Alejandro Rosario’s much-anticipated Double-A debut was postponed due to travel fatigue. His start date is to be determined, leaving fans eager for his first appearance for the RoughRiders.
Andy Rodriguez Steps Up in Unexpected Start
With Rosario out, RHP Andy Rodriguez took the mound for the RoughRiders, delivering his longest outing since joining the Texas Rangers’ farm system.
During Rodriguez’ warm-up RoughRiders pitching coach Jonathan Goebel remarked as Andy Rodriguez warmed up, “Not who you expected to see, huh?”
It wasn’t. I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t seeing Alejandro Rosario’s, who we’re likely going to have as the Rangers # 3 ranked prospect when we release our newest top 15 soon.
Rodriguez, who signed with the Rangers on August 26, 2022, topped out at 93 mph and pitched 5 innings of one-run ball. He allowed three hits, two walks, and struck out three, throwing 57 pitches—36 of them for strikes.
Wind Surge’s Marco Raya Matches Rodriguez’s Performance
For the Wichita Wind Surge, RHP Marco Raya brought some heat, clocking in at 96 mph. He matched Rodriguez’s performance, pitching 5 innings and allowing one run on four hits, one walk, and recording one strikeout.
RoughRiders’ Bullpen Secures the Win
Jackson Kelley replaced Rodriguez in the 6th, pitching two scoreless innings and earning the win.
Ricky DeVito followed with a scoreless inning, despite issuing one walk.
Skylar Hales closed out the game, securing his 4th save of the season with another scoreless inning, also walking one.
Cody Freeman’s Jump
Cody Freeman showed off his athleticism with a leaping attempt to snag a ball just out of reach.
The night was also marked by the festive Dia de los Quesos celebration at Riders Field, coinciding with the final game of the season where the RoughRiders played as the Quesos de Frisco.
RoughRiders Clinch 2-1 Victory
The RoughRiders’ offense came alive in the later innings. Alejandro Osuna broke the deadlock in the bottom of the 5th with an RBI single, and Luis Mieses followed with a groundout in the 6th to score Cody Freeman, giving the RoughRiders a 2-1 lead.
The team held on to this lead, and won 2-1 over the Wind Surge and improved their record to 79-51.
