Yet more proof that pitching and defense are important to winning games. Round Rock & Lexington both have multi homer games and get blown out because of poor starting pitching.
Round Rock:
Chan Ho “that one is out of the” Park gave up 10 hits (1 HR) and 6 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings, as the Express lost 12-4 to Las Vegas. All 4 Express runs were accounted for by homers. Ransom & Conrad had solo shots and Raines hit a 2 run shot.
The Statesman gives it’s five most likely to be called up list: Patton, Gutierrez, Anderson, Ransom & Conrad
The Statesman is also talking up Ransom & Saccomanno as possible 3rd base solutions of the future:
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“Cody is a good defensive third baseman,” Bennett said. “Offensively, he needs some improvements in term of his consistency.”
Ransom knows that and has made adjustments which have him on pace to set career highs in nearly every offensive category.
“It isn’t saying a lot,” Ransom laughed. “Seventh season in the league, I hope I could make an adjustment. I still need to be more consistent.”
Saccomanno is looking at versatility to improve his standing:
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“Look at Eric Bruntlett,” he said. “He is up in the big leagues because he can play multiple positions. He can play in the outfield, shortstop and third in the same game. That’s something you just have to get comfortable with.”
Corpus Christi:
The Hooks swept a double header from the Missions. They broke out of their batting slump and ended the scoreless innings streak at 24 2/3 innings. The won the opener 4-3 and the night cap 8-4. Dave Clark went from expletives to heck, so I guess he is pleased:
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“I was really happy with the way they played. It’s hard as heck to win a doubleheader — everybody in baseball knows that. But we came out and had good pitching in both games and swung the bat well.
Kyle Middleton got his 16th save in the first game taking the club record for saves from Paul Estrada.
Salem:
Salem used a big inning with only 2 hits to win 8-6. Winston-Salem Warthog’s manager had this to say about the loss:
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“We’re finding new and creative ways to lose a ballgame,”
Lexington:
The Legends hit two home runs (Clemens & Moresi) but lost 8-3. Clemens went 2 for 4 with the homer and a double. Bud Norris lasted just 3 innnings and fell to 1-5 on the season.
Tri Cities:
Anthony Bello struck out 9 but got little run support as the ValleyCats lost 2-1 to the Ironbirds. Charles Gamble had two hits for the ValleyCats. He wrapped up July hitting in 7 of 8 games and tallied a .306 batting average for the month.
Greeneville:
Greeneville put together a nice game for their 9th win of the season. My eyewitness report can be found in the Greeneville thread.