The Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers) pulled off a solid win against the Tulsa Drillers (Dodgers) last night. The game was called into rain delay during the middle of the 7th. Eventually, the umpire crew called the game complete.
RoughRiders starter Collin Wiles looked strong. He tossed 90 pitches, 59 for strikes. Wiles picked up the win, giving up six hits and two earned runs, across 5.0 innings pitched. His two earned runs came off solo home runs. The RoughRiders righty had five Ks and walked none.
Adam Loewen came in relief, pitching 1.2 innings. He gave up two hits and one earned run. David Ledbetter was the final pitcher in the shortened game. Pitching just 0.1 innings, with two hits and no earned runs.
The pitching staff looked well composed. Loewen displayed dominance, and the relievers pitched well as usual. Run support aided their efforts, taking some of the pressure away.
Here’s what RoughRiders manager Joe Mikulik had to say about the game:
Juremi Profar had an RBI single in the 1st, allowing the RoughRiders to take the lead early. He now has four RBIs in the past three outings. Profar also has a multi-hit streak of three games going. Scott Heineman has also extended his hitting streak to five games. Eric Aguilera, who was batting .417 heading into the matchup, drove the lead higher in the 5th. He had an impressive two-run single.
Drew Vettleson was truly impressive for the RoughRiders. The outfielder had two stolen bases, helping to put together an impressive display of smallball. His speed and awareness setup a run scored opportunity in the 6th, that added to the RoughRiders lead.
The Frisco offense has been zeroed in this season. The club leads the Texas League in hits, with 53. The majority have these runs (38) have been within the last three games. The RoughRiders aren’t relying on power hitting and home runs. They are exercising fundamental baseball, and getting contact. Hit after hit, solid baserunning and situational awareness are keeping them in the mix. Despite a losing record (2-3), the team is clearly improving.
The RoughRiders will take on the Tulsa Drillers today, in the final matchup of the series. First pitch is at 11:05 AM CT, from Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.