STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | April 9,  2026  — The Frisco RoughRiders return to Riders Field Thursday night looking to bounce back from their first loss of the 2026 season as they face the Midland RockHounds in the third game of a six-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with right-hander Winston Santos set to make his season debut against Midland left-hander Jamie Arnold.

Frisco (4-1) enters the matchup still in strong early-season form despite Wednesday’s 5-4 loss, a game that highlighted both the team’s resilience and the challenges of maintaining a perfect start.

Early Deficit Proves Costly

The RoughRiders’ first loss of the season was defined by an early power surge from Midland, which plated five runs across the first two innings—all via home runs—off left-hander Blake Townsend.

That early deficit ultimately proved too much to overcome, even as Frisco mounted a late rally. The Riders chipped away with an RBI double from Tucker Mitchell in the fourth inning and added two more runs in the seventh to bring the game within reach.

In the ninth, Frisco had the tying run at third base but was unable to complete the comeback, marking the end of its unbeaten start.

Offense Continues to Produce

Despite the loss, the RoughRiders’ offense remains one of the most productive units in Double-A baseball.

Through five games, Frisco leads the level with 54 hits—the most in franchise history over that span—and is hitting .297 as a team. The lineup has demonstrated both consistency and explosiveness, capable of producing runs in bursts while maintaining pressure throughout games.

Tucker Mitchell and Keyber Rodriguez have been at the forefront of that production. Both players have recorded nine hits through five games, ranking among the league leaders. Mitchell, in particular, has been one of the hottest hitters in the Texas League, posting a .474 batting average and leading the league in doubles.

While the offense has been effective overall, the ability to produce earlier in games could be a point of emphasis moving forward, especially after falling behind early on Wednesday.

Pitching Remains a Strength

Even in defeat, Frisco’s pitching staff continued to impress.

The bullpen once again delivered a dominant performance, holding Midland scoreless after the second inning. Through five games, the RoughRiders’ relief corps owns a 0.40 ERA, the best mark in Minor League Baseball, and has consistently provided stability in high-leverage situations.

Overall, Frisco’s pitching staff carries a 1.60 ERA, also among the top marks in the minors. Opponents are hitting just .168 against the RoughRiders, and the staff continues to limit baserunners with a sub-1.00 WHIP.

Santos will look to build on that foundation in his first outing of the season, joining a rotation that has been one of the team’s key strengths early on.

Defense and Fundamentals Stand Out

Frisco’s success has also been supported by strong defensive play.

The RoughRiders have committed just two errors through five games, tying for the fewest in the Texas League. That defensive consistency has helped limit opponents’ opportunities and complement the team’s pitching efforts.

Behind the plate, Julian Brock has been a standout. The catcher has thrown out five attempted base stealers in as many opportunities, leading all of Minor League Baseball in caught stealings. His defensive presence has added another layer of control for the pitching staff.

Familiar Rivalry, Tough Test

While Frisco has dominated most of its division opponents in recent seasons, Midland has consistently presented a challenge.

The RoughRiders hold a strong record against the Texas League South overall since 2021, but their matchups with the RockHounds have been far more competitive. That trend adds importance to Thursday’s game as Frisco looks to regain momentum in the series.

Opportunity to Reset

With the early-season pressure of an unbeaten record now behind them, the RoughRiders shift their focus to consistency and response.

A strong performance Thursday night would not only even the tone of the series but also reinforce the identity Frisco has established—disciplined offense, dominant pitching and reliable defense.

For a team that has already shown it can compete at a high level, the next step is proving it can respond to adversity.

Thursday night offers that opportunity.