Dunshee's Solid Start Leads Hounds to Win

Parker Dunshee hit a speed bump in the first inning Monday evening at Security Bank Ballpark, but it was a smooth road the rest of the way as the RockHounds defeated the Frisco RoughRiders, 7-2, in the opener of a four-game series and a week of baseball at Rocky Town.
The 'Hounds backed Dunshee's seven-inning quality start with early offense, answering a Frisco two-run first with a four-run rally in the home half of the opening frame. Seth Brown's two-run single highlighted the inning, along with Nate Mondou's would-be two-run home run, which Frisco's Eliezer Álvarez turned into a sacrifice fly with a brilliant catch, reaching across the fence and into the right field bullpen.
Mondou's second RBI, a third-inning single that plated Seth Brown, pushed the lead to 5-2. As they did withy the first four batters in the first, the 'Hounds got four consecutive hits in the sixth. Luis Barrera's double to left-center was followed by singles from Skye Bolt (RBI), Eli White and Tyler Ramirez (RBI) to cap the scoring.
Dunshee, who tossed six scoreless innings against the RoughRiders in his last start (July 24 at Frisco), went seven innings for his third win, dropping his ERA under three in the process (2.96). He allowed two runs on five hits, with both runs and three of the hits coming in the first inning. The right-hander hit one batter, walked one and struck out five (see "I'm Not Tim Kurkjian" below).    
Notables
After being kept off base for just the third time in 27 games on Sunday, Eli White got right back onto the scoresheet with a 3-for-5 game (one run). He has reached in 25-of-28 games and is hitting .382 in that span with a .470 on-base percentage.
Richie Martin (1-for-4) has reached base in 11 straight games (.295) and is hitting .339 in his last 17.
Luis Barrera (2-for-4, run, double, steal) has hits in five games (7-for-17, .412) and has reached base in 11 straight (.342) with two doubles, two triples and six RBI. In the 11 games he has six walks against four strikeouts and four steals in five attempts.
Seth Brown (2-for-4, two RBI) is hitting .325 in his last 10 games with three doubles, a triple and two home runs. Seth has 10 RBI in the 10-game span, pushing his season total to 69, third in the Texas League.
Nate Mondou (1-for-3, two RBI) has hits in seven straight games (9-29, .310) with two doubles and three RBI.
Jonah Heim (0-for-4) saw a six-game on-base streak go by the boards but us hitting .333 in his last seven.
Tyler Ramirez (2-for-4, run, RBI, HBP) has reached base in seven straight games (8-for-27, .296). In his last three games versus the RoughRiders, Tyler is 7-for-14, with two HR and seven RBI.
Edwin Diaz has re-joined the RockHounds with J.P. Sportman promoted (for a second time) to the (AAA) Nashville Sounds. His last trip to the next level was cut short (four games) when Tyler Marincov was injured, leaving the 'Hounds short-handed and forcing J.P.'s return. Here's hoping he gets a much longer look at the Pacific Coast League. All the best, J.P.!
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
When winds of 10-15 miles per hour shift from the time a ball flies off the bat to the moment (seconds later) that the ball finds the outfielder's glove … chances are you're in West Texas. That was the case in the third inning Monday. When Frisco's Chuck Moorman sent a 2-1 pitch high in the air to left field, the wind was blowing almost straight in. By the time Tyler Ramirez, making several adjustments in the process, gloved the fly ball, the wind was foul-pole-to-foul-pole, left-to-right.
Parker Dunshee had five strikeouts and one walk ... and his ratio went DOWN. The right-hander had 41 K's and four walks entering the game.
Dunshee was terrific and his battery mate contributed with a pair of big caught stealings. Jonah Heim threw out Destin Hood with runners at the corners and one out in the first, cooling down the game-opening rally. Later, he denied Michael O'Neill, again with runners at first and third and one out. It was just the fifth time O'Neill has been caught stealing in 33 attempts.
 
Probable Starters
FRI: Yohander Méndez    (LH,           0-0,      6.75)
RH: Jesus Luzardo    (LH,    7-3,      2.32)
Next Game
Tuesday, July 31   vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Security Bank Ballpark           6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
- Second of a three-game series and seven-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:15 p.m.
The Week at Security Bank Ballpark
Tuesday               July 31        Two-for-One Tuesday
Wednesday         August 1     "Wins-day" Wednesday
Thursday             August 2     Thirsty Thursday
Friday     August 3       Adult Jersey Night
Saturday              August 4     Postgame Fireworks
Sunday August 5       Family Day (2:00 first pitch)