The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate to the Texas Rangers, lose the series finale last night, against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 6-5. RoughRiders relief pitcher, David Ledbetter, gave up a grand slam in the sixth. This shot was the enough to keep Frisco down for good.
RoughRiders starting pitcher, Pedro Payano, made his Double-A debut, earning a promotion from Advanced-A Down East. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher had a good showing. He pitched five complete innings, giving up six hits and just one run (earned). He had five strikeouts, walking just one batter, and got a no decision. Payano ended the night with 82 pitches, 53 for strikes.
David Ledbetter was scheduled to make the start for the RoughRiders, though he was pushed back to allow Payano to make a showing. Ledbetter did come into the game, relieving Payano to start the sixth inning. He ended up earning the loss, as he allowed four hits and five runs (all earned), before recording a single out. Ledbetter gave up a grand slam to Naturals center fielder Donnie Dewees, putting the RoughRiders down 5-3. The Naturals, affiliate to the Kansas City Royals, made it 6-3 with a solo shot from right fielder Elier Hernandez.
Clayton Cook relieved Ledbetter, and finally got the RoughRiders out of a rough sixth inning. Cook went on to throw 1.1 innings, allowing no hits and no runs. Brady Feigl, received from Advanced-A Down East on May 31, also made his Double-A debut in this matchup. He tossed 1.2 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and earning four punch outs. Reed Garrett finished off the game for the RoughRiders, as he threw one inning of one-hit baseball.
The RoughRiders had an offensive showing, just not big enough this time to cover the Naturals grand slam. Jose Cardona extended his hitting streak to nine games, going 2-4 with a double and two RBIs. Hanser Alberto went 1-4, with a double and a walk. He’s on the Texas Rangers roster, and made his first rehab appearance with the RoughRiders. He has not yet played at all this season, due to injury (shoulder). Alberto looked comfortable, and didn’t appear to be holding anything back due to lingering effects from his injury.
The RoughRiders are now 23-30 on the season, sitting at last place in the Texas League South. It’s also the worst record in the league. They will look to improve as the Arkansas Travelers come to Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The three-game series begins tonight, with first pitch at 7:05 PM CT.
The RoughRiders will send top pitching prospect Yohander Mendez (2-3, 3.92 ERA) to the hill. Arkansas, affiliate to the Seattle Mariners, are slated to start Dylan Unsworth (3-4, 4.79 ERA).
You can watch the game at MiLB.tv, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.