Loux Picks Up Eighth Win

Midland, TX-The RockHounds threatened late in the ballgame, but the 'Riders managed to hold and take game two of the series 5-4 Tuesday morning at Citibank Ballpark. Facing a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth, Johan Yan got a major lift from second baseman Guilder Rodriguez, who started a 4-6-3 double play to end the game. With the win, Barret Loux (8-0) becomes the first pitcher in all of minor league baseball to pick up eight victories.

Like Monday night, Frisco pushed across their first run in the top of the fourth. Zach Zaneski opened the inning with a double to right, and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Wilder Rodriguez. Zaneski would score one batter later on a single by Engel Beltre to make it 1-0 Frisco.

The RockHounds countered in the home half of the inning, sending eight men to the plate. Leading off the frame, Michael Choice tied the game, with an opposite field homer to right off Barret Loux. Later in the inning, Anthony Aliotti added a two-run shot making it 3-1 Midland.

After stranding nine runners on base over the first five innings, the 'Riders offense came to life in the sixth against Carlos Hernandez (0-1). Zach Zaneski reached for the third time on a single to left, and moved third on a base hit by Guilder Rodriguez one batter later. Engel Beltre then poked a ball into centerfield that went off the glove of Michael Choice to score Zaneski and Rodriguez.

With the game tied 3-3, and the bases still loaded, Alex Buchholz gave the 'Riders their first lead with a two-run single to left. In the inning, the 'Riders picked up four runs on five hits, while everyone in the order came to bat.

Midland nearly pulled out the game in the bottom of the ninth, when the home team loaded the bases, and added a run off a throwing error by Johan Yan. However, Yan got Josh Horton to hit into a double play ball to end the game. It was a terrific play by second baseman Guilder Rodriguez, who started the turn with a glove flip to Jurickson Profar.

Barret Loux picked up his minor league leading eighth win. He went 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on six hits.

'Hounds reliever Carlos Hernandez picked up the loss. In two frames he was charged with five runs on seven hits. Johan Yan earned the save surrendering an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth. Yan allowed two hits and walked one.

Frisco and Midland play the third of four games Wednesday night. Jake Brigham (2-1, 3.02) tosses for the 'Riders, he will be opposed by Hooks right-hander Murphy Smith (3-0, 6.29). First pitch is slated for 6:30, and can be heard on KKGM 1630 AM or on ridersbaseball.com. Pre-game coverage starts at 6:00.

The RoughRiders return home on Friday, May 18, when the San Antonio Missions visit Dr Pepper Ballpark. To purchase tickets, fans can visit the box office or buy online at ridersbaseball.com.