Tuesday, July 22 2025 – Riverfront Stadium, Wichita, KS

The Frisco RoughRiders (8-13, 46-43) hit the road to begin a six-game series against the Wichita Wind Surge (10-11, 47-43) on Tuesday night at Riverfront Stadium, looking to rebound after a frustrating home finale. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

The RoughRiders enter the series licking their wounds after a stunning 11-6 loss to Corpus Christi on Sunday. Frisco led 5-3 going into the ninth inning but surrendered eight runs in a disastrous final frame, dropping both the game and the series. With the loss, the Riders fell to fifth in the Texas League South Division standings, just behind the Wind Surge, making this week’s series critical for midseason positioning.

Riders Recap: Ninth-Inning Collapse

Frisco’s Sunday matchup against Corpus Christi started promisingly, with standout performances from Sebastian Walcott and Aaron Zavala. Walcott recorded a two-run triple and later scored the game-tying run in the sixth after a single and stolen base. Zavala delivered a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth, his sixth of the year, but the bullpen faltered dramatically in the ninth.

Reliever Gavin Collyer (4-5) was tagged with the loss and blown save after allowing four earned runs, part of a Hooks rally that featured six hits and two walks in the inning. Despite the setback, Frisco’s offense continues to be paced by Abimelec Ortiz, who remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the Texas League, boasting a .967 OPS over his last 10 games.

Series Outlook: Critical Division Matchup

The Wind Surge, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, enter Tuesday’s game on a two-game win streak after splitting their most recent series. At 10-11 in the second half, Wichita sits just a game ahead of Frisco in the standings. Both clubs are looking to gain ground in a tightly packed division race.

Wichita features a balanced lineup and strong starting pitching, led by right-hander Marco Raya and top outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who’s belted 14 homers this season. The Wind Surge also lead the league in stolen bases, presenting a defensive challenge for Frisco’s battery.

Key Players to Watch

• Sebastian Walcott (FRI): The 18-year-old shortstop is heating up at the plate. Walcott batted .462 (6-for-13) in the previous series with five RBI and continues to flash elite speed and power.

• Abimelec Ortiz (FRI): Leads the RoughRiders in home runs and OPS. His consistent presence in the heart of the lineup is crucial against a deep Wichita pitching staff.

• Emmanuel Rodriguez (WCH): Wichita’s most dynamic bat, Rodriguez brings power, plate discipline, and base-stealing ability.

• David Festa (WCH): One of Wichita’s top arms, Festa could appear later in the series. He’s fanned 94 batters in 72.2 innings and is known for keeping hitters off balance.

Pitching Matchups

Frisco has yet to announce a starter for Tuesday’s opener, but manager Carlos Cardoza is expected to lean on his deeper bullpen after a taxing series finale. Meanwhile, Wichita is projected to start right-hander Jackson Hicks (2-3, 4.21 ERA), who’s coming off a five-inning, two-run outing against Northwest Arkansas.

What’s at Stake

With the second half standings tightening, every game counts. Frisco’s pitching must regain its early-season form, especially in high-leverage innings. A strong showing against the Wind Surge could reignite a playoff push, while another shaky series could push the Riders further down the South Division ladder.

Broadcast Info

All six games will be broadcast live on the H-E-B RoughRiders Baseball Network and can be streamed at RidersBaseball.com/Broadcast. First pitch for Tuesday’s opener is set for 7:05 p.m. from Riverfront Stadium.

Stay locked in for game updates, highlights, and recaps as the RoughRiders continue their pursuit of Texas League postseason contention.