Rodriguez & Edwards Combine On 3-0 Shutout
May 26, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Citibank Ballpark, Midland, TX - RHP Rafael Rodriguez (1-3) and RHP Bill Edwards (2nd save) combined on a four-hitter as the Arkansas Travelers (17-30) won their second straight with a 2-0 shutout over the Midland RockHounds (25-23). Rodriguez dealt seven shutout innings and allowed just four base hits plus five walks and four strikeouts. Edwards earned the save with two scoreless frames including two strikeouts. 1B Greg Porter hit a double, scored a run and knocked in another and RF Matt Pali finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Brandon Wood chipped in with two doubles and the Travs won back-to-back games for the first time in 18 games. Midland RHP Ben Fritz (1-3) was the losing pitcher and allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in 5.2 innings.
The Travs took the lead in the second inning against Fritz as Porter hit a leadoff double inside the first-base line. Bobby Wilson moved him to third base with a one-out ground out. Pali followed with a hard one-hopper past second base for an RBI single and a 1-0 Travs lead.
The RockHounds threatened in the fourth inning after two outs. Travis Buck singled and attempted to advance to third base on a single to left by Vasili Spanos. Arkansas LF David Gates threw out Buck at third base to end the inning.
The Hounds threatened again in the fifth inning with two outs. Rodriguez issued two walks and then Lloyd Turner bounced a ball past the mound that 2B Eric Rodland stopped for an infield single that loaded the bases. Rodriguez got Eddie Cornejo to ground out to second base and Midland stranded three runners.
Rodland led off the sixth inning with a line drive single to left field off Fritz. Wood moved Rodland to third base with a high fly ball off the left-field fence for a double. Porter lofted a sacrifice fly that was enough to bring Rodland home for a 2-0 Travs lead.
The Hounds used RHP Connor Robertson for 2.1 shutout innings and turned to RHP Marcus MacBeth in the ninth. He walked Bobby Wilson with one out and Pali lined a single to right field. Two wild pitched brought Wilson home for a 3-0 lead.
Time of game was 2:37 and the paid attendance was 2,912.
The third game of this four-game series is set for Saturday night. The Travelers have RHP Chris Hunter (1-4, 7.20 ERA) pitching against Midland LHP Ray Aguilar (3-3, 3.23 ERA). First pitch will be thrown at 6:30 p.m.
Texas League Stories from May 26, 2006
- Three errors, other mistakes make for 10-4 rout - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers win 3rd straight - Tulsa Drillers
- Cards Home Again Saturday and Sunday - Springfield Cardinals
- Rodriguez & Edwards Combine On 3-0 Shutout - Arkansas Travelers
- Two Wranglers games on television next week - Wichita Wranglers
- Wilson's Bomb Gives Travs 8-5 12-Inning Win - Arkansas Travelers
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