RoughRiders Power Past Naturals
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SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS – A total team effort helped the Frisco RoughRiders avoid a series sweep and knock off the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 6-1 on Monday night at Arvest Ballpark.
The ‘Riders clubbed three solo home runs and the pitching staff limited the Naturals to three base hits, all of which were singles.
Joey Gallo launched a titanic blast to center field in the ninth inning and reclaimed sole possession of first place in the minor league home run race. His 31 homers this season (10 with the RoughRiders) leads all of professional baseball and snapped a tie with Kris Bryant of Triple-A Iowa.
Gallo’s home run, however, was merely the icing on Frisco’s victory cake. Leadoff hitter Drew Robinson provided the ‘Riders with their first lead of the series when he opened the game with a solo shot to right, his ninth of the season.
Three batters later, Trever Adams drilled the second long ball of the Frisco first and gave the ‘Riders an early 2-0 lead off Northwest Arkansas starter Tim Melville.
Melville (1-7) would suffer the loss and allowed five runs on eight hits with no walks and four strikeouts over five innings.
The RoughRiders built their lead up to 3-0 in the third on an RBI double by
Odubel Herrera, and later, 4-0 in the fourth on another double, this one from Jake Skole. The centerfielder later scored on Robinson’s sacrifice fly to right, the second run batted in for Robinson on the night.
Alex Gonzalez (2-3) earned his first Double-A win since his RoughRiders debut on June 10.
The righty struck out five and walked one over 5 1/3 innings of work and allowed one run on two hits. He retired the first ten men he faced.
The lone run for the Naturals crossed in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Parker Morin that scored Hunter Dozier. Gonzalez walked Dozier to begin the frame and the third baseman then stole second and immediately advanced to third on a throwing error from Tomás Telis.
The bullpen built on Gonzalez’s example and shut out Northwest the rest of the way. Kyle Lotzkar walked consecutive batters after he picked up the first two outs of the seventh inning. Manager Jason Wood called down to the bullpen for Wilmer Font, who walked his first batter to load the bases. However, Orlando Calixte flew out to right field to neutralize the threat.
With the win, Frisco (49-37; 9-8) takes the season series with Northwest Arkansas 7-5. The teams will not play again in the 2014 regular season.
The Naturals (34-54; 9-9) have never beaten the ‘Riders in a season set in the club’s seven years of existence.
After a day off, the ‘Riders return to Dr Pepper Ballpark on Wednesday, July 9 to begin a four-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks. For tickets to see the ‘Riders in 2014, call 972-731-9200, e-mail Info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.ridersbaseball.com.
