First-inning runs not enough for Riders in low-scoring loss

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (April 23, 2016) - The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, jumped in front of the Corpus Christi Hooks early but let the lead slip away in a 3-2 loss Saturday night at Whataburger Field.

Ryan Cordell hit a two-run homer, his fourth of the season and second of the series, in the top of the first inning to put the Riders ahead 2-0. Cordell went 3-for-4 in the game, but Corpus Christi starter Edison Frias (1-0) settled in and kept the Riders (11-4) in check the rest of the way.

RoughRiders starter Victor Payano earned a no-decision in his third start of the season. He surrendered two runs, one in the first and a game-tying solo homer to Derek Fisher in third, while holding Corpus Christi (9-6) to just two hits in four innings pitched.

Jose Leclerc (0-3) was pinned with the loss out of the bullpen, after surrendering an unearned, go-ahead run in the top of the fifth. That run scored on a groundout from James Ramsay, one batter after RoughRiders rightfielder Preston Beck dropped a fly ball in right field. The Hooks didn't have a hit in the fifth inning, and only finished with three hits in Saturday's win.

Frias lasted six innings and struck out five batters in his first win of the season. Brendan McCurry worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings, before Reymin Guduan came on and struck out all four batters he faced to earn his first save.

Matt Bush worked two scoreless innings on Saturday night, retiring all six batters he faced in the seventh and eighth, including a strikeout of Alfredo Gonzalez to end his outing.

Frisco and Corpus Christi will wrap up their four-game series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. The Riders have yet to announce their starting pitcher. Corpus Christi will send RHP Cy Sneed (1-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound. Live coverage can be heard on the Frisco RoughRiders Radio Network, on the TuneIn Radio App, and the MiLB First Pitch App. Dr Pepper Pregame Show begins at 1:30 p.m.

The Riders return home on Monday, April 25 to take on the San Antonio Missions in the beginning of an eight-game homestand, which includes Runner-Up Night on April 26. Tickets for all eight games are available now online at RidersBaseball.com, via email at [email protected], over the phone at (972) 731-9200, or in-person at the RoughRiders box office.