error was initially ruled a base hit, but the play was reviewed after the game and changed after a discussion with the first base umpire. Frank Garces followed Needy with a perfect eight inning. R.J. Alvarez the completed the no-hitter after he struck out two in the ninth. At the plate, the Missions had been shutout on just two hits until exploding for four runs in the top of the sixth. Alex Dickerson led off the inning with a single, moved to second on a Hunter Renfroe walk, advanced to third on another base hit, then crossed home when Cody Overbeck lifted a sacrifice fly to right. Renfroe dashed home with the second run of the frame on a wild pitch. Goris gave San Antonio a 4-0 lead when he poked a two-run homerun to left, his second Double-A homer. In the ninth, the Missions added their final two runs. Goris and Casey McElroy began the rally when both reached base following a fielding error. Yeison Asencio then plated Goris with a single to right, while Dickerson brought home McElroy with an RBI groundout. McElroy and Dickerson each had two of San Antonio s seven hits, while Goris scored twice. The no-no was San Antonio s first since June of 1984 when another trio of Alamo City pitchers, Vance Lovelace, Brian Piper and Steve Martin tossed a no-hitter in a San Antonio Dodgers 1-0 win over Beaumont. Coincidentally, Missions pitching coach Jimmy Jones was a member of that 1984 Beaumont club.

33 Thursday, July 31: W, 6-3 vs Frisco With 5,892 in attendance at Nelson Wolff Stadium, Yeison Asencio blasted two homeruns, the third time he has done so this season, propelling the Missions to a 6-3 win over Frisco. In the first inning, the Missions jumped to a quick lead with four runs. After Cory Spangenberg stroked a leadoff single, Casey McElroy followed with a double to left. Asencio then gave the Missions a 3-0 lead when he cleared the bases with a homerun to left field. Later in the inning, Rob Kral plated the fourth run with a sacrifice fly to center field. In the third, Asencio pounding his second homerun of the game, and ninth of the season, lifting the first pitch of the inning over the left-center field wall. In the sixth, Cody Overbeck extended the Missions lead to 6-1 when he belted an opposite field homer to right, his 10 th of the year. On the mound, Joe Ross (2-0) was outstanding in his six innings, allowing just one run on six hits, while striking out five and walking none. In 19 innings at the Double-A level, Ross has produced an amazing K:BB ratio of 18:1. After Luis De La Cruz tossed a perfect seventh, Adys Portillo struggled in the eighth, giving up two runs on a hit and two walks. R.J. Alvarez then closed out the win with a spotless ninth, earning his first save with the Missions and second overall this season. Spangenberg paced the Missions with three of their 12 hits in the game, while Asencio, Hagerty and Hunter Renfroe each collected a pair. Friday, August 1: L, 4-1 vs Frisco Limited to just one run on three hits, San Antonio fell 4-1 to Frisco. At the plate, Adam Buschini gave San Antonio a 1-0 lead when he pulled the first pitch of the fifth inning over the left field wall, his seventh longball of the season. Unfortunately for the Missions, it would be their final hit of the game. On the mound, Padres rehabber Robbie Erlin held the Riders scoreless in his 2.1 innings of work, while allowing three hits and a walk. In relief, Bryce Morrow (3-4) was unable to hold onto the 1-0 lead, giving up all four of Frisco s runs in the sixth. Finishing the game for the Missions, John Hussey, in the seventh, Michael Dimock, in the eighth, and Matt Branham, in the ninth, combined to toss three innings of scoreless relief. Saturday, August 2: L, 3-1 vs Frisco In San Antonio s 2-1 loss to Frisco, the Missions were stymied by the RoughRiders starter Andrew Faulker and a trio of relievers. San Antonio starting pitcher Justin Hancock (1-2) pitched well, allowing one run on six hits, while striking out five. In relief, Josh Geer gave up a pair of runs on two hits in the seventh. In the bottom of the frame, Alex Dickerson stroked a leadoff double, moved to third on a single, then scored the Missions only run when Austin Hedges hit into a run-producing forceout. Diego Goris paced San Antonio with three of their seven hits. Sunday, August 3: L, 3-0 vs Frisco In a 3-0 loss to Frisco, San Antonio s recent offensive woes continued as they were limited to just four hits. Missions starter and Padres pitcher Joe Weiland (0-1) gave up one run on four hits in four innings of his rehab outing. Leonel Campos followed and struggled in his three innings, giving up two runs on four hits. Adys Portillo, in the eighth, and Frank Garces, in the ninth were two bright spots for the Missions, each tossing a scoreless frame.

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