McKinney named League’s Pitcher of the Month
McKinney named League’s Pitcher of the Month
Newport's Grant Black goes to Triple-A Memphis, Bryant’s Blaine Knight gets the call to Double-A plus scores, stats and so much more
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The Travs went 2-4 on the first leg of a two-week road trip to Wichita, Kansas.
Now, the boys of Dickey-Stephens Park keep road warrioring with a six-week stand at Springfield, Missouri.
From the Corner of Edgar & Dave, the official blog of the Seattle Mariners notes individual Travs have been hot in this first month of the season.
For example, Jake Scheiner has reached base safely in 22 of 27 games of the season, including hits in 19 games, while Stephen Wrenn has reached base safely in 14 of his last 15 games and that catcher Brian O’Keefe is currently on a six-game hitting streak.
But the big news is Travs pitcher Ian McKinney was named the Double-A Central May Pitcher of the Month by Minor League Baseball.
McKinney was dominant in May as he went 2-0, while racking up 37 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. He also threw a complete, seven-inning game against Corpus Christi in a doubleheader on May 20.
Before joining the Seattle Mariners, he was in the St. Louis organization and played for the Springfield Cardinals, among other teams. He was a fifth round pick by the Cards in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.
Individual leaders
Brian O’Keefe climbs to No. 7 in hitting, while Jake Scheiner stays at No. 10 and Stephen Wrenn is at No. 18.
Tyler Herb jumps a spot and is now No. 2 in pitching while Ian McKinney goes to No. 8. Alejandro Requena and Devin Sweet are at, respectively, No. 22 and No. 23.
Transactions
June 2: LHP Steven Moyers assigned to Arkansas Travelers.
Players of the Week
Devin Foyle, Midland and Marcelo Martinez, Northwest Arkansas
The scores
Tuesday: Wichita 2, Travs 1
Wednesday: Travs 5, Wichita 2
Thursday: Wichita 7, Travs 62
Friday: Wichita 8, Travs 5
Saturday: Wichita 6, Travs 4
Sunday: Travs 9, Wichita 0
The standings
Wichita ... 18-12 ... .600
Tulsa ... 17-12 ... .586
Travs ...14-15 ... .483
NW Arkansas ... 13-14 … .481
Springfield ... 8-21 ... .276
Grant Black’s Corner
About Grant Black’s Corner: This is a weekly look at current Minor-League players with Arkansas roots. Have an addition to this list? Email us at arkansas@substack.com or leave a comment on the post.It was a big week for Newport's Grant Black as he was called up to Triple-A Memphis and got the start on Sunday against the Toledo Mud Hens.
Black, who had been pitching in relief for Double-A Springfield and had picked up a save against the Travs, was pitching as a starter for the first time since playing Independent League ball.
It was impressive regardless as Black had four scoreless innings as he gave up three hits and racked up two strikeouts.
He now has 25 strikeouts on the season.
Black, who played at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has had an improbable path to the Minors as a hard-throwing, right-handed pitcher and at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds Black has the size, plus a 95 mile per hour fastball to be a pro but was undrafted and unsigned out of UAM. Black played Independent League ball for two seasons and drew the Cardinals interest in 2020, right before the pandemic shut down all of baseball for the year.
In other moves: Bryant’s Blaine Knight and a former Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher was called up to Double-A. Knight now pitches for the Bowie Baysox after previously playing for the Aberdeen IronBirds. Knight joins Gray Fenter of West Memphis on the pitching staff in Bowie. Fenter is the son of Glen and Jody Fenter.
Blake Parker, Fayetteville, is back in the bigs with the Cleveland Indians, after doing a stint with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. Follow him on Twitter @BlaekParker
Many thanks to Arkansas high school baseball expert Kevin Bohannon for his help in compiling this list. You can catch him on the radio at 103.7 The Buzz as he's the station’s high school insider. He is also the co-host of The Hawg Talk podcast, which can be listened to here. He’s also on Twitter, @CoachKBo_HTP, so give him a follow.
Others on the Corner
Note: Click the player’s name to get current stats.
Luke Bandy, Springdale: Greenville Drive, High-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and @Luke_Bandy
Gray Fenter, West Memphis: Bowie Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and @Bear_Fenter
Logan Gragg, Prairie Grove: Peoria Chiefs, High-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and @GraggLogan23
William Hancock, Little Rock Catholic: Quad Cities River Bandits, the High-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals
Grant Koch, Fayetteville: Greensboro Grasshoppers, the High-A Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Tink Hence, Watson Chapel: GCL Cardinals, the Rookie Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and @HenceTink3
Blaine Knight, Bryant: Bowie Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and was called up from Aberdeen IronBirds and @blaineknight10
Evan Lee, Bryant: Wilmington Blue Rocks, the High-A Affiliate of the Washington Nationals and @Evan_Leeeee
Casey Martin, Lonoke: Clearwather Threshers, the Low-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and @cmartin15_
Jake Reindl, Fayetteville: Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Low-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and @jreindl24
Cody Scroggins, Bentonville: Salem Red Sox, the Low-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and @cody_scroggins
Gavin Stone, Riverside High School (Lake City): Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Low-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and @gavinstone02
Nick Starr, Conway: Hickory Crawdads, the High-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers and @nickstarr6
Schedule, tickets and promotions
On deck this week
AWAY GAMES | Tuesday, June 8: at Springfield, Wednesday, June 9: at Springfield, Thursday, June 10: at Springfield, Friday, June 11: at Springfield, Saturday, June 12: at Springfield and Sunday, June 13: at SpringfieldNext week
Tuesday, June 15: Tulsa
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* Presented By Hiland Dairy
Wednesday, June 16: Tulsa
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, June 17: Tulsa
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlights: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Game Highlight: Boating Safety Night; Presented By U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Promotion: Boat Giveaway; Presented By Arkansas Marine
Friday, June 18: Tulsa
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlights: Rolex Dig, Presented By Sissy's Log Cabin
Post Game Fireworks Show, Presented By Arkansas State Parks
Girl Scout Night, Presented By Arkansas State Parks
Saturday, June 19: Tulsa
Start time: 5:30 p.m.
Game Highlight: Faith and Family Night featuring Plumb; Presented By Chick-fil-A, Higginbotham Investments, Kiko's Kountry RV
Promotion: Print Giveaway; Presented By First Arkansas Bank & Trust Mortgage
Sunday, June 20: Tulsa
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
Rest of the schedule
AWAY GAMES | Tuesday, June 22: at Northwest Arkansas; Wednesday, June 23: at Northwest Arkansas; Thursday, June 24: at Northwest Arkansas; Friday, June 25: at Northwest Arkansas; Saturday, June 26: at Northwest Arkansas; Sunday, June 27: at Northwest Arkansas; Tuesday, June 29: at Tulsa; Wednesday, June 30: at Tulsa; Thursday, July 1: at Tulsa; Friday, July 2: at Tulsa; Saturday, July 3: at Tulsa and Sunday, July 4: at Tulsa
Tuesday, July 6: Frisco
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlights: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* Presented By Hiland Dairy
Game Highlight: Diamantes Night; Presented by Univision
Wednesday, July 7: Frisco
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, July 8: Frisco
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Friday, July 9: Frisco
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Post Game Fireworks Show; Presented By Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
Promotion: Baseball Giveaway; Presented By Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
Saturday, July 10: Frisco
Start time: 6:10 p.m.
Promotion: Team Card Set Giveaway; Presented By Jacksonville Parks and Recreation
Sunday, July 11: Frisco
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
AWAY GAMES | Tuesday, July 13: at Northwest Arkansas; Wednesday, July 14: at Northwest Arkansas; Thursday, July 15: at Northwest Arkansas; Friday, July 16: at Northwest Arkansas; Saturday, July 17: at Northwest Arkansas and Sunday, July 18: at Northwest Arkansas
Tuesday, July 20: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* Presented By Hiland Dairy
Wednesday, July 21: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, July 22: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Friday, July 23: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Post Game Firework Show; Presented By Metro Disaster Specialists
Saturday, July 24: Wichita
Start time: 6:10 p.m.
Promotion: Evan White T-Shirt Giveaway; Presented By New Age Distributors
Sunday, July 25: Wichita
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
AWAY GAMES | Tuesday, July 27: at Springfield; Wednesday, July 28: at Springfield; Thursday, July 29: at Springfield; Friday, July 30: at Springfield; Saturday, July 31: at Springfield and Sunday, Aug. 1: at Springfield
Tuesday, Aug. 3: Northwest Arkansas
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* Presented By Hiland Dairy
Wednesday, Aug. 4: Northwest Arkansas
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, Aug. 5: Northwest Arkansas (DH)
Start time: TBA
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Friday, Aug. 6: Northwest Arkansas
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Post Game Fireworks Show; Presented By Oaklawn Racing & Casino Resort
Saturday, Aug. 7: Northwest Arkansas
Start time: 6:10 p.m.
Promotion: Wrestling Ring Giveaway; Presented By Midtown Billiards & Svedka Vodka
Game Highlight: Clunker Car Night; Presented By Midtown Billiards
Sunday, Aug. 8: Northwest Arkansas
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
Tuesday, Aug. 10: Springfield
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* *Sales tax will be added for all food and beverages. Presented By Hiland Dairy
Wednesday, Aug. 11: Springfield
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, Aug. 12: Springfield
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Friday, Aug. 13: Springfield
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Post Game Fireworks; Presented By Arvest Bank
Game Highlight: Diamantes Night; Presented by Telemundo
Saturday, Aug. 14: Springfield
Start time: 6:10 p.m.
Promotion: Jake Fraley Bobblehead Giveaway; Presented By BEEF Council
Sunday, Aug. 15: Springfield
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
AWAY GAMES | Tuesday, Aug. 17: at Frisco; Wednesday, Aug. 18: at Frisco; Thursday, Aug. 19: at Frisco; Friday, Aug. 20: at Frisco; Saturday, Aug. 21: at Frisco and Sunday, Aug. 22: at Frisco
Tuesday, Aug. 24: Corpus Christi
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* Presented By Hiland Dairy
Wednesday, Aug. 25: Corpus Christi
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, Aug. 26: Corpus Christi
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Friday, Aug. 27: Corpus Christi
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Pyro In The Park; Presented By Cutwater Spirits/Budweiser
Saturday, Aug. 28: Corpus Christi
Start time: 6:10 p.m.
Promotion: Tooth Ball Giveaway; Presented By Rock Dental Brands
Game Highlight: Teacher Appreciation Night
Sunday, Aug. 29: Corpus Christi
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
Tuesday, Aug. 31: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Kid's Night; Free Train Rides & $1 Select Ice Cream.* Presented By Hiland Dairy
Wednesday, Sept. 1: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Dog Days of Summer; $3 General Admission Ticket at the Box Office if you bring your dog and $1 Hot Dogs.* Presented By Moix RV
Thursday, Sept. 2: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday; $2 Busch Light, $3 Select Draft Beer for Mug Club members
Friday, Sept. 3: Wichita
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
Post Game Fireworks Show; Presented By MiCampo
Saturday, Sept. 4: Wichita
Start time: 6:10 p.m.
Game Highlights: Diamantes Night; Presented by Univision
Post Game Fireworks; Presented By Fuller & Son Hardware
Promotion: Growth Chart Giveaway; Presented By Fuller & Son Hardware
Sunday, Sept. 5: Wichita
Start time: 2:10 p.m.
Ticket offers
Operation Military Appreciation Day: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with a Military ID; Presented By Mid-South Ford
Edward Food Giants $3 Off: $3 off a Box, Reserved, or General Admission ticket with an Edward Food Giant Coupon. Redeemable at the Box Office.
$10 Church Bulletin Family Pack: $10 for up to 6 General Admission tickets when you bring your church bulletin, no upgrades available with this package. Redeemable at the Box Office.
AWAY GAMES | Tuesday, Sept. 7: at Springfield; Wednesday, Sept. 8: at Springfield; Thursday, Sept. 9: at Springfield; Friday, Sept. 10: at Springfield; Saturday, Sept. 11: at Springfield; Sunday, Sept. 12: at Springfield; Tuesday, Sept. 14: at Wichita; Wednesday, Sept. 15: at Wichita; Thursday, Sept. 16: at Wichita; Friday, Sept. 17: at Wichita; Saturday, Sept. 18: at Wichita and Sunday, Sept. 19: at Wichita
*Sales tax will be added for all food and beverages.