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The Texas Rangers had several intriguing starting pitching prospects going in the minors today, though given the number of intriguing pitching prospects the Rangers currently have, you can probably say that most days.
The headliner was Taylor Hearn, the 24 year old lefthander who came over from Pittsburgh in the Keone Kela trade last year. Hearn started for Nashville tonight, and went up against Forrest Whitley, the Houston lefthander considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. Hearn allowed a single run on a Derek Fisher home run, walking four and striking out four in 5 innings. Scott Lucas tweeted that Hearn struggled with his location all night, though he managed to fight through it. Hearn was relieved by Brett Martin, who threw 2.1 scoreless with 3 Ks and 2 walks, and Nick Gardewine, who struck out 3 over the final 1.2 innings of a 3-1 Nashville win. Willie Calhoun had a solo homer to contribute to the scoring.
Down East had 24 year old right Jason Bahr on the mound. Bahr, you may recall, was the bribe the San Francisco Giants offered last year to get the Rangers to take Austin Jackson and Cory Gearrin off their hands. Bahr went four shutout innings, allowing 2 hits with an HBP, 3 walks and 3 Ks. Spin rate hero Demarcus Evans got the save for Down East, striking out 2 and walking 2.
Hickory had a doubleheader after getting rained out yesterday, and Yerry Rodriguez, the 21 year old righthander who broke out in short season ball last year, had a stellar full season debut in the nightcap. Rodriguez went 5 shutout innings, striking out 6, allowing 4 hits and hitting a batter.
Chris Seise, who was white hot in the first series of the year for Hickory, was held hitless in the first game and sat in the second. However, Leody Taveras had a single and a walk for Down East, extending his hitting streak to six games.
Also of note among the bats, J.P. Martinez and Sam Huff each homered for Hickory. And Andretty Cordero, infielder for the Frisco Roughriders, had a huge night, going 2 for 3 for Frisco with a walk and a pair of three run home runs.