Dunshee's Quality Start Not Enough in Loss

Hitting with two strikes in the count is one of the most difficult ... and most overlooked ... elements of baseball. The Arkansas Travelers offered a two-strike "clinic" Saturday night in a 3-2 win over the RockHounds at Security Bank Ballpark.
Trailing, 2-0, the Travelers tied the game in the fourth on four singles and an RBI fielder's choice, with each of the four singles coming with two strikes on the count. Eric Filia (2-2), Joey Curletta (0-2) and Dario Pizzano (3-2) collected consecutive hits to load the bases with Kyle Lewis' RBI fielder's choice scoring Filia. Logan Taylor's 0-2 single up the middle then tied the game at 2-2.
The game stayed tied until the top of the eighth when beau Amaral opened the inning with a single, again with two strikes in the count (2-2 in a seven-pitch at bat). With two on and one out, Curletta sent (reliever) John Gorman's 2-0 delivery up the middle for what would be the game-winning run.
The 'Hounds got on the board in the first inning on Seth Brown's two-run home run, but Travs starter Chris Mazza and relievers Bryan Bonnell (win) and Matt Tenuta (save) did not allow a run the rest of the way. Tenuta, taking the spot of Matt Festa (see below), retired all five batters he faced, three by strikeout, to earn his first save of the season.
Notables
The league's top two run producers both added to their totals Saturday night. The 'Hounds' Seth Brown became the second player in the league to drive in 80 or more runs, with his two-run home run giving him 81 ribbies. He trails only the Travs' Joey Curletta, whose game-winning single pushed his league-leading total to 89 RBI
Despite taking the loss, Parker Dunshee turned in his fourth consecutive quality start. The right-hander went 7-and-a-third innings, allowing three runs (earned) on eight hits (all singles), walking two (one was intentional) and striking out eight. Parker's ERA with the 'Hounds is 2.44.
Tyler Ramirez has hit in 14-of-17 games (.371 with 12 RBI) and has reached base in 21-of-23 (.354 with 20 RBI).
Richie Martin reached base in 25-of-27 games (.269 with seven stolen bases in eight attempts).
Eli White has hit in five straight games (7-19, .368) with three RBI.
Luis Barrera and Skye Bolt each went 0-for-4, which has been rare of late. Luis was held hitless for just the second in 12 games (.383) and third time in his last 20 (.375) and failed to reach base for just the second time in 26 games (.355).   Sky went without a hit for the second time in nine games (.361) and the third time in his last 19 (.370, corrected).
Two relievers were packing their bags Saturday. Arkansas' Matt Festa, the Texas League's top closer (18 saves in as many chances), has been recalled to the Major Leagues by the Seattle Mariners. It is Matt's second stint in the Show this season. The RockHounds' Nolan Blackwood is now a member of the Detroit Tigers organization as the "player to be named later" in the trade that sent (pitcher) Mike Fiers from the Tigers to the Oakland A's.   Nolan had nine saves for the RockHounds this season and was instrumental in the brilliant bullpen performance that was so critical in the drive to the 2017 Texas League championship, completing the "Four-Peat."
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
Parker Dunshee allowed eight hits, all singles, over his seven-and-a-third innings the last six of those hits came in various two-strike counts.
Next Game
Sunday, August 19     vs. Arkansas Travelers
Security Bank Ballpark           2:00 p.m. (Gates open at 1:30)
Family Day
- Final of a three-game series and of a six-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 1:47 p.m.
Probable Starters
ARK:                      Ashton Goudeau           (RH,    2-3, 3.34)
RH: James Naile (RH,    1^st appearance)