Late Inning Battle Results in Naturals Sweep
Published on June 4, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
Frisco, Texas- Northwest Arkansas rallied in the top of the ninth to defeat Frisco 3-1 Monday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. It was the first time this season the 'Riders had been swept at home.
It was a "battle of the Justins" as 'Riders starter Justin Grimm faced off against Justin Marks. Each threw seven innings without allowing a run.
Despite good starting pitching, both sides had chances to score in the fifth. With two outs, a pair of singles put Naturals on the corners before a fly out by Ryan Jenkins ended the top half.
In the home half of the inning, Ryan Strausborger and Jared Prince had back-to-back singles before a Justin Marks balk moved them into scoring position. However, Frisco came up short, ending the frame on a pair of strikeouts and a fly-out.
The game remained scoreless until Engel Beltre led off the eighth with a solo home run to put Frisco up 1-0. It was Beltre's sixth home run of the season.
However, the Naturals chipped away and took the lead in the top of the ninth. 'Riders reliever Joseph Ortiz (1-2) induced a fly out to begin the inning. He then walked Johnny Whittleman who was replaced by pinch runner Yem Prades. A passed ball allowed Prades to move into scoring position, before coming home on a single by Mario Lisson. One batter later, Sharlon Schoop singled in Lisson giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. Northwest Arkansas would tack on an insurance run thanks to an RBI single by Rey Navarro.
Joseph Ortiz drew the loss, and the blown save, working one inning and allowing three runs on three hits. Brian Paukovits (1-0) picked up the win for the Naturals despite allowing the home run to Beltre. He allowed one run over two innings.
Facing a two-run deficit, Frisco was unable to produce any runs in the ninth as the Naturals set their opponent down in order.
Joseph Ortiz drew the loss, and the blown save, working one inning and allowing three runs on three hits. Brian Paukovits (1-0) picked up the win for the Naturals despite allowing the home run to Beltre. He allowed one run over two innings.
Frisco will have an off-day Tuesday before opening up a four-game series against the San Antonio Missions. Chad Bell(1-0, 0.87) starts for the 'Riders. He will be opposed by lefty Tom Layne (0-0, 0.00). The game can be heard at 1630 KKGM or on ridersbaseball.com. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05. Pre-game begins at 6:30.
Texas League Stories from June 4, 2012
- Travs Take Series with 5-4 Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Take Two of Three from Hooks - Springfield Cardinals
- Late Inning Battle Results in Naturals Sweep - Frisco RoughRiders
- Big First Inning from Midland Dooms Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Sweep Roughriders - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Game Notes, June 4 at Springfield - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Upcoming Homestand Highlights - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Return Home on Wednesday - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks Home Wednesday-Wednesday - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Profar & Olt Honored for Stellar Play - Frisco RoughRiders
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