Prospect Eickhoff comes within two outs of no-hitter

ANAHEIM -- Triple-A pitcher Jerad Eickhoff came within two outs of throwing a no-hitter at Round Rock on Friday night.

Eickhoff, pitching against Colorado Springs, started the ninth by getting Ben Guez on a fly ball to center. But then he walked Donnie Murphy and gave up a home run to Matt Long. Eickhoff was taken out at that point, having thrown 108 pitches. He walked two and struck out 11. Round Rock ended up with a 7-2 win.

Eickhoff, ranked as the Top 21 prospect in the Rangers' system, was making his first start for the Express after being promoted from Double-A Frisco. Eickhoff was promoted to replace Wandy Rodriguez, who was making his first start for the Rangers on Friday.