Astros Minor League Roster Moves: July 26-August 7

In addition to the moves mentioned in Monday's Farm Report, here are some more transactions that have occurred in the Houston Astros minor league system. This post will extend to August 2 to include any trade deadline deals.

The most recent transactions will be listed first, and this post will be updated as we scour the MiLB.com transaction logs.

***This post has been extended through the first weekend of August.

Fresno Grizzlies

8-4: LHP Brian Holmes assigned to Fresno from Corpus Christi to start game 2 of doubleheader.

8-3: RHP Brad Peacock recalled by the Houston Astros.

8-3: RHP James Hoyt's contract purchased by the Houston Astros.

8-3: RHP Aaron West assigned to Fresno from Corpus Christi.

8-3: LHP Albert Minnis assigned to Fresno from Corpus Christi.

8-3: RHP Keegan Yuhl assigned to Fresno from Corpus Christi.

8-2: 1B A.J. Reed recalled by the Houston Astros.

8-1: RHP Joe Musgrove recalled by the Houston Astros.

7-31: LHP Chris Cotton assigned from Corpus Christi to Fresno
7-30: IF Danny Worth outrighted from Houston to Fresno
7-29: IF Tyler White recalled to Houston from Fresno
7-25: LHP Tommy Shirley released
7-25: IF Jack Mayfield placed on the 7-day DL

Corpus Christi Hooks

8-1: OF Ramon Laureano reinstated from his suspension.
7-31: RHP Kevin Comer assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
7-29: OF Danry Vasquez reactivated from his suspension
7-29: OF Ramon Laureano suspended 3 games for his role in bench-clearing brawl with Frisco.
7-26: OF Danry Vásquez roster status changed.
7-26: 1B Chase McDonald activated from temporarily inactive list.

Lancaster JetHawks

8-2: IF Yulieski Gurriel assigned to Lancaster from the GCL.
7-26: RHP Christian Powell released.
7-26: RHP Yeyfry Del Rosario released.

Del Rosario and Powell were on rehab assignments with the GCL Astros.

Quad Cities River Bandits

8-3: 3B Bobby Wernes placed on temporarily inactive list.
8-3: 2B Ryne Birk assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City
8-3: C Jake Rogers assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City.
8-2: C Christian Correa placed on temporarily inactive list.
8-2: RHP Chris Murphy placed on temporarily inactive list.
7-30: RHP Juan Santos assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City
7-27: OF Stephen Wrenn assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City.
7-27: LHP Framber Valdez assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City.

Tri-City ValleyCats

8-3: IF Miguelangel Sierra assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville.
8-3: C Gabriel Bracamonte assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville.
8-3: RHP Abdiel Saldaña assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville.
8-2: C Oliver Toribio assigned to Tri-City from the GCL.
8-1: OF Bryan De La Cruz assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville.
7-31: RHP Tyler Britton assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville
7-27: 3B Marcos Almonte assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville.
7-27: RHP Angelo Serrano assigned to Tri-City from Greeneville.
7-27: 3B Connor Goedert assigned to Tri-City from Quad Cities.
7-27: RHP Makay Nelson assigned to Tri-City from Quad Cities.

Greeneville Astros

8-4: IF Stijin van der Meer assigned to Greeneville from the GCL.
8-4: C Oscar Campos assigned to Greeneville from the GCL.
7-31: 2B Jonathan Matute assigned to Greeneville from the GCL
7-28: RHP Cristian Javier assigned to Greeneville from the GCL.
7-27: OF Carlos Machado assigned to Greeneville from the GCL.

GCL Astros

8-2: RHP Saul Martinez assigned to GCL Astros.
8-1: Acquired RHP Lupe Chavez from Blue Jays for RHP Scott Feldman; Chavez assigned to GCL Astros on 8-2.
7-31: SS Stijin van der Meer assigned to the GCL
7-31: LHP Yhoan Acosta placed on the 7-day DL
7-30: RHP Moreno Polanco placed on 7-day DL.
7-30: C Bernardo Heras assigned to GCL Astros from DSL Astros Orange.
7-30: OF Gilberto Celestino assigned to GCL Astros from DSL Astros Orange.
7-30: RHP Felipe Tejada assigned to GCL Astros from DSL Astros Blue.
7-30: RHP Edwin Fidel assigned to GCL Astros from DSL Astros Blue.
7-28: OF Jose Benjamin assigned to GCL Astros from DSL Astros Blue.
7-28: RHP David Paulino began rehab assignment.
7-28: RHP Luis Vasquez retired

DSL Astros

8-4: IF Fredy Medina placed on 60-day DL.
8-4: RHP Rhandall Sanchez assigned to DSL Astros Blue; 17-year-old from Panama signed May 26
8-4: 1B Yordan Alvarez assigned to DSL Astros Orange.
- Alvarez was acquired from the Dodgers in exchange for Josh Fields at the trade deadline.
7-30: IF Enmanuel Valdez assigned to DSL Astros Blue from DSL Astros Orange.
7-30: OF Luis Coronel assigned to DSL Astros Orange; 19-year-old from Venezuela signed June 8
7-30: C Kelvin Perez assigned to DSL Astros Orange; 17-year-old from Venezuela signed June 13
7-30: P Nivaldo Rodriguez assigned to DSL Astros Orange; 19-year-old from Venezuela signed June 13
7-30: IF Eduardo Guzman assigned to DSL Astros Blue from DSL Astros Orange.
7-30: IF Samir Caraballo assigned to DSL Astros Orange from DSL Astros Blue.
7-30: 3B Michael Garcia assigned to DSL Astros Orange from DSL Astros Blue.
7-28: DSL Astros Orange LHP Carlos Espinoza retired.
7-27: SS Anibal Sierra assigned to DSL Astros Blue.
- Sierra, a 22-year-old Cuban, signed for $1.5 million on July 23.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, July 25, 2016

Fresno 7, Albuquerque 3

W- Joe Musgrove (5-3, 7-4 season)
L- Christian Bergman (1-3)

Fresno home runs: A.J. Reed (12, 2-run in 6th)

A.J. Reed had a big night as he looks to get himself back to Houston. His first stint with the Astros was not a good first impression, but plenty of top prospects have done well for themselves in the Majors after poor first impressions.

On the mound, Joe Musgrove logged another solid start. The two runs he allowed in his 7 innings came on a home run hit by Chris Nelson in the 5th inning. He allowed 5 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Josh Fields and Kevin Chapman pitched an inning apiece; Fields allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless 8th, and Chapman allowed two hits in the 9th, one of which was a solo home run hit by Tom Murphy.

Tyler White singled to lead off the bottom of the 6th, and one batter later, Reed launched his home run and sparked a 5-run inning. Tyler Heineman added an RBI single, and an error on the play allowed Jon Kemmer to score another run. Heineman, who advanced to 3rd base on the miscue, scored on an Andrew Aplin single. Reed narrowly missed his second homer of the night in the 7th inning; he settled for an RBI double. He'd come around to score on a single from Teoscar Hernandez.

All three of Reed's hits on the night went for extra bases (2 2B, 2-R HR). White (2 R) and Heineman (RBI, R) had two hits apiece.

Tonight, the Grizzlies will assume their alter ego, the Fresno Tacos, as they get set to start a 4-game series with Vegas. In game 1, César Valdez will take on Robert Gsellman. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

San Antonio 10, Corpus Christi 4 in 7.5 innings

W- Kyle Lloyd (5-4)
L- Cy Sneed (4-4)

CC home runs: D.J. Fisher (15, solo in 1st), Danry Vásquez (3, 2-run in 7th)

This game was called in the middle of the 8th due to rain. The Hooks fired the first salvo in this game, but the Missions responded with an assault that gave them a 7-1 lead after four innings of play.

D.J. Fisher's solo home run in the 1st inning opened the scoring. Danry Vásquez doubled to lead off the 5th inning and scored on a Ramon Laureano triple. Danry, who finished 2-3, added a 2-run home run to his ledger in the 7th inning.

Cy Sneed went 4 innings and allowed 7 runs on 9 hits (2 solos and a 3-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Albert Minnis was the first man out, and in 2 innings, he allowed 2 hits and struck out 2. Michael Freeman pitched the 7th and allowed 3 runs on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1.

Trent Thornton will make his Texas League debut tonight. He'll take on Seth Simmons at 7:05.

Lake Elsinore 4, Lancaster 3

W- Enyel De Los Santos (2-3)
L- Jose Luis Hernandez (0-1, 3-3 season)
S- Phil Maton (6)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks mounted a late rally that fell just short. The tying run was stranded 90 feet away to end the game.

In his California League debut, Jose Luis Hernandez pitched 6.1 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5. Jacob Dorris pitched 1.2 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, one of which was a 3-run home run that allowed the 2 runners he inherited from Hernandez to score, and struck out 1.

Bobby Boyd scored Lancaster's first run in the 8th on a wild pitch. Jamie Ritchie walked to lead off the 9th and advanced to 3rd on a double from Aaron Mizell. Keach Ballard added a sac fly, and Boyd ripped an RBI double to cut the deficit to one run. Boyd advanced to 3rd on a passed ball, but he was left there, as Jason Martin struck out to end the game. Boyd finished 2-5, while Drew Ferguson stole his 24th base of the season.

In game 2 of this series, Josh James will take on Zech Lemond. First pitch is at 6:00 Eastern.

Bowling Green 4, Quad Cities 3

W- Eduar Lopez (2-0)
L- Albert Abreu (2-8)
S- Tim Ingram (2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos were foiled in their bid to sweep the series as their comeback bid fell one run short.

All three of their runs came in the 7th inning: Anthony Hermelyn put them on the board with an RBI single, Randy César scored on a wild pitch, and Myles Straw brought Hermelyn in with an infield single. The Banditos left the tying run on 3rd base to end the 8th inning.

Albert Abreu went 3.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, one of which was a 3-run home run, walked 2, and struck out 1. Makay Nelson was the first man out of the Quad Cities bullpen and he struck out 1 in 1.1 perfect innings. Franklin Perez pitched the final 4 innings, allowing a hit and striking out 4.

Yoanys Quiala will start the opener of a 3-game series with Peoria. He'll face Jake Woodford at 7:00.

Tri-City 13, Vermont 1

W- Enrique Chavez (3-0)
L- Brandon Bailey (0-1)

TC home runs: Taylor Jones (5, 2-run in 1st)

Well, that was fun. The ValleyCats stormed out to a 5-0 lead and romped to a victory to take their series with the Lake Monsters.

Taylor Jones only hit two home runs at Gonzaga this past spring, but he racked up a ton of doubles. Now, it looks like he's starting to tap into his power as a pro.

On the mound, Enrique Chavez shackled the Lake Monsters in his 5 innings; he allowed just one hit and struck out 7. Dustin Hunt allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4 over 3 scoreless. Vermont spoiled the shutout when Miguel Mercedes hit a solo home run off Howie Brey in the 9th. That was the only hit that Brey allowed in the inning, and he struck out 2.

Ryan Hartman will get the start as the ValleyCats look to sweep the Lake Monsters out of New York's Capital District. He'll take on Dakota Chalmers at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville 3, Princeton 2 in 12 innings

W- Devin Raftery (2-0)
L- Alex Estrella (0-1)

Greeneville home runs: Frankeny Fernandez (2, solo in 5th)

The Appy Astros began a new series with a walk-off win.

Connor MacDonald turned in his second consecutive 3-hit performance; he opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. Frankeny Fernandez clubbed a solo homer in the 5th inning. The Rays scored 2 in the 6th inning to tie the game, and that was where this game stood until the 12th inning.

Both teams did have opportunities to take the lead, but neither of them could capitalize. Greeneville stranded a runner at 3rd in the 7th inning and had another thrown out at the plate in the 8th. Fernandez singled with one out in the bottom of the 12th, and one batter later, MacDonald won the game with an RBI double. Fernandez (solo HR, 2R) and MacDonald (2B, 2 RBI) both finished 3-6.

Carlos Sanabria went 5 innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Carlos Hiraldo and Angelo Serrano threw 3 innings apiece. Hiraldo allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3, while Serrano allowed a hit and struck out 3. Devin Raftery struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 12th inning.

Patrick Sandoval will start game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 3, GCL Nationals 1

W- Cristian Javier (3-1)
L- Trevor Gott (0-1)
S- Enoli Paredes (2)

GCL home runs: None.

Cristian Javier and Enoli Paredes shackled the Nationals after Brian Holmes' rehab appearance.

Holmes allowed a solo homer to Tyler Beckwith, which was the Nationals' only run of the day. In 1.2 innings, he allowed three other hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Javier walked 1 and struck out 6 over 3.1 scoreless, and Paredes allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4 in 4 innings.

Joan Mauricio hit an RBI single in the 2nd to tie the game at 1. The Kissimmee Stros took the lead in the 4th on a pair of RBI singles from Edgar Lorenzo and Andy Piñeda. Andy Piñeda finished 3-5, while Juan Piñeda finished 2-3 with a double and a run scored. Jonathan Matute scored 2 of the GCLstros' 3 runs in this game.

DSL

The Blue team's game with the Dodgers was suspended due to rain. Both teams are tied at 3.

The Orange team fell 4-1 to the Rays 2 in 6.5 innings. Vicente Mota's solo home run (4) was the Orange team's only scoring play in this game. Gerardo Bojorquez went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Francisco Villegas allowed 2 unearned runs, a single, and walked out 2.

Monday's Stars

Photo from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page

Tri-City ValleyCats: W 13-1 vs. Vermont

Taylor Jones: 3-4, 2 2B, 2-R HR (5), 3 RBI, 4 R

Ronnie Dawson: 3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R

Jake Rogers: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R

Spencer Johnson: 2-5, 2 2B, RBI, R

Enrique Chavez: W (3-0), 5 IP, H, 7 K

Dustin Hunt: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K

A.J. Reed, 1B, Fresno

3-4, 2 2B, 2-R HR (12), 3 RBI, 2 R

Danry Vásquez, OF, Corpus Christi

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

Franklin Perez, RHP, Quad Cities

4 IP, H, 4 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Carlos Sanabria, RHP, Greeneville

5 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Connor MacDonald, 1B, Greeneville

3-6, 2B, 2 RBI; walk-off RBI 2B in 12th

Photo by Bryan Green

Frankeny Fernandez, OF, Greeneville

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

Photo by Bryan Green

Cristian Javier, RHP, GCL Astros

W (3-1), 3.1 IP, BB, 6 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Enoli Paredes, RHP, GCL Astros

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

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, July 7, 2016

Fresno 14, Reno 0

W- Mike Hauschild (7-7)
L- John Omahen (0-1)

Fresno home runs: Alex Bregman (5, 19 season; solo in 1st), Tyler White (5, 2-run in 3rd), Preston Tucker (8, solo in 8th)

The Grizzlies opened up a new series by dominating the Aces in all facets of the game. They led 4-0 after the 5th, but they turned this one into a laugher in the late innings.

Mike Hauschild and Reymin Guduan combined on a 2-hitter; Hauschild pitched 8 innings and allowed those 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 9, and Guduan struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Everyone in the Fresno lineup recorded a hit and scored a run. Alex Bregman continues to be good at baseball, and Preston Tucker and Tyler White seem to have found themselves at the plate once again after a tough start to their seasons in Houston.

In game 2 of this series, Tommy Shirley will face Edwin Escobar. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 4, Springfield 3

W- Scott Weathersby (1-0, 3-4 season)
L- Justin Wright (0-1)
S- Ryan Thompson (1, 3 season)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks broke a 2-2 tie with a couple of runs in the 9th inning that came off a couple of miscues from the Cardinals.

Prior to that 9th inning, Corpus Christi's only scoring play was a 2-run double from Garrett Stubbs in the 2nd.

Danry Vásquez doubled to lead off the 9th inning, and Chase McDonald joined him on the bases by drawing a walk. Stubbs grounded into a force out that erased McDonald, but an errant throw from Cardinals SS Juan Herrera allowed Danry to score the go-ahead run, and Stubbs advanced to 2nd base. Stubbs advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI single from Alejandro Garcia. Danry finished 3-4 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored, while Stubbs went 2-4.

Francis Martes went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Scott Weathersby got the win in his Texas League debut, allowing a hit and striking out 3 over 2 scoreless innings. Ryan Thompson allowed an unearned run on 2 hits in the 9th, but he was able to secure the victory.

The Hooks will look for the sweep tonight as Evan Grills gets the start. He'll face Daniel Poncedeleon at 7:10.

Lancaster 9, Visalia 6

W- Trent Thornton (5-4)
L- Brad Keller (6-6)
S- Ryan Deemes (4, 5 season)

Lancaster home runs: Jamie Ritchie (5, 3-run in 2nd)

The JetHawks took the series as they built up an 8-1 lead and withstood a charge from the Rawhide.

Jamie Ritchie's 3-run home run in the 2nd inning put Lancaster on the board first. In the 3rd, Keach Ballard hit a 2-run single. Drew Ferguson hit a sac fly in the 5th, and the JetHawks scored 2 in the 6th on a pair of RBI singles from Bobby Boyd and Jason Martin. Ferguson drove in the final run of the evening with a bases-loaded walk in the 8th. Everyone in the JetHawks lineup had a hit; Martin led the way in that category by going 3-5. He also stole his 11th base of the season. Ritchie and Aaron Mizell had 2 hits apiece, and Ramon Laureano stole 2 bases, giving him 31 on the season.

Trent Thornton allowed 4 runs on 9 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 in 6.2 innings. Gonzalo Sañudo recorded the final out of the 7th and the first out of the 8th and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and walked 1. Ryan Deemes successfully extracted Sañudo from the jam without incurring any further damage, and he proceeded to throw 1.2 perfect innings, striking out 2.

Rogelio Armenteros will start the first of a 4-game series with Inland Empire tonight at 7:05 Pacific. He will go up against Jake Jewell.

Quad Cities 5, Beloit 4

W- Adam Whitt (3-2)
L- Tyler Willman (0-1)

QC home runs; None.

The Snappers scored 2 in the top of the 8th to take a 4-3 lead, but the Banditos rallied with 2 runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning to take the win and the series.

Quad Cities took the lead with a 3-run 4th inning: Kyle Tucker put them on the board with an RBI double, Arturo Michelena scored on a passed ball, and Anthony Hermelyn added a sacrifice fly.

Hector Roa singled to lead off the 8th, and Myles Straw came in to pinch-run for him. Kristian Trompiz followed with a single, but two consecutive outs following the hits put the River Bandits' rally in jeopardy. However, Arturo Michelena came through with a 2-run single that wound up becoming the game-winning hit. Michelena went 2-4 and was the only player in the Quad Cities lineup with more than one hit.

Matt Bower went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5. Makay Nelson was the first man out of the Banditos bullpen; he went 2.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Adam Whitt walked 1 over 1.1 scoreless and got the victory.

The River Bandits will begin a 4-game series with Clinton tonight at 7:00. In game 1, Franklin Perez will face Nick Neidert.

Tri-City was off

The ValleyCats will begin a 3-game series tonight against West Virginia at 7:05 Eastern. I originally thought that they were playing on Thursday; I sincerely regret the error.

Greeneville 7, Burlington 6

W- Josue Uribe (1-0)
L- Michael Silva (0-1)

Greeneville home runs: Ray Henderson (2, solo in 6th)

The Royals got the jump once play resumed, but the Appy Astros stormed back and walked off with a victory.

Connor MacDonald put Greeneville on the board with an RBI groundout in the 2nd inning, and Ray Henderson led off the 6th with a home run. Business really began to pick up in the bottom of the 8th.

Miguelangel Sierra smacked a triple to lead off the inning and trotted home on a Jonathan Arauz single. Henderson, Frankeny Fernandez, and Bryan De La Cruz all followed by drawing walks. MacDonald hit a sac fly, and Fernandez scored the tying run on an error. Henderson won it in the 9th with a sac fly.

Abdiel Saldaña pitched 1+ inning on Wednesday and allowed 2 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. Ricardo Castro took the mound once the game restarted, and he went 2.2 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, walking 2, and striking out 4. Angelo Serrano followed with 3 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 4. Reggie Johnson allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 1.1 innings, and Josue Uribe allowed a hit and struck out 1 in a scoreless 9th.

Burlington 13, Greeneville 3

W- Geoffrey Bramblett (2-0)
L- Ben Smith (0-1, 0-2 season)

Greeneville home runs: Miguelangel Sierra (5, solo in 1st), Justin Garcia (1, 2-run in 7th)

The Appy Astros settled for the split on Thursday as got smacked in the regularly scheduled game.

All 3 of their runs scored on home runs; Miguelangel Sierra homered to lead off the 1st, and Justin Garcia whacked a 2-run homer in the 7th.

Ben Smith, Salvador Montaño, and Lucas Williams all pitched 2 innings; Smith allowed 5 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4. Montaño was the first man out of the Greeneville bullpen and allowed 2 unearned runs, an RBI single, walked 2, and struck out 1. Williams allowed 6 runs on 6 hits and struck out 1. Colin McKee struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 7th.

In the series finale, Carlos Sanabria will take on Travis Eckert. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 2, GCL Marlins 0

W- Cristian Javier (2-0)
L- Joel Effertz (0-1)
S- Dariel Aquino (2)

GCL home runs: None.

3 Kissimmee Stros pitchers combined on a shutout in this one.

Jorge Guzman allowed a hit, walked 1, and fanned 6 over 3 innings. Cristian Javier tagged in to throw 5 scoreless innings, allowing 4 hits and striking out 4, and Dariel Aquino struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Oscar Campos opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 2nd, and Wilson Amador added an RBI groundout in the 7th. Joan Mauricio (3B, R, SB [2]) and Reiny Beltre (2B) had 2 hits apiece in this game.

From June 21: DSL Dodgers2 4, DSL Astros Blue 3

W- Luis Pasen (1-0)
L- Juan Cuevas (4-2)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team walked off with a loss in a game that began a couple of weeks ago.

Orlando Marquez opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 4th, and Ronny Jimenez hit an RBI single of his own in the 5th inning. César Cortez scored on a passed ball in the 6th inning. Cortez and Nicolás Miranda had 2 hits apiece.

Juan Corniel struck out 4 over 4 perfect innings. Robert Corniel went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 4. Juan Cuevas faced 3 batters in the 9th and failed to retire any of them; the first two singled and the third laid down a sacrifice bunt. On the sac bunt, Cuevas committed an error that allowed the winning run to score.

DSL Dodgers2 3, DSL Astros Blue 2

W- Andres Urbina (1-1)
L- Yeremi Ceballos (1-1)

Blue home runs: None.

In the regularly scheduled game, the Blue team also walked off with a loss.

Their 2 runs both came in the 1st, as Ronny Jimenez scored on passed ball and Angel Tejeda hit an RBI single.

Edwin Fidel allowed a run on a bases-loaded walk, a single, walked 2, and struck out 4 in 1.2 innings. Yulian Frontado got him out of the jam without allowing any more runs. In 3.1 innings, Frontado allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Maikel Sepulveda allowed an unearned run on a passed ball, a single, walked 1, and struck out 1 in the 6th, and the winning run scored on a single with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th against Yeremi Ceballos; it was unearned. Ceballos walked 1 and struck out 1.

DSL Red Sox2 7, DSL Astros Orange 2

W- Roberto Medina (1-0)
L- Gerardo Bojorquez (0-3)

Orange home runs: None.

The wheels fell off for the Orange team in the 9th.

Ronaldo Urdaneta hit an RBI single in the 4th and Kendy Moya ripped an RBI double in the 7th. Ramiro Rodriguez, Anthony Rodriguez, and Bernardo Heras all had 2 hits in the game.

Francisco Villegas and Gerardo Bojorquez both pitched 4 innings. Villegas allowed a run on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Bojorquez's first 3 innings went well, but it all unraveled on him in the 9th as he allowed 5 runs in the inning. In all, he allowed 6 runs (3 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Gabriel Pirela allowed a hit and struck out 2 in the 9th; a runner that he inherited from Bojorquez scored.

Thursday's Stars

Photo from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page

Fresno Grizzlies: W 14-0 vs. Reno

All players in lineup recorded a hit and scored a run.

Mike Hauschild: W (7-7), 8 IP, 2 H, BB, 9 K

Reymin Guduan: IP, K

Alex Bregman: 2-6, solo HR (5, 19 season), 3 RBI

Preston Tucker: 4-6, 2 2B, solo HR (8), 4 R

Tyler White: 4-4, 2-R HR (5), 3 R

Photo by Bryan Green

Jorge Guzman (pictured), RHP, GCL Astros: 3 IP, H, BB, 6 K

Cristian Javier, RHP, GCL Astros: W (2-0), 5 IP, 4 H, 4 K

Dariel Aquino, RHP, GCL Astros: Save (2), IP, 2 K

Jamie Ritchie, C, Lancaster

2-4, 3-R HR (5)

Danry Vásquez, OF, Corpus Christi

3-4. 2 2B, 2 R

Arturo Michelena, IF, Quad Cities

2-4, go-ahead 2-RBI single in 8th, R

Astros Farm Report: 5/17

It was a good news, bad (terrible) news day on the Astros minor league front. Bad news first.

It was a terrible scene last night in San Antonio last night as Mott Hyde dove for a ball in shallow left field and collided with Danry Vasquez. Hyde was taken to the hospital with a head injury while Vasquez's left leg was splinted and he was carried off the field. I saw no subsequent reports about the extent of their injuries, but send your good thoughts and prayers their way for a quick recovery. Oh, and by the way, Hyde got the out!

In much, much better news, the Astros announced that OF/IF Tony Kemp was being called up to Houston. Kemp, a 5th round 2013 draft pick out of Vanderbilt University, was drafted as a second baseman but has also been playing the outfield the last couple of seasons since second base in Houston is currently occupied by Jose Altuve. Kemp is probably a better second baseman than he is an outfielder at this point (he won the MiLB Gold Glove at second in 2014), but do not discount his abilities. Kemp gets the absolute maximum out of his body that he can, is incredibly smart and will continue to improve.

I first talked to Kemp shortly after he was drafted in 2013 in this interview and again in 2014. At a listed 5'6", he is a huge personality in a little package. He works as hard as anyone I've seen to keep improving. And he always has a smile and a kind word for everyone he meets. There are some players I've met over the years that I root for just a little bit harder than others. Kemp is one of those.

The many faces of Kemp ...

With Conrad Gregor

With Nolan Fontana

With Delino DeShields

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, April 19, 2015

Las Vegas 10, Fresno 5

W- Steve Matz (1-1)
L- Brady Rodgers (0-2)

Fresno home runs: None.

This game was tied at 2 after the 4th inning, but the 51s put up 3 in the 5th and the 6th to open things up in their favor.

The Grizz opened up the scoring with 2 in the 2nd, as Matt Duffy scored on a Joe Sclafani groundout and Andrew Aplin hit an RBI single. They would not score again until the 7th, when Preston Tucker hit an RBI single. Tucker, who finished 2-5 to extend his hitting streak to 21 games dating back to last season, grounded into a force out that scored Luis Flores in the 9th. One batter later, Matt Duffy hit an RBI groundout. Flores, a minor league Rule 5 draft pick, finished 2-3 with a double.

Brady Rodgers went 5.1 innings and allowed 7 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 8 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and struck out 4. Richard Rodriguez was the first man out; he went 1.2 innings and allowed 2 runs of his own, 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Kevin Chapman gave up a run on 2 hits in the 8th.

Asher Wojciechowski would've been starting for Fresno tonight, but he's been summoned to Seattle, where he'll start for the Astros instead. Whoever is starting for the Grizzlies will take on Matt Bowman at 7:05 Pacific.

Tulsa 5, Corpus Christi 2

W- Matt Shelton (1-0)
L- Mike Hauschild (1-1)
S- Chin-hui Tsao (2)

CC home runs: None.

The Drillers pounced on Mike Hauschild immediately after his entrance as they took the series opener.

Lance McCullers had to settle for a no-decision, but he was excellent in his 2nd look at the Drillers. He allowed 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5 over 5 shutout innings. All 4 runs that Hauschild allowed came in the 6th. He allowed 6 hits... all singles, walked 1, and struck out 4. Mitch Lambson allowed a run on 3 hits in the 9th inning.

The 2 Corpus runs came in the 3rd on an RBI double from Jio Mier and an RBI single from Tony Kemp, who finished 2-4.

Aaron West faces Chris Anderson tonight at 7:05.

High Desert 15, Lancaster 11

W- Felix Carvallo (1-0)
L- Blaine Sims (0-2)
S- Justin Sprenger (1)

Lancaster home runs: Ronnie Mitchell (1, solo in 9th)

Wow, that was a pretty rough start for the JetHawks. They found themselves down 12-0 after the Mavericks put up 11 in the bottom of the 2nd. However, I have to give credit to them for fighting back, and in the late stages of the ballgame, they looked as though they would find a way to erase that deficit.

Blaine Sims got hammered in his 1.1 innings, and we'll leave it at that. Randall Fant pitched 2.2 innings and allowed 2 of Sims' runners to score and 1 run of his own, 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Tyler Brunnemann was the only Lancaster pitcher to have a spotless outing; he allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 4 over 2 scoreless. Frederick Tiburcio allowed a 2-run homer to Alex Burg in the 8th. He went 2 innings and allowed 2 other hits and fanned 3.

The JetHawks got on board with a pair of runs in the 3rd inning from a Jobduan Morales RBI single and a J.D. Davis sacrifice fly. Jack Mayfield hit a sac fly in the 6th, and they put a scare in the Mavs in the 7th as they had the bases loaded for a majority of the inning and ended up with 6 runs.

Danry Vásquez hit an RBI double, which advanced Chan-Jong Moon to 3rd. J.D. Davis walked to load the bases. Then, Lancaster got an RBI single from A.J. Reed, a sac fly from Chase McDonald, and another RBI single by Brett Phillips. A wild pitch advanced Reed and Phillips, and Mayfield walked to re-load the bases. Ronnie Mitchell walked to bring Reed in, and Morales hit an RBI groundout that also advanced Mitchell and Mayfield. Moon was plunked to re-load the bases, but the threat ended when Danry grounded out. Mitchell homered with 1 out in the 9th, and after Moon drew a walk, Danry, who finished 3-6, brought him home with a double. Phillips (RBI single, SB [1]), Mitchell (solo HR, RBI BB), and Morales (2 RBI) had 2 hits apiece.

The JetHawks will now head to Rancho Cucamonga for 3. In game 1, Edison Frias will face John Richy at 7:05 Pacific.

Quad Cities 7, Kane County 2

W- Brock Dykxhoorn (2-0)
L- Brent Jones (0-2)

QC home runs: Jamie Ritchie (1, solo in 3rd), Jorge Martinez (1, solo in 5th)

The Bandits trailed 2-0 after the 1st inning, but they rattled off 7 unanswered runs afterwards.

They were on the board in the 2nd inning with an RBI single from Kristian Trompiz. Jamie Ritchie smacked his 1st homer of the year in the 3rd to tie the game. Ritchie and Trompiz had 3 hits apiece; Ritchie has a hit in every game that he's played this season, and Trompiz wasn't quite done yet. Jorge Martinez put QC in the lead when he led off the bottom of the 5th with a homer, and the River Bandits built up a nice cushion in the 6th with a 4-run inning. Sean McMullen hit a sac fly, and then one batter later, Mott Hyde ripped a double. Hyde moved to 3rd on a wild pitch and scored on a fielder's choice hit by Alfredo Gonzalez, who advanced to 3rd on a Martinez double. Trompiz came up and came through with a 2-run double that stretched the Quad Cities lead to 7-2. Hyde finished 2-4 with that double and scored 2 runs.

Brock Dykxhoorn pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Ryan Thompson and Eric Peterson shut it down: The Closer allowed 1 hit and struck out 3 over 2 scoreless, and Peterson worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 1.

Quad Cities will look for the sweep tonight at 7:00 as Kevin Comer takes on Jared Miller.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Jamie Ritchie, C/1B, Quad Cities

3-4, solo HR (1)

2. 

Danry Vásquez, OF, Lancaster

3-6, 2 2B, 2 RBI, R

1. 

@Kristiantrompiz pic.twitter.com/9VkvcW0JnY

— RGuill (@QCBanditPhotog) April 19, 2015

Kristian Trompiz, IF, Quad Cities

3-4, 2B, 3 RBI

Three (well, technically four) Stars: Pitchers

3. 

Ryan Thompson, RHP, Quad Cities

2 IP, H, 3 K

Eric Peterson, LHP, Quad Cities

IP, H, K

2. 

Tyler Brunnemann, RHP, Lancaster

2 IP, H, BB, 4 K

1. 

Lance McCullers, RHP, Corpus Christi

5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 5 K

Happy Birthday - 1/8

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Samil de los Santos (21)
Signed by the Astros as a non-drafted free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2011, de los Santos made his first 11 appearances of the 2014 season with the GCL and his last four with the Greeneville Astros, combining for a 4.58 ERA and a 1.576 WHIP. He walked 12 and struck out 28 in 19.2 innings.

LF Danry Vasquez (21)
Originally signed by the Tigers as a NDFA out of Venezuela in 2010, Vasquez came to the Astros organization in the July 2013 Jose Veras trade. Vasquez spent his 2014 season with High A Lancaster, hitting .291/.353/.407 with 30 doubles, two triples, five home runs and 47 RBI in 114 games.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

CF Jim Busby (died July 8, 1996 at 69)
Busby came to Houston as a free agent and played in 15 games for the Colt .45's in 1962 at the end of his career, hitting .182/.308/.182 in 11 at-bats. He was an All-Star with the White Sox in 1951 but his best season was for the Washington Senators in 1953 when he hit .312/.358/.415 in 150 games.

3B Gene Freese (died June 19, 2013 at 79)
Freese came to Houston in a July 1966 trade with the White Sox and played in 21 games for the Astros at the end of his career with forgettable results. His best season was arguably his 1961 season with the Reds when he hit .277/.307/.466 with 27 doubles, two triples and 26 home runs. In all, he played in the major leagues for 12 seasons.

OF Wilbur Howard (66)
Originally drafted by the Seattle Pilots in the 19th round in 1968, Howard came to Houston in a March 1974 trade with the Brewers. In 450 games played for the Astros from 1974 to 1978 he hit .252/.285/.327. He led the National League in fielding percentage as an outfielder in 1975.

RHP Julio Solano (55)
Solano was signed by Houston as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 1979, and pitched in 82 games for Houston from 1983 to 1987 with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.405 WHIP before being traded to Seattle in September 1987.

2B Dave Matranga (37)
A sixth round pick by the Astros in 1998, Matranga played in 6 games for Houston in 2003. In 5 at-bats, he got one hit -- a home run in his first major league at-bat. He only had one more major league plate appearance (with the Angels in 2005), and did not get a hit.

Getting to Know JetHawks OF Danry Vasquez and Teoscar Hernandez

In my final installment from my trip to Lancaster at the end of May, I bring you a "twofer." Teoscar Hernandez was a little leery about doing an interview with me because he wasn't confident that his English would be good enough (it was), so I brought along Danry Vasquez for moral support. They are both high energy and very charismatic. I really enjoyed talking with both of them throughout my weekend there.

Prior to talking with Hernandez and Vasquez, I first spoke with Manager Rodney Linares about the duo. The word "tools" came up a lot during our conversation on each of these players. They both have a lot of talent, a lot of projectability and a lot of tools, but they are both still young and still learning.

Danry Vasquez - May 2014

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Of Vasquez, Linares said, "Good kid, brings great energy to the table. Early on, when I started working with him, he was a little bit lost. He's one of those guys who still doesn't know what type of player he wants to be. Is he a power hitter? Is he a gap to gap hitter? A base stealer? So there's a lot of growing up there and he's getting there. He's getting better. He has a lot of tools, but we've also got to remember he's young. He's got big league tools, but he needs a lot of refining."

Linares wants to see a lot of improvement from Vasquez on his defense, which he describes as tentative, "We're working on it so hopefully he progresses and by the end of the year, we see a lot of improvement. I see a lot of improvement already overall. He hits the ball. He doesn't tap into his power because he's trying to figure out a lot of stuff. There's power there. He still doesn't know what type of player he wants to be or what type of player he really is."

Hitting Coach Darryl Robinson also weighed in on Vasquez, "Right now he's chasing. He's trying to hit the pitcher's pitch. He's putting a lot of pressure on himself, trying to get hits, trying to force things and what we've talked about is that you can't force things. You can't force what's not there. He's starting to understand that."

Teoscar Hernandez with S&C Coach Mark Spadavecchia

Photo by Jayne Hansen - May 2014

Robinson and I also talked about Teoscar Hernandez, "That's my guy. He's a worker. He beats me to the cage every day. Right now, he's chasing some pitches. [We've been working on] his strike zone management, and I see him only getting better with it. He's a gamer. He comes to play every day."

Of Hernandez, Linares told me, "Teo has the highest ceiling of all the guys we've got here not named Correa." He also acknowledged that all the tools in the world are no guarantee of success, but the tools are definitely there, "He's strong. He runs well. He plays good defense. He's got a great arm. He doesn't have a good arm. He's got a great arm."

But Linares stressed that, like Vasquez, Hernandez is still young and hasn't been playing that long, "People seem to forget that. He's going to make a lot of mistakes. He's going to strike out. Same thing I said about Springer two years ago, he is going to strike out. He is getting better. His walks are up from last year. He understands that he doesn't have to hit the ball every at bat. He's getting better with pitch recognition which will only get him better. It will only benefit him."

Linares continued with his praise of Hernandez, "He always has a smile. He comes in. He plays the game hard. He's enthusiastic. He cares. He's going to make a lot of mistakes. But in my eyes, within two years, two and a half years, he'll be either in the big leagues or knocking at the door of the big leagues because he has got a chance to be something special."

Now let's hear from the dynamic duo.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, May 26, 2014

Oklahoma City 6, Memphis 4

W- Paul Clemens (3-0)
L- Kurt Heyes (0-1, 2-3 season)
S- Jason Stoffel (5)

OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (13, 2-run in 3rd), Kiké Hernandez (3, 4 season; 2-run in 5th)

The word of the day is dozen. The RedHawks jumped out to a 6-0 lead as they wrapped up their Big 12 Tournament roadtrip on a winning note. Their 7-5 record on the roadtrip is the first time that they've finished with a winning record on the Big 12 Tournament roadtrip since 2010. It got a little too close for comfort late, though.

Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Erik Castro, who missed out on the party. Gregorio Petit opened the scoring in the 2nd with an RBI single. Singleton's 2-run blast in the 3rd gave him a baker's dozen of home runs. Ronald Torreyes went 2-4 with an RBI single in the 4th, and Kiké Hernandez's 2-run homer in the 5th extended his hitting streak to a dozen games. Singleton and Austin Wates also had 2 hits apiece; Wates had a double and a steal (12).

Paul Clemens started it off with 5 shutout innings; he allowed 3 hits and struck out 3. Alex White followed that up with 2 scoreless, allowing a hit and striking out 1. Josh Zeid had a tough time; he got 2 outs in the 8th, but not before the Redbirds got 4 runs (1 earned; 2 inherited runners charged to him) off of him. He allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. Kevin Chapman got the final out of the 8th and the first 2 of the 9th, allowing 2 hits and walking 3. Jason Stoffel entered with 2 runners on and 2 outs; he shut the door.

Two weeks after playing their last home game before embarking on this roadtrip, the RedHawks are finally home, and they've got the place to themselves. Well, actually, they're beginning a 4-game series with Omaha starting tonight at 7:05. Nick Tropeano will face Brett Tomko in the opener.

Northwest Arkansas 5, Corpus Christi 3

W- Sam Selman (3-3)
L- Michael Dimock (1-2)
S- Andrew Triggs (3)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks ended up dropping 2 of 3 to the Naturals as Michael Dimock was tagged for a pair of runs in the 5th.

The offense was powered by Matt Duffy, who went 4-5 and is now on a 7-game hitting streak. He put the Hooks on the board in the 2nd with an RBI single (down 2-1) and came home on a double from Preston Tucker which tied the game at 2. Duffy would go on to add an RBI double in the 7th, while Tucker finished 2-5. Delino DeShields was 1-5 with a steal (18). Joe Sclafani started a game in the outfield for the first time as a pro (not sure if he did it in Australia this past winter). He was in left field and went 1-4 with a double and is now on a modest 4-game hitting streak. Sclafani has a hit in 12 of his last 13 games.

Jordan Jankowski pitched 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 4. Dimock pitched 1.2 innings and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. The last time Dimock allowed a run was May 2, so this outing put an end to a nice scoreless run for him. Pat Urckfits allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and struck out 2 in 2.1 innings.

The Hooks are back home, and for this homestand, they'll be welcoming the Arkansas teams to Corpus Christi. First up is 3 with the Travelers. Tommy Shirley will face Drew Rucinski in the opener; first pitch is at 7:10.

Lancaster 6, Inland Empire 5

W- Dan Minor (4-1)
L- Jairo Diaz (2-3)

Lancaster home runs: Dan Gulbransen (2, grand slam in 6th)

Under the watchful eyes of Jayne and Astros Social Media Director Amanda Rykoff (well, she was there for the weekend, not sure if she saw this game), the JetHawks ran off 6 unanswered to take this game, and take 3 of 4 in this Memorial Day series.

It looked rather dire as they were down 5-0, but that changed in a hurry in the 6th inning. Carlos Correa led off the inning with a single, and Rio Ruiz brought him home with a double to put them on the board, down 5-1. An error and a single later, the bases were loaded for Dan Gulbransen, who came through in a huge way as he belted the game-tying grand slam. The JetHawks completed the comeback in the 8th as Roberto Peña hit a single to send Danry Vásquez home with the eventual game-winning run. It was great night for Vásquez as he finished 4-4 with 2 runs scored.

Gonzalo Sañudo went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs (all on a 2-run homer and a 3-run homer) on 7 hits and struck out 2. J.D. Osborne threw 1.1 scoreless, walking 3 and striking out 1. Dan Minor went 2.2 scoreless and allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2.

The JetHawks will now have a brief getaway from The Hangar as they're in Lake Elsinore for 3 games starting tonight at 6:05 Pacific. Kyle Westwood will take on Joe Ross in the series opener.

Burlington 7, Quad Cities 5 in 10 innings

W- Alan Busenitz (1-3)
L- Tyler Brunnemann (0-1)

QC home runs: None.

The River Bandits jumped out to a 5-0 lead through 3.5 innings, but the Bees stung them for 7 unanswered, which culminated in a walk-off 2-run home run in the first extra frame.

The game started off swimmingly for the Bandits as they put up 4 in the 1st on an RBI double from Brett Phillips, who scored on an RBI single from Conrad Gregor. Later in the inning, Ronnie Mitchell added a 2-run single. Jon Kemmer went 2-4 and led off the 4th with a double. He would score on a Chan-Jong Moon fielder's choice. Brett Phillips and Brian Holberton finished with 2 hits apiece.

Adrian Houser allowed 3 runs on 4 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 4. Kevin Comer pitched 3 innings and the only ding on his line was a solo homer from Eric Aguilera in the 8th. He allowed 2 other hits and struck out 4. Andrew Walter allowed a run (on a sac fly) and a hit in the 9th. Tyler Brunnemann walked off with the loss after he gave up the 2-run homer to Mike Fish with 1 out in the 10th.

QC will look to avoid the sweep as Andrew Thurman and Chris Lee will take on Clint Sharp at 6:30.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Danry Vásquez, LF, Lancaster

4-4, 2 R

2.

Matt Duffy, 3B, Corpus Christi

4-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R

1.

Jon Singleton, 1B, Oklahoma City

2-5, 2-R HR (13), 2 R

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

Kevin Comer, RHP, Quad Cities
3 IP, 3 H (solo HR), ER, 4 K

2.

Dan Minor, RHP, Lancaster
2.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K
0.00 ERA in May

1.

#471425789 / gettyimages.com

Paul Clemens, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (3-0), 5 IP, 3 H, 3 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, May 25, 2014

Let's play 2 in Burlington, because a game needed to be finished.

Memphis 3, Oklahoma City 2

W- Scott McGregor (1-5)
L- Jake Buchanan (4-4)
S- David Aardsma (7)

OKC home runs: Kiké Hernandez (2, 3 season; solo in 4th)

The RedHawks made it a 1-run game, but they just couldn't get over the hump.

Jake Buchanan had a bare minimum quality start (6 IP, 3 ER or less); he allowed 8 hits and walked 2. Bobby Doran struck out 2 over 2 perfect innings.

Kiké Hernandez put the RedHawks on the board as he hit a solo homer in the 4th. That blast extended his hitting streak to 11 games. Max Stassi reached on an error in the 7th and scored when Andy Simunic grounded into a force out.

In the final game of this long, long roadtrip for OKC, Paul Clemens will take on Kurt Heyer. First pitch is at 1:05.

Northwest Arkansas 7, Corpus Christi 4

W- J.C. Sulbaran (2-3)
L- Luis Cruz (4-5)
S- Malcom Culver (4)

CC home runs: Matt Duffy (5, 2-run in 6th)

The Naturals raced out to a 6-0 lead after the 4th as they got even in the series.

Luis Cruz went 5 innings and allowed 6 runs on 9 hits (2 solos and a 2-run homer) and struck out 4. Alex Sogard was the first man out of the Hooks bullpen; he went 2 innings and allowed an unearned run on a sac fly, walked 1, and struck out 1. Jorge De Leon struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

The Hooks got on the board in the 6th thanks to a 2-run shot from Matt Duffy (5) and an RBI single from Jio Mier. The two of them had 2 hits apiece, as did Tyler Heineman and Joe Sclafani. Mier brought Duffy home with a bases-loaded walk in the 8th. Delino DeShields was 1-5 with a steal (17).

In the series finale, Jordan Jankowski will face Sam Selman at 1:05.

Lancaster 12, Inland Empire 5

W- Zach Morton (1-0, 3-1 season)
L- Mark Sappington (0-1, 1-5 season)

Lancaster home runs: Carlos Correa (4, 2-run in 8th)

The JetHawks scored in their final 5 innings as they took 2 of 3 in the series. They went on an 11-1 run from the 4th to the 8th, which proved to be the decisive stretch. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Teoscar Hernandez, who still walked twice, stole a base (15), and scored a run despite suffering through a hat trick at the plate.

They had the bases loaded with no one out in the 1st, but could only muster up a run that scored on a double play. A pair of walks reloaded the bases, but Danry Vásquez flew out to end the inning.

Vásquez, who finished 2-5, redeemed himself with an RBI double in the 4th that gave Lancaster a 2-1 lead. After the 66ers tied the game at 2 in the 5th, the Carloses (?) gave the JetHawks the lead with a couple of RBI singles in the bottom of the inning. After Roberto Peña walked to begin the 6th, he scored on a Jordan Scott triple. Scott came home on a Tony Kemp single. Peña got in on the fun with a 2-run single after stretch time. Correa went deep (4) in the 8th, and Vásquez finished it off with a 2-run single. Correa and Kemp had 3 hits each, while Scott joined Vásquez in the 2-hit club. Perdomo (6) and Scott (3) also recorded steals.

Zach Morton got his first win as a JetHawk as he allowed 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 1 over 5 innings of work. Brian Holmes pitched 3 innings and allowed 3 runs (all in the 9th, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 4 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 2. Mitch Lambson worked around 2 hits to finish the game, striking out 1.

Gonzalo Sañudo gets the start in the series finale; he'll face TBA at 5:00 Pacific.

From May 21: Burlington 12, Quad Cities 4

W- Trevor Foss (1-1)
L- Edison Frias (1-2)

QC home runs: Ronnie Mitchell (2, solo in 3rd)

Note: That was Mitchell's 2nd home run at the time.

Unfortunately, the wheels fell off in the 9th as the Bees stung Edison Frias for a pair of 3-run homers as part of an 8-run 9th. Frias, who came on after play was resumed, got through 2 innings without incident, but he unraveled in the 9th. He got 1 out in the 9th, but gave up 8 runs on 8 hits (2 3-run homers, an RBI single, and an RBI double) and walked 1. Chris Cotton cleaned up the mess as he retired both Bees hitters he faced, striking out 1.

There wasn't much change in the River Bandits' side of the ledger; Brian Holberton ultimately finished 3-4.

Regularly Scheduled Game: Burlington 3, Quad Cities 2

W- Harrison Cooney (3-3)
L- Frederick Tiburcio (0-1)
S- Ben Carlson (3)

QC home runs: Jack Mayfield (2, solo in 2nd)

The River Bandits shot themselves in the foot in the 7th as they had an error, a couple of wild pitches, while Burlington scored 2 to take the lead.

The Bandits had 3 hits in this one; one was a solo shot from Jack Mayfield (2) that opened the scoring in the 2nd. The other 2 hits came in the form of a Thomas Lindauer single and a James Ramsay double in the 3rd. Both came with 1 out; but all they mustered up in that situation was a Chan-Jong Moon sac fly.

Evan Grills pitched 6 innings and allowed a run (on a solo homer from Eric Aguilera) on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Frederick Tiburcio was tagged with both runs in the 7th; both were unearned. He pitched 2 innings and also allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 5.

In the middle game of this series, Adrian Houser will take on Ryan Etsell at 2:00.

Three Stars: Position Players

2.

Matt Duffy, 3B, Corpus Christi

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

Jio Mier, SS, Corpus Christi

2-3, 2 RBI, BB

1.

Tony Kemp, 2B, Lancaster

3-5, RBI, 2 R

Carlos Correa, SS, Lancaster

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

Photo courtesy of Bryan Green

Danry Vásquez, LF, Lancaster

2-5, 3 RBI

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

Bobby Doran, RHP, Oklahoma City

2 IP, 2 K

2.

Zach Morton, RHP, Lancaster

W (1-0, 3-1 season), 5 IP, 6 H (solo HR), 2 ER, K; 9 groundouts, 2 flyouts

1.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Green

Evan Grills, LHP, Quad Cities

6 IP, 6 H (solo HR), ER, BB, 2 K

Happy Birthday - 1/8

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Samil de los Santos (20)
Signed by the Astros as a non-drafted free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2011, de los Santos stumbled a bit in his first season stateside. In 14 games (two starts), he was 3-2 with a 7.86 ERA and a 1.557 WHIP. He walked seven batters while striking out 28 in 26+ innings.

LF Danry Vasquez (20)
Originally signed by the Tigers as a NDFA out of Venezuela in 2010, Vasquez came to the Astros organization in the July 2013 Jose Veras trade. His numbers from before and after the trade (which occurred within the Midwest League) were very consistent. He ended the season with the Quad Cities team, hitting .284/.331/.400 with 18 doubles, six triples, nine home runs and 60 RBI in 129 games.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

CF Jim Busby (died July 8, 1996 at 69)
Busby came to Houston as a free agent and played in 15 games for the Colt .45's in 1962 at the end of his career, hitting .182/.308/.182 in 11 at-bats. He was an All-Star with the White Sox in 1951 but his best season was for the Washington Senators in 1953 when he hit .312/.358/.415 in 150 games.

3B Gene Freese (died June 19, 2013 at 79)
Freese came to Houston in a July 1966 trade with the White Sox and played in 21 games for the Astros at the end of his career with forgettable results. His best season was arguably his 1961 season with the Reds when he hit .277/.307/.466 with 27 doubles, two triples and 26 home runs. In all, he played in the major leagues for 12 seasons.

OF Wilbur Howard (65)
Originally drafted by the Seattle Pilots in the 19th round in 1968, Howard came to Houston in a March 1974 trade with the Brewers. In 450 games played for the Astros from 1974 to 1978 he hit .252/.285/.327. He led the National League in fielding percentage as an outfielder in 1975.

RHP Julio Solano (54)
Solano was signed by Houston as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 1979, and pitched in 82 games for Houston from 1983 to 1987 with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.405 WHIP before being traded to Seattle in September 1987.

2B Dave Matranga (37)
A sixth round pick by the Astros in 1998, Matranga played in 6 games for Houston in 2003. In 5 at-bats, he got one hit -- a home run in his first major league at-bat. He only had one more major league plate appearance (with the Angels in 2005), and did not get a hit.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Sunday's Games

Oklahoma City over Memphis 5-4 in 11 innings
Blair Walters got the spot start and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over four and a third innings. He struck out four. Pat Urckfitz (2.1IP 2H 2SO) and Jose Cisnero (1.1IP 1H 1BB 2SO) followed with scoreless relief. Hector Ambriz gave up the final two Memphis runs in the ninth inning, but benefited from the RedHawks scoring four in the bottom of the frame to tie it and earned the win after pitching the 10th and 11th. Down 4-0 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the RedHawks got to work. Che-Hsuan Lin (2x3 BB) doubled, Carlos Perez singled and then Jimmy Paredes (3x5 BB) doubled in Lin. Paredes was followed by a three-run Jose Martinez (3x6) home run to tie it up. Martinez was once again the hero in the bottom of the 11th as he drove in the winning run, walk-off style. Marc Krauss was two-for-five with a double and Carlos Perez went three-for-five and scored a run.

San Antonio over Corpus Christi 13-9
David Rollins got roughed up in this one to the tune of eight runs on 10 hits (including two home runs) over four and a third. T.J. Geith didn't fare much better as he allowed another five runs across on five hits in his two and two-thirds innings. Cameron Lamb and Carlos Quevedo each pitched a perfect frame. Down 13-3 at one point, the Hooks battled back but ultimately came up short. Luis Alvarez and Michael Burgess (2x3 3RBI) both provided a little fireworks with two-run shots while Preston Tucker (2x5 2B HR 3RBI) contributed a solo dinger. Domingo Santana went two-for-four with a double, walk and two runs scored, and Ronald Torreyes was two-for-four with a double and scored once.

Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 2-1 in 10 innings
Starter Vince Velasquez didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and then allowed only two singles. His final line for the night was 6IP 2H 1R 1BB 8SO. He was followed by one and a third scoreless innings from Kenny Long. Travis Ballew then took it the rest of the way, allowing the game-winning run from the Quakes in the 10th. The 'Hawks sole run came in the fourth on a Brandon Meredith home run. Delino DeShields had the only other extra-base hit, a triple, and he stole his 51st base of the season. Dan Gulbransen collected two of the 'Hawks six hits.

Quad Cities over Beloit 8-7
The River Bandits took control early, with a six-run third inning featuring a two-RBI single from Carlos Correa and a two-run home run from Danry Vasquez. They added on two in the fifth on another Danry Vasquez home run and a Bobby Borchering (2x3) triple scoring Rio Ruiz (2x3 2-2B BB 2R). Leading 8-2 behind the start from Josh Hader (4.1IP 2H 2R 6BB 4SO) and some excellent relief pitching from Patrick Christensen, it looked like this was Quad Cities all the way. But Jorge Perez struggled to get out of the seventh and ultimately allowed five runs while only recording two outs. Andrew Walter came to the rescue converting a two and a third inning save opportunity.

Tri-City over Lowell 7-4
I cannot emphasize exactly how much Tri-City needed this win. They had not been able to put a dent in their magic number for five straight games. Now they have a chance, but it will likely come down to their final game on Wednesday. Michael Feliz got the start and things got squirrely early, as he allowed four runs across in the first inning, but he righted the ship and the next six innings were scoreless. Feliz' final line was 7IP 5H 4R 2BB 10SO. He was followed by Gonzalo Sanudo who struck out four in the final two innings to earn his seventh save in only eight games for Tri-City. The 'Cats answered the four-run first with a four-run third of their own, featuring a James Ramsay (2x5 BB 2R) RBI single, a Ryan Dineen sac fly RBI and a two-run single from Conrad Gregor (2x3 2B BB 3RBI). Tri-City added on one more in the seventh for the go ahead run and two more insurance runs in the eighth. Ronnie Mitchell went two-for-five with an RBI, and Chan Moon went three-for-four with a double, walk and scored twice.

Kingsport over Greeneville 3-1 (Playoff Game #1)
Jandel Gustave got the start and allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in five innings and was followed by four perfect innings from Joe Musgrove. The Astros only managed one run in the seventh as Brian Holberton doubled in Brett Phillips (3x4). Juan Santana also doubled in the game.

Player of the Day: Jose Martinez' four RBI day would put him in the running for Player of the Day anyway, but getting both the game tying and game winning runs in seals the deal. Honorable mention goes to Danry Vasquez.

Pitcher of the Day: Michael Feliz gets the honors. After getting hurt in the first inning, he bore down and only gave up one single and one walk the rest of the way. He gave his team a chance to come back in a crucial game and they did.