Gallo launches first Triple-A home run

Joey Gallo had several big hits during his 25-game stint with the Texas Rangers, but the club sent him down earlier this week to work on his game with Triple-A Round Rock.

Having skipped over the Express his first time around, Gallo suited up for his first Triple-A game on Wednesday and had yet to collect a hit in six at-bats entering Friday night's contest against Iowa. That changed in the top of the first inning of Round Rock's 11-5 win, when Gallo (1-for-6) smacked a Felipe Paulino pitch over the wall in right-center field.

The Rangers' No. 1 prospect (No. 8 overall) has been one of the biggest threats at the plate this season. He crushed 10 doubles and nine home runs in just 34 games with Double-A Frisco before his big league call up. Gallo provided plenty of punch in Arlington, too, belting five homers in 25 games. But his average tailed off quickly and now he finds himself with Round Rock for the first time.

A first-round pick in 2012, Gallo has already socked 114 homers across all pro levels. Last season, he crushed 42 home runs -- the most among Minor Leaguers -- for Frisco and Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach.

Gallo wasn't the only top prospect on the field Friday night. Cubs No. 2 prospect (No. 40 overall) Kyle Schwarber finished 4-for-4 with a double, walk and three RBIs. Like Gallo, he skipped Triple-A to contribute to Chicago's Major League club before getting sent to Iowa on June 23.