Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Citibank Ballpark (Midland, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (12-16 6 games back in the Texas League South)... Midland Rockhounds (14-14 4 games back in the Texas League South)
Streak: Lost 1 in a row
Last 10: 6-4
Series Record: 2-5-1
Record against Midland: 0-0
Record Since 2005 on May 7th: 3-3
Starting Pitchers: Miguel De Los Santos (1-3 8.22 ERA)... Shawn Haviland (0-3 8.61 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: The Riders and Rockhounds send their respective starters out to the mound for the 6th time this season... Miguel De Los Santos is coming off the worst start of his minor league career thus far and is looking to rebound to something closer to the start he had the start before his last start. In his last start, De Los Santos gave up 8 hits and 9 runs (all earned) in just 2 1/3 innings pitched against the Corpus Christi Hooks on the road. It was the most earned runs given up by a Frisco RoughRiders starter since Omar Poveda gave up 9 runs in 2 2/3 innings on August 10th, 2009. The Hooks ended up with 15 runs in the game, which was also the most given up by the Riders since 2008. De Los Santos was coming off a career best 7 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts in his start before that. On the season De Los Santos has given up 21 hits and 15 walks with 29 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. He has made it through 5 innings in just 2 of his 5 starts... Shawn Haviland got off to a great start this season with a dominating performance in his first start against Springfield when he gave up 2 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run in 7 innings. But since then he has given up 29 hits and 8 walks in 16 innings with 16 strikeouts. In his last outing, Haviland gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, 5 runs, and 3 homeruns in 5 innings pitched with 4 strikeouts. He has taken the loss in 3 of his last 4 starts and is still searching for his first win of 2011. The 25 year old right handed pitcher was a 33rd round pick in the 2008 draft by the Oakland Athletics.
Brigham Takes Perfect Game Into 7th: Jake Brigham was at his best on Friday night when he took a perfect game into the 7th inning, before giving up a single to Jaff Decker with 1 out in the 7th. From then on out, however, Brigham unraveled. Decker's single was followed by a RBI double by Blanks, a strikeout, a RBI double by Cody Decker, and a RBI single by Vincent Belnome. Brigham was relieved by Perconte, who got the final out, but the damage was done as Frisco lost 3-0.
Brigham's perfect game was tied for the longest by a Frisco RoughRider pitcher since 2007.
Other Notable Perfect Game/No hitter Outings By the Frisco RoughRiders:
A.J. Murray/Steve Karsay/Scott Feldman @ Corpus Christi on 7/28/05 threw a perfect game
Matt Harrison vs. San Antonio on 5/18/08 threw a 7 inning no-hitter in the 1st game of a double header
Blake Beavan @ Arkansas on 4/18/10 took a perfect game through 6 1/3 innings
Martin Perez @ Arkansas on 4/19/11 threw a rain shortened 5 inning perfect game
Bats Go Silent: Brigham may have taken the perfect game into the 7th, but he did not get much support from his offense because the opposition was just as good. The Riders had just 4 baserunners in the entire game with 3 hits and 1 walk. The 2-6 hitters combined to go 1 for 17 in the game with 1 double. Frisco also had just 2 opportunities with runners in scoring position and went hitless in those 2 at bats.
Bullpen Cruising: Frisco RoughRiders relievers haven't given up a run in the last 13 1/3 innings pitched and if you exclude Rangers pitchers on rehab (Hunter), then they haven't given up a run in the last 20 innings pitched.
Mendonca/Paisano In a Funk: Tommy Mendonca went 0 for 3 at the plate on Friday, which dropped him to 0 for his last 11 over 3 games. That's not a big deal considering it is only 3 games out of 140 though, and he was hitting well over .300 to begin with. David Paisano also went 0 for 3, which dropped him to .194 over his last 10 games (6 for 31) with just a .258 SLG%.
Last Year on This Date: Frisco shutout the San Antonio Missions on the road 9-0. Kasey Kiker started for the Riders and gave up 2 hits and 4 walks with 4 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Ryan Tatusko and Ben Snyder relieved Kiker with 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Kevin Richardson went 1 for 3 with a homerun and 2 walks at the plate. Renny Osuna went 2 for 2 with a RBI and 2 walks as well. Marcus Lemon, Joey Butler, and Andy Jenkins each chipped in a RBI in the win.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) gave up 2 runs in the top of the 9th inning, but rallied back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th, culminating with a walkoff single by Esteban German to win 8-7 over the Nashville Sounds. Zach Jackson made the start for Round Rock and gave up 8 hits, 1 walk, and 3 runs over 6 innings with 2 strikeouts. Yhency Brazoban and Beau Jones combined for a blown save, but Pedro Strop picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings pitched. Brian Barden led the Express attack with 3 hits, including a triple. Luis Cruz and Doug Deeds both hit a homerun and Craig Gentry went 1 for 5.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) gave up only 3 hits in their game, but lost 2-1 in a tight contest against the Salem Red Sox. Robbie Erlin made the start for Myrtle Beach and gave up just 1 hit, a solo homerun, over 7 strong innings with 8 strikeouts and 0 walks. Erlin took the tough loss in the contest. Michael Olt and Zach Zaneski both went 2 for 4 at the plate. Jared Prince, Jared Bolden, Andres James, and Ryan Strausborger all had a hit a piece in the game.
Hickory (low-A) defeated the Greensboro Grasshoppers 7-2 on Friday night. Ronald Rojas made the start for Hickory and gave up 6 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs in 6 innings in the victory with 3 strikeouts. Colby Killian and Kevin Johnson combined for 3 innings of scoreless relief. Josh Richmond led the Crawdads at the plate with a 2 for 4 day, including a 2-run homerun with 3 RBI total. Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with a walk at the plate. Jake Skole added a double as part of a 1 for 4 day with a RBI, walk, and 2 runs. Christian Villanueva went 0 for 4, which brought an end to his 15 game hitting streak and 20 game on base streak. Odubel Herrera went 1 for 4 with 3 stolen bases and 1 run. He reached base a second time on a wild pitch on a strikeout.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
In a league that exemplifies what an offensive league is all about, Gary Brown stood alone on Friday. The 2010 San Francisco Giants 1st round pick went 5 for 7 at the plate for the San Jose Giants in the Giant's 17-7 victory over the Bakersfield Blaze. Brown had 2 doubles and a career best 6 RBI in the game. On the season the 22 year old outfielder is batting .345 with an .890 OPS for San Jose. He was the 24th overall pick in the 2010 draft and was listed as the 3rd best prospect in the San Francisco Giant's system entering 2011 according to Baseball America.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
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And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Game 28: San Antonio Missions (Jorge Reyes) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Jacob Brigham)
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (12-15 5 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-10 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 3 in a row
Last 10: 6-4
Series Record: 2-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 4-3
Record Since 2005 on May 6th: 3-3
Starting Pitchers: Jacob Brigham (2-1 4.33 ERA)... Jorge Reyes (1-0 5.70 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: The Frisco RoughRiders and San Antonio Missions send their starting pitchers out to the mound for the 6th time this season... Jacob Brigham is coming off of his strongest start yet when he gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run over 7 innings with 3 strikeouts. He induced 9 groundouts to 5 flyouts in the start against Corpus Christi en route to picking up his 2nd win of the season. The start broke a string of 4 consecutive starts with 5 innings pitched and 3 earned runs. In 27 innings pitched this season, Brigham has given up 27 hits and 10 walks with 24 strikeouts. He has 1 start against San Antonio where he gave up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs over 5 innings. He struck out 6 batters and got a no decision in the start... Jorge Reyes is coming off a rocky outing against the Midland Rockhounds when he gave up 6 hits, 3 walks, and 6 runs (all earned) over 4 2/3 innings with 4 strikeouts. Reyes gave up 2 homeruns in the start as well, which ended up being a no decision. The 23 year old right hander was rated by Baseball America as the #22 prospect in the Padre's organization entering 2010, but dropped out after his 2010 season in the California League. Reyes pitched against the Riders on April 26th and gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run over 5 innings with 2 strikeouts in a no decision. On the season, he has given up 30 hits and 7 walks over 23 2/3 innings pitched with 21 strikeouts. Reyes was drafted in the 17th round by the San Diego Padres in the 2009 draft out of Oregon State University.
A Real Winning Streak: After getting off to a nice series win against the Springfield Cardinals to start the year, Frisco lost 5 straight series to Arkansas (2), Springfield, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio. They then split a 4 game series with Corpus Christi. After a 5-3 win over the San Antonio Missions, the Riders have won 3 in a row against the first place Missions and guaranteed their first series win since the opening series. Frisco has also won 6 of their last 10 games and are within 3 games of .500. Frisco is also just a game from being tied for second place in the division.
Top Prospect Struggles A bit: If there is one consistency with Martin Perez in Frisco, it's been that he's been inconsistent. At times he can look outstanding and at others he can look just off. On Thursday he was the latter. The 20 year old southpaw labored through 4+ innings, giving up 6 hits, 4 walks, and 3 runs (all earned) along the way. He struck out 4 batters and threw 94 pitches with 53 strikes. It could have been worse, though, it could have been a lot worse.
Bullpen... Winning: And the reason for why it could have been worse is because Perez left with the bases loaded, 0 outs in the 5th inning, and the Texas League RBI leader Jaff Decker at the plate. Tyler Tufts, however, came in and did a great job all night. He was able to get a groundball right back to him from Decker, which he turned into the good ole' 1-2-3 double play. And then Tufts struck out Kyle Blanks swinging. Tufts ended up earning his win by having one of the best lines this pressbox has seen in relief. He pitched 3 perfect innings with 4 strikeouts and 28 pitches, 21 of which were for strikes. Ben Snyder and Ramon Aguero combined for a scoreless 8th inning and Mark Hamburger pitched a scoreless 9th with 1 hit given up and 2 strikeouts for his 3rd save of the year, but his 1st 1 inning save.
Greene Day: Jonathan Greene provided fireworks for Riders fans with a 2 for 4 day, including a double and a homerun. The homerun was his 4th for the Riders this year, including his 3rd at home. He's currently batting .452 at Dr. Pepper Ballpark (.271 on the road). He has 12 extra base hits already this season, compared to his 20 he had last year.
A New #4 Hitter: For the first time this year, the #4 hitter for the Riders was Jose Ruiz. Tommy Mendonca got the day off for Frisco after his recent struggles (1 for his last 12 with 6 strikeouts). Jose Ruiz ended up going 1 for 4 on the game.
Osuna Passes Majewski: Renny Osuna used a 2 for 4 day to pass Dustin Majewski for 7th on the all time Frisco hits list with 211 career hits. Osuna also has had a RBI in 3 straight games at the top of the order as he continues to hit at the top. In the 3 game set with the Missions so far, Osuna is batting 6 for 12 with a double, homerun, and 4 RBI.
Butler Is Back: After hitting .276 with a .771 OPS for Round Rock, Joey Butler was sent back down to Frisco today. He is here to replace Jose Ruiz who was placed on the temporary inactive list. Butler was hitting .314 with 2 homeruns in 6 games for Frisco before being promoted to the Express earlier this year. He hit .277 last year with 10 homeruns and 58 RBI for Frisco.
On this Date Last year: Frisco defeated the San Antonio Missions 2-0 thanks to a complete game 3-hitter by Richard Bleier. Kevin Richardson provided all of the offense that Bleier needed with a RBI single in the 6th and an insurance solo homerun in the 9th. Marcus Lemon went 2 for 4 with a double to raise his season average to .305 at the time.
MLB Notes: The Kansas City Royals called up former Northwest Arkansas Natural and top prospect Eric Hosmer to the big leagues. Hosmer was batting .439 for the Omaha Stormchasers (AAA) this season so far. Last year for the Naturals, he batted .313 with a .980 OPS and 30 extra base hits in 195 AB. I will also say that the combination of Hosmer and Moustakas definitely left an impression on this pressbox, even though they only played a few games in Frisco. Both are definitely special talents.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) defeated the Iowa Cubs 9-2. Neil Ramirez started for Round Rock and gave up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs (earned) with 5 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Brian Barden went 4 for 6 with a double and 2 RBI including 2 singles and a RBI in 3 at bats off of his former teammate Todd Wellemeyer, who started for Iowa. Craig Gentry went 2 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI. He also stole his 4th base for the Express. Chris Mobley and Justin Miller pitched 3 2/3 of scoreless relief with 3 strikeouts.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) took a lead in the top of the 9th, but gave up a run in the 9th as well, and lost in the 10th inning 4-3 to the Salem Red Sox. Ryan Kelly started for Myrtle Beach and gave up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 2 runs in 4 2/3 innings with 3 strikeouts. Wilfredo Boscan pitched 4 2/3 innings of relief and gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run with 5 strikeouts. Michael Olt went 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs. Jared Hoying went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jared Bolden and Ryan Strausborger both went hitless in 4 at bats at the plate. Strausborger walked once, but was caught stealing for the 4th time this year.
Hickory (low-A) tied the game in the top of the 8th inning, but gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th to lose 4-2 to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Roman Mendez made the start for Hickory and gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs (1 earned) in 6 innings with 7 strikeouts. Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with a walk at the plate. Tomas Telis went 2 for 4 at the plate as well. Christian Villanueva extended his hitting streak to 15 games and his reached base safely streak to 20 games with a 1 for 3 day and a walk. Teodoro Martinez went 2 for 3 for the Crawdads. Kellin Deglan provided fireworks with a solo homerun as part of a 1 for 4 day. Cody Buckel took the loss in the game after giving up 2 runs, 1 hit, and 2 walks in 2 innings of relief.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
It's been a while since Brandon Moss was considered a prospect in the minor leagues. But on Thursday, Moss had a day for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs that takes you back to 2005 and remember why he was a top 100 prospect in the game by Baseball America. In the IronPig's 10-3 victory over the Charlotte Knights in the International League, Moss went 2 for 4 with 2 homeruns, 7 RBI, a walk, and 2 runs. He hit a grand slam off of former San Antonio Missions pitcher Corey Kluber in the 5th inning and a 3-run homerun off of Jensen Lewis in the 9th inning. Moss, who is now 27 years old, was taken in the 8th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2002 draft. He is playing in the Philadelphia Phillie's organization, which is his 3rd club to play for in his career.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (12-15 5 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-10 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 3 in a row
Last 10: 6-4
Series Record: 2-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 4-3
Record Since 2005 on May 6th: 3-3
Starting Pitchers: Jacob Brigham (2-1 4.33 ERA)... Jorge Reyes (1-0 5.70 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: The Frisco RoughRiders and San Antonio Missions send their starting pitchers out to the mound for the 6th time this season... Jacob Brigham is coming off of his strongest start yet when he gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run over 7 innings with 3 strikeouts. He induced 9 groundouts to 5 flyouts in the start against Corpus Christi en route to picking up his 2nd win of the season. The start broke a string of 4 consecutive starts with 5 innings pitched and 3 earned runs. In 27 innings pitched this season, Brigham has given up 27 hits and 10 walks with 24 strikeouts. He has 1 start against San Antonio where he gave up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs over 5 innings. He struck out 6 batters and got a no decision in the start... Jorge Reyes is coming off a rocky outing against the Midland Rockhounds when he gave up 6 hits, 3 walks, and 6 runs (all earned) over 4 2/3 innings with 4 strikeouts. Reyes gave up 2 homeruns in the start as well, which ended up being a no decision. The 23 year old right hander was rated by Baseball America as the #22 prospect in the Padre's organization entering 2010, but dropped out after his 2010 season in the California League. Reyes pitched against the Riders on April 26th and gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run over 5 innings with 2 strikeouts in a no decision. On the season, he has given up 30 hits and 7 walks over 23 2/3 innings pitched with 21 strikeouts. Reyes was drafted in the 17th round by the San Diego Padres in the 2009 draft out of Oregon State University.
A Real Winning Streak: After getting off to a nice series win against the Springfield Cardinals to start the year, Frisco lost 5 straight series to Arkansas (2), Springfield, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio. They then split a 4 game series with Corpus Christi. After a 5-3 win over the San Antonio Missions, the Riders have won 3 in a row against the first place Missions and guaranteed their first series win since the opening series. Frisco has also won 6 of their last 10 games and are within 3 games of .500. Frisco is also just a game from being tied for second place in the division.
Top Prospect Struggles A bit: If there is one consistency with Martin Perez in Frisco, it's been that he's been inconsistent. At times he can look outstanding and at others he can look just off. On Thursday he was the latter. The 20 year old southpaw labored through 4+ innings, giving up 6 hits, 4 walks, and 3 runs (all earned) along the way. He struck out 4 batters and threw 94 pitches with 53 strikes. It could have been worse, though, it could have been a lot worse.
Bullpen... Winning: And the reason for why it could have been worse is because Perez left with the bases loaded, 0 outs in the 5th inning, and the Texas League RBI leader Jaff Decker at the plate. Tyler Tufts, however, came in and did a great job all night. He was able to get a groundball right back to him from Decker, which he turned into the good ole' 1-2-3 double play. And then Tufts struck out Kyle Blanks swinging. Tufts ended up earning his win by having one of the best lines this pressbox has seen in relief. He pitched 3 perfect innings with 4 strikeouts and 28 pitches, 21 of which were for strikes. Ben Snyder and Ramon Aguero combined for a scoreless 8th inning and Mark Hamburger pitched a scoreless 9th with 1 hit given up and 2 strikeouts for his 3rd save of the year, but his 1st 1 inning save.
Greene Day: Jonathan Greene provided fireworks for Riders fans with a 2 for 4 day, including a double and a homerun. The homerun was his 4th for the Riders this year, including his 3rd at home. He's currently batting .452 at Dr. Pepper Ballpark (.271 on the road). He has 12 extra base hits already this season, compared to his 20 he had last year.
A New #4 Hitter: For the first time this year, the #4 hitter for the Riders was Jose Ruiz. Tommy Mendonca got the day off for Frisco after his recent struggles (1 for his last 12 with 6 strikeouts). Jose Ruiz ended up going 1 for 4 on the game.
Osuna Passes Majewski: Renny Osuna used a 2 for 4 day to pass Dustin Majewski for 7th on the all time Frisco hits list with 211 career hits. Osuna also has had a RBI in 3 straight games at the top of the order as he continues to hit at the top. In the 3 game set with the Missions so far, Osuna is batting 6 for 12 with a double, homerun, and 4 RBI.
Butler Is Back: After hitting .276 with a .771 OPS for Round Rock, Joey Butler was sent back down to Frisco today. He is here to replace Jose Ruiz who was placed on the temporary inactive list. Butler was hitting .314 with 2 homeruns in 6 games for Frisco before being promoted to the Express earlier this year. He hit .277 last year with 10 homeruns and 58 RBI for Frisco.
On this Date Last year: Frisco defeated the San Antonio Missions 2-0 thanks to a complete game 3-hitter by Richard Bleier. Kevin Richardson provided all of the offense that Bleier needed with a RBI single in the 6th and an insurance solo homerun in the 9th. Marcus Lemon went 2 for 4 with a double to raise his season average to .305 at the time.
MLB Notes: The Kansas City Royals called up former Northwest Arkansas Natural and top prospect Eric Hosmer to the big leagues. Hosmer was batting .439 for the Omaha Stormchasers (AAA) this season so far. Last year for the Naturals, he batted .313 with a .980 OPS and 30 extra base hits in 195 AB. I will also say that the combination of Hosmer and Moustakas definitely left an impression on this pressbox, even though they only played a few games in Frisco. Both are definitely special talents.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) defeated the Iowa Cubs 9-2. Neil Ramirez started for Round Rock and gave up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs (earned) with 5 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Brian Barden went 4 for 6 with a double and 2 RBI including 2 singles and a RBI in 3 at bats off of his former teammate Todd Wellemeyer, who started for Iowa. Craig Gentry went 2 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI. He also stole his 4th base for the Express. Chris Mobley and Justin Miller pitched 3 2/3 of scoreless relief with 3 strikeouts.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) took a lead in the top of the 9th, but gave up a run in the 9th as well, and lost in the 10th inning 4-3 to the Salem Red Sox. Ryan Kelly started for Myrtle Beach and gave up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 2 runs in 4 2/3 innings with 3 strikeouts. Wilfredo Boscan pitched 4 2/3 innings of relief and gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run with 5 strikeouts. Michael Olt went 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs. Jared Hoying went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jared Bolden and Ryan Strausborger both went hitless in 4 at bats at the plate. Strausborger walked once, but was caught stealing for the 4th time this year.
Hickory (low-A) tied the game in the top of the 8th inning, but gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th to lose 4-2 to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Roman Mendez made the start for Hickory and gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs (1 earned) in 6 innings with 7 strikeouts. Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with a walk at the plate. Tomas Telis went 2 for 4 at the plate as well. Christian Villanueva extended his hitting streak to 15 games and his reached base safely streak to 20 games with a 1 for 3 day and a walk. Teodoro Martinez went 2 for 3 for the Crawdads. Kellin Deglan provided fireworks with a solo homerun as part of a 1 for 4 day. Cody Buckel took the loss in the game after giving up 2 runs, 1 hit, and 2 walks in 2 innings of relief.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
It's been a while since Brandon Moss was considered a prospect in the minor leagues. But on Thursday, Moss had a day for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs that takes you back to 2005 and remember why he was a top 100 prospect in the game by Baseball America. In the IronPig's 10-3 victory over the Charlotte Knights in the International League, Moss went 2 for 4 with 2 homeruns, 7 RBI, a walk, and 2 runs. He hit a grand slam off of former San Antonio Missions pitcher Corey Kluber in the 5th inning and a 3-run homerun off of Jensen Lewis in the 9th inning. Moss, who is now 27 years old, was taken in the 8th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2002 draft. He is playing in the Philadelphia Phillie's organization, which is his 3rd club to play for in his career.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Game 27: San Antonio Missions (Aaron Breit) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Martin Perez)
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (11-15 6 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-9 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 2 in a row
Last 10: 5-5
Series Record: 1-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 3-3
Record since 2005 on May 5th: 3-3
Starting Pitchers: Martin Perez (1-0 2.74 ERA)... Aaron Breit (0-1 7.36 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Martin Perez makes his 6th start for the Riders, while the Missions send Aaron Breit out to the mound for the 8th time, but 3rd start... Martin Perez pitched well in his last start against the Corpus Christi Hooks last Saturday. He went a season high 6 innings and gave up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs (both earned) with 4 strikeouts. Perez also induced 10 groundouts in the start to just 1 flyout. Perez started against San Antonio on April 25th and gave up 5 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs in 4 innings with 5 strikeouts. On the season, the 20 year old southpaw has gone at least 5 innings and given up 2 runs or less in 3 of his 5 starts. He earned the Pressbox Pitcher of the Month honors for the Riders in April after going 1-0 with a 2.74 ERA in 5 starts. He allowed 18 hits, 10 walks, and struck out 24 batters in 23 innings... Aaron Breit began the year in the Mission's bullpen as he made his first 5 trips to the mound in relief. His last 2 outings have both been starts, however. Breit's last start was against Midland on Saturday and he gave up 8 hits, 1 walk, and 4 runs in 5 innings pitched, but received the victory. He started against Frisco on April 25th against Martin Perez, and gave up 3 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs in 3 2/3 innings with 5 strikeouts. San Antonio won the game 7-3. On the season, Breit has given up 22 hits and 6 walks in 14 2/3 innings with 15 strikeouts.
Ranger Invasion: The Riders got rehab outings from Neftali Feliz and Tommy Hunter last night in Frisco's 3-2 win over the San Antonio Missions in 10 innings. Feliz started for Frisco and struck out the side in his 1 inning of work. He gave up a hit and worked in the upper 90s, hitting 100 on the stadium gun as well. Tommy Hunter relieved Feliz and allowed 5 baserunners in 4 innings of work. He struck out 5, allowed 2 runs, and made 71 pitches (41 strikes). Hunter is on the DL due to a groin strain, while Feliz is on the DL due to a rotator cuff inflammation.
Riders Heating Up: After winning the first series against the Springfield Cardinals, the Riders lost 5 series in a row. However, since then, the Riders split a 4 game set with Corpus Christi and have now taken the first 2 games against the best team in the league, guaranteeing at least a second series split with the team's best starting pitcher on the mound tonight.
Bleier is Back: Richard Bleier began the season in extended spring training, but made his first appearance on Wednesday night. He gave up 3 hits and 1 walk in 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief with 3 strikeouts. Bleier pitched for Frisco last year going 7-11 with a 5.04 ERA in 28 starts. Bleier gave up 191 hits and 28 walks in 164 1/3 innings with 82 strikeouts.
Riders Pitching: The Frisco RoughRiders got great pitching on Wednesday, as they held the league's best offense in check for 2 runs in the 10 innings. Part of the reason for the success was their ability to pitch with runners in scoring position. The Missions batters came to the plate 10 times with RISP and did not record a hit. The middle of the order for San Antonio, specifically struggled with this. Jaff Decker, Kyle Blanks, James Darnell, and Kyle Phillips were a combined 2 for 18 in the game with 6 strikeouts. It was only the 2nd game all year that Darnell hasn't reached base safely. It was also the first time this season that the combo of James Darnell and Jaff Decker have gone hitless in the same game where both were starting.
Osuna is Heating Up: Renny Osuna went 3 for 4 with a double and 1 RBI on Wednesday helping the Riders get a comeback win. Since returning from the DL due to a broken nose, Renny Osuna is batting .345 (10 for 29) with 4 extra base hits and 5 RBI. He has been hitting mainly leadoff for the Riders and has been an added boost to a team that needed better production from the top of the order. Osuna is batting .462 (6 for 11) against the Missions this season now. He is now 1 hit from tying Dustin Majewski for 7th on the all time hits list for Frisco.
Adjusting to AA Pitching: When Travis Adair got promoted from Myrtle Beach to Frisco, he was batting .365 for the Pelicans. But then, Adair went through a 3 game period where he was 0 for 11, still looking for that first AA hit. However, since then Adair has adjusted well. Travis went 3 for 4 with a double and a RBI on Wednesday and is batting 7 for 15 (.467) over the last 4 games with 2 RBI and 3 runs. His batting average for Frisco is up to .269 now.
Patience Guilder: Guilder Rodriguez may have gone walk-less on Tuesday to end his walk streak at 5 games, but he made up for the 0 walks on Wednesday by walking twice in 5 trips to the plate, although 1 of the walks was an intentional walk in the 10th inning. Still, Guilder Rodriguez has walked 8 times over the last 7 games bringing his season total to 9 walks. He has had multi walk games twice during that time, which is something he did only 4 times all year last season. Rodriguez went 1 for 2 in last night's game with the 2 walks and a sacrifice bunt. His on base percentage is .395 over the last 10 games and he's been on base at least 1 time in the 7 games he's played in since moving into the #2 hole in the lineup.
Last Year on this Date: Frisco defeated the San Antonio Missions 4-2 on the road. Tanner Roark picked up the victory for Frisco, his 4th win at the time, after pitching 6 effective innings where he gave up 4 hits and 2 runs with 4 strikeouts and no walks. Adalberto Flores and Alexi Ogando pitched 2 scoreless innings before Evan Reed picked up his 2nd save of the season. Marcus Lemon went 2 for 5 at the plate with a stolen base. Wes Bankston went 3 for 5 with a double, homerun, and RBI. Guilder Rodriguez added a triple in the game. Andy Jenkins was the lone Rider without a hit in the game, but did walk 3 times.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) lost 3-1 to the Iowa Cubs. Michael Kirkman made the start for Round Rock and gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 3 runs (2 earned) in 7 innings with 4 strikeouts. Despite getting his 3rd loss, it was Kirkman's best start of the season so far. Zach Phillips pitched 1 scoreless inning of relief with 1 hit allowed and 1 strikeout. The Express managed just 4 hits and 2 walks in the game against Iowa. Chad Tracy went 1 for 4 at the plate. Former Angel Ramon Ortiz made the start for Iowa and gave up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run in 7 innings.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) shutout the Potomac Nationals 3-0. Joseph Wieland made the start for Myrtle Beach and gave up just 2 hits and a hit batter over 6 shutout innings with 13 strikeouts. Wieland did not issue a walk in what is his best start of the year. Joseph Ortiz and Johan Yan pitched 3 scoreless innings of relief with 2 strikeouts. Leury Garcia went 2 for 5 at the plate with a run for Myrtle Beach. Jared Bolden went 2 for 4 with a double and a RBI to extend his RBI streak to 5 games and 8 of the last 9 games.
Hickory (low-A) had the day off.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
After a very nice first season, Joseph Wieland hasn't had an easy last 2 years in the minor leagues. But for Myrtle Beach in 2011, the story has been a very different tune. On Wednesday he struck out 13 batters over 6 innings, gave up only 2 hits, and didn't walk a batter for the 3rd straight game. The Pelicans won 3-0 in the game. Wieland hasn't walked a hitter since he walked Andy Wilkins in the top of the 6th on April 18th against the Winston-Salem Dash. Wieland has faced 74 batters since then, 24 of which have headed back to the dugout after strike three. On the season, Wieland has given up 28 hits and just 3 walks over 31 innings with 41 strikeouts. He has given up 2 homeruns on the season, both of which came in the same game. His 2.03 ERA is the 4th best in the Carolina League, his 1.00 WHIP is the 5th best, and his 41 strikeouts are the best in the league. The 21 year old right hander was a 4th round pick by the Rangers in the 2008 draft.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (11-15 6 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-9 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 2 in a row
Last 10: 5-5
Series Record: 1-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 3-3
Record since 2005 on May 5th: 3-3
Starting Pitchers: Martin Perez (1-0 2.74 ERA)... Aaron Breit (0-1 7.36 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Martin Perez makes his 6th start for the Riders, while the Missions send Aaron Breit out to the mound for the 8th time, but 3rd start... Martin Perez pitched well in his last start against the Corpus Christi Hooks last Saturday. He went a season high 6 innings and gave up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs (both earned) with 4 strikeouts. Perez also induced 10 groundouts in the start to just 1 flyout. Perez started against San Antonio on April 25th and gave up 5 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs in 4 innings with 5 strikeouts. On the season, the 20 year old southpaw has gone at least 5 innings and given up 2 runs or less in 3 of his 5 starts. He earned the Pressbox Pitcher of the Month honors for the Riders in April after going 1-0 with a 2.74 ERA in 5 starts. He allowed 18 hits, 10 walks, and struck out 24 batters in 23 innings... Aaron Breit began the year in the Mission's bullpen as he made his first 5 trips to the mound in relief. His last 2 outings have both been starts, however. Breit's last start was against Midland on Saturday and he gave up 8 hits, 1 walk, and 4 runs in 5 innings pitched, but received the victory. He started against Frisco on April 25th against Martin Perez, and gave up 3 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs in 3 2/3 innings with 5 strikeouts. San Antonio won the game 7-3. On the season, Breit has given up 22 hits and 6 walks in 14 2/3 innings with 15 strikeouts.
Ranger Invasion: The Riders got rehab outings from Neftali Feliz and Tommy Hunter last night in Frisco's 3-2 win over the San Antonio Missions in 10 innings. Feliz started for Frisco and struck out the side in his 1 inning of work. He gave up a hit and worked in the upper 90s, hitting 100 on the stadium gun as well. Tommy Hunter relieved Feliz and allowed 5 baserunners in 4 innings of work. He struck out 5, allowed 2 runs, and made 71 pitches (41 strikes). Hunter is on the DL due to a groin strain, while Feliz is on the DL due to a rotator cuff inflammation.
Riders Heating Up: After winning the first series against the Springfield Cardinals, the Riders lost 5 series in a row. However, since then, the Riders split a 4 game set with Corpus Christi and have now taken the first 2 games against the best team in the league, guaranteeing at least a second series split with the team's best starting pitcher on the mound tonight.
Bleier is Back: Richard Bleier began the season in extended spring training, but made his first appearance on Wednesday night. He gave up 3 hits and 1 walk in 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief with 3 strikeouts. Bleier pitched for Frisco last year going 7-11 with a 5.04 ERA in 28 starts. Bleier gave up 191 hits and 28 walks in 164 1/3 innings with 82 strikeouts.
Riders Pitching: The Frisco RoughRiders got great pitching on Wednesday, as they held the league's best offense in check for 2 runs in the 10 innings. Part of the reason for the success was their ability to pitch with runners in scoring position. The Missions batters came to the plate 10 times with RISP and did not record a hit. The middle of the order for San Antonio, specifically struggled with this. Jaff Decker, Kyle Blanks, James Darnell, and Kyle Phillips were a combined 2 for 18 in the game with 6 strikeouts. It was only the 2nd game all year that Darnell hasn't reached base safely. It was also the first time this season that the combo of James Darnell and Jaff Decker have gone hitless in the same game where both were starting.
Osuna is Heating Up: Renny Osuna went 3 for 4 with a double and 1 RBI on Wednesday helping the Riders get a comeback win. Since returning from the DL due to a broken nose, Renny Osuna is batting .345 (10 for 29) with 4 extra base hits and 5 RBI. He has been hitting mainly leadoff for the Riders and has been an added boost to a team that needed better production from the top of the order. Osuna is batting .462 (6 for 11) against the Missions this season now. He is now 1 hit from tying Dustin Majewski for 7th on the all time hits list for Frisco.
Adjusting to AA Pitching: When Travis Adair got promoted from Myrtle Beach to Frisco, he was batting .365 for the Pelicans. But then, Adair went through a 3 game period where he was 0 for 11, still looking for that first AA hit. However, since then Adair has adjusted well. Travis went 3 for 4 with a double and a RBI on Wednesday and is batting 7 for 15 (.467) over the last 4 games with 2 RBI and 3 runs. His batting average for Frisco is up to .269 now.
Patience Guilder: Guilder Rodriguez may have gone walk-less on Tuesday to end his walk streak at 5 games, but he made up for the 0 walks on Wednesday by walking twice in 5 trips to the plate, although 1 of the walks was an intentional walk in the 10th inning. Still, Guilder Rodriguez has walked 8 times over the last 7 games bringing his season total to 9 walks. He has had multi walk games twice during that time, which is something he did only 4 times all year last season. Rodriguez went 1 for 2 in last night's game with the 2 walks and a sacrifice bunt. His on base percentage is .395 over the last 10 games and he's been on base at least 1 time in the 7 games he's played in since moving into the #2 hole in the lineup.
Last Year on this Date: Frisco defeated the San Antonio Missions 4-2 on the road. Tanner Roark picked up the victory for Frisco, his 4th win at the time, after pitching 6 effective innings where he gave up 4 hits and 2 runs with 4 strikeouts and no walks. Adalberto Flores and Alexi Ogando pitched 2 scoreless innings before Evan Reed picked up his 2nd save of the season. Marcus Lemon went 2 for 5 at the plate with a stolen base. Wes Bankston went 3 for 5 with a double, homerun, and RBI. Guilder Rodriguez added a triple in the game. Andy Jenkins was the lone Rider without a hit in the game, but did walk 3 times.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) lost 3-1 to the Iowa Cubs. Michael Kirkman made the start for Round Rock and gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 3 runs (2 earned) in 7 innings with 4 strikeouts. Despite getting his 3rd loss, it was Kirkman's best start of the season so far. Zach Phillips pitched 1 scoreless inning of relief with 1 hit allowed and 1 strikeout. The Express managed just 4 hits and 2 walks in the game against Iowa. Chad Tracy went 1 for 4 at the plate. Former Angel Ramon Ortiz made the start for Iowa and gave up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run in 7 innings.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) shutout the Potomac Nationals 3-0. Joseph Wieland made the start for Myrtle Beach and gave up just 2 hits and a hit batter over 6 shutout innings with 13 strikeouts. Wieland did not issue a walk in what is his best start of the year. Joseph Ortiz and Johan Yan pitched 3 scoreless innings of relief with 2 strikeouts. Leury Garcia went 2 for 5 at the plate with a run for Myrtle Beach. Jared Bolden went 2 for 4 with a double and a RBI to extend his RBI streak to 5 games and 8 of the last 9 games.
Hickory (low-A) had the day off.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
After a very nice first season, Joseph Wieland hasn't had an easy last 2 years in the minor leagues. But for Myrtle Beach in 2011, the story has been a very different tune. On Wednesday he struck out 13 batters over 6 innings, gave up only 2 hits, and didn't walk a batter for the 3rd straight game. The Pelicans won 3-0 in the game. Wieland hasn't walked a hitter since he walked Andy Wilkins in the top of the 6th on April 18th against the Winston-Salem Dash. Wieland has faced 74 batters since then, 24 of which have headed back to the dugout after strike three. On the season, Wieland has given up 28 hits and just 3 walks over 31 innings with 41 strikeouts. He has given up 2 homeruns on the season, both of which came in the same game. His 2.03 ERA is the 4th best in the Carolina League, his 1.00 WHIP is the 5th best, and his 41 strikeouts are the best in the league. The 21 year old right hander was a 4th round pick by the Rangers in the 2008 draft.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Game 26: San Antonio Missions (Casey Kelly) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Tommy Hunter)
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (10-15 7 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-8 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 1 in a row
Last 10: 4-6
Series Record: 1-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 2-3
Record Since 2005 on May 4th: 4-2
Starting Pitchers: Tommy Hunter (rehab)... Casey Kelly (2-0 4.10 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Tommy Hunter makes his first start for Frisco since 2009, while Casey Kelly makes his 6th start for the San Antonio Missions... Tommy Hunter suffered a groin strain during spring training and has been on the DL since then. He will make the start for Frisco and is expected to pitch 3-4 innings for the RoughRiders. Hunter made 8 starts for the Riders in 2008 and gave up 52 hits and 17 walks in 52 1/3 innings with 28 strikeouts, while compiling a 4-2 record and 3.78 ERA. He also appeared in 5 games (3 starts) in 2009, going 1-0 with a 4.98 ERA. He gave up 30 hits and 4 walks in 21 2/3 innings that year. Hunter was drafted by the Rangers as a 1st round supplemental pick (54th overall) in the 2007 draft. In his major league career, he is 22-12 with a 4.45 ERA in 45 games/44 starts... Casey Kelly takes the mound for San Antonio for the 6th time this season. In his last outing against Midland, Kelly gave up 9 hits and 2 walks over 5 innings with 4 strikeouts and 1 run (earned). Kelly has given up 2 runs or less in 3 of his 5 starts this season and has gone 6 innings with 2 runs or less twice. On the season the 21 year old right hander has given up 30 hits and 9 walks with 19 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings pitched. Casey Kelly was a centerpiece in the trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston over this past offseason. The former Red Sox 1st round pick was rated as the San Diego Padre's best prospect and was rated by Baseball America as the 31st best prospect entering 2011 in baseball.
Riders Team Cycle in 6th Keys Comeback: The Frisco RoughRiders may not have had an individual player hit for the cycle like the Missions did on Monday, but Frisco pulled off the team cycle in the 6th inning to help pull off the comeback 5-3 victory over San Antonio on Tuesday. Davis Stoneburner led off the inning with a double to right centerfield. He then scored on Renny Osuna's 1st homerun of the season, which brought Frisco within 1 run at the time. Guilder Rodriguez followed Osuna with a triple to the gap in right centerfield and scored on Michael Bianucci's game tying RBI single to complete the team cycle.
Pimentel Struggles: After coming off a strong start against San Antonio last Thursday, Carlos Pimentel struggled through his 5th start of the year. Pimentel gave up 4 hits, 4 walks, and 3 runs (all earned) in 4 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 3 batters and made just 53 strikes in 96 pitches. All 3 runs came on a homerun given up to Jaff Decker, his 9th of the year. He got the no decision in the start, however, which is his 2nd straight no decision.
Quality Bullpen Work: The Riders were able to keep the team in the game by having great bullpen work from Ben Snyder, Ramon Aguero, who got the win, and Mark Hamburger, who got his 2nd save. The bullpen threw 4 1/3 innings of shutout baseball by allowing 1 hit and 1 walk with 7 strikeouts. Mark Hamburger pitched the final 2 innings for his 2nd 2 inning save of the season. He has retired 14 batters in a row.
Overlooked, but Not Forgotten: With Bianucci and Mendonca providing fireworks and Jonathan Greene providing a little bit of average and power, Jose Ruiz can get overlooked in the Rider's middle of the order, but he should not be. With a 2 for 3 day Tuesday, Ruiz extended his on base streak to 12 in a row and out of the 22 games that Ruiz has appeared in this year for Frisco, he has reached base in 20 of them. The only two games he hasn't were the rain shortened 5 inning game against Arkansas on April 19th and the first game of the double header on April 16th against Springfield, a 7 inning game. On the season Ruiz is batting .325 with a .402 on base percentage and he's batting equally well against both right handed pitchers and southpaws.
Neftali Feliz to Pitch Tonight: While Tommy Hunter is scheduled to start the game for the Riders on rehab, former RoughRider and rehabbing Texas Ranger Neftali Feliz is also supposed to pitch tonight. Feliz went on the DL with rotator cuff inflammation on April 23rd.
Last Year on this Date: Frisco defeated San Antonio 6-4 on the road. The Riders pounded out 13 hits against Missions pitching. Blake Beavan started for Frisco and picked up the victory, his 3rd win at the time. Beavan gave up 8 hits, 2 walks, and 4 runs in 5 innings with 7 strikeouts. Zach Phillips picked up the save by striking out the side in the 9th after Brennan Garr and Ben Snyder pitched 3 innings of scoreless relief combined. Marcus Lemon, Matt Lawson, Wes Bankston, Andy Jenkins, and Renny Osuna all had 2 hits in the game. Johnny Whittleman went 1 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI.
MLB Notes: In case you missed it, Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox last year. It was his first complete game of his career... Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers extended his hitting streak to 29 games last night with a single in the bottom of the 4th against the Chicago Cubs.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) scored 7 runs in the 1st inning and beat the Iowa Cubs 9-3. Seth McClung started for Round Rock and gave up 7 hits, 5 walks, and 3 runs in 5 innings with 5 strikeouts. Joey Butler went 2 for 5 with a double, triple, 3 RBI, and 2 runs. He is batting .276 now. Robbie Diaz went 2 for 4 with a walk at the plate. Matt Kata went 3 for 6 with a homerun and 2 RBI. Beau Jones, Justin Miller (different one), and Yoshinori Tateyama combined for 4 shutout innings of relief.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) scored a season high 20 runs and defeated the Potomac Nationals 20-6 in an early game. The Pelicans also had a season high 23 hits in the game. Robbie Ross was the beneficiary of the run support, as he picked up his 3rd win after giving up 8 hits and 5 runs (all earned) with 4 strikeouts in 6 innings. Kasey Kiker gave up 1 unearend run in 2 innings of relief with 4 walks. Big story was the offense, however, which had 5 players with at least 3 hits and 6 with at least 2. Every Pelican had at least 1 hit in the game. Myrtle Beach had 16 extra base hits in the game! Six hitters had at least 2 RBI in the game and 7 of the 9 hitters had a RBI. Five players had 3 runs in the game, while seven had at least one. They even had 3 players get caught stealing on the basepaths, too. Jared Bolden extended his RBI streak to 4 games and 7 of 8 games on the season.
Hickory (low-A) Postponed due to rain. No date to be rescheduled.
Minor League Performance of the Day
Myrtle Beach's catcher Zach Zaneski came into Tuesday's day game with a .233 batting average (10 for 43), 4 doubles, 1 homerun, 8 RBI, 16 total bases, and 3 runs scored. The 24 year old catcher left the Pelican's 20-6 beatdown of the Potomac Nationals with a 5 for 6 day, 3 doubles, 2 homeruns, 7 RBI, 14 total bases, and 4 runs scored. Nearly doubling his totals in most stats, if not some of them. Zaneski was undrafted out of the University of Rhode Island. This is his fourth year in the minor leagues.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (10-15 7 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-8 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 1 in a row
Last 10: 4-6
Series Record: 1-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 2-3
Record Since 2005 on May 4th: 4-2
Starting Pitchers: Tommy Hunter (rehab)... Casey Kelly (2-0 4.10 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Tommy Hunter makes his first start for Frisco since 2009, while Casey Kelly makes his 6th start for the San Antonio Missions... Tommy Hunter suffered a groin strain during spring training and has been on the DL since then. He will make the start for Frisco and is expected to pitch 3-4 innings for the RoughRiders. Hunter made 8 starts for the Riders in 2008 and gave up 52 hits and 17 walks in 52 1/3 innings with 28 strikeouts, while compiling a 4-2 record and 3.78 ERA. He also appeared in 5 games (3 starts) in 2009, going 1-0 with a 4.98 ERA. He gave up 30 hits and 4 walks in 21 2/3 innings that year. Hunter was drafted by the Rangers as a 1st round supplemental pick (54th overall) in the 2007 draft. In his major league career, he is 22-12 with a 4.45 ERA in 45 games/44 starts... Casey Kelly takes the mound for San Antonio for the 6th time this season. In his last outing against Midland, Kelly gave up 9 hits and 2 walks over 5 innings with 4 strikeouts and 1 run (earned). Kelly has given up 2 runs or less in 3 of his 5 starts this season and has gone 6 innings with 2 runs or less twice. On the season the 21 year old right hander has given up 30 hits and 9 walks with 19 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings pitched. Casey Kelly was a centerpiece in the trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston over this past offseason. The former Red Sox 1st round pick was rated as the San Diego Padre's best prospect and was rated by Baseball America as the 31st best prospect entering 2011 in baseball.
Riders Team Cycle in 6th Keys Comeback: The Frisco RoughRiders may not have had an individual player hit for the cycle like the Missions did on Monday, but Frisco pulled off the team cycle in the 6th inning to help pull off the comeback 5-3 victory over San Antonio on Tuesday. Davis Stoneburner led off the inning with a double to right centerfield. He then scored on Renny Osuna's 1st homerun of the season, which brought Frisco within 1 run at the time. Guilder Rodriguez followed Osuna with a triple to the gap in right centerfield and scored on Michael Bianucci's game tying RBI single to complete the team cycle.
Pimentel Struggles: After coming off a strong start against San Antonio last Thursday, Carlos Pimentel struggled through his 5th start of the year. Pimentel gave up 4 hits, 4 walks, and 3 runs (all earned) in 4 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 3 batters and made just 53 strikes in 96 pitches. All 3 runs came on a homerun given up to Jaff Decker, his 9th of the year. He got the no decision in the start, however, which is his 2nd straight no decision.
Quality Bullpen Work: The Riders were able to keep the team in the game by having great bullpen work from Ben Snyder, Ramon Aguero, who got the win, and Mark Hamburger, who got his 2nd save. The bullpen threw 4 1/3 innings of shutout baseball by allowing 1 hit and 1 walk with 7 strikeouts. Mark Hamburger pitched the final 2 innings for his 2nd 2 inning save of the season. He has retired 14 batters in a row.
Overlooked, but Not Forgotten: With Bianucci and Mendonca providing fireworks and Jonathan Greene providing a little bit of average and power, Jose Ruiz can get overlooked in the Rider's middle of the order, but he should not be. With a 2 for 3 day Tuesday, Ruiz extended his on base streak to 12 in a row and out of the 22 games that Ruiz has appeared in this year for Frisco, he has reached base in 20 of them. The only two games he hasn't were the rain shortened 5 inning game against Arkansas on April 19th and the first game of the double header on April 16th against Springfield, a 7 inning game. On the season Ruiz is batting .325 with a .402 on base percentage and he's batting equally well against both right handed pitchers and southpaws.
Neftali Feliz to Pitch Tonight: While Tommy Hunter is scheduled to start the game for the Riders on rehab, former RoughRider and rehabbing Texas Ranger Neftali Feliz is also supposed to pitch tonight. Feliz went on the DL with rotator cuff inflammation on April 23rd.
Last Year on this Date: Frisco defeated San Antonio 6-4 on the road. The Riders pounded out 13 hits against Missions pitching. Blake Beavan started for Frisco and picked up the victory, his 3rd win at the time. Beavan gave up 8 hits, 2 walks, and 4 runs in 5 innings with 7 strikeouts. Zach Phillips picked up the save by striking out the side in the 9th after Brennan Garr and Ben Snyder pitched 3 innings of scoreless relief combined. Marcus Lemon, Matt Lawson, Wes Bankston, Andy Jenkins, and Renny Osuna all had 2 hits in the game. Johnny Whittleman went 1 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI.
MLB Notes: In case you missed it, Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox last year. It was his first complete game of his career... Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers extended his hitting streak to 29 games last night with a single in the bottom of the 4th against the Chicago Cubs.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) scored 7 runs in the 1st inning and beat the Iowa Cubs 9-3. Seth McClung started for Round Rock and gave up 7 hits, 5 walks, and 3 runs in 5 innings with 5 strikeouts. Joey Butler went 2 for 5 with a double, triple, 3 RBI, and 2 runs. He is batting .276 now. Robbie Diaz went 2 for 4 with a walk at the plate. Matt Kata went 3 for 6 with a homerun and 2 RBI. Beau Jones, Justin Miller (different one), and Yoshinori Tateyama combined for 4 shutout innings of relief.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) scored a season high 20 runs and defeated the Potomac Nationals 20-6 in an early game. The Pelicans also had a season high 23 hits in the game. Robbie Ross was the beneficiary of the run support, as he picked up his 3rd win after giving up 8 hits and 5 runs (all earned) with 4 strikeouts in 6 innings. Kasey Kiker gave up 1 unearend run in 2 innings of relief with 4 walks. Big story was the offense, however, which had 5 players with at least 3 hits and 6 with at least 2. Every Pelican had at least 1 hit in the game. Myrtle Beach had 16 extra base hits in the game! Six hitters had at least 2 RBI in the game and 7 of the 9 hitters had a RBI. Five players had 3 runs in the game, while seven had at least one. They even had 3 players get caught stealing on the basepaths, too. Jared Bolden extended his RBI streak to 4 games and 7 of 8 games on the season.
Hickory (low-A) Postponed due to rain. No date to be rescheduled.
Minor League Performance of the Day
Myrtle Beach's catcher Zach Zaneski came into Tuesday's day game with a .233 batting average (10 for 43), 4 doubles, 1 homerun, 8 RBI, 16 total bases, and 3 runs scored. The 24 year old catcher left the Pelican's 20-6 beatdown of the Potomac Nationals with a 5 for 6 day, 3 doubles, 2 homeruns, 7 RBI, 14 total bases, and 4 runs scored. Nearly doubling his totals in most stats, if not some of them. Zaneski was undrafted out of the University of Rhode Island. This is his fourth year in the minor leagues.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Game 25: San Antonio Missions (Anthony Bass) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Carlos Pimentel
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (9-15 8 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-7 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Lost 1 in a row
Last 10: 3-7
Series Record: 1-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 1-3
Record Since 2005 on May 3rd: 4-2
Starting Pitchers: Carlos Pimentel (0-3 6.11 ERA)...Anthony Bass (3-1 3.45 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Riders send Carlos Pimentel to the mound for the 5th time this season, while the Missions send Anthony Bass out to the mound for the 6th time this year... After getting off to a rocky start in his first 2 starts, Carlos Pimentel has made back to back solid starts for the Riders. Last time out, Pimentel gave up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run in 6 innings against the Missions with 6 strikeouts. Unfortunately for Pimentel he got a no decision, but the Riders did win with him on the mound for the first time. His 6 strikeouts in the start was the most he's had since August 23rd, 2009 in low-A. In his last 2 outings combined, Pimentel has given up 9 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned) in 11 2/3 innings pitched with 9 strikeouts. On the season, Pimentel has given up 23 hits and 7 walks in 17 2/3 innings pitched with 15 strikeouts... Anthony Bass was the opposing pitcher in the game against Carlos Pimentel and Bass was just as effective as he gave up 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run in 6 innings with 3 strikeouts. Bass has been effective in 4 of his 5 starts this season with 3 starts where he has given up 2 runs or less in the 5 starts. On the season, Bass has given up 26 hits, 7 walks, and has struck out 18 batters in 28 2/3 innings pitched. Opponents are batting .245 against Bass and his WHIP is 1.15. Anthony Bass entered 2011 as the 22nd best prospect in the Padre's organization according to Baseball America.
From Career Bests to Career Worsts: Miguel De Los Santos continued his roller coaster season by giving up a career worst 8 hits and 9 runs, all earned, in 2 1/3 innings pitched in the final game of an 8 game road trip. He took the loss in the Rider's 15-6 loss to the Corpus Christi Hooks. The start comes one start after De Los Santos had gone a career best 7 innings against the San Antonio Missions with 10 strikeouts. He also gave up the most runs by a Frisco RoughRider pitcher since Omar Poveda gave up 9 runs (also all earned) on 8 hits in 2 2/3 innings against the Missions on August 10, 2009. The start for De Los Santos brought his ERA from 5.23 to 8.22. He gave up more hits and runs in the start than he had in the previous 3 starts combined.
Pitching Woes: After giving up 58 runs over the previous 14 games dating back to the start of the Arkansas road series, and 50 runs over the previous 13 games, the Riders gave up 15 runs on Monday. It was the most the Riders had given up all season long and the most they had given up in a game since the Riders lost 16-3 at Corpus Christi on May 9th, 2008. Mike Perconte relieved De Los Santos on Monday by giving up 7 hits and 6 runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched, including a grand slam given up to J.D. Martinez. Martinez now has 27 RBI, which is 2nd to San Antonio's James Darnell (29).
Top of the Order Damage: While the offense did manage to score 6 runs, most of the damage came from the top 4 hitters in the lineup. They were a combined 4 for 14 with a homerun, 5 RBI, 4 runs, and 2 walks. The bottom 5 hitters in the lineup went a combined 1 for 17 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored. Renny Osuna got his 205th hit a Frisco RoughRider as he went 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.
Bianucci Takes Team Lead: After Tommy Mendonca tied Bianucci with 7 homeruns on Sunday, Michael Bianucci broke the tie with his 8th homerun of the year. The 3-run homerun came in the top of the 3rd inning and brought the Riders to within 2 at the time with a 6-4 score. The Hooks scored 7 in the bottom of the 3rd, however, and never looked back. Bianucci didn't get his 8th homerun until June 12th last season and didn't get 20 RBI until June 7th. This year he has 8 homeruns and 20 RBI on May 2nd.
Guilder Rodriguez's Streak: When the Riders moved Guilder Rodriguez to the 2 hole in the lineup, he had walked just 1 time all season in 18 games. Since moving into the 2 hole on April 28th, Rodriguez has walked in 5 consecutive games and now has 7 walks on the season, which is 3 short of the team lead for walks (Jose Ruiz with 10). He also has stolen a base in 3 straight games as well and has reached base in 7 straight games.
Walk Totals Adding Up: The Riders have walked 22 times in their last 6 games, including 4 on Monday. In the 4 game series with the Hooks, Frisco walked 14 times. Their 22 walks over the last 6 games is more than they had in their previous 12 games combined and the same total that they had in their previous 13 games combined. Over the last 6 games, the Riders record is 3-3, so the patience has helped them win games.
First Look at San Antonio in Frisco: The Missions come into town on an impressive roll. They are in first place in the Texas League South by a health margin, a 5 game lead. They just swept the Midland Rockhounds, who are in second place in the division and have taken 7 of 8 against Midland this season. They are 11-2 in their last 13 games as well to get to a 17-7 record. Their offense scored 17 runs in last night's win over Midland, which marked the 5th time they've scored 10 or more runs this year and the 16th time they've scored 5 or more runs in a game. Their offense carries a team OPS of .974 and a team OBP of .400 into the series against the Riders. They average 5 extra base hits a game with 123 extra base hits in 24 games this season. Frisco was able to hold the Mission's offense in check in San Antonio, however, despite losing 3 of the 4. They gave up 19 runs over the 4 games.
Last Year on this Date: Frisco defeated the Corpus Christi Hooks on the road 6-1 in front of 5,736 people at Whataburger Field. Current RoughRider Martin Perez got the win after giving up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 1 run in 5 innings with 4 strikeouts. Wes Bankston, Matt Lawson, and Renny Osuna all hit homeruns for the Riders. Marcus Lemon went 3 for 4 at the plate with a RBI. Matt Lawson is currently batting .271 with a homerun for the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indian's AA team). Marcus Lemon is batting .286 (14 for 49) with 1 extra base hit for the Mississippi Braves (Atlanta Brave's AA team).
Ranger Invasion: The Texas Rangers announced that on Wednesday at Dr. Pepper Ballpark, former Riders and rehabbing Rangers Tommy Hunter and Neftali Feliz will pitch in the Riders game against the San Antonio Missions on rehab. Hunter will start the game and likely go 3-4 innings in the game.
Tracking Ethier: Andre Ethier played in the Texas League for the Midland Rockhounds back in 2005, before everyone knew his name nationally. Now, he's in the midst of a 28 game hitting streak for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As remarkable as that sounds, and it is a lot of games, it's only half of Joe DiMaggio's record 56 game hitting streak.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) defeated the Iowa Cubs 5-0. Derek Hankins started for Round Rock and pitched 5 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 walk with 3 strikeouts. Yhency Brazoban and Mark Lowe combined for 4 shutout innings of relief with 7 strikeouts and 1 hit allowed. They did not issue a walk. Former Rider Joey Butler hit his first AAA homerun, a 3-run homerun, to cap off a 4 run 4th inning. He finished 1 for 4 with 2 runs as well. Craig Gentry, also a former Rider, went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Chad Tracy went 0 for 3 with a walk.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) scored 2 runs in the 9th inning to tie the game 2-2, but gave up run in the bottom of the 9th to fall to the Potomac Nationals 3-2. Barret Loux got the start for Myrtle Beach and had by far his best career start to date. Loux gave up 1 hit and 2 walks with 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. He did throw 2 wild pitches and induced 5 groundouts to 3 flyouts. Kennil Gomez got the loss after giving up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs (both earned) in 1 2/3 innings. He did not record a strikeout. Michael Olt went 0 for 3 with a walk in the game at the plate. Jared Bolden went 1 for 4 with his 1st homerun of the season, a 2-run homerun, in the 9th inning. He has now driven in a run in 3 straight games and 6 of his last 7 games.
Hickory (low-A) defeated the Kannapolis Intimidators 3-2 on a walkoff homerun by Christian Villanueva. Matt Thompson started for Hickory and gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 unearned run in 6 innings pitched with 3 strikeouts. He also threw 2 wild pitches and got 8 groundball outs to 5 flyball outs. Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 at the plate while Tomas Telis went 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch. Villanueva went 2 for 4 with a single and the walkoff homerun. Villanueva has 3 consecutive 2 hit games and 3 games in a row with a RBI. The 2 hit day extended his hitting streak to 14 games and he has reached base safely in 17 straight games.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
On a day when there were multiple pitchers with 10 strikeout days, the performance of the day has to be Daniel Robertson of the San Antonio Missions. The 25 year old outfielder got a double in his last at bat to complete the cycle against the Midland Rockhounds in the Mission's 17-6 victory. Robertson went 4 for 6 in the game with 6 RBI in the leadoff role for San Antonio. He tripled in his first at bat and scored on a Jaff Decker groundout. He hit a solo homerun in the 3rd inning to give the Mission's a 2-0 lead. He singled home two runs in the 6th inning. And Robertson hit a bases loaded, bases clearing double in the 8th inning to complete the cycle and 6 RBI day. Robertson was a 33rd round pick by the Padres in the 2008 draft. He is batting .301 on the year with a .991 OPS.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Location: Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (9-15 8 games back in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (17-7 1st place in the Texas League South)
Streak: Lost 1 in a row
Last 10: 3-7
Series Record: 1-5-1
Record against San Antonio: 1-3
Record Since 2005 on May 3rd: 4-2
Starting Pitchers: Carlos Pimentel (0-3 6.11 ERA)...Anthony Bass (3-1 3.45 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Riders send Carlos Pimentel to the mound for the 5th time this season, while the Missions send Anthony Bass out to the mound for the 6th time this year... After getting off to a rocky start in his first 2 starts, Carlos Pimentel has made back to back solid starts for the Riders. Last time out, Pimentel gave up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run in 6 innings against the Missions with 6 strikeouts. Unfortunately for Pimentel he got a no decision, but the Riders did win with him on the mound for the first time. His 6 strikeouts in the start was the most he's had since August 23rd, 2009 in low-A. In his last 2 outings combined, Pimentel has given up 9 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned) in 11 2/3 innings pitched with 9 strikeouts. On the season, Pimentel has given up 23 hits and 7 walks in 17 2/3 innings pitched with 15 strikeouts... Anthony Bass was the opposing pitcher in the game against Carlos Pimentel and Bass was just as effective as he gave up 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run in 6 innings with 3 strikeouts. Bass has been effective in 4 of his 5 starts this season with 3 starts where he has given up 2 runs or less in the 5 starts. On the season, Bass has given up 26 hits, 7 walks, and has struck out 18 batters in 28 2/3 innings pitched. Opponents are batting .245 against Bass and his WHIP is 1.15. Anthony Bass entered 2011 as the 22nd best prospect in the Padre's organization according to Baseball America.
From Career Bests to Career Worsts: Miguel De Los Santos continued his roller coaster season by giving up a career worst 8 hits and 9 runs, all earned, in 2 1/3 innings pitched in the final game of an 8 game road trip. He took the loss in the Rider's 15-6 loss to the Corpus Christi Hooks. The start comes one start after De Los Santos had gone a career best 7 innings against the San Antonio Missions with 10 strikeouts. He also gave up the most runs by a Frisco RoughRider pitcher since Omar Poveda gave up 9 runs (also all earned) on 8 hits in 2 2/3 innings against the Missions on August 10, 2009. The start for De Los Santos brought his ERA from 5.23 to 8.22. He gave up more hits and runs in the start than he had in the previous 3 starts combined.
Pitching Woes: After giving up 58 runs over the previous 14 games dating back to the start of the Arkansas road series, and 50 runs over the previous 13 games, the Riders gave up 15 runs on Monday. It was the most the Riders had given up all season long and the most they had given up in a game since the Riders lost 16-3 at Corpus Christi on May 9th, 2008. Mike Perconte relieved De Los Santos on Monday by giving up 7 hits and 6 runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched, including a grand slam given up to J.D. Martinez. Martinez now has 27 RBI, which is 2nd to San Antonio's James Darnell (29).
Top of the Order Damage: While the offense did manage to score 6 runs, most of the damage came from the top 4 hitters in the lineup. They were a combined 4 for 14 with a homerun, 5 RBI, 4 runs, and 2 walks. The bottom 5 hitters in the lineup went a combined 1 for 17 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored. Renny Osuna got his 205th hit a Frisco RoughRider as he went 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.
Bianucci Takes Team Lead: After Tommy Mendonca tied Bianucci with 7 homeruns on Sunday, Michael Bianucci broke the tie with his 8th homerun of the year. The 3-run homerun came in the top of the 3rd inning and brought the Riders to within 2 at the time with a 6-4 score. The Hooks scored 7 in the bottom of the 3rd, however, and never looked back. Bianucci didn't get his 8th homerun until June 12th last season and didn't get 20 RBI until June 7th. This year he has 8 homeruns and 20 RBI on May 2nd.
Guilder Rodriguez's Streak: When the Riders moved Guilder Rodriguez to the 2 hole in the lineup, he had walked just 1 time all season in 18 games. Since moving into the 2 hole on April 28th, Rodriguez has walked in 5 consecutive games and now has 7 walks on the season, which is 3 short of the team lead for walks (Jose Ruiz with 10). He also has stolen a base in 3 straight games as well and has reached base in 7 straight games.
Walk Totals Adding Up: The Riders have walked 22 times in their last 6 games, including 4 on Monday. In the 4 game series with the Hooks, Frisco walked 14 times. Their 22 walks over the last 6 games is more than they had in their previous 12 games combined and the same total that they had in their previous 13 games combined. Over the last 6 games, the Riders record is 3-3, so the patience has helped them win games.
First Look at San Antonio in Frisco: The Missions come into town on an impressive roll. They are in first place in the Texas League South by a health margin, a 5 game lead. They just swept the Midland Rockhounds, who are in second place in the division and have taken 7 of 8 against Midland this season. They are 11-2 in their last 13 games as well to get to a 17-7 record. Their offense scored 17 runs in last night's win over Midland, which marked the 5th time they've scored 10 or more runs this year and the 16th time they've scored 5 or more runs in a game. Their offense carries a team OPS of .974 and a team OBP of .400 into the series against the Riders. They average 5 extra base hits a game with 123 extra base hits in 24 games this season. Frisco was able to hold the Mission's offense in check in San Antonio, however, despite losing 3 of the 4. They gave up 19 runs over the 4 games.
Last Year on this Date: Frisco defeated the Corpus Christi Hooks on the road 6-1 in front of 5,736 people at Whataburger Field. Current RoughRider Martin Perez got the win after giving up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 1 run in 5 innings with 4 strikeouts. Wes Bankston, Matt Lawson, and Renny Osuna all hit homeruns for the Riders. Marcus Lemon went 3 for 4 at the plate with a RBI. Matt Lawson is currently batting .271 with a homerun for the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indian's AA team). Marcus Lemon is batting .286 (14 for 49) with 1 extra base hit for the Mississippi Braves (Atlanta Brave's AA team).
Ranger Invasion: The Texas Rangers announced that on Wednesday at Dr. Pepper Ballpark, former Riders and rehabbing Rangers Tommy Hunter and Neftali Feliz will pitch in the Riders game against the San Antonio Missions on rehab. Hunter will start the game and likely go 3-4 innings in the game.
Tracking Ethier: Andre Ethier played in the Texas League for the Midland Rockhounds back in 2005, before everyone knew his name nationally. Now, he's in the midst of a 28 game hitting streak for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As remarkable as that sounds, and it is a lot of games, it's only half of Joe DiMaggio's record 56 game hitting streak.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) defeated the Iowa Cubs 5-0. Derek Hankins started for Round Rock and pitched 5 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 walk with 3 strikeouts. Yhency Brazoban and Mark Lowe combined for 4 shutout innings of relief with 7 strikeouts and 1 hit allowed. They did not issue a walk. Former Rider Joey Butler hit his first AAA homerun, a 3-run homerun, to cap off a 4 run 4th inning. He finished 1 for 4 with 2 runs as well. Craig Gentry, also a former Rider, went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Chad Tracy went 0 for 3 with a walk.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) scored 2 runs in the 9th inning to tie the game 2-2, but gave up run in the bottom of the 9th to fall to the Potomac Nationals 3-2. Barret Loux got the start for Myrtle Beach and had by far his best career start to date. Loux gave up 1 hit and 2 walks with 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. He did throw 2 wild pitches and induced 5 groundouts to 3 flyouts. Kennil Gomez got the loss after giving up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs (both earned) in 1 2/3 innings. He did not record a strikeout. Michael Olt went 0 for 3 with a walk in the game at the plate. Jared Bolden went 1 for 4 with his 1st homerun of the season, a 2-run homerun, in the 9th inning. He has now driven in a run in 3 straight games and 6 of his last 7 games.
Hickory (low-A) defeated the Kannapolis Intimidators 3-2 on a walkoff homerun by Christian Villanueva. Matt Thompson started for Hickory and gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 unearned run in 6 innings pitched with 3 strikeouts. He also threw 2 wild pitches and got 8 groundball outs to 5 flyball outs. Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 at the plate while Tomas Telis went 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch. Villanueva went 2 for 4 with a single and the walkoff homerun. Villanueva has 3 consecutive 2 hit games and 3 games in a row with a RBI. The 2 hit day extended his hitting streak to 14 games and he has reached base safely in 17 straight games.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
On a day when there were multiple pitchers with 10 strikeout days, the performance of the day has to be Daniel Robertson of the San Antonio Missions. The 25 year old outfielder got a double in his last at bat to complete the cycle against the Midland Rockhounds in the Mission's 17-6 victory. Robertson went 4 for 6 in the game with 6 RBI in the leadoff role for San Antonio. He tripled in his first at bat and scored on a Jaff Decker groundout. He hit a solo homerun in the 3rd inning to give the Mission's a 2-0 lead. He singled home two runs in the 6th inning. And Robertson hit a bases loaded, bases clearing double in the 8th inning to complete the cycle and 6 RBI day. Robertson was a 33rd round pick by the Padres in the 2008 draft. He is batting .301 on the year with a .991 OPS.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Monday, May 2, 2011
Game 24: Frisco RoughRiders (Miguel De Los Santos) @ Corpus Christi Hooks (Dallas Keuchel)
Time: 7:05 PM CT
Location: Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (9-14 7 games back in the Texas League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (9-14 7 games back in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 2 in a row
Last 10: 3-7
Series Record: 1-5-0
Record against Corpus Christi: 3-4
Record Since 2005 on May 2nd: 3-2 with 1 postponement
Starting Pitchers: Miguel De Los Santos (1-2 5.23 ERA)... Dallas Keuchel (2-1 3.81 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Miguel De Los Santos and Dallas Keuchel take the mound for the 5th time this season for Frisco and Corpus Christi... Miguel De Los Santos is coming off his most dominant start of the year against the San Antonio Missions when he gave up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs over 7 innings with 10 strikeouts. De Los Santos took the loss in the start, but made only one mistake in the game, which ended up being a 2-run homerun by Cody Decker. De Los Santos comes into the start with the team lead in strikeouts with 27 on the season. It also ranks as the 2nd best total in the Texas League this year behind Juan Nicasio's 40 strikeouts for the Tulsa Drillers. His 7 innings pitched in the start was the most he's ever pitched in a start in his career and his 1 walk tied a season low. In his last start against Corpus Christi, De Los Santos gave up 1 hit and 5 walks in 5 shutout innings and received the win in the start... Dallas Keuchel is coming off a solid start as well, when he gave up 6 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings against the Midland Rockhounds with 6 strikeouts. Keuchel gave up a solo homerun to Stephen Parker in the start. Keuchel has 3 "quality starts" in 4 starts this season with his only non-quality start coming against Frisco on April 22nd in Frisco. Keuchel gave up 12 hits, 1 walk, and 7 runs (all earned) in the start. 3 of the 12 hits were homeruns and 2 more went for extra bases. The 12 hits given up matched a career high for Keuchel, as he gave up 12 hits against Bakersfield (Ranger's high-A affiliate at the time) last season in high-A. The 7 earned runs set a career high for Keuchel. This season he has given up 27 hits and 3 walks in 26 innings pitched with 16 strikeouts. He also has a 3.07 GB/FB ratio coming into the start...
Jacob Brigham Breaks Streak... In a Good Way: Jacob Brigham came in to his start yesterday with a streak of 4 straight starts with 5 innings pitched and 3 earned runs given up. Then he broke it by going 7 strong innings, where he gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 run (earned), struck out 3 batters, and made 96 pitches (61 for strikes) in the Rider's 9-2 victory over the Hooks. It was his first start going 7 innings while allowing 1 earned runs since going 7 innings with 1 earned run on August 4th last year in low-A ball. Brigham's start earned him his second victory of the season, as well, which ties reliever Mike Perconte for the team lead in wins. It marked the second time a RoughRiders starting pitcher has gone 7 innings this season and Brigham's 96 pitches set a new Rider starting pitcher high this year.
Hit Parade: Five Riders hitters had 2 hits in the win over the Hooks and 3 different players hit a homerun in the game. The Riders were down 1-0 for the first 6 innings before scoring 9 runs in the final 3 innings of the game. Jonathan Greene's solo homerun in the 7th tied the game. The Riders took a 2-1 lead in the 7th when Travis Adair was able to score following back to back wild pitches by reliever Matt Nevarez. Catcher Elio Sarmiento capped an 8th inning rally with a 3-run homerun after Jose Ruiz had grounded into what could have been a rally killing double play. Tommy Mendonca finished off the Hooks hopes with a 3-run homerun in the top of the 9th, which marked his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th RBIs in the game.
Hooks Tired of Mendonca/Greene: Both Jonathan Greene and Tommy Mendonca hit homeruns in the game, which gave each of them 3 homeruns on the season against Corpus Christi Hooks pitching. Tommy Mendonca is now batting .379 with 9 RBIs as well and 22 total bases in 7 games against the Hooks. Greene is batting .370 with 3 RBI and 19 total bases against them. Mendonca's OPS is 1.125 against the Hooks this season, while Greene's is 1.155.
Practice Patience: The Riders got 12 hits in the game against Corpus Christi, their 4th game against the Hooks with at least 10 hits. However, the Riders also walked 6 times in the game, which matched a season high that they achieved on Thursday against the Missions. Guilder Rodriguez, who batted 2nd, walked twice in the game and has now walked 4 times in 7 games against Corpus Christi. He has walked twice against everyone else.
Loving Groundballs: Riders starting pitchers have induced 31 groundball outs over the last 3 starts against the Corpus Christi Hooks with just 8 flyball outs. On the season, Riders starting pitchers have gotten 112 groundball outs with 60 flyball outs, a ratio of 1.87 GB/FB. The groundball outs have also helped Riders starting pitchers to 5 consecutive starts of at least 6 innings, their only 5 starts of 6 or more innings on the season.
Last Year on This Day: Frisco lost 5-2 on the road to the Corpus Christi Hooks. Kasey Kiker took the loss after giving up 1 hit, 7 walks, and 4 runs (all earned) in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Jordan Lyles got the win for Corpus Christi. James Tomlin and Andy Jenkins both hit homeruns for the Riders as part of 2 for 4 days each.
US Military Victory: On Sunday night, President Obama made a speech about a great moment in U.S. history. Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the 9/11 attacks, had been killed by the U.S. Military forces. I couldn't go a post without mentioning this because it truly was a big moment in US history. It also happened that Bin Laden was confirmed dead on May 1st, which was the same day that 66 years ago Adolf Hitler was confirmed dead. Odd how it happened that way, but the world works in crazy ways. I think the military of the United States does amazing things and I hope everyone honors them for what they have done to protect this country.
Remembering 9/11: I don't think any American who lived through 9/11 will ever forget where they were for that day. It was such a big deal. I remember I was in religion class at a high school in St. Louis, MO. Here are a few baseball related moments/videos that will honor 9/11:
Jack Buck 9/11 Poem
U-S-A Chants at Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets Game Sunday Night (via MLB.com)
President Bush's First Pitch in game 3 of the 2001 World Series
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) game was postponed due to rain. The game will be played as part of a double header at a date to be determined still.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) used a run in the 5th and 6th to defeat the Frederick Keys 2-1. Robbie Erlin started for Myrtle Beach and gave up 1 hit, 1 walk, and 1 run in 7 innings with 6 strikeouts. Erlin's sole run and hit and were part of a homerun given up. Joseph Ortiz pitched 2 scoreless innings of relief for his 1st save of the season. Michael Olt went 1 for 3 with a walk. Ryan Strausborger went 2 for 4 at the plate in the game to finish off a great week. Jared Hoying and Jared Prince each added a double in the game and Hoying added a RBI. Jared Bolden went 1 for 3 with a RBI as well. Robbie Erlin was named the Carolina League pitcher of the week, while Ryan Strausborger was named the Carolina League hitter of the week.
Hickory (low-A) used a 3 run 2nd inning to help defeat the Kannapolis Intimidators 4-3. Justin Grimm 4 hits, 0 walks, and 2 runs (both earned) in 7 innings with a career best 11 strikeouts to get his second victory of the year. Jurickson Profar went 0 for 2 with a walk and a sacrifice fly at the plate. Odubel Herrera went 1 for 4 at the plate as well. Andrew Clark, Christian Villanueva, and Jhonny Gomez combined to go 7 for 11 at the plate with a RBI and 3 runs. Kellin Deglan went 1 for 2 with 2 RBI and a walk. Jorge Marban picked up his 1st save of the year with 2 innings of relief.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
Juan Nicasio of the Tulsa Drillers (Colorado's AA team) has put up some dominant numbers over the years in the minor leagues. Last year in the California League, Nicasio averaged nearly a strikeout an inning with 171 in 177 2/3 innings and he allowed just 31 walks. However, on Sunday he continued to perform at an even more impressive level in a 3-0 rain shortened victory over the Springfield Cardinals. Nicasio gave up 4 hits in 6 2/3 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and just 1 walk. He threw 105 pitches (73 for strikes) and got 5 groundouts to 3 flyouts Nicasio improved his K-BB ratio to 40-4 on the season in 28 2/3 innings. He is now 4-1 with a 1.88 ERA in the Texas League. The 24 year old righty is going from sleeper to a need to know name pretty quickly in AA. Nicasio was signed by the Colorado Rockies as an international free agent in 2006 and was ranked as the Rockie's 8th best prospect coming into 2011 by Baseball America. In 79 games/71 starts in the minors, Nicasio has struck out 404 batters in 415 innings with just 94 walks given up.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Location: Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (9-14 7 games back in the Texas League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (9-14 7 games back in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 2 in a row
Last 10: 3-7
Series Record: 1-5-0
Record against Corpus Christi: 3-4
Record Since 2005 on May 2nd: 3-2 with 1 postponement
Starting Pitchers: Miguel De Los Santos (1-2 5.23 ERA)... Dallas Keuchel (2-1 3.81 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Miguel De Los Santos and Dallas Keuchel take the mound for the 5th time this season for Frisco and Corpus Christi... Miguel De Los Santos is coming off his most dominant start of the year against the San Antonio Missions when he gave up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs over 7 innings with 10 strikeouts. De Los Santos took the loss in the start, but made only one mistake in the game, which ended up being a 2-run homerun by Cody Decker. De Los Santos comes into the start with the team lead in strikeouts with 27 on the season. It also ranks as the 2nd best total in the Texas League this year behind Juan Nicasio's 40 strikeouts for the Tulsa Drillers. His 7 innings pitched in the start was the most he's ever pitched in a start in his career and his 1 walk tied a season low. In his last start against Corpus Christi, De Los Santos gave up 1 hit and 5 walks in 5 shutout innings and received the win in the start... Dallas Keuchel is coming off a solid start as well, when he gave up 6 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings against the Midland Rockhounds with 6 strikeouts. Keuchel gave up a solo homerun to Stephen Parker in the start. Keuchel has 3 "quality starts" in 4 starts this season with his only non-quality start coming against Frisco on April 22nd in Frisco. Keuchel gave up 12 hits, 1 walk, and 7 runs (all earned) in the start. 3 of the 12 hits were homeruns and 2 more went for extra bases. The 12 hits given up matched a career high for Keuchel, as he gave up 12 hits against Bakersfield (Ranger's high-A affiliate at the time) last season in high-A. The 7 earned runs set a career high for Keuchel. This season he has given up 27 hits and 3 walks in 26 innings pitched with 16 strikeouts. He also has a 3.07 GB/FB ratio coming into the start...
Jacob Brigham Breaks Streak... In a Good Way: Jacob Brigham came in to his start yesterday with a streak of 4 straight starts with 5 innings pitched and 3 earned runs given up. Then he broke it by going 7 strong innings, where he gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 run (earned), struck out 3 batters, and made 96 pitches (61 for strikes) in the Rider's 9-2 victory over the Hooks. It was his first start going 7 innings while allowing 1 earned runs since going 7 innings with 1 earned run on August 4th last year in low-A ball. Brigham's start earned him his second victory of the season, as well, which ties reliever Mike Perconte for the team lead in wins. It marked the second time a RoughRiders starting pitcher has gone 7 innings this season and Brigham's 96 pitches set a new Rider starting pitcher high this year.
Hit Parade: Five Riders hitters had 2 hits in the win over the Hooks and 3 different players hit a homerun in the game. The Riders were down 1-0 for the first 6 innings before scoring 9 runs in the final 3 innings of the game. Jonathan Greene's solo homerun in the 7th tied the game. The Riders took a 2-1 lead in the 7th when Travis Adair was able to score following back to back wild pitches by reliever Matt Nevarez. Catcher Elio Sarmiento capped an 8th inning rally with a 3-run homerun after Jose Ruiz had grounded into what could have been a rally killing double play. Tommy Mendonca finished off the Hooks hopes with a 3-run homerun in the top of the 9th, which marked his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th RBIs in the game.
Hooks Tired of Mendonca/Greene: Both Jonathan Greene and Tommy Mendonca hit homeruns in the game, which gave each of them 3 homeruns on the season against Corpus Christi Hooks pitching. Tommy Mendonca is now batting .379 with 9 RBIs as well and 22 total bases in 7 games against the Hooks. Greene is batting .370 with 3 RBI and 19 total bases against them. Mendonca's OPS is 1.125 against the Hooks this season, while Greene's is 1.155.
Practice Patience: The Riders got 12 hits in the game against Corpus Christi, their 4th game against the Hooks with at least 10 hits. However, the Riders also walked 6 times in the game, which matched a season high that they achieved on Thursday against the Missions. Guilder Rodriguez, who batted 2nd, walked twice in the game and has now walked 4 times in 7 games against Corpus Christi. He has walked twice against everyone else.
Loving Groundballs: Riders starting pitchers have induced 31 groundball outs over the last 3 starts against the Corpus Christi Hooks with just 8 flyball outs. On the season, Riders starting pitchers have gotten 112 groundball outs with 60 flyball outs, a ratio of 1.87 GB/FB. The groundball outs have also helped Riders starting pitchers to 5 consecutive starts of at least 6 innings, their only 5 starts of 6 or more innings on the season.
Last Year on This Day: Frisco lost 5-2 on the road to the Corpus Christi Hooks. Kasey Kiker took the loss after giving up 1 hit, 7 walks, and 4 runs (all earned) in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Jordan Lyles got the win for Corpus Christi. James Tomlin and Andy Jenkins both hit homeruns for the Riders as part of 2 for 4 days each.
US Military Victory: On Sunday night, President Obama made a speech about a great moment in U.S. history. Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the 9/11 attacks, had been killed by the U.S. Military forces. I couldn't go a post without mentioning this because it truly was a big moment in US history. It also happened that Bin Laden was confirmed dead on May 1st, which was the same day that 66 years ago Adolf Hitler was confirmed dead. Odd how it happened that way, but the world works in crazy ways. I think the military of the United States does amazing things and I hope everyone honors them for what they have done to protect this country.
Remembering 9/11: I don't think any American who lived through 9/11 will ever forget where they were for that day. It was such a big deal. I remember I was in religion class at a high school in St. Louis, MO. Here are a few baseball related moments/videos that will honor 9/11:
Jack Buck 9/11 Poem
U-S-A Chants at Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets Game Sunday Night (via MLB.com)
President Bush's First Pitch in game 3 of the 2001 World Series
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) game was postponed due to rain. The game will be played as part of a double header at a date to be determined still.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) used a run in the 5th and 6th to defeat the Frederick Keys 2-1. Robbie Erlin started for Myrtle Beach and gave up 1 hit, 1 walk, and 1 run in 7 innings with 6 strikeouts. Erlin's sole run and hit and were part of a homerun given up. Joseph Ortiz pitched 2 scoreless innings of relief for his 1st save of the season. Michael Olt went 1 for 3 with a walk. Ryan Strausborger went 2 for 4 at the plate in the game to finish off a great week. Jared Hoying and Jared Prince each added a double in the game and Hoying added a RBI. Jared Bolden went 1 for 3 with a RBI as well. Robbie Erlin was named the Carolina League pitcher of the week, while Ryan Strausborger was named the Carolina League hitter of the week.
Hickory (low-A) used a 3 run 2nd inning to help defeat the Kannapolis Intimidators 4-3. Justin Grimm 4 hits, 0 walks, and 2 runs (both earned) in 7 innings with a career best 11 strikeouts to get his second victory of the year. Jurickson Profar went 0 for 2 with a walk and a sacrifice fly at the plate. Odubel Herrera went 1 for 4 at the plate as well. Andrew Clark, Christian Villanueva, and Jhonny Gomez combined to go 7 for 11 at the plate with a RBI and 3 runs. Kellin Deglan went 1 for 2 with 2 RBI and a walk. Jorge Marban picked up his 1st save of the year with 2 innings of relief.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
Juan Nicasio of the Tulsa Drillers (Colorado's AA team) has put up some dominant numbers over the years in the minor leagues. Last year in the California League, Nicasio averaged nearly a strikeout an inning with 171 in 177 2/3 innings and he allowed just 31 walks. However, on Sunday he continued to perform at an even more impressive level in a 3-0 rain shortened victory over the Springfield Cardinals. Nicasio gave up 4 hits in 6 2/3 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and just 1 walk. He threw 105 pitches (73 for strikes) and got 5 groundouts to 3 flyouts Nicasio improved his K-BB ratio to 40-4 on the season in 28 2/3 innings. He is now 4-1 with a 1.88 ERA in the Texas League. The 24 year old righty is going from sleeper to a need to know name pretty quickly in AA. Nicasio was signed by the Colorado Rockies as an international free agent in 2006 and was ranked as the Rockie's 8th best prospect coming into 2011 by Baseball America. In 79 games/71 starts in the minors, Nicasio has struck out 404 batters in 415 innings with just 94 walks given up.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Game 23: Frisco RoughRiders (Jacob Brigham) @ Corpus Christi Hooks (Ross Seaton)
Time: 2:05 PM CT
Location: Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (8-14 7 games back in the Texas League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (9-13 6 games back in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 1 in a row
Series Record: 1-5-0
Record against Corpus Christi: 2-4
Starting Pitchers: Jacob Brigham (1-1 5.40 ERA)... Ross Seaton (1-0 5.85 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Jacob Brigham and Ross Seaton take the mound for their 5th time for their respective teams... Jacob Brigham made his last start on the road against the San Antonio Missions and gave up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs in 5 innings pitched in a no decision. Brigham has gone 5 innings and allowed 3 earned runs in all 4 of his starts this season. In the 20 innings pitched this season, he has given up 22 hits and 8 walks with 21 strikeouts. In Brigham's last start against Corpus Christi, he gave up 8 hits, 0 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned) with 4 strikeouts and took the loss in the start... After getting roughed up in his first 2 starts of the season, Ross Seaton has settled down in his last 2 starts and has pitched very nicely. In his last start, Seaton gave up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 1 run in 6 innings against the Midland Rockhounds. In his first start against Frisco this season, Seaton got the victory after giving up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs in 7 innings with 3 strikeouts. On the season, Seaton has given up 27 hits and 5 walks with 15 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.
Perez Solid Again: The Ranger's top prospect took the mound on Saturday and pitched superbly in Frisco's 5-3 win over Corpus Christi. Martin Perez gave up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 6 innings pitched and struck out 4 batters. His only mistake was a pitch to David Flores, which winded up in the seats for a 2 run homerun. The six innings pitched marked his longest outing of the year so far. On the season, the southpaw has given up 18 hits and 10 walks with 24 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched.
Breakout for Felix: Riders 22 year old catcher Jose Felix came into Saturday's game with 1 homerun in 162 career PA for the Riders and 4 career homeruns in the minor leagues. Felix then went 2 for 4 on Saturday with 2 homeruns and 3 RBI, both coming in his first 2 at bats of the game.
Lineup Change: The Riders used a different lineup on Saturday and in some ways a very different lineup. Guilder Rodriguez played centerfield for only the 7th game in his 10 year minor league career. The Riders also had their lineup changed around as Jonathan Greene hit 3rd for the first time this season and Michael Bianucci hit 5th for the first time this season. Bianucci went 2 for 4 in the game with a double and a homerun and Tommy Mendonca, batting 4th still, went 2 for 4 as well. Jonathan Greene, however, went 0 for 5 in the game with 4 strikeouts. He is batting only 3 for his last 20.
Still Looking For the First Hit: Travis Adair continues to struggle through a funk. In 3 games for the Riders, Adair is 0 for 11 with 2 strikeouts, a caught stealing, and a RBI.
Shutting Down the Running Game: In 6 games against the Hooks this season, the Riders have limited the Hooks to 4 stolen bases. So, the Hooks have 4 steals in 6 games against Frisco and 30 in the other 16 games against the rest of the league. This will be something to watch the rest of the time that these two teams play. Frisco has allowed the 2nd lest amount of steals in the Texas League this season.
On This Date Last Year: Frisco Lost 2-5 on the road to the Corpus Christi Hooks and moved to 11-11 on the year. Richard Bleier took the loss in the start for Frisco.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) gave up 7 runs in the 7th inning and lost 10-7 to the Memphis Redbirds. Zach Jackson made the start for Round Rock and gave up 6 hits, 1 walk, and 4 runs in 6 1/3 innings pitched. Zach Phillips got his 2nd blown save of the year and 2nd loss of the year after giving up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs (5 earned) in 1 inning pitched. Chad Tracy went 3 for 4 with a double and 4 RBI at the plate. Joey Butler went 2 for 5 with 2 singles and Craig Gentry went 2 for 4 in the game as well.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) took a 10-1 lead after 3 and held on to defeat the Frederick Keys 11-10. Ryan Kelly got the start for the Pelicans and gave up 8 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched with 3 strikeouts. Ryan Strauborger went 4 for 5 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI at the plate for Myrtle Beach. Former Rider Mitch Hilligoss went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk, and 3 RBI at the plate. Jared Bolden continued his hot hitting with a 2 for 5 day and he's now 9 for his last 18. Bolden had 2 doubles and 4 RBI.
Hickory (low-A) got a walkoff hit by Carlos Villanueva in the 10th inning to defeat the Kannapolis Intimidators 2-1 in extra innings. Nick Tepesch made the start and gave up 1 hit and 1 walk in 3 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts. Colby Killian relieved Tepesch with 3 scoreless innings of relief himself. Ryan Rodebaugh got the win and a blown save after allowing his inherited runner to score. Shortstop Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with a double at the plate. Odubel Herrera went 1 for 4 with a single. Josh Richmond went 2 for 4 with a homerun, RBI, and 2 runs at the plate.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
Zack Cozart of the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Red's AAA team) had a great game on Saturday when he went 5 for 5 with a homerun, 4 doubles, 3 RBI, and 2 runs. His great game helped Louisville to a 10-1 win over the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Oriole's AAA) That's right, he had 12 total bases in the game. That's as many total bases as he had had in his previous 9 games combined. Cozart entered the 2011 season as the 8th best prospect in the Red's organization by Baseball America.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
Location: Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)
Team Records: Frisco RoughRiders (8-14 7 games back in the Texas League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (9-13 6 games back in the Texas League South)
Streak: Won 1 in a row
Series Record: 1-5-0
Record against Corpus Christi: 2-4
Starting Pitchers: Jacob Brigham (1-1 5.40 ERA)... Ross Seaton (1-0 5.85 ERA)
What to Watch for on the Mound: Jacob Brigham and Ross Seaton take the mound for their 5th time for their respective teams... Jacob Brigham made his last start on the road against the San Antonio Missions and gave up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs in 5 innings pitched in a no decision. Brigham has gone 5 innings and allowed 3 earned runs in all 4 of his starts this season. In the 20 innings pitched this season, he has given up 22 hits and 8 walks with 21 strikeouts. In Brigham's last start against Corpus Christi, he gave up 8 hits, 0 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned) with 4 strikeouts and took the loss in the start... After getting roughed up in his first 2 starts of the season, Ross Seaton has settled down in his last 2 starts and has pitched very nicely. In his last start, Seaton gave up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 1 run in 6 innings against the Midland Rockhounds. In his first start against Frisco this season, Seaton got the victory after giving up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 runs in 7 innings with 3 strikeouts. On the season, Seaton has given up 27 hits and 5 walks with 15 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.
Perez Solid Again: The Ranger's top prospect took the mound on Saturday and pitched superbly in Frisco's 5-3 win over Corpus Christi. Martin Perez gave up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 6 innings pitched and struck out 4 batters. His only mistake was a pitch to David Flores, which winded up in the seats for a 2 run homerun. The six innings pitched marked his longest outing of the year so far. On the season, the southpaw has given up 18 hits and 10 walks with 24 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched.
Breakout for Felix: Riders 22 year old catcher Jose Felix came into Saturday's game with 1 homerun in 162 career PA for the Riders and 4 career homeruns in the minor leagues. Felix then went 2 for 4 on Saturday with 2 homeruns and 3 RBI, both coming in his first 2 at bats of the game.
Lineup Change: The Riders used a different lineup on Saturday and in some ways a very different lineup. Guilder Rodriguez played centerfield for only the 7th game in his 10 year minor league career. The Riders also had their lineup changed around as Jonathan Greene hit 3rd for the first time this season and Michael Bianucci hit 5th for the first time this season. Bianucci went 2 for 4 in the game with a double and a homerun and Tommy Mendonca, batting 4th still, went 2 for 4 as well. Jonathan Greene, however, went 0 for 5 in the game with 4 strikeouts. He is batting only 3 for his last 20.
Still Looking For the First Hit: Travis Adair continues to struggle through a funk. In 3 games for the Riders, Adair is 0 for 11 with 2 strikeouts, a caught stealing, and a RBI.
Shutting Down the Running Game: In 6 games against the Hooks this season, the Riders have limited the Hooks to 4 stolen bases. So, the Hooks have 4 steals in 6 games against Frisco and 30 in the other 16 games against the rest of the league. This will be something to watch the rest of the time that these two teams play. Frisco has allowed the 2nd lest amount of steals in the Texas League this season.
On This Date Last Year: Frisco Lost 2-5 on the road to the Corpus Christi Hooks and moved to 11-11 on the year. Richard Bleier took the loss in the start for Frisco.
Around the Ranger's System:
Round Rock (AAA) gave up 7 runs in the 7th inning and lost 10-7 to the Memphis Redbirds. Zach Jackson made the start for Round Rock and gave up 6 hits, 1 walk, and 4 runs in 6 1/3 innings pitched. Zach Phillips got his 2nd blown save of the year and 2nd loss of the year after giving up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs (5 earned) in 1 inning pitched. Chad Tracy went 3 for 4 with a double and 4 RBI at the plate. Joey Butler went 2 for 5 with 2 singles and Craig Gentry went 2 for 4 in the game as well.
Myrtle Beach (high-A) took a 10-1 lead after 3 and held on to defeat the Frederick Keys 11-10. Ryan Kelly got the start for the Pelicans and gave up 8 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched with 3 strikeouts. Ryan Strauborger went 4 for 5 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI at the plate for Myrtle Beach. Former Rider Mitch Hilligoss went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk, and 3 RBI at the plate. Jared Bolden continued his hot hitting with a 2 for 5 day and he's now 9 for his last 18. Bolden had 2 doubles and 4 RBI.
Hickory (low-A) got a walkoff hit by Carlos Villanueva in the 10th inning to defeat the Kannapolis Intimidators 2-1 in extra innings. Nick Tepesch made the start and gave up 1 hit and 1 walk in 3 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts. Colby Killian relieved Tepesch with 3 scoreless innings of relief himself. Ryan Rodebaugh got the win and a blown save after allowing his inherited runner to score. Shortstop Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with a double at the plate. Odubel Herrera went 1 for 4 with a single. Josh Richmond went 2 for 4 with a homerun, RBI, and 2 runs at the plate.
Minor League Performance of the Day:
Zack Cozart of the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Red's AAA team) had a great game on Saturday when he went 5 for 5 with a homerun, 4 doubles, 3 RBI, and 2 runs. His great game helped Louisville to a 10-1 win over the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Oriole's AAA) That's right, he had 12 total bases in the game. That's as many total bases as he had had in his previous 9 games combined. Cozart entered the 2011 season as the 8th best prospect in the Red's organization by Baseball America.
As always...
Station to Listen to the Game on: 1630 AM (KKGM)
Follow the Game Online at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109
Follow Us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter
Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540
And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/
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