Jankowski Shuts Hounds Out

The Jason Kidd Syndrome  

When he signed with the Dallas Mavericks out of the University of California, Jason Kidd proclaimed he was going to "turn this franchise around 360 degrees." After winning the first three games of their series with the Corpus Christi Hooks, the RockHounds had gained a game on first place Frisco in the Texas League South Division race. The Hooks avoided a sweep with a 2-0 win Friday night, and Frisco posted a shutout of its own, blanking San Antonio, 8-0. The end result? The Jason Kidd Syndrome - - - the 'Hounds are right back where they started at the beginning of the series … four-and-a-half games behind the first place RoughRiders as the clubs prepare to open a four-game series in the Metroplex.  

Jordan Jankowski pitched a career high seven-and-one-third-innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out seven. Patrick Urckfitz completed the shutout (and earned the save), getting the last five outs.

Corpus broke a scoreless tie in the fourth on Nolan Fontana's leadoff double and Carlos Perdomo's RBI single up the middle. With the score still 1-0, the bases empty and two out in the seventh, Chris Jensen (who turned in a "quality start" of his own in defeat) was ahead of Delino Deshields, Jr., 0-2, but walked him on the next four pitches. Jonathan Meyer followed with a single to left-center, which Billy Burns bobbled, allowing DeShields, Jr. (who, like Burns, has "80" speed on the scouting rating system) to score. 

The RockHounds had just five base runners in the game, all with fewer than two outs (including three were leadoff singles), but never advanced a runner into scoring position. 

Mother Nature was a "player" as well - - - the wind was a steady 30 miles-per-hour (and gusting higher at times) throughout the game.

 

WP: Jordan Jankowski (1-1, 3.21)

LP: Chris Jensen (2-6, 4.52)

SV: Patrick Urckfitz (3, 1.57)   

 

Kibbles & Bits 

-   Four days ago, the RockHounds, Corpus Christi and San Antonio were tied, each four-and-a-half games behind Frisco. The Hooks and Missions have, for all intents and purposes, been eliminated, both now six-and-a-half back.  

   Frisco also has the 'Hounds are on the "brink." There are just 10 games remaining in the half, with the RockHounds and Frisco meeting six times down the stretch (the first half ends midway through a four-game series between the clubs, June 15-18, at Security Bank Ballpark). 

   Frisco's "magic number" is six … meaning any combination of RoughRider wins and/or RockHound losses totaling six wins the first half. With the clubs going head-to-head over the next four games, the series in the Metorplex could decide the first half pennant.  

   The 'Hounds and the RoughRiders open a four-game series in Frisco Saturday evening (7:05) at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The clubs will then play Sunday afternoon at 2:05 … Monday evening at 7:05 and Tuesday morning, with the series finalé beginning at eleven o'clock. The RockHounds then play a four-game series at San Antonio to complete the four-game road trip.  

-    Josh Whitaker (1-4) extended his hit streak to eight games. The 'Hounds outfielder is 13-32 (.406, HR, seven RBI) in the eight-gamer and has hit in 11-of-his-last-12 (18-48, .375, HR, 10 RBI). Josh shares the Texas League lead (with Corpus Christi's Preston Tucker) with 38 RBI … ranks second in the TL in slugging (.526) and third in the batting race (.318). 

-   Outfielder Kent Matthes has been designated for assignment by Oakland after the A's acquired pitcher Justin Marks via trade from the Kansas City Royals. Marks, who is being assigned to (Triple-A) Sacramento, takes Kent's spot on Oakland's 40-man roster. Matthes cannot play for the RockHounds for 72 hours (he could return Monday), and Oakland has 10 days to waive, trade, release or outright the former Rockies farm hand. Matthes was claimed by the A's off waivers from Colorado on March 20. Kent, who opened the season with Sacramento, was assigned to the RockHounds May 8 and is hitting .229 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 22 games.  

 

Next Game

vs. Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers' AA Affiliate) 

Saturday, June 7 - 7:05 p.m. (Radio at 7:00 p.m.)  

Security Bank Ballpark        

 

Probable Starters

Frisco: Edwar Cabrera (LH, 2-2, 3.10)

RockHounds: Zach Neal (RH, 1-0, 1.17)