The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, dominated the RockHounds in an 11-5 victory this afternoon. Scott Heineman and Jose Trevino were the leaders of the RoughRiders offensive outbursts. Two big innings helped push the club ahead of the Oakland Athletics affiliate. Run support aided Frisco starter Ariel Jurado, allowing him to stay in the game for five innings.
The RoughRiders jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning. It started with a Scott Heineman RBI single. From there, Luke Tendler hit a single that was able to plate two runs. Finally, Luis Marte hit a sacrifice fly, sending the fourth run home. With a 6-4 lead in the eighth, the RoughRiders offense exploded for five more runs. Jose Trevino was the highlight of this inning. He launched a massive home run that scored three.
The RoughRiders went 6-16 with runners in scoring position. The club only left six men on base. This is a vast improvement from their usual play. It’s also a key factor in why they were able to get the victory this afternoon. If the RoughRiders can continue to capitalize with men on base and runners in scoring position, they will find more victories.
Ariel Jurado started on the hill for Frisco. He pitched 5.0 innings, giving up eight hits and three runs (all earned). Jurado walked one and struck out two. Jurado earned the win and leads the team with seven.
Ryne Slack continued to excel in relief. He tossed 2.0 innings, giving up four hits and just one run (earned). He walked one but had five punch outs. Slack escaped a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning, striking out the side to preserve a three-run lead for the RoughRiders at the time. Nick Gardewine closed out the pitching duties for Frisco. Over 2.0 innings, he gave up two hits and one run (unearned). He walked one and struck out one.
News and notes on the game, from RidersBaseball.com:
- Scott Heineman tied his career-high with four hits, doing so for the first time this year and the third time in his career.
- The Riders went 6-16 with runners in scoring position after going 5-40 in the first five games of the road trip.
- Andy Ibanez extended his hitting streak to six games, going 2-5 with two RBIs.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s on-base streak extended to 17 games with a walk in the first inning.
- The Riders defense set a new season-high, turning four double plays.
- Ariel Jurado has picked up three of his seven wins this year against the RockHounds. Jurado has allowed five earned runs in 18 1/3 innings (2.45 ERA) over three starts against Midland.
The Frisco RoughRiders improve to 28-34 on the season. The club still sits at the bottom of the Texas League South standings, and the bottom of the entire Texas League. Offensive performances like this afternoon do spark hope that the club is finally clicking. If starting pitching can perform as (mostly) consistent as they have in the past, and run support can be provided, the RoughRiders can creep up from last place.
Game three of the four-game set is scheduled for tomorrow. First pitch will be at 6:30 PM CT from Security Bank Ballpark in Midland, Texas.
The Frisco RoughRiders will send right-handed pitcher Pedro Payano (0-0, 0.96 ERA) to the hill. Midland will start righty Heath Fillmyer (2-2, 4.22 ERA). You can watch the game via MiLB.tv, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.
Follow Blake Cole, The Inscriber’s exclusive reporter to the Frisco RoughRiders, on Twitter (@blakeacole) for live game day coverage and other team news.
*Featured image courtesy of RidersBaseball.com