RoughRiders Win Ninth-Inning Nailbiter
April 11, 2014 - Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
SPRINGDALE, ARK. - A sacrifice fly by Frisco's Jake Skole broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth inning and the RoughRiders took a second straight game from the Northwest Arkansas Naturals with a 2-1 victory on Friday night at Arvest Ballpark. The 'Riders benefited from three fielding errors by the Naturals and secured their first series win of the 2014 season.
The offensive firepower that characterized the series opener did not return for the rematch as hits were few and far between, and runs were kept to a minimum.
After a scoreless first inning, Naturals' starting pitcher Sam Selman - in his first appearance of the season after a stint in extended spring training - proceeded to walk three consecutive RoughRiders to open the second. The 'Riders tallied the scoreboard first, albeit in unconventional fashion.
Selman rallied with consecutive strikeouts and appeared to have found his way out of the inning with Luis Sardinas at the plate for Frisco. The 6-foot-3 southpaw induced an infield pop-up off Sardinas but dropped the can-of-corn for a fielding error. Trever Adams raced home from third and the 'Riders took a 1-0 advantage.
Meanwhile, Frisco's lead arm encountered trouble in the bottom of the third. Right-hander Nick Martinez, one week removed from his first career Major League start, walked Northwest Arkansas' Jared Schlehuber with the bases loaded to draw the Naturals even at 1-1. Martinez escaped further damage in the frame when designated hitter Mark Threlkeld grounded into a double play.
Pitching dominated after the third inning. Over the next five frames, both teams combined for three hits and no runs and the score remained tied 1-1 at the start of the ninth.
In the final inning, errors plagued the Naturals again. Adams, who had scored Frisco's only run on a Northwest Arkansas error, reached first base in similar fashion on a fielding miscue charged to Schlehuber.
With one on and one out, Ryan Rua registered the second extra-base hit of the night for Frisco with a double down the left field line. The Naturals had no answer for Rua, and the third baseman finished 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk. Adams advanced to third base on Rua's two-bagger and Malcom Culver intentionally walked Frisco's Chris Grayson to load the bases with one out.
Culver then battled Skole for ten pitches before the Frisco center fielder lifted a fly ball into foul territory along the left field line. Naturals' left fielder Whit Merrifield made the out, but Skole drove the ball deep enough to allow Adams to score from third. Adams' hand snuck under an attempted tag by catcher Juan Graterol and the 'Riders claimed a 2-1 lead.
Down to their final three outs, the Naturals continued to battle. Schlehuber attempted to amend his fielding error with a leadoff single against Frisco closer Francisco Mendoza. Two batters later, Mendoza surrendered another base knock to Angel Franco and Northwest Arkansas advanced the tying run into scoring position. But when Graterol put the ball on the ground to second base, Rougned Odor triggered a 4-6-3 double play to slam the door on the Naturals.
Both of the RoughRiders' runs in the game were unearned.
The RoughRiders' win streak now stands at three games as they redeem a series loss to Northwest Arkansas earlier in April. The team moves to 3-2 against the Naturals this season and is 2-0 away from Dr Pepper Ballpark.
With their first series win secured, the 'Riders will shoot for the series sweep against Northwest Arkansas on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Coverage begins live on www.ridersbaseball.com at 5:40 p.m. The RoughRiders next play at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Thursday, April 17 at 7:05 p.m. against Corpus Christi. For tickets to see the 'Riders in 2014, call 972-731-9200, e-mail Info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.ridersbaseball.com.
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Texas League Stories from April 11, 2014
- Hooks Surrender Seven-Run Lead, Lose 10-9 - Corpus Christi Hooks
- RoughRiders Win Ninth-Inning Nailbiter - Frisco RoughRiders
- San Antonio Drops Game Two of Their Series with Springfield - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Fall by Late Riders' Rally - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Travs Edge Hounds 2-1 at Friday - Arkansas Travelers
- Prospect Selman Assigned to Northwest Arkansas - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Follow the Naturals on the New MiLB First Pitch App - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Hooks Rally Late, Win Sixth Straight - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Drop Home Opener in 14 Innings - San Antonio Missions
- Cardinals Take 14-Inning Win, 8-5, in San Antonio - Springfield Cardinals
- San Antonio Drops Home Opener to Springfield in 14 Innings - San Antonio Missions
- RoughRiders' Bats Blazing in First Road Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Travs Down Hounds in Home Opener - Arkansas Travelers
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