'Riders Claim First Half South Division Title
Published on June 15, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
FRISCO, TEXAS- The RoughRiders claimed the first half Texas League South Division title, securing a playoff spot after defeating the Hooks 3-2 Friday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. This is the third year in a row Frisco has made it to playoffs.
Corpus Christi started the scoring in the first inning. Facing new 'Riders starter Nick Tepesch, Andy Simunic led off by doubling to left field. A ground out moved him to third before a single by Jonathan Singleton scored him.
Frisco tied the game in the second. Hooks' starter Ross Seaton worked quickly striking out Ryan Strausborger and inducing a fly out by Val Majewski. Jared Prince stepped into the box and hit a double to left field, while a single by Zach Zaneski brought him around, tying the game at one.
The RoughRiders scored another run in the fourth to put them up 2-1. Looking to even the score, the Hooks Kody Hinze hit a towering solo-shot that hit the roof of the Winstar Diamond Deck to even things up again.
With the game tied, Frisco pulled ahead in the eighth. Hooks' reliever and Texas League All-Star Kevin Chapman (4-3) opened the inning by hitting Leury Garcia with the pitch before allowing a single to Jurickson Profar and walking Mike Olt. With the bases loaded and no one out, Chapman struck out Chris McGuiness for the first out. Ryan Strausborger hit a ground ball to Andy Simunic who threw to second retiring Mike Olt. Strausborger reached first safely allowing Garcia to score the go-ahead run.
'Riders reliever Tyler Tufts threw a perfect ninth to earn his first save of the season and send Frisco back to the Texas League playoffs.
Kevin Chapman was tagged with his third loss of the season. He pitched one inning allowing one hit and one earned run, while walking one and striking out one. Ryan Rodebaugh picked out his first win of the season pitching for one inning allowing no hits, no runs with no walks and two strikeouts. The save went to Tyler Tufts, working a scoreless ninth.
The 'Riders play game three against the Hooks Saturday night. Chad Bell (2-0, 1.77) will start for the 'Riders. He will be opposed by Hooks right-hander Jose Cisnero (3-6, 4.21). First pitch is slated for 7:05, and can be heard on KKGM 1630 AM and on ridersbaseball.com. Pre-game coverage starts at 6:30, while the game will also be televised on TXA21.
Texas League Stories from June 15, 2012
- Frazier Out-Duels Oye; Drillers Win 2-1 - Arkansas Travelers
- 'Riders Claim First Half South Division Title - Frisco RoughRiders
- Cardinals Beat Naturals 5-2 - Springfield Cardinals
- Cardinals Even Series - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Game Notes, June 15 at Frisco - Corpus Christi Hooks
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