Frisco, TX– Despite a rain delay at the start of the game, the RoughRiders didn’t let it affect them. They’re off to a great start in the Texas League Championship Series, winning game one against the Wichita Wind Surge by a final score of 11-3.
The RoughRiders are now in the drivers seat in this best of three series. The RoughRiders last appeared in the championship series in 2012 and last won it on 2004.
Solid outing for Mason Englert
It was special for Starting pitcher Mason Englert who grew up in Forney, Texas just about 40 miles away from Riders Field. Englert was solid, scattering three hits over 5.1 innings while striking out three.
Englert started the game off with a bang, topping out at 93 on the radar gun. He needed just 8 pitches to get through the first inning.
He had a no-hitter going until two outs in the top of the 4th when he allowed a solo shot to Yunior Severino.
When manager Jared Goedert went to Josh Smith out of the bullpen in the top of the 6th, the crowd erupted in applause – a well-deserved standing ovation for Englert.
Englert earned the win. His final line: 5.1ip, 1r, 3h, 3bb, 3so, 77 pitches/49 for strikes.
Out of the pen
Josh Smith and Seth Nordlin combined to pitch the final 3.2 innings.
Smith pitched 1.2 scoreless allowing one hit, one walk and struck out one.
Nordlin gave up two runs on three hits and one walk in his two innings. He struck out one as well.
Kapers leads the way
The RoughRiders line-up got off to another great start, putting up five runs in the first two innings. This has been a common occurrence for them this season and it’s one of the things that makes them so dangerous.
Scott Kapers led the RoughRiders offense going 2-for-5, including two big knocks, a solo shot and a grand slam.
Jonathan Ornelas, who tied the RoughRiders single-season hit record recorded four hits going 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs.
Evan Carter went 0-1 but reached base four times, drawing four walks and a run.
Justin Foscue went 2-for-5 with 3 RBI. Kellen Strahm went 2-for-5 as well with an RBI.
The Riders scored 11 runs on 11 hits. They walked 10 times and struck out 9 times.
Defensively, the RoughRiders turned three double-plays and committed no errors.
Up next
The RoughRiders will look to build on their game one victory and sweep the entire postseason as they take on the Wichita Wind Surge in game two of the Texas League Championship Series Tuesday night in Wichita. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.
Frisco has yet to announce their starter for game two but we’d expect Jack Leiter to start on Tuesday, and if needed Cody Bradford on Wednesday.
You can catch all the action on MiLB.tv or listen to Zach Bigley on the radio broadcast.
