Round Rock – Cole Ragans was drafted in 2016 in the first round by the Texas Rangers. He has a career Minor League ERA of 3.75, but at Frisco in 2022 he pitched to a 2.81 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP He issued 19 walks while striking out 65.
The Rangers number 29 prospect got his first opportunity for Round Rock on Thursday night against the Sugarland Space Cowboys. Sugarland took the first two games of the series so far.
Ragans cruised through the first three innings striking out 4 and allowing just one hit. He gave up a solo shot in the fourth to Lewis Brinson to make it 1-0 Sugarland.
Ragans wound up pitching seven innings, striking out 8 and allowing 2 runs on 6 hits.
“Just because it’s a different level doesn’t mean I need to change anything” Ragans said to The Ranger Report after the game. “Just go about it the same way I’ve been going about the guys in AA all year, trust my stuff that it’ll work.”
Cole Ragans pitched to no decision. Andy Ibanez hit an RBI single in the 7th to give the Express a 3-2 lead.
Demarcus Evans came in to pitch the 8th and failed to hold the lead after two walks and a single tied the game 3-3. Jonathan Hernandez gave up another run in the 9th that put the Space Cowboys ahead for good.
Ragans showed poise and command of his pitches tonight. He did not look overwhelmed at all by pitching in AAA ball, and was asked about being just one level away from the Major Leagues.
“It’s exciting but I try not to think about it, take it day by day” Ragans said. “When it’s my time it’ll be my time, but until them I’m just going to enjoy my time here (at Round Rock)”
After 2 Tommy John Surgeries and several setbacks, Rangers fans should be excited about the future of Cole Ragans. He will be a guest soon on the Ranger Report Podcast so stay tuned for that.
On a personal note I would like to thank the staff, players, front office and media people at Round Rock for making my time there a blast. If you are in the Round Rock area you need to go see a game. They do a phenomenal job at Dell Diamond and I hope to be back covering games again soon!
