Howard College Alum, Zach Neal Promoted to AAA

Zach Neal was promoted to Sacramento on Tuesday and will make his first Triple-A start of his career on Wednesday night against the Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Affiliate - San Francisco Giants). The right hander, that makes his home in Flower Mound, Texas was signed by the A's as a free agent in March of 2013. After posting an 8-12 record with a 4.35 ERA in 28 starts for the RockHounds a year ago, Neal had not allowed an unearned run in two starts this season.

LOCAL TIES - In 2009, Neal was 13-0 for Howard College … as the Hawks went 63-1 overall and 54-0 in the regular season … named Second Team NJCAA All-American … struck out 104 batters (while walking just nine) in 89.2 innings … Howard's 57 consecutive wins were a NJCAA record.

Neal's departure will leave an open spot in the RockHounds rotation. Nate Long started the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, however Murphy Smith has the most starting experience on the current staff.  

After sweeping Tuesday's doubleheader, the RockHounds (8-4) find themselves in a three way tie for first place in the South Division with Frisco and Corpus Christi. A four game series against the San Antonio Missions at Security Bank Ballpark begins on Thursday night. This will be the first games of the season against divisional competition.

Weekend Rotation

Thursday - RHP Tanner Peters vs RHP Devin Jones
Friday - RHP Raul Alcantara vs RHP Justin Hancock
Saturday - RHP Chris Jensen vs RHP James Needy
Sunday - RHP Drew Granier vs RHP Matt Wisler