Cordell Slams Riders to Best Start in Team History
Published on April 16, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
FRISCO, TEXAS - Ryan Cordell broke a 1-1 tie with a grand slam to deep left field in the fifth inning, leading the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, to a 5-1 victory Saturday night over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in front of 8,375 fans at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The victory helped the RoughRiders (8-1) register the best nine-game start in team history.
After striking out in his first two at-bats of the game, Cordell blasted a towering fly ball off Naturals (3-6) starter Jake Junis (0-1) that cleared the seats in left field. It was his second blast of the season. Cordell also came through with a diving catch in the sixth inning that saved at least one run from scoring.
Before Cordell's grand slam, Ronald Guzman got the RoughRiders on the board with his second homer of the season, a solo shot to left field. The blast helped tie the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the second after the Naturals scored their lone run of the game on an RBI single by Cam Gallagher in the top half of the inning.
Sam Wolff (2-0) earned his second win over the Naturals, pitching five innings and only allowing one run on four hits. Richelson Pena threw three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and Ryne Slack worked around a one-out walk in the ninth to seal the victory.
The win not only establishes the best start in team history, surpassing the 2008 squad, but it marks the first time since 2009 that the RoughRiders have swept the same opponent twice in the same half.
Frisco welcomes in the Arkansas Travelers for a three-game series beginning Sunday at 4:05 p.m. Left-handed pitcher Victor Payano (0-0, 5.40 ERA) is slated to make the start for the Riders against right-hander Blayne Weller (0-1, 1.50 ERA) for the Travs.
Live coverage can be heard on the Frisco RoughRiders Radio Network, on the TuneIn Radio App, and the MiLB First Pitch App. Dr Pepper Pregame Show coverage begins at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday is Kids Sunday Funday at Dr Pepper Ballpark. There will be a pre-game catch on the field for kids and their parents/guardians, up to 35 minutes prior to the first pitch. Plus, there will also be $1 ice cream sandwiches all game. In addition to Kids Sunday Funday, the first 2,000 fans will receive a free 2016 schedule poster. Tickets are available now online at RidersBaseball.com, via email at info@ridersbaseball.com, over the phone at (972) 731-9200, or in-person at the RoughRiders box office.
Texas League Stories from April 16, 2016
- Big Night from Verdugo Not Enough for Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Cordell Slams Riders to Best Start in Team History - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Swept at Frisco in Finale, 5-1 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Washington and Cardinals Clobber Missions, 9-4 - Springfield Cardinals
- Riders Game Notes - 7:05 p.m. vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals - April 16, 2016 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Missions Shutout by Cardinals - San Antonio Missions
- One Healy of a Finish - Midland RockHounds
- Hooks Slam Drillers - Corpus Christi Hooks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
