Astros Minor League Update - July 27, 2005

AAA: Colorado Springs 3, Round Rock 1
- In a minor-league quirk, the Express did not get to bat in the 9th due to rain despite trailing heading into their half of the inning (not that anyone cares if they win or lose). Veteran non-prospects Brian Tollberg and Travis Driskill combined to pitch a decent game. Veteran non-prospect Mike Coolbaugh had 2 hits for Round Rock.

AA: Corpus Christi 8, San Antonio 2
- Hooks RHP Jason Hirsch continues to impress, running his record to 9-8 while allowing only 2 runs and striking out 8 over 7 solid innings. I would imagine that teams with whom Tim Purpura is attempting to strike a deal are likely dropping Hirsch's name rather frequently at this point. Hirsch is 23 years old and is listed at 6'8" and 250 pounds.

High A: Salem and Wilmington rained out.

Low A: West Virginia 5, Lexington 4
- Reliever Ryan Thompson allowed a run in the 9th to lose the game against West Virginia. Thompson has been solid this season thus far though, posting a 3.23 ERA in 36 relief appearances and striking out 54 in 55 innings while walking only 12. LF Francisco Caraballo homered again, his 17th on the season, for the Legends.

Short Season A: Tri-City 9, Jamestown 5
- Former Tulane SS and Astros' 4th round pick Tommy Manzella went 2-5 with a double, an RBI and scored a run in the win. LF James Cooper hit a 2-out grand slam. Cooper was the Astros 32nd round draft pick out of Grambling in 2005.

Rookie: Kingsport 11, Greenville 9
- In another ugly slugfest (this time featuring 26 hits and 5 errors), Greenville lost at home, blowing a 9-6 lead. Astros' 1st round sandwich pick Eli Iorg hit his 3rd home run for Greenville, driving in 4 runs. Koby Clemens continues to clobber the ball, going 3-5 to run his average to .429 since joining the professional ranks.