The Sod Poodles fell to the Midland RockHounds in their series opener on Monday night at Security Bank Ballpark, 5-1. Midland starter Kyle Friedrichs picked up the win with eight innings of one-run ball.
Right-hander Emmanuel Ramirez started for the Sod Poodles and surrendered three runs in the opening frame, including run-scoring hits from Tyler Ramirez and Edwin Diaz. Ramirez would ultimately settle down, allowing four runs in six innings of work.
Amarillo collected just one hit off Friedrichs until the seventh inning, which was Brad Zunica’s double in the third inning. In the seventh, Edward Olivares belted a deep solo homer to left field. Olivares’ 12th blast of the season put Amarillo on the scoreboard, cutting the deficit to 4-1.
Michel Baez replaced Ramirez from Amarillo’s bullpen and allowed a run in the seventh to make it a 5-1 ballgame. Kazuhisa Makita pitched a scoreless eighth.
Friedrichs, who had allowed just four hits and struck out six batters, returned for the ninth inning. After a leadoff single from Taylor Kohlwey, he was replaced by lefty Zack Erwin.
Erwin immediately induced a double play ball off the bat of Ivan Castillo and fly ball off Olivares’ bat to end the ballgame.
The Sod Poodles saw their three-game win streak snapped while the RockHounds extended their winning streak to five games.
The series continues on Tuesday night in West Texas. The Sod Poodles send lefty Adrian Morejon to the mound while Midland counters with right-hander Grant Holmes. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m.
-Amarillo Sod Poodles
