![]() Jurickson Profar's three-hit performance raised his average to .167. (James Garner/MiLB.com)
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MLB.com's No. 7 prospect went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs to lead the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders to a 6-2 triumph over the Springfield Cardinals.
Profar got off to a fast start, sending starter Michael Blazek's 1-0 pitch over the right-field fence in the bottom of the first inning to knot the game at 1-1. After lining out in the third, the 19-year-old shortstop singled home Engel Beltre in the fifth and nearly had another RBI an inning later when Zach Zaneski was thrown out at the plate trying to score on Profar's base hit.
"I was starting to be patient and not think about anything and just hit the ball hard," Profar said. "And it worked for me tonight."
The 2011 South Atlantic League MVP had gotten off to a slow start in the Texas League, hitting .077 with one RBI through seven games. He scored twice against the Cardinals and raised his average 90.
"I was very happy and proud of myself," the Curacao native said. "I'm working hard every day to be successful. I'm trusting myself and I know I can do it."
While some players might try and temper expectations after making the jump from Class A to Double-A, Profar has set the bar high.
"Just try to have a good season like last year or better," he said. "I trust in myself. I know I can do it every day."
Mike Olt, the Rangers' No. 3 prospect, doubled and scored a run. Profar, who hits in front of Olt in the RoughRiders' lineup, believes he benefits most from playing alongside the third baseman.
"He's making everything easy for me, especially the balls on [my] right side," he said. "I don't have to worry about getting there, I have Michael there."
Oscar Taveras, the Cardinals' No. 3 prospect, homered in the top of the first for Springfield.
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