The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, defeat the Tulsa Drillers Friday night, 6-3. A late-game rally in the ninth, where Frisco scored five runs, gave the club the win in the series finale. Tulsa attempted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth but fell short in their efforts.
Andy Ibanez hit a single that scored one, breaking the 1-1 tie in the ninth inning. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Scott Heineman aided in the effort, each with their own RBI singles later in the inning. Michael O’Neill had a busy night, going 3-5 with a double, home run, RBI, two runs, and a stolen base. Ibanez finished 2-4, with one RBI, and a run scored. Kiner-Falefa ended 2-5, with one RBI.
In just his second Double-A start, Tyler Davis held the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate to three hits and one run (earned) over his seven innings of work. He struck out four and walked one, gaining a no-decision. Ricardo Rodriguez relieved Davis, and almost allowed the Drillers a comeback. In 1.1 innings, Rodriguez gave up three hits and two runs (all earned). Nick Gardewine closed out the matchup, tossing 2/3 of an inning. He allowed just one hit and no runs.
News and notes from RidersBaseball.com:
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa recorded his team-leading 26th multi-hit game and team-best 37th RBI.
- Scott Heineman extended his on-base streak to 22 games with a walk and a two-run single, and Michael O’Neill collected his first three-hit game with the Riders.
- Tyler Davis tossed a career-high seven innings Friday night. In two Double-A starts, Davis has allowed two runs on seven hits in 13 innings, good for a 1.38 ERA.
- The Drillers scored 18 of their 23 runs in the series in the sixth inning or later.
- With the win Friday, the Riders snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Frisco RoughRiders begin a three-game set against the Springfield Cardinals, beginning Saturday night. Game one begins at 6:10 PM, in Springfield. The St. Louis Cardinals affiliate will send Chris Ellis (0-4, 5.06 ERA) to the mound. He’ll take on Collin Wiles (7-4, 3.53 ERA), who has had solid performances for the RoughRiders.
You can watch the game via MiLB.tv, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.