Thursday, July 31, 2014

Jarred Cosart, Kiké Hernandez, and Austin Wates traded to Marlins

Today, we saw a big trade go down. Jarred Cosart, the hometown kid, Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez, who quickly established himself as a fan favorite here even though he's only played a month in the Majors, and Austin Wates, the Astros' 3rd-round pick from 2010, were all traded to the Miami Marlins.

Coming to the Houston Astros are Colin Moran, Jake Marisnick, and Francis Martes. The Astros also recieved a competitive balance lottery pick in the deal. Here is a brief intro to all 3 players.

Moran, a 21-year-old 3B, is the nephew of longtime MLBer B.J. Surhoff and was the 6th overall pick in 2013 from North Carolina. He entered the 2014 season as the #2 prospect in the Marlins organization, according to Baseball America. He has spent the entire season with Jupiter in the Florida State League. He will be reporting to Corpus Christi.

Marisnick, 23, is an outfielder who was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 3rd round from high school in Riverside, California. He is reporting to the Astros. Marisnick was BA's #3 prospect entering the year. He made his Major League debut last July 23.

Martes, an 18-year-old RHP, has been with the Marlins' Gulf Coast League team. This is his first season in the United States.

Welcome to Houston, guys! We hope that you'll be contributors to a Houston Astros dynasty soon.

Well, it was great to see Jarred Cosart bring it for his hometown team. You could tell that he was proud to wear the H every time he took the mound. His results were a bit uneven, but he wanted to improve himself each and every day. Would it have been nice to see him stick around? You bet. I'll still wear his jersey. I won't speculate on what precipitated his departure here.

Kiké's a ballplayer. As a player who was largely overlooked by the rankings, he rose up and fought his way to the Majors even if the scouts and the pundits had already capped him as a utility player. I won't be surprised if he plays in the Majors for 10 years doing everything on the field and injecting some energy into a lineup.

Austin Wates, I believe, was simply a victim of the numbers game. He posted solid lines year in and year out, but he was never viewed as a hot prospect. I also think that he would have played in Houston had it not been for injuries that have kept him off the field, most notably the wrist problem that kept him on the shelf for most of last season.

Happy trails, Jarred, Enrique, and Austin. All the best as you continue to live your dream (or in Austin's case chase your dream) of being Major League Baseball players. No matter where your careers take you, I hope you hold Houston, Texas dear in your hearts and always remember that the Astros gave you your first Major League opportunities.

Astros Minor League Snapshot

We are now 17 weeks in to the minor league season. Let's take a look at where things stand. (The snapshot will be brief today since I'm still on the road.)

OKLAHOMA CITY

3rd    56-57    .496    3.0GB    W2

The RedHawks remain in third place in the American Southern Division after going 3-4 last week, but they trail second place Omaha by only a half game. Iowa is still in the division lead. Oklahoma City has already assured at least a split with Round Rock (56-54) in their current road series with that team, taking the first two games of the series. At the conclusion of that series, the 'Hawks will head home to host division cellar dwellers Colorado Springs (45-64). That will be followed by an off-day next Wednesday.

CORPUS CHRISTI

For the season:
4th    52-58    .473    11.5GB    L2

For the second half:
4th     18-22     .450     6.0GB     L2

After showing some signs of life earlier this month, the Hooks are once again struggling as they went 2-5 in the past week. They are two games behind third place San Antonio and five games behind second place Frisco in the second half standings. Corpus Christi will start four on the road against first place Midland (62-48) tonight; they went 1-3 against Midland in their last head-to-head match up. After an off day/travel day on Monday, they will visit Northwest Arkansas (44-65) for three games starting Tuesday.

LANCASTER

For the season:
1st    65-44    .596    -.-GB    W4

For the second half:
3rd     21-18     .538     2.0GB     W4

The JetHawks made up some ground in the second half standings this past week as they went 5-2. They are still in third place, but they were four games in back of second half leader Rancho Cucamonga and now only trail that team by two games. Lancaster is one game behind second place Lake Elsinore who they will host starting tonight for four games. On Monday, the 'Hawks will hit the road for three against Modesto (33-76) and four against San Jose (57-52).

QUAD CITIES

For the season:
5th    56-51    .523    10.5GB    L1

For the second half:
T3rd     21-17     .553     1.0GB     L1

It has been a good week for the River Bandits. A 5-2 record for the week put them in a three-way tie (with Peoria and Wisconsin) for third place in the second half, only one game out of first place. Kane County and Cedar Rapids are tied for the lead. Quad Cities will be playing the rubber game tonight in their current series at home against Clinton (44-62) before hitting the road for three against Kane County (67-41). The Bandits will then return home on Monday for three games against Burlington (57-50).

TRI-CITY

1st     31-15     .674     -.-GB     L2

The ValleyCats were 4-3 for the week and retain a seven and a half game lead in the Stedler Division over second place Connecticut. The 'Cats lost the first of three against Mahoning Valley (20-26) last night at home. They will host Batavia (22-24) for three games starting on Saturday followed by an off day on Tuesday. Thursday sees Tri-City hitting the road to Auburn (20-25) for three. All three of those teams are outside the Stedler Division.

GREENEVILLE

2nd     21-19     .525     2.5GB     W2

What a difference a week makes! Greeneville's 6-2 record for the week took them from fourth place in their division to second place, only two and a half games behind first place Elizabethton. The Appy Astros will be playing within the division this next week with three against fourth place Johnson City (18-19) and three against fifth place Bristol (10-28). That will be followed by an off day next Wednesday.

GCL ASTROS

2nd     19-16     .543     1.0GB     W1

The GCL Astros went 3-3 for the week and remain in the exact same place they started the week, second place and one game out of first. The New York Yankees 2 team leads the division. Detroit trails the 'Stros by one game.

DSL ASTROS ORANGE

T9th     18-33     .353     25.0GB     L2

The Orange team was the first of the Astros minor league affiliates to be officially eliminated from any possible postseason play after going 2-4 for the week. The Rangers team that leads this division is 43-8 so most of the other teams in the division are being rapidly eliminated as well.

DSL ASTROS BLUE

5th     24-27      .471     6.5GB      L1

The Astros Blue team had a good week, going 4-2, but still dropped a half game back in the standings. The Royals DSL team leads this division.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Oklahoma City 5, Round Rock 4

W- Asher Wojciechowski (1-3)
L- Phil Irwin (5-2)
S- Kevin Chapman (8)

OKC home runs: None.

The RedHawks have taken the first 2 in the series from the Express.

They put up 3 in the 1st on a Matt Duffy fielder's choice that scored Austin Wates and a 2-run single from Preston Tucker. Tucker finished 2-4. Wates added a 2-run single in the 5th.

Asher Wojciechowski went 5.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5. Tommy Shirley was the first man out and allowed a hit and struck out 1 over 1.2 scoreless. Jason Stoffel got 2 outs in the 8th and allowed a run on 2 hits and walked 1. Kevin Chapman retired all 4 Express hitters he faced, striking out 2 to get the save.

In game 3 of this series, Alex White will take on Edwar Cabrera at 7:05.

San Antonio 6, Corpus Christi 0

W- James Needy (8-3)
L- Chris Devenski (2-3, 7-8 season)

CC home runs: None.

The Missions ruined Mark Appel's AA debut by no-hitting the Hooks.

Rene Garcia broke up James Needy's perfect game with a 2-out single in the 6th. However, the official scorer overturned the decision and ruled it an error. He also stole his 5th base of the season. M.P. Cokinos was the only Hooks hitter to not strike out.

Mark Appel allowed 2 hits, walked 4, and fanned 4 over 5 shutout innings. To the best of my knowledge, he did not break any unwritten rules. The Missions roughed up Chris Devenski in the 6th, as he allowed 4 runs in the inning; with 2 of them coming on a homer from Diego Goris. Devenski allowed 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 3 innings. David Rollins allowed 2 unearned runs on a single and a groundout and struck out 2 in the 9th.

The Hooks are in Midland for 4 starting tonight at 7:00. In the opener, Mike Hauschild will take on Nate Long.

Lancaster 6, High Desert 4

W- Kyle Westwood (8-6)
L- Lars Huijer (0-2, 4-7 season)
S- Jamaine Cotton (10)

Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez (17, solo in 1st), Rio Ruiz (11, solo in 7th)

The JetHawks earned the sweep as they put up a pair in the 5th, which turned out to be the difference in this game.

Teoscar opened up the scoring with his homer with 1 out in the 1st. Jobduan Morales then added a sac fly in the 2nd, and scored on a wild pitch/Teoscar walk in the 5th. Advancing to 3rd on the play was Chan-Jong Moon, who would score on a Rio Ruiz GIDP. Rio went deep with 2 outs in the 7th, and Jack Mayfield brought home the JetHawks' final run of the evening on an RBI single in the 8th. Everyone except for Morales had 1 hit, but Jobduan still managed to have a somewhat productive night.

Kyle Westwood pitched 6.1 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and struck out a career-high 9. Gonzalo Sañudo allowed a run on 2 hits in 1.1 innings, and Jamaine Cotton notched his 10th save, as he allowed a hit and struck out 2 over the final 1.1 innings.

The JetHawks return home for 4 with Lake Elsinore starting tonight at 8:30. Lance McCullers will take on Colin Rea.

Clinton 6, Quad Cities 5

W- Paul Fry (2-3)
L- Andrew Walter (4-3)
S- Kevin McCoy (1)

QC home runs: A.J. Reed (2, 7 season; 2-run in 4th), Brett Phillips (11, 2-run in 5th)

Unfortunately, the wheels fell off for the River Bandits in the 6th as the LumberKings put up 5 in the top of the inning to take a 5-4 lead. Clinton then got a run to get ahead.

Reed now has 30 home runs in 99 games in the year 2014. He has 7 in 37 professional games, and 23 in 62 collegiate games. Phillips has now homered in 5 straight games, the first River Bandit to do so since 1998. His home run came after a delay in which a possum found its way onto the field. Weird. The non-home run RBI came on a sac fly from Marc Wik in the 6th, which tied the game at 5. Ryan Bottger went 2-4.

Chris Lee went 5+ innings and allowed 4 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 7 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5. Chris Cotton allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4 in 2.2 innings. Andrew Walter allowed the go-ahead sac fly to Chantz Mack in the top of the 9th. He went 1.1 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2.

In the series finale, Michael Feliz will take on Blake Holovach at 7:00.

Mahoning Valley 1, Tri-City 0

W- Jose Zapata (1-2)
L- Vince Wheeland (0-1)
S- J.P. Feyereisen (2)

TC home runs: None.

For the 2nd straight night, the ValleyCats dropped a 1-0 game.

D.J. Fisher went 1-4 with a steal (13). Their lone extra-base hit was a double from Juan Santana.

Austin Chrismon allowed 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6 over 6 shutout innings. Vince Wheeland allowed a run on 2 hits in 2 innings, and Aaron Vaughn struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

In game 2 of this series, Bryan Radziewski will take on Julian Merryweather at 6:00.

Greeneville 5, Elizabethton 1

W- Agapito Barrios (3-0)
L- Derrick Penilla (3-2)

Greeneville home runs: None.

After getting bludgeoned in the opener, the Appy Astros rebounded to win the series.

They scored the game's first 5 runs. Jake Nottingham opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. A 3-run 2nd opened up the game a bit, as Jeffry Santos smacked an RBI double, Luis Reynoso scored on a wild pitch, and Jason Martin hit a sac fly. Reynoso added an RBI single in the 4th, after Hector Roa doubled to lead off the inning. Roa was the only player on either side with a multi-hit game, as he went 3-4 with that double and scored twice.

Devonte German threw 4 scoreless and allowed a hit, walked 4, and struck out 4. Agapito Barrios tagged in for 4 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 4. Jorge Perez walked 1 and struck out 2 in the 9th.

Greeneville will now begin a 3-game set with Johnson City at 6:00. Josh James gets the start.

GCL Astros 4, GCL Pirates 3 in 10 innings

W- Juan Delis (2-0)
L- Jonathan Minier (0-1)
S- Alejandro Solarte (1)

The Pirates tied the game at 3 in the bottom of the 9th, but the Kissimmee Stros re-took the lead in the 10th and Alejandro Solarte locked it down.

Alex Melendez went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and a steal (15). He opened the scoring in the 5th with an RBI triple. He scored on a double from Edwin Medina, who scored on a Brauly Mejia single. Medina (18) and Melendez are 1-2 in stolen bases in the GCL. Mejia hit the go-ahead sac fly in the top of the 10th.

Yhoan Acosta went 5 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 8. Starlyng Sanchez allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 over 2 innings. Juan Delis allowed a run on 2 hits in 2 innings, and Alejandro Solarte worked around 2 walks to close out the game.

Both teams will play again in Kissimmee later this morning.

DSL Indians 7, DSL Astros Blue 4

W- Henry Martinez (2-1)
L- Enrique Chavez (1-1)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team put up 3 in the 7th to take a 4-2 lead, but the Indians responded with 5 in the bottom of the inning.

Rodrigo Ayarza opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. Their 3 runs in the 7th came without recording a hit. Cristopher Luciano scored on a wild pitch, Jonathan Matute scored on a passed ball, and Wander Franco scored on an error that also allowed Andy Piñeda to reach. Marcos Almonte went 2-5 with a double and a run scored.

Albert Abreu walked 4 and struck out 5 over 5 shutout innings. Unfortunately, the Indians teed off on Enrique Chavez and Joel Belboder. Chavez allowed 5 runs (3 earned, 2 inherited runners charged to him) on 6 hits and walked 1 in 1.2 innings, and Belboder allowed 2 unearned runs, a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3.

The Blue team is currently in a game at their complex with the Indians.

DSL Rangers2 8, DSL Astros Orange 7

W- Samir Vivas (8-0)
L- Edwin Villarroel (2-4)

Orange home runs: Ihan Bernal (2, 3-run in 1st)

The Orange team broke out for a 7-3 lead, but the Rangers ran off 5 unanswered to take the game.

Bernal's blast put the Orange team on top 3-1. Edgar Lorenzo went 2-3 with a 2-run triple in the 3rd. Orlando Marquez clubbed an RBI triple and Bernal smacked an RBI double in the 5th. Bernal went 3-3 with a steal (4), 2 walks and 2 runs scored. Marquez finished 3-5 (a homer shy of the cycle) with 2 runs scored, and Juan Fuentes went 4-5 with 2 doubles and a run scored.

Abdiel Saldaña allowed 3 runs on 6 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 2. Edwin Villarroel went 4 innings and allowed 5 runs (1 earned) on 8 hits and struck out 4.

The Orange team is currently in a game against the Rangers 2.

Funky Fotos from Quad Cities

This week I've been posting some of my "funkified" photos courtesy of  BeFunky.com. Today, photos from my Quad Cities trip in June. The untouched photos can be found here.

Kevin Comer

Evan Grills

Jandel Gustave

Brian Holberton

Omar Lopez

Brett Phillips

Andrew Walters

Chase McDonald

Ronnie Phillips

All photos are property of Jayne Hansen. All rights reserved.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions

There were a few more Astros minor league moves announced yesterday ~

CORPUS CHRISTI
RHP Aaron West placed on the 7-day DL

LANCASTER
OF Ronnie Mitchell assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster

TRI-CITY
C Jake Rodriguez assigned from Quad Cities to Tri-City

GCL
RHP Ross Seaton assigned to the GCL for a rehab assignment

Also, earlier this week Baseball America reported that 2B Will Dupont and SS Osvaldo Duarte were both placed on the 60-day DL.

Happy Birthday - 7/31

No future Astros with birthdays today, but a pair of former Astros mark the day ~

RHP Gordie Pladson (58)
Signed by the Astros as an amateur free agent in 1973, Pladson pitched in 20 games scattered over the four years from 1979 to 1982 with a 6.04 ERA and a 1.757 WHIP.

LF Jay Schlueter (died May 13, 2010 at 60)
A second round draft pick in 1967, Schlueter's entire major league career consisted of seven games and only three at bats in 1971. He got one hit, scored one run and retired with a .333 major league batting average and a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Tweet of the Day

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Oklahoma City 7, Round Rock 3

W- Brad Peacock (1-0)
L- Justin Germano (4-11)

OKC home runs: None.

The RedHawks had a 4-3 lead after 7 innings, but they created some much-needed separation with a 3-run 8th.

Domingo Santana, who has struggled mightily since his optioning back to OKC, reached base safely in all 5 of his plate appearances. He went 4-4 with a couple of RBI singles (in the 5th and 8th), drew a walk, and scored a run. Everyone in the lineup had a hit.

Preston Tucker opened up the scoring with an RBI double in the 2nd. Joe Sclafani followed that up with an RBI single, and Ronald Torreyes drove in another run in rather painful fashion, as he was plunked with the bases loaded. Matt Duffy hit a 2-run single in the 8th, which preceded Domingo's 2nd RBI single of the night. Sclafani and Jonathan Villar both had 2 hits and scored 2 runs; Villar also stole his 12th base (26 season). Max Stassi went 2-5, and Austin Wates finished 3-6.

Brad Peacock went 5.2 innings and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 5. Anthony Bass was the first man out; he allowed a hit and walked 2 over 1.1 scoreless. Richard Rodriguez struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Kevin Chapman navigated out of a runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out situation that morphed into a bases-loaded situation in the 9th to end the game. He worked around 2 hits and a walk and struck out the side.

In game 2 of this series, Asher Wojciechowski will take on Phil Irwin at 7:05.

San Antonio 10, Corpus Christi 4

W- Josh Geer (6-10)
L- Colton Cain (0-1)

CC home runs: M.P. Cokinos (1, 3-run in 2nd)

The Hooks held a 4-3 lead after the 3rd, but they were on the wrong end of a 7-0 run to close it out.

M.P. Cokinos' first home run of the season put Corpus on the board and on top 3-2 in the 2nd. The other Hooks run came in the form of a Delino DeShields sac fly in the 3rd. Tony Kemp went 2-5 with a run scored.

Brady Rodgers went 5 and allowed 4 runs on 10 hits and struck out 2. Colton Cain tagged in for 3 innings and he allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3. Kyle Weiland probably wants a mulligan for that 9th inning, as he allowed back-to-back-to-back solo shots. He allowed another run and gave up 4 hits, 3 of which left the yard.

Mark Appel will make his Hooks debut tonight at 7:10. He'll be taking on James Needy.

Lancaster 13, High Desert 5

W- Brian Holmes (3-1)
L- Brett Shankin (4-5)

Lancaster home runs: None.

Wow. 30 combined hits and none of them were home runs. The JetHawks jumped out to an 8-2 lead after the 2nd, then they saw the Mavericks dent that lead a bit, but they restored it with 5 runs in the closing stages of the game.

Jobduan Morales was the only player in the starting 9+1 to not have a hit, but he drew 3 walks and scored 3 runs. He reached on an error that also allowed Rio Ruiz to score in the 1st to open the scoring. Later in the inning, Tyler White ripped a 2-run double.

The JetHawks put up 5 in the 2nd as Rio hit an RBI groundout, Chan-Jong Moon scored on a passed ball, Jon Kemmer hit an RBI single, Tanner Mathis drew a bases-loaded walk, and Kemmer scored on an error that allowed Jack Mayfield to reach. After White hit his 2nd double of the night in the 8th, Mathis brought him home with a triple. And in the 9th, Teoscar Hernandez hit an RBI double, Mathis hit a 2-run double, and Mayfield finished off the scoring with an RBI single. White went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks. Mathis and Mayfield both went 3-5. Kemmer, Moon, Teoscar, and Rio all went 2-6. Moon (7, 32 season) and Rio (4) both stole bases. Moon, Teoscar, and Kemmer also scored twice.

Evan Grills went 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 9 hits and struck out 2. The bullpen picked him up and finished the game with 5 scoreless. Juan Minaya worked around a hit and a walk in the 5th, and Brian Holmes allowed 2 hits and struck out 4 over 4 innings.

The JetHawks will look for the sweep as TBA will take on Lars Huijer at 9:05.

Quad Cities 7, Clinton 5

W- Andrew Thurman (5-6)
L- Edwin Diaz (3-7)
S- Frederick Tiburcio (6)

QC home runs: Brett Phillips (11, solo in 1st), Chase McDonald (11, solo in 4th)

The Banditos have won 9 of their last 10. After the LumberKings got the jump on them with 3 in the 1st, they responded with 7 unanswered, and the lead held up.

Brett Phillips' show of power continued as he put QC on the board with a homer to lead off the bottom of the 1st. Ryan Bottger added a sac fly later in the inning. Chase McDonald put the River Bandits in front with a 2-run single in the 2nd. Marc Wik scored on an error off a Brett Booth groundout in the 3rd. In the 4th, James Ramsay hit a sac fly, and McDonald smacked his 11th homer of the year. McDonald finished 3-4, while Phillips went 2-4 with 2 runs scored.

Andrew Thurman went 7 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7. Tyler Brunnemann allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 1 in the 8th, and Frederick Tiburcio worked around a walk to finish it, striking out 1.

In game 2 of this series, Chris Lee will take on Jose Flores at 7:00.

Aberdeen 2, Tri-City 1 in 10 innings

W- Stefan Crichton (2-4)
L- Ryan Thompson (2-1)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats walked off with a loss as they were held to 1 run for a 2nd straight game. This was only their 2nd series loss of the season; they were swept in a 2-game set by Lowell last month.

D.J. Fisher scored the lone TC run on a wild pitch in the 4th. He led off the inning with a single, stole 2nd (12), and advanced to 3rd on the errant throw down to 2nd. Bobby Boyd and Alfredo Gonzalez had 2 hits apiece; Boyd had a steal (10), while Gonzalez's double was the ValleyCats' lone extra-base hit.

Randall Fant held his own against a rehabbing Ubaldo Jimenez, as he went 5 innings and allowed a run (on a solo homer in the 4th) on 5 hits and struck out 8. Francis Ramirez allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and fanned 4 over 2.1 scoreless, and Ryan Thompson threw 1.2 scoreless before running into serious trouble in the 10th. He was unable to extricate himself from that predicament, as Ryan Murphy hit the game-winning RBI single with 1 out in the inning. Thompson allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 in 2 innings.

The ValleyCats are back home tonight, where they'll open up a 3-game series with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Austin Chrismon gets the start in game 1, which begins at 6:00.

Greeneville 4, Elizabethton 2

W- Dean Deetz (2-1)
L- Keaton Steele (0-1)
S- Eric Peterson (2)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Twins got 2 after stretch time to take a 2-1 lead, but the Appy Astros scored the game's final 3 runs to take the middle game of this 3-game set.

Kristian Trompiz opened the scoring with an RBI double in the 4th. Luis Reynoso tied the game at 2 with an RBI single in the 8th, and a wild pitch/error allowed Tony Nuñez and Ydarqui Marte to scamper home with what turned out to be the decisive runs. Trompiz finished 2-4, while Nuñez went 1-2 with 3 walks.

Brock Dykxhoorn allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless. Keegan Yuhl tagged for 3 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 1. Dean Deetz allowed the 2 Elizabethton runs in the 7th, but all was forgiven in the end. He went 2 innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Eric Peterson struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th to end the game.

In the rubber game of this series, Devonte German will face Derrick Penilla at 6:00.

GCL Yankees2 5, GCL Astros 1

W- Carlos Diaz (2-1)
L- Harold Arauz (4-1)

GCL home runs: None.

Harold Arauz was knocked around for the first time this season as the Kissimmee Stros were thwarted in their attempt to take the lead in the GCL Northeast.

Arauz went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits (solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 7. Samil De Los Santos allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 over 2 scoreless. Kyle Gehrs allowed a run on 2 hits and walked 2 in the 7th. Alejandro Solarte struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 8th, and John Gatlin walked 2 and struck out 2 in the 9th.

Alex Melendez scored the lone GCLstros run in the 1st on an error after a bunt single from Edwin Medina. Connor Goedert finished 2-4, while Medina also stole his 17th base of the season.

The Kissimmee Stros are currently in Bradenton, where they're taking on the Pirates.

DSL Astros Blue 8, DSL Dodgers 2

W- Erasmo Pinales (2-1)
L- Angel German (1-5)

Blue home runs: Jake Bowey (2, 2-run in 7th)

The Blue team erupted for 5 in the 6th and 3 in the 7th as they pounded the Dodgers.

Cristopher Luciano opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 6th. Luis Vasquez followed that up with a bases-loaded walk, and then Oliver Toribio delivered a pinch-hit 2-run single. Vasquez would score on a wild pitch. Marcos Almonte hit an RBI double in the 7th and scored on Bowey's blast. Bowey finished 3-3 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Almonte went 2-5.

Erasmo Pinales started it off with 5 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 6. Juan Cuevas allowed a hit, walked 3, and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless, and the Dodgers spoiled the shutout as they got 2 off of Yan De La Cruz in the 9th. 1 of those runs was earned. He allowed 3 hits and struck out 1 in the inning.

The Blue team is currently at the Indians complex for a game.

DSL Marlins 10, DSL Astros Orange 9 in 11 innings

W- Jose Jaramillo (3-2)
L- Tomas Lopez (1-1)

Orange home runs: Ihan Bernal (1, 2-run in 11th)

Bernal's 1st career homer brought the Orange team to within 1, but the rally was snuffed out when the next 3 hitters were retired to end the game.

Juan Fuentes scored the game's first run on a wild pitch in the 1st. He scored again in the 3rd on an Orlando Marquez groundout. The Orange team rallied for 5 in the 9th to tie the game at 7. They got a pair of RBI singles from Felix Lucas and Anardo Peralta. Lucas scored on a Frankeny Fernandez groundout, and Marquez tied the game with a 2-run double. Marquez and Peralta had 2 hits apiece, while Fernandez stole his 30th base of the year.

Carlos Sanabria went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3. Ramon Rodriguez allowed 3 unearned runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Bryan Abreu allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in the 8th, and Tomas Lopez went 3 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2.

The Orange team is currently in a game against the Rangers 2.

Funky Fotos from Lancaster

This week I'm going to post some of my "funkified" photos courtesy of  BeFunky.com. Today, photos from my Lancaster trip in May. The untouched photos can be found here.

Carlos Correa

Jamaine Cotton


Danry Vasquez

Vasquez, Gulbransen, Scott


Lance McCullers

Teoscar Hernandez


Rio Ruiz

Ruben Sosa


Tyson Perez

All photos property of Jayne Hansen. All rights reserved.

Happy Birthday - 7/30

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Jorge Perez (21)
Drafted by Houston in the 30th round in 2013 out of Seminole State College in Seminole, Oklahoma, Perez started the 2014 season with the Greeneville Astros. In 10 games (16.1 innings), he has a 2.20 ERA and a 1.408 WHIP.

Greeneville Manager Josh Bonifay (36)
Josh Bonifay was drafted by the Pirates in 1999, but ended his minor league career with the Houston organization. After serving as Hitting Coach for Greeneville in 2011 and Lexington in 2012, Bonifay got his first Manager assignment with the Rookie level Greeneville Astros team in 2013, a role he is reprising in 2014. Bonifay is taking on a new role as well, having just become a new Dad for the first time earlier this month.

Two former Astros mark the day as well ~

3B Doug "The Red Rooster" Rader (70)
Rader was signed by Houston as an amateur free agent in 1965 and played for the Astros for nine seasons, from 1967 to 1975. In 1178 games, he hit .250/.318/.402 with 197 doubles, 20 triples, 128 home runs and 600 RBI. He won Gold Gloves five seasons straight from 1970 to 1974.

C Gus Triandos (died March 28, 2013 at age 82)
Triandos came to Houston from Philadelphia in June 1965 and played in only 24 games for the Astros at the end of his career, hitting .181/.244/.292. Triandos was a three-time All Star for Baltimore with a lifetime caught stealing percentage of 47%.

Tweet of the Day

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Astros Minor League Recaps

Recaps for Monday, July 28, 2014

Nashville 3, Oklahoma City 1

W- Ariel Peña (8-6)
L- Mike Foltynewicz (7-7)
S- Alfredo Figaro (2)

OKC home runs: None.

The RedHawks dropped their final game in Nashville's historic Greer Stadium, dropping their all-time record there to 68-69. The Sounds will be moving to a new ballpark next season.

The lone OKC run came on an RBI single from Domingo Santana in the 6th. Carlos Perez went 2-4.

Mike Foltynewicz had a bare minimum quality start. He allowed 3 hits, walked 5, hit 2 batters, and struck out 10. Pat Urckfitz struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 7th, and Richard Rodriguez struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 8th.

The RedHawks roadtrip continues with 4 in Round Rock. Brad Peacock will take on Justin Germano in the opener; first pitch is at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 5, San Antonio 4 in 10 innings

W- Tyson Perez (3-0, 3-3 season)
L- Josh Geer (5-10)

CC home runs: Delino DeShields (7, walk-off solo in 10th)

Delino DeShields greeted Josh Geer in the 10th with a home run that ended the game, giving the Hooks the win in the series opener.

After the Missions got on the board first in the 2nd, the Hooks responded with 3 in the 4th. Andrew Aplin put Corpus on the board with an RBI single. DeShields scored on an error as Aplin stole 2nd (20). Aplin would score himself on another error that allowed Brandon Meredith to reach.

San Antonio responded with 3 of their own in the 6th to take a 4-3 lead, but M.P. Cokinos tied the game with an RBI double with 2 outs in the 8th. The bottom of the 10th lasted 5 pitches, as DeShields sent a 2-2 pitch from Geer onto the berm. Cokinos and DeShields both finished 2-3.

Luis Cruz went 5.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 8 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 6. Mitch Lambson was the first man out; he allowed a hit and struck out 3 over 2.1 scoreless. Tyson Perez threw 2 scoreless and allowed a hit and struck out 1.

The middle game of this series pits Brady Rodgers against Leonel Campos. First pitch is at 7:10.

Lancaster 7, High Desert 2

W- Vince Velasquez (5-1)
L- Jake Zokan (1-1, 2-3 season)
S- Josh Hader (2)

Lancaster home runs: Roberto Peña (9, solo in 3rd), Jack Mayfield (5, 7 season; solo in 6th)

The JetHawks got a nice start from Vince Velasquez in his return from the DL and Josh Hader locked it down.

Vince pitched 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 2. Hader vented by throwing 4 scoreless after tagging in. He allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6.

Jack Mayfield went 3-3 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. He kicked off the scoring with a 2-run double in the 2nd. He would score on a sac fly from Chan-Jong Moon later in the inning. Peña finished 2-5; his 9th homer led off the 3rd. Mayfield's blast came with 2 outs in the 6th. Tanner Mathis scored on a wild pitch strikeout in the 9th, and Mayfield scored the final run of the evening on an error that allowed Teoscar Hernandez to reach. He also stole his first base as a JetHawk, giving him 3 on the year. Moon also stole a base, giving him 31 on the year.

In game 2 of this series, the team of Evan Grills and Brian Holmes will take on Brett Shankin at 9:05.

Quad Cities 4, Bowling Green 3

W- Adrian Houser (5-4)
L- Breudlin Suero (2-3)
S- Kevin Comer (3)

QC home runs: Brett Phillips (10, led off game), A.J. Reed (1, 6 season; 2-run in 4th), Chase McDonald (10, solo in 6th)

The River Bandits got the sweep behind those 3 home runs you see above. McDonald went 3-4 and scored 2 of the 4 QC runs. J.D. Davis notched his 3rd straight multi-hit game as he went 3-4.

Adrian Houser went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Kevin Comer tagged in for 4 scoreless; he allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.

The Banditos are back home tonight, where they'll begin a 3-game set with Clinton. Andrew Thurman looks like he'll be activated from the DL to start tonight. He'll face Edwin Diaz at 7:00.

Tri-City 1, Aberdeen 0

W- Troy Scribner (6-1, 8-1 season)
L- Stephen Tarpley (1-2)
S- Jordan Mills (1)

TC home runs: None.

Not much offense to speak of, but the difference here was Bobby Boyd's bases-loaded walk in the 7th which brought home Jose Solano with the game's only run.

Troy Scribner was magnificent as he threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 2, and striking out 7. Jay Gause walked 1 and struck out 2 in the 8th, as did Jordan Mills in the 9th.

In the series finale, Randall Fant will take on a rehabbing Ubaldo Jimenez. First pitch is at 6:05.

Elizabethton 13, Greeneville 6

W- Mat Batts (2-0)
L- Reymin Guduan (0-3)

Greeneville home runs: None.

Yeah, that probably wasn't the start to the series that the Appy Astros were looking for. They fell behind by as much as 13-1. But, they did have a 5-run 8th to make the final line more respectable.

Yonathan Mejia put them on the board with an RBI single in the 1st. They would have to wait until the 8th to score again. Jeffry Santos had a 2-run single, then Tony Nuñez followed that up with a 2-run triple. Nuñez, who finished 2-3, would score on a wild pitch.

Reymin Guduan labored through 2.1 innings as he allowed 6 runs (4 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Krishawn Holley got the final 2 outs of the 3rd, but not before allowing 2 runs of his own on 2 hits. He walked 1. Robert Kahana pitched 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 4 hits (3-run homer), walked 2, and fanned 3. Zach Davis struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

In the middle game of this series, Brock Dykxhoorn will take on Felix Jorge at 6:00.

GCL Astros 6, GCL Yankees2 3

W- Christian Perdomo (1-0)
L- Jonathan Padilla (2-2)

GCL home runs: None.

The difference in the game turned out to be a 3-run 6th for the Kissimmee Stros.

Arturo Michelena put them on the board with an RBI triple in the 5th. They got another RBI triple from Brauly Mejia in the 6th. He'd come home on a Dex McCall single, which occurred one batter later. Connor Goedert brought McCall home on an RBI double. McCall added another RBI single in the 8th, and Edwin Medina capped off the GCLstros scoring with an RBI triple in the 9th.

Justin Ferrell went 3.2 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5. Christian Perdomo allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 2 over 1.1 scoreless. Junior Garcia went 3 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Juan Delis allowed a run on a sac fly, a single, walked 1, and struck out 2 in the 9th.

There's a 3-way tie at the top of the GCL Northeast with the Tigers, Astros, and Yankees 2. The Astros are currently hosting the Yankees 2 in Kissimmee.

DSL Astros Blue 6, DSL Dodgers 3

W- Joel Belboder (4-2)
L- Johan Diaz (2-1)

Blue home runs: Jake Bowey (1, walk-off grand slam in 9th)

Sweet! Nice way to celebrate your first home run as a professional baseball player. The Blue team walked off with the win thanks to Jake Bowey's slam with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th.

Bowey scored the Blue team's first run on a sac fly from Wander Franco in the 2nd and drew a bases-loaded walk in the 3rd. Marcos Almonte went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and a steal (16), and Jonathan Matute went 2-5 with a double and a run scored.

Salvador Montaño went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. Gabriel Valdez allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 3 innings. Joel Belboder threw a 1-2-3 9th.

These teams are currently playing at the Dodgers complex.

DSL Astros Orange 7, DSL Marlins 4

W- Antonio Almonte (1-1)
L- Jose Diaz (1-3)
S- Jose Ramos (3)

Orange home runs: None.

The Orange team finished the game on a 7-2 run after trailing 2-0 after the 3rd inning.

Orlando Marquez put the Orange team on the board with an RBI single in the 4th. Felix Lucas scored on a sac bunt/error in the 5th. In the 6th, Edgar Lorenzo ripped an RBI double. They got 3 in the 7th as Reiny Beltre drew a bases-loaded walk, Juan Fuentes scored on an error, and Ihan Bernal hit a sac fly. Fuentes grounded into a force out that scored Jose Benjamin in the 8th. Frankeny Fernandez finished 2-3 with a triple, 3 runs scored, and a steal (29).

Adonis Peña pitched 4 innings and allowed 3 unearned runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Antonio Almonte went 4 and allowed an unearned run on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jose Ramos closed it out by striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Both teams are currently in a game at the Astros complex.

Funky Fotos from Corpus Christi

This week I'm going to post some of my "funkified" photos courtesy of  BeFunky.com. Today, photos from my Corpus Christi trip in April. The untouched photos can be found here.

Andrew Aplin


Matt Duffy

Joe Sclafani

Tyler Heineman

Jordan Janknowski


Alex Sogard


Bullpen Superheroes

Patrick Urckfitz

Andrew Aplin


Aaron West

All photos are property of Jayne Hansen. All rights reserved.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions

There was one new Astros minor league roster move posted yesterday (that we didn't already know about) as 1B Telvin Nash was placed on the 7-day DL for Corpus Christi.

Happy Birthday - 7/29

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Moreno Polanco (20)
An international free agent from the Dominican Republic, Polanco is in his first season for the DSL. In nine games (eight starts), he is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.358 WHIP.

Three former Astros celebrate the day as well ~

2B/SS/OF Felix Mantilla (80)
Mantilla came to Houston in April 1966 in a trade with Boston and played in 77 games for the Astros at the end of his career, hitting .219/.279/.371. A one-time All-Star for Boston, his best season was 1964 when he hit .289/.357/.553 with 30 home runs for Boston. He played with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957 as a part of their winning World Series team.

1B Dan Driessen (63)
Driessen signed as a free agent with Houston in June 1986 and played in only 17 games for the Astros, hitting .292/.414/.458. Driessen played for the Reds from 1973 to 1984 as a part of the Big Red Machine and won two World Series with the Reds in 1975 and 1976. He was the first National League player to be used as a DH as that position was introduced in the 1976 World Series with the Yankees.

RHP Mike Williams (46)
A 14th round draft pick by the Phillies in 1990, Williams came to Houston in a July 2001 trade with the Pirates. In 25 games for the Astros in 2001, he was 4-0 with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.567 WHIP before going back to Pittsburgh. A two-time All Star for the Pirates, his 2002 season was his best as he had a 2.93 ERA, a 1.223 WHIP and 46 saves.

Tweet of the Day

Monday, July 28, 2014

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, July 27, 2014


Oklahoma City 6, Nashville 5

W- Jason Stoffel (3-3)
L- Rob Wooten (0-1)

OKC home runs: None.

Down 5-1, the RedHawks mounted a comeback in the final 2 innings, which saw them score 4 in the top of the 9th to take a 6-5 lead, which is the score you see above.

Austin Wates hit an RBI single in the 1st to open up the scoring. OKC would have to wait until the 8th to score again, when Ronald Torreyes hit an RBI single of his own. He was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double, though. The RedHawks got a pair of RBI singles from Matt Duffy and Max Stassi, and Joe Sclafani delivered the go-ahead 2-run double. Wates finisheed 2-4 with 2 steals (30) and a run scored. Jonathan Villar also went 2-4 with a steal (11, 25 season). Stassi went 2-3 with 2 runs scored.

Nick Tropeano made his return from the DL and threw 5 innings. He allowed 4 runs on 3 hits (solo and 2-run homers), walked 2, and struck out 6. Jorge De Leon allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 1 in the 6th. Anthony Bass allowed a hit in a scoreless 7th, and Jason Stoffel pitched the final 2 innings, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 3.

The RedHawks will look for the split as Mike Foltynewicz will take on Ariel Peña. First pitch is at 7:05.

Midland 11, Corpus Christi 3

W- Drew Granier (6-4)
L- Jordan Jankowski (3-5)

CC home runs: Tony Kemp (4, 8 season; solo in 1st), Brandon Meredith (1, 8 season; solo in 4th)

The Hooks were only down 4-3 after 4 innings, but the RockHounds took control and finished the game on an 8-0 run.

Kemp finished 2-5; his blast led off the bottom of the 1st. Ruben Sosa followed that up with an infield single. He moved over to 2nd on a Delino DeShields sac bunt, to 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored on a single from Telvin Nash. Meredith went 2-3, and his homer led off the bottom of the 4th.

Jordan Jankowski went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits (3-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 4. Kyle Weiland allowed a 2-run double, walked 2, and struck out 2 in the 5th. Kyle Smith allowed 5 runs on 5 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and fanned 2 in 4 innings.

Tonight, the Hooks will begin a 3-game series against San Antonio. In game 1, Luis Cruz will face Justin Hancock. First pitch is at 7:10.

Lancaster 8, Stockton 3

W- Kent Emanuel (6-5 season)
L- Dylan Covey (0-1, 4-10 season)

Lancaster home runs: Tyler White (1, 8 season; solo in 4th), Roberto Peña (8, solo in 5th), Danry Vásquez (5, 2-run in 8th)

The JetHawks got the split behind a season's-best outing from Kent Emanuel and 3 homers from the offense.

Emanuel shook off a 2-run 1st from Stockton and stonewalled them the rest of the way. He went 7 innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7. Dan Minor went 2 innings and allowed a solo homer to Ryon Healy in the bottom of the 9th. He allowed 2 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.

Lancaster took control with 4 in the 4th. White's first California League homer put them on the board, and then 2 walks and a single loaded the bases for Chan-Jong Moon, who promptly cleared them with a double, giving the JetHawks a 4-2 lead. Peña's 8th home run of the season came with 1 out in the 5th. White walked to lead off the 8th, and one batter later, Danry ripped his 5th homer. Rio Ruiz scored the final JetHawks run on a passed ball in the top of the 9th inning. Moon and Jack Mayfield, who tripled and scored a run, had 2 hits apiece. Everyone in the lineup drew a walk except for Jon Kemmer. White and Danry scored 2 runs each, and Teoscar Hernandez stole his 31st base.

The JetHawks will now commute to High Desert for the next 3 nights, as they're set to begin a series tonight at 9:05. Starters are TBA.

Quad Cities 9, Bowling Green 2

W- Edison Frias (7-5)
L- Jacob Faria (6-6)

QC home runs: Brett Phillips (9, 3-run in 8th)

The Bandits wrecked the Hot Rods as they struck out 13 and pounded out 13 hits.

J.D. Davis went 4-5 with 2 runs scored and kicked things off with an RBI double in the 2nd. He would score on an RBI single from Brett Booth. Also scoring on the play was Ronnie Mitchell when the throw from the outfield was cut off. Chase McDonald, who has hit 5 straight doubles, hit one with 2 outs in the 3rd and he'd score on an error that also allowed Brian Holberton to reach. Holberton scored on a Mitchell RBI single later in the inning. Dayne Parker had an RBI single in the 8th, and then Booth advanced to 2nd after hitting into a fielder's choice. That set up Phillips, who homered for the 2nd straight game. McDonald, Mitchell, and Booth had 2 hits apiece.

Edison Frias went 7 innings and allowed 2 runs (both in the 5th) on 6 hits and struck out 8. Albert Minnis allowed 2 hits and struck out 5 over 2 scoreless to finish it off. Neither of them issued a walk.

The Banditos will look for the sweep at 12:05. Adrian Houser will be on the mound; he'll be facing Bruedlin Suero.

Aberdeen 7, Tri-City 5

W- Nik Nowottnick (2-1)
L- Luis Ordosgoitti (2-3)
S- Ivan Hernandez (3)

TC home runs: None.

The Cats saw their 10-game winning streak come to an end as the Ironbirds jumped all over Luis Ordosgoitti and Raul Rivera.

D.J. Fisher went 4-5 with a stolen base (11) and scored 4 of the 5 ValleyCats runs. Nick Tanielu went 3-4 with 3 RBI doubles. The first came in the 1st, the second in the 5th, and the third in the 9th. On the 3rd RBI double, an error occurred, which allowed Fisher to score his 4th run. Mott Hyde scored the other TC run on that double. Jose Solano went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 3rd.

Luis Ordosgoitti went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Raul Rivera pitched the next 2 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 2. Aaron Vaughn faced a bases-loaded situation in the 8th on 2 hits and a walk, but nothing came of it. He struck out 1.

In the series finale, Troy Scribner will face Stephen Tarpley at 6:05.

Greeneville 7, Bristol 3

W- Aaron Greenwood (3-0)
L- Omar Basulto (1-2)
S- Angel Heredia (2)

Greeneville home runs: Bryan Muniz (1, solo in 6th), Cesar Carrasco (1, solo in 8th)

The Appy Astros got the sweep thanks to Cesar Carrasco's big night. 3 pitchers also combined to strike out 16 Pirates while only issuing 1 walk.

Austin Nicely went 4 innings and allowed 2 unearned runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out a career-high 8. Aaron Greenwood went 3 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 5, and Angel Heredia threw scoreless, allowing a hit and striking out 3 for the save.

Everyone in the lineup had a hit. Carrasco went 3-4 and put Greeneville on the board with an RBI single in the 2nd. Yonathan Mejia added an RBI groundout in the 3rd. Carrasco was back at it again in the 4th when he ripped an RBI double. Later in the frame, Jeffry Santos drew a bases-loaded walk and Luis Reynoso hit an RBI single. Muniz's first pro homer came with 1 out in the 6th, and Carrasco capped off a big night by leading off the 8th with his 1st homer of the year. Hector Roa went 3-4 with a run scored.

The Appy Astros will now begin a big 3-game set in Elizabethton. Reymin Guduan will get the start in game 1, which will start at 6:00.

Astros Minor League Player and Pitchers of the Week: Week 17

It's time to look back at Week 17 and acknowledge some winning performances for the week commencing Sunday, July 20th and continuing through Saturday, July 26th. Since I am supposedly on vacation, this is going to be extremely short this week ... no list of nominees, no runners-up, just winners!

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: TRI-CITY SS MOTT HYDE

Hyde, the 2014 26th round draft pick out of the Georgia Institute of Technology hit .417/.483/.667 for the week with four doubles, one triple, six RBI and eight runs scored. He walked three times and struck out seven.

STARTING/TANDEM PITCHER OF THE WEEK: GREENEVILLE RHP AGAPITO BARRIOS

Barrios, a 20-year old Panamanian in his fourth season with the Astros system, pitched in two games last week for a total of nine innings and collected one win with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.778 WHIP. He allowed six hits and walked one batter while striking out eight.

RELIEF PITCHER OF THE WEEK: TRI-CITY LHP BRYAN RADZIEWSKI

Radziewski was the ninth round pick in 2014 out of the University of Miami. He pitched in two games out of the bullpen last week for a total of four innings. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out nine for a 0.00 ERA and a 0.500 WHIP. He held batters to a 0.71 batting average.

My Two Cents' Worth on Astros County Two Cents' Worth

I was gathering my thoughts on the ridiculousness which happened yesterday and I was going to write something about it, but thanks to Astros County's excellent take on the latest manufactured Astros crisis, I do not have to do that. (Thank you, James, since I'm trying to enjoy my vacation.)

I will, however, add two thoughts. These are REAL unwritten baseball rules.

  • As a player, don't worry about the things you can't control. Just take care of the things that you can control.
  • If you have a problem with a fellow player, coach, manager or GM, keep it in the clubhouse.

And I will offer some unsolicited advice to players as well. Reporters are not your friends, particularly the ones whose sole purpose in life appears to be to stir up trouble.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions

In addition to the Astros minor league moves I posted yesterday (including confirmation of the rumored moves), there were a couple of more ~

2B/LF Jose Fernandez from the Quad Cities team was placed on the 7-day DL retroactively to 7/25. [UPDATE] RHP Jandel Gustave was also placed on the 7-day DL retroactive to 7/25, but I missed that when I posted this morning.

And drumroll please ....

Kyle Weiland is slowly making his way back to Houston from his exile on Weiland Island. He has now made it to Texas.


Happy Birthday - 7/28

No future Astros, only former Astros with birthdays today ~

RHP Henry Sosa (29)
Sosa came to Houston from San Francisco as a part of a July 2011 trade for Jeff Keppinger. In 10 starts for Houston in 2011, he was 3-5 with a 5.23 ERA and a 1.444 WHIP. Sosa appeared in several games for the Dodgers AAA club earlier this season.

OF Dick Simpson (71)
Simpson came to Houston from the Cardinals in June of 1968 and was gone to the Yankees six months later. In between, he played in 59 games for Houston, hitting .186/.282/.299.

RHP Chad Paronto (39)
Originally drafted by Baltimore in the 8th round in 1996, Paronto came to Houston as a free agent in December of 2007. In 12 games for Houston in 2008 and 2009, Paronto was 0-1 with a 7.41 ERA and a 1.706 WHIP.

Tweet of the Day

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, July 26, 2014

Let's play 2 in Bristol!

Nashville 8, Oklahoma City 1

W- Kyle Heckathorn (3-2)
L- Rudy Owens (5-5)

OKC home runs: Carlos Perez (5, solo in 8th)

The RedHawks offense has been in stuck in mud as of late; they have either scored 1 run or no runs in 4 of their last 5, with that 12-8 win in Round Rock sandwiched in between.

Carlos Perez had 2 of OKC's 4 hits; his solo homer in the 8th accounted for the only run. The other 2 hits belonged to Jio Mier and Ronald Torreyes.

Rudy Owens went 7 innings and allowed 4 runs on 8 hits and struck out 2. Kevin Chapman allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits and struck out the side in the 8th.

The series continues at 6:35. Nick Tropeano, who I presume is being activated from the DL, is listed as the starter. He'll face Michael Blazek.

Midland 10, Corpus Christi 4

W- Nate Long (9-6)
L- Aaron West (2-1)

CC home runs: Telvin Nash (18, solo in 3rd), Leo Heras (4, solo in 3rd), Delino DeShields (6, solo in 6th), Andrew Aplin (6, solo in 8th)

The Hooks saw Kent Matthes lay waste to them in this game; he had a 3-run homer, a grand slam, and a 2-run single, making him responsible for 9 of the 10 Midland runs.

The 4 Corpus runs came on those 4 solo homers you see above; Nash and Heras went back-to-back in the 3rd, while Andrew Aplin finished 2-4.

Aaron West served up the 3-run homer to Matthes in the 2nd. He allowed 2 other hits, walked 4, and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings. R.J. Alaniz went 2.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 inherited runners charged to him) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. David Rollins pitched the final 4.2 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits (grand slam), walked 2, and struck out 7. The grand slam cleared the bases of Alaniz's runners.

In the series finale, Jordan Jankowski will take on Drew Granier at 6:10.

Stockton 6, Lancaster 0

W- Tim Alderson (1-0)
L- Matt Heidenreich (2-3, 3-3 season)

Lancaster home runs: None.

A big 4th inning doomed the JetHawks, whose bats were grounded.

Tyler White had a triple and Teoscar Hernandez had a double.

Matt Heidenreich got tripped up in that 4th, which spoiled an otherwise pretty good night for him. He went 6 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits (3-run homer) and struck out 8. Pat Christensen allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and struck out 1 in the 7th. Zach Morton issued 3 walks against 1 strikeout, but threw a scoreless 8th.

In the series finale, Kent Emanuel will get the start. First pitch is at 8:05.

Quad Cities 9, Bowling Green 2

W- Blaine Sims (2-2, 3-2 season)
L- D.J. Slaton (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (9)

QC home runs: Ronnie Mitchell (13, 2-run in 5th), Brett Phillips (8, 2-run in 5th)

The River Bandits busted the game open with a pair of 4-run innings, beginning with the 2 2-run homers in the 5th.

They really opened it up with a 4-run 6th. They got a pair of RBI singles from J.D. Davis and Dayne Parker, and a 2-run single from Thomas Lindauer. Marc Wik added an RBI groundout in the 9th. Parker finished 3-4, while Phillips (2-R HR), Chase McDonald (2 2B), Brian Holberton, and Davis (2B, R) all had 2 hits apiece. Mitchell and Phillips both scored twice.

Blaine Sims was effectively wild in his 6 innings; he allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, walked 7, and struck out 3. Andrew Walter finished it off with 3 scoreless, allowing 2 hits, walking 1, and striking out 3.

In the middle game of this series, Edison Frias will face Jacob Faria at 2:05.

Tri-City 16, Staten Island 3

W- Joe Musgrove (4-1)
L- Jordan Cote (1-3)

TC home runs: A.J. Reed (5, grand slam in 2nd), Ryan Bottger (4, 3-run in 7th), Terrell Joyce (4, solo in 7th)

The ValleyCats got the sweep in dominating fashion, outscoring the Baby Bombers 39-10 in the 3-game set. They actually trailed 3-2 heading into their half of the 2nd, but they absolutely mauled the Yankees from there on out, scoring 14 unanswered.

D.J. Fisher grounded into a force out that put TC on the board first in the 1st. Later in the inning, Nick Tanielu added an RBI single. 3 straight singles to open the 2nd loaded the bases. Then, Mott Hyde got plunked and Fisher drew a bases-loaded walk. That set the stage for Mr. Golden Spikes, who promptly cleared the bases with his 1st grand slam as a pro. Tanielu added another RBI single in the 4th. Terrell Joyce hit an RBI double in the 6th, and one batter later, Alex Hernandez had an RBI groundout. Bottger's homer in the 7th came after Juan Santana reached on an error and Reed walked. After a pitching change, Joyce sent out his 4th homer of the year. Fisher capped off the night with an RBI double in the 8th. Everyone in the original starting 9+1 had a hit. Bobby Boyd (2 R), Fisher (3 RBI, 2 R, SB [10]), Reed (4 RBI, 3 BB, 3 R), Bottger, Tanielu (2 RBI singles), Joyce, and Alfredo Gonzalez (2 R, BB), all had 2-hit nights.

Joe Musgrove was roughed up in the 2nd, giving up the 3 Staten Island runs, but he rebounded to have a good outing. He allowed 3 runs (all on homers) on 5 hits (solo and 2-run homers) and struck out 4 over 5 innings. Bryan Radziewski struck out 4 over 2 perfect innings. Vince Wheeland threw 2 scoreless and allowed 3 hits while striking out 2.

The ValleyCats are now in Aberdeen, where they'll begin a 3-game set with the Ironbirds. Luis Ordosgoitti will get the start in the opener, and he'll take on John Means at 4:35.

Game 1: Greeneville 2, Bristol 1

W- Jorge Perez (1-1)
L- Hector Garcia (0-5)

Greeneville home runs: Luis Reynoso (1, solo in 3rd)

The Appy Astros took the first game of the twinbill as they got an outstanding performance in relief from Jorge Perez and the offense was boosted by Luis Reynoso's first homer of the season.

Reynoso opened the scoring with that homer in the 3rd inning. Ydarqui Marte added an RBI single in the 4th.

Jose Montero went 4 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. Jorge Perez allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless for the win.

What did game 2 have in store for the Appy Astros?

Game 2: Greeneville 4, Bristol 0

W- Josh James (1-1)
L- Dan Urbina (0-3)

Greeneville home runs: Luis Reynoso (2, 2-run in 2nd)

They got the doubleheader sweep, won the series, and climbed back up to .500 as they blanked the Pirates.

Reynoso went 2-3 with 2 runs scored; again, a home run hit by him opened the scoring. He also had an RBI single in the 4th inning. Brett Clements added a sac fly later in the 4th. Marte and Reynoso scored all 4 Greeneville runs.

Josh James was excellent in his 5 innings, as he allowed a hit, walked 3, and struck out 6. Eric Peterson struck out 4 over 2 perfect innings.

The series returns to Greeneville, where the Appy Astros will look for the sweep. First pitch will be at 5:00; starters are TBA.

GCL Tigers 3, GCL Astros 0

W- Carlos Lara (4-0)
L- Joselo Pinales (0-3, 1-5 season)
S- Nate Fury (1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros couldn't leapfrog the Tigers in the standings as they got blanked.

They were held to 3 singles from Alex Melendez, Brauly Mejia, and Dex McCall.

Joselo Pinales went 4 innings and allowed an unearned run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. John Gatlin walked 2 in a scoreless 5th. Cristhopher Santamaria went 3 innings and allowed an unearned run, walked 2, and struck out 4. Alejandro Solarte allowed a solo homer to Giancarlo Brugnoni in the 9th.

The GCL has Sunday off.

DSL Astros Blue 2, DSL Athletics 0

W- Moreno Polanco (1-1)
L- Emerson Nelo (1-3)
S- Jose Rosario (1)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team got held to 4 hits, but they blanked the A's in the process as well.

Their 2 runs came in the 2nd on an RBI single from Andy Piñeda, and an error on the play allowed Oliver Toribio to score. Rodrigo Ayarza went 2-4.

Moreno Polanco allowed 2 hits and struck out 4 over 6 shutout innings. Jose Rosario pitched 3 scoreless to close it out, allowing 4 hits and striking out 4.

DSL Braves 10, DSL Astros Orange 4

W- Jason Laguna (3-3)
L- Gerald Benzant (0-2)

Orange home runs: None.

Both teams traded 2-run innings in the 6th and the 7th; the only difference was that the Braves had a 6-0 lead to work with.

The 2 in the 6th came on a 2-run double from Ihan Bernal, and Jose Benjamin hit an RBI double and scored on a wild pitch in the 7th. Bernal finished 3-4, while Juan Fuentes went 2-5 with a run scored.

Gerald Benzant went 2.1 innings and allowed 6 runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Juan Hernandez allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 4.1 innings. Tomas Lopez walked 1 over 1.1 scoreless, and Hansel Paulino struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions

There have been a lot of moves and rumored moves in the Astros major and minor league systems over the last 24 hours. Here's a quick recap ~

HOUSTON/OKLAHOMA CITY
RHP Brad Peacock optioned to Oklahoma City
RHP Paul Clemens recalled to Houston
RHP Josh Zeid being placed on the 15-day DL

CORPUS CHRISTI
OF Leo Heras activated from the DL

GREENEVILLE
1B/OF Hector Roa assigned from the GCL to Greeneville

GULF COAST LEAGUE
RHP Travis Ballew assigned from Corpus Christi to the GCL (Ballew has been struggling somewhat at Corpus this season. The Astros have sent several players to the GCL this season to presumably work on problems.)

Quad Cities' J.D. Davis tweeted out last night that 1B A.J. Reed and OF Ryan Bottger were being promoted from Tri-City to Quad Cities. That has not been confirmed in the official transactions yet.

Also, Houston Chronicle writer Evan Drellich announced yesterday that RHP Mark Appel would be promoted from Lancaster to Corpus Christi, but I haven't seen confirmation on this from the Astros yet.

Happy Birthday - 7/27

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Brandon Culbreth (22)
Drafted by Houston in the 8th round in 2011 out of high school in North Carolina, Culbreth is currently playing on Team Rehab in Kissimmee. I met Culbreth at Spring Training and he was sporting a tell-tale TJ surgery scar. In four games (one start) during the 2013 season, he was 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.500 WHIP.

Quad Cities Hitting Coach Joel Chimelis (47)
Chimelis was drafted by Oakland in the 11th round in 1988 and spent time in the Oakland, San Francisco and New York Mets organizations as well as playing in the Mexican League and Independent League baseball. Chimelis has been a hitting coach in the Astros organization for Tri-City (2006-2010), Lexington (2011), Corpus Christi (2012) and is now in his second season as hitting coach for Quad Cities.

One former Astro celebrates the day as well ~

C Jack Hiatt (72)
Hiatt came to Houston from the Cubs organization in December of 1970. He played in Houston from 1971 until he went to the Angels in July of 1972. In 79 games, he hit .266/.393/.347.

Tweet of the Day

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, July 25, 2014

Nashville 2, Oklahoma City 0

W- Taylor Jungmann (5-5)
L- Tommy Shirley (0-2, 7-5 season)
S- Rob Wooten (6)

OKC home runs: None.

The RedHawks were blanked to begin their roadtrip. Matt Duffy had 2 of OKC's 5 hits, which were all singles. He has hits in 5 of his last 6 contests.

Tommy Shirley got the loss despite a decent outing. He allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4 over 6 innings. Richard Rodriguez struck out 4 over 2 perfect innings.

In game 2 of this series, Rudy Owens will take on Donovan Hand at 6:35.

Corpus Christi 6, Midland 3

W- Mike Hauschild (2-6, 4-7 season)
L- Sean Murphy (4-1, 6-6 season)
S- Tyson Perez (7)

CC home runs: Telvin Nash (17, solo in 5th)

The Hooks snapped their 6-game losing streak as they scored the game's final 6 runs after falling behind 3-0 after 3 innings.

Andrew Aplin put the Hooks on the board in the 4th with an RBI single. Nash's blast came with 1 out in the 5th. Corpus took the lead with 3 in the 6th, as Delino DeShields had an RBI single, Sosa scored on a wild pitch, and Nash added an RBI single to his ledger. He and Sosa both went 2-3. Sosa brought in the final run of the night with an RBI single in the 7th.

Mike Hauschild, outside of a 3rd inning in which he gave up Midland's 3 runs, was solid in this game. He went 7 innings and allowed 6 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 8. Mitch Lambson allowed a hit and got his 2 outs in the 8th via strikeout. Tyson Perez retired all 4 batters he faced to finish it, striking out 1.

In game 3, Aaron West will make his first appearance for the Hooks since returning from the DL. He'll take on Nate Long at 7:10.

Stockton 7, Lancaster 5

W- Jake Sanchez (5-1, 10-5 season)
L- Lance McCullers (3-4)
S- Austin House (13)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks found themselves down 6-0 after 5 innings. They were able to fight back, but their comeback bid ultimately fell short.

They cut the deficit in half thanks to an RBI single from Rio Ruiz and a 2-run double from Tyler White in the 6th. Chan-Jong Moon hit a 2-out single in the 7th, then stole 2nd (5, 30 season), and scored on an error that also saw Teoscar Hernandez to reach. Jon Kemmer hit an RBI single in the 8th. Rio and Moon both had 2 hits and scored twice.

Lance McCullers pitched 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (solo and 2-run homers), walked 4, and struck out 7. Kyle Westwood allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 in 4 innings.

Matt Heidenreich will get the start in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 9:05.

Dayton 5, Quad Cities 2

W- Nick Travieso (9-5)
L- Michael Feliz (6-3)
S- Alejandro Chacín (11)

QC home runs: None.

The River Bandits were foiled in their bid for a sweep as the Dragons burned Michael Feliz for 5 runs in the 5th.

Chris Cotton started it off by allowing 4 hits and striking out 3 over 4 scoreless innings. Feliz allowed 5 runs on 5 hits and walked 1 while only getting 2 outs in the 5th. Frederick Tiburcio kept Quad Cities in the gae by allowing just 1 hit and striking out 2 over 3.1 scoreless.

The 2 QC runs came in the 6th, as Dayne Parker grounded into a force out that scored Marc Wik. An error on the play also allowed Brett Booth to score. Wik finished 3-4 with a double.

The River Bandits will now head to Bowling Green, Kentucky, as they begin a 3-game set with the Hot Rods. Blaine Sims gets the start in game 1; first pitch is at 7:05.

Tri-City 9, Staten Island 7

W- Raul Rivera (3-0)
L- Sean Carley (0-1)
S- Ryan Thompson (5)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats were in a hole early, but a 7-run inning cures all. They used that to erase a deficit that saw them trail by as much as 6-1.

Terrell Joyce put TC on the board with a sac fly in the 2nd. D.J. Fisher drew a walk to lead off the 4th, advanced to 2nd on an A.J. Reed groundout, stole 3rd (9), and scored when the throw down to 3rd went awry.

Tri-City took control with a touchdown in the 5th inning. Ricky Gingras kicked things off with an RBI single. Mott Hyde followed that up with an RBI double, and then Ariel Ovando hit a 2-run single. A Fisher single put 2 on for Reed, who delivered with an RBI single; an error allowed Fisher to score. Nick Tanielu tacked on the extra point with a sac fly. Juan Santana went 3-4 with a double and a run scored at the bottom of the order.

Brandon McNitt allowed 5 runs on 6 hits (3-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 1 in 3 innings. Jay Gause was the first man out; he allowed a triple and a run on a sac fly in the 4th. Raul Rivera walked 1 in a scoreless 5th. Austin Chrismon allowed 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings. Jordan Mills was next; he allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 1 in 1.1 innings, and Ryan Thompson struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th to finish it off.

Winners of 9 straight, the ValleyCats will look for the sweep as Joe Musgrove takes on Jordan Cote at 6:00.

Greeneville 9, Bristol 4

W- Agapito Barrios (2-0)
L- Billy Roth (0-5)

Greeneville home runs: Jake Nottingham (2, solo in 3rd)

The Appy Astros' bats awakened as they scored in 6 of their 8 innings. Well, they did get outhit 9-8, but they won in the column that really matters.

Yonathan Mejia started it off with a sac fly in the 1st. Kristian Trompiz added an RBI single in the 2nd. Greeneville busted it open in the 3rd; all 4 of their runs in the inning came with 2 outs. Nottingham's homer was their first run of the inning. After Cesar Carrasco walked, Ydarqui Marte struck out but was able to reach 1st. A wild pitch moved them over, and Luis Reynoso drew a walk to load the bases for Trompiz, who came through with a 2-run single. An error on the play allowed Reynoso to score. Nottingham added a sac fly to his ledger in the 6th, and Marte scored on a wild pitch in the 7th. Martin, despite 0-3, walked twice and scored a run; he's reached base safely in 22 straight. Mejia and Trompiz had 2 hits apiece.

Agapito Barrios threw 5 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 5. Devonte German tagged in to throw 2.1 innings; he allowed 3 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Zach Davis got the final 2 outs of the 8th; he allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 1. Krishawn Holley worked around a hit and a walk to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 2.

The series shifts to Bristol, where these two teams will play 2. One of the games was originally scheduled for July 8, but it was rained out that day. Game 1 will begin at 5:00. Austin Nicely will start that one, and Jose Montero will start game 2.

GCL Astros 6, GCL Tigers 2 through 6 innings

W- Elieser Hernandez (3-1)
L- Spenser Watkins (1-2)

GCL home runs: None.

This game was called with 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th.

Elieser Hernandez allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6 in 5.2 innings.

The Kissimmee Stros opened up the scoring with 4 in the 3rd. Randy Cesar scored the first run of the game on an error after an Arturo Michelena single. Alex Melendez added an RBI single, and Hector Roa drove in 2 with a single. They got a pair in the 6th with a Brauly Mejia RBI double and a Cesar single. Cesar and Roa both had 2 hits.

Both teams are currently in a game in Kissimmee.

DSL Athletics 3, DSL Astros Blue 2

W- Argenis Blanco (3-0)
L- Luis Ramirez (0-1)
S- Alejandro Vargas (6)

Blue home runs: None.

The A's got a run in the top of the 6th to pull ahead 3-2.

A squeeze play from Nestor Tejada opened the scoring in the 3rd. Bryan De La Cruz scored on a balk in the 5th.

Carlos Hiraldo allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 in 5 innings. Luis Ramirez went 3 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 2. Joel Belboder worked around a walk and a hit to throw a scoreless 9th.

DSL Astros Orange 6, DSL Braves 5 in 11 innings

W- Ramon Rodriguez (1-0)
L- Ramon Moreno (2-3)

Orange home runs: None.

Frankeny Fernandez came through with an RBI single in the top of the 11th which put the Orange team on top.

Edgar Lorenzo put them on the board with an RBI double in the 5th. Fernandez, who finished a home run shy of the cycle in 5 at-bats, scored on a wild pitch in the 6th. He also stole 2 bases, giving him 27 on the season. He hit a 2-run double in the 7th and scored on another wild pitch. Wilson Amador went 2-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 steals (24).

Edgardo Sandoval went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and struck out 5. Diogenes Almengo pitched 2 and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Ramon Rodriguez allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless for the win.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions

In addition to SS Gregorio Petit and RHP Anthony Bass swapping places with Petit to Houston and Bass optioned to Oklahoma City, there was one additional move reported on Thursday. SS Joan Mauricio, who was hitting .277/.370/.477 with five doubles, ten triples and two home runs in the Dominican Summer League, was promoted to the Gulf Coast League team. The Dominican-born Mauricio won't be 18 until October.

Happy Birthday - 7/26

No future Astros with birthdays, but one former Astro was born on this day ~

RHP Carroll Sembera (died June 15, 2005 at 63)
First signed by Houston in 1961, Sembera pitched for the Astros from 1965 to 1967. In 71 games, he was 3-9 with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.450 WHIP. Semberra was drafted by the Expos in the December 1968 Rule 5 draft. Semberra was born and died in Shiner, Texas.

Tweet of the Day

Friday, July 25, 2014

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, July 24, 2014


Round Rock 2, Oklahoma City 1

W- Justin Germano (4-10)
L- Asher Wojciechowski (0-3)

OKC home runs: None.

Our pal Carlos Peña broke a 1-1 tie with a solo homer off Asher with 2 outs in the top of the 9th. Hmph.

Alex White allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 over 5 innings. That homer was the only hit that Wojo allowed in his 4 innings. He struck out 4.

OKC's 1 run came on an RBI single from Joe Sclafani in the 3rd. Ronald Torreyes had the other 2 RedHawks hits.

The RedHawks will now begin an 8-game roadtrip, beginning with 4 in Nashville. In the opener, Tommy Shirley will take on Taylor Jungmann at 7:05.

Midland 7, Corpus Christi 3

W- Chris Jensen (9-7)
L- Chris Devenski (2-2, 7-7 season)

CC home runs: Telvin Nash (16, 2-run in 9th)

The Hooks, now mired in a 6-game slide, saw the wheels fall off for them in the final third of the game as the RockHounds outscored them 6-2 over that juncture.

Delino DeShields went 1-4 with an RBI single in the 3rd and stole a base (42). The other 2 Corpus runs came in the form of Telvin Nash's 16th homer of the year. Carlos Perdomo went 2-4 with a run scored, and Tony Kemp finished 3-4 with a steal (7, 35 season).

Colton Cain went 4.1 and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5. Chris Devenski got victimized by 2 solo shots in the 7th and the 8th. He allowed 1 other hit, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 3.2 innings. R.J. Alaniz bore the brunt of the Midland assault in the 9th; he got 2 outs, but he also allowed 4 runs (3 earned), a hit, walked 4, and struck out 1. Mitch Lambson got the final out of the 9th.

Mike Hauschild will take on Sean Murphy in game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:10.

Lancaster 5, Stockton 2

W- Mark Appel (2-5)
L- Seth Streich (9-6)
S- Jamaine Cotton (9)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks were boosted by Mark Appel's best start of the season.

Appel allowed 2 runs (both in the 4th) on 5 hits and struck out 7 in 6 innings. Gonzalo Sañudo was the first man out; he allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 1.2 scoreless. Juan Minaya did allow a hit, but he recorded the final out of the 8th with no damage done. Jamaine Cotton worked around a hit to finish the game, striking out 1.

Roberto Peña opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 3rd. One batter later, Jon Kemmer ripped an RBI double, and an error on the play also allowed him to score. Peña added another RBI single in the 8th, and Jack Mayfield had an RBI double in the 9th. Mayfield and Peña both had 2-hit nights.

In game 2 of this series, Lance McCullers will face Jake Sanchez at 9:05.

Quad Cities 4, Dayton 2

W- Chris Lee (6-5)
L- Dan Langfield (2-2)
S- Andrew Thurman (1)

QC home runs: Dayne Parker (1, 3-run in 4th)

The Bandits took the series thanks to Dayne Parker's first pro homer and a fine outing from Chris Lee.

Lee tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 3 hits and walked 1. Andrew Thurman pitched the final 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.

J.D. Davis drew a bases-loaded walk in the 3rd to put QC on the board first. Chase McDonald walked and Marc Wik singled in the 4th, and Parker sent them all home with his first home run as a professional baseball player. Wik had 2 of QC's 3 hits. The other, of course, was that home run.

The River Bandits will look for the sweep, as Jandel Gustave will take on Nick Travieso. First pitch is at 6:00.

Tri-City 14, Staten Island 0

W- Francis Ramirez (2-4)
L- Joe Harvey (0-2)

TC home runs: A.J. Reed (4, 3-run in 5th), Nick Tanielu (2, 3-run in 6th)

The ValleyCats completely obliterated the Baby Bombers in the opener as they put up 2 TDs. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Alfredo Gonzalez, who managed to score 2 runs. Terrell Joyce, who went 3-5 with a double, was the only member of the starting 9+1 to not score a run. Alex Hernandez appeared as a pinch-hitter and remained in the game at 2B; he went 0-1.

Mott Hyde went 3-4 with 2 doubles, a triple, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. He opened the floodgates with the triple, which drove in 2 in the 3rd. He would score on a D.J. Fisher RBI infield single. Hyde hit a 1-out double in the 5th and would score on an error that allowed Jose Solano to advance to 2nd. After a Fisher walk, Reed connected for his 4th home run of the season. Alfredo Gonzalez got plunked to open the bottom of the 6th, Hyde brought him home with his 2nd double of the evening. Hyde wound up scoring on another error that allowed Solano to reach. Solano was erased at 2nd, but Fisher beat a double play. A Reed double moved him to 3rd, and although Ryan Bottger struck out, Nick Tanielu delivered with a 3-run shot. In the 8th, Bottger hit an RBI double, and Tanielu brought him home with a single.

Francis Ramirez threw 5 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 3, and striking out 5. Vince Wheeland struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 6th. Randall Fant went 2 innings and allowed 2 hits while striking out 4, and Kyle Weiland worked around a hit to finish the game, striking out 1 in the 9th.

In game 2 of this series, Brandon McNitt will take on Dillon McNamara. First pitch is at 6:00. A Long Islander (McNitt) will face a Staten Islander (McNamara).

Kingsport 1, Greeneville 0

W- Martires Arias (3-0)
L- Brock Dykxhoorn (2-2)
S- David Roseboom (2)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros offense was stuck in the mud once again. This is the 4th time in the last 5 games in which they've been shut out. The difference in this game was an Ivan Wilson solo homer in the 6th, which broke the scoreless tie in Kingsport's favor.

The 2 hits belonged to Tony Nuñez and Jake Nottingham.

Dean Deetz allowed 2 hits and fanned 1 over 3 scoreless. Brock Dykxhoorn allowed the go-ahead solo homer to Wilson in the 6th. He went 3 innings and allowed 1 other hit while striking out 4. Keegan Yuhl allowed 4 hits and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless.

Greeneville will now begin a most unusual 4-game series against Bristol, which includes a doubleheader over there sandwiched between 2 home games. Agapito Barrios will get the start in the opener, which begins at 6:00.

GCL Braves 9, GCL Astros 2

W- Aldo Silva (1-1)
L- Starlyng Sanchez (0-1, 1-4 season)

GCL home runs: Arturo Michelena (1, 2-run in 4th)

Well, Arturo Michelena's first pro homer tied the game at 2, but the Braves ran off with 7 unanswered.

Michelena and Jean Estrella both finished 2-4.

Starlyng Sanchez allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2 in 4 innings. Yhoan Acosta went 3 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and struck out 1. Kyle Gehrs allowed 3 runs on 5 hits in the 8th.

The Kissimmee Stros are in Lakeland, where they'll take on the team directly above them in the standings. They'll face the Tigers at 11:00 A.M.

DSL Astros Blue 10, DSL Rays 2

W- Enrique Chavez (1-0)
L- Sandy Brito (1-4)

Blue home runs: Marcos Almonte (2, grand slam in 7th)

The Blue team seized all control with a 9-run 7th, capped off by Almonte's grand slam. Both of Almonte's home runs this season have been grand slams.

Jonathan Matute reached on an error that allowed Oscar Campos to score in the 5th. That run tied the game at 1. The Rays re-took the lead in the bottom of the 5th, but in the 7th, it was all Blue team. Matute hit an RBI single that tied the game at 2. Then, Rodrigo Ayarza gave them the lead with a 2-run double. Cristopher Luciano got in with an RBI single, as did Bryan De La Cruz. Almonte delivered an excellent closing munber with his grand slam.

Erasmo Pinales went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Enrique Chavez, who was added to the roster before the game, got the win in his first appearance. He allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless. Yan De La Cruz threw a 1-2-3 9th.

The Astros are currently in a game at home. They're taking on the A's.

DSL Cubs 18, DSL Astros Orange 3

W- Jeffry Hernandez (2-2)
L- Abdiel Saldaña (2-1)

Orange home runs: None.

This game was tied at 3 through 5 innings. After the 6th, the Cubs scored 15 unanswered.

Angel De Leon flew into a force out (what?) that scored Wilson Amador in the 3rd inning. Amador, who went 2-4 and scored 2 of the 3 Orange runs, hit an RBI single in the 5th and came around to score on a double from De Leon.

Edwin Villarroel went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits (2 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 2. The bullpen....... struggled. Let's just leave it at that.

The Orange team is currently in a game at the Braves complex.