Springfield managed just two hits in the 5-1 loss to Frisco in Game Three of the Texas League Championship at Dr. Pepper Ballpark.
A pitcher’s duel early, both teams combined for just one hit in the first two frames. Cardinals’ starter Kevin Siegrist allowed just his second hit of the game, a one-out single by Jose Felix, in the 3rd. After a ground out, Leury Garcia doubled to left to bring home for the first run for Frisco.
In the 5th, the first three batters each had hits for the ‘Riders and Felix cashed in an RBI double to make it 2-0. An RBI groundout by Garcia increased the Frisco lead to 3-0.
Springfield was without a hit against Texas League Pitcher of the Year Barret Loux until the 6th when Kolten Wong legged out a bunt single. Two batters later, Oscar Taveras doubled to left center to plate Wong to cut the deficit to 3-1.
Siegrist then allowed a two-out single in the 6th to Ryan Strausborger who would score on a throwing error by Siegrist to make the score 4-1.
Frisco added another run in the 7th as Chris McGuiness doubled to deep center field against reliever Justin Wright to take a 5-1 lead.
Wilmer Font came in out of the Frisco bullpen and made sure that the ‘Riders would hold onto their four run lead on Friday night as he tossed two scoreless innings with five strikeouts.
Major League Rehabber Mike Napoli finished 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.
The Championship Series will continue with Game Four Saturday night at 7:05pm at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. Springfield will send Scott Gorgen to the mound against Wilfredo of Frisco.
