RockHounds Drop Second Straight to Frisco
Published on April 8, 2019 under Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
We're just three games into the 2019 Texas League season, but the RockHounds may not experience a more "painful strikeout" then they recorded Saturday in Frisco for the rest of the year.
With the game tied, 3-3, a runner at third and two out in the last of the fifth, 'Hounds starter Parker Dunshee was facing Preston Beck (who stepped to the plate 5-for-10, including a game-winning three-run home run Friday). Dunshee narrowly missed on a would-be called third strike, then did get Beck to swing and miss on a 2-2 delivery. The pitch, however, was in the dirt and went to the backstop, allowing Michael DeLeon to score the tie-breaking run from third base. Neither club scored the rest of the way and the Riders claimed a 4-3 victory.
Frisco's offense was fueled by back-to-back-back singles opening the second and fifth innings. Dunshee got two outs in the second before DeLeon delivered a two-run single and Christian Lopes' single in the fifth (the last of three consecutive hits) drove in the tying run (3-3).
The RockHounds scored all three of the runs in the third. Edwin Diaz ripped a shit down the left field line that struck umpire Tyler Olson (limiting Diaz to a single) and Nate Mondou followed with an opposite-field double into the left field corner. Luke Persico's fielder's choice ground ball scored Diaz and Luis Barrera (see below) followed with a line drive, two-run home run to right field for a 3-2 lead.
The 'Hounds missed a golden opportunity in the eighth when Barrera ripped a one-out triple into the right field corner. Mike White was hit by a pitch to put runners at the corners before veteran left-hander James Jones escaped, striking out Anthony Miller before Jonah Heim's sharp line drive to left was hauled in by Josh Altmann to end the inning.
The Riders have won two-in-a-row after the RockHounds' opening night victory, all three in a tightly-contested series.
Basics
WP: Emerson Martinez (1-0, 4.76)
LP: Parker Dunshee (0-1, 7.20 ... 5.40 pending a scoring change, see below)
Sv: Blake Bass (1, 0.00)
Notables
The pitch on which the (eventual) game-winning run scored was ruled a wild pitch but may be changed to a passed ball (judging suck things is difficult since the Frisco press box is four stories up). If the change is made, the play becomes even a bit more painful as the run would then be unearned).
Luis Barrera has picked up right where he left off in 2018, a breakout season that included a .328 average in 36 games with the RockHounds. Through the first three games of the new season, Luis is 7-for-11 (.636) with a triple, a home run, three RBI and a pair of walks (on base in 9-of-13 trips to the plate).
The RockHounds have played errorless baseball over the first three games of the season. Greg Deichmann highlighted Saturday's effort with an outfield assist on a 9-5 double play in the first inning and a brilliant sliding catch in shallow right-center in the seventh.
The 'Hounds are very "young" in terms of Double-A experience among the position players on the roster, as evidenced by the club going just 3-for-31 with runners in scoring position over the first three games. The good news there is that there have been a good number of scoring chances.
Next Game
Sunday, April 7 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Dr Pepper Ballpark Frisco, Texas
First pitch 4:05 p.m.
- Final of a four-game series and fourth of a seven-game road trip
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 7:00 p.m.
Probable Starters
FRI: Joe Palumbo (LH, first start)
RH: Grant Holmes (RH, first start)
- Road trip continues Monday-Wednesday at Amarillo, vs. the Sod Poodles
Home Opener at Security Bank Ballpark:
Thursday, April 11 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
First pitch at 7:00 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
"Thirsty" Thursday & Magnet Schedules (first 1,000 fans)
Texas League Stories from April 8, 2019
- Drillers Top Cardinals in Monday Matinee - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Top Cards for Second Straight Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Clayton Kershaw to Start for Drillers Tuesday Night at ONEOK Field - Tulsa Drillers
- Series Finale Suspended in Extra Innings - Midland RockHounds
- Undefeated Naturals Host Travelers: April 8 - 10 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- RockHounds Drop Second Straight to Frisco - Midland RockHounds
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