In case you missed this bit of news tucked away in this article about his fiance, OF Drew Locke has apparently retired. Locke was originally picked up by Houston in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft from Los Angeles and played in the Houston organization from 2009 to 2011 before becoming a free agent and signing with the Independent League Sugar Land Skeeters. Locke then re-signed with Houston last June, playing for the Corpus Christi Hooks. He made a splash early on during his time with the Hooks as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games for the team within a week after his return.
Also, RHP Dayan Diaz, who started playing with the Houston organization in Venezuela in 2006 was reported by Baseball-America to have signed as a free agent with the Cubs organization. He pitched for Lexington in 2012.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Drew Locke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drew Locke. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Corpus Christi Hooks Season Recap
So far we have looked at the seasons for the DSL Astros, the GCL Astros, the Greeneville Astros, the Lexington Legends, and the Oklahoma City Redhawks. Now let's take a look at the AA Corpus Christi Hooks. Here's a quick look at how the 2011 and 2012 teams compare.
2011 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 50-90/.357
2012 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 81-59/.579
2011 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 605 - 761 = (156)
2012 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 736 - 628 = 108
2011 Team ERA & WHIP: 5.01 & 1.460
2012 Team ERA & WHIP: 4.07 & 1.332
2011 Team Batting Line: .258/.320/.388
2012 Team Batting Line: .268/.342/.410
This team not only won 31 more games than last season, they also had a 264-run swing in their run differential and made their first post-season appearance since 2006. I knew they would be a better team than last season, but Wow! In the Texas League, Corpus ranked first (out of eight teams) in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles and RBI.
Let's look at just a few of the outstanding position players for the Corpus team.
1B Jon Singleton finished the regular season hitting .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples and 21 home runs. He was second in the league in walks and runs, and in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and RBI.
The triumverate of 2B Jose Martinez, OF Austin Wates and OF Jake Goebbert tied for fourth in the league in batting average. Martinez' .304/.362/.464 was good enough to land him in the top 10 in the league in SLG and OPS, and although he was at Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season, he was still in the top 10 in runs and RBI. Wates was tenth in the league in OBP with a batting line of .304/.375/.429. Goebbert quietly went about hitting fourth in the league in OBP, sixth in OPS and eighth in SLG as he hit .304/.399/.473 with 23 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. 3B Andy Simunic (.297/.349/.345) also ranked in the top 10 in batting average.
I will look at CF George Springer and 2B Kike Hernandez when I look at the Lancaster team since they played the majority of the season there, and we'll see how their stats stacked up in the California League.
Other players of note include SS Ben Orloff who only played in 39 games for the Hooks after playing the bulk of the season in Lancaster. He hit .295/.360/.352 at Corpus and .288/.362/.316 at Lancaster. And OF Drew Locke, playing in 68 games for the Hooks after a June pick-up, hit .295/.347/.456 and, it should be noted, provided the fans with a little extra excitement as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games.
As far as pitchers go, there were several very good pitchers for Corpus Christi who were promoted to Oklahoma City (Jarred Cosart, Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer) and I looked at their seasons in conjunction with the Oklahoma City season recap. However, one other starter at Corpus who came into his own this season was RHP Ross Seaton. Seaton was young for the Texas League last season. It showed at times and he repeated the level. In 25 starts for the Hooks this season, he was 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA (11th in the league among qualified pitchers) and a 1.274 WHIP (tied for 6th) and was also 7th in strikeouts. He dipped a toe in with four starts at Oklahoma City and was 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in those starts.
The relief corps was dominated by the one-two punch of LHP Kevin Chapman and RHP Jason Stoffel who pitched many an eighth and ninth innings for the Hooks with great results. Chapman was 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.397 WHIP in 49 appearances while Stoffel was 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA, a 0.982 WHIP and a league-leading 27 saves in 56 appearances.
In limited time for the Hooks, newcomers RHP Asher Wojciechowski and RHP Matt Heidenreich had good results. Wojciechowski was 2-2 in eight starts with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP while Heidenreich was 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). RHP Paul Clemens also fared well in his return to Corpus, after struggling in Oklahoma City this season, as he went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP in seven starts to end the season. I will look at RHP Bobby Doran in conjunction with the Lancaster recap.
Although the playoffs were disappointing, LHP Rob Rasmussen's performance was outstanding as he pitched seven shutout innings with a 1.143 WHIP.
I will look at the final two teams, Lancaster and Tri-City, when they finish post-season play.
2011 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 50-90/.357
2012 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 81-59/.579
2011 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 605 - 761 = (156)
2012 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 736 - 628 = 108
2011 Team ERA & WHIP: 5.01 & 1.460
2012 Team ERA & WHIP: 4.07 & 1.332
2011 Team Batting Line: .258/.320/.388
2012 Team Batting Line: .268/.342/.410
This team not only won 31 more games than last season, they also had a 264-run swing in their run differential and made their first post-season appearance since 2006. I knew they would be a better team than last season, but Wow! In the Texas League, Corpus ranked first (out of eight teams) in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles and RBI.
Let's look at just a few of the outstanding position players for the Corpus team.
1B Jon Singleton finished the regular season hitting .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples and 21 home runs. He was second in the league in walks and runs, and in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and RBI.
The triumverate of 2B Jose Martinez, OF Austin Wates and OF Jake Goebbert tied for fourth in the league in batting average. Martinez' .304/.362/.464 was good enough to land him in the top 10 in the league in SLG and OPS, and although he was at Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season, he was still in the top 10 in runs and RBI. Wates was tenth in the league in OBP with a batting line of .304/.375/.429. Goebbert quietly went about hitting fourth in the league in OBP, sixth in OPS and eighth in SLG as he hit .304/.399/.473 with 23 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. 3B Andy Simunic (.297/.349/.345) also ranked in the top 10 in batting average.
I will look at CF George Springer and 2B Kike Hernandez when I look at the Lancaster team since they played the majority of the season there, and we'll see how their stats stacked up in the California League.
Other players of note include SS Ben Orloff who only played in 39 games for the Hooks after playing the bulk of the season in Lancaster. He hit .295/.360/.352 at Corpus and .288/.362/.316 at Lancaster. And OF Drew Locke, playing in 68 games for the Hooks after a June pick-up, hit .295/.347/.456 and, it should be noted, provided the fans with a little extra excitement as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games.
As far as pitchers go, there were several very good pitchers for Corpus Christi who were promoted to Oklahoma City (Jarred Cosart, Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer) and I looked at their seasons in conjunction with the Oklahoma City season recap. However, one other starter at Corpus who came into his own this season was RHP Ross Seaton. Seaton was young for the Texas League last season. It showed at times and he repeated the level. In 25 starts for the Hooks this season, he was 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA (11th in the league among qualified pitchers) and a 1.274 WHIP (tied for 6th) and was also 7th in strikeouts. He dipped a toe in with four starts at Oklahoma City and was 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in those starts.
The relief corps was dominated by the one-two punch of LHP Kevin Chapman and RHP Jason Stoffel who pitched many an eighth and ninth innings for the Hooks with great results. Chapman was 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.397 WHIP in 49 appearances while Stoffel was 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA, a 0.982 WHIP and a league-leading 27 saves in 56 appearances.
In limited time for the Hooks, newcomers RHP Asher Wojciechowski and RHP Matt Heidenreich had good results. Wojciechowski was 2-2 in eight starts with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP while Heidenreich was 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). RHP Paul Clemens also fared well in his return to Corpus, after struggling in Oklahoma City this season, as he went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP in seven starts to end the season. I will look at RHP Bobby Doran in conjunction with the Lancaster recap.
Although the playoffs were disappointing, LHP Rob Rasmussen's performance was outstanding as he pitched seven shutout innings with a 1.143 WHIP.
I will look at the final two teams, Lancaster and Tri-City, when they finish post-season play.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games
DSL Indians over DSL Astros 5-3
Writing about the DSL Astros is about as depressing as following the big club. You just have to look for nuggets of hope for the future. With that said the Astros did collect 10 hits and two doubles in this game which is significant for this light-hitting club (alas, the big club only collected one). Victor Mesa was pegged with the loss after allowing all five of the Indian runs (three earned).
GCL Marlins over GCL Astros 6-0
The less said about this one the better. The Astros were the victim of a perfect game. Lance McCullers was charged with the loss after giving up two runs on five hits over two innings. Jose Montero and Brandon Culbreth allowed the remaining runs. The good news is that Chia-Jen Lo and Rodney Quintero both pitched one perfect inning each.
Pulaski at Greeneville - Game suspended after the top of the 7th
Pulaski was up 5-0 over Greeneville when the game was suspended. Daniel Minor had a shutout going through six innings and then Minor, Scott Zuloaga and Zach Dando had things blow up on them with a five-run seventh. Greeneville only had four hits in the game at the time it was suspended, but two of those belonged to Brian Blasik. The game will resume today, weather allowing.
Tri-City over Vermont 6-3
Vincent Velasquez (W, 4-1) gave up two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings and John Neely let another run come across in the seventh, but then the bullpen shut things down and Blake Ford earned his 10th save of the season. On the offensive side, Joe Sclafani got things started with a two-run triple in the third, one of his two hits for the night. Preston Tucker was two-for-three with a double and an RBI single. Andrew Aplin got one hit and scored two runs.
Greenville over Lexington 11-10 in 15 innings
What makes this loss worse is that Lexington should have won it once in regular innings and once in extra innings before they finally lost in the 15th. Starter Jonas Dufek allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits and no walks over six innings with nine strikeouts. He had a tough four-run fifth inning, but otherwise looked very good. Greenville led 5-2 going into the seventh, but Lexington scored six runs in the seventh thanks in large part to two hit batters, two wild pitches and three walks issued by the Greenville crew. With Lexington leading 8-5 going into the bottom of the ninth, the normally reliable Dayan Diaz gave up three runs to tie it. Then Lexington went ahead again in the top of the 12th with a two-run Mike Kvasnicka double, but Nate Pettus gave up two runs in the bottom of the frame. In the end, Mitch Lambson got stuck with the loss, but it never should have gotten that far. Offensive standouts were Brandon Meredith (2x6 2B 3B RBI), Mike Kvasnicka (2x6 2B HR 4RBI) and Jose Fernandez (2x6 2-2B).
San Jose over Lancaster 15-8
I think when you allow 15 runs, it goes without saying that the pitching staff struggled. The "Let's Convert Jorge de Leon to a Starting Pitcher at Lancaster Experiment" is still a miserable failure as de Leon fell to 2-9 for the season, but it was Jose Trinidad giving up eight runs in 1.1 innings that sealed Lancaster's fate for the evening. Only birthday boy Kirk Clark went unscathed as he pitched a perfect final frame. Chris Epps had a particularly good night with an RBI double and a three-run home run as did Ben Heath with an RBI single and a two-run home run. Kike Hernandez was two-for-four and George Springer was three-for-four with an RBI.
Midland over Corpus Christi 6-4
Jake Buchanan gave up five runs on nine hits in seven innings and went to 5-6 for the season. The Hooks got within a run with a big sixth inning thanks to a Drew Locke RBI double and a three-run Jake Goebbert home run, but they stranded runners in the eighth and ninth innings and that was that. Andrew Simunic and Jose Martinez each had two hits, but Drew Locke was locked in with a five-for-five night.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 9-8
This one got closer than it should have as Jonnathan Aristil and Juan Abreu combined to allow three runs in the bottom of the ninth, but ultimately starter Armando Galarraga got the win despite giving up five runs, four of them on home runs. The Redhawks scored four via the long ball as well, with a two-run shot from Jimmy Paredes and solo homers from Brad Snyder and Landon Powell. There was good hitting across the board with everyone getting at least one hit and Brandon Barnes and Paredes getting three hits each.
Pitcher of the Day: I'm going to go with Blake Ford for converting his 10th save out of 10 opportunities for Tri-City. He still has a 0.00 ERA for Tri-City, and a WHIP of only 0.868.
Players of the Day: Chris Epps should get some recognition for his four RBI night, as should Drew Locke for his five-for-five outing.
DSL Indians over DSL Astros 5-3
Writing about the DSL Astros is about as depressing as following the big club. You just have to look for nuggets of hope for the future. With that said the Astros did collect 10 hits and two doubles in this game which is significant for this light-hitting club (alas, the big club only collected one). Victor Mesa was pegged with the loss after allowing all five of the Indian runs (three earned).
GCL Marlins over GCL Astros 6-0
The less said about this one the better. The Astros were the victim of a perfect game. Lance McCullers was charged with the loss after giving up two runs on five hits over two innings. Jose Montero and Brandon Culbreth allowed the remaining runs. The good news is that Chia-Jen Lo and Rodney Quintero both pitched one perfect inning each.
Pulaski at Greeneville - Game suspended after the top of the 7th
Pulaski was up 5-0 over Greeneville when the game was suspended. Daniel Minor had a shutout going through six innings and then Minor, Scott Zuloaga and Zach Dando had things blow up on them with a five-run seventh. Greeneville only had four hits in the game at the time it was suspended, but two of those belonged to Brian Blasik. The game will resume today, weather allowing.
Tri-City over Vermont 6-3
Vincent Velasquez (W, 4-1) gave up two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings and John Neely let another run come across in the seventh, but then the bullpen shut things down and Blake Ford earned his 10th save of the season. On the offensive side, Joe Sclafani got things started with a two-run triple in the third, one of his two hits for the night. Preston Tucker was two-for-three with a double and an RBI single. Andrew Aplin got one hit and scored two runs.
Greenville over Lexington 11-10 in 15 innings
What makes this loss worse is that Lexington should have won it once in regular innings and once in extra innings before they finally lost in the 15th. Starter Jonas Dufek allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits and no walks over six innings with nine strikeouts. He had a tough four-run fifth inning, but otherwise looked very good. Greenville led 5-2 going into the seventh, but Lexington scored six runs in the seventh thanks in large part to two hit batters, two wild pitches and three walks issued by the Greenville crew. With Lexington leading 8-5 going into the bottom of the ninth, the normally reliable Dayan Diaz gave up three runs to tie it. Then Lexington went ahead again in the top of the 12th with a two-run Mike Kvasnicka double, but Nate Pettus gave up two runs in the bottom of the frame. In the end, Mitch Lambson got stuck with the loss, but it never should have gotten that far. Offensive standouts were Brandon Meredith (2x6 2B 3B RBI), Mike Kvasnicka (2x6 2B HR 4RBI) and Jose Fernandez (2x6 2-2B).
San Jose over Lancaster 15-8
I think when you allow 15 runs, it goes without saying that the pitching staff struggled. The "Let's Convert Jorge de Leon to a Starting Pitcher at Lancaster Experiment" is still a miserable failure as de Leon fell to 2-9 for the season, but it was Jose Trinidad giving up eight runs in 1.1 innings that sealed Lancaster's fate for the evening. Only birthday boy Kirk Clark went unscathed as he pitched a perfect final frame. Chris Epps had a particularly good night with an RBI double and a three-run home run as did Ben Heath with an RBI single and a two-run home run. Kike Hernandez was two-for-four and George Springer was three-for-four with an RBI.
Midland over Corpus Christi 6-4
Jake Buchanan gave up five runs on nine hits in seven innings and went to 5-6 for the season. The Hooks got within a run with a big sixth inning thanks to a Drew Locke RBI double and a three-run Jake Goebbert home run, but they stranded runners in the eighth and ninth innings and that was that. Andrew Simunic and Jose Martinez each had two hits, but Drew Locke was locked in with a five-for-five night.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 9-8
This one got closer than it should have as Jonnathan Aristil and Juan Abreu combined to allow three runs in the bottom of the ninth, but ultimately starter Armando Galarraga got the win despite giving up five runs, four of them on home runs. The Redhawks scored four via the long ball as well, with a two-run shot from Jimmy Paredes and solo homers from Brad Snyder and Landon Powell. There was good hitting across the board with everyone getting at least one hit and Brandon Barnes and Paredes getting three hits each.
Pitcher of the Day: I'm going to go with Blake Ford for converting his 10th save out of 10 opportunities for Tri-City. He still has a 0.00 ERA for Tri-City, and a WHIP of only 0.868.
Players of the Day: Chris Epps should get some recognition for his four RBI night, as should Drew Locke for his five-for-five outing.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Minor League Schedule and Recaps
THURSDAY'S GAMES
DSL Indians at DSL Astros at 9:30 CST
Asheville at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD
Available on MiLB.tv
Corpus Christi at Frisco at 7:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jarred Cosart (3-3, 4.50) and LHP Tim Murphy (2-7, 6.62)
Available on MiLB.tv
Oklahoma City at Round Rock at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Dallas Keuchel (5-4, 4.26) and RHP Neil Ramirez (6-6, 7.88)
Available on MiLB.tv
Inland Empire at Lancaster at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Max Russell (3-5, 4.77) and RHP R.J. Alaniz (6-2, 4.10)
WEDNESDAY'S RECAPS
DSL Rays over DSL Astros 10-5
Luis Abad (L, 0-2) gave up two runs on four hits and two walks over three innings; Victor Mesa added another five runs on eight hits in his three innings; and Frangy Colon followed with another two runs on two hits in the final two. The Astros lost the lead in the bottom of the second and never got it back. 1B Mesac Laguna was two-for-five with a two-run home run. SS Arturo Michelena was one-for-four with a triple.
New Orleans over Oklahoma City 3-0
The Zephyrs threw a two-hitter against Oklahoma City and Wes Musick (L, 1-2) was charged with the loss despite giving up only one unearned run on three hits over five innings. Aneury Rodriguez allowed two additional runs in 1.2 innings of relief, including an inherited runner that Chris Hicks allowed to score in his 1.1 innings. Brad Snyder and Carlos Corporan owned the only two Redhawk hits, both singles.
Lexington over West Virginia 9-2
A pitcher's duel through the top of the fifth turned into a laugher in the bottom of the frame as Lexington batted around and put up six runs to lead 7-1 after five. Mike Foltynewicz (W, 9-1) loaded the bases in the top of the seventh with one out. Wouldn't a six run lead be the perfect time to see if Folty can get out of trouble? But no, he was pulled. Granted Evan Grills did a fantastic job as he allowed only one of his three inherited runners to score and allowed only one hit over his 2.2 innings. The big hero of the night was Chan Moon who hit his second three-run home run in the past three days plus got another RBI on a bases loaded walk. Delino DeShields got his 42nd stolen base of the season; Zach Johnson got his 60th RBI of the season; and Brandon Meredith hit a two-run triple.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 3-2
Another pitcher's duel through five, this one didn't turn out with as happy an ending as Lexington's. Both teams scored two runs in the sixth and that is where things stood until Zach Grimmett allowed a solo home run, which was ultimately the winning run, in the eighth. Jorge de Leon had one of his best starts of the season as he allowed two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. Erik Castro drove in both of the JetHawks runs on a deflected single. The worst thing about this one? Not that Lancaster is all but eliminated from winning the first half, although that's a close second. It's that the winning pitcher for Rancho Cucamonga was some guy named Purpura. Grrrrr.
GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 10-6
What went right: Drew Locke came to the rescue again.
This one was most decidedly NOT a pitcher's duel. Jake Buchanan got roughed up early, giving up four runs on a triple, two doubles, a single and a walk in the first inning. Thankfully, he settled down after that and only gave up three hits and a walk over the next six innings, striking out eight for the night. Corpus Christi chipped away at the Missions lead until blowing it wide open with seven runs in the eighth inning. Kevin Chapman (W, 4-2) was the beneficiary of the Hooks output as he got the win in relief and also contributed at the plate with an RBI groundout. 11 batters came to the plate in the eighth inning. What had been a 4-3 deficit quickly became a 7-4 lead as Drew Locke hit his second grand slam in as many nights. The Hooks added on in the frame with a Chris Wallace RBI double, a Drew Muren RBI triple (in his first AA game), and the Chapman RBI to make it 10-4 before all was said and done in the inning. Lots of other crazy stuff went on in this game as well as Jonathan Villar was pulled from the game, Jordan Kreke was move from third to short and C Jay Fernandez took over at third (and had a very nice defensive game there, by the way); Keith Bodie got tossed; and Kevin Chapman got tossed for throwing at a Missions batter an inning after Jay Fernandez had been drilled. Ironically, Chapman totally missed the batter as the ball sailed behind him.
Jake Buchanan - 7IP 7H 4R 2BB 8SO
Kevin Chapman - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2SO
Josh Zeid - 1IP 2H 2R 0BB 0SO HR
Jay Fernandez - 2x2 2B RBI BB 2R
Jordan Kreke - 2x5 2B RBI SO
Drew Locke - 1x4 HR 4RBI SO R
Adam Bailey - 2x4 2B SO 2R
Chris Wallace - 3x4 2B 2RBI SO R
Drew Muren - 1x3 3B RBI BB 2R
What went wrong: A two-run home run issued by Josh Zeid in the ninth and Jon Singleton with three strikeouts for the second night in a row.
PITCHER OF THE DAY
If Mike Foltynewicz keeps this up, he will probably be my pitcher of the day every five days. This is Folty's ninth win. He hasn't had a loss since the first game of the season.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
When Drew Locke's contract was picked up from the Skeeters a mere five days ago, he tweeted to Jimmy Van Ostrand that he was coming after his Corpus RBI record. He started out 58 RBIs shy of Jimmy's mark but has twelve in five games and is on a pace to break JVO's record in 20 games. Not likely, but a fun fact nonetheless.
DSL Indians at DSL Astros at 9:30 CST
Asheville at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD
Available on MiLB.tv
Corpus Christi at Frisco at 7:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jarred Cosart (3-3, 4.50) and LHP Tim Murphy (2-7, 6.62)
Available on MiLB.tv
Oklahoma City at Round Rock at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Dallas Keuchel (5-4, 4.26) and RHP Neil Ramirez (6-6, 7.88)
Available on MiLB.tv
Inland Empire at Lancaster at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Max Russell (3-5, 4.77) and RHP R.J. Alaniz (6-2, 4.10)
WEDNESDAY'S RECAPS
DSL Rays over DSL Astros 10-5
Luis Abad (L, 0-2) gave up two runs on four hits and two walks over three innings; Victor Mesa added another five runs on eight hits in his three innings; and Frangy Colon followed with another two runs on two hits in the final two. The Astros lost the lead in the bottom of the second and never got it back. 1B Mesac Laguna was two-for-five with a two-run home run. SS Arturo Michelena was one-for-four with a triple.
New Orleans over Oklahoma City 3-0
The Zephyrs threw a two-hitter against Oklahoma City and Wes Musick (L, 1-2) was charged with the loss despite giving up only one unearned run on three hits over five innings. Aneury Rodriguez allowed two additional runs in 1.2 innings of relief, including an inherited runner that Chris Hicks allowed to score in his 1.1 innings. Brad Snyder and Carlos Corporan owned the only two Redhawk hits, both singles.
Lexington over West Virginia 9-2
A pitcher's duel through the top of the fifth turned into a laugher in the bottom of the frame as Lexington batted around and put up six runs to lead 7-1 after five. Mike Foltynewicz (W, 9-1) loaded the bases in the top of the seventh with one out. Wouldn't a six run lead be the perfect time to see if Folty can get out of trouble? But no, he was pulled. Granted Evan Grills did a fantastic job as he allowed only one of his three inherited runners to score and allowed only one hit over his 2.2 innings. The big hero of the night was Chan Moon who hit his second three-run home run in the past three days plus got another RBI on a bases loaded walk. Delino DeShields got his 42nd stolen base of the season; Zach Johnson got his 60th RBI of the season; and Brandon Meredith hit a two-run triple.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 3-2
Another pitcher's duel through five, this one didn't turn out with as happy an ending as Lexington's. Both teams scored two runs in the sixth and that is where things stood until Zach Grimmett allowed a solo home run, which was ultimately the winning run, in the eighth. Jorge de Leon had one of his best starts of the season as he allowed two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. Erik Castro drove in both of the JetHawks runs on a deflected single. The worst thing about this one? Not that Lancaster is all but eliminated from winning the first half, although that's a close second. It's that the winning pitcher for Rancho Cucamonga was some guy named Purpura. Grrrrr.
GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 10-6
What went right: Drew Locke came to the rescue again.
This one was most decidedly NOT a pitcher's duel. Jake Buchanan got roughed up early, giving up four runs on a triple, two doubles, a single and a walk in the first inning. Thankfully, he settled down after that and only gave up three hits and a walk over the next six innings, striking out eight for the night. Corpus Christi chipped away at the Missions lead until blowing it wide open with seven runs in the eighth inning. Kevin Chapman (W, 4-2) was the beneficiary of the Hooks output as he got the win in relief and also contributed at the plate with an RBI groundout. 11 batters came to the plate in the eighth inning. What had been a 4-3 deficit quickly became a 7-4 lead as Drew Locke hit his second grand slam in as many nights. The Hooks added on in the frame with a Chris Wallace RBI double, a Drew Muren RBI triple (in his first AA game), and the Chapman RBI to make it 10-4 before all was said and done in the inning. Lots of other crazy stuff went on in this game as well as Jonathan Villar was pulled from the game, Jordan Kreke was move from third to short and C Jay Fernandez took over at third (and had a very nice defensive game there, by the way); Keith Bodie got tossed; and Kevin Chapman got tossed for throwing at a Missions batter an inning after Jay Fernandez had been drilled. Ironically, Chapman totally missed the batter as the ball sailed behind him.
Jake Buchanan - 7IP 7H 4R 2BB 8SO
Kevin Chapman - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2SO
Josh Zeid - 1IP 2H 2R 0BB 0SO HR
Jay Fernandez - 2x2 2B RBI BB 2R
Jordan Kreke - 2x5 2B RBI SO
Drew Locke - 1x4 HR 4RBI SO R
Adam Bailey - 2x4 2B SO 2R
Chris Wallace - 3x4 2B 2RBI SO R
Drew Muren - 1x3 3B RBI BB 2R
What went wrong: A two-run home run issued by Josh Zeid in the ninth and Jon Singleton with three strikeouts for the second night in a row.
PITCHER OF THE DAY
If Mike Foltynewicz keeps this up, he will probably be my pitcher of the day every five days. This is Folty's ninth win. He hasn't had a loss since the first game of the season.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
When Drew Locke's contract was picked up from the Skeeters a mere five days ago, he tweeted to Jimmy Van Ostrand that he was coming after his Corpus RBI record. He started out 58 RBIs shy of Jimmy's mark but has twelve in five games and is on a pace to break JVO's record in 20 games. Not likely, but a fun fact nonetheless.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Minor League Schedule and Recaps
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES
DSL Astros at DSL Rays at 9:30 CST
Oklahoma City at New Orleans at 11:30 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Wes Musick (1-1, 3.80) and RHP Alex Sanabia (4-4, 3.48)
Available on MiLB.tv
West Virginia at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and RHP Michael Foltynewicz (8-1, 2.07)
Available on MiLB.tv
San Antonio at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Andrew Cashner (0-0, -.--) and RHP Jake Buchanan (3-4, 5.32)
Available on MiLB.tv
Lancaster at Rancho Cucamonga at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jorge de Leon (1-5, 8.51) and RHP Brandon Martinez (1-1, 4.67)
TUESDAY'S RECAPS
[Note: Well, the DSL Astros blew it for us, so I can only report that four of five Astros minor league affiliates are at .500 or better.]
DSL Rays over DSL Astros 12-6
Samil de los Santos, Johan Arias (blown save and loss), Geronimo Franzua and Frangy Colon combined to allow 12 runs on 11 hits and three walks, although Franzua's and Colon's runs were of the unearned variety thanks in large part to a whopping six errors committed by the Astros in the game. There was also a passed ball, three wild pitches and three hit batters by Astros players. You've got to love the DSL! Mesac Laguna had a couple of knocks with a double. Luis Reynosa and Yoel Silfa doubled as well.
West Virginia over Lexington 9-7
Lexington trailed from the start of this one, but made a valiant effort to come back only to fall short in the end. Nick Tropeano (L, 5-4) just wasn't sharp as he lasted only four innings and allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks. Gabriel Garcia and Carlos Quevedo combined to allow another three runs in relief before Nathan Pettus came in for an effective inning in the ninth to keep the Legends close. Matt Duffy was three-for-five, but Zach Johnson one-upped Duffy with a four-for-five night, including a two-run home run, as Johnson started early practice for the All-Star game Home Run Derby. Johnson had three RBIs for the night and now has 59 RBIs for the season, second in the South Atlantic League. Delino DeShields also had a terrific night, going two-for-four with two RBIs, two runs scored and three stolen bases to give him a league-leading 41 for the season.
Oklahoma City over New Orleans 10-7
I'll just come out and say it. Paul Clemens is lucky to have gotten his eighth win already. With a 6.31 ERA and only two quality starts out of his last ten, he is getting by because of the Redhawks offense. Put him on a low-scoring team and he wouldn't have half of the wins he has right now. So, if anyone starts calling for a promotion anytime soon, I'll just go on record as saying that he needs to stay in the oven a little bit longer; he's not done baking yet. But I digress (I do that a lot). Clemens (W, 8-4) allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings, and Jonnathan Aristil added another couple of runs in his one inning before Mickey Storey and Fernando Abad (S, 2) came in to shut down the Zephyrs' offense. Jimmy Paredes was four-for-five with two RBIs; Mike Hessman hit his 18th home run of the season; J.B. Shuck was two-for-five with a double and two RBIs; and Landon Powell was three-for-five with three runs scored.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 3-2
A good team takes advantage of mistakes. Domingo Santana scored the winning run on a throwing error in a tied game in the top of the ninth. For the first time in his last five starts, Tyson Perez allowed fewer than five runs as he gave up only two on four hits while recording eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings. The bullpen then went into lockdown mode allowing only one additional hit the rest of the way. Jose Trinidad got the win and Andrew Robinson got his second save of the season. Kike Hernandez' RBI double and Ben Heath's ground out RBI in the fifth accounted for the rest of the scoring. Rafy Valenzuela was feeling frisky as he stole two bags; Domingo Santana had one stolen base.
GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 5-1
What went right: Excellent pitching and a locked in Drew Locke.
Brett Oberholtzer (W, 5-3) pitched beautifully but it looked as though he might get a no decision as Keyvius Sampson of the Missions had a no-hitter going through six until I personally broke up the no-no by sending out a twitter jinx (with a little help from Lee and Sean). A Jordan Kreke walk, a Jose Martinez single to break up the no-hitter, a Jon Singleton walk and a Drew Locke grand slam sent Sampson packing. The Hooks added on a couple of extras in the eighth on a RBI double from Jason Stoffel (yes, that Jason Stoffel -- the relief pitcher in only his fourth plate appearance of his minor league career) and another RBI double from Jose Martinez scoring Stoffel (yes, still the same Stoffel who now has a .500/.500/.750 batting line). The only Missions run came on a triple and an Oberholtzer wild pitch.
Brett Oberholtzer - 7.2IP 6H 1R 0BB 8SO
Kevin Chapman - 0IP 1H 0R 1BB 0SO
Jason Stoffel - 0.2IP 1H 0R 0BB 2SO
Erick Abreu - 0.2IP 0H 0R 0BB 0SO
Jose Martinez - 2x4 2B RBI SO R
Drew Locke - 1x4 HR 4RBI R
What went wrong: Lots of 0-fers, but that's what happens in a no-hit bid.
PITCHER OF THE DAY
Brett Oberholtzer gets the love for a great performance and for matching zeroes in the run column through Sampson's no-hit bid.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
A grand slam will get you player of the day any day. And it doesn't hurt that Drew Locke is hitting .412 in his first four games back as an Astros farmhand.
DSL Astros at DSL Rays at 9:30 CST
Oklahoma City at New Orleans at 11:30 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Wes Musick (1-1, 3.80) and RHP Alex Sanabia (4-4, 3.48)
Available on MiLB.tv
West Virginia at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and RHP Michael Foltynewicz (8-1, 2.07)
Available on MiLB.tv
San Antonio at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Andrew Cashner (0-0, -.--) and RHP Jake Buchanan (3-4, 5.32)
Available on MiLB.tv
Lancaster at Rancho Cucamonga at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jorge de Leon (1-5, 8.51) and RHP Brandon Martinez (1-1, 4.67)
TUESDAY'S RECAPS
[Note: Well, the DSL Astros blew it for us, so I can only report that four of five Astros minor league affiliates are at .500 or better.]
DSL Rays over DSL Astros 12-6
Samil de los Santos, Johan Arias (blown save and loss), Geronimo Franzua and Frangy Colon combined to allow 12 runs on 11 hits and three walks, although Franzua's and Colon's runs were of the unearned variety thanks in large part to a whopping six errors committed by the Astros in the game. There was also a passed ball, three wild pitches and three hit batters by Astros players. You've got to love the DSL! Mesac Laguna had a couple of knocks with a double. Luis Reynosa and Yoel Silfa doubled as well.
West Virginia over Lexington 9-7
Lexington trailed from the start of this one, but made a valiant effort to come back only to fall short in the end. Nick Tropeano (L, 5-4) just wasn't sharp as he lasted only four innings and allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks. Gabriel Garcia and Carlos Quevedo combined to allow another three runs in relief before Nathan Pettus came in for an effective inning in the ninth to keep the Legends close. Matt Duffy was three-for-five, but Zach Johnson one-upped Duffy with a four-for-five night, including a two-run home run, as Johnson started early practice for the All-Star game Home Run Derby. Johnson had three RBIs for the night and now has 59 RBIs for the season, second in the South Atlantic League. Delino DeShields also had a terrific night, going two-for-four with two RBIs, two runs scored and three stolen bases to give him a league-leading 41 for the season.
Oklahoma City over New Orleans 10-7
I'll just come out and say it. Paul Clemens is lucky to have gotten his eighth win already. With a 6.31 ERA and only two quality starts out of his last ten, he is getting by because of the Redhawks offense. Put him on a low-scoring team and he wouldn't have half of the wins he has right now. So, if anyone starts calling for a promotion anytime soon, I'll just go on record as saying that he needs to stay in the oven a little bit longer; he's not done baking yet. But I digress (I do that a lot). Clemens (W, 8-4) allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings, and Jonnathan Aristil added another couple of runs in his one inning before Mickey Storey and Fernando Abad (S, 2) came in to shut down the Zephyrs' offense. Jimmy Paredes was four-for-five with two RBIs; Mike Hessman hit his 18th home run of the season; J.B. Shuck was two-for-five with a double and two RBIs; and Landon Powell was three-for-five with three runs scored.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 3-2
A good team takes advantage of mistakes. Domingo Santana scored the winning run on a throwing error in a tied game in the top of the ninth. For the first time in his last five starts, Tyson Perez allowed fewer than five runs as he gave up only two on four hits while recording eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings. The bullpen then went into lockdown mode allowing only one additional hit the rest of the way. Jose Trinidad got the win and Andrew Robinson got his second save of the season. Kike Hernandez' RBI double and Ben Heath's ground out RBI in the fifth accounted for the rest of the scoring. Rafy Valenzuela was feeling frisky as he stole two bags; Domingo Santana had one stolen base.
GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 5-1
What went right: Excellent pitching and a locked in Drew Locke.
Brett Oberholtzer (W, 5-3) pitched beautifully but it looked as though he might get a no decision as Keyvius Sampson of the Missions had a no-hitter going through six until I personally broke up the no-no by sending out a twitter jinx (with a little help from Lee and Sean). A Jordan Kreke walk, a Jose Martinez single to break up the no-hitter, a Jon Singleton walk and a Drew Locke grand slam sent Sampson packing. The Hooks added on a couple of extras in the eighth on a RBI double from Jason Stoffel (yes, that Jason Stoffel -- the relief pitcher in only his fourth plate appearance of his minor league career) and another RBI double from Jose Martinez scoring Stoffel (yes, still the same Stoffel who now has a .500/.500/.750 batting line). The only Missions run came on a triple and an Oberholtzer wild pitch.
Brett Oberholtzer - 7.2IP 6H 1R 0BB 8SO
Kevin Chapman - 0IP 1H 0R 1BB 0SO
Jason Stoffel - 0.2IP 1H 0R 0BB 2SO
Erick Abreu - 0.2IP 0H 0R 0BB 0SO
Jose Martinez - 2x4 2B RBI SO R
Drew Locke - 1x4 HR 4RBI R
What went wrong: Lots of 0-fers, but that's what happens in a no-hit bid.
PITCHER OF THE DAY
Brett Oberholtzer gets the love for a great performance and for matching zeroes in the run column through Sampson's no-hit bid.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
A grand slam will get you player of the day any day. And it doesn't hurt that Drew Locke is hitting .412 in his first four games back as an Astros farmhand.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Roster Moves - 6/9
Oklahoma City
UT Matt Downs was recalled to Houston from Oklahoma City.
OF Jacob Goebbert was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
RHP Armando Galarraga was assigned from Lexington to Oklahoma City.
Corpus Christi
OF Drew Locke's contract was purchased from the Sugarland Skeeters and was assigned to Corpus Christi.
Lexington
RHP Luis Ordosgoitti was activated from the DL.
UT Matt Downs was recalled to Houston from Oklahoma City.
OF Jacob Goebbert was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
RHP Armando Galarraga was assigned from Lexington to Oklahoma City.
Corpus Christi
OF Drew Locke's contract was purchased from the Sugarland Skeeters and was assigned to Corpus Christi.
Lexington
RHP Luis Ordosgoitti was activated from the DL.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
No Announced Roster Moves Today But ...
The Sugarland Skeeters announced that they have signed former Astros outfielder and free agent Drew Locke. Well, he almost made it to Houston.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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