'Hounds Drop Frisco, End Skid

By Bob Hards

June 18, 2018

A crazy three-run fourth inning opened the scoring and the RockHounds blew the game open late for an 8-1 Father's Day win over the Frisco RoughRiders Sunday afternoon at Security Bank Ballpark.
The 'Hounds opened the scoring with a three run rally in the fourth, scoring three runs on one hit (a flair single that barely reached the outfield grass), three walks, three wild pitches (two of them allowing runs to score) and a stolen base. The inning ended when Frisco turned an around the horn triple play.
Sean Murphy ripped a solo home run over the high wall in left-center in the sixth and the RockHounds put the game out of reach with a four-run eighth highlighted by Brett Siddall's bases-loaded two-run double.
Jesus Luzardo may not have had his best stuff, but the lefty still tossed five scoreless innings, earning his fourth win and dropping his ERA to 3.40. While striking out just one batter, the 20-year-old A's prospect allowed just three hits (all infield singles), two walks and one hit batsman.

Nolan Blackwood went two-and-a-third innings for his eighth save (in nine opportunities). The 'Hounds closer has not allowed a run in his last 11 appearances (17-and-two-thirds innings) and has given up just one run in his last 17 outings (24 innings, a 0.38 ERA).
Notables
Eli White (0-for-4, HBP) has reached base in 21 straight games (.350, with 16 RBI).
Tyler Ramirez (1-for-5,) has hit in 10 straight games (15-for-38, .395, with five RBI).
Seth Brown (2-for-3, two runs, double, stolen base) is hitting .389 (13 RBI) in his last 13 games and has reached base in 28-of-31 games. Over the 31-game stretch, Seth is hitting .323 and has driven in 30 runs. He is tied for third in the Texas League with 49 RBI for the season.
Richie Martin (0-for-4, walk, RBI) has reached base in 21-of-24 games and is hitting .370 in that span.
After going hitless in back-to-back games, Sean Murphy busted loose, going 2-for-3, with three runs, a solo home run and walk and a stolen base. The solo home run, which reached the grass berm in deep left-center, brought "Murph" his 40^th RBI (he's now hitting .313 for the season).
Monday's game marks the end of the Texas League's first half. Tuesday, all eight clubs take the diamond with 0-0 records.
Next Game
Monday, June 18 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Security Bank Ballpark           6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
- Second of a four-game series and sixth of an eight-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:15 p.m.
Probable Starters
FRI: Pedro Payano    (RH, 2-5, 6.09)
RH: Kyle Friedrichs (RH, 5-3, 5.81)