Results tagged ‘ Renny Osuna ’
Congrats
It is in order for the Dallas Mavericks, who swept the two-time defending champion Lakers in the second round. It was swift. It was surprising. It was impressive.
And it was pretty awesome.
I’m a huge fan of parity in sports. I don’t like repeats or three-peats, so I’m excited that the NBA Champion this year will be a different team. And the Mavericks are definitely at or near the top of the list of favorites after embarrassing Los Angeles in Game 4.
Good for the Mavs. Let’s get into today’s Facts.
FRISCO FACTS:
- We have talked about the bullpen’s recent string of success, and this stat, among other ones, proves it: Tyler Tufts’ loss yesterday was the first loss for the ‘Riders’ bullpen since April 26. During that span of 11 games, Frisco relievers boasted a 6-0 record. The starters, on the flip side, went 1-4. In other words, when the starters kept Frisco in the game, the ‘pen seemed to nail down the win. If not, the RoughRiders were in trouble.
- On the flip side, the offense continued to struggle yesterday. Frisco matched a season low with only three base hits, dropping the team batting average to .263. That mark is still fourth in the Texas League, but the RoughRiders are last place in runs per game (4.4).
- The RoughRiders have scored six or more runs in only three of their last 16 games. It is quite an achievement that the club is still 7-9 during this span. Even if you throw away the first six games in that span when the ‘Riders were only 1-5, Frisco has hit .237 in the last ten contests.
- Individually during the last week and a half, one player (Renny Osuna) is hitting above .300. Two others–Travis Adair and Mike Bianucci–are above the .250 plateau.
- Despite the low batting average as of late, Frisco leads the Texas League in home runs during the month of May. The ‘Riders have clubbed 11 home runs, three more than anyone else. Because of this spurt, the RoughRiders are tied for second overall with 32 homers. But first-place San Antonio (47) is still far away.
- The two teams in action yesterday at Citibank Ballpark were the two Texas League clubs that led the league in one- or two-run games. Frisco’s mark has been very respectable in both instances–5-5 in one-run games and 4-3 in two-run games. However, Midland is one of the best in what the cool kids call “nail biters.” The RockHounds are 10-7 in games decided by two runs or less. Only Tulsa (9-3) is better in those situations.
- Congrats to former RoughRider Taylor Teagarden for hitting three home runs in Triple-A Round Rock’s 18-9 annihilation of Nashville yesterday. Teagarden became the second player in the Pacific Coast League to hit three home runs in a game. The other was another former RoughRider–Round Rock’s Chris Davis, who did it on April 9.
- Only six players in all of minor league baseball have hit three home runs in a game. I just mentioned Teagarden and Davis, who are both in the same organization. The other four belong to two teams: the Cleveland Indians (Columbus’ Chad Huffman and Lake County’s Jesus Aguilar) and the Houston Astros (Lexington’s Telvin Nash and Chris Wallace).
- Corpus Christi’s J.D. Martinez missed his fourth straight game this afternoon after injuring his leg Thursday. Martinez, the Astros’ Minor League Player of the Year, has 30 RBIs in 27 games.
- By the way, we’ve had some cool features over the weekend. Check out our first Texas League Power Rankings and the RoughRiders’ Mothers Day special.
The ‘Riders and ‘Hounds get going at a unique time of 6:30 tonight. Pre-game coverage along the RoughRiders Baseball Network begins at 6:00. Enjoy!
- Brian
Just Get It Over With
If you go to a basketball game, you will most likely hear the final buzzer less than three hours after the opening tip. In football, setting aside three-and-a-half hours is almost always sufficient. As for baseball, uh, who knows.
Last night, the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-3 in 13 innings. There was a rain delay of more than two-and-a-half hours. Not only that, but the game featured a two-run ninth from the Red Sox and an out at the plate in the 12th. In other words, mother nature and the baseball gods didn’t want this one to end.
Finally it did, a little shy of 3 a.m. EST. And yep, you guessed it. They had an afternoon game scheduled for today.
Oh baseball. You did it again. Let’s get on with the Facts.
FRISCO FACTS:
- First, the two rehabbing Rangers. Neftali Feliz pitched the first inning and struck out the side following a lead-off single. From this eye, he threw 16 fastballs and six off-speed pitches. According to the radar gun at Dr Pepper Ballpark, which is known to be fairly accurate, Feliz averaged around 97 miles per hour on his fastballs. He hit 100 on the gun twice.
- 14 of Feliz’s 22 pitches were strikes. Two of the three strikeouts were of the swinging variety, and the right-hander induced five swinging strikes altogether. The one single came on a fastball at 95 miles per hour.
- Now, Tommy Hunter’s specifics. The righty threw 71 pitches (41 strikes and 30 balls). He threw at least 16 pitches in all four of his innings of work. He threw 21 pitches in his third inning of work, which was the highest number of tosses. Hunter went four innings and gave up two runs, one on a sacrifice fly and the other on a solo home run. He scattered three hits and struck out five, four of which were swinging.
- Hunter sat around 93-94 miles per hour and peaked at 96 on the stadium gun. He did miss very badly on a pitch that hit Cody Decker in the helmet. Fortunately, he would stay in the game.
- Enough about the former RoughRiders. Let’s get to the newest ‘Rider, the man who followed the Feliz-Hunter show. Richard Bleier, who pitched in a game that “counts” for the first time this season, went three and two thirds scoreless. After giving up a lead-off double to the first man he faced, Bleier sat down nine of the next ten he faced. He will be used as a starter now, and his next outing is scheduled for Monday at Midland.
- Continuing the theme of pitching, Frisco reliever Justin Miller continued his good work last night. He went retired four of the five men he faced to earn his second victory. It was Miller’s fifth-straight scoreless outing. Over that span, Miller has allowed one hit over seven and a third.
- Now, to the offense. Three RoughRiders had multi-hit games last night, and all three of those efforts are noteworthy. Renny Osuna went 3-for-4 to increase his batting average to .319. Since returning from the disabled list, Osuna is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with five RBIs.
- Jonathan Greene had two hits last night, which matched his total from the previous four games combined. Greene was due to slow down at some point, seeing as he was hitting above .400 late last week. Still, that two-hit effort puts him at .333 for the campaign.
- Also notching two knocks was Travis Adair. Adair, who debuted at the Double-A level a week ago today, has raised his average to .269. He began the season 0-for-11, but Adair has gone 7-for-15 since.
- Two hitters saw streaks come to an end last night. Mike Bianucci’s 12-game hitting streak is no more, but I’m sure he will take the game-winning sacrifice fly instead. Also, Jose Ruiz had reached base in 12 straight games before going 0-for-4 last night.
- Frisco manager Steve Buechele is giving Tommy Mendonca the night off. It is just his second day off of the season. Only Bianucci has played in every game so far this year for the ‘Riders. Ruiz takes over the clean-up duties, and Osuna will play at third base.
- Programming note: Since the Texas League season is almost exactly five months, I’m planning on doing monthly Power Rankings. So, this weekend, I’ll delve into all eight teams within the TL. It’ll be a separate blog post.
Martin Perez, the Rangers’ number one prospect, will start tonight for Frisco. The ‘Riders and Missions meet at 7:05. Pre-game at 6:35 along the RBN. Enjoy!
- Brian
Cherish Everyone
Before arriving in Frisco, I had the great pleasure of covering the Ohio University football team. When you are involved in sports, whether as a fan, media member, or broadcaster, you feel like you get to know the members of the team.
Sometimes, those people seem slightly above human. They are all parts of a game that people love. Unfortunately, those players are human, and the Ohio football family found out the hard way Wednesday.
Former defensive lineman Marcellis Williamson passed away just months after finishing his senior season. I talked with him a few times, and he couldn’t have been nicer. Really sad stuff.
Just goes to show that fans should cherish all players, even the ones at less-than-glamorous positions.
Anyways, let’s get happy with a Frisco victory and today’s Facts.
FRISCO FACTS:
- A losing-streak snapper never seems to come easily, now does it? Frisco is the best defensive club in the Texas League with a .982 fielding percentage, but Tommy Mendonca, who has probably been this club’s most complete player so far this year, allowed a pair of runs to score on a throwing error.
- Mendonca has an extremely strong arm at the hot corner, but sometimes he can be inaccurate on the throws. He has three errors thus far on the young season, which is tied for the most among third baseman in the Texas League.
- Credit Mendonca for being patient enough to draw a tenth-inning walk. It is easy for a guy who committed an error and had been 0-for-4 to try to swing as hard as he can and make up for all of it. However, his walk, drawn on a 3-2 count, was the key battle in that tenth inning, if you ask me. Jonathan Greene followed suit with another walk on a 3-2 count that chased home the go-ahead run.
- The first and last pitchers who toed the rubber for the RoughRiders were extremely impressive. After a pair of rough starts, righty Carlos Pimentel has had a couple of solid outings. Yesterday, Pimentel allowed only a Blake Tekotte solo homer in six innings of work. He scattered four hits and struck out six, a season high. Over his last two starts, Pimentel has a 2.31 ERA over 11.2 innings.
- Overall, Frisco’s starting rotation has improved greatly since the start of the year. Over the last two turns in the rotation, the RoughRiders’ starter has pitched at least five innings eight times.
- And how about the effort of Justin Miller. Miller, who had struggled in a few late-game situations earlier this season, was dominant in his two innings of work. With all the momentum in the San Antonio dugout, Miller wiped through the 2-3-4 men in the Missions’ order in the ninth to send the game to extras. After Frisco took the lead in the tenth, Miller did the same.
- Miller, like many ‘Riders on the hill, had struggled a bit with his command earlier in the year. Yesterday, he only needed 25 pitches to go through the heart of the best order in the Texas League and retire six straight. 16 of those pitches were over for strikes.
- Renny Osuna had a great effort in his return from the disabled list. He drove in a run in the seventh on a double. Three innings later, his leadoff single turned into the eventual game-winning run. On the year, Osuna is hitting .304.
- On the flip side, Travis Adair’s Double-A debut wasn’t spectacular. He went 0-for-4 and stranded four men on the bases. However, he did put the ball in play in a scoring chance and earned an RBI on a groundout in the second.
- Pretty impressive that the ‘Riders won a game when their 3-4-5 men (Mike Bianucci, Mendonca, Greene) went a combined 0-for-10. Baseball is strange, but the ‘Riders will take it.
Our pre-game coverage begins at 6:35 for the opener of Frisco’s four-game series in Corpus Christi. First pitch is set for 7:05. Enjoy!
- Brian
Malls Are Big
Normally, I try to take it easy during the morning and early afternoon before road games. Today, though, I went to the mall.
I’m not a shopper at all, but my girlfriend is a self-proclaimed pro. However, I happened to leave the mall (after about three hours worth of shopping, I might add) with more items (a pair of sunglasses) than her.
This shopping thing just doesn’t make sense if you aren’t going to get anything, but she’s the pro. Not me.
Here’s the Thursday edition of the Facts, free of charge.
FRISCO FACTS:
- The ruling is in for Frisco center fielder Engel Beltre. The Texas League has suspended Beltre for 15 games after his altercation in San Antonio. The suspension includes yesterday’s game and will hold him out of action until May 13th.
- There were other moves by the RoughRiders today. Infielder Renny Osuna has been activated from the disabled list after suffering a broken nose April 14th. Osuna had been the leadoff hitter while in the lineup, so I would expect him to return to that spot with Beltre out for a while.
- Also, left-hander Corey Young has been placed on the seven-day disabled list with a back injury and infielder Edwin Garcia, who made his debut with the ‘Riders yesterday, is heading back to extended spring training. Garcia was only a stopgap with a few position players out of the mix.
- The RoughRiders received two players from high-A Myrtle Beach. Outfielder Travis Adair is now with the club after hitting .365 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 16 games with the Pelicans. In those 16 games, Adair has played left field nine times. He has been the designated hitter in the other seven games. It would seem likely, then, to see Adair and Mike Bianucci split those two roles.
- Also getting the bump up to Frisco is Tyler Tufts. The right-hander was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in six outings for the Pelicans this year. This will be Tufts’ second stint with the ‘Riders. Last year, he had a 2.50 ERA in 14 outings in North Texas. He has to be good because he’s from Ohio.
- I’ve been meaning to put this link up for a few days, but I have neglected to do so. Here’s a feature on Frisco starter Martin Perez from the Texas League home page. Pretty good stuff here.
- How about Nick Derba squeezing the S-Cards past Northwest Arkansas yesterday for a walk-off victory. Not bad for a catcher. Springfield starter Nick Additon also took a perfect game into the seventh.
The ‘Riders aim to snap a five-game losing streak tonight in San Antonio. Carlos Pimentel looks for his first win of the season. Pre-game along the RBN begins at 6:35. Enjoy!
- Brian
Looking Pretty
Most men never wear makeup. However, if you are on television, a little bit of makeup is sometimes necessary for men or women.
I’ve worn makeup before, but only to go on television. The biggest use, for those who are wondering, is to avoid a shiny, weird perception of your skin on camera. It also hides any sort of marks or sweat. Strange, but true.
That’s what Aaron Goldsmith and Jason Cole will deal with tonight for the first of ten television broadcasts on TXA 21. You can catch the game beginning at 7 p.m. The rest of the TV schedule is available here.
The ‘Riders hit the bright lights of television after a complete effort yesterday. Let’s delve into that, plus some roster moves, in today’s Facts.
FRISCO FACTS:
- First, a few roster moves. Reliever Beau Jones, who has four scoreless outings with the RoughRiders on his 2011 resume, is now with Triple-A Round Rock. It is Jones’ first trip to that level. Joining the ‘Riders is middle infielder Edwin Garcia, who had been with low-A Hickory. In just two games, Garcia is 3-for-6 with the Crawdads.
- Also, Frisco places two more men on the disabled list. Reliever Ramon Aguero (rotator cuff strain) and infielder Erik Morrison (left thumb contusion) are on the seven-day list. Renny Osuna and Ben Snyder are also on the DL.
- Now, to yesterday’s blowout victory. After scoring just ten runs in the previous three games, Frisco plated 11 runs on a season-high 19 hits. As mentioned in the game story, all but one starter (Guilder Rodriguez) had MULTI-hit games. That’s pretty remarkable.
- Jonathan Greene and Jose Ruiz became the sixth and seventh different players to hit homers for the ‘Riders this season. Unfortunately for those two, Tommy Mendonca’s pair of long balls overshadowed their efforts. Mendonca continues to rake for the ‘Riders. Since a bit of a slump during the end of Frisco’s last home stand, the Turlock, Calif., native is hitting .424 (14-for-33) with four of his six home runs and 11 of his 16 RBIs. He is working on an eight-game hitting streak, which is the longest for a ‘Rider this year.
- Miguel De Los Santos had a variation of the term “unhittable stuff” yesterday. He only allowed one base hit, but he walked another five men. That’s 11 for the lefty in 13 and two-thirds, which obviously isn’t very good. De Los Santos’ WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) sits at only a 1.62, which is pretty remarkable considering the high walk rate. He has only allowed eight hits in 2011.
- It’s a big start tonight for Carlos Pimentel tonight. The other four starters have, at least once, delivered a solid outing. This is Pimentel’s chance to do just that. The right-hander has given up a run in each of the last five innings he has begun. Overall, Pimentel has a 13.50 ERA and a 3.00 WHIP. Those numbers are big, but the season is young. Look at how different De Los Santos’ numbers look after five scoreless innings. The same can happen for Pimentel tonight.
- Another great crowd was on hand at Dr Pepper Ballpark last night, as 10,073 enjoyed the blowout victory. That’s the fourth time Frisco surpassed the 10,000 mark. Pretty neat stuff.
- Round Rock’s 2-1 victory over Oklahoma City yesterday was the Express’ 12th on the year, which is second in minor league baseball to the St. Lucie Mets (14-2) of the Florida State League. Overall, the Express is fourth in winning percentage in all of the minors.
As mentioned above, the ‘Riders will be on TXA 21 this evening. You can still catch the audio along the RoughRiders Baseball Network. I’ll take the air at 6:35. Enjoy!
- Brian
Longest Game Ever
No, not the one between Arkansas and Frisco yesterday, even though it felt like it at times. Today is the 30th anniversary of the start of the longest game in professional baseball history.
It all began as a seemingly ho-hum International League contest between the Rochester Red Wings and the Pawtucket Red Sox. The two teams would play until 4:09 a.m. on the 19th before stopping the game. They resumed the game June 23rd, and the outcome took only 18 minutes to decide. The Red Sox won 3-2.
There is a connection between that game and the RoughRiders. John Clemens, the public-address announcer at Dr Pepper Ballpark, was on the broadcast for Pawtucket as the studio host. I can’t even describe how strange of an experience that must have been.
It’s an incredible story. Check out more about this game here (by the way: both teams scored a run in the 21st!). And here’s a feature on John’s involvement with the game. Crazy stuff.
FRISCO FACTS:
- Yesterday’s game was not the longest game ever, but it was the longest of this young season (3:26). After three innings, though, the game was already 1:30 old. Based on the score and the flow of the game, it probably felt even longer for Frisco fans.
- One ‘Rider who is starting to heat up after a slow start is Davis Stoneburner. The infielder, who played for four different Rangers affiliates last season, began the season 2-for-17 with two RBIs. Over the last three games, though, Stoneburner has excelled when the RoughRiders have been without Renny Osuna. He is 4-for-12 with four runs scored and four RBIs. Actually, in the series, he has hit for the cycle, including a two-run homer in the first inning yesterday.
- Here’s a stat that surprised me: Mike Bianucci notched his third multi-hit game of the year yesterday. It surprised me because the guy is hitting .324 through ten games. I thought he had more than that. Regardless, he has been steady.
- Jonathan Greene also has three multi-hit efforts after a 3-for-4 day yesterday. Don’t look now, but Greene is making a pitch for more playing time. The Boone, N.C., native has hit safely in five of his six starts this year. He’s 9-for-21 (.429) for the young campaign. His OPS sits at a ridiculous 1.097. He is quietly putting together a very good start to 2011.
- Yesterday’s game featured 25 men stranded, 14 of whom were in scoring position at the end of the inning. Frisco had 15 and eight in those two categories, respectively. And in six of the nine frames, the ‘Riders spoiled chances with at least two men aboard. It’s pretty easy to see why the RoughRiders lost when you gander at those numbers.
- Pitch counts will always prevent minor league starters from going deep into games, but that’s not the only reason this club doesn’t have many innings pitched from the starters. The team has gotten 38.2 IP from them this year, which is just shy of 4 IP/start. The staff has an 8.15 ERA to go with that low ratio. Martin Perez (2.25) is the only starter who has an ERA under 5.40.
- With yesterday’s loss, the ‘Riders are now 4-6 after starting 2-0. But keep in mind, this is an up-and-down league. For example, Northwest Arkansas has dropped 3 of 4 after starting 5-1. San Antonio started the year 2-3, and the Missions now sit at 6-4. And Arkansas is 5-1 over the last 6 since beginning the year with four straight losses. Just some food for thought.
- We’ve had a great response to our “Extra Bases Question” so far. If you haven’t heard of it yet, this is a chance for you to be a part of the post-game show. During our interactive game-day blog (The Extra Bases Blog), you can ask us questions. I will answer the best question from that day during the post-game coverage.
- Finally, check out this year’s RoughRiders Baseball Academy for children ages 9-12. The information is online here. It is always a great event every year. I could have used some of this training during my baseball “career.”
We’re on early today. 10:30 pre-game. Note to those listening on 1630 KKGM: We will again be on tape-delay. You can hear the game in its entirety at 6:30 this evening. Enjoy!
- Brian
Earning Runs
Thanks to “Chatter from the Pressbox” for this tidbit: the RoughRiders are one of two minor league baseball teams that have yet to allow an unearned run. Frisco has given up 51 runs in the first nine games of the season, and all have been earned.
The only other team to replicate this feat is the Jacksonville Suns, the Double-A Southern League affiliate for the Florida Marlins. The Suns have allowed 35 runs through nine contests.
Not only are the Suns tremendous at this, but they have the coolest man doing some video work for them. It’s tough not to like the Suns after watching this video from last year. Who wouldn’t want to ring that bell with him?
By the way, be sure to check out chatterfromthepressbox.blogspot.com for some more ‘Riders information. The guys do a great job with it!
Without further ado, let’s wrap up another series with a Sunday edition of the Facts.
FRISCO FACTS:
- Fans got a chance to see how manager Steve Buechele would juggle his lineup without Renny Osuna available. The most noticeable change came in Osuna’s normal spot in the lineup–the leadoff spot. Buechele placed the Rangers’ number 5 prospect Engel Beltre in that slot, and he hit well. He went a combined 2-for-6 with a pair of walks and runs scored. He did get picked off in game one after a leadoff walk, but other than that, he was solid.
- By the way, Osuna went back to Frisco for tests on his broken nose. His nose broke in two places, but there was not any other structural damage. There is still no timetable set for his return.
- We also saw how the ‘Riders would deal with one fewer outfield option after Joey Butler’s promotion to Triple-A. David Paisano was in right field for both games yesterday. Mike Bianucci and Jonathan Greene started in left field. With Greene sliding into that “fourth outfielder” role, Jose Ruiz will likely play more than he would if Butler (and even if Osuna) were in North Texas.
- Frisco starter Miguel De Los Santos is an interesting prospect to discuss. Through two starts, De Los Santos has gone 1-2-3 in some way in six of the ten innings he has begun. In those frames, here’s De Los Santos’ line: 6.0 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 9 K.
- However, in the other four innings, here’s his line: 2.2 IP, 10 R, 7 H, 5 BB, 4 K. He finished two of those innings. In the other two, he left with a man at first and two away and he left with the bases loaded and nobody out.
- On the flip side, Jake Brigham is extremely consistent. In both starts, he allowed three runs on five hits in five innings of work. Through those two starts, he has whiffed 11 batters.
- The impact offensive guy for the RoughRiders has been Mike Bianucci, but Tommy Mendonca is not far behind. With his two home runs yesterday, Mendonca is now tied for third in the Texas League with four dingers, one off Bianucci and San Antonio’s Cody Decker’s pace. But Bianucci and Mendonca are one and two in HR/AB ratio (1/6.6 for Bianucci and 1/7.5 for Mendonca).
- The only downside for Mendonca’s early start has been the strikeout numbers. Mendonca is tied for first in the TL with 11 Ks. In fact, Mendonca either reached base or struck out yesterday in the double dip at Springfield.
- The RoughRiders’ bullpen was much better yesterday than it was Thursday night. However, the ‘pen is still letting a lot of men get on for free. In four innings of work yesterday, the bullpen gave up one run on two hits, but the relievers walked six and hit a batter.
- Two guys who the ‘Riders are glad they won’t see again until June 30th: Matt Adams and Niko Vasquez. That duo went a combined 8-for-20 (.400) with a home run and 10 RBIs.
- Another thing fans won’t see for a long time: bowling. The PBA Tour season is over, which makes me very sad. Dick Allen defeated Chris Barnes in the PBA Playoffs Final earlier today. NOW it is officially baseball season! For all of your off-season bowling news, be sure to check out PBA.com. I’m a huge fan of bowling, and you should be too.
I’m also a big fan of today’s broadcast of the RoughRiders and the Travelers. Check it out along the RRBN or online at 3:30. I will also be along for the Extra Bases Blog, so join me there beginning at 3:45! Enjoy!
- Brian
Some Comic Relief
UPDATE: Check out Aaron Goldsmith’s conversation with yesterday’s starter, Martin Perez. Details on Perez are available in this post.
Martin Perez Interview 4.15.11.mp3
_____________________
During our interactive gameday blog, the “Extra Bases Blog,” someone decided to have a little bit of fun. This person logged in as “Fabio Castillo” and posted things like this:
“guys this is my first time pitching all year can
u cut me some slack? i did have a broken foot im still recovering from,
ill get em next time right”
“its a long season and this is only my 4th double a apperance (sic) ill be ready next time”
Baseball is such a long season, and I hope that Castillo is able to recover from what was a rough outing. And for the fans of Castillo and the RoughRiders, hopefully this bit of comic relief helped after last night’s loss at Springfield.
With “Fake Fabio’s” approval, we head to the Facts.
FRISCO FACTS:
- First, some injury news. Infielder Renny Osuna has been placed on the disabled list with a broken nose. He tried to bunt his way aboard in the sixth, but the ball went off his bat and then hit his nose. The ‘Riders add a pitcher for the 24th man–reliever Ramon Aguero. Aguero signed with the Rangers following the 2010 campaign after spending his entire minor league career in the Pirates organization.
- Aguero was with Triple-A Round Rock for the start of the ’11 season. He worked two scoreless innings, which included a win in his only decision.
- A former RoughRider is back in the bigs, at least for a few days. Pitcher Michael Kirkman was called up today through MLB’s new Paternity Leave List. Colby Lewis’ wife Jenny gave birth to a girl Wednesday, so he is spending a few days away. By rule, Lewis must be reinstated to the Rangers’ roster no later than Monday.
- Another day, another big showing from Mike Bianucci. Bianucci clubbed his fifth home run of the very young season in yesterday’s fourth inning. It is obviously early, but think about this. Over the last four seasons, here are the home run totals for the Texas League leader at year’s end: 29 (NW Arkansas’ Clint Robinson), 26 (Frisco’s Chad Tracy), 26 (NW Arkansas’ Kila Ka’aihue and Arkansas’ Corey Smith), and 29 (Springfield’s Colby Rasmus).
- Where am I going with this? Well, the Texas League season spans five months. So, all five of these home run leaders failed to average six home runs per month. Bianucci has five in the month of April, and the ‘Riders still have 15 games before May arrives. Wow.
- The RoughRiders seemed to have complete control last night when they took a four-run advantage because of some slump busting. After two men were out, Engel Beltre reached on a single, which snapped an 0-for-11 skid. Bianucci followed suit with a walk, and Tommy Mendonca shed a sizable slump of his own (0-for-13) with an RBI single. Tack on Jonathan Greene’s first RBI of the season, and the ‘Riders had quite a showing in the sixth.
- That was the good. We’ll get to the bad momentarily. But we have to touch on the great from last night’s game–Martin Perez. Perez, the Rangers’ top prospect, went five innings and struck out nine, which ties a career high. He scattered four hits and stranded five runners. Of his 81 pitches, 51 were strikes.
- Since the beginning of the 2010 season, Perez had pitched at least five innings of scoreless baseball only twice before yesterday. Those outings came in back-to-back starts last year: June 23rd against Midland and June 28th against Corpus Christi.
- Now, the bad. We will not delve into the seventh inning, with the exception of this: single, strikeout, single, single, double, intentional walk, single, single, walk, ground out, single, fly out. That was the batter-by-batter happenings in that frame. In all, the Cardinals banged out 16 hits, the most by a ‘Rider opponent since Corpus Christi banged out 17 on September 2nd, 2010.
- Frisco’s pitching staff is now sixth in the league with a 5.86 ERA. The ‘Riders are barely above Arkansas’ 5.96 mark. Tulsa’s staff has a 7.40 ERA, with many of those runs coming in the Drillers’ 23-10 loss earlier this week to San Antonio.
- We will be back with Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com for his live blog of the Rangers-Yankees game. During the game, we’ll be giving updates from the ‘Riders-Cards contest. You can access the blog and ask Richard and others your Rangers and RoughRiders questions here. We’ll also have the Extra Bases Blog up and rolling, as always at http://ridersbaseball.com/extrabases.
Aaron Goldsmith has the call from Hammons Field at 7:07. Our coverage along the RRBN gets going at 6:37. Enjoy!
- Brian
