STWF Sports | AMARILLO, Texas | April 17, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders continue their six-game road series against the Amarillo Sod Poodles on Friday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT at Hodgetown. The matchup marks the fourth game of the series and presents an opportunity for Frisco to regroup following a dramatic extra-inning loss the night prior.
Right-hander Leandro Lopez is slated to take the mound for Frisco, making his next start after opening the season with a 0.00 ERA. He will be opposed by Amarillo right-hander Ashton Izzi, who enters with a 2.25 ERA and looks to provide stability for a Sod Poodles staff that has been tested early in the series.
The RoughRiders enter the contest with one of the most productive offenses in Double-A baseball, a trend that has been especially evident during their time in Amarillo. Through the opening stretch of the season, Frisco has established itself as one of the top hitting teams across Minor League Baseball, leading non-Triple-A clubs in total hits while ranking near the top in batting average, slugging percentage, and overall offensive output.
Focus on the Frisco RoughRiders Offense
That offensive firepower has been on full display throughout the series. Frisco has scored at least 10 runs in each of the first three games, a rare feat that underscores both the lineup’s depth and its ability to capitalize on hitter-friendly conditions at Hodgetown. The ballpark has historically favored the RoughRiders, who have consistently produced elevated power numbers in Amarillo compared to other Texas League venues.
Leading the charge is a red-hot group of hitters anchored by Frainyer Chavez and Orlando Martinez. Chavez has been one of the most consistent bats in the lineup, reaching base in every game this season while climbing the league leaderboards in runs scored, home runs, and total bases. His recent surge has provided Frisco with a reliable middle-of-the-order presence capable of changing the game with one swing.
Martinez, meanwhile, has delivered one of the most impressive individual stretches in the league so far. Over the opening games of the series, he has posted a remarkable slash line while recording a five-hit performance that included two home runs — one of the rarest feats in Minor League Baseball this season. His ability to generate extra-base hits and drive in runs has made him a focal point in Frisco’s offensive approach.
Additional contributions have come from across the lineup, including John Taylor, who carries an active hitting streak into the matchup, and recent addition Corey Joyce, who has made an immediate impact since joining the club. The depth of Frisco’s offense has been a defining characteristic, with multiple players consistently producing at a high level.
Despite the offensive success, the RoughRiders will be focused on tightening execution on the mound and in late-game situations. Thursday’s 13-12 loss highlighted both the team’s scoring ability and the challenges of closing out games, as Amarillo erased a late deficit before securing a walk-off victory in extra innings.
For Frisco, Friday’s game presents a chance to reset behind Lopez, whose early-season form suggests he could provide the stability the pitching staff needs. Limiting Amarillo’s ability to generate late offense will be critical, particularly against a lineup that has proven capable of capitalizing on momentum swings.
As the series progresses, the stakes continue to build. With both teams seeking consistency, the fourth game offers an important opportunity for the RoughRiders to reassert control and translate their offensive production into a more complete performance.
First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. CT, as Frisco aims to turn the page and even the series under the lights at Hodgetown.
