TL1 Amarillo Sod Poodles

Big Hit in Ninth, Radke's Dominance Propels Soddies to Series Win

June 2, 2019 - Texas League (TL1)
Amarillo Sod Poodles News Release


Midland, Texas - The Sod Poodles clawed past the Midland RockHounds on Sunday afternoon at Security Bank Ballpark, winning 4-2 in the rubber game of a three-game set.

With a first half record of 28-26, the Sod Poodles moved two games above .500 for the first time this season.

With the score tied 2-2 in the top of the ninth and two baserunners on, Rodrigo Orozco grounded an RBI single into right field. Midland right fielder Greg Deichmann committed an error on the play to allow another run to score. Amarillo took a 4-2 lead.

Left-hander Travis Radke was tremendous in relief, throwing three scoreless innings. Radke retired all nine batters he faced, and retired the side in order to secure the win in the ninth. Radke struck out five in his outing and lowered his ERA to 1.74.

The Sod Poodles got off to a quick start on Sunday against Midland starter Grant Holmes. Owen Miller began the scoring with an RBI single in the first inning and the Sod Poodles scratched out another run to take a 2-0 advantage.

After Miguel Diaz tossed two scoreless frames in another rehab outing from the San Diego Padres, submariner Kazuhisa Makita entered and allowed a run-scoring single to Luis Barrera in the third. Makita would then throw a scoreless fourth.

After J.C. Cosme tossed a scoreless fifth, the RockHounds pulled even at 2-2 against Cosme in sixth as a run came into score on a double play of the bat of Brallan Perez.

The score stayed that way until the ninth, with right-handers Daulton Jeffries and Jesus Zambrano combining for five scoreless frames out of Midland's bullpen.

Midland reliever John Gorman entered in the ninth and would give up the go-ahead runs.

Edward Olivares was a huge bright spot for Amarillo offensively, collecting four hits and scoring a run. Ivan Castillo also had two hits.

The Sod Poodles begin a three-game series at HODGETOWN against the Frisco RoughRiders on Monday night. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Notes:

Here Come the Soddies: The Sod Poodles have won 12 of their last 16 games and five of their last six series. After Sunday's win, Amarillo moved two games above .500 for the first time this season.

With Sunday's win and the results of a doubleheader between Frisco and Corpus Christi yet to be decided, the Sod Poodles moved one game behind the RoughRiders for first place in the Texas League South standings.

So Rad: Sod Poodles lefty Travis Radke tossed three scoreless frames for the win on Sunday Midland, retiring all nine batters he faced to pick up his third victory of the season.

In his last seven outings, Radke has allowed just one earned run in 11.2 innings pitched. On Sunday, he lowered his ERA to 1.74.

Very Good Valdez: Amarillo righty Dauris Valdez secured his first save of 2019 with two innings out of the bullpen on Saturday night in Midland. In his last five outings, Valdez has thrown 6.2 combined innings while allowing just two runs.

Miller's Hit Parade: Owen Miller collected two more hits and two runs scored in Saturday's win over Midland. He collected an RBI single on Sunday. Miller now leads the Texas League with a grand total of 65 hits in 2019.

Castillo's Streak Ends at 14: Ivan Castillo saw his 14-game hit streak end at 14 games after going 0-for-4 on Friday night in Midland. During Castillo's streak, he batted .382 (55 AB) with a home run, three doubles, 15 RBI, and 11 runs scored.

May Magic (into June...?): After a 10-15 record in April, the Sod Poodles finished May with a record of 16-11. After Sunday's win, they are now 2-0 in June.

Check out the Amarillo Sod Poodles Statistics



Texas League Stories from June 2, 2019


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