Frisco RoughRiders (13-22, 51-52) vs. Arkansas Travelers (19-16, 54-50)
August 7, 2025  |Dickey-Stephens Park – North Little Rock, AR
Following a thrilling 2-0 extra-inning victory on Wednesday night, the Frisco RoughRiders will aim to even the series when they return to the field Thursday evening for the fourth contest of their six-game set against the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CST as Frisco looks to climb out of a second-half slump and inch closer to .500.

The RoughRiders (13-22, 51-52 overall) used pitching dominance and timely hitting in Game 3 of the series to halt a short skid and deliver one of their most complete wins of the second half. Manager Carlos Cardoza’s club hopes Wednesday’s performance was a turning point — particularly for a bullpen that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency in recent weeks.

Wednesday Recap: Pitching Shines in 2-0 Shutout

In one of the most tightly contested games of the season, it was Aaron Zavala who came through with the game-winning hit — a two-run, pinch-hit double in the top of the 10th inning. The clutch swing snapped a scoreless tie and gave Frisco the lead for good.

Reliever Gerardo Carrillo (2-2) earned the win after blanking the Travelers in the eighth and ninth innings, setting the table for closer Eric Loomis, who secured his first Double-A save by striking out the side in the bottom of the 10th.

The RoughRiders’ pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts and surrendered just five hits en route to their sixth shutout of the season. It also marked the team’s first 10-inning shutout since July 1, 2024, coincidentally also against Arkansas.

What to Watch: Can Frisco’s Staff Stay Hot?

Thursday’s matchup could hinge once again on Frisco’s ability to control the game on the mound. Through three games in this series, RoughRiders pitchers have allowed just six total runs, signaling improved rhythm from both starters and relievers. With David Davalillo (1-2, 2.28 ERA) expected to start Thursday, Frisco is banking on another strong outing.

Davalillo has been a bright spot in the rotation, combining command and deception to navigate traffic efficiently. He’s surrendered just 23 hits in 27.2 innings this season and will face a Travelers lineup anchored by Nick Raposo, Blake Rambusch, and Bill Knight, each of whom delivered RBI hits in Tuesday’s 3-0 Arkansas victory.

For the Travelers, right-hander Dylan File (6-3, 4.69 ERA) is projected to take the ball. File has pitched deep into games consistently but has also been tagged for multiple earned runs in four of his last five appearances.

Key Players

• Aaron Zavala (FRI): After his decisive hit Wednesday, Zavala has now driven in 11 runs over his last 10 games. His return to form after an injury-plagued start to the season has given the Frisco offense a much-needed spark.

• Leandro Lopez (FRI): Though not starting Thursday, Lopez set the tone Wednesday with five shutout innings, continuing a stellar Double-A debut campaign. He boasts a 0.60 ERA across 15 innings.

• Ryan Lobus (FRI): The right-hander has quietly become a reliable middle-innings arm. He struck out five in 2.1 innings earlier this series and could again be called upon in relief.

• Nick Raposo (ARK): The catcher continues to be an extra-base threat, including a double in Tuesday’s win. He’s slugging .412 on the season and remains a tough out in the middle of the lineup.

Series Outlook

The series is now knotted at 2-2 with two games remaining. The Travelers hold a slight edge in the standings, but the RoughRiders’ pitching staff has delivered back-to-back standout performances, giving them renewed confidence heading into the weekend.

If Frisco can continue to get contributions from role players and execute late in games, they have a legitimate shot at a series win — which would be their first on the road since early July.

How to Watch & Listen

Fans can catch the game live on the H-E-B Riders Baseball Network by streaming via RidersBaseball.com/Broadcast or tuning into local radio affiliates.