NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Travelers claimed their first Texas League title since 2008 with a 5-4 walk-off victory over Midland in the decisive Game 3 of the Texas League Championship Series Wednesday at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.
Right fielder Alberto Rodriguez's heroics in the bottom of the ninth propelled the Travelers to Texas League glory, sending a ball to center field to bring home the game-winning run.
Arkansas recorded 12 hits to Midland's seven. Third baseman Ben Williamson led the charge at the plate for the Travelers with a 3-for-4, 3 RBI performance. Rodriguez finished 2-for-5 with 2 RBI.
Pitcher Danny Wirchansky was credited with the win for Arkansas, fanning one RockHound and allowing zero hits in one inning of work.
The Travelers got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning as Williamson lined a 2 RBI single into left field. A few batters later, Rodriguez hit a groundball single into left, scoring designated hitter Harry Ford to give Arkansas a 3-0 lead.
Midland answered back with one run in the top of the fifth, thanks to an RBI single by designated hitter Brennan Milone.
Williamson's bat came through again in the bottom of the seventh to help Arkansas stretch its lead. The Fairfax, Va., native slapped a ground ball to right field, bringing home right fielder Henry Bolte to put the Travelers up 4-1.
Midland made things interesting with a three-run top of the eighth to tie the game at 4-4.
It all started with a throwing error by Williamson, which allowed second baseman Euribiel Angeles to reach base safely as Milone scored.
Shortly after, pinch hitter Jordan Groshans hit a line drive single to left field, scoring another RockHound and putting runners on the corners.
With hopes of slowing down Midland's bats, Arkansas made a call to the bullpen and went with the services of pitcher Luis Curveo, who walked in the game-tying run before getting outfielder Luis Perez to fly out to get out of the inning.
In the bottom of the ninth, shortstop Cole Young got on base for the Travelers with a leadoff double, and Rodriguez brought him home a few batters later to help Arkansas claim the Texas League championship.
