RoughRiders Win Opener
FRISCO, TEXAS. – The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, used a six-run sixth inning to overcome an early deficit and knock off the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 7-3, on Opening Night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. 9,816 fans packed in to Dr Pepper Ballpark Thursday evening, marking the RoughRiders’ largest Opening Night crowd in 12 years.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, Ryan Cordell hit a two-run double to give the RoughRiders their first lead of the game. After an RBI single from Ronald Guzman, Dallas-native Preston Beck slugged a three-run home run into the Choctaw Lazy River to cap the big inning.
The following inning, Luis Marte added to the lead with a solo home run to left field. Marte went 2-for-3 in the game with two runs scored.
Frank Lopez made the start for the RoughRiders and lasted 5 1/3 innings, allowing his only run of the night in the third inning on a two-out, RBI double off the bat of Bubba Starling in the top of the third inning. Jose Valdespina provided effective relief for Lopez out of the bullpen, before Adam Parks helped finish off the victory.
Frisco pitching stranded seven Naturals baserunners Thursday night, in addition to
picking off two runners and converting an inning-ending double play started by a running catch in the gap by centerfielder Lewis Brinson.
The win keeps the RoughRiders on pace with the record-setting start of the 2008 squad. The RoughRiders remain perfect against the Naturals in four games this season and hope to make it a 5-0 record against the visitors from Springdale, Arkansas when they meet again Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. Right-handed pitcher Connor Sadzeck is slated to make the start for Frisco, against Northwest Arkansas righty Christian Binford.
Live coverage can be heard on the Frisco RoughRiders Radio Network, on the TuneIn Radio App, and the MiLB First Pitch App. Dr Pepper Pregame Show coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are available now online at RidersBaseball.com, via email at info@ridersbaseball.com, over the phone at (972) 731-9200, or in-person at the RoughRiders box office.
