Just got my flight info!! Ready to head out an get this show on the road! Super excited for 2015 season! #GOStros #H-TOWNBABY
— Vince Velasquez (@vjvelasquezrhp) February 3, 2015
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Vincent Velasquez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vincent Velasquez. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Tweet of the Day
Friday, November 21, 2014
Tweet of the Day
So pumped for my boy @vjvelasquezrhp for being put on the 40 man roster! #stud
— Rio Ruiz (@ruiz_rio) November 20, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Happy Birthday - 6/7
Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Vincent Velasquez (22)
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. In his first eight appearances (four starts) for Lancaster in 2014, Velasquez is 4-1 with a 2.89 ERA and a 0.929 WHIP. He suffered a groin injury last month and is currently on the DL.
C Jobduan Morales (23)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales excelled with Quad Cities in the Midwest Legaue in his first 20 games, hitting .310/.390/.451 leading to his promotion to Lancaster in mid-May where he has gotten off to a bit of a slow start.
C Oliver Toribio (18)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He just started his professional career last week with the DSL Astros Blue team and has yet to collect his first hit. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro celebrates today as well ~
1B Roberto Petagine (43)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522.
I would also like to wish Astros radio announcer Robert Ford a Very Happy Birthday!
RHP Vincent Velasquez (22)
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. In his first eight appearances (four starts) for Lancaster in 2014, Velasquez is 4-1 with a 2.89 ERA and a 0.929 WHIP. He suffered a groin injury last month and is currently on the DL.
C Jobduan Morales (23)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales excelled with Quad Cities in the Midwest Legaue in his first 20 games, hitting .310/.390/.451 leading to his promotion to Lancaster in mid-May where he has gotten off to a bit of a slow start.
C Oliver Toribio (18)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He just started his professional career last week with the DSL Astros Blue team and has yet to collect his first hit. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro celebrates today as well ~
1B Roberto Petagine (43)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522.
I would also like to wish Astros radio announcer Robert Ford a Very Happy Birthday!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions
According to this post from Eric Smith, Vincent Velasquez and Brandon Meredith are headed back to Extended Spring Training in Kissimmee this morning. Meredith has been battling a shoulder injury and may be returning in the not so distant future. Velasquez, however, has a groin injury which may ultimately require surgery. Read Eric's post for the full story.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Friday, May 9, 2014
Believe in DeShields.
Oklahoma City 3, Memphis 2
W- Bobby Doran (1-2)
L- Boone Whiting (0-5)
S- Kevin Chapman (1)
OKC home runs: None.
For the first time this season, the RedHawks have won a home series. Before that, they lost 3 of 4 in one series (to Nashville) and split the other 2 (Round Rock and New Orleans).
After Audry Perez put Memphis on the board first with a sac fly in the top of the 2nd, Robbie Grossman put OKC on the board by drawing a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the inning. Ronald Torreyes had the only extra-base hit for the RedHawks, but it was a big one, as his 2-run double in the 3rd proved to be the difference.
Bobby Doran and 3 relievers held the Redbirds to 3 hits in this one. Well, Doran allowed everything, but the relievers kept Memphis at bay. Doran went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Raúl Valdés got the first 2 outs of the 7th, striking out 1. Josh Fields, in his first outing since being optioned, pitched a scoreless inning (final out of the 7th, first 2 outs of the 8th) and walked 1. Kevin Chapman got the 4-out save; he worked around a walk to Randal Grichuk to lead off the 9th. He erased Grichuk by getting double play and struck out StephenBiscotti Piscotty to end it.
The RedHawks will welcome Colorado Springs to Bricktown for 4 beginning at 7:05. Rudy Owens (2-1, 4.32) will start the opener against Pedro Hernandez (1-0, 8.34).
Frisco 6, Corpus Christi 2
W- Alec Asher (3-3)
L- Kyle Smith (0-2, 4-2 season)
CC home runs: Delino DeShields 2 (4, solo in 1st, solo in 3rd)
Well, the Hooks got dropped by the Roughriders. But, the story of the night was Delino DeShields, who was playing in his first game since April 18, when he was drilled in the face in Frisco.
In his first game back at the scene of the crime, DeShields was the Hooks offense. He kicked off the game by taking Alec Asher deep, and he took Asher deep again in the 3rd. Corpus Christi also had 3 singles from Andrew Aplin, Preston Tucker, and Joe Sclafani.
Kyle Smith went 3.2 innings and gave up 4 runs on 6 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 6. Alex Sogard was the first man out of the bullpen and went 1.2 innings, giving up 2 runs (both inherited runners that were charged to him) on 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 1. Pat Urckfitz got the final 2 outs of the 6th and allowed 2 of the 3 runners he inherited from Sogard to score on a bases-loaded walk and a sac fly. Michael Dimock allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 2 scoreless.
The Hooks will look to get on the board in this series as they send out Tommy Shirley (3-2, 1.60) to face a rehabbing Joe Saunders (0-0, 4.50) in game 3. First pitch is at 7:05.
High Desert 5, Lancaster 3
W- Scott DeCecco (2-2)
L- Vince Velasquez (4-1)
S- Grady Wood (1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks were once again stymied by the lefty, DeCecco, but they did get to him with 3 in the 7th. They also hit into 4 inning-ending double plays (including the game-ender) and didn't strand any baserunners.
Tony Kemp posted his 4th straight multi-hit game, going 3-4 with a double and a run scored. He led off the 7th with a single, then moved to 3rd on a Teoscar Hernandez double. Carlos Correa finally unshackled the JetHawks from DeCecco's grasp with a 2-run double. Rio Ruiz would bring him in with a single one batter later. With that double, Hernandez is now on an 8-game hitting streak, which ties a season-best. He had an 8-game streak from April 13-22. Correa has a 7-game hitting streak of his own; he's got a hit in 12 of his last 13 contests.
Vince Velasquez went 3 innings and the only hit he allowed was a solo homer to Jordy Lara in the 2nd. He walked 1 and struck out 4. Kyle Westwood pitched 5 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Westwood also induced 12 groundouts. Entering this game, Westwood had a 66.7% groundball rate, according to MLBFarm.com.
In the middle game of this series, Kent Emanuel (0-0, 9.64; 0-2, 3.71 season) and Lance McCullers (1-2, 3.86) will take on Dylan Unsworth (2-2, 4.80) at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 5, Beloit 1
W- Adrian Houser (1-1)
L- Chris Lamb (0-1)
S- Chris Cotton (1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits won the series behind a strong performance from Adrian Houser, who got his first win since August 18, 2012, when he threw 5 shutout innings for Greeneville against Burlington. They've won this series.
Houser tossed 6 shutout innings and allowed 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7. Albert Minnis got 2 outs in the 7th (both via strikeout), but a hit and 2 walks knocked him out of the game. Tyler Brunnemann came on and got the Bandits out of the inning by striking out Tyler Marincov, who had a golden sombrero. He went 2 innings and the only run he allowed came in the form of a solo homer by Sam Roberts. That snapped a 16.1 inning scoreless streak that Brunnemann was on; he hadn't allowed a run since Opening Day. He allowed one other hit, walked 3, and struck out 3. Brunnemann left the bases loaded for Chris Cotton, who struck out Jaycob Brugman to end it.
QC got on the board first with a pair in the 1st. James Ramsay walked to lead off the inning, stole 2nd (9), and scored on an RBI double from Chase McDonald. Brian Holberton added an RBI single to bring McDonald home. Thomas Lindauer singled to begin the 5th, stole 2nd (1), and scored all the way from 2nd on a Chan-Jong Moon fielder's choice. After Ramsay drew a 1-out walk in the 7th, he scored on a Moon triple. White brought Moon home for the final Bandits run of the night on a sac fly. McDonald and Holberton had 2 hits apiece. Moon also added a steal (10).
The River Bandits will go for the sweep as Andrew Thurman (2-2, 5.40) takes on Dylan Covey (2-2, 3.97). First pitch is at 6:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2.
1.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
2.
1.
Believe in DeShields.
Oklahoma City 3, Memphis 2
W- Bobby Doran (1-2)
L- Boone Whiting (0-5)
S- Kevin Chapman (1)
OKC home runs: None.
For the first time this season, the RedHawks have won a home series. Before that, they lost 3 of 4 in one series (to Nashville) and split the other 2 (Round Rock and New Orleans).
After Audry Perez put Memphis on the board first with a sac fly in the top of the 2nd, Robbie Grossman put OKC on the board by drawing a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the inning. Ronald Torreyes had the only extra-base hit for the RedHawks, but it was a big one, as his 2-run double in the 3rd proved to be the difference.
Bobby Doran and 3 relievers held the Redbirds to 3 hits in this one. Well, Doran allowed everything, but the relievers kept Memphis at bay. Doran went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Raúl Valdés got the first 2 outs of the 7th, striking out 1. Josh Fields, in his first outing since being optioned, pitched a scoreless inning (final out of the 7th, first 2 outs of the 8th) and walked 1. Kevin Chapman got the 4-out save; he worked around a walk to Randal Grichuk to lead off the 9th. He erased Grichuk by getting double play and struck out Stephen
The RedHawks will welcome Colorado Springs to Bricktown for 4 beginning at 7:05. Rudy Owens (2-1, 4.32) will start the opener against Pedro Hernandez (1-0, 8.34).
Frisco 6, Corpus Christi 2
W- Alec Asher (3-3)
L- Kyle Smith (0-2, 4-2 season)
CC home runs: Delino DeShields 2 (4, solo in 1st, solo in 3rd)
Well, the Hooks got dropped by the Roughriders. But, the story of the night was Delino DeShields, who was playing in his first game since April 18, when he was drilled in the face in Frisco.
In his first game back at the scene of the crime, DeShields was the Hooks offense. He kicked off the game by taking Alec Asher deep, and he took Asher deep again in the 3rd. Corpus Christi also had 3 singles from Andrew Aplin, Preston Tucker, and Joe Sclafani.
Kyle Smith went 3.2 innings and gave up 4 runs on 6 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 6. Alex Sogard was the first man out of the bullpen and went 1.2 innings, giving up 2 runs (both inherited runners that were charged to him) on 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 1. Pat Urckfitz got the final 2 outs of the 6th and allowed 2 of the 3 runners he inherited from Sogard to score on a bases-loaded walk and a sac fly. Michael Dimock allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 2 scoreless.
The Hooks will look to get on the board in this series as they send out Tommy Shirley (3-2, 1.60) to face a rehabbing Joe Saunders (0-0, 4.50) in game 3. First pitch is at 7:05.
High Desert 5, Lancaster 3
W- Scott DeCecco (2-2)
L- Vince Velasquez (4-1)
S- Grady Wood (1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks were once again stymied by the lefty, DeCecco, but they did get to him with 3 in the 7th. They also hit into 4 inning-ending double plays (including the game-ender) and didn't strand any baserunners.
Tony Kemp posted his 4th straight multi-hit game, going 3-4 with a double and a run scored. He led off the 7th with a single, then moved to 3rd on a Teoscar Hernandez double. Carlos Correa finally unshackled the JetHawks from DeCecco's grasp with a 2-run double. Rio Ruiz would bring him in with a single one batter later. With that double, Hernandez is now on an 8-game hitting streak, which ties a season-best. He had an 8-game streak from April 13-22. Correa has a 7-game hitting streak of his own; he's got a hit in 12 of his last 13 contests.
Vince Velasquez went 3 innings and the only hit he allowed was a solo homer to Jordy Lara in the 2nd. He walked 1 and struck out 4. Kyle Westwood pitched 5 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Westwood also induced 12 groundouts. Entering this game, Westwood had a 66.7% groundball rate, according to MLBFarm.com.
In the middle game of this series, Kent Emanuel (0-0, 9.64; 0-2, 3.71 season) and Lance McCullers (1-2, 3.86) will take on Dylan Unsworth (2-2, 4.80) at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 5, Beloit 1
W- Adrian Houser (1-1)
L- Chris Lamb (0-1)
S- Chris Cotton (1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits won the series behind a strong performance from Adrian Houser, who got his first win since August 18, 2012, when he threw 5 shutout innings for Greeneville against Burlington. They've won this series.
Houser tossed 6 shutout innings and allowed 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7. Albert Minnis got 2 outs in the 7th (both via strikeout), but a hit and 2 walks knocked him out of the game. Tyler Brunnemann came on and got the Bandits out of the inning by striking out Tyler Marincov, who had a golden sombrero. He went 2 innings and the only run he allowed came in the form of a solo homer by Sam Roberts. That snapped a 16.1 inning scoreless streak that Brunnemann was on; he hadn't allowed a run since Opening Day. He allowed one other hit, walked 3, and struck out 3. Brunnemann left the bases loaded for Chris Cotton, who struck out Jaycob Brugman to end it.
QC got on the board first with a pair in the 1st. James Ramsay walked to lead off the inning, stole 2nd (9), and scored on an RBI double from Chase McDonald. Brian Holberton added an RBI single to bring McDonald home. Thomas Lindauer singled to begin the 5th, stole 2nd (1), and scored all the way from 2nd on a Chan-Jong Moon fielder's choice. After Ramsay drew a 1-out walk in the 7th, he scored on a Moon triple. White brought Moon home for the final Bandits run of the night on a sac fly. McDonald and Holberton had 2 hits apiece. Moon also added a steal (10).
The River Bandits will go for the sweep as Andrew Thurman (2-2, 5.40) takes on Dylan Covey (2-2, 3.97). First pitch is at 6:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Chase McDonald, 1B, Quad Cities
2-3, 2B, RBI, R
2.
Tony Kemp, 2B, Lancaster
3-4, 2B, R; 4 straight multi-hit games
1.
Delino DeShields, CF, Corpus Christi
2-4, 2 solo HR (4); first game since April 18
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Bobby Doran, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (1-2), 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R (1 earned), 2 BB, 3 K
2.
Vince Velasquez, RHP, Lancaster
L (4-1), 3 IP, H (solo HR), ER, BB, 4 K
1.
Adrian Houser, RHP, Quad Cities
W (1-1), 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Saturday, April 19, 2014
After getting swept for 2 straight nights, would order finally be restored?
Oklahoma City 6, Memphis 2
W- Rudy Owens (2-0)
L- Angel Castro (1-2)
OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (7, 3-run in 6th)
Jon Singleton is making his case to be the next man called up to Houston as his bat provided the big blow in the RedHawks' series-opening victory.
OKC opened up with a pair in the 1st, as Robbie Grossman led off the game with a double and scored the first run of the game on a Ronald Torreyes single. Both of them finished 3-4; Grossman had 2 doubles, while Torreyes had 2 RBI. Domingo Santana went 2-4 with a pair of doubles; his first one resulted in OKC's 2nd run of the inning, although he was also the final out as he tried to stretch it into a triple. After Torreyes and Gregorio Petit reached safely to open the 6th, Singleton sent out home run #7 to stretch the lead to 5-0. Singleton's 7 home runs lead the PCL, and that total is 2nd in all of AAA behind old friend J.D. Martinez. Torreyes added another RBI single in the 7th for OKC's final run of the evening.
Rudy Owens threw 5 no-hit, no-walk innings and struck out 4; he was a Petit error away from a perfect outing. Mike Foltynewicz threw 3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits (solo HR) and struck out 3, and Jason Stoffel worked around a hit to finish the game.
Game 2 has Jake Buchanan taking on Tim Cooney at 1:35.
Frisco 6, Corpus Christi 0
W- Matt Harrison (1-0)
L- Ross Seaton (0-1)
CC home runs: Ugh.
The Hooks have dropped the first 3 games as they were just stifled by a rehabbing Matt Harrison. Being down 4-0 after the 1st didn't help matters either. Nolan Fontana's double was one of just 3 hits mustered up by the Corpus offense, and the only extra-base hit.
Ross Seaton went 4.1 innings and allowed 5 runs (3 earned;) on 6 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. Luis Cruz tagged in for the final 3.2 innings and gave up a 2-run homer to Drew Robinson in the 5th. He was only charged with 1 run, while the other went to Seaton. Cruz also gave up 2 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 1.
Matt Heidenreich and Tommy Shirley will take the mound in the series finale as the Hooks will look to avoid the sweep. They'll be taking on Jerad Eickhoff at 2:05.
Lancaster 7, High Desert 1
W- Vince Velasquez (4-0)
L- Matt Anderson (1-2)
Lancaster home runs: Brandon Meredith 2 (4; solo in 1st, 2-run in 6th)
The JetHawks avoided the sweep as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the 1st and never looked back.
Tony Kemp had a base hit to lead off the bottom of the 1st and opened the scoring by coming home on Ruben Sosa's double. Sosa then stole 3rd and scored as the throw to 3rd sailed into left field. Carlos Correa finished a home run short of the cycle in 3 at-bats; he reached base in every plate appearance and scored twice. Had Correa homered, it would have been a natural cycle: he singled in the 1st, doubled in the 6th, and tripled in the 8th. He would score on a wild pitch after his triple
Brandon Meredith had a great night as he became the first JetHawk to post a multi-homer game. He went solo in the 1st and then drilled a 3-run shot in the 6th to put Lancaster up 6-0.
Vince Velasquez continued his outstanding start to the season as he threw 5 shutout innings and allowed a hit, walked 3, and struck out 4. Kyle Westwood has had a fine start to his season as well; he finished the final 4 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits and walked 1.
The JetHawks will have Easter Sunday off, and then they'll be off on a 7-game roadtrip on Monday, beginning with 4 against the Inland Empire 66ers.
South Bend 7, Quad Cities 6
W- Ben Eckels (1-2)
L- Jandel Gustave (1-2)
S- Daniel Gibson (3)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits were swept in this Midwest League Championship Series rematch. They came close to erasing a 6-2 deficit, but no cigar. They'll also be rueing their miscues in the field (4 errors) as well.
Jandel Gustave only went 2.1 innings after giving up 6 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits. He walked 1 and struck out 3. Tyler Brunnemann did an excellent job of bridging the gap as he struck out 3 in 2.2 perfect innings. Kent Emanuel struck out 2 in 3 innings, and the only hit he allowed was a solo homer to South Bend 1B Dan Palka. Albert Minnis worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 1.
Brett Booth made his season debut and reached in all 4 of his plate appearances, going 2-2 with a double, a couple of walks, and scored 3 times. He hit an RBI single in his first at-bat of the season in the 2nd to put Quad Cities on the board and would eventually score on a Jobduan Morales groundout later in the inning. Morales went 0-3, but it was a productive 0-3; he added a sac fly in the 6th. Also noteworthy was that Morales started at 2B. This was the first time that Jobduan Morales has appeared at a position other than 1B or C as a professional. Tyler White went 2-3 with a pair of walks and scored on a wild pitch in the 3rd, Conrad Gregor was 2-5 with a double and 2 runs scored, and Jon Kemmer went 2-4 with a 2-run single that brought the River Bandits to within 1.
The River Bandits will also Sunday off as they prepare to hit the road. They'll make the 40-mile drive up the Mississippi River to take on the Clinton LumberKings in a 4-game series beginning Monday.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2. A couple of 3-run homers in the 6th more or less sealed the deal.
1. Perfect nights.
Carlos Correa, SS, Lancaster
3-3, 2B, 3B, 2 R, BB
RollTide.com, the official website of Alabama Crimson Tide athletics
Brett Booth, C, Quad Cities
2-2, 2B, RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
Honorable Mentions: Robbie Grossman, Domingo Santana, Jon Kemmer, Conrad Gregor
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Vince Velasquez, RHP, Lancaster
W (4-0), 5 IP, H, 3 BB, 4 K
2.
1.
Rudy Owens, LHP, Oklahoma City
W (2-0), 5 IP, 4 K; 1 baserunner via error
After getting swept for 2 straight nights, would order finally be restored?
Oklahoma City 6, Memphis 2
W- Rudy Owens (2-0)
L- Angel Castro (1-2)
OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (7, 3-run in 6th)
Jon Singleton is making his case to be the next man called up to Houston as his bat provided the big blow in the RedHawks' series-opening victory.
OKC opened up with a pair in the 1st, as Robbie Grossman led off the game with a double and scored the first run of the game on a Ronald Torreyes single. Both of them finished 3-4; Grossman had 2 doubles, while Torreyes had 2 RBI. Domingo Santana went 2-4 with a pair of doubles; his first one resulted in OKC's 2nd run of the inning, although he was also the final out as he tried to stretch it into a triple. After Torreyes and Gregorio Petit reached safely to open the 6th, Singleton sent out home run #7 to stretch the lead to 5-0. Singleton's 7 home runs lead the PCL, and that total is 2nd in all of AAA behind old friend J.D. Martinez. Torreyes added another RBI single in the 7th for OKC's final run of the evening.
Rudy Owens threw 5 no-hit, no-walk innings and struck out 4; he was a Petit error away from a perfect outing. Mike Foltynewicz threw 3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits (solo HR) and struck out 3, and Jason Stoffel worked around a hit to finish the game.
Game 2 has Jake Buchanan taking on Tim Cooney at 1:35.
Frisco 6, Corpus Christi 0
W- Matt Harrison (1-0)
L- Ross Seaton (0-1)
CC home runs: Ugh.
The Hooks have dropped the first 3 games as they were just stifled by a rehabbing Matt Harrison. Being down 4-0 after the 1st didn't help matters either. Nolan Fontana's double was one of just 3 hits mustered up by the Corpus offense, and the only extra-base hit.
Ross Seaton went 4.1 innings and allowed 5 runs (3 earned;) on 6 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. Luis Cruz tagged in for the final 3.2 innings and gave up a 2-run homer to Drew Robinson in the 5th. He was only charged with 1 run, while the other went to Seaton. Cruz also gave up 2 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 1.
Matt Heidenreich and Tommy Shirley will take the mound in the series finale as the Hooks will look to avoid the sweep. They'll be taking on Jerad Eickhoff at 2:05.
Lancaster 7, High Desert 1
W- Vince Velasquez (4-0)
L- Matt Anderson (1-2)
Lancaster home runs: Brandon Meredith 2 (4; solo in 1st, 2-run in 6th)
The JetHawks avoided the sweep as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the 1st and never looked back.
Tony Kemp had a base hit to lead off the bottom of the 1st and opened the scoring by coming home on Ruben Sosa's double. Sosa then stole 3rd and scored as the throw to 3rd sailed into left field. Carlos Correa finished a home run short of the cycle in 3 at-bats; he reached base in every plate appearance and scored twice. Had Correa homered, it would have been a natural cycle: he singled in the 1st, doubled in the 6th, and tripled in the 8th. He would score on a wild pitch after his triple
Brandon Meredith had a great night as he became the first JetHawk to post a multi-homer game. He went solo in the 1st and then drilled a 3-run shot in the 6th to put Lancaster up 6-0.
Vince Velasquez continued his outstanding start to the season as he threw 5 shutout innings and allowed a hit, walked 3, and struck out 4. Kyle Westwood has had a fine start to his season as well; he finished the final 4 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits and walked 1.
The JetHawks will have Easter Sunday off, and then they'll be off on a 7-game roadtrip on Monday, beginning with 4 against the Inland Empire 66ers.
South Bend 7, Quad Cities 6
W- Ben Eckels (1-2)
L- Jandel Gustave (1-2)
S- Daniel Gibson (3)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits were swept in this Midwest League Championship Series rematch. They came close to erasing a 6-2 deficit, but no cigar. They'll also be rueing their miscues in the field (4 errors) as well.
Jandel Gustave only went 2.1 innings after giving up 6 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits. He walked 1 and struck out 3. Tyler Brunnemann did an excellent job of bridging the gap as he struck out 3 in 2.2 perfect innings. Kent Emanuel struck out 2 in 3 innings, and the only hit he allowed was a solo homer to South Bend 1B Dan Palka. Albert Minnis worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 1.
Brett Booth made his season debut and reached in all 4 of his plate appearances, going 2-2 with a double, a couple of walks, and scored 3 times. He hit an RBI single in his first at-bat of the season in the 2nd to put Quad Cities on the board and would eventually score on a Jobduan Morales groundout later in the inning. Morales went 0-3, but it was a productive 0-3; he added a sac fly in the 6th. Also noteworthy was that Morales started at 2B. This was the first time that Jobduan Morales has appeared at a position other than 1B or C as a professional. Tyler White went 2-3 with a pair of walks and scored on a wild pitch in the 3rd, Conrad Gregor was 2-5 with a double and 2 runs scored, and Jon Kemmer went 2-4 with a 2-run single that brought the River Bandits to within 1.
The River Bandits will also Sunday off as they prepare to hit the road. They'll make the 40-mile drive up the Mississippi River to take on the Clinton LumberKings in a 4-game series beginning Monday.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Ronald Torreyes, 2B/SS, Oklahoma City
3-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R
2. A couple of 3-run homers in the 6th more or less sealed the deal.
Brandon Meredith, 1B/OF, Lancaster
2-4, 2 HR (4)
Jon Singleton, 1B, Oklahoma City
1-4, 3-R HR (7)
1. Perfect nights.
Carlos Correa, SS, Lancaster
3-3, 2B, 3B, 2 R, BB
Brett Booth, C, Quad Cities
2-2, 2B, RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
Honorable Mentions: Robbie Grossman, Domingo Santana, Jon Kemmer, Conrad Gregor
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Vince Velasquez, RHP, Lancaster
W (4-0), 5 IP, H, 3 BB, 4 K
2.
1.
Rudy Owens, LHP, Oklahoma City
W (2-0), 5 IP, 4 K; 1 baserunner via error
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Friday, April 11, 2014
The upper-level clubs fell victim to the crooked number, while the A clubs got a dominating performance on the mound and a 16-hit barrage.
New Orleans 8, Oklahoma City 4
W- Greg Nappo (1-0)
L- Mike Foltynewicz (0-1)
S- Chris Hatcher (2)
OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (3, solo in 5th)
OKC took a 3-2 lead thanks to that Singleton homer, but New Orleans countered and went on a 6-1 run in the 6th and the 7th to take the series opener. The RedHawks still lead the war 4-1, though.
Singleton scored 3 of the 4 RedHawks runs; Japhet Amador drove in 3 of those 4 with a 2-run double in the 4th and a groundout in the 7th. Singleton, Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit all finished with 2 hits.
Rudy Owens gave up 2 in the 3rd, but had a solid outing otherwise. He went 5 innings and allowed 5 hits while fanning 4. Mike Foltynewicz bore the brunt of that 6-1 run, as he allowed all 6 of those runs, 5 of which were earned, and 1 of which was an inherited runner that scored. He only lasted 1.1 innings and allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Folty also uncorked 2 wild pitches and was called for a balk. Darin Downs went 1.2 innings, and all 5 of his outs were strikeouts. He allowed 2 hits and walked 1. Raúl Valdés allowed a hit and struck out 2 in a scoreless 9th.
Game 2 will feature the team of Jake Buchanan and Paul Clemens as they take on Jared Rogers. First pitch is at 7:05.
Tulsa 10, Corpus Christi 9
W- Nelson Gonzalez (1-0)
L- Tommy Shirley (1-1)
S- Scott Oberg (1)
CC home runs: Kiké Hernandez (1, 2-run in 1st)
The Hooks blasted Jonathan Gray for 6 in the 1st... the Drillers didn't forget that and they ended up finishing the game on a 10-3 run, which included a 6-run inning of their own.
But, the good portion of this recap: The original starting 9 all finished the game with a hit. Kiké Hernandez had 2, and Tyler Heineman was 3-4. Jio Mier came on as a defensive replacement and didn't appear at the plate.
How did they batter Gray? Well, the top third of the order (Delino DeShields, Nolan Fontana, and Andrew Aplin) all singled to load the bases, and Matt Duffy brought them all home with a double. Duffy scored on a Preston Tucker single, and Hernandez capped it off by taking Gray deep for a 2-run shot. All 6 runs came with nobody out. Heineman added a 2-run double in the 3rd to make it an 8-1 game. Fontana hit an RBI groundout in the 6th.
Now, unfortunately, the bad news: The Hooks pitchers got knocked around, with Matt Heidenreich bearing the brunt of the Tulsa attack. He started off by allowing 1 run over 3 innings, and then the wheels fell off. The Drillers got 6 in the 4th off of him and he was charged with all 6 of those runs, 2 of which were inherited. Heidenreich left after 3.1 innings and allowed 6 hits and struck out 2. Andrew Robinson was the first man out and he went 1.2 innings, allowing a run on 2 hits and fanning 2. Tommy Shirley had an inauspicious start to his outing, as he committed an error that allowed the first man he faced to reach, and then he faced a bases-loaded, no out situation. Unlike Thursday, the Hooks couldn't escape, as Dustin Garneau punched a ball through the left side for a 2-run single. Shirley pitched the final 4 innings and allowed 3 runs (all in the 6th, only 1 was earned) on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.
The rubber game of the series features a Pac-12 matchup on the mound, with Brady Rodgers (Arizona State), being accompanied by Colton Cain, taking on Tyler Anderson (Oregon). First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 5, Lake Elsinore 1
W- Vince Velasquez (2-0)
L- Ruben Mejia (0-1)
S- Kyle Westwood (2)
Lancaster home runs: None
Vince Velasquez was absolutely magnificent in his first 2 appearances; in this game, it was more of the same. He threw 5 shutout innings and allowed a hit and fanned 4. The hit, which was a single to begin the 4th, snapped his streak of 22 straight retired, dating back to Opening Night, when he got Corey Adamson to ground into a double play to end the 4th inning that night. I originally tweeted 21; looks like I needed to stretch that a little further.
Kyle Westwood, who will turn 23 tomorrow, finished it off with 4 innings, allowing a run on 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 2. While Velasquez has been absolutely dominating out of the gate, Westwood has also posted some fine performances as well. So far, they've been the best pairing in the system, and probably by a pretty good margin, as well.
Tony Kemp led off the game with a walk and would score the first run of the evening on a Teoscar Hernandez triple. This is the 4th game that Hernandez has hit an RBI triple, and he extended his hitting streak to 6 games. He's had 2 hits in 5 of those 6 games, including a current streak of 3 straight. One batter later, he'd score on a Carlos Correa sac fly; the two of them had all the RBIs for Lancaster. Hernandez hit a 2-run triple in the 5th and Correa brought him home again, this time on a single. Rio Ruiz went 2-4, and Justin Gominsky went 3-4 with a run scored.
Game 3 of this 4-game set features the team of Lance McCullers and Kyle Smith on the mound, and they'll face Bryan Rodriguez. First pitch will take place at 6:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 6, Great Lakes 4
W- Gonzalo Sanudo (2-0)
L- James Campbell (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (2)
QC home runs: Jack Mayfield (1, solo in 5th)
The River Bandits unleashed a 16-hit assault on the Loons as they took the series opener.
66.7% of the QC lineup had multi-hit games, paced by Jack Mayfield, who went 3-5 with a double, a solo homer, and 2 runs scored. This is Mayfield's 3rd straight multi-hit contest, and he has a hit in all but 1 game this season (6 games played). 66.7% of the QC lineup had 1 RBI, as well. Those came off the bats of Conrad Gregor, Austin Elkins, Jobduan Morales, Mayfield, Brett Phillips, and James Ramsay. Elkins hit 2 doubles and Ramsay had a triple. Chase McDonald, Tanner Mathis, and Chan-Jong Moon all had 1 hit. Moon's hit was a triple in the 6th, and he'd score on Ramsay's triple.
Adrian Houser got the start and went 4 innings, allowing a run on 2 hits, walking 3, and fanning 3. Gonzalo Sanudo got the win as the piggybacker by throwing 3 scoreless. He allowed 2 hits, walked 2 (!!!) and struck out 3. Chris Cotton threw a 1-2-3 8th, striking out 2, but the wheels fell off for him in the 9th as he allowed all 5 Loons he faced to reach and gave up 3 runs in the process. Andrew Walter restored order by stopping the bleeding. He did issue a walk, but none of the 2 runners he inherited from Cotton scored.
In the middle game of this series, Andrew Thurman will look to get himself going after a couple of rough outings to begin the season. He and Chris Lee will face Luis Chirinos at 6:05 Eastern/5:05 Central.
Three Stars: Position Players
So, I got tired of trying to weed out exactly 3 standout performances, so I have split the Three Stars section into one for position players and one for pitchers. It hasn't gotten any easier.
3.
2.
1.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
2.
1.
Honorable Mentions: Darin Downs, Andrew Walter
The upper-level clubs fell victim to the crooked number, while the A clubs got a dominating performance on the mound and a 16-hit barrage.
New Orleans 8, Oklahoma City 4
W- Greg Nappo (1-0)
L- Mike Foltynewicz (0-1)
S- Chris Hatcher (2)
OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (3, solo in 5th)
OKC took a 3-2 lead thanks to that Singleton homer, but New Orleans countered and went on a 6-1 run in the 6th and the 7th to take the series opener. The RedHawks still lead the war 4-1, though.
Singleton scored 3 of the 4 RedHawks runs; Japhet Amador drove in 3 of those 4 with a 2-run double in the 4th and a groundout in the 7th. Singleton, Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit all finished with 2 hits.
Rudy Owens gave up 2 in the 3rd, but had a solid outing otherwise. He went 5 innings and allowed 5 hits while fanning 4. Mike Foltynewicz bore the brunt of that 6-1 run, as he allowed all 6 of those runs, 5 of which were earned, and 1 of which was an inherited runner that scored. He only lasted 1.1 innings and allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Folty also uncorked 2 wild pitches and was called for a balk. Darin Downs went 1.2 innings, and all 5 of his outs were strikeouts. He allowed 2 hits and walked 1. Raúl Valdés allowed a hit and struck out 2 in a scoreless 9th.
Game 2 will feature the team of Jake Buchanan and Paul Clemens as they take on Jared Rogers. First pitch is at 7:05.
Tulsa 10, Corpus Christi 9
W- Nelson Gonzalez (1-0)
L- Tommy Shirley (1-1)
S- Scott Oberg (1)
CC home runs: Kiké Hernandez (1, 2-run in 1st)
The Hooks blasted Jonathan Gray for 6 in the 1st... the Drillers didn't forget that and they ended up finishing the game on a 10-3 run, which included a 6-run inning of their own.
But, the good portion of this recap: The original starting 9 all finished the game with a hit. Kiké Hernandez had 2, and Tyler Heineman was 3-4. Jio Mier came on as a defensive replacement and didn't appear at the plate.
How did they batter Gray? Well, the top third of the order (Delino DeShields, Nolan Fontana, and Andrew Aplin) all singled to load the bases, and Matt Duffy brought them all home with a double. Duffy scored on a Preston Tucker single, and Hernandez capped it off by taking Gray deep for a 2-run shot. All 6 runs came with nobody out. Heineman added a 2-run double in the 3rd to make it an 8-1 game. Fontana hit an RBI groundout in the 6th.
Now, unfortunately, the bad news: The Hooks pitchers got knocked around, with Matt Heidenreich bearing the brunt of the Tulsa attack. He started off by allowing 1 run over 3 innings, and then the wheels fell off. The Drillers got 6 in the 4th off of him and he was charged with all 6 of those runs, 2 of which were inherited. Heidenreich left after 3.1 innings and allowed 6 hits and struck out 2. Andrew Robinson was the first man out and he went 1.2 innings, allowing a run on 2 hits and fanning 2. Tommy Shirley had an inauspicious start to his outing, as he committed an error that allowed the first man he faced to reach, and then he faced a bases-loaded, no out situation. Unlike Thursday, the Hooks couldn't escape, as Dustin Garneau punched a ball through the left side for a 2-run single. Shirley pitched the final 4 innings and allowed 3 runs (all in the 6th, only 1 was earned) on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.
The rubber game of the series features a Pac-12 matchup on the mound, with Brady Rodgers (Arizona State), being accompanied by Colton Cain, taking on Tyler Anderson (Oregon). First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 5, Lake Elsinore 1
W- Vince Velasquez (2-0)
L- Ruben Mejia (0-1)
S- Kyle Westwood (2)
Lancaster home runs: None
Vince Velasquez was absolutely magnificent in his first 2 appearances; in this game, it was more of the same. He threw 5 shutout innings and allowed a hit and fanned 4. The hit, which was a single to begin the 4th, snapped his streak of 22 straight retired, dating back to Opening Night, when he got Corey Adamson to ground into a double play to end the 4th inning that night. I originally tweeted 21; looks like I needed to stretch that a little further.
Kyle Westwood, who will turn 23 tomorrow, finished it off with 4 innings, allowing a run on 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 2. While Velasquez has been absolutely dominating out of the gate, Westwood has also posted some fine performances as well. So far, they've been the best pairing in the system, and probably by a pretty good margin, as well.
Tony Kemp led off the game with a walk and would score the first run of the evening on a Teoscar Hernandez triple. This is the 4th game that Hernandez has hit an RBI triple, and he extended his hitting streak to 6 games. He's had 2 hits in 5 of those 6 games, including a current streak of 3 straight. One batter later, he'd score on a Carlos Correa sac fly; the two of them had all the RBIs for Lancaster. Hernandez hit a 2-run triple in the 5th and Correa brought him home again, this time on a single. Rio Ruiz went 2-4, and Justin Gominsky went 3-4 with a run scored.
Game 3 of this 4-game set features the team of Lance McCullers and Kyle Smith on the mound, and they'll face Bryan Rodriguez. First pitch will take place at 6:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 6, Great Lakes 4
W- Gonzalo Sanudo (2-0)
L- James Campbell (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (2)
QC home runs: Jack Mayfield (1, solo in 5th)
The River Bandits unleashed a 16-hit assault on the Loons as they took the series opener.
66.7% of the QC lineup had multi-hit games, paced by Jack Mayfield, who went 3-5 with a double, a solo homer, and 2 runs scored. This is Mayfield's 3rd straight multi-hit contest, and he has a hit in all but 1 game this season (6 games played). 66.7% of the QC lineup had 1 RBI, as well. Those came off the bats of Conrad Gregor, Austin Elkins, Jobduan Morales, Mayfield, Brett Phillips, and James Ramsay. Elkins hit 2 doubles and Ramsay had a triple. Chase McDonald, Tanner Mathis, and Chan-Jong Moon all had 1 hit. Moon's hit was a triple in the 6th, and he'd score on Ramsay's triple.
Adrian Houser got the start and went 4 innings, allowing a run on 2 hits, walking 3, and fanning 3. Gonzalo Sanudo got the win as the piggybacker by throwing 3 scoreless. He allowed 2 hits, walked 2 (!!!) and struck out 3. Chris Cotton threw a 1-2-3 8th, striking out 2, but the wheels fell off for him in the 9th as he allowed all 5 Loons he faced to reach and gave up 3 runs in the process. Andrew Walter restored order by stopping the bleeding. He did issue a walk, but none of the 2 runners he inherited from Cotton scored.
In the middle game of this series, Andrew Thurman will look to get himself going after a couple of rough outings to begin the season. He and Chris Lee will face Luis Chirinos at 6:05 Eastern/5:05 Central.
Three Stars: Position Players
So, I got tired of trying to weed out exactly 3 standout performances, so I have split the Three Stars section into one for position players and one for pitchers. It hasn't gotten any easier.
3.
Jon Singleton, 1B, Oklahoma City
2-4, solo HR (3), 3 R
2.
Teoscar Hernandez, CF, Lancaster
2-4, 2 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R
1.
Jack Mayfield, 2B, Quad Cities
3-5, 2B solo HR (1), 2 R
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Heineman, Kiké Hernandez, Japhet Amador, Carlos Correa, Justin Gominsky, the 5 guys in the Quad Cities lineup who all had 2 hits
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Gonzalo Sanudo, RHP, Quad Cities
W (2-0), 3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K
2.
Kyle Westwood, RHP, Lancaster
Save (2), 4 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 2 K
1.
Vince Velasquez, RHP, Lancaster
W (2-0), 5 IP, H, 4 K
Honorable Mentions: Darin Downs, Andrew Walter
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Monday, April 7, 2014
And for the 2nd straight night, all Astros affiliates that were in action came out victorious.
Oklahoma City 6, New Orleans 4
W- Rudy Owens (1-0)
L- Jesus Sanchez (0-1)
S- Jason Stoffel (2)
OKC home runs: Austin Wates (1, solo in 7th)
The Zephyrs jumped all over Mike Foltynewicz for 4 1st-inning runs, but the RedHawks got the last laugh as they scored 6 unanswered to take the opener.
Folty labored through 2.1 innings, and all 4 runs he allowed came in the 1st. He gave up 4 hits (2 homers back-to-back), walked 2, and struck out 2. But, the guys after him picked him up and bought time for the OKC offense to get themselves going. Darin Downs allowed a hit over 1.2 scoreless, and then Rudy Owens came on and threw 4 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 3. Jason Stoffel came on to close it out and struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.
OKC got on the board in the 4th with a Jon Singleton double. In the 6th, George Springer added an RBI double of his own, then came home on Singleton's 2nd 2-bagger of the evening. Austin Wates finished a triple shy of the cycle in 4 at-bats; he tied the game at 4 with a solo homer (1) in the 7th, then Max Stassi broke the tie with a 2-run double. Wates also scored 3 times and stole 3 bases (2nd twice, 3rd once). In his season debut, Erik Castro was 1-3 with a walk and 2 strikeouts as the DH.
In game 2 of this series, Paul Clemens and Jake Buchanan will take on TBA; OKC's game notes lists Brian Flynn as the starter for New Orleans. First pitch is at 7:00.
Corpus Christi 8, Springfield 5
W- Andrew Robinson (1-0)
L- Jonathan Cornelius (0-1)
S- Brady Rodgers (1)
CC home runs: Delino DeShields (1, solo in 7th)
After briefly losing the lead, the Hooks finished the game on a 5-1 run. They got outhit 16-9, but won the column that counts towards the W-L record.
Everyone in the lineup had 1 RBI except for Preston Tucker. He went 1-5 with a run scored. Corpus opened up the scoring with 3 runs in the 2nd on a Kiké Hernandez single, a René Garcia groundout, and a Jio Mier double. Hernandez and Mier both had 2 hits. The Hooks fell behind 4-3 after the 4th, but again, that didn't last long. They answered with a pair in the 5th on a Joe Sclafani fielder's choice scoring Garcia and an Andrew Aplin groundout scoring Mier. Delino DeShields went deep for the first time this season with a 1-out solo shot in the 7th. M.P. Cokinos hit an RBI single in the 8th, and Matt Duffy joined Kiké and Jio in the 2-hit club with an RBI single of his own in the 9th inning.
Colton Cain went 3.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 10 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Andrew Robinson came on with 2 outs in the 4th and struck out the Cuban defector, Aledmys Diaz, to end the inning. He then proceeded to strike out 2 in a 1-2-3 5th to get the victory. Brady Rodgers tagged in for the final 4 innings, and the only run he allowed was a solo homer to James Ramsey in the 9th. Rodgers gave up 5 other hits and struck out 3.
The Hooks will look for the sweep in a morning contest. Let's see what Aaron West and David Rollins have in store for an encore after impressing in their first appearances of the season. They'll be taking on Kurt Heyer at 11:10 A.M. A radio note: If you're planning to listen on the Internet via iHeartRadio, this game will be on 1400 (KUNO) instead of the usual station, 1360 (KKTX).
Lancaster 2, San Jose 1
W- Vince Velasquez (1-0)
L- Tyler Mizenko (0-1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
In a random low-scoring game at The Hangar, the JetHawks walked off with the win in the series opener thanks to a 2-run double from Rio Ruiz with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th.
Both teams only had 3 hits; Teoscar Hernandez had 2 of Lancaster's 3... and you know who had the other one. After Jordan Scott and Tony Kemp were the first 2 casualties of the 9th, Hernandez walked, and Carlos Correa followed suit. And Rio did the rest. Correa was 0-2, but he walked twice and scored the winner.
Lancaster's pitchers have absolutely taken flight out of the gate. This game was no different. Kyle Westwood went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Vince Velasquez came on and all he did was toss 4 perfect innings, striking out 5 in the process.
In the middle game of this series, Kyle Smith and Lance McCullers will face Chris Stratton at 6:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities was off
They spent the day traveling to Lansing to prepare for 3 against the Lugnuts. Chris Lee and Andrew Thurman will take on Tom Robson in the series opener at 7:05 Eastern/6:05 Central.
Three Stars
Actually, there will be 8.
3.
Stoffel: Save (2), IP, 2 K
@ Springfield
Robinson: W (1-0), 1.1 IP, 3 K
2.
Rio Ruiz, 3B, Lancaster
Walk-off 2-R 2B in 9th
1.
And for the 2nd straight night, all Astros affiliates that were in action came out victorious.
Oklahoma City 6, New Orleans 4
W- Rudy Owens (1-0)
L- Jesus Sanchez (0-1)
S- Jason Stoffel (2)
OKC home runs: Austin Wates (1, solo in 7th)
The Zephyrs jumped all over Mike Foltynewicz for 4 1st-inning runs, but the RedHawks got the last laugh as they scored 6 unanswered to take the opener.
Folty labored through 2.1 innings, and all 4 runs he allowed came in the 1st. He gave up 4 hits (2 homers back-to-back), walked 2, and struck out 2. But, the guys after him picked him up and bought time for the OKC offense to get themselves going. Darin Downs allowed a hit over 1.2 scoreless, and then Rudy Owens came on and threw 4 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 3. Jason Stoffel came on to close it out and struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.
OKC got on the board in the 4th with a Jon Singleton double. In the 6th, George Springer added an RBI double of his own, then came home on Singleton's 2nd 2-bagger of the evening. Austin Wates finished a triple shy of the cycle in 4 at-bats; he tied the game at 4 with a solo homer (1) in the 7th, then Max Stassi broke the tie with a 2-run double. Wates also scored 3 times and stole 3 bases (2nd twice, 3rd once). In his season debut, Erik Castro was 1-3 with a walk and 2 strikeouts as the DH.
In game 2 of this series, Paul Clemens and Jake Buchanan will take on TBA; OKC's game notes lists Brian Flynn as the starter for New Orleans. First pitch is at 7:00.
Corpus Christi 8, Springfield 5
W- Andrew Robinson (1-0)
L- Jonathan Cornelius (0-1)
S- Brady Rodgers (1)
CC home runs: Delino DeShields (1, solo in 7th)
After briefly losing the lead, the Hooks finished the game on a 5-1 run. They got outhit 16-9, but won the column that counts towards the W-L record.
Everyone in the lineup had 1 RBI except for Preston Tucker. He went 1-5 with a run scored. Corpus opened up the scoring with 3 runs in the 2nd on a Kiké Hernandez single, a René Garcia groundout, and a Jio Mier double. Hernandez and Mier both had 2 hits. The Hooks fell behind 4-3 after the 4th, but again, that didn't last long. They answered with a pair in the 5th on a Joe Sclafani fielder's choice scoring Garcia and an Andrew Aplin groundout scoring Mier. Delino DeShields went deep for the first time this season with a 1-out solo shot in the 7th. M.P. Cokinos hit an RBI single in the 8th, and Matt Duffy joined Kiké and Jio in the 2-hit club with an RBI single of his own in the 9th inning.
Colton Cain went 3.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 10 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Andrew Robinson came on with 2 outs in the 4th and struck out the Cuban defector, Aledmys Diaz, to end the inning. He then proceeded to strike out 2 in a 1-2-3 5th to get the victory. Brady Rodgers tagged in for the final 4 innings, and the only run he allowed was a solo homer to James Ramsey in the 9th. Rodgers gave up 5 other hits and struck out 3.
The Hooks will look for the sweep in a morning contest. Let's see what Aaron West and David Rollins have in store for an encore after impressing in their first appearances of the season. They'll be taking on Kurt Heyer at 11:10 A.M. A radio note: If you're planning to listen on the Internet via iHeartRadio, this game will be on 1400 (KUNO) instead of the usual station, 1360 (KKTX).
Lancaster 2, San Jose 1
W- Vince Velasquez (1-0)
L- Tyler Mizenko (0-1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
In a random low-scoring game at The Hangar, the JetHawks walked off with the win in the series opener thanks to a 2-run double from Rio Ruiz with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th.
Both teams only had 3 hits; Teoscar Hernandez had 2 of Lancaster's 3... and you know who had the other one. After Jordan Scott and Tony Kemp were the first 2 casualties of the 9th, Hernandez walked, and Carlos Correa followed suit. And Rio did the rest. Correa was 0-2, but he walked twice and scored the winner.
Lancaster's pitchers have absolutely taken flight out of the gate. This game was no different. Kyle Westwood went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Vince Velasquez came on and all he did was toss 4 perfect innings, striking out 5 in the process.
In the middle game of this series, Kyle Smith and Lance McCullers will face Chris Stratton at 6:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities was off
They spent the day traveling to Lansing to prepare for 3 against the Lugnuts. Chris Lee and Andrew Thurman will take on Tom Robson in the series opener at 7:05 Eastern/6:05 Central.
Three Stars
Actually, there will be 8.
3.
Darin Downs, LHP, Rudy Owens, LHP, Jason Stoffel, RHP, Oklahoma City, and Andrew Robinson, RHP, Corpus Christi
*If you're wondering, that's Jason Stoffel's Twitter avatar.
vs. New Orleans
Downs: 1.2 IP, H
Owens: W (1-0), 4 IP, 2 H, 3 KStoffel: Save (2), IP, 2 K
@ Springfield
Robinson: W (1-0), 1.1 IP, 3 K
2.
Austin Wates, CF, Oklahoma City
3-4, 2B, solo HR (1), 3 R, 3 SB (3)Rio Ruiz, 3B, Lancaster
Walk-off 2-R 2B in 9th
1.
Kyle Westwood, RHP, and Vince Velasquez, RHP, Lancaster
Westwood: 5 IP, 3 H, unearned run, 7 K
Velasquez: W (1-0), 4 IP, 5 K
Apologies to: Teoscar Hernandez, Jon Singleton, Brady Rodgers, Max Stassi, Jio Mier, Kiké Hernandez, Matt Duffy
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Astros Minor League Roster Moves
I've gotten behind again on reporting the latest roster moves. Here's what I have for the last few days.
Oklahoma City
OF Eric Thames claimed off waivers from the Orioles and assigned to Oklahoma City
RHP Hector Ambriz designated for assignment
Corpus Christi
C Carlos Corporan to Corpus Christi for rehab assignment
C Ryan McCurdy activated from the DL
C Brett Clements placed on the 7-day DL
Lnacaster
RHP Vincent Velasquez placed on the 7-day DL
OF Chris Epps assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
Also of note, OF Tanner Mathis was sent from Greeneville to Lancaster but has not officially been activated according to MiLB.
Tri-City
RHP Edgar Gonzalez sent to Tri-City for rehab assignment
RHP Tanner Bushue retired (see this Astros County post for more info)
Oklahoma City
OF Eric Thames claimed off waivers from the Orioles and assigned to Oklahoma City
RHP Hector Ambriz designated for assignment
Corpus Christi
C Carlos Corporan to Corpus Christi for rehab assignment
C Ryan McCurdy activated from the DL
C Brett Clements placed on the 7-day DL
Lnacaster
RHP Vincent Velasquez placed on the 7-day DL
OF Chris Epps assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
Also of note, OF Tanner Mathis was sent from Greeneville to Lancaster but has not officially been activated according to MiLB.
Tri-City
RHP Edgar Gonzalez sent to Tri-City for rehab assignment
RHP Tanner Bushue retired (see this Astros County post for more info)
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Astros Minor League Roster Moves
Corpus Christi
LHP Luis Cruz assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
Lancaster
RHP Vincent Velasquez assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster
Quad Cities
RHP Andrew Walter assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities
Tri-City
RHP Gonzalo Sanudo assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City
Greeneville Astros
RHP Francis Ramirez assigned from the GCL Astros to Greeneville
Gulf Coast League
RHP Alan Abreu assigned from Greeneville to the GCL
LHP Luis Cruz assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
Lancaster
RHP Vincent Velasquez assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster
Quad Cities
RHP Andrew Walter assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities
Tri-City
RHP Gonzalo Sanudo assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City
Greeneville Astros
RHP Francis Ramirez assigned from the GCL Astros to Greeneville
Gulf Coast League
RHP Alan Abreu assigned from Greeneville to the GCL
Friday, August 9, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games
Las Vegas over Oklahoma City 12-3
Asher Wojciechowski took the loss going four and two-thirds and allowing six runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out six. Two of those runs came across under Rhiner Cruz' watch. Eric Berger allowed one run in his two and a third, but Jason Stoffel struggled in the eighth and saw five runners score in the inning. All of the Oklahoma City scoring came in the sixth inning on a three-run Brandon Laird (3x4) home run.
Northwest Arkansas over Corpus Christi 12-5
Nick Tropeano was the next victim, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks, striking out six, in his five innings. Alex Sogard gave up a pair in his outing and Theron Geith allowed five runs (three earned) in his inning. Only Cameron Lamb and Pat Urckfitz remained unscathed in the run column. Max Stassi (3x4 2B 2RBI) drove in a pair in the first and third. Domingo Santana hit his 20th long ball of the season in the eighth, driving in two. And Matt Duffy hit his first AA dinger, a solo shot in the ninth. Drew Muren was two-for-five; Preston Tucker went two-for-five with a double and two runs scored;
Modesto over Lancaster 6-2
Brady Rodgers got insult added to injury in this one, literally. After giving up two runs with no outs in the first inning, Rodgers was hit by a comebacker on the leg and was removed from the game. Another inherited run scored and he was charged with three runs on three hits, didn't record an out and took the loss. Michael Dimock pitched four innings of relief and allowed one run. Tyson Perez and Jordan Jankowski each threw two and each gave up one run. The 'Hawks scored one in the third on a Carlos Perdomo sac fly and one in the sixth on a Brandon Meredith RBI double. They were held to four hits. Joe Sclafani also had a double.
Quad Cities over Clinton 2-1
Vincent Velasquez (6IP 4H 0R 2BB 7SO) and Zach Morton (2IP 2H 1SO) had a shutout going until Juan Minaya gave up a solo shot in the ninth. Rio Ruiz (2x4 2-2B RBI) doubled in the first Bandits run in the second, and Bobby Borchering (2x4 2B RBI) drove in the other run in the eighth.
Tri-City over Williamsport 10-2
Andrew Thurman (5IP 3H 1R 1BB 6SO HR) got the win and Michael Feliz (4IP 5H 1R 6SO) got the save while Tri-City was busy putting up two five-run innings in the fourth and eighth. The fourth inning featured triples from James Ramsay and Conrad Gregor (2x3 3B BB 2RBI R) and doubles from Jack Mayfield (2x4 2B RBI 2R) and Jake Rodriguez (2x3 2B BB RBI R). Chan Moon (2x4 3B 3RBI R) also tripled and drove in two runs in the eighth. Tyler White was two-for-four with a double and two RBI, and Ronnie Mitchell was two-for-four with an RBI and scored twice.
Greeneville over Bristol 10-8 in 10 innings
Raul Rivera got the win in relief after a rough start from Enderson Franco and an even rougher relief outing from Sebastian Kessay. Ryan Connolly and Gonzalo Sanudo provided scoreless relief. The Astros three-run second featured a two-run double from Wallace Gonzalez and the four-run fifth featured home runs from Tanner Mathis and Ricky Gingras. Edwin Gomez tied things up with an RBI single in the ninth, and a sac bunt and two throwing errors helped the Astros get the go-ahead runs in the 10th. Tanner Mathis, Edwin Gomez and Rinky Gingras all had two hits in the game. Angel Ibanez was four-for-five with a double, RBI and scored twice.
GCL Blue Jays over GCL Astros 13-9
Six pitchers combined in this one and only Kent Emanuel (2IP 3H 2SO) and Jorge Perez (2.2IP 1H 4BB 3SO) allowed no runs. The other four each allowed at least three runs including Matt Heidenreich (1IP 5H 3R 1BB) in his first rehab appearance. The Astros scored four in a third inning that featured doubles from Jason Martin (2x4 2B 3B 3RBI 2R), Jean Batista (2x5 2-2B RBI 2R), and Yonathan Mejia (1x3 2B 2BB RBI). Batista doubled again in the seventh and came around to score on a wild pitch later in the inning. Not to be outdone, Martin tripled in two runs and scored on a ground out. The final run scored in the ninth on a fielding error. Ydarqui Marte went three-for-four with a double, walk and scored twice.
DSL Mariners over DSL Astros 9-2 - called early in the bottom of the seventh
This was the completion of a suspended game which ended up getting called early. Let's just say that none of the four Astros pitchers pitched well in this one and Geronimo Franzua got the loss because it would take more time than it's worth to document the overall badness and I have a flight to catch. There were no extra base hits, but three players had two hits each, Kristian Trompiz, Brian Pena and Jarico Reynoso. A second scheduled game was postponed.
Player of the Day: It might have been in a losing cause, but I've got to send props out to Jason Martin for his double, triple and three RBI. In his last 10 games, he is hitting .317/.391/.439.
Pitcher of the Day: Vincent Velasquez, come on down! After another dominant outing on Thursday, Velasquez is 5-2 with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.903 WHIP in his last 10 appearances. He has walked 13 and struck out 60 during that period.
Las Vegas over Oklahoma City 12-3
Asher Wojciechowski took the loss going four and two-thirds and allowing six runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out six. Two of those runs came across under Rhiner Cruz' watch. Eric Berger allowed one run in his two and a third, but Jason Stoffel struggled in the eighth and saw five runners score in the inning. All of the Oklahoma City scoring came in the sixth inning on a three-run Brandon Laird (3x4) home run.
Northwest Arkansas over Corpus Christi 12-5
Nick Tropeano was the next victim, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks, striking out six, in his five innings. Alex Sogard gave up a pair in his outing and Theron Geith allowed five runs (three earned) in his inning. Only Cameron Lamb and Pat Urckfitz remained unscathed in the run column. Max Stassi (3x4 2B 2RBI) drove in a pair in the first and third. Domingo Santana hit his 20th long ball of the season in the eighth, driving in two. And Matt Duffy hit his first AA dinger, a solo shot in the ninth. Drew Muren was two-for-five; Preston Tucker went two-for-five with a double and two runs scored;
Modesto over Lancaster 6-2
Brady Rodgers got insult added to injury in this one, literally. After giving up two runs with no outs in the first inning, Rodgers was hit by a comebacker on the leg and was removed from the game. Another inherited run scored and he was charged with three runs on three hits, didn't record an out and took the loss. Michael Dimock pitched four innings of relief and allowed one run. Tyson Perez and Jordan Jankowski each threw two and each gave up one run. The 'Hawks scored one in the third on a Carlos Perdomo sac fly and one in the sixth on a Brandon Meredith RBI double. They were held to four hits. Joe Sclafani also had a double.
Quad Cities over Clinton 2-1
Vincent Velasquez (6IP 4H 0R 2BB 7SO) and Zach Morton (2IP 2H 1SO) had a shutout going until Juan Minaya gave up a solo shot in the ninth. Rio Ruiz (2x4 2-2B RBI) doubled in the first Bandits run in the second, and Bobby Borchering (2x4 2B RBI) drove in the other run in the eighth.
Tri-City over Williamsport 10-2
Andrew Thurman (5IP 3H 1R 1BB 6SO HR) got the win and Michael Feliz (4IP 5H 1R 6SO) got the save while Tri-City was busy putting up two five-run innings in the fourth and eighth. The fourth inning featured triples from James Ramsay and Conrad Gregor (2x3 3B BB 2RBI R) and doubles from Jack Mayfield (2x4 2B RBI 2R) and Jake Rodriguez (2x3 2B BB RBI R). Chan Moon (2x4 3B 3RBI R) also tripled and drove in two runs in the eighth. Tyler White was two-for-four with a double and two RBI, and Ronnie Mitchell was two-for-four with an RBI and scored twice.
Greeneville over Bristol 10-8 in 10 innings
Raul Rivera got the win in relief after a rough start from Enderson Franco and an even rougher relief outing from Sebastian Kessay. Ryan Connolly and Gonzalo Sanudo provided scoreless relief. The Astros three-run second featured a two-run double from Wallace Gonzalez and the four-run fifth featured home runs from Tanner Mathis and Ricky Gingras. Edwin Gomez tied things up with an RBI single in the ninth, and a sac bunt and two throwing errors helped the Astros get the go-ahead runs in the 10th. Tanner Mathis, Edwin Gomez and Rinky Gingras all had two hits in the game. Angel Ibanez was four-for-five with a double, RBI and scored twice.
GCL Blue Jays over GCL Astros 13-9
Six pitchers combined in this one and only Kent Emanuel (2IP 3H 2SO) and Jorge Perez (2.2IP 1H 4BB 3SO) allowed no runs. The other four each allowed at least three runs including Matt Heidenreich (1IP 5H 3R 1BB) in his first rehab appearance. The Astros scored four in a third inning that featured doubles from Jason Martin (2x4 2B 3B 3RBI 2R), Jean Batista (2x5 2-2B RBI 2R), and Yonathan Mejia (1x3 2B 2BB RBI). Batista doubled again in the seventh and came around to score on a wild pitch later in the inning. Not to be outdone, Martin tripled in two runs and scored on a ground out. The final run scored in the ninth on a fielding error. Ydarqui Marte went three-for-four with a double, walk and scored twice.
DSL Mariners over DSL Astros 9-2 - called early in the bottom of the seventh
This was the completion of a suspended game which ended up getting called early. Let's just say that none of the four Astros pitchers pitched well in this one and Geronimo Franzua got the loss because it would take more time than it's worth to document the overall badness and I have a flight to catch. There were no extra base hits, but three players had two hits each, Kristian Trompiz, Brian Pena and Jarico Reynoso. A second scheduled game was postponed.
Player of the Day: It might have been in a losing cause, but I've got to send props out to Jason Martin for his double, triple and three RBI. In his last 10 games, he is hitting .317/.391/.439.
Pitcher of the Day: Vincent Velasquez, come on down! After another dominant outing on Thursday, Velasquez is 5-2 with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.903 WHIP in his last 10 appearances. He has walked 13 and struck out 60 during that period.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games
Oklahoma City over Reno 3-2
Paul Clemens pitched three scoreless innings followed by two scoreless from Philip Humber. Eric Berger allowed a two-run home run in the sixth and gave way to Rhiner Cruz with one out in the seventh. Cruz, Kevin Chapman and Hector Ambriz kept the slim lead from slipping away. The Hooks collected their three runs in the second on RBI singles from Jon Singleton and Che-Hsuan Lin; Lin subsequently scored on a fielding error. Jose Martinez was two-for-four with a double, the only extra base hit of the game. Rene Garcia was one-for-four in his AAA debut. The seventh win in a row for the RedHawks has them tied for first place in the division.
Corpus Christi over Midland 5-4
Nick Tropeano threw the first six innings and allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk. He also struck out ten, including a one-pitch strikeout in which the batter received two delay of game strikes for the K. [Note: If anyone wonders why I love the minors so much, look no further. I love them because stuff like that happens. All the time.] He was followed by two perfect innings from Carlos Quevedo. Jonas Dufek converted his first save opportunity for the Hooks as he allowed one hit and struck out two in the ninth. The Hooks scored two in the first on a Preston Tucker home run, and one in the third on an Erik Castro RBI single. The two runs in the fifth came as Max Stassi (2x4) scored on a fielding error and a Jonathan Meyer (SB) drove in Domingo Santana (SB) with an RBI single, in an inning that featured three wild pitches. Ronald Torreyes was two-for-three and scored two runs.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 26-5 [Why I love the minors, Part II]
Lancaster JetHawks @JetHawks
JetHawks beat the Storm tonight with 26 runs, 21 hits, 3 HR, 3 2B, 2 3B, 13 BB, 5 HBP, (only) 2 SO and a partridge in a pear tree.
Yeah, you read that right. It was 6-0 through three innings when I went to bed and starter Brady Rodgers had things well in hand. Chris Epps had doubled in two and Andrew Aplin singled in two in the second, and the 'Hawks scored two more in the third, one of them coming off Epps' second double of the night.
And then I wake up this morning and see a final of 26-5! What did I miss? Rodgers gave up a three-run homer in the fourth, the only blemish in an otherwise stellar performance (7IP 5H 1BB 7SO) and the 'Hawks countered with two in the bottom of the frame on an M.P. Cokinos home run, and another in the fifth as Joe Sclafani tripled and came in on an Epps sac fly. Up 9 to 3 after five.
And then the explosion came as the 'Hawks scored 17 more runs over the next three innings. In the sixth, it was RBI singles from Brandon Meredith, Sclafani and Delino DeShields and a bases-loaded walk from M.P. Cokinos. In the seventh, 12 men came to the plate starting with a lead-off double from Tyler Heineman who later scored a three-run home run in the inning. There were RBI singles from Aplin and Cokinos in the frame as well, but Lake Elsinore definitely helped the 'Hawks cause with two errors, a wild pitch and a hit batter. And it was more of the same in the eighth - hit batter, walk, walk, Aplin sac fly, fly out, hit batter, Heineman grand slam, hit batter, fly out. Phew! Lake Elsinore did come back in the top of the ninth to score two runs off Tyson Perez (2IP 4H 2R 1SO), but that's only because there was no mercy rule in effect.
Jesse Wierzbicki was one-for-five with a walk and scored two runs in his Lancaster debut. Nolan Fontana only had one hit, but walked five times and stole two bases. For the full boxscore, go here. Please. Enjoy.
As a side note, two players and three members of the coaching staff will be inducted into the Lancaster Hall of Fame before tonight's game. Jose Altuve was the 100th former JetHawk to reach the big leagues, only two months after leaving Lancaster. Carlos Gonzalez played for Lancaster in 2006 as a member of the Diamondbacks organization and is one of the most successful former JetHawks currently playing. Finally, Manager Rodney Linares, Hitting Coach Darryl Robinson and Pitching Coach Don Alexander are being honored for bringing Lancaster their first California League Championship in 2012, a feat we all hope they can repeat.
Quad Cities over Peoria 5-3 in 7 innings (Game 1)
Lance McCullers got his sixth win of the season as he gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings. Jordan Jankowski pitched the seventh for his fourth save. Quad Cities got on the board in the second on Rio Ruiz' (2x3) eighth home run of the season and added on three in the fifth on a Teoscar Hernandez (2x4 2RBI R) RBI triple and RBI singles from Danry Vasquez and Dan Gulbransen. Hernandez drove in the final run with a single in the sixth.
Quad Cities over Peoria 2-1 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Vincent Velasquez cruised to his eighth win of the season, striking out seven batters in six innings and allowing only one run on three hits. Juan Minaya pitched the seventh inning to earn his sixth save. One run came across in the third as Austin Elkins tripled and was driven in by a Danry Vasquez single, with the second coming in the sixth as Dan Gulbransen drove in Carlos Correa on back-to-back doubles. Rio Ruiz also doubled in the game.
State College over Tri-City 4-1
The ValleyCats are officially in a slump, having now lost seven in a row, and have now dropped into a tie for first place in their division with Lowell. The 'Cats scored in the first as Tony Kemp tripled and was driven in by Jack Mayfield, but only collected five hits the rest of the way, four singles and a Mike Martinez double. Tanner Bushue kept State College scoreless until the fifth inning when he allowed three runs and was charged with the loss. Patrick Christensen pitched a perfect sixth and was followed by Adrian Houser who allowed one final run on three hits in his two innings of work.
Greeneville at Bristol - Postponed due to rain
GCL Pirates over GCL Astros 5-0
Austin Nicely is getting stretched out slowly and put up four scoreless innings today - two hits, one walk, two strikeouts. Erick Gonzalez allowed one run over the next two and a third, with Jorge Perez finishing off the seventh without incident. The eighth did not go so well. Devonte German, in his professional debut, allowed four runs on two hits and three walks in only two-thirds of an inning. The runs came on a bases-clearing triple and a wild pitch. Reymin Guduan came in to get the final out of the inning. The Astros got some hits, including two doubles from Jacob Nottingham and a triple from Mesac Laguna, but just couldn't string enough hits together. Ydarqui Marte doubled in the game as well.
DSL Astros over DSL Rays 4-2
Edwin Villarroel threw the first five and two-thirds innings and allowed the only Rays runs via a two-run home run in the fourth. Juan Hernandez and Starlyng Sanchez took it the rest of the way with scoreless outings. The Astros put up two in the third on a Jarico Reynoso RBI single and a Kristian Trompiz (2x4 2-2B) RBI double and two more in the fourth on a two-run Marlon Avea home run. Jean Estrella was two-for-three and is hitting .313/.395/.347 for the season and .378/.452/.432 in his last 10 games.
Player of the Day: Three-for-four with a double, two home runs, two walks, seven RBI and five runs scored? Yeah, that's going to be hard to top! Tyler Heineman is the man ... and then some.
Pitcher of the Day: I'm going to go with Vincent Velasquez. Velasquez is having a very nice run, going 4-2 with a 2.06 ERA and a 0.896 WHIP in his last ten games.
Oklahoma City over Reno 3-2
Paul Clemens pitched three scoreless innings followed by two scoreless from Philip Humber. Eric Berger allowed a two-run home run in the sixth and gave way to Rhiner Cruz with one out in the seventh. Cruz, Kevin Chapman and Hector Ambriz kept the slim lead from slipping away. The Hooks collected their three runs in the second on RBI singles from Jon Singleton and Che-Hsuan Lin; Lin subsequently scored on a fielding error. Jose Martinez was two-for-four with a double, the only extra base hit of the game. Rene Garcia was one-for-four in his AAA debut. The seventh win in a row for the RedHawks has them tied for first place in the division.
Corpus Christi over Midland 5-4
Nick Tropeano threw the first six innings and allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk. He also struck out ten, including a one-pitch strikeout in which the batter received two delay of game strikes for the K. [Note: If anyone wonders why I love the minors so much, look no further. I love them because stuff like that happens. All the time.] He was followed by two perfect innings from Carlos Quevedo. Jonas Dufek converted his first save opportunity for the Hooks as he allowed one hit and struck out two in the ninth. The Hooks scored two in the first on a Preston Tucker home run, and one in the third on an Erik Castro RBI single. The two runs in the fifth came as Max Stassi (2x4) scored on a fielding error and a Jonathan Meyer (SB) drove in Domingo Santana (SB) with an RBI single, in an inning that featured three wild pitches. Ronald Torreyes was two-for-three and scored two runs.
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 26-5 [Why I love the minors, Part II]
Lancaster JetHawks @JetHawksJetHawks beat the Storm tonight with 26 runs, 21 hits, 3 HR, 3 2B, 2 3B, 13 BB, 5 HBP, (only) 2 SO and a partridge in a pear tree.
Yeah, you read that right. It was 6-0 through three innings when I went to bed and starter Brady Rodgers had things well in hand. Chris Epps had doubled in two and Andrew Aplin singled in two in the second, and the 'Hawks scored two more in the third, one of them coming off Epps' second double of the night.
And then I wake up this morning and see a final of 26-5! What did I miss? Rodgers gave up a three-run homer in the fourth, the only blemish in an otherwise stellar performance (7IP 5H 1BB 7SO) and the 'Hawks countered with two in the bottom of the frame on an M.P. Cokinos home run, and another in the fifth as Joe Sclafani tripled and came in on an Epps sac fly. Up 9 to 3 after five.
And then the explosion came as the 'Hawks scored 17 more runs over the next three innings. In the sixth, it was RBI singles from Brandon Meredith, Sclafani and Delino DeShields and a bases-loaded walk from M.P. Cokinos. In the seventh, 12 men came to the plate starting with a lead-off double from Tyler Heineman who later scored a three-run home run in the inning. There were RBI singles from Aplin and Cokinos in the frame as well, but Lake Elsinore definitely helped the 'Hawks cause with two errors, a wild pitch and a hit batter. And it was more of the same in the eighth - hit batter, walk, walk, Aplin sac fly, fly out, hit batter, Heineman grand slam, hit batter, fly out. Phew! Lake Elsinore did come back in the top of the ninth to score two runs off Tyson Perez (2IP 4H 2R 1SO), but that's only because there was no mercy rule in effect.
Jesse Wierzbicki was one-for-five with a walk and scored two runs in his Lancaster debut. Nolan Fontana only had one hit, but walked five times and stole two bases. For the full boxscore, go here. Please. Enjoy.
As a side note, two players and three members of the coaching staff will be inducted into the Lancaster Hall of Fame before tonight's game. Jose Altuve was the 100th former JetHawk to reach the big leagues, only two months after leaving Lancaster. Carlos Gonzalez played for Lancaster in 2006 as a member of the Diamondbacks organization and is one of the most successful former JetHawks currently playing. Finally, Manager Rodney Linares, Hitting Coach Darryl Robinson and Pitching Coach Don Alexander are being honored for bringing Lancaster their first California League Championship in 2012, a feat we all hope they can repeat.
Quad Cities over Peoria 5-3 in 7 innings (Game 1)
Lance McCullers got his sixth win of the season as he gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings. Jordan Jankowski pitched the seventh for his fourth save. Quad Cities got on the board in the second on Rio Ruiz' (2x3) eighth home run of the season and added on three in the fifth on a Teoscar Hernandez (2x4 2RBI R) RBI triple and RBI singles from Danry Vasquez and Dan Gulbransen. Hernandez drove in the final run with a single in the sixth.
Quad Cities over Peoria 2-1 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Vincent Velasquez cruised to his eighth win of the season, striking out seven batters in six innings and allowing only one run on three hits. Juan Minaya pitched the seventh inning to earn his sixth save. One run came across in the third as Austin Elkins tripled and was driven in by a Danry Vasquez single, with the second coming in the sixth as Dan Gulbransen drove in Carlos Correa on back-to-back doubles. Rio Ruiz also doubled in the game.
State College over Tri-City 4-1
The ValleyCats are officially in a slump, having now lost seven in a row, and have now dropped into a tie for first place in their division with Lowell. The 'Cats scored in the first as Tony Kemp tripled and was driven in by Jack Mayfield, but only collected five hits the rest of the way, four singles and a Mike Martinez double. Tanner Bushue kept State College scoreless until the fifth inning when he allowed three runs and was charged with the loss. Patrick Christensen pitched a perfect sixth and was followed by Adrian Houser who allowed one final run on three hits in his two innings of work.
Greeneville at Bristol - Postponed due to rain
GCL Pirates over GCL Astros 5-0
Austin Nicely is getting stretched out slowly and put up four scoreless innings today - two hits, one walk, two strikeouts. Erick Gonzalez allowed one run over the next two and a third, with Jorge Perez finishing off the seventh without incident. The eighth did not go so well. Devonte German, in his professional debut, allowed four runs on two hits and three walks in only two-thirds of an inning. The runs came on a bases-clearing triple and a wild pitch. Reymin Guduan came in to get the final out of the inning. The Astros got some hits, including two doubles from Jacob Nottingham and a triple from Mesac Laguna, but just couldn't string enough hits together. Ydarqui Marte doubled in the game as well.
DSL Astros over DSL Rays 4-2
Edwin Villarroel threw the first five and two-thirds innings and allowed the only Rays runs via a two-run home run in the fourth. Juan Hernandez and Starlyng Sanchez took it the rest of the way with scoreless outings. The Astros put up two in the third on a Jarico Reynoso RBI single and a Kristian Trompiz (2x4 2-2B) RBI double and two more in the fourth on a two-run Marlon Avea home run. Jean Estrella was two-for-three and is hitting .313/.395/.347 for the season and .378/.452/.432 in his last 10 games.
Player of the Day: Three-for-four with a double, two home runs, two walks, seven RBI and five runs scored? Yeah, that's going to be hard to top! Tyler Heineman is the man ... and then some.
Pitcher of the Day: I'm going to go with Vincent Velasquez. Velasquez is having a very nice run, going 4-2 with a 2.06 ERA and a 0.896 WHIP in his last ten games.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Friday's Games
Pulaski Mariners, Greeneville Astros -
suspended until today due to rain
GCL Tigers 2, GCL Astros 1
The Astros only allowed three hits
in this matchup and still went on to lose despite more than doubling their
opponent's hit output (7). Austin Nicely started and through the first three
gave up a run on one hit and a walk. Troy Scribner (5-2) followed Nicely,
recording a run on two hits over the next five innings, while striking out half
a dozen. Scribner took the loss. Luis De La Rosa hit two-for-three in the game
and Jose Fernandez went nothing-for-two, but drew two walks.
DSL Royals 5, DSL Astros 1
The DSL Astros shut out the DSL
Royals yesterday until the seventh inning, when one run scored for the tie. An
inning later in the ninth, Carlos Vazquez (1-1), one of three pitchers in the
inning, recorded four runs and picked up the loss. Juan Hernandez threw the
first two and two-thirds, keeping them hitless and scoreless, while walking
five and striking out two. Victor Mesa came on to pitch in the sixth and
allowed the tying run in the seventh on a walk, wild pitch and a single. Mesa
left with a blown save, four hits, a run, a walk and two Ks in his outing.
Vazquez tallied his four runs through two outs in the ninth and left having
allowed a hit and four walks. The DSL Astros had two players with multi-hit
games, Hector Roa and Jean Estrella. Roa went two-for-three with a walk and
Estrella went two-for-four.
Tri-City Valley Cats 3, Vermont Lake Monsters 5
The Valley Cats fell behind early and never quite recovered in this one. Starter Kevin Comer (2-3) lasted just an out into the third, allowing all five runs on six hits and striking out one for the loss. Evan Grills would pitch the last four innings for Tri-City, giving up only three hits and striking out six—including the first two and last two batters he faced. Conrad Gregor hit three-for-five in the game with a strikeout. Jon Kemmer and Ryan Dineen both batted two-for-four. Kemmer also scored a run, had an RBI and struck out twice.
The Valley Cats fell behind early and never quite recovered in this one. Starter Kevin Comer (2-3) lasted just an out into the third, allowing all five runs on six hits and striking out one for the loss. Evan Grills would pitch the last four innings for Tri-City, giving up only three hits and striking out six—including the first two and last two batters he faced. Conrad Gregor hit three-for-five in the game with a strikeout. Jon Kemmer and Ryan Dineen both batted two-for-four. Kemmer also scored a run, had an RBI and struck out twice.
Quad Cities River Bandits 1, Burlington Bees 0
The River Bandits only needed one run on Friday as they two-hit, shut out the Bees on the road behind dominant pitching by starter Vincent Velasquez (7-4). Velasquez pitched seven innings, recording just two hits and striking out seven. Jordan Jankowski followed with a perfect inning in the eighth (2 K) and Juan Minaya picked up his fourth save after working the hitless ninth (although he did walk two), striking out three. Teoscar Hernandez went two-for-four at the plate (SO) and scored the winning run in the eighth. After advancing on a wild pitch Hernandez was brought around by Austin Elkins' (1X4, SB) only hit of the day, an RBI single.
The River Bandits only needed one run on Friday as they two-hit, shut out the Bees on the road behind dominant pitching by starter Vincent Velasquez (7-4). Velasquez pitched seven innings, recording just two hits and striking out seven. Jordan Jankowski followed with a perfect inning in the eighth (2 K) and Juan Minaya picked up his fourth save after working the hitless ninth (although he did walk two), striking out three. Teoscar Hernandez went two-for-four at the plate (SO) and scored the winning run in the eighth. After advancing on a wild pitch Hernandez was brought around by Austin Elkins' (1X4, SB) only hit of the day, an RBI single.
Lancaster JetHawks 2, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 1
(10)
The JetHawks didn't score until the seventh, but were able to ride some very solid pitching into the 10th inning Friday before Chris Epps hit a go-ahead homer that would win the game. Mike Hauschild pitched the first six and a third, allowing a run, five hits and striking out seven before making way for Blair Walters, who would pick up the win. Walters (5-1) worked through the ninth, facing the minimum and striking out four, including the last three he faced, to force extras. Kenny Long picked up save number four after striking out the last batter of the game. Lancaster tied things up in the seventh when Carlos Perdomo (1X4 2B RBI) doubled to score Joe Sclafani (0X4 R). Epps (1X4 R HR RBI 3SO) hit his go-ahead, solo shot with one out in the 10th—his 13th long ball of the year. Delino DeShields was the only Lancaster player with multiple hits in the game, finishing two-for-four with a double and a stolen base.
The JetHawks didn't score until the seventh, but were able to ride some very solid pitching into the 10th inning Friday before Chris Epps hit a go-ahead homer that would win the game. Mike Hauschild pitched the first six and a third, allowing a run, five hits and striking out seven before making way for Blair Walters, who would pick up the win. Walters (5-1) worked through the ninth, facing the minimum and striking out four, including the last three he faced, to force extras. Kenny Long picked up save number four after striking out the last batter of the game. Lancaster tied things up in the seventh when Carlos Perdomo (1X4 2B RBI) doubled to score Joe Sclafani (0X4 R). Epps (1X4 R HR RBI 3SO) hit his go-ahead, solo shot with one out in the 10th—his 13th long ball of the year. Delino DeShields was the only Lancaster player with multiple hits in the game, finishing two-for-four with a double and a stolen base.
Corpus Christi Hooks 12, Midland RockHounds 6
(7)
In the first game of the double header Friday the Hooks
jumped out to an early lead and by the fourth inning had scored four runs. Nick
Tropeano (5-7) threw all but the last inning, earning the win after allowing
five runs on six hits, walking a pair and striking out six. Theron Geith worked
one out in the seventh and added another run on three hits. The Hooks had 15
hits in this seven inning game and three were homers (Stassi, Santana, Tucker).
Three guys had three hits, two had two hits apiece and Domingo Santana topped
them all with three RBI. Here's the box to make sense of it:
Corpus Christi Hooks 2, Midland RockHounds 0
(7)
In the second game of the day, the Hooks shut out the RockHounds to claim the double header with authority. Brady Rodgers was called up from Lancaster for a spot start and pitched five innings in his debut. Rodgers (1-0) allowed five hits and not much else, striking out six to take the win. Pat Urckfitz gave up a hit and struck out two in the seventh, earning him his sixth save of the season. Kiké Hernandez (2X3), Ronald Torreyes (2X4 2SO) and Zach Johnson (2X3) all had two hits in this game. Hernandez also swiped a bag.
In the second game of the day, the Hooks shut out the RockHounds to claim the double header with authority. Brady Rodgers was called up from Lancaster for a spot start and pitched five innings in his debut. Rodgers (1-0) allowed five hits and not much else, striking out six to take the win. Pat Urckfitz gave up a hit and struck out two in the seventh, earning him his sixth save of the season. Kiké Hernandez (2X3), Ronald Torreyes (2X4 2SO) and Zach Johnson (2X3) all had two hits in this game. Hernandez also swiped a bag.
Iowa Cubs 6, Oklahoma City RedHawks 10
The RedHawks had eight on the board before the Cubs were able to answer back Friday. Wade LeBlanc (2-1) pitched the first five and earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits while walking four during his shift. Alex Sogard followed for and inning and two-thirds, allowing three more runs on four hits, striking out one. Oklahoma City had a ton of hits on Friday and Robbie Grossman and Jose Martinez led the charge with three apiece. Grossman stole a base to boot and the second inning, in which the RedHawks scored six runs, saw the opposing manager and hitting coach ejected as OKC hit around the order. Here's the box:
The RedHawks had eight on the board before the Cubs were able to answer back Friday. Wade LeBlanc (2-1) pitched the first five and earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits while walking four during his shift. Alex Sogard followed for and inning and two-thirds, allowing three more runs on four hits, striking out one. Oklahoma City had a ton of hits on Friday and Robbie Grossman and Jose Martinez led the charge with three apiece. Grossman stole a base to boot and the second inning, in which the RedHawks scored six runs, saw the opposing manager and hitting coach ejected as OKC hit around the order. Here's the box:
Player of the Day: Chris Epps takes the cake
today for his go-ahead homer in the 10th inning yesterday. What better way to
support his pitchers for their superb outings than to blast one into the cheap
seats and secure the win?
Pitcher of the Day: There were several good pitching performances
yesterday, but Vincent Velasquez was a head above everyone. He not only threw a
career-high seven innings and was a huge part of that magnificent shut out, but
he also retired the first twelve batters he faced in order. Put simply, Velasquez
was on fire yesterday.
Brady Rodgers also earned a shout
out for his call-up, spot start in Corpus. He came out and dominated, earning a
win as part of another shutout and struck out six. Rodgers threw 88 pitches in
his five innings and 65 of them were strikes—impressive.
Tweets of the Day
Colton Cain @ColtCain45@vjvelasquezrhp shoved it tonight! Good Team W
Max Stassi @MaxStassi10Great 2 wins today @cchooks nation!!! Outstanding pitching by @PaPaTropeano and @Rodgers20 !!!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Wednesday's Games
Greeneville Astros, Kingsport Mets
-Postponed
GCL Yankees1, GCL Astros
-Game suspended after the second inning due to rain. It will be completed today (7/4/2013).
DSL Athletics 6, DSL Astros 3
All of the DSL Astros runs came by way of the long ball in their loss at home on Wednesday. Victor Tavarez (1X3 R HR RBI) hit a solo-shot in the second inning, putting his team on the board. Hector Roa (1X4 R HR 2RBI SO) with a two-run shot of his own in the seventh inning that scored Alexander Melendez (1X3 R BB SO). Starter Edwin Villarroel (2-3) gave up five runs (2ER) on eight hits through five innings while striking out 2. Gerardo Juarez followed Villarroel, working three innings, allowing another run on three hits and a walk and striking out three.
Tri-City Valley Cats 1, Vermont Lake Monsters 2
The Valley Cats were shutting out their opponents before allowing a run in both the eighth and ninth innings. Tri-City pitchers allowed just three hits before the eighth inning. Zach Morton started on the mound for Tri-City and allowed just a hit through his four innings of work while K-ing two. Albert Minnis (2-1) picked up the loss after giving up the game-ending run in the ninth. Minnis recorded that run on a hit and a walk. Michael Martinez (1X4 R HR RBI SO) put up the Valleys Cats lone run in the fourth when he connected for his first round-tripper of the season.
Clinton LumberKings 0, Quad Cities River Bandits 1
This game was a pitchers’ duel from the get go. The River Bandits and their starting pitcher Vincent Velasquez worked their way onto the winning side of it. Velasquez threw six scoreless innings, allowed just a hit, walked two and struck out five. Velasquez’s first four frames were perfect. Gerardo Sanchez (4-2) came on for two frames in the seventh and picked up the win. Sanchez gave up just a hit and struck out one. Chia-Jen Lo earned his first save in the Midwest League after working the ninth, giving up a hit and walking one. The River Bandits had just four hits of their own in the game and their run was the product of a balk with Terrell Joyce (0X3 R BB SO) on third. Carlos Correa recorded half of Quad Cities’ hits himself, batting two-for-four with a double and a walk.
Bakersfield Blaze 11, Lancaster JetHawks 6
Lancaster allowed 11 runs on 19 hits at home yesterday to end a four-game winning streak. David Rollins (7-5) was the first on the hill for the JetHawks and through four innings he recorded six runs (5ER) on 10 hits (HR) walked one and struck out another. Rollins would take the loss. Blair Walters came on to pitch in the seventh and allowed four runs on four hits without recording an out. Delino DeShields hit two-for-five, scored two runs, hit a triple and swiped two bags in the game. M.P. Cokinos went three-for-four at the plate with a pair of runs scored and an RBI on his sixth-inning homer.
Corpus Christi Hooks 3, Springfield Cardinals 11
The Hooks notched their fourth consecutive loss after the game on Wednesday. Ross Seaton (1-1) threw the first five and took the loss after tallying seven runs (6ER) on seven hits (3HR) and a walk with three Ks. Rene Garcia was the only Corpus Christi player with multiple hits, going two-for-four and scoring a run. Raoul Torrez went one-for-four, struck out, scored a run and picked up a couple RBI in the sixth when he hit a home run that scored Zach Johnson (1X4 R 2SO).
Albuquerque Isotopes 9, Oklahoma City RedHawks 10
Oklahoma City jumped out to a nine-to-one lead early in this game before letting things get a little interesting for the home crowd on Wednesday. The RedHawks held on to win for the second time in two days by just a run. Kevin Chapman entered in the sixth as the third pitcher to take the mound for the RedHawks and recorded the win. Chapman (1-2) worked two innings, allowing a run on two hits, walking two and striking out the same. Wade LeBlanc started the game and through three and a third, recorded a run on three hits, walked five and struck out two. There were a lot of hits in this game and four RedHawks had multi-hit games. Jonathan Villar and Ruben Sosa each stole a base. Neither team hit a home run though, despite the 19-run total. Here’s the box for your viewing pleasure:
Greeneville Astros, Kingsport Mets
-Postponed
GCL Yankees1, GCL Astros
-Game suspended after the second inning due to rain. It will be completed today (7/4/2013).
DSL Athletics 6, DSL Astros 3
All of the DSL Astros runs came by way of the long ball in their loss at home on Wednesday. Victor Tavarez (1X3 R HR RBI) hit a solo-shot in the second inning, putting his team on the board. Hector Roa (1X4 R HR 2RBI SO) with a two-run shot of his own in the seventh inning that scored Alexander Melendez (1X3 R BB SO). Starter Edwin Villarroel (2-3) gave up five runs (2ER) on eight hits through five innings while striking out 2. Gerardo Juarez followed Villarroel, working three innings, allowing another run on three hits and a walk and striking out three.
Tri-City Valley Cats 1, Vermont Lake Monsters 2
The Valley Cats were shutting out their opponents before allowing a run in both the eighth and ninth innings. Tri-City pitchers allowed just three hits before the eighth inning. Zach Morton started on the mound for Tri-City and allowed just a hit through his four innings of work while K-ing two. Albert Minnis (2-1) picked up the loss after giving up the game-ending run in the ninth. Minnis recorded that run on a hit and a walk. Michael Martinez (1X4 R HR RBI SO) put up the Valleys Cats lone run in the fourth when he connected for his first round-tripper of the season.
Clinton LumberKings 0, Quad Cities River Bandits 1
This game was a pitchers’ duel from the get go. The River Bandits and their starting pitcher Vincent Velasquez worked their way onto the winning side of it. Velasquez threw six scoreless innings, allowed just a hit, walked two and struck out five. Velasquez’s first four frames were perfect. Gerardo Sanchez (4-2) came on for two frames in the seventh and picked up the win. Sanchez gave up just a hit and struck out one. Chia-Jen Lo earned his first save in the Midwest League after working the ninth, giving up a hit and walking one. The River Bandits had just four hits of their own in the game and their run was the product of a balk with Terrell Joyce (0X3 R BB SO) on third. Carlos Correa recorded half of Quad Cities’ hits himself, batting two-for-four with a double and a walk.
Bakersfield Blaze 11, Lancaster JetHawks 6
Lancaster allowed 11 runs on 19 hits at home yesterday to end a four-game winning streak. David Rollins (7-5) was the first on the hill for the JetHawks and through four innings he recorded six runs (5ER) on 10 hits (HR) walked one and struck out another. Rollins would take the loss. Blair Walters came on to pitch in the seventh and allowed four runs on four hits without recording an out. Delino DeShields hit two-for-five, scored two runs, hit a triple and swiped two bags in the game. M.P. Cokinos went three-for-four at the plate with a pair of runs scored and an RBI on his sixth-inning homer.
Corpus Christi Hooks 3, Springfield Cardinals 11
The Hooks notched their fourth consecutive loss after the game on Wednesday. Ross Seaton (1-1) threw the first five and took the loss after tallying seven runs (6ER) on seven hits (3HR) and a walk with three Ks. Rene Garcia was the only Corpus Christi player with multiple hits, going two-for-four and scoring a run. Raoul Torrez went one-for-four, struck out, scored a run and picked up a couple RBI in the sixth when he hit a home run that scored Zach Johnson (1X4 R 2SO).
Albuquerque Isotopes 9, Oklahoma City RedHawks 10
Oklahoma City jumped out to a nine-to-one lead early in this game before letting things get a little interesting for the home crowd on Wednesday. The RedHawks held on to win for the second time in two days by just a run. Kevin Chapman entered in the sixth as the third pitcher to take the mound for the RedHawks and recorded the win. Chapman (1-2) worked two innings, allowing a run on two hits, walking two and striking out the same. Wade LeBlanc started the game and through three and a third, recorded a run on three hits, walked five and struck out two. There were a lot of hits in this game and four RedHawks had multi-hit games. Jonathan Villar and Ruben Sosa each stole a base. Neither team hit a home run though, despite the 19-run total. Here’s the box for your viewing pleasure:
Player of the Day: Lancaster may have lost, but Delino DeShields takes the cake today. DeShields started a couple of double plays, swiped two bases and hit his seventh triple of the year. That’s a productive day, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Pitcher of the Day: Vincent Velasquez stands alone today. He came out and pitched superbly for Quad Cities yesterday against pitching that would have up-ended the River Bandits unless he brought anything less than his “A” game. Well done.
Pitcher of the Day: Vincent Velasquez stands alone today. He came out and pitched superbly for Quad Cities yesterday against pitching that would have up-ended the River Bandits unless he brought anything less than his “A” game. Well done.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Tuesday's Games
Many thanks to Buca for pulling extra recap duty while I was traveling over the weekend!!!
Omaha over Oklahoma City 2-0 in 7 innings (first game)
Jarred Cosart pitched the full seven innings and ended up with the loss as he allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. (Cosart has only allowed one walk in his last two appearances; in the prior eight games, he gave up 31 of them. I hope to see this trend continue.) The RedHawks were held to two singles in the shutout, one each from Robbie Grossman and Jon Singleton. Che-Hsuan Lin walked twice.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 5-4 in 7 innings (second game)
Bobby Doran was called up from Corpus Christi to make a spot start in the double-header and worked four and two-thirds scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run in the fifth and giving way to Alex Sogard for the final out of the inning. Jason Stoffel allowed the final run in his inning of work before handing the ball to Josh Zeid for his sixth save of the season. The RedHawks got half of their six hits in the three-run first inning, a triple from Jonathan Villar (2x3 R) and doubles from Jimmy Paredes (1x3 RBI R) and Brandon Laird (1x3 RBI 2R). Jose Martinez (1x2 RBI) drove in the final 'Hawks run in the fifth with a sac fly.
Texas League South All-Stars over Texas League North All-Stars 6-0
David Martinez (1IP 1H), Jake Buchanan (1IP 2H) and Mike Foltynewicz (1IP 0H) all contributed toward the South's shutout of the North, and starting Catcher Rene Garcia was hitless in two at-bats and scored a run. But it was George Springer who shone, driving in three runs on two home runs and being awarded MVP of the game. Springer also walked and stole a base.
Lancaster over Bakersfield 11-2
Luis Cruz (5IP 6H 1R 1BB 3SO), Blair Walters (2IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO HR) and Jonas Dufek (2IP 1H 3SO) combined to keep Bakersfield under control while the JetHawks offense had their way with Bakersfield pitching. M.P. Cokinos was three-for-four with a walk, two RBI and a run scored; Preston Tucker (2x5 4RBI 2R) hit his 15th home run of the season, a three-run dinger; and Carlos Perdomo was two-for-five with three RBI. Nolan Fontana, in his first action in 10 days, went one-for-three with a double, two walks and scored twice. Andrew Aplin stole a base and scored three of the 'Hawks runs. They have now won six games in a row.
Quad Cities over Peoria 4-1
Quad Cities extended its winning streak to six games as well with this one. Vincent Velasquez got his sixth win of the season in a dominating performance in which he only allowed two hits and struck out eight batters in five innings. He was followed by Juan Minaya (3H 1R 1BB 4SO) for the final four innings. The River Bandits put up two in the third on a Jesse Wierzbicki sac fly and a Roberto Pena (2x4) RBI single and two more in the fourth on Jordan Scott and Jobduan Morales RBI singles. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a walk and Austin Elkins went two-for-four with a triple and a run scored.
Tri-City over Connecticut 8-6
Kyle Westwood earned his first professional win with a commanding start, allowing only one hit and striking out four in five shutout innings. Andrew Walter (1.1IP 4H 5R 2SO HR) and Albert Minnis (1.2IP 1H 1R 3SO HR) followed with Chia-Jen Lo pitching the ninth for his fourth save. Tri-City put up a four-spot in the fourth and another four in the fifth, with Dan Gulbransen (3x5 2-2B RBI 2R), Ernesto Genoves (2x4 2B Sac 2R) and Ronnie Mitchell (2x4 3B HR 3RBI 2R) in the middle of all the action.
Elizabethton over Greeneville 8-4
See Appy Astros Eyewitness Report
GCL Astros over GCL Tigers 6-1
Troy Scribner (4H 1BB 5SO) gave up the only Tigers run in his four innings of work. Samil de los Santos (3IP 1H 1BB 5SO), Jorge Perez (1IP 1H 1BB 1SO) and Javier Lozano (1IP 1BB) took it the rest of the way with De los Santos getting the win. Tyler White had a big game, going three-for-four with two RBI and a run; Jason Martin was one-for-four with a triple, walk, stolen base and two runs; and Brett Booth was two-for-three with two RBI. Alex Gonzalez and Mesac Laguna both hit doubles in the game.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-4
Edwin Villarroel (3IP 1H 1BB 2SO) got the start, but Rayderson Chevalier (4IP 2H 2R 1BB 5SO) got the win in relief. Randy Cesar was two-for-three with two walks and two runs and Hector Roa was one-for-two with three RBI, including a two-run home run.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-1 in 7 innings
Elieser Hernandez (6IP 4H 1R 2BB 6SO) earned his third win of the season. Brian Pena was three-for-four with a double and two RBI; Arturo Michelina was two-for-four with a triple, RBI and run; and Brauly Mejia was two-for-three with a double, RBI and run.
Player of the Day: There were several good appearances at the plate on Tuesday, but there was only one MVP. George Springer, you're my MVP of the day too!
Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez and Kyle Westwood get to share the honors - five shutout innings from each and no walks ... I'll take it!
Many thanks to Buca for pulling extra recap duty while I was traveling over the weekend!!!
Omaha over Oklahoma City 2-0 in 7 innings (first game)
Jarred Cosart pitched the full seven innings and ended up with the loss as he allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. (Cosart has only allowed one walk in his last two appearances; in the prior eight games, he gave up 31 of them. I hope to see this trend continue.) The RedHawks were held to two singles in the shutout, one each from Robbie Grossman and Jon Singleton. Che-Hsuan Lin walked twice.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 5-4 in 7 innings (second game)
Bobby Doran was called up from Corpus Christi to make a spot start in the double-header and worked four and two-thirds scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run in the fifth and giving way to Alex Sogard for the final out of the inning. Jason Stoffel allowed the final run in his inning of work before handing the ball to Josh Zeid for his sixth save of the season. The RedHawks got half of their six hits in the three-run first inning, a triple from Jonathan Villar (2x3 R) and doubles from Jimmy Paredes (1x3 RBI R) and Brandon Laird (1x3 RBI 2R). Jose Martinez (1x2 RBI) drove in the final 'Hawks run in the fifth with a sac fly.
Texas League South All-Stars over Texas League North All-Stars 6-0
David Martinez (1IP 1H), Jake Buchanan (1IP 2H) and Mike Foltynewicz (1IP 0H) all contributed toward the South's shutout of the North, and starting Catcher Rene Garcia was hitless in two at-bats and scored a run. But it was George Springer who shone, driving in three runs on two home runs and being awarded MVP of the game. Springer also walked and stole a base.
Lancaster over Bakersfield 11-2
Luis Cruz (5IP 6H 1R 1BB 3SO), Blair Walters (2IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO HR) and Jonas Dufek (2IP 1H 3SO) combined to keep Bakersfield under control while the JetHawks offense had their way with Bakersfield pitching. M.P. Cokinos was three-for-four with a walk, two RBI and a run scored; Preston Tucker (2x5 4RBI 2R) hit his 15th home run of the season, a three-run dinger; and Carlos Perdomo was two-for-five with three RBI. Nolan Fontana, in his first action in 10 days, went one-for-three with a double, two walks and scored twice. Andrew Aplin stole a base and scored three of the 'Hawks runs. They have now won six games in a row.
Quad Cities over Peoria 4-1
Quad Cities extended its winning streak to six games as well with this one. Vincent Velasquez got his sixth win of the season in a dominating performance in which he only allowed two hits and struck out eight batters in five innings. He was followed by Juan Minaya (3H 1R 1BB 4SO) for the final four innings. The River Bandits put up two in the third on a Jesse Wierzbicki sac fly and a Roberto Pena (2x4) RBI single and two more in the fourth on Jordan Scott and Jobduan Morales RBI singles. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a walk and Austin Elkins went two-for-four with a triple and a run scored.
Tri-City over Connecticut 8-6
Kyle Westwood earned his first professional win with a commanding start, allowing only one hit and striking out four in five shutout innings. Andrew Walter (1.1IP 4H 5R 2SO HR) and Albert Minnis (1.2IP 1H 1R 3SO HR) followed with Chia-Jen Lo pitching the ninth for his fourth save. Tri-City put up a four-spot in the fourth and another four in the fifth, with Dan Gulbransen (3x5 2-2B RBI 2R), Ernesto Genoves (2x4 2B Sac 2R) and Ronnie Mitchell (2x4 3B HR 3RBI 2R) in the middle of all the action.
Elizabethton over Greeneville 8-4
See Appy Astros Eyewitness Report
GCL Astros over GCL Tigers 6-1
Troy Scribner (4H 1BB 5SO) gave up the only Tigers run in his four innings of work. Samil de los Santos (3IP 1H 1BB 5SO), Jorge Perez (1IP 1H 1BB 1SO) and Javier Lozano (1IP 1BB) took it the rest of the way with De los Santos getting the win. Tyler White had a big game, going three-for-four with two RBI and a run; Jason Martin was one-for-four with a triple, walk, stolen base and two runs; and Brett Booth was two-for-three with two RBI. Alex Gonzalez and Mesac Laguna both hit doubles in the game.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-4
Edwin Villarroel (3IP 1H 1BB 2SO) got the start, but Rayderson Chevalier (4IP 2H 2R 1BB 5SO) got the win in relief. Randy Cesar was two-for-three with two walks and two runs and Hector Roa was one-for-two with three RBI, including a two-run home run.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-1 in 7 innings
Elieser Hernandez (6IP 4H 1R 2BB 6SO) earned his third win of the season. Brian Pena was three-for-four with a double and two RBI; Arturo Michelina was two-for-four with a triple, RBI and run; and Brauly Mejia was two-for-three with a double, RBI and run.
Player of the Day: There were several good appearances at the plate on Tuesday, but there was only one MVP. George Springer, you're my MVP of the day too!
Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez and Kyle Westwood get to share the honors - five shutout innings from each and no walks ... I'll take it!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Happy Birthday - 6/7
RHP Vincent Velasquez (21)
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. Velasquez made nine starts in Tri-City in 2012 after coming back from Tommy John surgery, going 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP. This season Velasquez has made 14 appearances at Quad Cities with a 4-2 record, a 4.50 ERA and a 1.321 WHIP.
C Jobduan Morales (22)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales has hit .207.309./293 in his first 26 games for Tri-City this season and has a 30% caught stealing percentage during that time frame.
C Oliver Toribio (17)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He has been assigned to the DSL Astros but has not played yet. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro with a birthday today ~
1B Roberto Petagine (42)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522. He appears to have finally hung up the spikes after one final season in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. Velasquez made nine starts in Tri-City in 2012 after coming back from Tommy John surgery, going 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP. This season Velasquez has made 14 appearances at Quad Cities with a 4-2 record, a 4.50 ERA and a 1.321 WHIP.
C Jobduan Morales (22)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales has hit .207.309./293 in his first 26 games for Tri-City this season and has a 30% caught stealing percentage during that time frame.
C Oliver Toribio (17)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He has been assigned to the DSL Astros but has not played yet. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro with a birthday today ~
1B Roberto Petagine (42)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522. He appears to have finally hung up the spikes after one final season in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Saturday’s Games
Beloit Snappers 5, Quad
Cities River Bandits 3
The River Bandits were
poised for victory before entering the eighth frame on Saturday. After that
point however, Quad Cities would see three different pitchers and an
accumulation of five runs, pushing them behind for the loss. Vincent Velasquez
started on the mound and through five, gave up just three hits, two walks
and struck out five. Velasquez was replaced by Jamaine Cotton (H, 1) in the
sixth, who gave up one hit through the seventh, but found a little trouble to
start the eighth and left before recording any outs, leaving three base
runners. Cotton ended up with two runs (0ER) on two hits, a walk and a K.
Mitchell Lambson took the hill next for two outs and recorded a hit and a walk
while picking up his fourth hold before being replaced by John Neely to end the
eighth. Neely (1-2) went on to pick up his first blown save and the loss after
giving up three runs on four hits in the ninth. At the plate, bats were hushed. but the River Bandits did rack up four stolen bases in the game-Ariel
Ovando, Austin Elkins, Jesse Wierzbicki and Terrell Joyce each stole one.
Teoscar Hernandez hit one-for-five with an RBI triple, marking his fourth,
three-bagger of the year. Hernandez leads the team in that category.
Lancaster JetHawks 4,
Visalia Rawhide 8
This was another game
Saturday that saw a later inning comeback, this time resulting in a JetHawks
loss. Things started strong for Lancaster however; starting pitcher Thomas
Shirley threw four innings and struck out nine while allowing two runs on five
hits and a pair of walks. Blair Walters (3-1) took the helm in the sixth frame and
ended up with three runs (1ER) on five hits with a couple of walks. Walters
also picked up the loss and his first blown save. Theron Geith took the mound
to finish out the match and added three more runs on three hits, a walk and struck out one. The JetHawks tallied four hits (and 5BB) in the game and three
of those were for extra bases. MP Cokinos (1X2 R 2B 2BB) and Delino DeShields
(1X3 2B BB) both hit doubles while Brandon Meredith (1X2 R HR 4RBI) clubbed a
two-out, three-run homer in the fourth.
Corpus Christi Hooks 4,
Midland RockHounds 12
Corpus fell behind
early here and couldn't manage to get back into contention. Nick Tropeano (0-3)
pitched the first three and two thirds and found some trouble early, taking the
loss. For his shift, Trope' was charged with seven runs on seven hits while
walking three and striking out the same. Bobby Doran took the hill next and through
two more innings of work, recorded another four runs on three hits, a walk and
K-ed 3. Kenny Long was the last pitcher in the game for the Hooks and he
allowed a run on three hits with a walk and strikeout. Every Hooks pitcher gave
up a homerun in the game (all to the same player, Anthony Aliotti). Domingo
Santana ( 3X5 2B 2RBI 2SO) and Kiké Hernandez (3X5 R RBI SO) both had
three-for-five nights at the plate with extra base hits. The duo accounted for
six of the Hooks' nine hits on Saturday and three of the four runs.
Oklahoma City RedHawks
3, Sacramento River Cats 6
One big inning secured
the fate of Oklahoma City on Saturday. The RedHawks did not get on the
scoreboard until the eighth inning and by then it proved to be too late. Jarred
Cosart (4-1) was on the hill to start the game and the first four innings went
by with little issue. After entering the fifth frame though, things began to unravel
and after recording one out Cosart left the game with three runs on four hits,
three walks and four Ks. Josh Zeid came in for the final two outs of the inning
and allowed three runs of his own on two hits and a walk. Brett Wallace tried
to get Oklahoma City back in the match in the eighth frame, hitting his sixth
homer of the season-a two-out, three-run shot. Wallace finished at the plate
batting two-for-four with a double and the homer, run scored and three RBI.
Fernando Martinez also hit two-for-four on Saturday with one strikeout.
Player of the Day: Brandon Meredith and Brett Wallace are going to have to
split the lauding today. These two account for seven RBI and a pair of homers
on Saturday and not only that, single-handedly knocked in every run for their
teams. Great games, guys.
Pitcher of the Day: Thomas Shirley may not have gotten a win or even been on the
winning team yesterday, but the guy still performed like a winner, striking out
nine over four innings. That's remarkable. Vincent Velasquez also deserves a
mention here for his stalwart five innings at home yesterday.
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