The RoughRiders needed just one more win to advance to the Texas League Championship Series, and they sent the right man to the mound. Big-game Cody Bradford had been dealing prior to the end of the season, and was ready to deliver in a must-win game.
The result: a 5-2 RoughRiders win. The RoughRiders are headed to the Texas League Championship Series for the first time since 2012 after Bradford’s stellar performance on the mound.
Cody Bradford was dominant
Bradford was in complete control throughout the game, throwing 75 percent of his pitches for strikes and shutting out the Missions (Padres) for six innings. He only allowed two hits and struck out nine batters, while efficiently using 97 pitches/73 for strikes.
Aaron Zavala set the tone for the line-up
The RoughRiders got off to a quick start, scoring in the first inning. Evan Carter reached base on a fielding error and then stole second base. Foscue grounded out for the second out, but Aaron Zavala was next up and hit a two-run home run on a 3-1 count to give the RoughRiders a 2-0 lead.
Catcher David Garcia hit a solo HR in the top of the 3rd.
Trevor Hauver worked a bases-loaded walk in the top of the 4th to score Aaron Zavala, who had drawn a lead-off walk.
Later in the 8th Trevor Hauver singled and Kellen Strahm was waived around to score on a throwing-error to give them a 5-0 lead.
The line-up scored five runs on seven hits and ten walks. They grounded into three double-plays.
Aaron Zavala (.429) went 2-for-3 with a HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs and 2 walks. He’s got such an impressive awareness at the plate.
Thomas Saggese went 2-for-3 with 2 walks as well.
Kellen Strahm went 1-for-2 with 2 walks and a run.
Out of the pen
Owen White came in to pitch the bottom of the 7th inning, taking over for Cody Bradford. White was just activated off the 7-day IL today and this is his first game back since July 13th. He threw 7 pitches in a scoreless inning, allowing two-hits.
Left-hander Avery Weems pitched the 8th. He allowed a leadoff double but retired the next three Missions via a groundout, strikeout and another groundout.
The 9th inning added a little excitement. Weems allowed a 2-run home run with one out.
Nick Starr replaced Weems and Aaron Zavala dropped an out for the RoughRiders first error of the playoffs.
The error didn’t matter in the end and the RoughRiders won 5-2.
The pitching staff allowed two runs on seven hits and struckout 10.
Texas League Championship
RoughRiders head to the Texas League Championship for the first time since 2012 and they will host the Wichita Wind Surge (Twins) at Riders Field on Sunday September 25th.
Championship Series schedule
- Game 1: Sunday, September 25th at 5:05 p.m. from Riders Field (Frisco, Texas)
- Game 2: Tuesday, September 27th at 7:05 p.m. from Riverfront Stadium (Wichita, Kan.)
- Game 3 (if necessary): Wednesday, September 28th at 7:05 p.m. from Riverfront Stadium (Wichita, Kan.)
