Danks Downs Travs In Class AA Debut 7-4
June 1, 2005 - Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Dr Pepper/Seven-Up Ballpark, Frisco, TX â In a battle of first round draft picks Frisco LHP John Danks (1-0) defeated Arkansas LHP Joe Saunders (4-3) as the RoughRiders (21-32) pulled out a 7-4 victory over the Travelers (28-25). Danks, selected ninth overall by the Rangers in the 2003 draft, struck out six batters and allowed five hits, four walks and two runs (one earned) in 5.2 innings in his Class AA debut. Saunders, picked 12th overall by the Angels in the 2002 draft, allowed four runs (all earned) on seven hits, one walk and six strikeouts in five innings. Mike Napoli (8) and Greg Porter (4) each hit a solo home run for the Travelers, but Frisco pounded out 12 base hits with Ruddy Yan knocking in two runs while Joaquin Arias scored two runs. Frisco RHP Jesse Chavez saved the game by tossing the last 3.1 innings. The five-game series is tied at 2-2.
The RoughRiders struck quickly with two outs in the first inning. Jason Hart singled up the middle followed by Seth Taylor's two-run homer (5) to left field.
Napoli's home run was on Danks' first pitch of the second inning to cut the Riders' lead to 2-1.
With one out in the fourth inning, Arias tripled to right center field and scored when Jared Abruzzo lofted a sacrifice fly to right for a 3-1 Frisco lead.
Frisco OF Jeremy Cleveland led off the fifth inning with a double followed by an RBI single to center by Yan for a 4-1 Frisco lead.
Danks struck out four batters and left three runners in scoring position in the third, fourth and fifth innings. Travs OF Tommy Murphy doubled to start the sixth then stole second and scored when Frisco C Dustin Smith uncorked a wild throw to third base. Danks walked two batters and left with two outs, but Chavez struck out Ryan Leahy to end the inning.
Arkansas RHP Mark O'Sullivan relieved Saunders to begin the sixth inning. After an out, Arias struck out and reached first base on a wild pitch. Abruzzo followed with a high bouncer into right field for a single to send Arias to third base. Another wild pitch scored Arias and put Abruzzo at second. Smith then doubled Abruzzo home and scored when Yan singled to right field to cap the inning at three runs for a 7-2 Frisco lead.
Arkansas got within 7-3 in the seventh with two outs when 2B Alberto Callaspo singled and scored on Murphy's league-leading 7th triple.
Porter's solo home run capped the scoring in the 8th inning at 7-4 Frisco.
Time of game was 2:40 and the paid attendance was 7,596.
The Travs and RoughRiders finish the five-game series Thursday night. Arkansas RHP Delvin James (3-2, 3.80 ERA) takes the mound against Frisco LHP C.J. Wilson (0-2, 8.53 ERA). First pitch at Dr Pepper/Seven-Up Ballpark will be thrown at 7:05 p.m.
Please call (501) 664-1555 or visit www.travs.com for game information.
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