RoughRiders Lose To Cardinals
FRISCO, TEXAS – The Frisco RoughRiders dropped game two of a three game set on Wednesday afternoon against the Springfield Cardinals, 4-3. 9,780 fans saw an entertaining affair on a beautiful sunny day at Dr Pepper Ballpark. A two run single in the eighth inning helped Springfield pull away despite a ninth inning comeback by Frisco.
Springfield broke the scoring drought in the top of the third inning as an RBI-single off the bat of Aledmys Diaz scored Breyvic Valera to make it 1-0 Cardinals. The Riders joined the scoring affair in the fifth inning plating two in the frame. Nick Williams dropped a ball into shallow centerfield scoring Trever Adams before Preston Beck crossed the plate on an RBI-fielder’s choice from Jorge Alfaro, giving Frisco a 2-1 lead after five innings.
Springfield’s Alex Mejia sent a solo shot over the left-centerfield fence to tie the game at two in the seventh inning. Joey Donofrio relieved Thomas Lee, who lasted six innings in his no decision effort for Springfield. The right-hander allowed two earned runs while striking out four.
Riders starter Chad Bell pitched a season-high 7 1/3 innings. The lefty allowed four earned runs on eight hits while striking out three in the losing effort. With runners on first and second, Jesus Pirela relieved Bell and
the Cardinals utilized a double-steal to put runners on second and third. Michael Ohlman then blooped a single to right allowing both to score and the Cardinals led 4-2.
Donofrio (1-2) earned the win as he threw two shutout innings in relief allowing only one hit while striking out three. Frisco threatened a comeback in the ninth inning after Beck and Edwin Garcia both walked to start the frame. Alfaro knocked in Beck to make it 4-3 but Kyle Barraclaugh retired the final out in the ninth to earn his second save of the year and finish off the 4-3 victory for the Cardinals.
The Riders and Springfield play a decisive series finale Thursday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Jose Leclerc takes the mound for Frisco while RHP Arturo Reyes gets the nod for the Cardinals. It’s another Thirsty Thursday at Dr Pepper Ballpark where fans can enjoy $1 domestic beers and $2 select import beers from 6-8 p.m. and all Dr Pepper Products for just $1 throughout the game. Don’t miss Ode to Jimmy Buffett Night and help turn Dr Pepper Ballpark into Margaritaville South! For tickets to see the Riders in 2015, call 972-731-9200, e-mail Info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.ridersbaseball.com.
