'Hounds Rally Falls Just Short

The RockHounds were gracious "hosts" Monday night at Security Bank Ballpark, a little too gracious. A pair of errors led to three unearned runs as Frisco defeated the 'Hounds, 5-4, in a game that marked the end of the first half pennant races.
The RoughRiders broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the ninth. With the bases loaded and one out, Luis Mendez' ground ball got under the glove of first baseman Seth Brown. Two runs scored initially on the play, with Eliezer Álvarez then coming home on the throw to second base from the outfield. The third run would become the game-winner as the 'Hounds rallied back in the home half of the ninth.
Brett Siddall led off with a double and later scored on Richie Martin's ground out. 'Hounds manager Scott Steinmann argued at length, apparently believing that Frisco first baseman Carlos Garay had come off the bag early for a potential throw to the plate, meaning Martin would have been safe. The call became even more critical as Tyler Ramirez followed with a solo home run, cutting the lead to 5-4 (a two-run home run, of course, would have tied the game).
The RockHounds finished the first half 33-36, in third place in the Texas League South.
When the teams return to the diamond Tuesday, all eight clubs will be back to 0-0 as a new, 70-game pennant races begins.
Notables
Insult to injury: Eli White saw a 21-game on-base streak snapped on an 0-for-5 night. It was his second on-base streak of more than 20 games in the first half (23 games from April 24 through May 18).
Tyler Ramirez (1-for-4, walk, solo HR) extended his hit streak to 11 games with his ninth-inning home run. In the 11-gamer, Tyler is (16-for-42, .381, with a HR and six RBI).
Seth Brown (1-for-4) is hitting .379 (13 RBI) in his last 14 games and has reached base in 29-of-his last-32. Over the 32-game stretch, Seth is hitting .320 and has driven in 30 runs. He is tied for third in the Texas League with 49 RBI for the season.
The first half saw two remarkable turnarounds: On May 10, Richie Martin was hitting .214. He finished the first half with a .323 average and ranks among the Texas League's top 10 hitters.
Through his first seven starts, Kyle Friedrichs' earned run average was 8.90. After making his fourth consecutive quality start in Monday night's no decision, his season ERA is down to 5.32, including a 3-0 record and a 1.93 ERA in his last four starts. .
Next Game
Tuesday, June 19 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Security Bank Ballpark           6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
- Third of a four-game series and seventh of an eight-game home stand
- Second half begins ... all teams back to 0-0
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:15 p.m.
Probable Starters
FRI: Tyler Davis (RH, 0-6, 7.50)
RH: Norge Ruiz (RH, 3-5, 4.43)