Hounds Drop Series Finale to Frisco

By Bob Hards

August 28, 2018

The RockHounds' strong run on the road "ran out of gas" Monday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, as the 'Hounds fell to the RoughRiders, 7-1, in the final game of a three-game series and seven-game road swing.
Wes Benjamin turned in his second consecutive quality start for Frisco and the RoughRiders backed him with a four-run fourth inning on the way to a win that avoided a sweep at the hands of the RockHounds and kept the Riders viable in the second half pennant race.
Benjamin, who tossed seven scoreless innings in his previous start (at San Antonio), allowed one run on two hits over six innings, walking two and striking out six.
RockHounds starter Norge Ruiz battled through jams in the first and second, with one run denied on a 9-2 (J.P. Sportman to Sean Murphy) play at the plate. In the fourth, however, the Riders loaded the bases with no outs and batted around, scoring four runs. Eliezer Álvarez, who later added a solo home run for his third RBI, had the biggest swing with a two-run single.
Despite the defeat, the RockHounds went 5-2 on their final road trip of 2018, winning both series (3-1 at Corpus Christi and 2-1 at Frisco),
Honors & Murph's Return
The RockHounds swept the Texas League's Player & Pitcher of the Week honors for August 20-26. Richie Martin was named the Batter of the Week, with Ben Bracewell and Parker Dunshee sharing Pitcher of the Week honors. Please see front page of our web site for more on the (well-deserved) awards.
Catcher Sean Murphy has returned to the RockHounds. "Murph" had been sidelined since breaking the hamate bone in his right hand on July 7 (at Tulsa). He underwent surgery and returned to action in the Arizona (Rookie) League, making two appearances in the AZL before being reassigned to the 'Hounds. In 65 games, Sean was hitting .291, with eight home runs, 25 doubles and 42 RBI. Behind the dish, the outstanding defender was throwing out 32% of opposing base stealers (19-of-59).
Pitcher Cody Stull has been placed on the disabled list. The left-hander last pitched on August 15.
Notables
After going 0-for-8 in the first three games at Corpus Christi, Skye Bolt has hit in four straight games (with home runs in three of them), going 7-for-17 (.412) with three home runs and a double. Skye is hitting .367 in August with eight home runs and 19 RBI.
Tyler Ramirez has hit in 21-of-25 games (.320) with 17 RBI and has reached base in 27-of-31 (.308) with 24 RBI.
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
The "WHIP" (walks + hits per inning pitched) is a very viable statistic (why DID it take so long for us to discover it?). In his four innings, Norge Ruiz had 12 men on base (six hits, two walks and two hit batsmen). And, while he escaped in three of the four frames, the four-run fourth was decisive in the game's outcome.
Next Game
Tuesday, August 28    vs. San Antonio Missions
Security Bank Ballpark           6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30)
- First of a four-game series and of a seven-game homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:15 p.m.

Probable Starters
SA: Elliot Ashbeck    (RH,    0-1,      4.50)
RH: Brian Howard     (RH,    2-4,      3.74)
Next at Security Bank Ballpark
Tuesday, August 28 - Monday (Labor Day), September 3
vs. San Antonio Missions       (Tuesday-Friday)
vs. Frisco RoughRiders          (Saturday-Monday)
Home stand includes:
Final Thirsty Thursday of the season             (August 30)
Team Card Sets                              (Friday, August 31)
Final Postgame Fireworks Show of the season         (Saturday, September 1)
Day Games Sunday & Monday, September 2 & 3    (2:00 first pitch)