The Frisco RoughRiders stopped their recent four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Friday night, thanks to a walk-off home run by Luis Mieses. In front of 6,222 fans braving the 101-degree heat, the RoughRiders earned the 7-5 win over the Springfield Cardinals at Riders Field.
Mitch Bratt’s First Home Start:
The night began with left-hander Mitch Bratt making his first start at home for the RoughRiders. Despite a strong beginning, Bratt’s outing was marred by a rough third inning. His final line: 2.2 innings pitched, allowing four runs on seven hits, with one walk and four strikeouts. Bratt threw 62 pitches, 43 of which were strikes.
Bratt was sharp in the first two innings, holding the Cardinals scoreless. He struck out the side in the first inning, allowing only a single. In the second inning, he surrendered another single after striking out Dakota Harris, the younger brother of Texas Rangers prospect Dustin Harris, but escaped unscathed with a groundout to end the inning.
The third inning is where Bratt ran into trouble. He allowed a leadoff single to Chris Rotondo, who then stole second base. After walking Bryan Torres, Bratt gave up an RBI double. By the time he was pulled the score was 4-2.
Bryan Chi relieved Bratt and pitched 3.1 innings, allowing only two hits, two walks, and striking out four.
Offensive Firepower
The RoughRiders’ offense was led by Luis Mieses, who had a night to remember. Mieses hit two home runs, including the game-winning 420-foot walk-off in the bottom of the ninth. This power display came in just his third game at Riders Field.
Abimelec Ortiz also contributed to the offense with a home run, improving the RoughRiders’ record to 8-1 in games where Ortiz goes deep.
Daniel Mateo added to the power surge with a solo homer, going 1-for-4 on the night.
Tucker Mitchell also made his presence felt, delivering a two-run double in the bottom of the second inning to kick off the scoring for Frisco.
Bullpen Shuts Down Cardinals
The RoughRiders bullpen was stellar in relief of Bratt. Bryan Chi’s 3.1 strong innings were followed by Jackson Kelley, who pitched two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out four.
Andy Rodriguez was credited with the win, despite giving up a run on two hits and a walk in his single inning of work.
Mitch Bratt’s first home start provided some early excitement, but it was the heroics of Luis Mieses that ultimately sealed the victory, sending the Frisco faithful home happy on a scorching Texas night.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the RoughRiders improved their record to 68-44.
RHP Winston Santos (3-2, 5.33) takes the mound for the RoughRiders tonight.
RHP Emiliano Teodo (5-3, 1.72) takes the mound to close out the series on Sunday.
