The Frisco RoughRiders kicked off the 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4th (Insert your own Star Wars line here) with a 5-2 win against the Midland RockHounds in their first of a six-game series.
The pitching match-up was right-hander Tim Brennan for the RoughRiders against right-hander Zach Reininger for the RockHounds.
On the mound
Tim Brennan pitched 4.1 innings. He allowed two hits, walked two and struck out three while throwing 60 pitches. That’s probably the magic number for pitchers as they ramp up the first 2-3 weeks.
Sal Mendez was the winning pitcher. He allowed two runs in his 1.2 innings of relief.
Scott Engler and Cole Uvila tool care of the last 9 outs. Cole Uvila is definitely a pitcher to watch with the high-spin rates. He earned his first save of the season in 7 pitches.
As a staff, the RoughRiders allows two runs, three hits and issued 6 walks.
At the plate
The starting lineup:
- Bubba Thompson, CF
- J.P. Martinez, LF
- Steele Walker, RF
- Davis Wendzel, SS
- Sherten Apostel, 1B
- Diosbel Arias, DH
- Ryan Dorow, 3B
- Matt Whatley, C
- Jax Biggers, 2B
If you don’t already know, let me say that that Bubba Thompson has lightning-quick speed. So does Steele Walker.
The RoughRiders wasted no time in getting on the board. Sherten Apostel blasted a two-run double to the right field wall and then newly assigned Diosbel Arias got an infield single. By the end of the 1st the score was 3-0 RoughRiders.
Bubba Thompson showed his speed and hit a triple in the bottom of the 5th and then scored on a wild pitch to bring the score to 4-0.
This Frisco team indicated that they will be using their speed to swipe bases. In total they stole 6 bases on the night.
Catcher Matt Whatley, was excellent behind the plate. He went 2 for 3 with a steal. Steel Walker and Julio Pablo Martinez each had two steals and Davis Wendzel had one as well.
The RoughRiders scored 5 runs on 6 hits. They showed some patience and worked seven walks.
The RoughRiders are on pace to go 120-0. They now have a 9-9 record on Opening Day.
First pitch tomorrow is set for 7:05. Jake Latz will be taking the mound for the RoughRiders.
