Texas League

Newsletter

Vol. XXII, No. 20

8/11-8/17

Years after Cuba, Cards' Llorens finds success

By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 8/16/14

He left Cuba at age 10 but, fortunately, his departure wasn't by way of overnight speed boat

cutting through waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Other Cuban baseball players traveled that route.

Instead, Springfield Cardinals reliever Dixon Llorens reached the United States with his mom,

dad and sister, thanks to a visa lottery program. But he'll never forget those years on the island.

When he arrived in Florida, other kids had it made.

"I came from a place that didn't have anything. We didn't have baseballs. We didn't have bats.

We didn't have uniforms," Llorens said Friday night, after the Cardinals' 3-2 loss to the Midland

RockHounds before 6,418 at Hammons Field. "Guys (from Latin America), they get to the States

and they're working to support their family. And we love this game, too."

But no bats?

"Over there," Llorens explained, "you could play with a stick and a made-up ball. It was just

tough growing up. It's a blessing to be here in the United States. You can go to school and be

successful in life."

If he sounds as if he figures today could be his last game in the minor leagues, it's because

Llorens has that exact mindset. An aggressive approach has been his meal ticket, and check out

these stats: 204 strikeouts in 126 1/3 innings. Pretty good for a right-hander who was drafted only

in the 25th

round in 2012 and is listed at 5 feet, 10 inches.

Not intimidating but certainly impressive.

Take Friday night. His two scoreless innings after starting pitcher Sam Gaviglio burned through

93 pitches against the walk-happy RockHounds enabled the Cardinals to stay within striking

distance.

Llorens, 21, worked around leadoff walks in the sixth and seventh. His fastball is 90 to 93 mph,

his slider is slow and aggravating, and he shows a change-up. It marked his third appearance

since arriving from high Class A on Sunday.

For full article, go to:

http://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/08/16/years-cuba-cards-llorens-finds-

success/14153345/

A challenge worth taking on

By Greg Rajan -- Corpus Christi Caller-Times -- 8/14/14

CORPUS CHRISTI - Thursday wasn’t the first time I’ve been drenched at Whataburger Field.

It’s happened a few times over the years for Hooks championship and playoff-clinching

celebrations when I was the team’s beat writer. It’s said the players only douse you if they like

and respect you. And judging by the amounts of beer, Champagne and sparkling cider poured

and sprayed on me, I felt plenty liked and respected.

Thursday was different, though.

Having a large cooler of ice water dumped on my head wasn’t about a team celebrating its

accomplishment, but rather a much bigger cause — and a fight that’s far from over.

If you’re a social media consumer, chances are you’ve heard of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

It’s taken off like wildfire in recent weeks as a way to raise awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis, or better known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in hopes of eventually finding a

cure. Basically someone accepts the challenge, dumps ice water on his or her head and issues a

challenge to others, who have 24 hours to complete the challenge or donate $100 to an ALS-

related charity.

So how did I end up standing in left field with what seemed like river of ice water crashing down

upon me?

On Wednesday, Trevor Hadley, the head athletic trainer at Calallen High School, challenged me.

I’ve known Hadley for years, dating to when he worked with IceRays players on their injury

rehab while I covered the hockey team.

For Hadley, though, the challenge is about much more than being trendy on social media.

He has lost two family members to ALS. His uncle Ray was 55 when he died, while Ray’s

daughter Sarah was just 19.

“It’s very personal,” Hadley said. “We have it genetically in the family so it’s something real

close to home.

For full article, go to:

http://www.caller.com/sports/local/rajan-a-challenge-worth-taking-on_23830281

The Ongoing Story of Joey Gallo

By Jay Wallis -- ridersinsiderblog.com -- 8/13/14

Joey Gallo.

The name alone sends chills down pitchers’ backs and gives Rangers’ fans hope for the future.

Still shy of his 21st birthday this November, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound phenomenon has burst onto

the Frisco stage with an assortment of dynamic home runs in every direction. He seems to have

all the tools necessary to eventually make his way to the big stage and big lights in Arlington.

Some MLB teams, though, did not initially buy into the hard-hitting high schooler when he

entered the 2012 MLB draft. Gallo showcased plenty of raw power at Bishop Gorman High

School in Las Vegas, but there was concern his game was one-dimensional and that his height

would prohibit him from playing an infield position. The Rangers weighed the risks and decided

to take a chance on him with the 39th pick in the supplemental first round.

Now in his third season, Gallo has quickly gone from a well-known prospect in the Rangers

organization to a name recognizable across professional baseball.

As a teenager in 2013, Gallo blasted 40 homers that season and earned the Joe Bauman Award as

the top home run hitter in the minor leagues. In the process, he became the first teenager in more

than 50 years to hit 40 home runs in a minor league season. The buzz around Gallo only grew at

the start of this season with Advanced-A Myrtle Beach.

In just over two months with the Pelicans, Gallo was a three-time Player of the Week in the

Carolina League and belted three home runs in a game twice. The Carolina League named Gallo

to its Mid-Season All-Star team, giving him yet another accolade to add to his collection. With

the hype around Gallo continuing to increase, the Rangers offered Gallo a bigger challenge.

A Double-A call-up provides challenges for young players as the pitching and level of play

makes a substantial leap. Gallo, though, proved up to the task in his RoughRiders debut on June

9.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the newcomer left an unparalleled first impression

when he smashed a 2-0 pitch to left field for a walk-off, three-run home run to give his new team

the dramatic victory.

For full article, go to:

http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/2014/08/13/the-ongoing-story-of-joey-gallo/

Analyst: Calling up Joey Gallo this year a 'horrendous idea' for

Rangers for a list of reasons

By Dallas Morning News -- 8/15/14

ESPN Analyst Keith Law joined KESN-FM earlier this week. Here are some highlights from the

interview.

On the Rangers losing A.J. Preller:

“He was a major architect of the successful Rangers clubs that went to the World Series the last

two years and up until this year, have been pretty regular playoff contenders. It was his work on

the international market in particular … he was not just good at finding talent there, but changed

the way business was done in terms of teams finding, identifying and locking in agreements with

players. A lot of which led to Major League Baseball change the rules down there, to try to put in

this capped bonus system that they’re working with right now. You can always recover from the

loss of any individual executive, scouting director, GM, but his shoes are big ones to fill. He was

s huge part of all their decision making across the board these last few years, even in trades,

often just relying on the incredible mental database he has of scouting these players himself. I do

think it’s a significant loss, but that’s going to happen when you’re a successful team.”

On what would happen if Joey Gallo was called up to the Rangers:

For full article, go to:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20140815-analyst-calling-up-joey-

gallo-this-year-a-horrendous-idea-for-rangers-for-a-list-of-reasons.ece?click_check=1

LHP Brandon Finnegan Takes Aim at Double-A

The 2014 first round pick and former TCU Horned Frog is ready for the

Texas League

By Northwest Arkansas Naturals PR Department -- 8/14/14

SPRINGDALE, AR. - The road to the Major Leagues varies for each minor league baseball

player. The journey takes many players in different directions and often requires a number of

years to progress through the minor league pipelines. But, left-handed pitcher Brandon Finnegan

has jumped into the express lane to Kauffman Stadium earning a promotion to Double-A

Northwest Arkansas in his first season of professional baseball.

Finnegan was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 17th overall pick in the 2014 First-

Year Player Draft. The southpaw from Fort Worth, TX was originally drafted by the Texas

Rangers in 2011 during the 45th round but he elected to attend Texas Christian University where

he played his college baseball.

During his time at TCU, Finnegan's status on the baseball diamond rose as his accolades piled up

in 2014. Among the awards, he was named a 2014 NCBWA and Rawlings/ABCA 2nd-team All-

American while also being named to the 2014 ABCA 1st-team All-Midwest Region and the

2014 1st-team All-Big 12 Conference. Finally, he was tabbed as the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week

on February 17, 2014 and was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser trophy, which is a trophy

awarded annually to the national college baseball player of the year.

The young Finnegan was 4-5 with 56 strikeouts as a freshman but went on to post an improved

9-3 record as a senior, starting more games, 17, than any other season at TCU. The strikeout

became a dangerous weapon for the lefty in his progression to an upperclassman as he finished

first on the team during his sophomore season with 86 strikeouts. He was even more impressive

during his final season at the university by ranking third nationally with 134 punch outs as a

senior. He fanned 10 or more hitters seven times in 2014 at the collegiate level.

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140814&content_id=89588204&fext=.jsp&vkey

=news_t1350&sid=t1350

Renfroe maintains his focus

Missions outfielder applying previous experience as pitcher, catcher

By Todd Traub -- Special to MiLB.com -- 8/12/14

Not only has Hunter Renfroe made a successful transition to the outfield -- he's proving

versatile in the role as well.

The San Diego Padres' first-round Draft pick last year, Renfroe has seen time in all three outfield

positions during his first Double-A stint with San Antonio after pitching and catching for much

of his amateur career.

"It was tough at times, keeping my mind focused on every pitch," Renfroe said of the switch. "I

realized I've just got to get out there, clear my mind and focus on each pitch the same way."

Renfroe, 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, filled in at center field because of an injury to a teammate his

sophomore year at Mississippi State and never looked back.

"I did well and it just kind of stuck," said Renfroe.

Renfroe set a single-season Mississippi prep high school record, belting 20 homers during his

senior season at Copiah Academy -- to go with a 4-0 record on the mound. The Red Sox took

notice and selected him in the 31st round of the 2010 Draft, but he opted to attend Mississippi

State instead.

"I wanted to experience the college level and grow in baseball in general," he said.

Renfroe broke out as a junior last year, hitting 16 homers to lead the SEC and help the Bulldogs

to the College World Series. Despite an 8-0 loss to UCLA in the finals, the college experience

more than validated Renfroe's decision to attend school before turning pro.

"I wouldn't change that for the world. It was probably one of the best experiences I've been a part

of," said Renfroe, taken 13th overall by the Padres after his junior season.

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140812&content_id=89056208&fext=.jsp&vkey

=news_l109&sid=l109

Triggs Knows How To Finish

By Paul Boyd -- Northwest Arkansas Times -- 8/12/14

SPRINGDALE -- Andrew Triggs may not profile as the ideal big-league closer since he doesn't

possess a mid-90s fastball, but he's sure doing the job for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals this

season.

The 6-foot-4 right-hander leads the Texas League with 19 saves and also has a 4-3 record with a

stellar 2.73 ERA in 41 appearances.

"Consistency is the word that comes to mind when you talk about Triggs," Northwest Arkansas

manager Vance Wilson said. "More than anything, he throws strikes. He's got a funky arm slot,

and his slider is different. It's a sweeper. It's not a dirt-ball slider, and it's not got a ton of tilt.

With that being said, it can be very valuable."

"He can go 89-93 with his fastball, and when you execute, that's plenty for the Major Leagues."

Wilson, who was a catcher for eight seasons in the Major Leagues, admitted the big fastball is

something that's prevalent among bullpen arms in the Majors today, but Triggs has been efficient

for the most part.

"He's had very quick-pitch innings, which is something you want from your closer," Triggs said.

"I think Triggs needs to have something like that on his resume because he's not a flame thrower.

When you're not that guy, you had better be a specialized guy that can do some things.

"You have to be able to execute and get outs, and he's done that."

Triggs doesn't get too caught up in the closer role. He's just looking to get people out.

"Obviously the last three outs are three of the more important outs in the game, but pitching's

pitching whether it's the first inning, the fourth inning, the seventh inning or the ninth inning," he

said. "I've pitched probably at any point in any game from high school up until now. I try not to

put too much currency into who's coming up and what's happening in this situation or that.

For full article, go to:

http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2014/aug/12/naturals-triggs-knows-how-to-finish-201/?sports-

prosports

Can he make it to Triple-A? Hald wants it

By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 8/14/14

You want to get to Triple-A next season? This is the time of year minor leaguers best plant that

seed in the manager's mind. For pitchers, throwing five innings — "five and fly," as the farm

director apparently says — won't cut it.

And six innings, yeah, that's nice. But it's best to make a statement.

Kyle Hald's season detoured down Rocky Road after his win in the Texas League All-Star Game

back in June, careening into an especially worrisome stretch lately.

Well, the Springfield Cardinals left-hander gave manager Mike Shildt something to think about

Thursday night as Hald pitched a beauty, handing over a two-hitter over seven scoreless innings.

This in a 6-2 win against Frisco before 3,938 at Hammons Field.

Yes, it was a get-right game, Hald acknowledged. And think he wanted it? Hald covered the

seventh inning in 11 pitches, with five pitches to spare in his 100-pitch allotment. It wasn't lost

on Shildt.

"It's been tough, waiting five days between each outing and wondering what was going on," Hald

said. "Finally, something clicked."

Only three weeks remain in the season, a time of year when managers grade with a sharper eye.

Hald knows this. He's an 18th

-round draft pick and in his third full season since his days at Old

Dominion.

What he didn't know was this a topic that popped up Wednesday in Shildt's office.

The manager dropped the words "five and fly," a term used by Cardinals farm director Gary

LaRocque about younger pitchers being conditioned to pitch only five innings and hit the

showers. Teams want more from experienced arms in the upper minors, and endurance gets

mentioned in offseason meetings.

Performance leads to promotions.

"It means I can say, 'This guy pitches deep in games. He makes pitches,'" Shildt said.

For full article, go to:

http://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/08/15/can-make-triple-hald-

wants/14096209/

Old is new again: Hammons Field's manual scoreboard

By Kary Booher -- Springfield News-Leader -- 8/13/14

Hershel Bledsoe, a 78-year-old usher at Hammons Field, arrived to work Tuesday and somewhat

thought he had traveled back in time.

A manually operated scoreboard — a throwback to baseball's golden era — is in place and

almost ready beyond the left-field bullpen after Springfield-based Payne Sign Company's

installation the past couple of days.

Springfield Cardinals add nostalgia to downtown ballpark

The board will carry inning-by-inning scores of St. Louis Cardinals games, as well as 12 other

games being played in the big leagues, all during Springfield Cardinals games.

"For somebody like me, I can remember going to Sportsman's Park and those guys would look

through the holes on the old board," said Bledsoe, a former principal in the Willard school

district and a St. Louis native. "But a lot of people don't recall the old days. I remember watching

Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst, Marty Marion and Enos Slaughter."

The idea came about in the offseason, Springfield general manager Matt Gifford has said.

It's the first major addition to the ballpark since the club removed hundreds of box seats after the

inaugural, 2005 season, creating easier-to-access rows through most of the lower bowl.

One idea years ago — a boardwalk linking the right-field patio to the center-field walkway —

was shelved because of an enormous price tag.

The new scoreboard is expected to be in operation during the current homestand, said Ron

Barber, owner of Payne Sign Company.

For full article, go to:

http://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/08/12/old-new-hammons-fields-manual-

scoreboard/13979891/

Former Traveler Fuller snags memorable catch

By Tim Griffin -- San Antonio Express-News -- 8/11/14

WACO — Clay Fuller wanted to find a unique way to make his marriage proposal to his

girlfriend, Makenzie Robertson.

The Baylor wide receiver succeeded, making the most unforgettable catch of his life.

Fuller originally planned to propose at a football event sometime during his upcoming senior

season. But the former minor-league baseball player decided involving his diamond roots might

make for an even more special occasion.

During an appearance at a Round Rock Express game with other Baylor teammates July 31,

Fuller stunned his girlfriend by writing “Will You Marry Me?” on a baseball.

His proposal will help him get through some recent disappointment — he fractured his right

clavicle while running a deep route last week. Doctors have told Fuller he will be sidelined about

eight weeks, with a likely return around Baylor's start of Big 12 play.

Marriage had been discussed frequently by Fuller and his fiancée, a former Baylor basketball and

softball player who is the daughter of Lady Bears basketball coach Kim Mulkey.

“I had no idea whatsoever he had planned something like that,” Robertson said. “I gave him a

hard time, saying he could never surprise me because we're together so often. But was I ever

wrong.”

The baseball idea came to Fuller only a day before his appearance at the game. When he learned

he would be catching a ceremonial first pitch from quarterback Bryce Petty, he figured writing

his message would be something she would recall for a long time.

He just had to keep the ball and the ring away from her before the appearance, which was

difficult because Robertson wanted to play catch with him on the field before the game started.

For full article, go to:

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/colleges/article/Baylor-s-Fuller-snags-memorable-catch-

5682528.php

Magic Muck

This Mudding Not Child's Play

By Travis Larner -- Corpus Christi Hooks -- 8/11/14

CORPUS CHRISTI - Ninety-four years ago, Indians shortstop Ray Chapman was one of the

game's most popular players.

On Monday, August 16, 1920, Cleveland traveled to New York and the Polo Grounds for a

series with the Yankees. In the fifth inning, Chapman crowded the plate against Carl Mays. An

inside fastball sailed on the submarine righty, striking Chapman in the temple.

Chapman collapsed at the plate. The impact fractured his skull and lacerated his brain. He died

early the next morning following emergency surgery.

To this day, the 29-year-old is the only player in Major League Baseball history to die as the

direct result of an injury sustained during a game.

New regulations were instituted for 1921, ending what was known as the dead-ball era. One of

those rules, found today under section 3.01(c), states umpires must ensure baseballs are

"properly rubbed so that the gloss is removed" prior to each game.

Enter Russell Aubry "Lena" Blackburne.

In 1938, he was the third-base coach for the Philadelphia Athletics and overheard umpires

complaining about the process of removing the sheen.

"They tried all kinds of ways to improve the grip of the ball," James Bintliff, a ball gloss removal

expert, said. "They tried shoe polish or infield dirt or tobacco juice, stuff like that. But everything

they used either damaged or discolored the ball too much to be usable."

It is believed Chapman never saw the ball that killed him because discoloration made it difficult

to pick up in flight.

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140811&content_id=89063070&fext=.jsp&vkey

=news_t482&sid=t482

Inked: Springfield, baseball and tattoos

By Kary Booher --Springfield News-Leader -- 8/12/14

His right arm is all inked up. Meaningful. Sentimental. Powerful.

That's especially true for the artwork on his forearm, where in cursive it reads "Larry" and near

the wrist where inscribed is a hopeful ribbon representing cancer awareness.

Ryan Sherriff, a pitcher for the Springfield Cardinals, turned to a tattoo artist in 2012, shortly

after his dad died of cancer at age 58.

"He's the one that took me to my first Dodgers game, coached my Little League team," Sherriff

said. "It just represents a lot of happy times."

Sherriff's arm includes Japanese pieces because the style piques his interest. A pink flower is

there for a friend, a turquoise flower was added as a thank-you to his mom.

"It's crazy how the times have changed. I know people didn't really like tattoos. But now you see

everybody with them," Sherriff said, before referring to New York Yankees and St. Louis

Cardinals pitchers.

"You've got C.C. Sabathia with two full sleeves. Chris Carpenter as well. He has a bunch of a

tattoos. It's really nice. I don't think tattoos should be frowned up at all."

Sherriff doesn't mind explaining his tattoos to strangers. After all, his can be seen easily while

wearing a baseball jersey.

"It doesn't make me a bad guy or anything. I got these to represent what I've been through in life.

I can remember it just by looking at my arm," Sherriff said. "I look at other guys' tattoos. But my

ideas come from head, and I try not to copy anybody else's."

For full article, go to:

http://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/08/11/inked-springfield-baseball-

tattoos/13936763/

The 'epidemic' of elbow surgeries

By Chris Hummer -- Midland Reporter-Telegram -- 8/10/14

Lance White thought it was a joke.

Hours before the pivotal games of Midland High’s season, an elimination situation against

Flower Mound Marcus in the Class 5A regional semifinals, head coach Barry Russell informed

White he would not start on the mound in the first Saturday matchup, or the second, if it came to

it.

“I can’t risk injuring you or cause you to have a worse injury, as much as I want to pitch you,”

Russell said.

The previous week, White, Midland’s No. 2 pitcher and a Barton County College signee, felt

discomfort in his arm. He could still play third base, but on the mound he was less than 100

percent -- more than enough for Russell to sit White.

White, running back for the football team in the fall, resisted, and after Russell denied his

arguments, continued to persist. But Russell could not allow him to pitch.

“If you can’t throw, you can’t throw,” Russell said. “There is no reason to trot him out there and

blow up a kid’s career.”

The interaction between White and Russell is a situation baseball coaches at any level could

potentially face. The matter is now more polarizing than ever with the rash of elbow injuries in

baseball and the current fascination with ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, better

known as Tommy John surgery. The procedure is a surgical graft, where a tendon is taken from

another part of the body and is reconstructed in the elbow.

It’s the operation that’s taken over baseball. Tommy John surgeries have been labeled an

“epidemic” by some, including Dr. James Andrews, the country’s foremost orthopedic surgeon

in the discipline, while countless players, whose careers are resurrected by the operation,

describe it as remarkable.

For full article, go to:

http://www.mrt.com/sports/article_44061568-1dad-11e4-95b2-001a4bcf887a.html

A Natural Fit

Korean baseball fan gets proper Northwest Arkansas welcome

By Kevin Kinder -- Northwest Arkansas Online -- 8/14/14

After some 6,000 miles in the air -- and another 250 on the road -- SungWoo Lee stepped out

into a Arkansas rainstorm. Rain isn't supposed to fall during idyllic trips to faraway places. But

summer days in this part of the country are tricky, and a thunderstorm forced crews to pull the

tarp over the field at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Never mind that Lee was planning to watch his very first American baseball game that evening,

some 20 years after developing an unlikely fandom for the Kansas City Royals from his home in

Seoul, South Korea.

The travelers with him today share an obsession with that baseball team, but their love is more

conventional. They come from towns such as Lee Summit, Mo. and Overland Park, Kan., towns

right in the power alley for abject team fandom. It takes an especially dedicated person to root

for a team that has not been to the playoffs in 29 years, the longest current drought in

professional sports.

Some blend of affection for the Royals and curiosity directed at Lee brought Keith

Westmoreland to Arvest Ballpark on Friday, too. The financial adviser carried three things with

him when he met this group of strangers: his daughter, Whitley, decked out in a rainbow-colored

Royals hat, a gift bag full of presents for the guest and a lifelong passion for the Royals, the latter

of which manifested when he played on a T-ball team of the same name in the mid-1980s. Like

the others on the trip, he met Lee through the power of social media. Those connected on Twitter

through allegiance to the Royals all know Lee. Watching from his home in Seoul, Lee regularly

interacts with fans in the states. He always told them his lifelong dream was to make it to

Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals. Some two years later, he landed on the evening of Aug.

5 and watched the Royals, away for a game in Arizona, from a sports bar.

Three days later, a caravan of loosely connected friends linking themselves together to show a

stranger the best of America brought him to Northwest Arkansas. The rain stopped only a few

minutes after the scheduled 4 p.m. start time of his private tour of Arvest. His royal treatment

was only beginning.

For full article, go to:

http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2014/aug/14/a-natural-fit-20140814/?sports-prosports

We ask people what song would play as they walk up to bat

Ballplayers amp up before at-bats with self-selected songs

By Jimmie Tramel -- Tulsa World Scene Writer – 8/17/14

Tulsa Drillers outfielder Tyler Massey frequents church — Eric Church — on his way to the

batter’s box.

Church is a country music artist. One of his songs (“The Outsiders”) is played over stadium

speakers when Massey treks to the plate at ONEOK Field.

Massey chose the song himself. He “hearts” country music, and Church is among his favorite

performers. Massey said the song is about going against the grain and doing your own thing and

being your own person. That vibe puts him in the right frame of mind to take care of business.

Welcome to what baseball has become: Walk softly, carry a big stick — and carry the right tune.

Batters choose their own walk-to-the-plate music. Song snippets add to the ballpark experience

for fans, who, in addition to balls and strikes, get treated to “Name That Tune.”

And you can’t just pick any song, according to Massey.

“You want to set the tone for your at-bat or set the tone for your season or whatever it may be,”

he said.

“A lot of guys get superstitious about it. They will change the song if things aren’t going right.”

Essentially, players march through their careers with their own soundtracks. Can you imagine if

real life was like baseball? What would your daily “walk-to-the-plate song” be? That question

was pitched to people from all walks of life, including harmonica-playing Mayor Dewey Bartlett,

who selected a song by an artist with Tulsa roots — the late JJ Cale.

When did baseball and music become joined at the hip hop?

St. Louis Cardinals organist Ernie Hays played the theme from “Shaft” for Lou Brock in the

1970s and songs from “The Wizard of Oz” for Ozzie Smith in the 1980s. Chicago White Sox

organist Nancy Foust began playing state songs for each player in the 1970s.

For full article, go to:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/features/swing-music-we-ask-what-people-what-song-would-

play/article_9491b438-f9a2-5591-b5f2-66e5cb76dcc9.html

'Riders' Gallo reaches 40-homer mark again

Rangers top prospect grabs share of Minors lead with two-run blast

By Kelsie Heneghan -- MiLB.com -- 8/18/14

Joey Gallo on Sunday slugged his way into an ultra-exclusive 40/40 club that has nothing to do

with stolen bases.

The Rangers top prospect belted a two-run shot in Double-A Frisco's 6-1 win at Tulsa to

become the first Minor Leaguer in more than three decades to record back-to-back 40-homer

seasons.

"I don't really worry about the home runs too much -- if they come, then they come," Gallo said

last month.

Ron Kittle last accomplished the feat in 1981-82 for Double-A Glens Falls and Triple-A

Edmonton in the White Sox organization.

Gallo broke out of a 1-for-16 funk on Saturday, smacking a solo homer off Rockies No. 2

prospect Eddie Butler in the fourth inning of the RoughRiders' 8-2 win. On Sunday, he put the

finishing touches on Frisco's third straight victory with a ninth-inning blast off reliever Kraig

Sitton.

It was Gallo's 19th homer since a promotion to the Texas League and lifted him into a tie with

fellow Las Vegas native and Cubs top prospect Kris Bryant for the Minor League lead. Gallo

won the crown a year ago.

"To me, it's not important at all," he said earlier this season. "Honestly, I kind of want to get

better every day. If the home runs are there and I lead [the Minors] again, that's great. If not,

that's fine, too. I'm just looking to develop and be a Major League player."

For full article, go to:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140818&content_id=90206204&fext=.jsp&vkey

=news_l109&sid=l109

Player of the Week, August 11-17

RF Nomar Mazara, Frisco RoughRiders

.364 AVG (8-for-22), 4 runs, 6 RBI, 2 HR, 4 2B, 6 XBH, 3 BB, 18 TB, .440 OBP, .818 SLG, 1.258 OPS

Frisco rightfielder Nomar Mazara earned Texas League Player of the Week honors after a week

in which he led the league with six extra-base hits, 18 total bases, four doubles, an .818 slugging

percentage and an OPS of 1.258. Furthermore, Mazara tied for the league-lead with a pair of

homeruns. The Dominican native hit safely in five of his six games played, with his biggest

performance coming on the 16th, in an 8-2 win over the Drillers, when he went 2-for-4 with a

double, homerun, four RBIs and two runs scored. More importantly, in six games, Mazara

helped guide Frisco to a 4-2 record against North Division foes. Mazera also had doubles in four

consecutive games from the 13th through the 16th

The Rangers signed Mazara on July 2, 2011 out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The

19-year old was promoted to Frisco on August 5th of this year. Prior to this season, Baseball

America rated Mazara as the 24th top prospect in Texas' organization, while MLB.com's 2014

midseason rankings places him 10th. This is his first career Player of the Week award.

Pitcher of the Week, August 11-17

LHP Tyler DeLoach, Arkansas Travelers

0-0 (W-L), 0.00 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, 7 Innings Pitched, 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 walks, 9 K's, .048 BAA

In just his third Double-A start, Arkansas left-hander Tyler DeLoach produced a remarkable

outing in which he allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings, earning TL Pitcher of the

Week honors. Although he did not factor into the decision, a 2-1 Travs loss at Corpus Christi,

DeLoach fanned nine batters and issued just two walks. The southpaw's 0.43 WHIP was tied for

the second-lowest in league last week, while he held opposing batters to a miniscule .048 batting

average, good for lowest in the circuit. Through 24 total games this year with Arkansas and

Class-A Inland Empire, the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina native has struck out 145 batters in

just 129 innings pitched, 23 in 17 innings in the Texas League.

The Los Angeles Angels selected DeLoach with their 26th round pick of the 2012 draft out of

UNC-Wilmington. This is his first career Player of the Week award.

North Division Notes

8/11-8/17

Arkansas Travelers Los Angeles Angels Affiliate

This Week: 2-4; Second Half Record: 32-23

Overall Record: 66-59

Second Half: 1st Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: Postponed by Rain @ San Antonio

In the bottom of the fifth, rain postponed Arkansas' game at San Antonio.

Wednesday, August 13 (Game One): L, 6-3 @ San Antonio (Seven innings)

In the opening game of their doubleheader at San Antonio, Arkansas lost 6-3 after starting pitcher Drew Rucinski

(10-6) gave up six runs on six hits in five innings. In the second, the Travelers jumped out to a 2-0 lead when Eric

Stamets brought home Kaleb Cowart with a bases-loaded RBI single, and Maikol Gonzalez plated Anderson De La

Rosa with a sacrifice fly. In the fifth inning, trailing 6-2, the Travs cut the deficit to three when Maikol Gonzalez

stroked a one-out single, advanced to third on consecutive base hits by Alex Yarbrough and Brian Hernandez, then

came home with the Travs final run after Mike Bianucci skied a sacrifice fly to center field. Yarbrough, the TL

leader in hits with 138, paced the Arkansas offense with three of their eight hits.

Wednesday, August 13 (Game Two): W, 3-0 @ San Antonio (Nine innings)

In the nightcap of a doubleheader with San Antonio, Arkansas plated three runs in the ninth inning to take a 3-0 win

over the Missions. In five shutout innings, Arkansas starting pitcher Buddy Boshers allowed just two hits and struck

out seven batters. Danny Reynolds (3-2) then set up the ninth inning outburst, pitching three more scoreless frames.

In the ninth, after Brian Hernandez walked and Mike Bianucci singled leading off the inning, Matt Long advanced

both runners with a sacrifice bunt. After Jett Bandy was intentionally walked, Michael Snyder opened the scoring

with a two-run single to center. With two outs, Eric Stamets brought home Bandy with the final run of the game

when he popped an RBI single to shallow center. In the bottom of the ninth, closer Jairo Diaz (S, 5) finally

preserved the win after he gave up two consecutive two-out base hits. Bianucci and Stamets paced the Travelers

offense, each collecting a pair of their seven hits.

Thursday, August 14: W, 9-6 @ San Antonio (10 innings)

After Arkansas had blown a six-run lead, the Travelers scored three times in the 10th inning to take a 9-6 win at San

Antonio. In the second inning, the Travs exploded for six runs on five hits. Michael Snyder began the scoring in the

frame when he drilled an RBI double, then came home when Adam Melker singled to right. Later in the inning, with

the bases loaded, Alex Yarbrough gave Arkansas a 5-0 lead when he peppered a three-run double to center field, his

league-leading 37th

double of the year. Brian Hernandez then completed the rally when he plated Yarbrough with an

RBI single to left. In the bottom of the inning, Travs starter Michael Roth, gave up five runs on four hits and a walk.

After Roth settled in, tossing scoreless baseball through the sixth, Kevin Johnson followed with two spotless innings

in the seventh and eighth. Former Missions pitcher Trevor Gott (2-0), though, allowed San Antonio to tie the game

with a run in the ninth. Matt Long led off the Travs' three-run 10th inning with a triple to right-center field, then

came home when Snyder followed with an RBI single. Melker and Maikol Gonzalez gave Arkansas their final 9-6

advantage with RBI base hits to right. Gott finally wrapped up the win after he gave up consecutive two-out base

hits in the bottom of the 10th. At the plate, Snyder and Melker each had three of the Travs' 15 hits, while Yarbrough

led the way with three RBIs.

Friday, August 15; L, 2-1 @ Corpus Christi

Arkansas let an outstanding pitching performance go to waste after reliever Kurt Spomer (2-3) gave up a two-out,

two-run double in the ninth that sent the Travs to a 2-1 loss at Corpus Christi. Starter Tyler DeLoach was nearly

untouchable in his seven innings of work, allowing just one hit and two walks, while striking out nine. In the fifth

inning, Arkansas plated their lone run of the game when Kaleb Cowart belted a leadoff homerun to right, his sixth of

the season. Carmine Giardina maintained the 1-0 lead when he tossed a scoreless eighth ahead of Spomer’s tough

ninth inning.

Saturday, August 16: L, 8-5 @ Corpus Christi

Arkansas fell 8-5 at Corpus Christi after the Travs were unable to comeback from an early 7-0 deficit. Travelers

starting pitcher Kramer Sneed (7-10) gave up seven runs on six hits and four walks in just 3.2 innings. In the sixth

inning, trailing 7-0, Arkansas cut the deficit to 7-4 after Brian Hernandez and Anderson De La Rosa each hit two-

run homeruns to left field, their sixth and second of the year, respectively. After reliever Kevin Johnson gave up the

Hooks final run on three hits in the eighth, Arkansas plated the final run of the game in the ninth when Drew Heid

smoked a leadoff triple, then came home on Eric Stamets groundout to second. Hernandez paced the Travs offense

with three of their 11 hits.

Sunday, August 17: L, 5-4 @ Corpus Christi (10 innings)

Arkansas suffered a 5-4 loss at Corpus Christi after reliever Jairo Diaz gave up the Hooks game-winning run in the

bottom of the 10th

inning. In the third inning, trailing 2-0, Arkansas cut the deficit in half when Drew Heid hit a

leadoff single, moved to third on Eric Stamets double, then raced home when Alex Yarbrough grounded out to first.

Trailing 3-1 after three, the Travs took the lead with single runs in the fifth, sixth, and eighth. In the fifth, Stamets

cut the deficit to one when he poked a two-out homerun to left, then one inning later, Brian Hernandez knotted the

score, 3-3 with his own solo shot to left. The homeruns were their second and seventh of the year, respectively. In

the eighth, Maikol Gonzalez reached on a fielder’s choice, then came home with the go-ahead run when Yarbrough

followed with an RBI double to left. On the hill, starter Orangel Areans gave up three runs on four hits in his six

innings. Danny Reynolds, who followed, allowed Corpus Christi to knot the score with a run in the bottom of the

eighth. Diaz (2-1) kept the Hooks off the board in the ninth ahead of the ill-fated 10th

inning. Offensively, Stamets

was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and a homerun.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Kansas City Royals Affiliate

This Week: 2-4; Second Half Record: 26-29

Overall Record: 51-74

Second Half: 2nd

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: W, 4-3 @ Corpus Christi

Northwest Arkansas scored four runs over the first six innings, then held on to take a 4-3 win at Corpus Christi. The

Naturals built a 4-0 lead with single runs in the second and fourth and two more in the sixth. In the second, Parker

Morin gave Northwest Arkansas a 1-0 lead when he brought home Hunter Dozier with an RBI single to center. Two

innings later, Orlando Calixte reached on a leadoff error, then crossed home with the Naturals second run on a

throwing error. In the sixth, Calixte drilled a leadoff double, moved to third on Hunter Dozier's base hit to left, then

was driven in when Juan Graterol stroked an RBI single to left. With one out, Morin drove home Dozier with the

Naturals final run of the game with an RBI base hit to right. On the mound, Northwest Arkansas starting pitcher J.C.

Sulbaran (8-8) was outstanding in his 6.2 innings of work, giving up just one run on four hits, while striking out

eight. After Andrew Triggs allowed the Hooks to cut the lead to 4-3 with two runs in the eighth, Mark Peterson (S,

2) closed the door with a scoreless inning and a third. Morin, who drove in two runs, Dozier and Graterol each had

two of the Naturals nine hits in the win.

Wednesday, August 13: L, 6-5 @ Corpus Christi

After Northwest Arkansas built a late 5-2 lead, Naturals reliever Brandon Finnegan gave up four unearned runs in

the eighth inning that sent the visitors to a 6-5 loss at Corpus Christi. In the sixth inning, Northwest Arkansas took a

4-0 lead when Orlando Calixte brought home two runs with a single to center, then scored when Hunter Dozier

blasted a two-run homerun to left field, his fourth of the year. With a 4-2 lead in the eighth, Dozier scored the

Naturals final run of the game when he doubled to center, then came home when Juan Graterol followed with an

RBI single to right. On the mound, Christian Binford was effective in his six innings, allowing just one run on three

hits, while striking out eight. After he gave up one run in the seventh, Finnegan (0-1), the Royals first round draft

pick this year, surrendered the lead when he allowed four unearned runs in the eighth after a pair of errors extended

the Hooks rally. Dozier led the Naturals with two of their seven hits and two RBIs.

Thursday, August 14: L, 4-2 @ Corpus Christi

In a 4-2 loss at Corpus Christi, Northwest Arkansas starting pitcher Tim Melville struggled in his four innings,

giving up all four of the Hooks runs on seven hits and three walks. In the fifth, trailing 4-0, Northwest Arkansas

plated their first run of the game when Brian Fletcher, in his first game with the Naturals this season, blasted a

leadoff homerun to left-center field. One inning later, Jorge Bonifacio cut the deficit to 4-2 after he coaxed a one-out

walk, moved to third on a base hit, then raced home when Hunter Dozier grounded out to first. Following Melville,

Angel Baez, Aroni Nina and Ali Williams were nearly perfect as they quieted the Hooks, tossing a total of four

innings of one-hit baseball. Lane Adams and Juan Graterol each had a pair of Northwest Arkansas' seven hits in the

loss.

Friday, August 15: W, 6-4 @ San Antonio

Northwest Arkansas built a 6-0 lead over six innings, then withstood San Antonio’s comeback attempt to take a 6-4

win. In the second, Angel Franco gave the Naturals a 1-0 lead when he brought home Hunter Dozier with an RBI

groundout to second. One inning later, Dozier extended their advantage to 3-0 after he drilled a two-run double to

center. Mitch Maier plated two more runs in the fifth when he clobbered a two-run moonshot over the right field

wall, his second TL homerun this year. One inning later, Mark Threlked made the score 6-0 when he hit a leadoff

ground-rule double to left, moved to third on a groundout, then dashed home on a wild pitch. On the hill, Andy

Ferguson (11-9) was nearly unhittable over his six shutout innings, allowing just two hits, while striking out nine,

including six in a row in the second and third. Noel Arguelles struggled over the next inning and two-thirds,

allowing four runs on three hits and three walks. Mark Peterson entered with two outs in the eighth and retired the

next four batters, earning his third save of the year. Dozier, who led the Naturals with two RBIs, and Orlando

Calixte each had a pair of Northwest Arkansas’ nine hits.

Saturday, August 16: L, 2-1 @ San Antonio

Limited to just three hits, Northwest Arkansas fell 2-1 at San Antonio. Naturals starting pitcher Matthew Murray (1-

5) gave up both Missions runs on seven hits in six innings. In the fourth, trailing 2-0, the Naturals cut the deficit in

half when Mitch Maier stroked a leadoff single, then scored from first thanks to a double error on Brian Fletcher’s

groundball to short. Maier had two of the Naturals three hits in the loss. On the hill, Brandon Finnegan was a bright

spot for the visitors, allowing just one hit over the final two innings.

Sunday, August 17: L, 6-3 @ San Antonio (13 innings)

In the Naturals season finale at San Antonio, Northwest Arkansas suffered a 6-3 loss when reliever Angel Baez gave

up a three-run homer in the bottom of the 13th

inning. Behind outstanding pitching, Northwest Arkansas controlled

the game through eight innings. Naturals starter Sugar Ray Marimon allowed just five hits over five shutout innings.

After Ali Williams pitched a pair of scoreless frames, Aroni Nina tossed a perfect eighth. In the second, Justin

Trapp gave Northwest Arkansas a 1-0 lead when he stroked an RBI double down the left field line, stole third, then

crossed home with the second run of the frame on Ethan Chapman’s infield single. Unfortunately for the Naturals, in

the ninth, ahead 2-0, Mark Peterson gave up a game-tying two-run homerun. In the 12th

inning, Brian Fletcher gave

Northwest Arkansas a 3-2 lead when he stroked a go-ahead, RBI single to right field. Baez (1-5) gave up the lead,

though, when he allowed the tying run to score in the bottom of the 12th, that was followed by a game-winning,

three-run homerun, one inning later. Jorge Bonifacio had a stellar game at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a double and

a run, while Lane Adams, Parker Morin, Orlando Calixte and Fletcher each had a pair of the Naturals’ 14 hits.

Springfield Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals Affiliate

This Week: 4-2; Second Half Record: 25-30

Overall Record: 59-66

Second Half: 3rd

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: L, 6-1 vs Frisco

With sloppy pitching and a quiet offense, Springfield fell 6-1 to Frisco. Cards starting pitcher Jonathan Cornelius

(10-9) gave up three runs on seven hits in the 6.1 innings. After Christopher Thomas tossed a spotless inning and

two-thirds of relief, Seth Blair and Dixon Llorens struggled in the ninth, giving up three runs after issuing five

walks, hitting a batter, and uncorking three wild pitches. At the dish, Springfield knotted the score 1-1 in the fourth

inning when Rafael Ortega singled, moved to third on a base hit, then dashed home with the Cards only run of the

game on a passed ball. David Popkins led Springfield with two of their four hits in the game.

Wednesday, August 13: W, 2-1 vs Frisco (11 innings)

Springfield first baseman Curt Smith ended a taut pitcher's duel when he drilled a leadoff homerun in the 11th

inning that handed the Cardinals a 2-1 walkoff win over Frisco. In the fifth inning, Pat Wisdom scored Springfield's

firs run when he coaxed a leadoff walk, moved to second a wild pitch, advanced to third on a groundout, then came

home when David Popkins stroked an RBI single to right. On the mound, Cards starting pitcher Kurt Heyer tossed

five shutout innings, allowing four hits, while striking out four. After Lee Stoppelman pitched a scoreless sixth,

Samuel Tuivailala, who struck out the side in the seventh and eighth, allowed a run in the eighth inning that sent the

game into extra innings. Joey Donofrio (3-3) set up Smith's 11th inning heroics with three perfect innings of four-

strikeout relief. Breyvic Valera and David Popkins paced Springfield's offense, each collecting a pair of their seven

hits.

Thursday, August 14: W, 6-2 vs Frisco

Behind outstanding pitching and early offense, Springfield cruised to a 6-2 win over Frisco. The Cards took a 3-0

lead in the first inning, the Cards took a 3-0 lead, using two hits, a walk, and an error to score three times. Breyvic

Valera got the rally started with a one-out single. He moved to third on Jonathan Rodriguez' ground-rule double to

center, then came home when Pat Wisdom reached on a fielding error. Rafael Ortega then forced Rodriguez in when

he coaxed a bases-loaded walk. Curt Smith, who walked ahead of Wisdom, raced home with the third run of the

frame after Alex Mejia lifted a sac fly to center. One inning later, Travis Tartamella extended the Cards lead to 4-0

when he poked a solo homerun to left field, his first of the season. Springfield added to their lead with single runs in

both the fifth and eighth innings. In the fifth, Smith brought home Matt Williams when he drilled a two-out single to

center. In the eighth, Wisdom reached on a fielding error, moved to second with another miscue, then came home

with the Cards final run when Mejia, who led the team with two RBIs, stroked a run-scoring single to center. On the

mound, Kyle Hald (9-4) was outstanding in his seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits, while striking out

eight. After Mitch Harris tossed a scoreless eighth, Jeremy Berg, who gave up two runs on three hits, preserved the

win when he finally recorded the third out in the ninth.

Friday, August 15: L, 3-2 vs Midland

With over 6,000 Cards fans in attendance, Springfield was unable to produce much offense, collecting just four hits

in a 3-2 loss to Midland. In the first inning, the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead when Charlie Tilson coaxed a leadoff walk,

moved to third on an error, then hurried home after Cody Stanley lofted a sacrifice fly to left. The lead did not last

long, however as starter Sam Gaviglio (5-12) gave up three runs in his five innings of work. Dixon Llorens, in the

sixth and seventh, and Christopher Thomas, in the eighth and ninth, kept the RockHounds off the board over the

final four innings. In the eighth, the Cards rallied with their final run of the game when Curt Smith brought home

Tilson with an RBI single to center.

Saturday, August 16: W, 6-3 vs Midland

Although Springfield was outhit 13-10, the Cardinals rallied from a two-run deficit to take a 6-3 win over Midland.

In the second, Springfield took a 1-0 lead when Rafael Ortega poked a solo homerun to right field, his seventh of the

season. In the fifth, trailing 3-1, the Cardinals knotted the score with two runs on three hits. After Matt Williams and

Alex Mejia led off the frame with consecutive singles, David Popkins brought home Williams with the first run of

the inning when he lofted a sac fly to left. With two outs in the frame, Charlie Tilson tied the game at three when he

drilled an RBI double to center. One inning later, Cody Stanley gave the home side the lead when he belted a

leadoff homerun to right, his 11th

this year. In the eighth inning, Springfield used a two-out rally to pull away with

the final two runs of the game. After Jonathan Rodriguez doubled to left and Ortega was intentionally walked, Matt

Williams began the scoring in the frame with an RBI single to left. Alex Mejia, who followed, completed the rally

with an RBI ground-rule double to left-center field. On the mound, Cards starter Mike Mayers (4-5), who gave up

three runs on 10 hits in six innings, earned his fourth win of the season. Samuel Tuivailala, Lee Stoppelman and

Joey Donofrio (S, 10) closed out the win, each tossing a scoreless inning of relief, with Donofrio earning his 10th

save of the season. Williams paced the Cards offense with three of their 10 hits, while Ortega scored twice.

Sunday, August 17: W, 5-1 vs Midland

Behind outstanding pitching and a 14-hit outburst, Springfield crafted a 5-1 win over the Midland in front of 6,815

happy fans. In six innings, Cards starting pitcher Jonathan Cornelius (11-9) allowed just one run on four hits. After

Mitch Harris tossed a pair of scoreless innings, Jeremy Berg closed out the game with a perfect ninth. In the first

inning, Cody Stanley gave Springfield a 1-0 lead when he belted a two-out, solo homerun to right field, his 12th

of

the year. Two innings later, with the score tied 1-1, the Cards took a 3-1 lead when Curt Smith blasted a two-run

homer over the left field wall, his 10th

this season. Springfield extended their advantage with single runs in both the

sixth and eighth. In the sixth inning, Rafa Ortega hit a one-out single, moved to second on a base hit, then came

home when David Popkins stroked an RBI single to right. In the eighth, Matt Williams scored the Cards final run

when he singled, stole second, advanced to third on another single, then crossed home on Charlie Tilson’s RBI base

hit to center. Williams paced the Cards offense with three of their 14 hits, while Stanley, Ortega and Jonathan

Rodriguez each had a pair.

Tulsa Drillers

Colorado Rockies Affiliate

This Week: 2-4; Second Half Record: 23-32

Overall Record: 61-63

Second Half: 4th

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: W, 2-1 vs Midland

Tulsa edged Midland 2-1 after a trio of Drillers pitchers limited the RockHounds to just one run on seven hits.

Starting pitcher Carlos Hernandez set the tone in his 6.1 innings, giving up the RockHounds lone run on five hits,

while striking out four. After Ken Roberts (7-2) tossed a scoreless inning and two-thirds, Cole White (S, 12) worked

around a base hit in the ninth to close out the win. After the 'Hounds plated their lone run of the game in the first,

Tulsa answered with the tying run in the second. Ryan Casteel led off the frame with a single, advanced to third on a

base hit, then crossed home when Brian Humphries stroked an RBI single to right. In the seventh inning, with the

score still tied 1-1, Tyler Massey gave Tulsa their final 2-1 margin after he hit a leadoff single, advanced to third on

Humphries second base hit of the night, then scored when Jayson Langfels drilled an RBI single to center.

Humphries and Massey paced the Drillers offense, each with two of their eight hits.

Wednesday, August 13: W, 9-4 vs Midland

Tulsa built a 8-0 lead after two innings, then cruised to a 9-4 win over Midland. Tyler Massey highlighted the

Drillers four-run first inning when he drilled a bases-loaded triple, then came home when Chris O'Dowd stroked an

RBI single to center. One inning later, Ryan Casteel extended Tulsa's advantage to 5-0 when he brought home Delta

Cleary Jr with a sacrifice fly to right. With two outs in the second, Jayson Langfels continued the rally with a two-

run base hit to right that was followed by O'Dowd's RBI double to right. In the seventh, ahead 8-1, the Drillers

plated their final run of the game when Langfels walked, advanced to third on consecutive singles by Will Swanner

and Cleary, then raced home after Taylor Featherston lifted a sac fly to center. On the hill, starting pitcher Tyler

Anderson (6-4) tossed five shutout innings, allowing five hits, while striking out six. After Josh Mueller allowed a

run on two hits in two innings, Nate Striz gave up three more runs on three hits in the final two frames. O'Dowd and

Cleary paced the Drillers offense, each with two of their nine hits. Massey, who scored twice, led the way with three

RBIs, while Langfels and O'Dowd each drove in a pair.

Thursday, August 14: L, 3-2 vs Midland

After Tulsa tied the game with two runs in the eighth, Kraig Sitton (3-7) gave up a two-out, solo homer in the ninth

that sent the Drillers to a 3-2 loss to Midland. One inning earlier, trailing 2-0, Tulsa knotted the score two all with a

pair of runs on a single and three walks. After three walks loaded the bases in front of him, Delta Cleary tied the

game when he stroked a two-run base hit to right. On the hill, Tulsa starter Jon Gray gave up one run on five hits

and three walks in 5.1 innings. After Ryan Arrowood surrendered another run in an inning and a third, Sitton tossed

the final 2.1 frames, allowing the 'Hounds game-winning homer in the ninth. The Drillers struggled to produce much

offense behind their hurlers, recording just four total hits in the game.

Friday, August 15: L, 8-2 vs Frisco

Outhit 14-5, Tulsa fell 8-2 to Frisco. In the second inning, trailing 1-0, Trevor Story plated both of the Drillers’ runs

when he hammered a two-run homerun to left-center field, his sixth of the year. On the hill, starting pitcher Richard

Castillo (3-11) was tagged with the loss after he gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings. In relief, Nelson

Gonzalez allowed one more run in the sixth. The highlight of the game for the Drillers came in the sixth inning.

With the bases loaded, Jayson Langfels, Story and Ryan Casteel put a quick end to a Frisco rally when they turned a

5-4-3 triple play, the second triple play in the TL this week.

Saturday, August 16: L, 8-2 vs Frisco

In the ninth inning, trailing 3-2, Tulsa reliever Cole White allowed Frisco to pull away with an 8-2 win when he

gave up five unearned runs on four hits, a walk and an error. Drillers starting pitcher Eddie Butler (5-8), who gave

up three runs on four hits in his seven innings, was tagged with his eighth loss of the year. Ryan Arrowood, who

followed, tossed a perfect eighth ahead of the unfortunate final frame. In the third inning, trailing 1-0, Tulsa knotted

the score when Trevor Story poked a two-out, solo homerun to left field, his seventh of the year. In the eighth,

behind 3-1, Jayson Langfels cut the deficit to one when he belted a solo shot over the wall in left-center field, his

fourth homer this season. Langfels and Brian Humphries each had a pair of Tulsa’s eight hits.

Sunday, August 17: L, 6-1 vs Frisco

Limited to just one run on five hits, Tulsa fell 6-1 to Frisco in the Drillers' season finale with the RoughRiders.

Starting pitcher Carlos Hernandez (4-7) gave up two runs on seven hits in five innings. After Nate Striz allowed two

more runs in two innings, Kraig Sitton surrendered Frisco’s final two scores in the ninth. In the seventh, trailing 4-0,

Tulsa plated their lone run of the game when Jayson Langfels singled, moved to third on Tyler Massey’s base hit,

then rushed home when Jared Simon grounded out to the catcher. Massey led Tulsa with two of their five hits in the

loss.

South Division Notes

8/11-8/17

Corpus Christi Hooks Houston Astros Affiliate

This Week: 5-1; Second Half Record: 26-30

Overall Record: 60-66

Second Half: T-3rd

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: L, 4-3 vs Northwest Arkansas

In Corpus Christi's 4-3 loss to Northwest Arkansas, the Hooks late comeback attempt fell just short. After starting

pitcher Mike Hauschild (2-8) gave up four runs, three earned, on six hits in 5.1 innings, Corpus Christi rallied with

one run in the sixth and two more in the eighth. In the sixth, trailing 4-0, Colin Moran brought home Tony Kemp

with the Hooks first run when he stroked a two-out RBI double to right. In the eighth, Kemp hit a leadoff single,

stole second, then cut the deficit in half after he crossed home following Leo Heras' double to left. Moran then

plated Heras with the Hooks final run when he singled to center. Kemp, Heras, and Moran paced Corpus Christi's

offense, each collecting a pair of their eight hits. Moran led the way with two RBIs, while Kemp scored twice.

Wednesday, August 13: W, 6-5 vs Northwest Arkansas

Behind a four-run rally in the eighth inning, Corpus Christi produced a thrilling 6-5 comeback win over Northwest

Arkansas. Trailing 4-0 after five and half, Corpus Christi cut the deficit to 4-2 with single runs in both the sixth and

seventh innings. In the sixth, Carlos Perdomo dented the scoreboard when he poked a leadoff homerun to left center

field, his first of the season. One inning later, TL homerun leader Telvin Nash added to his tally with a solo blast

over the left field wall, his 19th of the year. In the eighth, the Hooks trailing 5-2, Colin Moran knotted the score

when he belted a three-run homerun to right field, his second career Double-A longball. Nash followed with a walk,

then came home with the go-ahead run thanks to an error on Brandon Meredith's double to right. On the mound,

Josh Hader, who was making his first career Double-A start, gave up four runs on three hits and three walks in 5.2

innings. After Mitchell Lambson retired the final batter in the sixth, Juan Minaya gave up two more runs in the next

inning and two-thirds. David Rollins (3-4) set up the dramatic four-run rally when he recorded the last out in the

eighth. Tyson Perez (S, 9) then pitched a perfect ninth, closing the win, while earning his ninth save of the season.

At the plate, Meredith had two of the Hooks seven hits, while Nash and Perdomo scored twice.

Thursday, August 14: W, 4-2 vs Northwest Arkansas

In their season finale with Northwest Arkansas, Corpus Christi built a 4-0 lead after four innings, then held on to

take a 4-2 win over the Naturals. Colin Moran gave Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead in the first when he brought home

Tony Kemp on an RBI groundout to second. One inning later, Carlos Perdomo extended the Hooks advantage to 3-0

after he belted a two-run homerun to left-center field. In the fourth, Conrad Gregor drilled a leadoff triple, then

scored Corpus Christi's final run of the game when Tyler Heineman hit a one-out, RBI single to right. On the

mound, starter Chris Devenski (4-3) was credited with the win, allowing just two runs, even though he gave up five

hits and walked six. After Ruben Alaniz pitched two scoreless innings, Tyson Perez closed the victory when he

struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth. Teoscar Hernandez paced the Hooks offense with two of their eight

hits, while Gregor scored twice.

Friday, August 15: W, 2-1 vs Arkansas

Shutout on just one hit through the first eight shutout innings, Corpus Christi finally broke through in the ninth when

Telvin Nash stroked a two-run, walkoff double to left field that gave the Hooks a 2-1 win over Arkansas. On the

mound, starting pitcher Mark Appel rebounded from a pair of subpar outings, allowing just one run on five hits in

his six innings of work. Jordan Jankowski (4-6), who followed, set up the walkoff win when he struck out eight

batters over the final three innings of one-hit baseball. Tony Kemp started the Hooks ninth inning rally when he

drew a walk, then moved to second on sac bunt. After Colin Moran, who had the Hooks' only other hit in the second,

reached on a fielder's choice, Nash cracked his game-winning, two-base hit.

Saturday, August 16: W, 8-5 vs Arkansas

Corpus Christi scored seven runs over the first four innings, then held on to take an 8-5 win over Arkansas. In the

first inning, Telvin Nash gave the Hooks a 2-0 lead when he blasted a two-run homerun to left field, his league-

leading 20th

of the year. One inning later, Corpus Christi extended their advantage to 5-0 with three runs on three

hits and two walks. Teoscar Hernandez opened the scoring in the frame with a two-run base hit to center, that was

followed by Colin Moran’s RBI single to right. In the fourth, Carlos Perdomo stroked a leadoff single, moved to

second when Delino DeShields walked, moved to third on a flyout, then raced home after Moran lofted a sacrifice

fly to left. After DeShields stole second, Nash made the score 7-0 when he hit an RBI single up the middle. In the

eighth inning, ahead 7-4, the Hooks rallied again, scoring their final run when Rene Garcia drilled a leadoff double,

moved to third on a sac bunt, then came home when DeShields hit an RBI single to center. On the hill, Brady

Rodgers (5-11), who gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings, benefitted from the early offensive explosion.

After Colton Cain followed with two scoreless frames, Mitchell Lambson (S, 1) closed out the win after he gave up

a run on three hits in an inning and a third. Nash, who drove in three runs, and Moran each had three of Corpus

Christi’s 12 hits in the win, while Hernandez and Moran each had a pair of RBIs.

Sunday, August 17: W, 5-4 vs Arkansas (10 innings)

Telvin Nash gave Corpus Christi a 5-4 walkoff win over Arkansas when he brought home Tony Kemp with a 10th

inning RBI single. In the second inning, the Hooks took a 2-0 lead when Conrad Gregor clubbed a two-run homerun

to left-center field, his first Double-A longball. Holding a 2-1 lead in the third, Teoscar Hernandez extended the

Hooks’ advantage when he belted a two-out, solo homer to right field, his third of the year. In the eighth, trailing 4-

3, Delino DeShields knotted the score when he led off the frame with his ninth homerun this season. On the mound,

Hooks starting pitcher Kyle Smith gave up two runs on four hits in five innings, while striking out five. After Travis

Ballew allowed another run in the sixth, Mike Hauschild tossed 3.1 innings, surrendering the Travs go-ahead run in

the top of the eighth. In the top of the 10th

, with a runner on second and one out, Tyson Perez (4-0) entered and

retired the next two batters, setting up the 10th

inning dramatics. In the bottom of the frame, Kemp stroked a leadoff

double, moved to third on DeShields’ bunt single ahead of Nash’s walkoff RBI base hit to right. DeShields paced

the Hooks offense with three of their 10 hits, while Moran had two hits and drove in a pair.

Frisco RoughRiders

Texas Rangers Affiliate

This Week: 4-2; Second Half Record: 33-23

Overall Record: 73-52

Second Half: 1st

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: W, 6-1 @ Springfield

Frisco plated five late runs to pull away with a 6-1 win at Springfield. On the mound, a trio of 'Riders pitchers

limited the Cardinals to just one unearned run on four hits. Starting pitcher Alec Asher (9-11), who gave up the

Cards only run of the game, an unearned run in the fourth, tossed six innings, allowing just three hits, while striking

out four. After Francisco Mendoza surrendered one more hit in two scoreless innings, Keone Kela closed out the

win with a perfect ninth. In the third inning, Frisco took a 1-0 lead after Jake Skole singled, moved to second on a

walk, then scored the first run of the game when Trever Adams stroked a two-out, RBI single to left. After the Cards

knotted the score in the fourth, Nomar Mazara and Hanser Alberto gave Frisco a 3-1 lead in the seventh when they

led off the inning with back-to-back homeruns, the first Double-A longball for both of them this season. In the ninth,

clinging to a two-run lead, Frisco iced the game, using five walks, a hit batsman and three wild pitches to score their

final three runs. Mazara started the "wild" outburst when he coaxed a one-out walk, then moved to third on a pair of

wild pitches. Skole drew another free pass ahead of Pat Cantwell, who loaded the bases when he was hit by a pitch.

Mazara then dashed home with Frisco's first run of the inning after the third wild pitch of the frame. After Jorge

Alfaro again loaded the bases with another walk, consecutive bases loaded walks to Odubel Herrera and Trever

Adams gave Frisco their final 6-1 margin. Adams led Frisco's offense with two of their seven hits and two RBIs,

while Mazara and Skole scored two runs apiece.

Wednesday, August 13: L, 2-1 @ Springfield

Limited to just six total hits, while striking out 15 times, Frisco fell to Springfield 2-1 after Martire Garcia (1-1)

gave up a game-ending, leadoff homerun in the 11th inning. RoughRiders starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff pitched

well in his seven innings, giving up just one run on five hits with six strikeouts. In the top of the eighth, Frisco

knotted the score when Guilder Rodriguez singled, moved to second on a hit-by-pitch, advanced to third on a sac

bunt, then darted home after a wild pitch. Will Lamb, Eric Hamren and Garcia kept Springfield off the board over

the next three innings ahead of the ill-fated 11th. With two of their six hits, Rodriguez had a third of the

RoughRiders offense in the loss.

Thursday, August 14: L, 6-2 @ Springfield

Shutout through the first eight innings, Frisco fell 6-2 at Springfield. In 4.1 innings, RoughRiders starting pitcher

Andrew Faulker (1-2) was touched for five runs, three earned, on five hits and four walks. After Ryan Rodebaugh

pitched scoreless ball in an inning and two-thirds, Kyle Lotzkar gave up one unearned run on two hits and two errors

in the eighth. In the ninth inning, trailing 6-0, Frisco plated their only runs in the game when Odubel Herrera drilled

an RBI double, then came home when Teodoro Martinez followed with a base hit to right. Nomar Marza had a third

of the 'Riders offense with two of their six hits.

Friday, August 15: W, 8-2 @ Tulsa

Outhitting Tulsa 14-5, Frisco cruised to an 8-2 win over the Drillers. In the second inning, Hanser Alberto gave the

RoughRiders a 1-0 lead after he stroked a two-out, RBI single to right. One inning later, trailing 2-1, Frisco

exploded for four runs on five hits and an error. After Guilder Rodriguez singled and moved to third on Jorge

Alfaro’s double, both runners came home when Trever Adams reached on a fielding error. Teodoro Martinez

continued the rally with an RBI single that was followed by a run-scoring double by Nomar Mazara that extended

the visitors advantage to 5-2. Frisco produced their final 8-2 margin with two runs in the fifth and one more in the

sixth. In the fifth, after Adams doubled and Joey Gallo walked to leadoff the frame, Martinez stroked an RBI base

hit to center. Gallo then came home with the second run of the inning when Mazara hit into a run-scoring groundout.

One inning later, Jake Skole walked, then came home with the ‘Riders final run of the game when Rodriguez drilled

an RBI double to right. On the mound, Jake Thompson (2-0), who gave up both runs on four hits, with four Ks in

five innings, was credited with his second Double-A win. After Will Lamb gave up just one hit over two frames,

Erick Hamren and Keone Kela each pitched a scoreless inning of relief to close out the win. Martinez paced Frisco’s

offense with four of their 14 hits and two RBIs, while Adams had two doubles and scored twice.

Saturday, August 16: W, 8-2 @ Tulsa

Clinging to a 3-2 lead, Frisco scored five runs in the ninth to pull away with an 8-2 win at Tulsa. Nomar Mazara

began the scoring in the final frame with a two-out, two-run double to right, then came home when Teo Martinez

followed with an RBI base hit to center. Odubel Herrera completed the rally when he drilled a two-run double to

right. In the second inning, Mazara gave the RoughRiders a 2-0 lead after he hammered a two-run homerun to left-

center field, his second this season. Two innings later, ahead 2-1, Joey Gallo extended the RoughRiders advantage

when he belted a solo homer to right-center, his 18th

of the year. On the mound, Alex Gonzalez (7-3) was

outstanding over his seven innings of work, allowing just one run on six hits, while striking out eight. After

Francisco Mendoza gave up a run in the eighth, Martire Garcia closed out the win with a scoreless ninth. Mazara

paced Frisco’s offense with two of their eight hits and four RBIs, while Herrera drove in a pair on two hits.

Sunday, August 17: W, 6-1 @ Tulsa

In Frisco’s regular season finale with Tulsa, the RoughRiders cruised to a 6-1 win at ONEOK Field. Five ‘Riders

pitchers combined to hold Tulsa to just one run on five hits. In six shutout innings, starter Alec Asher (10-11) gave

up just three hits, while striking out six. After Joseph Ortiz allowed the Drillers lone run in the seventh, Martire

Garcia and Erik Hamren combined to keep Tulsa off the board in the eighth. Keone Kela then closed the door on the

win with a perfect ninth. The RoughRiders built an early 2-0 lead with single runs in both the second and third

innings. Trever Adams led off the second with a single, then came home with the first run of the game when Nick

Williams followed with an RBI triple to center. One inning later, Odubel Herrera made the score 2-0 after he stroked

a leadoff base hit, stole second, then scored on Pat Cantwell’s RBI single to right. The RoughRiders extended their

advantage with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings. In the sixth, Teodoro Martinez put Frisco ahead 3-0

when he drilled a two-out, RBI double to center. Herrera extended the lead to 4-0 in the seventh after he hit a leadoff

single, stole second and moved to third on an error, then rushed home when Jorge Alfaro grounded into a double

play. In the ninth inning, ahead 4-1, Joey Gallo plated the final two runs of the game when he clobbered a two-run

homerun over the right field wall. The longball was his 19th

in the TL this year and tied him for the MiLB’s overall

lead with 40. Gallo became the first Minor Leaguer since Ron Kittle in 1981 to record consecutive seasons with at

least 40 bombs. Herrera and Alfaro paced Frisco’s offense, each collecting three of their 12 hits, while Adams had

two hits and two RBIs.

Midland RockHounds

Oakland Athletics Affiliate

This Week: 2-4; Second Half Record: 31-25

Overall Record: 69-57

Second Half: 2nd

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: L, 2-1 @ Tulsa

In Midland's 2-1 loss at Tulsa, after scoring a run in the first inning, the RockHounds were shutout, getting just five

hits over the final eight frames. With one out in the first, Midland got their lone run when second baseman Conner

Crumbliss poked a solo homerun to right, his tenth of the year. The lead did not last long. Starting pitcher Nate Long

(11-7), who gave up eight total hits in 6.1 innings, allowed the tying run in the second, then the winning run in the

seventh. Deryk Hooker, who replaced Long with one out in the seventh, allowed just one walk over the final inning

and two-thirds. At the plate, Hiro Nakajima led Midland's offense with two of their seven hits in the game.

Wednesday, August 13: L, 9-4 @ Tulsa

In Midland's 9-4 loss at Tulsa, the RockHounds were unable to recover after starting pitcher Drew Granier (7-6)

gave up eight runs in the first two of his three innings. After Marcus Walden spelled Granier with a pair of scoreless

frames, Frank Gailey pitched the final three innings, giving up one more run on two hits. In the seventh, trailing 8-0,

Dusty Coleman scored Midland's first run when he singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, then crossed home

after Kenny Wilson stroked an RBI base hit up the middle. One inning later, Jefry Marte made the score 9-2 when

he poked a leadoff homerun to left field, his 10th of the year. In the ninth, the RockHounds added their final two

runs when Kent Matthes drilled a two-run single to center. Wilson paced Midland's 10-hit attack with three base

knocks, while Marte, who scored twice, and D'Arby Myers each collected a pair.

Thursday, August 14: W, 3-2 @ Tulsa

With two down in the ninth, D'Arby Myers smoked his second homerun of the year, a go-ahead solo shot to left

field that led to Midland's 3-2 win at Tulsa. One inning earlier, 'Hounds relievers Omar Duran and Ryan Dull had

blown a 2-0 lead when the pair gave up two runs on a single and three walks. Midland produced their two-run

advantage with single runs in the second and seventh. In the second, Jeremy Barfield drove in Jefry Marte with an

RBI base hit to right. In the seventh, after Myers hit a one-out double to left, Kenny Wilson stroked an RBI single to

center that gave the 'Hounds a 2-0 advantage. On the mound, Midland starting pitcher Shawn Haviland was

excellent in his 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just three hits, while striking out six. After Duran recorded the final out

of the seventh, he issued a pair of walks in the eighth, exiting with one out. Dull (5-5) followed and allowed both of

Duran's runners to score when he gave up a walk and a base hit. Dull redeemed himself one inning later, preserving

the win with a perfect ninth inning. Barfield paced Midland's offense with three of their nine hits, while Myers had a

pair and scored twice.

Friday, August 15: W, 3-2 @ Springfield

Midland rode the hot bat of Dusty Coleman, who had a pair of RBIs and scored twice, to a 3-2 win at Springfield.

'Hounds starter Chris Jensen (12-7), who tossed seven innings of two-hit baseball, allowed the Cards to take a 1-0

lead with an unearned run in the first. In the second innings, Coleman quickly reversed the lead when he belted a

two-run homerun to left-center field, his team-high 14th

of the year. In the fourth, Coleman extended the ‘Hounds

advantage to 3-1 after he singled, stole second, then crossed home on a throwing error. In the eighth inning, reliever

Frank Gailey allowed Springfield to cut the lead to 3-2, exiting with just one out in the frame. Jose Flores (S, 9)

came on and closed the door on the Cards comeback efforts, recording the final five outs of the game. In addition to

his two runs scored and two RBIs, Coleman had half of Midland’s four hits in the win.

Saturday, August 16: L, 6-3 @ Springfield

Unable to hold a 3-1 lead, Midland fell 6-3 to Springfield. In the fifth inning, trailing 1-0, Midland plated all three of

their runs on five hits. After Max Muncy opened the scoring with an RBI base hit to left, Jefry Marte gave the

‘Hounds a 3-1 lead when he stroked a two-run double to center. On the mound, starting pitcher Murphy Smith (1-4)

was unable to hold the lead, giving up four runs on five hits in 5.2 innings. Tim Sexton followed with 2.1 innings,

allowing two more runs on five hits. Conner Crumbliss, Kenny Wilson, Hiro Nakajima, Muncy and Marte each had

a pair of Midland’s 13 hits. Even though they outhit Springfield 13-10, the RockHounds were unable to get many

key hits, leaving 11 men stranded on base.

Sunday, August 17: L, 5-1 @ Springfield

Limited to just four hits, Midland fell to Springfield 5-1 in their final game versus the Cardinals this season. On the

hill, ‘Hounds starter Nate Long (11-8) struggled in his 5.2 innings, giving up four runs on eight hits. After Ryan

Doolittle kept the Cards off the board over the next inning and a third, Deryk Hooker allowed Springfield’s final run

in the eighth. In the second inning, trailing 1-0, Midland knotted the score when Jeremy Barfield poked a one-out

solo homerun to right-center field, his third of the year.

San Antonio Missions

San Diego Padres Affiliate

This Week: 3-3; Second Half Record: 26-30

Overall Record: 62-64

Second Half: T-3rd

Place South Division

Tuesday, August 12: Postponed by Rain vs Arkansas

In the bottom of the fifth, rain postponed San Antonio's game against Arkansas.

Wednesday, August 13 (Game One): W, 6-3 vs Arkansas (Seven innings)

In the first game of their doubleheader with Arkansas, San Antonio scored five runs in the fourth inning, then

cruised to a 6-3 win over the Travelers. In the second, trailing 2-0, San Antonio cut the deficit in half when Adam

Buschini dribbled a bases-loaded RBI single down the third base line. Two innings later, the Missions took control

of the game with their big outburst. Casey McElroy led off the rally with a leadoff walk that was followed by

consecutive singles from Diego Goris and Rob Kral that loaded the bases. After Buschini knotted the score 2-2 when

he drew a bases-loaded walk, Cory Spangenberg then gave San Antonio a 6-2 lead when he drilled a bases-clearing

triple to center. On the mound, starter Bryce Morrow lasted just four innings, exiting after giving up two runs on

three hits and two walks. After Adys Portillo gave up a run in the fifth, Jeff Ibarra (2-1) entered with two outs in the

frame and retired four of the next five batters. In the seventh, R.J. Alvarez (S, 4), who was facing his former team,

worked around a leadoff single to close out the win. Spangenberg led the Missions with three RBIs, while Buschini

drove in a pair. Goris paced the winning side with two of their six hits.

Wednesday, August 13 (Game Two): L, 3-0 vs Arkansas (Nine innings)

Limited to just six hits, San Antonio fell 3-0 to Arkansas in the nightcap of their doubleheader, losing yet another

extra-innings contest. After the Missions missed a chance to walkoff in the eighth inning, Frank Garces (2-5)

allowed Arkansas' three game-winning runs on three hits and two walks in the top of the ninth. San Antonio starting

pitcher Josh Geer was brilliant over seven shutout innings, scattering three hits, while striking out five. At the plate,

San Antonio put a runner on third base in three separate innings, including the eighth, but were unable to capitalize.

The game was the Missions' 24th extra-innings affair in 2014 and their 18th loss. Spangenberg paced the Missions

offense with two of their six hits.

Thursday, August 14: L, 9-6 vs Arkansas (10 innings)

After San Antonio completed a six-run comeback that sent their game versus Arkansas into extra innings, reliever

R.J. Alvarez gave up three runs in the 10th inning that sent the Missions to a 9-6 loss against the Travelers, their

second extra innings loss in as many games. Starting pitcher Justin Hancock struggled in the second inning when he

gave up six runs on five hits and two walks. San Antonio answered immediately, scoring five runs on four hits in the

bottom of the second. Lee Orr began the rally with a two-run double, then came home when Brian Bixler poked a

homer that just cleared the wall in left-center field. It was Bixler's second longball of the year. Corey Spangenberg

followed with his third triple in three games, then raced home with the final run of the inning after Travis Jankowski

lofted a sac fly to right. On the mound, John Hussey, who followed Hancock in the third, tossed three scoreless

innings. Michael Dimock, in the sixth and seventh, and Luis De La Cruz, in the eighth and ninth, each pitched a pair

of spotless frames that set up San Antonio's game-tying rally in the bottom of the ninth. Diego Goris stroked a

leadoff single to center, moved to second on Cody Overbeck's base hit to right, then beat the throw home after Lee

Orr scorched a single to left. Unfortunately, the uprising ended after the Missions were unable to bring Overbeck

home from third with no outs. Alvarez (0-1), who was facing his former team, gave up four straight hits without

getting an out in the 10th, before he was replaced by Matt Branham, who finally retired the side after the damage

was done. Orr led the Missions with three RBIs, while Goris had three of their 13 hits and scored twice.

Friday, August 15: L, 6-4 vs Northwest Arkansas

The Missions rallied for four runs in the seventh and eighth but were unable to overcome a 6-0 deficit, losing to

Northwest Arkansas 6-4. Starter Leonel Campus struggled in 4.1 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits. In the

next inning and two-thirds, Matt Branham, gave up another run, exiting with the Missions trailing 6-0. In the

seventh inning, the Missions produced their first run when Diego Goris singled, advanced to third after consecutive

walks to Cody Overbeck and Rob Kral, then raced home when Lee Orr lofted a sacrifice fly to center. One inning

later, Casey McElroy plated San Antonio’s final three runs when he pulled a three-run homerun over the right field

fence.

Saturday, August 16: W, 2-1 vs Northwest Arkansas

A trio of San Antonio pitchers combined to toss a three-hitter, leading the Missions to a 2-1 win over Northwest

Arkansas. In seven innings, starter James Needy (9-4) gave up an unearned run on three hits, while striking out

seven. After Frank Garces tossed a scoreless eighth, R.J. Alvarez preserved the tight win with a perfect ninth. In the

second inning, Alex Dickerson gave the Missions a 1-0 lead when he legged out a double, then came home on Cody

Overbeck’s RBI single to center. One inning later, Cory Spangenberg extended their lead to 2-0 after he hit a one-

out single, moved to third on a base hit, then dashed home with the Missions final run on a wild pitch. Dickerson

had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and a run, while Overbeck collected a pair of San

Antonio’s eight hits.

Sunday, August 17: W, 6-3 vs Northwest Arkansas (13 innings)

Alex Dickerson gave San Antonio a thrilling 6-3 walkoff win over Northwest Arkansas in the 13th

inning when he

poked a three-run homerun to left field. After the Missions had played in a 2-0 hole during much of the contest,

Diego Goris sent the game into extras in the bottom of the ninth when he pulled a two-run homerun just over the

fence in left field, his fourth of the year. In the 12th

inning, trailing 3-2, Austin Hedges knotted the score once again

when he drilled a two-out, RBI base hit down the left field line. On the mound, Padres pitcher and San Antonio

starter Robbie Erlin gave up two runs on six hits in his five innings, while striking out six. In relief, Bryce Morrow,

who allowed the go-ahead run in the 12th

, was nevertheless outstanding over his 6.1 innings of work, shutting out the

Naturals through the 11th

. Luis De La Cruz (6-8) followed and set up Dickerson’s heroics with an inning and two-

thirds of scoreless baseball. In the 13th

, leading off the frame, Casey McElroy was hit by a pitch and Hunter Renfroe

singled to center ahead of Dickerson’s three-run homer. The opposite field shot was his second AA homer this year.

Dickerson, who scored twice in the game, and Jake Lemmerman paced the offense, each collecting three of the

Missions 12 hits. The extra-innings win was just San Antonio's seventh in an MiLB-high 25 games this year.

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