Davis Wendzel's Big Night for Express

Double-A Frisco (18-23): 1B Trevor Hauver (3-for-4, RBI) recorded Frisco’s lone RBI as the RoughRiders fell, 8-2, at Arkansas. DH Dustin Harris (2-for-3, BB, 2B) reached in 3 of 4 PA as he scored both runs. LF Aaron Zavala (1-for-4) and CF Evan Carter (1-for-4, 2B) recorded the other two Frisco hits. RHP Owen White took the loss (L, 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 RER, 5 BB, 5 SO). RHP Alex Speas (1.0 IP, 2 SO) tossed a perfect inning of relief to lower his season ERA to 1.17, the 3rd -lowest mark in the Texas League (min. 10 IP). 

High Class-A Hickory (15-25): Hickory had its 3-game winning streak snapped in extra innings as the Crawdads pitching staff surrendered 23 hits in a 12-9 loss to Asheville. DH Abimelec Ortiz (2-for-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI) homered twice in the loss, and has 3 HR and 9 RBI with a 1.508 OPS in 3 G since his promotion to Hickory on 5/23. RHP Gavin Collyer (L, 1.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER) was shelled for 4 runs in the 10th frame as he fell to 0-5 in 2023. 

Low Class-A Down East (23-17): Down East loaded the bases in the 9th inning with no outs, but was unable to scrape any runs across in a 5-0 loss to Carolina. The Woodies were no-hit through 8 innings before 2B Danyer Cueva (1-for-4) and DH Ian Moller (1-for-4) mustered the only 2 hits of the game following a walk from CF Yeison Morrobel (0-for-3, BB). RHP Luis Ramirez (L, 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R-ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) suffered the defeat as his season ERA climbed to 3.44…RHP Nick Lockhart (1.0 IP, 2 SO) punched out 2 of 4 BF in a scoreless inning of relief.

Games for May 23

Triple-A Round Rock (24-21): Round Rock lost 13-4 to Albuquerque on Tuesday. SS Davis Wendzel (2-for-3, BB, HR, 2 RBI) notched his third multi-hit game in the last 5 days. 3B Justin Foscue (1-for-5, RBI) drove in Round Rock’s other run. RHP Kyle Cody (L, 3.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R-ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) was shelled in his 4th loss this season, alongside recent call-up RHP Grant Wolfram (1.0 IP, 7 H, 7 R-ER, 0 BB, 0 SO).

Double-A Frisco (17-21): Frisco defeated Arkansas, 2-1. A go-ahead 2-run single from 1B Trevor Hauver (1-for-4, 2 RBI) The RoughRiders mustered just four hits, as SS Luisangel Acuña (1-for-3, BB), DH Evan Carter (1-for-4), and 2B Thomas Saggese (1-for-2, BB, 2B) joined Hauver. Acuña stole his 18th base of the season which is tied for the most in the Texas League. RHP Jack Leiter (4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R-ER, 7 BB, 4 SO) allowed a run in the 1st inning but proceeded to rebound with 3.0 scoreless frames…RHP Alex Speas (1.0 IP, 3 K) and LHP Antoine Kelly (S, 1.0 IP, 3 K) each struck out the side in their relief appearances. 

High Class-A Hickory (14-24) Hickory defeated Asheville, 6-3. 1B Abimelec Ortiz (1-for-4,HR, 3 RBI) launched a go-ahead 3-R home run in his first game with Hickory. Ortiz, who was called up on 5/23 to High-A, gave the squad its second straight win. DH Tucker Mitchell (1-for-2, BB, 2B, RBI) earned a promotion alongside Ortiz and immediately made an impact, driving a run in on a sac fly in the 5th inning. SS Max Acosta (1- for-3, BB, 2B, RBI) brought in the Crawdads other run with an RBI double. RHP Winston Santos (W, 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R-ER, 3 BB, 6 SO) struck out 6 batters in 5.2 IP to secure the win. 

Low Class-A Down East (22-16): Down East defeated Carolina, 9-5. 3B Gleider Figuereo (3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI) drove in a quartet of runs. He has hits in 15 of 18 G in May to raise his average by nearly 100 points…2B Cam Cauley (3-for-4, BB, 2B, RBI) hit his 5th double of the season. CF Anthony Gutierrez (2-for-5, RBI) and RF Yeison Morrobel (2-for-4, BB) each finished with a pair of hits. Despite allowing 3 ER, RHP Jacob Maton (W, 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R-ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) earned the win for the Wood Ducks.

May 22: Chase Lee, who is pitching for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, was named the Pacific Coast League's Pitcher of the Week on Monday. 

The award was given for the games of May 15-21. 

Lee threw six scoreless innings in three relief appearances last week. He recorded a save, gave up three hits and two walks while striking out eight. He allowed batters to hit .150 against him. 

Lee (1-0) has a 3.91 ERA this season, having given up 11 earned runs in 25 1/3 innings pitched. He's thrown in 15 games (one start) and struck out 33 batters, which is 30.8 percent of the 107 hitters he's faced. His 11.72 strikeouts per 9.0 innings figure ranks 5th among PCL pitchers (min. 20.0 IP).

Round Rock is in Albuquerque starting Tuesday.

Lee is among a group of minor-league relievers the Rangers could consider promoting to aid their struggling bullpen.

Games of May 20

Triple-A Round Rock (23-20): Round Rock defeated El Paso, 6-5, on 1B Blaine Crim’s walk-off RBI single. Crim’s game-winning knock came as part of a 2-run, 3-hit rally in the 9th inning, with C Sam Huff working a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 5-5...Round Rock deployed 5 pitchers in a “bullpen game”, highlighted by a 2.1-inn. effort by RHP Grant Anderson (2 H, 2 R-ER, 0 BB, 5 SO). 

Double-A Frisco (17-20): Frisco rallied from six runs down to beat Amarillo, 8-7. CF Evan Carter (4-for-6, RBI, SB, K) capped a 4-hit showing with a walk-off RBI single in extras innings. Carter has multiple hits in each of his last 3 G at .615 (8-13), raising his season BA from .267 to .302. C Liam Hicks (3-for-5, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, R, K) keyed Frisco’s comeback with a grand slam (2) in the 6th inning. LHP Antoine Kelly (W, 2.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R-0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) was awarded the win after tossing 2.0 no-hit frames in the 8th and 9th innings.

High Class-A Hickory (12-24): Hickory lost to Rome, 10-6, and has now lost 13 straight and 20 of its last 23. LHP Larson Kindreich (L, 1.2 IP, 5 H, 7 R-6 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) was shelled in his 8th app. (5th start) of the season. C Cody Freeman (4-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB, SB), RF Alejandro Osuna (3-for-5, RBI, R), and 2B Jayce Easley (3-for-5, R) combined for 10 of the Crawdads’ 14 hits. 

Low Class-A Down East (20-16): Down East split a doubleheader with Fayetteville, losing Game 1, 2-1, and winning Game 2, 4-3. RHP Brock Porter (ND, 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 SO) started for the Wood Ducks in the opener, tossing 2.2 scoreless frames to lower his season ERA from 1.37 to 1.21. LHP Dylan MacLean (ND, 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R-ER, 1 BB, 6 SO) recorded season-high 6 strikeouts as he Woodies’ Game 2 starter. SS Cameron Cauley (1-for-3, HR, RBI, R, K) and 1B Abimelec Ortiz (2-for-3, HR, RBI, 2 R, K) each connected for solo home runs in the 2nd contest, their 3rd and 7th long balls of the season, respectively. RHP Jose Corniell (W, 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R-0 ER, 0 BB, 7 SO) closed the game by fanning 7 of 12 batters faced in relief to earn the win.

Games of May 19

Triple-A Round Rock (22-20): Round Rock beat El Paso, 12-2, to snap a 10-game losing streak. RHP James Marvel (1-1, 3.77) earned his first victory of the season after tossing 5.1 innings of 2-run ball. SS Davis Wendzel (2-5, R, 2B, HR, 4 RBI) homered for the second consecutive night and collected a season-high 4 RBI. 3B Justin Foscue (4-5, R, BB, 2 RBI) and DH Sam Huff (4-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI) each posted a quartet of hits. 

Double-A Frisco (16-20): Frisco lost to Amarillo, 2-1. RHP Owen White (1-1, 3.72) shouldered the tough-luck loss, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits over 5.0 innings. CF Evan Carter drove home the ‘Riders lone run – a 3rd-inning single that tied the contest at 1. 

High Class-A Hickory (12-23): Hickory lost to Rome, 1-0, to lose its 12th straight game. Crawdads starter RHP Josh Stephan dazzled, however, fanning 7 and yielding just a pair of hits across 6.0 scoreless frames.

Low Class-A Down East (19-15): Saturday's game with Fayetteville was rained out. CF Yeison Morrobel is Down East’s hottest hitter, carrying a 7-game hitting streak (since 5/2) over which he’s slashing .400/.444/.560/1.004 (10-25) to raise his season BA from .163 to .243.

Games of May 18

Triple-A Round Rock (21-20): Round Rock lost to El Paso, 4-1. The Express have lost 10 games in a row. RHP Robert Dugger (L, 5.2 IP, 2 R-ER, 4 BB, 6 SO, 1 HR) took the loss. SS Davis Wendzel (1-4, HR, RBI, R, K) scored and drove in Round Rock's only run. 2B Jonathan Ornelas (2-for-3, 2 BB, K) reached base 4 times (2 1B, 2 BB) out of the leadoff spot, and is batting .391 (9-23) with 4 2B over his last 6 G.

Double-A Frisco (16-19): Frisco defeated Amarillo, 7-1. Eight of the nine batters in the ‘Riders’ starting lineup recorded hits, with RF Aaron Zavala (2-for-4, HR, RBI, K), 2B Thomas Saggese (3-for-4, HR, RBI, K), and DH Evan Carter (2-for-4) leading the charge. Zavala, the no. 8 prospect in Texas’ farm system (MLB Pipeline), has gone 4-for-8 in 2 G this season after returning from offseason surgery on his right elbow. Frisco starter Ryan Garcia (W, 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R-ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 1 HR) earned his first career Double-A win.

High Class-A Hickory (12-22): Hickory lost to Rome, 4-3, and has lost 11 straight and 18 of its last 21. RHP Matt Brosky (L, 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R-3 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO) took the loss. Hickory combined for 6 hits (all singles), 2 of which came courtesy of LF Geisel Cepeda (2-for-4, RBI). The 25-year-old has batted .325 (13-40) over 11 G this month, and has more walks (13) than strikeouts across 24 G this season. 

Low Class-A Down East (19-15): Down East lost 5-0 to Fayetteville. RHP Leandro Lopez (ND, 4.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 SO) did not factor into the decision. CF Yeison Morrobel (2-for-3, 2B, BB) extended his 7-game hitting streak. The 19-year-old has slashed .400/.444/.560/1.004 (10-25) over the course of the streak to raise his season BA from .163 to .243. RHP Josh Gessner (L, 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R-ER, 3 BB, 1 SO) was charged with the loss.

Games of May 16

Triple-A Round Rock (21-18): Round Rock lost to El Paso on Tuesday. The Express have dropped eight straight games. SS Jonathan Ornelas recorded a pair of doubles and an RBI; he’s now hit safely in 4 straight games (since 5/12; .428 avg. in span). RHP Kyle Cody (0-3, 6.83) shouldered his 3rd loss of the season, permitting 8 runs (7 ER) on 9 hits (1 HR) across 3.0 innings of work.

Double-A Frisco (14-19):  Frisco defeated Amarillo, 3-2. RHP Tekoah Roby (1-3, 6.11) did not factor into the decision, despite posting his first quality start of the season and carrying a no-hit bid into the 7th frame. RHP Marc Church (W, 1.2 IP, 4 SO) got the win. Frisco’s offense was paced by LF Dustin Harris (3-4, HR, RBI), who produced his 3rd 3-hit effort of ’23, including the eventual game-winning home run in the 8th.

High Class-A Hickory (12-20): Hickory lost to Rome, 7-3, and has lost nine straight. OF Daniel Mateo (2-4, HR, 2 RBI) launched his 4th homer of the season and has recorded hits in 12 of his last 13 and 16 of his last 18 G (since 4/23) to bump his season BA from .234 to .271. RHP Mitch Bratt (0-2, 3.91) took his 2nd loss after permitting 3 R/ER on a season-high 9 hits (1 HR) with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts.

Low Class-A Down East (19-13): Down East defeated Fayetteville, 10-0. The Woodies' offensive attack was powered by a trio of 2-run homers from OF Yeison Morrobel (4th inn.), 2B Danyer Cueva (4th inn.) and SS Cameron Cauley (7th inn.). RHP D.J. McCarty (1-1, 0.92) picked up his first professional victory at a full-season minors level.

May 16: Tekoah Roby, the Texas Rangers' No. 11 overall prospect, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning during a day game for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders on Tuesday. 

Roby tied his season-high with eight strikeouts in the contest as he left after pitching 6 1/3 innings. 

Roby eventually gave up two hits, two runs and a walk before leaving the game. He ended up with a no-decision, as Frisco beat Amarillo, 3-2. 

In the first inning Roby hit a batter and then walked a batter. After that, he retired 18 straight batters before giving up a triple and a home run in the top of the seventh. 

May 15: Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young said on Monday that one of the Rangers' Top 30 prospects, outfielder Aaron Zavala, would probably make an appearance at Double-A Frisco this week as he has completed his rehab from offseason surgery.

Zavala was diagnosed with a torn UCL and underwent internal brace UCL repair surgery after playing five games in the Arizona Fall League. 

Last season in the minor leagues, he started the season at High Class-A Hickory and ended it at Double-A Frisco. He batted .277 overall with 16 home runs and 62 RBI. He is the No. 8 prospect in the organization after being taken in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Oregon. 

"Aaron will be joining Frisco this week," Young said. "I believe it's [Tuesday]." 

The RoughRiders have an off-day on Monday.

Games of May 12

Triple-A Round Rock: Round Rock lost to Oklahoma City, 6-0. CF Rafael Ortega (1-for-4) and SS Jonathan Ornelas (1-for-4) had the Express’ only 2 hits of the contest. RHP Robert Dugger (L, 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) took the loss. 

Double-A Frisco: Wichita beat Frisco, 13-5. 3B Thomas Saggese (1-for-4, HR, 4 RBI) hit his first career grand slam…DH Corey Seager (1-for-3) singled in the 4th inning in the second game of his rehab assignment. CF Evan Carter (2-for-5) returned to the lineup after missing two games and tallied a pair of hits in the leadoff spot. RHP Owen White (3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R-ER, 3 BB, 4 SO) made his seventh start of the season.

High Class-A Hickory: Hickory lost to Bowling Green, 5-4. C Cody Freeman (1-for-3, HR, RBI, BB) and RF Alejandro Osuna (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB) both launched home runs in the loss. RHP Matt Brosky (3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) struck out 7 in his first start of the season. 

Low Class-A Down East: Down East lost to Delmarva, 7-2. 1B Abimelec Ortiz (2-for-4, 3B, HR, RBI, BB) and 3B Gleider Figuereo (2-for-3, RBI, BB) had good games at the plate. RHP Brock Porter (3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO) struck out six.

Games of May 11

Triple-A Round Rock (21-14): Round Rock lost to Oklahoma City, 9-5, losing a 5-4 lead after four innings. 3B Diosbel Arias (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) had the big game at the plate. RHP Cole Winn (3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R-ER, 4 BB, 4 SO).

Double-A Frisco (13-17): The RoughRiders lost to Wichita, 8-6, as Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI) began a rehab assignment. RHP Jack Leiter (5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO) continued his hot streak, striking out a season-high 8 batters…LF Dustin Harris (3-for-4, HR, RBI, BB) notched his first 3-H game this season.

High Class-A Hickory (12-16): Hickory fell to Bowling Green, 5-4. 1B Josh Hatcher (1-for-4, HR, RBI) homered in the 1st inning, his team-leading 6th of the year as he became the first Crawdad to reach 20 RBI this season. RHP Kumar Rocker (L, 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) allowed a season-high 5 ER, all coming in the 5th inning. 

Low Class-A Down East (17-11): Down East fell to Delmarva, 4-2. DH Yeison Morrobel (1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB) provided the Woodies only run production on a 2-R single with two outs in the 3rd inning. RHP Josh Gessner (6.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) did not allow a hit in 6.0 IP, despite a run scoring after a HBP and throwing error.

May 11: A Rangers pitching prospect earned a promotion from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday. 

The Frisco RoughRiders announced that pitcher Grant Wolfram would join the Express, a move made possible by John King's promotion to the Rangers from Triple-A. 

Wolfram, an 18th-round pick in 2018, is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in nine appearances, with eight of those coming in relief. 

Per The Prospect Times, the Rangers made these other minor-league moves on Thursday:

LHP Josh Dye was assigned to Round Rock and RHP Nick Krauth was assigned to Frisco from Round Rock. 

Games for May 9

Triple-A Round Rock (21-12): Round Rock lost to Oklahoma City, 4-1, but LHP Cody Bradford — the Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April — threw six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and a walk while striking out seven. 2B Justin Foscue (2-for-2, HR, RBI, 2 BB) reached in all 4 PA and homered in the 1st inning to tally Express’ only run of the contest. 

Double-A Frisco (13-15): Frisco lost to Wichita, 5-4. RF Kellen Strahm (2-for-4, HR, RBI) launched his 2nd home run in the last 4 G while C Scott Kapers (2-for-3, 2B, RBI) plated DH Chris Seise (1-for-4) on an RBI single…back-to-back hits in the 5th inning from SS Lusinagel Acuña (1-for-5, 2B. RBI) and LF Dustin Harris (1-for-4, RBI) evened the game at four. RHP Marc Church (L, 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) suffered the loss after allowing a run to score in the top of the 10th inning. 

High Class-A Hickory (12-14): Bowling Green beat Hickory, 12-1. LHP Larson Kindreich (L, 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R-ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) gave up 4 ER in just 2.2 IP, his shortest start of the season. The Crawdads' Daniel Mateo (1-for-4) had their only hit. Hickory’s only run came in the 7th inning after a walk and throwing error allowed 2B Jayce Easley (0-for-3, RBI) to bring home RF Alejandro Osuna (0-for-2, 2 BB) on a sacrifice fly. 

Low Class-A Down East (16-10): Down East delivered an 8-2 win over Delmarva. Three Down East players homered — 3B Gleider Figeureo (1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI), 1B Abimelec Ortiz (1-for-2, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB) and LF Yosy Galan (1-for-4, HR, RBI). RHP D.J. McCarty (4.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R-ER, 3 BB, 7 SO) struck out 7 and lowered his ERA to 1.23, while RHP Damian Mendoza (W, 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R-ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) earned the win.

May 9

Triple-A Round Rock (21-11): The Express are off on Monday before starting a homestand with Oklahoma City. Last week against Reno, 1B Diosbel Arias went 7-for-10 over the final 2 G to bump his BA from .250 to .348. CF Rafael Ortega has three straight multi-hit games, going 8-for-16 (.500 BA) across the week. C Sam Huff has hits in 10 of his last 11 G, and homered 3 times against the Aces, before his call-up to the Rangers. RHP Joe Barlow has allowed just 3 ER in 11.2 IP (2.31 ERA) including scoreless outings in 4 of the last 5. LHP Cody Bradford (5-1, 1.07) continues to pace the PCL in W (5), ERA (1.07), IP (33.2), WHIP (0.86), and AVG (.149), among qualified players.

Double-A Frisco (13-14): CF Evan Carter was named the Texas Minor League Player of the Month after batting .343/.500/.543/1.043 (24-70) with 4 home runs and 20 RBI over 18 games in April. His 26 BB lead the Texas League and his .463 OBP ranks 6th. SS Luisangel Acuña was named Defender of the Month and also leads the RoughRiders with 38 hits. He has committed just 2 errors for a .978 (2 E/90 TC) fielding percentage and his 12 DP are T1st in the Texas League while his 53 assists rank 3rd. LHP Grant Wolfram earned Reliever of the Month after not allowing a runner to score in April. RHP Owen White boasts a 2.93 ERA, while RHP Jack Leiter has punched out a team-high 36 batters. 

High Class-A Hickory (12-13): SS Max Acosta leads the team with a .350 BA which ranks 4th in the South Atlantic League. He went 8-for-19 (.421) with a HR and 5 RBI last week versus Jersey Shore. OF Daniel Mateo finished 7-for-22 (.318 BA) with a pair of triples. 1B Josh Hatcher (.313), and DH Liam Hicks (.311) are each hitting above.300 through the opening weeks of the season. RHP Kumar Rocker struck out 8 batters across 6.0 IP in his start on Friday and boasts a 14.27 K/9 figure through 5 starts to lead all qualified South Atlantic League hurlers.

Low Class-A Down East (15-10): C Tucker Mitchell’s .370 BA (20-for-54) ranks 2nd in the Carolina League. OF JoJo Blackmon (8-for-20, 2 2B, 3B, 2 RBI) and SS Miguel Villarroel (8-for-23, HR 6 RBI) each tallied 8 hits for the Woodies in last week’s series against Fredericksburg. SS Danyer Cueva (.231 BA) leads the Wood Ducks with 14 RBI on the season. RHP Jose Corniell (1-1, 3.32) and RHP Brock Porter (0-0, 1.69) each threw 4.0 scoreless innings against the Nationals to lead the pitching staff.

Games of May 7

Triple-A Round Rock (21-11): The Express lost to Reno, 11-6. 3B Diosbel Arias (3-for-5, 2 2B, 4 RBI) had a big game at the plate in the loss. LHP Jake Latz (L, 2.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO) exited with the loss while RHP Joe Barlow (1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 1 SO) threw a scoreless eighth inning twirled a scoreless eighth inning.

Double-A Frisco (13-14): The RoughRiders lost to Midland, 13-2. In his 1st start of the season, RHP Wyatt Sparks (L, 1.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R-ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) left after less than two innings. The ‘Riders only offensive production came in the 3rd inning when 2B Thomas Saggese (1-for-4) singled and 1B Nick Tanielu (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB) launched a 2-R home run.

High Class-A Hickory (12-13): Hickory fell to Jersey Shore, 3-2. SS Max Acosta (2-for-3, BB) notched his 3rd multi-hit game of the series. RHP Gavin Collyer (L, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R-ER, 3 BB, 3 SO) took the loss. 

Low Class-A Down East (15-10): Down East had the final game of its six-game series against Fredericksburg postponed due to rain. The Woodies took 4 of 5 G from the Nationals to jump into a tie for the top spot in the Carolina League North with Carolina. OF JoJo Blackmon (8-for-20, 2 2B, 3B, 2 RBI) and SS Miguel Villarroel (8-for-23, HR 6 RBI) each tallied 8 hits in the series. SS Danyer Cueva (.231 BA) leads the Woodies with 14 RBI. RHP Jose Corniell (1-1, 3.32) and RHP Brock Porter (0-0, 1.69) each tossed 4.0 scoreless innings against Fredericksburg to guide the pitching staff.

Games of May 6

Triple-A Round Rock: Round Rock beat Reno, 9-5. 2B Diosbel Arias (4-for-5, RBI) and RF Rafael Ortega (3-for-5, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI) had great games at the plate. RHP Robert Duggar (W, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R-ER, 2 BB, 8 SO) earned the win and recorded his 1st quality start of the season. 

Double-A Frisco: Frisco fell to Midland, 5-4, in extra innings. RHP Owen White (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R-ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) recorded Frisco's second quality start in as many days. 2B Luisangel Acuña (2-for-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) helped Frisco build a 4-0 lead before Midland rallied.

High Class-A Hickory: The Crawdads lost, 13-1, to Jersey Shore. A Cody Freeman (0-for-3, RBI) sacrifice fly drove home SS Keyber Rodriguez (1-for-2, 2 BB) following a walk. RHP Winston Santos (L, 5.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) took the loss after surrendering 5 runs in as many innings. 

Low Class-A Down East: The Wood Ducks beat Fredericksburg, 9-4. 1B Abimelec Ortiz (3-for-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), 2B Danyer Cueva (3-for-5, RBI), and DH Miguel Villarroel (3-for-5, RBI) helped Down East register 16 hits. In relief, RHP Jose Corniell (4.0 IP,0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 6 SO) threw four perfect innings.

Games of May 5

Triple-A Round Rock: SS Jonathan Ornelas’ (3-for-4, 3B, RBI, BB) and CF Rafael Ortega’s (3-for-4) 3-hit days weren’t enough as Round Rock dropped its third straight game against Reno, 9-6. RHP Cole Winn (L, 2.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R-ER, 5 BB, 1 SO) started and shouldered the loss. 

Double-A Frisco: RHP Jack Leiter (6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) notched his 1st quality start of the season, throwing six shutout innings in Frisco's 4-1 win over Midland. LF Dustin Harris (2-for-5, HR, RBI) and RF Kellen Strahm (2-for-4, HR, RBI) handled the offense for the RoughRiders. 

High Class-A Hickory: Kumar Rocker (W, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 8 SO) had his best start of the season to push the Crawdads to a 6-3 win over Jersey Shore. SS Max Acosta (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI) launched a 3-R home run to put the Crawdads ahead for good. 

Low Class-A Down East: The Wood Ducks swept a doubleheader against Fredericksburg, winning Game 1, 15-9, and Game 2, 2-1. 2B Miguel Villarroel (3-for-9, HR, 3 RBI) hit a three-run home run in the 10th inning of Game 1 to fuel a seven-run inning for Down East. LF Yosy Galan (3-for-5, RBI) and 2B Danyer Mesa (3-for-7, HR RBI) knocked in both of Down East’s runs in the second game. RHP Brock Porter(4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) had another solid outing in his latest start for the Wood Ducks.

Games of May 4

Triple-A Round Rock (20-9): C Sam Huff (2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI) homered in his second straight game to power the Express to a 4-3 win over Reno. His home run broke a 2-2 tie. 2B Justin Foscue had a three-hit day (3-for-4, 2 2B, RBI, BB) and since April 29 (5 G), Foscue is 10-for-17 (.588 BA) with 4 2B, 3B, HR, and 3 RBI. LHP John King (W, 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 1 SO) earned the win. 

Double-A Frisco (12-12): Frisco lost to Midland, 11-6, as SS Luisangel Acuña and 1B Dustin Harris (2-for-3, 3B, RBI, 2 BB) each swiped home on throwing errors. The pair two of three Texas League players with at least 10 stolen bases (Acuña – 14, Harris -10). DH Evan Carter (3-for-3, BB, HBP) reached in all 5 PA while 2B Thomas Saggese (2-for-5, RBI) and CF Kellen Strahm (2-for-5, 2B) had multi-hit efforts. RHP Hever Bueno (2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) retired 7 of 9 BF.

High Class-A Hickory (11-11): Hickory gave up a 5-0 lead in a 7-5 loss to Jersey Shore. All the Crawdads’ production came on a pair of home runs, as 1B Josh Hatcher (1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB) put Hickory up 3-0 and C Cody Freeman (3-for-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) gave the Crawdads a 5-0 lead. LHP Mitch Bratt (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R-ER, 0 BB, 6 SO) struck out six. In relief, RHP Eudrys Manon (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO) struck out 4 of 7 BF and RHP Aidan Anderson (L, 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO) was charged with the loss after allowing the game-winning runs to score in the 11th.

Low Class-A Down East (12-10): Down East had its game at Fredericksburg suspended in the top of the 1st due to unsafe field conditions. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Friday. Top 30 prospect Brock Porter is the expected starter for Game 2.

May 3: Texas Rangers prospect Luisangel Acuña showed off his speed during Wednesday's game against Midland, as the Frisco RoughRiders infielder stole three bases in their 7-0 loss to Midland in Double-A Texas League action.

Not only did Acuña steal three bases in the game, he did it for the second time this season. He has 13 stolen bases and hasn't been caught yet.

Acuña is the Rangers' No. 3 overall prospect and he's off to a great start this season. He's batting .320 with one home run and 18 RBI, along with drawing nine walks. 

Games from May 2

Triple-A Round Rock (18-8): Round Rock's game with Reno was postponed due to rain. The Express will play a doubleheader on Wednesday headlined by starting pitchers Cody Bradford (5-0, 0.64) Game 1 and Kyle Cody (0-2, 6.35) in Game 2. 

Double-A Frisco (12-10):  Frisco breezed by Midland, 11-2. 2B Thomas Saggese (4-for-6, RBI) had his first-career four-hit day while 3B Jax Biggers (3-for-5, RBI) extended his hit streak to six games. 1B Josh Sale (2-for4, HR, 3 RBI) hit his first home run of the season. RHP Wyatt Sparks (W, 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 0 SO) earned the win in relief.

High-A Hickory (10-10): Hickory lost to Jersey Shore, 7-5. CF Daniel Mateo (2-for-4, 3B, BB) hit his 2nd triple of the season…SS Max Acosta (1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB) drove in his team-leading 14th run late in the contest. RHP Josh Stephan (L, 4.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R-ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) took his 1st loss of the season.

Low-A Down East (11-10): Down East fell to Fredericksburg, 4-3. LF JoJo Blackmon (3-for-4, 3B) hit his 1st career triple. RHP Luis Ramirez (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, BB, SO) lowered his ERA to 2.35.

May 2: With the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders preparing for a series at Abilene, two of the Texas Rangers' top prospects are coming off big months to start 2023. 

Outfielder Evan Carter, the Rangers' No. 1 prospect, batted .343 last month as he started his first full season of Double-A baseball. He hit four home runs, drove in 20 runs and had an on-base percentage of .500. His OPS was 1.043.

Infielder Luisangel Acuña is the Rangers' No. 3 overall prospect. In April the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves batted .319. He also had an OPS of .805. He had eight extra-base hits, stole 10 bases, drove in 16 runs and scored 15 runs. 

May 1: Texas Rangers pitching prospect Joseph Montalvo has been named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week.

The right-hander earned the honor for the week of April 24-30 after he threw six shutout innings in his first start for the Down East Wood Ducks, which is the Rangers' Low Class-A affiliate. 

Montalvo gave up just one hit and two walks in the outing against Fayetteville, while he struck out six. 

The Rangers drafted Montalvo in the 20th round in 2021 out of Central Pointe Christian, Kissimmee, Fla. He went 4-0 with a 2.31 ERA with the Arizona Complex League Rangers last year, which is the organization's rookie league team. 

Games of April 28

Triple-A Round Rock (16-8): LF Rafael Ortega (2-for-6, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) launched a 2-R walk-off home run as Round Rock took a 6-5 extra-inning victory over Albuquerque on Friday night. DH J.P. Martinez (2-for-4, 2 RBI) crushed a 2-R homer and C Sam Huff (2-for-5, RBI) had two hits. CF Elier Hernandez (3-for-4, 2B, BB) had three.  RHP Dominic Leone (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 5 SO) pitched well late but RHP Joe Barlow (W, 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) earned the win. 

Double-A Frisco (10-9): The RoughRiders had an eight-run first inning en route to a 12-6 win over Amarillo. SS Chris Seise (1-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI) and 2B Jax Biggers (1-for-2, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB) each drove in 3 runs. DH Luisangel Acuña (3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI) recorded 3 hits and is now 7-for-20 (.350 BA) in the series. Frisco got triples from RF Trevor Hauver (2-for-5, 3B) and 3B Thomas Saggese (2-for-4, 3B, BB). RHP Alex Speas (W, 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) earned his 1st win of the season. 

High Class-A Hickory (10-6): Hickory had its second straight game versus Winston-Salem canceled due to rain. Hickory and Winston-Salem will play a doubleheader on Saturday. 

Low Class-A Down East (10-8): DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS – Down East won its fourth straight game beating Fayetteville, 7-3. DH Tucker Mitchell (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) and 1B Abiemlec Ortiz (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) each had two hits. LF JoJo Blackmon (1-for-3, HR, RBI, BB) hit a home run. RHP Brock Porter (4.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) didn't allow a hit and has lowered his ERA from 13.50 to 2.25 in his past 3 starts. 

Games of April 27

Triple-A Round Rock (15-8): Albuquerque beat Round Rock, 8-3. Round Rock RHP Kyle Cody (L, 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 RER, 2 BB, 3 SO) took the loss and has given up 2+ runs in all 5 starts…2B Davis Wendzel (1-for-4, 2 RBI) and DH Elier Hernandez (1-for-4, RBI) accounted for the Express’ only offensive production of the ballgame.

Double-A Frisco (9-9): 2B Jax Biggers’ (1-for-3, HR, 4 RBI, BB) go-ahead grand slam pushed Frisco past Amarillo, 5-1. RHP Tekoah Roby (W, 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R-ER, 1 BB, 8 SO) surrendered 1 run on a homer in the 1st inning. LHP Grant Wolfram (3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) has yet to give up a run over 9.1 IP.

High Class-A Hickory (10-6): Hickory had its second game of a six-game series versus Winston-Salem washed out on Thursday night. RHP Kumar Rocker (1-0, 2.19) is scheduled to make his 4th start of the season on Friday. 

Low Class-A Down East (9-8): CF Anthony Gutierrez (1-for-4, RBI, BB) and LF Yosy Galan (1-for-4, 2B, RBI) drove in runs in back-to-back innings as Down East beat Fayetteville, 5-2. DH Tucker Mitchell (2-for-4) and RF Yeison Morrobel (2-for-3, BB) each had two hits. Mitchell (.438) leads the Carolina League in hitting. RHP Dylan MacLean (ND, 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R-ER, 4 BB, 3 SO) didn’t allow a run in the first 4 innings. RHP Jose Corniell (W, 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) got the win with four scoreless innings.

Games of April 26

Triple-A Round Rock (15-7): LHP Cody Bradford (W, 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO) improved to 5-0 on the season after guiding Round Rock to an 8-2 victory over Albuquerque. C Sam Huff (3-for-5) is now 5-for-11 (.455 BA) over his last 3 G. 1B Blaine Crim (2-for-3, HR, RBI) hit his team-leading fourth home run. RHP Zack Littell (2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 2 SO) has now worked 10 2/3 innings without giving up a run. 

Double-A Frisco (8-9): The RoughRiders lost an 11-1 lead after seven innings to lose to Amarillo, 12-11, in 10 innings. 2B Luisangel Acuña (2-for-6, 2B, RBI), DH Kellen Strahm (2-for-5, RBI, BB) and SS Chris Seise (2-for-4, RBI, BB) each collected two hits each. RHP Nick Krauth (4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R-ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) struck out 4 batters.

High Class-A Hickory (10-6): RHP Josh Stephan (W, 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 8 SO) struck out 8 batters and allowed 2 hits as Hickory blanked Winston-Salem, 4-0. RF Alejandro Osuna (2-for-3, 2 2B, BB) and 2B Jayce Easley (2-for-4, 3B) each had two hits. RHP Andy Rodriguez (2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) was effective in relief. 

Low Class-A Down East (8-8): Down East beat Fayetteville, 8-5. RF Abimelec Ortiz (1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB) extended his nine-game hitting streak with a two-run home run in the first inning. Down East drew 10 walks and DH Andres Mesa (2-for-2, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB) reached in all 4 PA and delivered the go-ahead 2-R double in the eighth. RHP Leandro Lopez (W, 3.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R-ER, 3 BB, 4 SO, 65 pitches/38 strikes) earned the win. 

Games of April 25

Triple-A Round Rock (14-7): Round Rock defeated Albuquerque, 4-3, on a walk-off hit-by-pitch by CF J.P. Martinez (1-for-4, RBI, BB, HP) after a rain delay halted the game in the 7th inning for 2 hours. 3B Justin Foscue (2-for-5, RBI) drove in a run while DH Rafael Ortega (1-for-5, HR, RBI) hit his first home run of the season. The Express went with a bullpen game, featuring RHP Grant Anderson (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) and RHP Chase Lee (2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO). 

Double-A Frisco (8-8): Frisco lost, 9-7, to Amarillo despite a 6-0 lead. OF Evan Carter (2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI) made his return to the lineup and hit his team-leading fourth home run. 1B Nick Tanielu (3-for-5, 2B, 3B, RBI) fell a homer short of the cycle. RHP Owen White (ND, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R-ER, 1 BB, 4 SO) didn't give up a run until the sixth inning. RHP Nick Starr (L, 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 RER, 0 BB, 3 SO) took the loss. 

High Class-A Hickory (9-6): HICKORY – Hickory dropped both games of a doubleheader to Winston-Salem, 3-2 and 5-2. RF Alejandro Osuna (2-for-2, 2 RBI, BB) drove in both runs in the first game. CF Daniel Mateo (3-for-7, 2B) started both games. C Cody Freeman (1-for-4, RBI) accounted for Hickory’s lone RBI in the second contest. RHP Winston Santos (L, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO) started Game 1 and took the loss. RHP Gavin Collyer (L, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) started Game 2 and took the loss.

Low Class-A Down East (7-8): Down East beat Fayetteville, 8-1. C Ian Moller (1-for-5, HR, RBI) gave DE the lead with a first-inning home run. SS Danyer Cueva (2-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI) has a team-high eight RBI this season. RHP Joseph Montalvo (W, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) won his longest outing of the season.

Games of April 23

Triple-A Round Rock (13-7): Round Rock beat Sacramento, 3-1. LF Clint Frazier (3-for-4, 2B, HR, RBI) had his first home run of the season. RHP Cole Winn (W, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 7 SO) struck out a season-high seven batters. RHP Dominic Leone (S, 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 2 SO) had his second save of the season.

Double-A Frisco (8-7): 1B Diosbel Arias hit his fourth home run to lift Frisco to a 6-3 win over Arkansas. LF Dustin Harris (2-for-3, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI) had a pair of extra-base hits. The Frisco pitching staff struck out a season-high 19 batters. RHP Jack Leiter (ND, 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R-ER, 5 BB, 5 SO) made his fourth start. LHP Grant Wolfram (2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO) threw 2.2 perfect IP, while RHP Justin Slaten (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 5 SO) matched a career high in strikeouts.

High Class-A Hickory (9-4): Hickory shut out Bowling Green, 2-0. CF Daniel Mateo and DH Liam Hicks each had a home run. 1B Josh Hatcher is 19-for-46 (.413 BA) on the season, which ranks 3rd in the South Atlantic League. LHP Larson Kindreich (3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) started, but LHP Juan Mejia (W, 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) earned his first win of the season.

Low Class-A Down East (6-8): Down East dropped both games of a doubleheader to Carolina. 1B Abimelec Ortiz (2-for-6, 2 2B, BB) had extra-base hits in both contests, while C Tucker Mitchell (1-for-2, RBI) is now 12-for-24 (.500 BA) through eight games. In relief, RHP Jackson Kelly (G1, 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 37) and RHP D.J. McCarty (G2, 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) each hurled multiple scoreless innings for Down East.

April 22: The Texas Rangers swept the Philadelphia Phillies to open the season and face the New York Yankees later this week at Globe Life Field.

What else do those two foes have in common?

Well, the coaching staffs of their Single-A affiliates apparently don’t like each other too much.

Clearwater Threshers (Philadelphia) manager Marty Malloy got upset by a hit batter and in the aftermath of arguing about it, threw a punch at Tampa Tarpons (New York) pitching coach Gerardo Casadiego on Sunday in Florida.

More punches were thrown as the benches cleared, with Tarpons hitting coach Rick Guarno getting tackled in the melee.

The wild incident was captured on video below.

April 22: Kumar Rocker's third outing as a starter wasn't quite as efficient as his first two, but he did help Hickory to a 5-3 win over Bowling Green on Saturday night. 

Rocker — the South Atlantic League's Pitcher of the Week during his first week of professional baseball — gave up three runs in the first inning for the Rangers High Class-A affiliate. But he bounced back after that to throw three shutout innings and get into the fifth inning before he was replaced by Leury Tejada, who got the win. 

Rocker struck out eight, walked two and gave up three hits in 4 1/3 innings on the hill. 

Max Acosta led the Crawdads at the plate with a 3-for-4 game that included three RBI. 

Games for April 21

Triple-A Round Rock (12-5):  SS Jonathan Ornelas (2-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI) drove in the winning runs in a 2-1 win over Sacramento on Thursday. LHP Cody Bradford (W, 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R-ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) improved to 4-0. LHP John King (S, 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) earned the save. 

Double-A Frisco (6-5): Frisco was up 9-0 in the top of the fifth inning before rain suspended the game, which will resume as part of a doubleheader on Saturday. SS Luisangel Acuña (1-for-2, HR, 4 RBI) hit his 2nd career grand slam (also 8/6/22 vs. AMA) as part of a 6-run fourth inning from the ‘Riders.

RHP Nick Krauth (4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) tossed 4.0 SHO IP before the game was suspended.

High Class-A Hickory (6-4): Hickory beat Bowling Green, 5-1, on  Thursday night. DH Josh Hatcher (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB) set the tone in the 1st inning with a 2-run home run to grab a 2-0 lead. RHP Josh Stephan (W, 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 3 BB, 10 SO) won his second start.

Low Class-A Down East (5-6): The Wood Ducks lost to Carolina, 8-3, on Thursday. RHP Jose Corniell (L, 4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO) took the loss. DH Yosy Galan (2-for-2, 2B, HR, RBI, 2 RBI) and CF Anthony Gutierrez (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) each launched their first home runs for Down East’s only offensive production.

April 20: Texas Rangers prospect Cody Freeman led the Hickory Crawdads to an 8-7 victory over Bowling Green on Wednesday night. That victory came with a walk-off home run. 

Freeman drove a ball deep to center in the ninth, scoring two runs to win the game for the Crawdads. Here's the video.

Freeman, a catcher, was drafted in the fourth round by the Rangers in 2019. He is batting .227 with one home run and four RBI after Wednesday game. 

Games of April 19

Triple-A Round Rock (10-5): Round Rock beat Sacramento, 17-9, on Tuesday. 2B Justin Foscue (2-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, BB) hit a grand slam. LF Rafael Ortega (3-for-6, BB) and DH Clint Frazier (3-for-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB) both produced 3 hits. C Sam Huff (1-for-7, HR, 3 RBI) and 3B Jonathan Ornelas (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 BB) had big games. 1B Yoshi Tsutsugo (1-for-2, RBI, 4 BB) reached in 5 of 6 plate appearances. RHP Cole Winn (4.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R-ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) left with the no decision. RHP Joe Barlow (W, 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 1 SO) and RHP Yerry Rodriguez (2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO) threw well in relief.

Double-A Frisco (5-5): Frisco left the bases loaded in the 9th inning in a 5-1 loss to Arkansas. C David Garcia (3-for-4, 2 RBI) ripped a 2-run double for the ‘Riders. CF Evan Carter (0-for-1, 4 BB) reached base via BB 4 times, also stealing a bag and recording an outfield assist. RHP Jack Leiter (L, 5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R-ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) took the loss but has 5+ K’s in every appearance.

High Class-A Hickory (4-4): SS Max Acosta (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) and LF Geisel Cepeda (1-for-4, HR, RBI) each launched solo home runs as Hickory lost, 5-3, to Bowling Green. 1B Josh Hatcher (1-for-4) extended his hitting streak to 7 games and is batting a team-high .379. RHP Gavin Collyer (L, 4 H, 3 R-ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) struggled giving up 3 runs in 4.1 IP.

Low Class-A Down East (5-4): Down East lost 5-2 to Carolina. 3B Gleyber Figuereo (1-for-2, HR, RBI, 2 BB) and 1B Abimelec Ortiz (1-for-3, RBI) drove in Down East's only runs. RHP Luis Ramirez (L, 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R-ER, 4 BB, 2 SO), walking 4 batters in his 2nd start. RHP Damian Mendoza (3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 S0) tossed shutout relief.

Games of April 16

Triple-A Round Rock (9-5): Round Rock beat Tacoma, 5-4. DH Rafael Ortega (2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI), 3B Davis Wendzel (2-for-4, 2B, HR, RBI), and RF Sandro Fabian (2-for-4, 2 2B) each had at least one double. Wendzel’s 4th-inning home run was his second in as many days. LF J.P. Martinez (1-for-2, 2 BB) has now reached base in all 11 games this season. RHP Fernery Ozuna (W, 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) struck out 3 to earn the win, while RHP Dominic Leone (S, 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 0 SO) earned the save. Round Rock is in Sacramento this week to take on the River Cats beginning on Tuesday.

Double-A Frisco (5-4): 1B Dustin Harris (3-for-5, 2B, HR - grand slam, 4 RBI) led Frisco to a 12-2 win over San Antonio. CF Evan Carter (2- for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB) wrapped up a great series in which he reached in 17 of 30 PA (.567 OBP), hit three home runs and drove in 11 of his team-high 15 RBI. DH Luisangel Acuña (1-for-4, RBI, BB) has hits in his last 5 games. Frisco pitching struck out 14, with RHP Nick Starr (W, 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) securing the win.

High Class-A Hickory (4-3): RHP Kumar Rocker was named South Atlantic Player of the Week after hurling a pair of shutout starts (8.0 IP) against Wilmington with 12 strikeouts. Hickory beat Wilmington, 3-0, as Rocker (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 4 SO) made his second start. A 2-run double from SS Max Acosta (1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI) and 3B Keyber Rodriguez’s (1-for-4, RBI) RBI single accounted for all Hickory’s offense. 1B Josh Hatcher (2-for-4) was the only Crawdad to finish with multiple hits. LHP Larson Kindreich (3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) recorded the win out of the bullpen.

Low Class-A Down East (5-3): Down East lost 3-0 to Augusta. SS Danyer Cueva (1-for-4), DH Anthony Gutierrez (1-for-3), and 1B Miguel Villarroel (1- for-4) each singled to hold a BA over the .300 mark. In his first start, RHP Ivan Oviedo (4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) took the loss. LHP Seth Clark (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) struck out a pair in his lone inning of work.

April 15: Round Rock outfielder and designated hitter J.P. Martinez continues to swing one of the hottest bats in the organization after the Express' 10-2 loss to Tacoma on Saturday. 

Martinez went 2-for-4 to keep his batting average at .400. 

For the season, Martinez has two home runs, nine RBI and six stolen bases. He has a 1.169 OPS. 

Martinez also has a hit in eight of his 10 games this season entering the Express' final game with Tacoma on Sunday. 

Martinez has been a member of the Rangers system since 2018.

Games for April 14

Triple-A Round Rock (8-4): Round Rock beat Tacoma, 7-1, behind the hitting of 3B Justin Foscue (3-for-3, HR, RBI) and the pitching of starter LHP Cody Bradford (W, 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R-ER, 3 BB, 6 SO). CF J.P. Martinez (1-for-4, RBI, BB) and LF Clint Frazier (2-for-3, 3B, RBI) had solid games at the plate.

Double-A Frisco (4-3): DH Evan Carter (4-for-6, 2 RBI) led Frisco to a 7-0 win over San Antonio. The ‘Riders had 16 hits and were led by C Scott Kapers (3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI), SS Luisangel Acuña (3-for-5, RBI), and LF Dustin Harris (2-for-4, RBI). RHP Nick Krauth (W, 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 2 BB, 1 SO) led Frisco on the hill.

High Class-A Hickory (3-2): Hickory rallied down 3-1 in the fourth to beat Wilmington, 6-3. Hickory 3B Keyber Rodriguez (3-for-5, 2 RBI) and 2B Griffin Cheney (2-for-4, RBI BB) used back-to-back RBI singles to tie the game. DH Geisel Cepeda (3-for-5, 2 RBI) and CF Daniel Mateo (3-for-5) had big games offensively. RHP Josh Stephan (W, 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO) earned the win.

Low Class-A Down East (5-1): Down East swept a doubleheader over Augusta, taking Game 1, 5-3, and  Game 2, 3-1. 1B Miguel Villaroel (2-for-6, 2B, 2 RBI) was the only Wood Duck to tally a hit in both games. CF Anthony Gutierrez (2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI) and RF JoJo Blackmon (1- for-2, 2B, 2 RBI) each had a pair of RBIs…LHP Dylan MacLean (W, 2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R-ER, 0 BB, 3 SO) and RHP Matt Brosky (W, 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R-ER, 0 B,, 6 SO) were the winning pitchers in each contest.

April 12: Outfielder Evan Carter, considered by many to be the top prospect in the Texas Rangers organization, hit his first two home runs of the season for Double-A Frisco on Wednesday night. 

Carter's first home run, a three-run shot, gave the RoughRiders a 4-0 lead in the second inning. His second, which was in the fourth inning, was a two-run home run that gave Frisco a 7-0 lead. Frisco went on to win, 7-1. 

Entering Thursday's action Carter is batting .333 with two home runs and eight RBI. The RoughRiders continue a series with San Antonio. 

Games for April 11

Triple-A Round Rock (6-3): Round Rock defeated Tacoma, 10-2, on Tuesday. OF Leody Taveras (2-for-4, HR, 5 RBI, BB) hammered a grand slam in the fourth inning to give Round Rock a 5-1 lead. Taveras was activated by the Rangers on Wednesday. CF J.P. Martinez (2-for-4, RBI, BB) reached base in his seventh consecutive game, and his .435 (10-for-23) average is tied for third in the Pacific Coast League. 3B Blaine Crim (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) ended up with hits in back-to-back contests. RHP Robert Duggar (3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R-ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) took a no-decision as the starter. LHP Lucas Jacobsen (W, 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R-ER, 2 SO) earned his first win of the season.

Double-A Frisco (1-3): The Roughriders had three hits in a 4-0 loss to San Antonio. C David García (2-for-3), 1B Trevor Hauver (1-for-3) and CF Evan Carter (0-for-2, 2 BB) were the only RoughRiders to reach base. In his first start of the season, RHP Ryan Garcia (L, 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R-ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) took the loss. LHP Tristen Polley (2.0 IP, 0 H

High Class-A Hickory (2-0): First-round pick RHP Kumar Rocker (W, 5.0 IP,2 H, 0 R-ER, 8 SO), shined in his professional debut in a 3-2 win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Rocker threw 42 of his 53 pitches for strikes and punched out 8 of 17 batters faced, including 6 of the first 8. 1B Josh Hatcher (2-for-4, HR, RBI) homered while CF Daniel Mateo (1-for-4, RBI) and RF Alejandro Osuna (0-for-3, SF, RBI) also drove in runs. LHP Larson Kindreich (2.0 IP, 2 H 0 R-ER, 1 SO) and RHP Bradford Webb (2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R-ER, 3 SO) each threw a pair of innings to seal the victory.

Low Class-A Down East (2-1: Down East beat Augusta, 6-5. A two-run single in the second from 1B Miguel Villarroel (2-for-4, 2 RBI) gave the Woodies a 2-0 lead they never relinquished. In the seventh, SS Cameron Cauley (1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) added a pair on a two-run blast while 2B Danyer Cueva (2-for-3, 2B, RBI) and C Ian Moller (2-for-3, BB) each notched multi-hit games. RHP Luis Ramirez (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 3 SO) opened the game for the Wood Ducks.RHP Joseph Montalvo (3.0 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO) was credited with the win in his season debut.

Games for April 9

Triple-A Round Rock: DH Yoshi Tsutsugo’s two-run home run sparked Round Rock (5-3) past Sugar Land, 6-0, on Sunday. CF J.P. Martinez drew two walks and has now reached base in all 6 G to begin the season. C Sam Huff (1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI) extended his hit streak to four games and is batting .313 during the streak. The Express went with a bullpen game featuring RHP Fernery Ozuna, RHP Josh Sborz (making an injury rehab assignment for the Rangers), LHP John King, RHP Dominic Leone and RHP Yerry Rodriguez combining for the shutout. Round Rock opens a six-game homestand against Tacoma on Tuesday at 12:05 p.m. CT.

Double-A Frisco: Frisco (1-2) was off on Sunday. Frisco will travel to San Antonio to take on the Missions in a six-game series beginning Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

High Class-A Hickory: Hickory (1-0) was off on Sunday. RHP Kumar Rocker, who Texas selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, is set to make his professional debut on Tuesday when Hickory takes on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 5:35 p.m. as part of a five-game road trip.

Low Class-A Down East: Down East (1-1) was off on Sunday. The Wood Ducks open a six-game series with Augusta on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m.

Games for April 8

Triple-A Round Rock: Round Rock (4-3) swept a doubleheader Saturday against Sugar Land, winning Game 1, 4-0, and Game 2, 3-2. Round Rock hit 3 home runs across the twin bill, including RF Elier Hernandez (3-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB), who homered inboth contests. C Sam Huff (1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) opened the second game of the night with a two-run shot in the first inning. 2B Justin Foscue (2-for-5, 2B, BB), SS Jonathan Ornelas (2-for-6, 2 BB), and CF Rafael Ortega (3-for-7, 2 RBI, BB) each had hits in both games. LHP Cody Bradford (W, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R-ER, BB, 4 SO) started Game 1 and allowed just 2 runners to reach base. RHP Kyle Cody (2.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R-ER, BB, 4 SO, 60 pitches/41 strikes) started Game 2 and left with a no-decision. Round Rock’s bullpen tossed 4.1 SHO IP (7 SO) to secure the day’s sweep.

Double-A Frisco: A late two-run triple in the seventh inning propelled Amarillo past Frisco (1-2), 5-3. DH Luisangel Acuña (2-for-5, 2 RBI) and 3B Thomas Sagesse (2-for-3, BB) had multi-hit performances. The RoughRiders scored three runs in the fifth after a leadoff double by C Scott Kapers set the table for an RBI single from LF Evan Carter and a two-run home run from Acuña. CF Leody Taveras, who had been held hitless through his first 2 injury rehab appearances with Frisco, reached base 3 times (1B, 2 BB). RHP Tekoah Roby (L, 3.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R-ER, 3 BB, 5 SO) took the loss in his season debut.

High Class-A Hickory: The Crawdads (1-0) did not Saturday’s doubleheader with Winston-Salem after it was postponed due to rain. This was the second consecutive day that weather impacted the Crawdads. The scheduled doubleheader is set to be made up later this month...LHP Mitch Bratt, who pitched for Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, is now slated to make his High-A debut in a start on Tuesday when Hickory takes on the Wilmington Blue Rocks as part of a five-game series.

Low Class-A Down East: Weather postponed Saturday’s game between Down East (1-1) and Kannapolis. Down East will travel to Augusta to take on the GreenJackets in a five-game series beginning Tuesday.

April 8: Not only was the minor-league debut of Kumar Rocker postponed Friday due to rain, it was also washed out Saturday. Rocker’s team, the High Class-A Hickory Crawdads, postponed the double-header against Winston-Salem due to continued showers in the area.

Rocker has yet to start his full professional season in the Texas Rangers system after being selected in the first round of last July’s Major League Draft. The right-handed pitcher is the organization's No. 10 prospect, per MLB.com,

The Rangers assigned Rocker to Hickory after Spring Training.

Games for April 7

Triple-A Round Rock: Round Rock’s game against Sugar Land was postponed due to rain. The contest is expected to be rescheduled for a later date. Round Rock (2-3) and Sugar Land will play two games on Sunday to make for a postponement on Thursday. RHP Kyle Cody is expected to start on Saturday for the Express.

Double-A Frisco: The RoughRiders (1-1) lost 3-1 to Amarillo. RHP Owen White (3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO) produced a scoreless start in his season debut. OF Evan Carter (1-for-4), SS Luisangel Acuña (1-for-4), and LF Dustin Harris (1-for-3, 3B, R, BB) were the only ‘Riders to record hits. RHP Tekoah Roby is expected to start for Frisco on Saturday.

High Class-A Hickory: The Crawdads (1-0) did not play on Friday against Winston-Salem as the game was postponed due to rain. It will be made up as a doubleheader on Sunday. LHP Mitch Bratt, who pitched for Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, is set to make his High-A debut for Hickory in a doubleheader on Saturday.

Low Class-A Down East: C Tucker Mitchell (4-for-4, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI) powered Down East (1-1) to a 10-1 victory over Kannapolis. 2B Danyer Cueva (3-for-5, 3B, R, 4 RBI) had a big night offensively. RF Yeison Morrobel (1-for-3, 2 BB, 2 R) reached base 3 times on a single and 2 walks. Starting RHP Aidan Curry (3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R-ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) struck out 7 of the 14 batters he faced. Rangers’ 12th round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, RHP Jackson Kelly (W, 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO), earned the win in his professional debut.

Games for April 6

Triple-A Round Rock: The Express (2-3) lost to Sugar Land 5-2. The game was part of a doubleheader, but Game 2 was postponed. LF J.P. Martinez had his third multi-hit game, including an eighth-inning home run, and is batting .615 to lead all Pacific Coast League players. LHP Jake Latz took a no-decision (3 IP, 3 H, 1 R-ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) while RHP Cole Winn (0-1) took the loss (3 1/3 IP, 3 R, 5 BB). 

Double-A Frisco: The RoughRiders (1-0) won their opener 12-4 over Amarillo. Top hitters included C Scott Kapers (2-for-3, 3B, 3 RBI), CF Evan Carter (2-for-5, 3 RBI) and 1B Trevor Hauver (1-for-4, HR, 4 RBI). RHP Jack Leiter started (4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 4 R-ER, 3 BB, 5 SO) and took a no-decision, while RHP Grant Anderson (1-0) earned the win after posting 2 2/3 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts. 

High Class-A Hickory: The Crawdads (1-0) defeated Winston-Salem 10-5. Top hitters included CF Daniel Mateo (3-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI), 3B Keyber Rodriguez (3-for-4, 2 2B) and 1B Josh Hatcher (2-for-4, 4 RBI). RHP Winston Santos got the win in his first start (6 innings, 1 H, 0 R-ER, 5 SO, 0 BB), allowing just two batters to reach base and carrying a perfect game into the fifth inning. 

Low Class-A Down East: Down East (0-1) lost its opener 5-4 to Kannapolis. RHP Brock Porter made his debut ( 2/3 innings , 1 H, 1 R-ER, 4 BB, 1 SO). Top hitters included 3B Gleider Figuero (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI), CF Anthony Gutierrez (2-for-4) and DH Miguel Villarroel (1-for-4, 2B, RBI). Wood Ducks RHP Matt Brosky (3 innings, 4 H, 3 R-ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) took the loss.

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