Mark Appel throws five scoreless in AA debut

The highly anticipated AA debut of Mark Appel took place in Corpus Christi Wednesday evening. And, to the surprise of many and the dismay of perhaps other anonymous individuals, the first overall pick in the 2013 draft was highly effective.

Appel pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and four walks against a hard-hitting San Antonio Missions team. Everyone was there — except me. (I was at the SABR convention in Houston, but more on that later) Our favorite photo journalist, Tammy Tucker was there and was kind enough to provide us with some great shots. Brian McTaggart gave a detailed account of Appel’s outing. The Astros beat writer also got some quotes.

Mark Appel – photo by Tammy Tucker

from Appel

"“I’m just thankful and grateful for the opportunity. I’m just excited to be able to be here, and hopefully I can help the team win some games. It’s another game. It’s moving in the right direction. I’ve got to be really happy about that. It’s great. I love that I was able to go out and have a scoreless outing, and hopefully I can build off that and work in the bullpen and prepare for my next start like usual and continue to ride this momentum a little bit.”"

Mark Appel talks with Rene Garcia and Doug Brocail – photo by Tammy Tucker

and from Doug Brocail

"I thought it was a good outing, He went out and stuck with the game plan. He has some work to do, but he threw up five zeroes. I’ll take zeros any way we can get them."

Appel’s AA debut was big news but I would be remiss to leave out the fact that three Missions pitchers combined to no-hit the Hooks in the game.