TL1 Frisco RoughRiders

Stagnant offense, suspect bullpen dooms RoughRiders

Published on July 15, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Frisco RoughRiders News Release


The RoughRiders mustered just six hits, half of them by Steve Murphy, and had a 3-2 lead heading into the ninth, but reliever Clayton Hamilton (0-3) gave up a two out, two-run home run by Mike Baxter to give San Antonio the 4-3 win. ‘Riders starter Michael Ballard went seven strong innings, but received the no-decision. Murphy led the offense going 3-for-4 with a double, home run, and two RBI while Elvis Andrus also extended his season-best hitting streak to 17 games.

Frisco struck first in the second frame as Murphy doubled and scored on a Julio Borbon RBI single. San Antonio answered in the third inning on an RBI double by Sean Kazmar and an RBI single by Drew Macias to give the Missions the 2-1 lead. However, the ‘Riders would strike back with a run in the bottom of the third as Andrus doubled, stole third, and scored on a groundout to tie the game at two. Frisco would then take the lead in the fourth on a solo home run by Murphy to put the ‘Riders up 3-2. The scoring would halt until the ninth when Baxter hit his go-ahead homer with two outs in the top of the ninth to give San Antonio the victory.

Ballard went seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking four, but striking out eight. Hamilton pitched two innings, allowing just one hit, but it was a critical hit as he blew his second save of the season. San Antonio starter Will Inman pitched just one inning and left due to injury. Greg Burke (2-4) pitched two scoreless innings to earn the victory for the Missions.

Steve Murphy, who is the RoughRiders' all-time leader in hits with 230 in his Frisco career, went 3-for-4, just a triple short of the cycle. Borbon also had a multi-hit game with two singles as he and Andrus each stole a base as well. Hank Blalock, rehabbing from the Rangers, went 0-for-2 with two walks.

The ‘Riders and Missions will play again tomorrow night as Frisco will send Derek Lee (1-1, 5.73) to the hill to face San Antonio's Manny Ayala (4-2, 3.38). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. from Dr Pepper Ballpark.

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Texas League Stories from July 15, 2008


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