The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, drop the series opener to the Midland RockHounds Monday night, 13-1. Texas Rangers pitcher A.J. Griffin tossed five scoreless innings in his rehab start with Frisco. Despite his solid outing, the RockHounds were able to topple Frisco.
Griffin finished his rehab start after 73 pitches, 48 he threw for strikes. Over his five innings, Griffin allowed four hits. He gave up no runs, walked two, and struck out five. That was the last of solid pitching that the RoughRiders would have in the matchup. Collin Wiles, who has been having an excellent season, came in to relieve Griffin. Wiles took the loss, pitching just two innings. He gave up five hits and five runs (four earned), walking two and striking out one along the way.
Cody Palmquist pitched to five batters and was unable to make it to one out before being pulled. He allowed three hits and five runs (all earned). Joe Filomeno would finish out the pitching duties for the RoughRiders. He tossed one inning, giving up four hits and three runs (all earned). He walked two and struck out two.
J.P. Sportman hit a grand slam for Midland. It was the focal point of their eight-run eighth, that gave the RockHounds the 13-1 lead.
For the RoughRiders, Andy Ibanez went 2-3 with one RBI. Isiah Kiner-Falefa finished 2-4. Frisco went 2-4 with runners in scoring position, leaving five men on base in the game.
News and notes from RidersBaseball.com:
- With two more hits Monday, Andy Ibanez has compiled five multi-hit performances in his past nine games. The Cuban infielder is hitting .353 (12-34) in the span.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa has hits in 14 of his last 15 games, swinging .323 (21-65) in that span.
- Luke Tendler extended his on-base streak to 12 games after being hit by a pitch in the first inning, tying his longest streak of the season.
- With Monday’s result, Midland has scored at least 12 runs in each of its past three games, scoring 12, 13, and 13 respectively.
The RoughRiders will continue their three-game series with Midland on Tuesday night. Right-handed pitcher Pedro Payano (2-2, 4.27 ERA) will get the start for Frisco. He’ll battle against righty Heath Fillmyer (5-4, 3.95 ERA) for Midland.
The First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM. You can watch the action via MiLB.tv, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.