Texas League

Newsletter

Vol. XX, No. 11

June 11-17, 2012

Texas League announces 2012 All-Star Teams

By Rich Weimert/Texas League 6/17/12

Note: All statistics are thru 6/16

On Wednesday June 13 the Texas League announced the rosters for the 2012 Texas League All-Star Game that will be played on June 28 at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma. First-half league champions, Tulsa and Frisco, each had a league-high eight players voted into the game. In addition, seven of Major League Baseball’s top 100 prospects (according to MLB.com) will take the field on the 28th. Frisco shortstop Jurickson Profar (#4 overall) was named the starter at shortstop for the South Division All-Stars. At 19-years-old, Profar is the youngest player in all of Double-A and is having a phenomenal season for the RoughRiders. In 64 games this season, the Curacao-native is hitting .299 with six homers, 28 RBIs and 44 runs scored. The youngster is in the top five in runs, hits with 76, extra-base hits with 29, total bases with 123 and triples with six. Profar was also named Topps Texas League Player of the Month for May. When he takes the field in the first inning, he will see a familiar face on the left side of the South Division infield. RoughRiders third baseman Mike Olt (#34 overall) will play alongside Profar for the South Stars. The 23-year old from the University of Connecticut has been another key cog for pennant-winning Frisco, hitting .313 with 19 homers and 55 RBIs. The lofty home run total ranks him tops in all of Double-A and includes a three-game stretch in early June in which the slugger drilled two homers in three consecutive games. He ranks in the top 5 in the Texas League in average, runs with 44, extra-base hits with 32, total bases with 144, RBIs, OBP at .415, slugging at .608 and OPS at 1.024. Tulsa’s Nolan Arenado (#17 overall) will man the other starting third base position at the All-Star Game. In 67 games for the Drillers, Arenado is hitting .290 with six homers and 35 RBI. The 21-year old led all of minor league baseball in 2011 with 122 RBIs. This season, his first in Double-A, Arenado ranks in the Texas League top ten in hits with 73, total bases with 108, doubles with 17 and RBIs. Jon Singleton (#35 overall) was named the starting designated hitter for the South squad. Singleton, playing mostly first base for the Corpus Christi Hooks this season, is hitting .284 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs. The Springfield Cardinals sent a pair of rising stars to Tulsa in Oscar Taveras (#87) and Kolten Wong (#93). Taveras, like Profar, is just 19-years-old and having no issues adjusting to his first year in Double-A. Selected as one of the North Division’s starting outfielders, Taveras leads the league in hitting at .327 and extra-base hits with 36 and is tied for the league-lead in both total bases with 146 and doubles with 20. Wong, the North starter at second base, has been a model of consistency in his first season with the Cardinals. The 21-year old native of Hawaii is in the top 10 in six different offensive categories, including average at .302. Arkansas’s Jean Segura (#46), who was named to the North Division reserve team, is hitting .285 with five homers and 30 RBIs. The 22-year-old shortstop is second in the league in steals with 23 and tied for third in hits with 76. Olt, Singleton, Taveras and Wong have all been named Texas League Player of the Week at one point this season.

Waiting on the hill for all these young guns will be some pretty good pitchers:

• Frisco’s Barret Loux (11-0) is tied for the professional baseball lead in wins.

• Tulsa’s Edwar Cabrera, a two-time Texas League Pitcher of the Week, leads all of Double-A in innings pitched with 91.

• Springfield’s Keith Butler is tied for the Double-A lead in saves with 14. Below are the full rosters for 2012 Texas League All-Star teams:

2012 Texas League North Division All Star Team

First Base John Whittleman Northwest Arkansas

Second Base Kolten Wong Springfield

Third Base Nolan Arenado Tulsa

Shortstop Josh Rutledge Tulsa

Catcher Lars Davis Tulsa

Designated Hitter Christian Colon Northwest Arkansas

Outfield Yem Prades Northwest Arkansas

Outfield Oscar Taveras Springfield

Outfield Carlo Testa Northwest Arkansas

Catcher Reserve Audry Perez Springfield

Infield Reserve Jermaine Curtis Springfield

Ben Paulsen Tulsa

Jean Segura Arkansas

Outfield Reserve Roberto Lopez Arkansas

Pitcher Keith Butler Springfield

Pitcher Edwar Cabrera Tulsa

Pitcher Dan Houston Tulsa

Pitcher Patrick Keating Northwest Arkansas

Pitcher Justin Marks Northwest Arkansas

Pitcher Ariel Pena Arkansas

Pitcher Trevor Rosenthal Springfield

Pitcher Nick Schmidt Tulsa

Pitcher A J Schugel Arkansas

Pitcher Coty Woods Tulsa

Manager Duane Espy Tulsa

Coach Kevin Riggs Tulsa

Coach Dave Schuler Tulsa

Trainer Austin O’Shea Tulsa

2012 Texas League South Division All Star Team

First Base Nate Freiman San Antonio

Second Base Jose Martinez Corpus Christi

Third Base Mike Olt Frisco

Shortstop Jurickson Profar Frisco

Catcher Ali Solis San Antonio

Designated Hitter Jonathan Singleton Corpus Christi

Outfield Jeremy Barfield Midland

Outfield Engel Beltre Frisco

Outfield Austin Wates Corpus Christi (1)

Reserve Catcher Zach Zaneski Frisco

Reserve Infielder Anthony Aliotti Midland

Dean Anna San Antonio

Jonathan Villar Corpus Christi

Reserve Outfielder Shane Peterson Midland (2)

Pitcher Chad Bell Frisco

Pitcher Jake Brigham Frisco

Pitcher Kevin Chapman Corpus Christi

Pitcher Justin Grimm Frisco

Pitcher Barret Loux Frisco

Pitcher Brett Oberholtzer Corpus Christi

Pitcher Jonathan Ortiz Midland

Pitcher Murphy Smith Midland

Pitcher Jason Stoffel Corpus Christi

Pitcher Dan Straily Midland

Manager John Gibbons San Antonio

Coach Tom Tornincasa San Antonio

Trainer Nathan Stewart San Antonio

(1) Shane Peterson replaces Austin Wates in the starting outfield. Wates is

injured.

(2) Connor Crumblis replaces Shane Peterson as the reserve outfielder.

Texas notes: Segura getting his games

By Todd Traub / Special to MLB.com - 6/12/12

Even without Jean Segura's injury history, it would have been a scary moment.

The Arkansas Travelers shortstop, a right-handed hitter, was facing Springfield Cardinals reliever Jorge Rondon on May 17 when he took a pitch to the head. The right-handed Rondon was struggling through an eighth inning that included a walk, two hits and a wild pitch when his fastball came in on Segura, ricocheted off his helmet and struck the press box more than 50 feet above home plate.

"It scared me," said Segura, who momentarily thought he was badly hurt. "It scared me a lot."

Thankfully Segura was speaking lucidly by the time manager Mike Micucci and trainer Mike Metcalfe reached him, but his day was done.

"He was kind of laughing a little bit, so we weren't too scared once we got to talk to him," Micucci said. "Any time a guy gets hit in the head, you pretty much want to make sure you take all the precautions, especially if it's a fastball."

Segura, who was back in the Travelers lineup the next night in his familiar spot atop the batting order, has had some interruptions due to injury during an otherwise standout career.

Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2007, Segura lost time to a broken ankle and finger in 2009 before a torn hamstring cost him all but 44 games last year. Still, the Angels have Segura on their 40-man roster, and he brought a career .316 average into this season.

"I've been hurt in the past couple years, and I can't do anything about that," said Segura, who's appeared in 60 of Arkansas' 61 games this season. "You can't control it. When I'm healthy, people know I'm going to be good."

"His No. 1 stat that he needs to look at, and we're going to look at, is games played," said Micucci. "The games category is the most important thing. If we can push him to 130-135 games, we'll be happy with that so he can get his 600 at-bats."

Last year's hamstring injury clearly behind him, Segura is hitting .277 and is second in the Texas League with 22 stolen bases.

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120611&content_id=33124442&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_m

ilb

Springfield baseball's a world unto itself

By Benjamin Hill / MiLB.com - 6/14/12

Springfield, Mo., is more than 200 miles southwest of St. Louis, a drive of nearly four hours on Interstate

44, but the distance between the two cities has absolutely no effect on Springfield's passion for the St.

Louis Cardinals.

Springfield is Cardinals country through and through, and for incontrovertible proof of the area's undying loyalty to St. Louis, one only needs to visit the local Minor League Baseball stadium. That would be Hammons Field, a seven-year-old facility that hosts, yes, the Springfield Cardinals. This Texas League club is owned outright by the St. Louis organization, insuring that the symbiotic relationship between the Major League club and the so-called "Baby Birds" is one that will endure for many years to come.

I had never been to Springfield prior to attending Sunday evening's ballgame at Hammons Field, and going into the experience I had little idea what to expect. This is now the seventh season in which I've been writing about Minor League promotions and game operations, but in that time Springfield is not a team that has provided me with much content to work with. The team maintains a very low-key social media presence, for starters, and attempts to make a name for itself on a national level have been virtually nonexistent. There haven't been any name-the-team contests, new logos, crazy pop culture theme nights, concession stand gut-busters, secondary mascots or any other of the attention-grabbing promotional stunts that have become the bread and butter of an industry that is always finding ways to remain in the public eye.

That's because Springfield already has the attention, simply by virtue of their gleaming facility and Major League association. On Sunday, I arrived at the ballpark 90 minutes before game time and was stunned to see an ocean of red-clad fans queued up hundreds deep in front of each and every ballpark entrance. They were there for the evening's bobblehead giveaway, of Springfield slugger-turned-St. Louis Cardinal Matt Adams.

After parting this red sea in order to pick up a media pass at the will-call window, I was greeted outside of the team's front office by broadcaster Jeff Levering. He explained that the enthusiastic response to the evening's giveaway was a mere prelude to the fervor that was sure to greet the following week's David Freese bobblehead giveaway. And that, furthermore, the bobbleheads weren't nearly as popular as the team's series of St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series replica ring giveaways (there are four on this year's promo schedule, with 2,000 given away each time).

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120614&content_id=33289270&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb

Naturals' canine a ballpark celebrity

By Benjamin Hill / MLB.com - 6/15/12

"I just wanted a great dog to take to the ballpark every day. I never expected a legend."

Those are the words of Northwest Arkansas Naturals groundskeeper Monty Sowell, who does indeed spend the entirety of his workday with a local canine legend. That would be Ruby, a 12-year-old black lab who is, arguably, the most popular individual at Arvest Ballpark.

As Sowell goes about his rounds, whether it's on foot or on golf cart, there's Ruby right beside him. She's an unflappable presence, radiating a bemused calm amidst the constant barrage of fans who want to give her a pat on the head and, often, pose for a picture.

Sowell, a native of Arkansas with a deep tan that comes from years of working outdoors, is very accommodating to the fans who seek Ruby's attention. "Can I pet her?" is a very common question, and Sowell's answer is almost always the same: "Absolutely."

He takes an obvious pride in Ruby's ballpark celebrity, which has expanded to the point where not only are stuffed Ruby dolls available at the team store, but they outsell those of Strike the mascot. And in the world of Minor League Baseball, one-upping the mascot is no easy task.

Sowell first acquired Ruby when he was working at a golf course, but it was when he took a job with the Midland RockHounds in 2002 that the legend of Ruby truly began. To start, Midland's First American Bank Ballpark was a perfect environment.

"A dog with the 'Hounds just fit right in," said Sowell.

But then controversy struck as part of a chain of events that, if it were fiction, would sound too implausible to be believed. One evening, Midland hosted the city's dog catchers in a stadium suite and one of them, apparently unable to separate business from pleasure, returned the next day. Here's how Sowell recounts the conversation.

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120615&content_id=33342264&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_farmalmc

Naturals report

By Lane Kramer/NWA Online - 6/17/12

Naturals want to even out

The first half of the season has been a roller-coaster ride for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

The Naturals, who complete the first half Tuesday at home against the league-leading Tulsa Drillers, have lacked consistency from the start.Northwest Arkansas has had eight winning or losing streaks of four of more games this year.

The trend has been even more pronouncedlately, with five of those eight streaks coming in the past month. Most recently, the Naturals lost four consecutive games, won their next seven, then lost their next four before the last streak was broken with a 4-3 victory Thursday at Springfield, Mo.

Five of the Naturals’ eight streaks of four or more games were consecutive losses, but the three longest were winning streaks of six, six and seven games.

“There shouldn’t be so many peaks and valleys,” Naturals Manager Brian Poldberg said. “There should be more of a little upturn and a littledownturn. We need to even that out.”

All five of the losing streaks included at least two road games, with 16 of the Naturals’ 21 losses coming on the road. The Naturals lost each of their first four road series and did not win their first one until mid-May.

“There’s no question when you break it down, we just haven’t been consistent on the road this year,” Poldberg said. “You’re always going to play better at home, but you hope you’re just a little better on the road.” Star-studded lineup

The Naturals had a league-best four players voted into the starting lineup for the Texas League All-Star Game.

Outfielders Yem Prades and Carlo Testa, first baseman Johnny Whittleman and shortstopChristian Colon were selected as starters for the game, which will be June 28 at OneOK Field in Tulsa. Colon earned a spot as the North Division’s designated hitter, although an ankle injury he sustained Wednesday in Tulsa will likely keep him from playing in the game.

For full article, go to:

http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2012/jun/17/naturals-report-20120617/?sports-prosports

Lipkin making most of opportunity behind plate

BY ADAM ZUVANICH/OA Online - 6/18/12

MIDLAND Last year he sported a goatee. This year he has a Mohawk and a mustache that’s straight out of the 1970s.

Ryan Lipkin says he always does something different and “a little crazy” with his hair, which is part of the fun of being a professional baseball player. The Midland RockHounds’ 24-year-old catcher from California usually wears a smile, too, at least when he’s at the ballpark.

“It’s a fun thing,” Lipkin said. “I enjoy playing the game, and I’m looking to any way I can have a fun, happy day.”

Lipkin has had a lot of happy days as of late. He started the season as the backup to Ryan Ortiz, who was a returning RockHound from last year, but has played at least every other day for most of the last month.

Lipkin said Ortiz, who is batting .168 in 38 games this year, hasn’t been able to play as much because of an elbow issue. RockHounds manager Steve Scarsone, who had a third catcher (Juan Nunez) assigned to his team on June 7, said it’s also a matter of trying to keep players fresh at a physically demanding position.

Either way, Lipkin is taking advantage of his increased role. He has hits in seven of the nine games he’s played in this month, and he’s hit home runs in three of his last eight games.

“Over the course of this half, especially this last month, Ryan Lipkin has proven to be a worthy guy to get more playing time,” Scarsone said.

Lipkin, a 24th-round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics who’s in his third minor league season, batted .248 last year with Single-A Stockton (Calif.). He hit 20 doubles and six homers while driving in 47 runs in 83 games.

Through 28 games with the Double-A RockHounds of the Texas League, Lipkin is hitting .240 with six doubles, four home runs and 13 RBIs. He said he’s starting to get in a groove because of the increased playing time and his work with RockHounds hitting coach Tim Garland, who has tried to improve Lipkin’s footwork in the batter’s box.

For full article, go to:

http://www.oaoa.com/sports/year-89149-league-mustache.html

Dwyer trying to rebound for Naturals

By Sam Dykstra / Special to MLB.com - 6/18/12

Now in his third consecutive season in the Texas League, Chris Dwyer swears it's not the Double-A bats

he can't handle; it's his own inconsistency.

"It all starts with being able to throw strikes, no matter where you're pitching," he said. "That's what counts. You can't control where you're pitching, what stadium you're throwing in, none of that stuff. All it comes down to is throwing strikes, hitting your spots and doing that consistently."

The Royals' No. 7 prospect showed glimpses of what is possible when he is on target in Northwest Arkansas' 4-3 win over Springfield on Sunday.

Dwyer took a shutout into the eighth inning, but surrendered a walk to Vance Albitz and a single to Jose Garcia before exiting. Naturals reliever Ryan Dennick allowed the inherited runners to score, giving Dwyer a final line of two earned runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

The outing represents the best start for the 23-year-old southpaw since he threw 6 2/3 innings of a no-hitter on May 10. Heading into Sunday, he was 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA over his last five starts. That run included a start in which surrendered a career-high seven walks while allowing four earned runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Following his latest gem, he is 4-6 with a 5.84 ERA, sixth-highest among Texas League starters.

With such a high disparity to his starts this year, Dwyer had one word to describe his first half of the 2012 season.

"Inconsistent," he said. "I haven't been as consistent as I would like at this point. That's something I have to work on. If I can command the fastball better, hopefully the rest will come with it."

Following two more free passes in his latest start, Dwyer ranks fourth in the eight-team circuit with 37 on the season. With his accuracy becoming his own worst enemy once again, he went into his bullpen sessions looking to make some physical changes.

"I'm just trying to keep my shoulders on target with the rubber more," he said. "We've also been trying to get my body back around with my arm. ... It's something I've been practicing, and it felt good tonight. Hopefully, I can keep it rolling here going forward."

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120617&content_id=33487856&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb

Player of the Week, June 11-17

C Jair Fernandez, Corpus Christi Hooks

.524 AVG (11-for-21), 5 runs, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 extra-base hits, 17 TB, .810 SLG, 1.375 OPS

Jair Fernandez earned Texas League Player of the Week honors after racking up 11 hits in six games,

helping surging Corpus Christi cap the past week with a 5-2 record. For the week, Fernandez hit a

sizzling .524, with three doubles, a homer, five RBI and five runs scored. In 24 games this season, mostly

at catcher, Fernandez is hitting .270 with two homers, nine RBI, six doubles and eight runs scored.

Fernandez gave the Hooks a huge lift to start this week by collecting multi-hit games in his first three

contests. He capped his breakout week on June 17 by hitting a two-run homer in the 11th inning, part of

the Hooks' game-winning, nine-run rally that helped beat the first-place RoughRiders 14-5. He finished

Sunday's marathon by going 3-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored.

The 25-year old, native of Colombia was signed by Seattle as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2003.

After four seasons in the Mariners organization, he was traded by Seattle to Minnesota on March 29, 2008

in exchange for pitcher R.A. Dickey. In 2008, while playing in the Midwest League (A-Level),

Fernandez was selected as a Mid-Season All-Star, after hitting a career-best .283 with a homer and 20

RBI in 36 games for the Beloit Snappers (Twins). The 2012 season is his first in the Houston

organization.

Pitcher of the Week, June 11-17

LHP Edwar Cabrera, Tulsa Drillers

2-0 (W-L), 0.00 ERA, 15.0 innings pitched, 4 hits, 10 strikeouts, 3 walks, opponents AVG- .082

Edwar Cabrera earned his second Pitcher of the Week award after another dominant week for the North

Division, first-half champion Tulsa Drillers. In two winning starts last week, Cabrera did not allow an

earned run, while he struck out 10 batters and walked just three in 15 innings pitched. In 14 starts this

season, he is 7-4 with a 2.97 ERA. The southpaw leads the Texas League in innings pitched with 91,

WHIP at 0.90 and opponent's batting average against at .185. He also ranks second in ERA, while he is

tied for third in wins and fifth in strikeouts with 73.

Cabrera won his first award after taking a no-hitter into the ninth in Tulsa's 4-0 win over Corpus Christi

on April 17.

Cabrera defined the term "ace" this past week, delivering two clutch performances for the Drillers. In his

first start on June 11, Cabrera tossed seven shutout innings of one-hit ball, leading the Drillers to a 6-0

victory over the Naturals, a win that put Tulsa back in sole possession of first place. In his second start on

June 16 at Arkansas, he allowed the Drillers to clinch the pennant with another brilliant performance. In

eight innings, Cabrera allowed just one unearned run on three hits as the Drillers edged the Travelers 3-1.

The 24-year old native of the Dominican Republic, was signed by the Colorado Rockies as a non-drafted

free agent on March 5, 2008. He is listed as the #18 prospect in the organization by Baseball America.

Last season, splitting time between Asheville (A) and Modesto (A+), Cabrera made 26 starts, finishing

with an 8-3 record and a 3.34 ERA. In 167 innings pitched, Cabrera struck out a whopping 217 batters

while only walking 41.

North Division Notes

6/11-6/17

Arkansas Travelers Los Angeles Angels Affiliate

This Week: 2-5; Overall Record: 25-43 4th Place North Division

Monday, June 11: W, 5-3 @ Springfield

The Travelers rebounded from a humiliating loss to the Cardinals Sunday by defeating Springfield 5-3 Monday night at Hammons Field. After Arkansas pitching allowed 20 runs in their lop-sided loss a night earlier, the Travs were in better hands in Monday's contest with starter AJ Schugel (3-5). In his seven-inning victory, the right-hander struck out four and allowed one run on just three hits. The Travelers raced out to a 3-0 lead in the second, an inning capped by a two-run double by shortstop Jean Segura. In the fifth, a two-out double by right fielder Roberto Lopez gave Arkansas a 4-0 lead. Casey Haerther's fifth homer of the season capped Arkansas scoring in the eighth. Kevin Johnson earned his second save of the season after working a perfect ninth.

Tuesday, June 12: L, 4-1 @ Springfield Johnny Hellweg's complete game performance was not enough as the Travelers fell to the Cardinals 4-1 at Hammons Field. Hellweg (2-5) made one crucial mistake in his eight innings of work, a three-run homer to Kyle Conley in the second that gave the Cardinals a 3-0 lead. Shortstop Jean Segura got Arkansas on the board in the sixth with a two-out, solo shot to left. However, that was the only Travs run scored off of Cards starter Seth Maness (3-0), who tossed the first nine-inning complete game in the Texas League this season. Wednesday, June 13: W, 6-1 @ Springfield

Arkansas rode the arm of starter Ariel Pena and the bat of first baseman Casey Haerther to an easy 6-1 victory over Springfield at Hammons Field. Pena (4-4) earned the win after a complete-game masterpiece, in which he allowed just one run on seven hits. The right-hander has an ERA of 1.79 in his last five starts. The Travelers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first when shortstop Jean Segura doubled, then later scored on an RBI ground out by Ryan Mount. Arkansas pushed their lead to two in the third when they followed up another Segura double with another run-producing ground out, this time by Roberto Lopez. Segura, who added a single in the fifth, finished the game 3-for-5, raising his team-leading average to .285. Haerther made the score 4-1 in the sixth with a two-run blast to left center, and followed it up in the eighth when he capped the game's scoring with another two-run dinger. Pena's complete game was the second in a row for the Travs, following Johnny Hellweg's effort on Tuesday.

Thursday, June 14: L, 5-1 vs. Tulsa

The Travelers fell to the Drillers 5-1 at Dickey-Stephens Park in spite of a fine spot-start by Mike Piazza. Piazza (1-2), who was filling in for Orangel Arenas, pitched well in defeat, striking out seven and allowing two runs on just three hits over six innings. Arenas missed his regular turn after he was struck on the foot by a comebacker in his previous start on June 9. Shortstop Jean Segura plated the lone Travs run in the sixth with his fifth homer of the season. Arkansas threatened in the bottom of the ninth, putting two men one with one out and the tying run on deck. However, Tulsa shortstop Josh Rutledge snuffed the Travs final rally when he made a diving stop on a sharp

grounder by Casey Haerther, then started a game-ending 6-4-3 double play. Left fielder Roberto Lopez had four of the nine Arkansas hits in the game.

Friday, June 15: L, 2-1 vs. Tulsa

In a 2-1 loss to Tulsa, the Travelers could not generate much offense against Drillers starter Parker Frazier. Arkansas starter Matt Oye (1-4) matched zeroes with Frazier through four innings, but took the loss after allowing a pair of runs in the fifth. The Travs managed to collect just three hits in seven scoreless innings versus Frazier. The lone Travs run came in the eighth when Darwin Perez scored from third on a wild pitch from Josh Sullivan that cut the Drillers lead to 2-1. However, Arkansas was retired in order in the bottom of the ninth by Tulsa reliever Coty Woods (11th save). Center fielder Angel Castillo accounted for half of the Travelers four hits in the contest. Saturday, June 16: L, 3-1 vs. Tulsa

The Travelers could not prevent the Drillers from clinching the North Division first-half title, falling to Tulsa 3-1 Saturday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. The Travelers had trouble reaching base against winning pitcher Edwar Cabrera (7-4), who allowed just three hits and one walk in his eight innings of work. The only run Arkansas plated in the game came in the sixth. With one out, Renny Osuna reached first after being struck by a Cabrera fastball. With shortstop Jean Segura batting, Osuna attempted to steal second. Cabrera, anticipating the steal, fired a pick-off attempt to first that sailed into foul territory and allowed Osuna to take third. Segura drove home his teammate with a single to center, plating the game’s final run. Travs starter AJ Schugel (3-6) pitched well in defeat, allowing three runs on four hits in seven innings. Sunday, June 17: L, 6-1 vs. Tulsa

Arkansas was shutdown, once again, by Tulsa pitching, falling 6-1 to the Drillers before a Father's Day crowd of 4,418 Sunday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. The Travelers lone run came in the first inning when right fielder Roberto Lopez 's RBI single put Arkansas ahead 1-0. Arkansas wasted a fine effort by hard-luck loser Johnny Hellweg (2-6), who allowed just two runs on six hits in seven innings of work. The Travelers out-hit the Drillers 8-7, but left 11 men on base in the contest. Arkansas scored just one run in each of the four games (all losses) in their series with Tulsa.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals Kansas City Royals Affiliate

This Week: 2-5; Overall Record: 35-33

T-2nd Place North Division

Monday, June 11: L, 6-0 @ Tulsa

In a 6-0 loss to Tulsa Monday night at ONEOK Field, the Naturals managed just two hits against the Driller combo of Edwar Cabrera (6-4) and Josh Sullivan. Northwest Arkansas broke up Cabrera's no-no bid in the sixth with a one-out single by center fielder Yem Prades. The Naturals other hit came in the ninth when shortstop Christian Colon lined a one-out single to center off of Sullivan. Northwest Arkansas starter Elisaul Pimentel (2-4) took the loss after allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits in just four innings of work.

Tuesday, June 12: L, 10-2 @ Tulsa

The Naturals fell to the Drillers 10-2 Tuesday night at ONEOK Field after Tulsa broke the game open with a seven-run outburst in the sixth. Starter Ethan Hollingsworth (0-2) took the loss after allowing two runs on seven hits in four and two-thirds innings of work. However, most of the damage was done against reliever Ryan Dennick, who allowed all seven of the Tulsa runs in the sixth inning, which turned a two-run hole into a 9-0 deficit. The Naturals only scoring came in the seventh on a run-producing ground out by pinch-hitter Nick Van Stratten and an RBI single by catcher Ryan Jenkins.

Wednesday, June 13: L, 6-2 @ Tulsa Northwest Arkansas could not recover from an early four-run hole, falling 6-2 to Tulsa Wednesday afternoon at ONEOK Field. Starter Noel Arguelles (2-6) took the loss after allowing four of his five runs in the first inning. The Naturals answered back in the top of the second when shortstop Rey Navarro's sacrifice fly cut the Driller lead to 4-1. In the third, Eric Duncan produced Northwest Arkansas's final tally with run-producing grounder that made the score 4-2. Paulo Orlando and Mario Lisson combined for six of the Naturals' 11 hits in the contest.

Thursday, June 14: W, 4-3 @ Springfield

Northwest Arkansas broke a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over Springfield at Hammons Field. The Naturals did all of their damage in the contest during a four-run fourth inning. Trailing 2-0, third baseman Mario Lisson got the Northwest Arkansas scoring started with an RBI single to right. Shortstop Rey Navarro tied the score at two when he followed with a line drive single to right. Sharlon Schoop broke the tie with a run-scoring single. The Naturals added another run later in the frame on an error, taking a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. The Northwest Arkansas rally made a winner out of starter Michael Mariot (3-2), who allowed two runs on seven hits in his five innings of work. Ryan Dennick earned his second save of the season after a scoreless ninth.

Friday, June 15: L, 5-2 @ Springfield

In a 5-2 loss to the Cardinals at Hammons Field, five different Springfield pitchers were able to shutdown the Northwest Arkansas offense. Trailing 2-0 in the third, the Naturals got on the board when Nick Van Stratten scored from second on a wild toss by Cards first baseman Xavier Scruggs. Springfield was forced to go to their bullpen to begin the fourth after starter Carlos Martinez reached his pitch count in his Double-A debut. However, the Naturals offense continued to stall over the final six innings against four Cardinal relievers. The Naturals’ other run, also unearned, came in the seventh, when Sharlon Schoop drove in John Whittleman with a sacrifice fly to center that trimmed the Springfield lead to 3-2. Starter Justin Marks (3-3) took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits in his five and two-thirds innings of work.

Saturday, June 16: L, 7-2 @ Springfield

The Naturals fell 7-2 to the Cardinals Saturday night at Hammons Field after they were unable to overcome Springfield’s five-run second inning. Northwest Arkansas scored their only runs of the game in their first time at-bat. Center fielder Paulo Orlando led off the game with a double to center and moved to third on Rey Navarro’s bunt single. Orlando scored from third when next batter, Eric Duncan, grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. John Whittleman gave the Naturals a 2-0 lead when he followed with a solo homer to center. The Northwest Arkansas lead did not hold for long as Springfield erupted for five runs in the second off starter Elisaul Pimentel (2-5), who was charged with all seven of the Cardinals runs in his five-inning outing. Navarro was the lone Natural with a multi-hit effort in the game, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk. Sunday, June 17: W, 4-3 @ Springfield

The Naturals built an early three-run lead, then had to hold on in the ninth before taking a dramatic 4-3 win over the Cardinals at Hammons Field. Northwest Arkansas opened the game's scoring in the fourth when third baseman Eric Duncan hit a two-run homer. The Naturals increased their lead to 3-0 in the seventh when Yem Prades drove in Carlo Testa from third with a sacrifice bunt. Chris Dwyer (4-6) was terrific in the win for the Naturals, allowing two runs on five hits in seven innings of work. Center fielder Yem Prades put the Naturals up 4-2 in the ninth with a clutch, two-out solo homer. The insurance run proved crucial after the Cards cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth and were threatening to tie the score before Buddy Baumann came in to record the final two outs, preserving the lead, while earning his first save of the season. After suffering through his first slump of the 2012 (3-for-19) former Naturals slugger Wil Myers hit his minor league-leading 24th home run Saturday night in Omaha's (Triple-A) 10-3 loss at Nashville. He followed it up Sunday with a 4-for-5 performance in the Storm Chasers 4-1 loss to the

Sound. In 35 games with Northwest Arkansas this season, Myers hit .343 with 13 dingers and 30 RBIs. In 31 games with Omaha (PCL), Myers is hitting .331 with 11 homers and 31 RBIs.

Springfield Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals Affiliate

This Week: 3-4; Overall Record: 35-33

T-2nd Place North Division

Monday, June 11: L, 5-3 vs. Arkansas

Springfield was unable to follow up Sunday's record-setting performance, falling to Arkansas 5-3 Monday after a late comeback bid fell short. The Cardinals, who scored 20 runs on a franchise-record 24 hits in Sunday's rout of the Travelers, were kept off the scoreboard by Arkansas pitching until the seventh in Monday's contest. Trailing 4-0, Springfield plated their first run on an RBI force out by catcher Audry Perez. After the Travelers pushed their lead back to four with a run in the top of the eighth, the Cardinals countered in their half of the inning with run-scoring doubles by Oscar Taveras and Jake Shaffer that made the score 5-3. However, Greg Garcia flew out to center to end the eighth and Springfield's final scoring threat. In defeat, starter Scott Gorgen (2-5) allowed four runs on six hits in four and two-thirds innings. Shaffer led the way offensively for the Cards, going 3-for-4 with a run scored.

Tuesday, June 12: W, 4-1 vs. Arkansas In a 4-1 win over the Travelers, Seth Maness and the Cardinals came out on top in a wonderfully pitched game Tuesday night at Hammons Field. Maness (3-0) and Arkansas's Johnny Hellweg (eight innings) each went the distance, but the Springfield starter was able to avoid the one shaky inning that did in his opponent. After Hellweg (2-5) walked Chris Swauger and Jake Shaffer to begin the second, Kyle Conley followed with a three-run homer to left that gave the Cards a 3-0 lead. The early lead was more than enough for Maness, who needed just 84 pitches (62 of them strikes) to earn the one-run, five-hit complete game victory. It was the right-hander's first career complete game and the first tossed by a Springfield pitcher since 2010. After the Travs scored their only run off Maness in the sixth, Shaffer capped scoring in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single. Shaffer and Swauger accounted for four of the seven Cardinal hits in the contest.

Wednesday, June 13: L, 6-1 vs. Arkansas Arkansas rode a complete game effort by Ariel Pena to a 6-1 victory over Springfield Wednesday night at Hammons Field. The lone Cardinals tally came in the third, when Jose Garcia, fresh of the DL, led off the frame with a solo homer to left that cut the Travs lead to 2-1. Cards starter Trevor Rosenthal (5-6) took the loss after allowing four runs on eight hits over six innings of work. Reigning Texas League Player of the Week Oscar Taveras went 2-for-4 with a triple in an otherwise quiet offense performance by Springfield. However, in defeat, the Cardinals made history in the fifth by turning the franchise's first triple play. With runners on first and second, Arkansas's Ryan Mount hit a pop up to shortstop Greg Garcia, who made a nice over-the-shoulder catch in shallow left center, then threw to Kolten Wong at second to get Jean Segura for out number two. Wong then attempted to throw out Renny Osuna at first, but his throw sailed high. Fortunately, catcher Travis Tartamella backed up the play and threw Osuna out trying to advance back to second for the final out of a wild sequence.

Thursday, June 14: L, 4-3 vs. NW Arkansas

The Naturals scored all of their runs in a four-run fourth inning to rally past the Cardinals 4-3 Thursday night at Hammons Field. Springfield stormed out to a 2-0 lead in the second when shortstop Greg Garcia stroked a one-out, two-run double to left. Starter Richard Castillo (4-1) could not make the early lead stand, taking the loss after

allowing all of his four runs (three earned) in the top of the fourth. Overall, the right-hander struck out four and allowed seven hits in six innings of work. First baseman Xavier Scruggs capped the game's scoring with a solo homer in the eighth. The Cardinals put runners on base in every inning in the contest, but often failed to deliver the timely hit, stranding 10 men on base and hitting just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Friday, June 15: W, 5-2 vs. NW Arkansas

Timely hitting and superb relief pitching led the Cardinals to a 5-2 win over the Naturals Friday night at Hammons Field. Springfield jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second on a pair of run-scoring singles by Greg Garcia and Kolten Wong. First baseman Xavier Scruggs led off the fourth with his 11th homer of the season that made the score 3-1. In the eighth, Scruggs provided Springfield insurance and capped the game’s scoring with a two-out, two-run single to center. A home crowd of 5,945 were treated to the successful Double-A debut of St. Louis’s number two rated prospect, pitcher Carlos Martinez. Working on a strict pitch count as he was appearing in his first game after a month on the DL, the 20-year old allowed just an earned run in three innings. The restriction on Martinez pressed the Springfield bullpen into early action. The combination of Kevin Thomas, Deryk Hooker, Eric Fornataro and Keith Butler held the Naturals at bay, allowing one unearned run on just four hits over the final six innings. Butler earned his league-leading 14th save after a scoreless ninth.

Saturday, June 16: W, 7-2 vs. NW Arkansas

The Cardinals used a five-run, second inning and a strong effort from starter Scott Gorgen to craft a 7-2 win over the Naturals at Hammons Field. Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the second, Springfield loaded the bases with nobody out for catcher Travis Tartamella, who promptly drilled a game-tying, two-run double to center. It was just the second hit in 20 at-bats for the back-up catcher. Two batters later, second baseman Kolten Wong gave the Cards a 5-2 lead when he blasted a three-run homer to left. In the fifth, Springfield capped the game’s scoring when they got back-to-back RBI singles from Jake Shaffer and Xavier Scruggs. Gorgen (3-5), who won for the first time since May 25 at San Antonio, allowed two runs, none after the first, on seven hits in seven innings of work. Wong, Shaffer and Tartamella each had two hits for the Cardinals, who were an effective 6-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the contest. Sunday, June 17: L, 4-3 vs. NW Arkansas

In a disappointing 4-3 loss to the Naturals Sunday at Hammons Field, the Cardinals' late-inning comeback attempt fell just short. It took a while for Springfield to generate much offense in the contest against Northwest Arkansas starter Chris Dwyer (4-6), who kept the Cards off the board through the first seven innings. Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the eighth, Springfield finally began to chip away at Dwyer and the Naturals bullpen. After a walk and a Greg Garcia single ended Dwyer's night, third baseman Jermaine Curtis drew a free pass from new pitcher Ryan Dennick that loaded the bases with nobody out. Designated hitter Oscar Taveras followed with a two-run single to center that cut the Cardinals deficit to 3-2. After a pair of strikeouts and another pitching change, Xavier Scruggs singled to right field, but trying to score from second, Curtis was gunned out at home by right fielder Nick Van Stratten, ending the threat. Though the Naturals took a 4-2 lead in the top of the ninth, Springfield was not done fighting for the win, scoring a run when Kolten Wong hit a one-out, pinch-hit double. After Wong was thrown out at third trying to stretch his hit into a triple, Springfield coaxed two walks before Oscar Taveras struck out, ending the Cardinals final threat and the ballgame. Seth Maness (3-1) took the loss after allowing three runs on eight hits in six and a third innings.

Tulsa Drillers Colorado Rockies Affiliate

This Week: 7-0; Overall Record: 40-28

1st Place North Division

Monday, June 11: W, 6-0 vs. NW Arkansas

Edwar Cabrera and Josh Sullivan combined on a two-hitter, leading the Drillers to a convincing 6-0 win over the Naturals at ONEOK Field. After a rare poor showing in his last start on June 6, in which he allowed six runs in five and two-thirds innings in a 9-7 loss against Springfield, Cabrera (6-4) was back to his dominant self Monday versus Northwest Arkansas. The left-hander struck out five in seven shutout frames, allowing just one hit, a one-out single in the sixth by Naturals center fielder Yem Prades. In the bottom of first, the Drillers wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Back-to-back doubles by Josh Rutledge and Angelys Nina plated Tulsa's first run, then, they added another later in the frame, when Nina scored on a fielding error to make the score 2-0. In the fourth, Tulsa received a big lift from newcomer Corey Dickerson. Making his Double-A debut after being promoted from High-A Modesto, the 23-year old outfielder drilled a one-out solo homer that gave Tulsa a 3-0 lead. The Drillers pushed their lead to five later in the inning on a Lars Davis RBI double and a run-scoring single by Mike Mitchell. Josh Sullivan allowed one hit over the final two innings to wrap up the Drillers' third shutout of the season. The win moved Tulsa (34-28) back into sole possession of first place in the North Division, one game ahead of Northwest Arkansas with eight games remaining in the first half.

Tuesday, June 12: W, 10-2 vs. NW Arkansas The Drillers used a seven-run, sixth inning to cruise past the Naturals 10-2 Tuesday night at ONEOK Field. In the fourth, Tulsa catcher Lars Davis opened the game's scoring with a one-out, two-run single to left. In the sixth, the Drillers broke the game open with a season-high seven-run inning that pushed their lead to 9-0. The Tulsa outburst started with a Davis RBI single and closed with a two-run homer by third baseman Nolan Arenado. Shortstop Josh Rutledge had a strong game for the Drillers, going 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. After two previous starts in which he allowed a total of nine runs in 11 innings, Nick Schmidt (4-3) got back on the winning track in Tuesday's contest. Schmidt (4-3) allowed just three hits and one walk, while striking out eight, in six shutout innings. In winning the first three games of their pivotal, four-game series versus the Naturals, Tulsa starting pitchers have allowed only one run in 19.1 innings.

Wednesday, June 13: W, 6-2 vs. NW Arkansas A Wednesday afternoon crowd of 5,858 at ONEOK Field saw the Drillers complete a four-game series sweep of the Naturals with a 6-2 win. With six games remaining in the first half, Tulsa's magic number to clinch their first playoff berth since 2007 dropped to four. The Drillers did most of their damage in the contest with a four-run first. Third baseman Nolan Arenado opened scoring with a sacrifice fly to center. After a walk to Kiel Roling, left fielder Corey Dickerson followed with a two-run triple to right and later scored the final run of the inning following a single by Kent Matthes. Dickerson finished the game 2-for-3 with a double. In just three games since his promotion from High-A Modesto, he is hitting 4-for-11 with a homer and three RBIs. The Drillers took a 5-2 lead in the sixth when Ben Paulsen led off the inning with his fifth homer of the season. Right fielder Tim Torres capped the game's scoring in the seventh with an RBI single to left. Starter Joe Gardner allowed two runs on six hits, but did not last long enough for a decision after he was pulled two batters into the fifth. The win went to Cory Riordan (3-1), who tossed three scoreless innings of relief.

Thursday, June 14: W, 5-1 @ Arkansas

In the opening game of a four-game series at Dickey-Stephens Park, the Drillers defeated the Travelers 5-1 behind the right-arm of starter Dan Houston. In eight dominant innings on the hill, Houston (7-5) allowed just one run on seven hits with six strikeouts and no walks. The Drillers opened the game's scoring in the fourth on a Ben Paulsen run-producing ground out. Tulsa pushed their lead to 2-0 in the sixth when Nolan Arenado drove home Josh

Rutledge from second with an RBI single to left. Leading 3-1 in the eighth, Paulsen put the game out of reach and capped scoring with a one-out, two-run dinger. With the win, the Drillers (37-28) remain three games ahead of Northwest Arkansas for first place in the North Division with five games remaining in the first half. Friday, June 15: W, 2-1 @ Arkansas

Parker Frazier’s seven shutout innings helped the Drillers edge the Travelers 2-1 Friday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. The Tulsa victory was their, season-high, six straight and lowered their magic number for clinching the Texas League North Division first-half title to one. In the win, Frazier (3-7) allowed just three hits and lowered his ERA on the season to 3.81. Tulsa scored both of their runs in the fifth, taking a 2-0 lead on a Josh Rutledge sacrifice fly and an RBI triple to center by Angelys Nina. Coty Woods earned his 11th save of the season after he struck out two in a perfect ninth. Saturday, June 16: W, 3-1 @ Arkansas

In a 3-1 win over the Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park, the Drillers wrapped up the Texas League North Division, first-half title with another impressive pitching performance. The playoff berth was the first since 2007 for Tulsa, who have won a season-high seven straight games. Both teams combined for just seven hits in the contest, but Drillers ace Edwar Cabrera (7-4) was able to out duel his mound opponent, AJ Schugel (3-6). In his eight innings, Cabrera allowed just one unearned run on three hits. The Drillers wasted no time taking the lead when shortstop Josh Rutledge homered on the first pitch of the game from Schugel. It was his third homer leading off a game for the Drillers this season. Rutledge gave Tulsa a 2-0 lead in the third when he knocked home Michael Mitchell with a sacrifice fly to left, after the outfielder had tripled,. The Drillers’ final run came on another sacrifice fly in the fourth, this time from Corey Dickerson. Coty Woods earned his 12th save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. In their seven-game win streak, the Drillers have outscored their opponents 36-9 and have not given up more than two runs in any game.

Sunday, June 17: W, 6-1 @ Arkansas After locking up the first-half title the night before, the Drillers showed no letdown in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Travelers Sunday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. Former Arkansas Razorback star Nick Schmidt (5-3) earned the win after tossing five innings of one-run, six-hit ball. Three Driller relievers combined to hold the Travs scoreless over the final four innings, locking up Tulsa's season-best eighth straight win. The Drillers scored a run in each of the third and fourth innings to take a 2-1 lead, but broke the game open in the eighth when they scored four times. With the bases loaded and two outs in the inning, the Drillers took a 3-1 lead after shortstop Warren Schaeffer scored from third on a wild pitch. After Tim Torres drew a walk that reloaded the bases, Kiel Roling, capped scoring with a three-run double to center.

South Division Notes

6/11-6/17

Corpus Christi Hooks Houston Astros Affiliate

This Week: 5-2; Overall Record 36-32

2nd Place South Division

Monday, June 11: W, 5-1 vs. San Antonio

Jose Martinez's tie-breaking, three-run homer propelled the Hooks to a 5-1 victory over the Missions Monday night at Whataburger Field. With the game tied one all in the sixth, the Hooks put runners on first and second with two outs for Martinez, who connected on a 2-0 pitch from Missions starter Tom Layne (0-2), pounding a three-run homer to left that gave Corpus Christi a 4-1 lead. The Hooks capped the game's scoring in the eighth with a one-out sacrifice fly from right fielder Adam Bailey. Jose Cisnero (3-6) was terrific for the Hooks in his seven innings on the hill, winning for the first time since April 24 after allowing just one run on six hits. Cisnero did not walk a batter in the contest and has issued just two free passes in his last 25 innings of work. In the win, first baseman Jon Singleton went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored. In 42 starts at first base this season, Singleton is hitting .328 compared to .173 during his 14 starts in left field. Tuesday, June 12: W, 6-1 vs. San Antonio

Another strong start from Brett Oberholtzer and a seventh-inning grand slam by Drew Locke led the Hooks to a 6-1 win over the Missions at Whataburger Field. In seven and two thirds innings, his longest start in Double-A, Oberholtzer (5-3) struck out eight and allowed one run on six hits, winning his third consecutive start. In that three-start span, the left-hander has allowed just three earned runs in 19.2 innings. The win for the Hooks did not come as easy as the final score indicated. Missions starter Keyvius Sampson (2-7) held the Hooks without a hit for six innings as he matched zeroes with Oberholtzer. However, the Hooks offense came to life in the seventh, getting their first hit and later loading the bases for Locke, who smacked Sampson's final pitch of the night for a grand slam to left center that gave Corpus Christi a 4-0 lead. After the Missions got on the board with a run in the top of the eighth, the Hooks capped scoring in the bottom of the inning on back-to-back RBI doubles by reliever Jason Stoffel and second baseman Jose Martinez.

Wednesday, June 13: W, 10-6 vs. San Antonio

After trailing for much of Wednesday night's contest, the Hooks exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to rally past the Missions 10-6. The victory was the Hooks seventh straight, which matches their longest winning streak since May 2007 and also capped their first sweep of San Antonio since June of that same season. The Missions took a 4-0, first-inning lead against Hooks starter Jake Buchanan, who recovered nicely, following the rocky first frame with six scoreless frames that allowed his team time to chip away at the deficit. After trimming the San Antonio lead to 4-3, Corpus Christi went to work on reliever Matt Lollis in the bottom of the eighth. Third baseman Jair Fernandez drew a leadoff walk, then moved to second after a base knock by Jordan Kreke. A fielder's choice was followed by a Jon Singleton walk that loaded the bases for right fielder Drew Locke, who for the second straight night, connected on a game-changing grand slam that put the Hooks ahead 7-4. In the five games since rejoining the Hooks, Locke is hitting .381 with three homers and 12 RBIs. The Hooks would add three more runs in

the frame, which included a run-scoring triple by newcomer Drew Muren to take a 10-4 lead. Kevin Chapman (4-2) earned the win after tossing a scoreless eighth inning. Outfielder Austin Wates (quad tightness) was placed on the DL and was replaced on the Hooks roster by Muren, who had arrived from low-A Lexington. Shortstop Jonathan Villar left the game with a sore knee. Thursday, June 14: L, 4-3 @ Frisco

The Hooks seven-game winning streak came to a halt after a 4-3 loss to the RoughRiders Thursday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Corpus Christi took a 2-0 lead in the first when Carlos Lee drilled a two-out, two-run homer to left field. The three-time, MLB All-Star was making the first of three rehab appearances with the Hooks and will be eligible to rejoin Houston on Sunday. Hooks starter Jarred Cosart (3-4) took the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits in his six innings of work. Corpus Christi's other run came in the fifth when Adam Bailey walked, stole second, then came around to score on a Jair Fernandez double that cut the Frisco lead to 4-3. The Hooks managed just one hit over the final four innings against 'Riders relievers Fabio Castillo and Joe Ortiz. Shortstop Jonathan Villar, who left early in Wednesday's contest with a sore knee, was out of the lineup Thursday. Andy Simunic started the game at short for the Hooks. Simunic was brought down from Triple-A Oklahoma City after Jordan Kreke was promoted from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.

Friday, June 15: L, 3-2 @ Frisco

In a 3-2 loss on Friday night at Frisco, a terrific outing from Hooks starter Ross Seaton could not prevent the RoughRiders from clinching the Texas League’s South Division first-half title. Seaton, who did not factor in the decision, kept Corpus Christi in the game after he struck out seven, while allowing two runs on seven hits in seven innings. In the first, Corpus Christi grabbed a quick 1-0 lead on a one-out single to center by Jon Singleton. The Hooks did not score again until the seventh when designated hitter Kody Hinze tied the score at two with a leadoff homer. Reliever Kevin Chapman (4-3) took the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth. In the second game of his expected three-game rehab stint with the Hooks, Carlos Lee (hamstring) went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Saturday, June 16: W, 5-0 @ Frisco

Jose Cisnero’s complete game, two-hit shutout led the Hooks to a 5-0 win over the RoughRiders Saturday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. It was the first complete game of Cisnero’s (4-6) five-year, professional career. The right-hander struck out six and walked two, winning his second consecutive start. Kody Hinze’s two-run homer in the fourth opened the game’s scoring. The Hooks added another run that inning when Jonathan Villar stroked an RBI double. Corpus Christi plated the game’s final two runs in the ninth when Andy Simunic lined an RBI single to left, then later scored on a wild pitch. Simunic finished the game 3-for-4 with a walk. In his final rehab game with the Hooks, Carlos Lee played first base and went 2-for-4. The complete game for Cisnero was the first one thrown by a Hooks pitcher this season. It was also the first complete-game shutout tossed in the Texas League in 2012. In his last five starts, the 23-year old is 1-1 with a miniscule 1.59 ERA.

Sunday, June 17: W, 14-5 @ Frisco (11 innings)

Corpus Christi outlasted Frisco 14-5 in extra innings Sunday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark, erupting for nine runs in the 11th off a pair of RoughRider position players. The Hooks opened the game's scoring in the third, taking a 3-0 lead after getting RBI hits from Andy Simunic, Jose Martinez and Jon Singleton. Corpus Christi would not score again until the top of the ninth, when they broke a 3-3 tie with an run-scoring single by Jair Fernandez, who would later score on an RBI infield single by Martinez that gave the Hooks a 5-3 lead. Unfortunately, Hooks reliever Jason Stoffel was unable to preserve the lead as he allowed a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth that sent the game into extra innings. After both teams failed to score in the 10th, the RoughRiders opted to rest their bullpen, sending OF/DH Val Majewksi to pitch the top of the 11th. Corpus Christi took full advantage of the matchup, exploding for seven runs before Majewski was removed after recording just two outs. The Hooks added a pair off of infielder Guilder Rodriguez that capped scoring. The nine-run outburst in the 11th included homers from Kody Hinze, Fernandez and Jonathan Villar. Erick Abreu (7-2) earned the win after two scoreless innings of relief. Former Hooks starter Dallas Keuchel made his MLB debut for Houston in a 9-3 loss at Texas. Keuchel, who did not factor in the decision, pitched five innings of one-run, four hit ball against the two-time defending AL Champion Rangers. The 24-year old, southpaw made 29 starts for Corpus Christi over the 2010-2011 seasons. In 2011, he went 9-7 with a 3.17 ERA.

Frisco RoughRiders

Texas Rangers Affiliate

This Week: 4-3; Overall Record 40-28

1st Place South Division

Monday, June 11: W, 10-1 vs. Midland

A sensational start by Chad Bell and a Chris McGuiness sixth-inning, grand slam helped the RoughRiders roll past the RockHounds 10-1 Monday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Amazingly, Frisco did most of their damage in the contest with two outs. In the first, a Jurickson Profar two-out walk led to the first run of the game. Profar moved to third on a Mike Olt single, then later scored on a wild pitch that gave the 'Riders a 1-0 lead. Olt made the score 2-0 in the third when he knocked in Engel Beltre with an RBI single. In the fifth, left fielder Ryan Strausborger increased the RoughRider lead to three with a two-out, run-scoring infield single. Frisco broke the game open in the sixth with a six-run rally, capped by a two-out grand slam to center by Chris McGuiness, giving the 'Riders a commanding 9-0 lead. The first baseman finished the game 3-for-3 with 4 RBI and two walks. As a team, Frisco drew eight free passes, four of which drawn by their lineup's first three hitters (Beltre, Leury Garcia and Profar), who each scored twice. With runners on base ahead of them all game long, the combination of Olt, McGuiness and Strausborger knocked in eight of Frisco's 10 runs. In the win, Bell (2-0), who made his fifth start of the season after six relief appearances for the 'Riders, didn't need much help. The southpaw struck out six and allowed just one hit in six and two-third shutout innings.

Tuesday, June 12: W, 5-4 vs. Midland (14 innings)

Frisco catcher Jose Felix's 14th-inning, game-winning single lifted the RoughRiders to a 5-4 win over the RockHounds, ending a four hour and 47-minute marathon Tuesday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Much earlier in the contest, Roy Oswalt took the hill for Frisco, making his third minor league tune-up start since signing with the Rangers. The veteran right-hander struck out three, allowing three runs on five hits before departing after he reached his pitch count limit of 85 with one out into the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Frisco stormed back from a 3-1 deficit, staging a three-run rally that was capped by a two-RBI single by right fielder Jared Prince that gave the 'Riders a 4-3 lead. After Midland tied the score at four in the seventh, both bullpens took over taking the game into extra innings. Ryan Rodebaugh was a key reason why the 'Riders kept the game tied after he struck out six in three scoreless innings of relief. In the bottom of the 14th, left fielder Ryan Strausborger drew a leadoff walk and moved to second after a sacrifice bunt by Val Majewski. Midland elected to intentionally walk Prince, bringing up Felix, who stroked a 0-1 pitch from Carlos Hernandez (0-3) into left field for the game-winning base knock. Carlos Pimentel (6-2) earned the win after tossing shutout frames in the 13th and 14th innings.

Wednesday, June 13: L, 10-2 vs. Midland A good start and an ever better finish lifted Midland to a 10-2 win over Frisco on Monday afternoon at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The RockHounds jumped out to 3-0 lead in the first on 'Riders starter Jake Brigham (3-3), who allowed five runs on seven hits in seven innings of work. Trailing 5-0 in the bottom of the seventh, Frisco scored their only runs of the game on a Jurickson Profar RBI single and a run-scoring double by Mike Olt that cut the 'Hounds lead to three. The run batted in by Olt was his Texas League-leading 55th of the season. Any hope of a Frisco comeback was squashed in the top of the ninth, when Midland tagged reliever Miguel De Los Santos for five runs that put the

game out of reach. The RoughRiders hit just 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the game and left 10 men on base.

Thursday, June 14: W, 4-3 vs. Corpus Christi

Frisco took a big step towards winning the first-half, South Division title after a 4-3 win over the Hooks before 10, 426 fans at Dr Pepper Ballpark. With the win, the RoughRiders need just one more victory to clinch the title. Trailing 2-0 in the second, Frisco answered back with an RBI double by designated hitter Val Majewski, who came around to score the tying run when next batter, Jared Prince, reached on a fielding error by Hooks second baseman Jose Martinez. In the fourth, catcher Jose Felix lined a two-out, two-run double to left that gave the 'Riders a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. Starter Tim Murphy (3-7) picked up the win after allowing three runs on four hits in his five innings of work. The bullpen combo of Fabio Castillo and Joe Ortiz (fourth save) took care of the rest of the game for Frisco, allowing just one hit in four scoreless frames.

Friday, June 15: W, 3-2 vs. Corpus Christi

The RoughRiders clinched the Texas League South Division first-half title after a thrilling 3-2 win over the Hooks Friday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. This is the third straight season Frisco has qualified for the TL playoffs and the second time in three years they have won the first-half title. Trailing 1-0 in the second, the RoughRiders tied the score on an RBI single to center by catcher Zach Zaneski. In the fourth, Frisco took a 2-1 lead when left fielder Ryan Strausborger doubled, stole third, then scored on a Jared Prince sacrifice fly. After the Hooks tied the score in the seventh, the RoughRiders responded in the bottom of the eighth with the pennant-clinching rally. Leury Garcia led off the inning by getting hit by a Kevin Chapman (4-3) pitch, then moved to third when Jurickson Profar singled to center. Chapman walked Mike Olt, which load the bases, then retired Chris McGuiness on strikes for the first out of the inning. Strausborger followed with a grounder to third baseman Andy Simunic, who threw out Olt. However, Corpus second baseman Jose Martinez failed to turn the double play, allowing Garcia to score from third with the go-ahead run. Ryan Rodebaugh (1-1) earned the win after tossing a perfect eighth inning. Tyler Tufts earned his first save of the season after retiring the side in order in the ninth. In his Double-A debut, starter Nick Tepesch allowed just two runs on seven hits in seven innings of work. Tepesch was promoted from Myrtle Beach (High-A) following Roy Oswalt’s return back to Round Rock (Triple-A) where he will continue his minor league tune-up starts. Former RoughRider pitcher Martin Perez (4-5) turned in his finest effort of the season in Round Rock’s 2-0 win over Oklahoma City on Friday night. The left-hander allowed just one hit in seven shutout innings in winning for the first time since May 7.

Saturday, June 16: L, 5-0 vs. Corpus Christi

A night after clinching the South Division, first-half title, the RoughRiders were shutdown 5-0 by Jose Cisnero and the Hooks. Cisnero (4-6) limited Frisco to just two hits in his first career, complete game shutout. Chad Bell (2-1) took the loss for the RoughRiders after allowing three runs on seven hits in four innings. First baseman Chris McGuiness (2nd inning) and catcher Jose Felix (6th inning) had the only Frisco hits off Cisnero. On Saturday afternoon, the Texas Rangers announced they had purchased the contract of pitcher Justin Grimm from Frisco. Later that evening, Grimm (1-0) took the mound in his MLB debut for the Rangers and came away a winner as Texas knocked off Houston 8-3. The right-hander allowed three runs on six hits in six innings of work. After allowing a two-out, solo homer to Houston shortstop Jed Lowrie in the first, Grimm settled down to strike out five consecutive Astro hitters, finishing the game with seven Ks against no walks. Sunday, June 17: L, 14-5 vs. Corpus Christi (11 innings)

The Hooks erupted for nine runs in the top of the 11th, crushing the RoughRiders 14-5 Sunday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Trailing 3-0 in the fifth, Frisco got on the board with a two-out, two-run double by catcher Zach Zaneski. In the sixth, the RoughRiders evened the score at three with a solo homer by shortstop Jurickson Profar. The game remained tied at three until the ninth when Corpus Christi plated two off of 'Riders reliever Tyler Tufts. However, in the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Strausborger took his teammate off the hook, sending the game into extra innings after he lined a clutch, two-out, two-run double to center that tied the score at five. After both teams failed to score in the 10th, Frisco opted to save their bullpen and turned to outfielder Val Majewski to start the 11th. Majewski (0-1) took the loss after allowing seven runs on six hits in just two-thirds of an inning. Infielder Guilder Rodriguez recorded the last out for the RoughRiders in the 11th, but not before allowing another two runs to score. Frisco starter Barret Loux failed to get a decision for just the second time in 13 starts this season after exiting after four innings, having allowed three runs on six hits. Loux is tied with Reno's (Triple-A) Trevor Bauer for the most wins

in professional baseball this season with 11. The 5,739 fans at Dr Pepper Ballpark had to patiently wait out an hour and 40-minute rain delay in a game that, on its own, took three hours and 45-minutes to play.

Midland RockHounds Oakland Athletics Affiliate

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

3rd Place South Division

Monday, June 11: L, 10-1 @ Frisco

A dismal offensive showing by Midland resulted in a lop-sided 10-1 loss to Frisco Monday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The RockHounds managed just four hits in the contest, just one coming against Frisco starter Chad Bell (2-0), who shutout the 'Hounds in his six and two-third innings. Trailing 9-0 in the seventh, the RockHounds scored their lone run on a two-out RBI single by second baseman Josh Horton. Shawn Haviland (4-5) took the loss after allowing six runs on six hits in five and a third innings.

Tuesday, June 12: L, 5-4 @ Frisco (14 innings)

Midland could not hold an early lead, eventually falling 5-4 to Frisco in an extra-inning heart-breaker at Dr Pepper Ballpark. In the third, run-scoring hits by Leonardo Gil, Michael Choice and Jeremy Barfield turned a one-run deficit into a 3-1 RockHounds lead. Starter Murphy Smith could not make the lead stand, allowing three of his four runs in the fourth that gave the RoughRiders the lead back at 4-3. In the seventh, Midland knotted the score at four after Choice lined a one-out RBI single to right. The game remained tied into extra innings, where the bullpen combo of James Simmons, Paul Smyth and Arnold Leon kept Frisco off the scoreboard, each tossing two shutout frames. Carlos Hernandez (0-3) took the loss after allowing the game-winning single in the bottom of the 14th inning. Midland went just 4-for-20 with runners in scoring position in the contest and left 15 runners on base.

Wednesday, June 13: W, 10-2 @ Frisco

The RockHounds put on a power display in a 10-2 rout of the RoughRiders, earning a split of their four-game series with first-place Frisco. In the top of the first, Anthony Aliotti opened scoring with an RBI double. Right fielder Jeremy Barfield followed with an run-scoring single to center, then scored later in the inning on a wild pitch, pushing the Midland lead to 3-0. The 'Hounds got leadoff homers in both the third and fourth innings from Aliotti and catcher Ryan Lipkin that increased Midland's lead to 5-0. Leading 5-2 in the ninth, Midland put the game out of reach with a five-run outburst, capped by a three-run dinger to left from Barfield. Aliotti, Barfield and designated hitter Michael Spina each had two hits and combined to knock in six runs. Left fielder Conner Crumbliss was one of two Midland batters without a hit, but drew four walks and scored twice. Midland starter Sonny Gray (2-5) earned the win after five shutout innings of four-hit ball. It was an encouraging outing for Gray, who had lost his last three starts and had not won since April 19, when he beat San Antonio 4-1. In Sacramento's (Triple-A) 6-1 victory over Fresno Wednesday night, former Midland hurler A.J. Griffin set a franchise record by being the first

pitcher to throw back-to-back complete games. Griffin, who went the distance (seven innings) in the second game of a double header against Colorado Springs on June 8, tossed nine innings of one-run, six-hit ball in Wednesday's win.

Thursday, June 14: W, 5-1 vs. San Antonio

Starter Gary Daley overcame control issues to lead Midland to a 5-1 win over San Antonio at Citibank Ballpark. Daley (7-3) earned the win after allowing one run on three hits in a season-high six and a third innings. The right-hander pitched around a season-high six walks and two wild pitches. Ironically, the only run charged to Daley was after he left the game, when Bryan Altman scored on a wild pitch from 'Hounds reliever Paul Smyth. Midland took a 2-0 lead in the third on a run-scoring ground out by Anthony Aliotti and a Michael Choice RBI single to right. The RockHounds capped their scoring in the fifth, taking a 5-0 lead on consecutive run-producing hits by Aliotti, Choice and Jeremy Barfield. Choice finished the game 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. The RockHounds stole a season-high five bases in the contest. On Thursday, Midland activated second baseman Tyler Ladendorf from the seven-day disabled list. To make room for Ladendorf on the 'Hounds roster, pitcher A.J. Huttenlocker was assigned to Advanced-A Stockton (CAL League).

Friday, June 15: L, 6-2 vs. San Antonio

In a frustrating 6-2 loss to the Missions, Midland wasted a near-perfect start by Dan Straily after San Antonio plated five runs in the top of the ninth. Midland took a 1-0 lead in the first on a run-producing ground out by first baseman Anthony Aliotti. The RockHounds upped their lead to two in the fourth when third baseman Josh Horton stroked a two-out, RBI single to center. Straily took a perfect game into the seventh before allowing a two-out solo homer to Jonathan Galvez that cut the ‘Hounds lead to 2-1. It was the only hit allowed in the contest by Straily, who struck out nine without walking a batter in eight brilliant innings. However, in the top of the ninth, Jonathan Ortiz (3-3) could not preserve the victory for Straily, taking the loss after allowing five runs on two hits in just two-thirds of an inning. Saturday, June 16: L, 5-2 vs. San Antonio

In a 5-2 loss to San Antonio, RockHounds pitching could not slow down the Missions 14-hit attack. Losing starter Shawn Haviland (4-6) was responsible for much of the San Antonio damage after allowing three runs on 11 hits in just four innings. Midland scored their only runs of the game in the third when left fielder Conner Crumbliss’s two-run double gave the ‘Hounds a 2-1 lead. However, the Missions answered with two of their own off Haviland in the fourth, taking a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Former RockHound pitcher Sean Doolittle earned his first MLB win Saturday night for Oakland. Doolittle pitched one inning of relief and allowed two runs on two hits as the A’s edged the Padres 6-4. The 25-year old began his professional career as a first baseman and hit .254 with four homers and 30 RBI for Midland in 51 games during the 2008 season. After a series of injuries that limited his playing time in 2009-2010, he transitioned back to pitching (he was a two-way star at the University of Virginia) in 2011. Prior to his call-up to Oakland in early June, Doolittle pitched in eight games for the ‘Hounds and had 19 strikeouts in just 11 innings pitched.

Sunday, June 17: L, 9-6 vs. San Antonio

In a 9-6 loss to the Missions Sunday night at Citibank Ballpark, the RockHounds had trouble, again, slowing down a rejuvenated San Antonio offense. After allowing 14-Missions hits on Saturday, the 'Hounds fell behind quickly in Sunday's contest. Most of the San Antonio damage was against Midland starter Murphy Smith (4-4), who took the loss after allowing eight runs on 10 hits in just three and two-thirds innings. Trailing 9-3 in the ninth, the 'Hounds made things interesting against Missions reliever Dustin Pease. A two-out, three-run homer by shortstop Tyler Ladendorf closed Midland within three runs, but Pease got Anthony Aliotti to fly out to left field to end the game. Ladendorf led the way offensively for the RockHounds, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs. All-Star pitcher Dan Straily was promoted Sunday to Triple-A Sacramento. In 14 starts for Midland this season, Straily was 3-4 with a 3.38 ERA. The right-hander led the league in strikeouts this season with 108 and was a two-time Texas League Pitcher of the Week award winner.

San Antonio Missions San Diego Padres Affiliate

This Week: 3-4; Overall Record 27-41

4th Place South Division

Monday, June 11: L, 5-1 @ Corpus Christi

In a 5-1 loss to the Hooks at Whataburger Field, one mistake by Missions starter Tom Layne (0-2) proved costly. With the score tied at one in the sixth, Layne, who at one point had retired 12 straight Hooks, allowed a tie-breaking, three-run homer to Jose Martinez that gave Corpus Christi a lead they would not relinquish. The Missions' only tally came in the fourth inning when Jonathan Galvez scored on a Nate Freiman sacrifice fly. It was Freiman's 51st RBI of the season, which ranks second in the Texas League. Infielder Zach Kometani was promoted from Fort Wayne to replace Carlos Sosa, who is retiring to become a coach in the Padres system. Tuesday, June 12: L, 6-1 @ Corpus Christi A seventh inning, Drew Locke grand slam broke up a terrific pitcher's duel and sent the Missions to a 6-1 loss Tuesday night at Whataburger Field. Missions starter Keyvius Sampson, who took a no-hitter into the seventh, matched zeroes with mound counterpart Brett Oberholtzer (5-3) through six innings. Sampson (2-7) allowed his first hit and two walks to begin the seventh, then took the loss after allowing a grand slam to Locke that gave the Hooks a 4-0 lead. San Antonio scored their lone run in the eighth, cutting the Hooks lead to 4-1 when Dean Anna tripled to right, then later scored on a wild pitch. The Missions out-hit the Hooks in the game 8-5 but went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Wednesday, June 13: L, 10-6 @ Corpus Christi A seven-run, Corpus Christi eighth-inning outburst sent San Antonio to a disappointing 10-6 loss Wednesday night at Whataburger Field. The Missions took a 4-0 lead in the first inning after RBI hits by Dean Anna and Nate Freiman, an error and a Jake Blackwood sacrifice fly. Andrew Cashner, making his Missions debut after being sent by the Padres to transition from a reliever to a starter, allowed two runs on four hits in three and a third innings. Reliever Matt Lollis (1-4) could not hold a 4-3 Missions lead in the eighth, taking the loss after allowing seven runs on five hits in just two-thirds of an inning. Shortstop Jeudy Valdex capped the game's scoring in the ninth with a two-run homer to left. Catcher Ali Solis finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored.

Thursday, June 14: L, 5-1 @ Midland

The Missions' offensive struggles continued in a 5-1 loss to the RockHounds Thursday night at Citibank Ballpark. San Antonio, who has now lost a season-high five games in a row, failed to take advantage of the seven free passes Midland pitching issued in the contest. The loss was charged to starter Andrew Werner (1-8), who allowed five runs on eight hits in his five-inning outing. The Missions lone run came in the seventh when left fielder Bryan Altman scored on a wild pitch by 'Hounds reliever Paul Smyth. The Missions have scored one run in three of the five games on their current road trip.

Friday, June 15: W, 6-2 @ Midland

The Missions snapped their five-game losing streak with a dramatic five-run, ninth-inning rally, knocking off the RockHounds 6-2 Friday night at Citibank Ballpark. Over the first eight innings of the contest, the Missions managed just one hit off ‘Hounds ace Dan Straily, a solo homer by second baseman in the seventh that cut the Midland lead to 2-1. In the ninth, after Galvez popped up with the bases loaded against RockHounds closer

Jonathan Ortiz (3-3), the Missions were down to their final out, when, first baseman Nate Freiman ripped a clutch, bases-clearing double down the left field line that put the Missions in front 4-2. Next batter, catcher Ali Solis, capped the five-run outburst with a two-run homer to left. Nick Vincent (1-0) earned the win after tossing a scoreless eighth inning. The Missions received another encouraging start from Hayden Beard, who allowed just two runs (one earned) and did not issue a walk in six and two-thirds innings. In his last three starts, Beard is 2-0 with a 3.44 ERA in 18.1 innings pitched. Saturday, June 16: W, 5-2 @ Midland

In a 5-2 win at Midland on Saturday, the Missions got a strong effort by starter Josh Geer and gave him plenty of offensive support. In his seven-inning victory, Geer (2-2) allowed just two runs on four hits, bouncing back from a rough outing June 10 at Corpus Christi, in which he allowed 10 runs in just three innings of work. San Antonio took a 1-0 lead in the first when Jonathan Galvez hit a sacrifice fly to center. Trailing 2-1 in the fourth, shortstop Jeudy Valdez tied the score at two with a solo shot to left. Later in the frame, Galvez gave the Missions the lead for good with an RBI single to center. San Antonio capped the game’s scoring with two in the eighth on run-scoring singles by Dean Anna and Nate Freiman. Jeremy McBryde earned his fifth save of the season after fanning a pair in a perfect ninth. In their 14-hit attack, the Missions got a three-hit game from center fielder Reymond Fuentes, who came into the game hitting just .115 over his last nine games.

Sunday, June 17: W, 9-6 @ Midland

The Missions used a hot start to build an seven-run lead before holding on for a 9-6 win over the RockHounds at Citibank Ballpark. San Antonio wasted no time attacking Midland starter Murphy Smith (4-4), taking a 2-0 lead in the first with a Dean Anna RBI double and a run-producing ground out by Jonathan Galvez. The Missions upped their lead to 5-0 with a three-run third, that was capped by left fielder Jake Blackwood's two-RBI single to center. In the fourth, the Missions, again, put up a three-spot, getting run-scoring singles from Galvez, Ali Solis and Edinson Rincon that produced an 8-1 lead. San Antonio increased their lead to 9-3 in the sixth with an RBI double by Blackwood, who finished the game 4-for-5 with three RBIs. The Missions, who stroked 14 hits on Saturday, collected another 15 in Sunday's contest. Starter Keyvius Sampson (3-7) won for the first time since May 3 after allowing two runs on four hits in five innings of work. After allowing a three-run homer to Tyler Ladendorf in the ninth that cut the Missions lead to 9-6, Dustin Pease got Anthony Aliotti to fly out to end the game. San Antonio, who took the final three games of their four-game set with Midland, won a series for just the fourth time this season.

This Week in Texas League History

June 18 - 24

June 18, 1946 Fort Worth fans showered the playing surface at LaGrave Field with bottles after

disagreeing with a safe call by umpire Buster Capps in the top of the ninth inning

that allowed Houston to score a run that broke a 4 – 4 tie. After the 25 minute

delay caused by the barrage, Houston retired the Cats 1-2-3 in the bottom of the

ninth, holding on to the 5-4 win.

June 19, 1965 El Paso hurler Gary Fischer took matters into his own hands, leading the Sun

Kings to a 10-9, 14-inning win over Austin. After having tossed five innings of

no-hit relief, Fischer drove in the winning run in the 14th with a line single. The

long loss by the Senators wasted a big night by their center fielder Vince

Ferguson, who had a single, double, two home runs and five RBI in the game.

June 20, 1998 Using a single, double and a homer to drive in seven runs, Arkansas’ Nate

Dishington led the Travelers to an easy 12-3 win over Shreveport.

June 21, 1961 Hard throwing Victoria starter Danny Rivas struck out 18 batters, yet lost to San

Antonio 4-3 in 10 innings. A two-out walk, single and Don Eaddy’s pinch-hit

double gave the Missions their winning run in the 10th.

June 22, 1979 Tulsa’s Len Whitehouse completed the Drillers’ doubleheader sweep when he

tossed a 2-0, seven-inning, no-hitter versus Shreveport. Amazingly, two days

prior, Whitehouse had been in bed suffering from the flu, running a temperature

of 104 degrees.

June 23, 1977 El Paso built a 15-0 lead after three innings on the way to a 19-1 pounding of

Midland. Playing in just his second game for the Diablos, Floyd Rayford was the

leading run producer for El Paso, using a triple and a home run to drive in six.

Jay Peters chipped in four more RBI, while leadoff hitter Bob Slater was 4-for-5,

collecting a pair of triples and scoring four times.

June 24, 1910 Enraged by a call by umpire Don Curtis on a ball down the line in the third

inning, Waco pitcher Jake Volz grabbed the arbiter around the neck, choking him

with a head lock. Before Volz could do much damage to Curtis, players and an

Oklahoma City sheriff rescued the embattled official. League president Wilbur

Allen, who was in the stands and witnessed the “disgusting scene”, immediately

suspended Volz for 10 days and fined him $50.

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