Johnny Whittleman collected both of the RoughRiders’ RBI as Tulsa edged Frisco 4-2 on Thursday

The Frisco offense collected eight hits as the Drillers defeated the RoughRiders 4-2 on Thursday at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Johnny Whittleman had both of Frisco’s RBI and Chad Tracy had a pair of doubles to lead the offense. The Frisco offense was just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

The RoughRiders took an early 1-0 advantage in the first inning when Craig Gentry scored on an RBI ground out by Whittleman. The lead was short-lived however as Tulsa plated two in the second inning and another in the third frame off Frisco starter Kasey Kiker. Frisco attempted a comeback when Tracy doubled and scored on an RBI single by Whittleman, but Tulsa answered with another run in the ninth to give the Drillers the 4-2 victory.

Jason Grilli made a rehab appearance for the RoughRiders and threw a scoreless inning, striking out one and walking one. Kiker (7-7) took the loss allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits over six frames, striking out seven to extend his league-leading strikeout total to 118. Tulsa starter Chaz Roe (7-2) earned the win, giving up just one run over seven frames. Andrew Johnston notched his Texas League-best 30th save on the season with a scoreless ninth.

Dustin Majewski and Tracy led the team with a pair of hits each as Whittleman provided both RBI. Tracy extends his season-best hit streak to 16 games with his two doubles. The RoughRiders and Drillers combined to turn seven double-plays, including four by Frisco to tie a season-high.

The series tied at a game each, the RoughRiders and Drillers will play the rubber match on Friday at Dr Pepper Ballpark, with first pitch at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available for Friday’s contest that will include postgame fireworks.