After a week and a half of play in the Texas League, lets dive into the Astros’ prospects who are making the best of this early season.
If the Astros‘ Double-A affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks, could go back in time, they would no doubt love to go back and change last weeks outcomes. After splitting the season series opener with Amarillo at home; the Hooks went on a woesome six-game loosing streak on the road.
The season is still young however, and there are some glimmers of promise through a rough first stretch.
Top Hitter of the Week – Stephen Wrenn:
The Georgia product, Stephen Wrenn, is leading the Hooks in OBP, OPS, SLG, and BA, Wrenn is off to a torrid start this season. Hitting to the tune of .361/ .500/ .528, and 1.028 OPS, Wrenn has also brought seven runs as well as scoring seven runs himself. Wrenn has also been known to flash the leather on a few occasions,
. Couple that with two stolen bases and nine walks, Wrenn is looking mighty fine in the number two hole atop the order.
Hooks smash their 6-game slide with a thumping of the Sod Poodles! Stephen Wrenn was perfect and the plate. He drove in 4 runs and notched a pair of hits to go along with 4 walks. pic.twitter.com/Aq9FlRGiZb
— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) April 14, 2019
How huge was this play from Stephen Wrenn yesterday?
— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) April 8, 2019
Hooks and RoughRiders tonight in Frisco at 7:05 p.m.
LISTEN: https://t.co/4RrB7vJ1fn pic.twitter.com/Lu4HE2qxpp
Biggest Surprise of the Week – Joshua Rojas:
The 24 year old super-utility Joshua Rojas is an under-rated fixture for the Hooks this year. Leading the Hooks in RBI’s with 10, Rojas has found himself the clutch stick as he has walked off the Hooks a couple of times so far this season. Secondly only to the aforementioned Wrenn, Rojas is swinging a hefty .35 / .444/ .452, and .896 OPS line. Nestled firmly in the number five hole, look for Rojas to continue this streak and continue to demand attention from other outlets.
SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT!@JoshRojass pic.twitter.com/5LtsVHb94E
— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) April 7, 2019
Top Pitcher of the Week – Tyler Ivey:
Hailing from Rowlett Texas, Tyler Ivey has done just fine to start out this season. Coming on as the starter in both of his appearances, Ivey has amassed 6 innings of one run ball while striking out 8 batters. Ivey had his second outing cut short, as the umpire found a questionable substance in his glove. Still, that doesn’t phase Ivey as he has made the most of all six innings he has been show-cased in. Only issuing three walks, Ivey is holding opposing hitters to a .217 average to boot. Look for him to prove the doubters wrong as he toes the rubber in his 3rd game as a Corpus Christi Hook
Pitcher to Keep an Eye On – Brandon Bielak:
If it wasn’t for Ivey’s strong start, Brandon Bielak would be this installations top pitcher. Already with 9 innings under his belt, Bielak has only allowed three earned runs while striking out six hitters and issuing only one free pass. Bielak is also holding hitters to a fantastic .194 clip. He has started one game and came in to finish out another, but look for him to continuing impressing scouts and higher ups as the season goes on.
Corpus Christi Hooks Record :: 4-7
Up-coming series :: Frisco Rough Riders (April 15-17), Amarillo Sod Poodles (April 18-20)