STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | April 8, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders will look to extend their unbeaten start to the 2026 season on Wednesday night as they host the Midland RockHounds in the second game of a six-game series at Riders Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with left-hander Blake Townsend set to make his season debut against Midland southpaw Wei-En Lin.
Frisco (4-0) enters the matchup as the only remaining undefeated team in the Texas League South, continuing a dominant early stretch defined by elite pitching and timely offense.
Building Momentum After Statement Home Opener
The RoughRiders opened their home slate with authority, defeating Midland 9-1 on Tuesday night in a game that showcased the team’s depth and discipline.
After two scoreless innings, Frisco capitalized on control issues from RockHounds starter Kenya Huggins in the third inning. Four consecutive walks, including an RBI free pass to John Taylor, sparked a rally that quickly turned into a six-run outburst.
Orlando Martinez delivered an RBI single, while Marcus Lee Sang and Tucker Mitchell each added two-run hits to break the game open. From there, the RoughRiders never looked back.
Ian Moller added the highlight swing of the night in the fifth inning, launching his first home run of the season over the left-field terrace—the first long ball at Riders Field for Frisco in 2026.
Offensive Production Trending Up
Through four games, Frisco’s offense has been among the most productive in Double-A baseball.
The RoughRiders have recorded 44 hits, the second-most in franchise history through the first four games of a season, and are hitting .297 as a team. While the lineup has demonstrated consistency, it has also shown the ability to produce in bursts.
A 10-run inning last week in Corpus Christi and a six-run frame in Tuesday’s home opener account for a significant portion of the team’s early scoring output. In total, 64 percent of Frisco’s runs have come in just two innings—a reflection of the lineup’s ability to capitalize on momentum.
Tucker Mitchell and Keyber Rodriguez have led the charge, each collecting eight hits through four games, tying a franchise record and placing them among the top hitters in the Texas League.
Pitching Dominance Continues
If the offense has been impressive, the pitching has been even more dominant.
Frisco’s staff owns a 0.75 ERA through four games—the best mark in Minor League Baseball. Opponents have managed just 18 hits, all singles, as the RoughRiders remain the only team in the minors yet to allow an extra-base hit this season.
The starting rotation has set the tone, with strong performances from Leandro Lopez, Dylan MacLean, David Davalillo and Josh Trentadue. Collectively, the starters have combined for a sub-1.00 ERA, while the bullpen has been nearly untouchable, posting a 0.54 ERA and allowing no earned runs across 17 innings.
That balance between starting pitching and relief has made Frisco one of the most complete teams in the league to begin the season.
Townsend Set for Debut
All eyes will be on Townsend as he takes the mound for his first appearance of the season. The left-hander joins a rotation that has already established a high standard, and his performance will be key in maintaining the team’s early momentum.
On the opposing side, Wei-En Lin will look to stabilize a Midland team that struggled to contain Frisco’s offense in the series opener.
A Familiar Challenge
Despite the strong start, Midland remains one of the few teams that has consistently tested the RoughRiders in recent seasons.
Since 2021, Frisco has dominated most of its South Division opponents but has played nearly even against the RockHounds. That history adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup as the RoughRiders attempt to extend their winning streak.
Chasing History
With a victory, Frisco would improve to 5-0, matching the best start in franchise history. The RoughRiders last achieved that mark in 2016 and 2008—two seasons that set the standard for early success within the organization.
For a team that has already delivered a statement opening week, the opportunity to reach that milestone provides additional motivation.
Setting the Tone for the Season
Four games into the campaign, the RoughRiders have established a clear identity—dominant pitching, disciplined offense and the ability to deliver in key moments.
Wednesday night offers another chance to build on that foundation and continue one of the strongest starts in franchise history.
For Frisco, the formula is working. Now, the focus shifts to sustaining it.
