TL1 Frisco RoughRiders

RoughRiders Hand Travelers First Loss of Season

Published on April 17, 2015 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release


FRISCO, TEXAS - It was one week ago when the Arkansas Travelers (6-1) spoiled Opening Day festivities at Dr Pepper Ballpark. But on Thursday night, the Frisco RoughRiders (3-4) returned the favor at Dickey-Stephens Park in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Riders starting pitcher Andrew Faulkner (1-0) fared far better in round two against the Travs, striking out seven over 5.2 innings to collect his first win. Faulkner never let a base runner reach third base, in part thanks to right fielder Jake Skole's defense. Skole had two remarkable diving grabs in the third inning, robbing hits away from both Drew Maggi and Chad Hinshaw.

Offensively, the Riders took advantage of a fielding miscue to take the lead. Drew Robinson hit into what looked like a potential double-play, only for the sure-handed shortstop Eric Stamets to throw the ball into the first base dugout and out of play. The error allowed J.T. Wise to score from third in what turned out to be the game-winning run.

Frisco had a chance to blow things open in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and one out. Robinson worked his eighth walk of the season scoring Nomar Mazara and the Riders took a 2-0 lead. But Arkansas starting pitcher Albert Suarez battled back, getting Guilder Rodriguez to pop-up before striking out Skole to end the threat.

The Travelers had a similar situation in the eighth with one out and the bases loaded. Riders relief pitcher Jesus Pirela escaped the jam with a huge strikeout against Cal Towey, and then with two outs induced a ground ball against cleanup hitter Brian Hernandez preserving the Riders 2-0 lead.

Closer Francisco Mendoza worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to earn his second save and ensure Faulkner his first win.

Following a 2-4 opening homestand, the Riders won the first of a three-game set in Arkansas to begin its six-game road trip. The team returns to action Friday night with Jake Thompson (0-1) set for a rematch against Tyler DeLoach (1-0). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. with the Riders Pregame Show starting at 6:50 p.m. For tickets to see the Riders in 2015, call 972-731-9200, e-mail info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.RidersBaseball.com.

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Texas League Stories from April 17, 2015


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