FRISCO, Texas (July 18, 2025) – The Frisco RoughRiders couldn’t hold off a late surge from the Corpus Christi Hooks, falling 7-3 in 10 innings Friday night at Riders Field. Despite a strong showing from first baseman Abimelec Ortiz, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI, Frisco saw the game slip away in extra frames after battling to a 3-3 tie through nine innings.

Ortiz provided a much-needed offensive spark for Frisco (7-12, 45-42), blasting his team-leading 13th homer of the season in the fourth inning and delivering a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth. His performance moved him into a tie for third in the Texas League in home runs and sixth in RBI with 45 on the season.

The Hooks (8-11, 30-57) broke open a tightly contested matchup in the 10th with a four-run outburst. With the bases loaded and the game still tied at 3-3, Luis Baez roped a bases-clearing double to right-center, giving Corpus Christi a commanding 6-3 advantage. Pascanel Ferreras followed with another RBI double to plate Baez and cap off the scoring.

Frisco starter Josh Sborz, in a rehab appearance from the Texas Rangers, worked the early frames but allowed two runs, including one on a wild pitch in the fourth that allowed Baez to score and give the Hooks a temporary 2-1 lead. His final line included two earned runs and three strikeouts over 3.2 innings.

The RoughRiders found their first equalizer in the bottom of the third when Sebastian Walcott grounded out to bring home the tying run. After the Hooks regained the lead in the fourth, Ortiz launched a solo shot to even the score once again. In the sixth, his sharp RBI single scored Aaron Zavala to push Frisco in front, 3-2.

However, Corpus Christi didn’t go away quietly. A single by Baez and a costly Frisco error in the seventh set the stage for the tying run, which came home on a double-play ball, leveling things at 3-3 and forcing extras.

While the Hooks made the most of their opportunity in the 10th, the RoughRiders couldn’t generate late-inning offense. Their bats went cold in extras, going down in order in the bottom of the 10th to seal the loss.

Game Notes:

• Ortiz Watch: Ortiz continues his hot streak at the plate, climbing into elite territory in the Texas League with his 13th homer and 45th RBI. His power bat remains a key pillar of Frisco’s offense.

• Franchise History: Aaron Zavala drew his 207th career walk, surpassing Guilder Rodriguez as the RoughRiders’ all-time leader in walks. The mark came in just 212 games—more than 200 fewer than Rodriguez’s 424-game tenure.

• Pitching Highlights: RHP Travis MacGregor notched his 12th hold of the season, the most in all of Minor League Baseball. His continued excellence out of the bullpen has helped stabilize Frisco’s late-game pitching.

• Extra Inning Woes: The RoughRiders dropped to 3-4 in extra-inning contests this season, struggling to close games that extend beyond nine innings.

Up Next:
The RoughRiders and Hooks will square off again Saturday night at Riders Field with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. RHP David Davalillo (0-1, 2.03 ERA) will take the hill for Frisco, looking to continue his strong run, while the Hooks counter with RHP Bryce Mayer (1-1, 4.82 ERA).

Frisco hopes to bounce back and claim the series lead in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal matchup in the second half of the Texas League season.