Riders' Pitching Dominates in 8-1 Win
Published on July 4, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Frisco RoughRiders got out to a huge early lead, dominating the Springfield Cardinals on Friday night in an 8-1 win at Dr. Pepper Ballpark.
Frisco starter Michael Ballard got lots of early run support, but didn't much at all, as he carried a shut-out into the ninth inning.
Frisco got three in the second and five in the third against Cards' starter Adam Daniels, who labored through three innings on Friday night.
The Riders took advantage of two wild pitches by Daniels in the second, as Ben Harrison struck out to open the inning, but reached first on a wild pitch. J.T. Restko's RBI groundout plated Harrision to make it 1-0. A sac fly by Corey Ragsdale brought home Adam Fox from third for a 2-0 Frisco lead. Another wild pitch allowed Thomas Berkery to score from third, capping the three-run inning at 3-0.
The Riders blew it open in the third, sending nine men to the plate, while scoring five times. Daniels (1-3) walked three men in the inning, all of which scored. Tim Gradoville's two-run single capped the scoring, as Frisco had a commanding 8-0 lead after three innings.
The Cards, who had just six hits on the night, got a second-inning single from Tyler Greene, but didn't get another hit until a Mark Shorey single in the seventh, as Ballard kept Springfield's offense in check most the night.
Springfield broke through with one out in the ninth, as Allen Craig's RBI double chased home Jose Martinez and ended Ballard's bid at a complete-game blanking. Frisco reliever Brennan Garr came out of the bullpen to record the final two outs. Ballard (8-3) allowed just one run on six hits over 8 1/3 innings, striking out six.
The Redbirds' bullpen gave them five full innings of scoreless relief, as Kyle Sadlowski and Luke Gregerson went three and two innings respectively, combining to allow just three hits.
Springfield (7-6) is now a full game back of Tulsa in the North Division. The Cards look to take two of three from Frisco, sending Jess Todd (2-2) to the mound on Saturday night in the rubber game of the three-game set. The RoughRiders will go with Thomas Diamond (2-2) in the finale. Game time on Saturday night is 7:00pm. The Cards are on the road until Thursday, July 10th, as they come back to Hammons Field to host the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in a four-game home stand. 1,500 fans on July 10th will receive a free poster featuring Louie the Mascot, thanks to the Longhorn Grill. Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com. We hope to see you at Hammons Field very soon. Go Cards and Get Your RED On!
Texas League Stories from July 4, 2008
- Drillers Lose Lead, Rally To Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Can't Protect Lead Friday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Riders' Pitching Dominates in 8-1 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Missions Outlast Naturals in Completion of Thursday's Suspended Game - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Ballard leads Riders past Cardinals - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Fourth of July Game Sold Out - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Come See July 4 Fireworks At Dickey-Stephens Park - Arkansas Travelers
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