Ballard leads Riders past Cardinals
Published on July 4, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
The Frisco RoughRiders (54-30) won, 8-1, over the Springfield Cardinals (43-40) behind a brilliant performance by starter Michael Ballard on Friday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
The RoughRiders did all of their damage in the second and third innings off Springfield starter Adam Daniels (1-3). Back-to-back doubles by Jose Vallejo and Ben Harrison to open the third inning extended Frisco's lead to 4-0 after the âRiders capitalized on a couple of Springfield miscues to score three runs in the second. Tim Gradoville delivered a two-run single later in the inning that pushed the lead to 8-0.
Frisco starter Michael Ballard (8-3) tossed 8 1/3 innings while allowing just one run on six hits. Ballard struck out six and walked none en route to his fifth consecutive winning decision. The left-hander has not lost a decision since May 26 at Northwest Arkansas.
On the season, Ballard is 5-1, 2.25 (12 ER/48 1/3IP) in seven home starts.
Brennan Garr relieved Ballard in the ninth and recorded the final two outs.
Gradoville led the Frisco offense going 2-for-3 on the night with a pair of doubles and two RBI while Adam Fox also collected two hits.
A capacity crowd of 10,216 fans attended the game to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. The sell out crowd was the 23rd at Dr Pepper Ballpark in 2008.
Thomas Diamond (2-2, 7.12) will take the hill for Frisco in the rubber match Saturday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Springfield will counter with right-hander Jess Todd (2-2, 1.56). First pitch will be at 7 p.m. with the game also being televised on TXA 21. CBS 11's Gina Miller will join the RoughRiders broadcast team of Scott Garner and Bill Mercer as a special guest in the broadcast booth during the 4-6 innings.
Texas League Stories from July 4, 2008
- Drillers Lose Lead, Rally To Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Can't Protect Lead Friday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Riders' Pitching Dominates in 8-1 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Missions Outlast Naturals in Completion of Thursday's Suspended Game - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Ballard leads Riders past Cardinals - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Fourth of July Game Sold Out - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Come See July 4 Fireworks At Dickey-Stephens Park - Arkansas Travelers
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