'Riders Round Up Series Opener
Engel Beltre was the first Frisco run to cross the plate. He led off the first by hitting an infield single before stealing second base. Beltre scored after Jurickson Profar singled to centerfield. The RoughRiders tacked on two runs in the second and three runs in the fourth making the score 6-0.
Springfield answered back in the fifth. 'Riders starter Nick Tepesch (2-1) induced two flyouts before allowing a single by Audry Perez. Adam Melked then stepped into the box and hit a home run over the right field fence.
The Cardinals put three more runs on the board in the sixth to narrow Frisco's lead to one run. Leading 6-5, the 'Riders added two runs in the seventh. Springfield reliever Deryk Hooker induced two ground outs. He then walked Mike Olt before allowing a home run to Chris McGuiness. It was his tenth home run over the past 21 games.
Springfield added one run in the eighth after a double by Jake Shaffer who made it around the bases after two wild pitches by 'Riders reliever Carlos Pimentel.
Frisco answered by adding another three runs to their lead. In a 11-6 hole, the Cardinals only added one run in the ninth after a solo home run by Jamie Romak off of Frisco reliever Ryan Rodebaugh. Rodebaugh then allowed a double to Chris Swauger and walked Jake Shaffer before striking out Xavier Scruggs to end the game.
Nick Tepesch picks up his second win pitching for 5.1 innings, allowing nine hits and five earned runs while walked one and striking out five. Scott McGregor was tagged with his first loss of the season pitching for four innings allowing nine hits and six runs while walking two and striking out one.
Frisco plays game two against Springfield Friday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Neil Ramirez (1-1, 3.27) gets the start for the RoughRiders. He will be opposed by right-handed hurler Trevor Rosenthal (7-6, 2.97). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. and can be heard on KKGM 1630 AM or ridersbaseball.com. Pre-game coverage will begin at 6:30.