Round Rock Express 12, Chihuahuas 2
Key Statistics: CF Jose Azocar, 2-for-4, 2 RBI; SS José Iglesias, 2-for-4; 1B Alfonso Rivas, 1-for-3, 2B, BB; RHP Matt Waldron (L, 0-4) 3.1 IP, 11 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K; LHP Jose Castillo, 0.1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, BB, K; RHP Nabil Crismatt, 2 IP, H, K
Jose Azocar had a couple of hits for El Paso. (Photo: Jorge Salgado)
Prospect Watch: El Paso’s three-game winning streak ended Friday as they lost to Round Rock. The Express pounded out 20 hits, including seven that went for extra bases. … Outfielder Jose Azocar began his rehab assignment with a solid night at the plate. Azocar singled twice and drove in both El Paso runs. Azocar was placed on the injured list on May 3 with left elbow inflammation. … Shortstop José Iglesias had a pair of singles, extending his hitting streak to six games. The big league veteran is hitting .295/.356/.449 in 19 games with El Paso. … Matt Waldron had a rough start and took his fourth loss of the season. In 3.1 innings, Waldron allowed a season-high 11 hits, including five doubles as he fought for any feel with the knuckleball and generally shelved it. The 26-year-old has improved this year but has still been far too hittable. In 38.2 innings, Waldron has allowed 55 hits – the third-most in the circuit. In his first stint with the Chihuahuas last season, the former Guardians draft pick averaged 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings. This season, Waldron is averaging more than 11 strikeouts per nine innings. … It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for rehabbing pitchers. On the one hand, Nabil Crismatt threw well in his second rehab appearance. The veteran righty threw two scoreless innings and allowed just one hit while striking out a batter. In two outings, Crismatt has allowed just one earned run in 3.1 innings … On the other hand, lefty José Castillo allowed four runs on three hits, including a homer. Castillo has made five appearances since May 9 and has allowed six earned runs in 3.1 innings.
Midland RockHounds 5, Missions 2 (8 innings)
Key Statistics: SS Connor Hollis, 2-for-2, 2 BB; 1B Pedro Castellanos, 2-for-4; 3B Luis Aviles Jr. 1-for-4; LHP Daniel Camarena (L, 0-2) 3.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, BB, 4 K; RHP Jose Espada, 3.2 IP, H, 5 K
Connor Hollis is heating up. (Photo: San Antonio Missions)
Prospect Watch: The Missions fell behind 5-0 and lost in Midland. The game was called after eight innings due to rain. … Connor Hollis, who has played all over the field this season, reached base four times with a pair of singles and two walks. The Texas native is 7-for-11 with two walks and a homer in the series’ first three games. Last year’s Texas League batting champion has hit .255/.375/.404 so far in May. … Lefthander Daniel Camarena started and was roughed up by the RockHounds. Camarena allowed five runs and three homers. The 30-year-old former Cathedral Catholic hurler has struggled with the Missions since returning from Tommy John surgery. In 9.1 innings, Camarena has allowed 18 hits, resulting in a 10.61 ERA in four starts. … After Camarena left, Jose Espada came in and looked sharp. Espada pitched 3.2 innings and allowed just one hit, striking out five. The 26-year-old has been sharp this year, primarily working as a swingman. He’s allowed just 13 hits in 27 innings, holding Texas League hitters to a .141 average. He has struck out 34 batters, 10 behind team leader Jackson Wolf.
Adam Mazur had his best start yet on Friday. (Photo: Wyatt Richardson)
Dayton Dragons 2, TinCaps 1
Key Statistics: C Brandon Valenzuela, 1-for-3; SS Jackson Merrill, 1-for-4, 2B, RBI; RHP Adam Mazur, 6 IP, 3 H, 6 K; RHP Ruben Galindo (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Prospect Watch: Fort Wayne managed three hits and lost in a pitchers’ duel in Dayton. … Righthander Adam Mazur was quite sharp Friday in the finest start of his young pro career. Mazur worked a career-high six innings, holding the Dragons scoreless. He allowed just three hits and struck out six batters. The 22-year-old University of Iowa product has shaken off the effects of the flu bug that has ravaged the TinCaps roster and has been impressive this month. In three May outings, Mazur has allowed just one earned run in 14.2 innings (0.63 ERA) while walking just two batters and holding opponents to a .173 average. … Jackson Merrill doubled in four at-bats, extending his hitting streak to six games. He drove in the only run the TinCaps scored Friday night. Merrill missed a week this month battling the same flu bug a second time. In 48 May plate appearances, Merrill is hitting .293/.302/.439.
Roster Moves: The TinCaps activated Joshua Mears from the injured list before Friday’s game. He started as a designated hitter and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Infielder Devin Ortiz was transferred from Fort Wayne to Lake Elsinore to make room for Mears. … With Ortiz headed to Lake Elsinore, Chase Valentine was moved from Lake Elsinore to the ACL.
Storm game postponed
The Storm postponed their game Friday night due to an incident at The Diamond. The Storm will not play Saturday’s game as scheduled as well. KCAL Los Angeles reported that two people were hurt in a gas explosion inside the home clubhouse. The Padres confirmed that no players were involved as they were on-field at the time of the accident. As of press time, the identities of those hurt were unknown, but the injuries reported were “moderate.” Our thoughts are with them and all those who work at The Diamond.
