Crawdads Alumni Report April 20
Sunday, April 20
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Round Rock- Texas) had two homers and three RBI to lead the Express to a 12-2 win over Iowa. He hit a two-run shot in the third and followed up with a solo blast in the sixth. Lillibridge now has three homers on the season.
BIRTHDAYS:
Jason Quarles ('05, P) turns 31. The native of Indianapolis was the seventh round pick of the Pirates in 2004 out of Southern University (LA.). He went 0-3 with a 2.61 ERA in 19 games, including one start. In 38 innings, Quarles struck out 45, walked 26, and allowed 15 runs (11 earned) on 31 hits. He sat out 2006 and returned for one more season at Chillicothe in the independent Frontier League. Quarles had a two-year stint in 2011-2012 as the strength coach at Bluefield in the Blue Jays chain.
Drew Robinson ('12, 3B) turns 22. The native of Las Vegas, NV was the fourth round pick of the Rangers in 2010. He batted .273 in 123 games with 23 doubles, four triples, 13 homers and 67 RBI. Robinson also walked 86 times, which is the second most in a season for Hickory, and his .409 on base pct. is the fifth best for the club. He played last season at high-A Myrtle Beach and is currently with AA Frisco.
TRANSACTIONS:
Luis Sardinas ('12, SS) was promoted to the Texas Rangers from AA Frisco.
Brett Teschner ('13, C) was assigned by the Rangers to AAA- Round Rock.
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Round Rock (AAA) 12 Iowa 2: Roman Mendez ('11, P/ Round Rock) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K; / Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 2-3, 2 2B, K.
Corpus Christi 0 Frisco (AA) 6: Trever Adams ('12, 1B/ Frisco) 1-4, R, 2 RBI; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Frisco) 2-4, K, CS; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Frisco) 1-2, two-run HR (3) in the fifth, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 RBI; Ryan Rua ('13, 2B/ Frisco) 1-4, 2B; Jake Skole ('11, OF/ Frisco) 1-4; Tomas Telis ('11, C/ Frisco) 2-4, RBI.
Wilmington 3 Myrtle Beach (High-A) 4 (Game 1): Hanser Alberto ('12, SS-3B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-2, BB; Jorge Alfaro ('12-'13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, R, RBI, K; Preston Beck ('13, 1B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI; Zach Cone ('12, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-2, BB, R, SB, K; Joey Gallo ('13, 3B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, R, K; Odubel Herrera ('12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-2, BB; Nick Williams ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-3, R, K; Keone Kela ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 1.2 IP, 3 K; Luis Parra ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K / Wilmington 2 Myrtle Beach 7 (Game 2): Hanser Alberto 1-2, BB, R, SB; Jorge Alfaro 2-3, R, K; Joey Gallo 1-4, 2B, R, 3 K; Edwin Garcia ('10-'12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, K; Chris Garia ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-3, K; David Lyon ('13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 0-3, K; Nick Williams 1-4, R, 2 K; Cody Ege ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 K, win (2-0); Victor Payano ('12, P/ Myrtle Beach) 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 6 K.
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
LA Angels 2 Detroit 5: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Detroit) 1-3, 2 BB, 1 K, CS.
NY Yankees 1 Tampa Bay 16: Josh Lueke ('10, P/ Tampa Bay) 1 IP, 2 K
Toronto 5 Cleveland 0: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 1-4, BB, 2 R, RBI.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Milwaukee 8 Pittsburgh 7: Zach Duke ('03, P/ Milwaukee) 2/3 IP, 1 K/ Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-4, BB, R, RBI; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-1; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, BB, RBI; Bryan Morris ('08, P/ Pittsburgh) 2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, WP; Tony Watson ('07, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K, 1 HR.
St. Louis 4 Washington 3: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-3, 2B, BB, R; Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Washington) 0-1.
MINOR LEAGUES:
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA):
Durham 2 Norfolk 1: Juan Carlos Oviedo ('02-'04, P/ Durham- Tampa Bay) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K.
Louisville 4 Indianapolis 2: Matt Hague ('08, 1B-3B/ Indianapolis-Pittsburgh) 2-4, RBI, K.
Toledo 8 Columbus 2 (Game 1): Nyjer Morgan ('04, OF/ Columbus- Cleveland) 0-2, BB, K / Toledo 7 Columbus 6 (Game 2): Nyjer Morgan 0-1.
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
Albuquerque 2 Salt Lake 12: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ Albuquerque-LA Dodgers) 1-3, solo HR (3) in 7th, BB, 2 K.
MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA):
Laguna 1 Tabasco 3: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Tabasco) 1-4, K.
Monclova 1 Veracruz 8: Jose Castillo ('00, SS/ Veracruz) 1-4, 2B, R, K.
Monterrey 5 Puebla 7: Humberto Cota ('99, C/ Monterrey) 0-3, BB.
Reynosa 11 Oaxaca 2: Jeff Bennett ('99-'00, P/ Reynosa) 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 K, win (3-1).
Yucatan 4 Tijuana 5 (11 innings): Efren Espinoza ('01, 3B/ Tijuana) 1-1, pinch-hit double and scored winning run in 11th.
EASTERN LEAGUE (AA):
Akron 1 Bowie 3: Fabio Castillo ('09, P/ Bowie- Baltimore) 1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K.
New Hampshire 2 Binghamton 3: Richard Bleier ('09, P/ New Hampshire- Toronto) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, loss (0-1).
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Tennessee 4 Birmingham 5: Josh Richmond ('11, OF/ Birmingham- Chicago White Sox) 1-5, 2B, RBI.
CAROLINA LEAGUE (HIGH A):
Salem 2 Winston-Salem 0: Jonathan Roof ('10-'11, UT/ Salem- Boston) 1-3, BB, R;
COLLEGE BASEBALL:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Longwood (VA) Univ.) Longwood 1 (15-24 overall, 5-13 Big South) VMI 3.
Adam Boeve ('04, OF/ Associate Head Coach, Northwestern (IA) College) Briar Cliff 5 NWC 15 (Game 1)/ Briar Cliff 1 NWC 7 (Game 2) (33-9 overall, 12-4 GPAC)
Brian Drent ('95, OF/ Head Coach, Morningside (IA) College) Morningside 9 Dakota Wesleyan 8 (Game 1)/ Morningside 0 (21-20 overall, 10-6 GPAC) Dakota Wesleyan 4 (Game 2)
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Assistant Coach, Univ. of South Florida) USF 3 (22-17 overall, 8-7 American) #12 Houston 5.
Chris Hernandez ('04, P/ Pitching Coach, Cal State Los Angeles) CSULA 0 (14-25) Dixie St (UT) 11.
Trevor Hurley ('10, P/ Volunteer Assistant, Kansas St) Baylor 3 Kansas St 1 (21-18 overall, 4-8 Big 12)
Vinny Lopez ('11, Assistant Coach/ Assistant Coach, Southern California) Arizona 0 USC 2 (20-17 overall, 9-9 Pac 12).
John Musachio ('97, P/ Head Coach, Oakland (MI) University) Oakland 0 (7-21 overall, 2-11 Horizon) Youngstown St. 5
Greg Norton ('93, 3B/ Hitting Coach, Auburn (AL) University) South Carolina 2 Auburn 4(Game 1)/ South Carolina 3 Auburn 2 (Game 2) (22-18 overall, 7-10 SEC)
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant, Georgia Tech) Georgia Tech 1 Maryland 4 (24-16 overall, 10-10 ACC).
Gregg Ritchie ('98, hitting coach/ Head Coach, George Washington University) Massachusetts 2 GW 3 (12-23 overall, 5-9 Atlantic 10)
Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Head Coach, Valparaiso (IN) University) Valpo 0 (14-18 overall, 6-6-6 Horizon) Milwaukee 5.
Josh Sharpless ('04, P/ Volunteer Assistant, LaRoche (PA) College) LRC 16 Pittsburgh-Bradford 3 (Game 1)/ LRC 16 (21-11 overall, 11-1 Allegheny Mountain) Pittsburgh-Bradford 1 (Game 2).
Sean Snedeker ('96-'96, Pitching Coach, Oral Roberts (OK) University) Houston Baptist 10 ORU 11 (21-18 overall 9-9 Southland)
Juan Thomas ('03, OF/ Volunteer Assistant, Augustana (SD) University) Augustana 7 SW Minnesota St. 6 (Game 1)/ Augustana 12 (31-10 overall, 21-4 North Star) SW Minnesota St. 2 (Game 2)
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach, University of Richmond) Richmond 3 (16-20-1 overall, 6-9 Atlantic 10) St. Louis 5.
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach, Oakton (IL) Community College) OCC 6 Waubonsee CC 1 (Game 1)/ OCC 2 (21-10 overall, 8-5 Conference) Waubonsee CC 3 (Game 2)
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
Brad Corley ('06, P/ Assistant Coach, Gulfport, MS) Gulfport 2 (13-8 overall, 8-5 Division 7) Harrison Central 5.
Saturday, April 19
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Martin Perez ('09, P/ Texas) threw his first major league shutout on Friday as the Rangers blanked Chicago 12-0. He struck out eight and allowed just three hits and a walk in his 109 pitch effort.
BIRTHDAYS:
Jordan Akins ('12-'13, OF) turns 22. The native of McDonough, GA was the third round pick of the Rangers in 2010 out of Union Grove High School. He batted .209 in 215 games over two full seasons with 33 doubles, four triples, 18 homers and 74 RBI. He also stole 23 bases and scored 93 runs. Akins spent the final month of last season at short-season Spokane and recently signed to play college football with the University of Central Florida.
Joe Beimel ('99, P) turns 37. The native of St. Mary's, PA was the 18th round pick of the Pirates in 1998 out of Duquesne University (PA). He pitched in 29 games (22 starts) and went 5-11 with a 4.43 ERA. In 130 innings, Beimel struck out 102, walked 43, and allowed 81 runs (64 earned) on 146 hits. He pitched across two levels in 2000 and then made his big league debut with Pittsburgh on April 8, 2001. Beimel remained with the Pirates until he was released in spring training in 2004. The Twins picked him up for that season and then he pitched for Tampa Bay in 2005. He had his best success with the Dodgers as a left-handed specialist from 2006-2008. He also has played for Washington (2009), Colorado (2009-2010), then back to Pittsburgh in 2011. Beimel sat out 2012 due to Tommy John surgery and returned last year with AAA Gwinnett in the Braves organization. He is currently with Seattle.
Zach Duke ('03, P) turns 31. The native of Hewitt, TX was the 20th round pick of the Pirates in 2001 out of Midway High School. He made 26 starts for Hickory and went 8-7 with a 3.11 ERA and a shutout. In 141.2 innings, he struck out 113, walked 46, and allowed 66 runs (49 earned) on 124 hits. He split time in 2004 with high-A Lynchburg and AA Altoona and then joined AAA Indianapolis in 2005. Duke made his major league debut with Pittsburgh on July 2, 2005. He remained with the Pirates through 2010, which was highlighted by his selection to the National League all-star team in 2009. A trade sent Duke to Arizona in 2011. Since then he pitched for Washington in 2012-2013 and then was picked off waivers by Cincinnati to finish last season. Duke is currently with Milwaukee.
Julien Tucker ('97, P) turns 41. The native of Chateauguay, Quebec, Canada signed with the White Sox as a free agent in 1997 out of the Astros organization. He had no record in four games with Hickory with a 3.68 ERA. He struck seven, walked two, and allowed seven runs (three earned) on 11 hits in 7.1 innings. Tucker pitched for AA Birmingham in 1998-1999. After a season (2000) with Aberdeen in the independent Atlantic League, he returned to affiliate baseball in 2001 with AA Erie (Detroit) and AA Akron (Cleveland). In 2002, Tucker pitched for high-A Brevard County in the Montreal Expos chain before finishing his career by playing for Quebec in the Can-Am League in 2003 and 2005-2006.
TRANSACTIONS:
Cody Buckel ('11, P/ Myrtle Beach- Texas) was placed on the DL. Will Lamb ('11-'12, P) will take his place on the active roster.
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Chicago White Sox 0 Texas 12: Leury Garcia ('09-'10, SS/ Chicago White Sox) 1-3, 2B, K.
Round Rock 2 (AAA) Omaha 3: Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Round Rock) 0-4, K.
Corpus Christi 3 Frisco 4 (AA): Trever Adams ('12, 1B/ Frisco) 2-4, R; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Frisco) 0-3, BB, SB; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Frisco) 1-4, solo HR (2) in the 7th, K; Ryan Rua ('13, 2B/ Frisco) 0-3, BB, 2 K; Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Frisco) 1-4; Jake Skole ('11, OF/ Frisco) 1-4, 2-run HR (1) in the 7th, 2 K; Tomas Telis ('11, C/ Frisco); Phil Klein ('12, P/ Frisco) 2 IP, 3 K, win (3-0); Jimmy Reyes ('11, P/ Frisco) 1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K; Matt West ('09-10, 3B/ Frisco) 1 IP, save (2).
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
LA Angels 11 Detroit 6: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Detroit) 1-4, 2 R, SB, K.
Toronto 3 Cleveland 2: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 0-3, 2 BB, 2 K.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Atlanta 6 NY Mets 0: Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Atlanta) 0-3, 2 K.
Cincinnati 4 Chicago Cubs 1: Justin Grimm ('11, P/ Chicago) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K.
Milwaukee 5 Pittsburgh 3: Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, K; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 1-1, R, left game after injuring ankle; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 0-4.
Seattle 4 Miami 8: Joe Beimel ('99, P/ Seattle) 3 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB; Chris Young ('01-'02, P/ Seattle) 2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 0-1.
St. Louis 1 Washington 3: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-3; Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Washington) 0-3, K.
MINOR LEAGUES:
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA):
Indianapolis 9 Louisville 2: Matt Hague ('08, 1B-3B/ Indianapolis-Pittsburgh) 0-3, 2 BB, R; Duke Welker ('08, P/ Indianapolis-Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K.
Toledo 5 Columbus 3: Nyjer Morgan ('04, OF/ Columbus- Cleveland) 0-4, K/ Derek Hankins ('05, P/ Toledo- Detroit) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
El Paso 6 Albuquerque 10: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ Albuquerque-LA Dodgers) 0-4, BB, R.
New Orleans 1 Iowa 0: Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 0-3, 2 K.
MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA):
Campeche 10 Aguascalientes 5: Johan Yan ('10, P/ Aguascalientes) 0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB.
Laguna 14 Tabasco 1: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Tabasco) 0-4.
Monclova 11 Veracruz 9: Jose Castillo ('00, SS/ Veracruz) 0-3, RBI
Yucatan 5 Tijuana 4: Efren Espinoza ('01, 3B/ Tijuana) made defensive appearances in RF.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Birmingham 3 Mobile 0: Josh Richmond ('11, OF/ Birmingham-Chicago White Sox) 1-2, 2 BB, R, RBI, 2 SB, K.
Jacksonville 6 Chattanooga 0: Hector Nelo ('10, P/ Chattanooga- LA Dodgers) 2 IP, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K.
CAROLINA LEAGUE (HIGH A):
Salem 8 Winston-Salem 2: Jonathan Roof ('10-'11, UT/ Salem- Boston) 3-5, 2B, BB, 3 R, K.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (LOW A):
Peoria 4 Ft. Wayne 9: Coby Cowgill ('12-'13, P) 4 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K.
COLLEGE BASEBALL:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Longwood (VA) Univ.) Longwood 6 (15-23 overall, 5-12 Big South) VMI 4.
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Assistant Coach, Univ. of South Florida) USF 4 (22-16 overall, 8-6 American) #12 Houston 3.
Chris Hernandez ('04, P/ Pitching Coach, Cal State Los Angeles) CSULA 0 (14-24) Dixie St (UT) 7.
Trevor Hurley ('10, P/ Volunteer Assistant, Kansas St) Baylor 4 Kansas St 6 (21-17 overall, 4-7 Big 12).
Vinny Lopez ('11, Assistant Coach/ Assistant Coach, Southern California) Arizona 4 USC 5 (12 innings) (19-17 overall, 8-9 Pac 12).
John Musachio ('97, P/ Head Coach, Oakland (MI) University) Oakland 4 (7-20 overall, 2-10 Horizon) Youngstown St. 1.
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant, Georgia Tech) Georgia Tech 2 (24-15 overall, 10-9 ACC) Maryland 7.
Gregg Ritchie ('98, hitting coach/ Head Coach, George Washington University) Massachusetts 6 GW 4 (11-23 overall, 4-9 Atlantic 10).
Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Head Coach, Valparaiso (IN) University) Valpo 0 (14-17 overall, 6-5 Horizon) Milwaukee 3
Cliff Smith ('05, P/ Head Coach, Elizabethtown (PA) College) Widener 4 EC 6 (Game 1)/ Widener 4 EC 1 (14-16 overall, 7-11 Commonwealth) (Game 2).
Sean Snedeker ('96-'96, Pitching Coach, Oral Roberts (OK) University) Houston Baptist 3 ORU 5 (21-17 overall, 9-8 Southland).
Juan Thomas ('03, OF/ Volunteer Assistant, Augustana (SD) University) SW Minnesota St. 5 Augustana 8 (Game 1)/ SW Minnesota St. 5 Augustana 16 (Game 2) (29-10 overall, 19-4 North Star).
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach, University of Richmond) Richmond 1 (16-19-1 overall) St. Louis 2.
Chad Bradford ('96, P/ Pitching Coach, Hinds (MS) Community College) Jones 13 HCC 2 (Game 1)/ Jones 2 HCC 4 (Game 2) (25-14 overall, 15-5 MACJC).
Pete Pryor ('96, 1B/ Hitting Coach, Sacramento City College) SCC 2 (22-10 overall, 10-8 Big 8) Consumnes St. 6
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach, Oakton (IL) Community College) OCC 2 Kishwaukee College 8 (Game 1)/ OCC 6 (20-9) Kishwaukee College (Game 2)
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
Steve Schorzman ('98, P/ Head Coach, Bremerton, WA) North Mason 3 Bremerton 8 (4-6 overall, 3-5 Olympic)
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B/ Head Coach, Franklin County, VA) George Washington 9 Franklin County 0 (6-5 overall, 3-3 Piedmont).
Chris Shelton ('02, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Cottonwood, UT) Taylorsville 6 Cottonwood 7 (10-6 overall, 4-2 Region 2)
Friday, April 18
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Joey Gallo ('13, 3B/ Myrtle Beach) hit his minor league leading sixth homer of the season, walked twice and scored three runs during the Pelicans 9-2 win over Potomac on Thursday.
BIRTHDAYS:
Keith Maxwell ('99, 1B-OF) turns 39. The native of Bristol, FL was the eighth round pick of the Pirates in 1997 out of Florida A&M. Maxwell batted .262 in 62 games with 11 doubles, one triple, eight homers and 39 RBI. He finished up that season at high-A Lynchburg and returned there in 2000 before his release. From there, Maxwell played for a succession of independent league teams before ending his career in 2008 with Heidekoepfe of the German-Bundesliga. He is now a manager in that league with Haar.
TRANSACTIONS:
Coby Cowgill ('12-'13, P) was sent by the San Diego Padres to low-A Ft. Wayne
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Seattle 6 Texas 8: Joe Beimel ('99, P/ Seattle) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, loss (0-1).
Round Rock (AAA) 1 Omaha 14: Ben Rowen ('11, P/ Round Rock) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R; Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Round Rock) 0-4, BB, 3K.
Corpus Christi 2 Frisco (AA) 3: Trever Adams ('12, 1B/ Frisco) 1-4, R, 2 K; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Frisco) 1-2, BB, Sac; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Frisco) 0-3, BB, 2 K; Ryan Rua ('13, 2B/ Frisco) 2-3, solo HR (2) in the second, HBP; Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Frisco) 1-4, R, K; Jake Skole ('11, OF/ Frisco) 1-4, RBI; Tomas Telis ('11, C/ Frisco) 1-3, Sac; Wilmer Font ('09-'10, P/ Frisco) 1 IP 2 K, win (1-0); Nick Martinez ('12, P/ Frisco- Texas) 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K; Ryan Rodebaugh ('11, P/ Frisco) 1.1 IP, 3 K.
Potomac 2 Myrtle Beach 9 (High-A): Hanser Alberto ('12, SS-3B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-4, 2B; Jorge Alfaro ('12-'13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 1-4, 2 RBI, HBP, K; Preston Beck ('13, 1B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-5, grand slam (1) in the sixth, K; Zach Cone ('12, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-3, BB, 2 K; Odubel Herrera ('12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-4, BB, 2 R, SB, K; Nick Williams ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 2-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI; Ryan Bores ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 1 IP, 1 H,1 R, 1 K; Sam Wolff ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, win (2-1).
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Boston 3 Chicago White Sox 1: Leury Garcia ('09-'10, SS/ Chicago White Sox) 1-2, 2B, Sac, K.
Cleveland 5 Detroit 7: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Detroit) 2-3, HBP, R, RBI.
Kansas City 5 Houston 1: Alex Presley ('07, OF/ Houston) 1-2, SF, RBI.
NY Yankees 10 Tampa Bay 2: Josh Lueke ('10, P/ Tampa Bay) 1.1 1 H, 1 K.
Toronto 0 Minnesota 7: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 0-3, BB, K; Todd Redmond ('06, P/ Toronto) 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 K.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Milwaukee 2 Pittsburgh 11: Zach Duke ('03, P/ Milwaukee) 2/3 IP, 1 BB, 1 K/ Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-5, two-run HR (1) in the first, 3 RBI; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 2-4, 2 R, K; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 0-5, 2 K; Bryan Morris ('08, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP.
St. Louis 8 Washington 0: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-3, BB, K.
MINOR LEAGUES:
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA):
Columbus 3 Toledo 0: Nyjer Morgan ('04, OF/ Columbus- Cleveland) 1-3, BB, RBI.
Indianapolis 6 Louisville 2: Jared Hughes ('06-'07, P/ Indianapolis-Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K.
Norfolk 2 Durham 3: Juan Carlos Oviedo ('02-'04, P/ Durham- Tampa Bay) 1 IP, 1 K, hold (2).
Lehigh Valley 0 Syracuse 3: Brad Lincoln ('06, '08, P/ Lehigh Valley- Philadelphia) 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, loss (1-1).
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
Memphis 4 Nashville 5: Dustin Molleken ('07-'08, P/ Nashville- Milwaukee) 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB.
New Orleans 4 Iowa 5: Neil Ramirez ('09-'10, P/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 1 IP, 1 BB, 3 K; Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, R.
MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA):
Laguna 2 Veracruz 5: Jose Castillo ('00, SS/ Veracruz) 1-4, 2 RBI.
Monclova 3 Tabasco 1: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Tabasco) 1-4, RBI.
Monterrey 6 Oaxaca 14: Humberto Cota ('99, C/ Monterrey) 1-2, 2B, BB, R, 2 RBI.
EASTERN LEAGUE (AA):
Akron 3 Bowie 2: Fabio Castillo ('09, P/ Bowie- Baltimore) 1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Birmingham 7 Mobile 11: Josh Richmond ('11, OF/ Birmingham- Chicago White Sox) 1-5, solo HR (1) in the second, 2 K.
CAROLINA LEAGUE (HIGH A):
Salem 10 Carolina 2: Jonathan Roof ('10-'11, UT/ Salem- Boston) 1-5, BB, R/ Carlos Melo ('10-'11, P/ Carolina- Cleveland) 1/3 IP, 3 R, 3 BB.
COLLEGE BASEBALL:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Longwood (VA) Univ.) Longwood 1 (14-23 overall, 4-12 Big South) Liberty 3.
Adam Boeve ('04, OF/ Associate Head Coach, Northwestern (IA) College) NWC 4 Mt. Marty 2 (Game 1)/ NWC 2 (31-9 overall, 12-4 GPAC) Mt. Marty 3 (Game 2).
Brian Drent ('95, OF/ Head Coach, Morningside (IA) College) Dordt 2 Morningside 6 (Game 1)/ Dordt 3 Morningside 6 (20-19 overall, 9-5 GPAC) (Game 2).
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Assistant Coach, Univ. of South Florida) USF 2 (21-16 overall, 7-6 American) Houston 3.
Trevor Hurley ('10, P/ Volunteer Assistant, Kansas St) Baylor 2 Kansas St 8 (20-17 overall, 3-7 Big 12).
Vinny Lopez ('11, Assistant Coach/ Assistant Coach, Southern California) Arizona 0 USC 1 (18-17 overall, 7-9 Pac 12)
Brian Schmack ('96, P/ Head Coach, Valparaiso (IN) University) Valpo 4 (14-16 overall, 6-4 Horizon) Milwaukee 0.
Cliff Smith ('05, P/ Head Coach, Elizabethtown (PA) College) EC 7 (13-15 overall, 6-10 Commonweath) Widener 8 (11 innings).
Sean Snedeker ('96-'96, Pitching Coach, Oral Roberts (OK) University) Houston Baptist 5 ORU 6 (20-17 overall, 8-8 Southland).
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach, University of Richmond) Richmond 6 (15-19-1 overall, 6-7 Atlantic 10) St. Louis 7.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
Chuck Antczak ('95-'97, C/ Head Coach, Riverview, FL) Palmetto Riverview
Brad Corley ('06, P/ Assistant Coach, Gulfport, MS) Gulfport 2 (13-7 overall, 8-4 Conference) Biloxi 3.
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach, Foothill, NV) (Lions Tournament, La Jolla) Birmingham 1 Foothill 0 (12-8)
Jose Luis Lopez ('00, '02, P/ Pitching Coach, Calallen, TX) Victoria East 0 Callalen 3 (28-3 overall, 10-1 District 30).
Jay Meyer ('94, P/ Head Coach, Lee's Summit West, MO) Park Hill South 0 LSW 6 (13-3)
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B/ Head Coach, Franklin County, VA) Franklin County 3 (6-4 overall, 3-2 Piedmont) George Washington 4.
Chris Shelton ('02, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Cottonwood, UT) Cottonwood 2 (9-6 overall, 3-2 Region 2) Taylorsville 3
Scott Vollmer ('94, C/ Assistant Coach, La Sierra, CA) La Sierra 7 (13-5 overall, 7-0 River Valley League) Patriot 0.
Thursday, April 17
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Round Rock- Texas) slugged his first homer of the season and walked twice for the Express in their 8-2 win at Omaha.
BIRTHDAYS:
Jorge Quintero ('09 P) turns 27. The native of Valencia, Venezuela signed with the Rangers as an international free agent in 2005. He went 3-0 in five last-season relief appearances with a 1.38 ERA. In 13 innings, he struck out six, walked four, and allowed two runs on nine hits. Quintero was released after the season and he returned in 2011 with Edinburg of the independent North American League.
Moises Robles ('08, P) turns 30. The native of Santo Domingo, D.R. came to the Pirates in 2006 in the minor league phase of the Rule-5 draft. He went 1-1 with six saves and a 2.00 ERA in 19 relief appearances. In 27 innings, Robles struck out 19, walked one and allowed seven runs (six earned) on 23 hits. He played at high-A Lynchburg and AA Altoona in 2008 and then returned to Altoona in 2009 to end his playing career.
Juan Thomas ('93, 1B) turns 42. The native of Ashland, KY was the 10th round pick of the White Sox in 1991 out of Blazer High School in Ashland. He batted .229 with 14 doubles, six triples, 12 homers and 46 RBI. Thomas had a long minor league career that started by working up to AA Birmingham in 1997. After two seasons with Atlantic City in the independent Atlantic League, he came to the Mariners and played with AAA New Haven (1999-2000) and made his first AAA appearance with Tacoma (2001-2002). He split 2003 with AAA Louisville (Cincinnati) and Atlantic City and then split 2004 in the Mexican League with Yucatan and Sioux Falls in the Northern League. His final season came in 2005 with Sioux Falls and Calgary of the Golden League.
Mike Rojas ('95, manager) turns 51. The native of Miami, FL managed the Crawdads to a 49-89 record in 1995. He has been with various teams since leaving Hickory ending up in the Tigers chain starting in 2004 as the manager of short-season Oneonta. From there, he managed at high-A Lakeland in 2005-2006, at AAA Toledo in 2007 and then was the minor league field coordinator through 2010. Rojas then joined the Tigers as the bullpen coach from 2011 to 2013. He is currently in the same role with the Seattle Mariners.
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Round Rock (AAA) 8 Omaha 2:
Potomac 7 Myrtle Beach 3 (High-A) (Game 1): Hanser Alberto ('12, SS-3B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-4, R, CS; Jorge Alfaro ('12-'13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 1-4, 2 K; Preston Beck ('13, 1B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-4; Zach Cone ('12, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-4, 2 K; Joey Gallo ('13, 3B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-4, BB, 2 K; Edwin Garcia ('10-'12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, 2B, 2 K; Chris Garia ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 2-5, 3B, RBI; Odubel Herrera ('12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-4, BB, R, SB, K; Cody Buckel ('11, P/ Myrtle Beach) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, loss (0-1); Sam Stafford ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K/ Potomac 3 Myrtle Beach 1 (High-A) (Game 2): Hanser Alberto ('12, SS-3B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3; Jorge Alfaro ('12-'13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 0-3, K; Joey Gallo ('13, 3B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3; Edwin Garcia ('10-'12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-2, BB, K; Chris Garia ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-3, CS; David Lyon ('13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 0-1, BB; Nick Williams ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 2-3, RBI, CS; Jose Leclerc ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach)1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K.
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Cleveland 3 Detroit 2: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Detroit) 0-4, R.
Chicago Cubs 0 New York Yankees 3: Justin Grimm ('11, P/ Chicago) 2/3 IP, 1 BB, 1 K.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
LA Dodgers 1 San Francisco 2: Paul Maholm ('04, P/ LA Dodgers) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K.
Pittsburgh 0 Cincinnati 4: Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-4, 2B, K; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 1-3; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 0-3.
Washington 6 Miami 3: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-3, BB, K; Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Washington) 0-4, BB, R.
MINOR LEAGUES:
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA):
Norfolk 7 Gwinnett 2: Steve Lerud ('05-'06, C/ Gwinnett-Atlanta) 1-4, solo HR (1) in the third, 1 K.
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
El Paso 1 Albuquerque 3: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ Albuquerque-LA Dodgers) 1-4, solo HR (2) in the 4th.
New Orleans 3 Iowa 6: Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 0-1.
MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA):
Ciudad de Carmen 2 Aguascalientes 5: Johan Yan ('10, P/ Aguascalientes) 1 IP, 1 H, save (1).
Laguna 4 Veracruz 2 (Game 1): Jose Castillo ('00, SS/ Veracruz) 1-3, 2B, R/ Laguna 2 Veracruz 1 (Game 2): Jose Castillo 0-3.
Monclova 0 Tabasco 2 (Game 1): Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Tabasco) 1-2, BB/ Monclova 1 Tabasco 0 (Game 2): Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Tabasco) 1-3.
Quintana Roo 5 Tijuana 7: Efren Espinoza ('01, 3B/ Tijuana) 0-2.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Birmingham 0 Mobile 1 (10 innings): Josh Richmond ('11, OF/ Birmingham- Chicago White Sox) 0-4, K.
CAROLINA LEAGUE (HIGH A):
Salem Carolina 2 (Game 1): Jonathan Roof ('10-'11, UT/ Salem- Boston) 0-3/ Salem 1 Carolina 2 (Game 2): Jonathan Roof 1-3, K.
COLLEGE BASEBALL:
Bob Mumma ('93-'94, C-1B/ Head Coach, Univ. of Maryland- Baltimore County) UMBC 3 (11-18) Coppin St. 0.
Josh Sharpless ('04, P/ Volunteer Assistant, LaRoche (PA) College) LRC 15 (19-11) Denison 0
Cliff Smith ('05, P/ Head Coach, Elizabethtown (PA) College) EC 3 (13-14) Susquehanna 8.
Mickey Scala ('02, OF/ Hitting Coach, Oakton (IL) Community College) College of Lake County 6 OCC 3 (Game 1)/ Lake County 4 OCC 6 (19-8 overall, 7-4 conference) (Game 2).
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
Russ Bayer ('03, P/ Head Coach South Forsyth, GA) Chattanoochee 0 South Forsyth 1 (8-12 overall, 3-5 region).
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach, Foothill, NV) (Lions Tournament, La Jolla, CA) Foothill 6 (13-7) Calvary Christian 3.
Jay Meyer ('94, P/ Head Coach, Lee's Summit West, MO) LSW 5 (12-3) St. Joseph's 2
Steve Schorzman ('98, P/ Head Coach, Bremerton, WA) Port Angeles 2 Bremerton 15 (Game 1)/ Port Angeles 5 Bremerton 2 (4-5 overall, 3-4 Olympic) (Game 2)
Barry Shelton ('96, 1B/ Head Coach, Franklin County, VA) Bassett 3 Franklin County 11 (6-3 overall, 3-1 Piedmont)
Chris Shelton ('02, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Cottonwood, UT) Cottonwood 6 (9-5 overall, 3-1 Region 2) Taylorsville 8.
Wednesday, April 16
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Robbie Ross ('10, P/ Texas) allowed five hits and struck out two over 7.2 innings to get his first win of the season in the Rangers 5-0 shutout of the Seattle Mariners.
BIRTHDAYS:
Richard Bleier ('09, P) turns 27. The native of Plantation, FL was the sixth round pick of the Rangers in 2008 out of Florida Gulf Coast University. He made five appearances - four of those starts, including one complete game - and went 2-1 with a 1.14 ERA. In 23.2 innings, Bleier struck out 17, walked four, and allowed eight runs (three earned) on 19 hits. He received a quick callup to high-A Bakersfield to finish the season. From there, he spent the next four seasons at AA Frisco, with a short stint at AAA Round Rock in 2013. Bleier is currently at AA New Hampshire in the Blue Jays system.
Keone Kela ('13, P) turns 21. The native of Seattle, WA was the 12th round pick of the Rangers in 2012 out of Everett Community College in Washington. He went 2-2 in 12 relief appearances with one save and a 2.41 ERA. In 18.2 innings, Kela struck out 20, walked six, and allowed six runs (five earned) on 18 hits. He started this season at high-A Myrtle Beach.
Jose Lopez ('98, P) turns 38. The native of Nagua, D.R. signed with the White Sox as an international free agent in 1996. He went 4-3 in 33 relief outings with five saves and a 4.50 ERA. In 46 innings, Lopez struck out 33, walked 16, and allowed 23 runs on 43 hits. Lopez started 1999 at Winston-Salem before he was released. He finished his playing career at Sacramento of the independent Western League in 1999.
Zack Riera ('01-'02, C) turns 35. The native of Tallahassee, FL signed with the Pirates as a non-drafted free agent in 2000 out of Tallahassee Community College. He batted .188 in 48 games with seven doubles, one triple, one homer and 15 RBI. Riera was released in 2002 and he finished that season with Rockford of the independent Frontier League. He started 2003 at high-A Rancho Cucamonga in the Angels chain, then after his release split the time at Frontier League stops at Cook County and River City, when he stayed through 2005.
TRANSACTIONS:
Nyjer Morgan ('04, OF) was optioned by the Cleveland Indians to AAA Columbus.
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Seattle 0 Texas 5: Joe Beimel ('99, P/ Seattle) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K/
Round Rock (AAA) 0 Omaha 6: Nick Tepesch ('11, P/ Round Rock) 6.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 7 K, 1 HR, loss (2-1) Roman Mendez ('11, P/ Round Rock) 1 IP.
Frisco (AA) 3 Arkansas 0: Trever Adams ('12, 1B/ Frisco) 1-4, R; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Frisco) 1-4, R, PO; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Frisco) 0-4; Ryan Rua ('13, 2B/ Frisco) 0-2, BB, K; Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Frisco) 1-4, RBI; Jake Skole ('11, OF/ Frisco) 1-3 K; Luke Jackson ('11-'12, P/ Frisco) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 8 K, win (1-0); Francisco Mendoza ('11, P/ Frisco) 1 IP, 1 BB; Jimmy Reyes ('11, P/ Frisco) 1 IP.
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Boston 1 Chicago White Sox 2: Leury Garcia ('09-'10, SS/ Chicago White Sox) appeared as pinch-runner.
Kansas City 4 Houston 2: Alex Presley ('07, OF/ Houston) 0-3, BB, K.
Toronto 9 Minnesota 3: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 3-5, 2B, R, RBI.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Colorado 3 San Diego 2: Robbie Erlin ('10, P/ San Diego) 4.3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 B, 7 K, loss (1-1), 0-1.
Pittsburgh 8 Cincinnati 7 (completion of suspended game): Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 3-5, 2B, R, RBI, K; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh); Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 3-5, solo HR (4) in the second and fifth innings, Bryan Morris ('08, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 1 HR, 2 K, win (2-0); Tony Watson ('07, P/ Pittsburgh) 1 IP, 1 H. Pittsburgh 5 Cincinnati 7 (Game 2): Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-4, BB, R, K. Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, 2B, SF, RBI; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 2-4, solo HR (5) in the 8th.
St. Louis 6 Milwaukee 1: Zach Duke ('03, P/ Milwaukee) 1 IP, 1 K.
Washington 2 Miami 1: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 0-3, BB; Nate McLouth ('01, OF/ Washington) 0-3, BB, K.
MINOR LEAGUES:
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
El Paso 6 Albuquerque 11: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ Albuquerque-LA Dodgers) 0-4, BB, R, K.
Memphis 8 Nashville 4: Dustin Molleken ('07-'08, P/ Nashville- Milwaukee) 1.1 IP, 1 HR, 1 BB.
New Orleans 8 Iowa 4: Carlos Pimentel ('09, P/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 5 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, loss (1-2); Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 0-3, BB, R, K.
MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA):
Monterrey 0 Oaxaca 6: Humberto Cota ('99, C/ Monterrey) 0-3, K.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Birmingham 2 Mobile 0 (Game 1): Josh Richmond ('11, OF/ Birmingham- Chicago White Sox) 1-3, K. Birmingham 5 Mobile 2 (Game 2): Josh Richmond 1-4.
Jacksonville 4 Chattanooga 0: Hector Nelo ('10, P/ Chattanooga- LA Dodgers) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K.
COLLEGE BASEBALL:
Adam Boeve ('04, OF/ Associate Head Coach, Northwestern (IA) College) Waldorf 2 NWC 16(Game 1)/ Waldorf 5 NWC 9 (30-8 overall, 11-3 GPAC) (Game 2)
Brian Drent ('95, OF/ Head Coach, Morningside (IA) College) Concordia 3 Morningside 7 (Game 1)/ Concordia 11 Morningside 7 (18-19 overall, 7-5 GPAC) (Game 2)
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Assistant Coach, Univ. of South Florida) Stetson 3 USF 10 (21-15)
Trevor Hurley ('10, P/ Volunteer Assistant, Kansas St) Kansas St 5 (19-17) Nebraska 14.
Greg Norton ('93, 3B/ Hitting Coach, Auburn (AL) University) Auburn 7 (21-17) Samford 6.
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant, Georgia Tech) Georgia 1 Georgia Tech 4 (24-14 overall)
Sean Snedeker ('96-'96, Pitching Coach, Oral Roberts (OK) University) ORU 5 (19-17) Wichita St. 6.
Juan Thomas ('03, OF/ Volunteer Assistant, Augustana (SD) University) Augustana 10 Upper Iowa 3 (Game 1)/ Augustana 11 (27-10 overall, 17-4 North Star) 11 Upper Iowa 1 (Game 2).
Chad Bradford ('96, P/ Pitching Coach, Hinds (MS) Community College) HCC 18 Co-Lin 9 (Game 1)/ HCC 3 (24-14 overall, 14-5 MACJC) Co-Lin 2 (Game 2).
Pete Pryor ('96, 1B/ Hitting Coach, Sacramento City College) SCC 4 (21-9 overall, 21-9 Big 8) Cosumnes River College 3.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
Chuck Antczak ('95-'97, C/ Head Coach, Riverview, FL) Riverview 6 (12-11) North Port 2
Brad Corley ('06, P/ Assistant Coach, Gulfport, MS) Biloxi Gulfport
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach, Foothill, NV) (Lions Tournament, La Jolla, CA) La Jolla 10 Foothill 1 (12-7)
Scott Vollmer ('94, C/ Assistant Coach, La Sierra, CA) Patriot 1 La Sierra 2 (12-5 overall, 6-0 League)
Tuesday, April 15
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Jerad Eickhoff ('12, P/ Frisco- Texas) had a dominant performance for the RoughRiders in their 2-1 win over Arkansas. In five innings, he allowed a run on just one walk and one hit with eight strikeouts.
BIRTHDAYS:
Victor Mercedes ('01, '03, '05, 2B) turns 35. The native of La Romana, D.R. signed with the Pirates as an international free agent in 1999. He was the starting second baseman for Hickory in 2003 and also played briefly for the club in 2001 (18 games) and 2005 (2 games). Overall in 146 games, Mercedes batted .281 with 22 doubles, six triples, seven homers and 55 RBI. He also stole 28 bases and scored 83 runs. Mercedes went on to play for the Nationals chain in 2005-2006 at high-A Potomac and AA Harrisburg, and then for two seasons (2007-2008) with the White Sox organization at Winston Salem (high-A) and Birmingham (AA). He closed out his affiliate career at AA Chattanooga (LA Dodgers) in 2009. From there, he played with various independent and Mexican League teams. His career closed out with Oaxaca (Mexico) in 2012.
TRANSACTIONS:
Shelby Ford ('06, 2B) signed with Sioux Falls of the independent American Association.
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Round Rock 6 Colorado Springs 3 (AAA): Ben Rowen ('11, P/ Round Rock); 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB; Brent Lillibridge ('06, SS/ Round Rock) 0-4 RBI, R.
Frisco (AA) 5 Arkansas 4 (Game 1): Trever Adams ('12, 1B/ Frisco) 0-4, 2 K; Chris Grayson ('12, OF/ Frisco) 0-4, 2 K; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Frisco) 0-4, 2 K; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Frisco) 0-1, 3 BB, RBI, K; Ryan Rua ('13, 2B/ Frisco) 2-3, 2B, BB, K; Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Frisco) 2-5, 2 R; Wilmer Font ('09-'10, P/ Frisco) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K: Phil Klein ('12, P/ Frisco) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 4 K, win (2-0); Matt West ('09-10, 3B/ Frisco) 1 IP, 1 BB, 2K.
Frisco 2 Arkansas (AA) 1 (Game 2): Trever Adams ('12, 1B/ Frisco) 2-3, R, 2 SB; Rougned Odor ('12, 2B/ Frisco) 0-4, 3 K; Drew Robinson ('12, 3B/ Frisco) 0-2, BB, R, SB, 2 K; Ryan Rua ('13, 2B/ Frisco) 0-1, 2 BB; Luis Sardinas ('12, SS/ Frisco); Jake Skole ('11, OF/ Frisco) 0-2, BB, K; Tomas Telis ('11, C/ Frisco) 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, K.
Myrtle Beach (High-A) 9 Salem 6: Hanser Alberto ('12, SS-3B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-3, 2 BB, R, HBP; Jorge Alfaro ('12-'13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 2-5, solo HR (1) in the 2nd, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI; Preston Beck ('13, 1B/ Myrtle Beach) 3-4, 2B, R, RBI, K; Zach Cone ('12, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, BB; Joey Gallo ('13, 3B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, two-run (HR) in the 5th, BB, 2 SF, 2 R, 4 RBI; Chris Garia ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 3-5, 3B, 2 R, SB; Odubel Herrera ('12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-4, R BB, SB, K; David Lyon ('13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, 2B, BB, 2K; Alex Claudio ('13 , P/ Myrtle Beach) 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 K, win (1-0); Keone Kela ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K, save (3); Victor Payano ('12, P/ Myrtle Beach) 2.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 2 K / Jonathan Roof ('10-'11, UT/ Salem- Boston) 3-5, 2B, R.
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Tampa Bay 1 Baltimore 7: Josh Lueke ('10, P/ Tampa Bay) 2 IP, 1 H, 1 K.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Atlanta 9 Philadelphia 6: Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Atlanta) 0-1.
St. Louis 4 Milwaukee 0: Zach Duke ('03, P/ Milwaukee) 1/3 IP.
MINOR LEAGUES:
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA):
Durham 6 Charlotte 0: Juan Carlos Oviedo ('02-'04, P/ Durham- Tampa Bay) 1 IP, 1 K, win (1-0).
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
Tacoma 8 Albuquerque 6: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ Albuquerque-LA Dodgers) 1-5, 2B, R, RBI, K.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Jackson 6 Tennessee 4: CJ Edwards ('13, P/ Tennessee- Chicago Cubs)5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR.
CAROLINA LEAGUE (HIGH A):
Carolina 5 Potomac 6: Carlos Melo ('10-'11, P/ Carolina- Cleveland) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:
Denny Crine ('95, P/ Assistant Coach, Foothill, NV) (Lions Tournament, La Jolla, CA) Bonita Vista (CA) 3 Foothill 2 (12-6).
Steve Schorzman ('98, P/ Head Coach, Bremerton, WA) Klahowya 4 Bremerton 14 (3-4 overall, 2-3 Olympic League).
Monday, April 14
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:
Martin Perez ('09, P/ Texas) pitched a five-hitter over eight innings to improve to 2-0 on the season as the Rangers blanked Houston 1-0. He allowed three walks and struck out two.
BIRTHDAYS:
Jake Kaase ('09, 2B) turns 28. The native of Manor, TX was the 23rd round pick of the Rangers out of Texas Lutheran University. He played in 52 games and batted .259 with 11 doubles, four triples, four homers and 22 RBI. Kaase finished 2009 with high-A Bakersfield and then returned to the Blaze in 2010 with a brief stint at AA Frisco before he was released. He went on to play one season in 2012 at Southern Illinois in the Frontier League. Kaase is currently an assistant coach with Westlake High in Texas.
John Van Benschoten ('02, P) turns 34. The native of Milford, OH was the first round pick of the Pirates (8th overall) in 2001 out of Kent St. University. He was a key part of the Crawdads run to the 2002 SAL title. In 27 starts, Van Benschoten went 11-4 with a 2.80 ERA. He struck out 145 and walked 62 in 148 innings and allowed 57 runs (46 earned) on 119 hits. Van Benschoten has the 8th best single-season ERA among qualifying pitchers and is 10th in strikeouts, wins and walks allowed. He pitched for high-A Lynchburg and AA Altoona in 2003 and then in 2004 started at AAA Nashville before making his big league debut with Pittsburgh on 8/18/04. Van Benschoten bounced between AAA and Pittsburgh through 2008 before his release. He spent 2009 at AAA Charlotte in the White Sox chain and then in 2010 pitched at three levels in the Yankees system. His final season came in 2011 with York in the independent Atlantic League and with AAA Tucson (San Diego).
Sam Wolff ('13, P) turns 23. The native of Rapid City, SD was the sixth round pick of the Rangers in 2013 out of the University of New Mexico. He made 11 relief appearances for Hickory and went 1-0 with five saves. Wolff allowed just one unearned run and eight hits with 23 strikeouts and three walks in 13.2 innings. He is currently pitching for high-A Myrtle Beach.
TRANSACTIONS:
Richard Bleier ('09, P) was assigned by the Toronto Blue Jays to AA New Hampshire from AAA Buffalo.
TEXAS RANGERS AFFILIATES:
Myrtle Beach (High-A) 9 Salem 5: Hanser Alberto ('12, SS-3B/ Myrtle Beach) 0-5; Zach Cone ('12, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 1-2, BB, HBP, Sac Fly, 2 R, RBI, K; Joey Gallo ('13, 3B/ Myrtle Beach) 1-3, solo HR (4) in the 7th, 3 BB, K; Edwin Garcia ('10-'12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-4, R, 2 RBI, BB; Chris Garia ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-1; Odubel Herrera ('12, 2B/ Myrtle Beach) 2-5, 2B, RBI, R; David Lyon ('13, C/ Myrtle Beach) 2-4, 2B, HBP, 2 R; Nick Williams ('13, OF/ Myrtle Beach) 0-4, 2 K; Andrew Faulkner ('12-'13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K; Jose Leclerc ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach) 2/3 IP, 1 K; Luis Parra ('13, P/ Myrtle Beach)4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, win (2-0); / Jonathan Roof ('10-'11, UT/ Salem- Boston) 1-5, 2B, RBI, K.
MAJOR LEAGUES:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Cleveland 3 Chicago White Sox 4: Leury Garcia ('09-'10, SS/ Chicago White Sox) made defensive appearance at 2B.
Oakland 3 Seattle 0: Chris Young ('01-'02, P/ Seattle) 6 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K.
Toronto 11 Baltimore 3: Jose Bautista ('02, 3B/ Toronto) 2-5, three-run HR (5) in the 8th/ Steve Pearce ('06, 1B/ Baltimore) 1-4.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Detroit 1 San Diego 5: Rajai Davis ('02-'03, OF/ Detroit) 2-4.
Pittsburgh 1 Milwaukee 4: Andrew McCutchen ('06, OF/ Pittsburgh) 1-3, SF, RBI; Jordy Mercer ('08, SS/ Pittsburgh) 0-3, K; Neil Walker ('05, C/ Pittsburgh) 0-3, K.
Tampa Bay 4 Cincinnati 12: Josh Lueke ('10, P/ Tampa Bay) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR.
Washington 2 Atlanta 10: Adam LaRoche ('08, 1B/ Washington) 1-4, solo HR (3) in the 9th / Ryan Doumit ('01-'02, C/ Atlanta) 0-1.
MINOR LEAGUES:
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA):
Columbus 10 Indianapolis 9: Matt Hague ('08, 1B-3B/ Indianapolis-Pittsburgh) 3-5, R, RBI; Duke Welker ('08, P/ Indianapolis-Pittsburgh) 2 IP, 3 K.
Durham 3 Gwinnett 1: Steve Lerud ('05-'06, C/ Gwinnett- Atlanta) 0-2, BB, 2 K.
Rochester 2 Lehigh Valley 3: Brad Lincoln ('06, '08, P/ Lehigh Valley- Philadelphia) 4 IP, 3 H, 4 K, win (1-0).
Toledo 20 Louisville 8: Derek Hankins ('05, P/ Toledo- Detroit) 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 2 K, 1 HR, win (1-1).
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (AAA):
Tacoma 8 Albuquerque 3: Jamie Romak ('07, OF/ Albuquerque-LA Dodgers) 0-4, BB, 3 K.
Iowa 6 Memphis 3: Neil Ramirez ('09-'10, P/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR; Christian Villanueva ('11, 3B/ Iowa- Chicago Cubs) 0-3, BB, R.
MEXICAN LEAGUE (AAA):
Aguascalientes 3 Monterrey 4: Johan Yan ('10, P/ Aguascalientes) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 K/ Humberto Cota ('99, C/ Monterrey) 0-2, 2 BB, K.
Saltillo 0 Reynosa 6: Jeff Bennett ('99-'00, P/ Reynosa) 9 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K, win (2-1).
Tabasco 4 Carmen del Carmen 6: Carlos Rivera ('99, 1B/ Tabasco) 1-4, solo HR (1) in the 6th, 2 RBI.
Veracruz 2 Campeche 6: Jose Castillo ('00, SS/ Veracruz) 3-4, solo HR (2) in the first.
EASTERN LEAGUE (AA):
Binghamton 6 New Hampshire 0: Richard Bleier ('09, P/ New Hampshire- Toronto) 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE (AA):
Jacksonville 1 Birmingham 9: Josh Richmond ('11, OF/ Birmingham- Chicago White Sox) 2-5, RBI.
COLLEGE BASEBALL:
Jon Benick ('04, 1B/ Assistant Coach, Longwood (VA) Univ.) Liberty 6 Longwood 1 (14-22 overall, 4-11 Big South)
Chris Heintz ('97, C-1B/ Assistant Coach, Univ. of South Florida) USF 6 (20-15 overall, 7-5 American) Temple 3
Chris Hernandez ('04, P/ Pitching Coach, Cal State Los Angeles) CSULA 4 (14-23 overall,l 12-19 CCAA) San Francisco St. 5.
Trevor Hurley ('10, P/ Volunteer Assistant, Kansas St) Kansas St 7 (19-16 overall, 2-7 Big 12) Texas Tech 11.
Vinny Lopez ('11, Assistant Coach/ Assistant Coach, Southern California) Utah 2 USC 13 (17-17 overall, 6-9 Pac 12).
Bob Mumma ('93-'94, C-1B/ Head Coach, Univ. of Maryland- Baltimore County) UMBC 6 (10-18 overall, 6-6 American East) Albany 10.
Greg Norton ('93, 3B/ Hitting Coach, Auburn (AL) University) Auburn 3 (21-16 overall, 6-9 SEC) Alabama 4.
Eddie Prasch ('06-'07, 3B/ Graduate Assistant, Georgia Tech) Florida St. 5 Georgia Tech 4 (23-14 overall, 10-8 SEC).
Gregg Ritchie ('98, hitting coach/ Head Coach, George Washington University) GW 1 (11-22 overall, 4-8 Atlantic 10) La Salle 5.
Josh Sharpless ('04, P/ Volunteer Assistant, LaRoche (PA) College) LRC 16 Hilbert 1 (Game 1)/ LRC 19 (18-11 overall, 9-1 Allegheny Mountain) Hilbert 2 (Game 2)
Cliff Smith ('05, P/ Head Coach, Elizabethtown (PA) College) EC 5 Albright 7 (Game 1)/ EC 15 (13-13 overall, 6-9 Commonwealth) Albright 2 (Game 2)
Sean Snedeker ('96-'96, Pitching Coach, Oral Roberts (OK) University) ORU 4 (19-16 overall, 7-8 Southland) Stephen F. Austin 0.
Juan Thomas ('03, OF/ Volunteer Assistant, Augustana (SD) University) Augustana 11 (25-10 overall, 15-4 Northern Star) Minnesota- Duluth 1.
Tracy Woodson ('99, Manager/ Head Coach, University of Richmond) Virginia Commonwealth 6 Richmond 9 (15-18-1 overall, 6-6 Atlantic 10).