Naile, Barrera Lead Hounds to Victory
Published on April 14, 2019 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Abner Doubleday didn't invent baseball but, if he had, Sunday was what he had in mind. On a sunny Sunday afternoon at Security Bank Ballpark, the RockHounds defeated the Frisco RoughRiders, 4-1, in a quick, well-played game that included big swings of the bat ... outstanding pitching and errorless (and at times spectacular) defense.
The 'Hounds scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch (one of the game's very few miscues) in the second and built the lead to 3-0 in the third on doubles from Dairon Blanco, Luis Barrera (RBI), and Nate Mondou (RBI).
James Naile allowed one run over seven innings for the win, backed by scoreless innings from Norge Ruiz (hold) and John Gorman (save).
Barrera ripped a solo home run to right field in the eighth, providing a key insurance run as the RoughRiders threatened in the ninth with two runners on base.
Despite Sunday's defeat, Frisco shared the league's best record at 8-2 and won the tightly- contested series, 3-games-to-1. The 'Hounds, meanwhile, snapped a three-game slide and won for the first time at Rocky Town.
The clubs also have a game "pending" ... last Sunday's contest at Frisco was suspended due to rain with the 'Hounds leading, 4-1 (and still batting), in the 11th.
The RockHounds' homestand continues with a three-game series (Monday through Wednesday) as Amarillo comes to town. The Sod Poodles, the former San Antonio Missions, are the first Texas League franchise in Amarillo in 37 years (Gold Sox, 1982).
Notables
The clubs played exceptional defense over the four-game series, committing a combined total of just three errors. Sunday's game saw tremendous plays including RockHounds right fielder Greg Deichmann's sliding grab of a foul ball down the line and second baseman Nate Mondou's diving stop and throw to deny Brendon Davis. That play came just after Davis, Frisco's shortstop, robbed Edwin Diaz and a brilliant play in the hole, with a pivot and midair throw across the diamond for the out.
Luis Barrera, who missed virtually all of four games (right shoulder) had an RBI single in his return to the lineup Saturday night and followed that with a 2-for-4 game Sunday with a double, solo home run, two RBI and a stolen base. He was the only RockHound batter with a multiple-hit game Sunday.
In two starts against Frisco, the league's top club, James Naile has allowed one run in 13 innings (a 0.69 ERA).
Next Game
Monday, April 15 vs. Amarillo Sod Poodles
Security Bank Ballpark 6:30 p.m. (Gates open 6:00)
- First of a three-game series and fifth of a seven-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:15 p.m.
Probable Starters
AMA: Emmanuel Ramirez (RH, 1-0, 1.13)
RH: Brian Howard (RH, 1-0, 0.90)
Texas League Stories from April 14, 2019
- Cardinals Sweep Naturals Behind 3rd Walk-Off in 4 Days - Springfield Cardinals
- Hooks Smash Skid - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Get No-Hit by Tulsa; Win Anyway - Arkansas Travelers
- Naile, Barrera Lead Hounds to Victory - Midland RockHounds
- Lopez's Second Walk-Off Homer of Series Dooms Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Combine for No-Hitter, Lose in Extras - Tulsa Drillers
- Sod Poodles Fall 13-5 to Hooks in Series Finale Sunday Afternoon - Amarillo Sod Poodles
- Win Streak Snapped at Six Sunday Afternoon - Frisco RoughRiders
- Sod Poodles Clinch Series - Corpus Christi Hooks
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