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Midland Keeps Winning And Winning

Baseball America

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December 8, 2017

Rockhounds are kings of Texas League for fourth straight year.

- J.J. Cooper

Midland Keeps Winning And Winning

When the Midland Rockhounds arrived to begin the 2017 season, there was a message on the clubhouse whiteboard reminding them of their responsibility.

Midland’s 2014, 2015 and 2016 teams had all won Texas League titles. No one wanted to be the team that broke the streak.

“There was some pride in wanting to defend the title and win four in a row. We did have eight or nine players who had some hand in last year’s championship,” Midland manager Fran Riordan said. “Winning three in a row is pretty special, but to have a chance to compete for a fourth, guys weren’t shy about bringing it up.”

In each of the past three seasons, Midland had clearly been one of the top teams in the league. The 2017 champs survived every test by the narrowest of margins.

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