As the Astros participate in a re-run of the 2017 World Series...
Fresno: The Grizzlies (63-48) lost to Nashville (55-55) again today, this time by a score of 6-2. All the big position-player names were playing, but obviously not a lot of scoring took place. Catcher Garrett Stubbs was probably the pick of the hitters, going 2-4 with a home run (Fresno's only extra base hit). Kyle Tucker went 3-4 with a K. AJ Reed and Yordan Alvarez both went 1-4 with a K. Derek Fisher led off and went 0-4 with 2K.
On the pitching side of the equation, Brady Rodgers allowed 6 hits in five-and-two-thirds, resulting in 3 runs, all earned. He struck out three. His rehabilitation remains a work in progress. Buddy Boshers allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 walk in one-and-one-third innings pitched. He struck out two. Riley Ferrell pitched an inning, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk, resulting in one earned run, while striking out... you guessed it... one.
Trent Thornton gets the start for Fresno tomorrow, as they try to avoid a sweep.
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi (68-43) also lost by the same margin as yesterday, 2-1. The Frisco RoughRiders scored two runs of Brandon Bielak in the second. Bielak bounced back somewhat to finish five innings, allowing five hits and striking out 5. He was relieved by Roberto Osuna, who allowed a walk while striking out 1 in a scoreless inning. The Chronicle reported that Osuna allowed a loud and long strike, but the ball wound up foul. Alex Winkelman finished the game for the Hooks, throwing 2 innings of 4 strikeout, 1 walk, scoreless ball.
That Carlos Correa guy is not yet playing on consecutive days, so the offense was anchored by Randy César and his .319 batting average. He did not disappoint, going 1-3 with a walk. Chas McCormick went 1-4 from the leadoff slot, 3B Alex De Goti went 1-3. Anibal Sierra scored the only run of the night - a solo shot off Taylor Hearn in the sixth.
Toeing the rubber for Corpus tomorrow is Brett Adcock. Carlos Correa will be in the lineup, apparently.
Sometimes, this column offers only breadcrumbs to the interested observer. Today is one of those days.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith