Six-Run 8th Gives Cards 2-0 Lead in Series
Frisco cracked the scoreboard first with an unearned run in the top of the third. Guilder Rodriguez would put runners at second and third with a sacrifice bunt, after the inning began with a Greg Garcia throwing error and hit batsman. Engel Beltre subsequently brought in a runner with a groundout to make it 1-0 Frisco.
The RoughRiders would double their lead with back-to-back two-out base hits from Jared Prince and Guilder Rodriguez. Rodriguez would get the RBI, although the run was unearned as Prince advanced to second on an Audry Perez past ball.
Frisco would add two insurance runs in the top of the eighth when rehabbing big-leaguer Mike Napoli smacked a two-run home run to left field. In the prior at-bat, Chris McGuiness was issued a two-out walk from Deryk Hooker on four straight pitches.
The Cardinals would rally in the bottom of the eighth when Oscar Tavares hit a two-out double, bringing Mike O'Neill to third after his leadoff walk. A Jamie Romak walk would load the bases for Greg Garcia, who hit a seeing eye RBI single through the right side of the infield to get the Cardinals on the board. Consecutive singles from Xavier Scruggs and Adam Melker would bring in three runs to tie the game 4-4. Audry Perez would put the Cardinals on top with a two-run double down the right field. Scruggs would finish the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Reliever Deryk Hooker (1-0) would earn the win, giving up just the two-run home run to Napoli in one inning. He walked one and struck out two. Keith Butler (4) would get the save, pitching a perfect ninth inning and striking out the side.
Cardinals' starter Seth Maness had a strong outing and did not give up an earned run. He pitched seven innings, giving up four hits and two unearned runs. He struck out and did not issue a walk.
Frisco starter Nick Tepesch threw six and a third innings of three-hit, scoreless baseball. He struck out five and walked two Cards batters.
Tepesch left the game with one out in the bottom of the seventh, with runners at first and second. Richard Bleier was brought in to face one batter resulting in an Adam Melker strike out. Relieve Justin Grimm would come in to strike out Audry Perez and end the inning for RoughRiders. Grimm finished the game with one hit and runs given up in one inning pitched. He struck out two and walked two.
Reliever Ross Wolf (0-1) would earn the loss for the RoughRiders. He gave up four hits and three runs in one-third of an inning pitched.
The Championship Series will continue with Game Three Friday night at 7:05pm at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. Springfield will send Kevin Siegrist to the mound against Barret Loux of Frisco.
Thank you to all of our great fans in Springfield for a terrific 2012 season!
Escape to Cardinals Baseball!