Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, April 11, 2015

Las Vegas 7, Fresno 2

W- Darin Gorski (1-0)
L- Alex White (0-1)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies suffered their first setback of the season as their bats were largely held in check. They had just 3 hits, all of which were doubles, and their 2 runs came in the bottom of the 4th, as Preston Tucker scored on an error that allowed Jon Singleton to reach; Singleton would later score on an RBI double from L.J. Hoes. In case you were wondering, Tucker and Singleton had the other 2 doubles.

Alex White was roughed up in his 3.1 innings as he allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (solo and 2-run homers), walked 3, and struck out 2. Richard Rodriguez was the first man out of the bullpen; he inherited a bases-loaded situation in the 4th, but he tightroped out of the inning without further incident. Rodriguez allowed a 2-run homer to Alex Castellanos in the 5th, which ended up being the only 2 runs he allowed in 2.2 innings. He allowed one other hit and fanned 2. Jordan Jankowski worked around a walk and a hit to toss a scoreless 7th, striking out 2. Josh Fields walked Kyle Johnson to lead off the 8th, and he came around to score on a groundout. James Hoyt issued a 1-out walk in a scoreless 9th.

Fresno and Vegas will wrap up this opening series at 2:05 Pacific. Luis Cruz will face Tyler Pill.

Corpus Christi 9, Springfield 2

W- Chris Devenski (1-0)
L- Thomas Lee (0-1)

CC home runs: Telvin Nash (1, 3-run in 5th)

The Hooks opened up the season with a bang as they swept the Cardinals, outscoring them 26-8 over the 3-game set. They only scored in 2 innings in this game, but they scored plenty, I'll tell you that.

Conrad Gregor got the party started in the 2nd with an RBI double. Jio Mier followed with an RBI single, and after Tony Kemp singled to load the bases, Carlos Correa clubbed a 2-run ground-rule double. One batter later, Colin Moran added a 2-run single. Telvin Nash, whose leadoff double was the catalyst for that 6-run 2nd, smacked a 3-run homer in the 5th, his 1st of the year. Correa originally went 3-5, but his single to lead off the 5th inning was changed to an error. He, Moran, and Nash had 2-hit nights.

Josh Hader was tagged for a 2-run homer by Jacob Wilson in the 3rd inning, which turned out to be the only Springfield runs. Hader allowed one other hit, walked 4, and struck out 3 in 3 innings. Jandel Gustave, fresh from his spring foray in Arizona with the Royals and the Padres, threw 2 scoreless, allowing a hit and striking out 1. He faced a bases-loaded situation in the 4th but escaped unscathed. Chris Devenski took the Hooks home with 4 scoreless, allowing 4 hits and striking out 3.

The 2nd leg of Corpus Christi's season-opening roadtrip takes them to Tulsa, now an affiliate of the Dodgers. In the opener, Lance McCullers will take on Jeremy Kehrt. First pitch is at 2:05.

San Jose 8, Lancaster 3

W- Christian Jones (1-0)
L- Evan Grills (0-1)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks were pounded as the Giants got the upper hand in the series. They got a 10-hit night, but struck out 15 times and had just 3 runs to show for it. Lancaster had runners on 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the 9th as they threatened to cut into the deficit, but James Ramsay struck out to end the game.

All 3 JetHawks runs came off of RBI doubles. Ronnie Mitchell got the Hawks on the board with one in the 4th. James Ramsay smacked one of his own in the 5th, and J.D. Davis ripped one in the 8th. Ramsay was a home run shy of the cycle, and he was on the verge of completing it in order. He singled with 1 out in the 1st, hit that RBI double in the 5th, and tripled and scored in the 8th on Davis' double. J.D. Davis and Jose Fernandez both finished 2-4.

Evan Grills was knocked around in his 3.1 innings as he gave up a pair of 3-run innings; 5 of those runs were earned. He allowed 8 hits, 4 of which were doubles, and a 3-run homer to Tyler Horan in the 1st. Grills walked and struck out 1. Gonzalo Sañudo gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and struck out 3 in 3.2 innings. Frederick Tiburcio pitched the final 2 innings, allowing a hit and striking out 2.

The JetHawks will look for the split at 2:00 Pacific. Troy Scribner will take on D.J. Snelten.

Peoria 4, Quad Cities 1

W- Daniel Poncedeleon (1-0)
L- Dan Mengden (0-1)
S- Kyle Grana (1)

QC home runs: None.

The River Bandits were foiled in their bid for a season-opening sweep as their offense was held. The lone Quad Cities run was scored in the 3rd by Sean McMullen, who scored on two passed balls. He led off the inning with a single, was sacrificed over to 2nd, and then the passed balls happened. Bobby Boyd went 2-4 at the top of the order.

Dan Mengden allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and struck out 8 over 4 innings of work. Keegan Yuhl tagged in for 3 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits. Albert Minnis tossed a 1-2-3 8th inning.

The Banditos are ready for their first home series of the year. They will be welcoming the Clinton LumberKings, who will be making the first of many 40-mile journeys south to Davenport. In game 1, Austin Chrismon will take on Pat Peterson, the identical twin brother of Eric Peterson. First pitch is at 1:15.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi

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

2. 

James Ramsay, OF, Lancaster

3-5 (finished a home run shy of the cycle), RBI, R

1. 

Telvin Nash, 1B/DH, Corpus Christi

2-5, 2B, 3-R HR (1), 2 R

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

Jandel Gustave, RHP, Corpus Christi

2 IP, H, BB

2. 

Frederick Tiburcio, RHP, Lancaster

2 IP, H, 2 K

1. 

Chris Devenski, RHP, Corpus Christi

W (1-0), 4 IP, 4 H, 3 K

Honorable Mentions

- Nice to see J.D. Davis with a 2-hit outing. Let's see if that gets his bat going. Ditto for Colin Moran.

Happy Birthday - 11/1

Happy Birthday to ~

3B Jonathan Meyer (24)
Drafted as a third round supplemental pick in 2009 out of high school in California, Meyer split his 2014 season between the Oklahoma City team and the Corpus Christi team, hitting a combined .215/.274/.280 with 13 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 51 RBI over 120 games.

RHP Frederick Tiburcio (24)
A non-drafted free agent from the Dominican Republic, Tiburcio pitched all but one of his games for Quad Cities (with a spot appearance in Oklahoma City). In 28 bullpen appearances, he was 4-3 with a 2.91 ERA, a 1.154 WHIP and seven saves.

RHP Anthony Bass (27)
Originally drafted by the Padres in the fifth round in 2008, Bass came to Houston in a trade for Astros Rule 5 pick Patrick Schuster. In 21 bullpen appearances for the Astros, he was 1-1 with a 6.33 ERA, 1.444 WHIP and two saves. In the minors, he was 0-2 with a 2.66 ERA, a 1.131 WHIP and one save in 17 appearances.

Three former Astros mark the day as well ~

RHP Rhiner Cruz (28)
Initially signed by the Tigers as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2003, Cruz was drafted from the Mets in the December 2011 Rule 5 draft. In 72 appearances for the Astros in 2012 and 2013, Cruz was 1-3 with a 5.31 ERA and a 1.703 WHIP. He most recently played for Rakuten in the Japan Pacific League.

RHP Russ Kemmerer (83)
Kemmerer came to Houston in a trade with the White Sox in June 1962. In a total of 53 appearances for the Colt .45's in 1962 and 1963, he was 5-3 with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.366 WHIP.

OF Howie Goss (died July 31, 1996 at 61)

Goss came to Houston from the Pirates in April 1963 and played in 133 games for the 1963 Colt .45's with a .209/.264/.328.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, June 6, 2014

Omaha 6, Oklahoma City 2

W- Louis Coleman (1-0)
L- Jason Stoffel (0-1)

OKC home runs: Kiké Hernandez (5, 6 season; solo in 4th), Carlos Perez (3, solo in 8th)

Well there you have it. Those 2 solo shots were the entire OKC offense. Hernandez went 2-4 and was the only RedHawk with a multi-hit evening.

David Martinez kicked things off with 6 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 4. Alex White and Jason Stoffel were battered by Matt Fields. White served up a 2-run homer to him in the 7th, and he slammed Stoffel in the 8th. White struck out 2, and Stoffel walked 1 and fanned 1.

Game 3 of this series has a pretty solid name matchup as Mike Foltynewicz takes on Sugar Ray Marimon. First pitch is at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 2, Midland 0

W- Jordan Jankowski (1-1)
L- Chris Jensen (2-6)
S- Pat Urckfitz (3)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks avoided the sweep thanks to a magnificent performance on the mound from Jordan Jankowski.

JJ allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7 over 7.1 shutout innings. And, Pat Urckfitz brought it home, allowing a hit and striking out 1 over 1.2 innings.

Only 4 hits for each side, but the Hooks got the runs. Nolan Fontana led off the 4th with a double and scored the first run of the game on a Carlos Perdomo single. An error would allow Perdomo to advance to 3rd on the play. Jonathan Meyer added another RBI single in the 7th inning to put Corpus up 2-0.

The Hooks will head home to begin a 4-game set with San Antonio. In the opener, Kyle Smith will face TBA; the notes for this game lists James Needy as the Missions starter. First pitch is at 7:10.

Lancaster 8, Visalia 5

W- Matt Heidenreich (2-0, 3-0 season)
L- Keith Hessler (1-2)
S- Dan Minor (2)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks put up 5 in the top of the 8th which erased a 5-3 deficit (they had been down 4-0 after 4 innings) and the score you see above is how it turned out after they were through with their rally.

Zach Morton pitched 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Matt Heidenreich tagged in for 3 innings and gave up a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Dan Minor got the save with his 12th straight scoreless appearance; he worked around a 1-out single and struck out 2. Minor has gone nearly 2 months without allowing a run.

Danry Vásquez put the JetHawks on the board with an RBI groundout in the 5th. They would put up 2 more in the 6th, thanks to an RBI double from Jobduan Morales and a sac fly from Conrad Gregor. Those 2 runs made it a 1-run game. After the Rawhide got one run back in the 7th to extend their lead to 2, the Hawks began their comeback.

Rio Ruiz drew a 1-out walk and advanced to 2nd on a passed ball. Morales followed suit by drawing a free pass himself, and then Gregor brought Rio home to kick off the scoring in the inning. Morales was struck down at home as he tried to score from 2nd on a Jack Mayfield single, but Lancaster still got the tying run across as Ruben Sosa laid down a bunt single to score Gregor. Sosa then stole 2nd (14), and Vásquez drew a walk to load the bases to bring up probably the last person you would want to face with the bases loaded: Tony Kemp. He drew 3 walks, and the 3rd one gave the JetHawks the lead. One batter later, Teoscar Hernandez finished his night on a positive note with a 2-run single. Before that, he earned himself a golden sombrero.

Game 2 of this series pits Kyle Westwood against Spencer Arroyo. First pitch is at 7:00 Pacific.

Quad Cities 4, Burlington 0

W- Edison Frias (3-3)
L- Ryan Etsell (4-2)

QC home runs: None.

Well look at that. The two teams that were looking to avoid sweeps did so, and they did so with shutouts. The Bandits jumped ahead of the Bees and are now 1 game behind Peoria for that 2nd playoff spot in the Midwest League West.

Thomas Lindauer kicked things off with an RBI double in the 2nd. Tyler White finished 2-5... he added an RBI double in the 6th. Catfish Elkins added an RBI single in the 8th, and later in the inning, he would score on a sac bunt from Tanner Mathis. Brett Phillips went 2-3 with a triple, a steal (10) and 2 runs scored. James Ramsay had 2 steals (16).

Edison Frias pitched 5 shutout innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and fanned 5. Evan Grills followed up with 3 scoreless and allowed a hit, a walk, and struck out 3. Frederick Tiburcio finished it up by striking out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Quad Cities will be home for the weekend. They'll host Peoria for 3 beginning at 6:00. Kevin Comer will take on Blake McKnight.

DSL Rays 6, DSL Astros Blue 5

W- Luis Nuñez (2-0)
L- Albert Abreu (0-1)
S- Diego Castillo (1)

Blue home runs: None.

Well, the difference turned out to be a 2-run bottom of the 1st for the Rays. Both teams had a 1-run frame (Blue in the 3rd, Rays in the 4th) and they both scored 3 in the 5th inning.

Well (again), it would've been the most awesome thing ever if Wander Franco went his whole career without striking out. (Whoa, expectations way, way too high.) He struck out for the first time as a professional in this game. But..... he did draw 2 more walks, giving him a 5-game multi-walk streak and a 13:1 BB:K ratio. The only game in which he didn't draw a walk was the first one. And all he did was club a 3-run homer in that game. Whoops, sidebar. He ripped a 2-run double in the 5th in this game and would score on a wild pitch.

Nestor Tejada hit a 1-out triple in the 1st and would score the 1st run of the morning on a Connor MacDonald groundout. Joan Mauricio hit an RBI double in the 3rd. Edgar Lorenzo, Hayden Timberlake, and Jonathan Matute finished with 2 hits apiece.

Albert Abreu pitched 4 innings and allowed 6 runs (4 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5. He faced 3 batters in the 5th and did not retire any of them. Carlos Hiraldo got 2 outs in the 5th, but allowed the runner he inherited from Abreu to score. He allowed 2 hits and walked 1. Josue Uribe walked 2 and struck out 1 over 1.2 scoreless, and Jose Rosario struck out 3 over 1.2 perfect frames.

The Blue team will head out to the A's complex to play a game later this morning.

DSL Yankees2 12, DSL Astros Orange 10

W- Javier Calvo (2-0)
L- Starlyn Taveras (0-1)
S- Freddery Arias (1)

Orange home runs: None.

Once again, the Orange team could not hold a substantial lead. They had been up 10-4, but the Yankees put up 4 in the 7th and 4 more in the 8th. Ugh.

Osvaldo Duarte and Cristopher Luciano finished with identical lines: they both went 2-5 with a couple of doubles, an RBI, and a run scored.

Luciano's 1st double led off the bottom of the 2nd; he would score the Orange's first run of the morning on a single from Gabriel Bracamonte. Later in the inning, Wilson Amador hit a sac fly, and Bracamonte scored on an errant pickoff throw.

They batted around in the 4th, sending 12 men to the plate and scoring 6 runs in the process. Ihan Bernal hit an RBI single, then Amador reached on an error that allowed Bryan De La Cruz to score. Duarte got in on the fun with an RBI double, and then Frankeny Fernandez chipped in with an RBI single. Luciano grounded into a force out that scored Duarte, and an error on the play allowed Fernandez to score. Fernandez scored on a wild pitch in the 6th.

Once again, the rawness of Dominican Summer League pitchers was in full effect yesterday, as both teams combined for 20 walks, 8 wild pitches, and a passed ball. Starlyng Sanchez pitched 4.1 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and struck out 6. Juan Hernandez went 2.1 innings and allowed 4 unearned runs (3 inherited runners charged to him), a hit, walked 3, and fanned 3. Jose Ramos walked 2 and allowed all 3 runners he inherited from Hernandez to score while failing to record an out in the 7th. Cristhopher Santamaria retired the only batter he faced to end the 7th. Starlyn Taveras got 2 outs in the 8th, but he gave up 4 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him), a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3. Hansel Paulino got the final out of the 8th, but not before he allowed 2 of Taveras' runners to score. He also got the 1st out of the 9th and allowed a hit and walked 3. Bryan Abreu got the last 2 outs of the 9th, walking 1.

The Orange team is the only winless team in the entire DSL. They'll host the Mets 2 later this morning.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Tyler White on Twitter: @twhite409

Tyler White, 3B, Quad Cities

2-5, 2B, RBI 

2.

Conrad Gregor, 1B, Lancaster

1-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB

1.

Enrique Hernandez, Utility, Oklahoma City

2-4, solo HR (5, 6 season)

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

David Martinez, RHP, Oklahoma City

6 IP, 3 H, BB, 4 K

2. Quad Cities shutout!

Grills and Frias photos courtesy of Bryan Green. Tiburcio picture by John Whinery.

Edison Frias, RHP

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

Evan Grills, LHP

3 IP, H, BB, 3 K

Frederick Tiburcio, RHP

IP, K

1. Corpus Christi shutout!

Jordan Jankowski, RHP

W (1-1), 7.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K

Pat Urckfitz, LHP

1.2 IP, H, K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, May 17, 2014

Nashville 10, Oklahoma City 4

W- Alfredo Figaro (1-1)
L- Rudy Owens (2-3)

OKC home runs: None.

Welp.

The Sounds opened the scoring with 5 in the 3rd. OKC put up 3 in the top of the 4th, but Nashville responded with 4 more in the bottom of the inning to doom the RedHawks.

OKC's 3 in the 3rd came on RBI singles from Andy Simunic and Adron Chambers and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Domingo Santana. Gregorio Petit went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 7th. Chambers and Jonathan Meyer also had 2-hit nights.

Rudy Owens pitched just 3 innings and allowed 8 runs on 9 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. Raúl Valdés came on and pitched 4 in relief, allowing a run on 3 hits while striking out 4. Chia-Jen Lo pitched the 8th and allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1.

In the series finale, Mike Foltynewicz will take on Jimmy Nelson at 2:05.

Corpus Christi 5, Midland 4

W- Andrew Robinson (4-0)
L- Ryan Dull (3-2)

CC home runs: Preston Tucker (8, 3-run in 3rd)

The Hooks walked off with a pair in the bottom of the 9th. This came after they squelched a Midland threat in the top of the inning that kept it a 1-run game.

After Kent Matthes hit a 3-run shot off Matt Heidenreich in the top of the 3rd which made it 4-0 RockHounds, Preston Tucker answered with a 3-run shot of his own (8) in the bottom of the inning to put Corpus on the board and make it a 1-run game. That's how it stood until the bottom of the 9th.

Nolan Fontana led off with a single, and then before you knew it, Andrew Aplin joined him on the bases with a walk. They would both advance on a sac bunt from Matt Duffy, and then Tucker was intentionally walked to set up a double play possibility at any base. Well, that turned out to work in the Hooks' favor, as a pair of singles from Joe Sclafani and Leo Heras tied the game, and won it, respectively. Fontana posted his 4th consecutive multi-walk game as he went 2-3 with a run scored and 2 walks. Aplin went 1-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks. In addition to his blast, Tucker also drew 2 walks. Sclafani went 2-5 to log his 6th straight multi-hit game, and Heras finished 4-5 with the game-winner.

Matt Heidenreich went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (3-run homer), walked 4, and struck out 3. The bullpen picked him up as 2 relievers combined to throw 5 scoreless. Michael Dimock allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3 over 3 scoreless. Dimock has made 7 appearances and has posted zeros in 6 of those 7. Andrew Robinson tagged in for 2 scoreless and gave up 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.

In game 3, Mike Hauschild and Luis Cruz will face Nate Long at 1:10.

Lancaster 10, Rancho Cucamonga 3

W- Lance McCullers (2-2)
L- Jharel Cotton (0-2)
S- Kent Emanuel (1)

Lancaster home runs: Jordan Scott (1, 3-run in 2nd)

The Quakes got 2 in the 1st off Lance McCullers, but Lancaster seized control of this one with a 10-1 run the rest of the way.

The JetHawks offense was powered by Jordan Scott, who at one point was their offense. He answered Corey Seager's 2-run shot off McCullers in the 1st with a 3-run homer in the 2nd, then added a 2-run triple in the 4th and, one batter later, scored on Roberto Peña's single. He also hit another triple in the 6th, but was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice.

Rio Ruiz was 2-4 with a 2-run single in the 5th and 2 runs scored. Lancaster got a pair in the 6th on an RBI single from Teoscar Hernandez, who scored on a Carlos Correa double. Correa's 2 hits were both doubles, while Hernandez and Scott also scored 2 runs.

Outside of the 2-run homer from Seager, McCullers was rather good in his 5 innings. He allowed just 2 other hits, walked 2, and struck out 9. Kent Emanuel tagged in to finish it out; he allowed a consolation solo homer to Chris Jacobs in the bottom of the 9th. In his 4 innings, Emanuel allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 3.

Game 3 of this series features Chris Devenski on the mound as he takes on Tom Windle. First pitch is at 2:05 Pacific.

Kane County 3, Quad Cities 0

W- Tyler Skulina (2-1)
L- Andrew Thurman (2-3)
S- Nathan Dorris (2)

QC home runs: None.

The River Bandits did not have a hit, and they only had 3 baserunners: Chan-Jong Moon and Conrad Gregor walked, and Gregor also reached base after getting hit by Skulina.

Andrew Thurman went 4.1 innings and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4. Pat Christensen was the first man out and pitched 1.2 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 1. And, in his season debut, Frederick Tiburcio struck out 4 over 2 perfect innings.

In the series finale, Jandel Gustave will face Daury Torrez at 1:00.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Preston Tucker, OF, Corpus Christi

1-3, 3-R HR (8), 2 BB as the DH

2.

Leo Heras, LF, Corpus Christi

4-5, GW RBI single

1.

Jordan Scott, LF, Lancaster

3-4, 2 3B, 3-R HR (1), 5 RBI, 2 R

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

Lance McCullers, RHP, Lancaster

W (2-2), 5 IP, 3 H (2-run HR), 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K

Photo courtesy of Bryan Green

Kent Emanuel, LHP, Lancaster

Save (1), 4 IP, 2 H (solo HR), ER, BB, 3 K

2.

Michael Dimock, RHP, Corpus Christi 

3 IP, H, BB, 3 K

Andrew Robinson, RHP, Corpus Christi

W (4-0), 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K

1.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Green

Frederick Tiburcio, RHP, Quad Cities

2 IP, 4 K

Happy Birthday - 11/1

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Rhiner Cruz (27)
Initially signed by the Tigers as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2003, Cruz was drafted from the Mets in the December 2011 Rule 5 draft. Cruz split his 2013 season between Oklahoma City and Houston. In 37 appearances for the RedHawks, he had an ERA of 4.75 and a WHIP of 1.584. Those appearances were bookended by 20 appearances in Houston where he had a 3.38 ERA and a 1.688 WHIP.

3B Jonathan Meyer (23)
Drafted as a third round supplemental pick in 2009 out of high school in California, Meyer spent his 2013 season with the AA Corpus Christi team, hitting .260/.318/.403 with 24 doubles, 15 home runs and 68 RBI. He is currently playing with the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League.

RHP Frederick Tiburcio (23)
A non-drafted free agent from the Dominican Republic, Tiburcio is in his fifth season in the organization. He spent his 2013 season in Greeneville with good results. In 12 games (11 starts), he was 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.096 WHIP.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

RHP Russ Kemmerer (82)
Kemmerer came to Houston in a trade with the White Sox in June 1962. In a total of 53 appearances for the Colt .45's in 1962 and 1963, he was 5-3 with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.366 WHIP.

OF Howie Goss (died July 31, 1996 at 61)

Goss came to Houston from the Pirates in April 1963 and played in 133 games for the 1963 Colt .45's with a .209/.264/.328.

Eyewitness Report: 6/28/13 Greeneville 2 Kingsport 1

Wow! What a night.  After the teams traded solo home runs in the fifth, there were no runs for nine innings.  Finally in the bottom of the 15th, Greeneville walked off without the benefit of a hit.  Tanner Mathis walked, and was moved to second on a sac bunt by Jack Mayfield.  Darwin Rivera then hit a ground ball to first which should have just moved over Mathis to third but the K-Mets first baseman booted the ball.  It rolled to the edge of the grass and Josh Bonifay took a risk and sent Mathis home.  The throw was slightly up the line and the catcher had to stretch to take Mathis as he zoomed by.  The glove appeared to hit Mathis shoulder and the ball dropped free allowing the winning run to score. 

Here are my observations from the game.

On The Mound: 
A great deal went right here.  Just one run allowed in 15 innings with a team record 25 strike outs.  Let's take a quick look at each pitcher. 

Frederick Tiburcio had a solid start to the game.  He fanned seven and gave up just two hits and walked one in five innings.  The lone damage given up was a solo home run to left by 17 year old, Ahmed Rosario, whom the Mets signed for 1.7 million in the 2012 international signing period.  It was his first professional home run.

Tiburcio threw an unofficial 67 pitches in five innings.  To have that low of a pitch count with that many strike outs is impressive.

Tyler Brunnemann pitched the next two frames.  This was my first time to see Brunnemann pitch.  He has an extreme follow through. When he finishes his pitch his glove hand (left) and his left foot are both touching the ground as he falls toward first base. It is a violent motion that I didn't see him repeating very well.  It was effective when repeated as evidenced by the four strike outs in two innings.  But he also gave up two walks, both on full counts.

Ryan Connelly pitched the eight inning.  The submarine pitcher was the only pitcher of the night not to record a strike out.

Gonzalo Sanudo came in for the next two innings.  He pitched out of a jam in the ninth.  After a lead off double and a ground ball to 2nd to move the runner over, he was faced with a runner at third and one out.  He got Michael Bernal to strike out in a seven pitch at bat for the second out of the inning.
That at bat got circled in my score book as a key out of the game. Bernal had a rough night at the plate. He accounted for 20% of the teams strike outs, going 0-5 with 5 Ks.  Sanudo ended the night with three Ks in his two innings.

Gerado Ramirez came in and may have had the outing of his life time.  He pitched a career high four innings allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out nine K-Mets.

The final pitcher of the night was Christian Garcia.  Garcia pitched the 14th and 15th innings fanning two batters in each inning.  In each inning the lead off runner reached but never made it past first base.

At The Plate: 
Tanner Mathis reached base in five of his six plate appearances: E1, single, and three walks.  This is exactly what you want out of a lead off batter.  Also my 13 year old son observed he has the best walk up music this season.  He is going old school with some Run DMC - It's Tricky.

Wallace Gonzalez hit a towering home run in the fifth.  They had success pitching him away but they left that pitch over the inner half of the plate and he made them pay. Gonzalez appears to be pulling out when he swings so outside pitches are going to be an issue for him. Gonzalez added a single later in the game.

Ariel Ovando and Jack Mayfield also had two hits. 

In The Field:
Parker Hipp made a great play snagging a soft liner to start the game.  I was sure that ball was going to fall for a hit.

Wallace Gonzalez had a nice outfield assist on a shallow fly ball to left.  The runner was moving on the play and Gonzalez throw beat the runner back to first for a double play. 

Jack Mayfield made an outstanding diving stop on a ball in the hole at shortstop.  He popped up and made a good throw to first that Angel Ibanez made a nice stretch to complete the put out.

The defensive star of the night was Cristian Moronta. He was three for three in throwing out runners stealing second.  Two of those were on balls that he blocked and runners broke when he had trouble locating them.  Those three outs were huge in a ballgame this tight.  One ended an inning and two were to nab the hitter who had reached to start the inning.

Final Thought: After the 25 game strike out performance, the G-Stros now lead the Appy League with 104 strikeouts in just nine games. That puts them 16 Ks above second place Johnson City.  

Happy Birthday - 11/1

RHP Rhiner Cruz (26)
Initially signed by the Tigers as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2003, Cruz was drafted from the Mets in the December 2011 Rule 5 draft. In 52 appearances for the Astros in 2012, Cruz had an ERA of 6.05 and a WHIP of 1.709. But that's not the whole story. Like much of the Astros bullpen, Cruz was effective early in the season and late in the season. In between? Not so much. In April, May and August through October, his ERA was 3.13 and his WHIP was 1.473. In June and July? 12.46 ERA and 2.250 WHIP.

3B Jonathan Meyer (22)
Drafted as a third round supplemental pick in 2009 out of high school in California, Meyer spent his second season with Lancaster in 2012, hitting .272/.315/.375 with 24 doubles, two triples and eight home runs. Like  many of his Lancaster teammates, his hot bat helped he JetHawks get to the playoffs as he hit .350/.409/.600 with four doubles, two home runs and 13 RBI in his final 10 regular season games. He carried that into the playoffs, hitting .343 with three doubles, two home runs, a stolen base and 10 RBI.

RHP Frederick Tiburcio (22)
A non-drafted free agent from the Dominican Republic, Tiburcio is in his fourth season in the organiztion. He spent 2011 with the GCL Astros and 2012 with the Greeneville Astros with remarkably similar results.

2011 - 12 games (10 starts), 3-5 record, 4.47 ERA, 1.399 WHIP, 54-1/3 IP
2012 - 12 games (11 starts), 3-5 record, 4.47 ERA, 1.354 WHIP, 58-1/3 IP

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

RHP Russ Kemmerer (81)
Kemmerer came to Houston in a trade with the White Sox in June 1962. In a total of 53 appearances for the Colt .45's in 1962 and 1963, he was 5-3 with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.366 WHIP.

OF Howie Goss (died July 31, 1996 at 61)
Goss came to Houston from the Pirates in April 1963 and played in 133 games for the 1963 Colt .45's with a .209/.264/.328.

Minor League Recaps

Sunday's Games

Greeneville over Bristol 4-1 in 7 innings (Game 1)
Frederick Tiburcio got his first win of the season in a complete game win (albeit a 7-inning game) as he allowed only one run on three hits and two walks with nine strikeouts. Terrell Joyce as the DH drove in three of the Astros four runs with his two home runs.

Greeneville over Bristol 4-0 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Mike Hauschild (3IP 2H 5SO), Chris Lee (2IP 0H 4SO), Michael Dimock (1IP 1H 1BB 1SO), and Tanner Bushue (1IP 0H 1BB 1SO) combined on a three-hit shutout. Brian Blasik's RBI single in the first was all the Astros really needed, but D'Andre Toney added an RBI double and Jimmy Howick an RBI single just for good measure. Jean Batista and Ernesto Genoves also doubled; and Blasik and Angel Ibanez each had a pair of hits.

Tri-City at Jamestown - postponed

Hagerstown at Lexington - The game was suspended after the top of the third inning with Lexington leading 8-1 and is to be completed today as part of a double header.

Lancaster over Modesto 12-8
David Martinez got the win despite giving up six runs on seven hits (including three home runs) and two walks. Jose Trinidad gave up a couple more runs in relief and Kirk Clark came in for the final out and his eighth save. George Springer was three-for-five with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored. Domingo Santana, Telvin Nash and Alex Todd also homered in the game. Everyone got in on the hitting except for Grant Hogue, but he still managed to walk twice, steal a bag and score two runs. It would be much faster to list the players who didn't have multi-hit games (Hogue and Ben Heath) than those who did. Springer, Santana and Todd all had multi-hit, multi-RBI games.

Corpus Christi over Frisco 5-2
Not to be outdone by Greeneville, the Corpus staff in the guise of Jarred Cosart (5.2IP 1H 2R 4BB 5SO), Kevin Chapman (2.1IP 0H 0BB 2SO) and Jason Stoffel (1IP 0H 0BB 2SO) combined on a one-hitter. Unfortunately the one hit was a no-out triple following a walk. Add a fielder's choice and voila, one hit becomes two runs. Those two runs tied things up in the top of the sixth, but a Drew Muren sac fly and a two-run Austin Wates homer put the Hooks ahead for good in the bottom of the frame. Wates was three-for-five; Chris Wallace was two-for-three; and Jon Singleton had two RBI. Chapman was awarded the win in relief and Jason Stoffel converted his 15th save.

Oklahoma City over New Orleans 12-3
Brett Oberholtzer (W, 3-2) had a nice outing with two runs (one earned) allowed on two hits and two walks with three strikeouts over six innings. Juan Abreu, Hector Ambriz and David Carpenter each pitched a frame with Ambriz giving up the only additional run. Oklahoma City managed 12 runs without hitting a home run, but took advantage of wild pitches, hit batters and walks to supplement their 12 hits. Brandon Barnes, Jimmy Paredes, Mike Hessman and Brett Wallace all had multi-hit games; Barnes, Hessman, Fernando Martinez and J.B. Shuck all doubled in the game; and Hessman, Shuck, Angel Sanchez, and Jay Fernandez (in his first  appearance with the Redhawks) all contributed a pair of RBIs.

Pitcher of the Day
There were a lot of really good pitching performances yesterday, but I'm going with Frederick Tiburcio as he got his first win on a complete game with nine strikeouts. Honorable mention goes to the Greeneville Four and the Corpus Three for their great outings.

Player of the Day
George Springer, with his four RBIs, will have to share the podium with Terrell Joyce and his two homer, three RBI performance.

Happy Birthday - 11/1

3B Jonathan Meyer (21)
Drafted in the 3rd round supplemental in 2009 out of high school in California, Meyer has moved up a level each year, playing the 2011 season at Lancaster.  His batting line for 2011 was .264/.343/.399/.742 with 23 doubles and 14 home runs.  In August and September, he really heated things up with a .307 BA.

RHP Frederick Tiburcio (21)
A non-drafted free agent from the Dominican Republic, Tiburcio spent two seasons in the DSL before graduating to the GCL Astros in 2011.  In 12 games (10 starts), he went 3-5 with a 4.47 ERA and a 1.399 WHIP.  He improved toward the end of the season to 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP in August.

Former Astros with birthdays today

RHP Russ Kemmerer (80)
Pitched in 53 games for the Colt 45's in 1962 and 1963.

OF Howie Goss (died July 31, 1996 at 61)
Played for the 1963 Colt 45's