Pimentel and Martinez Carry Frisco over Hounds
Published on June 9, 2013 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
Baseball is a team game, but two players made virtually all the difference as the Frisco RoughRiders won the opener of a four-game with the RockHounds, 5-2, Saturday night at Citibank Ballpark.
Carlos Pimentel tossed seven brilliant innings, allowing no runs on one hit and two walks, and Teodoro Martinez backed him with a four-RBI night, including the decisive swing, a three-run home run in the Frisco second inning.
The RoughRiders got consecutive one-out singles from Tomas Telis, Odubel Herrera, and Ryan Strausborger (the first two of those hits coming with two strikes in the count) to load the bases in the second inning. After a sacrifice fly plated the game's first run, Martinez ripped a two-out, three-run homer into the left field corner, and the RoughRiders led, 4-0. Martinez added his fourth RBI (again after three consecutive singles) on a fifth-inning sacrifice fly, building the lead to 5-0.
The RockHounds couldn't generate anything against Pimentel, who struck out a half-dozen batters and allowed few, if any, hard hit balls.
The 'Hounds did get on the board against Frisco reliever Jimmy Reyes, scoring twice in the eighth inning and bringing the tying and/or potential go-ahead run to the plate in the both the eighth and ninth. Ben Rowen was summoned with two on and two out in the ninth, and allowed a walk (loading the bases) before getting a ground out to end the game to earn his eighth save in as many chances.
Kibbles & Bits
- This series is a critical one for Frisco. The win keeps the RoughRiders within three games of first place Corpus Christi (the Hooks were 5-1 winners at San Antonio) in the Texas League South. There are just nine games remaining in the first half pennant race, and Frisco hosts Corpus in a four-game series beginning next Wednesday.
- Relievers Jeff Urlaub and Pedro Viola kept the RockHounds in the game with three scoreless innings. The 'Hounds bullpen has been terrific in the last four games, going a combined 15-and-two-thirds innings, allowing no runs on just three hits, walking six and striking out 24.
- The RockHounds continue one of the season's best home stands with a Sunday afternoon "Family Fun Day" (first pitch at 4 o'clock). The eight-game stand will also include "Thirsty Thursday" (the 13th) ... Kids' Jersey Night (Friday the 14th) ... and A.J. Griffin Bobblehead Doll Night (Saturday the 15th).
WP Carlos Pimentel (7-2, 2.96)
LP Murphy Smith (5-7, 2.64)
SV Ben A0 (8, 0.63)
HR Teodoro Martinez (7) A 3-run HR in the 2nd (off Murphy Smith)
Next Game
vs. Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers' AA Affiliate)
Sunday, June 9 4:00 p.m. Radio at 3:50 p.m.
Citibank Ballpark
Probable Starters
(RH) Tyler Tufts (1-1, 4.08)
RockHounds (RH) Zach Neal (5-3, 4.13)
Texas League Stories from June 9, 2013
- Missions Rally Past Hooks 7-4 - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Earn Come-From-Behind Victory over Travelers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Nicholas and Benson Rally to Stun Hounds, 4-3 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Oswalt Edged by Cards' Blair - Tulsa Drillers
- Blair and Cards Beat Oswalt and Drillers, 5-0 - Springfield Cardinals
- Pimentel and Martinez Carry Frisco over Hounds - Midland RockHounds
- Missions Drop Opener with Hooks, 5-1 - San Antonio Missions
- Quevedo Shines in Opener - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Tulsa Takes Opener against Cards - Springfield Cardinals
- Martinez and Pimentel Lead 'Riders in Midland, 5-2 - Frisco RoughRiders
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.
