Rogers Blanks Frisco

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Rogers Blanks Frisco
06/03/2009 11:27 PM ET
Tulsa Drillers

Tulsa's Esmil Rogers is quietly becoming one of the Texas League's elite pitchers. Since surrendering six runs in his first start of the season, the 23-year-old right-hander has been fantastic. His impressive run continued Wednesday night in Frisco with eight shutout innings as the Drillers blanked the RoughRiders 4-0. Rogers has not allowed an earned run in four of his last six starts. In that stretch, he has compiled a 0.99 ERA. For the season, his ERA stands at 2.56.
The Drillers gave Rogers the only run he needed in the top of the third inning. Daniel Carte led off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rex Rundgren. After a walk and a ground out, Carte raced home with the game's first run when Frisco starting pitcher Kasey Kiker uncorked a wild pitch.
It remained 1-0 until the seventh inning when the Drillers added a pair of runs. Mike McKenry walked and Darin Holcomb singled in front of a two-run double by Rex Rundgren.
The fourth and final run came in the eighth as Daniel Mayora led off with a single. Three walks, the final one to Carte, forced in Mayora to make it 4-0.
Tommy Baumgardner relieved Rogers to start the ninth inning. He allowed a two-out double before retiring John Whittleman on a fly out to complete the shutout.
The Drillers and Riders will continue their series Thursday night at 7:00PM. Brandon Durden will make his second start of the season for Tulsa while Frisco will send Michael Ballard to the mound.
NOTES: Rogers and Kiker are now tied for the Texas League lead with 55 strikeouts each. . . .The Drillers matched a season high by moving four games above .500 with the victory. . . .Tulsa and Frisco have now met four times this season with each team winning twice.
BOXSCORE
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.