Ryan Garcia, the Texas Rangers’ second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, earned his first win of the season on Tuesday night.
Garcia pitched five innings and allowed one run on two hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. He threw 73 pitches, 47 for strikes.
Garcia, who is 25 years old, was drafted out of UCLA. Ryan had Tommy John surgery in March of 2020 but the 2020 minor-league season was canceled. In 2021, he dealt with oblique issues.
This was Garcia’s seventh start of the season. He allowed his only run in the 1st inning on a solo home run by Amarillo’s Ryan Bliss (7). Garcia’s performance was a big boost for the RoughRiders, who were four games under .500 at the start of the game. They entered tonight’s game with a record of 15-19.
In addition to Garcia’s strong pitching performance, the RoughRiders also got a big boost from their bullpen. Triston Polley, Michael Brewer and Theo McDowell combined for four scoreless innings.
Offensively the RoughRiders got a boost from outfielder Aaron Zavala and infielder Thomas Saggese. Zavala, who was activated from the injured list on Wednesday, hit a home run and finished 2-for-4 with the home run.
other notes**
Nick Tanielu (.295) also hit a home run for the Rangers. Tanielu has now homered in three consecutive games.
Thomas Saggese (.300) went 3-for-4 with his third home run of the season.
The RoughRiders’ 7-1 victory over the Sod Poodles brings their record to 16-19.
