RockHounds Rally Falls Just Short
August 2, 2018 - Texas League (TL1)
Midland RockHounds News Release
In a game that saw 18 runs and 29 hits, it was a defensive play that made all the difference.
Frisco second baseman Josh Morgan's over-the-shoulder catch, on the run, in shallow center field with the bases loaded and two out in the ninth inning secured the win as the RoughRiders held off the RockHounds, 10-8, Wednesday night at Security Bank Ballpark.
The RockHounds trailed, 10-6, with the bases empty and two out in the final inning before mounting a charge against left-hander Anthony Gose. The former Major League outfielder, who is converting to the mound and routinely throws in the upper 90's, got the first two batters in the ninth before Seth Brown laced an opposite field double into the left field corner. Jonah Heim followed with a two-run home run, a line shot over the left field wall on a 3-2 pitch.
The 'Hounds then loaded the bases on three consecutive walks and C.D. Pelham relieved Gose on the mound. Edwin Diaz lifted a pop fly into shallow center field with all three base runners going on contact. Without Morgan's terrific catch, the tying runs would have scored easily, leaving runners at the corners. But, on a night dominated by the bats, it was one bit of outstanding "glove work" that sealed the deal.
Frisco broke a 5-5 tie with a four-run sixth against reliever Sam Bragg, and the Riders never trailed the rest of the way, winning the three-game series, 2-1.
Notables
Preston Beck had a tremendous game for Frisco, going 4-for-4 with a double, three runs and three RBI. He added a walk, reaching base in each of five plate appearances.
Luis Barrera (0-for-4, walk) lost a six-game hit streak, but has reached base in 13 straight (.326) with two doubles, two triples and six RBI. In the 13 games he has seven walks against five strikeouts and six steals in eight attempts.
Seth Brown (2-for-4, two runs, two doubles, walk) is hitting .333 in his last 13 games (16-48). Half of his hits in that span have gone for extra bases, including two home runs, with 11 RBI. Seth's RBI double in the fifth inning Wednesday made him just the third Texas League hitter to reach the 70-RBI plateau in the 2018 season.
Eli White (1-for-5) has hit in three straight games (6-for-15, .400) and has reached in 27-of-30 games, hitting .375 in that span (with a .458 on-base percentage).
Jonah Heim (2-for-5, two runs, two-run HR) has reached base in eight-of-his-last-nine games, hitting .313 with five RBI, two of them coming Wednesday night on his first Double-A home run.
Tyler Ramirez (3-for-5, two runs) has hit in three straight games (6-for-12) has reached base in nine straight (12-36, .333). In his last four games versus Frisco, he is 11-for-23 (.478), with two HR and eight RBI.
Richie Martin (1-for-4, sac bunt) has reached base in 13 straight games (.283) and is hitting .303 in his last 19.
Nate Mondou (2-for-4, run, double, RBI, walk, stolen base) has hits in eight-of-his-last-nine games (.297) with five RBI.
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
What happened to "home field advantage?" Through the first 21 (of 28) games in the season series, the home teams are a collective 6-16. The RoughRiders are 8-3 at Security Bank Ballpark while the RockHounds are 8-3 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco.
Next Game
Thursday, August 2 vs. San Antonio Missions
Security Bank Ballpark 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
"Thirsty" Thursday - - half-price beverages
- First of a four-game series and fourth of a seven-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:47 p.m.
Probable Starters
SA: Lake Bachar (RH, 2-4, 5.17)
RH: Brian Howard (RH, 1-2, 2.55)
The Week at Security Bank Ballpark
Thursday August 2 Thirsty Thursday
Friday August 3 Adult Jersey Night
Saturday August 4 Postgame Fireworks
Sunday August 5 Family Day (2:00 first pitch)
Texas League Stories from August 2, 2018
- Three-Run Fifth Does the Trick in 4-1 Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Roll to Series Opening Win - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Lux and De Fratus Lead Drillers to Victory - Tulsa Drillers
- 2018 Texas League Playoff Tickets On-Sale Now - Arkansas Travelers
- RockHounds Rally Falls Just Short - Midland RockHounds
- Cardinals Series Highlights: August 2 - August 5 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Hooks Sweep Missions with Win in Extras - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Nogowski Walks off Cardinals in 10th, Secures 5-4 Comeback - Springfield Cardinals
- Travs Rally Past Naturals, 13-7 - Arkansas Travelers
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