WICHITA, Kansas (July 26, 2025) – The Frisco RoughRiders (9-16, 47-46) will aim to even the series on Saturday night as they take on the Wichita Wind Surge (12-13, 49-45) in game five of a six-game set at Equity Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT, with Frisco looking to bounce back after a frustrating, rain-shortened 3-0 loss on Friday night.
Friday’s contest lasted just five innings before storms rolled through Wichita for a second time, halting play and ultimately ending the game. With enough innings completed, the result was ruled official—marking Frisco’s third straight defeat and second shutout loss in its last three outings.
Friday’s Recap: Missed Opportunities and Mother Nature
Frisco’s offense was stymied by Wind Surge right-hander John Klein (7-5), who tossed five shutout innings while scattering three hits and striking out five. Klein consistently challenged hitters with his fastball-slider mix and worked his way out of minor trouble to keep the Riders off the scoreboard.
Wichita plated their first run in the second inning, courtesy of Ricardo Olivar’s RBI single. Two innings later, Ben Ross extended the lead with a towering two-run homer off Frisco starter David Davalillo. That would prove to be the final blow of the night as the second rain delay halted any chance for a comeback.
Despite the loss, Davalillo managed a complete game by technicality, tossing four innings and striking out four. While he was tagged with the loss, the 21-year-old Venezuelan right-hander showed flashes of his potential before the weather intervened.
Saturday Night Spotlight: Corniell’s First Start
Frisco will turn to promising right-hander Jose Corniell (0-0, 0.00 ERA) on Saturday for his first Double-A start. Corniell, who was recently promoted from High-A Hickory, has flashed electric stuff in the lower levels of the minors and enters with plenty of buzz surrounding his debut. In 11 starts with Hickory, the 21-year-old posted a 2.87 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 53.1 innings.
The Riders are hopeful Corniell can provide a spark on the mound after a difficult few nights for the pitching staff. Outside of a combined shutout on Wednesday, Frisco arms have allowed 27 runs over the first four games of the series.
He’ll face left-hander Connor Prielipp (0-4, 3.21 ERA) for Wichita. The former Alabama standout is still seeking his first Double-A win, but he’s shown sharp command and swing-and-miss stuff. Prielipp will look to take advantage of a Frisco lineup that’s scored just five runs over its last three games.
Riders’ Bats Need to Reignite
The RoughRiders’ offense will need to regroup in a hurry if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. Frisco has now gone 14 consecutive innings without scoring and struggled with timely hitting throughout the series.
Paige Bueckers—on rehab assignment from the Texas Rangers—has provided a spark, while Josh Hatcher and Cam Cauley have also contributed key hits in recent games. Cauley in particular remains hot, having hit safely in 15 of his last 18 contests while batting .295 in July.
The return of Alejandro Osuna and Aaron Zavala to the lineup could provide additional pop. Osuna, recently optioned from Triple-A Round Rock, is expected to return to his spot in right field and deliver his usual contact-oriented approach.
What’s at Stake
With two games remaining in the series, Frisco trails Wichita 3-1 (including the rain-shortened loss). A victory Saturday would not only even the series but keep the Riders above .500 overall and stabilize what’s been a turbulent stretch.
This matchup between two clubs hovering around the playoff line in their respective divisions carries weight, and both squads know they can’t afford to drop ground heading into August.
First Pitch: 6:05 p.m. CT
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Did You Know? Friday’s 3-0 defeat marked the first rain-shortened game for the RoughRiders this season and the shortest contest by time (1 hour, 59 minutes) in 2025.
