Milburn, Motter Lead Hounds Closer to Playoffs
RockHounds 4, NW Arkansas Naturals 2Wednesday, August 28, 2019Arvest Ballpark Springdale, ARMatt Milburn continued his brilliant month of August, going seven strong innings, and Taylor Motter drove in two of the RockHounds' four runs in a 4-2 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale,
RockHounds 4, NW Arkansas Naturals 2
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Arvest Ballpark Springdale, AR
The victory brings the RockHounds to the brink of a playoff berth and a return to the Texas League postseason (see below).
Milburn survived (another) first-inning scare with two men on and one out, then allowed only an infield single and a walk over his next four innings before surrendering two runs in the sixth. Just one of the runs was earned … the 'Hounds played errorless ball but a passed ball allowed a run to score. Milburn walked one batter and struck out four in what was his sixth outstanding start of the month (see below).
The RockHounds, who have won 7-of-their-last-8 games (corrected) and 10-of-their-last-13, could clinch a playoff spot as early as Thursday and remain in contention in the second half pennant race.
The Texas League South Division
Amarillo defeated Tulsa, 9-8, on
The wild card race is "on the brink." The RockHounds' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is one (1) over Corpus Christi and two (2) over Frisco.
There are just five (5) games remaining in the Texas League's 2019 regular season.
Notable
Congratulations to
Nate Mondou (2-for-5, RBI) is 8-for-12 in the series (on-base in 10-of-14 trips to the plate). On July 18, Nate was hitting .200. He is now at .249 and is hitting .349 in his last 22 games (30-86).
Matt Milburn his now 3-1, with a 1.95 ERA in six starts during the month of August.
Next Game
Thursday, August 29 vs. NW Arkansas Naturals
Arvest Ballpark Springdale, Arkansas
First pitch 7:05 p.m.
- Final of a four-game series and fourth of an eight-game road trip (NW Arkansas & Springfield)
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 7:00 p.m.
Probable Starters
NWA: Scott Blewett (RH, 0-3, 4.05)
RH: Brian Howard (RH, 8-7. 3.02)