Five takeaways from Friday’s win

Alex Burg went 3-for-4 Friday with two doubles and four RBI in Frisco’s win over Corpus Christi.

The RoughRiders stormed back for an 8–7 win over Corpus Christi last night, ending a four-game losing streak to the Hooks. There were plenty of things to like about Friday’s win, but here are some of my biggest takeaways:

• Alex Burg had a huge night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a career-high-tying four RBIs. It marked his first RBIs since June 4 and his first three-hit game since April 22 (also against the Hooks). Burg has struggled a bit since a hot first month of the season, but it was great to see him swat the ball all over the park last night.
• Friday marked the return of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had missed 25 games while on the disabled list with a knee infection. “IKF” didn’t miss a beat in his return, going 2-for-5 with a pair of singles and a run scored. Not only does he provide the Riders a reliable bat, but he provides defensive flexibility that can help give guys rest when needed.
• Frisco went 6-for-13 with runners in scoring position Friday. It was their best performance with RISP since going 7-for-14 on May 23 against San Antonio (right before the eight-game losing streak). Frisco’s ability to hit with runners in scoring position was so key to the early success, and rediscovering that ability will be a key to winning the second half.
• There were contributions throughout the lineup last night, including six guys with multi-hit games. Perhaps most encouraging is that two of Frisco’s best hitters — Ronald Guzman and Ryan Cordell — both went hitless and the Riders still had one of their best offensive showings. Seven of the eight RBI came from the sixth, seventh and eighth spots in the order (Joe Jackson-2, Alex Burg-4, Kellin Deglan-1).
• Despite the shortest start of the year for Connor Sadzeck, the bullpen was great on Friday, with Frank Lopez and Jose Valdespina combining to work the final 6 1/3 innings, allowing just three runs along the way to a very good Corpus Christi lineup. With as much as the Riders bullpen has been taxed in this long string of games without off days, their outings were huge and should help the Riders keep a rested bullpen for the final two games before the all-star break.

- Ryan

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Baseball term of the day: Frisk — To win.

(term from The Dickson Baseball Dictionary)