'Riders defeat Naturals, complete sweep
August 24, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release
The RoughRiders used a strong start from Frisco's Michael Ballard to beat the Naturals 4-2 on Monday
Frisco starter Michael Ballard went eight strong innings to lead Frisco past Northwest Arkansas 4-2 on Monday at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Ballard (5-6) allowed one run on five hits, striking out five and didn't walk a batter. Frisco is now three games behind first place Midland after the RoughRiders win and RockHounds' loss on Monday.
The âRiders jumped out to 1-0 lead in the third inning when Chris Gradoville doubled and scored on a Craig Gentry RBI single. The Naturals knotted the score at one with a run in the fourth inning, but Frisco plated three runs in the seventh inning. Steve Murphy singled and later came around to score on a Gentry RBI single followed by a two-run single by Chad Tracy to give the RoughRiders the 4-1 advantage. The Naturals rallied in the ninth with back-to-back doubles, but the Frisco bullpen closed the game for the RoughRiders' win.
Ballard allowed just one run over eight frames to earn his fifth win on the season. Beau Vaughan notched his sixth save of the season. Northwest Arkansas reliever Blake Wood (2-7) took the loss after allowing three runs in the seventh inning.
Gentry and Lemon led the RoughRiders with two hits each and Gentry and Tracy both had a pair of RBI. Gradoville had the only extra-base hit for Frisco with a double. Frisco has now won three in a row for the first time in August, sweeping an opponent for the third time on the season and second at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
The RoughRiders now travel to San Antonio for a four game road trip against the Missions before returning for the final homestand at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
Texas League Stories from August 24, 2009
- Sogard slam pushes Missions past Travs, 6-4 - Arkansas Travelers
- Brown's walk-off shot completes sweep - Springfield Cardinals
- 'Riders defeat Naturals, complete sweep - Frisco RoughRiders
- First-place Drillers win, head home - Tulsa Drillers
- First Godin, now Hartsock on the move to AAA - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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