AMARILLO, Texas (July 9, 2025) – A late-inning blast proved costly for the Frisco RoughRiders on Wednesday night as they dropped a 5-3 decision to the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN. Ivan Melendez’s eighth-inning, three-run homer lifted Amarillo (8-6, 40-43) past Frisco (5-9, 43-39), evening the series at one game apiece.

For much of the evening, it appeared that the Frisco RoughRiders had a winning formula. Abimelec Ortiz got the Frisco RoughRiders on the board in the fourth inning with a towering two-run home run, his 11th of the season, giving Frisco a 2-0 lead. Ortiz’s blast marked his seventh long ball at HODGETOWN since the start of 2024—more than any other visiting player at the ballpark during that span. The Frisco RoughRiders were looking strong early on.

The two-run advantage was a reward for Frisco starter Daniel Missaki, who turned in his strongest outing of the season. The right-hander delivered four dominant innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out seven. He effectively mixed his fastball and breaking ball to keep the Sod Poodles off balance and worked efficiently through the Amarillo order.

However, Amarillo found their footing in the fifth. After a leadoff walk and a single, Kristian Robinson turned on a fastball and drove it over the left field fence to tie the game at two. The blast, Robinson’s seventh of the year, gave the home crowd life and shifted momentum.

Not to be outdone, Cam Cauley responded quickly for Frisco in the top of the sixth. The 21-year-old infielder crushed a solo shot to left-center field—his ninth home run of the season—to give the RoughRiders a 3-2 edge. Cauley’s power surge has placed him in a tie for second in the Texas League in extra-base hits (28), and his recent production continues to bolster the middle of Frisco’s order.

This performance has shown the potential of the Frisco RoughRiders this season.

Frisco RoughRiders Key Players to Watch

The RoughRiders held that lead into the eighth inning, turning to reliever Josh Mollerus in hopes of locking down the final six outs. After surrendering back-to-back singles to open the frame, Mollerus left a pitch up in the zone to Melendez, who didn’t miss. The three-run shot, Melendez’s 12th of the season, gave the Sod Poodles their first lead of the game at 5-3.

Frisco was unable to mount a comeback in the ninth, as Amarillo reliever Zane Russell shut the door with a clean inning to earn his second save of the year. Jhosmer Alvarez (3-2) picked up the win for Amarillo after tossing two scoreless innings in relief, setting the stage for Melendez’s go-ahead heroics.

Mollerus (1-1) was tagged with the loss for Frisco, despite entering the game with solid numbers out of the bullpen. The Riders’ bullpen has generally been a strength, but the Melendez homer marked a rare late-game blemish for a club that has typically thrived when leading late. Since the start of 2024, Frisco is now 120-13 in games where it leads in the seventh inning or later—a testament to the sting of Wednesday’s collapse.

The Frisco RoughRiders have demonstrated resilience throughout the season.

Notes:

• Abimelec Ortiz is now tied with Luis Mieses for the team lead in home runs (11). His continued dominance at HODGETOWN has made him a familiar nemesis for Sod Poodles pitching.

  The Frisco RoughRiders continue to impress their fans with their performance.

• Cam Cauley remains one of the league’s most dangerous hitters, adding to his impressive tally of extra-base hits.

• Despite the loss, Daniel Missaki delivered his best start of the season, hinting at a potential turnaround as the second half continues.

Frisco and Amarillo resume their series Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. CT. The RoughRiders will send right-hander Josh Stephan (5-4, 5.86 ERA) to the mound, while the Sod Poodles counter with Roman Angelo (1-8, 6.01 ERA). Frisco will aim to bounce back and retake control of the six-game set.

The Frisco RoughRiders are eager to bring home a victory in the next game.