Let’s start the weekend trip around the farm in Lexington where the young arms have lived up to their hype through the first three games. Jordan Lyles was solid but not spactacular in his Thurday start. Friday’s game was rained out but Saturday had two outstanding pitching peformances from the Legends.
In game one, Ross Seaton gave up three hits and two walks while fanning two in five innings. He gave up two runs but only one was earned; a home run that plated the unearned run as well. Frederico Hernandez hit a three run home run and Brandon Barnes went 2 for 3 at the plate in the 6-3 win.
In game two, Brad Dydalewicz pitched 5 innings of no hit baseball in the Legends 13-2 victory. He did walk four batters but picked off one of those baserunners. Ebert Rosario, Brandon Barnes, & Albert Cartwright had 3 hits each and Russell Dixson and Kody Hinze both homered.
The Legends were off Sunday. Robert Bono tries to continue the solid pitching tonight in the home opener. Fans in Lexington can expect to see movement on the bases:
“I like movement. I like bodies moving,” (Lexington manager Tom) Lawless said before last week’s road trip. “If you get on base, we’re gonna be moving. We’re gonna steal. We’re gonna hit-and-run. We’re gonna take extra bases. We’re gonna put pressure on the defense.
“The more you do that, the reputation around the league knows that ‘if you bobble that ball, we’re gonna take the extra base.’ We’re gonna get thrown out — that comes with the territory. But we’re gonna be more successful trying to do it that way than waiting around trying to hit home runs. … I like the home run, but I don’t think you wait around for it. You create opportunities and then try to score the runs.”
Lancaster avoided the shut out Saturday night, scoring a run late in their 6-1 loss. Sunday, they picked up their first win of the year through some power at the plate and working out of jams on the mound. Brian Pellegrini & Jon Gaston hit home runs and Koby Clemens had a double and a triple to lead the JetHawks at the plate. Christopher Hicks pitched 5 solid innings and Lo, Severino & Kelly all pitched their way out of jams for a 7-4 win.
Corpus Christi got a solo home run from Jhon Florentino to start Saturday nights game. It turned out to be the only run in a 1-0 Hooks victory. Casey Hudspeth went six innings giving up just two hits and three walks while striking out
The Hooks' Jhon Florentino connects on his first home run of the year in the first inning against Tulsa. Photo: Steve Nurenberg
three to earn the win. Paul Estrada closed out the ninth for the save.
Sunday, the game went to the 10th with the Hooks coming out on the losing end of a 6-5 decision. The Hooks blew a 5-1 lead after 5 innings.
“It’s tough,” Hooks manager Luis Pujols said. “It’s tough anytime you lose.”
Drew Locke hit a 3 run homer for the Hooks in the game. The Hooks also faced former Astros farm hand Jordan Parraz who went O-4 for NW Arkansas.
Round Rock pitchers have walked 29 batters in the first four games of the season. The free passes have led to losses as the Express lost both Saturday and Sunday. Their offences hasn’t been too much to write home about either. JimR gives some first hand oberservations in the TZ.