California League South Division Final: High Desert 9, Lancaster 4

High Desert leads series 2-1.

W- Collin Wiles

L- Brock Dykxhoorn

Lancaster home runs: Osvaldo Duarte (3, solo in 5th), Bryan Muñiz (2, solo in 6th), Marc Wik (2, 2-run in 9th)

The JetHawks launched 3 home runs that accounted for all of their runs in this game, but the Mavericks had already built up an 8-0 lead after the 3rd.

Osvaldo Duarte put Lancaster on the board with his solo homer in the 5th inning. Bryan Muñiz went 3-5 and smacked a solo shot of his own in the 6th, and Marc Wik came on as a pinch-hitter for Duarte in the 9th and clubbed a 2-run homer.

Brock Dykxhoorn went 5 innings and allowed 8 runs (6 earned) on 12 hits (solo and 2-run homers) and struck out 3. Ralph Garza Jr. stopped the bleeding by allowing a run on 2 hits, walking 1, and striking out 2 in 4 innings.

Jose Luis Hernandez will start game 4 of this series. First pitch is at 6:35 Pacific.

Game 3 Stars

Bryan Muñiz, 1B

3-5, solo HR (2)

Ralph Garza Jr., RHP

4 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 2 K

Marc Wik, UTIL

Pinch-hit 2-R HR (2) in 9th

California League South Division Final Game 2 Recap

High Desert evened the South Division Final at one game apiece with their 15-7 victory on Sunday. Jason Martin and Johnny Sewald launched 2 home runs in the game; both of Martin's homers were solo shots, while Sewald hit a solo home run in the 1st and a 2-run shot in the 9th. Bryan Muñiz finished 2-4 with a 2-run single in the 5th inning and allowed a run on 2 hits in the 8th.

Martin now has 4 home runs this postseason, while those were Sewald's first two of the playoffs.

The pitchers.... got shelled, and I'll leave it at that.

Game 3 will be in Lancaster at 6:35 Pacific. Brock Dykxhoorn will take on Collin Wiles.

Game 2's Stars

Johnny Sewald, OF

2-5, 2 HR (2), 3 RBI

Jason Martin, OF

2-4, 2 solo HR (4)

Bryan Muñiz, 1B

2-4, 2 RBI; IP, 2 H, ER

Astros Minor League Playoff Recaps

Results for Saturday, September 10, 2016

One team bowed out, but another was able to strike first in the next round.

Texas League South Division Series: Midland 5, Corpus Christi 2

Midland wins series 3-1.

W- Brandon Mann
L- Cy Sneed

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks couldn't really get much of anything on offense despite recording 9 hits.

Ramon Laureano finished 3-4 with a double and spoiled the shutout with an RBI single in the 8th, and Drew Ferguson, who went 2-5, hit an RBI single in the 9th. Corpus had something brewing in that 9th inning, but they left the bases loaded to end the game.

Cy Sneed went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Kyle Smith allowed 2 runs on 5 hits in 3 innings, and Kevin Comer allowed 2 hits and struck out 2 in a scoreless 8th.

With the Hooks' season coming to an end, Lancaster is the last team standing in the Astros' minor league system.

California League South Division Final: Lancaster 6, High Desert 4

Lancaster leads series 1-0.

W- Albert Abreu
L- Shane McCain
S- Andrew Thome

Lancaster home runs: Osvaldo Duarte (2, 2-run in 6th)

The JetHawks matched each of the Mavericks' scoring innings and then took control with 3 runs in the top of the 8th to strike first in the South Division final.

High Desert opened the scoring with a run in the 2nd, but one half-inning later, Lancaster got on the board with an RBI infield single from Myles Straw. The Mavericks scored 2 in the 5th, and Osvaldo Duarte provided the answer with a 2-run homer in the 6th.

Straw and Johnny Sewald both walked to lead off the top of the 8th, and Duarte joined them on the bases by beating out a bunt single. Bryan Muñiz took advantage and came through with a 2-run single to give the JetHawks a 5-3 lead. One batter later, Trent Woodward added an RBI single. Duarte and Woodward both finished with 2 hits on the evening.

Elieser Hernandez went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3. Albert Abreu tagged in for 2.2 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 3. Andrew Thome retired all 4 Mavericks he faced to secure the victory.

Saturday's Stars

Osvaldo Duarte, UTIL, Lancaster

2-5, 2-R HR (2), 2 R

Bryan Muñiz, 1B, Lancaster

Go-ahead 2-R single in 8th

Andrew Thome, RHP, Lancaster

Save; 1.1 IP

Ramon Laureano, OF, Corpus Christi

3-4, 2B, RBI

Astros Minor League Playoff Recaps

Results for Friday, September 9, 2016

JetHawks move on after their show of force in the mini-series.

Texas League South Division Series: Midland 7, Corpus Christi 5

Midland leads series 2-1.

W- Kyle Friedrichs
L- Jacob Dorris

CC home runs: Bobby Boyd (1, 3-run in 4th)

The Hooks were stunned by a 5-run bottom of the 9th, which culminated with Viosergy Rosa hitting a walk-off grand slam to give the RockHounds the series lead.

All 5 Corpus Christi runs came in the 4th inning, as Bobby Boyd launched a 3-run homer, Drew Ferguson ripped an RBI double, and Garrett Stubbs flared a ball into right field for an RBI single. Stubbs and J.D. Davis had 3 hits apiece in the game.

Rogelio Armenteros went 5 innings and allowed a run on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Ryan Thompson was the first man out of the bullpen, and in 2 innings, he allowed a run on 4 hits and struck out 1. Michael Freeman got the first out of the 8th via strikeout. Jacob Dorris was next, and in 1.1 innings, he allowed 4 unearned runs (3 inherited runners charged to him), a single, walked 1, and struck out 2. Ryan Deemes served up the walk-off grand slam to Rosa with 2 outs in the 9th.

Cy Sneed will start game 4 of this series. He'll face Brandon Mann at 7:00.

California League South Division Mini-Series: Lancaster 21, Rancho Cucamonga 6

Lancaster wins series 2-1.

W- Akeem Bostick
L- Adam Bray

Lancaster home runs: Jason Martin 2 (2; grand slam in 3rd, 2-run in 6th), Osvaldo Duarte (1, 2-run in 3rd), Kyle Tucker (1, 2-run in 6th), Bryan Muñiz (1, 3-run in 7th)

The JetHawks advanced to the South Division Final behind an incredible show of force. In the 2 games at The Hangar, they scored 38 runs and launched 12 home runs.

Just like Thursday, everyone in the original starting lineup had a hit and scored a run.

Akeem Bostick went 6.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits (solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 3. Ralph Garza Jr. walked 2 and struck out 3 in 1.1 innings, and Juan Carlos Santos allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 in the 9th.

Next up for the JetHawks is the South Division Final and a date with High Desert. Game 1 from Adelanto will start at 6:35 Pacific.

Friday's Stars

Photo from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page

Lancaster JetHawks: W 21-6 vs. Rancho Cucamonga

Advanced to California League South Division Final

Jason Martin: 3-5, 2 HR (2), 7 RBI, 3 R

Bryan Muñiz: 4-5, 2B, 3-R HR (1), 3 R

Osvaldo Duarte: 3-5, solo HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, July 14, 2016

Let's play two in Lancaster!

Fresno 6, New Orleans 2

W- César Valdez (7-1)
L- Jose Urena (1-3)

Fresno home runs: Tyler White (7, 2-run in 3rd), Jon Singleton (15, solo in 6th)

The Grizzlies kicked off the second half of their season with a victory.

Tyler White opened up the scoring with an RBI infield single in the 1st, and he added to Fresno's lead by whacking a 2-run home run in the 3rd inning. Jon Singleton ripped an RBI double in the 4th and clubbed a solo homer in the 6th. Teoscar Hernandez drove in the final Grizzlies run of the evening with a sac fly in the 7th. White and Singleton both finished 2-4, while Tony Kemp went 3-4 and scored a run at the top of the order.

César Valdez delivered another strong start; he allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 4 in 7 innings. Jandel Gustave walked 1 and struck out 1 in a scoreless 8th, and Reymin Guduan struck out the side and allowed a solo homer to Matt Juengel in the bottom of the 9th, which was the only hit he allowed in the inning.

Tommy Shirley will start game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:00.

Frisco 10, Corpus Christi 1

W- Connor Sadzeck (9-2)
L- Francis Martes (5-4)

CC home runs: J.D. Davis (14, solo in 6th)

The Roughriders kept the Hooks offense in check... and then they decided to turn this game into a laugher in the final inning.

J.D. Davis finished 2-4 and his solo blast in the 6th was the Hooks' only scoring play. Nick Tanielu went 3-5.

The only blemish on Francis Martes' line was a 3-run home run he served up to Andy Ibañez in the 3rd inning. In 6.1 innings, Martes allowed 3 other hits, walked 3, and struck out 7. Ryan Thompson struck out 1 over 2 perfect innings. Michael Freeman bore the brunt of Frisco's assault in the 9th inning. I'll leave it at that. Chris Cotton allowed a run of his own on 2 hits and got the final 2 outs of the 9th inning, striking out 1.

In game 3 of this series, Evan Grills will take on Victor Payano. First pitch is at 7:05.

Game 1: Lancaster 3, San Jose 0

W- Trent Thornton (6-4)
L- Phil Bickford (2-1)

Lancaster home runs: Ramon Laureano (7, 2-run in 6th)

Trent Thornton and Phil Bickford both threw complete games for their respective teams, but Thornton got the run support from his offense and outdueled the Giants' top prospect. He allowed just 4 hits and struck out 4 over the 7 innings.

Brooks Marlow broke a scoreless tie with an RBI double in the 5th, and Ramon Laureano provided some insurance with a 2-run home run in the 6th inning. Laureano and Johnny Sewald both finished 2-3; Sewald also stole a base, giving him 30 on the season (14 Lancaster, 16 Quad Cities).

How did the JetHawks fare in game 2?

Game 2: Lancaster 9, San Jose 4

W- Rogelio Armenteros (6-2, 6-4 season)
L- Jordan Johnson (6-7)

Lancaster home runs: Ramon Laureano (8, 2-run in 2nd), Bryan Muñiz (8, solo in 2nd)

The JetHawks swept the twinbill thanks to an early offensive outburst that staked Rogelio Armenteros to a 9-0 lead. Lancaster was the away team in this game, because this was a makeup of a game that was supposed to be played in San Jose all the way back on April 10.

Bryan Muñiz put Lancaster on the board first with an RBI single in the 1st inning. He came around to score on a single from Drew Ferguson, and a wild pitch allowed Johnny Sewald to score. Ramon Laureano smacked a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning, and Muñiz followed by adding a solo blast to his ledger. Marc Wik ripped a 2-run triple in the 4th, and Muñiz drove in the final JetHawks run with an RBI single in the 5th inning. He finished 3-4 and scored twice, while Laureano (2-R HR, 2 R) and Ferguson (RBI, R, SB [20]) had 2 hits apiece.

Rogelio Armenteros went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 7. He's the first player in the system to record 100 strikeouts this season. Kevin McCanna struck out 2 over 2 perfect innings.

Dean Deetz will start the series finale, and he'll face a rehabbing Matt Cain at 6:35 Pacific.

Quad Cities 4, Fort Wayne 2

W- Matt Bower (3-0, 5-3 season)
L- Thomas Dorminy (2-3)
S- Ralph Garza Jr. (6)

QC home runs: Hector Roa (2, solo in 2nd)

The Banditos got a nice start from Matt Bower, who has rebounded well since returning to the Midwest League.

Bower allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 8 in 7 innings of work; this was his longest outing as a pro. Justin Ferrell allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 in 1.1 innings, and Ralph Garza Jr. recorded the final two outs of the game.

Hector Roa opened the scoring in the 2nd inning by leading it off with a home run. Pat Porter followed that blast with a double. He advanced to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single from Anthony Hermelyn. The TinCaps tied the game at 2 in the 4th inning, but Quad Cities quickly re-established its advantage in the 5th as Hermelyn scored on a wild pitch. Kristian Trompiz tripled in the 8th inning and scored the final run of the evening on a single from Connor Goedert. Porter finished 3-4 and stole a base (5), while Trompiz and Myles Straw had 2 hits apiece.

Franklin Perez will start the series finale. He'll take on Jerry Keel at 7:05 Eastern.

Tri-City 2, Connecticut 0

W- Enrique Chavez (2-0)
L- Taylor Hicks (0-1)

TC home runs: Ronnie Dawson (2, 2-run in 7th)

There was only one scoring play in this game, and Ronnie Dawson's 2-run homer in the 7th proved to be the difference. Randy César went 2-2 and scored on Dawson's home run.

Hector Perez allowed 2 hits and struck out 5 in 4.1 innings. Howie Brey issued a walk, but he got the final two outs of the 5th. Enrique Chavez allowed 2 hits and walked 1 in 4 innings of work.

Kevin Hill will start game 2 of this series. He'll take on Locke St. John (outstanding name), a former teammate of his at South Alabama, at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville and Pulaski was postponed

Due to rain. They'll play a doubleheader tonight, with game 1 starting at 6:00 Eastern. Carlos Hiraldo will start that game, and Patrick Sandoval will start game 2.

DSL Royals 7, DSL Astros Blue 2

W- Kelvin Gonzalez (1-0)
L- Jose Orta (0-1)
S- Miguel Medrano (2)

Blue home runs: Michael Garcia (1, solo in 5th)

The Royals pulled away with a pair of 3-run innings.

Michael Garcia hit his first career home run in the 5th inning, and Jose Benjamin scored on a force out in the 6th.

Javier Navas went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jose Orta only recorded 1 out in the 6th via strikeout and allowed 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) and walked 4. Angel Matos pitched 1.1 innings and allowed 3 unearned runs on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4, and Juan Corniel allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 in 2.1 scoreless innings.

From July 2: DSL Phillies2 8, DSL Astros Orange 7 in 14 innings

W- Adrian Acosta (3-0)
L- Willy Collado (0-1)

Orange home runs: None.

After play resumed, the Phillies tied the game at 4 with a run in the 6th. Both teams scored 3 in the 11th inning, but the Phillies managed to walk off with the win.

Humberto Castellanos went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Luis Castro ended up going 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (1 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 4 hits, walking 5, and striking out 3. Yohan Ramirez allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 2.1 innings, and the Phillies scored the winning run off Willy Collado with a 2-out single in the bottom of the 14th. Collado also walked 2.

The Orange team scored 2 in the 4th on a Ramiro Rodriguez RBI single and a force out that scored Enmanuel Valdez. In the 6th, Ramiro scored on an error and Ronaldo Urdaneta drew a bases-loaded walk. The Orange team's 3 runs in the 11th came on a Vicente Mota RBI double, an RBI triple from Yeuris Ramirez, and an RBI single from Urdaneta.

DSL Astros Orange 4, DSL Phillies2 2

W- Humberto Castellanos (1-2)
L- Leonel Aponte (2-3)
S- Jose Antonio Hernandez (1)

Orange home runs: Gilberto Celestino (2, solo in 2nd)

The Orange team took the regularly scheduled game as two pitchers joined forces on a 2-hitter.

Humberto Castellanos allowed 2 unearned runs on an error and a force out, 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 5 innings. Jose Antonio Hernandez got the save; he walked 2 and struck out 3 over the final 2 innings.

Gilberto Celestino led off the 2nd inning with a home run to open the scoring. Later in the 2nd, Jose Carrillo stole home as part of a double steal with Juan Infante, who took 2nd base. Celestino scored another run on an error after Felix Lucas grounded into a force out in the 4th inning. Jose Abel Hernandez hit a sac fly in the 7th to bring in the final run of the day for the Orange team.

Thursday's Stars

Ramon Laureano, OF, Lancaster

Game 1 of doubleheader: 2-3, 2-R HR(7)

Game 2 of doubleheader: 2-4, 3B, 2-R HR (8)

Trent Thornton, RHP, Lancaster

W (6-4), CG, 4 H, 4 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Bryan Muñiz, 1B, Lancaster

3-4, solo HR (8), 3 RBI in game 2 of doubleheader

Photo from MiLB.com

Ronnie Dawson, OF, Tri-City

Go-ahead 2-R HR (2) in 7th inning

César Valdez, RHP, Fresno

W (7-1), 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K

J.D. Davis, 3B, Corpus Christi

2-4, solo HR (14)

 

Hector Perez's and Enrique Chavez's photos by Bryan Green.

Howie Brey's photo from MiLB.com

Hector Perez, RHP, Tri-City: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 5 K

Howie Brey, LHP, Tri-City: 0.2 IP, BB

Enrique Chavez, RHP, Tri-City: W (2-0), 4 IP, 2 H, BB

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Fresno 5, Sacramento 2

W- Brendan McCurry (1-0, 3-4 season)
L- Clayton Blackburn (5-7)
S- James Hoyt (22)

Fresno home runs: Tyler White (4, solo in 2nd)

The Grizzlies scored 3 in the bottom of the 7th, which allowed them to take control of this game and allowed them to take the series.

Tyler White opened the scoring with a solo home run in the 2nd inning. This would be Fresno's only scoring play until the 7th inning.

Colin Moran drew a 1-out walk to spark the rally. Jon Kemmer joined him on the bases after hitting a single, and Moran scored the tying run on an Andrew Aplin single. One batter later, Max Stassi put the Grizz in front with a 2-run double. Moran capped off the scoring with an RBI single in the 8th. Stassi finished 2-3 from the #9 spot in the order.

Joe Musgrove went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and struck out 6. Brendan McCurry pitched 2 perfect innings to get his first win at the AAA level. Josh Fields worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 8th, and James Hoyt struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th to close it out.

Tonight, the Grizzlies will begin a 4-game series with Reno. Mike Hauschild will get the start, and he'll take on John Omahen at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 7, Springfield 5

W- Cy Sneed (4-2)
L- Johnny Walter (0-1)
S- Aaron West (11)

CC home runs: Jack Mayfield (7, 9 season; 2-run in 1st)

The Hooks stormed out of the gate with a 6-0 lead and hung on to the victory by withstanding a late charge from the Cardinals.

Jack Mayfield whacked a 2-run home run in the 1st to open the scoring. He singled to lead off the 3rd inning and scored on an RBI double from J.D. Davis. Later in the 3rd, Chase McDonald ripped an RBI double of his own, and Mott Hyde smacked a 2-run double. Mayfield drove in the Hooks' final run of the evening with a sacrifice fly in the 8th inning. He and Davis had 3 hits apiece, while Hyde finished 2-3.

Cy Sneed allowed 3 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4 in 6.1 innings. Albert Minnis recorded the final two outs of the 7th and the first out of the 8th. Minnis was lifted for Aaron West after issuing back-to-back walks following the first out, and those walks turned into runs after he left. West got the final two outs of the 8th, but in between those outs, he allowed an RBI double and an RBI single, which allowed both of the runners he inherited from Minnis to score. Despite that scare, West closed out the game without any further incidents, getting three groundouts to finish it off.

In game 2 of this series, Francis Martes will take on Luke Weaver. First pitch is at 7:10.

Lancaster 10, Visalia 7

W- Josh James (7-2)
L- Cody Reed (0-4)
S- Jacob Dorris (4)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks took the lead in the series as they stormed out to a 7-0 lead after the 2nd inning and successfully held off the Rawhide.

The JetHawks scored 10 runs in this game and did not have an extra-base hit. Bryan Muñiz opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st inning. Lancaster parlayed a bases-loaded, no out situation to begin the 2nd inning into 6 runs. Jamie Ritchie, Brooks Marlow, and Tony Nuñez reached on a single, a walk, and a bunt single respectively, and Johnny Sewald walked in the first run of the frame. Ramon Laureano and Muñiz followed with 2-run singles, and Muñiz scored on a balk. Drew Ferguson drove in a run with a groundout in the 4th, and in the 7th, Lancaster got RBI singles from Nuñez and Sewald.

Laureano, Muñiz, and Nuñez all finished with 2 hits in the game, while Marlow and Bobby Boyd scored 2 runs apiece.

Josh James went 6 innings and allowed 5 runs on 7 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 5. Andrew Thome got one out in the 7th with a strikeout, but he also allowed 2 runs on 4 hits. Jacob Dorris allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 5 to get the save.

Trent Thornton will start the series finale. He'll face Brad Keller at 6:35 Pacific.

Beloit 2, Quad Cities 0

W- Boomer Biegalski (5-4)
L- Yoanys Quiala (1-6)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos' bats couldn't muster up any support for Yoanys Quiala, who was forced to take the L despite a solid outing.

Quiala allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 7 innings of work. Chris Murphy allowed 2 hits and struck out 2 over 2 scoreless innings.

Kyle Tucker and Osvaldo Duarte both doubled. Their two-baggers were Quad Cities' only extra-base hits in the game.

Matt Bower will start the series finale. He'll take on James Naile at 7:00.

State College 7, Tri-City 5 in 11 innings

W- Eric Carter (1-0)
L- Carlos Sierra (0-2)

TC home runs: Ryne Birk (2, solo in 9th), Chuckie Robinson (1, solo in 11th)

The ValleyCats forced extra innings once again, but another walk-off victory was not in the cards because the Spikes scored 3 in the top of the 11th to regain control of the game.

Ryne Birk put Tri-City on the board with a sac fly in the 5th inning. Birk struck again in the 7th as he ripped an RBI double. Brauly Mejia drove in another run in the 7th with a groundout. With the ValleyCats down to their final out, Birk tied the game at 4 with a solo homer. Chuckie Robinson pulled a run back in the bottom of the 11th with a solo home run, his first as a pro. Birk had a huge night as he finished 4-5, a triple shy of the cycle. Robinson finished 2-5 with a double to go along with his homer and scored twice.

Erasmo Pinales went 5 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 3, and fanned 2. Sebastian Kessay was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen, and in 2.1 innings, he allowed a 3-run homer to Tommy Edman in the 7th, which was the only run-producing hit he allowed. Kessay allowed 3 other hits, walked 3, and struck out 3. Carlos Sierra pitched 3 innings and had 2 inherited runners charged to him in the 11th. He allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 1. Howie Brey got the final two outs of the 11th, but not before he allowed the two runners he inherited from Sierra to score, and a runner of his own scored as well. Brey allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1.

The ValleyCats are now on the road. Their first stop is Morgantown, West Virginia, where they'll begin a 3-game series against the Black Bears tonight at 7:05 Eastern.

Greeneville 0, Burlington 0 in the top of the 2nd

This game was suspended due to the weather. The remaining 8 innings of this game will be completed tonight beginning at 5:00 Eastern. Tonight's regularly scheduled game will be a 7-inning contest.

Kort Peterson singled to lead off the 2nd inning for Burlington before play was halted. Abdiel Saldaña allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 1+ inning.

GCL Astros 8, GCL Mets 1

W- Leovanny Rodriguez (1-1, 2-1 season)
L- Luis De Los Santos (1-1)
S- Enoli Paredes (1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Kissimmee Stros got solid performances on the mound from Leovanny Rodriguez and Enoli Paredes as they cruised to the win.

Rodriguez allowed 2 hits and struck out 4 over 5 shutout innings, and Paredes allowed a run on a triple, walked 1, and struck out 6 in the final 4 innings.

The GCL team opened up with 2 runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings. In the 2nd, Juan Piñeda drove in the first run of the day with an RBI groundout, and Wilson Amador added an RBI infield single. Troy Sieber added an RBI single in the 3rd, and Reiny Beltre ripped an RBI double. Sieber added an RBI double to his ledger in the 5th inning, and in the 7th, Brody Westmoreland whacked a 2-run triple and scored on a wild pitch.

Sieber and Beltre had 2 hits apiece, while Westmoreland and Carlos Machado scored 2 runs apiece.

The Kissimmee Stros are taking on the Marlins today.

DSL Marlins 3, DSL Astros Blue 1

W- Gabriel Baez (2-1)
L- Ronel Blanco (3-1)
S- Willi Garcia (1)

Blue home runs: None.

Ronny Jimenez finished 3-4 with a stolen base (5) and scored the Blue team's only run on a Jose Benjamin single in the 6th inning. The Blue team had an opportunity for a comeback bid in the 8th, but they left the bases loaded.

Ronel Blanco went 4.1 innings and had 2 inherited runners charged to him. He also allowed 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Juan Carlos Lopez (the Astros recently signed a pitcher named Juan Pablo Lopez) pitched the final 4.2 innings and allowed a run of his own on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7.

The Blue team traveled to the Dodgers complex to take on the Dodgers 2 today.

DSL Mets2 15, DSL Astros Orange 8

W- Jaison Vilera (1-1)
L- Ezequiel Madera (0-2)

Orange home runs: Gilberto Celestino (1, solo in 6th)

The Orange team got pummeled, but they showed some fight by scoring 6 in the 9th to make the final margin a little more respectable.

Gilberto Celestino hit his first career home run, a solo shot in the 6th. Darlin Figueroa added an RBI single in the 7th. In the 9th, Figueroa added a 2-run triple to his ledger. Fredy Medina and Hector Martinez hit RBI singles, and Bernardo Heras hit a 2-run double. Martinez and Figueroa both finished 2-5.

Carlos Espinoza was the only Orange team pitcher with a scoreless outing, although he did allow the runner that he inherited from Ezequiel Madera to score. In 1.1 innings, Espinoza walked 3 and struck out 3.

The Orange team is facing the Red Sox 2 today.

Wednesday's Stars

Leovanny Rodriguez, RHP, GCL Astros: W (1-1, 2-1 season), 5 IP, 2 H, 4 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Enoli Paredes, RHP, GCL Astros

Save (1), 4 IP, H, ER, BB, 6 K

Photo from MiLB.com

Ryne Birk, 2B, Tri-City

4-5, 2B, solo HR (2), 3 RBI

Jack Mayfield, IF, Corpus Christi

3-5, 2-R HR (7, 9 season), 3 RBI, 2 R

Photo from MiLB.com

Chuckie Robinson, C, Tri-City

2-5, 2B, solo HR (1; 1st of pro career), 2 R

Yoanys Quiala, RHP, Quad Cities

L (1-6), 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 earned), BB, 5 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Fresno 5, Tacoma 3

W- César Valdez (5-1)
L- Zach Lee (7-6)
S- James Hoyt (19)

Fresno home runs: Tyler Heineman (3, solo in 8th)

The Tacos earned the split as Brendan McCurry and James Hoyt locked the Rainiers down.

Tony Kemp doubled to lead off the bottom of the 1st and scored the first run of the evening on an RBI triple from Colin Moran. Preston Tucker drove Moran in with an RBI double, and Jon Kemmer finished off the scoring in the opening frame with an RBI single. After Matt Duffy led off the 3rd inning with a double, Kemmer added another RBI single to his ledger. Tyler Heineman provided a crucial insurance run in the 8th inning by launching a solo homer, his 3rd of the season. Kemp (2B, R, SB[5]), Moran (3B, RBI, R), and Kemmer (2 RBI) all finished 2-5 on the night.

César Valdez went 6 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits and struck out 4. Brendam McCurry was the first man out of the Fresno bullpen, and in 2 scoreless innings, he allowed a hit and struck out 2. James Hoyt struck out the side in order in the 9th to record his 19th save of the season.

After a day off, the Grizzlies will begin a 4-game series in Salt Lake City on Thursday.

Texas League All-Star Game

The South topped the North 8-5. Alex Bregman terrorized the Texas League one last time as he opened the scoring with a 2-run home run in the 1st inning. Bregman finished 2-3 and exited the game in the 6th inning. Teoscar Hernandez, who is also moving up to Fresno, got the start in right field and finished 1-4 with 2 runs scored. Derek Fisher got the start in center field and hit an RBI single in the 3rd inning. J.D. Davis entered the game in the 6th and finished 1-2 with a run scored.

Keegan Yuhl got the start and allowed a hit in a scoreless 1st. Evan Grills allowed a run on 3 hits in the 4th, and Edison Frias worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 5th inning.

The Hooks will return to action on Thursday when they begin a 3-game series with Springfield.

Lancaster 6, High Desert 3

W- Dean Deetz (4-3)
L- Ariel Jurado (6-2)
S- Gonzalo Sañudo (1)

Lancaster home runs: Keach Ballard (2, 3 season; 2-run in 6th)

High Desert hasn't exactly been welcoming to the JetHawks, but they clinched the series with this victory.

Bryan Muñiz finished 4-4, and his RBI single in the 1st inning opened up the scoring. Lancaster scored 3 in the 4th, thanks to a 2-run double from Jamie Ritchie, who later scored on an error that allowed Brooks Marlow to reach. The Mavericks scored a run in the 6th to get within 1, but Keach Ballard clubbed a 2-run home run in the 6th inning to create some separation. Johnny Sewald and Ramon Laureano both finished 2-5.

Akeem Bostick and Dean Deetz both pitched 4 innings. Bositck allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2, while Deetz allowed an unearned run on 4 hits and struck out 2. Gonzalo Sañudo got 3 flyball outs to record the save. He also struck out 1, but his victim managed to reach base safely.

Brock Dykxhoorn will be on the mound for Lancaster tonight as they look for the sweep. He'll take on Tyler Davis at 7:05 Pacific.

Cedar Rapids 8, Quad Cities 5

W- Sam Clay (5-4)
L- Elieser Hernandez (3-2, 4-6 season)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos scored 2 in the 1st inning, but the Kernels quickly turned the tables on them by putting up 5 in the 2nd inning.

Kyle Tucker opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st, and Anthony Hermelyn added an RBI single later in the inning. Pat Porter ripped a 2-run double in the 6th, and Tucker added an RBI single to his ledger in the 9th inning.

Little Tuck and Hermelyn both finished with 2 hits in the game, while Myles Straw went 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases (9).

Elieser Hernandez allowed 5 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 1.2 innings. Makay Nelson was the first man out of the Quad Cities bullpen, and in 3.2 innings, he allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. David Schmidt allowed 2 runs, an RBI double, and walked 4 in 2.2 innings, and Ralph Garza struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Jose Luis Hernandez will start game 3 of this series. He'll face Miles Nordgren at 7:00.

Tri-City and Williamsport was postponed

Due to rain. These two teams will play a doubleheader today, with game 1 starting at 4:30 Eastern. Brett Adcock will take on Ranger Suarez in that game, and in the nightcap, Dustin Hunt will face Seranthony Dominguez.

Bristol 8, Greeneville 7

W- Geoff Hartlieb (2-0)
L- Colin McKee (0-1)

Greeneville home runs: Spencer Johnson (1, 2-run in 2nd)

The Appy Astros were swept out of Bristol as their bullpen faltered late.

Frankeny Fernandez hit a 1-out single in the 1st inning. He then stole 2nd and scored the first run of the evening on an error that allowed Bryan De La Cruz to reach.

In the 2nd inning, Miguelangel Sierra smacked an RBI double, and Fernandez followed with a 2-run double. Spencer Johnson led Division I with 24 home runs in the spring, and he followed those two run-producing doubles by whacking his first home run as a pro. Johnson's 2-run shot put Greeneville up 6-0 at that point.

Unfortunately, the Pirates erased their lead with a 6-run 7th inning. Luis Payano hit a sac fly in the 8th to put the Appy Astros back in front, but Bristol responded by scoring 2 runs in the 8th to take the lead. Fernandez finished 2-3 and stole 2 bases (4).

Carlos Sanabria allowed just 1 hit and struck out 6 over 5 shutout innings. Carlos Hiraldo pitched a scoreless 6th inning, but it all went horribly wrong for him in the 7th inning. In 1.1 innings, Hiraldo allowed 6 runs (4 earned, 2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Colin McKee pitched 1.2 innings and allowed 2 unearned runs of his own on 4 hits and walked 1.

Patrick Sandoval will start for the Appy Astros tonight as they begin a 3-game series in Princeton. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Cardinals 5, GCL Astros 1

W- Alvaro Seijas (1-0)
L- Manuel Gonzalez (0-1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Cardinals took control of this game with 4 runs in the 6th.

Brody Westmoreland hit an RBI triple in the 3rd inning to drive in the Kissimmee Stros' only run. This was also their only extra-base hit on the day.

Jorge Guzman walked 2 and struck out 1 in a scoreless 1st inning. César Rosado pitched 4 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 3, and striking out 5. Manuel Gonzalez bore the brunt of the Cardinals' assault in the 6th; he allowed 4 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in the inning. Gabriel Valdez allowed a run on 2 hits and fanned 4 in 3 innings.

The GCL club has today off; they'll take on the Cardinals again on Thursday.

DSL Astros Blue 3, DSL Royals 2

W- Yonatan Quintin (1-0)
L- Enderson Rodriguez (1-1)
S- Johsson Arias (3)

Blue home runs: Nestor Tejada (1, 3-run in 4th)

After a brief lull, the Blue team went back to their winning ways.

Nestor Tejada's 3-run home run in the 4th inning was their only scoring play, but it turned out to be enough to get the victory.

Jheyson Caraballo pitched 4 innings and struck out 7; the only run he allowed came on a solo home run hit by Esteury Ruiz, this was also the only hit that he allowed. Yonatan Quintin pitched a 1-2-3 5th, and Johsson Arias allowed a run on 4 hits and struck out 3 in 4 innings.

These two teams are currently playing at the Royals complex.

DSL Astros Orange 6, DSL Rangers2 1

W- Miguel Matos (1-0)
L- Luis Rosario (2-1)

Orange home runs: Renaigel Martis (1, grand slam in 6th)

Both teams scored a run in the 1st inning, but the Orange team busted this game open with 5 runs in the 6th inning.

Anthony Rodriguez opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. This would be the Orange team's only scoring play until the 6th, when they seized control of the game.

Felix Lucas reached on an error to lead off the 6th inning and advanced to 3rd on a double from Juan Infante. Bernardo Heras walked to load the bases, and Renaigel Martis cleared them with a grand slam. With the bases now empty, Ronaldo Urdaneta singled, stole 2nd, and scored the final run of the day on an error. The grand slam was Martis' first career home run. Ramiro Rodriguez finished 3-5, while Anthony Rodriguez, Urdaneta, and Jose Abel Hernandez had 2 hits on the day.

Asael Uribe went 4 innings and allowed an unearned run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Miguel Matos was the first man out of the Orange bullpen, and in 3.1 innings, he walked 3 and fanned 5. Michael Richez walked 2 over 1.2 scoreless innings.

The Orange team and the Rangers 2 are doing battle once again today.

Tuesday's Stars

Jheyson Caraballo, RHP, DSL Astros Blue: 4 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 7 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Carlos Sanabria, RHP, Greeneville

5 IP, H, 6 K

James Hoyt, RHP, Fresno

Save (19), IP, 3 K; 68 K in 38.1 IP this season

Brendan McCurry, RHP, Fresno

2 IP, H, 2 K

Bryan Muñiz, 1B, Lancaster

4-4, RBI, R

Photo by Bryan Green

Frankeny Fernandez, 2B/OF, Greeneville

2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (4)

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, June 23, 2016

Happy Appalachian League Opening Day!

The Astros' Class A affiliates returned to action following their leagues' All-Star breaks.

Fresno 5, Albuquerque 2

W- Joe Musgrove (3-3, 5-4 season)
L- Christian Bergman (0-1)
S- Brendan McCurry (1, 14 season)

Fresno home runs: Jon Kemmer (4, 2-run in 3rd), A.J. Reed (11, solo in 4th), Tyler White (2, 2-run in 6th)

Joe Musgrove has gotten roughed up in his last two starts, but he responded with a fine performance on Thursday.

In 6 innings, the only run that Musgrove allowed came on a solo home run hit by Dustin Garneau. He allowed two other hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Jandel Gustave was the first man out of the Grizzlies bullpen, and in 1.1 innings, he allowed an unearned run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Brendan McCurry recorded his first save in the Pacific Coast League by pitching the final 1.2 innings; he allowed a hit and struck out 3.

All 5 Fresno runs scored on home runs. Jon Kemmer hit a 2-run home run in the 3rd to put the Grizzlies in the lead, and A.J. Reed led off the bottom of the 4th with a solo homer. Tyler White smacked a 2-run homer in the 6th inning. Reed finished 2-4 with 2 runs scored.

The Grizzlies will look to sweep the series as Brady Rodgers takes the mound. He'll face Jeff Hoffman at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 3, Frisco 2

W- Kyle Smith (2-5)
L- Ryan Ledbetter (0-1)
S- Cy Sneed (1)

CC home runs: Chase McDonald (12, solo in 6th)

Cy Sneed was absolutely dominant out of the bullpen as the Hooks took the first game of their final series before the Texas League All-Star break.

Kyle Smith went 5 innings, and the two runs he allowed came on two solo home runs hit by Ryan Cordell and Drew Jackson. Smith allowed 4 other hits and struck out 2. Cy Sneed pitched the final 4 innings, and in the process, he totally dominated the Frisco offense, allowing just 2 hits, walking 1, and striking out 10. It's the second time that Sneed has recorded double-digit strikeouts in a single outing; he struck out 10 in a start with Brevard County on September 4, 2015.

Corpus Christi scored twice in the 1st inning on a pair of RBI singles from D.J. Fisher and Nick Tanielu. Chase McDonald's solo home run in the 6th broke a 2-2 tie and proved to be the difference. Danry Vásquez (2B, BB, SB) and Mott Hyde had two hits apiece.

Keegan Yuhl will start game 2 of this series. He will face Connor Sadzeck at 7:05.

Lancaster 8, Lake Elsinore 7 in 10 innings

W- Jacob Dorris (1-0, 2-0 season)
L- Colby Blueberg (0-1)

Lancaster home runs: Bobby Boyd (6, 2-run in 3rd)

The JetHawks opened up the second half of their season by walking off with a victory.

Both teams scored a run in the 1st inning; Lancaster's run came off an RBI triple from Bryan Muñiz. They also scored in the 3rd, but the JetHawks emerged with the lead by winning that inning 4-3. Tony Nuñez led off the inning with a walk, and one batter later, Bobby Boyd clubbed a 2-run homer. Garrett Stubbs and Ramon Laureano followed by hitting singles, and Muñiz drove them both in with a double. The Storm won the 5th inning 2-1; Jason Martin drove in the JetHawks' 5th-inning run with a single. Lake Elsinore broke the 6-6 tie with a run in the top of the 8th, but Lancaster set the stage for a thrilling finish in the bottom of the 9th.

With the JetHawks down to their final out, Martin drew a walk and scored the tying run on a mad dash home following a single from Brooks Marlow. With one out in the bottom of the 10th, Nuñez reached on an error and advanced to 2nd. Boyd reached on a fielder's choice, and Stubbs won the game with an RBI double.

Muñiz (2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, R) and Stubbs (walk-off RBI 2B, 2 R) both finished 3-5, while Boyd finished 2-5.

Brock Dykxhoorn went 4.2 innings and allowed 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 5. Yeyfry Del Rosario was the first man out of the Lancaster bullpen, and in 2.1 innings of work, he issued a walk and struck out 2. Jacob Dorris pitched 3 innings and did not allow a hit, but he did allow a run on a wild pitch in the 8th which allowed Lake Elsinore to take the lead. However, all was forgiven when the JetHawks walked off with the win. Dorris also walked 4 (1 intentionally), hit another batter, and struck out 5.

Josh James will start game 2 of this series. He'll take on Zech Lemond at 6:35 Pacific.

Wisconsin 2, Quad Cities 0

W- Jake Drossner (2-5)
L- Elieser Hernandez (3-1, 4-5 season)
S- Nate Griep (11)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos could only muster up one hit as they dropped their first game of the 2nd half. That one hit for Quad Cities was a single from Myles Straw. In his first game since being activated from the disabled list, Kyle Tucker went 0-3.

Jose Luis Hernandez turned in another strong start as he allowed 3 hits and struck out 5 over 5 shutout innings. Elieser Hernandez pitched the final 3 innings and allowed 2 unearned runs on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4.

In game 2 of this series, Chris Murphy will take on Miguel Diaz. First pitch is at 7:05.

Vermont 4, Tri-City 3

W- Dakota Chalmers (1-0)
L- Erasmo Pinales (0-2)
S- Tyler Painton (1)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats' 9th-inning rally fell just short as they left the tying run on 3rd base to end the game.

Ronnie Dawson opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. He stole his way to 3rd, but was stranded there to end the inning. Randy César doubled to lead off the bottom of the 7th, advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored on a botched pickoff attempt. Carmen Benedetti and César both singled to lead off the bottom of the 9th, and they advanced on a sac bunt from Chuckie Robinson. Alex De Goti hit a sac fly to bring in Benedetti and cut the deficit to one run, but Ryne Birk flew out to end the game. César finished 2-4, while Dawson's two stolen bases give him 3 on the season.

Hector Perez pitched 3 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits while striking out 4. Erasmo Pinales got the first out of the 4th inning, but he walked the next 5 batters that he faced, resulting in two runs for the Lake Monsters. Enrique Chavez extraced Pinales from this jam without incurring any further damage by getting a flyball out and a strikeout to end the inning. Chavez wound up going 4.1 innings and had an inherited runner charged to him. He allowed 4 hits and struck out 3. Nick Hernandez allowed a hit and walked 1 in 1.1 innings.

The ValleyCats will look to avoid the sweep tonight as Brett Adcock gets the start. He'll take on Brendan Butler at 7:00 Eastern.

Johnson City 10, Greeneville 6

W- Yeison Medina (1-0)
L- Carlos Sanabria (0-1)

Greeneville home runs: Wander Franco (1, 2-run in 4th)

The Cardinals spoiled the Appy Astros' Opening Night festivities as they took control of this game with a 4-run top of the 7th inning. They also tacked on another run in the 8th.

Carlos Hiraldo went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. Carlos Sanabria was the first man out of the bullpen and went 3.1 innings, allowing 7 runs (5 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 8 hits, walking 1, and striking out 1. Abdiel Saldaña allowed a hit and struck out 4 over 1.2 innings.

Miguelangel Sierra led off the bottom of the 1st with a triple and scored Greeneville's first run of the season on a sac fly from Luis Payano. Wander Franco doubled to lead off the 2nd inning and scored on a Frankeny Fernandez single. Franco hit the Appy Astros' first home run of the season, a 2-run shot, in the 4th inning, and Gabriel Bracamonte smacked a 2-run double in the 6th. Franco, Fernandez, Bracamonte, and Tyler Wolfe all finished with 2 hits in the game.

Patrick Sandoval will start game 2 of this series. He'll take on David Oca at 7:00 Eastern.

DSL Astros Blue 3, DSL Phillies1 2

W- Carlos Perdomo (2-0)
L- Roimy Mendoza (0-1)
S- Juan Cuevas (1)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team just wins. In this latest victory, they edged the Phillies with a run in the 8th that broke a 2-2 tie. All 3 of their runs scored on doubles.

Samir Caraballo put Team Blue on the board with an RBI double in the 4th inning. Both teams scored a run in the 7th; the Blue team's run came off an RBI double hit by Angel De Leon. Ronny Jimenez tripled to lead off the top of the 8th and trotted home with the go-ahead run on a double from Jose Benjamin. Both of Caraballo's hits were doubles. Benjamin finished 3-4 and was thrown out trying to stretch that go-ahead double into a triple, but he's probably happy that his hit helped give his team the victory.

Felipe Tejada pitched 5 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. Carlos Perdomo was the first man out of the Blue team's bullpen; he allowed a run on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 3.1 innings, and Juan Cuevas worked around a hit to close out the game; he recorded the final 2 outs of the game.

These two teams are currently playing at the Astros' complex.

DSL Mets2 8, DSL Astros Orange 4


W- Jorge Cespedes (1-0)
L- Cosme Zapata (0-1)

Orange home runs: Hector Martinez (3, solo in 2nd)

The wheels fell off in horrific fashion for the Orange team as the Mets 2 scored 7 in the top of the 9th inning to seize control of this game.

Hector Martinez opened the scoring with a solo home run in the 2nd inning. Gerry Castillo doubled to lead off the 3rd inning, advanced to 3rd base following an errant pickoff throw, and scored on a passed ball. Martinez reached on an error in the 4th, advanced to 3rd on a couple of groundouts, and scored on a wild pitch. Kendy Moya ripped an RBI double in the 6th inning. Gilberto Celestino finished 2-4 and stole a base, his 6th of the season.

Diosward Gonzalez allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 in 5 innings. Kilvio Peralta allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless innings. Unfortunately, the 9th proved to be a nightmare for Jacques Sambo, Cosme Zapata, and Gabriel Pirela.

Both of these teams are currently playing at the Mets' complex.

Too Many Stars

Photo by Tammy Tucker

Cy Sneed, RHP, Corpus Christi

Save (1), 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 10 K

Bryan Muñiz, 1B, Lancaster

3-5, 2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, R

Garrett Stubbs, C, Lancaster

3-5, walk-off RBI 2B in 10th, 2 R

Joe Musgrove, RHP, Fresno

W (3-3, 5-4 season), 6 IP, 3 H (solo HR), ER, BB, 7 K

Jose Luis Hernandez, RHP, Quad Cities

5 IP, 3 H, 5 K

Photo from MiLB.com

Wander Franco, 3B, Greeneville

2-3, 2B, 2-R HR (1), 2 R

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, June 5, 2016

El Paso 10, Fresno 6

W- Michael Dimock (1-0)
L- César Valdez (2-1)

Fresno home runs: Max Stassi (2, 2-run in 5th)

The Grizzlies trailed 10-0 after 3.5 innings as they got bludgeoned by an El Paso attach that churned out 23 hits.

César Valdez basically took one for the team in his 5 innings. He allowed 10 runs on 18 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Jordan Jankowski and Reymin Guduan both threw 2 scoreless innings; Jankowski allowed 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3, and Guduan allowed a hit.

Jon Singleton put Fresno on the board with an RBI single in the 4th. Later in the inning, Jack Mayfield ripped a 2-run double, and he eventually scored when Preston Tucker grounded into a force out. Max Stassi hit his 2nd homer of the season, a 2-run homer in the 5th. Preston Tucker and Jon Kemmer had 2 hits apiece.

Joe Musgrove will be on the hill for game 3 of this series. He'll face Daniel McCutchen at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 3, Northwest Arkansas 2

W- Brian Holmes (4-2)
L- Ashton Goudeau (1-2)
S- Brendan McCurry (12)

CC home runs: James Ramsay (3, solo in 4th)

The Hooks finished their first tour of Arkansas with a 5-1 record; they swept the Travelers and took 2 of 3 from the Naturals.

Brian Holmes had an excellent day on the mound, allowing 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out a season-high 8 over 5 shutout innings. Cy Sneed tagged in for 3 innings; he allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits (6 singles and a double) and struck out 2. Brendan McCurry struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th to record his 12th save of the season.

Corpus was outhit 10-7, but they outscored Northwest Arkansas, and that's what matters most. D.J. Fisher opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 3rd. James Ramsay led off the 4th with a solo blast. Alfredo Gonzalez followed with a double and came around to score on an RBI single from Alejandro Garcia. Teoscar Hernandez went 2-4 and extended his hitting streak to 6 games.

The Hooks have Monday off; they'll start a 4-game series with Midland on Tuesday.

Lancaster 15, Modesto 8

W- Matt Bower (2-1, 3-1 season)
L- Ryan Castellani (1-6)

Lancaster home runs: Jason Martin 2 (10; 2-run in 2nd, 2-run in 5th), Bobby Boyd (5, solo in 1st), Bryan Muñiz (6, solo in 7th), Ramon Laureano (2, 2-run in 8th)

The JetHawks went nuts with the home run stroke on Sunday, launching 5 of them.

Bobby Boyd led off the bottom of the 1st with a solo shot. In the 2nd, Jason Martin hit his first 2-run homer of the day and Garrett Stubbs later added a 2-run single. Boyd walked to start the 5th and dashed home on a Stubbs double. Later in the inning, Martin clubbed his second 2-run shot. In the 6th, Stubbs hit another 2-run single and Boyd scored on a double play. Bryan Muñiz led off the bottom of the 7th with a homer, and Ramon Laureano drove in Lancaster's final runs of the day with a 2-run homer.

Boyd reached in all 5 of his plate appearances; he singled, homered, walked 3 times, scored 5 runs, and stole 2nd base (26) as part of a double steal with Johnny Sewald in the 2nd. Stubbs (2B, 5 RBI, R) and Muñiz (HR, 2 RBI, 3 R) both had 3 hits, while Laureano (2-R HR), Martin (2 2-R HR), and Tony Nuñez (2B, R, SB [4, 13 season]) had 2 hits on the day. Johnny Sewald scored twice; while Boyd took 2nd, Sewald took 3rd. That stolen base makes Sewald the 4th player in the system to steal 20 bases this season.

Matt Bower went 6.1 innings and allowed 7 runs on 12 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Jacob Dorris pitched the final 2.2 innings, and the only run he allowed was a solo homer to Josh Fuentes in the 9th. Dorris allowed one other hit and struck out 6.

The series continues tonight at 6:35 Pacific as Dean Deetz faces Yency Almonte.

Burlington 5, Quad Cities 4

W- Tyler Watson (1-0)
L- Kevin McCanna (2-3)
S- Zach Hartman (7)

QC home runs: Connor Goedert (4, solo in 3rd)

The Banditos suffered the sweep as they dropped yet another one-run game despite outhitting the Bees 11-7. Quad Cities manager Omar Lopez.... was not pleased. (QC Times, via Astros County's Monday Morning Hot Links)

The Bees scored 5 in the 5th to take a 5-3 lead. The Banditos managed to pull a run back in the 9th, but they couldn't get over the hump. They left two runners in scoring position to end the 4th, runners on the corners to end the 8th.

Christian Correa put Quad Cities on the board first with a 2-run single in the 1st. Connor Goedert ripped a solo homer in the 3rd, his 4th of the year. Myles Straw led off the bottom of the 9th with a triple and scored on an 1-out RBI single from Kyle Tucker, who was stranded there to end the game. Straw, Tucker, and Correa all finished 2-4 on the day. Little Tuck also stole his 23rd base of the season.

Kevin McCanna went 4.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (1 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him), 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 8. Adam Whitt got the final out of the 5th with a strikeout, but not before allowing the runner he inherited from McCanna and a run of his own to score. Whitt allowed 3 hits. Franklin Perez finished the game with 4 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 6.

The River Bandits have today off. They will begin a 3-game series with Beloit tomorrow.

From Saturday: DSL Astros Blue 5, DSL Dodgers2 3

W- Juan Cuevas (1-0)
L- Johan Mena (0-1)
S- Jheyson Caraballo (1)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team took control with 4 runs in the 6th. They only put 2 balls in play that entire inning and drew 5 walks.

Alfredo Angarita and Ozziel Sanchez-Galan walked, and Cesar Cortez singled to load the bases. Angarita scored the Blue team's first run on a wild pitch, and Jose Benjamin followed with a sac fly that scored Sanchez-Galan. Cortez scored on a wild pitch, as did Orlando Marquez. Cortez grounded into a force out in the 7th that allowed Angel Tejeda to score.

Leovanny Rodriguez allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 7 in 4.1 innings. Juan Cuevas threw 1.2 perfect innings, striking out 1, and Jheyson Caraballo allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and struck out 5.

Six Stars (in no particular order)

Brian Holmes, LHP, Corpus Christi

W (4-2), 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 8 K

Franklin Perez, RHP, Quad Cities

4 IP, 2 H, 6 K

Garrett Stubbs, C, Lancaster

3-5, 2B, 5 RBI, R

Bobby Boyd, OF, Lancaster

2-2, solo HR (5), 5 R, 3 BB

Jason Martin, OF, Lancaster

2-4, 2 2-R HR (10)

Bryan Muñiz, 1B, Lancaster

3-4, solo HR (6), 2 RBI, 3 R

Getting to Know Astros/River Bandits 1B Bryan Muniz

Not every player gets off to a good start in their professional career. Just ask Bryan Muniz. Drafted by the Astros in the 22nd round in 2014 out of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, Muniz hit .400/.506/.609 and was named the Sun Conference Player of the Year, First-Team All-Conference, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, and NCCAA Second-Team All-American in his junior year at Southeastern.

After signing in 2014, Muniz reported to Greeneville where his initial numbers were more than a bit south of the numbers he put up in college. But he ended with a healthy August and was sent to Quad Cities to start his 2015 season. Once again, he struggled and this time he was sent down to Tri-City to work with Hitting Coach Russ Steinhorn to get on track. After a successful stint with Tri-City (.292/.387/.443 in 22 games), Muniz was headed back to Quad Cities at the end of July. In 11 games in August, he is hitting .295/.354/.577 for the River Bandits.

Bryan Muniz - August 2015

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Muniz first came on my radar last season when then Greeneville Manager Josh Bonifay told me that Muniz was a much better player than his numbers indicated. Bonifay is once again Muniz's Manager, this time with Quad Cities. He reminded me that playing in April in Quad Cities can be particularly difficult for some of the players. "Everybody has to understand that the Midwest League is ... so cold at first that it's hard for guys from Miami (like Muniz), from Venezuela, from the Dominican to get going. People just don't take into consideration how hard that is sometimes," said Bonifay.

When I had the chance to talk with Muniz earlier this month, I asked the right-handed hitting first baseman what he had done to overcome his rough start. "Pretty much not trying to do too much. I tried last year to impress people. In reality, I should have just tried to be myself ... easy, comfortable at the plate, just try to square the ball up," said Muniz. And although he hasn't developed into a big home run hitter yet (three home runs this season vs. 18 doubles), he knows that his size will help him hit the ball a long way if he just makes solid contact. Muniz continued, "I worked down in Tri-City with (Steinhorn) just to square the ball up. If I square it up and give it a ride, whatever happens after that, I have no control over. So that's pretty much my mentality now going up to the plate."

And Muniz knows that, playing first base, he will be expected to provide some power at the position. "I feel very comfortable and I like hitting in the gaps. That's probably the farthest part of the field ... left center, right center. But (I'll) just keep working out every day and in the offseason, keep training and just bring up my power numbers (and) hit more home runs, hopefully one day like A.J. Reed. Just hitting 20 a year would be nice. But right now, as long as I keep doing not too much and just trying to square the ball up, I know my time will come. God's time is the best time."

Muniz keeps it simple defensively as well. He knows that most of the time, all a first baseman has to do is just "stand there and body it up if I have to." But he works everyday in early work and BP, taking hundreds of ground balls from Bonifay, working especially on improving his footwork and backhand picks. "It's just a confidence thing," said Muniz. "If I can catch Boni's ground balls (in BP), in a game I have a lot more time and a lot more chance to make the play since I get a hundred a day. It's just working and keep getting better at it."

If someone has yet to see Muniz in action, he told me what they could expect. "Pretty much someone who enjoys playing the game. I've been playing since I was three. You see me, even if I'm 0-for-3 or 0-for-4, I've got a big smile on my face. I'm just enjoying my time here. I come from a small school, both high school and college, so not many people like me have this privilege to play this game. I enjoy my time as long as I'm here. I'm always happy and smiling even if I'm not playing."

Bonifay agrees. Even during that tough first month of the season, Bonifay said of Muniz, "He was a true pro. He even caught bullpens for us during games at times. It's so much fun to have him back here. He smiles. He has a good time."

When I asked Muniz what Astros pitcher he would least like to face, he did not hesitate. "Joe Musgrove. He has been lights out this year. I got the chance to live with him this year and I know the type of pitcher he is. I even know how he would pitch to me. He even told me how he'd pitch to me and I still don't think I'd have a chance against him. He's got good command of everything. He stands there and throws strikes. You know he's going to throw strikes, but his ball just moves. Everything he throws moves. He's just a good pitcher. Seeing him pitch, being able to play with him this year, seeing his persona on the mound is unbelievable. So kudos to Musgrove -- just keep doing his thing."

If he couldn't play baseball, Muniz would likely fall back on his Criminal Justice major. "My uncle has the best job in the world. He's a marine patrol officer so being out on the water every day, being a police officer ... I love the water. I love the ocean. I always told (my uncle) once I'm done with baseball, I'm going to take his job," said Muniz.

Asked to name a guilty pleasure, Muniz admitted to me that he is a fan of the chick flick. "I really do like the movie 'The Notebook.' I've seen it countless times with my girlfriend." And he often surprises his girlfriend by suggesting that type of movie.

Muniz may also surprise a few people as he continues to develop as a ballplayer. According to Bonifay, "He is swinging the bat extremely well. He's barrelled a ton of baseballs since he's been back here from Tri-City. He's playing a really solid first base. He's put in a lot of work. He's been just a true pro and now you see the fruits of his labor. He's going to provide a lot for us down the stretch."

Thank you for your time, Bryan, and best of luck as you head toward the postseason. Keep on smiling, and remember, it's not where you start ... it's where you finish!

Other Recent Interviews:
RHP Dean Deetz
OF Jason Martin

Happy Birthday - 6/5

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ...

1B Bryan Muniz (22)
Muniz was born June 5, 1993 in Hialeah, Florida, and was drafted by Houston in the 22nd round in 2014 out of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. He played a handful of games for Quad Cities earlier this season, but is likely bound for a short season team soon.

Tweet of the Day

Day 1 of Spring Training, Done. #Blessed #Astros
— Bryan Muniz (@be_muniz10) March 13, 2015