Opening Night down on the farm

The AAA Round Rock Express defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 5-4 on opening night in Louisiana Thursday night. The Astros AAA roster is full of non-prospects (again), but of guys who may seriously contribute to the big league club's sucess in the future, Luke Scott hit a solo HR, Charlton Jimerson went 1-4 with 2 K's from the leadoff spot and Jason Hirsh made his AAA debut, throwing 4+ innings, allowing only 2 hits and 1 earned run while walking 3 and whiffing 5.

AA Corpus Christi also opened their season on Thursday night, losing 4-3 in San Antonio. Hooks' C and ex-WVU QB J. R. House hit a solo HR and SP Juan Gutierrez had a nice start, allowing only 1 run and whiffing 6 in 4 innings of work.

In High-A ball, Salem beat Potomac 4-3 on opening night in dramatic fashion as C Lou Santangelo hit a 2-out bases loaded double in the bottom of the ninth to win it. Beau Torbert had three hits and Jimmy Barthmeier had a spectacular start, allowing but three hits and a single run while striking out nine over five-plus innings.