Minor League Roundup - 5/8

The organization's sluggers ruled the day on Tuesday, as outfielders Jason Botts and John Mayberry each hit home runs. Lone Star Dugout takes a look at all of the day's minor league action.

AAA: Oklahoma 9 – (@) Las Vegas 5
W – Koronka (3-2)
HR – Botts (3)

Starting pitcher John Koronka worked into the seventh inning for his fourth consecutive start on Tuesday. The southpaw, who threw seven innings, allowed two runs on nine hits. He fanned three without issuing a walk.

After yielding 14 earned runs over 15 innings in his first three starts, Koronka has settled down to post a 2.60 ERA in his last four outings, spanning 27.2 frames.

The Oklahoma bats combined for nine runs on 15 hits in the game. Leading the way was left fielder Jason Botts, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBI.

Second baseman Tug Hulett (.338/.447/.481) doubled twice in five at-bats.

Just activated from the disabled list, first baseman Nate Gold was 2-for-4 with a double.

Third baseman Desi Relaford (2/5), right fielder Marlon Byrd (3/5, 2B), and centerfielder Kevin Mahar (2/5, 2B) also made major contributions.

Though Mahar has fanned seven times in his first 16 Triple-A at-bats, he also has seven hits, including a double, a triple, and a home run.

Righty Francisco Cruceta, who was recently moved to the bullpen to accommodate Ezequiel Astacio’s move to the starting rotation, allowed three runs in two innings.

Player of the game: LF Jason Botts

AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
4	1	2	0	1	5	0	1	.229

AA: Frisco – Midland – PPD (Rain)

Frisco’s game was postponed due to wet grounds at Dr. Pepper Ballpark. No makeup date has been announced.

A+: Bakersfield 6 – (@) Inland Empire 5 (10 innings)
W – Shoemaker (1-0)
HR – Mayberry (8)

Right fielder John Mayberry (.236/.283/.496) was the offensive star for Bakersfield, as he was 2-for-5 with a double and a home run. Mayberry’s double led off the top of the tenth inning. He later scored the game-winning run on a Micah Furtado sacrifice fly.

Starter Michael Schlact (5.20 ERA/.299 BAA) yielded five runs – two earned – on six hits in four innings. He walked two and struck out one.

Working long relief, right-hander J.B. Diaz (3.12 ERA/.270 BAA) helped to keep the Blaze in the game with 4 2/3 shutout frames. Diaz allowed three hits while walking two and punching out one.

Centerfielder Truan Mehl (2/5, 2B) and first baseman Freddie Thon (2/4) contributed two hits.

Shortstop Matt Smith reached three times with a single and two walks.

Scott Shoemaker picked up his first win in the Rangers organization with 1 1/3 hitless innings.

Player of the game: RF John Mayberry

AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
5	2	2	1	1	3	0	1	.236

A: Clinton 9 – Burlington 2
W – Gudex (2-2)
HR – Backman (1)

Red-hot catcher Chad Tracy (.283/.310/.483) paved the way for the L-Kings on Tuesday, as he was 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, and three runs batted in.

Hitting just ahead of him, second baseman Jose Vallejo (.305/.360/.381) had another solid day at the plate. Vallejo had a triple and two walks.

Centerfielder Craig Gentry raised his average to .250 with three singles in four at-bats. Gentry also stole two bases, giving him 12 on the season.

K.C. Herren, who was 2-for-4, smacked his sixth double and his fourth triple. DH Wally Backman was 2-for-3 with his first long ball of the 2007 campaign.

Former UT Arlington Maverick Jeremiah Haar (1.69 ERA/.231 BAA) continued to build on a solid start to the season, as he allowed just one run on five hits in four innings.

Left-hander Tim Gudex picked up the win in relief with 3 2/3 innings of solid relief. Gudex gave up one run on three hits, walking one and striking out seven.

Reliever John Slusarz (2.31 ERA/.209 BAA) returned from the disabled list by retiring all four batters he faced.

Player of the game: LF K.C. Herren

AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
4	0	2	1	0	1	1	0	.325