Frisco rallies to overcome early deficit

FRISCO, TEXAS (APRIL 16, 2013) -  Despite trailing by seven runs in the second inning, the Frisco RoughRiders defeated the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 14-7 on Tuesday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark.  The victory clinched the 'Riders first sweep of the season and extended their winning streak to five games.

After a quick first inning, both starting pitchers struggled in the second.  Cody Buckel had issues finding the strike zone for the third straight outing. He walked five batters in just 1.2 innings. Three of them came after he gave up a three-run home run to Whit Merrifield to make it 3-0 Naturals.  Reliever Ben Rowen took over for Buckel with the bases loaded but gave up a grand slam to Matt Fields, putting the Naturals up 7-0. 

In the bottom of the second, Naturals starter Jason Adam loaded the bases as well before allowing a two-run single to Odubel Herrera to put the 'Riders on the board. Jared Hoying doubled to bring in two more runners, cutting the Naturals' (3-9) lead to 7-4.

The RoughRiders (8-4) continued their rally with a five-run third inning.  Tomas Telis drove home the first run before Ryan Strausborger knocked in two with a ground rule double to tie the game. Then Frisco took its first lead with a bases loaded, two-run single from Hoying to make it 9-7.

The two-run lead was more than enough for the Frisco bullpen. The combination of Rowen, Randy Henry and Roman Mendez tossed 7.1 innings and allowed only one run on four hits, striking out six Naturals in the process.

The RoughRiders added to their lead as the game continued as Hanser Alberto singled in a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Alejandro Selen, Alberto and Herrera then all drove in runs in a four-run sixth to put the RoughRiders up 14-7, which held up as the final score.

Rowen (2-0) earned the victory while Naturals starter Jason Adam (0-2) took the loss. He surrendered nine of the 14 Frisco runs.

The RoughRiders take to the road on Thursday to play the Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 p.m. at Whataburger Field.  Neil Ramirez (1-0, 1.93 ERA) will start for Frisco, facing Corpus Christi's Jake Buchanan (1-0, 2.77 ERA).  Fans can tune in to the play-by-play broadcast on www.RidersBaseball.com beginning at 6:45.

Frisco will return to Dr Pepper Ballpark Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. when they host Corpus Christi.  For information on tickets to see the RoughRiders in 2013, please call (972) 731-9200, email [email protected] or visit www.ridersbaseball.com.