Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Jake Buchanan (25)
Drafted in the eighth round in 2010 out of North Carolina State, Buchanan made his major league debut on June 21st. In 16 appearances (two starts) for the Astros this season, he has a 1-3 record with a 4.81 ERA and a 1.545 WHIP. In 16 games (15 starts) for the AAA Oklahoma City team, he had a 7-5 record with a 3.87 ERA and a 1.257 WHIP. He walked only 16 batters (one intentional) in 88.1 innings for the RedHawks.
Alyson Footer (?)
Although Alyson isn't technically a part of our Astros family anymore, the scarlet-tressed MLB.com goddess will always hold a special place in our hearts. Happy Birthday, Alyson!
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Jake Buchanan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jake Buchanan. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Tweet of the Day
.@JakeBuck33 checking out the autographs inside the Green Monster. pic.twitter.com/LjHGMR36LN
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMoralesCSN) August 14, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Oklahoma City 12, New Orleans 0
W- Jake Buchanan (4-3)
L- Brian Flynn (4-3)
OKC home runs: Gregorio Petit (4, 3-run in 5th)
Well that was fun. Jake Buchanan went the distance and put up 9 zeros in the process while the RedHawks offense unleashed hell on the Zephyrs pitching staff.
It took Buchanan 97 pitches (77 strikes) to get 27 outs. He allowed 6 hits and struck out a career-high 10. This was the first time that he's recorded double-digit strikeouts as a pro. His previous career high was 9, which came last July 5 against the Zephyrs. This was also Buchanan's 2nd career complete game shutout; his 1st came on May 1, 2011, when he fired a 4-hitter for Lancaster against Inland Empire. According to OKC announcer Alex Freedman, Buchanan is currently on a 26-inning scoreless streak. That's pretty good.
The RedHawks offense was powered by a pair of 5-run innings, and they tacked on 1 in 2 other innings to complete the dozen. They also drew 10 walks. Jon Singleton was the only player in the starting 9+1 without a hit, but he drew 4 walks and scored a run. Andy Simunic drew 3, while Ronald Torreyes walked twice. With the bases loaded and nobody out in the 2nd, Robbie Grossman kicked things off by bringing in Torreyes with a single. Kiké Hernandez followed up with a sac fly, and then Domingo Santana ripped an RBI double. Max Stassi topped it off with a 2-run double. Carlos Perez added an RBI single in the 3rd.
Stassi, who finished 4-4 with a couple of doubles, added a 2-run single in the 5th, and then one batter later, Gregorio Petit, for all intents and purposes, sealed the deal with a 3-run blast (4). Simunic provided the cherry with an RBI single in the 9th. Santana also had a 4-hit night; he scored 3 times. Petit, Hernandez, and Simunic finished with 2 hits apiece.
Asher Wojciechowski, who's been on Team Rehab all year, will make his season debut later this morning. He'll take on Bryan Evans in game 3 of this 4-game set at 11:00 A.M.
Corpus Christi was off
The Hooks will begin their tour of Arkansas. Their first stop is Little Rock, where they'll play 3 with the Travelers beginning tonight. Tommy Shirley will start the opener, and he'll be opposed by Kramer Sneed. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 8, Bakersfield 4
W- Brian Holmes (1-1)
L- James Allen (2-4)
S- Dan Minor (2)
Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez 2 (8; solo in 1st, 2-run in 8th)
The JetHawks took the opener behind the bat of Mr. Hernandez. It got a bit hairy in the middle stages of the game, but they finished with 3 unanswered runs.
Teoscar swatted a pair of homers and moved into a tie for the California League RBI lead with Bakersfield 1B Marquez Smith. His first was a solo shot in the 1st that opened the scoring. After the Blaze tied it with 1 of their own in the bottom of the frame, Lancaster responded with 3 in the top of the 2nd. Carlos Perdomo finished 3-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI double in the inning. He'd score on a Tony Kemp single, and Kemp came home on a Teoscar double. Kemp also scored on a Teoscar groundout in the 4th. After Bako scored 2 in the bottom of the 4th to get within 1, Perdomo added an RBI single in the 5th to provide a little more separation, and Hernandez gave the JetHawks the separation they needed by sending a 2-run shot into the Central Valley night in the 8th. Kemp and Jordan Scott both went 2-5 and took part in a little thievery. Scott swiped one (2), while Kemp had a couple (18).
Brian Holmes went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 4 hits (3 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 4. J.D. Osborne was a bit erratic, as he issued 3 walks and only struck out 1 in his 2 frames, but he didn't allow a hit or a run. As long as the other team doesn't score.... whatever works. Dan Minor finished it off with 2 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 2.
In the middle game of this series, Kyle Westwood will face Drew Cisco. First pitch is at 7:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities 7, Burlington 1
W- Adrian Houser (3-1)
L- Harrison Cooney (2-3)
S- Tyler Brunnemann (1)
QC home runs: None.
After a tough extra-inning loss in the series opener, the Bandits came back and smacked the Bees around, scoring 6 unanswered runs to take this one.
Adrian Houser won his 3rd straight decision with another fine outing. He went 6 innings and allowed a run on 5 hits while striking out 4. Tyler Brunnemann pitched the final 3 innings and posted 3 zeros. He allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3 for the save.
Brett Booth went 2-4 with a pair of RBI singles; the first one opened up the scoring in the 1st, and he had another one as part of a 3-run 5th. Conrad Gregor hit an RBI single in the 3rd, while James Ramsay ripped a pair of RBI doubles in the 4th and the 8th. Tyler White added an RBI double in the 5th and ended up scoring on a Tanner Mathis force out. Mathis, who doubled and scored in the 4th, added a stolen base (6). Chan-Jong Moon went 2-5 with 2 steals (17).
In the rubber game of this series, Kevin Comer will make his first start of the season. He'll face Ryan Etsell at 7:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2. 4-hit nights for OKC.
1.
Honorable Mentions: Carlos Perdomo, Tony Kemp, Gregorio Petit, Andy Simunic, Brett Booth
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
2. Quad Cities pitchers shackled Burlington.
1. Wonder why he's got that grin on his face? Oh that's right, he just tossed a complete game shutout.
Oklahoma City 12, New Orleans 0
W- Jake Buchanan (4-3)
L- Brian Flynn (4-3)
OKC home runs: Gregorio Petit (4, 3-run in 5th)
Well that was fun. Jake Buchanan went the distance and put up 9 zeros in the process while the RedHawks offense unleashed hell on the Zephyrs pitching staff.
It took Buchanan 97 pitches (77 strikes) to get 27 outs. He allowed 6 hits and struck out a career-high 10. This was the first time that he's recorded double-digit strikeouts as a pro. His previous career high was 9, which came last July 5 against the Zephyrs. This was also Buchanan's 2nd career complete game shutout; his 1st came on May 1, 2011, when he fired a 4-hitter for Lancaster against Inland Empire. According to OKC announcer Alex Freedman, Buchanan is currently on a 26-inning scoreless streak. That's pretty good.
The RedHawks offense was powered by a pair of 5-run innings, and they tacked on 1 in 2 other innings to complete the dozen. They also drew 10 walks. Jon Singleton was the only player in the starting 9+1 without a hit, but he drew 4 walks and scored a run. Andy Simunic drew 3, while Ronald Torreyes walked twice. With the bases loaded and nobody out in the 2nd, Robbie Grossman kicked things off by bringing in Torreyes with a single. Kiké Hernandez followed up with a sac fly, and then Domingo Santana ripped an RBI double. Max Stassi topped it off with a 2-run double. Carlos Perez added an RBI single in the 3rd.
Stassi, who finished 4-4 with a couple of doubles, added a 2-run single in the 5th, and then one batter later, Gregorio Petit, for all intents and purposes, sealed the deal with a 3-run blast (4). Simunic provided the cherry with an RBI single in the 9th. Santana also had a 4-hit night; he scored 3 times. Petit, Hernandez, and Simunic finished with 2 hits apiece.
Asher Wojciechowski, who's been on Team Rehab all year, will make his season debut later this morning. He'll take on Bryan Evans in game 3 of this 4-game set at 11:00 A.M.
Corpus Christi was off
The Hooks will begin their tour of Arkansas. Their first stop is Little Rock, where they'll play 3 with the Travelers beginning tonight. Tommy Shirley will start the opener, and he'll be opposed by Kramer Sneed. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 8, Bakersfield 4
W- Brian Holmes (1-1)
L- James Allen (2-4)
S- Dan Minor (2)
Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez 2 (8; solo in 1st, 2-run in 8th)
The JetHawks took the opener behind the bat of Mr. Hernandez. It got a bit hairy in the middle stages of the game, but they finished with 3 unanswered runs.
Teoscar swatted a pair of homers and moved into a tie for the California League RBI lead with Bakersfield 1B Marquez Smith. His first was a solo shot in the 1st that opened the scoring. After the Blaze tied it with 1 of their own in the bottom of the frame, Lancaster responded with 3 in the top of the 2nd. Carlos Perdomo finished 3-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI double in the inning. He'd score on a Tony Kemp single, and Kemp came home on a Teoscar double. Kemp also scored on a Teoscar groundout in the 4th. After Bako scored 2 in the bottom of the 4th to get within 1, Perdomo added an RBI single in the 5th to provide a little more separation, and Hernandez gave the JetHawks the separation they needed by sending a 2-run shot into the Central Valley night in the 8th. Kemp and Jordan Scott both went 2-5 and took part in a little thievery. Scott swiped one (2), while Kemp had a couple (18).
Brian Holmes went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 4 hits (3 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 4. J.D. Osborne was a bit erratic, as he issued 3 walks and only struck out 1 in his 2 frames, but he didn't allow a hit or a run. As long as the other team doesn't score.... whatever works. Dan Minor finished it off with 2 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 2.
In the middle game of this series, Kyle Westwood will face Drew Cisco. First pitch is at 7:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities 7, Burlington 1
W- Adrian Houser (3-1)
L- Harrison Cooney (2-3)
S- Tyler Brunnemann (1)
QC home runs: None.
After a tough extra-inning loss in the series opener, the Bandits came back and smacked the Bees around, scoring 6 unanswered runs to take this one.
Adrian Houser won his 3rd straight decision with another fine outing. He went 6 innings and allowed a run on 5 hits while striking out 4. Tyler Brunnemann pitched the final 3 innings and posted 3 zeros. He allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3 for the save.
Brett Booth went 2-4 with a pair of RBI singles; the first one opened up the scoring in the 1st, and he had another one as part of a 3-run 5th. Conrad Gregor hit an RBI single in the 3rd, while James Ramsay ripped a pair of RBI doubles in the 4th and the 8th. Tyler White added an RBI double in the 5th and ended up scoring on a Tanner Mathis force out. Mathis, who doubled and scored in the 4th, added a stolen base (6). Chan-Jong Moon went 2-5 with 2 steals (17).
In the rubber game of this series, Kevin Comer will make his first start of the season. He'll face Ryan Etsell at 7:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
James Ramsay, CF, Quad Cities
2-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, R
2. 4-hit nights for OKC.
Domingo Santana, LF
4-6, 2B, RBI, 3 R
Photo courtesy of Bryan Green
Max Stassi, C
4-4, 2 2B, 4 RBI, R
1.
Teoscar Hernandez, CF, Lancaster
3-5, 2B, 2 HR (8), 5 RBI
Honorable Mentions: Carlos Perdomo, Tony Kemp, Gregorio Petit, Andy Simunic, Brett Booth
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
J.D. Osborne on Twitter: @jd13_osborne
J.D. Osborne, LHP, Lancaster
2 IP, 3 BB, K
Dan Minor, RHP, Lancaster
Save (2), 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K
2. Quad Cities pitchers shackled Burlington.
Adrian Houser, RHP
W (3-1), 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K
Photo by John Whinery
Tyler Brunnemann, RHP
Save (1), 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K
1. Wonder why he's got that grin on his face? Oh that's right, he just tossed a complete game shutout.
Jake Buchanan, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (4-3), CG, 6 H, 10 K
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Saturday, April 12, 2014
Oklahoma City 12, New Orleans 1
W- Jake Buchanan (1-1)
L- Jared Rogers (0-1)
OKC home runs: Carlos Perez (2, solo in 8th)
Well, the RedHawks were up 5-1, but they felt like they needed just a little more insurance. So, they scored a touchdown in the 8th for the score you see above.
Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Japhet Amador, who went 0-2. Gregorio Petit and Domingo Santana had 3 hits apiece; all 3 of Santana's hits were doubles. After opening the season 3-22, Domingo has gone 6-14 in his last 3 games.
Jonathan Meyer opened the scoring in the 2nd by reaching on a force attempt that scored Santana. Jon Singleton hit a 2-run single in the 3rd, and in the 4th, Austin Wates hit an RBI double and came home on a Petit sac fly.
Carlos Perez opened the floodgates once again by leading off the 8th with a homer. Ronald Torreyes added an RBI double, and Singleton once again made his presence felt, clearing the bases with a double. He'd score on an Erik Castro triple; Castro scored OKC's final run on Santana's 3rd and final double of the game.
Jake Buchanan allowed 3 hits and struck out 5 over 5 shutout innings to get the win. His outing only required 54 pitches (40 strikes). Jose Cisnero went 2 innings and allowed a run on a single, walked 1, and struck out 3. Chia-Jen Lo allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 over 2 innings to finish it out.
Game 3 will have Nick Tropeano and Collin McHugh taking the mound to take on Brian Flynn. First pitch is at 2:05.
Corpus Christi 3, Tulsa 2 in 10 innings
W- Alex Sogard (1-1)
L- Cole White (0-1)
CC home runs: None.
Corpus walked off with the series victory as Preston Tucker delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 10th. He and Kiké Hernandez both had 2 hits, while Matt Duffy extended his hitting streak to 5 games by going 3-5. Nolan Fontana had a sac fly in the 3rd and Delino DeShields added an RBI single in the 5th.
Brady Rodgers had a spectacular start as he walked 1 and struck out 5 over 5 no-hit, shutout innings. Colton Cain pitched 2.2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Jorge De Leon went 1.1 scoreless and allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2. Alex Sogard tossed a 1-2-3 top of the 10th to get the victory.
The Hooks will welcome Springfield to Whataburger Field for a series. In the first of 3, David Rollins and Aaron West will take on Jonathan Cornelius. First pitch is at 1:10.
Lancaster 7, Lake Elsinore 2
W- Kyle Smith (1-0)
L- Bryan Rodriguez (0-1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks wrapped up an undefeated week by securing a series win over the Storm on the road.
Lance McCullers got the start and went 3.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 4. J.D. Osborne allowed a hit over 1.1 scoreless, and Kyle Smith was stellar in 4 scoreless as he walked 2 and struck out 6 without allowing a hit.
Tony Kemp led off the game with a single. He then stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on an error. Teoscar Hernandez then drew a walk and stole 2nd. After Carlos Correa struck out, Rio Ruiz reached on an error that allowed both runners to score. He was credited with 1 RBI, though. Carlos Perdomo scored on a balk in the 2nd. He scored again in the 4th on a passed ball as Kemp stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on said passed ball. Dan Gulbransen went 3-3 with an RBI single in the 2nd; Jake Rodriguez would also score on the ensuing error. Rio finished 2-5, and Kemp had 2 steals (4).
Lancaster will now look for the sweep, and they'll send out Josh Hader and Chris Devenski to take on Joe Ross at 1:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities and Great Lakes was postponed
Due to rain. A doubleheader is scheduled for 12:05 Eastern/11:05 AM Central. In game 1, Andrew Thurman will face Luis Chirinos, and in game 2, Chris Lee will match up against Greg Harris.
Three Stars: Pitchers
You know what.... they all won the #1 star.
1.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2.
1.
Jon Singleton, 1B, Oklahoma City
2-5, 2B, 5 RBI, R
Honorable Mentions: Gregorio Petit, Matt Duffy, Dan Gulbransen, Austin Wates, George Springer, Carlos Perez
Oklahoma City 12, New Orleans 1
W- Jake Buchanan (1-1)
L- Jared Rogers (0-1)
OKC home runs: Carlos Perez (2, solo in 8th)
Well, the RedHawks were up 5-1, but they felt like they needed just a little more insurance. So, they scored a touchdown in the 8th for the score you see above.
Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Japhet Amador, who went 0-2. Gregorio Petit and Domingo Santana had 3 hits apiece; all 3 of Santana's hits were doubles. After opening the season 3-22, Domingo has gone 6-14 in his last 3 games.
Jonathan Meyer opened the scoring in the 2nd by reaching on a force attempt that scored Santana. Jon Singleton hit a 2-run single in the 3rd, and in the 4th, Austin Wates hit an RBI double and came home on a Petit sac fly.
Carlos Perez opened the floodgates once again by leading off the 8th with a homer. Ronald Torreyes added an RBI double, and Singleton once again made his presence felt, clearing the bases with a double. He'd score on an Erik Castro triple; Castro scored OKC's final run on Santana's 3rd and final double of the game.
Jake Buchanan allowed 3 hits and struck out 5 over 5 shutout innings to get the win. His outing only required 54 pitches (40 strikes). Jose Cisnero went 2 innings and allowed a run on a single, walked 1, and struck out 3. Chia-Jen Lo allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 over 2 innings to finish it out.
Game 3 will have Nick Tropeano and Collin McHugh taking the mound to take on Brian Flynn. First pitch is at 2:05.
Corpus Christi 3, Tulsa 2 in 10 innings
W- Alex Sogard (1-1)
L- Cole White (0-1)
CC home runs: None.
Corpus walked off with the series victory as Preston Tucker delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 10th. He and Kiké Hernandez both had 2 hits, while Matt Duffy extended his hitting streak to 5 games by going 3-5. Nolan Fontana had a sac fly in the 3rd and Delino DeShields added an RBI single in the 5th.
Brady Rodgers had a spectacular start as he walked 1 and struck out 5 over 5 no-hit, shutout innings. Colton Cain pitched 2.2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Jorge De Leon went 1.1 scoreless and allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2. Alex Sogard tossed a 1-2-3 top of the 10th to get the victory.
The Hooks will welcome Springfield to Whataburger Field for a series. In the first of 3, David Rollins and Aaron West will take on Jonathan Cornelius. First pitch is at 1:10.
Lancaster 7, Lake Elsinore 2
W- Kyle Smith (1-0)
L- Bryan Rodriguez (0-1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks wrapped up an undefeated week by securing a series win over the Storm on the road.
Lance McCullers got the start and went 3.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 4. J.D. Osborne allowed a hit over 1.1 scoreless, and Kyle Smith was stellar in 4 scoreless as he walked 2 and struck out 6 without allowing a hit.
Tony Kemp led off the game with a single. He then stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on an error. Teoscar Hernandez then drew a walk and stole 2nd. After Carlos Correa struck out, Rio Ruiz reached on an error that allowed both runners to score. He was credited with 1 RBI, though. Carlos Perdomo scored on a balk in the 2nd. He scored again in the 4th on a passed ball as Kemp stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on said passed ball. Dan Gulbransen went 3-3 with an RBI single in the 2nd; Jake Rodriguez would also score on the ensuing error. Rio finished 2-5, and Kemp had 2 steals (4).
Lancaster will now look for the sweep, and they'll send out Josh Hader and Chris Devenski to take on Joe Ross at 1:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities and Great Lakes was postponed
Due to rain. A doubleheader is scheduled for 12:05 Eastern/11:05 AM Central. In game 1, Andrew Thurman will face Luis Chirinos, and in game 2, Chris Lee will match up against Greg Harris.
Three Stars: Pitchers
You know what.... they all won the #1 star.
1.
Kyle Smith, RHP, Lancaster
W (1-0), 4 IP, 2 BB, 6 K
Jake Buchanan, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (1-1), 5 IP, 3 H, 5 K
Brady Rodgers, RHP, Corpus Christi
5 IP, BB, 5 K
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Domingo Santana, RF, Oklahoma City
3-4, 3 2B, RBI, R
2.
Preston Tucker, LF, Corpus Christi
2-5, walk-off RBI single in 10th
1.
Jon Singleton, 1B, Oklahoma City
2-5, 2B, 5 RBI, R
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Tweet of the Day
Countdown to the @JakeBuck33 @ChelsaMessinger wedding: 10 Days!!! #Nashville
— Bobby Doran (@B_Doran43) January 15, 2014
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tweets of the Day
Los cowboys tan feo feo
— Hector Roaa Jr. (@PapiJunee_) December 30, 2013
I love when the cowboys lose
— brandon meredith (@bmeezytrain) December 30, 2013
Obviously it's not a Romo jinx it's a cowboy tradition
— Parker Hipp (@SkipHipp6) December 30, 2013
Cowboys lol
— Jake Buchanan (@JakeBuck33) December 30, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Happy Birthday - 9/24
Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Jake Buchanan (24)
Drafted in the eighth round in 2010 out of North Carolina State, Buchanan split his 2013 season between Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City. He absolutely dominated for the Hooks, compiling a 7-2 record in 18 appearances (13 starts) with a 2.09 ERA and an 0.927 WHIP. He ended the season with a combined record of 12-7 with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.099 WHIP in 30 games (25 starts). He pitched 158+ innings, the second most in the Astros minor league system.
RHP Christian Garcia (22)
Drafted in the 29th round in 2012 out of Florence-Darlington Technical College in South Carolina, Garcia pitched in 18 games out of the bullpen, most of them for the Greeneville Astros, this season and compiled a 2-1 record with a 5.85 ERA and a 1.485 WHIP.
Alyson Footer (?)
Although Alyson isn't technically a part of our Astros family anymore, the scarlet-tressed MLB.com goddess will always hold a special place in our hearts. Happy Birthday, Alyson!
RHP Jake Buchanan (24)
Drafted in the eighth round in 2010 out of North Carolina State, Buchanan split his 2013 season between Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City. He absolutely dominated for the Hooks, compiling a 7-2 record in 18 appearances (13 starts) with a 2.09 ERA and an 0.927 WHIP. He ended the season with a combined record of 12-7 with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.099 WHIP in 30 games (25 starts). He pitched 158+ innings, the second most in the Astros minor league system.
RHP Christian Garcia (22)
Drafted in the 29th round in 2012 out of Florence-Darlington Technical College in South Carolina, Garcia pitched in 18 games out of the bullpen, most of them for the Greeneville Astros, this season and compiled a 2-1 record with a 5.85 ERA and a 1.485 WHIP.
Alyson Footer (?)
Although Alyson isn't technically a part of our Astros family anymore, the scarlet-tressed MLB.com goddess will always hold a special place in our hearts. Happy Birthday, Alyson!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games
Oklahoma City over Tuscon 8-2
Jake Buchanan (7.2IP 7H 2R 1BB 3SO) got the start and the win and was followed by Wade LeBlanc (who allowed one of Buchanan's runners to score before getting the last out of the eighth) and Jorge de Leon with a perfect ninth. Oklahoma City scored four in the fourth on a Jon Singleton bases loaded walk, a Jimmy Paredes two-RBI triple and a Che-Hsuan Lin sac bunt scoring Paredes. George Springer (2x3) singled in a run in the fifth and drove in two in the eighth on his 14th home run for Oklahoma City (33rd of the season). Jon Singleton scored the final run in the eighth with a solo shot. Trevor Crowe went two-for-five and scored a run; and Jose Martinez was two-for-four with a double, walk and two runs.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 6-5
Ross Seaton went six innings and allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six and was followed with a perfect inning from Carlos Quevedo. Jonas Dufek threw the last two and got the win, despite allowing his first run since his promotion to AA. The Hooks were down 4-1 going into the eighth inning with their only score coming on a Jonathan Meyer sac fly scoring Erik Castro. Preston Tucker (3x4 2B BB RBI 2R) singled in one run in the eighth and Max Stassi (3x5) took care of the rest, doubling in two runs in the eighth and two runs in the ninth. Drew Muren was three-for-four with a double and scored twice.
Inland Empire over Lancaster 8-2
Mike Hauschild (4.2IP 6H 4R 2BB 6SO) took the loss and was followed by Tyson Perez who allowed three additional runs (two earned) in his inning of work. After scoreless outings from Michael Dimock and Kenny Long, Gera Sanchez allowed the final run to score in the eighth. The good news is that the bullpen managed to strand 10 inherited runners. The bad news is that the bullpen kept re-loading the bases with those runners. The 'Hawks only managed two runs in the sixth on a Tyler Heineman (2x4 2B 3B) RBI triple. Delino DeShields and Nolan Fontana were both two-for-four in the game and each stole a base. Brandon Meredith hit his 21st double of the season.
Clinton over Quad Cities 6-5
Lance McCullers got roughed up to the tune of five runs over four innings. He was followed by three scoreless innings from Andrew Walter in his Quad Cities debut. Juan Minaya allowed the last run across in the ninth and was charged with the loss. Quad Cities got an early lead with a two-run Bobby Borchering homer in the first, but soon fell behind. Borchering drove in two more in the fifth on a single and Teoscar Hernandez knotted things up in the seventh as he reach base on a hit by pitch and advanced base by base on three wild pitches.
Tri-City over Connecticut 3-1
Adrian Houser (4H 1BB 2SO) pitched an effective five innings, allowing only one run in the first before giving way to Andrew Thurman (2.1IP 2H 2BB 3SO) for the win and Gonzalo Sanudo (1.2IP 3SO) with a perfect outing for the save. It was Sanudo's first appearance since being promoted. Tri-City didn't hit the run column until a Mike Martinez sac fly scored James Ramsay in the seventh. Chan Moon tripled and scored on a Tyler White (3x4 RBI) single in the eighth and Martinez hit a solo shot in the ninth to round out the scoring.
Pulaski over Greeneville 5-4
Chris Lee was mostly on cruise control, allowing only two singles through five and a third innings, but was taken out with two runners on in the sixth inning in favor of Sebastian Kessay. Kessay allowed both of those runners to score, plus two more of his own and was charged with a blown save. Chris Munnelly (2.1IP 0H 1R/0ER 2BB 4SO) got the hard luck loss as the winning run scored in the bottom of the ninth on a throwing error. Three of the Astros runs came in the second inning on a Brian Holberton three-run long ball and the other courtesy of a Wallace Gonzalez RBI double in the fourth. Juan Santana also doubled in the game.
GCL Astros over GCL Yankees2 14-5
Jose Montero allowed three runs (two earned) in his five innings and was followed by three scoreless frames from Joe Musgrove. Matt Heidenreich allowed two runs on three hits in his inning of work. The Astros banged out 14 runs on 22 hits and had four three-run innings. Jean Batista (3x5 3B HR RBI 4R) hit a solo home run in the first, and Jose Solano did so in the third. Solano also doubled FOUR TIMES in the game and drove in a total of five runs. Ydarqui Marte went four-for-four with two doubles, two RBI and two runs; Pedro Coa was three-for-three with a double, two RBI and a run; and Brett Clements was two-for-two with an RBI.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-4
Elieser Hernandez pitched five shutout innings to earn his fifth win of the season. Joselo Pinales allowed the first Dodgers run in the sixth. Victor Mesa cruised through his first two innings, but struggled to get out of the ninth, allowing three runs in the frame before Angel Heredia came in to get the final out and convert his 11th save of the season. An RBI single from Jarico Reynoso in the second, a Brauly Mejia (2x2) RBI double in the third, a Kristian Trompiz home run in the seventh (his first) and a Jean Carlos Cortorreal (2x3) RBI double in the eighth highlighted the Astros scoring. Hector Roa was two-for-four with a double and scored a run.
Player of the Day: Five-for-five with four doubles, a home run, five RBI and four runs scored? Yeah, Jose Solano is quite definitely my player of the day with those gaudy numbers. Honorable mention goes to Max Stassi for his four RBI night.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan gets my love today not only for a good performance, but also for getting Oklahoma City back in the win column. Elieser Hernandez gets honorable mention for his terrific performance.
Oklahoma City over Tuscon 8-2
Jake Buchanan (7.2IP 7H 2R 1BB 3SO) got the start and the win and was followed by Wade LeBlanc (who allowed one of Buchanan's runners to score before getting the last out of the eighth) and Jorge de Leon with a perfect ninth. Oklahoma City scored four in the fourth on a Jon Singleton bases loaded walk, a Jimmy Paredes two-RBI triple and a Che-Hsuan Lin sac bunt scoring Paredes. George Springer (2x3) singled in a run in the fifth and drove in two in the eighth on his 14th home run for Oklahoma City (33rd of the season). Jon Singleton scored the final run in the eighth with a solo shot. Trevor Crowe went two-for-five and scored a run; and Jose Martinez was two-for-four with a double, walk and two runs.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 6-5
Ross Seaton went six innings and allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six and was followed with a perfect inning from Carlos Quevedo. Jonas Dufek threw the last two and got the win, despite allowing his first run since his promotion to AA. The Hooks were down 4-1 going into the eighth inning with their only score coming on a Jonathan Meyer sac fly scoring Erik Castro. Preston Tucker (3x4 2B BB RBI 2R) singled in one run in the eighth and Max Stassi (3x5) took care of the rest, doubling in two runs in the eighth and two runs in the ninth. Drew Muren was three-for-four with a double and scored twice.
Inland Empire over Lancaster 8-2
Mike Hauschild (4.2IP 6H 4R 2BB 6SO) took the loss and was followed by Tyson Perez who allowed three additional runs (two earned) in his inning of work. After scoreless outings from Michael Dimock and Kenny Long, Gera Sanchez allowed the final run to score in the eighth. The good news is that the bullpen managed to strand 10 inherited runners. The bad news is that the bullpen kept re-loading the bases with those runners. The 'Hawks only managed two runs in the sixth on a Tyler Heineman (2x4 2B 3B) RBI triple. Delino DeShields and Nolan Fontana were both two-for-four in the game and each stole a base. Brandon Meredith hit his 21st double of the season.
Clinton over Quad Cities 6-5
Lance McCullers got roughed up to the tune of five runs over four innings. He was followed by three scoreless innings from Andrew Walter in his Quad Cities debut. Juan Minaya allowed the last run across in the ninth and was charged with the loss. Quad Cities got an early lead with a two-run Bobby Borchering homer in the first, but soon fell behind. Borchering drove in two more in the fifth on a single and Teoscar Hernandez knotted things up in the seventh as he reach base on a hit by pitch and advanced base by base on three wild pitches.
Tri-City over Connecticut 3-1
Adrian Houser (4H 1BB 2SO) pitched an effective five innings, allowing only one run in the first before giving way to Andrew Thurman (2.1IP 2H 2BB 3SO) for the win and Gonzalo Sanudo (1.2IP 3SO) with a perfect outing for the save. It was Sanudo's first appearance since being promoted. Tri-City didn't hit the run column until a Mike Martinez sac fly scored James Ramsay in the seventh. Chan Moon tripled and scored on a Tyler White (3x4 RBI) single in the eighth and Martinez hit a solo shot in the ninth to round out the scoring.
Pulaski over Greeneville 5-4
Chris Lee was mostly on cruise control, allowing only two singles through five and a third innings, but was taken out with two runners on in the sixth inning in favor of Sebastian Kessay. Kessay allowed both of those runners to score, plus two more of his own and was charged with a blown save. Chris Munnelly (2.1IP 0H 1R/0ER 2BB 4SO) got the hard luck loss as the winning run scored in the bottom of the ninth on a throwing error. Three of the Astros runs came in the second inning on a Brian Holberton three-run long ball and the other courtesy of a Wallace Gonzalez RBI double in the fourth. Juan Santana also doubled in the game.
GCL Astros over GCL Yankees2 14-5
Jose Montero allowed three runs (two earned) in his five innings and was followed by three scoreless frames from Joe Musgrove. Matt Heidenreich allowed two runs on three hits in his inning of work. The Astros banged out 14 runs on 22 hits and had four three-run innings. Jean Batista (3x5 3B HR RBI 4R) hit a solo home run in the first, and Jose Solano did so in the third. Solano also doubled FOUR TIMES in the game and drove in a total of five runs. Ydarqui Marte went four-for-four with two doubles, two RBI and two runs; Pedro Coa was three-for-three with a double, two RBI and a run; and Brett Clements was two-for-two with an RBI.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-4
Elieser Hernandez pitched five shutout innings to earn his fifth win of the season. Joselo Pinales allowed the first Dodgers run in the sixth. Victor Mesa cruised through his first two innings, but struggled to get out of the ninth, allowing three runs in the frame before Angel Heredia came in to get the final out and convert his 11th save of the season. An RBI single from Jarico Reynoso in the second, a Brauly Mejia (2x2) RBI double in the third, a Kristian Trompiz home run in the seventh (his first) and a Jean Carlos Cortorreal (2x3) RBI double in the eighth highlighted the Astros scoring. Hector Roa was two-for-four with a double and scored a run.
Player of the Day: Five-for-five with four doubles, a home run, five RBI and four runs scored? Yeah, Jose Solano is quite definitely my player of the day with those gaudy numbers. Honorable mention goes to Max Stassi for his four RBI night.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan gets my love today not only for a good performance, but also for getting Oklahoma City back in the win column. Elieser Hernandez gets honorable mention for his terrific performance.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Tuesday's Games
Oklahoma City over Reno 4-2
The RedHawks had put up three small ball runs by the time Reno scored its only two runs off Jake Buchanan (7IP 6H 2R 1BB 3SO) in the sixth inning, with a little help from a wild pitch and the only walk issued by Buchanan. The RedHawks only scraped together five hits (all singles), but walked six times. Jose Martinez and Carlos Perez drove in runs with RBI singles and George Springer was credited with an RBI on a ground out.
San Antonio over Corpus Christi 4-1
Mike Foltynewicz went five, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks on his way to his second Hooks loss. He also struck out five. T.J. Geith (1.2IP 1H 2BB 4SO) and Andrew Robinson (1.1IP 2H 1R/0ER) shared the bullpen duties. The Hooks only managed one run in the third as Jio Mier scored on a Ronald Torreyes single. The Hooks were held to five singles and two walks.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 10-4
Tommy Shirley (1H 1BB 1SO) pitched the first two innings before coming out of the game with what was characterized as arm discomfort. Blair Walters (4IP 2H 2R 2BB 5SO) picked up where Shirley left off and got the win with a lot of help from his offense. Cameron Lamb and Tyson Perez allowed the last two runs to score in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. The 'Hawks got the party started early with Matt Duffy's (2x4 3RBI) 17th home run of the season, a two run shot in the second. The good guys went on to score two more in the second; three in the third on a Chris Epps RBI single and a Brandon Meredith (4x4) two-run homer; one in the sixth on a Chris Epps sac fly scoring M.P. Cokinos; one in the seventh on Meredith's second home run of the night and 14th of the season; and a final run in the eighth as Tyler Heineman (3x5) singled in Andrew Aplin. The team hit six doubles - two from Tyler Heineman, and one each from Nolan Fontana, Andrew Aplin, Matt Duffy and Brandon Meredith. Aplin and Fontana each swiped a bag as well.
Peoria at Quad Cities - Postponed
State College over Tri-City 6-2
Tri-City got on the board first with one in the third on a Conrad Gregor (3x4) solo home run, but State College countered in the bottom of the frame with four runs off starter Randall Fant whose night was done after that inning. He was followed with two innings from Patrick Christensen who gave up only one hit and struck out three. Zach Morton took the mound for the next two innings and allowed two runs on three hits before giving way to a scoreless eighth from Albert Minnis. The ValleyCats scored an additional run in the top of the eighth, but it was too little, too late.
Burlington over Greeneville 7-6
Greeneville made a valiant effort to come back, scoring five runs in their last two frames but fell just short. Starter Edison Frias put up six solid innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out two, but the bullpen struggled as Tyler Brunnemann and Ryan Connolly allowed five runs between them in the last three innings. Greeneville only put up one run on an Angel Ibanez RBI single in the fourth before they started the scoring in earnest in the eighth inning as Ariel Ovando (2x4) doubled in two runs and later scored on a ground out. Ricky Gingras (2x4 BB 2R) singled in the final two runs of the game in the ninth. Marc Wik was three-for-five and scored a run; and Juan Santana was two-for-five with a double and scored a run.
GCL Astros over GCL Yankees 6-3
Six pitchers took the mound with the first three, Agapito Barrios (4IP 2BB 5SO), Jorge Perez (1IP) and Juan Santos (1IP 1BB) posting zeroes.According to Jacob Nottingham, Santos was hitting 99 on the radar gun during the game. [Note: I misunderstood Nottingham's tweet. It was actually Guduan who hit 99, which makes a whole lot more sense!] Reymin Guduan (1IP 1H 2R/0ER 1BB 1SO), Kevin Ferguson (1IP 1BB 1SO) and Zach Dando (1IP 2H 1R 2BB) took it the rest of the way. The Astros got their first run in the third as Javaris Reynolds (2x5) tripled in a run, and scored another in the fourth. After a Jason Martin RBI single in the seventh, the Astros led 3-2 going in to the ninth when three runs came across on another Martin single and a Yonathan Mejia two-RBI single. Jose Fernandez went two-for-five, stole a base and scored a run.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 8-2
Elieser Hernandez pitched the first four, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks, before giving way to Yonquelys Martinez who earned his first win of the season with three scoreless innings. Angel Heredia and Starlyng Sanchez each pitched a scoreless frame in relief as well. The team brought their big boy bats to the game yesterday, banging out twelve hits, including four doubles and a bases clearing triple from Luis Payano. Payano ended the day going three-for-five with a double, triple, four RBI and scored two runs. Kristian Trompiz was two-for-five with a double and a run scored; and Jean Estrella went three-for-five with a double, stolen base and two runs.
Player of the Day: It's not even a contest. Brandon Meredith went four-for-four with a double, two home runs, three RBI and scored three runs. That performance is deserving of the WTHB honors any day. Luis Payano gets honorable mention for his four RBI day.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan has only made six starts and he has already collected his third win. On Tuesday, he only allowed six singles and one walk. He has a 3.08 ERA and a 1.132 WHIP since joining OKC.
Oklahoma City over Reno 4-2
The RedHawks had put up three small ball runs by the time Reno scored its only two runs off Jake Buchanan (7IP 6H 2R 1BB 3SO) in the sixth inning, with a little help from a wild pitch and the only walk issued by Buchanan. The RedHawks only scraped together five hits (all singles), but walked six times. Jose Martinez and Carlos Perez drove in runs with RBI singles and George Springer was credited with an RBI on a ground out.
San Antonio over Corpus Christi 4-1
Mike Foltynewicz went five, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks on his way to his second Hooks loss. He also struck out five. T.J. Geith (1.2IP 1H 2BB 4SO) and Andrew Robinson (1.1IP 2H 1R/0ER) shared the bullpen duties. The Hooks only managed one run in the third as Jio Mier scored on a Ronald Torreyes single. The Hooks were held to five singles and two walks.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 10-4
Tommy Shirley (1H 1BB 1SO) pitched the first two innings before coming out of the game with what was characterized as arm discomfort. Blair Walters (4IP 2H 2R 2BB 5SO) picked up where Shirley left off and got the win with a lot of help from his offense. Cameron Lamb and Tyson Perez allowed the last two runs to score in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. The 'Hawks got the party started early with Matt Duffy's (2x4 3RBI) 17th home run of the season, a two run shot in the second. The good guys went on to score two more in the second; three in the third on a Chris Epps RBI single and a Brandon Meredith (4x4) two-run homer; one in the sixth on a Chris Epps sac fly scoring M.P. Cokinos; one in the seventh on Meredith's second home run of the night and 14th of the season; and a final run in the eighth as Tyler Heineman (3x5) singled in Andrew Aplin. The team hit six doubles - two from Tyler Heineman, and one each from Nolan Fontana, Andrew Aplin, Matt Duffy and Brandon Meredith. Aplin and Fontana each swiped a bag as well.
Peoria at Quad Cities - Postponed
State College over Tri-City 6-2
Tri-City got on the board first with one in the third on a Conrad Gregor (3x4) solo home run, but State College countered in the bottom of the frame with four runs off starter Randall Fant whose night was done after that inning. He was followed with two innings from Patrick Christensen who gave up only one hit and struck out three. Zach Morton took the mound for the next two innings and allowed two runs on three hits before giving way to a scoreless eighth from Albert Minnis. The ValleyCats scored an additional run in the top of the eighth, but it was too little, too late.
Burlington over Greeneville 7-6
Greeneville made a valiant effort to come back, scoring five runs in their last two frames but fell just short. Starter Edison Frias put up six solid innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out two, but the bullpen struggled as Tyler Brunnemann and Ryan Connolly allowed five runs between them in the last three innings. Greeneville only put up one run on an Angel Ibanez RBI single in the fourth before they started the scoring in earnest in the eighth inning as Ariel Ovando (2x4) doubled in two runs and later scored on a ground out. Ricky Gingras (2x4 BB 2R) singled in the final two runs of the game in the ninth. Marc Wik was three-for-five and scored a run; and Juan Santana was two-for-five with a double and scored a run.
GCL Astros over GCL Yankees 6-3
Six pitchers took the mound with the first three, Agapito Barrios (4IP 2BB 5SO), Jorge Perez (1IP) and Juan Santos (1IP 1BB) posting zeroes.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 8-2
Elieser Hernandez pitched the first four, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks, before giving way to Yonquelys Martinez who earned his first win of the season with three scoreless innings. Angel Heredia and Starlyng Sanchez each pitched a scoreless frame in relief as well. The team brought their big boy bats to the game yesterday, banging out twelve hits, including four doubles and a bases clearing triple from Luis Payano. Payano ended the day going three-for-five with a double, triple, four RBI and scored two runs. Kristian Trompiz was two-for-five with a double and a run scored; and Jean Estrella went three-for-five with a double, stolen base and two runs.
Player of the Day: It's not even a contest. Brandon Meredith went four-for-four with a double, two home runs, three RBI and scored three runs. That performance is deserving of the WTHB honors any day. Luis Payano gets honorable mention for his four RBI day.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan has only made six starts and he has already collected his third win. On Tuesday, he only allowed six singles and one walk. He has a 3.08 ERA and a 1.132 WHIP since joining OKC.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Tweet of the Day
Jake Buchanan @JakeBuck33Watching the #AllStarGame with the Sogards grilling out and enjoying the break @ASoggyBottom @MrsSogs
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Friday's Games
Bristol White Sox 4, Greeneville Astros 1
Steve has already posted an eyewitness account of the game yesterday. So check it out if you already haven't.
Steve has already posted an eyewitness account of the game yesterday. So check it out if you already haven't.
GCL Blue Jays, GCL Astros
-Suspended after first due to rain.
To be completed today.
DSL Astros, DSL Mariners
-Suspended in the middle of the fourth due to rain.
-Suspended in the middle of the fourth due to rain.
Lowell Spinners 4, Tri-City Valley Cats 5 (10)
Mark Appel made his professional debut in a Valley Cats extra-inning win at home on Friday. Appel allowed two runs (1ER) on three hits in the first inning and then settled down to record a 1-2-3 second inning before leaving the game (he was on 30-pitch limit in his debut). Appel also struck out the last batter he faced in the first. Tanner Bushue followed for two and a third and allowed another two on four hits and walked a pair. Patrick Christensen (1-0) picked up the win, his first, in relief pitching the last six outs of the game. Christensen induced a double play to end the ninth inning, then went three-up, three-down in the 10th, striking out one. Two Tri-City batters had multi-hit nights, D'Andre Toney and Conrad Gregor. Toney went two-for-four with a strikeout and Gregor hit three-for-five with a double, two RBI and a strikeout. The winning run was scored when pinch-runner Thomas Lindauer scored from third on a passed ball in the 10th.
Mark Appel made his professional debut in a Valley Cats extra-inning win at home on Friday. Appel allowed two runs (1ER) on three hits in the first inning and then settled down to record a 1-2-3 second inning before leaving the game (he was on 30-pitch limit in his debut). Appel also struck out the last batter he faced in the first. Tanner Bushue followed for two and a third and allowed another two on four hits and walked a pair. Patrick Christensen (1-0) picked up the win, his first, in relief pitching the last six outs of the game. Christensen induced a double play to end the ninth inning, then went three-up, three-down in the 10th, striking out one. Two Tri-City batters had multi-hit nights, D'Andre Toney and Conrad Gregor. Toney went two-for-four with a strikeout and Gregor hit three-for-five with a double, two RBI and a strikeout. The winning run was scored when pinch-runner Thomas Lindauer scored from third on a passed ball in the 10th.
Quad Cities River Bandits 7, Kane County
Cougars 8
Quad Cities battled back in this game, but ultimately ended up a run short of tying it, falling for the second night in a row to their rivals. Jordan Jankowski started and threw seven innings before exiting the game, the longest start of any River Bandit pitcher this year. Jankowski allowed three runs on six hits (2HR), walked one and struck out a pair during his time on the hill. John Neely (2-5) picked up the loss and the blown save (3) after entering with one out in the eighth. Neely allowed three inherited runners to score before giving up two runs of his own on two hits in the inning. Neely also walked one and struck out the same. Roberto Pena's bat was busy at the plate, Friday. Pena hit four-for five, scored a run and tallied three RBI, bringing his season total to 35. Teoscar Hernandez (1X5 R HR RBI SO) got the River Bandits on the board in the first with a leadoff homer. Jobduan Morales hit two-for-four with a double and two RBI.
Quad Cities battled back in this game, but ultimately ended up a run short of tying it, falling for the second night in a row to their rivals. Jordan Jankowski started and threw seven innings before exiting the game, the longest start of any River Bandit pitcher this year. Jankowski allowed three runs on six hits (2HR), walked one and struck out a pair during his time on the hill. John Neely (2-5) picked up the loss and the blown save (3) after entering with one out in the eighth. Neely allowed three inherited runners to score before giving up two runs of his own on two hits in the inning. Neely also walked one and struck out the same. Roberto Pena's bat was busy at the plate, Friday. Pena hit four-for five, scored a run and tallied three RBI, bringing his season total to 35. Teoscar Hernandez (1X5 R HR RBI SO) got the River Bandits on the board in the first with a leadoff homer. Jobduan Morales hit two-for-four with a double and two RBI.
Lancaster JetHawks 7, Inland Empire 66ers 6
(11)
The longball punctuated Lancaster's extra-inning win, Friday. Brandon Meredith (1X4 R HR 2RBI SO) hit a solo shot with one out to tie the game in the ninth inning and two innings later Chris Epps (2X5 R HR RBI) swatted a solo homer of his own to put the JetHawks ahead for the win. Matt Duffy (2X5 R HR 2RBI 2SO) started the trend off by hitting a round-tripper in the fourth that scored M.P. Cokinos (2X5 2R 2B RBI). Andrew Aplin went two-for-three with a run scored, double and drew a pair of walks. Thomas Shirley pitched the first five and two thirds, allowing two runs on five hits, walking three and K-ing four. The win went to Theron Geith (6-0) who worked the ninth and 10th, allowing one hit and one walk as he struck out one. Travis Ballew pitched the 11th, retiring the side in order to collect his 14th save of the season.
The longball punctuated Lancaster's extra-inning win, Friday. Brandon Meredith (1X4 R HR 2RBI SO) hit a solo shot with one out to tie the game in the ninth inning and two innings later Chris Epps (2X5 R HR RBI) swatted a solo homer of his own to put the JetHawks ahead for the win. Matt Duffy (2X5 R HR 2RBI 2SO) started the trend off by hitting a round-tripper in the fourth that scored M.P. Cokinos (2X5 2R 2B RBI). Andrew Aplin went two-for-three with a run scored, double and drew a pair of walks. Thomas Shirley pitched the first five and two thirds, allowing two runs on five hits, walking three and K-ing four. The win went to Theron Geith (6-0) who worked the ninth and 10th, allowing one hit and one walk as he struck out one. Travis Ballew pitched the 11th, retiring the side in order to collect his 14th save of the season.
Corpus Christi Hooks 10, Springfield Cardinals
8
The Hooks scored five runs in the first inning to bounce the opposition's starting pitcher two outs into the game. Mike Foltynewicz (4-1) earned the win, starting for Corpus Christi and through five, allowing a pair of runs on three hits (HR), walking five and striking out seven. Kyle Hallock entered one out into the seventh and cruised through his outing before finding trouble in the ninth. Before then Hallock allowed a couple of walks, in the ninth Hallock recorded five runs on four hits (HR) and two more walks in two outs time. Andrew Robinson came on to record the last out of the game and did, facing one batter to earn his first save. Jonathan Meyer hit a two-run homer in the third inning to put the Hooks up 7-0. Meyer finished the day at two-for-four with three runs scored, that homer and three RBI. Raoul Torrez (2SO) hit one-for-four and picked up three RBI of his own in the first inning on a two-out double. Kiké Hernandez (0X3 R 2RBI BB SO) and Zach Johnson (2X3 2B 2RBI BB) also had two RBI games. Hernandez's two RBI came by way of a walk and a throwing error that allowed him to reach base.
The Hooks scored five runs in the first inning to bounce the opposition's starting pitcher two outs into the game. Mike Foltynewicz (4-1) earned the win, starting for Corpus Christi and through five, allowing a pair of runs on three hits (HR), walking five and striking out seven. Kyle Hallock entered one out into the seventh and cruised through his outing before finding trouble in the ninth. Before then Hallock allowed a couple of walks, in the ninth Hallock recorded five runs on four hits (HR) and two more walks in two outs time. Andrew Robinson came on to record the last out of the game and did, facing one batter to earn his first save. Jonathan Meyer hit a two-run homer in the third inning to put the Hooks up 7-0. Meyer finished the day at two-for-four with three runs scored, that homer and three RBI. Raoul Torrez (2SO) hit one-for-four and picked up three RBI of his own in the first inning on a two-out double. Kiké Hernandez (0X3 R 2RBI BB SO) and Zach Johnson (2X3 2B 2RBI BB) also had two RBI games. Hernandez's two RBI came by way of a walk and a throwing error that allowed him to reach base.
Oklahoma City RedHawks 0, New Orleans Zephyrs 4
The RedHawks had eight hits and a walk on Friday, but left all nine players on the bases as they were shut out on the road to snap a three-game winning streak. Jake Buchanan (1-1) started and took the loss after throwing six innings. Buchanan recorded three runs on five hits (HR) as he struck out nine. Brandon Laird and Jose Martinez both had two hits in the game. Laird went two-for-four with a strikeout and Martinez hit two-for-four with a double. Jon' Singleton went aught-for-four with three strikeouts.
The RedHawks had eight hits and a walk on Friday, but left all nine players on the bases as they were shut out on the road to snap a three-game winning streak. Jake Buchanan (1-1) started and took the loss after throwing six innings. Buchanan recorded three runs on five hits (HR) as he struck out nine. Brandon Laird and Jose Martinez both had two hits in the game. Laird went two-for-four with a strikeout and Martinez hit two-for-four with a double. Jon' Singleton went aught-for-four with three strikeouts.
Player of the Day: Quad Cities may have lost yesterday, but Roberto Pena's performance was far from losing. Great game.
Pitcher of the Day: Travis Ballew gets the nod today for picking up his 14th save of the season in commanding fashion. Ballew is nothing if not consistent and that is invaluable on the diamond. Well done. An honorable mention also goes out to Jake Buchanan and his nine strikeouts—wowza.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
WTHB Pitcher and Player of the Month for May
Last month I started tallying the results of all of the WTHB Players and Pitchers of the Day in order to determine Player/Pitcher of the Month for that month. I have added up the honors for May. 48 players received shoutouts during the month (including honorable mentions) with numerous players receiving multiple honors. With that said, here are the May winners.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH - ANDREW APLIN
Aplin received Player of the Day honors a whopping FIVE times during May. He hit .333/.412/.517 at Lancaster in May and .465/.531/.767 in his last 10 games. Aplin currently leads the Astros minor league system in runs scored and doubles and is second in hits and RBIs. He is in the top five in all of those categories (plus walks) in the California League as well.
PITCHER OF THE MONTH - JAKE BUCHANAN WITH HONORABLE MENTION TO DAVID MARTINEZ
Jake Buchanan was in a three-way tie for Pitcher of the Month in April, but he was the hands-down winner in May. Jake leads the Texas League with an ERA of 0.77 and a WHIP of 0.686. He also leads all starters in the Astros minor league system in those categories. In May, he was 4-0 with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.651 WHIP in six appearances.
It almost doesn't seem fair because Buchanan was Pitcher of the Day every single time he pitched in the month of May. He was simply that dominating. So I would like to give an honorable mention to runner-up David Martinez. As far as I know, Martinez still leads all minor league teams with eight wins. In any event, he was the first to get to that mark. He is second in the Texas League with an ERA of 1.83 and third in WHIP at 0.981. In May, Martinez was 6-0 with a 2.30 ERA and a 1.053 WHIP in seven appearances.
OTHER PLAYERS RECEIVING TWO OR MORE PITCHER/PLAYER OF THE DAY HONORS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY:
Lance McCullers
Mike Foltynewicz
Brett Oberholtzer
Mike Hauschild
Jordan Jankowski
Jonathan Villar
Delino DeShields
Brett Wallace
Michael Burgess
Jonathan Meyer
Brandon Meredith
Erik Castro
Preston Tucker
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
April Player of the Month - Zach Johnson
April Pitchers of the Month - Jake Buchanan, Travis Ballew and Vincent Velasquez
PLAYER OF THE MONTH - ANDREW APLIN
Aplin received Player of the Day honors a whopping FIVE times during May. He hit .333/.412/.517 at Lancaster in May and .465/.531/.767 in his last 10 games. Aplin currently leads the Astros minor league system in runs scored and doubles and is second in hits and RBIs. He is in the top five in all of those categories (plus walks) in the California League as well.
PITCHER OF THE MONTH - JAKE BUCHANAN WITH HONORABLE MENTION TO DAVID MARTINEZ
Jake Buchanan was in a three-way tie for Pitcher of the Month in April, but he was the hands-down winner in May. Jake leads the Texas League with an ERA of 0.77 and a WHIP of 0.686. He also leads all starters in the Astros minor league system in those categories. In May, he was 4-0 with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.651 WHIP in six appearances.
It almost doesn't seem fair because Buchanan was Pitcher of the Day every single time he pitched in the month of May. He was simply that dominating. So I would like to give an honorable mention to runner-up David Martinez. As far as I know, Martinez still leads all minor league teams with eight wins. In any event, he was the first to get to that mark. He is second in the Texas League with an ERA of 1.83 and third in WHIP at 0.981. In May, Martinez was 6-0 with a 2.30 ERA and a 1.053 WHIP in seven appearances.
OTHER PLAYERS RECEIVING TWO OR MORE PITCHER/PLAYER OF THE DAY HONORS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY:
Lance McCullers
Mike Foltynewicz
Brett Oberholtzer
Mike Hauschild
Jordan Jankowski
Jonathan Villar
Delino DeShields
Brett Wallace
Michael Burgess
Jonathan Meyer
Brandon Meredith
Erik Castro
Preston Tucker
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
April Player of the Month - Zach Johnson
April Pitchers of the Month - Jake Buchanan, Travis Ballew and Vincent Velasquez
Friday, May 31, 2013
An Interview with Astros RHP Jake Buchanan
If you haven't been paying attention, you may not know that Jake Buchanan is having an extraordinary season. In 13 games (nine starts) for the Corpus Christi Hooks, he is 6-0 with a 0.77 ERA and a 0.686 WHIP. That's impressive enough until you look at little more closely at his May numbers. In six appearances (four starts) in May, he is 4-0 (having won his last four straight games) with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.651 WHIP. One of his most impressive stats to me is that he has only walked four batters all season.
Although Buchanan was named the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2011, his success didn't exactly translate in 2012. So what is different this year? I asked the man himself when I was in Corpus Christi last weekend.
On what he's doing different this year: "Not too much different. I guess they're just hitting it at people this year is what I've been telling people. Been pretty lucky. The defense has been great. Everybody this year has made great plays behind me. I think about every break that could have been my way has gone my way. The other night, Santana throws a guy out at the plate, saves a run. Defense has been great. Been down in the zone more I guess. Getting more ground balls.
"It's just been different. I feel more like I belong here. My last year I was new. Last year was more veteran guys and this year, I kind of feel like the veteran guy now that all my friends have moved up to AAA."
Is he having fun?: "Definitely, a lot more fun this year. Last year was a down year, probably one of the worst years of my career for me ever since I've been playing. This year's been a lot more fun. Just enjoying it."
Is there a particular coach or manager in the organization that has made an impact on him?: "I've had [Pitching Coach Gary] Ruby for two years and this would be the third. He's pretty good with the mental approach of the game, just sticking with what works best for me, not trying to do too much. Just sticking with the sinker and trusting it. Other than that ... he's been my pitching coach for 3/4 of my career so I guess props to him for sticking with me and helping me with that."
Any rituals or superstitions?: "So far this year, everything's been the same. I've been afraid to change anything up because everything's going so well. Still wearing the same cleats and glove, undershirt, everything like that. I haven't changed that up yet. I guess when the bad one happens, I'll probably change something up after that."
On the tandem approach to pitching: "It's working well for me. I know some guys probably don't like it but I like knowing I have five innings that day to go out [and] get 15 outs and you can try to give it your all for five innings. I know last year when I was starting, you'd try to kind of conserve some in case you had to go seven or eight, trying to save some the first couple of innings but now you have five innings, you kind of let it go. Out of the bullpen, if you're on the road and you're down, you could possibly throw only three innings. You just go out and throw everything you've got."
On eventually stretching out his innings: "I've so far been pretty efficient, not throwing too many pitches in five innings. I still feel like I have some left. It's definitely going to be different when they tell you 'go as long as you can.'"
On having one less day of rest: "I've always been pretty lucky with recovering pretty quickly, not too sore after my starts. And this year I've been a lot better. I guess because we're not throwing as many pitches. For me, that's not really a big issue, but I know some of the guys, it could be hard to do."
When I told Coach Ruby what Jake had said about just being lucky this season, Ruby replied, "That's typical Jake. He's come so far. He's matured so much as a pitcher. Last year, he had struggled some times. Now he's been phenomenal because he's got better feel for everything around him. His stuff is really good. Besides his sinker, his cutter, curveball, changeup have all been effective. He's been great. He's got everything in order which is nice."
When I pressed Ruby on what one thing made the difference from last year to this, he responded, "I think it's more the maturity process, how to get out of trouble when he's pitching. He's a sinkerball pitcher. He throws a lot of double plays, a lot of ground balls. Now he knows how to use his weapons. That's the difference."
Manager Keith Bodie agrees, "Tremendous maturity. He's grown. All he does is go out there and throws the ball over the plate and gets soft contact, ground ball contact." Bodie added, "He has developed a curveball that he's mixed in which really has made him more consistent, more viable pitcher, especially starting. He's proven that he can get people out and get them out consistently."
Well, whatever he's doing, it's working. When I interviewed Mike Foltynewicz the next day, I told him that he was in danger of losing his Studmuffin of the Year crown from 2012 (a tongue-in-cheek award stemming from the nickname Folty's girlfriend bestowed on him) to Buchanan. Folty laughed and admitted that when Alex Sogard got promoted to AAA and Jake Buchanan took his old locker, Folty wanted Jake's locker in hopes that some of his incredible 2013 mojo might rub off.
But it's more than mojo. It's talent and maturity that are putting Buchanan back where he was in 2011, an early front-runner for Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year (and a chance at the coveted WTHB Studmuffin of the Year award to boot).
Thank you for your time, Jake, and the best of luck as the season unfolds.
Although Buchanan was named the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2011, his success didn't exactly translate in 2012. So what is different this year? I asked the man himself when I was in Corpus Christi last weekend.
Jake Buchanan - May 2013
Photo by Jayne Hansen
On what he's doing different this year: "Not too much different. I guess they're just hitting it at people this year is what I've been telling people. Been pretty lucky. The defense has been great. Everybody this year has made great plays behind me. I think about every break that could have been my way has gone my way. The other night, Santana throws a guy out at the plate, saves a run. Defense has been great. Been down in the zone more I guess. Getting more ground balls.
"It's just been different. I feel more like I belong here. My last year I was new. Last year was more veteran guys and this year, I kind of feel like the veteran guy now that all my friends have moved up to AAA."
Is he having fun?: "Definitely, a lot more fun this year. Last year was a down year, probably one of the worst years of my career for me ever since I've been playing. This year's been a lot more fun. Just enjoying it."
Is there a particular coach or manager in the organization that has made an impact on him?: "I've had [Pitching Coach Gary] Ruby for two years and this would be the third. He's pretty good with the mental approach of the game, just sticking with what works best for me, not trying to do too much. Just sticking with the sinker and trusting it. Other than that ... he's been my pitching coach for 3/4 of my career so I guess props to him for sticking with me and helping me with that."
Any rituals or superstitions?: "So far this year, everything's been the same. I've been afraid to change anything up because everything's going so well. Still wearing the same cleats and glove, undershirt, everything like that. I haven't changed that up yet. I guess when the bad one happens, I'll probably change something up after that."
On the tandem approach to pitching: "It's working well for me. I know some guys probably don't like it but I like knowing I have five innings that day to go out [and] get 15 outs and you can try to give it your all for five innings. I know last year when I was starting, you'd try to kind of conserve some in case you had to go seven or eight, trying to save some the first couple of innings but now you have five innings, you kind of let it go. Out of the bullpen, if you're on the road and you're down, you could possibly throw only three innings. You just go out and throw everything you've got."
On eventually stretching out his innings: "I've so far been pretty efficient, not throwing too many pitches in five innings. I still feel like I have some left. It's definitely going to be different when they tell you 'go as long as you can.'"
On having one less day of rest: "I've always been pretty lucky with recovering pretty quickly, not too sore after my starts. And this year I've been a lot better. I guess because we're not throwing as many pitches. For me, that's not really a big issue, but I know some of the guys, it could be hard to do."
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When I told Coach Ruby what Jake had said about just being lucky this season, Ruby replied, "That's typical Jake. He's come so far. He's matured so much as a pitcher. Last year, he had struggled some times. Now he's been phenomenal because he's got better feel for everything around him. His stuff is really good. Besides his sinker, his cutter, curveball, changeup have all been effective. He's been great. He's got everything in order which is nice."
When I pressed Ruby on what one thing made the difference from last year to this, he responded, "I think it's more the maturity process, how to get out of trouble when he's pitching. He's a sinkerball pitcher. He throws a lot of double plays, a lot of ground balls. Now he knows how to use his weapons. That's the difference."
Manager Keith Bodie agrees, "Tremendous maturity. He's grown. All he does is go out there and throws the ball over the plate and gets soft contact, ground ball contact." Bodie added, "He has developed a curveball that he's mixed in which really has made him more consistent, more viable pitcher, especially starting. He's proven that he can get people out and get them out consistently."
Well, whatever he's doing, it's working. When I interviewed Mike Foltynewicz the next day, I told him that he was in danger of losing his Studmuffin of the Year crown from 2012 (a tongue-in-cheek award stemming from the nickname Folty's girlfriend bestowed on him) to Buchanan. Folty laughed and admitted that when Alex Sogard got promoted to AAA and Jake Buchanan took his old locker, Folty wanted Jake's locker in hopes that some of his incredible 2013 mojo might rub off.
But it's more than mojo. It's talent and maturity that are putting Buchanan back where he was in 2011, an early front-runner for Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year (and a chance at the coveted WTHB Studmuffin of the Year award to boot).
Thank you for your time, Jake, and the best of luck as the season unfolds.
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games - Another day, another group of winners. Oklahoma City has won 3 in a row, Corpus Christi 4, Quad Cities 5 and Lancaster a whopping 9 in a row, thank you very much!!!
Oklahoma City over Omaha 8-1
Asher Wojciechowski (3H 2BB 4SO) got the start and was very effective in six innings as he allowed only one run on a solo home run. He was spelled in relief by scoreless innings from Kevin Chapman, Josh Zeid and Rhiner Cruz. The RedHawks got the scoring started in the third inning with a Jake Elmore RBI single. That was followed by two more in each the fourth and fifth innings and was punctuated by a three-run eighth featuring a Che-Hsuan Lin RBI single and a Carlos Perez two-run double. Fernando Martinez was two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 5-0
Jake Buchanan earned his sixth win of the season as he and Carlos Quevedo combined to allow only three hits and one walk while striking out eight in the shutout. Buchanan's ERA has now dipped to 0.77, and he will end May with a 0.00 ERA. The Hooks put up all the runs they would need with an RBI double from Jio Mier (2x4 BB R) and an RBI single from Rene Garcia in the third, but added on singletons in the sixth, seventh and eighth, two of those coming on solo shots from George Springer and Erik Castro.
Lancaster over Visalia 15-2
Kyle Hallock (1BB 5SO) put up a strong five innings of one-hit ball for the start and was followed by three from Luis Cruz who allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three. Tommy Shirley pitched the final scoreless frame. The Lancaster bats put a beat down on Visalia, pounding out fifteen runs on sixteen hits. They started the scoring in the second and never let up until the eighth. All JetHawks starters got at least one hit. Amazingly enough with that many runs scoring in a game at Lancaster, only two of them came via the long ball, a two-run home run from Matt Duffy in the fifth inning. Chris Epps had a terrific night, going three-for-five with two doubles, a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Delino DeShields stole his 11th and 12th bases of the season. Here's a look at how all the hitters fared:
Player of the Day: Chris Epps is the man of the hour. Not only did he have a great game last night, he has had a very good month. After hitting only .209 in April, he has hit .358/.450/.672 in May.
Pitcher of the Day: It has just become almost automatic. Jake Buchanan pitches. Jake Buchanan is pitcher of the day. It has been an amazing season for Jake thus far. Note to Jeff Luhnow: Buchanan has nothing left to prove in Corpus.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 8-1
Asher Wojciechowski (3H 2BB 4SO) got the start and was very effective in six innings as he allowed only one run on a solo home run. He was spelled in relief by scoreless innings from Kevin Chapman, Josh Zeid and Rhiner Cruz. The RedHawks got the scoring started in the third inning with a Jake Elmore RBI single. That was followed by two more in each the fourth and fifth innings and was punctuated by a three-run eighth featuring a Che-Hsuan Lin RBI single and a Carlos Perez two-run double. Fernando Martinez was two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 5-0
Jake Buchanan earned his sixth win of the season as he and Carlos Quevedo combined to allow only three hits and one walk while striking out eight in the shutout. Buchanan's ERA has now dipped to 0.77, and he will end May with a 0.00 ERA. The Hooks put up all the runs they would need with an RBI double from Jio Mier (2x4 BB R) and an RBI single from Rene Garcia in the third, but added on singletons in the sixth, seventh and eighth, two of those coming on solo shots from George Springer and Erik Castro.
Lancaster over Visalia 15-2
Kyle Hallock (1BB 5SO) put up a strong five innings of one-hit ball for the start and was followed by three from Luis Cruz who allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three. Tommy Shirley pitched the final scoreless frame. The Lancaster bats put a beat down on Visalia, pounding out fifteen runs on sixteen hits. They started the scoring in the second and never let up until the eighth. All JetHawks starters got at least one hit. Amazingly enough with that many runs scoring in a game at Lancaster, only two of them came via the long ball, a two-run home run from Matt Duffy in the fifth inning. Chris Epps had a terrific night, going three-for-five with two doubles, a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Delino DeShields stole his 11th and 12th bases of the season. Here's a look at how all the hitters fared:
Quad Cities - Game Cancelled
Player of the Day: Chris Epps is the man of the hour. Not only did he have a great game last night, he has had a very good month. After hitting only .209 in April, he has hit .358/.450/.672 in May.
Pitcher of the Day: It has just become almost automatic. Jake Buchanan pitches. Jake Buchanan is pitcher of the day. It has been an amazing season for Jake thus far. Note to Jeff Luhnow: Buchanan has nothing left to prove in Corpus.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Wednesday's Games
Oklahoma City over Fresno 7-3
Ross Seaton finally got his elusive first win of the season as he hurled six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out three. He was followed by two scoreless innings from Jason Stoffel (1H 3SO) and a perfect ninth from Eric Berger (2SO). OKC took the lead in the third with three runs and cemented it in the fifth with four runs via the long ball - a Jake Elmore (2x5 2RBI) solo shot and a Fernando Martinez three-run job. Brett Wallace (2x3 2BB RBI R) is hitting .308/.372/.573 in 29 games with the RedHawks.
Corpus over Northwest Arkansas 8-2
Jake Buchanan with his fifth win of the season allowed one unearned run (the first run of any kind he has allowed in his last six starts) on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in five innings. Josh Fields gave up one run in his latest two-inning rehab appearance and was followed by two scoreless frames from Carlos Quevedo. A Michael Burgess RBI single in the second, an Erik Castro (3x4 2RBI R) RBI single in the third and a Burgess dinger in the fourth accounted for the first three runs. The Hooks then put up a big four-run fifth, courtesy of a two-run double from Domingo Santana (1x3 2BB 3R SB), an RBI double from Castro and an RBI single from Max Stassi (2x3 2B BB). The final run came in the seventh as Santana scored on a Jonathan Meyer sac fly. George Springer was one-for-three, walked twice and scored two runs. Erik Castro is now hitting .462/.512/.744 over his last 10 games.
Lancaster - Off Day
Wisconsin over Quad Cities 12-5 in 11 innings
This one was a particularly hard loss as the River Bandits battled back from a five-run deficit to tie things up in the bottom of the ninth only to get spanked in extras. Jordan Jankowski, Mitch Lambson and Brian Holmes didn't have particularly bad outings, but the cumulative effect put the Quad Cities team in a 5-0 hole. The bullpen, however, in the form of John Neely and Richard Rodriguez got lit up in the 11th, culminating in SS Brian Blasik getting the final out of the frame.
Oklahoma City over Fresno 7-3
Ross Seaton finally got his elusive first win of the season as he hurled six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out three. He was followed by two scoreless innings from Jason Stoffel (1H 3SO) and a perfect ninth from Eric Berger (2SO). OKC took the lead in the third with three runs and cemented it in the fifth with four runs via the long ball - a Jake Elmore (2x5 2RBI) solo shot and a Fernando Martinez three-run job. Brett Wallace (2x3 2BB RBI R) is hitting .308/.372/.573 in 29 games with the RedHawks.
Corpus over Northwest Arkansas 8-2
Jake Buchanan with his fifth win of the season allowed one unearned run (the first run of any kind he has allowed in his last six starts) on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in five innings. Josh Fields gave up one run in his latest two-inning rehab appearance and was followed by two scoreless frames from Carlos Quevedo. A Michael Burgess RBI single in the second, an Erik Castro (3x4 2RBI R) RBI single in the third and a Burgess dinger in the fourth accounted for the first three runs. The Hooks then put up a big four-run fifth, courtesy of a two-run double from Domingo Santana (1x3 2BB 3R SB), an RBI double from Castro and an RBI single from Max Stassi (2x3 2B BB). The final run came in the seventh as Santana scored on a Jonathan Meyer sac fly. George Springer was one-for-three, walked twice and scored two runs. Erik Castro is now hitting .462/.512/.744 over his last 10 games.
Lancaster - Off Day
Wisconsin over Quad Cities 12-5 in 11 innings
This one was a particularly hard loss as the River Bandits battled back from a five-run deficit to tie things up in the bottom of the ninth only to get spanked in extras. Jordan Jankowski, Mitch Lambson and Brian Holmes didn't have particularly bad outings, but the cumulative effect put the Quad Cities team in a 5-0 hole. The bullpen, however, in the form of John Neely and Richard Rodriguez got lit up in the 11th, culminating in SS Brian Blasik getting the final out of the frame.
Jordan Scott was all over the offense. In the sixth, he doubled, stole third base and scored on a throwing error. In the seventh, he walked and scored on a force out. And in the ninth, he hit an RBI single to tie the game. Austin Elkins (2x4 2B BB 2R) hit his first home run of the season. Carlos Correa (2x5 RBI) and Miles Hamblin (2x3) had good outings as well.
Player of the Day: Michael Burgess gets the nod today as he went two-for-three with a home run and two RBI. Over his last 10 games, he is hitting .313/.371/.750 with two doubles and four home runs.
Pitcher of the Day: Who else? Jake Buchanan gets the award almost every time he pitches, but there's a reason for that. He is 5-0 with a 0.84 ERA, a 0.731 WHIP and has walked only 4 batters all season. In his last six starts, he has a 0.00 ERA and a 0.729 WHIP. Watch out Folty, you are in danger of losing your 2012 Studmuffin of the Year crown.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Friday’s Games
Beloit Snappers 3, Quad Cities River Bandits 1
Quad Cities manufactured a run in the first inning Friday,
utilizing a Teoscar Hernandez (3X4 R 2B) stolen base and a Carlos Correa (2X4
RBI SO) RBI single, but that would be their last score of the game. Brian
Holmes (3-3) picked up his third loss after pitching the first four, allowing
two runs on four hits (2HR) and striking out three. Jordan Jankowski had the
second shift of the tandem and through his four frames, he allowed one more run
on three hits and struck out seven opposing batters. Outside of the sixth
inning Jankowski gave up just one hit and recorded 1-2-3 sets in the fifth and
seventh.
Lancaster JetHawks 6, Visalia Rawhide 4
Lancaster got out to an early lead Friday and never looked
back. Luis Cruz (2-3) was on the mound for the first five innings and kept them
scoreless, giving up two hits, two walks and striking out five. Kyle Hallock
tallied his first hold and followed Cruz for the next three frames. Hallock
found a little trouble in the seventh inning, giving up four runs and he finished at four runs on five hits a walk and two strikeouts. Delino DeShields
had an awesome night at the plate, batting two-for-three with two RBI, two
walks, a run scored and two stolen bases. MP Cokinos also had a productive
night, recording two hits in four ABs, two runs, two RBIs and his third home
run of the season-a solo shot in the seventh.
Corpus Christi Hooks 1, Midland RockHounds 0
The Hooks broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning Friday
on the road at Citibank Ballpark. They went on to win, in shutout fashion, behind
solid pitching. The fifth-inning-run was a product of Max Stassi’s (2X3 2B RBI)
first double of the season, scoring Jonathan Meyer (1X4 R). Jake Buchanan (4-0)
took the start and threw the first five innings, picking up his fourth win
along the way. Buchanan gave up five hits, walked one and struck out five,
including all three he faced in the fourth frame. Josh Fields took the mound
for an inning in the sixth as part of his rehab assignment and recorded a 1-2-3
frame to earn a hold. Pat Urckfitz picked up his first save after coming on for
the last four outs. Urckfitz gave up a hit to start the ninth but erased the
runner at first on a pick off during the next at bat, finishing with the save
and that lone hit. George Springer was the only other batsman of note,
recording two hits in four ABs and a strike out.
Oklahoma City RedHawks 2, Sacramento River Cats 4
The RedHawks started strong but allowed two runs in the
fourth and fifth inning and that was enough to seal their fate. Ross Seaton
(0-4) recorded the loss after taking the hill for the first four frames of
work. Seaton cruised through the first three innings in 1-2-3 fashion and then
gave up the runs in frames four and five, leaving with four runs on six hits, a
walk and three Ks. Kevin Chapman replaced Seaton in the fifth and pitched two
shutout innings, walking 3 and striking out two with no hits. At the plate
things were pretty quiet, but Andrew Simunic went two-for-four with a double,
stolen base and RBI while Che-Hsuan Lin went two-for-three with a double, walk
and RBI of his own.
Player of the Day: Delino De Shields is the man today for
his great night at the plate and on the base paths Friday.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan, come one down. Buchanan
pitched a solid five on the road Friday to help his team earn another win. Good
job.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps for Monday's and Tuesday's Games
Monday's Games
Salt Lake City over Oklahoma City 3-2
Brad Peacock got the start and the loss as he allowed two runs (both off solo homers) on four hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over four innings. Eric Berger gave up the final run in his three innings while Josh Zeid allowed only one hit in the final inning. Jonathan Villar had a heckuva day going three-for-four with a double, a triple, a walk and he scored two runs. Brett Wallace went two-for-five with a double and drove in two. OKC drew within one run in the seventh, but fell short as they dropped their third straight game.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 13-3
Corpus Christi got off to an early lead with a two-run home run from George Springer in the first and a Jonathan Meyer solo shot in the second. But a five-run third in which the Hooks put up four singles with two outs before Michael Burgess cranked out a three-run bomb put the game out of reach. But that didn't stop Burgess from piling on with a three-run home run in the fifth and a two-run double in the sixth. Yes, you read that right. Michael Burgess drove in eight runs, a new Hooks single game record. Jonathan Meyer was four-for-five and scored four times and Eric Castro was three-for-four with a double, walk and scored three times. Oh, yeah, and there was some pitching in there too. Carlos Quevedo got the start and gave up two runs via the long ball in his four innings and was followed by Jake Buchanan who continues to amaze with four innings of one-hit ball. Alex Sogard gave up his first earned run of the season in the ninth.
Lancaster over Stockton 6-3
Blair Walters got the start and did a Houdini impression in order to limit the damage from four walks and three errors in his four innings, but he did just that as only one unearned run scored and he struck out five in his four innings. He was followed by a perfect inning from T.J. Geith who was awarded his fourth win of the season. Tommy Shirley put in two and two-thirds allowing two runs and was followed by Travis Ballew who converted his sixth save of the season. All of the 'Hawks scoring occurred in the six-run fourth inning as they kept the line moving with four singles, two doubles (Preston Tucker and Carlos Perdomo) and a two-run home run from Brandon Meredith (2x4 2B HR). Delino DeShields also went two-for-four with an RBI single.
Quad Cities over Peoria 8-0
Jordan Jankowski (5IP 3H 3SO), Josh Fields (2IP 2H 2SO) and Brian Holmes (2IP 2H 1BB 2SO) tossed the combined shut out. Much like Lancaster, Quad Cities put up all their runs in one big inning, also the fourth. After one out, nine straight runners reached base. In total 12 batters came to the plate in the frame. The biggest knocks of the inning were a two-run single from Jobduan Morales and a two-run double from Austin Elkins. Carlos Correa was two-for-four, scored a run and stole a base; Rio Ruiz was three-for-four with an RBI double and a run scored; and Ariel Ovando was two-for-three with a walk, RBI and run scored.
Player of the Day: When you go three-for-five with a double, two home runs and eight RBI, you too can become my player of the day. Michael Burgess is king for the day.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan got his third win and lowered his ERA to 1.04. He has not allowed a run in his last four outings.
Tuesday's Games
Oklahoma City over Salt Lake City 3-2
Asher Wojciechowski allowed one run on three hits and four walks and three strikeouts in five and two-thirds innings before giving way to Jason Stoffel who allowed the final SLC run in the seventh. Kevin Chapman and Jose Valdez took it the rest of the way with scoreless outings and Valdez was awarded the win as OKC scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single from Austin Wates. Che-Hsuan Lin was two-for-three with a triple and Jason Jaramillo had an RBI triple as well.
San Antonio over Corpus Christi 11-5
In rare hiccups from pitching tandem Bobby Doran (L, 5-1) and Nick Tropeano, the tandem allowed nine runs (seven earned) with four of the runs scoring via the long ball. Pat Urckfitz allowed two of Doran's runners to score and added on two of his own. Jorge de Leon was perfect in his inning of work while Kenny Long walked one and struck out one in the ninth. Eight of the San Antonio runs scored in the first three innings before the Hooks put up a single run. The Hooks came back with five in the middle innings, but the deficit proved to be too large. George Springer (3x5 RBI R), Erik Castro (2x4 2B RBI) and Michael Burgess (2x4 R) all had good games at the plate. Domingo Santana contributed an RBI double to the mix.
Wisconsin over Quad Cities 9-7
Jamaine Cotton got his first start, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk in five innings. Vincent Velasquez (1.2IP 5H 4R 2BB 1HR) couldn't hold the Quad Cities lead and was charged with the loss. Richard Rodriguez made his first appearance of the season, allowing one run on a hit and a walk in one and a third innings. Despite a four-run first from Wisconsin, Quad Cities took the lead with a five-spot in the second. Brian Blasik went three-for-four with a double, stole a base, and scored a run. Carlos Correa (2x5 3R) and Jesse Wierzbicki (2x4 2B BB 2RBI R) also had multi-hit games. Terrell Joyce had an RBI double, and Roberto Pena doubled as well.
Player of the Day: Brian Blasik didn't only have a good day, he is having a good season since getting called up from Extended Spring Training, and is hitting .379/.438/.483 in his last ten games.
Pitcher of the Day: Asher Wojciechowski gets the honors. Wojo is 1-0 with a 1.15 ERA and a 1.213 WHIP in his first three starts with Oklahoma City.
Salt Lake City over Oklahoma City 3-2
Brad Peacock got the start and the loss as he allowed two runs (both off solo homers) on four hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over four innings. Eric Berger gave up the final run in his three innings while Josh Zeid allowed only one hit in the final inning. Jonathan Villar had a heckuva day going three-for-four with a double, a triple, a walk and he scored two runs. Brett Wallace went two-for-five with a double and drove in two. OKC drew within one run in the seventh, but fell short as they dropped their third straight game.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 13-3
Corpus Christi got off to an early lead with a two-run home run from George Springer in the first and a Jonathan Meyer solo shot in the second. But a five-run third in which the Hooks put up four singles with two outs before Michael Burgess cranked out a three-run bomb put the game out of reach. But that didn't stop Burgess from piling on with a three-run home run in the fifth and a two-run double in the sixth. Yes, you read that right. Michael Burgess drove in eight runs, a new Hooks single game record. Jonathan Meyer was four-for-five and scored four times and Eric Castro was three-for-four with a double, walk and scored three times. Oh, yeah, and there was some pitching in there too. Carlos Quevedo got the start and gave up two runs via the long ball in his four innings and was followed by Jake Buchanan who continues to amaze with four innings of one-hit ball. Alex Sogard gave up his first earned run of the season in the ninth.
Lancaster over Stockton 6-3
Blair Walters got the start and did a Houdini impression in order to limit the damage from four walks and three errors in his four innings, but he did just that as only one unearned run scored and he struck out five in his four innings. He was followed by a perfect inning from T.J. Geith who was awarded his fourth win of the season. Tommy Shirley put in two and two-thirds allowing two runs and was followed by Travis Ballew who converted his sixth save of the season. All of the 'Hawks scoring occurred in the six-run fourth inning as they kept the line moving with four singles, two doubles (Preston Tucker and Carlos Perdomo) and a two-run home run from Brandon Meredith (2x4 2B HR). Delino DeShields also went two-for-four with an RBI single.
Quad Cities over Peoria 8-0
Jordan Jankowski (5IP 3H 3SO), Josh Fields (2IP 2H 2SO) and Brian Holmes (2IP 2H 1BB 2SO) tossed the combined shut out. Much like Lancaster, Quad Cities put up all their runs in one big inning, also the fourth. After one out, nine straight runners reached base. In total 12 batters came to the plate in the frame. The biggest knocks of the inning were a two-run single from Jobduan Morales and a two-run double from Austin Elkins. Carlos Correa was two-for-four, scored a run and stole a base; Rio Ruiz was three-for-four with an RBI double and a run scored; and Ariel Ovando was two-for-three with a walk, RBI and run scored.
Player of the Day: When you go three-for-five with a double, two home runs and eight RBI, you too can become my player of the day. Michael Burgess is king for the day.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan got his third win and lowered his ERA to 1.04. He has not allowed a run in his last four outings.
Tuesday's Games
Oklahoma City over Salt Lake City 3-2
Asher Wojciechowski allowed one run on three hits and four walks and three strikeouts in five and two-thirds innings before giving way to Jason Stoffel who allowed the final SLC run in the seventh. Kevin Chapman and Jose Valdez took it the rest of the way with scoreless outings and Valdez was awarded the win as OKC scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single from Austin Wates. Che-Hsuan Lin was two-for-three with a triple and Jason Jaramillo had an RBI triple as well.
San Antonio over Corpus Christi 11-5
In rare hiccups from pitching tandem Bobby Doran (L, 5-1) and Nick Tropeano, the tandem allowed nine runs (seven earned) with four of the runs scoring via the long ball. Pat Urckfitz allowed two of Doran's runners to score and added on two of his own. Jorge de Leon was perfect in his inning of work while Kenny Long walked one and struck out one in the ninth. Eight of the San Antonio runs scored in the first three innings before the Hooks put up a single run. The Hooks came back with five in the middle innings, but the deficit proved to be too large. George Springer (3x5 RBI R), Erik Castro (2x4 2B RBI) and Michael Burgess (2x4 R) all had good games at the plate. Domingo Santana contributed an RBI double to the mix.
Wisconsin over Quad Cities 9-7
Jamaine Cotton got his first start, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk in five innings. Vincent Velasquez (1.2IP 5H 4R 2BB 1HR) couldn't hold the Quad Cities lead and was charged with the loss. Richard Rodriguez made his first appearance of the season, allowing one run on a hit and a walk in one and a third innings. Despite a four-run first from Wisconsin, Quad Cities took the lead with a five-spot in the second. Brian Blasik went three-for-four with a double, stole a base, and scored a run. Carlos Correa (2x5 3R) and Jesse Wierzbicki (2x4 2B BB 2RBI R) also had multi-hit games. Terrell Joyce had an RBI double, and Roberto Pena doubled as well.
Player of the Day: Brian Blasik didn't only have a good day, he is having a good season since getting called up from Extended Spring Training, and is hitting .379/.438/.483 in his last ten games.
Pitcher of the Day: Asher Wojciechowski gets the honors. Wojo is 1-0 with a 1.15 ERA and a 1.213 WHIP in his first three starts with Oklahoma City.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games
Cedar Rapids Kernels, Quad Cities River Bandits
-Postponed due to rain.
Lake Elsinore Storm 4, Lancaster JetHawks 10
The JetHawks' offense was consistent Thursday evening at
home, scoring in every inning except the sixth and seventh, which was more than
enough to secure the win. Aaron West started on the mound for Lancaster and
cruised through the first two innings, but in the third got into a little
trouble and ended up allowing three runs on four hits with a walk and 3 Ks
during his shift. West was replaced by Theron Geith (3-0) (2IP 2H BB) in the
fourth frame and Geith threw two innings of shutout ball, earning him the win
as the offense plugged away. Blair Walters, the second in the tandem, came on
to pitch the next three and gave up a run on two hits while walking three.
Travis Ballew closed out the game, retiring all three batters he faced in the
ninth in order, striking out one. Joe Sclafani (2X5 R RBI), Tyler Heineman (2X4
R 2B SO) and Andrew Aplin (3X5 2R 2B RBI) all had multi-hit games, but none was
more impressive than Aplin's, who also stole a base and collected his 29th RBI.
Aplin is still tied for most in the California League. Chris Epps (1X3 R HR
RBI) and Telvin Nash (1X2 2R HR 2RBI 2BB SO) got in on the offensive action too,
clubbing two-run homers in the second and fifth innings, respectively.
Frisco RoughRiders 6, Corpus Christi Hooks 4
Corpus Christi got out to a great start behind the
performance of starting pitcher Jake Buchanan, but began to fall in the sixth
frame and were never able to catch completely up. Buchanan pitched through the
fifth inning and in his time, allowed just two hits and struck out four while
facing the minimum (thanks to a couple double plays behind him). Carlos Quevedo
(1-3) took the hill next and lasted four outs, giving up five runs on five hits
(2HR), walking one and striking out a pair. Quevedo ended up with the loss.
Alex Sogard replaced him and did his best to stop the onslaught, finishing out
the game and giving up a run on three hits while K-ing one. The Hooks only had
5 hits in the game, but Domingo Santana (1X4 R 2B 2SO) and Jonathan Meyer (1X3
2B BB) both made theirs doubles. Erik Castro's (1X4 R HR RBI SO) hit was a
solo-shot to lead off the bottom of the sixth and get the scoring started for
the Hooks. George Springer went naught-for-three with 3 strikeouts.
Tacoma Rainiers 1, Oklahoma City RedHawks 3
The RedHawks again flirted with a shutout victory at home
Thursday, but lost the shutout in the ninth while going on to win their 10th consecutive home game. Asher Wojciechowski (1-0) took the start and the win
(his first since the promotion from Corpus) after throwing six innings of
scoreless ball. Wojo struck out three and walked a trio during his shift.
Rhiner Cruz (2IP BB SO) followed suit for the next two innings and was replaced
by Jose Valdez to close out the game in the top of the ninth. Valdez gave up a
double to the first batter he faced then retired the next two on
ground outs bringing the runner around to score. Valdez flied the next
batter out to finish the game at one run on one hit. The RedHawks collected seven
hits in the game Thursday and four of them were divided between Brett Wallace
(2X3 R 2B RBI SO) and Jonathan Villar (2X4 SO). Villar also stole a couple bags
on the night, pushing his season total to 12.
Player of the Day: Andrew Aplin, come on down. This guy
always plays ball well, but put a little something extra on it yesterday, earning
him the honors today. It also doesn't hurt that he is a virtual RBI-machine so
far this season (Just a little trivia: his 29 is ten more than the Astros
RBI-leader Chris Carter has so far and Aplin has played in two less games).
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan dominated again on
Thursday and his performance earned him the nod today. Buchanan has allowed just five runs so far this season over 39 and a third and is now sporting a 1.14
ERA, which is second best in the Texas League (his teammate, David
Martinez leads the league with .87).
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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