Yes, the 'Hounds and Hooks were on the diamond and they really have averaged nearly 18 runs per contest at Citibank Ballpark. Imposters were not the story Friday; Kyle Middleton was. A former 49th round draft choice of the Kansas City Royals in 1999, Kyle spent two-and-a-half seasons in the Texas League with the Wichita Wranglers (then the Royals' AA affiliate) from 2004-06. He spent the last two seasons at AA and AAA in the Astros organization, most of that time (ironically) with Corpus Christi. After opening 2009 pitching for an independent team in his home of Pensacola, Florida, Kyle got a call from Oakland and a chance to return to affiliated baseball. He "flew the coop" with the Pensacola Pelicans of the (independent) American Association and joined the 'Hounds last week. In his debut, the 29-year-old right-hander tossed 7.0 shutout innings in a no decision (a 4-2 win in 11 innings) at San Antonio. Friday, Middleton went 8.0 innings, allowing one run on four hits, walking two and whiffing six. This time, the 'Hounds rewarded the effort, building an early, 4-0 lead. Jon Hunton slammed the door in the ninth inning, and the RockHounds won for the eighth time in their last nine games, to stay within a half-game of division-leading Frisco (a 6-5 winner in 11 innings at San Antonio). In two starts with the RockHounds Kyle is 1-0, with a 0.70 ERA, allowing one run in 15.0 innings. Chris Carter extended his hit streak to 14 games, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles and a pair of RBI. The extra-base hit was Chris' 50th of the season (he leads the league). The A's prospect is now hitting .319 with 17 HR and 79 RBI, emerging as one of the three top candidates for Texas League Player of the Year. Newcomer Shane Peterson, acquired by Oakland in the Matt Holliday trade, went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles ... with Archie Gilbert and Raul Padron each adding two hits for the 'Hounds. Popcorn, Peanuts, Fresh Cut Grass ... Back To Citibank Ballpark The Thursday (July 23) rainout between the Rockounds and Corpus Christi will be made up tonight (Saturday, August 1), as part of a double-header. The RockHounds and Hooks will play two, 7-inning games beginning at 5:30, with fireworks to follow! For tickets, groups, picnics, youth teams of the night and more ... call the RockHounds office at 520-2255. The Citibank Ballpark box office will be open all day, and through the games, each night of the home stand. RockHounds Radio |
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