SPRINGDALE -- Midland was known for its offense this season, but right-hander Parker Frazier made sure the RockHounds didn't need much Friday night at Arvest Ballpark.
Frazier tossed a three-hitter to lead Midland to a 7-0 win over Northwest Arkansas to finish off a three-game sweep in the Texas League Championship Series
Midland, league champion for the second consecutive year, scored four times in the fourth inning and cruised to the victory behind Frazier. The RockHounds, the Class AA affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, became the 11th team since the league's inception in 1902 to win consecutive titles.
Midland Manager Ryan Christenson said Frazier, 26, bounced back after being plagued by a tight back late in the season. Frazier struck out nine and walked two in pitching a complete-game. He lost his last three decisions, allowing 19 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings.
"It was a good matchup for him, an all right-handed lineup with a sinker ball pitcher," Christenson said. "He did a good job keeping the ball down and got a couple double plays when he put guys on base. I can't say enough about how he executed the game plan.
"It was really neat to see him throw a shutout in the championship game."
Frazier's teammates gave him all he needed with a big fourth inning.
The RockHounds put together four consecutive hits against Northwest Arkansas starter Luke Farrell, after the right-hander allowed just one hit through the first three innings. Ryon Healy and Matt Olson cracked back-to-back RBI doubles and Josh Whitaker added a two-run single up the middle for a 4-0 lead.
Midland put the game away with three more in the sixth keyed by Josh Whitaker's solo home run. Collin Walsh drove in another with a bases-loaded walk off Northwest Arkansas reliever Aroni Nina.
Whitaker was one of four Midland players with two hits and the left fielder drove in three runs.
Christenson loved Frazier's effort on the mound, but acknowledged the Midland offense was its calling card this season.
"We've got some really good, talented players here," Christenson said. "Good hitters, they stick to an approach and grind out at-bats. The beginning of all three of these games had a little tension, but once we got in the flow of the game things started clicking for us."
Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson gave Midland all the credit.
"You look back at all three games and it was more Midland than anything we did," Wilson said. "They've earned it. They out-executed us offensively, defensively and pitching-wise. I was proud of the way we played, but they were the better team no question."
Sports on 09/19/2015