Texas Rangers Prospect Kumar Rocker Shuts Down Jersey City

Kumar Rocker earned his second professional win and put together his best performance so far this season with the High Class-A Hickory Crawdads on Friday.

Rocker, pitching for the Texas Rangers affiliate, helped the Crawdads beat the Jersey Shore BlueClaws 6-3.

Rocker (2-1) was exceptional. He threw six innings — his first outing of six innings this season. He gave up one hit, no runs and two walks while striking out eight. The start dropped his ERA to 2.70.

Rocker gave up both of his walks in the first inning, but escaped the one-out jam. From there, he retired eight straight before he gave up his only hit to lead off the top of the fourth. After that, Rocker retired the next eight hitters before he gave way to the bullpen.

Previously, Rocker went five innings twice — on April 11 in his professional debut, when he secured his first win — and against Winston-Salem on April 29. It was his first outing this season in which he gave up just one hit and his third in which he didn’t give up a run.

Rocker was the Rangers’ first-round pick in July (No. 3 overall) and didn’t play in the system after his selection. He did play in the Arizona Fall League and helped the Surprise Saguaros win the AFL title. He was also named an AFL All-Star.

In the AFL, Rocker went 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in six starts, throwing 14 innings and giving up 12 hits with seven runs (all earned). He walked 12 and struck out 18.

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