The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, defeated the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 5-1 Saturday night. Scott Heineman set Frisco ahead early, ending his night 3-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Starting pitcher Pedro Payano reciprocated the run support, preventing the Naturals from scoring any runs during his time on the mound. With the victory, the RoughRiders improve to 53-72 on the season.
Payano tossed 5.2 innings shutout innings for the RoughRiders. He allowed just two hits while walking three and striking out four. He earned the win and now sits 3-4 since arriving at Double-A. Nick Gardewine allowed the only Northwest Arkansas run, coming from a sacrifice fly.
Heineman’s go-ahead two-run home run in the fourth inning gave the RoughRiders pitching staff a much-needed sign of relief. With runs on the board and a lead, the pitchers could throw with confidence.
News and notes from RidersBaseball.com:
- Scott Heineman collected his seventh three-hit game in Saturday’s win and is 10-17 (.588) over the first five games of the homestand.
- With Saturday’s win, the Riders snapped a five-game losing streak against the Naturals. They also broke a 25-inning scoreless streak against Northwest Arkansas with Heineman’s homer in the fourth.
- Riders pitching has allowed just five runs in its past 27 innings, posting a 1.67 ERA.
The Frisco RoughRiders will face the Northwest Arkansas Naturals again Sunday night, for the final matchup of the three-game set. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM, from Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.
Frisco will send righty Ariel Jurado (8-11, 5.01 ERA) to the mound. He will take on right-hander Corey Ray (6-10, 5.09 ERA). You can watch the action via MiLB.com, or listen to the broadcast at RidersBaseball.com.
Follow Blake Cole on Twitter (@blakeacole) for more on Scott Heineman, the Frisco RoughRiders, and other MiLB Texas League Double-A teams and players.
*Featured image courtesy of the Frisco RoughRiders.