The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, took a loss last night. The San Antonio Missions won the series opener, 6-3. A late rally was attempted but failed to find success. RoughRiders starter Collin Wiles went through six but was roughed up by the San Diego Padres affiliate.
Wiles tossed 6.0 innings, giving up eight hits and five runs (all earned). He didn’t allow a walk but was only able to strike out two batters. This was uncharacteristic for Wiles, who has proven to be one of the more reliable starting pitchers that the RoughRiders have. Ensuring that this unusual start from Wiles doesn’t become a regular occurrence will be a priority for pitching coach Brian Shouse and manager Joe Mikulik.
The RoughRiders reliever performed well, limiting the damage that San Antonio was able to deal. Left-handed pitcher Ryne Slack came in to relieve Wiles. He threw 2.0 innings, allowing two hits and one run (earned). Slack walked two and got one punch out. The lefty has been a solid bullpen arm for the RoughRiders when needed. Nick Gardewine came in to pitch the ninth, and couldn’t have performed better. He struck out the side, in order.
Frisco saw a bit of offensive action. Luke Tendler hit a no-doubter to right-centerfield in the bottom of the fourth. It was the first run for the RoughRiders. Tendler now has seven home runs this season, leading the team. Luis Marte entered the game batting just .143. He hadn’t shown much with his bat so far this season. In the seventh inning, Marte knocked in a run with a well-smashed double.
Later in the seventh, the RoughRiders were able to load the bases with nobody out. However, the team was unable to produce of this situation. In total, Frisco left 10 runners on base. Unfortunately for the club, this has been happening regularly.
On a rehab assignment from the Texas Rangers, Carlos Gomez went 0-3 with three fly outs. He did have an impressive outfield assist in the third inning. After catching a single that was hit his way in center field, he fired an amazing throw to third to catch a runner advancing.
The RoughRiders will face the Missions tonight, for game two of the four-game set. First pitch is at 7:05 PM CT from Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.
You can watch the game via MiLB.tv, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.