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The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, win the series finale against the Corpus Christi Hooks Sunday night, 7-6. RoughRiders starting pitcher Richelson Pena tossed a quality start in his Double-A debut. The club put together enough run support to squeeze out a close victory. Sitting on back-to-back wins, Frisco now sits at 49-56 on the season.

Pena looked exceptional in his Double-A debut. He was promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders on August 4, from Advanced-A Down East, and wasted no time making himself known. In Sunday’s outing, Pena threw six innings and allowed five hits. He gave up one run (earned) while walking one and striking out six. He registered the quality start in just 81 pitches, 56 for strikes, earning the win. The lone run he gave up came from a homer.

RHP Richelson Pena, courtesy of MiLB.com

The RoughRiders used a myriad of relievers to seal the game. Connor Sadzeck, who has been questionable at best this season, was the first bullpen pitcher to make an appearance. He tossed one inning, giving up one hit and one run (earned). He walked one and punched out one.

Joe Filomeno was the next reliever in line. He tossed just 2/3 of an inning, giving up three hits and four runs (all earned). He walked one and struck out one. Cody Palmquist finished up the last out of the eighth inning, allowing no hits and no runs. Finally, Ricardo Rodriguez was called on to finish out the matchup. He’s been exceptional for the RoughRiders so far, and didn’t disappoint. He earned the save, throwing one inning and allowing no hits or runs.

Eric Aguilera and Juremi Profar were the offensive MVPs of the game. Leading 4-2 in the seventh, they both launched massive homers to give the RoughRiders a 7-2 lead. The cushion was much needed, as the Hooks managed to score four runs in the eighth off reliever Joe Filomeno. The gap was narrowed to 7-6 but still stood in favor of Frisco.

News and notes from RidersBaseball.com:

  • The Riders have won two games in a row in the wake of a six-game losing streak.
  • Frisco pitching struck out nine more batters Sunday and finished the four-game series with 43 punch outs.
  • With a quality start from Richelson Pena, the Riders have now received five consecutive quality starts.
  • Sunday’s game ended a string of 26 games in 26 days across the Texas League.

The Frisco RoughRiders will get a day off Monday, before embarking on a six-game road trip beginning Tuesday night. They will take on the Arkansas Travelers as well as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

You can watch the action via MiLB.tv, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.

Follow Blake Cole on Twitter (@blakeacole) for more on the Frisco RoughRiders, and other MiLB Texas League Double-A teams and players.

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