Six-run ninth inning helps Riders stun Cardinals

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI (August 23, 2015) - Trailing 4-1 in the ninth inning, the Frisco RoughRiders erupted for six runs to take the rubber game, 7-4, against the Springfield Cardinals on Sunday at Hammons Field. Preston Beck delivered the go-ahead hit with a bases-loaded, three-run triple. 

Springfield turned to Ronnie Rowland to get the final three outs, but leadoff walks to Trever Adams and Ryan Cordell ignited the comeback. Luis Mendez hit a line drive double to left and made it a 4-2 game. After a foul out and a walk to load the bases, Beck drove one to center and Charlie Tilson came up empty on a diving attempt and three runs scored to put Frisco ahead 5-4. 

The Riders tacked on two additional runs in the frame. Lewis Brinson stole second base, and an errant throw from catcher Mike Ohlman allowed Beck to trot home and make it 6-4. Drew Robinson singled to left to score Brinson and the Riders extended their lead to 7-4. Rowland (0-2) blew the save opportunity and picked up his second loss. 

Jesus Pirela (2-3) struck out the side in the eighth before returning to the mound to finish off the Cardinals in the ninth. Pirela allowed a two-out walk but struck out Tilson to end the game and seal the comeback win. 

Scoreless through two innings, a one-out walk to Breyvic Valera set up a run for the Cardinals. Tilson singled to right and Mike O'Neil grounded into a fielder's choice, but Mendez's relay throw to first went wild and allowed Valera to score. In the fourth inning, Victor Payano allowed another one-out walk to Michael Ohlman. Two batters later, Ohlman scored on a ground out from Patrick Wisdom. 

Trailing 2-0, Frisco got on the board in the top of the sixth. Brinson led off with a solo shot to right and cut the Riders' deficit in half. Brinson has homered in back-to-back games and has a total of 17 this season. 

With 82 pitches through five innings, Payano returned for the sixth. The left-hander allowed three consecutive singles, including an RBI knock to second baseman Bruce Caldwell and Springfield led 3-1. Jose Valdespina entered the game and immediately committed a balk, allowing Ohlman to score from third and make it 4-1 Cardinals. All four runs were charged to Payano, who allowed six hits, four walks and struck out four in five-plus frames. 

Springfield starter Andrew Morales allowed one run on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings to pick up his fifth win. The right-hander worked around two singles and an error in the fifth inning, and received an assist from Caldwell when he threw out Ryan Cordell trying to score on a popup to shallow right field. 

With the win, the RoughRiders (27-28, 56-69) completed their season schedule against the North Division. Following a scheduled off-day on Monday, the Riders return to action at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Tuesday, August 25 to play a four-game set against San Antonio (San Diego Padres). RHP Phil Irwin (0-0) makes his second start for Frisco and will oppose RHP Bryce Morrow (3-3). Bring your dog to the game for Bark in the Park Night on August 26. Frisco has just seven home dates remaining in the 2015 regular season. For tickets to see the Riders in 2015, call 972-731-9200, E-mail [email protected] or     visit www.ridersbaseball.com.