Present and Future Both Represented in Frisco Monday Night

The big story revolving around last night’s RoughRiders’ game was the rehab start of Nelson Cruz. The Rangers’ slugger who has been on the 15 day disabled list, made his first start last night after straining his right quad. The RoughRiders, are the Texas Rangers’ Double-A team located just north of Dallas in Frisco. While Cruz’s rehab start is a huge story, there was another big one in last night’s game.

The RoughRiders feature the number 1 prospect of the Rangers organization, the left handed starter Martin Perez. Last night’s game was spectacular but had some disappointment. Perez went into the eighth inning without allowing a single run. He gave up two runs in that inning, and left with the no decision and the Midland Rockhounds leading 2-0. Perez went 7.2 innings allowed only four hits and had a career high 10 strikeouts in the game.

Nelson’s evening with the ‘Riders was productive, he was one for three with a walk. His one hit was an important one, he doubled to left and picked up an RBI. This was Frisco’s first run of the game and the start of a rally. With Cruz on second Tommy Mendonca hit a two run homer and the Riders went up 3-2 the final score.

Also on the Frisco roster is the Rangers newest acquisition, the Cuban defector Leonys Martin. Martin who has been extremely productive in his few games this season contributed last night as well. Leonys was one for three with a walk, and scored the first run of the game from Cruz’s RBI double.

Frisco’s 3 to 2 win over Midland puts them one game above .5oo at 19 and 18. They are currently in second place of the Texas League South division. The Riders have been hot lately, most recently winning three of four games against Corpus Christi.

Quickly I also wanted to say how excellent the radio team is for the RoughRiders. Friend of the site Aaron Goldsmith does a great job as the “Voice of the RoughRiders”. I tuned into the call for last nights game and was not disappointed.

Josh Hamilton is set to start his rehab stint with Frisco on Wednesday providing the RoughRiders with a ridiculous outfield. The lineup should feature Josh Hamilton in left field, Nelson Cruz in right field, and Leonys Martin in center. Pay close attention to that as we may see this outfield in Arlington before the season is up.

-Jonathan