Crawdads Alumni Report March 19
Tuesday, March 19
BIRTHDAYS:
Jose Castillo ('00, SS) turns 32. Signed by the Pirates in 1997 as an international free agent, the native of Las Mercedes, Venezuela was the Crawdads starting shortstop in 2000. At the plate, Castillo hit .299 with 32 doubles, eight triples, 16 homers and 72 RBI. His 8 triples are third most in a season for the team and tied for 6th overall. Castillo also is 5th in a season in at bats (529), doubles (32), runs scored (95), 6th in hits (158) and in total bases (254). In the field, Castillo showed a wide-range, leading all shortstops in total chances (650) in a season, and is third in assists (392). However, he is also tops in team history for a season with 60 errors, which is the third most overall. Castillo worked up to the major leagues and debuted with the Pirates on April 4, 2004, with whom he spent the next four seasons. He split time in 2008 with San Francisco and Houston, and since then has played in Taiwan, Japan and Mexico, playing with Veracruz in 2012. Castillo has made the Mexican League all-star game the past two seasons.
Ovidio Frias ('97, IF) turns 36. The native of Santiago, D.R. signed with the White Sox as a free agent in 1997 after his release from Pittsburgh. He played in 33 games with Hickory, hitting .231 with three doubles, a triple and 11 RBI. Frias also played with Bristol (rookie) that season before his release.
Jason Shelley ('99-'00, 3B-P) turns 36. The native of Vallejo, CA signed with the Pirates as a non-drafted free agent in 1999 out of Louisisana-Monroe. He appeared in 20 games that season, mostly at third, hitting .259 with two doubles, a homer and six RBI. Shelley returned the following season, this time as a pitcher, for three games. In that stint, Shelley had no record with an ERA of 9.00. He allowed six runs on eight hits in six innings with six strikeouts and two walks. Shelley played in the independent Frontier League with Cook County in 2001 and Rockford in 2002-2003. In 2003, Shelley was named the Frontier League's MVP and the independent league's player of the year by Baseball America. He briefly returned to affiliate ball with AA- Huntsville (Milwaukee) in 2004, but then was released and Shelley returned to independent league play with Somerset (Atlantic) later that season. He played out his career in the Northern League with Joliet in 2005 and Gary the next two seasons.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
Dominican Republic 4 Netherlands 1: Jurickson Profar ('11, SS/ Netherlands) 0-3, BB, K
SPRING TRAINING:
TEXAS RANGERS:
Texas 8 Kansas City 2: Joe Ortiz ('09-'10, P/ Texas) 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K; Ben Rowen ('11, P/ Texas) 1 IP, perfect 8th inning.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Pittsburgh 4 Boston 3: Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-0, BB; Bryan Morris ('08, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, save (1); Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) 0-1; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh)1-2, hit a solo homer (1) in the 2nd.
Detroit 5 Washington 1: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-4, solo HR in the 4th, 2 K.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Chicago Cubs 5 San Diego 2: Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Chicago Cubs) 2-4, triple, 2 R, K.
Cleveland 4 Milwaukee 2: Tom Gorzelanny ('04, P/ Milwaukee) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K.
HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS:
Steve Schorzman ('98, P/ Head Coach/ Bremerton High, WA) Bremerton (2-2) 4 Port Angeles 3.
Monday, March 18
BIRTHDAYS:
Jared Bolden ('09-'10, 1B-OF) turns 26. The native of Lynchburg, VA was a ninth round pick in 2008 out of Virginia Commonwealth. The all-Colonial Athletic Association selection struggled in his first season with Hickory, hitting .238 with 14 extra-base hits and 34 RBI in 107 games. After spending the first half of 2010 with High-A Bakersfield, Bolden returned to Hickory and was a key part of the Crawdads lineup during their second-half playoff push. In 58 games, Bolden hit .294 with 12 doubles, a pair of triples, slugged seven homers and knocked in 37. He split time between High-A Myrtle Beach and AA- Frisco in 2011, then played last year at Sioux Falls in the independent American Association.
Leury Garcia ('09-'10, SS) turns 22. The diminutive native of Santiago, D.R. signed with the Rangers as a free agent in 2007. He spent most of two seasons as the Crawdads shortstop and is second in team history in games played at the position. After committing 42 errors (3rd in a season) in 2009, Garcia settled down and made only 30 the next season. His 72 total errors is a club record for all positions. At the plate, Garcia hit .232 with 10 extra base hits in 2009, then improved to .262 with 12 XBHs the next season. But his value in the lineup was best seen on the base paths where after stealing 19 in 2009, that total jumped to 47 in 2010. Garcia's 66 total steals (caught only 15 times) are third in team history. He played at Myrtle Beach in 2011 and at Frisco the next season. Garcia is currently a member of the Dominican Republic roster in the World Baseball Classic and is vying for a spot with the Rangers' big league team this spring.
Bill Richardson ('10-'12, manager) turns 53. The native of Sacramento, CA is the only manager to lead the team for three seasons and compiled a record of 228-187 (.549 winning pct.). Richardson led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2010 and 2011, losing in the SAL first round both seasons. He recently signed with the Los Angeles Angels organization and will manage the team's advanced rookie affiliate in Orem, UT.
Matt Winters ('03-'04, hitting coach) turns 53. The native of Williamsville, NY was a member of Tony Beasley's staff in 2003 and Dave Clark's staff in 2004. His 2004 lineup set team records in triples (46), homers (135), RBI (697), and slugging pct. (.433). Winters spent one more season in the Pirates organization at AA- Altoona in 2005 before moving on to coach Lancaster (PA.) in the independent Atlantic League for three years. He was a scout for the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan through 2011.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
Puerto Rico 3 Japan 1: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Puerto Rico) 1-4.
SPRING TRAINING:
TEXAS RANGERS:
Seattle 4 Texas 3: Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Texas) 1-4, CS, two-run single in the 8th; Trever Adams ('12, 1B / Texas) 0-1, K; Odubel Herrera ('11, 2B/ Texas) 0-2; Hirotoshi Onaka ('12, OF/ Texas) 0-2, K; Jared Prince ('10, OF/ Texas) 0-1; Wilmer Font ('09-'10, P/ Texas) 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, HR, loss (0-2); Justin Grimm ('11, P/ Texas) 2 IP, H, 2 BB, 2 K; Johan Yan ('10, P/ Texas) 1/3 IP, H.
Texas 8 Chicago Cubs 5: Robbie Ross ('10, P/ Texas) 3 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K, win (2-0); Chad Bell ('10, P/ Texas) struck out the only batter he faced in the 9th to close out the save; Hanser Alberto ('12, SS/ Texas) 1-3; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Texas) 0-1, K; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Texas); 0-2; Zach Zaneski ('09-'10, C) 0-1.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Baltimore 7 Minnesota1: Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Baltimore) 0-4, K/ Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Minnesota) 0-2.
Philadelphia 5 Baltimore 3: Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 1-2, solo homer (4) in the 4th.
Atlanta 2 NY Mets 1: Brian Bixler ('05, SS/ NY Mets) 0-1.
NY Yankees 11 Pittsburgh 9: Jared Hughes ('06-'07, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 K Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 1-1 singled and scored in the 9th; Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 0-3, K; Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) 1-2 RBI double in the ninth.
Houston 11 Toronto 2: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Toronto) -2, SF; Jim Negrych ('07, 2B/ Toronto) 1-1, BB, R.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Oakland 12 Chicago Cubs 6: Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Chicago Cubs) 2-3, doubled and scored in the fourth, hit a two-run homer in the 6th; Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Chicago Cubs) 1-4.
Kansas City 10 Chicago White Sox 0: Jeff Keppinger ('02, 2B/ Chicago White Sox) 0-3, BB.
Cleveland 7 Cincinnati 7: Matt Capps ('04-'05, P/ Cleveland) 1 IP, 2 BB.
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Hitting Coach/ Longwood Univ., VA) UNC Asheville 11, Longwood (10-9 overall, 2-1 Big South) 1.
Brian Drent ('95, OF/ Head Coach/ Morningside College, IA) Game 1: Wayne St. (NE) 8 Morningside (7-12) 2. Game 2: Morningside (8-12) 5 WSU 4.
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Hitting Coach/ Univ. of South Florida) USF (11-9) 11 Florida A&M 4.
Bob Mumma ('93-'94, C-1B/ Head Coach/ Maryland- Baltimore County) Game 1: Binghamton 17 UMBC (3-6 overall, 1-1 American East) 11. Game 2: UMBC (4-6, 2-1) 2 Binghamton 0.
John Musachio ('97, P/ Head Coach/ Oakland Univ., MI) Dayton 8 Oakland (3-11) 5.
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant/ Georgia Tech) GT (17-2 overall, 5-1 ACC) 9 Boston College 1.
Gregg Ritchie ('96-'97/ Hitting Coach/ Head Coach, George Washington Univ. D.C.) Game 1: GW 6 (4-13) Penn 4. Game 2: Penn 6 GW (4-14) 4.
Josh Sharpless ('04, Volunteer Assistant Coach/ La Roche College, PA) Game 1: LRC (9-3) 5 Westminster (Pa.) 0. Game 2: LRC (10-3) 6 Westminster 4.
Sean Snedeker ('96-'98, Pitching Coach/ Oral Roberts Univ., OK) Cal State Fullerton 7 ORU (5-13).
Sunday, March 17
TRANSACTIONS:
Josh Lueke ('10, P) was optioned to AAA- Durham (Tampa Bay).
Todd Redmond ('06, P) was optioned to AAA- Norfolk (Baltimore).
Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B) was optioned to AA- Tennessee (Chicago Cubs)
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
Dominican Republic 2 Puerto Rico 0: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Puerto Rico) singled during his only at bat of the game in the third inning.
SPRING TRAINING:
TEXAS RANGERS:
Texas 4 LA Dodgers 0: Odubel Herrera ('11, 2B/ Texas) 0-1; Jared Prince ('10, OF/ Texas) made an appearance defensively in RF; Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Texas) 1-2.
Chicago Cubs 5 Texas 1: Hanser Alberto ('12, SS/ Texas) 0-1; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Texas) 0-1, K; Mike Bianucci ('09, OF/ Texas) 0-2, 2 K; Zach Cone ('12, OF/ Texas) 0-1, K; Nick Tepesch ('11, P/ Texas) 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 2 K, HR, loss (0-1). Ben Rowen ('11, P/ Texas) 1 IP, 2 K (perfect 8th).
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Atlanta 4 New York Yankees 0: Paul Maholm ('04, P/ Atlanta) 6 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K, win (3-1)
Baltimore 3 Toronto 1: Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 1-3, K/ Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 0-2, 2 BB, R, SB.
Miami 4 NY Mets 2: Brian Bixler ('05, SS/ NY Mets) 0-3.
Minnesota 2 Pittsburgh 1: Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Minnesota) 1-3, 2 K/ Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) doubled twice, walked twice and scored the Bucs only run of the game in the first; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-1, K; Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 0-1, 2 BBs; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 0-3, K.
Washington 4 Houston 2: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-2, BB.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Chicago Cubs 8 Kansas 3: Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Chicago Cubs) 2-3, 2B, R.
LA Angels 13 Oakland 13: Sean Burnett ('01, P/ LA Angels) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 K.
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Hitting Coach/ Longwood Univ., VA) Longwood (10-8 overall, 2-0 Big South) 8, UNC Asheville 3.
Adam Boeve ('04, OF/ Associate Head Coach/ Northwestern College, IA) (played at Metrodome) Game 1: Mayville St (ND) 4 NWC (9-8) 3. Game 2: Mayville St. 4 NWC (9-9) 2.
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Hitting Coach/ Univ. of South Florida) USF (10-9) 11 Florida A&M 2.
Chris Hernandez ('04, P/ Pitching Coach/ Cal State Los Angeles) Game 1: UC San Diego 10 Cal State LA (16-10 overall, 14-5 CCAA) 2. Game 2: UCSD 4 CSLA (16-11, 14-6) 0.
Bob Mumma ('93-'94, C-1B/ Head Coach/ Maryland- Baltimore County) UMBC (3-4 overall, 0-1 American East) 7 Binghamton 4.
John Musachio ('97, P/ Head Coach/ Oakland Univ., MI) (played at Dayton, OH). Game 1: Buffalo 8 Oakland (2-10) 4. Game 2: OU (3-10) 8 Buffalo 3.
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant/ Georgia Tech) GT (16-2 overall, 4-1 ACC) 11 Boston College 3.
Gregg Ritchie ('96-'97/ Hitting Coach/ Head Coach, George Washington Univ. D.C.) Game 1: Penn 2 GW (3-12) 1. Game 2: Penn 9 GW (3-13) 2.
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach / Valparaiso, IN)/ Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Pitching Coach) (played at Winter Haven, FL) Valpo (8-11) 9 Miami (OH) 6.
Josh Sharpless ('04, Volunteer Assistant Coach/ La Roche College, PA) Game 1: LRC (7-3) 5 Grove City 0. Game 2: LRC (8-3) 5 Grove City 2.
Sean Snedeker ('96-'98, Pitching Coach/ Oral Roberts Univ., OK) Cal State Fullerton 6 ORU (5-12) 2.
Chad Bradford ('98, P/ Pitching Coach/ Hinds Community College, MS) Game 1: HCC (9-10 overall, 1-2 South Division) 14 Gulf Coast (MS) CC 4. Game 2: HCC (10-10, 2-2) 9 GCCC 8.
Pete Pryor ('96, 1B/ Assistant Coach/ Sacramento City College, CA) Sierra 12 SCC (7-11 overall, 2-4 Big 8) 0.
HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS:
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach/ Foothills High, NV) FHS (7-1) 8 Desert Oasis 5.
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B)/ Head Coach/ Franklin County, VA) Liberty Christian 11 FCHS (2-2) 7.
Saturday, March 16
BIRTHDAYS:
James Boone ('06-'07, OF) turns 30. Selected by the Pirates in the third round of the 2005 draft out of the Univ. of Missouri. After an injury-plagued 2006 season, in which he hit .192 in 28 games, Boone rebounded in the first month of 2007 with a vengeance. In 27 games that season, Boone hit .327 with six doubles, four HRs, 17 RBI with an .895 OPS. He was bumped up to Lynchburg where he remained the rest of the season, then spent two injury-plagued seasons at AA- Altoona before his release. Boone last played at Sioux City in the independent American Association in 2009.
Josh Fauske ('96-'98, C-1B) turns 39. The native of Mercer Island, WV was drafted by the White Sox in the 26th round out of Central Washington Univ. in 1995. He spent much of the next three seasons in Hickory and is currently the team's leader in games played (317), at bats (1131), hits (282), doubles (62), RBI (182) and walks (125).
Teodoro Martinez ('11, OF) turns 21. The native of La Bueora, Venz. signed with the Rangers in 2008 as an international free agent. In a part time role in the outfield Martinez hit .276 with ten doubles, two triples, three homers and 25 RBI. He also stole 20 bases that season in 63 games before was cut short with knee injury. Martinez spent last season with the Rangers' class High-A affiliate in Myrtle Beach.
Bob Mumma ('93-'94, C-1B) turns 42. Drafted by the White Sox in the 19th round in 1992 out of the University of Maryland- Baltimore County. He spent parts of two seasons with the Crawdads, playing in 23 games each season. Mumma combined to hit .248 with six doubles, a triple, two homers and drove in 11 runs. He was released by the White Sox after that season and joined his alma mater in 1996, where he was as an assistant coach for 15 seasons. Mumma then took over as head coach position at UMBC in 2012, where he a member of the school's athletic hall of fame.
Jason Olsen ('96, P) turns 38. The native of Fairfield, CA was the White Sox's 44th round pick in 1994 out of Napa Valley CC. He made four starts with the Crawdads, which included a complete game. In 26.1 innings, he struck out 32, walked six and allowed five runs - four earned - on 19 hits. He was 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA before moving on to South Bend and remained in the White Sox organization through 1999, where he pitched for AAA-Charlotte. Olsen pitched three seasons in the independent Western League, where he was an all-star all three seasons.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
Puerto Rico 4 USA 3: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Puerto Rico) 1-3 with a bases loaded walk in the 7th.
SPRING TRAINING:
TEXAS RANGERS:
San Francisco 5 Texas 2: Joe Ortiz ('09-'10, P/ Texas) 1 IP, 1 K; Wilmer Font ('09-'10, P/ Texas) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, Loss (0-1); Johan Yan ('10, P/ Texas) 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Boston 3 Baltimore 3 (10 innings): Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Baltimore) 1-2, BB, doubled and scored in the 5th; Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 0-1, K.
Boston 5 Minnesota 0: Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Minnesota) 0-3, BB.
Pittsburgh 3 Houston 2: Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-2, Sac Fly in 7th; Bryan Morris ('08, P/ Pittsburgh) 1.2 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K; Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) 0-3, 1 K.
Detroit 4 Toronto 2: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Toronto) 1-3; Brad Lincoln ('06, '08, P/ Toronto); Jim Negrych ('07, 2B/ Toronto) 0-1.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Netherlands 8 Seattle 1: Jurickson Profar ('11, SS/ Netherlands) 2-4, BB, 2 R, K, CS/ Jon Garland ('98, P Seattle) 3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR, loss.
Chicago Cubs 7 Japan 5: Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Chicago Cubs) 1-2, 2B.
Milwaukee 4 Cleveland 3: Tom Gorzelanny ('04, P/ Milwaukee) 1 IP (perfect 5th inning).
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Hitting Coach/ Longwood Univ., VA) Longwood (9-8 overall, 1-0 Big South) 7 UNC Asheville 4.
Adam Boeve ('04, OF/ Associate Head Coach/ Northwestern College, IA) (played at the Metrodome in Minneapolis) Game 1: Mayville St (ND) 5 NWC (9-6) 2. Game 2: Mayville St 11 NWC (9-7) 0.
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Hitting Coach/ Univ. of South Florida) USF (9-9) 11 Florida A&M 3.
Chris Hernandez ('04, P/ Pitching Coach/ Cal State Los Angeles) CSLA (16-9 overall, 14-4 CCAA) 11 UC San Diego 2.
John Musachio ('97, P/ Head Coach/ Oakland Univ., MI) (played at Dayton, OH) Buffalo 8 Oakland (2-9) 4.
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant/ Georgia Tech) GT (15-2 overall, 3-1 ACC) 12 Boston College 5.
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach / Valparaiso, IN)/ Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Pitching Coach) (played at Winter Haven, FL) Alabama-Birmingham 1 Valpo (7-11) 0.
Cliff Smith ('05, P/ Head Coach/ Elizabethtown College, PA) Arcadia (Pa.) 10 Elizabethtown (4-10 overall, 0-1 MAC) 2.
Sean Snedeker ('96-'98, Pitching Coach/ Oral Roberts Univ., OK) Cal State Fullerton 5 ORU (5-11) 0.
Derek Drage ('05-'06, P/ Pitching Coach/ North Iowa Area CC) (Played at Vero Beach, FL) Game 1: NIACC (7-2) 5 Ontario 3. Game 2: NIACC (8-2) 12 Massasoit (MA) CC 1.
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach/ Oakton College, IL) Pasco-Hernando CC (FL) 9 Oakton (10-4) 1.
HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS:
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach/ Foothills High, NV) FHS (6-1) 6 Silverado 1.
Mario Iglesias ('96-'97, P/ Head Coach/ Castro Valley High, CA) CVHS (2-3 overall, 1-1 conference) 16 Hayward 1.
Jose Luis Lopez ('00, '02, P/ Pitching Coach/ Calallen High, TX) Calallen (18-1) 5 Tuloso-Midway 4 (9 innings).
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B)/ Head Coach/ Franklin County, VA) Hylton 5 FCHS (2-1) 2.
Scott Vollmer ('94, C/ Assistant Coach La Sierra High, CA) La Sierra (6-2 overall, 1-0 conference) 5 Patriot 3.
Friday, March 15
BIRTHDAYS:
Fernando Mejias ('95, P) turns 41. The native of Maracuay, Venezuela signed with the White Sox in 1994 and joined Hickory the next season. In 30 appearances, 16 starts, Mejias went 2-9 with a 4.59 ERA. He struck out 76, walked 38 and allowed 78 runs - 57 earned - on 128 hits in 111.2 innings of work. After his release in 1995, Mejias pitched for Aberdeen (SD) in the Prairie League in 1997.
SPRING TRAINING:
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Tampa Bay 4 Baltimore 3: Josh Lueke ('10, P/ Tampa Bay) 2 IP, 2 Ks, win (2-0)/ Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Baltimore) 0-1, 2 BBs, SB, R; Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 0-1
Detroit 9 NY Mets 1: Brian Bixler ('05, SS/ NY Mets) 0-1, K
Philadelphia 2 Pittsburgh 1: Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-1; Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, 2B; Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) 0-3 K; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 2-3, scored the Bucs only run in the 7th.
Toronto 17 NY Yankees 5: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 2-4, two-run double in the 2nd. Brad Lincoln ('06, '08, P/ Toronto); Jim Negrych ('07, 2B/ Toronto) 1-2, 2B.
Washington 6 Houston 3: Zach Duke ('03, P/ Washington) 2 IP, 3 K, 1 BB; Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 0-3, K. Chris Young ('01-02, P/ Washington) 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HR.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Chicago Cubs 8 LA Dodgers 1: Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Chicago Cubs) 2-3, 2B, 2 Runs;
Netherlands 9 San Diego 3: Jurickson Profar ('11, SS/ Netherlands) 0-4/ Robbie Erlin ('10, P/ San Diego) 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 K.
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Chris Hernandez ('04, P/ Pitching Coach/ Cal State Los Angeles) UC San Diego 10 CSLA (15-9 overall, 13-4 CCAA) 7.
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach / Valparaiso, IN)/ Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Pitching Coach) Valpo (7-10) 6 Bucknell 2.
Derek Drage ('05-'06, P/ Pitching Coach/ North Iowa Area CC) NIACC (6-1) 14 Canadian Baseball Academy 0.
Pete Pryor ('96, 1B/ Assistant Coach/ Sacramento City College, CA) Sierra College 19 SCC (7-10 overall, 2-3 Pac-North) 4.
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach/ Oakton College, IL) (played in Orlando, FL) Oakton (10-3) 8 CC of Rhode Island 4.
HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS:
Chuck Antczak ('96-'98, C/ Head Coach/ Riverview High, FL) Riverview (11-1) 3 Port Charlotte 2.
Russ Bayer ('03, P/ Head Coach South Forsyth High, GA) Roswell 4 SFHS (4-6) 3.
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach/ Foothills High, NV) Foothill (5-1) 6 Centennial 5 (8 innings)
Thursday, March 14
BIRTHDAYS:
Wardell Starling ('04, P) turns 30. The 4th round draft pick by the Pirates in 2002 out of Odessa College (TX) was a mainstay in the starting rotation in the Crawdads second championship season. In 26 starts, Starling went 11-8 with a 4.11 ERA. His 11 wins are 8th in club history for a season. He struck out 114, walked 51 in 140 innings of work and gave up 84 runs - 64 earned - on 133 hits. Starling stayed in the Pirates organization through 2007 at AA-Altoona. He then bounced around various independent league stops through 2011, when he last pitched for Bridgeport of the Atlantic League.
TRANSACTIONS:
Duke Welker ('08, P) was optioned to AAA- Indianapolis (Pittsburgh)
Neil Ramirez ('09-'10, P) was optioned to AAA- Round Rock (Texas)
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
Puerto Rico 4 Italy 3: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Puerto Rico) 1-3.
SPRING TRAINING:
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Pittsburgh 5 Toronto 4 (10 innings): Jared Hughes ('06-'07, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-0, HBP; Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, RBI single in the 2nd; Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) 1-2, singled and scored in the 8th; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 1-3./ Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Toronto) 0-3; Brad Lincoln ('06, '08, P/ Toronto); Jim Negrych ('07, 2B/ Toronto) 0-0, 2 BBs.
Baltimore 9 Minnesota 4: Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 0-0, BB, Sac fly in the 9th; Todd Redmond ('06, P/ Baltimore) 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2Ks, 2HRs allowed, win (2-0)./ Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Minnesota) 1-2, singled and scored in the 5th.
Atlanta 2 Miami 1: Jonathan Albaladejo ('03, P/ Miami) 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, allowed the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th for the loss (0-1).
NY Yankees 6 Philadelphia 2: Cody Eppley ('09, P/ NY Yankees) 1 IP, 2 Ks.
Washington 8 New York Mets 5: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-3, K/ Brian Bixler ('05, SS/ NY Mets) 1-3, tripled and scored in the 9th.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Colorado 2 Chicago Cubs 0: Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Chicago Cubs) 0-1; Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Chicago Cubs) 0-1.
San Diego 8 LA Angels 6: Sean Burnett ('01, P/ LA Angels) 1/3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER.
Kansas City 4 Seattle 2: Ronnie Paulino ('00, C/ Seattle ) 0-1.
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Hitting Coach/ Longwood Univ., VA) Longwood 17 (8-8) Norfolk St. 4.
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Hitting Coach/ Univ. of South Florida) Florida International 4 USF (8-9) 3.
Bob Mumma ('93-'94, C-1B/ Head Coach/ Maryland- Baltimore County) Georgetown 7 UMBC (2-5) 4.
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach / Valparaiso, IN)/ Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Pitching Coach) (Played at Winter Haven, FL) Game 1: Valpo (5-10) 7 Navy 1. Game 2: Valpo (6-10) 9 Yale 2.
Cliff Smith ('05, P/ Head Coach/ Elizabethtown College, PA) York (Pa.) 9 EC (4-9) 5.
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach/ Oakton College, IL) (played in Orlando, FL) Game 1: Oakton (8-3) 7 Ithaca CC 3. Game 2: Oakton (9-3) 9 Ithaca 7.
HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS:
Russ Bayer ('03, P/ Head Coach South Forsyth High, GA) Cherokee 7 SFHS (4-5) 4.
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach/ Foothills High, NV) Foothills (4-1) 4 Bonanza 3.
Mario Iglesias ('96-'97, P/ Head Coach/ Castro Valley High, CA) San Leandro 6 CVHS (1-3) 0.
Jose Luis Lopez ('00, '02, P/ Pitching Coach/ Calallen High, TX) Calallen (17-1) 13 Smithson Valley 3.
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B)/ Head Coach/ Franklin County, VA) FCHS (2-0) 4 Cave Springs 3 (8 innings).
Wednesday, March 13
BIRTHDAYS:
Matt Guillory ('05, P) turns 30. The native of Lake Charles, LA was drafted by the Pirates in the 11th round in 2004 out of Louisiana-Monroe. In 22 starts for Hickory, Guillory was 4-7 with a 2.64 ERA. In 109 innings, he struck out 82, walked 31, and allowed 44 runs - 32 earned- on 106 hits. Guillory pitched one more season in the Pirates organization with High-A Lynchburg.
Brett Holmes ('05, OF) turns 32. Picked in the 20th round by the Pirates in 2003 out of Auburn- Montgomery, Holmes appeared in nine games towards the end of the 2005 season. He hit .343 with a double, two homers and three RBI, but stuck out 18 times in 35 at bats. He was released after the 2005 season.
TRANSACTIONS:
Ben Rowen ('11, P) was added to the Texas Rangers major league camp.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
USA 7 Puerto Rico 1: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Puerto Rico) 0-1
SPRING TRAINING:
TEXAS RANGERS:
Texas 12 Milwaukee 4: Mike Bianucci ('09, OF/ Texas) 0-0, SF; Edwin Garcia ('10-'12, IF/ Texas) 1-2/ Tom Gorzelanny ('04, P/ Milwaukee) 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 K, 1 HR.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Boston 5 Toronto 3: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 1-3, 2B; Jim Negrych ('07, 2B/ Toronto) 2-2, two-run homer (2) in the 5th.
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Hitting Coach/ Longwood Univ., VA) Longwood (7-8) 9 Temple 6.
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Hitting Coach/ Univ. of South Florida) Florida International 5 USF (7-9) 4 (11 innings).
Gregg Ritchie ('96-'97/ Hitting Coach/ Head Coach, George Washington Univ. D.C.) Towson 9 GW (3-11) 5.
Sean Snedeker ('96-'98, Pitching Coach/ Oral Roberts Univ., OK) Texas 4 ORU
Juan Thomas ('93, 1B/ Volunteer Assistant Coach/ Augustana College, SD) Southern Indiana 8 Augustana (9-9) 7.
Chad Bradford ('98, P/ Pitching Coach/ Hinds Community College, MS) Game 1: Co-Lin CC 5 HCC (8-9 overall, 0-1 South Division). Game 2: Co-Lin 12 HCC (8-10, 0-2)
Derek Drage ('05-'06, P/ Pitching Coach/ North Iowa Area CC) (Played at Vero Beach, FL) Ontario 7 NIACC (5-1) 6.
Pete Pryor ('96, 1B/ Assistant Coach/ Sacramento City College, CA) Sierra College 10 SCC (7-9 overall, 2-2 Nor-Cal) 1.
Tuesday, March 12
BIRTHDAYS:
David Williams ('99-'00, P) turns 34. Drafted by the Pirates in the 17th round in 1998 out of Delaware Tech, he is arguably one of the best pitchers to ever pitch in Hickory. Overall in his two seasons, Williams went 14-10 with a 3.03 ERA in 33 starts and a 1.03 WHIP. He had a banner season in 2000 going 11-9 with a 2.96 ERA in 23 starts. His 193 strikeouts that season is a club record and he led all of the minor leagues with 201 strikeouts, the final eight coming at Lynchburg (High A). Williams' strikeout-per-9 inning ratio of 10.22 is also the tops in club history. Overall, Williams leads the team in strikeouts (239), is 4th in innings pitched, 6th in wins and 10th in games started. He spent all of 2001 at Lynchburg, then quickly moved up the ladder and debuted with the Pirates on June 6, 2001. Williams bounced back and forth between Pittsburgh and AAA- Nashville the next few seasons. He went on to pitch for Cincinnati (2005) and the New York Mets (2006-2007) before going to Japan in 2008. Williams spent one last season in affiliated ball with the Washington Nationals organization and last pitched for Long Island in the independent Atlantic League.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:
Netherlands 7 Cuba 6: Yurendell DeCaster ('01, 3B/ Netherlands) 1-3, K.
SPRING TRAINING:
TEXAS RANGERS:
San Francisco 2 Texas 1: Jurickson Profar ('11, SS/ Texas) 1-3, 2 K; Ben Rowen ('11, P/ Texas) 1 IP, 1 H.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE:
Atlanta 7 Washington 2: Paul Maholm ('04, P/ Atlanta)5 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K win (2-1)/ Zach Duke ('03, P/ Washington) 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 K; Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 0-2, BB, K.
Pittsburgh 4 Baltimore 3: Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 1-3, 2B/ Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) entered the game as a pinch-runner and scored the tying run in the 9th; Bryan Morris ('08, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP (perfect 8th inning); Alex Presley ('07, OF Pittsburgh) 1-1, HBP, 2 runs, scored the winning run in the 9th; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, 2B, K.
NY Mets 11 Detroit 0: Brian Bixler ('05, SS/ NY Mets) 3-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, solo homer in the 8th.
New York Yankees 4 St Louis 0: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ St. Louis) 0-4, 2K.
CACTUS LEAGUE:
Chicago Cubs 7 Arizona 5: Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Chicago Cubs) 0-2.
COLLEGE RESULTS:
Adam Boeve ('04, OF/ Associate Head Coach/ Northwestern College, IA) (played at Tucson, AZ) NWC (9-5) 12 St. Ambrose (IA) 5.
Juan Thomas ('93, 1B/ Volunteer Assistant Coach/ Augustana College, SD) Game 1: Indianapolis 12 Augustana (8-8) 4. Game 2: Augustana (9-8) 7 Indianapolis 4.
Derek Drage ('05-'06, P/ Pitching Coach/ North Iowa Area CC) (played at Vero Beach, FL) Game 1: NIACC (4-0) 12 Sauk Valley CC (IL) 7. Game 2: NIACC (5-0) 30 Miami-Middletown (OH) 1.
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach/ Oakton College, IL) (Played at Orlando, FL) Game 1: Muscatine (IA) 9 OCC (6-3) 7. Game 2: OCC (7-3) 5 Muscatine 1.
HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS:
Steve Schorzman ('98, P/ Head Coach/ Bremerton High, WA) BHS (1-0) 11 Shelton 1.
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B)/ Head Coach/ Franklin County, VA) FCHS (1-0) 8 (8 innings) Patrick County 4.