LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (August 9, 2025) – Fresh off a nail-biting 5-4 win Friday night, the Frisco RoughRiders will look to clinch their second straight series victory when they face the Arkansas Travelers again on Saturday at Dickey-Stephens Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
The Riders (15-22, 53-52) enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak and holding a 3-1 series advantage. Friday’s matchup saw Frisco combine explosive offense early with steady bullpen work late to fend off a Travelers (19-18, 54-52) rally.
Friday Recap
Frisco struck first in the third inning when Aaron Zavala launched a three-run home run to right field off Arkansas starter Marcelo Perez (2-2), marking his 10th homer of the year. The long ball continued a productive stretch for the Riders outfielder, who has been a consistent run producer throughout the series.
The lead swelled to 5-0 in the fifth inning thanks to an RBI triple from Cam Cauley and a Zavala sacrifice fly. The Travelers, however, responded with a solo shot from Brock Rodden in the bottom of the frame, then plated three more in the sixth to close the gap to a single run.
From that point forward, the Riders’ bullpen slammed the door. Avery Weems (1-1) earned the win despite being tagged for three runs, while Bryan Magdaleno tossed a scoreless inning and Eric Loomis notched his second six-out save of the series, preserving the one-run advantage.
Pitching Matchup
Saturday’s game will feature an intriguing battle between two young arms. Frisco will hand the ball to right-hander Jose Corniell (0-1, 0.00 ERA), who is still seeking his first Double-A win despite not allowing an earned run in his early outings. The 20-year-old has impressed with his command and ability to work ahead in counts, and Saturday could present a prime opportunity to stretch deeper into the game.
Arkansas counters with switch-pitching phenom Jurrangelo Cijntje (0-0, -.– ERA), who will be making his first start at this level. Known for his rare ability to pitch effectively with both arms, Cijntje brings a level of unpredictability that could challenge Frisco’s hitters, particularly in late-inning matchups.
Keys to the Game
For Frisco, continuing their recent offensive consistency will be crucial. The Riders have outscored Arkansas 9-5 over the past two games and have shown an ability to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Zavala, Cauley, and Julian Brock—who went 4-for-4 on Friday—will be key bats to watch.
On the mound, the bullpen’s stability has been a difference-maker. Loomis, Magdaleno, and Larson Kindreich have all delivered in high-leverage moments this series. If Corniell can give Frisco quality innings, the relief corps should be well-positioned to lock things down again.
Arkansas, meanwhile, will look to recapture the offensive spark that carried them earlier in the week. Rodden and Nick Raposo have been consistent threats, but the Travelers must avoid falling into an early hole—something that has cost them in back-to-back losses.
What’s at Stake
A win for Frisco would secure their first series victory over Arkansas since June and keep momentum rolling as the Riders aim to climb back toward .500. For the Travelers, Saturday is a must-win to keep the door open for a series split heading into Sunday’s finale.
Up Next
The two clubs will close out the series Sunday afternoon before Frisco returns home for a key divisional matchup. Fans can listen to all the action on the H-E-B Riders Baseball Network at RidersBaseball.com/Broadcast.
If Frisco can replicate Friday’s formula of early offense and late-game composure, they could leave North Little Rock with more than just another win—they could leave with a surge of confidence heading into the season’s stretch run.
