8 game road trip... First stop Dallas!
— Chris Epps (@Chrepps_24) May 7, 2014
Great, there are fruit flies on the bus..
— Chris Epps (@Chrepps_24) May 7, 2014
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Chris Epps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Epps. Show all posts
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Tweets of the Day
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Let's play 2 in Davenport! Never mind.
Oklahoma City 2, Round Rock 0
W- Rhiner Cruz (1-0)
L- Justin Germano (1-3)
S- Josh Zeid (3)
OKC home runs: Gregorio Petit (2, 2-run in 1st)
This game lasted 2 hours and 7 minutes. This was the shortest OKC game since the 2012 season finale: September 3, 2012. The RedHawks topped Round Rock 1-0 that day in 2 hours, 2 minutes.
Well, there you have it. All the offense in this game came off the bat of Gregorio Petit in the 1st inning. That blast would also be the only OKC hit until the 6th, when Ronald Torreyes singled. Max Stassi had the other RedHawks hit, a single in the 7th.
The pitching staff combined on a 4-hitter. Mike Foltynewicz pitched 4 innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Rhiner Cruz threw 2 scoreless and allowed 2 hits while striking out 3. Chia-Jen Lo struck out 2 over 2 perfect frames, and Josh Zeid finished it with a 1-2-3 9th.
Jake Buchanan will face Ryan Feierabend in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 7:05. The tandem system in OKC is now in a holding pattern, per Brian McTaggart.
Midland 9, Corpus Christi 8
W- Jesus Castillo (1-0)
L- Jorge De Leon (1-2)
CC home runs: Chris Epps (2, 3-run in 2nd)
The Hooks coughed up a 7-1 lead and wound up walking off with the loss after the RockHounds put up 4 in the bottom of the 9th.
7 of the 8 Corpus runs came in the 2nd inning. Tyler Heineman began the assault with a bases-clearing double. Chris Epps then clubbed a 3-run homer (2), and Matt Duffy added an RBI double. Andrew Aplin went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 9th, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Matt Duffy and M.P. Cokinos both finished 2-4, and everyone in the lineup scored a run except for Joe Sclafani, who was 0-2 with 3 walks.
Matt Heidenreich allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on a force out and a sac fly, a hit, walked 6, and struck out 2 in 4.2 innings of work. Jordan Jankowski went 1.1 innings and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Travis Ballew was the only Hooks pitcher with a scoreless outing, as he allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 over 2 innings. Jorge De Leon blew it.
Game 2 will feature Tommy Shirley as he faces Drew Granier at 11:00 A.M. Is the tandem system also on hold in Corpus?
Lancaster 5, High Desert 3
W- Lance McCullers (1-1)
L- Scott DeCecco (1-2)
S- Jamaine Cotton (3)
Lancaster home runs: Brandon Meredith (5, solo in 8th)
Before the game, a players-only meeting was held. According to Eric Smith, although no one discussed what was said behind closed doors, it seems that the purpose was to let some frustration go. The venting looked like it had a positive effect, as the JetHawks snapped a 3-game losing streak. Lance McCullers rendered the High Desert offense useless, and now they're in a 3-way tie with the Mavericks and Lake Elsinore at the top of the Cal League South division.
The JetHawks struck out 17 batters, which tied a team record set back in 1997, when they were a Mariners affiliate. McCullers tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out a career-high 10. Kyle Smith allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 7 in 3.2 innings. Jamaine Cotton got D.J. Peterson to fly out for the final out of the game.
The Lancaster offense finally cracked Scott DeCecco, who had really shackled them in his first 2 appearances. Brandon Meredith went 3-4; he singled to lead off the bottom of the 4th and scored the first run of the night on Dan Gulbransen's double. Gulbransen would score on a Carlos Perdomo sac fly, and Ruben Sosa added an RBI single to wrap up the scoring in the 4th. Perdomo, who went 2-3, scored on a force out that was hit by Jake Rodriguez in the 6th, and Meredith hit a solo shot (5) in the 8th. Rodriguez finished 2-4 with a run scored and was credited with an RBI on his force out in the 6th.
Josh Hader and Chris Devenski will face Dylan Unsworth in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities and Clinton was rained out, again
Due to wet grounds. They'll play two doubleheaders; 2 games tonight and 2 games on Thursday. Kent Emanuel (game 1) and Jandel Gustave (game 2) will be the pitchers for tonight. Emanuel will face Eddie Campbell and Gustave is taking on Tommy Burns. First pitch of game 1 will be at 6:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3. ALL THE OFFENSE
Gregorio Petit, SS, Oklahoma City
1-3, 2-R HR (2) in 1st
2. They only had 1 hit apiece, but they sure made 'em count.
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
1-3, 3-R 2B in 2nd, R
1.
Brandon Meredith, OF/1B, Lancaster
3-4, solo HR (5), 2 R
Three Stars: Pitchers
Hmm.... shutout, or team record?
2.
1. OKC shutout wins.
Josh Zeid
Save (3), IP
Let's play 2 in Davenport! Never mind.
Oklahoma City 2, Round Rock 0
W- Rhiner Cruz (1-0)
L- Justin Germano (1-3)
S- Josh Zeid (3)
OKC home runs: Gregorio Petit (2, 2-run in 1st)
This game lasted 2 hours and 7 minutes. This was the shortest OKC game since the 2012 season finale: September 3, 2012. The RedHawks topped Round Rock 1-0 that day in 2 hours, 2 minutes.
Well, there you have it. All the offense in this game came off the bat of Gregorio Petit in the 1st inning. That blast would also be the only OKC hit until the 6th, when Ronald Torreyes singled. Max Stassi had the other RedHawks hit, a single in the 7th.
The pitching staff combined on a 4-hitter. Mike Foltynewicz pitched 4 innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Rhiner Cruz threw 2 scoreless and allowed 2 hits while striking out 3. Chia-Jen Lo struck out 2 over 2 perfect frames, and Josh Zeid finished it with a 1-2-3 9th.
Jake Buchanan will face Ryan Feierabend in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 7:05. The tandem system in OKC is now in a holding pattern, per Brian McTaggart.
Luhnow said OKC going with six-man rotation now that Seaton and Harrell out. Will go back to tandem starters later.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 29, 2014
OKC rotation: Owens, Foltynewicz, Buchanan, Tropeano, Martinez and Doran.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 29, 2014
Midland 9, Corpus Christi 8
W- Jesus Castillo (1-0)
L- Jorge De Leon (1-2)
CC home runs: Chris Epps (2, 3-run in 2nd)
The Hooks coughed up a 7-1 lead and wound up walking off with the loss after the RockHounds put up 4 in the bottom of the 9th.
7 of the 8 Corpus runs came in the 2nd inning. Tyler Heineman began the assault with a bases-clearing double. Chris Epps then clubbed a 3-run homer (2), and Matt Duffy added an RBI double. Andrew Aplin went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 9th, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Matt Duffy and M.P. Cokinos both finished 2-4, and everyone in the lineup scored a run except for Joe Sclafani, who was 0-2 with 3 walks.
Matt Heidenreich allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on a force out and a sac fly, a hit, walked 6, and struck out 2 in 4.2 innings of work. Jordan Jankowski went 1.1 innings and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Travis Ballew was the only Hooks pitcher with a scoreless outing, as he allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 over 2 innings. Jorge De Leon blew it.
Game 2 will feature Tommy Shirley as he faces Drew Granier at 11:00 A.M. Is the tandem system also on hold in Corpus?
Lancaster 5, High Desert 3
W- Lance McCullers (1-1)
L- Scott DeCecco (1-2)
S- Jamaine Cotton (3)
Lancaster home runs: Brandon Meredith (5, solo in 8th)
Before the game, a players-only meeting was held. According to Eric Smith, although no one discussed what was said behind closed doors, it seems that the purpose was to let some frustration go. The venting looked like it had a positive effect, as the JetHawks snapped a 3-game losing streak. Lance McCullers rendered the High Desert offense useless, and now they're in a 3-way tie with the Mavericks and Lake Elsinore at the top of the Cal League South division.
The JetHawks struck out 17 batters, which tied a team record set back in 1997, when they were a Mariners affiliate. McCullers tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out a career-high 10. Kyle Smith allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 7 in 3.2 innings. Jamaine Cotton got D.J. Peterson to fly out for the final out of the game.
The Lancaster offense finally cracked Scott DeCecco, who had really shackled them in his first 2 appearances. Brandon Meredith went 3-4; he singled to lead off the bottom of the 4th and scored the first run of the night on Dan Gulbransen's double. Gulbransen would score on a Carlos Perdomo sac fly, and Ruben Sosa added an RBI single to wrap up the scoring in the 4th. Perdomo, who went 2-3, scored on a force out that was hit by Jake Rodriguez in the 6th, and Meredith hit a solo shot (5) in the 8th. Rodriguez finished 2-4 with a run scored and was credited with an RBI on his force out in the 6th.
Josh Hader and Chris Devenski will face Dylan Unsworth in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities and Clinton was rained out, again
Due to wet grounds. They'll play two doubleheaders; 2 games tonight and 2 games on Thursday. Kent Emanuel (game 1) and Jandel Gustave (game 2) will be the pitchers for tonight. Emanuel will face Eddie Campbell and Gustave is taking on Tommy Burns. First pitch of game 1 will be at 6:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3. ALL THE OFFENSE
Gregorio Petit, SS, Oklahoma City
1-3, 2-R HR (2) in 1st
2. They only had 1 hit apiece, but they sure made 'em count.
Chris Epps, OF, Corpus Christi
As the DH: 3-R HR (2) in the 2nd
4 of Epps' 7 hits have gone for extra bases. He's sporting an .848 OPS despite only hitting .206 through his first 10 games with the Hooks.
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
1-3, 3-R 2B in 2nd, R
1.
Brandon Meredith, OF/1B, Lancaster
3-4, solo HR (5), 2 R
Three Stars: Pitchers
Hmm.... shutout, or team record?
2.
Lance McCullers
W (1-1), 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 10 K
Kyle Smith
3.2 IP, 6 H (solo HR), 3 R (1 earned), 7 K
Jamaine Cotton
Save (3); Recorded final out of the game
Cotton only needed to get one out, but his role was just as big as McCullers' and Smith's. Also, if a team's pitchers all performed well, then it would make sense to include all of them, right?
1. OKC shutout wins.
Mike Foltynewicz
4 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 3 K
Rhiner Cruz
W (1-0), 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K
Chia-Jen Lo
2 IP, 2 K
Josh Zeid
Save (3), IP
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Happy Birthday - 12/10
Happy Birthday to ~
OF Chris Epps (25)
Drafted in the 45th round in 2011 out of Clemson, this Georgia native spent his time in 2013 with the High A Lancaster team. In 115 games, Epps hit .275/.381/.503 with 32 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs and 75 RBI. A left-handed hitter, Epps has historically hit as well or better against lefty pitchers than he has against righties and 2013 wasn't an exception. In 72 at-bats against lefties, Epps hit .306/.370/.542.
RHP Andrew Thurman (22)
Drafted in the second round in 2013 out of UC-Irvine, Thurman spent his first professional season with the Tri-City ValleyCats. In 12 games (five starts), Thurman went 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.361 WHIP. He walked 11 batters while striking out 43 in 39+ innings.
Former Astros with birthdays today ~
RHP Doug Henry (50)
Originally drafted by the Brewers in the eighth round in 1985, Henry came to Houston as a free agent in November 1997. In 139 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000, he was 11-8 with 5 saves and had a 3.88 ERA and a 1.372 WHIP. In four games for Houston in the NLDS in 1998 and 1999, he had a 1.88 ERA and a 1.125 WHIP.
RHP Dan Wheeler (36)
A 34th round pick by Tampa in 1996, Wheeler came to Houston in an August 2004 trade with the Mets. In 205 games for the Astros from 2004 to 2007, he was 6-12 with 23 saves and had a 3.02 ERA and a 1.088 WHIP. In the NLDS in 2004 and 2005, he pitched in four games with a 1.69 ERA and a 1.313 WHIP. Since it's his birthday, we'll just say that he didn't fare quite that well in the World Series and leave it at that. He was traded to the then Devil Rays in 2007 for Ty Wigginton.
2B Bob Fenwick (67)
A first round pick by the Giants in 1967, Fenwick was drafted from the Giants in the Rule 5 draft in November 1971. In 36 games for the Astros in 1972, he hit .180/.226/.240. According to Baseball-Reference, Fenwick was the only major leaguer born in Okinawa when it was under U.S. control.
OF Chris Epps (25)
Drafted in the 45th round in 2011 out of Clemson, this Georgia native spent his time in 2013 with the High A Lancaster team. In 115 games, Epps hit .275/.381/.503 with 32 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs and 75 RBI. A left-handed hitter, Epps has historically hit as well or better against lefty pitchers than he has against righties and 2013 wasn't an exception. In 72 at-bats against lefties, Epps hit .306/.370/.542.
RHP Andrew Thurman (22)
Drafted in the second round in 2013 out of UC-Irvine, Thurman spent his first professional season with the Tri-City ValleyCats. In 12 games (five starts), Thurman went 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.361 WHIP. He walked 11 batters while striking out 43 in 39+ innings.
Former Astros with birthdays today ~
RHP Doug Henry (50)
Originally drafted by the Brewers in the eighth round in 1985, Henry came to Houston as a free agent in November 1997. In 139 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000, he was 11-8 with 5 saves and had a 3.88 ERA and a 1.372 WHIP. In four games for Houston in the NLDS in 1998 and 1999, he had a 1.88 ERA and a 1.125 WHIP.
RHP Dan Wheeler (36)
A 34th round pick by Tampa in 1996, Wheeler came to Houston in an August 2004 trade with the Mets. In 205 games for the Astros from 2004 to 2007, he was 6-12 with 23 saves and had a 3.02 ERA and a 1.088 WHIP. In the NLDS in 2004 and 2005, he pitched in four games with a 1.69 ERA and a 1.313 WHIP. Since it's his birthday, we'll just say that he didn't fare quite that well in the World Series and leave it at that. He was traded to the then Devil Rays in 2007 for Ty Wigginton.
2B Bob Fenwick (67)
A first round pick by the Giants in 1967, Fenwick was drafted from the Giants in the Rule 5 draft in November 1971. In 36 games for the Astros in 1972, he hit .180/.226/.240. According to Baseball-Reference, Fenwick was the only major leaguer born in Okinawa when it was under U.S. control.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Astros Minor League Roster Moves
I've gotten behind again on reporting the latest roster moves. Here's what I have for the last few days.
Oklahoma City
OF Eric Thames claimed off waivers from the Orioles and assigned to Oklahoma City
RHP Hector Ambriz designated for assignment
Corpus Christi
C Carlos Corporan to Corpus Christi for rehab assignment
C Ryan McCurdy activated from the DL
C Brett Clements placed on the 7-day DL
Lnacaster
RHP Vincent Velasquez placed on the 7-day DL
OF Chris Epps assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
Also of note, OF Tanner Mathis was sent from Greeneville to Lancaster but has not officially been activated according to MiLB.
Tri-City
RHP Edgar Gonzalez sent to Tri-City for rehab assignment
RHP Tanner Bushue retired (see this Astros County post for more info)
Oklahoma City
OF Eric Thames claimed off waivers from the Orioles and assigned to Oklahoma City
RHP Hector Ambriz designated for assignment
Corpus Christi
C Carlos Corporan to Corpus Christi for rehab assignment
C Ryan McCurdy activated from the DL
C Brett Clements placed on the 7-day DL
Lnacaster
RHP Vincent Velasquez placed on the 7-day DL
OF Chris Epps assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
Also of note, OF Tanner Mathis was sent from Greeneville to Lancaster but has not officially been activated according to MiLB.
Tri-City
RHP Edgar Gonzalez sent to Tri-City for rehab assignment
RHP Tanner Bushue retired (see this Astros County post for more info)
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Astros Minor League Roster Moves
Oklahoma City
OF Chris Epps assigned from Lancaster to Oklahoma City
Quad Cities
2B Austin Elkins placed on the 7-day DL (effective 9/3)
SS Luis Reynoso assigned from Greeneville to Quad Cities
OF Chris Epps assigned from Lancaster to Oklahoma City
Quad Cities
2B Austin Elkins placed on the 7-day DL (effective 9/3)
SS Luis Reynoso assigned from Greeneville to Quad Cities
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Monday's Games
Oklahoma City over Memphis 2-1
Ross Seaton pitched the first eight, allowing one run on eight hits, but didn't come away with the win. The RedHawks scored one in the first as Jimmy Paredes doubled and scored on a Jose Martinez single, and didn't score again until the ninth when Jon Singleton (2x4) hit a walk-off double scoring pinch runner Ruben Sosa. Jason Stoffel pitched the ninth for the win. George Springer was given the day off and his quest for 40/40 stalled out at 37/45.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 7-6
It wasn't a pretty win with four Hooks errors in the game, but it was a win nonetheless. R.J. Alaniz evened his season record at 9-9 as he allowed four runs (one earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in five and a third innings. Alex Sogard and Jonas Dufek took it the rest of the way with two more unearned runs coming across on their watch. The Hooks trailed 3-0 entering the third, but put up two runs in that inning and another in the fourth on a Domingo Santana (3x4) solo home run to tie things up. Then they really got busy in the fifth as Preston Tucker drove in one run with a single and Domingo Santana provided the fans with an encore performance, this time with a three-run home run, his 25th of the season. Ronnie Torreyes celebrated his birthday by going two-for-three with a walk and scoring a run.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 8-1
Aaron West went to 10-8 for the season with five shutout innings in which he allowed only two hits and a walk while striking out eight. Tyson Perez followed with two and a third innings. Perez didn't allow a hit, but walked two batters to start the eighth. Jordan Jankowski came in to strand those runners and get the final two outs of the frame before allowing the only Quakes run in the bottom of the ninth. The 'Hawks reached the run column in the third on RBI singles from Andrew Aplin (3x5) and M.P. Cokinos (2x5) and an RBI sac fly from Tyler Heineman. They added on two more in the fourth on home runs from Chris Epps (2x3 2BB) and Delino DeShields (2x3 4R) and two in the sixth on Epps second home run of the day and Aplin's second RBI single of the day. The final run came in the eighth on an Andrew Aplin RBI double.
Quad Cities over Beloit 3-2
Daniel Minor (6IP 6H 2R/1ER 0BB 5SO) got the start and the win with Jamaine Cotton and Zach Morton providing scoreless relief. Quad Cities got one run in the third on Teoscar Hernandez' 13th home run of the season. They followed up with two in the fourth on a Jordan Scott RBI triple in the fourth; Scott then scored on a Carlos Correa single. Roberto Pena went two-for-three with a walk. Scott was two-for-four with TWO triples, his sixth and seventh of the season.
Tri-City over Brooklyn 3-1
Kyle Westwood and Company had a phenomenal day for Tri-City. Westwood allowed one unearned run on two hits and one walk. He struck out four in his seven innings. Charles Basford got the win and Tyler Brunnemann got the save as each tossed a perfect frame. Tyler White (3x3 BB) scored on a Ronnie Mitchell sac fly in the fourth to tie things up at 1-1 and that is where things stood until the bottom of the eighth when White doubled in a run and scored on another Mitchell sac fly to get the go-ahead runs.
Greeneville over Kingsport 7-2 (best-of-three playoff series at 1-1)
Chris Lee got the start and the win for Greeneville as he pitched five strong innings, allowing one run (via a solo home run) on five hits and two walks while striking out four. He was followed by three innings from Austin Chrismon whose only run allowed was also on a solo homer. He gave up three hits and struck out five. Gerardo Ramirez pitched a perfect ninth for the GStros. Greeneville got all the runs they needed, and then some, in the third inning on an Ariel Ovando homer, a Tanner Mathis RBI double and RBI sac flies from Juan Santana and Edwin Gomez. Mathis added one in the fifth on a solo home run and Ovando added one in the eighth on a sac fly RBI. The final run came in the ninth as Tanner Mathis scored from first on a ground out and throwing error. Brian Holberton went two-for-four and Thomas Lindauer was three-for-four with a double and a run scored.
Player of the Day: I've got to go with Domingo Santana for his two home run, four RBI day, but a case could certainly be made for Andrew Aplin, Chris Epps and Tanner Mathis so I'm handing out a few extra honorable mentions today.
Pitchers of the Day: I'm splitting the honors between Kyle Westwood for getting Tri-City just that much closer to the playoffs and Aaron West for his excellent outing heading into their playoff season.
Note: I haven't forgotten about handing out Player and Pitcher of the Month honors for August, but decided to wait until the regular season is over to add the few September honorees into the mix.
Oklahoma City over Memphis 2-1
Ross Seaton pitched the first eight, allowing one run on eight hits, but didn't come away with the win. The RedHawks scored one in the first as Jimmy Paredes doubled and scored on a Jose Martinez single, and didn't score again until the ninth when Jon Singleton (2x4) hit a walk-off double scoring pinch runner Ruben Sosa. Jason Stoffel pitched the ninth for the win. George Springer was given the day off and his quest for 40/40 stalled out at 37/45.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 7-6
It wasn't a pretty win with four Hooks errors in the game, but it was a win nonetheless. R.J. Alaniz evened his season record at 9-9 as he allowed four runs (one earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in five and a third innings. Alex Sogard and Jonas Dufek took it the rest of the way with two more unearned runs coming across on their watch. The Hooks trailed 3-0 entering the third, but put up two runs in that inning and another in the fourth on a Domingo Santana (3x4) solo home run to tie things up. Then they really got busy in the fifth as Preston Tucker drove in one run with a single and Domingo Santana provided the fans with an encore performance, this time with a three-run home run, his 25th of the season. Ronnie Torreyes celebrated his birthday by going two-for-three with a walk and scoring a run.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 8-1
Aaron West went to 10-8 for the season with five shutout innings in which he allowed only two hits and a walk while striking out eight. Tyson Perez followed with two and a third innings. Perez didn't allow a hit, but walked two batters to start the eighth. Jordan Jankowski came in to strand those runners and get the final two outs of the frame before allowing the only Quakes run in the bottom of the ninth. The 'Hawks reached the run column in the third on RBI singles from Andrew Aplin (3x5) and M.P. Cokinos (2x5) and an RBI sac fly from Tyler Heineman. They added on two more in the fourth on home runs from Chris Epps (2x3 2BB) and Delino DeShields (2x3 4R) and two in the sixth on Epps second home run of the day and Aplin's second RBI single of the day. The final run came in the eighth on an Andrew Aplin RBI double.
Quad Cities over Beloit 3-2
Daniel Minor (6IP 6H 2R/1ER 0BB 5SO) got the start and the win with Jamaine Cotton and Zach Morton providing scoreless relief. Quad Cities got one run in the third on Teoscar Hernandez' 13th home run of the season. They followed up with two in the fourth on a Jordan Scott RBI triple in the fourth; Scott then scored on a Carlos Correa single. Roberto Pena went two-for-three with a walk. Scott was two-for-four with TWO triples, his sixth and seventh of the season.
Tri-City over Brooklyn 3-1
Kyle Westwood and Company had a phenomenal day for Tri-City. Westwood allowed one unearned run on two hits and one walk. He struck out four in his seven innings. Charles Basford got the win and Tyler Brunnemann got the save as each tossed a perfect frame. Tyler White (3x3 BB) scored on a Ronnie Mitchell sac fly in the fourth to tie things up at 1-1 and that is where things stood until the bottom of the eighth when White doubled in a run and scored on another Mitchell sac fly to get the go-ahead runs.
Greeneville over Kingsport 7-2 (best-of-three playoff series at 1-1)
Chris Lee got the start and the win for Greeneville as he pitched five strong innings, allowing one run (via a solo home run) on five hits and two walks while striking out four. He was followed by three innings from Austin Chrismon whose only run allowed was also on a solo homer. He gave up three hits and struck out five. Gerardo Ramirez pitched a perfect ninth for the GStros. Greeneville got all the runs they needed, and then some, in the third inning on an Ariel Ovando homer, a Tanner Mathis RBI double and RBI sac flies from Juan Santana and Edwin Gomez. Mathis added one in the fifth on a solo home run and Ovando added one in the eighth on a sac fly RBI. The final run came in the ninth as Tanner Mathis scored from first on a ground out and throwing error. Brian Holberton went two-for-four and Thomas Lindauer was three-for-four with a double and a run scored.
Player of the Day: I've got to go with Domingo Santana for his two home run, four RBI day, but a case could certainly be made for Andrew Aplin, Chris Epps and Tanner Mathis so I'm handing out a few extra honorable mentions today.
Pitchers of the Day: I'm splitting the honors between Kyle Westwood for getting Tri-City just that much closer to the playoffs and Aaron West for his excellent outing heading into their playoff season.
Note: I haven't forgotten about handing out Player and Pitcher of the Month honors for August, but decided to wait until the regular season is over to add the few September honorees into the mix.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Friday's Games
-Jayne has already posted her daily, updated look at the playoff situation for the minor league affiliates here.
Greeneville Astros 0,
Danville Braves 2
Greeneville was two-hit, shut out by Danville in the last game of their regular season, Friday. The game was a pitchers' duel until the ninth inning, however. Jose Montero started things off on the mound and, aside from issuing a walk in the third inning, retired every other batter in order through his four innings of work, striking out five. Montero was followed by Christian Garcia for the next four frames. Garcia gave up a couple hits and walked three, allowing no runs as he struck out four. It wasn't until the ninth, with Ryan Connolly (1-2) pitching, that either team scored. Connolly allowed a pair of runs on three hits. Christian Moronta (1X4 SO) and Luis Reynoso (1X3 SO) had the only hits for the Astros.
Greeneville was two-hit, shut out by Danville in the last game of their regular season, Friday. The game was a pitchers' duel until the ninth inning, however. Jose Montero started things off on the mound and, aside from issuing a walk in the third inning, retired every other batter in order through his four innings of work, striking out five. Montero was followed by Christian Garcia for the next four frames. Garcia gave up a couple hits and walked three, allowing no runs as he struck out four. It wasn't until the ninth, with Ryan Connolly (1-2) pitching, that either team scored. Connolly allowed a pair of runs on three hits. Christian Moronta (1X4 SO) and Luis Reynoso (1X3 SO) had the only hits for the Astros.
Vermont Lake Monsters 9, Tri-City
Valley Cats 6
Despite scoring first, the
Valley Cats fell behind after giving up three runs in both the third and fourth
innings and never quite caught up on Friday. Troy Scribner (1-2) was the second
of five pitchers in the game for Tri-City, entering in the third to replace
starter Tanner Bushue (2IP 2H ER 2BB 2K), who had already issued a walk to the first batter of the
inning. Scribner pitched just two innings of his own and recorded
the loss, allowing five runs on five hits, walking two and striking out four.
Ronnie Mitchell (2X3 RBI) and Conrad Gregor (2X4 2RBI BB) both had two hit
games at the plate.
Quad Cities River Bandits 6,
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 0
The River Bandits shutout Wisconsin
for a series sweep in their last away game of the regular season. Zach Morton
took the hill first and through four, allowed three hits, all singles, walked
one and struck out another. Mitchell Lambson (8-3) pitched the next three
innings and notched the win. Lambson recorded one hit, one walk and K-ed three
during his outing. Teoscar Hernandez and Carlos Correa both went two-for-four
at the plate. Hernandez scored a couple of runs and Correa finished with three
RBI, including knocking in two runs in the four-run fourth inning.
Lancaster JetHawks 3, Rancho
Cucamonga Quakes 2 (11)
The JetHawks saw this game
tied in the ninth inning and won it in the 11th after a Chris Epps sac' fly
scored Andrew Aplin. Brady Rodgers started on the bump and through six innings
allowed a pair of hits (HR), one run and one walk as he K-ed nine, including the
last three he faced. Kenny Long (2-0) picked up the win, pitching the final two
frames. Long gave up a hit and a pair of walks in that time. Jesse Wierzbicki
(2X5 RBI), MP Cokinos (2X5 SO) and Delino DeShields (2X4 3B BB SO) each had two hits in the game. Wierzbicki knocked in the second run of the game in the
second inning with an RBI single. The first run was scored in the second as
well and came when Joe Sclafani crossed the plate after a wild pitch.
Corpus Christi Hooks 1,
Frisco Rough Riders 3
The Hooks were shutout until
the ninth inning Friday when they scored their only run of the game. Matt Duffy
drew a bases loaded walk, forcing Erik Castro (2X4 R) across the plate. Starting
pitcher, Nick Tropeano (7-10) threw five innings, recording seven hits, three
runs, two walks and six strikeouts. Trope' would take the loss. Michael
Foltynewicz, Luis Cruz and Cameron Lamb each threw a scoreless inning to close
out the game. Folty' pitched a perfect sixth. Preston Tucker picked up the only Hooks extra base hit of the day, with a double in the second inning. Tucker finished one-for-two at the plate with a pair of walks.
Memphis Redbirds 4, Oklahoma
City RedHawks 0
Oklahoma City was shutout by
Memphis on Friday. Jake Buchanan (5-5) pitched the first six and two-thirds,
tallying the loss. Buchanan was charged with three runs on eight hits and
struck out six. Reymin Guduan finished the game on the mound, adding another
run on a hit, walking three and striking out four of his own. Marc Krauss was
the only RedHawk with multiple hits in the game, finishing two-for-four with a
double. George Springer stole second in the fifth inning, moving his totals
towards the 40/40 mark to 37/44.
Player of the Day: Chris Epps
takes the cake today for his extra inning sac' fly that scored the winning run
yesterday. Carlos Correa also earns a nod with his three RBI performance.
Pitcher of the Day: Brady Rodgers is definitely getting a share of the pie here today for his dominating performance on the mound, Friday. Nick Tropeano gets a share as well. Trope's six strikeouts yesterday pushed him to 130 on the season and he currently leads all Texas League pitchers in that category.
Friday, August 2, 2013
WTHB Pitcher and Player of the Month for July
I have tallied the results of all of the WTHB Players and Pitchers of the Day for July in order to determine Player and Pitcher of the Month. A whopping 71 players received shoutouts during the month (including honorable mentions) with numerous players receiving multiple honors. With that said, here are the July winners.
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH - DELINO DESHIELDS, CHRIS EPPS AND BRANDON MEREDITH
Yes, it's a three-way tie as each of these Lancaster JetHawks players received three nods during the month of July. 2B Delino DeShields hit .349/.407/.500 in July with nine doubles, two triples, a home run and 19 stolen bases. OF Chris Epps, who largely flies under the radar and shouldn't, hit .314/.408/.480 in July and .410/.419/.641 in his last 10 games. Epps, a left-handed hitter, has always hit lefties very well and this year is no exception. He is hitting .368/.413/.649 off southpaws for the season. OF Brandon Meredith had a slow April, but has been making up for it ever since. Meredith hit .311/.433/.612 with eight doubles, one triple and seven home runs in July, and is hitting .438/.591/.719 in his last 10 games. Nicely done, gentleman.
PITCHER OF THE MONTH - BRAD PEACOCK
Brad Peacock has been quietly going about putting up a very good season for the Oklahoma City RedHawks. In July, he was 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP. In his last 10 games, going back to June 13th, he is 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA and a 1.047 WHIP. He has not thrown enough innings to qualify as a league leader, but his season ERA of 2.73 would put him in second place behind Asher Wojciechowski and his season WHIP of 1.101 would land him in first place, just ahead of Wojo. Not bad at all!
OTHER PLAYERS RECEIVING TWO PITCHER/PLAYER OF THE DAY HONORS DURING THE MONTH OF JULY:
Nolan Fontana
Preston Tucker
Rio Ruiz
George Springer
Tyler White
Joe Sclafani
Drew Muren
Max Stassi
Vincent Velasquez
Troy Scribner
Jake Buchanan
Mike Hauschild
Zach Morton
Joselo Pinales
T.J. Geith
David Martinez
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
April Player of the Month - Zach Johnson
April Pitchers of the Month - Jake Buchanan, Travis Ballew and Vincent Velasquez
May Player of the Month - Andrew Aplin
May Pitcher of the Month - Jake Buchanan with honorable mention to David Martinez
June Player of the Month - M.P. Cokinos
June Pitchers of the Month - Asher Wojciechowski and Luis Cruz
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH - DELINO DESHIELDS, CHRIS EPPS AND BRANDON MEREDITH
Yes, it's a three-way tie as each of these Lancaster JetHawks players received three nods during the month of July. 2B Delino DeShields hit .349/.407/.500 in July with nine doubles, two triples, a home run and 19 stolen bases. OF Chris Epps, who largely flies under the radar and shouldn't, hit .314/.408/.480 in July and .410/.419/.641 in his last 10 games. Epps, a left-handed hitter, has always hit lefties very well and this year is no exception. He is hitting .368/.413/.649 off southpaws for the season. OF Brandon Meredith had a slow April, but has been making up for it ever since. Meredith hit .311/.433/.612 with eight doubles, one triple and seven home runs in July, and is hitting .438/.591/.719 in his last 10 games. Nicely done, gentleman.
PITCHER OF THE MONTH - BRAD PEACOCK
Brad Peacock has been quietly going about putting up a very good season for the Oklahoma City RedHawks. In July, he was 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP. In his last 10 games, going back to June 13th, he is 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA and a 1.047 WHIP. He has not thrown enough innings to qualify as a league leader, but his season ERA of 2.73 would put him in second place behind Asher Wojciechowski and his season WHIP of 1.101 would land him in first place, just ahead of Wojo. Not bad at all!
OTHER PLAYERS RECEIVING TWO PITCHER/PLAYER OF THE DAY HONORS DURING THE MONTH OF JULY:
Nolan Fontana
Preston Tucker
Rio Ruiz
George Springer
Tyler White
Joe Sclafani
Drew Muren
Max Stassi
Vincent Velasquez
Troy Scribner
Jake Buchanan
Mike Hauschild
Zach Morton
Joselo Pinales
T.J. Geith
David Martinez
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
April Player of the Month - Zach Johnson
April Pitchers of the Month - Jake Buchanan, Travis Ballew and Vincent Velasquez
May Player of the Month - Andrew Aplin
May Pitcher of the Month - Jake Buchanan with honorable mention to David Martinez
June Player of the Month - M.P. Cokinos
June Pitchers of the Month - Asher Wojciechowski and Luis Cruz
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Friday's Games
Pulaski Mariners, Greeneville Astros -
suspended until today due to rain
GCL Tigers 2, GCL Astros 1
The Astros only allowed three hits
in this matchup and still went on to lose despite more than doubling their
opponent's hit output (7). Austin Nicely started and through the first three
gave up a run on one hit and a walk. Troy Scribner (5-2) followed Nicely,
recording a run on two hits over the next five innings, while striking out half
a dozen. Scribner took the loss. Luis De La Rosa hit two-for-three in the game
and Jose Fernandez went nothing-for-two, but drew two walks.
DSL Royals 5, DSL Astros 1
The DSL Astros shut out the DSL
Royals yesterday until the seventh inning, when one run scored for the tie. An
inning later in the ninth, Carlos Vazquez (1-1), one of three pitchers in the
inning, recorded four runs and picked up the loss. Juan Hernandez threw the
first two and two-thirds, keeping them hitless and scoreless, while walking
five and striking out two. Victor Mesa came on to pitch in the sixth and
allowed the tying run in the seventh on a walk, wild pitch and a single. Mesa
left with a blown save, four hits, a run, a walk and two Ks in his outing.
Vazquez tallied his four runs through two outs in the ninth and left having
allowed a hit and four walks. The DSL Astros had two players with multi-hit
games, Hector Roa and Jean Estrella. Roa went two-for-three with a walk and
Estrella went two-for-four.
Tri-City Valley Cats 3, Vermont Lake Monsters 5
The Valley Cats fell behind early and never quite recovered in this one. Starter Kevin Comer (2-3) lasted just an out into the third, allowing all five runs on six hits and striking out one for the loss. Evan Grills would pitch the last four innings for Tri-City, giving up only three hits and striking out six—including the first two and last two batters he faced. Conrad Gregor hit three-for-five in the game with a strikeout. Jon Kemmer and Ryan Dineen both batted two-for-four. Kemmer also scored a run, had an RBI and struck out twice.
The Valley Cats fell behind early and never quite recovered in this one. Starter Kevin Comer (2-3) lasted just an out into the third, allowing all five runs on six hits and striking out one for the loss. Evan Grills would pitch the last four innings for Tri-City, giving up only three hits and striking out six—including the first two and last two batters he faced. Conrad Gregor hit three-for-five in the game with a strikeout. Jon Kemmer and Ryan Dineen both batted two-for-four. Kemmer also scored a run, had an RBI and struck out twice.
Quad Cities River Bandits 1, Burlington Bees 0
The River Bandits only needed one run on Friday as they two-hit, shut out the Bees on the road behind dominant pitching by starter Vincent Velasquez (7-4). Velasquez pitched seven innings, recording just two hits and striking out seven. Jordan Jankowski followed with a perfect inning in the eighth (2 K) and Juan Minaya picked up his fourth save after working the hitless ninth (although he did walk two), striking out three. Teoscar Hernandez went two-for-four at the plate (SO) and scored the winning run in the eighth. After advancing on a wild pitch Hernandez was brought around by Austin Elkins' (1X4, SB) only hit of the day, an RBI single.
The River Bandits only needed one run on Friday as they two-hit, shut out the Bees on the road behind dominant pitching by starter Vincent Velasquez (7-4). Velasquez pitched seven innings, recording just two hits and striking out seven. Jordan Jankowski followed with a perfect inning in the eighth (2 K) and Juan Minaya picked up his fourth save after working the hitless ninth (although he did walk two), striking out three. Teoscar Hernandez went two-for-four at the plate (SO) and scored the winning run in the eighth. After advancing on a wild pitch Hernandez was brought around by Austin Elkins' (1X4, SB) only hit of the day, an RBI single.
Lancaster JetHawks 2, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 1
(10)
The JetHawks didn't score until the seventh, but were able to ride some very solid pitching into the 10th inning Friday before Chris Epps hit a go-ahead homer that would win the game. Mike Hauschild pitched the first six and a third, allowing a run, five hits and striking out seven before making way for Blair Walters, who would pick up the win. Walters (5-1) worked through the ninth, facing the minimum and striking out four, including the last three he faced, to force extras. Kenny Long picked up save number four after striking out the last batter of the game. Lancaster tied things up in the seventh when Carlos Perdomo (1X4 2B RBI) doubled to score Joe Sclafani (0X4 R). Epps (1X4 R HR RBI 3SO) hit his go-ahead, solo shot with one out in the 10th—his 13th long ball of the year. Delino DeShields was the only Lancaster player with multiple hits in the game, finishing two-for-four with a double and a stolen base.
The JetHawks didn't score until the seventh, but were able to ride some very solid pitching into the 10th inning Friday before Chris Epps hit a go-ahead homer that would win the game. Mike Hauschild pitched the first six and a third, allowing a run, five hits and striking out seven before making way for Blair Walters, who would pick up the win. Walters (5-1) worked through the ninth, facing the minimum and striking out four, including the last three he faced, to force extras. Kenny Long picked up save number four after striking out the last batter of the game. Lancaster tied things up in the seventh when Carlos Perdomo (1X4 2B RBI) doubled to score Joe Sclafani (0X4 R). Epps (1X4 R HR RBI 3SO) hit his go-ahead, solo shot with one out in the 10th—his 13th long ball of the year. Delino DeShields was the only Lancaster player with multiple hits in the game, finishing two-for-four with a double and a stolen base.
Corpus Christi Hooks 12, Midland RockHounds 6
(7)
In the first game of the double header Friday the Hooks
jumped out to an early lead and by the fourth inning had scored four runs. Nick
Tropeano (5-7) threw all but the last inning, earning the win after allowing
five runs on six hits, walking a pair and striking out six. Theron Geith worked
one out in the seventh and added another run on three hits. The Hooks had 15
hits in this seven inning game and three were homers (Stassi, Santana, Tucker).
Three guys had three hits, two had two hits apiece and Domingo Santana topped
them all with three RBI. Here's the box to make sense of it:
Corpus Christi Hooks 2, Midland RockHounds 0
(7)
In the second game of the day, the Hooks shut out the RockHounds to claim the double header with authority. Brady Rodgers was called up from Lancaster for a spot start and pitched five innings in his debut. Rodgers (1-0) allowed five hits and not much else, striking out six to take the win. Pat Urckfitz gave up a hit and struck out two in the seventh, earning him his sixth save of the season. Kiké Hernandez (2X3), Ronald Torreyes (2X4 2SO) and Zach Johnson (2X3) all had two hits in this game. Hernandez also swiped a bag.
In the second game of the day, the Hooks shut out the RockHounds to claim the double header with authority. Brady Rodgers was called up from Lancaster for a spot start and pitched five innings in his debut. Rodgers (1-0) allowed five hits and not much else, striking out six to take the win. Pat Urckfitz gave up a hit and struck out two in the seventh, earning him his sixth save of the season. Kiké Hernandez (2X3), Ronald Torreyes (2X4 2SO) and Zach Johnson (2X3) all had two hits in this game. Hernandez also swiped a bag.
Iowa Cubs 6, Oklahoma City RedHawks 10
The RedHawks had eight on the board before the Cubs were able to answer back Friday. Wade LeBlanc (2-1) pitched the first five and earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits while walking four during his shift. Alex Sogard followed for and inning and two-thirds, allowing three more runs on four hits, striking out one. Oklahoma City had a ton of hits on Friday and Robbie Grossman and Jose Martinez led the charge with three apiece. Grossman stole a base to boot and the second inning, in which the RedHawks scored six runs, saw the opposing manager and hitting coach ejected as OKC hit around the order. Here's the box:
The RedHawks had eight on the board before the Cubs were able to answer back Friday. Wade LeBlanc (2-1) pitched the first five and earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits while walking four during his shift. Alex Sogard followed for and inning and two-thirds, allowing three more runs on four hits, striking out one. Oklahoma City had a ton of hits on Friday and Robbie Grossman and Jose Martinez led the charge with three apiece. Grossman stole a base to boot and the second inning, in which the RedHawks scored six runs, saw the opposing manager and hitting coach ejected as OKC hit around the order. Here's the box:
Player of the Day: Chris Epps takes the cake
today for his go-ahead homer in the 10th inning yesterday. What better way to
support his pitchers for their superb outings than to blast one into the cheap
seats and secure the win?
Pitcher of the Day: There were several good pitching performances
yesterday, but Vincent Velasquez was a head above everyone. He not only threw a
career-high seven innings and was a huge part of that magnificent shut out, but
he also retired the first twelve batters he faced in order. Put simply, Velasquez
was on fire yesterday.
Brady Rodgers also earned a shout
out for his call-up, spot start in Corpus. He came out and dominated, earning a
win as part of another shutout and struck out six. Rodgers threw 88 pitches in
his five innings and 65 of them were strikes—impressive.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Saturday's Games
Elizabethton Twins 1, Greeneville Astros 2
For the second day in a row Greeneville scored both runs in one inning and then took advantage of solid pitching to secure the win—their third in a row. Starter Enderson Franco (2-2) recorded the win after allowing just three hits and an unearned run through six innings on the hill while walking one and striking out four. Gonzalo Sanudo came on to close out the ninth and retired the side, striking out one to notch his second save. Ariel Ovando (1X3 R SO) crossed the plate for Greeneville's first score in the third on a Jack Mayfield (2X4 R RBI) RBI single. Later in the inning Brett Phillips (1X4 3B RBI SO) hit a triple to bring Mayfield home.
For the second day in a row Greeneville scored both runs in one inning and then took advantage of solid pitching to secure the win—their third in a row. Starter Enderson Franco (2-2) recorded the win after allowing just three hits and an unearned run through six innings on the hill while walking one and striking out four. Gonzalo Sanudo came on to close out the ninth and retired the side, striking out one to notch his second save. Ariel Ovando (1X3 R SO) crossed the plate for Greeneville's first score in the third on a Jack Mayfield (2X4 R RBI) RBI single. Later in the inning Brett Phillips (1X4 3B RBI SO) hit a triple to bring Mayfield home.
GCL Yankees2 7, GCL Astros 8
The Astros battled back several
times in this game and hung on to score the winning run with two outs in the
bottom of the ninth. After the first two batters in the ninth were retired for
the Astros, Ydarqui Marte (3X5 2R 2B RBI 2 SO)
singled and then stole second. Yoel Silfa (2X5 RBI SO), who was at the plate
during Marte's steal, followed with a single of his own, bringing Marte around
for the walk-off win. Alex Gonzalez (3X5 2B RBI 2SO) also had a three-hit game
while Yonathan Mejia (2X5 2R RBI SO) and Jacob Nottingham (2X5 R SO) added two
hit performances. The GCL Astros sent five pitchers to the mound Saturday and
all but the last, Kevin Ferguson, allowed at least a run. Ferguson (0-1) would
also take the win after facing five batters, allowing two hits, walking one and
striking two out.
DSL Rays 0, DSL Astros 3
The DSL Astros came back in a big way after losing the last three in a row, shutting out their opponents yesterday while allowing just three hits. Harold Arauz (1-0) started and picked up the win, pitching six innings, giving up a pair of hits and striking out four. Starting with the last batter of the second inning, Arauz retired the last 15 he faced in order (If you are paying attention, that is two more than he should have faced in that time. Two of his strikeouts ended with the pitch getting away from the catcher, so in both the third and fifth innings there were four outs). Junior Garcia entered in the seventh and collected his first save after completing the game, allowing only a hit and striking out three. Jean Estrella went two-for-three at the plate with a run scored.
The DSL Astros came back in a big way after losing the last three in a row, shutting out their opponents yesterday while allowing just three hits. Harold Arauz (1-0) started and picked up the win, pitching six innings, giving up a pair of hits and striking out four. Starting with the last batter of the second inning, Arauz retired the last 15 he faced in order (If you are paying attention, that is two more than he should have faced in that time. Two of his strikeouts ended with the pitch getting away from the catcher, so in both the third and fifth innings there were four outs). Junior Garcia entered in the seventh and collected his first save after completing the game, allowing only a hit and striking out three. Jean Estrella went two-for-three at the plate with a run scored.
Tri-City Valley Cats 5, Batavia Muckdogs 4
The Valley Cats allowed a pair of two-run innings in the eighth and ninth but tallied the win nonetheless. Chris Cotton (1-1) was on the mound for the first five frames and earned his first win after retiring every batter he faced, striking out five. Patrick Christensen got the save (2) after working the ninth inning. Ronnie Mitchell went two-for-three at the dish with two runs scored, a double, a walk and two RBI on his eighth inning blast. Four other Tri-city players recorded multi-hit games, although no one besides Mitchell had any XBHs. Here's a look at the box:
The Valley Cats allowed a pair of two-run innings in the eighth and ninth but tallied the win nonetheless. Chris Cotton (1-1) was on the mound for the first five frames and earned his first win after retiring every batter he faced, striking out five. Patrick Christensen got the save (2) after working the ninth inning. Ronnie Mitchell went two-for-three at the dish with two runs scored, a double, a walk and two RBI on his eighth inning blast. Four other Tri-city players recorded multi-hit games, although no one besides Mitchell had any XBHs. Here's a look at the box:
Dayton Dragons 4, Quad Cities River Bandits 3
Despite seven shutout innings by starter Jordan Jankowski, the River Bandits lost after allowing a four-run eighth inning. Jankowski allowed four hits and struck out six in his time on the hill. Quad Cities got on the board Saturday in the seventh when Luis Alvarez (1X4 R HR 2RBI 2SO) hit a two-out homer, scoring Rio Ruiz (0X4 R SO). Dan Gulbransen collected three hits in the game, going three-for-four with a double and an RBI.
Despite seven shutout innings by starter Jordan Jankowski, the River Bandits lost after allowing a four-run eighth inning. Jankowski allowed four hits and struck out six in his time on the hill. Quad Cities got on the board Saturday in the seventh when Luis Alvarez (1X4 R HR 2RBI 2SO) hit a two-out homer, scoring Rio Ruiz (0X4 R SO). Dan Gulbransen collected three hits in the game, going three-for-four with a double and an RBI.
Modesto Nuts 6, Lancaster JetHawks 10
Lancaster scored ten runs for the second night in a row and tallied another win. In the first inning Lancaster batted around the order and scored five runs on five singles, a double and a walk. Five JetHawks had two hit games and four of them also had two RBI in addition. Brady Rogers (8-5) tossed the first five innings, gave up five runs on eight hits (HR), walked one, struck out six, and escaped with the win. Michael Dimock allowed another run in the ninth on a triple and a double while striking out three amongst the hits. Here's a peek at Lancaster's offense on Saturday:
Lancaster scored ten runs for the second night in a row and tallied another win. In the first inning Lancaster batted around the order and scored five runs on five singles, a double and a walk. Five JetHawks had two hit games and four of them also had two RBI in addition. Brady Rogers (8-5) tossed the first five innings, gave up five runs on eight hits (HR), walked one, struck out six, and escaped with the win. Michael Dimock allowed another run in the ninth on a triple and a double while striking out three amongst the hits. Here's a peek at Lancaster's offense on Saturday:
Frisco RoughRiders 4, Corpus Christi Hooks 3
(11)
This was the Hooks' third extra-inning game of their last four and it was close throughout. Corpus blanked Frisco until the eighth inning before falling in the 11th. David Martinez threw the first seven and a third, giving up a pair of runs over six hits and three walks while striking out two. Jorge De Leon (0-3) toed the rubber for the last two innings and took the loss, allowing a run in the final frame on one hit and a walk and K-ing one. Jonathan Meyer (2X5 R HR RBI SO) brought the scores all square in the eighth inning when he hit his 12th homer of the season. Domingo Santana was swinging his bat, finishing three-for-five with an RBI and strikeout in the game. Rene Garcia was in multiples as well, batting two-for-five with a strikeout of his own.
This was the Hooks' third extra-inning game of their last four and it was close throughout. Corpus blanked Frisco until the eighth inning before falling in the 11th. David Martinez threw the first seven and a third, giving up a pair of runs over six hits and three walks while striking out two. Jorge De Leon (0-3) toed the rubber for the last two innings and took the loss, allowing a run in the final frame on one hit and a walk and K-ing one. Jonathan Meyer (2X5 R HR RBI SO) brought the scores all square in the eighth inning when he hit his 12th homer of the season. Domingo Santana was swinging his bat, finishing three-for-five with an RBI and strikeout in the game. Rene Garcia was in multiples as well, batting two-for-five with a strikeout of his own.
New Orleans Zephyrs 4, Oklahoma City RedHawks 2
Oklahoma City had seven hits, but couldn't string any together on Saturday and fell to their opponents at home. Their first run in the fifth came after Jimmy Paredes (2X3 R BB) reached on a single and then advanced on a stolen base and throwing error before crossing the plate on a Jose Martinez (0X3 RBI SO) ground out. The second RedHawks run came by way of a Brandon Laird (1X4 R HR RBI) solo shot in the ninth inning. Asher Wojciechowski started and pitched six innings, allowing a run on five hits, walking a pair and striking out three. Hector Ambriz (0-1) clocked in for the next two innings and left with the loss. Ambriz gave up another two runs (1ER) on three hits (HR) and struck out two. Wojo was the only RedHawks pitcher to not allow a homer in the game.
Oklahoma City had seven hits, but couldn't string any together on Saturday and fell to their opponents at home. Their first run in the fifth came after Jimmy Paredes (2X3 R BB) reached on a single and then advanced on a stolen base and throwing error before crossing the plate on a Jose Martinez (0X3 RBI SO) ground out. The second RedHawks run came by way of a Brandon Laird (1X4 R HR RBI) solo shot in the ninth inning. Asher Wojciechowski started and pitched six innings, allowing a run on five hits, walking a pair and striking out three. Hector Ambriz (0-1) clocked in for the next two innings and left with the loss. Ambriz gave up another two runs (1ER) on three hits (HR) and struck out two. Wojo was the only RedHawks pitcher to not allow a homer in the game.
Player of the Day: Instead of splitting hairs, I'm going with the diplomatic route today and awarding the honors to Joe Sclafani, Matt Duffy, Chris Epps and Brandon Meredith of Lancaster. They all put out on Saturday and all deserve a big pat on the back.
Pitcher of the Day: There are split honors here today too. Why? Because Harold Arauz retired fifteen in a row yesterday and that is definitely
worthy of a nod. Also, Chris Cotton came along and retired
all fifteen he faced, like dominoes. So he gets a nod too. That's how it works here at WTHB.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Sunday's Games
Oklahoma City at New Orleans - Postponed
Corpus Christi over Tulsa 5-0
I will resist the urge to sing this, but my Sweet Nicky [that would be Nick Tropeano to the rest of you] appears to be back in good form as he tossed six shutout innings (3H 1BB 6SO) in his return from the DL to earn the win. Kenny Long (1.1IP 1H 2BB 1SO) continued the shutout and Andrew Robinson put an exclamation point on it with one and a third perfect frames. Robinson hasn't allowed a run since the All-Star break and has a 1.35 ERA and a 1.050 WHIP over his last 10 games. He has walked four over that span while striking out 11. The Hooks got all the runs they needed plus one in the first inning, but added on three more with long balls from Erick Castro (10) in the third, Kike Hernandez (6) in the seventh and Jonathan Meyer (11) in the eighth. Meyer and Hernandez were both two-for-four.
Lancaster over High Desert 10-2
Brady Rodger's first non-tandem start went very well as he allowed only one run on a solo homer over six innings. He gave up eight hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out five. Cameron Lamb pitched the final three innings for his first save. Lancaster scored early and often. Tyler Heineman was the only starter who didn't make it into the hit column. Too much action with the bats to recap it all so here you go ~
Oklahoma City at New Orleans - Postponed
Corpus Christi over Tulsa 5-0
I will resist the urge to sing this, but my Sweet Nicky [that would be Nick Tropeano to the rest of you] appears to be back in good form as he tossed six shutout innings (3H 1BB 6SO) in his return from the DL to earn the win. Kenny Long (1.1IP 1H 2BB 1SO) continued the shutout and Andrew Robinson put an exclamation point on it with one and a third perfect frames. Robinson hasn't allowed a run since the All-Star break and has a 1.35 ERA and a 1.050 WHIP over his last 10 games. He has walked four over that span while striking out 11. The Hooks got all the runs they needed plus one in the first inning, but added on three more with long balls from Erick Castro (10) in the third, Kike Hernandez (6) in the seventh and Jonathan Meyer (11) in the eighth. Meyer and Hernandez were both two-for-four.
Lancaster over High Desert 10-2
Brady Rodger's first non-tandem start went very well as he allowed only one run on a solo homer over six innings. He gave up eight hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out five. Cameron Lamb pitched the final three innings for his first save. Lancaster scored early and often. Tyler Heineman was the only starter who didn't make it into the hit column. Too much action with the bats to recap it all so here you go ~
| Lancaster JetHawks | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Pos | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | AVG |
| Nolan Fontana | SS | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | .281 |
| Carlos Perdomo | 3B | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | .270 |
| Andrew Aplin | CF | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | .287 |
| MP Cokinos | 1B | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .353 |
| Joe Sclafani | 2B | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .329 |
| Matt Duffy | DH | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .306 |
| Tyler Heineman | C | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .259 |
| Brandon Meredith | LF | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | .260 |
| Chris Epps | RF | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .303 |
| Totals | 39 | 10 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 7 | .291 | |
Quad Cities over Kane County 12-5
Colton Cain allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out six in his five and one-third innings of work. Gera Sanchez (1.1IP 3H 1R 1SO), Mitch Lambson (1.1IP 1H 1SO) and Chia-Jen Lo with one perfect inning finished it off. The two through five hole hitters (Jordan Scott, Dan Gulbransen, Jesse Wierzbicki and Rio Ruiz) combined to go 10-for-24 with five doubles, one home run, one walk, one stolen base, six RBI and scored seven runs. And that doesn't even include the guy who hit his second home run and second grand slam of the season, Brian Blasik. Or Roberto Pena who also hit a home run and drove in two. Wow!
Aberdeen over Tri-City 3-1
The good news is that Kyle Westwood (5IP 1H 1BB 3SO) looked really, really, really good in his fourth appearance of the season. After seeing him work today, I will definitely be keeping a closer eye on him. He works quickly, wears high socks and throws strikes ... what's not to like? He's not a power pitcher but his command more than makes up for it. The bad news is that the bullpen, in the form of Chris Cotton and Andrew Walter, couldn't hold the very fragile 1-0 lead he gave them. The offense only managed four hits and only one extra base hit, a double from Jon Kemmer (1x2 2B 2BB). Chan Moon and D'Andre Toney each swiped a bag.
Kingsport over Greeneville 3-0 in 7 innings (Game 1)
Enderson Franco was charged with the loss as he allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over three innings. He was followed by two scoreless innings from Krishawn Holley (1H 1BB 2SO) and an inning in which Ryan Connolly allowed one unearned run and struck out two. The Greeneville nine only managed two hits in the game, a Darwin Rivera single and a double from Brett Phillips; however, they did manage four walks.
Kingsport over Greeneville 4-1 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Edison Frias (5IP 6H 4R/2ER 0BB 5SO HR) took the loss and was followed by a perfect inning from Tyler Brunnemann in which he struck out two. Once again, the bats were mostly silent as the Astros only had five hits in this one. The good news is that Chase McDonald hit his first home run of the season to at least get Greeneville on the board. Cristian Moronta was two-for-two with a double.
Players of the Day: Chris Epps doesn't get nearly enough attention so let's rectify that, shall we? In addition to going three-for-five with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's game, he has hit .361/.489/.750 in his last 10 games. He's a lefty bat who has always hit lefty pitching well and this season is no exception. He is currently hitting .356/.408/.667 against lefties for the season. Chris will have to share the honors with Rio Ruiz who went three-for-four with a walk, double, home run, two RBI, and he crossed home plate three times as well. He is hitting .364/.476/.667 over his last 10 games. Honorable mention goes to Brian Blaisk for the granny.
Pitcher of the Day: Nick Tropeano makes me want to burst into song once again with his great return from the DL so I think I will. "Hey, Nicky, you're so fine. You're so fine you blow my mind. Hey, Nicky! Hey, Nicky!" Seriously, wonderful start from Nick. I hope he builds on it.
Kingsport over Greeneville 4-1 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Edison Frias (5IP 6H 4R/2ER 0BB 5SO HR) took the loss and was followed by a perfect inning from Tyler Brunnemann in which he struck out two. Once again, the bats were mostly silent as the Astros only had five hits in this one. The good news is that Chase McDonald hit his first home run of the season to at least get Greeneville on the board. Cristian Moronta was two-for-two with a double.
Players of the Day: Chris Epps doesn't get nearly enough attention so let's rectify that, shall we? In addition to going three-for-five with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's game, he has hit .361/.489/.750 in his last 10 games. He's a lefty bat who has always hit lefty pitching well and this season is no exception. He is currently hitting .356/.408/.667 against lefties for the season. Chris will have to share the honors with Rio Ruiz who went three-for-four with a walk, double, home run, two RBI, and he crossed home plate three times as well. He is hitting .364/.476/.667 over his last 10 games. Honorable mention goes to Brian Blaisk for the granny.
Pitcher of the Day: Nick Tropeano makes me want to burst into song once again with his great return from the DL so I think I will. "Hey, Nicky, you're so fine. You're so fine you blow my mind. Hey, Nicky! Hey, Nicky!" Seriously, wonderful start from Nick. I hope he builds on it.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Sunday's Games
Albuquerque over Oklahoma City 4-2
Starter Ross Seaton got touched for four runs on seven hits and three walks in five and two-thirds innings before giving way to a scoreless inning from Kevin Chapman and a perfect one and a third from Jason Stoffel. All of the 'Hawks scoring came in the first on a Brandon Laird two-run home run. Brett Wallace and Fernando Martinez both doubled and Jonathan Villar was two-for-four with a stolen base.
Corpus Christi over Arkansas 5-3 in 8 innings (Game 1)
Mike Foltynewicz got the start in Game 1 and pitched four and a third innings allowing one run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Sergio Escalona allowed the two tying runs to score in the sixth. Pat Urckfitz pitched a very strong final two innings and was rewarded with the win. The Hooks scoring got started with a Domingo Santana (2x4 3R) solo home run and a Michael Burgess RBI single in the second and continued with a Jonathan Meyer RBI single in the third. The tie was broken in the eighth on a Santana triple scoring Jose Martinez (3x4 2B) and a George Springer sac fly scoring Santana.
Corpus Christi over Arkansas 13-9 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Despite Corpus getting a 10-0 lead in the first inning, Arkansas actually made it little too close for comfort as David Martinez had an uncharacteristic and probably overdue tough start in which he allowed seven runs (five earned) in only two and a third innings. Jorge de Leon pitched two-thirds innings, allowing one of Martinez' inherited runs to score before shutting the door. Matt Heidenreich pitched four innings allowing two runs and earning his third win of the season. The wild first inning featured five RBI from George Springer on a two-RBI double and a three-run home run. Domingo Santana also homered in the first driving in Springer. Max Stassi had an RBI single and Jose Martinez (4x5 3R) drove in two on a RBI single. It didn't look as though the Hooks would need any more runs, but the two scored in the fourth on a two-RBI double from Erik Castro (2x5) and Ben Orloff's steal of home in the fifth gave the Hooks a good cushion.
Lancaster over Visalia 16-1
The JetHawks offense currently represents as big a menace as the area wildfires do. Well, maybe not, but you get the idea. Terrific outings from David Rollins (5IP 3H 0R 3BB 5SO) and Tyson Perez (4IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO 1HR) ensured that Lancaster's crazy five-run first inning would be all the offense they would need. And it was a crazy inning as the 'Hawks scored five runs on only one hit, a grand slam from Chris Epps. The first three batters walked and were followed by a bases-loaded Preston Tucker hit-by-pitch before Epps unloaded and cleared the bases. Lancaster added on two more in the third on an M.P. Cokinos (3x4 2-2B BB 5RBI 2R) home run, two in the fifth on a Cokinos RBI double and Matt Duffy RBI single, and another two in the sixth on Brandon Meredith's (2x4 BB 3R) sixth home run of the season. The 'Hawks continued to punish Visalia with five more runs in the eighth on a Tucker bases-loaded walk and back-to-back two-run doubles from Epps and Cokinos. Joe Sclafani reached base in all five plate appearances, going two-for-two with a double, stolen base and three more walks; he has walked nine times in his last four games. Preston Tucker extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a double in the third and scored three times. Delino DeShields swiped two bags for the day, bringing his total to 14.
Quad Cities over Beloit 3-2
Lance McCullers wasted no time in getting his second win of the season as he pitched five shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out six. Daniel Minor followed up with three and a third innings in which he allowed a two-run home run in the ninth and was relieved by Cameron Lamb who converted his third save of the season. The River Bandits didn't put on much of an offensive show, but they gave McCullers and company enough to work with. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a double and an RBI. Carlos Correa and Ariel Ovando each drove in a run as well. Jordan Scott was also two-for-four at the plate.
Player of the Day: It's not everyday that guys with five RBI games don't earn Player of the Day honors, but that is the case today as, despite great outings from George Springer and M.P. Cokinos, I have to go with Chris Epps' six-RBI game. Epps is simply locked in as of late, hitting .442/.478/.930 with eight doubles, two triples, three home runs and 19 RBI over his last 10 games.
Pitcher of the Day: Lance McCullers gets today's honors. It took a long time to get that first win, but he wasted no time getting the second on a very strong outing. Honorable mention goes to David Rollins for his five shutout innings.
Albuquerque over Oklahoma City 4-2
Starter Ross Seaton got touched for four runs on seven hits and three walks in five and two-thirds innings before giving way to a scoreless inning from Kevin Chapman and a perfect one and a third from Jason Stoffel. All of the 'Hawks scoring came in the first on a Brandon Laird two-run home run. Brett Wallace and Fernando Martinez both doubled and Jonathan Villar was two-for-four with a stolen base.
Corpus Christi over Arkansas 5-3 in 8 innings (Game 1)
Mike Foltynewicz got the start in Game 1 and pitched four and a third innings allowing one run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Sergio Escalona allowed the two tying runs to score in the sixth. Pat Urckfitz pitched a very strong final two innings and was rewarded with the win. The Hooks scoring got started with a Domingo Santana (2x4 3R) solo home run and a Michael Burgess RBI single in the second and continued with a Jonathan Meyer RBI single in the third. The tie was broken in the eighth on a Santana triple scoring Jose Martinez (3x4 2B) and a George Springer sac fly scoring Santana.
Corpus Christi over Arkansas 13-9 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Despite Corpus getting a 10-0 lead in the first inning, Arkansas actually made it little too close for comfort as David Martinez had an uncharacteristic and probably overdue tough start in which he allowed seven runs (five earned) in only two and a third innings. Jorge de Leon pitched two-thirds innings, allowing one of Martinez' inherited runs to score before shutting the door. Matt Heidenreich pitched four innings allowing two runs and earning his third win of the season. The wild first inning featured five RBI from George Springer on a two-RBI double and a three-run home run. Domingo Santana also homered in the first driving in Springer. Max Stassi had an RBI single and Jose Martinez (4x5 3R) drove in two on a RBI single. It didn't look as though the Hooks would need any more runs, but the two scored in the fourth on a two-RBI double from Erik Castro (2x5) and Ben Orloff's steal of home in the fifth gave the Hooks a good cushion.
Lancaster over Visalia 16-1
The JetHawks offense currently represents as big a menace as the area wildfires do. Well, maybe not, but you get the idea. Terrific outings from David Rollins (5IP 3H 0R 3BB 5SO) and Tyson Perez (4IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO 1HR) ensured that Lancaster's crazy five-run first inning would be all the offense they would need. And it was a crazy inning as the 'Hawks scored five runs on only one hit, a grand slam from Chris Epps. The first three batters walked and were followed by a bases-loaded Preston Tucker hit-by-pitch before Epps unloaded and cleared the bases. Lancaster added on two more in the third on an M.P. Cokinos (3x4 2-2B BB 5RBI 2R) home run, two in the fifth on a Cokinos RBI double and Matt Duffy RBI single, and another two in the sixth on Brandon Meredith's (2x4 BB 3R) sixth home run of the season. The 'Hawks continued to punish Visalia with five more runs in the eighth on a Tucker bases-loaded walk and back-to-back two-run doubles from Epps and Cokinos. Joe Sclafani reached base in all five plate appearances, going two-for-two with a double, stolen base and three more walks; he has walked nine times in his last four games. Preston Tucker extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a double in the third and scored three times. Delino DeShields swiped two bags for the day, bringing his total to 14.
Quad Cities over Beloit 3-2
Lance McCullers wasted no time in getting his second win of the season as he pitched five shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out six. Daniel Minor followed up with three and a third innings in which he allowed a two-run home run in the ninth and was relieved by Cameron Lamb who converted his third save of the season. The River Bandits didn't put on much of an offensive show, but they gave McCullers and company enough to work with. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a double and an RBI. Carlos Correa and Ariel Ovando each drove in a run as well. Jordan Scott was also two-for-four at the plate.
Player of the Day: It's not everyday that guys with five RBI games don't earn Player of the Day honors, but that is the case today as, despite great outings from George Springer and M.P. Cokinos, I have to go with Chris Epps' six-RBI game. Epps is simply locked in as of late, hitting .442/.478/.930 with eight doubles, two triples, three home runs and 19 RBI over his last 10 games.
Pitcher of the Day: Lance McCullers gets today's honors. It took a long time to get that first win, but he wasted no time getting the second on a very strong outing. Honorable mention goes to David Rollins for his five shutout innings.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games - Another day, another group of winners. Oklahoma City has won 3 in a row, Corpus Christi 4, Quad Cities 5 and Lancaster a whopping 9 in a row, thank you very much!!!
Oklahoma City over Omaha 8-1
Asher Wojciechowski (3H 2BB 4SO) got the start and was very effective in six innings as he allowed only one run on a solo home run. He was spelled in relief by scoreless innings from Kevin Chapman, Josh Zeid and Rhiner Cruz. The RedHawks got the scoring started in the third inning with a Jake Elmore RBI single. That was followed by two more in each the fourth and fifth innings and was punctuated by a three-run eighth featuring a Che-Hsuan Lin RBI single and a Carlos Perez two-run double. Fernando Martinez was two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 5-0
Jake Buchanan earned his sixth win of the season as he and Carlos Quevedo combined to allow only three hits and one walk while striking out eight in the shutout. Buchanan's ERA has now dipped to 0.77, and he will end May with a 0.00 ERA. The Hooks put up all the runs they would need with an RBI double from Jio Mier (2x4 BB R) and an RBI single from Rene Garcia in the third, but added on singletons in the sixth, seventh and eighth, two of those coming on solo shots from George Springer and Erik Castro.
Lancaster over Visalia 15-2
Kyle Hallock (1BB 5SO) put up a strong five innings of one-hit ball for the start and was followed by three from Luis Cruz who allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three. Tommy Shirley pitched the final scoreless frame. The Lancaster bats put a beat down on Visalia, pounding out fifteen runs on sixteen hits. They started the scoring in the second and never let up until the eighth. All JetHawks starters got at least one hit. Amazingly enough with that many runs scoring in a game at Lancaster, only two of them came via the long ball, a two-run home run from Matt Duffy in the fifth inning. Chris Epps had a terrific night, going three-for-five with two doubles, a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Delino DeShields stole his 11th and 12th bases of the season. Here's a look at how all the hitters fared:
Player of the Day: Chris Epps is the man of the hour. Not only did he have a great game last night, he has had a very good month. After hitting only .209 in April, he has hit .358/.450/.672 in May.
Pitcher of the Day: It has just become almost automatic. Jake Buchanan pitches. Jake Buchanan is pitcher of the day. It has been an amazing season for Jake thus far. Note to Jeff Luhnow: Buchanan has nothing left to prove in Corpus.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 8-1
Asher Wojciechowski (3H 2BB 4SO) got the start and was very effective in six innings as he allowed only one run on a solo home run. He was spelled in relief by scoreless innings from Kevin Chapman, Josh Zeid and Rhiner Cruz. The RedHawks got the scoring started in the third inning with a Jake Elmore RBI single. That was followed by two more in each the fourth and fifth innings and was punctuated by a three-run eighth featuring a Che-Hsuan Lin RBI single and a Carlos Perez two-run double. Fernando Martinez was two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 5-0
Jake Buchanan earned his sixth win of the season as he and Carlos Quevedo combined to allow only three hits and one walk while striking out eight in the shutout. Buchanan's ERA has now dipped to 0.77, and he will end May with a 0.00 ERA. The Hooks put up all the runs they would need with an RBI double from Jio Mier (2x4 BB R) and an RBI single from Rene Garcia in the third, but added on singletons in the sixth, seventh and eighth, two of those coming on solo shots from George Springer and Erik Castro.
Lancaster over Visalia 15-2
Kyle Hallock (1BB 5SO) put up a strong five innings of one-hit ball for the start and was followed by three from Luis Cruz who allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three. Tommy Shirley pitched the final scoreless frame. The Lancaster bats put a beat down on Visalia, pounding out fifteen runs on sixteen hits. They started the scoring in the second and never let up until the eighth. All JetHawks starters got at least one hit. Amazingly enough with that many runs scoring in a game at Lancaster, only two of them came via the long ball, a two-run home run from Matt Duffy in the fifth inning. Chris Epps had a terrific night, going three-for-five with two doubles, a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Delino DeShields stole his 11th and 12th bases of the season. Here's a look at how all the hitters fared:
Quad Cities - Game Cancelled
Player of the Day: Chris Epps is the man of the hour. Not only did he have a great game last night, he has had a very good month. After hitting only .209 in April, he has hit .358/.450/.672 in May.
Pitcher of the Day: It has just become almost automatic. Jake Buchanan pitches. Jake Buchanan is pitcher of the day. It has been an amazing season for Jake thus far. Note to Jeff Luhnow: Buchanan has nothing left to prove in Corpus.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Roster Moves
Oklahoma City
LHP Alex Sogard assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
IF Raoul Torrez assigned from Lancaster to Oklahoma City
Corpus Christi
RHP Josh Fields assigned to Corpus Christi to continue his rehab assignment
Lancaster
OF Chris Epps activated from the temporary inactive list
SS Nolan Fontana placed on the 7-day DL
LHP Alex Sogard assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
IF Raoul Torrez assigned from Lancaster to Oklahoma City
Corpus Christi
RHP Josh Fields assigned to Corpus Christi to continue his rehab assignment
Lancaster
OF Chris Epps activated from the temporary inactive list
SS Nolan Fontana placed on the 7-day DL
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Wednesday's Games
Oklahoma City - Off Day
Corpus Christi over Midland 6-3
After 20 and a third innings, Asher Wojciechowski proved that he was human after all and gave up his first run of the season on a sac fly. According to the Hooks twitter account, his scoreless streak goes back through his final 13 innings of the 2012 season, giving him 33+ consecutive innings of scoreless pitching. His final line for the night - 5IP 5H 2R 2BB 6SO. Wojo was followed by David Martinez (3.1IP 3H 1R/0ER 2BB 2SO) who was awarded the win as the Hooks scored late. Jason Stoffel got the last two outs and his fourth save of the season.
The Hooks put up a four-spot in the seventh inning which started with a George Springer double and a Carlos Perez walk and was followed by singles from Jonathan Meyer (RBI), Rene Garcia, Jio Mier (two RBI) and a Michael Burgess fielders choice scoring Rene Garcia (3x4 2B R). Carlos Perez added an exclamation point in the eighth, hitting a two-run home run.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 8-4
Starter Tyson Perez got his first W of the season thanks in large part to timely offense. Perez allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over five innings. He was followed by David Rollins who allowed one measly little single in four innings, walking zero and striking out three. The 'Hawks drew first blood with a Matt Duffy (3x5 BB 2R) RBI single in the first, but then started scoring in earnest with a four-run third and a three-run fourth powered in large part by doubles from Telvin Nash (2x3 2BB RBI 2R), Chris Epps (2x5 2-2B 2RBI R) and Preston Tucker (RBI BB R). Nolan Fontana (2x3 3BB R) drove in two with an RBI single. Brandon Meredith was hit by pitches twice and scored once.
Quad Cities - Off Day
Player of the Day: Chris Epps gets the nod for his two RBI doubles.
Pitcher of the Day: After a seriously tough outing his last go around, David Rollins was back on top of his game in a big way.
With that said, I also want to acknowledge Asher Wojciechowski with this ...
Oklahoma City - Off Day
Corpus Christi over Midland 6-3
After 20 and a third innings, Asher Wojciechowski proved that he was human after all and gave up his first run of the season on a sac fly. According to the Hooks twitter account, his scoreless streak goes back through his final 13 innings of the 2012 season, giving him 33+ consecutive innings of scoreless pitching. His final line for the night - 5IP 5H 2R 2BB 6SO. Wojo was followed by David Martinez (3.1IP 3H 1R/0ER 2BB 2SO) who was awarded the win as the Hooks scored late. Jason Stoffel got the last two outs and his fourth save of the season.
The Hooks put up a four-spot in the seventh inning which started with a George Springer double and a Carlos Perez walk and was followed by singles from Jonathan Meyer (RBI), Rene Garcia, Jio Mier (two RBI) and a Michael Burgess fielders choice scoring Rene Garcia (3x4 2B R). Carlos Perez added an exclamation point in the eighth, hitting a two-run home run.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 8-4
Starter Tyson Perez got his first W of the season thanks in large part to timely offense. Perez allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over five innings. He was followed by David Rollins who allowed one measly little single in four innings, walking zero and striking out three. The 'Hawks drew first blood with a Matt Duffy (3x5 BB 2R) RBI single in the first, but then started scoring in earnest with a four-run third and a three-run fourth powered in large part by doubles from Telvin Nash (2x3 2BB RBI 2R), Chris Epps (2x5 2-2B 2RBI R) and Preston Tucker (RBI BB R). Nolan Fontana (2x3 3BB R) drove in two with an RBI single. Brandon Meredith was hit by pitches twice and scored once.
Quad Cities - Off Day
Player of the Day: Chris Epps gets the nod for his two RBI doubles.
Pitcher of the Day: After a seriously tough outing his last go around, David Rollins was back on top of his game in a big way.
With that said, I also want to acknowledge Asher Wojciechowski with this ...
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