The RoughRiders won 6-5 in the series finale on Sunday against the Midland RockHounds. They won the series 4-2 and move to 14-7 on the season with the best record in the Texas League. In the South Division, they have a 3-game lead over the Amarillo Sod Poodles for an early grasp on first place.
Left-hander Cole Ragans toed the rubber for the RoughRiders and earned his first win of the season. This was his 4th start of the season and his 5.1 was the furthest he’s pitched in a game so far.
As in most of their games this season, the RoughRiders found the scoreboard first. They scored three runs in the top of the 2nd and held the lead for the entire game.
Catcher David Garcia put the RoughRiders on the board with his one out single that scored Blaine Crim, who had singled to lead-off the inning. Kellen Strahm reached on a fielders choice and a throwing error by the pitcher, Matt Milburn, allowed Justin Foscue to score. Score 2-0 Riders.
Blaine Crim hit his 3rd home run of the season to make a 3-0 game in the top of the 3rd.
RockHounds score in the bottom of the 4th
Jeremy Eierman lead-off the bottom of the 4th with a solo HR, his 4th HR of the season. Score 3-1 Riders
In four starts, Ragans has a 3.00 ERA and 7bb/22k in 18 innings. He has used pretty good command of his fastball which ranges from 93-96 mph.
The RockHounds added two runs in the bottom of the 6th. Zach Gelof singled to lead-off the bottom half of the inning. Jeremy Eierman grounded into a force out with Gelof out at 2nd. Jordan Diaz then doubled, scoring Eierman. Diaz advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Dustin Harris. Score 4-2 Riders.
Diaz came home on a wild pitch by Cole Ragans. Ragans then issued a walk and was replaced by Seth Nordlin. Score 4-3 Riders.
The RoughRiders got both runs back in the top of the 7th
The RoughRiders added two runs in the top of the 7th for much needed insurance runs.
One of the runs came from an RBI-Double by Dustin Harris and the other from a Blaine Crim sac-fly.
The RockHounds tried to rally in the 9th by scoring two runs.
Chase Lee pitched a scoreless 8th allowing one hit and striking out two. He’ll be in the Majors at some point this season I believe.
Fernery Ozuna was credited with the save.
What’s next?
The RoughRiders head home to face the Arkansas Travelers for a six-game series.
